Have you been feeling overly worried lately? Thinking too much? Well… 平常心. Keep a calm heart, and let things go the way they’re meant to. Things will work out. My dad taught me this life wisdom, and I hope it helps you find some peace—just as it has helped me.

In this episode, you’ll also practice advanced Taiwanese Mandarin through a real, meaningful conversation. Many of you have shared that you want to engage in deeper conversations with your Taiwanese family. The truth is, they often use specific expressions and vocabulary that aren’t usually taught in textbooks.

Two materials I recommend for further learning (progress from intermediate to advanced level):

• Study the vocabulary using the transcripts (zhuyin, pinyin, and English)
• Level Up & Connect to Taiwan Complete Program

I’ve added a Premier Coaching (6 months) option to all of my courses. Now with this Coaching option, you can practice Taiwanese Mandarin directly with me.

Contact me here if you have questions.

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🍂 Watch HERE and learn real conversation at a Taiwan night market. As I mentioned in this episode, a vendor complimented my husband’s beard and that’s how conversations often start in Taiwan!)
Thank you again for all of your encouraging messages and helping me share the video. It means a world!

🍂 Transcript (Zhuyin, Pinyin, Eng) on Patreon here. This podcast exists because of you all!

🍂 Summary of this episode

- Locals don’t really go to night markets anymore, and solo dining feels normal.

- Taipei feels fast-paced compared to the southern Taiwan. I feel like I can finally breathe there.

- Healthy and comforting Taiwanese food: 鐵板燒 teppanyaki, 水餃 dumplings, 炒青菜 sautéed veggies...etc.

- How I feel connected to Taiwan through food, people, and memories.

Note

I know many of your goal is to be able to converse with Taiwanese friends annd family with confidence and feel connected to Taiwan. That's why I'd made these 4 online training programs-

I’ve structured them in the ideal learning order, progressing from beginner-friendly foundations to more advanced levels.

1. Boost TOCFL score in 4 steps: the ultimate guide to 1000 TOCFL Band A vocabulary

2. Master Spoken Chinese: Taiwanese Mandarin conversation training

3. Master Conversational Taiwanese Mandarin: Eating, Drinking, and Chatting

4. Level up & Connect to Taiwan Program (progress from Intermediate to advanced level)

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In this episode, I share insights from a small survey I did with my close Taiwanese friends over three months. Honestly, I have mixed feelings talking about Taiwanese family culture because it’s 一言難盡 It’s hard to put into words.… It’s delicate and complicated to balance love and the concept of 孝順 (filial piety). It’s an art. But love is an art, right? :) Full episode and transcript on my patreon.

• The important concept of 孝順 (filial piety) and how it can sometimes feel like pressure
• Taiwanese parents tend to be overly worried and protective
• What 孝親費 (filial allowance) means in Taiwanese culture
• The rise of 情緒勒索 (emotional blackmail) as a popular modern term in Taiwan

Note

If your goal is to progress from intermediate to advanced Chinese and discuss deeper topics with your Taiwanese friends and family, feel free to check out my Level Up & Connect to Taiwan program !

Actually, this year, starting this week, I’ve added a Premier Coaching (6 months)option to all of my courses. Now with this Coaching option, you can practice Taiwanese Mandarin directly with me.

🌱
You can check all the details on each course page.

[Master Spoken Chinese:Conversation Training]

[Master Conversational Taiwanese Mandarin: Eating, Drinking, and Chatting]

Share with me what you think:) 跟我分享一下

Support the show