Most Chinese learners start with “nǐ hǎo” — but no one actually says that. We break down how native speakers really greet each other, and why using the right phrases makes you sound less like a tourist.

We also go deeper on:

• Why we might flip our podcast intro to help beginners stay engaged

• Life priorities — health, family, work, rest — and how they keep changing

• When to push kids into learning skills (like piano, languages, or acting)

• Confidence, stage fright, and how to stay brave even when you’re scared

This episode mixes Mandarin and English, perfect if you’re learning Chinese and want natural conversation plus real-life topics that make you think.

Listen, learn, and share your thoughts with us at mandarinmonkey.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn Mandarin while you live your life. Bilingual Mandarin-English. Easy listening. Real topics.

Today you get 10 positive stories, quick takes, and daily Mandarin input.

What you hear

• How to use this podcast while commuting, working out, or doing chores

• UK vs Taiwan buses, commuting, and remote work social energy

• Good news stories with simple Chinese and English context

Good news highlights

• The Red Dress Project, 14 years, 51 countries, Guinness record embroidery

• A free compliment stand by a 9-year-old in Illinois

• A nurse revives a drunk raccoon that ate fermented fruit

• Saving Somerset’s eels with community action

• A casque-headed iguana’s rare virgin birth

• Australia’s new marine reserve to protect sea life

• Viral road-sign cleaning

• Saturn’s 128 newly confirmed moons, total now 206

Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

Practice with our teachers or join Hangouts at mandarinmonkey.com.

Leave a review. It helps others find the show.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Mandarin Monkey Podcast, we chat in Mandarin and English about the safest countries to move to in 2025. Iceland, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada, Taiwan, which one would you choose?

This is a bilingual Mandarin and English conversation. You’ll hear natural Mandarin phrases mixed with English, perfect for learners who want to practice listening, pick up everyday vocabulary, and get a feel for real spoken Chinese.

What we cover in this episode:

• Phones listening and targeted ads
• Our youngest starting school
• Global Peace Index 2025 and safe countries
• Iceland, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada, Taiwan
• Travel stories, turbulence, and long flights
• Our final shortlist of countries to live
• A closing poem in English and Mandarin

If you want to learn Mandarin in a fun, real way through English and Chinese conversation, this podcast is for you.

Try a free Mandarin lesson and more at: www.mandarinmonkey.com

Subscribe for more episodes and tell your friends if you enjoy the show.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.