Natural back-and-forth Chinese for shopping, work and everyday life.
72 published lessons
Conversation podcastsIntermediate · L5
相亲
"我只是去见个朋友"?! Chinese Blind Dates Explained | 相亲 | Simply Natural Chinese
"I'm just meeting a friend." Sound familiar? In this episode of Simply Natural Chinese, Xiao Yue and Leo dive into one of China's most talked-about social traditions — 相亲 (xiāng qīn), the arranged blind date. Why do Chinese parents start panicking at 25? What exactly goes into a "相亲简历" (blind date résumé)? What does "门当户对 (mén dāng hù duì)" mean and why does it still matter? And how did a 70-year-old grandma called "王婆" go viral for playing matchmaker in a public square? Xiao Yue even shares her own blind date story. Whether you're learning Chinese or just curious about modern Chinese dating culture — this is everything you need to know.
Conversation podcastsBeginner · L3
天气
"热死了"! Surviving Summer in Hangzhou | 夏天来了 | Simply Natural Chinese
Thinking about visiting Hangzhou in summer? Think again. In this episode of Simply Natural Chinese, Xiao Yue and Leo break down everything foreigners get wrong about Chinese summers — from the famous "闷热" (mèn rè, hot AND stuffy) humidity trap, to why everyone opens an umbrella on a sunny day, to the legendary stretch of heat called "三伏天" (Sānfútiān). Leo just arrived in Hangzhou and is already melting — we'll teach you how to say it the natural Chinese way: 热死了! (rè sǐ le). This is your complete survival guide for summer in China.
Conversation podcastsIntermediate · L4
租房
"押一付三"?! Renting an Apartment in China | 租房 | Simply Natural Chinese
Looking for an apartment in China? In this episode of Simply Natural Chinese, Tiantian and Ajie walk you through Ajie's recent move from a noisy north-facing room to a brand-new apartment with great natural light. From the magic phrase "押一付三" (one month deposit + three months upfront), to the secret "二房东" (second landlord) scam, to the tactic of photographing EVERY scratch on the wall on day one — this is everything you actually need to know to rent in China.
Conversation podcastsIntermediate · L4
黄金周
May Day Golden Week: Travel or Staycation? | 五一黄金周：出去玩还是宅在家？ | Simply Natural Chinese
Travel or stay home for the May Day holiday? Compare the trade-offs of crowds, tickets and rest while practising how to explain your holiday plans in Chinese.
Conversation podcastsIntermediate · L4
i人还是e人
Are you an "I" or an "E"? | “I 人”还是“E 人”？ | Simply Natural Chinese
HSK 3-4 | Are you an "I" or an "E"? | “I 人”还是“E 人”？ | Simply Natural Chinese
Conversation podcastsBeginner · L3
宠物
Cat Person or Dog Person? | Do you have a pets? 你有宠物吗？ | Simply Natural Chinese
A little white dog leads Xiaoyue and Leo into a conversation about cats, dogs, pet care and the changing pet culture among young people in China.
Conversation podcastsIntermediate · L4
电子排毒
Can you survive without a phone in China? | 数字排毒 Digital Detox | Simply Natural Chinese
What happens when your phone dies with all your orders and photos inside? Join Xiaoyue and Leo for a digital detox and see how life changes away from the screen.
Conversation podcastsBeginner · L3
多喝热水
Why Chinese people love HOT water? | 多喝热水 The Magic of Hot Water | Simply Natural Chinese
Leo has a cough, and one familiar phrase—drink more hot water—opens a conversation about Chinese-style care, seeing a doctor and everyday health language.
Conversation podcastsBeginner · L3
餐桌礼仪
Don't Stick Chopsticks in Rice! 🥢 | 餐桌礼仪 Good Table Manners | Simply Natural Chinese
What should you do at your first dinner in a Chinese colleague’s home? Practise seating, serving, toasting and polite table manners with Xiaoyue and Leo.
Conversation podcastsBeginner · L3
闲聊
Can I ask about your salary? 💰 | 中国的闲聊 All About Small Talk | Simply Natural Chinese
From weather and weekend plans to salary and privacy, Xiaoyue and Leo explore which small-talk topics feel natural in Chinese and which questions need more care.
Conversation podcastsIntermediate · L4
交通
High-speed vs. Electric Bikes! 🚅💨 | Getting Around in China | Simply Natural Chinese
Xiaoyue and Leo compare high-speed rail, metros, ride-hailing and electric bikes, and explore how these everyday transport options shape life in Chinese cities.
Conversation podcastsBeginner · L3
电子支付
No more wallets?! 💸 | 电子支付 Life Without Cash | Simply Natural Chinese
Can you get through the day without cash or a charged phone? Xiaoyue and Leo discuss the convenience, changes and occasional awkward moments of mobile payments.
