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450. British Slang That Confuses Mandarin Learners | Episode 450
36:38||Ep. 450Episode 450 is here! šIn this fun and chaotic bilingual episode, we chat about life getting back to normal after the holidays, the challenges of new projects, and a possible Mandarin retreat ideaā¦ before things take a very British turn š We dive into one tiny English word ā āpissā ā and explore the MANY ways British people actually use it in real life. If youāve ever been confused by British slang, this episode is for you.This podcast is spoken in both Mandarin and English, making it perfect for learners who want natural, real-world listening practice.What youāll hear in this episode:Real couple conversation in Mandarin + EnglishBritish slang explained in contextCultural differences in language useRelaxed, natural listening practiceWhether you're a beginner or advanced learner, come hang out and improve your Mandarin the natural way.š© Got a story to share? Email us: chat@mandarinmonkey.comš Want to learn with us? Try a free trial lesson!
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449. From Tears to Taiwan, Real Mandarin Learner Stories That Will Inspire You | Mailbag #449
37:11||Ep. 449This week on the Mandarin Monkey Podcast, we read three powerful emails from listeners whose Mandarin journeys couldnāt be more different ā yet share the same courage.From feeling fluent for the first time, to reconnecting with family and heritage, to quitting a job and moving to Taiwan for love and languageā¦These are real stories from real learners navigating confidence, shame, identity, relationships, and bold life decisions ā all through Mandarin.Whether youāre:A beginner starting from scratchA heritage learner feeling pressureDating someone TaiwaneseOr dreaming of living in TaiwanThis episode is for you.We speak naturally in both Mandarin and English throughout the episode, so learners of all levels can follow along and build real-world listening skills.š Mandarin isnāt just grammar and vocab lists. Itās connection, risk, community, and growth.å ę²¹ ā weāre in this together.
448. Would You Survive 48 Hours Speaking Only Chinese?
48:56||Ep. 448Chinese New Year is hereā¦ but weāre not just talking about red envelopes and dumplings.In this episode:Who should give red envelopes (and when it stops)The weird firework pranks from childhoodWhy we chose not to vlog our kidsAndā¦ our idea for a 48-hour Mandarin-only retreatCould you survive two full days speaking only Chinese?No English. No safety net. Just immersion.Let us know if youād actually come.š§ Listen on Spotifyš© Join our communityš§§ Happy New Year
447. I Finally Understood My Mother-in-Law | Mailbag Mandarin
45:51||Ep. 447This weekās mailbag:a learner understands his mother-in-law at the worst moment,a tone mistake turns into a workplace disaster,and a four-year-old becomes the teacher.Plus: how to ask to camp in Taiwan without sounding like a tourist.
446. My Child Understands Mandarin But Wonāt Speak It
40:40||Ep. 446What does real bilingual development actually look like?In this episode of Mandarin Monkey, we talk about one of the biggest concerns parents have when raising bilingual children:āMy child understands Mandarinā¦ but wonāt speak it. Is that normal?āWe explore:ā¢ What children usually understand firstā¢ Why mixing languages is a sign of competenceā¢ Whether silence means failureā¢ How long it realistically takes to become conversationalā¢ Why input matters more than early outputUla shares personal stories of growing up with Taiwanese and Mandarin, and we reflect on our own childrenās bilingual journey.If youāre raising a child in a mixed-language household, this conversation will reassure you.Mandarin Monkey is a bilingual podcast where Mandarin and English are used naturally, just like in real families.
445. We Tried Listing 100 Life Goalsā¦ Then Got Distracted
56:48||Ep. 445This episode started as a simple idea:list 100 very specific things to do before you die.We didnāt get to 100.We talked about sharks, Lapland, Route 66, Disney parks, cherry blossoms, tequila in Mexico, collecting memories, and why āsomedayā is a dangerous word.Mandarin and English.Travel, goals, family, and that quiet feeling of wanting more life in your life.If this episode sparks an idea for you, tell us what youād add to the list.Mandarin Monkey is a bilingual podcast in Mandarin and English.We speak naturally. No scripts. No lessons. Just real conversation.Support the show or join the hangouts:mandarinmonkey.compatreon.com/mandarinmonkey
444. 444 Episodes Laterā¦ This Is Why Learning Mandarin Still Feels Hard
41:48||Ep. 444Learning Mandarin isnāt just about vocabulary or grammar.Sometimes itās about confidence, fear, and not feeling āgood enoughā.In episode 444 of the Mandarin Monkey Podcast, we talk honestly about:ā Why language ālevelsā can actually hurt learnersā Speaking Mandarin without destroying your confidenceā Trial lessons that start way too basicā Learning through conversation, not correctionā Why progress feels invisible even when itās realā Being scared to speak, even after years of learningā How creativity, experience, and repetition change everythingThis episode drifts between English and Mandarin, just like real life does.Because thatās how language is actually learned.If youāve ever felt stuck, nervous, or frustrated with Mandarinā¦this oneās for you.š§ Listen, relax, and remember: youāre not bad at languages.Youāre just still learning.š© Got a question for our Friday mailbag?Email: chat@mandarinmonkey.com