Épisodes

  • 288 - New book: Hacking Chinese: the Dragon Collection
    Feb 9 2026

    I have published a book! It's called Hacking Chinese: the Dragon Collection and contains articles I wrote in 2024, the Year of the Dragon. The articles cover a wide variety of topics, but tones, listening comprehension and motivation are the most prominent.

    #learnchinese #anthology #hackingchinese #dragon

    Link to article on Hacking Chinese: New book: Hacking Chinese: the Dragon Collection: https://www.hackingchinese.com/new-book-hacking-chinese-the-dragon-collection/

    Purchase the book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4aghT6G

    Best of Hacking Chinese 2024: https://www.hackingchinese.com/best-of-hacking-chinese-2024

    The Dragon Collection contents with links to articles and podcast episodes: https://www.hackingchinese.com/dragon

    Courses on Hacking Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/courses

    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)

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    5 min
  • 287 - Ep 287 - How to get honest feedback to boost your Chinese speaking and writing
    Feb 2 2026

    Feedback is important for learning, because it can show you how to not use the language and highlight things you hadn't noticed before. But getting honest feedback on your Chinese is harder than you might think.

    #learnchinese #feedback #correction #speaking #writing

    Link to article on Hacking Chinese: How to get honest feedback to boost your Chinese speaking and writing: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-art-of-being-corrected/

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

    The 10 best free reading resource collections for learning Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-10-best-free-reading-resource-collections-for-learning-chinese

    How to learn from your mistakes and errors when learning Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/about-the-importance-of-separating-various-kinds-of-mistakes

    16 myths about learning Chinese that are holding you back: https://www.hackingchinese.com/tone-errors-in-mandarin-that-actually-can-cause-confusion

    Two reasons why pronunciation matters more than you think: https://www.hackingchinese.com/two-reasons-why-pronunciation-matters-more-than-you-think

    Making progress in Chinese in spite of praise: https://www.hackingchinese.com/advancing-in-spite-of-praise

    Making mistakes in Chinese is necessary to adjust your mental models: https://www.hackingchinese.com/making-mistakes-and-correcting-models

    Chinese listening, fast and slow: Three ways of slowing down Mandarin speech: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-the-third-tone

    A smart method to discover problems with Mandarin sounds and tones: https://www.hackingchinese.com/a-smart-method-to-discover-problems-with-tones

    Don’t try to improve everything at once when learning Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/dont-try-to-improve-everything-at-once-limit-your-focus

    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)

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    12 min
  • 286 - Chinese reading practice for beginners: 7 resources to improve your Mandarin
    Jan 26 2026

    The best way to learn to read Chinese is to read texts you can understand without constantly using a dictionary. As a beginner, those texts aren’t always easy to find, but let’s look at the best reading resources I know for beginners.

    #learnchinese #beginner #reading #resources

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

    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

    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

    Introduction extensive reading chinese learners: https://www.hackingchinese.com/introduction-extensive-reading-chinese-learners

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

    Why you should use more than one Chinese textbook: https://www.hackingchinese.com/why-you-should-use-more-than-one-chinese-textbook

    Review: Mandarin Companion: Easy to read novels in Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/review-mandarin-companion-easy-to-read-novels-in-chinese

    Escape: A text adventure game for Chinese learners: https://www.hackingchinese.com/escape-text-adventure-game-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

    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

    12 ways chatting online will improve your Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/chat-your-way-to-better-chinese

    The virtues of language exchanges: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-virtues-of-language-exchanges

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

    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)

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    17 min
  • 285 - Chinese subtitles and transcripts: Reading before, while or after listening
    Jan 19 2026

    Subtitles and transcripts can help you understand spoken Chinese, but do they also help you become a better listener? Should you read along, read first, or save the text for after you’ve listened?

    #learnchinese #listening #reading #subtitles #transcripts

    Link to article on Hacking Chinese: Chinese subtitles and transcripts: Reading before, while or after listening: https://www.hackingchinese.com/chinese-subtitles-and-transcripts-reading-before-while-or-after-listening/

    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-water

    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

    Listen before you read: Improve your listening ability: https://www.hackingchinese.com/listen-before-you-read-improve-your-listening-ability

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

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

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    21 min
  • 284 - Chinese listening, fast and slow: Three ways of slowing down Mandarin speech
    Jan 12 2026

    Spoken Mandarin can feel like an onslaught of similar sounds, half-recognised tones and unknown words. To add insult to injury, it's often too fast! Should you slow it down? If so, how?

    #learnchinese #listening #speed #rateofspeech #fast #slow

    Link to article on Hacking Chinese: 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/

    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

    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-water

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

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

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

    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

    Using Audacity to learn Chinese (speaking and listening): https://www.hackingchinese.com/using-audacity-to-learn-chinese-speaking-and-listening

    The 10 best free C 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

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

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

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    19 min
  • 283 - Best of Hacking Chinese 2025
    Jan 5 2026
    2025 has come to an end. Which were the most popular articles on Hacking Chinese last year? The most popular podcast episodes? It's time to summarise the year that was and highlight the things you really shouldn’t miss!#learnchinese #2025 #bestof #hackingchineseLink to article on Hacking Chinese: Best of Hacking Chinese 2025: https://www.hackingchinese.com/best-of-hacking-chinese-2025/All articles on Hacking Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/archive-2Hacking Chinese Resources: http://resources.hackingchinese.com/Hacking Chinese Challenges: https://challenges.hackingchinese.com/Zi.Tools: A powerful free resource for exploring Chinese characters: https://www.hackingchinese.com/zi-tools-a-powerful-free-resource-for-exploring-chinese-charactersClassroom Mandarin: Essential expressions for learning Chinese in Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/classroom-mandarin-essential-expressions-for-learning-chinese-in-chineseUsing AI chatbots for low-stress Mandarin speaking practice: https://www.hackingchinese.com/using-ai-chatbots-for-low-stress-mandarin-speaking-practiceLearning Chinese through comprehensible input: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-chinese-comprehensible-inputThe best YouTube channels for learning Chinese in 2025: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-best-youtube-channels-for-learning-chineseLove and language: Challenges and opportunities in learning Chinese with a partner: https://www.hackingchinese.com/language-learning-with-a-chinese-girlfriend-or-boyfriend16 reasons to learn to write Chinese characters by hand: https://www.hackingchinese.com/reasons-to-learn-to-write-chinese-characters-by-hand7 characteristics of a great chinese tutor or private teacher: https://www.hackingchinese.com/characteristics-of-a-great-chinese-tutor-or-private-teacher16 myths about learning Chinese that are holding you back: https://www.hackingchinese.com/myths-about-learning-chinese-that-are-holding-you-backWhat a big Rubik’s Cube taught me about Chinese characters: https://www.hackingchinese.com/what-a-big-rubiks-cube-taught-me-about-chinese-characters4, 3, 2, 1: Fluency! A great technique to boost your Mandarin speaking ability: https://www.hackingchinese.com/4-3-2-1-fluency-a-great-technique-for-boost-your-mandarin-speaking-abilityHow to improve your Mandarin speaking skills with a tutor: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-improve-your-mandarin-speaking-skills-with-a-tutorThe three roads to mastering Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-three-roads-to-mastering-chineseThe Input Pyramid: Chinese Listening for Any Situation: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-input-pyramid-chinese-listening-for-any-situationCourses 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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    18 min
  • 282 - Diversify how you study Chinese to learn more
    Dec 29 2025

    How is it possible to spend 80 hours a week learning Chinese? And what can you learn from that, even if you're busy juggling work, family and other commitments?

    #learnchinese #immersion #busylife

    Link to article on Hacking Chinese: Diversify how you study Chinese to learn more: https://www.hackingchinese.com/diversified-learning-is-smart-learning/

    Learning Chinese in the shower with me: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-chinese-in-the-shower-with-me/

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

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

    Time quality: Studying the right thing at the right time: https://www.hackingchinese.com/time-quality-and-studying-chinese/

    The time barrel: How to find more time to study Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-time-barrel-you-have-more-time-than-you-think/

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

    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/

    Using memory aids and mnemonics to make Chinese easier: https://www.hackingchinese.com/memory-aids-and-mnemonics-to-enhance-learning/

    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/

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

    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)

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    16 min
  • 281 - Reading is a lot like spaced repetition, only better
    Dec 22 2025

    You can build vocabulary in Chinese with flashcard apps and spaced repetition, but reading is more effective and more enjoyable. It helps you recognise words, understand how they work in context and build your sense of how the language works.

    #learnchinese #reading #vocabulary #srs #flashcards #wordswing

    Link to article on Hacking Chinese: Reading is a lot like spaced repetition, only better: https://www.hackingchinese.com/reading-is-a-lot-like-spaced-repetition-only-better/

    WordSwing: https://wordswing.com/

    Anki: https://apps.ankiweb.net/

    Mapping the terra incognita of Chinese vocabulary: https://www.hackingchinese.com/mapping-the-terra-incognita-of-vocabulary

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

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

    Five text games for Chinese learners: https://www.hackingchinese.com/five-text-games-for-chinese-learners

    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)

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    14 min