Chinese Unmuted Podcast | 敢敢说中文 (Intermediate Mandarin & Culture)

Kevin and Yun Yun
  • 5.0 (1)
  • LANGUAGE LEARNING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Stop sounding like a robot. Start speaking like a local. 🗣️ Chinese Unmuted bridges the gap for HSK 3-4 learners. We decode the real-world spoken differences between Mainland China 🇨🇳 & Taiwan 🇹🇼. Hosts: 🎙️ Kevin (Mainland Roots): Pragmatic Business Logic 🎙️ Yun Yun (Native 🇹🇼): Cultural Insider Master the Blind Spots: 🛑 Taboos: Why calling a driver "Big Brother" is rude in China. 🌏 Accents: Northern "Erhua" vs. Taiwanese "Soft" tones. 🚀 Survival: Real-world Business & Travel vocab. 🎧 New episodes weekly. Watch full video episodes with subtitles on our YouTube channel!

Episodes

  1. JAN 23

    Ep 7: Dating in China vs. Taiwan: "Straight Ball" or "Sājiāo"?

    Is being "efficient" romantic... or just scary? 💔 In Mainland China, dating is often about efficiency: if you like someone, you throw a "Straight Ball" (Zhíqiú). But in Taiwan? Being that direct can get you labeled a "Straight Man Cancer." Instead, you need to master the art of "Ambiguity" (Àimèi). In this episode, Kevin and Yun Yun dissect the "Romance War" between the North and South. We explain why "acting cute" (Sājiāo) is a survival skill in Taipei, while "Earthy Love Words" rule in Beijing. 📄 Download the Free "Dating Survival" Cheat Sheet:https://chineseunmuted.org/ep7 In this episode, you will learn: ⚔️ The Strategy Clash: Mainland "Efficiency" vs. Taiwan "Ambiguity"—and why getting them wrong spells disaster. 🥺 The Sājiāo Masterclass: How to use lethal words like "Renjia" (人家) to get your way. 🐟 The "Player" Trap: What it means to be "Raising Fish" (Yǎngyú) and how to avoid the accusation. 💸 The Bill War: Understanding the Taiwanese "Fake Wallet Reach" ritual vs. the Mainland "Face" culture. Timestamps:(00:00) The Failed "Straight Ball" Pickup(01:04) Mainland "Efficiency" vs. Taiwan "Ambiguity"(02:50) Taiwan's Secret Move: "Sājiāo" (撒娇)(04:33) China's Tactic: "Earthy Love Words" (土味情话)(05:57) The Bill Clash: "Face" vs. "Fake Wallet Reach"(07:06) Digital Flirting: YYDS vs. Stickers(08:16) Do We Need a Formal Confession?(09:21) Final Showdown: Who wins the date? Support the Show:If you enjoyed this episode, please rate us 5 stars on Spotify! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    12 min

  2. JAN 23

    Ep 6: Why "Miss" is an Insult in China (Mainland vs. Taiwan)

    Did you know being "polite" in China can actually get you a death stare? 😠 In Taiwan, calling a stranger "Xiǎojiě" (Miss) is standard manners. But in Mainland China, using that same word in the wrong context doesn't mean "Miss"—it implies she works in the nightlife industry (陪酒女郎). In this episode, Kevin and Yun Yun navigate the linguistic minefield of addressing strangers across the Taiwan Strait. We break down exactly what to say to avoid offending locals, from taxi drivers to waitresses. 📄 Download the Free "Addressing Strangers" Cheat Sheet:https://chineseunmuted.org/ep6 In this episode, you will learn: 🛑 The "Miss" Trap: Why "Xiǎojiě" is a taboo word in Beijing but essential in Taipei. 💃 The Universal Safe Word: Why Mainland locals call everyone "Beauty" (Měinǚ)—and why Taiwanese people find that creepy. 🚕 Men are Different: Why calling a taxi driver "Handsome Guy" (Shuàigē) is awkward (and why you should call him "Master" instead). 💇‍♂️ The "Teacher" Hack: How calling your hairdresser "Lǎoshī" in China gets you better service. Timestamps:(00:00) The "Miss" Slap Incident(01:24) Why "Xiǎojiě" Became Taboo(03:12) "Beauty" (Měinǚ) vs. "Sister" (Jiějie)(05:27) Addressing Men: "Shuàigē" vs. "Shīfu"(07:25) Why your Hairdresser is a "Teacher"(09:19) Survival Quiz: Shanghai Scenarios Support the Show:If you enjoyed this episode, please rate us 5 stars on Spotify! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    14 min

  3. JAN 23

    Ep 5: Don't Ask for "WhatsApp"! 🛑 WeChat vs. LINE Etiquette (China vs. Taiwan)

    Ever been ghosted by a new friend just because you asked for the wrong messaging app? 👻 In this episode, Kevin and Yun Yun navigate the massive cultural minefield of the "Green Giants": Mainland China’s WeChat vs. Taiwan’s LINE. Asking for WhatsApp in Shanghai isn't just inconvenient—it can make you look like a scammer or a clueless tourist. 💀 We dissect the specific vocabulary and unwritten social rules you need to survive the digital landscape on both sides of the strait. What you'll learn in this episode: The Approach: The difference between saying "Jiā ge Wēixìn ba" (加个微信吧) vs. "Jiā ge Lài ba" (加个赖吧). The Connection: Why Mainland users prefer "Scanning" (扫一扫) while Taiwanese users rely on IDs. The Etiquette: Why sending long voice messages is a crime in Taipei but normal in Beijing, and why using a period (。) makes you look furious. 😠 The Breakup: Essential terms for blocking people: "Lāhēi" (拉黑) vs. "Fēngsuǒ" (封锁). Whether you are doing business or trying to date, learn how to speak fluent, efficient, and locally appropriate social media Mandarin. ✨ 📄 Download the Free Cheat Sheet:https://chineseunmuted.org/ep5 Show Chapters:(00:00) The WhatsApp Ghosting Incident(01:20) LINE vs. WeChat: The Green Giants Ecosystem(03:42) Scanning vs. IDs: Adding Friends(05:55) Voice Messages vs. Stickers: Digital Manners(08:09) Privacy & Safety: Moments vs. Blocking Dare to speak out. Follow Chinese Unmuted for more culturally smart Mandarin!

    11 min

  4. JAN 17

    Ep 4: Don't Say "Waiter"! 🛑 Dining Etiquette & Ordering Food (China vs. Taiwan)

    Have you ever tried ordering food in a Chinese restaurant and felt instantly rude? Yelling "Fúwùyuán!" (Waiter!) might get you served fast in a bustling Beijing restaurant, but if you try that volume in a cozy Taipei eatery, you'll get major side-eye. In this episode, Kevin and Yun Yun break down the critical cultural codes of dining across the strait. You will learn: Getting Attention: Why Mainland Chinese use "Beauty" (Měinǚ) for efficiency, while Taiwanese rely on "Excuse me" (Bù hǎoyìsi). Ordering: The tech gap between "QR Code Ordering" (Mainland) vs. "Pencil & Paper" (Taiwan). Customizing: How to flawlessly ask for "No Cilantro" or "Half Sugar." Paying: The cultural art of "Fighting to Pay" vs. "Going Dutch" (AA制). Timestamps:(00:00) Intro: Yelling 'Fúwùyuán' in Taipei(01:30) Calling the Waiter: "Waiter" vs. "Beauty"(04:14) Scanning Codes vs. Drawing Orders(06:29) Customizing: No Cilantro & Half Sugar(08:18) Paying the Bill: Treating vs. AA(10:35) Practical Exercise

    13 min

  5. JAN 14

    Ep 3: Don't Call Him "Big Brother"! 🛑 Taxi & Didi Mistakes (China vs. Taiwan)

    Ever been glared at by a taxi driver in Shanghai just for trying to be polite? 😠 In Episode 3, Yun Yun shares her embarrassing mistake of calling a Mainland driver "Big Brother" (a huge cultural no-no!). Kevin and Yun Yun break down exactly how to hail a ride, address the driver, and get your receipt without sounding like a lost tourist. We cover the critical differences between the "Efficiency Culture" of Didi in China and the "Chatty Culture" of Uber/Taxis in Taiwan. 📝 **Transport Vocabulary Cheat Sheet:** **The Vehicle:** * Mainland: 出租车 (Chūzū chē) * Taiwan: 计程车 (Jìchéng chē) or "Little Yellow" (小黄) **Addressing the Driver (Crucial!):** * Mainland: 师傅 (Shīfu) - "Master" (Respectful) ✅ * Mainland: 大哥 (Dàgē) - "Big Brother" (Too casual/gangster) ❌ * Taiwan: 司机大哥 (Sījī Dàgē) - Friendly & Polite ✅ **Hailing a Ride:** * Mainland: 打车 (Dǎ chē) - "Hit a car" (Forceful) * Taiwan: 叫车 (Jiào chē) - "Call a car" (Gentle) **For Business Travelers (Reimbursement):** * Mainland: 发票 (Fāpiào) - Official Invoice * Taiwan: 收据 (Shōujù) + 统编 (Tǒngbiān) - Receipt + Tax ID 💡 **Cultural Insight:** In Mainland China, rides are often silent and efficient. In Taiwan, be prepared for a "friendly chat" about the weather, food, or politics! ____________________ 💡 **Learning Tip:** If you are listening on Spotify, you can also switch to the **Video** version to see the subtitles! ____________________ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChineseUnmuted Follow us for weekly episodes!

    12 min

  6. JAN 14

    Ep2: Stop Saying "Wǒ Jiào"! 🛑 Professional Business Chinese (China vs. Taiwan)

    Still introducing yourself with "Nǐ Hǎo, Wǒ Jiào..."? 🛑 In the corporate world, that sounds like a primary school student. In Episode 2, Kevin (China/Singapore) and Yun Yun (Taiwan) teach you the 3-Step Formula for a "Pro" self-introduction that commands respect. We also decode the confusing vocabulary differences between Mainland China and Taiwan business settings. 📝 **Business Vocabulary Cheat Sheet:** **The Introduction:** * ❌ Avoid: 我叫 (Wǒ jiào) - Sounds juvenile * ✅ Better: 我是 (Wǒ shì) - "I am..." * ✅ Pro: 您可以称呼我... (Nín kěyǐ chēnghu wǒ) - "You can address me as..." **The Documents:** * Resume (China): 简历 (Jiǎnlì) * Resume (Taiwan): 履历 (Lǚlì) **Tech & Digital:** * Software: 软件 (Ruǎnjiàn) [CN] vs. 软体 (Ruǎntǐ) [TW] * Digital: 数字 (Shùzì) [CN] vs. 数位 (Shùwèi) [TW] * Project: 项目 (Xiàngmù) [CN] vs. 专案 (Zhuān'àn) [TW] **Corporate Buzzwords:** * Marketing: 市场 (Shìchǎng) [CN] vs. 行销 (Xíngxiāo) [TW] * To Implement/Execute: 落地 (Luòdì) [CN] vs. 执行 (Zhíxíng) [TW] * To Empower: 赋能 (Fùnéng) [CN] * "Luòdì" (Landing) is a huge buzzword in China tech companies. It means making a high-level idea actually happen on the ground! 💡 **Learning Tip:**If you are listening on Spotify, you can also switch to the **Video** version to see the subtitles!____________________Watch on YouTube: Chinese Unmuted Podcast | 敢敢说中文 - YouTubeFollow us for weekly episodes!

    10 min

  7. JAN 14

    Ep 1: How to Order Bubble Tea (Don't Say "I Want to Buy"! 🛑)

    Ever get nervous when the bubble tea staff asks you about sugar and ice levels? 🧋 In our very first episode, Kevin (Singapore/China) and Yun Yun (Taiwan) teach you how to order like a local so you don't hold up the line! We break down the crucial vocabulary for sweetness, ice levels, and the cultural differences between saying "Takeaway" in China vs. Taiwan. 📝 **Vocabulary Cheat Sheet:** **The Basics:** * Hand-shaken drink: 手摇饮 (Shǒu Yáo Yǐn) [Taiwan] * Bubble Tea: 珍珠奶茶 (Zhēnzhū Nǎichá) **Sweetness Levels (甜度):** * Full Sugar: 全糖 (Quán táng) ☠️ * Half Sugar: 半糖 (Bàn táng) - 50% * Micro Sugar: 微糖 (Wēi táng) - 30% [Recommended!] * No Sugar: 无糖 (Wú táng) **Ice Levels (冰块):** * Regular Ice: 正常冰 (Zhèngcháng bīng) * No Ice: 去冰 (Qù bīng) * Room Temperature: 常温 (Cháng wēn) **To Go:** * Taiwan: 外带 (Wài dài) * Mainland/SG: 打包 (Dǎ bāo) **Payment:** * Scan QR Code: 扫码 (Sǎo mǎ) 💡 **Learning Tip:** If you are listening on Spotify, you can also switch to the **Video** version to see the subtitles! ____________________ Watch on YouTube: Chinese Unmuted Podcast | 敢敢说中文 - YouTube Follow us for weekly episodes!

    9 min
  • 7 Episodes

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Stop sounding like a robot. Start speaking like a local. 🗣️ Chinese Unmuted bridges the gap for HSK 3-4 learners. We decode the real-world spoken differences between Mainland China 🇨🇳 & Taiwan 🇹🇼. Hosts: 🎙️ Kevin (Mainland Roots): Pragmatic Business Logic 🎙️ Yun Yun (Native 🇹🇼): Cultural Insider Master the Blind Spots: 🛑 Taboos: Why calling a driver "Big Brother" is rude in China. 🌏 Accents: Northern "Erhua" vs. Taiwanese "Soft" tones. 🚀 Survival: Real-world Business & Travel vocab. 🎧 New episodes weekly. Watch full video episodes with subtitles on our YouTube channel!

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