Episodes

  • How to say someone is smart… or silly in Chinese? “聪明”vs“笨”：中文里不止一种说法

    How to say someone is smart… or silly in Chinese? “聪明”vs“笨”：中文里不止一种说法
    May 11 2026
    In Chinese, intelligence isn't just about IQ. Someone can be 聪明 (smart), 机灵 (clever), 精明 (shrewd), or even 大智若愚 (great wisdom under the guise of folly) — and each word reveals a different way Chinese speakers think about wisdom, personality, and social behavior. In our new episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're exploring how Chinese speakers describe smart, clever, silly, goofy, and everything in between. (02:08) Different ways to say "smart" in Chinese (11:24) Calling your partner "dumb" in Chinese can actually sound romantic?
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    29 mins
  • Special: How to say "save 拯救" in Chinese?

    Special: How to say "save 拯救" in Chinese?
    May 8 2026

    In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "save" in Chinese.
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    1 min
  • Chasing Perfect… or Choosing Real? | The China Code Ep.3

    Chasing Perfect… or Choosing Real? | The China Code Ep.3
    May 5 2026
    Welcome to The China Code, where every two weeks we break down a trending Chinese internet buzzword. Today's phrase: 活人感 (huó rén gǎn) – the feeling of a living human or the sense of a real person. Have you ever looked at a flawless post – and felt… nothing? 活人感 is the opposite of that feeling. It's the sense that there's a real, living person behind the screen – the kind of raw, unfiltered presence that makes you pause and think: this feels real. In a world of curated content and AI-generated interactions, why does this feeling matter so much – and why are people starting to seek it out? Let's explore what "real" really means – and why it's becoming more valuable than ever. CONTACT THE TEAM We'd love to hear your feedback or suggestions for future buzzwords! Email: crilearnchinese@gmail.com Facebook: @crilearnchinese TikTok: @takeaway.chinese
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    3 mins
  • China code: Trending phenomena decoded 解码中文：解锁最新热词

    China code: Trending phenomena decoded 解码中文：解锁最新热词
    May 4 2026
    Chinese is evolving fast – and so is the slang! From viral catchphrases to internet buzzwords, we're breaking down the trendiest expressions people are using right now. Sound more natural, more local, and way more in the know. Tune in to Takeaway Chinese and upgrade your Chinese today! (07:40) 开团秒跟 - Someone takes the lead, others immediately copy or join. (15:50) 活人感 - A sense of being a real, living person.
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    34 mins
  • Special: How to say "fake 假冒" in Chinese?

    Special: How to say "fake 假冒" in Chinese?
    May 1 2026

    In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "fake" in Chinese.
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    1 min
  • Special: How to say "court 法庭" in Chinese?

    Special: How to say "court 法庭" in Chinese?
    Apr 28 2026

    In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "court" in Chinese.
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    1 min
  • Is it safe to travel in China? 去中国旅行，到底安不安全？

    Is it safe to travel in China? 去中国旅行，到底安不安全？
    Apr 27 2026
    In this episode of Takeaway Chinese, Niuniu and Steve explore what safety means in China – from ancient philosophies about an ideal society to real-life travel experiences today. Join us as we take a closer look at how safe it feels in China, especially during nighttime. (06:54) What did a "safe society" look like in ancient China? (12:57) How safe is it to be out at night in China today?
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    28 mins
  • ​Special: How to say "anticipate 预判” in Chinese?

    ​Special: How to say "anticipate 预判” in Chinese?
    Apr 24 2026

    In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "anticipate" in Chinese.
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    1 min