MaoMi Chinese
MaoMi Chinese is a podcast and website for Mandarin Chinese learners made by a professional Chinese teacher as well as a Chinese learner - to get the best of both perspectives. We share tips and provide listening practice for intermediate+ learners. We make your learning more enjoyable by engaging you with intercultural resources across various topics.
Episodes
303 episodes
#229 XiBei Restaurant and the Pre-Made Food Debate 西贝餐厅和预制菜
Today's Episode:In China, famous restaurant chain XiBei has sparked heated debate. Many say their dishes are “pre-made food” instead of freshly cooked. Why are people upset? Is pre-made food always bad, or just bad when it’s price...
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Episode 229
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6:49
Members #74 Matchmakers and Marriage Wisdom 劝和不劝分
This week on MaoMi Chinese+, we will explore the hidden meaning of “matchmaker” in Chinese culture and why people say persuade reconciliation, not separation. From ancient customs to modern values, learn how harmony shapes family and relationsh...
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4:47
#228 The Registrar Who Stopped Divorces 最美红娘？
Today's Episode:Meet Xiong Ling, Wuhan’s “most beautiful matchmaker”! She delays divorces to give couples a second chance. Some people call her a hero, others say she oversteps. Would you agree with her bold move?Today’s ep...
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Episode 228
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6:13
Members #73 Learn Chinese from the Headlines-Pet Economy 听新闻学中文-宠物经济
This week on MaoMi Chinese+, we’re back with 听新闻学中文! China’s “pet economy” is booming—restaurants for dogs, luxury pet clothes, even birthday cakes for cats. 🐶🐱 Let’s dive into real headlines, learn key words, and see what pet culture tells us ...
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6:36
#227 Dogs Eating Better Than Humans? 宠物吃得比人好
Today's Episode:In Shanghai, a restaurant has opened serving málàtàng for dogs! 🐶 Discover why more and more young people in China are spending big on their pets, and what this tells us about family, happiness, and modern life in ...
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Episode 227
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5:47
Members #72 Mind Your Own Business 别多管闲事
Ever reminded someone not to smoke and got a sharp “mind your own business”? In our next MaoMi Chinese+ episode, we will explore a popular Chinese phrase about meddling, why people react this way, and how to use it naturally—perfect follow-up t...
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5:37
#226 The War on Second-hand Smoke二手烟的战争
Today's Episode:Why is it so hard to ban smoking in China? 🚬 In this episode, we look at a viral story from Shanghai and explore the culture, habits, and big business behind smoking. Find out why second-hand smoke remains such a c...
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Episode 226
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6:47
Members #71 Learn Chinese from the Headlines-Extra Lessons afrer School in China 听新闻学中文-补课
In this MaoMi Chinese+ episode, we explore more about补课 in China by diving into real news headlines. Learn how native speakers express opinions, contrast ideas, and ask questions — all through short, punchy sentences from the news. Great gramma...
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8:59
#225 The Secret World of Extra Classes in China 补课的秘密
Today's Episode:In China, “extra lessons” used to be everywhere—after school, weekends, even holidays! Then the government banned them. But did they really disappear? Let’s dive into 补课, why it was stopped, and whether Chinese kid...
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Episode 225
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6:35
Members #70 Grammar Tips in Using Comparison 怎么用中文比较？
Struggle with using comparison in Chinese? In this MaoMi Chinese+ episode, we break down useful comparison structures with real-life, relatable examples—from food and friends to jobs and journeys. Speak more naturally and confidently!...
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6:22
#224 Stop the Comparison Game 和自己比
Today's Episode:Feeling discouraged when others seem to learn faster than you? You’re not alone. In this heartfelt episode of MaoMi Chinese, I share a listener’s story, a memory from my classroom, and a message that might change t...
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Episode 224
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5:28
Members #69 Learn Chinese from the Headlines-Tipping in Haidilao 听新闻学中文-小费
https://maomichinese.com/memberspage/In this MaoMi Chinese+ episode, we dive into real news headlines about Haidilao’s tipping policy. Learn how native speakers express opinions, contrast idea...
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8:19
#223 Chinese start tipping? 中国开始给小费了？
Today's Episode:Haidilao just made tipping optional, and Chinese internet exploded! Why do Chinese people hate tipping? What does it say about culture, service, and money? In this episode, we dive into this hot topic and teach you...
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Episode 223
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4:54
Members #68 Be Careful of these ‘Traps’ 小心这些坑
This week we explore “坑” — from literal holes to tricky situations that make you feel cheated. Learn how to use it, hear funny real-life stories, and practise with exercises. Got a “坑” story? Share it with us!There are also questions ...
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4:39
#222 The Bubble Tea Assassin 奶茶刺客
Today's Episode:Have you ever been “stabbed” by a cup of bubble tea? In this episode, we explore the viral Chinese slang “刺客” (assassin) — from pricey snacks to shocking bills — and how “backstabbing” has found its way into everyd...
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Episode 222
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5:02
Members #67 ‘Green Tea’ Girls 什么是绿茶女？
In this MaoMi Chinese+, we will discover the hidden meaning behind the Chinese slang “green tea” — a word that sounds innocent but is used to judge girls unfairly. Join us as we unpack this tricky expression and explore fairness, stereotypes, a...
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5:13
#221 Tasty Words: Chinese Food Metaphors 用食物说话
Today's Episode:In Chinese, food isn’t just for eating—it’s for talking too! From having a “bitter melon face” to being “fired like squid”, this episode dives into funny and vivid Chinese expressions that will make your language l...
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Episode 221
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6:36
Members #66 Five Ways to Say No in Chinese 怎么说“不”?
Want to say “no” in Chinese without hurting feelings? In this MaoMi Chinese+ episode, we reveal 5 polite ways to turn people down while saving face. Master the art of saying “no” like a native—subtle, smooth, and culturally smart!Ther...
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5:44
#220 Keyboard Warriors键盘侠
Today's Episode:Have you ever met someone online who loves to criticise but never helps? They type fast, speak loud, but do nothing in real life. Do you what they are called in Chinese? Today, let’s find out who they are and why t...
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Episode 220
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5:51
Members #65 Too Late to Back Out! 来都来了
In episode #219 we mentioned “来都来了”. What does it really mean? It’s not just “since you’re here”… It’s funny, useful, and surprisingly deep. In this episode, let’s break down this viral phrase in Chinese culture!Please see transcri...
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5:10
#219 News Review: Nanjing’s Fake Lady Crime 南京红先生
Today's Episode:A strange and shocking story from China: a man in Nanjing pretended to be a woman online, tricked hundreds of men, and secretly filmed everything. Why did so many fall for it? In this episode, we explore the “Red S...
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Episode 219
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4:43
Members #64 How to Network in Chinese 怎么建立人脉？
Want to network like a native? In this MaoMi Chinese+ episode, learn how to build connections the Chinese way — what to say, what not to say, and how to turn “hello” into real 人脉. Let’s go!Please see transcript and translation via
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7:13
#218 Networking 建立人脉
Today's Episode:In China, it’s not just what you know. It’s who you know. In this episode, we explore how Chinese people build relationships through food, favours, and friendship. Want to understand the true meaning of 人脉? Let’s d...
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Episode 218
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6:13
Members #63 Fxxk and Explode Chicken?! 奇葩的翻译
Want to network like a native? In this MaoMi Chinese+ episode, learn how to build connections the Chinese way — what to say, what not to say, and how to turn “hello” into real 人脉. Let’s go!Please see transcript and translation via
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5:34