Do you know how much Chinese people love using plants to describe human personality? You might have heard of the “Four Gentlemen among Flowers” (花中四君子 – see our other video), but there is another famous …
Learn Chinese with Taiwanese Comics: 3 Must-Read Graphic Novels
Are you looking for a fun way to improve your Chinese reading skills while exploring Taiwanese culture? Comics, or Manhua (漫畫), are a fantastic resource for language learners. They provide visual context to help you …
“DON’T OPEN IT NOW!” | Chinese Gift-Giving Etiquette 🎁
Picture this: It’s Christmas morning. You hand your Taiwanese friend a beautifully wrapped gift that you spent weeks finding. You watch them expectantly, waiting for a gasp of joy. Instead, they smile politely, say thank …
7 Gifts You Should NEVER Give in Chinese Culture (Unless You Want to Break Up)
Merry Christmas! Or maybe not… Imagine this: You’ve found the perfect gift for your Chinese friend. It’s practical, it’s expensive, and you wrapped it beautifully. You hand it over with a smile, but instead of …
The Poet Sage: Why Du Fu is the Voice of History
When we talk about ancient Chinese poetry, two names almost always go hand in hand: Li Bai (李白) and Du Fu (杜甫). Together, they are known as 「李杜」(Lǐ Dù). While Li Bai was the romantic …
6 Ways to Say You Are EXHAUSTED in Chinese (From Slang to Idioms)
We’ve all been there. You’ve worked a twelve-hour day, studied for a massive exam, or just finished a marathon workout. You aren’t just “tired”—you are completely drained. While strictly saying wǒ hěn lèi (I am …
8 Ways to Say “I Told You So” in Chinese
There is perhaps nothing more satisfying—and simultaneously annoying—than telling a friend, “I told you so.” Whether they bought a bad coffee you warned them about or forgot their umbrella on a rainy day, sometimes you …
Don’t be a Captain Hindsight! (2 Must-Know Chinese Idioms)
We all know that one person. You make a mistake, break a mug, or fail a test, and they immediately chime in with: “You really should have been more careful” or “I knew that was …
Chinese Tongue Twister Tone Challenge
Have you ever felt like your Mandarin tones are pretty good, but then simple numbers completely trip you up? You’re not alone. The numbers four and ten are a classic stumbling block for learners (and …
An Introduction to the 5 Core Styles of Chinese Calligraphy
Have you ever looked at Chinese calligraphy and marveled at its beauty, even without knowing the language? It’s a dynamic and ancient art form, and with a little background, anyone can learn to appreciate its …