Chinese Learning Podcast | HSK 3 (Season 1)

Trainlang / Hanyu

Are you learning Chinese at an HSK 3 level? With Hanyu Chinese School’s podcasts, you can improve your listening skills through real-life dialogues and deepen your understanding of Mandarin grammar and culture. Practice anytime, anywhere — and take your Chinese to the next level. Want to go further? Join the #1 online academy for learning Mandarin: https://www.hanyuchineseschool.com/en/

  1. #20 除了…以外…都/还… Explained | 12+ Hours of Study and No Free Time? |  HSK 3

    2D AGO

    #20 除了…以外…都/还… Explained | 12+ Hours of Study and No Free Time? | HSK 3

    ️ Do Chinese students really start school at 7AM? In this episode, you’ll learn how to use 除了…以外…都… and 除了…以外…也/还… to express exceptions and add information naturally in Mandarin. Through a clear HSK3-level dialogue, we explore real school life in China and Taiwan — early mornings, long study hours, and after-school classes — while helping you master one of the most useful grammar patterns for everyday communication. What you’ll learn • Grammar: how to use 除了…以外…都… (except…) and 除了…以外…也/还… (in addition…). • Practical usage: express exceptions and add extra information naturally. • Real context: common situations from school life and daily routines. • Cultural insight: why education plays such a central role in Chinese-speaking societies. ️ Key examples • 除了上学以外,还要去补习。 Besides school, you also have to attend extra classes. • 除了一个同学以外,大家都来了。 Everyone came except one classmate. • 除了学习钢琴以外,我还学打羽毛球。 Besides learning piano, I also play badminton. Challenge Write a sentence using 除了…以外… in the comments. We’ll help you improve it. At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights: Online Campus: The best virtual campus. Access study materials, interactive exercises, and additional resources from anywhere, anytime. Private Teachers: Our highly trained teachers provide personalized classes with an individual approach. Trial Classes: Not sure if this language is for you? Try our trial classes! Immerse yourself in the language and discover if it’s the right choice for you. Hanyu Blog: Every week, we publish informative and entertaining articles to help you improve your understanding of the language and culture. Learn more languages with Trainlang! Visit our websites and start your language journey today

    20 min
  2. #19 Learn 一边…一边… | Why Young Chinese Don’t Want Kids | HSK 3

    3D AGO

    #19 Learn 一边…一边… | Why Young Chinese Don’t Want Kids | HSK 3

    Why are so many young Chinese choosing not to have children? In this episode, we explore one of the most talked-about social trends in modern China while you learn a highly practical grammar structure: 一边…一边… This structure allows you to express doing two things at the same time — something you’ll use constantly in real conversations. We break it down step by step so you can understand it clearly and start using it naturally. What you’ll learn • Grammar: how to use 一边…一边… to describe simultaneous actions. • Practical usage: everyday sentences you can use immediately. • Comparisons: how this structure differs from similar patterns in Mandarin. • Real context: examples at HSK3 level to help you sound more natural. ️ Key examples from the episode 1) 我一边跑步,一边听播客。 Wǒ yìbiān pǎobù, yìbiān tīng bōkè. I run while listening to podcasts. 2) 我一边等公交车,一边刷手机。 Wǒ yìbiān děng gōngjiāochē, yìbiān shuā shǒujī. I scroll on my phone while waiting for the bus. Cultural insight We also explore a major shift in Chinese society: • Why many young people are choosing not to have children • Economic pressure and changing lifestyles • The long-term effects of the One-Child Policy • Why policies have changed… but mindsets haven’t Challenge Write a sentence using 一边…一边… in the comments. We’ll help you correct it. At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights: Online Campus: The best virtual campus. Access study materials, interactive exercises, and additional resources from anywhere, anytime. Private Teachers: Our highly trained teachers provide personalized classes with an individual approach. Trial Classes: Not sure if this language is for you? Try our trial classes! Immerse yourself in the language and discover if it’s the right choice for you. Hanyu Blog: Every week, we publish informative and entertaining articles to help you improve your understanding of the language and culture. Learn more languages with Trainlang! Visit our websites and start your language journey today

    18 min
  3. #18 Directional Complements 来&去 | China’s Most Controversial Street Foods | HSK 3

    4D AGO

    #18 Directional Complements 来&去 | China’s Most Controversial Street Foods | HSK 3

    Would you try century egg, duck blood, pig brain… or bird’s nest? In this episode, we explore 5 surprising Chinese foods while you learn one of the most useful grammar points in Mandarin: directional complements (来 / 去 / 过来 / 过去). But this episode isn’t just about “unusual food”. It’s about understanding how culture shapes taste, daily habits… and even the way people speak. Today you’ll learn how to describe movement naturally in Chinese: bringing things closer, moving away, or talking about direction in real-life situations. These structures are essential if you want to sound more natural and go beyond textbook Chinese. What you’ll learn • Grammar: how to use 来 / 去 and compound complements like 过来 / 过去. • Practical usage: describe movement, direction, and actions in everyday conversations. • Real context: a dialogue at HSK3 level with natural expressions. • Culture: a closer look at Chinese food culture and why some dishes may seem surprising from a Western perspective. Challenge Would you try any of these foods? And can you write a sentence using 来 or 去? Leave it in the comments and we’ll help you improve it. At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights: Online Campus: The best virtual campus. Access study materials, interactive exercises, and additional resources from anywhere, anytime. Private Teachers: Our highly trained teachers provide personalized classes with an individual approach. Trial Classes: Not sure if this language is for you? Try our trial classes! Immerse yourself in the language and discover if it’s the right choice for you. Hanyu Blog: Every week, we publish informative and entertaining articles to help you improve your understanding of the language and culture. Learn more languages with Trainlang! Visit our websites and start your language journey today Chapters (00:00:15) - Beef and Eggs, Stinky tofu and Pork(00:02:25) - Directional Complementations in Chinese(00:09:00) - Manager Wang's illness(00:10:44) - Three types of Chinese food(00:15:29) - Chinese Basics(00:21:33) - Directional Completions

    23 min
  4. #17 就 or 才? | Why Chinese People Ask Your Salary So Directly | HSK 3

    4D AGO

    #17 就 or 才? | Why Chinese People Ask Your Salary So Directly | HSK 3

    Start learning Chinese today with a free trial class: https://www.hanyuchineseschool.com/en/ Learn How to Use 才 (cái) and 就 (jiù) Naturally in Chinese | HSK 3 In this episode, we break down two small but powerful words in Mandarin: 才 (cái) and 就 (jiù). Both relate to time, but they express very different meanings and attitudes. You’ll learn how 就 is used when something happens earlier, faster, or more easily than expected, while 才 is used when something happens later than expected, often with a sense of surprise or even complaint. These are everyday words that native speakers use constantly — and mastering them will make your Chinese sound much more natural. But that’s not all We also explore a cultural topic that often surprises learners: Why do Chinese people sometimes ask very direct questions about your salary or personal life? Understanding this will help you not only speak better Chinese, but also interpret real conversations more accurately. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ The difference between 才 and 就 in real-life contexts ✅ How to express expectations about time naturally ✅ Common mistakes learners make and how to avoid them ✅ Cultural insight into direct communication in China Practice Challenge: How would you say: “He arrived very early” and “He only arrived now” in Chinese? Write your answers in the comments and test your understanding. At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights: Online Campus: The best virtual campus. Access study materials, interactive exercises, and additional resources from anywhere, anytime. Private Teachers: Our highly trained teachers provide personalized classes with an individual approach. Trial Classes: Not sure if this language is for you? Try our trial classes! Immerse yourself in the language and discover if it’s the right choice for you. Hanyu Blog: Every week, we publish informative and entertaining articles to help you improve your understanding of the language and culture. Learn more languages with Trainlang! Visit our websites and start your language journey today

    20 min
  5. #16 How to Use 把 in Chinese | Spring Festival Traditions & Activities | HSK 3

    FEB 28

    #16 How to Use 把 in Chinese | Spring Festival Traditions & Activities | HSK 3

    In this episode, we tackle one of the most important — and often confusing — grammar structures at HSK 3 level: the 把 (bǎ) sentence. Instead of learning it in isolation, you’ll see how 把 is actually used in real life — especially during one of the busiest times of the year: preparing for Chinese New Year. Through clear explanations, practical examples, and a natural dialogue, you’ll learn how to use 把 to talk about: • Moving objects • Changing situations • Completing tasks • Getting things done properly You’ll understand why 把 focuses on the result or impact of an action, and how this structure helps you sound more natural and more advanced in Mandarin. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ The basic 把 + object + verb + complement structure ✅ When and why Chinese speakers use 把 ✅ Common verbs that frequently appear in 把 sentences ✅ Typical mistakes learners make (and how to avoid them) ✅ Cultural insight into Spring Festival preparation traditions Cultural Insight: Before Spring Festival, families clean the house, decorate with red couplets, prepare food, and organise everything for the new year. This is exactly the kind of context where 把 sentences appear naturally in daily conversation. Practice Challenge: How would you say: “Please put the red decorations on the door” using 把? Write your answer in the comments and try building your own example sentence. At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights: Online Campus: The best virtual campus. Access study materials, interactive exercises, and additional resources from anywhere, anytime. Private Teachers: Our highly trained teachers provide personalized classes with an individual approach. Trial Classes: Not sure if this language is for you? Try our trial classes! Immerse yourself in the language and discover if it’s the right choice for you. Hanyu Blog: Every week, we publish informative and entertaining articles to help you improve your understanding of the language and culture. Learn more languages with Trainlang! Visit our websites and start your language journey today

    20 min
  6. #15 比 vs 没有: How Chinese People Compare Things | Spring Festival & Lunar Calendar | HSK 3

    FEB 13

    #15 比 vs 没有: How Chinese People Compare Things | Spring Festival & Lunar Calendar | HSK 3

    比 & 没有 | How Chinese People Compare Things | Spring Festival & the Lunar Calendar | HSK 3 In today’s episode, we focus on two essential comparison structures in Mandarin: 比 (bǐ) and 没有 (méiyǒu). These patterns are everywhere in everyday conversations and are key to sounding natural at HSK 3 level. You’ll learn how to compare people, time, and situations clearly and confidently. For example: Busier than before More stressful than last year Not as big as someone else’s We’ll also show you how to say “much more” and “a little more” in a natural way, and how to avoid common comparison mistakes learners often make. But grammar is only half the story In the cultural section, we explore something many Western learners don’t fully understand: Why doesn’t Chinese New Year follow the Western calendar? We explain: What 农历 (the lunar calendar) really is Why the date of Spring Festival changes every year How the lunar calendar is still used today for festivals, birthdays, and important life decisions And why understanding this helps you follow real Chinese conversations more easily What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How to use A 比 B + adjective correctly ✅ How to express “much more” and “a little more” naturally ✅ How to say “not as… as…” using 没有 ✅ Common comparison mistakes and how to fix them ✅ A clear cultural explanation of Spring Festival and the lunar calendar Practice Challenge: Create your own sentence using both 比 and 没有 and write it in the comments. At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights: Online Campus: The best virtual campus. Access study materials, interactive exercises, and additional resources from anywhere, anytime. Private Teachers: Our highly trained teachers provide personalized classes with an individual approach. Trial Classes: Not sure if this language is for you? Try our trial classes! Immerse yourself in the language and discover if it’s the right choice for you. Hanyu Blog: Every week, we publish informative and entertaining articles to help you improve your understanding of the language and culture. Learn more languages with Trainlang! Visit our websites and start your language journey today Chapters (00:00:19) - Comparing in Chinese(00:07:54) - Our Dialogue(00:10:12) - How Chinese New Year and Spring Festival are marked(00:12:47) - The Chinese New Year and the calendar(00:19:53) - Chinese New Year traditions and rules(00:22:24) - Together Chinese Profills(00:23:27) - How to Compare Things Naturally Using Bee and Mayo

    25 min
  7. #14 越…越… | Why Do Chinese People Love Square Dancing? | Learn Chinese Online | HSK 3

    FEB 13

    #14 越…越… | Why Do Chinese People Love Square Dancing? | Learn Chinese Online | HSK 3

    The More… The More… (越…越…) | Why Do Chinese People Love Square Dancing? | HSK 3 In today’s episode, we explore one of the most natural and powerful sentence structures in Mandarin: 越…越… (“the more… the more…”). This pattern is used constantly in real Chinese and helps you describe how two things change together over time. It’s especially common when talking about work, study, emotions, habits, and daily life. You’ll hear clear and practical examples such as: The more you work, the more tired you feel. The more happily you study, the faster you improve. You’ll also learn when to use 越…越… and how it differs from 越来越, so you won’t confuse the two. But that’s not all In our cultural segment, we dive into a phenomenon that surprises almost every foreigner in China: 广场舞 (square dancing). Why do people gather to dance in public squares at night? Why is the music often so loud? And why is this activity about much more than exercise? What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How to use 越…越… naturally in conversation ✅ The key difference between 越…越… and 越来越 ✅ Real-life examples at HSK 3 level ✅ Cultural insight into China’s square dancing tradition ✅ How grammar and social habits reflect real life in China Cultural Insight: Square dancing in China is not just about movement. For many people, it’s about community, routine, friendship, and staying active. It’s a way of using public space very differently from what many Westerners are used to. Challenge for You: Can you create your own sentence using 越…越…? Write it in the comments and practise thinking directly in Chinese. At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights: Online Campus: The best virtual campus. Access study materials, interactive exercises, and additional resources from anywhere, anytime. Private Teachers: Our highly trained teachers provide personalized classes with an individual approach. Trial Classes: Not sure if this language is for you? Try our trial classes! Immerse yourself in the language and discover if it’s the right choice for you. Hanyu Blog: Every week, we publish informative and entertaining articles to help you improve your understanding of the language and culture. Learn more languages with Trainlang! Visit our websites and start your language journey today

    21 min
  8. #13 一样 vs 不一样  | How Food Livestreams Work in China | Learn Chinese Online | HSK 3

    FEB 13

    #13 一样 vs 不一样 | How Food Livestreams Work in China | Learn Chinese Online | HSK 3

    Eating Culture in China | 一样 vs 不一样 | HSK 3 In today’s episode, we explore Chinese eating culture and learn how to compare things naturally using 一样 (the same) and 不一样 (different). Have you ever wondered how Chinese meals differ from Western food habits? From shared dishes and round tables to street food markets and luxury banquets, food culture in China is full of unique traditions. In this lesson, you’ll discover how to describe similarities and differences clearly in Mandarin — not just about food, but about habits, people, cities, and daily life. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How to use 一样 to say “the same” in natural sentences ✅ How to use 不一样 to express differences ✅ Sentence patterns for making comparisons in everyday conversations ✅ Cultural insights into Chinese dining habits and table culture Cultural Note: In China, meals are often shared. Instead of ordering one dish per person, people usually order several dishes for the whole table. Eating together is about connection, not just food. Question for You: How would you say in Chinese: “Chinese food and Western food are different”? Write your answer in the comments and we’ll check it. Mini Challenge: Create your own sentence using 一样 or 不一样. For example: 我们的想法不一样。 (Our ideas are different.) 这两家餐厅一样好吃。 (These two restaurants are equally delicious.) At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights: Online Campus: The best virtual campus. Access study materials, interactive exercises, and additional resources from anywhere, anytime. Private Teachers: Our highly trained teachers provide personalized classes with an individual approach. Trial Classes: Not sure if this language is for you? Try our trial classes! Immerse yourself in the language and discover if it’s the right choice for you. Hanyu Blog: Every week, we publish informative and entertaining articles to help you improve your understanding of the language and culture. Learn more languages with Trainlang! Visit our websites and start your language journey today Chapters (00:00:11) - How Food Live Streams work in China(00:02:58) - Chinese Keyword(00:09:16) - Eating Show(00:12:53) - China's Food Entertainment(00:16:45) - Comparing Chinese and Life in 2020

    19 min

About

Are you learning Chinese at an HSK 3 level? With Hanyu Chinese School’s podcasts, you can improve your listening skills through real-life dialogues and deepen your understanding of Mandarin grammar and culture. Practice anytime, anywhere — and take your Chinese to the next level. Want to go further? Join the #1 online academy for learning Mandarin: https://www.hanyuchineseschool.com/en/

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