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 #benefits

Link 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-learners

The 10 best free Chinese reading resources for beginner, intermediate and advanced learners: https://www.hackingchinese.com/10-best-free-chinese-reading-resources-beginner-intermediate-advanced

Learning Chinese through comprehensible input: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-chinese-comprehensible-input

The best YouTube channels for learning Chinese in 2026: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-best-youtube-channels-for-learning-chinese

How to use YouTube and other video platforms to learn Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-use-youtube-and-other-video-platforms-to-learn-chinese

8 great ways to scaffold your Chinese listening and reading: https://www.hackingchinese.com/8-great-ways-scaffold-chinese-learning

Chinese 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-speech

Immersion 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-abroad

Using voice messaging as a stepping stone to Chinese conversations: https://www.hackingchinese.com/using-voice-messaging-practise-speaking-listening

8 tips and tricks for introverts learning Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-chinese-as-an-introverted-student

Using AI chatbots for low-stress Mandarin speaking practice: https://www.hackingchinese.com/using-ai-chatbots-for-low-stress-mandarin-speaking-practice

How to get the most out of your Chinese tutoring sessions: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-chinese-tutoring-sessions

7 characteristics of a great Chinese tutor or private teacher: https://www.hackingchinese.com/characteristics-of-a-great-chinese-tutor-or-private-teacher

How 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-guide

The new paperless revolution in Chinese reading: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-new-paperless-revolution-in-chinese-reading

Chinese 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.com

Music: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)

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 #flashcards

Link 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-them

Chinese listening strategies: Improving listening speed: https://www.hackingchinese.com/listening-strategies-improving-listening-speed

The most common Chinese words, characters and components: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-most-common-chinese-words-characters-and-components-for-language-learners-and-teachers

Spaced repetition software and why you should use it: https://www.hackingchinese.com/an-introduction-to-spaced-repetition-software

An introduction to extensive reading for Chinese learners: https://www.hackingchinese.com/introduction-extensive-reading-chinese-learners

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

Is your flashcard deck too big for your own good? https://www.hackingchinese.com/is-your-flashcard-deck-too-big-for-your-own-good

More information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.com

Music: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0

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 #vocabulary

Link 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-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

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

Don't use mnemonics for everything: https://www.hackingchinese.com/dont-use-mnemonics-for-everything

Shapeshifting Chinese characters: https://www.hackingchinese.com/shapeshifting-chinese-characters

Memory aids and mnemonics to enhance learning: https://www.hackingchinese.com/memory-aids-and-mnemonics-to-enhance-learning

Extending mnemonics inspiration and insights: 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

How to create mnemonics for general or abstract character components: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-create-mnemonics-for-general-or-abstract-character-components

Killing leeches: https://www.hackingchinese.com/killing-leeches

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.com

Music: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)

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 #chinesechess

Link 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-moves

10 ways of using games to learn and teach Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/10-ways-using-games-learn-teach-chinese

More information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.com

Music: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)

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-chinese

More information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.com

Music: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)

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 #benchmark

Link 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-progress

How to get past the intermediate Chinese learning plateau: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-get-past-the-intermediate-chinese-learning-plateau

6 benefits of learning Chinese through sports: https://www.hackingchinese.com/practising-sports-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

Duolingo 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-decoder

The importance of counting what counts when learning Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/about-the-importance-of-coutning-what-counts

Using HSK as a roadmap to learning Chinese: Pros and cons: https://www.hackingchinese.com/using-the-hsk-as-a-roadmap-to-learning-chinese

The CEFR Levels: https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/level-descriptions

CEFR self-assessment grid: https://rm.coe.int/CoERMPublicCommonSearchServices/DisplayDCTMContent?documentId=090000168045bb52

CEFR companion volume: https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/cefr-companion-volume-and-its-language-versions

6 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-them

Seeing through the illusion of advanced Chinese learning: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-illusion-of-advanced-learning-and-what-to-do-about-it

How 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-hours

Approaches to reading in Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/approaches-to-reading-in-chinese

More information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.com

Music: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)

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 #sounds

Link 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-idea

Hacking 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-mandarin

Learning to pronounce Mandarin with Pinyin, Zhuyin and IPA: Part 3: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-to-pronounce-mandarin-with-pinyin-zhuyin-and-ipa-part-3

A guide to Pinyin traps and pitfalls: Learning Mandarin pronunciation: https://www.hackingchinese.com/a-guide-to-pinyin-traps-and-pitfalls

Improving your Chinese pronunciation by mimicking native speakers: https://www.hackingchinese.com/mimicking-native-speakers-way-learning-chinese

How learning some basic theory can improve your Mandarin pronunciation: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-learning-some-basic-theory-can-improve-your-pronunciation

24 great resources for improving your Mandarin pronunciation: https://www.hackingchinese.com/24-great-resources-for-improving-your-mandarin-pronunciation

More information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.com

Music: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)

Mnemonics are clever memory techniques that help you remember everything from PIN codes to Chinese characters. Good mnemonics make learning easier, but bad ones can distract you or even hold you back.

#learnchinese #characters #hanzi #mnemonics #memory #vocabulary

Link to article on Hacking Chinese: How to not memorise Chinese characters: The anatomy of bad mnemonics: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-not-memorise-chinese-characters-the-anatomy-of-bad-mnemonics/

Remembering is a skill you can learn: https://www.hackingchinese.com/remembering-is-a-skill-you-can-learn

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

Don’t use mnemonics for everything: https://www.hackingchinese.com/dont-use-mnemonics-for-everything

Memory aids and mnemonics to enhance learning: https://www.hackingchinese.com/memory-aids-and-mnemonics-to-enhance-learning

Extending mnemonics: Inspiration and insights: https://www.hackingchinese.com/extending-mnemonics-inspiration-and-insights

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

Learning Chinese characters through pictures: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-chinese-characters-through-pictures

Learn to read Chinese with ease? https://www.hackingchinese.com/learn-to-read-chinese-with-ease

Why you should think of characters in terms of functional components: https://www.hackingchinese.com/why-you-should-think-of-characters-in-terms-of-functional-components

How to learn Zhuyin (Bopomofo) in two hours: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-learn-zhuyin-bopomofo-in-two-hours

More information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.com

Music: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)

The best time to start learning Chinese might be behind you, but the second-best time is now. If you’ve been surrounded by Mandarin for years and keep putting off learning the language, this guide is for you!

#learnchinese #expat #china #bubble #immersion

Link to article on Hacking Chinese: The best time to start learning Chinese is now: A guide for expats: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-best-time-to-start-learning-chinese-is-now-a-guide-for-expats/

You won't learn Chinese simply by living abroad: https://www.hackingchinese.com/you-wont-learn-chinese-simply-by-living-abroad

Learning Chinese through comprehensible input: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-chinese-comprehensible-input

Habit hacking for language learners: https://www.hackingchinese.com/habit-hacking-for-language-learners

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

The 10 best free Chinese reading resources for beginner, intermediate and advanced learners: https://www.hackingchinese.com/10-best-free-chinese-reading-resources-beginner-intermediate-advanced/

Beginner Chinese listening practice what to listen to and how: https://www.hackingchinese.com/beginner-chinese-listening-practice-what-to-listen-to-and-how

Chinese reading practice for beginners: 7 resources to improve your Mandarin: https://www.hackingchinese.com/best-chinese-reading-practice-for-beginners

You shouldn't walk the road to Chinese fluency alone: https://www.hackingchinese.com/you-shouldnt-walk-the-road-to-chinese-fluency-alone

How to get the most out of your Chinese tutoring sessions: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-chinese-tutoring-sessions

7 characteristics of a great Chinese tutor or private teacher: https://www.hackingchinese.com/characteristics-of-a-great-chinese-tutor-or-private-teacher

How 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-guide

How to learn Chinese in the long term with intrinsic motivation: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-learn-chinese-in-the-long-term-with-intrinsic-motivation

A practical guide to your ideal Mandarin self: Build motivation that lasts: https://www.hackingchinese.com/a-practical-guide-to-your-ideal-mandarin-self-build-motivation-that-lasts

The forking path: A human approach to learning Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-forking-path-a-human-approach-to-learning-chinese

More information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.com

Music: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)

The obvious way to learn Mandarin is to listen to a person speaking the language. The less obvious way is to listen to the person who isn’t speaking in a conversation. What can you learn by listening to the listener?

#learnchinese #listening #conversations #responses

Link to article on Hacking Chinese: Improve your Chinese conversations by listening to the listener: https://www.hackingchinese.com/listening-to-the-listener/

Beyond tīng bu dǒng, part 5: Becoming a better listener as a student of Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/beyond-ting-bu-dong-part-5-becoming-a-better-listener-as-a-student-of-chinese

How to improve your Chinese writing ability through focused reading: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-improve-your-chinese-writing-ability-through-focused-reading

The best podcasts for learning Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-best-podcasts-for-learning-chinese

Improving your Chinese pronunciation by mimicking native speakers: https://www.hackingchinese.com/mimicking-native-speakers-way-learning-chinese

Should you learn Chinese vocabulary from lists? https://www.hackingchinese.com/should-you-learn-chinese-vocabulary-from-lists

How to fake sounding like a native Chinese speaker: https://www.hackingchinese.com/fake-sounding-like-native-chinese-speaker

More information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.com

Music: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)

When learning a foreign language, some things might appear weird or even stupid. But does a negative attitude towards Chinese make it harder to learn? And if it does, how can you adopt a more positive approach?

#learnchinese #attitude #motivation #stupid

Link to article on Hacking Chinese: Chinese is fascinating and exciting, not weird and stupid: https://www.hackingchinese.com/chinese-is-fascinating-and-exciting-not-weird-and-stupid/

How to learn Chinese in the long term with intrinsic motivation: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-learn-chinese-in-the-long-term-with-intrinsic-motivation

A practical guide to your ideal Mandarin self: Build motivation that lasts: https://www.hackingchinese.com/a-practical-guide-to-your-ideal-mandarin-self-build-motivation-that-lasts

How to learn to hear the sounds and tones in Mandarin:https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-learn-to-hear-the-tones-in-mandarin/

The three factors that determine how much Chinese you learn: https://www.hackingchinese.com/three-factors-decide-much-chinese-learn/

Have fun learning Chinese or else… https://www.hackingchinese.com/have-fun-or-else/

How to learn Chinese characters: My best advice: https://www.hackingchinese.com/my-best-advice-on-how-to-learn-chinese-characters/

How to make Chinese easier by using mnemonics and memory techniques: https://www.hackingchinese.com/memory-aids-and-mnemonics-to-enhance-learning/

Learning Chinese pronunciation as a beginner: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-pronunciation-as-a-beginner

Understanding regionally accented Mandarin: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-to-understand-regionally-accented-mandarin/

Learning the third tone in  Mandarin: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-the-third-tone-mandarin-chinese

More information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.com

Music: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)