412 episodes

Chinese and English Language podcast. A mixed couple (Tom & Ula) living in Taiwan, teach Chinese through the use of Chinglish (Chinese and English) on a variety of topics. Learn Chinese, study methods, Entertainment, news, life, business, hints and tricks to learning Mandarin. Hear a native speaking naturally and at natural pace but with the English translation so you can follow the context of the conversation. Enjoy.

Mandarin Monkey Podcast Mandarin Monkey

    • Education
    • 4.8 • 118 Ratings

Chinese and English Language podcast. A mixed couple (Tom & Ula) living in Taiwan, teach Chinese through the use of Chinglish (Chinese and English) on a variety of topics. Learn Chinese, study methods, Entertainment, news, life, business, hints and tricks to learning Mandarin. Hear a native speaking naturally and at natural pace but with the English translation so you can follow the context of the conversation. Enjoy.

    360 - Advice 建议 Jiànyì - Good or Bad Advice and vocabulary in Mandarin and English

    360 - Advice 建议 Jiànyì - Good or Bad Advice and vocabulary in Mandarin and English

    Tom and Ula discuss good and bad advice they have gotten over the years.

    Mandarin Vocabulary Related to Advice:
    建议 (Jiànyì) - Advice
    最好 (Zuì hǎo) - Best
    最坏 (Zuì huài) - Worst
    经验 (Jīngyàn) - Experience
    智慧 (Zhìhuì) - Wisdom
    错误 (Cuòwù) - Mistake
    成功 (Chénggōng) - Success
    失败 (Shībài) - Failure
    教训 (Jiàoxùn) - Lesson
    启发 (Qǐfā) - Inspiration

    • 43 min
    #359 - 社交媒体 Social Media | Casual Mandarin Chinese & English Podcast

    #359 - 社交媒体 Social Media | Casual Mandarin Chinese & English Podcast

    Hey Mandarin Monkey fam! This week, we’re taking a hilarious hike through the history of social media – yes, we’re talking about the good, the bad, and the downright cringe-worthy moments from our digital pasts. Remember the thrill of customizing your MySpace page or the challenge of expressing your whole vibe in just 140 characters? How about those Vine creations we all thought were cinematic masterpieces?

    Join us as we reminisce about the days when social media was just finding its feet, diving into the trends that had us hooked, and the posts that make us face-palm now. From virtual farms to the first selfie hashtags, we’re unpacking it all with our usual blend of humor and insight.

    But what’s a trip down memory lane without picking up a few new phrases along the way? In true Mandarin Monkey style, we’ll sprinkle in some Mandarin related to social media. Whether you’re here to chuckle over our digital faux pas or to snag some new vocabulary for your Mandarin arsenal, this episode promises to deliver.

    • 1 hr 2 min
    #358 - 水滴石穿 Shuǐ Dī Shí Chuān | Bilingual | Mandarin and English

    #358 - 水滴石穿 Shuǐ Dī Shí Chuān | Bilingual | Mandarin and English

    In this heartwarming episode of our Chinese Learning Podcast, we dive into the theme of "Life's Little Wins: Celebrating Small Victories." Join us as we share personal anecdotes and reflections on the small accomplishments that brighten our daily lives. From mastering a new Mandarin phrase to finally understanding a complex Chinese character, we explore the joy and significance of these moments. Our discussion highlights the importance of acknowledging these victories, especially during challenging times, and how they contribute to our overall happiness and sense of fulfillment. We also touch on the impact of sharing these wins on relationships and community spirit, and the role of social media in celebrating these achievements. Whether it's a seemingly insignificant skill mastered or a daily ritual that brings joy, we celebrate the beauty and strength found in the small things in life. We encourage our listeners to embrace gratitude and make a habit of recognizing their daily victories, no matter how minor they may seem. To inspire perseverance and dedication in learning Chinese or any endeavor, we introduce the Mandarin phrase “水滴石穿 (shuǐ dī shí chuān),” meaning "constant dripping wears away the stone." Let's celebrate every small step towards our goals and share the beauty of life's little wins together.

    • 43 min
    #357 - 自然是最好的老师 | zìrán shì zuì hǎo de lǎoshī | Chinese Learning Podcast

    #357 - 自然是最好的老师 | zìrán shì zuì hǎo de lǎoshī | Chinese Learning Podcast

    Dive into the Mandarin Monkey Podcast, your go-to for a Chinese learning podcast that brings laughter and language together. In this episode, we share unforgettable tales from the great outdoors—camping blunders, unexpected wildlife encounters, and the humor in the unpredictability of nature. It's a unique blend of learning Chinese conversation skills and embracing the chaos of outdoor adventures. Whether you're into podcasts for learning Chinese or looking for a mandarin vlog that mixes Taiwanese mandarin with engaging stories, this episode has it all. From humorous misunderstandings with camping gear to weather-related misadventures, we cover the gamut of what the great outdoors can throw at us. Plus, we share a bonus Mandarin phrase: "自然是最好的老师" (Nature is the best teacher), a light-hearted reminder that every outdoor misadventure teaches us something, even if it's just to laugh at ourselves. Join us for this episode where Chinese for beginners meets the hilarity of the natural world. It's an invitation to boost your daily Chinese conversation skills while learning to embrace the unpredictability and joy of outdoor adventures.

    • 56 min
    #356: 生活小秘訣 Shenghuo mijue | Chinese Learning Podcast | Boost Your Daily Chinese Conversation Skills

    #356: 生活小秘訣 Shenghuo mijue | Chinese Learning Podcast | Boost Your Daily Chinese Conversation Skills

    Join us in this exciting episode of the Mandarin Monkey Podcast, your go-to Chinese learning podcast, as we uncover 20 essential life hacks that will not only improve your daily life but also enhance your Chinese speaking and listening practice. Tom and Ula, a dynamic mixed couple living in Taiwan, bring you a unique blend of Chinese conversation in daily life, offering insights, entertainment, and language learning tips. Perfect for anyone looking to listen to Chinese conversation and improve their Chinese language learning, this episode is packed with practical advice, study methods, and the opportunity to engage in Chinese listening practice through real-life contexts. Whether you're a beginner or looking to advance your Chinese speaking practice, our blend of English and Mandarin – Chinglish – ensures you can follow along and absorb every tip. Don’t miss out on this chance to transform your approach to learning Mandarin with practical life hacks and language learning strategies. Subscribe, listen, and elevate your Chinese language skills today!

    • 1 hr
    #355 - The Irritating Truth: Navigating 恼人 (Nǎo Rén) Moments

    #355 - The Irritating Truth: Navigating 恼人 (Nǎo Rén) Moments

    Dive into the world of irritation with us on Mandarin Monkey as we explore the nuances of 恼人 (nǎo rén). This episode brings personal anecdotes, cultural insights, and laughter together, shedding light on the universal irritations that bind us. Discover how different cultures tackle annoyance and learn practical strategies for managing your own 恼人 moments.

    Join our hosts for a journey through the trivial and profound irritations of life, from the mundane to the meaningful. We'll share tips on turning frustration into growth and understanding, all while keeping the conversation light and relatable.

    Tune in for an episode filled with insights, advice, and the shared experience of navigating life's irritations. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe for more episodes that mix language, life, and laughter.

    • 1 hr 1 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
118 Ratings

118 Ratings

Art BD ,

Learning Chinese Can Be Interesting

This podcast is great for passive listening. The English / Chinese split means that I can follow along, and I don’t feel like I’m stuck in a regimented class. I’m always impressed how the hosts can talk about seemingly anything. This podcast is a great complement to a well rounded learning approach.

cccc716 ,

Comprehensible and not boring input

There are two things that have helped my Chinese improve the most: 1. Talking to native speaker(s) every week 2. Listening to this show every day When you start looking around for how to improve your listening, you’ll find a lot about comprehensible input. Then you’ll go looking for input and if you’re not upper intermediate it’s all going to be really boring and basic. This show is PERFECT because the half English allows your brain time to figure out what Ula said. Really removes the overwhelm you might feel if you try a 100% Chinese podcast. So it’s actual people talking about actual things, but you’re still getting language exposure. Plus they’re funny and sweet and relatable. This isn’t “optimized” like some podcasts or tools might be, but it’s entertaining and comprehensible enough I actually keep listening to it, which I think is ultimately the most important aspect of any language learning tool. If it’s fun, do it!

Zzzzvvvvzzzzz ,

Top Notch

Long time supporter. I know both these guys, can’t decide who is cooler, Tom or Ragnar. Interesting conversation about being small business owners, being English, being Icelandicish (?). And Ula gave just the right of Chinese for me. Good interview, good language practice. Thanks gang. Cara

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