You Can Learn Chinese

With AI advancing at lightning speed, many are wondering: Do I still need to learn Chinese? Jared and John say yes , and in this episode, they break down 10 ways your Chinese skills remain AI-proof. These are the kinds of things no app, bot, or translation tool can truly replace. Along the way, you'll hear stories about phone conversations that left taxi drivers in disbelief, the joy of reading your first Chinese book, and how language learning leads to deeper relationships. Whether you're just starting or years into your Chinese journey, this episode is your reminder that learning Chinese is still very much worth it and more human than ever. Links from the episode: Mandarin Companion Graded Readers AllSet Learning

In this episode, Jared sits down with Renata Mirkova , a Chinese language educator from the Czech Republic whose journey into Mandarin began not with a grand plan, but almost by accident. What started as a university entrance decision led her to master Chinese, live in China, and now teach both Czech and Chinese across cultural boundaries. Renata shares the unique challenges of learning Chinese in a non-English-speaking environment , including outdated textbooks from the 60s, Czech-Sinology programs steeped in history, and a lack of direct Chinese-to-Czech resources. But through her perseverance and multiple immersive experiences in China, Renata carved out her own path to fluency. From surviving the linguistic chaos of Sichuan dialects to interpreting for Czech officials on business trips in China, she offers candid reflections on what works for her, what didn’t, and how learning Chinese changed her life. She also gives insight into her current work creating Chinese learning materials specifically for Czech speakers and what it’s like teaching Czech to Chinese speakers in return. Links from the episode: Learn Chinese with Renata Mirkova | Website Mandarin Companion Graded Readers

After 300 days of secretly studying Chinese, one guy surprises his partner with phrases like “the cheesecake is grieving” and “the purple elephant eats passion for breakfast.” It’s a bit humorous, but it also highlights a bigger issue: extreme learning methods that feel productive but fall flat in practice. In this episode, Jared and John dive into seven common extremes they’ve seen (and lived) in the world of learning Chinese. From bingeing flashcards or grammar rules to over-relying on Duolingo or doing nothing but watch TV in Mandarin, these extremes can slow your progress, or worse, burn you out completely. Drawing on personal experience, stories from past podcast guests, and insights from language learning experts like Paul Nation, the hosts break down what works, what backfires, and how to build a more balanced and effective approach to learning Chinese. If you’re stuck, overwhelmed, or questioning your methods, this episode will help you get back on track. Links from the episode: “Burnout, Breakthrough, and Fluency: Chaniece’s Story” | YCLC Podcast “Vocab Apps and Learner Engagement” – Jonathan Covey Interview | YCLC Podcast “Steven Kaufmann “The Linguist” Interview” | YCLC Podcast Hack Chinese | Modern flashcards Mandarin Companion Graded Readers

Can you become fluent in Chinese without teachers, classes, or even Chinese speakers around you? For Serbian software engineer Marko Javoanovic , the answer is “yes” by focusing on “ fluency now” . In this episode, Marko shares how he started learning Japanese out of a love for anime but quickly pivoted to Chinese when he realized there were far more Chinese people than Japanese in his hometown of Novi Sad, Serbia . What began as a curiosity turned into a disciplined daily habit that transformed not only his language skills but also his friendships and worldview. Marko dives into how he built real working fluency from scratch using English-language resources like Mandarin Companion , YoYo Chinese , and extensive listening and how that foundation led to translating live at a visa interview, making friends over baozi, and becoming part of his local Chinese community. His story includes: Why he stopped obsessing over flashcards and HSK levels How “fluency now” helped him understand without translating Why tones matter more than you think (like mixing up “food” with “video”) The emotional reward of using Chinese to truly connect This episode is a roadmap for any Chinese learner, especially those going it alone. Links from the episode: Mandarin Companion Graded Readers Little Chinese Everywhere | YouTube Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

Ever wonder how the place you study Chinese can shape your accent, comprehension, and even identity as a learner? In this episode, Jared and John dive into the importance of where you learn Mandarin in China and how different regions can affect your speaking and listening skills. From Beijing’s “pirate R’s” to the relaxed tones of Taipei and the “happy medium” of Shanghai, they explore the linguistic quirks of China’s top Mandarin learning destinations. You’ll hear: The differences between Chinese accents in Beijing, Shanghai, and Taipei Why Shanghai might be the perfect balance for learners How non-standard Mandarin can actually improve your listening skills What it's like to learn Chinese in tier 2 or tier 3 cities (or tier 88) and why it might supercharge your progress Stories from past podcast guests, including John D’Andrea 's experience being laughed at for his Lanzhou accent How regional accents and fangyan (local dialects) impact Mandarin learning A mildly controversial debate on cilantro in beef noodles If you’ve ever thought about studying in China or are curious about regional language variation, this episode is a must-listen. Links from the episode: John D’Andrea’s story | YCLC Podcast #10 Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

What happens when you move abroad at age 10 and suddenly find yourself in daily Chinese class? For Freddy Buechel, it was the start of an adventure that took him from Singapore to Taiwan, back to the U.S., and eventually to Shanghai for a full-on study abroad immersion. In this episode, Freddy shares his winding journey of learning Chinese across multiple countries, his turning point moment ordering bubble tea as a kid, and why fluency is a “moving target.” He talks about the humbling reality of using Chinese in the wild, how boxing with a former world champion in Shanghai boosted his Chinese, and why he eventually chose to focus on Chinese over Russian. Freddy is now a student at the University of Colorado Boulder, known online for his hilarious and motivational Instagram videos shouting in Chinese from mountaintops, canyons, and even Times Square. He reflects on how making language fun has kept him motivated and how every learner can find their own way to enjoy the process. Links from the episode: @theBaoLuo 保罗 | Freddie’s Instagram Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

Jared and John are back with a full episode dedicated to answering listener questions covering everything from language learning strategies to cultural quirks. They explore the challenges of using sarcasm in Mandarin, how to prepare for a trip to China if you're not yet fluent, and whether watching Chinese TV shows actually helps improve listening skills. And yes, they also get into one of the most common learner frustrations: you ask a question in Chinese, but when the reply comes… you’re totally lost. It happens to everyone, so what can you do about it? They also share thoughts on overcoming the intermediate plateau, what makes leveled content like graded readers so effective, and how to build study habits that actually stick. Along the way, they reflect on their own learning experiences, like John’s ongoing Italian project and Jared’s use of Chinese in everyday work and life. Packed with relatable stories and practical insights, this episode offers encouragement and clarity for anyone learning Chinese—whether you're just getting started or pushing through the advanced stages. Listener Questions Answered From: Elena Leeds (elenaleeds8505) Owen Kempton (owenkempton9691) Gregor Schafroth Kathryn Bozzay Ming (Chinese immersion teacher) Notable Quotes: “Sarcasm just doesn’t work the same way in Chinese. It’s not that it doesn’t exist, it’s just different.” —John “If you’re learning Chinese and you’re not enjoying it, it’s going to be hard to keep going.” —John “Leveling content is deceptively hard. It’s why our readers take so long to write, and why they work so well.” —Jared Links from the episode: Mandarin Companion Graded Readers Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

In this replay of a fan-favorite episode, John and Jared discuss the concept of fluency now as opposed to some distant time in the future and how reading will get you there.Guest interview is with Olle Linge of Hacking Chinese and Chinese language enthusiast extraordinaire. He offers the Chinese learning tips that he wishes someone had told him back when he started Chinese.Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on InstagramLinks referenced in this EpisodeMandarin Companion Memes - InstagramFunny Chinese ShirtsHacking ChineseEscape – Chinese language text game#46 How to Learn to Read Chinese: Pinyin, Characters, Vocabulary#47 How to Learn to Read Chinese: Baby Steps to Real ReadingSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when a Swedish physics student decides to go all-in on Chinese? Meet Karl Vilhelmsson, a particle physics student at Stanford’s SLAC lab and a self-described language adventurer. From a middle school classroom in Stockholm to immersive conversations with a Taiwanese friend and a solo Chinese language-only trip to Suzhou, Carl shares how curiosity and fun fueled his Chinese learning journey. Carl talks with Jared about building meaningful friendships through Chinese, discovering the joy of reading and writing characters, and how Chinese has deepened his global perspective, both personally and professionally. Carl’s story is a reminder that Chinese is learnable, and it doesn’t have to be boring. Links from the episode: Mandarin Companion Graded Readers Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

Chinese learners today are surrounded by video, TikToks from tutors, YouTube explainers, online courses, sitcoms, and AI-powered tools promising to boost your progress. But with so much content, it's easy to feel overwhelmed or stuck in passive learning. In this episode, we dive into how to actually learn Chinese through video. Jared and John discuss the strengths and limitations of different approaches, from short-form content on social media to more structured courses. They talk about when Chinese movies and TV shows become useful (and when they’re just frustrating), the surprising downsides of subtitles, and how to match video content to your level. You’ll also hear about powerful tools like Language Reactor and SRT subtitles, how AI transcription can supercharge your review sessions, and why relying on ChatGPT alone might not get you very far—yet. John also shares a big announcement: the launch of AllSet Go , a short video course designed to take absolute beginners from zero to ready for real online Chinese lessons. Links from the episode: AllSet GO 10-lesson video course for absolute beginners | 50% off Voucher: YCLCGO #72 The Truth about Chinese subtitles | You Can Learn Chinese Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

Chaniece Chen didn’t just study Chinese, she built her own major, battled burnout in an intensive language program, and came back for more. In this episode, Jared talks with Chaniece about her 12-year journey in China, from struggling with tones to thriving in Shanghai as a translator, community organizer, and content creator. Chaniece opens up about the highs and lows of immersion: how her college program led to burnout, how thinking in Chinese helped her improve, and why perfectionism can be a hidden danger for motivated learners. She also reflects on what it's like being a Black woman in China, her experience in Xinjiang, and how she built a life, and family, abroad. Links from the episode: @ThisIsChaniece | Instagram Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

You’re reading Chinese, and there it is, pinyin over every character. It feels helpful, even comforting. But is it actually holding you back? In this episode, Jared and John explore how pinyin can become a crutch that cripples your Chinese progress and keeps you from truly mastering characters. They revisit Jared’s blog post from years ago, Pinyin Over Characters: The Crippling Crutch , and unpack how this issue is still alive and well, especially with the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT and DeepSeek. You’ll hear how pinyin over characters affects your eye movement, slows your reading speed, and hinders character recognition. Jared and John also break down the psychology behind why pinyin is so hard to ignore and offer practical strategies to reduce your reliance on it. From browser extensions to smarter AI prompts, they share ways to keep pinyin available only when you need it, not when it interferes. If you’ve ever found yourself relying too heavily on pinyin, or wondering why your reading fluency isn’t improving, this episode will give you the clarity and tools you need to move forward. What you’ll learn: Why native Chinese speakers learn characters before pinyin How pinyin affects your focus, memory, and reading speed The difference between helpful support and harmful overuse How to use AI tools more intentionally in your learning What extensive reading looks like without pinyin distractions The importance of finding level-appropriate reading materials Links from the episode: Pinyin over Characters: The Crippling Crutch Mandarin Companion Graded Readers Learn Chinese Characters by Reading | Amazon Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

In this episode, Jared sits down with Chimsy—marketer, meme connoisseur, and host of the China University Podcast—to dive deep into his unconventional journey from Costa Rica to China. What started as a challenge to prove a dismissive restaurant owner wrong turned into a life-changing adventure of language, culture, and self-discovery. Chimsy shares how he went from working graveyard shifts in call centers to earning a Chinese government scholarship, despite setbacks like failing the HSK 3 and losing his passport on day one in China. Through humor and raw honesty, he reveals the challenges of adjusting to life in Chinese university dorms, building real friendships, and grinding through language barriers. Be prepared for his raw, unvarnished, and honest take on learning Chinese and living in China, how memes can be more than just entertainment, and why making one good Chinese friend can change everything. Links from the episode: China University Podcast Memes | Instagram China University Podcast | Spotify Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

AI tutors are everywhere—but are they actually good for learning Chinese? In this episode, Jared and John take a deep dive into the fast-evolving world of AI-powered language learning tools. They explore how these AI tutors work and why tools that work well in English often fall short in Chinese. You'll learn: - The surprising limitations of AI when it comes to staying within beginner-friendly vocabulary - How AI tutors compare to human teachers in giving corrections (including recasting!) - Why voice recognition can be a dealbreaker—especially for Chinese tones - What makes a good AI language partner... and where most still fall short - Whether AI tutors reduce anxiety or just reduce motivation You’ll get practical tips for using AI tools effectively depending on your Chinese level and what features to look for if you’re exploring AI conversation practice or personalized lessons. Curious or skeptical about AI tutors? This episode will help you evaluate whether they’re worth your time, and how to get the most out of them. Links from the episode: Recasting in Language Learning | SinoSplice Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

Meet Paul Mike Ashton, the American content creator who turned a quirky catchphrase into a nationwide sensation with his viral "City 不 City" meme. Growing up in a small town in Pennsylvania, Paul's curiosity for Asian cultures led him to study Chinese, setting him on a path that would take him from the Amish countryside to the neon lights of Shanghai. From his first Chinese class in high school to study abroad stints in Beijing and Johannesburg (yes, really), Paul’s journey is a testament to persistence, passion, and a healthy dose of not knowing when to quit. After grinding through HSK tests and Chinese financial risk management courses (in Mandarin, no less!), Paul found his blend of cultural comedy struck a chord with millions of Chinese netizens. His catchphrase "City 不 City" not only trended across Chinese social media but also got plastered on billboards and even echoed by Deadpool himself, Ryan Reynolds. In this episode, Paul, also known as “Bao Bao Xiong”, shares the wild ride of becoming a foreign comedy star in China, why jokes are way funnier when you finally understand them in Chinese, and how mastering the language unlocked friendships and career opportunities he never imagined. If you've ever wondered how a small-town kid from Pennsylvania could end up a meme sensation in China, or if you're just looking for a good laugh, you won’t want to miss Paul’s incredible, meme-worthy story. Links from the episode: Paul Mike Ashton | Instagram and YouTube 保保熊 | 抖音 Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

Is translation a necessary tool or a crutch that slows down your Chinese fluency? In this episode, Jared Turner and John Pasden dive deep into the role of translation in language learning. They explore the history of the grammar-translation method, the rise of communicative language teaching, and how translation can both help and hinder your progress. Drawing on their own experiences learning Chinese, they share practical insights on when and how to use translation effectively — from using Google Translate strategically to understanding why translating word-for-word isn't always a bad thing. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your Chinese, this episode will help you find a balanced approach to translation that boosts your confidence and accelerates your learning journey. Links from the episode: Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

In this replay of a fan-favorite episode, Jared chats with Grant Brown, an expert in HSK and AP Chinese test prep. Grant shares why so many students fail, and more importantly, what you need to do to pass. Drawing on his experience as both a teacher and test prep specialist, he offers practical and often overlooked advice you won’t hear anywhere else. You’ll learn why reading is your secret weapon and how it can make your classmates think you did a year abroad in China. Grant also shares how to build stamina for test day, memory tricks that actually work, and why learning in context helps you retain more, faster. Whether you're taking one of these exams or just want to improve your Chinese study strategy, this episode is packed with insights that can give you the edge. Links from the episode: ⁠ How to Pass the AP Chinese Exam: Secrets from a Teacher with a Perfect Pass Rate ⁠ | Mandarin Companion Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

Surprise! When it comes to Chinese, learners sometimes know things native speakers don’t. In this episode, John and Jared explore intriguing aspects of the Chinese language that learners often understand better than native speakers. From tone change rules, verb conjugations (or the lack thereof), and those tricky three 的, 得, and 地, they break down details that most Chinese speakers never had to consciously learn. They also highlight why having a trained tutor can make a difference for you. Links from the episode: Aspect, not Tense | Sinosplice Structural particle "de" | Chinese Grammar Wiki Separable verbs in Chinese | Chinese Grammar Wiki Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

No matter how long you've been learning Chinese, you’ll still have an accent. But why is that? In this episode, Jared and John talk about your accent in Chinese and how to reduce it. They discuss the differences in how accents are perceived in China versus the West, tackle some of the toughest pronunciation challenges like pinyin pitfalls, tone swaps, and the elusive Mandarin "R" sound, and share insights on what it really takes to sound more native. Whether you’re a beginner struggling with pinyin, an intermediate learner trying to nail your tones, or an advanced student aiming for clarity over perfection, this episode will help you level up your pronunciation and be understood with confidence. Links from the episode: Chinese Pronunciation Wiki | Free pronunciation guide Pronunciation Packs (scroll down) | AllSet Learning Mandarin Chinese Tone Pair Drills | Sinosplice The 3-2 Tone Swap Error | Sinosplice Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

What happens when an American comedian immerses himself in Chinese comedy? Jesse Appell’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. In this episode, Jesse shares how his curiosity about language led him to study in China, become a Fulbright scholar, and apprentice under a master of Xiangsheng (traditional Chinese cross-talk comedy). He takes us through the highs and challenges of performing comedy in Chinese, founding a bilingual comedy club in Beijing, and why understanding humor is the ultimate test of language fluency. Jesse also discusses his shift into social media and entrepreneurship with Jesse’s Tea House, his global tea business. Plus, hear his insights on learning Chinese, navigating cultural differences, and why embracing the hard parts of language learning leads to real growth. Links from the episode: Jesse’s Teahouse Jesse Appell Comedy | Laugh Beijing Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

There is a growing buzz around "RedNote" (小红书), as westerners—especially “TikTok refugees"—flock to this Chinese social media platform. But what is beyond the hype and can you use it to learn Chinese? In this episode, Jared and John dive into how you, as a Chinese learner, can use this tool to level up your language skills. Because there is no division between Chinese and international content on the app, they discuss how you can find content tailored to your interests and engage with the unique environment and community that offers real-world context for learning Chinese and building cultural awareness. Links from the episode: Mandarin Companion | Graded readers Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

In this episode, we sit down with Joseph Vincent, a passionate Chinese and Spanish teacher in California. While growing up in rural Ohio, he visited cousins living in France which sparked his interest in languages. Later while in high school, he spent a year as an exchange student in Taiwan, an immersive and challenging Chinese learning experience that transformed his perspective. Joseph reflects on his journey from struggling with tones and characters to achieving fluency, emphasizing the role of community, persistence, and connection. He also shares how these experiences inspired his teaching philosophy and offers practical tips for language learners. Tune in to hear Joseph’s story and gain insights into mastering Chinese, the impact of immersion, and how learning languages can unlock a deeper connection to the world. Links from the episode: Mandarin Companion | Graded readers Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

Ready to turn your Chinese learning aspirations into reality? Jared and John share insights on how to stay focused and motivated by finding your “why” and setting actionable goals. From avoiding common pitfalls to celebrating small wins, this episode is your guide to making 2025 the year you thrive in your Chinese learning. Links from the episode: Mandarin Companion | Graded readers Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

Get ready to laugh, cry, and be inspired! In this milestone 150th episode, we’re looking back on the most incredible stories from our interviews over the past two years. Join us as we celebrate the triumphs, surprises, and unforgettable moments shared by our amazing guests. This episode is a must-listen for anyone learning Chinese or simply fascinated by the journeys of others embracing the language and culture. Links from the episode: You Can Learn Chinese | Podcast page Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

Host Jared Turner isn’t just a language enthusiast—he’s also a seasoned Dungeon Master! In this episode, Jared and John dive into thow learning Chinese parallels a game of Dungeons & Dragons. From creating your "character" as a language learner to rolling the dice in real-life conversations, they discuss how elements like leveling up, overcoming challenges, and wielding the right weapons will help you through your language encounters and lead you towards your ultimate quest: mastering Chinese. Links from the episode: Living in China is like an RPG | SinoSplice