Most Chinese people are gradually losing the ability to write by hand, and I think that’s a real pity.

For us, handwriting is not just something that takes time to do, but a way to create a connection between people.

00:00 Why I want to talk about handwriting

01:18 The decline of handwriting ability

04:06 Handwriting and calligraphy in Chinese culture

06:04 From “ugly handwriting” to being asked to write for others

08:24 The emotional value of handwriting

13:27 The importance of writing culture in the Chinese-speaking world and some suggestions

15:01 How writing methods may change in the future

大部分中国人正在丧失手写的能力，我觉得这是非常可惜的一件事情。

手写对我们来说并不仅仅是一件需要花时间做的事情，而是一个和人产生连结的方式。

00:00 为什么想聊手写

01:18 手写能力退化的现象

04:06 中国文化中的手写与书法

06:04 从“字丑”到别人让我帮忙写字

08:24 手写的情感价值

13:27 中文世界里书写文化的重要性与建议

15:01 未来书写方式的变化

-------------------------------------

In the latest newsletter, I introduced some unique words/concepts in Chinese, which show some unique mindset of Chinese people.

Interested in more Chinese learning tips and resources beyond the comprehensible input from the podcast? Subscribe to the Real Chinese Talk newsletter at https://www.realchinesetalk.nl/

The newsletter is available in both Chinese and English, making it a great read for you!

-------------------------------------

Podcast Video (with bilingual subtitles): https://youtu.be/oA8MSCc95Ms

Additional learning materials: https://www.patreon.com/RealChineseTalk

Support me via Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/realchinesetalk

Contact: [email protected]

I’ve had some new thoughts and insights about language learning recently, and I’d like to share them with you。

00:00 Introduction

00:50 Why it’s impossible to reach native-level proficiency

05:34 Self-comparison: from “sounding like a native speaker” to “better than last month”

08:20 The essence of language learning: strengthening your awareness of the language

11:36 The challenge of listening, speaking, reading, and writing: why listening is the hardest and how to practice it

17:02 A new perspective on vocabulary learning: insights from Language in Thought and Action

最近有些新的关于语言学习的思考和收获，和大家分享一下。

00:00 开场

00:50 为什么无法达到母语水平？

05:34 自我比较：从“像母语者”到“比上月更好”

08:20 语言学习的本质：强化对语言的认知

11:36 听说读写之难：听力为何最难与练习法

17:02 单词学习的新视角：《语言与人生》的启发

-------------------------------------

In the latest newsletter, I shared my plan for restarting Spanish after two years, along with my daily language-learning routine.

Interested in more Chinese learning tips and resources beyond the comprehensible input from the podcast? Subscribe to the Real Chinese Talk newsletter at https://www.realchinesetalk.nl/

The newsletter is available in both Chinese and English, making it a great read for you!

-------------------------------------

Podcast Video (with bilingual subtitles): https://youtu.be/GVqg536K8oI

Additional learning materials: https://www.patreon.com/RealChineseTalk

Support me via Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/realchinesetalk

Contact: [email protected]

I feel that in recent years, I’ve become much more confident than I used to be. Let’s talk about the reasons behind this change and how to achieve true confidence.

00:00 Let’s talk about confidence

02:18 The one-dimensional evaluation system and exam pressure in school

05:14 Experimenting during university, entering the workforce, and how moving to the Netherlands changed my mindset

08:49 Reason 1: Embracing diverse ways of defining value

11:52 Reason 2: Trying new things and discovering personal talents

13:55 Reason 3: Stoicism — stop comparing, stop seeking others’ approval

17:59 The overly modest attitude common among Chinese people

我感觉最近这几年自己变得比以前自信了许多。一起来聊聊变自信的原因，以及如何达到真正的自信。

00:00 我们来聊聊自信

02:18 学校阶段的单一评价与考试压力

05:14 大学尝试与初入职场、来到荷兰的心态转变

08:49 原因一：价值评判的多元化

11:52 原因二：不断尝试、发现天赋

13:55 原因三：斯多葛主义——不比较、不求他人认可

17:59 过于谦虚的中国人

-------------------------------------

In the latest newsletter, I shared my plan for restarting Spanish after two years, along with my daily language-learning routine.

Interested in more Chinese learning tips and resources beyond the comprehensible input from the podcast? Subscribe to the Real Chinese Talk newsletter at https://www.realchinesetalk.nl/

The newsletter is available in both Chinese and English, making it a great read for you!

-------------------------------------

Podcast Video (with bilingual subtitles): https://youtu.be/CH1HWvfs-GA

Additional learning materials: https://www.patreon.com/RealChineseTalk

Support me via Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/realchinesetalk

Contact: [email protected]

Video: Zweii!!

I’ve gotten hooked on a new game — Oxygen Not Included.

Within just a few months, I’ve already spent hundreds of hours on it, so I have to talk about this game.

It’s also made me start thinking about questions I had never considered before.

00:00 I’ve gotten hooked on a new game

01:27 Game introduction

06:33 Complex systems and the example of the power system

09:04 The balance a good game needs

10:39 Fine-tuned details

12:32 What makes a good game — a psychological perspective

17:00 Deeper understanding of complex systems, and the artistry of games

我又迷上了一个游戏——Oxygen Not Included。

几个月内，我已经花了几百个小时到这个游戏上，所以我必须得聊聊这个游戏才行。

这个游戏也让我开始思考一些以前没有思考过的问题。

00:00 我又迷上了一个游戏

01:27 游戏介绍

06:33 复杂系统及电力系统示例

09:04 好游戏需要有的平衡

10:39 细节打磨

12:32 什么是一个好游戏——心理学视角

17:00 复杂系统认知提升，及游戏艺术性

-------------------------------------

In the latest newsletter, I shared my plan for restarting Spanish after two years, along with my daily language-learning routine.

Interested in more Chinese learning tips and resources beyond the comprehensible input from the podcast? Subscribe to the Real Chinese Talk newsletter at https://www.realchinesetalk.nl/

The newsletter is available in both Chinese and English, making it a great read for you!

-------------------------------------

Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/realchinesetalk/episodes/40-The-best-times-of-my-life---Chinese-Comprehensible-Input-e38218n

Podcast Video (with bilingual subtitles): https://youtu.be/1aVe3GMoRDU

Additional learning materials: https://www.patreon.com/RealChineseTalk

Support me via Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/realchinesetalk

Contact: [email protected]

Video: Oxygen Not Included

Lately, I often find myself thinking about the past—from my teenage years, to my time working in Shanghai, to the five years I’ve spent in the Netherlands.

When I sit down and carefully sort through my happiest memories, I realize that I actually have so many of them.

And most of these wonderful memories are connected to one important decision I made.

00:00 Talking about the happiest times of my life

03:05 Beautiful memories of my three years in high school

09:12 A period of freedom before coming to the Netherlands

14:14 My first year in the Netherlands

17:35 The best decision I’ve made as an adult

18:08 A three-month trip around Asia in 2023

19:33 The secret to happiness

最近总是想到以前的事情，从我还是青少年的日子，到在上海工作的时光，到来了荷兰之后的五年。

当我坐下来，细细梳理我回忆里最美好的时光时，我发现我竟然有这么多美好的回忆。

而这些很美好的回忆里，大多都与我的一个决定相关。

00:00 聊聊自己生命中最美好的时光

03:05 高中三年的美好回忆

09:12 来荷兰前的自由时光

14:14 荷兰第一年的经历

17:35 成年后最正确的决定

18:08 2023年的三个月亚洲旅行

19:33 幸福的秘密

-------------------------------------

In the latest newsletter, I shared three special concepts that only exists in Chinese.

Interested in more Chinese learning tips and resources beyond the comprehensible input from the podcast? Subscribe to the Real Chinese Talk newsletter at https://www.realchinesetalk.nl/

The newsletter is available in both Chinese and English, making it a great read for you!

-------------------------------------

Podcast website: https://www.realchinesetalk.nl/

Podcast Video (with bilingual subtitles): https://youtu.be/kUSIGcGBI_k

Additional learning materials: https://www.patreon.com/RealChineseTalk

Support me with one-time donation: https://buymeacoffee.com/realchinesetalk

Contact: [email protected]

Video: Slovenia

For me, Japanese anime is not just a way to pass the time, but rather a third way of understanding the world outside of school and family when I was a child.

More than twenty years later, I am still watching anime, even though some people believe it is created only for children.

This itself shows the timeless charm of anime.

00:00 Childhood Affection

01:09 The Concept of Anime and Its Popularity in China

03:59 From the Television Era to Pirated Copies

06:53 The Complexity of Hunter x Hunter

10:35 Impressions of Japanese Anime in Recent Years

12:33 Differences Between Europe and China in Viewing Japanese Anime

14:21 Anime as an Art Form and Its Personal Impact on Me

对我来说，日本动漫不仅仅是消磨时间的一种方式，而是我小时候在学校、家庭之外的，认识世界的第三个方式。

二十多年后的今天，我还在看动漫，即使有人认为这只是为了孩子创作的。

这也说明了日本动漫穿越时间的魅力。

00:00 童年情结

01:09 动漫概念与在中国的流行

03:59 电视年代到盗版启蒙

06:53 《全职猎人》的复杂性

10:35 日本动漫近年观感

12:33 欧洲和中国对日本动漫的看法差异

14:21 动漫即艺术，以及对我个人的影响

-------------------------------------

In the latest newsletter, I shared three special concepts that only exists in Chinese.

Interested in more Chinese learning tips and resources beyond the comprehensible input from the podcast? Subscribe to the Real Chinese Talk newsletter at https://www.realchinesetalk.nl/

The newsletter is available in both Chinese and English, making it a great read for you!

-------------------------------------

Podcast website: https://www.realchinesetalk.nl/

Podcast Video (with bilingual subtitles): https://youtu.be/tSzGRysdMuQ

Additional learning materials: https://www.patreon.com/RealChineseTalk

One-time donation: https://www.patreon.com/RealChineseTalk/shop

Contact: [email protected]

Video: Slovenia

Have you ever noticed that the city you live in has a profound impact on your life and overall happiness?

In this episode of the podcast, I explore three key criteria by sharing my experiences living in different cities in China and the Netherlands, and reflect on what makes a city truly “happy.”

00:00 Introduction & Happy City

00:51 Personal Urban Living Experiences

04:07 The Essence and Complexity of Cities

06:25 Criterion One: People-Centered Urban Design

13:25 Criterion Two: Average Commute Time and Happiness

16:50 Criterion Three: Integrating Nature into Urban Life

20:03 Is Your City a Happy City?

你有没有意识到这样一件事：你所居住的城市对你的生活和幸福程度影响极大。

这期播客里我就围绕着三个标准，和你聊聊我在中国和荷兰不同城市生活的经历，以及由此而发的关于幸福城市的思考。

00:00 开场与《Happy City》

00:51 个人城市生活体验

04:07 城市的本质与复杂性

06:25 标准一：以人为本的城市设计

13:25 标准二：平均通勤时长与幸福感

16:50 标准三：自然融入城市生活

20:03 你生活的城市是一个幸福城市吗？

Happy City by Charles Montgomery https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13330588-happy-city

-------------------------------------

In the latest newsletter, I shared three special concepts that only exists in Chinese.

Interested in more Chinese learning tips and resources beyond the comprehensible input from the podcast? Subscribe to the Real Chinese Talk newsletter at https://www.realchinesetalk.nl/

The newsletter is available in both Chinese and English, making it a great read for you!

-------------------------------------

Podcast website: https://www.realchinesetalk.nl/

Podcast Video (with bilingual subtitles): https://youtu.be/VFGvZb7H5I0

Additional learning materials: https://www.patreon.com/RealChineseTalk

One-time donation: https://www.patreon.com/RealChineseTalk/shop

Contact: [email protected]

Video: The Netherlands, Portugal

I believe music is the true universal language—you don’t need to study it; you just need to feel it, and you can convey complex ideas and emotions.

This partly explains the significance of music—it transcends time, space, and culture.

On a personal level, I’ve also been finding different ways to deepen my connection with music. It’s not just about listening; I also learn instruments, and in the future, I hope to study composition as well.

What is your relationship with music?

00:00 The Journey Begins: My Path in Learning Instruments

02:12 The Influence of Japanese Music and Childhood Memories

04:20 The Beauty of Melody: A Comparison Between Japanese and Western Music

05:22 Music as Emotion, Communication, and a Universal Language

10:55 Spirit of the Times: The Evolution of Chinese Music

15:20 The Formation of Musical Taste and Memory

我认为音乐是真正的通用语言—不需要学习，只需要感受，你就能传达复杂的意思和情绪。

这也部分解释了音乐的重要性——跨越了时间、空间，以及文化。

从个人层面而言，我也是通过各种办法增加自己和音乐真正接触的机会，不仅仅是听音乐，我还学习乐器，未来还想学习作曲。

你和音乐的关系是怎样的？

00:00 音乐启程：我的乐器学习之路

02:12 日本音乐的影响与童年记忆

04:20 旋律之美：日西音乐风格对比

05:22 音乐——情绪、交流与通用语言

10:55 时代精神：中国音乐的演变

15:20 音乐偏好的形成与记忆

-------------------------------------

In the latest newsletter, I shared a secret “recipe” on how to carve out enough time to learn languages in your busy life.

Interested in more Chinese learning tips and resources beyond the comprehensible input from the podcast? Subscribe to the Real Chinese Talk newsletter at https://www.realchinesetalk.nl/

The newsletter is available in both Chinese and English, making it a great read for you!

-------------------------------------

Podcast website: https://www.realchinesetalk.nl/

Podcast Video (with bilingual subtitles): https://youtu.be/6A4B0qJngcw

Additional learning materials: https://www.patreon.com/RealChineseTalk

One-time donation: https://www.patreon.com/RealChineseTalk/shop

Contact: [email protected]

Video: China

I have worked in both large and small companies, and I realized that the smaller the company I work for, the happier I am.

Why is this so? Is this just my personal experience or is it the same for everyone? In addition to working in large and small companies, are there other possibilities?

00:00 Welcome and personal update

01:05 Career background and the changing pattern of happiness

05:27 Research and analysis on company size and well-being

12:00 Challenges of small companies vs. Advantages of large companies

14:48 Standardization vs. Creativity: adapting to challenges in small companies

17:26 Exploring different forms of work

我在大公司和小公司都工作过，我发现当我工作的公司规模越小，我的幸福感越强。

为什么是这样？这只是我的个人体验还是大家都这样？除了在大公司和小公司之外，有没有别的可能性？

00:00 欢迎与近况分享

01:05 职业背景与幸福感的变化轨迹

05:27 公司规模与幸福感的研究与分析

12:00 小公司的挑战与大公司的优势

14:48 标准 vs 创造：适应小公司的挑战

17:26 多种工作形式的探索与思考

-------------------------------------

In the latest newsletter, I shared a secret “recipe” on how to carve out enough time to learn languages in your busy life.

Interested in more Chinese learning tips and resources beyond the comprehensible input from the podcast? Subscribe to the Real Chinese Talk newsletter at https://www.realchinesetalk.nl/

The newsletter is available in both Chinese and English, making it a great read for you!

-------------------------------------

Podcast website: https://www.realchinesetalk.nl/

Podcast Video (with bilingual subtitles): https://youtu.be/3ij3kkm09wY

Additional learning materials: https://www.patreon.com/RealChineseTalk

One-time donation: https://www.patreon.com/RealChineseTalk/shop

Contact: [email protected]

Hiking used to be my only way of traveling, but since coming to Europe, I’ve rarely gone hiking. My last mountain trek was in 2020, on the EBC (Everest Base Camp) route in Nepal.

Finally, this August, I’m going to start hiking again.

Why do I love hiking? In this podcast, I’ll be sharing the best experiences hiking has brought me.

00:00 Hiking Plans and Travel Anticipation

03:19 Recalling the EBC Trek Experience

08:12 Life in Extreme Conditions and Returning to the City

10:01 The Meaning of Hiking and Inner Experience

13:04 Sensory Immersion in Nature

16:00 Looking Ahead to Future Hikes

徒步曾经是我唯一的旅游方式，但是来欧洲之后我却很少徒步。我上一次的山间徒步经历是2020年尼泊尔的EBC路线。

终于，今年八月份我要重新开始徒步了。

为什么我喜欢徒步？播客里我将分享徒步带给我的最佳体验。

00:00 徒步计划与旅行期待

03:19 EBC徒步经历回顾

08:12 极端环境下的生活与回归城市

10:01 徒步的意义与内在体验

13:04 自然中的感官体验

16:00 对未来徒步的展望

-------------------------------------

In the latest newsletter, I talked about a weird phenomenon of touristy places in China: Crowded spots, pricey tickets—yet billions in yearly losses.

Interested in more Chinese learning tips and resources beyond the comprehensible input from the podcast? Subscribe to the Real Chinese Talk newsletter at https://www.realchinesetalk.nl/

The newsletter is available in both Chinese and English, making it a great read for you!

-------------------------------------

Podcast website: https://www.realchinesetalk.nl/

Podcast Video (with bilingual subtitles): https://youtu.be/-9z6sEqUkKE

Additional learning materials: https://www.patreon.com/RealChineseTalk

One-time donation: https://www.patreon.com/RealChineseTalk/shop

Contact: [email protected]

Video: EBC, Nepal