Takeaway Chinese

The Year of the Horse is almost here! In this episode, we provide you with useful horse-related cultural insights and expressions in Chinese. Tune in now and learn how "horse" can symbolize talent, success, and achievement. On the show: Niu Honglin & Steve.
 (08:51) How can "horse" be used metaphorically to describe someone with great talent?
 (11:45) 汗马功劳: Great contributions and hard-earned achievements.

<p>In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "good review" in Chinese.</p>

<p>In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "greasy" in Chinese.</p>

On "Takeaway Chinese," Dr. Chris Evans, headmaster of Reading School in the UK, explains why UK students are embracing Mandarin—and how it unlocks conversations, friendships, and future opportunities. Tune in for more insights.
 (06:22) How does Dr. Chris Evans see learning Chinese?
 (10:16) How are students in the UK learning Chinese?

<p>In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "river basin" in Chinese.</p>

<p>In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "production" in Chinese.</p>

What does China look like through the eyes of foreign friends? What fun stories do they have with their Chinese friends? Find out in this listener special of "Takeaway Chinese." On the show: Niu Honglin & Steve.
 (01:22) The Chinese word that puzzled foreign learners the most at the start.
 (12:57) Stories with Chinese friends.

<p>In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "keep fresh" in Chinese.</p>

<p>In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "crowdfunding" in Chinese.</p>

Over the past few weeks, we asked you all kinds of questions about China and Chinese learning — and now it's time to hear your stories! Tune in to our brand-new episode as Niuniu and Steve dive into your thoughts and experiences.
 (05:32) Why did you start learning Chinese?
 (26:38) What was the very first Chinese word you learned?

<p>In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "quit the fandom" in Chinese.</p>

<p>In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "stand idle" in Chinese.</p>

In this episode of Takeaway Chinese, we zoom in on time-related Chinese expressions you'll actually hear in real life. From common phrases and sentence patterns… if you want to talk about time more confidently in Chinese — this episode is right on time. On the show: Niu Honglin & Steve.
 (03:32) Talking about time: key expressions in Chinese
 (11:29) How was time measured in ancient China?

<p>In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "old items" in Chinese.</p>

<p>In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "second-hand" in Chinese.</p>

In this episode of "Takeaway Chinese," we're kicking off the New Year by unpacking the new trends and new words everyone's using right now. From fresh expressions to buzzwords shaping daily conversations, we'll explore how language captures hopes, changes, and the mood of the year ahead. Whether you're learning Chinese or just curious about what people really say in real life, this episode gives you practical phrases and cultural context. On the show: Niu Honglin & Steve.
 (05:54) "Love yourself" is the new mindset.
 (10:28) More people are choosing culture-driven travel experiences.

<p>In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "acupuncture" in Chinese.</p>

<p>In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "travel photography" in Chinese.</p>

In this episode of Takeaway Chinese, we continue to break down the hottest Chinese internet slang you really need to know—what they mean, where they come from, and how people actually use them in daily life! On the show: Niu Honglin & Steve.
 (02:20) 邪修 (xié xiū): an unorthodox way of doing something that actually works.
 (08:53) A基础 (jī chǔ), B就不基础 (jiù bù jī chǔ): A is basic, simple, ordinary, or standard — but B definitely isn't.

<p>In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "be infused with" in Chinese.</p>

<p>In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say " honest" in Chinese.</p>

Do you agree that the language of young people is a language of its own? Online buzzwords are more than just trends—they capture how a generation thinks, jokes, and reacts to the world. In this episode of Takeaway Chinese, we dive into the hottest Chinese buzzwords of 2025 and what they reveal about today's society. On the show: Niu Honglin & Steve.
 (06:25) From pre-made dishes to even a pre-made life… one word says it all.
 (10:06) As humanoid robots and service robots become part of everyday life, a new word rises with them.

<p>In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "craftsman" in Chinese.</p>

<p>In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "agriculture" in Chinese.</p>

"One man's trash is another man's treasure!" For many young people in China, the second-hand market is now part of everyday life—helping them save money, enjoy "new-to-them" items more often, and even protect the environment. In this episode, join Niuniu and Steve as they explore China's second-hand market and pick up practical Chinese expressions along the way.
 (04:05) Useful vocabulary for buying and selling second-hand items.
 (12:02) Selling items in a "blind-box style" on the second-hand market.

<p>In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "oxygen" in Chinese.</p>

<p>In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "wisdom" in Chinese.</p>

Do you prefer to rent things or own them? In China, more and more young people are turning to convenience, flexibility of rental economy! In our latest episode of Takeaway Chinese, Niuniu and Steve talk about all the essential phrases about renting you'll actually use in real life.
 (01:48) Vocabulary about renting.
 (06:28) Rent or buy - what's your choice?

<p>In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "considerate" in Chinese.</p>

<p>In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "newspaper" in Chinese.</p>

Ever wondered how to talk about body parts in Chinese? In today's "Takeaway Chinese," let's learn the words you hear every day and pick up some fun idioms along the way. Ready for a quick language workout? Let's go! On the show: Niu Honglin & Steve.
 (04:45) Essential body-parts vocabulary.
 (17:08) Do English and Chinese share similar expressions?

<p>In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "salesperson" in Chinese.</p>

<p>In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "go viral" in Chinese.</p>

This week on "Takeaway Chinese," we're serving up a fresh episode all about fruits! Learn the must-know vocabulary, fun expressions, and cultural tidbits that make talking about fruits in Chinese so much sweeter. Tune in and take your Chinese to the next level! On the show: Niu Honglin & Steve.
 (03:28) Fruit vocabulary in Chinese. 
 (12:23) Fun tongue twister about grapes.

<p>In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "esports" in Chinese.</p>

<p>In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "warning" in Chinese.</p>

Greeting someone in Chinese is much more than saying 你好 (nǐ hǎo). From a simple "早 (zǎo)!" in the morning to the elegant "幸会 (xìng huì)" when meeting someone new, Chinese offers a rich set of expressions that can instantly change the tone of a conversation. On the show: Niu Honglin & Steve.
 (04:28) Different ways to greet in Chinese.
 (17:17) Different ways to address people.

<p>In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "zero gravity" in Chinese.</p>

<p>In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "policy" in Chinese.</p>

In this episode, we're getting sporty! We'll explore China's National Games and pick up a few handy Chinese sports expressions along the way.
 On the show: Niu Honglin & Steve.
 (03:10) Learn useful sports vocabulary.
 (07:04) Get to know China's National Games.

<p>In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "age" in Chinese.</p>

<p>In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "rust" in Chinese.</p>

How do you get your news — from newspapers, TV, or probably short videos on social media? In today's episode, we'll explore how media and communication have evolved over time — and learn some useful Chinese words along the way! Later in the show, Niuniu and Steve will share their own experiences and reflections from working in the media industry.
 (04:15) Learn key media-related Chinese expressions.
 (15:09) Niuniu and Steve's stories from behind the scenes in the media world.

<p>In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "expense" in Chinese.</p>

<p>In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "tacit understanding" in Chinese.</p>

Climb high, admire the beauty of chrysanthemums, and celebrate longevity — it's 重阳节 (Chóngyáng Jié), the Double Ninth Festival! In this week's episode of Takeaway Chinese, let's explore this ancient festival together and learn useful vocabulary related to senior people. On the show: Niu Honglin & Steve.
 (03:52) Learn words related to senior people.
 (06:14) Explore the Double Ninth Festival.

<p>In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "childhood" in Chinese.</p>

<p>In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "web series" in Chinese.</p>

Ever wondered how traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has stayed relevant for thousands of years? From balancing yin and yang to the idea of "treating illness before it happens," this week's Takeaway Chinese dives into the wisdom behind TCM — plus, you'll pick up some useful Chinese words along the way! On the show: Niu Honglin & Steve.
 (07:04) Words related to TCM.
 (27:29) The story of Tu Youyou, the first female Chinese citizen to receive a Nobel Prize.

<p>In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "cafeteria" in Chinese.</p>