Hacking Chinese Podcast

Jaksot

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  319 - No, ChatGPT can't analyse your Mandarin pronunciation 13.09.2026 16min

  ChatGPT can offer valuable feedback on Mandarin word choice and grammar, but can it help you improve your pronunciation?#learnchinese #pronunciation #chatgptLink to the article this podcast episode is based on: No, ChatGPT can't analyse your Mandarin pronunciation: https://www.hackingchinese.com/no-chatgpt-cant-analyse-your-mandarin-pronunciation/Full ChatGPT transcript: https://chatgpt.com/share/6aa3adc2-6938-83eb-9dfd-adb8477854acLearning to hear the sounds and tones in Mandarin: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-learn-to-hear-the-sounds-tones-in-mandarin/Using speech recognition to improve Chinese pronunciation, part 1: https://www.hackingchinese.com/using-speech-recognition-to-improve-chinese-pronunciation-part-1/Beyond tīng bu dǒng, part 3: Using what you already know to aid listening comprehension in Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/beyond-ting-bu-dong-part-3-using-what-you-already-know-to-aid-listening-comprehension-in-chinese/The importance of tones is inversely proportional to the predictability of what you say: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-importance-of-tones-is-inversely-proportional-to-the-predictability-of-what-you-say/Get to know your Chinese voice to level up your speaking ability: https://www.hackingchinese.com/know-your-Chinese-voice/Improving your Chinese pronunciation by mimicking native speakers: https://www.hackingchinese.com/mimicking-native-speakers-way-learning-chinese/A smart method to discover problems with Mandarin sounds and tones: https://www.hackingchinese.com/a-smart-method-to-discover-problems-with-tones/How to get honest feedback to boost your Chinese speaking and writing: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-art-of-being-corrected/Hacking Chinese Pronunciation: Speaking with Confidence: https://www.hackingchinese.com/courses/mandarin-chinese-pronunciation-course/More information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)
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  318 - 9 questions about Pinyin and Chinese pronunciation 06.09.2026 25min

  Learning to pronounce Mandarin can be tricky, and if you misunderstand the link between spoken sounds and Pinyin spelling, it gets a lot worse. Let’s discuss nine questions about learning Chinese pronunciation.#learnchinese #pinyin #pronunciation #questionsLink to the article this podcast episode is based on: 9 answers to questions about Pinyin and pronunciation: https://www.hackingchinese.com/9-answers-to-questions-about-pinyin-and-pronunciation/Chinese Language Stack Exchange: https://chinese.stackexchange.com/5 websites to help answer your questions about Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/5-websites-to-help-answer-your-questions-about-chinese/101 questions and answers about how to learn Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/101-questions-and-answers-about-how-to-learn-chinese/Hacking Chinese Pronunciation: Speaking with Confidence: https://www.hackingchinese.com/courses/mandarin-chinese-pronunciation-course/Pinyin chart (AllSet Learning): https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/pronunciation/pinyin_chartA guide to Pinyin traps and pitfalls: Learning Mandarin pronunciation: https://www.hackingchinese.com/a-guide-to-pinyin-traps-and-pitfalls/Obligatory and optional tone change rules in Mandarin: https://www.hackingchinese.com/optional-obligatory-tone-change-rules-mandarin/International Phonetic Alphabet: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Phonetic_AlphabetLearning the third tone in Mandarin Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-the-third-tone/Focus on initials and finals, not Pinyin spelling: https://www.hackingchinese.com/focus-on-initials-and-finals-not-pinyin-spelling/Why learning Chinese pronunciation by using English words is a really bad idea: https://www.hackingchinese.com/why-learning-chinese-pronunciation-by-using-english-words-is-a-really-bad-idea/Yuen Ren Chao: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuen_Ren_ChaoGwoyeu Romatzyh: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gwoyeu_RomatzyhLearning to pronounce Mandarin with Pinyin, Zhuyin and IPA: Part 1: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-to-pronounce-mandarin-with-pinyin-zhuyin-and-ipa-part-1/More information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)
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  317 - Getting the most out of Hacking Chinese in 2026 (back-to-school course discounts) 30.08.2026 25min

  There are over 500 articles and more than 1 million words on Hacking Chinese. How are you supposed to absorb all that information and inspiration as a student? Let’s discuss how to get the most out of Hacking Chinese and the courses I've created to provide more structured guidance.Back-to-school course discount, 2026: https://www.hackingchinese.com/back-to-school-hacking-chinese-course-discount/Get $31 off any course with the code “kaixue”, or $128 off when buying any three courses with the code “buy3”. Both discounts are available through September 9!Tags: #learnchinese #course #howto #guidance #discount #backtoschoolLink to Hacking Chinese Pronunciation: Speaking with Confidence (for all learners): https://www.hackingchinese.com/courses/mandarin-chinese-pronunciation-course/Link to Unlocking Chinese: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners (get off to a good start or make sure you haven’t missed anything): https://www.hackingchinese.com/courses/unlocking-chinese-ultimate-guide-beginner/Link to The Fluent Listener: Navigating Spoken Mandarin Like a Fish in Water (for all learners): https://www.hackingchinese.com/courses/the-fluent-listener-navigating-mandarin-like-a-fish-in-water/Link to Hacking Chinese: A Practical Guide to Learning Mandarin (for all learners): https://www.hackingchinese.com/courses/practical-guide-to-learning-mandarin/Listen to this and other episodes on your favourite podcasting platform, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube: https://www.hackingchinese.com/podcastMore information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)
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  316 - How to nail dictation tests in Chinese: A guide to 听写/聽寫 (tīngxǐe) 23.08.2026 17min

  Dictation tests, or 听写/聽寫 (tīngxiě), are common in Chinese courses, but many students struggle with them. Here is a guide for how to nail any dictation test!#learnchinese #dictation #tingxie #test #chinesecharacters #hanziLink to the article this podcast episode is based on: How to nail dictation tests in Chinese: A guide to 听写/聽寫 (tīngxǐe): https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-nail-dictation-tests-in-chinese-the-ultimate-guide-to-tingxie/Learning to hear the sounds and tones in Mandarin: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-learn-to-hear-the-sounds-tones-in-mandarin/Beyond tīng bu dǒng, part 1: A guide to Chinese listening comprehension: https://www.hackingchinese.com/beyond-ting-bu-dong-part-1-a-guide-to-chinese-listening-comprehension/The building blocks of Chinese, part 5: Making sense of Chinese words: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-building-blocks-of-chinese-part-5-making-sense-of-chinese-words/Chinese character learning for all students: https://www.hackingchinese.com/chinese-character-learning-for-all-students/When perfectionism becomes an obstacle to progress: https://www.hackingchinese.com/when-perfectionism-becomes-an-obstacle-to-progress/How to learn Chinese characters as a beginner: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-learn-chinese-characters-as-a-beginner/Chinese characters, ideograms and words: A beginner’s guide: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-building-blocks-of-chinese-part-1-chinese-characters-and-words-in-a-nutshell/Kickstart your learning with the Skritter Character Course: https://www.hackingchinese.com/kickstart-your-learning-with-the-skritter-character-course/Review: The Outlier Dictionary of Chinese Characters: https://www.hackingchinese.com/review-the-outlier-linguistics-dictionary-of-chinese-characters-with-discount-code/Zi.Tools: A powerful free resource for exploring Chinese characters: https://www.hackingchinese.com/zi-tools-a-powerful-free-resource-for-exploring-chinese-characters/All the resources you need to learn and teach Chinese stroke order: https://www.hackingchinese.com/everything-you-need-to-learn-chinese-stroke-order/Why flashcards are great for learning Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/why-flashcards-are-great-for-learning-chinese/Cramming vs. spaced repetition: When to use which method to learn Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/cramming-vs-spaced-repetition-when-to-use-which-method-to-learn-chinese/Free and easy audio flashcards for Chinese dictation practice with Anki: https://www.hackingchinese.com/free-and-easy-audio-flashcards-for-chinese-dictation-practice-with-anki/Remembering is a skill you can learn: Mnemonics for Chinese learners: https://www.hackingchinese.com/remembering-is-a-skill-you-can-learn/How to make Chinese easier by using mnemonics and memory techniques: https://www.hackingchinese.com/memory-aids-and-mnemonics-to-enhance-learning/Spaced repetition software and why you should use it: https://www.hackingchinese.com/an-introduction-to-spaced-repetition-software/Why spaced repetition software is uniquely well suited to learning Chinese characters: https://www.hackingchinese.com/why-spaced-repetition-software-is-uniquely-well-suited-to-learning-chinese-characters/The real challenge with learning Chinese characters: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-real-challenge-when-learning-characters/You can’t learn Chinese characters by rote: https://www.hackingchinese.com/you-cant-learn-chinese-characters-by-rote/A minimum-effort approach to writing Chinese characters by hand: https://www.hackingchinese.com/a-minimum-effort-approach-to-writing-chinese-characters-by-hand/More information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)
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  315 - Communicative handwriting: Writing Chinese with a real purpose 16.08.2026 11min

  Flashcards can teach you to write Chinese characters, but they can be boring and hide problems. Communicative handwriting is more engaging and prepares you for real-world tasks.#learnchinese #characters #hanzi #handwriting #communicationLink to the article this podcast episode is based on: Communicative handwriting: Writing Chinese with a real purpose: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-to-write-chinese-characters-through-communication/How to best use flashcards to learn Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-best-use-flashcards-to-learn-chinese/Spaced repetition software: What it is and how to use it to learn Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/an-introduction-to-spaced-repetition-software/Real communication: What it is, why you want it and how to get it: https://www.hackingchinese.com/real-communication-what-it-is-why-you-want-it-and-how-to-get-it/16 reasons to learn to write Chinese characters by hand: https://www.hackingchinese.com/reasons-to-learn-to-write-chinese-characters-by-hand/Do you have to learn to write Chinese characters by hand? https://www.hackingchinese.com/is-it-necessary-to-learn-to-write-chinese-characters-by-hand/How I learnt Chinese, part 6: Graduate program in Taiwan: https://www.hackingchinese.com/i-learnt-chinese-part-6-graduate-program-taiwan/More information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)
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  314 - How to create mnemonics for general, abstract or overlapping character components 10.08.2026 19min

  Mountains, trees and rocks are easy to use in mnemonics. But what do you do with character components whose meanings are general, abstract or overlapping?#learnchinese #mnemonics #characters #components #vocabularyLink to the article this podcast episode is based on: How to create mnemonics for general, abstract or overlapping character components: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-create-mnemonics-for-general-or-abstract-character-components/Remembering is a skill you can learn: Mnemonics for Chinese learners: https://www.hackingchinese.com/remembering-is-a-skill-you-can-learn/Chinese characters, ideograms and words: A beginner's guide: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-building-blocks-of-chinese-part-1-chinese-characters-and-words-in-a-nutshell/The building blocks of Chinese, part 4: Learning and remembering compound characters: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-building-blocks-of-chinese-part-4-learning-and-remembering-compound-characters/How to make Chinese easier by using mnemonics and memory techniques: https://www.hackingchinese.com/memory-aids-and-mnemonics-to-enhance-learning/Panning: Keeping similar Chinese characters and words separate: https://www.hackingchinese.com/panning-keeping-similar-chinese-characters-and-words-separate/Dealing with Chinese characters you keep mixing up: https://www.hackingchinese.com/dealing-with-chinese-characters-you-keep-mixing-up/Chinese characters and words that refuse to stick: Killing leeches: https://www.hackingchinese.com/killing-leeches/Learning Classical Chinese is for everyone (no, seriously!): https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-classical-chinese-is-for-everyone-no-seriously/5 levels of understanding Chinese characters: Superficial forms to deep structure: https://www.hackingchinese.com/5-levels-of-understanding-chinese-characters-superficial-forms-to-deep-structure/Review: The Outlier Dictionary of Chinese Characters: https://www.hackingchinese.com/review-the-outlier-linguistics-dictionary-of-chinese-characters-with-discount-code/Zi.Tools: A powerful free resource for exploring Chinese characters: https://www.hackingchinese.com/zi-tools-a-powerful-free-resource-for-exploring-chinese-characters/Don’t use mnemonics for everything when learning Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/dont-use-mnemonics-for-everything/How to use mnemonics to learn Mandarin tones and pronunciation: https://www.hackingchinese.com/extending-mnemonics-inspiration-and-insights/Are mnemonics too slow for Chinese learners? https://www.hackingchinese.com/are-mnemonics-too-slow-for-chinese-learners/Cultivate your Chinese flashcard garden... or burn it down and start afresh: https://www.hackingchinese.com/cultivate-your-chinese-flashcard-garden-or-burn-it-down-and-start-afresh/More information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)
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  313 - Why you should listen to the Hacking Chinese Podcast 03.08.2026 6min

  Listening to a podcast about learning Chinese is not the same as learning Chinese, so why spend your limited time on the Hacking Chinese Podcast?#learnchinese #podcast #hackingchineseLink to The Hacking Chinese Podcast: https://www.hackingchinese.com/podcast/Will Hacking Chinese help you learn Mandarin? https://www.hackingchinese.com/will-reading-hacking-chinese-help-you-learn-mandarin/30 minutes of podcast, 3 minutes of Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/30-minutes-of-podcast-3-minutes-of-chinese/More information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)
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  312 - The Chinese iceberg: Why speaking more isn’t enough to speak better 26.07.2026 14min

  90% of an iceberg is underwater, yet we mostly pay attention to the bit that sticks up. The same is true for proficiency in Chinese: speaking ability is easy to see, but relies on a much larger system underneath.#learnchinese #speaking #input #icebergLink to the article this podcast episode is based on: The Chinese iceberg: Why speaking more isn’t enough to speak better: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-chinese-iceberg-why-speaking-more-isnt-enough-to-speak-better/The Input Pyramid: Chinese Listening for Any Situation: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-input-pyramid-chinese-listening-for-any-situation/Learning Chinese through comprehensible input: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-chinese-comprehensible-inputHow to improve your Mandarin speaking skills with a tutor: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-improve-your-mandarin-speaking-skills-with-a-tutor/Get to know your Chinese voice to level up your speaking ability: https://www.hackingchinese.com/know-your-chinese-voice/Focusing on tone pairs to improve your Mandarin pronunciation: https://www.hackingchinese.com/focusing-on-tone-pairs-to-improve-your-mandarin-pronunciation/The art of being corrected: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-art-of-being-corrected/Chengyu, a key to Chinese language and culture, or a waste of time? https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-the-right-chengyu-the-right-way/Don’t learn Mandarin pronunciation by reading, listen and mimic instead: https://www.hackingchinese.com/dont-learn-mandarin-pronunciation-by-reading/How learning some basic theory can improve your pronunciation: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-learning-some-basic-theory-can-improve-your-pronunciation/Chinese tones explained: The four Mandarin tones: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-hacking-chinese-guide-to-mandarin-tones/How to become fluent in Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-become-fluent-in-chinese/Real communication: What it is, why you want it and how to get it: https://www.hackingchinese.com/real-communication-what-it-is-why-you-want-it-and-how-to-get-it/Improving your Chinese pronunciation by mimicking native speakers: https://www.hackingchinese.com/mimicking-native-speakers-way-learning-chinese/More information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)
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  311 - New book: Hacking Chinese: The Snake Collection 20.07.2026 5min

  I have published a book! It's called Hacking Chinese: the Snake Collection and contains articles I wrote in 2025, the Year of the Snake. The articles cover a wide variety of topics, but Chinese characters, tutors and input are the most prominent.#learnchinese #anthology #hackingchinese #snakeLink to article on Hacking Chinese: New book: Hacking Chinese: The Snake Collection: https://www.hackingchinese.com/new-book-hacking-chinese-the-snake-collection/Purchase the book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4bOH8i5Best of Hacking Chinese 2025: https://www.hackingchinese.com/best-of-hacking-chinese-2025The Snake Collection contents with links to articles and podcast episodes: https://www.hackingchinese.com/snakeCourses on Hacking Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/coursesMore information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)
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  310 - 30 minutes of podcast, 3 minutes of Chinese 12.07.2026 11min

  Most learners know they should “listen more”, but what they listen to matters. To improve, you need to make sense of spoken Mandarin, not listen to people explain Mandarin in English.#learnchinese #listening #podcast #english #inputLink to the article this podcast episode is based on: 30 minutes of podcast, 3 minutes of Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/30-minutes-of-podcast-3-minutes-of-chinese/Beyond tīng bu dǒng, part 4: Learning to process spoken Mandarin quickly and effortlessly: https://www.hackingchinese.com/beyond-ting-bu-dong-part-4-learning-to-process-spoken-mandarin-quickly-and-effortlessly/Chinese language logging, part 1: Why and how to track your progress: https://www.hackingchinese.com/chinese-language-logging-part-1-why-and-how-to-track-your-progress/How much Chinese should you listen to every day? https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-much-chinese-should-you-listen-to-every-day/The Fluent Listener: Navigating Spoken Mandarin Like a Fish in Water: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-fluent-listener/Analyse and balance your Chinese learning with Paul Nation’s four strands: https://www.hackingchinese.com/analyse-and-balance-your-chinese-learning-with-paul-nations-four-strands/How to become fluent in Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-become-fluent-in-chinese/The best podcasts for learning Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-best-podcasts-for-learning-chinese/The best YouTube channels for learning Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-best-youtube-channels-for-learning-chinese/The 10 best free Chinese listening resources for beginner, intermediate and advanced learners: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-10-best-free-chinese-listening-resources-for-beginner-intermediate-and-advanced-learners/More information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)
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  309 - Dealing with Chinese characters you keep mixing up 06.07.2026 13min

  When we first start learning Chinese, each new character is hard to learn, but as we learn more, it gets easier. But a new problem soon appears: Mixing up similar characters.#learnchinese #characters #vocabulary #forgettingLink to the article this podcast episode is based on: Dealing with Chinese characters you keep mixing up: https://www.hackingchinese.com/dealing-with-chinese-characters-you-keep-mixing-up/The real challenge with learning Chinese characters: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-real-challenge-when-learning-characters/Skritter review: Boosting your Chinese character learning: https://www.hackingchinese.com/skritter-review-boosting-your-character-learning/Anki, the best of spaced repetition software: https://www.hackingchinese.com/anki-a-friendly-intelligent-spaced-learning-system/How to learn Chinese characters as a beginner: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-learn-chinese-characters-as-a-beginner/Which words you should learn and where to find them: https://www.hackingchinese.com/which-words-you-should-learn-in-and-where-to-find-them/5 websites to help answer your questions about Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/5-websites-to-help-answer-your-questions-about-chinese/Chinese characters and words that refuse to stick: Killing leeches: https://www.hackingchinese.com/killing-leeches/Zooming in: The tools you need to break down and understand Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/zooming-in-the-tools-you-need-to-break-down-and-understand-chinese/Zooming out: The resources you need to put Chinese in context: https://www.hackingchinese.com/zooming-out-the-resources-you-need-to-put-chinese-in-context/Panning: Keeping similar Chinese characters and words separate: https://www.hackingchinese.com/panning-keeping-similar-chinese-characters-and-words-separate/Dealing with near-synonyms in Chinese as an independent learner: https://www.hackingchinese.com/dealing-with-near-synonyms-in-chinese-as-an-independent-learner/How to make Chinese easier by using mnemonics and memory techniques: https://www.hackingchinese.com/memory-aids-and-mnemonics-to-enhance-learning/Phonetic components, part 2: Hacking Chinese characters: https://www.hackingchinese.com/phonetic-components-part-2-hacking-chinese-characters/7 mistakes I made when writing Chinese characters and what I learnt from them: https://www.hackingchinese.com/7-mistakes-i-made-when-writing-chinese-characters-and-what-i-learnt-from-them/More information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)
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  308 - How much Chinese should you listen to every day? 29.06.2026 17min

  Listening is the most important skill. To improve your listening ability in Chinese, you need to listen a lot, but how much should you listen every day?#learnchinese #listening #time #practice #immersionLink to the article this podcast episode is based on: How much Chinese should you listen to every day? https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-much-chinese-should-you-listen-to-every-day/The Fluent Listener: Navigating Spoken Mandarin Like a Fish in Water: https://www.hackingchinese.com/courses/the-fluent-listener-navigating-mandarin-like-a-fish-in-waterBeginner Chinese listening practice: what to listen to and how: https://www.hackingchinese.com/beginner-chinese-listening-practice-what-to-listen-to-and-howThe 10 best free Chinese listening resources for beginner, intermediate and advanced learners: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-10-best-free-chinese-listening-resources-for-beginner-intermediate-and-advanced-learnersThe best YouTube channels for learning Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-best-youtube-channels-for-learning-chineseThe best podcasts for learning Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-best-podcasts-for-learning-chinese100 hours of Chinese listening in 3 weeks: what I learnt and how to apply it: https://www.hackingchinese.com/100-hours-of-chinese-listening-in-3-weeks-what-i-learnt-and-how-to-apply-itThe input pyramid: Chinese listening for any situation: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-input-pyramid-chinese-listening-for-any-situationChinese language logging, part 1: why and how to track your progress: https://www.hackingchinese.com/chinese-language-logging-part-1-why-and-how-to-track-your-progressThe time barrel: or why you have more time than you think: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-time-barrel-you-have-more-time-than-you-thinkHow to become fluent in Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-become-fluent-in-chineseListen more than once: how the replay button can help you learn more Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/listen-more-than-once-how-the-replay-button-can-help-you-learn-more-chineseHabit hacking for language learners: https://www.hackingchinese.com/habit-hacking-for-language-learnersMore information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)
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  307 - How technology can stop you from learning Chinese 22.06.2026 16min

  Technology can make learning Chinese easier, but only if it helps you engage more with the language. Used poorly, the same tools can get in the way of learning instead of supporting it.#learnchinese #technology #traps #aiLink to the article this podcast episode is based on: How technology can make learning Chinese easier: https://www.hackingchinese.com/technology-makes-learning-chinese-easier/How technology can make learning Chinese easier: https://www.hackingchinese.com/technology-makes-learning-chinese-easierAnalysis paralysis and learning Chinese: When thinking too much holds you back: https://www.hackingchinese.com/analysis-paralysis-choosing-method-becomes-problemHow going shopping can help you learn Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/going-shopping-can-help-learn-chineseChinese subtitles and transcripts: Reading before, while or after listening: https://www.hackingchinese.com/chinese-subtitles-and-transcripts-reading-before-while-or-after-listeningIs it necessary to learn to write Chinese characters by hand? https://www.hackingchinese.com/is-it-necessary-to-learn-to-write-chinese-characters-by-handChinese character learning for all students: https://www.hackingchinese.com/chinese-character-learning-for-all-studentsThe new paperless revolution in Chinese reading: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-new-paperless-revolution-in-chinese-readingHow to get past the intermediate Chinese learning plateau: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-get-past-the-intermediate-chinese-learning-plateauSpaced repetition software and why you should use it: https://www.hackingchinese.com/an-introduction-to-spaced-repetition-softwareSeeing through the illusion of advanced Chinese learning: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-illusion-of-advanced-learning-and-what-to-do-about-itEffective progress or experience points? The double-edged sword of measuring your Chinese learning: https://www.hackingchinese.com/measurable-progress-is-a-double-edged-swordMore information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)
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  306 - How technology can make learning Chinese easier 15.06.2026 14min

  Technology can make learning Chinese easier, not by doing the learning for you, but by helping you spend more time on what actually matters: listening, reading and communicating in Chinese.#learnchinese #technology #ai #benefitsLink to the article this podcast episode is based on: How technology can make learning Chinese easier: https://www.hackingchinese.com/technology-makes-learning-chinese-easier/The 10 best free Chinese listening resources for beginner, intermediate and advanced learners: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-10-best-free-chinese-listening-resources-for-beginner-intermediate-and-advanced-learnersThe 10 best free Chinese reading resources for beginner, intermediate and advanced learners: https://www.hackingchinese.com/10-best-free-chinese-reading-resources-beginner-intermediate-advancedLearning Chinese through comprehensible input: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-chinese-comprehensible-inputThe best YouTube channels for learning Chinese in 2026: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-best-youtube-channels-for-learning-chineseHow to use YouTube and other video platforms to learn Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-use-youtube-and-other-video-platforms-to-learn-chinese8 great ways to scaffold your Chinese listening and reading: https://www.hackingchinese.com/8-great-ways-scaffold-chinese-learningChinese listening, fast and slow: Three ways of slowing down Mandarin speech: https://www.hackingchinese.com/chinese-listening-fast-and-slow-three-ways-of-slowing-down-mandarin-speechImmersion at home or: Why you don't have to go abroad to learn Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/immersion-at-home-or-why-you-dont-have-to-go-abroadUsing voice messaging as a stepping stone to Chinese conversations: https://www.hackingchinese.com/using-voice-messaging-practise-speaking-listening8 tips and tricks for introverts learning Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-chinese-as-an-introverted-studentUsing AI chatbots for low-stress Mandarin speaking practice: https://www.hackingchinese.com/using-ai-chatbots-for-low-stress-mandarin-speaking-practiceHow to get the most out of your Chinese tutoring sessions: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-chinese-tutoring-sessions7 characteristics of a great Chinese tutor or private teacher: https://www.hackingchinese.com/characteristics-of-a-great-chinese-tutor-or-private-teacherHow to find the perfect Mandarin tutor for you: A complete guide: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-find-the-perfect-mandarin-tutor-for-you-a-complete-guideThe new paperless revolution in Chinese reading: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-new-paperless-revolution-in-chinese-readingChinese character learning for all students: https://www.hackingchinese.com/chinese-character-learning-for-all-students/More information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)
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  305 - When spaced repetition fails, and what to do about it 07.06.2026 13min

  Spaced repetition software is designed to delay reviews as long as possible without letting you forget. For learning Chinese, though, barely remembering something is not enough.#learnchinese #vocabulary #srs #flashcardsLink to the article this podcast episode is based on: When spaced repetition fails, and what to do about it: https://www.hackingchinese.com/when-spaced-repetition-fails-and-what-to-do-about-it/Which words you should learn and where to find them: https://www.hackingchinese.com/which-words-you-should-learn-in-and-where-to-find-themChinese listening strategies: Improving listening speed: https://www.hackingchinese.com/listening-strategies-improving-listening-speedThe most common Chinese words, characters and components: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-most-common-chinese-words-characters-and-components-for-language-learners-and-teachersSpaced repetition software and why you should use it: https://www.hackingchinese.com/an-introduction-to-spaced-repetition-softwareAn introduction to extensive reading for Chinese learners: https://www.hackingchinese.com/introduction-extensive-reading-chinese-learnersFree and easy audio flashcards for Chinese dictation practice with Anki: https://www.hackingchinese.com/free-and-easy-audio-flashcards-for-chinese-dictation-practice-with-ankiIs your flashcard deck too big for your own good? https://www.hackingchinese.com/is-your-flashcard-deck-too-big-for-your-own-goodMore information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)
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  304 - How to make Chinese easier by using mnemonics and memory techniques 31.05.2026 12min

  Mnemonics are clever memory techniques that can be used to memorise everything from decks of cards to speeches, but how do you use them to learn Chinese?#learnchinese #mnemonics #memory #vocabularyLink to article: How to make Chinese easier by using mnemonics and memory techniques: https://www.hackingchinese.com/memory-aids-and-mnemonics-to-enhance-learning/Remembering is a skill you can learn: https://www.hackingchinese.com/remembering-is-a-skill-you-can-learnChinese characters, ideograms and words: a beginner's guide: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-building-blocks-of-chinese-part-1-chinese-characters-and-words-in-a-nutshell5 levels of understanding Chinese characters: superficial forms to deep structure: https://www.hackingchinese.com/5-levels-of-understanding-chinese-characters-superficial-forms-to-deep-structureDon't use mnemonics for everything: https://www.hackingchinese.com/dont-use-mnemonics-for-everythingShapeshifting Chinese characters: https://www.hackingchinese.com/shapeshifting-chinese-charactersMemory aids and mnemonics to enhance learning: https://www.hackingchinese.com/memory-aids-and-mnemonics-to-enhance-learningExtending mnemonics inspiration and insights: https://www.hackingchinese.com/extending-mnemonics-inspiration-and-insightsAre mnemonics too slow for Chinese learners: https://www.hackingchinese.com/are-mnemonics-too-slow-for-chinese-learnersHow to create mnemonics for general or abstract character components: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-create-mnemonics-for-general-or-abstract-character-componentsKilling leeches: https://www.hackingchinese.com/killing-leechesCultivate your Chinese flashcard garden or burn it down and start afresh: https://www.hackingchinese.com/cultivate-your-chinese-flashcard-garden-or-burn-it-down-and-start-afreshMore information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)
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  303 - Learn Chinese by playing Chinese chess (象棋, xiàngqí) 24.05.2026 9min

  Chinese chess, or 象棋 (xiàngqí), is more than a classic strategy game. It’s a fun, practical way into Chinese language and culture.#learnchinese #xiangqi #chinesechessLink to article: Learn Chinese by playing Chinese chess (象棋, xiàngqí): https://www.hackingchinese.com/learn-chinese-by-playing-chinese-chess-xiangqi/Learn Chinese by playing Mahjong 麻將 (májiàng): https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-chinese-by-playing-mahjong-%e9%ba%bb%e5%b0%87-majiang/Pieces and how they move (in Chinese): https://www.zh.xiangqi.com/pieces-and-moves10 ways of using games to learn and teach Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/10-ways-using-games-learn-teach-chineseMore information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)
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  302 - The best podcasts for learning Chinese in 2026 17.05.2026 18min

  Podcasts let you create your own Chinese immersion experience, with level-appropriate stories and authentic conversations. Learn flexibly on the go with the best podcasts for beginners, intermediate and advanced students!#learnchinese #podcasts #listening #beginner #intermediate #advanced Link to article: The best podcasts for learning Chinese in 2026: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-best-podcasts-for-learning-chinese/Is speaking more important than listening when learning Chinese? https://www.hackingchinese.com/is-speaking-more-important-than-listening-when-learning-chinese/Learning Chinese through comprehensible input: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-chinese-comprehensible-input/Learning Chinese through audiobooks: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-chinese-through-audio-books/The best free Chinese listening practice for all levels: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-10-best-free-chinese-listening-resources-for-beginner-intermediate-and-advanced-learners/Beginner Chinese listening practice: What to listen to and how: https://www.hackingchinese.com/beginner-chinese-listening-practice-what-to-listen-to-and-how/Beyond tīng bu dǒng, part 1: A guide to Chinese listening comprehension: https://www.hackingchinese.com/beyond-ting-bu-dong-part-1-a-guide-to-chinese-listening-comprehension/Make sure listening isn't a practical problem: https://www.hackingchinese.com/make-sure-that-listening-is-not-a-practical-problem/Listen more than once: How the replay button can help you learn more Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/listen-more-than-once-how-the-replay-button-can-help-you-learn-more-chineseMore information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)
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  301 - Effective progress or experience points? The double-edged sword of measuring your Chinese learning 11.05.2026 12min

  Measuring your Chinese progress is a double-edged sword: it can keep you motivated, but it can also tempt you to chase numbers that don’t reflect real progress.#learnchinese #progress #motivation #measure #benchmarkLink to article on Hacking Chinese: Effective progress or experience points? The double-edged sword of measuring your Chinese learning: https://www.hackingchinese.com/measurable-progress-is-a-double-edged-sword/Benchmarking progress in Chinese to stay motivated: https://www.hackingchinese.com/benchmarking-progressHow to get past the intermediate Chinese learning plateau: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-get-past-the-intermediate-chinese-learning-plateau6 benefits of learning Chinese through sports: https://www.hackingchinese.com/practising-sports-to-learn-chineseSpaced repetition software: What it is and how to use it to learn Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/an-introduction-to-spaced-repetition-softwareDuolingo CEO Luis von Ahn wants you addicted to learning: https://www.theverge.com/24267841/luis-von-ahn-duolingo-owl-language-learning-gamification-generative-ai-android-decoderThe importance of counting what counts when learning Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/about-the-importance-of-coutning-what-countsUsing HSK as a roadmap to learning Chinese: Pros and cons: https://www.hackingchinese.com/using-the-hsk-as-a-roadmap-to-learning-chineseThe CEFR Levels: https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/level-descriptionsCEFR self-assessment grid: https://rm.coe.int/CoERMPublicCommonSearchServices/DisplayDCTMContent?documentId=090000168045bb52CEFR companion volume: https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/cefr-companion-volume-and-its-language-versions6 challenges students face when learning to read Chinese and how to overcome them: https://www.hackingchinese.com/6-challenges-students-face-when-learning-to-read-chinese-and-how-to-overcome-themSeeing through the illusion of advanced Chinese learning: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-illusion-of-advanced-learning-and-what-to-do-about-itHow long have you studied Chinese? 290 years or 58 992 hours! https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-long-have-you-studied-chinese-290-years-or-58-992-hoursApproaches to reading in Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/approaches-to-reading-in-chineseMore information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)
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  300 - Why learning Chinese pronunciation by using English words is a really bad idea 04.05.2026 16min

  Learning Mandarin pronunciation is not easy, so some people try to use English words to learn or teach the sounds. This is a really bad idea.#learnchinese #pronunciation #english #soundsLink to article on Hacking Chinese: Why learning Chinese pronunciation by using English words is a really bad idea: https://www.hackingchinese.com/why-learning-chinese-pronunciation-by-using-english-words-is-a-really-bad-ideaHacking Chinese Pronunciation: Speaking with Confidence: https://www.hackingchinese.com/courses/mandarin-chinese-pronunciation-course/Learning to hear the sounds and tones in Mandarin: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-learn-to-hear-the-sounds-tones-in-mandarinLearning to pronounce Mandarin with Pinyin, Zhuyin and IPA: Part 3: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-to-pronounce-mandarin-with-pinyin-zhuyin-and-ipa-part-3A guide to Pinyin traps and pitfalls: Learning Mandarin pronunciation: https://www.hackingchinese.com/a-guide-to-pinyin-traps-and-pitfallsImproving your Chinese pronunciation by mimicking native speakers: https://www.hackingchinese.com/mimicking-native-speakers-way-learning-chineseHow learning some basic theory can improve your Mandarin pronunciation: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-learning-some-basic-theory-can-improve-your-pronunciation24 great resources for improving your Mandarin pronunciation: https://www.hackingchinese.com/24-great-resources-for-improving-your-mandarin-pronunciationMore information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)