In this episode of ABC in the Middle, I’m sharing a powerful Chinese moral story I grew up with, now retold for my son—and for you.

This is a Mandarin language version of the story behind the idiom:

貪心不足，蛇吞象 (Greed knows no bounds—like a snake trying to swallow an elephant)

📖 What’s it about?

A boy goes on a journey to save his sick mother by retrieving a glowing pearl hidden inside a magical mountain serpent. But when greed clouds his judgment, the outcome turns tragic…

You'll learn and practice Chinese listening and speaking:

• Chinese storytelling with pinyin and English translation
• A vivid moral lesson about greed, promises, and self-restraint
• How this folk version reflects the deep meaning behind a classic idiom

Perfect for Mandarin learners, ABC families, and anyone curious about Chinese culture, values, and psychology.

Watch all videos: https://youtube.com/@chinamyth

#ChineseStorytime #LearnMandarin #ChineseIdioms #ChineseCulture #SpeakChinese

My son, Jayden, is growing up in a world of abundance—and that’s a blessing. But it also means helping him understand the value of gratitude and the dangers of greed.

In this video, I share the 4 Chinese idioms my parents taught me to remind me that Greed is Bad! (不要贪). These timeless Mandarin phrases are more than just language—they're parenting tools, moral lessons, and psychological insights all wrapped into memorable stories.

Learn and practice:

1. 貪心不足，蛇吞象 – Greed without limits will destroy you
2. 得寸進尺 – Take more than you're given? You'll lose goodwill.
3. 貪多嚼不爛 – Biting off too much ruins everything.
4. 吃著碗裡，看著鍋裡 – Craving more makes you forget what you have.

Let’s help the next generation build character through language, culture, and curiosity.

Watch all videos: https://youtube.com/@chinamyth

#LearnMandarin #ChineseIdioms #ChineseCulture #MandarinForKids #ChineseAmerican

Chinese numbers are more than just math—they’re full of meanings, superstitions, and slang expressions that reveal how Chinese people think, feel, and communicate.

In this episode of ABC in the Middle, I’ll walk you through the most commonly used Chinese number slangs, from unlucky 4 (四) and lucky 8 (八), to love messages like 520 (I love you), 521 (I'm willing), and even the not-so-nice 250 (idiot).

You'll learn:

Why Chinese buildings skip the 4th floor
Why license plates with 8s sell for millions
How to say "I love you forever" in just 7 digits
Why calling someone 250 (èr bǎi wǔ) is not a compliment
And how number slangs are used on WeChat and social media

Each number is explained with pronunciation, cultural psychology, and real-world examples—so you can use them confidently and avoid awkward misunderstandings.

Watch all videos: https://youtube.com/@chinamyth

#ChineseSlang #LearnMandarin #ChineseCulture #MandarinForBeginners #SpeakChinese

Did you know that different spices in China also reflect the personalities of local girls with distinct regional tastes and attitudes?

In this fun episode, we break down the difference between 辣妹子 (Sichuan girls) and 湘妹子 (Hunan girls)—two iconic types of fiery personalities from China’s spiciest provinces.

辣妹子 = Sichuan hotpot: bold, numbing, and full of attitude.
湘妹子 = Hunan chili fish: sweet at first, but don’t mess around.

Learn how food and personality go hand-in-hand in Chinese culture—and how to survive a conversation with each of these spicy queens!

Watch all videos: https://youtube.com/@chinamyth

#LearnChinese #Chinesefood #ChineseCulture #ChineseCuisine #ChinaTravel

Can't wait for fresh-baked cookies to come out of the oven or for your best friend to come over? Don’t worry—Chinese has some wise and fun ways to say, “Patience is a virtue.” 😄

In this episode, we break down five different Mandarin expressions, phrases, and idioms that capture the essence of “A watched pot never boils” and “Good things come to those who wait.” From tofu to boats to flowing water, Chinese culture is full of colorful ways to say, "slow down, be patient, and trust the process."

Learn how to say:

🍲 “A hurried heart can’t eat hot tofu” (心急吃不了热豆腐)
🚫 “You can’t rush it” (急不得)
🧘‍♀️ “Be patient” (要有耐心)
🌊 “When the water flows, the channel forms” (水到渠成)
🚤 “The boat will straighten at the bridgehead” (船到桥头自然直)

Watch all videos: https://youtube.com/@chinamyth

#LearnMandarin #ChinesePhrases #ChineseCulture #ChineseIdioms #SpeakChinese

In this reaction video, I break down the qualities an ordinary Chinese woman thinks makes a man attractive. She lists some surprising and insightful traits that go beyond just looks. From a “knack for business” to being able to "drink in moderation," let’s dive into the cultural values behind what qualities are seen as essential in Chinese relationships.

Here's a quick look at the qualities she mentions:

• 生财有道 (shēng cái yǒu dào) – Knack for business, knows how to accumulate wealth and provide.
• 好色有品 (Hào sè yǒu pǐn) – Gentlemen with good character and temperament.
• 喝酒有量 (Hē jiǔ yǒu liàng) – Drinks in moderation, not an alcoholic.
• 玩笑有度 (Wán xiào yǒu dù) – Knows when to joke and when to be serious.
• 顶天立地 (dǐng tiān lì dì) – Able to support both heaven and earth, showing strength of character.
• 没有脾气 (méi yǒu pí qì) – In relationships, the man never loses his temper.

My reaction and the deeper cultural meaning behind these traits.

Enjoy a fun and insightful way to learn more about Chinese relationship values and how they differ from Western views.

https://youtu.be/wHXMrRUBQws

#ChineseCulture #ChineseRelationships #ChineseIdioms #SpeakChinese #LearnMandarin

In this video, we dive into the beautiful Tang Dynasty poem "静夜思" (Jìng Yè Sī) by the famous poet Li Bai (李白). Perfect for kids and beginners learning Mandarin, this poetry lesson will help you practice your Chinese language skills while exploring one of China’s most beloved poems.

We’ll break down the poem line by line, help you understand the meaning of each phrase, and teach you useful vocabulary. Whether you're just starting your Mandarin learning journey or want to dive deeper into Chinese poetry and culture, this lesson is for you!

Watch the full video: https://youtube.com/@chinamyth

#LearnChinese #MandarinForKids #SpeakChinese #HSK1 #ChinesePoetry

This bilingual video is perfect for young Mandarin learners! "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" or "狼来的故事" (láng lái de gùshì) not only introduces kids to a classic moral story but also helps them practice their Mandarin listening skills in an engaging and fun way.

Through the story, children will learn key Chinese phrases like "狼来了" (Wolf is here!) and "吃一堑，长一智" (Eat a pit, gain wisdom), enhancing their vocabulary and cultural understanding.

By watching this video, your child will be exposed to both Chinese language and Chinese cultural values, making the learning experience more enjoyable and relatable. The moral lesson teaches the importance of honesty, a concept that's crucial for their personal development.

This video is designed to be fun, engaging, and educational, helping your child feel more comfortable with Mandarin Chinese while enjoying an easy-to-follow bilingual story. Plus, it’s a great way for parents and kids to watch together and bond over learning! 🌟

Why should your child watch this?

• Improve Mandarin listening and comprehension
• Learn new Chinese vocabulary and idioms
• Understand key cultural concepts like honesty and responsibility
• Have fun while learning through a classic story!

#LearnChinese #ChineseForKids #MandarinStory #ChineseCulture #KidsChinese

Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@chinamyth