比 & 没有 | How Chinese People Compare Things | Spring Festival & the Lunar Calendar | HSK 3

In today’s episode, we focus on two essential comparison structures in Mandarin: 比 (bǐ) and 没有 (méiyǒu). These patterns are everywhere in everyday conversations and are key to sounding natural at HSK 3 level.

You’ll learn how to compare people, time, and situations clearly and confidently. For example:
Busier than before
More stressful than last year
Not as big as someone else’s

We’ll also show you how to say “much more” and “a little more” in a natural way, and how to avoid common comparison mistakes learners often make.

But grammar is only half the story
In the cultural section, we explore something many Western learners don’t fully understand:

Why doesn’t Chinese New Year follow the Western calendar?

We explain:
What 农历 (the lunar calendar) really is
Why the date of Spring Festival changes every year
How the lunar calendar is still used today for festivals, birthdays, and important life decisions
And why understanding this helps you follow real Chinese conversations more easily

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How to use A 比 B + adjective correctly
✅ How to express “much more” and “a little more” naturally
✅ How to say “not as… as…” using 没有
✅ Common comparison mistakes and how to fix them
✅ A clear cultural explanation of Spring Festival and the lunar calendar

Practice Challenge:
Create your own sentence using both 比 and 没有 and write it in the comments.

At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights:

• Online Campus: The best virtual campus. Access study materials, interactive exercises, and additional resources from anywhere, anytime.
• Private Teachers: Our highly trained teachers provide personalized classes with an individual approach.
• Trial Classes: Not sure if this language is for you? Try our trial classes! Immerse yourself in the language and discover if it’s the right choice for you.
• Hanyu Blog: Every week, we publish informative and entertaining articles to help you improve your understanding of the language and culture.

Learn more languages with Trainlang!

Visit our websites and start your language journey today

The More… The More… (越…越…) | Why Do Chinese People Love Square Dancing? | HSK 3

In today’s episode, we explore one of the most natural and powerful sentence structures in Mandarin: 越…越… (“the more… the more…”).

This pattern is used constantly in real Chinese and helps you describe how two things change together over time. It’s especially common when talking about work, study, emotions, habits, and daily life.

You’ll hear clear and practical examples such as:
The more you work, the more tired you feel.
The more happily you study, the faster you improve.

You’ll also learn when to use 越…越… and how it differs from 越来越, so you won’t confuse the two.

But that’s not all
In our cultural segment, we dive into a phenomenon that surprises almost every foreigner in China: 广场舞 (square dancing).

Why do people gather to dance in public squares at night?
Why is the music often so loud?
And why is this activity about much more than exercise?

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How to use 越…越… naturally in conversation
✅ The key difference between 越…越… and 越来越
✅ Real-life examples at HSK 3 level
✅ Cultural insight into China’s square dancing tradition
✅ How grammar and social habits reflect real life in China

Cultural Insight:
Square dancing in China is not just about movement. For many people, it’s about community, routine, friendship, and staying active. It’s a way of using public space very differently from what many Westerners are used to.

Challenge for You:
Can you create your own sentence using 越…越…?
Write it in the comments and practise thinking directly in Chinese.

At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights:

• Online Campus: The best virtual campus. Access study materials, interactive exercises, and additional resources from anywhere, anytime.
• Private Teachers: Our highly trained teachers provide personalized classes with an individual approach.
• Trial Classes: Not sure if this language is for you? Try our trial classes! Immerse yourself in the language and discover if it’s the right choice for you.
• Hanyu Blog: Every week, we publish informative and entertaining articles to help you improve your understanding of the language and culture.

Learn more languages with Trainlang!

Visit our websites and start your language journey today

Eating Culture in China | 一样 vs 不一样 | HSK 3

In today’s episode, we explore Chinese eating culture and learn how to compare things naturally using 一样 (the same) and 不一样 (different).

Have you ever wondered how Chinese meals differ from Western food habits? From shared dishes and round tables to street food markets and luxury banquets, food culture in China is full of unique traditions. In this lesson, you’ll discover how to describe similarities and differences clearly in Mandarin — not just about food, but about habits, people, cities, and daily life.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How to use 一样 to say “the same” in natural sentences
✅ How to use 不一样 to express differences
✅ Sentence patterns for making comparisons in everyday conversations
✅ Cultural insights into Chinese dining habits and table culture

Cultural Note:
In China, meals are often shared. Instead of ordering one dish per person, people usually order several dishes for the whole table. Eating together is about connection, not just food.

Question for You:
How would you say in Chinese: “Chinese food and Western food are different”?
Write your answer in the comments and we’ll check it.

Mini Challenge:
Create your own sentence using 一样 or 不一样. For example:
我们的想法不一样。
(Our ideas are different.)

这两家餐厅一样好吃。
(These two restaurants are equally delicious.)

At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights:

• Online Campus: The best virtual campus. Access study materials, interactive exercises, and additional resources from anywhere, anytime.
• Private Teachers: Our highly trained teachers provide personalized classes with an individual approach.
• Trial Classes: Not sure if this language is for you? Try our trial classes! Immerse yourself in the language and discover if it’s the right choice for you.
• Hanyu Blog: Every week, we publish informative and entertaining articles to help you improve your understanding of the language and culture.

Learn more languages with Trainlang!

Visit our websites and start your language journey today

• (00:00:11) - How Food Live Streams work in China
• (00:02:58) - Chinese Keyword
• (00:09:16) - Eating Show
• (00:12:53) - China's Food Entertainment
• (00:16:45) - Comparing Chinese and Life in 2020

又 vs 再 Explained + Why Chinese People Always Say “Just One More Episode” | HSK 3

In today’s episode, we break down one of the most confusing but most common grammar points for HSK3 learners: 又 (yòu) vs 再 (zài). Both are translated as “again” in English, but in Mandarin they are used very differently depending on time.

You’ll learn how to talk naturally about actions that happened again in the past, and actions you plan or expect to do again in the future. This distinction is essential for sounding clear and natural in everyday Chinese.

But that’s not all
We also dive into a very real part of modern Chinese life: the “再看一集” (“just one more episode”) culture. From long TV dramas to short videos and mini-dramas, we explore why people always say they’ll stop watching… and then end up watching more. If you’ve ever said “just one more”, this episode will feel very familiar

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ The difference between 又 (past repetition) and 再 (future repetition)
✅ How to choose the right word based on time and context
✅ Common mistakes learners make with 又 and 再
✅ Real-life examples you can use immediately
✅ Cultural insight into binge-watching habits in China

Cultural Note:
In China, phrases like 再看一集 (“watch one more episode”) or 再刷一下 (“scroll a bit more”) are everywhere. With short video apps and mini-dramas, stopping is often harder than starting.

Question for You:
How would you say in Chinese: “I want to watch it one more time”?
Write your answer in the comments and we’ll check it.

Mini Challenge:
Create your own sentence using 又 or 再. For example:
他昨天又迟到了。
(He was late again yesterday.)

我们下次再见。
(We’ll meet again next time.)

Learn Chinese the smarter way
At Hanyu Chinese School, you can learn Mandarin with top private tutors and access a complete online campus with transcripts, webinars, flashcards, and interactive tools to help you progress step by step.

At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights:

• Online Campus: The best virtual campus. Access study materials, interactive exercises, and additional resources from anywhere, anytime.
• Private Teachers: Our highly trained teachers provide personalized classes with an individual approach.
• Trial Classes: Not sure if this language is for you? Try our trial classes! Immerse yourself in the language and discover if it’s the right choice for you.
• Hanyu Blog: Every week, we publish informative and entertaining articles to help you improve your understanding of the language and culture.

Learn more languages with Trainlang!

Visit our websites and start your language journey today

• (00:00:00) - Foreign Words for Travel
• (00:04:19) - Using SO-both and = again in Chinese
• (00:06:41) - TRAVEL WITH VICKY
• (00:10:12) - Chinese Cultural Content
• (00:16:19) - How to watch Chinese TV in the dark
• (00:17:31) - How to Plan Your Day

Learn 对…感兴趣 in Chinese + Why Winter Vacation Isn’t Really a Break in China | HSK 3

In today’s HSK3 episode, you’ll learn how to naturally express interest and lack of interest in Mandarin using one of the most practical everyday structures:
对……有兴趣 / 感兴趣 / 不感兴趣

This pattern is essential for talking about hobbies, studies, work, plans, and daily preferences. You’ll see how Chinese speakers really use it in conversation to say what they like, what they don’t care about, and what truly interests them.

But that’s not all
We also explore a cultural topic that surprises many learners: winter vacation in China. Why do so many students still attend school, tutoring classes, or study for hours during 寒假? How long is winter vacation really? And why do many parents think, “The holiday is so long, it would be a waste not to study”?

This episode combines clear grammar explanations, real dialogue, and insight into modern Chinese education and family life — exactly how Mandarin is used in the real world.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How to use 对…感兴趣 to talk about interests naturally
✅ How to say you’re not interested in something politely
✅ Real-life examples you can use immediately
✅ Cultural insight into Chinese winter vacation and study culture

Cultural Note:
For many Chinese families, winter vacation isn’t about resting — it’s a chance to get ahead. Extra classes, homework, and exam preparation are common, especially in competitive school systems.

Question for You:
How would you say in Chinese: “I’m very interested in learning Chinese”?
Write your answer in the comments and we’ll check it.

Mini Challenge:
Create your own sentence using 对…感兴趣 or 不感兴趣. For example:
我对历史很感兴趣。
(I’m very interested in history.)

他对运动不太感兴趣。
(He’s not very interested in sports.)

At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights:

• Online Campus: The best virtual campus. Access study materials, interactive exercises, and additional resources from anywhere, anytime.
• Private Teachers: Our highly trained teachers provide personalized classes with an individual approach.
• Trial Classes: Not sure if this language is for you? Try our trial classes! Immerse yourself in the language and discover if it’s the right choice for you.
• Hanyu Blog: Every week, we publish informative and entertaining articles to help you improve your understanding of the language and culture.

Learn more languages with Trainlang!

Visit our websites and start your language journey today

Learn 刚 vs 刚才 in Chinese + 内卷 & 摸鱼 Explained!

In today’s episode, we break down one of the most confusing time expressions for HSK3 learners: 刚 (gāng) vs 刚才 (gāngcái). You’ll learn how to talk naturally about things that just happened, with clear examples you can start using in real conversations immediately.

But that’s not all
We also dive into modern Chinese work culture, explaining two internet buzzwords that are everywhere in China today: 内卷 (nèijuǎn) and 摸鱼 (mōyú). Why do people complain about the never-ending competition at work? And why is “slacking off” suddenly not as bad as it seems? We explain it all with humour and real-life examples.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ The difference between 刚 and 刚才 and how to use them in context
✅ How to describe recent events naturally in Mandarin
✅ The meanings of 内卷 and 摸鱼 in modern Chinese work culture
✅ Cultural insights: why slacking off (摸鱼) is becoming acceptable in some contexts

Fun Fact:
Did you know that in Chinese, 内卷 (nèijuǎn) refers to the phenomenon of excessive competition, especially at work, while 摸鱼 (mōyú) is used to describe “slacking off” during work hours? These terms are often used in discussions about the pressures of modern life in China.

Question for You:
How would you say: “I just finished my work” in Chinese?
Write your answer in the comments and we’ll help you with corrections!

Mini Challenge:
Create your own sentence using 刚 or 刚才. For example:
• 我刚吃完饭。 (“I just finished eating.”)
• 刚才我去买东西了。 (“I just went to buy something.”)

At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights:

• Online Campus: The best virtual campus. Access study materials, interactive exercises, and additional resources from anywhere, anytime.
• Private Teachers: Our highly trained teachers provide personalized classes with an individual approach.
• Trial Classes: Not sure if this language is for you? Try our trial classes! Immerse yourself in the language and discover if it’s the right choice for you.
• Hanyu Blog: Every week, we publish informative and entertaining articles to help you improve your understanding of the language and culture.

Learn more languages with Trainlang!

Visit our websites and start your language journey today

• (00:00:09) - Why Chinese Workers Are Burned Out
• (00:02:36) - Gan Tai and Kansai
• (00:09:30) - China's Working Culture
• (00:14:50) - Moyu and Nature
• (00:19:57) - How to Make a Sentence in Chinese
• (00:21:09) - kan and kansai for daily conversation

Learn 越来越 in Chinese + North vs South China Lifestyle Differences | HSK3

In today’s HSK3 episode, we’ll teach you how to use 越来越 (yuè lái yuè) to talk about gradual changes in Mandarin. This very common structure is perfect for describing trends, emotions, habits, and changes in society or daily life.

You’ll learn how to form sentences like “Life is getting harder” or “More and more people care about health,” and understand how 越来越 focuses on the process of change over time rather than immediate results.

In our cultural segment, we explore the intriguing differences between Northern and Southern China. From food preferences such as 南米北面 (rice in the south, noodles in the north), to differences in portion sizes, flavors, and eating habits, you’ll see why life in China can feel very different depending on whether you’re in the north or the south.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How to use 越来越 to express gradual changes
✅ How to describe trends and ongoing shifts in Mandarin
✅ The key differences between Northern and Southern China’s food culture
✅ Real-life examples to help you use 越来越 in conversations

Fun Fact:
Did you know that food is one of the biggest lifestyle differences between North and South China? In the north, people typically prefer noodles, while in the south, rice is the staple food.

Question for You:
How would you say “The weather is getting colder” in Chinese?
Write your answer in the comments and we’ll help you check it!

Mini Challenge:
Create your own sentence using 越来越. For example:
• 我越来越喜欢学习中文。 (“I’m getting more and more into learning Chinese.”)
• 生活越来越困难了。 (“Life is getting harder.”)

At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights:

• Online Campus: The best virtual campus. Access study materials, interactive exercises, and additional resources from anywhere, anytime.
• Private Teachers: Our highly trained teachers provide personalized classes with an individual approach.
• Trial Classes: Not sure if this language is for you? Try our trial classes! Immerse yourself in the language and discover if it’s the right choice for you.
• Hanyu Blog: Every week, we publish informative and entertaining articles to help you improve your understanding of the language and culture.

Learn more languages with Trainlang!

Visit our websites and start your language journey today

Learn 着 (zhe) as an Adverbial Complement + Pet-Friendly Cinemas in China | HSK3

In this HSK3 episode, we’ll teach you how to use 着 (zhe) to form adverbial complements in Mandarin. This structure helps you describe how an action happens by adding context or an ongoing state. For example, “working while listening to music” or “studying while drinking coffee.”

You’ll also learn how to build natural sentences with the pattern V + 着 + V, and understand the difference between this structure and 一边…一边… so you’ll know when to use each one correctly.

Plus, in our cultural segment, we explore a surprising trend in China: pet-friendly cinemas! Yes, in some Chinese cities, you can watch movies like Zootopia (疯狂动物城) while bringing your dog or cat with you. We’ll discuss why this trend exists, how it works, and what it reveals about modern urban life and pet culture in China.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How to use 着 (zhe) as an adverbial complement to describe actions in progress
✅ The key differences between V + 着 + V and 一边…一边…
✅ Real-life examples you can use in conversations
✅ Cultural insight: the pet-friendly cinema trend in China and what it says about pet culture

Fun Fact:
Did you know that pet-friendly cinemas in China are becoming more popular, where moviegoers can enjoy a film while spending time with their furry friends? This is a growing trend in many urban areas.

Question for You:
How would you say in Chinese: “He is eating while watching TV”?
Write your answer in the comments and we’ll check it!

Mini Challenge:
Create your own sentence using 着 (zhe). For example:
• 我一边听音乐一边工作。 (“I work while listening to music.”)
• 我坐着喝咖啡看书。 (“I sit and drink coffee while reading a book.”)

Learn Chinese the smarter way
At Hanyu Chinese School, you can learn Mandarin with top private tutors and access the best online Chinese learning platform in Spanish. Our platform offers hundreds of tools, weekly group webinars, flashcards, and interactive games to make learning personalized and effective.

At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights:

• Online Campus: The best virtual campus. Access study materials, interactive exercises, and additional resources from anywhere, anytime.
• Private Teachers: Our highly trained teachers provide personalized classes with an individual approach.
• Trial Classes: Not sure if this language is for you? Try our trial classes! Immerse yourself in the language and discover if it’s the right choice for you.
• Hanyu Blog: Every week, we publish informative and entertaining articles to help you improve your understanding of the language and culture.

Learn more languages with Trainlang!

Visit our websites and start your language journey today

• (00:00:10) - How to Bring a Pet to the Movies
• (00:01:44) - Using Adverbial Complements
• (00:07:39) - Speech Regression
• (00:09:43) - Cinema for Pets in China
• (00:14:23) - Drinking Coffee While Studying
• (00:15:00) - How to make a Chinese sentence in 3 seconds
• (00:16:16) - Adverbial Complements