Blog
Stories, tips and curiosities about the Chinese language, culture and learning.
马马虎虎 (mǎmǎhūhū): meaning, origin and the story behind it
When you start learning Chinese, you quickly realise that some words and phrases do not translate neatly into English. O...
17. May 2026.
Chinese New Year (春节, Chūnjié): the meaning, traditions and symbolism behind China’s most important festival
The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival (春节, Chūnjié), is the most important traditional festival in C...
12. February 2026.
The Legend of the Great Race and the 12 Animals of the Chinese Zodiac
This year, Chinese New Year begins on 17 February, marking the start of the Year of the Horse according to…
10. February 2026.
The Year of the Horse in Chinese astrology. Meaning. Traits. Symbolism
According to the lunar calendar, Chinese New Year in 2026 begins on 17 February, marking the start of the Year…
10. February 2026.
是……的 Sentences in Chinese: Meaning, Structure and Common Mistakes
Introduction 是……的 (shì…de) sentences often confuse learners of Chinese. At first glance, the structure looks simple, y...
04. February 2026.
The Use of De (的) in Chinese: A Complete Guide for Beginners and Intermediate Learners
Introduction The use of de (的) in Chinese often seems straightforward at first glance, but in practice it can turn…
03. February 2026.
Christmas and New Year in Chinese: Vocabulary, Traditions and Practical Phrases
Learning how to talk about Christmas and New Year in Chinese is a great topic not only for language learners,…
18. December 2025.
Chinese Pinyin Explained: A Simple Guide to Chinese Pronunciation
Although Chinese uses a writing system completely different from European languages, its pronunciation can still be writ...
09. December 2025.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: A Hidden World of Symbols, Myth and Unspoken Desire
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is one of the most celebrated Chinese films of all time. Directed by Ang Lee, a…
05. December 2025.