Chinese Online Language School

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Where to go in China in summer 2026? + 15 phrases to save your vacation
Where to go in China in summer 2026? + 15 phrases to save your vacation
Discover new, lesser-known routes across China in summer 2026! Find out where to go—from Chengdu to Harbin—and learn 15 essential phrases that will save your trip. Practical tips, life hacks, and inspiration for traveling beyond the standard tourist spots.
10 June 2026
The Three Particles 的, 地, 得 in Chinese: How Not to Confuse Them in a Sentence
The Three Particles 的, 地, 得 in Chinese: How Not to Confuse Them in a Sentence
In Chinese, there are three very similar particles: 的, 地, and 得. They are all pronounced the same way — de — but they are written with different characters and perform different functions. This is exactly why they often confuse beginners: which particle should be used after an adjective, which one goes before a verb, and which one comes after a verb? The good news is that each of these particles has its own role. Once you remember the basic logic, it becomes much easier to tell 的, 地, and 得 apart.
9 June 2026
Will AI replace the Chinese language teacher in 2026?
Will AI replace the Chinese language teacher in 2026?
The article discusses the role of artificial intelligence in learning Chinese in 2026. It explains how modern neural networks excel at generating dialogues, translations, and memorization tools, but live teachers remain indispensable for correction, cultural understanding, and emotional support. Additionally, advice is provided on stress-free integration of technology and human instructors, and it shows how the future of education is becoming hybrid, with machines and humans working together to achieve better results.
7 June 2026
What Not to Give to Chinese People: The 3 Main Mistakes
What Not to Give to Chinese People: The 3 Main Mistakes
This article discusses which gifts are best to avoid in China to prevent accidentally offending someone or damaging relationships. The three main taboos are: watches, which symbolize death; umbrellas and shoes, associated with separation; and sharp objects, representing severed ties. Instead, we recommend safe and more acceptable options—red envelopes with money, tea, alcohol, fruits, and beautifully wrapped gifts. Learn how to give gifts correctly in Chinese culture!
6 June 2026
5 Chinese words from Douyin to stay in touch with the trends
5 Chinese words from Douyin to stay in touch with the trends
By 2026, Chinese slang from Douyin and TikTok has infiltrated all areas of life — memes, chats, and comments. This article explains five popular words: 无语 (wú yǔ), 内卷 (nèijuǎn), 摆烂 (bǎi làn), 吃瓜 (chī guā), and 裂开 (liè kāi). Discover their meanings and usage examples to stay in the trend and better understand Chinese youth!
4 June 2026
Chinese Measure Words: How Not to Get Confused and Start Using Them Correctly
Chinese Measure Words: How Not to Get Confused and Start Using Them Correctly
In Chinese, you cannot simply say “three books,” “two people,” or “one cup of coffee” in the same way as in English. Between the number and the noun, you almost always need to use a special word — a measure word. At first, this may feel unusual: why add one more word if the meaning is already clear? But in Chinese, measure words help describe objects more precisely: their shape, type, purpose, or category. In this article, we will look at how measure words work, which ones are used most often, and how to use them in speech without confusion.
4 June 2026
二 and 两 in Chinese: How to Say “Two” Correctly
二 and 两 in Chinese: How to Say “Two” Correctly
In Chinese, there are two words that can be translated as “two”: 二 èr and 两 liǎng. This often confuses beginners: why do we use 二 in one situation and 两 in another?
2 June 2026
5 Chinese phrases that will save you in the New Year
5 Chinese phrases that will save you in the New Year
The article provides 5 simple and useful Chinese phrases that will help you confidently communicate in Chinese during New Year celebrations. You’ll learn how to wish a Happy New Year, respond to greetings, wish for wealth and health—all without complicated characters or tricky rules. This guide is perfect even for beginners, because the most important thing is sincerity and a smile!
31 May 2026
HSK is not everything: 3 skills that are more important than the certificate in China!
HSK is not everything: 3 skills that are more important than the certificate in China!
HSK isn’t the most important thing for living successfully in China! In this article, we discuss three skills that matter more than the certificate: understanding real-life spoken Chinese, bargaining with confidence, and knowing nonverbal cultural rules. Practical examples, tips, and useful phrases for real-life situations — everything you need to feel comfortable among locals.
27 May 2026
Why is May 20 the day of declarations of love in China?
Why is May 20 the day of declarations of love in China?
In China, May 20th (5.20) has become an unofficial day of love confessions due to the phonetic similarity between the numbers "520" (wǔ èr líng) and the phrase "I love you" (wǒ ài nǐ). The article explores the origins of this internet trend, modern celebration traditions, and the "numeric language" of Chinese romance that helps express feelings without words.
19 May 2026
Secrets of Chinese Cuisine: The "Fire Pot" — Hotpot
Secrets of Chinese Cuisine: The "Fire Pot" — Hotpot
Hotpot — More Than Just Soup, It's a Philosophy The Chinese "fire pot" has journeyed from the food of the poor to imperial banquets, and today it's conquering the world. Here's what we'll cover: - Five types of broth — from fiery Chongqing to gentle "yin-yang" - Why hotpot unites people — it erases all boundaries - The main secret — the perfect sauce that every Chinese keeps like a treasure Hot, hearty, soul-warming — with no hint of chill. Read to fall in love with hotpot (or find your ideal sauce recipe)!
11 May 2026
10 autumn sayings that will reveal the soul of China
10 autumn sayings that will reveal the soul of China
Discover Chinese wisdom through autumn proverbs — concise phrases that carry centuries of tested values and life advice. Learn how each saying reflects this season’s unique features—from premonitions of change to gratitude for the harvest. Find out their significance for life, business, and love, and unlock the keys to understanding Chinese cultural traditions.
5 May 2026
Dialogues in Chinese: learning how to make an order in a cafe
Dialogues in Chinese: learning how to make an order in a cafe
Разберём полезные фразы, которые реально пригодятся в путешествии: как позвать официанта, попросить меню, сделать заказ, сказать «не остро» и попросить счёт. Внутри - словарь по еде и напиткам, готовые фразы с пиньинем и простой диалог в китайском кафе. Сохраняйте, чтобы не растеряться в ресторане в Китае.
27 April 2026
How to Tell Time in Chinese: A Complete Guide with Examples
How to Tell Time in Chinese: A Complete Guide with Examples
A practical guide to telling time in Chinese. Learn essential vocabulary, the 12-hour clock format with day periods, and why China uses a single time zone (UTC+8). Includes clear examples and cultural insights for effective communication.
28 August 2025
Master Chinese Interjections: Key Sounds for Natural Conversations
Master Chinese Interjections: Key Sounds for Natural Conversations
Learn to Speak Chinese with Emotion and Natural Flow! Discover 15+ essential interjections with real-life examples and usage tips. These expressive sounds will bring your speech to life and help you sound like a native speaker!
29 July 2025
Master Chinese Chengyu: 10 Essential Idioms
Master Chinese Chengyu: 10 Essential Idioms
Want to Sound Like a Native Speaker? Discover 10 Popular Chengyu with Their Origins and Meanings. These Chinese Idioms Will Enrich Your Speech and Help You Understand Chinese Culture.
29 July 2025
Sound Natural in Chinese: Essential Filler Words
Sound Natural in Chinese: Essential Filler Words
Speak Chinese naturally, not like a textbook! Find out what filler words native speakers use, why they're important, and how to use them correctly in speech.
29 July 2025
Chinese Verb Doubling Demystified: Unlock Natural Flow & Nuance in Your Speech
Chinese Verb Doubling Demystified: Unlock Natural Flow & Nuance in Your Speech
Want to sound natural, not like a textbook? Learn how to make requests politely, suggest ideas smoothly, and describe fleeting actions naturally. Discover why verbs are doubled, how it works (and when to avoid it) to make your Chinese sound authentic at last.
15 July 2025
Chinese Modal Verbs Demystified: When to Use 会 (huì) vs. 能 (néng) and 想 (xiǎng) vs. 要 (yào) to Avoid Confusion
Chinese Modal Verbs Demystified: When to Use 会 (huì) vs. 能 (néng) and 想 (xiǎng) vs. 要 (yào) to Avoid Confusion
Understanding Chinese Modal Verbs. Simple explanations and clear examples will help you grasp: When to use huì (skill) versus néng (circumstances)? How does xiǎng (desire/want) differ from yào (intention/need)?
19 June 2025
Chinese Homophones, Homographs & Paronyms: Master Sound-Alike Words
Chinese Homophones, Homographs & Paronyms: Master Sound-Alike Words
There are only 1300 possible combinations of sounds with tones in Chinese - but tens of thousands of meanings. One simple shì can mean ‘to be’ (是), ‘business’ (事), “city” (市), or even ‘the whole world’ (世). In this article, let's understand homophones (同音词), how to learn them correctly, and why you can't get anywhere without context.
17 June 2025
Alternative Questions with 还是 (háishi) in Chinese
Alternative Questions with 还是 (háishi) in Chinese
We tell you how to easily ask either-or questions in Chinese with 还是 (háishi). Rules and examples. Improve your understanding of Chinese grammar!
4 June 2025
How to Ask Special Questions in Chinese: Complete Guide with Examples
How to Ask Special Questions in Chinese: Complete Guide with Examples
Learn how to ask questions in Chinese correctly! This guide covers special questions, interrogative words, sentence structure, and common mistakes. Perfect for beginners.
13 May 2025
Types of Simple Sentences in Chinese: Structure, Examples, and Rules
Types of Simple Sentences in Chinese: Structure, Examples, and Rules
Learn how to form simple sentences in Chinese. Explore 4 key types: verbal, nominal, adjectival, and possessive structures. Includes examples, negation rules, and question forms
29 April 2025
Chinese Character Components: Radicals and Phonetics Explained
Chinese Character Components: Radicals and Phonetics Explained
Discover how Chinese characters work! This guide explains the two core components: radicals (hints for meaning) and phonetics (clues for pronunciation). With clear examples and simple breakdowns, you’ll learn to decode hanzi like a pro
29 April 2025
Chinese Character Strokes: Types, Rules, and Why They Matter
Chinese Character Strokes: Types, Rules, and Why They Matter
Want to understand Chinese writing? This article explains the basic strokes of Chinese characters, how to write them correctly, and why they matter for language learning. Discover stroke types, essential rules, and practical tips for memorization.
21 April 2025
What Is Pinyin? A Simple Guide to Chinese Initials and Finals
What Is Pinyin? A Simple Guide to Chinese Initials and Finals
Pinyin is the foundation of learning Mandarin Chinese. This guide explains what Pinyin is, how it works, and why it's essential for pronunciation, typing, and mastering Chinese initials and finals. Perfect for beginners and language learners
16 April 2025
How to pronounce Chinese tones correctly
How to pronounce Chinese tones correctly
Exploring the tones in Chinese: what they are, why they matter, and how to pronounce them correctly. Clear examples, life hacks, and pinyin—everything you need for a confident start in Putonghua.
15 April 2025
Что сложного в китайском языке?
Что сложного в китайском языке?
The Chinese language is surrounded by myths about its difficulty. But is it really that scary? Let's break it down step by step: from grammar to dialects, characters, and tones
14 April 2025