You Can Learn Chinese

How could learning Chinese shape your life? From meeting lifelong friends (and even a spouse!) to navigating life in China with the help of mentors, coworkers, and “ayi” caregivers, Jared and John share stories that highlight the human side of language learning. John reflects on his 25+ years in China, including how speaking Chinese led to deeper, more authentic relationships, and Jared shares unforgettable experiences, from starting a bakery in Shanghai to building trust with partners across China. Along the way, they explore a bigger question: what’s the real point of learning Chinese? Beyond vocabulary and grammar, it’s about connection. It’s about the relationships you build, the cultural insights you gain, and the doors that simply wouldn’t open otherwise. If you’ve ever wondered whether all the effort of learning Chinese is “worth it,” this episode offers a clear answer. Links from the episode: Mandarin Companion Graded Readers

Jade grew up knowing she was half Chinese, but without the language, family connection, or cultural context to understand what that really meant. In this deeply personal episode, she shares what it was like growing up mixed race in a mostly white community, carrying questions of identity, belonging, and cultural disconnection from an early age. Jade shares why learning Chinese became much more than a language goal. What began as a quiet lifelong pull eventually turned into something healing, empowering, and transformative during the pandemic, when she finally committed to learning Mandarin seriously. She describes how Chinese gave her a way to reconnect with herself, reshape her story, and discover a new sense of confidence. Jade’s journey took her to Taiwan, where studying Mandarin brought both joyful breakthroughs and very real culture shock. From challenging start to the unexpected feeling of being seen as someone who might belong, Jade reflects on how language learning, identity, and personal growth became inseparable. This is an honest and moving conversation about mixed identity, heritage learning, and the powerful role language can play in helping us become more fully ourselves. Links from the episode: LengLengCoolJade | Instagram Mandarin Companion Graded Readers

Should you learn Chinese by reading children’s books? It’s a common recommendation, but is it actually a good idea? In this episode, Jared and John unpack why kids’ books aren’t as “simple” as they seem. These books are written for native-speaking children who already have years of spoken fluency. They’re often read aloud by parents and packed with specialized vocabulary, proper nouns, literary language, and characters that learners rarely need early on. What looks beginner-friendly can quickly become frustrating and inefficient. So why do people keep suggesting it? Usually because it worked for them—as native speakers. But second language acquisition research shows that learners benefit most from high-frequency vocabulary and carefully controlled input. That’s where graded readers come in. Designed specifically for language learners, they limit vocabulary and characters while still telling engaging stories. The goal isn’t to learn Chinese like a child, it’s to build a strong foundation so you can eventually read whatever you want. If you’ve ever struggled through a “simple” children’s book, this episode explains why, and what to read instead. Links from the episode: 7 Mistakes about Extensive Reading (w/analysis of《好饿的毛毛虫》) | Mandarin Companion Mandarin Companion Graded Readers

In this episode, Jared chats with Jack Mullinkosson, whose Chinese-learning journey runs from a Vice China documentary set… to living with a Chinese immigrant family in suburban California… to studying in Chengdu… and now biking from Chengdu to Hanoi. Jack got started the way many learners do: by feeling left out. On set, surrounded by Chinese speakers, he noticed how differently the foreigners who spoke Mandarin were treated. Chinese looked like a superpower, and he wanted it. With plenty of downtime during the shoot, Jack began studying characters and survival phrases, boosted by the classic “Your Chinese is so good!” encouragement (even when it wasn’t). That early confidence turned into a full-on obsession. Then COVID hit, and Jack found a creative workaround. Back in the U.S., he made a flyer in Chinese offering to live with a Chinese family in exchange for helping their kids with English. The result: four months in a Rancho Cucamonga “McMansion” shared by multiple Chinese families, nightly Mandarin dinners, and a crash course in immigrant hustle and real-world language practice. Along the way, Jack: Read Mandarin Companion graded readers to build his foundation Used shadowing to level up tones and pronunciation Looked for chances to speak—even when it was inconvenient Turned everyday errands into “Chinese missions” After a few years in Brazil, where he learned Portuguese and became a remote software engineer, Jack returned to China with a new goal: connect Chinese to his career. He now makes videos in Chengdu, capturing spontaneous conversations with park shūshu fitness legends, friendly aunties selling plum wine, and locals who light up when a foreigner speaks Mandarin. And one of the coolest payoffs? While traveling in Spain, Jack used Chinese to order food from a Chinese restaurant owner when neither of them shared English or Spanish. Links from the episode: Jack Mullinkosson | Instagram Mandarin Companion Graded Readers

Struggling with listening comprehension in Chinese? You're not alone—and this episode is here to help. Jared Turner and John Pasden dive into practical, tech-powered strategies for sharpening your Chinese listening skills using AI transcription tools and other smart resources. In this episode, you’ll learn: John and Jared walk you through real-world workflows, tools they’ve personally used, and the best types of media for improving listening. Whether you’re trying to understand a native podcast, follow along with a Chinese drama, or make sense of a street conversation you recorded, this episode gives you a clear roadmap for turning audio into insight and comprehension. Listening doesn’t have to be your weak spot. With today’s tools, it can become your strength. Links from the episode: TurboScribe | AI transcription tool Language Jones & Anki Hyper TTS | YouTube "Duìbùqǐ Wǒ de Zhōngwén Bù Hǎo" | Sung by Transition on YouTube “One Semester of Spanish - Love Song” | YouTube Mandarin Companion Graded Readers

in this episode, Jared sits down with Alexander Brose, President & CEO of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, Canada, to trace his remarkable journey learning Chinese and how it shaped his life and career in unexpected ways. From his early years living in South Korea with his family, to choosing Mandarin over Cantonese at an international school in Hong Kong, Alex shares how Chinese gradually became part of his identity. He continued studying the language through high school and later majored in Asian Studies at Cornell University. A pivotal summer in Harbin with the CET immersion program further deepened both his language skills and cultural connection to China. Alex’s path led him to build cross-cultural musical collaborations between China and the U.S., eventually becoming the founding Executive Director of the Tianjin Juilliard School. He reflects on how speaking Chinese created unique professional opportunities, opened doors to deep cultural understanding, and enabled him to be at the forefront of classical music education in China. Throughout the episode, Alex offers thoughtful reflections on the value of immersion, the challenges of maintaining language confidence, and the power of music as a bridge between cultures. Links from the episode: Alexander Brose | Royal Conservatory of Music (Canada) Mandarin Companion Graded Readers CET Academic Programs From Mao to Mozart: Isaac Stern in China | IMDB

Is handwriting Chinese characters slowing you down? In today’s digital world, does it still make sense to focus on writing by hand or should you just type? In this episode, Jared and John dive deep into this hot-button issue for Chinese learners: handwriting vs. typing. Pulling insights from a research paper by Chinese Breeze creator Chengzhi Chu (储诚志), they explore how character instruction is evolving and why prioritizing typing can make your learning faster, more efficient, and less frustrating, especially for adult learners. They’ll break down: Why typing Chinese is not “cheating”, it’s how Chinese is actually used today How handwriting can become a bottleneck to fluency and motivation What it really means to “know” a character in the modern era The myth of muscle memory and why stroke order perfection isn’t essential Why it’s okay to treat handwriting as a hobby, not a core skill You’ll also hear how character writing has changed more in the past 20 years than the previous 2000, the "three eras" of Chinese writing, and how modern teachers are shifting to a “typing-first, handwriting-second” approach in classrooms around the world. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by handwriting or wondered if you’re “doing it wrong” by typing, this episode will give you the clarity, and permission, you need to move forward confidently. Links from the episode: The Evolution of Hanzi Proficiency and the E-Writing Transformation of L2 Chinese Teaching in the Digital Age | Paper by Chengzhi Chu Mandarin Companion Graded Readers Learn Chinese Characters by Reading (the book) Learn Chinese Characters by Reading (free resources for 200 characters)

What began as a teenage crush became a lifelong journey into Chinese for Matthew McGuire, an Australian creator and accent coach. In this episode, Jared sits down with Matthew to discuss how he learned Mandarin without textbooks, grammar drills, or writing practice. Instead, he immersed himself in love dramas, shadowed dialogue, and built a Chinese-speaking social circle. Matthew shares how his curiosity and enjoyment guided him from impressing a girl from Sichuan to achieving real proficiency and forming meaningful friendships. He also explains how Chinese opened doors for him both personally and professionally, and why he believes language learning should be fun, intentional, and grounded in real-life use. For anyone feeling stuck in their studies or unsure of how to move forward, Matthew’s story offers valuable perspective and inspiration. Links from the episode: Matthew McGuire on Instagram | @realozziemcguire Chinese graded readers make an excellent gift! Head over to: https://www.mandarincompanion.com AllSet Learning has some amazing deals on lessons right now: https://www.allsetlearning.com

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: @theBaoLuoReach 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 feedback@mandarincompanion.com. 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