关系 (guānxi): The Power of Connection

What does it really mean when people in China talk about 关系?

Often translated as “connections” or “relationships,” 关系 is about far more than simply knowing the right people. It reflects networks of trust, reciprocity, loyalty, and mutual responsibility that quietly shape everyday life in China.

In this episode of our Beyond Translation season, host Stephanie Wendler explores how one relationship unexpectedly transformed her family’s experience after moving to a small town in China. Joined by Gabe Carrillo and Jean Rufin, the conversation reflects on how guānxi can open doors, mobilize support, and shape opportunities in ways that are often invisible to outsiders.

Together, they look beyond the translation to discover what 关系 reveals about trust, shared responsibility, and the powerful networks that help people navigate life in China.

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加油 (jiāyóu): Encouragement You Can Feel

What does it really mean when someone in China says 加油?

Often translated as “keep going” or “you can do it,” 加油 is more than just a phrase of encouragement. It shows up in moments of effort, exhaustion, and perseverance—whether on a race course, before an exam, or in the middle of something difficult.

In this episode of our Beyond Translation season, host Stephanie Wendler is joined by Paul Wendler and Lydia Choi to explore how this simple phrase carries such powerful meaning. From quiet beginnings at a marathon to the shared energy of collective encouragement, they reflect on how their understanding of 加油 has grown while living in China—and how it can transform both individual effort and group experience.

Together, they look beyond the translation to discover what 加油 reveals about encouragement, shared perseverance, and the ways people support one another through everyday challenges.

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面子 (miànzi): More Than Just “Face”

What does it really mean when someone in China talks about 面子?

Often translated as “face,” 面子 goes far beyond reputation or pride. It shapes how people communicate, how they handle disagreement, and how they protect one another’s dignity—sometimes in ways that aren’t immediately visible to outsiders.

In this episode of our Beyond Translation season, host Stephanie Wendler is joined by Jonathan and Rebecca Chiew, parents of Xi’an International School students, to explore how this concept shows up in everyday life. From moments of misunderstanding to experiences of learning the hard way, they reflect on how their awareness of 面子 has grown while engaging in Chinese contexts—and how it can deeply impact relationships.

Together, they look beyond the translation to discover what 面子 reveals about respect, indirect communication, and the role of preserving dignity in maintaining harmony.

We’d love to hear from you! https://form.jotform.com/260956093913161