ChineseSurfing畅说中文

daaaaaaaisy

Dive into Chinese Surfing, the official podcast from Chinese Surfing Chinese School! Hosted by Teacher Daisy, this is your fun and supportive community for all things Mandarin. Interested in Chinese Classes or Course Consultation? Email: info@chinese-surfing.com WeChat: Chinesesurfing2 Instagram & Xiaohongshu: Chinese Surfing Free learning resources: www.chinese-surfing.com For a full PDF transcript of this episode, email: daisy@chinese-surfing.com

  1. 4d ago

    E27 聊聊重庆话！Learn Chinese Dialect｜Chongqing Dialect & Culture

    Welcome back to our dialect series! In this episode, host Daisy sits down with her best friend, 石老师（Shí lǎoshī）, a true local from Chongqing. Together, they dive into the fiery and straightforward world of 重庆话 (Chongqing dialect). Why does Chongqing dialect sound like people are arguing? And how do locals keep this unique dialect alive? 🤔 You’ll hear: The real geography of Chongqing and why locals always speak their dialect. A heartwarming story about Shi Laoshi’s 3-year-old daughter, Qíduō, who speaks fluent Chongqing dialect and surprises everyone with old-school slang she learns from her grandparents. The sad reality of dialect loss and why Shi Laoshi insists on making Chongqing dialect her daughter’s first language. Hot expressions: How to describe spicy hotpot. Fun slang: How they say 臊皮 (embarrassing), 捡耙和 (getting a bargain), and 嘿相因 (very cheap)? The characteristics of Chongqing dialect: Loud, straightforward, and full of cute reduplicated words like 神戳戳 and 瓜兮兮! 👭 Interactive Games: Shi Laoshi reads an HSK3 textbook dialogue in Chongqing dialect, and Daisy tests Shi Laoshi’s dialect level with a fun translation quiz! This episode is perfect for intermediate to advanced learners who want to go beyond standard Mandarin and experience the real, unfiltered Chinese spoken in the streets of Chongqing. If you’re interested in an intensive class in Hangzhou, a summer camp in Hangzhou, or HSK preparation in Hangzhou, Chinese Surfing is right here in Hangzhou! 📖 Useful Vocabulary from this episode (by HSK Level) HSK 3 家乡 (jiāxiāng) – hometown 环境 (huánjìng) – environment 流利 (liúlì) – fluent 表达 (biǎodá) – expression 交流 (jiāoliú) – communicate 吵架（chǎojià）- to quarrel HSK 4 正式 (zhèngshì) – formal 普通话 (pǔtōnghuà) – Mandarin 亲切（qīnqiè）- kind, cordial HSK 5 方言 (fāngyán) – dialect 传承 (chuánchéng) – to inherit / pass down 掌握（zhǎngwò）- to master 接触（jiēchù）- to contact 沟通 (gōutōng) – communicate HSK 6+ 叠词 (diécí) – reduplicated words 灵魂（línghún）- soul, spirit 土生土长（tǔshēngtǔzhǎng）- locally borned and bred 爆发（bàofā）- to burst out 印记（yìnjì）- a mark, a seal 豪爽 (háoshuǎng) – straightforward and forthright 💬 Join the Conversation Do you have a dialect in your hometown? Do young people still speak it? Which Chongqing slang word did you find the most interesting? How do you say "spicy" in your language? Leave a comment on your podcast platform or share your thoughts in your Chinese learning group! 📩 Learn Chinese with Chinese Surfing Interested in intensive class in Hangzhou, summer camp in Hangzhou, or HSK preparation in Hangzhou? Chinese Surfing is right here in Hangzhou! 📧 Email: info@chinese-surfing.com 💬 WeChat: Chinesesurfing2 ➕Follow us: 📷Instagram & Xiaohongshu: Chinese Surfing 🎁 Free learning materials: 👉 www.chinese-surfing.com 📜 Want the full PDF script of this episode? 📧 Email: daisy@chinese-surfing.com 🎵BGM：《重庆得行》 Next Episode Preview: More dialects to explore? Or back to culture and learning tips? Stay tuned! (And don’t forget to subscribe!) 在小宇宙查看该单集文稿

    E27 聊聊重庆话！Learn Chinese Dialect｜Chongqing Dialect & Culture

  2. Oct 13

    E26 学中文遇到瓶颈怎么办？Learn Chinese Through Podcast

    Can you believe it? 畅说中文 (Chàng Shuō Zhōngwén) is one year old! 🎉 In this special solo episode, host Daisy takes a moment to reintroduce the podcast — what it is, why it exists, and who it’s for. Whether you’ve been with us from Episode 1 or you’re just discovering us today, this is your chance to get to know the heart behind the show. Daisy looks back at 25 episodes of real conversations, student stories, teacher insights, dialects, culture, HSK tips, AI learning, and Hangzhou travel. She shares behind-the-scenes moments, thanks the teachers, students, team, and listeners who made it all possible, and reveals what’s coming next. But most importantly — she invites you to be part of the future. Leave a comment with your anniversary wishes or tell us what topics you want to hear next. Your message might be read in an upcoming episode! If you’re a Chinese learner looking to move from textbook Chinese to real, natural Chinese — this podcast is for you. If you’re interested in an intensive class in Hangzhou, a summer camp in Hangzhou, or HSK preparation in Hangzhou, Chinese Surfing is right here in Hangzhou. 🎧 Timestamps & Key Takeaways 00:00 – Opening: We’re One Year Old!Daisy celebrates the first anniversary and explains that today’s episode is a reintroduction of the podcast for both old and new listeners. 01:00 – What is 畅说中文 Chàng shuō zhōng wén? “畅说” means to speak freely and joyfully. It’s a lighthearted conversation podcast for global Chinese learners. We don’t teach like a formal class — we chat about real life, real culture, and real stories. You’ll pick up natural expressions, cultural insights, and hear from other learners’ ups and downs. 02:40 – The Series We’ve Explored Student interviews (Bruno, Jenny, Raina, Max…) Teacher sharing (Cici, Xiao, Aurora, Ouyang…) Dialect series (Dongbei, Wuhan, Chongqing…) Chinese culture (Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn, Sanfu days, “eating melon”) HSK & HSKK preparation AI for Chinese learning Hangzhou travel & culture 06:20 – Looking Back at 25 EpisodesDaisy highlights a few unforgettable episodes: E16 – Bruno’s Chinese name story: “Even though my Chinese isn’t good enough, we must be brave and do what we want to do.” E18 – Jenny & Raina: “It’s never too late to start learning Chinese — or to rediscover it.” E23 & E24 – Max on AI: “AI is a useful tool, but not the only tool.” 13:30 – Thank YouDaisy thanks: Teachers: Aurora, Xiao, Cici, Ouyang and all who shared their experience. Students: Bruno, Jenny, Raina, Max, and more. The Chinese Surfing team for behind-the-scenes support. You — the listeners — for every listen, comment, and share. 16:40 – What’s Next? More real Chinese expressions and culture. More student and teacher stories. Deeper dives into AI and advanced learning challenges. Hangzhou travel series continues. More interaction — Daisy wants listeners to help decide future topics. 18:00 – Your Turn: Leave a CommentDaisy invites you to: Send anniversary wishes: “Happy 1st Anniversary, chàng shuō zhōng wén!” Share what topics you want to hear next: daily expressions, dialects, Chinese culture, working in China, etc. Tell your own Chinese learning story: How did you start? What’s a memorable moment? Comment in Chinese or English — don’t worry about mistakes. 20:00 – Closing & Call to Action Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Share with friends who are learning Chinese. One year is just the beginning. Let’s keep learning Chinese through Chinese. 💬 Join the Conversation Send us an anniversary wish! 🎂 What topics do you want to hear in the next year? Share your own Chinese learning story — we might read it on the show! Leave a comment on your podcast platform or share your thoughts in your Chinese learning group. We read every message. 📩 Learn Chinese with Chinese Surfing Interested in intensive class in Hangzhou, summer camp in Hangzhou, or HSK preparation in Hangzhou? Chinese Surfing is right here in Hangzhou! 📧 Email: info@chinese-surfing.com💬 WeChat: Chinesesurfing2 Follow us:Instagram: chinesesurfing_podcast 🎁 Free learning materials: 👉 www.chinese-surfing.com 📜 Want the full PDF script of this episode?📧 Email: daisy@chinese-surfing.com Next Episode Preview: More real Chinese, more culture, more stories — and possibly YOUR comment! Stay tuned. 在小宇宙查看该单集文稿

    E26 学中文遇到瓶颈怎么办？Learn Chinese Through Podcast

  3. Sep 29

    E25 Chinese Songs About the Moon｜和月亮有关的中文歌

    Mid-Autumn Festival may be over, but the moon and the feeling of missing someone never go out of style. 🌕 In this solo episode, Daisy takes you on a musical journey through four classic Chinese songs about the moon. Each song teaches you one practical Chinese expression, and each comes with an HSKK-style speaking prompt so you can practice along. Whether you’re a Chinese language learner, an HSK candidate, or simply someone who loves Chinese music and culture, this episode will help you sound more natural and expressive in Chinese. If you’re interested in any online courses, an intensive class in Hangzhou, a Chinese Cultural Experience in Hangzhou, or HSK preparation in Hangzhou, Chinese Surfing is right here in Hangzhou! 🎧 Timestamps & Key Takeaways 00:00 – Opening: Mid-Autumn, Moon, and Missing HomeDaisy reflects on the Mid-Autumn Festival and introduces the theme: Chinese songs about the moon. She explains why the moon is so important in Chinese culture — it symbolizes missing family, reunion, and love. 01:30 – Song 1: 《月亮代表我的心》— “A代表B” The song: Teresa Teng’s classic “The Moon Represents My Heart.” Language point: A代表B (A represents B). Example: 月亮代表我的心 Yuèliang dàibiǎo wǒ de xīn (The moon represents my heart). Practice: 鸽子代表和平；红色代表热情；熊猫代表中国。 HSKK prompt: In your culture, what represents love? Why? Cultural note: Why the moon and not the sun? The moon is gentle, not dazzling, and it waxes and wanes — just like love. 05:00 – Song 2: 《城里的月光》— The “把” Construction The song: Xu meijing’s “Moonlight in the City.” Language point: “把”字句: A把B + verb + result. Example: 城里的月光把梦照亮 Chénglǐ de yuèguāng bǎ mèng zhào liàng (The city moonlight lights up my dream). Practice: 我把作业写完了；他把房间打扫干净了。 HSKK prompt: Many people leave home to work in big cities. How do they spend Mid-Autumn Festival? Share your thoughts. Cultural note: Urban loneliness, video calls, and “cloud reunion.” 08:40 – Song 3: 《月亮惹的祸》— “都是……惹的祸” The song: Phil Chang’s “The Moon’s Fault.” Language point: 都是……惹的祸 (It’s all because of…). Used humorously to blame something for a small problem. Example: 都是月亮惹的祸 Dōu shì yuèliang rě de huò (It’s all the moon’s fault). Practice: 都是天气惹的祸，害我迟到了；都是手机惹的祸，害我昨天没睡好。 HSKK prompt: Use “都是……惹的祸” to describe a small trouble in your life. Cultural note: Chinese people sometimes avoid saying “I love you” directly — they attribute love to the moon, the night, or the atmosphere. 12:30 – Song 4: 《但愿人长久》— beautiful Chinese idoms The song: Faye Wong’s “Wishing Us a Long Life” (lyrics from Su Shi’s poem). Chengyu 1: 悲欢离合 bēi huān lí hé — sorrow, joy, parting, reunion. Life is full of these. Chengyu 2: 阴晴圆缺 yīn qíng yuán quē — cloudy, clear, full, crescent. Originally describes the moon, but also life’s imperfections. Key line: 但愿人长久，千里共婵娟 (May we all be blessed with longevity, and share the same bright moon even though miles apart). HSKK prompt: What’s your understanding of “人有悲欢离合，月有阴晴圆缺”? Does your culture have a similar saying? 18:00 – Review & Listener InteractionDaisy reviews the four language points and invites listeners to write a short paragraph in Chinese: Which moon song do you like most, and why? Share in the comments or with your Chinese teacher. 📖 Useful Vocabulary from this episode (by HSK Level) HSK 3 月亮 (yuèliang) – moon 爱情 (àiqíng) – love 家人 (jiārén) – family members 中秋 (zhōngqiū) – Mid-Autumn HSK 4 代表 (dàibiǎo) – to represent 温柔 (wēnróu) – gentle 浪漫 (làngmàn) – romantic 幽默 (yōumò) – humorous 承认 (chéngrèn) – to admit HSK 5 缺 (quē) – to be missing / wane 结构 (jiégòu) – structure 摇滚 (yáogǔn) – rock and roll 调侃 (tiáokǎn) – to tease / joke 气氛 (qìfēn) – atmosphere 分享 (fēnxiǎng) – to share HSK 6 思念 (sīniàn) – to miss / longing 团圆 (tuányuán) – reunion 耀眼 (yàoyǎn) – dazzling 惹祸 (rěhuò) – to cause trouble 归结 (guījié) – to attribute to HSK 7-9 悲欢离合 (bēihuān líhé) – sorrow, joy, parting, reunion 阴晴圆缺 (yīn qíng yuán quē) – cloudy, clear, full, crescent 相隔千里 (xiānggé qiānlǐ) – separated by a thousand miles 但愿 (dànyuàn) – if only / may it be that 婵娟 (chánjuān) – beautiful woman; here refers to the moon 云团圆 (yún tuányuán) – cloud reunion (reunion via video call) 💬 Join the Conversation Which of the four moon songs do you like most? Why? In your culture, what represents love? What’s your understanding of “人有悲欢离合，月有阴晴圆缺”? Does your culture have a similar expression? How do people in your country celebrate a harvest or moon festival? Leave a comment on your podcast platform or share your thoughts in your Chinese learning group! 📩 Learn Chinese with Chinese Surfing Interested in any online courses, an intensive class in Hangzhou, a Chinese Cultural Experience in Hangzhou, or HSK preparation in Hangzhou? Chinese Surfing is right here in Hangzhou! 📧 Email: info@chinese-surfing.com💬 WeChat: Chinesesurfing2 Follow us:Instagram & Xiaohongshu: Chinese Surfing 🎁 Free learning materials: 👉 www.chinese-surfing.com 📜 Want the full PDF script of this episode?📧 Email: daisy@chinese-surfing.com 在小宇宙查看该单集文稿

    E25 Chinese Songs About the Moon｜和月亮有关的中文歌

  4. Sep 15

    E24 Learn Chinese with AI (Part 2)｜Real Chinese Conversation

    Welcome back to Part 2 of our special episode on learning Chinese with AI! Daisy continues her conversation with Max (the German student who went from HSK 1 to recording a podcast in 9 months) and Xiao Laoshi (his teacher and founder of Chinese Surfing). In this episode, we dive into the big question: Can AI replace Chinese teachers? Max shares a thought-provoking point — AI doesn’t make you “take responsibility.” Xiao Laoshi explains what AI can and cannot replace, and why real human interaction is irreplaceable when learning a language. Max also asks Xiao Laoshi two interesting questions: If DeepSeek wanted to add a new feature for Chinese learners, what should it be? Are standard textbooks (like HSK official materials) boring and outdated? Plus, Daisy shares some good news: our previous episode got more listens than ever — thank you, to our dear friends and listeners! If you’re interested in an intensive class in Hangzhou, a summer camp in Hangzhou, or HSK preparation in Hangzhou, Chinese Surfing is right here in Hangzhou! 🎧 Timestamps & Key Takeaways (approximate) 00:00 – Opening & Good NewsDaisy shares that Part 1 received more listens than expected. Thank you to everyone who listened, liked, and shared! Also a big thank you to Max and Xiao Laoshi. 00:30 – Recap of Part 1 & Introduction to Part 2Quick recap: Max’s three AI methods, AI’s “hallucinations,” and the importance of prompts. Now we move to the big question: Can AI replace teachers? 01:40 – Max Summarizes: AI Is a Tool, Not the Only ToolMax says AI is useful, but it’s not the only tool. Learning with real teachers (like Xiao Laoshi and other Chinese Surfing teachers) is more important than using AI. He also mentions that AI doesn’t know his learning history, but his teacher does. 📖 Keywords: 工具 (gōngjù) – tool 唯一 (wéiyī) – only 历史 (lìshǐ) – history 04:00 – Xiao Laoshi: Can AI Replace Chinese Teachers?Xiao Laoshi breaks it down: What AI can replace: Delivering knowledge, explaining background, history, and stories. What AI cannot replace: Real communication with Chinese people. Language is a tool, but behind language are people. Every Chinese person is different. You need to know when to say what to build a better relationship. AI only answers when you ask. It doesn’t continue the conversation or give you reactions like a real teacher does. 📖 Keywords: 取代 (qǔdài) – replace 知识 (zhīshi) – knowledge 交流 (jiāoliú) – communicate 关系 (guānxì) – relationship 反应 (fǎnyìng) – reaction 08:20 – Max: AI Doesn’t Make You Take ResponsibilityMax shares a key insight: If he has a meeting with ChatGPT, he doesn’t feel he must attend. But if he has a meeting with Xiao Laoshi, he is 800% sure to attend. AI doesn’t give you that sense of responsibility. Real teachers do. 📖 Keywords: 承担责任 (chéngdān zérèn) – take responsibility 责任感 (zérèngǎn) – sense of responsibility 11:00 – Max’s Question 1: What New Feature Should DeepSeek Add?Max asks: If DeepSeek wanted to add a new feature to help Chinese learners, what should it be? Xiao Laoshi suggests a “foreign language learning mode” — where the AI knows you’re a learner, adjusts its language to your level, and gives answers based on your input (speed, pronunciation, errors). She also mentions that DeepSeek currently has three modes: quick answer, expert mode, and image mode. She wishes for a mode that combines image + text, so learners can choose what suits them best. 📖 Keywords: 模式 (móshì) – mode 功能 (gōngnéng) – feature 水平 (shuǐpíng) – level 适合 (shìhé) – suit 13:50 – Max’s Question 2: Are Standard Textbooks Boring?Max points out that many schools use the same standard textbooks (like HSK official materials). He asks: Don’t you find it boring to teach the same stories again and again? Xiao Laoshi agrees — both students and teachers can find the materials boring. Textbooks are written long in advance, and language changes quickly. Sometimes the materials aren’t even that useful for teaching specific vocabulary or grammar. But now with AI, teachers can create better, more suitable materials for each student’s level and needs. 📖 Keywords: 教材 (jiàocái) – textbook 无聊 (wúliáo) – boring 标准 (biāozhǔn) – standard 复杂 (fùzá) – complex 麻烦 (máfan) – troublesome 20:00 – Conclusion: AI Is a Tool, But People Are at the Heart of LanguageDaisy wraps up: AI is a useful tool, but not the only tool. Learning with teachers and real people is more important. Through Chinese, through language, we can meet more people, learn more, and become better versions of ourselves. Max and Xiao Laoshi agree. Xiao Laoshi also shares a touching thought: she feels lucky to be on this journey with Max, exploring what AI can do for Chinese learning together. 📖 Useful Vocabulary from this episode (by HSK Level) HSK 3 无聊 (wúliáo) – boring 麻烦 (máfan) – troublesome HSK 4 工具 (gōngjù) – tool 模式 (móshì) – mode 教材 (jiàocái) – textbook 知识 (zhīshi) – knowledge 交流 (jiāoliú) – communicate 关系 (guānxì) – relationship 适合 (shìhé) – suit 复杂 (fùzá) – complex HSK 5 取代 (qǔdài) – replace 标准 (biāozhǔn) – standard 功能 (gōngnéng) – feature 反应 (fǎnyìng) – reaction 官方 (guānfāng) – official HSK 6+ 承担责任 (chéngdān zérèn) – take responsibility 责任感 (zérèngǎn) – sense of responsibility 唯一 (wéiyī) – only 💬 Join the Conversation Have you ever used AI to learn Chinese? What’s the most effective way you’ve found? Have you ever felt that AI lacks a “sense of responsibility” compared to a real teacher? Do you think standard textbooks are boring? How can AI help? Share your stories in the comments! 📩 Learn Chinese with Chinese Surfing Interested in intensive class in Hangzhou, summer camp in Hangzhou, or HSK preparation in Hangzhou? Chinese Surfing is right here in Hangzhou! 📧 Email: info@chinese-surfing.com💬 WeChat: Chinesesurfing2 Follow us:Instagram & Xiaohongshu: Chinese Surfing 🎁 Free learning materials: 👉 www.chinese-surfing.com 📜 Want the full PDF script of this episode?📧 Email: daisy@chinese-surfing.com Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this two-part series, please share it with a friend who’s learning Chinese. See you next time! 在小宇宙查看该单集文稿

    E24 Learn Chinese with AI (Part 2)｜Real Chinese Conversation

  5. Sep 1

    E23 Learn Chinese with AI (Part 1)｜Max's Tips & Stories

    Can AI really help you learn Chinese? And how should you use it to get the best results? In this episode, host Daisy invites two special guests — Max, a German student who went from almost zero Chinese to recording a podcast in just 9 months, and Xiao, his Chinese teacher and the founder of Chinese Surfing. Together, they share Max‘s real-life experience using AI to learn Chinese. In Part 1, we cover: Max’s 9‑month Chinese learning journey — from almost zero to fluent conversation Max‘s three core methods for using AI: checking grammar, writing assistance, and building custom learning tools Xiao’s first impression of Max — the “卷王juǎnwáng” (the most hard‑working student) Does AI ever “hallucinate” or give wrong answers? Max and Xiao Laoshi share their honest thoughts How to write good prompts for AI — and why it matters If you’re a student using AI to learn Chinese, or just curious about “AI + language learning,” this episode will give you plenty of practical ideas. If you’re interested in an intensive class in Hangzhou, a summer camp in Hangzhou, or HSK preparation in Hangzhou, Chinese Surfing is right here in Hangzhou! 🎧 Timestamps & Key Takeaways 00:00 – Opening & Max‘s Self-IntroductionMax is from Germany. He started learning Chinese a year ago because his girlfriend’s family speaks Chinese. He began taking classes with Xiao in December last year. In just 9 months, he went from HSK 1 to recording a podcast in Chinese. 03:00 – Xiao‘s First Impression of MaxXiao shares a funny first impression — Max would look away from the screen while speaking, making the teacher wonder if “there was a Chinese person next to him helping.” Max is also called the “Juan Wang” (the most hard‑working student) at Chinese Surfing. 📖 Keywords: 卷王 (juǎnwáng) – the most hard‑working person 人如其名(rénrúqímíng) – a person lives up to their name 07:25 – Max’s Three Core Methods for Using AIDaisy summarizes Max‘s three methods: Grammar checking — When writing Chinese sentences or messages, use AI to check errors and understand why they’re wrong Writing assistance — Ask AI to create a story outline in your native language, then translate it into Chinese for practice Building custom tools — Develop or customize your own AI tools to match your personal learning needs 📖 Keywords: 人工智能 (réngōng zhìnéng) – artificial intelligence 研究报告(yánjiū bàogào) – research report 指令 (zhǐlìng) – prompt 语法 (yǔfǎ) – grammar 翻译(fānyì) – translate 开发(kāifā）– to develop 软件(ruǎnjiàn) – software 15:00 – Xiao Shares Max’s Unique AI MethodXiao adds another interesting way Max uses AI — recording his lessons and using AI to organize notes. The AI automatically summarizes key points and mistakes, creating personalized review materials. 📖 Keywords: 整理 (zhěnglǐ) – to organize / sort out 文件 (wénjiàn) – document / file 复习 (fùxí) – review 笔记 (bǐjì) – notes 19:30 – Does AI Ever “Hallucinate”?Max shares his honest take: AI can sometimes give answers that are too formal or not quite right. But as long as it makes learning Chinese feel like a fun activity, it’s not a big problem. His bigger concern is that AI doesn’t know his learning history — while Xiao does. 📖 Keywords: 准确 (zhǔnquè) – accurate 正式 (zhèngshì) – formal 27:00 – How to Use AI while learning ChineseXiao gives a key piece of advice: The most important thing when using AI is the prompt. Students can ask their Chinese teacher, “What prompt should I give to AI?” instead of guessing on their own. 📖 Keywords: 指令 (zhǐlìng) – prompt / instruction 📖 Useful Vocabulary from this episode (by HSK Level) HSK 3 水平 (shuǐpíng) – level / proficiency 语法 (yǔfǎ) – grammar 复习 (fùxí) – to review HSK 4 人工智能 (réngōng zhìnéng) – artificial intelligence (AI) 开发 (kāifā) – to develop 整理 (zhěnglǐ) – to organize / sort out 文件 (wénjiàn) – document / file 准确 (zhǔnquè) – accurate 正式 (zhèngshì) – formal 笔记 (bǐjì) – notes HSK 5 卷王 (juǎnwáng) – the most hard‑working person (slang) 指令 (zhǐlìng) – prompt / instruction 效率 (xiàolǜ) – efficiency 人如其名 (rén rú qí míng) – a person lives up to their name HSK 6+ 提示词 (tíshìcí) – prompt (AI term) 个性化 (gèxìnghuà) – personalized 💬 Join the Conversation Have you ever used AI to learn Chinese? What do you usually use it for? Has AI ever given you a wrong or weird answer? Max says, “AI is a tool, not the only tool.” Do you agree? Leave a comment on your podcast platform or share your thoughts in your Chinese learning group! 📩 Learn Chinese with Chinese Surfing Interested in intensive class in Hangzhou, summer camp in Hangzhou, or HSK preparation in Hangzhou? Chinese Surfing is right here in Hangzhou! 📧 Email: info@chinese-surfing.com💬 WeChat: Chinesesurfing2 Follow us:Instagram & Xiaohongshu: Chinese Surfing 🎁 Free learning materials: 👉 www.chinese-surfing.com 📜 Want the full PDF script of this episode?📧 Email: daisy@chinese-surfing.com Coming Up in Part 2: Can AI really replace Chinese teachers? What question did Max have for DeepSeek? And what was Xiao Laoshi’s answer? Stay tuned for Part 2! 在小宇宙查看该单集文稿

    E23 Learn Chinese with AI (Part 1)｜Max's Tips & Stories

  6. Aug 18

    E22 中国人的口头禅｜Decoding Chinese Catchphrases

    In this episode, Daisy unpacks the most common Chinese catchphrases — those everyday expressions where the literal meaning and the real meaning can be completely different. This episode is ideal for HSK 4-6 learners who want to understand what Chinese people are really thinking. Once you decode these catchphrases, you‘ll truly start to understand “Chinese-style conversation.” 🎧 Timestamps & Key Takeaways 00:00 – What is a “口头禅” (kǒutóuchán, catchphrase)? Daisy explains the concept of 口头禅 — the words or short phrases people unconsciously repeat. Every culture has them, but Chinese catchphrases often reveal unique ways of thinking, social habits, and life philosophies. 02:50 – 随便 (suíbiàn) – “Whatever” Literal meaning: “Anything is fine, you decide.” Real meaning: “I don’t want to seem too opinionated,” “I don’t want to take responsibility for the decision,” or “I want to avoid conflict.” Cultural context: Reflects the Chinese philosophy of 中庸 (zhōngyōng – the Doctrine of the Mean) — avoiding extremes and not appearing too assertive. Practical tip: When someone says 随便, don’t actually decide randomly — give them two options to choose from. 05:30 – 挺好的 (tǐng hǎo de) – “Pretty good” Literal meaning: “Very good, excellent.” Real meaning: Depends entirely on tone! A smile + relaxed tone = genuinely good. Fast pace + flat tone = “It‘s okay, but I don’t want to say it’s bad.” Practical tip: Listen to the tone, watch the expression, and observe what they do next. 07:15 – 真的假的？(zhēn de jiǎ de?) – “Really?” Literal meaning: “Really? I don‘t believe you.” Real meaning: Expressing surprise and interest — not actual doubt. Practical tip: Just reply “真的呀!” and keep the conversation going. 08:20 – 多喝热水 (duō hē rè shuǐ) – “Drink more hot water” Literal meaning: “Drink some hot water.” Real meaning: “I care about you and hope you feel better soon.” Cultural context: In traditional Chinese thinking, hot water is good for health; in TCM, warm water helps balance the body. Practical tip: When you’re sick, it‘s genuine care; when friends joke about it, it’s teasing. 10:10 – 来都来了 (lái dōu lái le) – “Now that we‘re here…” Literal meaning: “Since we’ve already come…” Real meaning: “Since we‘re already in this situation, let’s just go with it.” Cultural context: The philosophy of self-consolation — instead of complaining about what‘s already happened, accept it and make the best of it. Interactive question: Does your language have a similar expression? 12:10 – 都不容易 (dōu bù róngyì) – “Life isn’t easy for anyone” Literal meaning: “Everyone has it hard.” Real meaning: “I understand you — I get what you‘re going through.” Cultural context: Empathetic comfort — it doesn’t solve the problem, but it makes the other person feel understood. 13:20 – 为了你好 (wèi le nǐ hǎo) – “For your own good” Literal meaning: “I‘m doing this for your own good.” Real meaning: “I care about you and want what’s best for you.” Cultural context: Very common in Chinese families — expresses care, but can also feel pressuring. Practical tip: Thank them for their concern, then gently express your own thoughts: “谢谢您为我考虑，不过我自己也有别的想法。” 15:00 – Mini Quiz & Summary Daisy gives two quiz questions to test if you‘re really starting to understand “Chinese-style conversation.” The takeaway: these phrases are simple on the surface, but their real meaning is hidden in tone, context, and culture. At the intermediate-advanced level, you’re not just learning vocabulary — you‘re learning what people don’t say out loud. 📖 Useful Vocabulary from this episode (by HSK Level) HSK 3 随便 (suíbiàn) – whatever / as you like 口头禅 (kǒutóuchán) – catchphrase / pet phrase 语气 (yǔqì) – tone of voice 场合（chǎnghé）- occasion; situation 字面（zìmiàn）- literal meaning HSK 4 表达 (biǎodá) – to express / expression 怀疑（huáiyí）- to doubt 关心 (guānxīn) – to care about 压力 (yālì) – pressure / stress HSK 5 思维（sīwéi）- thinking 逻辑（luójí）- logic 共情 (gòngqíng) – empathy 安慰 (ānwèi) – to comfort HSK 6+ 哲学（zhéxué）- philosophy 场景（chǎngjǐng）- sight; scene 社交（shèjiāo）- social contact 强势（qiángshì）- strong and powerful 惊讶（jīngyà）- surprised 自我安慰 (zìwǒ ānwèi) – self-consolation 💬 Join the Conversation Have you ever heard a Chinese catchphrase that totally confused you? What was your reaction the first time someone told you to “drink more hot water”? Share your stories in the comments! 📩 Learn Chinese with Chinese Surfing Interested in intensive class in Hangzhou, summer camp in Hangzhou, or HSK preparation in Hangzhou? Chinese Surfing is right here in Hangzhou! 📧 Email: info@chinese-surfing.com 💬 WeChat: Chinesesurfing2 Follow us: 🎬Instagram & Xiaohongshu: Chinese Surfing 🎁 Free learning materials: 🌍 www.chinese-surfing.com 📜 Want the full PDF script of this episode? 📧 Email: daisy@chinese-surfing.com 在小宇宙查看该单集文稿

    E22 中国人的口头禅｜Decoding Chinese Catchphrases

  7. Aug 4

    E21 Chinese Culture｜3 UNESCO Sites in One City

    Welcome back! This episode kicks off our Hangzhou Culture & Travel series – where we‘ll explore more fun topics about Hangzhou and Chinese cities. Perfect for HSK 3‑5 learners who want to learn about Chinese culture while improving their listening skills. If you’re interested in an intensive class in Hangzhou, a summer camp in Hangzhou, or HSK preparation in Hangzhou, Chinese Surfing is right here in Hangzhou — welcome to learn Chinese while exploring these world heritage sites! In this episode, host Daisy takes you on a quick tour of Hangzhou‘s three “world-class business cards”: Liangzhu Ancient City – a 5,000‑year‑old civilization that proves China’s 5,000‑year history West Lake – the “textbook” of Chinese landscape aesthetics and the philosophy of “Harmony Between Heaven and Humanity” The Grand Canal – a 2,500‑year‑old “water highway” that connected northern and southern China 🎧 Timestamps & Key Takeaways 00:00 – Opening QuestionDaisy asks: Have you ever been to a city with a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Do you know which Chinese city has three of them? 02:30 – Liangzhu Ancient City Ruins Located in Yuhang District, north of Hangzhou Dating back 5,300 to 4,300 years Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2019 Features a massive ancient city, a complex water conservancy system, rice farming, and exquisite jade artifacts Key evidence for “5,000 years of Chinese civilization” 📖 Keywords: 良渚古城遗址 (Liángzhǔ Gǔchéng Yízhǐ), 水利系统 (shuǐlì xìtǒng), 玉器 (yùqì） 03:35 – West Lake Cultural Landscape Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011 Described as an outstanding example of a cultural landscape Embodies the Chinese philosophy of “Harmony Between Heaven and Humanity” (天人合一) Known for its poetic scenery, temples, pagodas, and gardens 📖 Keywords: 西湖 (Xīhú), 天人合一 (tiān rén hé yī), 哲学(zhéxué), 文人墨客 (wénrén mòkè) 05:00 – The Grand Canal (Hangzhou Section) Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014 Total length: approximately 1,800 kilometers — the longest and oldest man‑made canal in the world First excavated 2,500 years ago; fully connected during the Sui Dynasty Functioned like an ancient “highway” — transporting grain, silk, and tea from the south to the north Gongchen Bridge (拱宸桥) — the southernmost landmark of the Grand Canal in Hangzhou 📖 Keywords: 大运河 (Dà Yùnhé), 拱宸桥 (Gǒngchén Qiáo), 隋朝 (Suí cháo) 07:30 – Recap & Listener Interaction Three UNESCO sites in one city: Liangzhu, West Lake, and the Grand Canal Daisy asks: If you were to introduce your city to a foreign friend, which place would you choose as its “world-class business card”? This episode kicks off the new Hangzhou Culture & Travel series — future topics will cover food, hidden spots, dialects, and more! 📖 Useful Vocabulary from this episode (by HSK Level) HSK 3 - 世界 (shìjiè) – world - 历史 (lìshǐ) – history - 城市 (chéngshì) – city HSK 4 - 遗产 (yíchǎn) – heritage - 文化 (wénhuà) – culture - 遗址 (yízhǐ) – ruins / site HSK 5 - 文明 (wénmíng) – civilization - 水利 (shuǐlì) – water conservancy - 哲学 (zhéxué) – philosophy HSK 6 - 天人合一 (tiān rén hé yī) – harmony between heaven and humanity - 文人墨客 (wénrén mòkè) – literati and artists HSK 6+ - 良渚古城遗址 (Liángzhǔ Gǔchéng Yízhǐ) – Liangzhu Ancient City Ruins - 拱宸桥 (Gǒngchén Qiáo) – Gongchen Bridge 💬 Join the Conversation Have you ever been to a city with a UNESCO World Heritage Site? If you were to introduce your city to a foreign friend, which place would you choose as its “world-class business card”? What topics about Hangzhou or Chinese cities would you like to hear next? Food? Dialects? History? Fun stories about foreigner life in China? Leave a comment on your podcast platform or share your thoughts in your Chinese learning group! 📩 Learn Chinese with Chinese Surfing Interested in intensive class in Hangzhou, summer camp in Hangzhou, or HSK preparation in Hangzhou? Chinese Surfing is right here in Hangzhou — learn Chinese while exploring these world heritage sites! 📧 Email: info@chinese-surfing.com💬 WeChat: Chinesesurfing2 Follow us:Instagram & Xiaohongshu: Chinese Surfing 🎁 Free learning materials: 👉 www.chinese-surfing.com 📜 Want the full PDF script of this episode?📧 Email: daisy@chinese-surfing.com 在小宇宙查看该单集文稿

    E21 Chinese Culture｜3 UNESCO Sites in One City

  8. Jul 21

    E20 “瓜”的中文密码｜Decoding the ‘Guā’(melons) in Chinese

    Why is 西瓜 (xīguā) called “west melon”? Why is 南瓜 (nánguā) called “south melon”? And why is 冬瓜 (dōngguā) — the “winter melon” — harvested and eaten in the middle of summer? Why is 黄瓜 (huángguā) — the “yellow melon” — green? In this episode, host Daisy takes you on a fun journey through the names of four common Chinese melons. You’ll learn: How 西瓜 (xīguā) got its name from the Western Regions Why 南瓜 (nánguā) has so many different names in China — including 倭瓜 (wōguā), 东瓜 (dōngguā), and even 唐茄子 (tángqiézi) in Japan Why 冬瓜(dōngguā) is called “winter melon” even though it ripens in summer Why 黄瓜(huángguā) is called “yellow melon” even though it’s green And what 吃瓜 (chīguā) means in modern Chinese internet slang This episode is perfect for HSK 4-6 learners who want to learn fun cultural facts while picking up practical vocabulary. Listen until the end to find out what 吃瓜 really means today! If you’re interested in an intensive class in Hangzhou, a summer camp in Hangzhou, or HSK preparation in Hangzhou, Chinese Surfing’s summer program is now open for registration! 🎧 Timestamps & Key Takeaways 00:00 – Opening: Four melon name mysteriesDaisy asks four questions that every Chinese learner has wondered about: Why is 西瓜 called “west melon”? Why is 南瓜 “south melon”? Why is 冬瓜 “winter melon” when it’s a summer vegetable? And why is 黄瓜 “yellow melon” when it’s green? 01:00 – Part 1: 西瓜 — The “West Melon” 西瓜 originated in Africa and was introduced to China via the Silk Road during the Han Dynasty It came from the Western Regions (西域, Xīyù) — present-day Xinjiang and Central Asia Fun fact: Some scholars believe it may have arrived via the southeastern coast, which would make it “east melon” instead! 📖 Keywords: 西瓜 (xīguā), 西域 (Xīyù), 丝绸之路 (Sīchóuzhīlù) 03:00 – Part 2: 南瓜 — The “South Melon” with many names 南瓜 seeds came from 南番 (Nánfān) — southern foreign lands, mainly Southeast Asia It has many names across China: 倭瓜 (wōguā) — because people thought it came from Japan (倭 was the ancient Chinese name for Japan); 东瓜 (dōngguā) — because Japan is east of China; 高丽瓜 (gāolíguā) — because some thought it came from Korea In Japan, they call it 唐茄子 (tángqiézi) — because they thought it came from China (唐 = Tang Dynasty, representing China; 茄子 = general term for fruits/vegetables in Japanese)📖 Keywords: 南瓜 (nánguā), 倭瓜 (wōguā), 唐茄子 (tángqiézi), 南番 (Nánfān) 05:30 – Part 3: 冬瓜 — The “Winter Melon” that grows in summer Two theories on the name: Theory 1: The white powder on the skin looks like winter frost, and the flesh is white like snow Theory 2: The thick skin allows it to be stored through the winter Either way, the name comes from its appearance or storage ability — not its growing season📖 Keywords: 冬瓜 (dōngguā), 白霜 (báishuāng) 07:00 – Part 4: 黄瓜 — The “Yellow Melon” that’s green Originally called 胡瓜 (húguā) — brought back from the Western Regions by Zhang Qian (张骞) during the Han Dynasty 胡 (hú) referred to the ethnic groups in the western regions Renamed to 黄瓜 during the Sui Dynasty — Emperor Yang of Sui (隋炀帝) hated the character 胡 and ordered the name change Why “yellow”? Because cucumbers turn yellow when fully ripe! We eat them green and immature📖 Keywords: 黄瓜 (huángguā), 胡瓜 (húguā), 张骞 (Zhāng Qiān), 隋炀帝 (Suí Yángdì) 09:20 – Part 5: 吃瓜 — Internet slang 吃瓜 (chīguā) means “to follow gossip” or “to watch the drama” Origin: Early internet forums — people watching drama would say “前排吃瓜子” (eating sunflower seeds in the front row), like watching a show Eventually shortened to 吃瓜, and 瓜 became slang for “gossip” or “hot news” Common phrases: 今天有什么瓜？(What’s the tea today?), 我只是一个吃瓜群众 (I’m just here for the drama)📖 Keywords: 吃瓜 (chīguā), 吃瓜群众 (chīguā qúnzhòng), 八卦 (bāguà) 11:00 – Recap 西瓜 → from the Western Regions (西域) 南瓜 → from the south (南番), with many regional names 冬瓜 → white frost looks like winter snow; can be stored through winter 黄瓜 → originally 胡瓜, renamed by Emperor Yang of Sui; turns yellow when ripe 吃瓜 → internet slang for following gossip 💬 Join the Conversation What do you call watermelon, pumpkin, and cucumber in your language? Do the names have interesting meanings? Do you have any fun food name stories in your language? Have you heard or used 吃瓜 before? What’s the juiciest “瓜” you’ve come across recently? Leave a comment on your podcast platform or share your thoughts in your Chinese learning group! 📩 Learn Chinese with Chinese Surfing Interested in intensive class in Hangzhou, summer camp in Hangzhou, or HSK preparation in Hangzhou? Our summer program is now open for registration! 📧 Email: info@chinese-surfing.com💬 WeChat: Chinesesurfing2 Follow us:Instagram & Xiaohongshu: Chinese Surfing 🎁 Free learning materials: 👉 www.chinese-surfing.com 📜 Want the full PDF script of this episode?📧 Email: daisy@chinese-surfing.com 在小宇宙查看该单集文稿

    E20 “瓜”的中文密码｜Decoding the ‘Guā’(melons) in Chinese
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About

Dive into Chinese Surfing, the official podcast from Chinese Surfing Chinese School! Hosted by Teacher Daisy, this is your fun and supportive community for all things Mandarin. Interested in Chinese Classes or Course Consultation? Email: info@chinese-surfing.com WeChat: Chinesesurfing2 Instagram & Xiaohongshu: Chinese Surfing Free learning resources: www.chinese-surfing.com For a full PDF transcript of this episode, email: daisy@chinese-surfing.com

Information

  • Creator
    daaaaaaaisy
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © daaaaaaaisy@小宇宙App
  • Show Website
    ChineseSurfing畅说中文