I wanted to go grocery shopping after work, but I thought, “It’s too crowded — it’d be better to order takeout.” Let’s learn how to say “not as good as / it would be better to” in Chinese. 不如 （bù rú) Hello，大家好，我是Janine。 Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine.Hello everyone, I’m Janine. 昨天我下班的时候，本来想去超市买菜， Zuótiān wǒ xiàbān de shíhou, běnlái xiǎng qù chāoshì mǎi cài,Yesterday after work, I was planning to go grocery shopping, 可是一想到超市那么多人， kě shì yī xiǎng dào chāoshì nàme duō rén,but when I thought about ...
Oct 30, 2025•1 min•Season 1Ep. 73
My friend said that drinking more coffee will definitely make you feel awake, but I said, “Not necessarily — sometimes it makes me sleepier!” Let’s learn how to say “not necessarily / not always true” in Chinese. 不见得（ bú jiàn de) Hello，大家好，我是Janine。 Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine.Hello everyone, I’m Janine. 昨天朋友跟我说： Zuótiān péngyou gēn wǒ shuō:Yesterday, my friend told me: “多喝咖啡一定会提神。” “Duō hē kāfēi yídìng huì tí shén.”“Drinking more coffee will definitely make you more awake.” 我笑着说： Wǒ xiào zh...
Oct 30, 2025•1 min•Season 1Ep. 72
My friend asked if I wanted to go hiking this weekend, but I’ve been so busy lately that I said, “Let’s talk about it later.”Let’s learn how to say “we’ll see / let’s talk about it later” in Chinese. 再说吧 （zài shuō ba) Hello，大家好，我是Janine。 Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine.Hello everyone, I’m Janine. 昨天晚上朋友问我： Zuótiān wǎnshang péngyou wèn wǒ:Last night, my friend asked me: “周末要不要去爬山？” “Zhōumò yào bù yào qù páshān?”“Do you want to go hiking this weekend?” 我想了想，说： Wǒ xiǎng le xiǎng, shuō:I thought for...
Oct 29, 2025•1 min•Season 1Ep. 71
On my way to work, I saw a new coffee shop and thought, “If the coffee is good, I’ll come again tomorrow.” And guess what? It really was! Let’s learn how to say “if / suppose” in Chinese. 要是 （yào shi) Hello，大家好，我是Janine。 Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine.Hello everyone, I’m Janine. 今天早上我去公司， Jīntiān zǎoshang wǒ qù gōngsī,This morning, I went to the office. 路上看到一家新的咖啡店。 Lùshang kàn dào yì jiā xīn de kāfēi diàn.On the way, I saw a new coffee shop. 我心想：要是咖啡好喝，我明天就再来。 Wǒ xīn xiǎng: yào shi kāfēi hǎo h...
Oct 29, 2025•1 min•Season 1Ep. 70
Before going out, I looked at the sky and thought, “I’d better take an umbrella — what if it rains?” And sure enough, it did! Let’s learn how to say “in case / what if” in Chinese. 万一 （wàn yī) Hello，大家好，我是Janine。 Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine.Hello everyone, I’m Janine. 今天早上出门前， Jīntiān zǎoshang chūmén qián,This morning before going out, 我看了看天空，有点儿灰。 Wǒ kàn le kàn tiānkōng, yǒu diǎnr huī.I looked at the sky — it was a bit gray. 我想了想，说： Wǒ xiǎng le xiǎng, shuō:I thought to myself and said: “还是带...
Oct 29, 2025•1 min•Season 1Ep. 69
My friend called me early this morning, and I said, “Why are you calling me so early?” Let’s learn how to say “what for / why / what are you doing” in Chinese. 干嘛 (gàn má) Hello，大家好，我是Janine。 Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine.Hello everyone, I’m Janine. 今天早上我刚起床， Jīntiān zǎoshang wǒ gāng qǐchuáng,This morning, I had just gotten up, 我的朋友就给我打电话。 wǒ de péngyou jiù gěi wǒ dǎ diànhuà.when my friend suddenly called me. 我接起电话说： Wǒ jiē qǐ diànhuà shuō:I picked up and said: “你一大早打电话，干嘛呀？” “Nǐ yí dà zǎo dǎ ...
Oct 28, 2025•1 min•Season 1Ep. 68
I was chatting with my friend about countries we want to visit,and I said, “Japan is one of the places I want to go the most.”Let’s learn how to say “one of…” in Chinese. ……之一 (zhī yī) Hello，大家好，我是Janine。 Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine.Hello everyone, I’m Janine. 昨天我和朋友聊天， Zuótiān wǒ hé péngyou liáotiān,Yesterday I was chatting with a friend, 我们说起最想去的国家。 wǒmen shuō qǐ zuì xiǎng qù de guójiā.and we talked about the countries we most want to visit. 我说：“日本是我最想去的国家 之一**。”**Wǒ shuō: “Rìběn shì wǒ zu...
Oct 28, 2025•1 min•Season 1Ep. 67
When I went out this morning, I saw dark clouds and strong wind —it looked like it was going to rain soon. Let’s learn how to say “it seems / looks like” in Chinese. 看样子 (kàn yàngzi) Hello，大家好，我是Janine。 Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine.Hello everyone, I’m Janine. 今天早上我出门的时候， Jīntiān zǎoshang wǒ chūmén de shíhou,This morning, when I went out, 看到天上有很多黑云。 kàn dào tiān shàng yǒu hěn duō hēi yún.I saw lots of dark clouds in the sky. 风也越来越大。 Fēng yě yuè lái yuè dà.The wind was getting stronger and stro...
Oct 28, 2025•1 min•Season 1Ep. 66
It started raining when I went to buy breakfast this morning,so I thought, “Forget it — anyway, I still have bread at home.”Let’s learn how to say “anyway / in any case” in Chinese. 反正 (fǎn zhèng) Hello，大家好，我是Janine。 Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine. Hello everyone, I’m Janine. 今天早上我准备去买早餐， Jīntiān zǎoshang wǒ zhǔnbèi qù mǎi zǎocān,This morning, I was getting ready to buy breakfast. 结果外面开始下雨了。 Jiéguǒ wàimiàn kāishǐ xià yǔ le.But it started to rain outside. 我想了想，说： Wǒ xiǎng le xiǎng, shuō:I though...
Oct 28, 2025•1 min•Season 1Ep. 65
This morning, I noticed it was much colder than yesterday — everyone was wearing coats! Let’s learn how to say “much …er / a lot more” in Chinese. 得多（ de duō) Hello，大家好，我是Janine。 Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine.Hello everyone, I’m Janine. 今天早上我去上班的路上， Jīntiān zǎoshang wǒ qù shàngbān de lù shàng,This morning on my way to work, 发现天气比昨天冷得多。 fāxiàn tiānqì bǐ zuótiān lěng de duō.I noticed it was much colder than yesterday. 路上的人都穿了外套和围巾。 Lùshang de rén dōu chuān le wàitào hé wéijīn.Everyone on the str...
Oct 27, 2025•1 min•Season 1Ep. 64
When I arrived at the office this morning, everyone was looking out the window. I asked, “What’s going on?” Turns out, it was snowing heavily outside! Let’s learn how to say “what’s going on / what happened” in Chinese. 怎么回事 （zěnme huí shì) Hello，大家好，我是Janine。 Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine.Hello everyone, I’m Janine. 今天早上我去公司， Jīntiān zǎoshang wǒ qù gōngsī,This morning, I went to the office. 刚进门，就看到大家都在窗边看外面。 Gāng jìn mén, jiù kàn dào dàjiā dōu zài chuāngbiān kàn wàimiàn.As soon as I entered, ...
Oct 23, 2025•1 min•Season 11Ep. 63
I’ve been busy with work these weeks and haven’t really gone out much. When my friend asked what I did this weekend, I said, “Not much — just stayed home.” Let’s learn how to say “didn’t really / haven’t really” in Chinese. 没怎么 （méi zěnme) Hello，大家好，我是Janine。 Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine.Hello everyone, I’m Janine. 这几个星期我工作有点忙， Zhè jǐ gè xīngqī wǒ gōngzuò yǒudiǎn máng,These past few weeks, I’ve been a bit busy at work. 所以也 没怎么 出去玩。 Suǒyǐ yě méi zěnme chūqù wán.So I haven’t really gone out muc...
Oct 23, 2025•1 min•Season 1Ep. 62
My friend asked if I’ve been going to the gym lately.I said, “Not really — I’ve been too busy!”Let’s learn how to say “not very / not really / not often” in Chinese. 不怎么 （bù zěnme) Hello，大家好，我是Janine。 Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine.Hello everyone, I’m Janine. 昨天一个朋友问我： Zuótiān yí gè péngyou wèn wǒ:Yesterday, a friend asked me: “你最近去健身吗？” “Nǐ zuìjìn qù jiànshēn ma?”“Have you been going to the gym lately?” 我笑着说： Wǒ xiào zhe shuō:I smiled and said: “唉，最近工作太忙了， “Āi, zuìjìn gōngzuò tài máng le, I've...
Oct 23, 2025•1 min•Season 1Ep. 61
I turned off my alarm this morning to rest for just five more minutes… and woke up after nine! Luckily, I had no important meetings today. Let’s learn how to say “to oversleep” in Chinese. 睡过头 （shuì guò tóu) 今天早上我的闹钟响了。 Jīntiān zǎoshang wǒ de nàozhōng xiǎng le.This morning, my alarm went off. 我关掉闹钟。 Wǒ guān diào nàozhōng.I turned off the alarm. 想再休息五分钟。 Xiǎng zài xiūxi wǔ fēnzhōng.I wanted to rest for five more minutes. 结果一觉醒来， Jiéguǒ yí jiào xǐng lái,But when I woke up again, 已经九点多了！ Yǐjīng jiǔ...
Oct 22, 2025•1 min•Season 1Ep. 60
I overslept this morning — it was already 8:30! I jumped out of bed, washed my face, got dressed, and left in just five minutes. Let’s learn how to say “hurry up / right away” in Chinese. 赶紧 （gǎn jǐn) Hello，大家好，我是 Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine. 今天早上我 睡过头了 ，Jīntiān zǎoshang wǒ shuì guò tóu le , 一看时间，已经八点半！Yí kàn shíjiān, yǐjīng bā diǎn bàn! 我 赶紧 起床、洗脸、换衣服，Wǒ gǎnjǐn qǐchuáng, xǐ liǎn, huàn yīfu, 五分钟就出门了。Wǔ fēnzhōng jiù chūmén le. 还好地铁没晚点。Hái hǎo dìtiě méi wǎn diǎn....
Oct 22, 2025•1 min•Season 1Ep. 59
My alarm went off this morning, but it was still dark outside. I thought, “I’m too lazy to get up today…” and ended up sleeping twenty more minutes! Let’s learn how to say “too lazy to” in Chinese. 懒得（ lǎn de) Hello，大家好，我是 Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine. 今天早上闹钟响了，Jīntiān zǎoshang nàozhōng xiǎng le, 我起来，看了一眼窗外，Wǒ qǐ lái, kàn le yí yǎn chuāngwài, 天还黑着。Tiān hái hēi zhe. 我心想：Wǒ xīn xiǎng: “哎，今天真 懒得 起床。”“Āi, jīntiān zhēn lǎn de qǐ chuáng.” 结果我又多睡了二十分钟。Jiéguǒ wǒ yòu duō shuì le èrshí fēnzhōng....
Oct 22, 2025•1 min•Season 1Ep. 58
I saw the weather forecast before bed and told myself, “Don’t forget your umbrella tomorrow!” But guess what? I still forgot! Let’s learn how to say “make sure to / by all means” in Chinese. 千万 （qiān wàn) Hello，大家好，我是 Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine. 昨天晚上睡觉前，Zuótiān wǎnshang shuìjiào qián, 我看到天气预报说今天会下雨。Wǒ kàn dào tiānqì yùbào shuō jīntiān huì xià yǔ. 我赶紧对自己说：Wǒ gǎnjǐn duì zìjǐ shuō: “明天出门 千万 别忘了带伞！”“Míngtiān chūmén qiānwàn bié wàng le dài sǎn!” 结果我还是忘了。Jiéguǒ wǒ háishì wàng le....
Oct 22, 2025•1 min•Season 1Ep. 57
My friend asked me to watch a movie last night. I got so excited talking about it that I forgot to finish my work — which caused me to wake up early this morning! Let’s learn how to say “caused (something bad)” in Chinese. 害得 (hài de) Hello，大家好，我是 Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine. 昨天我朋友跟我说，Zuótiān wǒ péngyou gēn wǒ shuō, “晚上去看电影吧！”“Wǎnshang qù kàn diànyǐng ba!” 我太高兴了，一直聊电影的事，Wǒ tài gāoxìng le, yīzhí liáo diànyǐng de shì, 结果忘记做工作上的事情，Jiéguǒ wàngjì zuò gōngzuò shàng de shìqíng, 害得 我今天早上得早点儿起...
Oct 22, 2025•1 min•Season 1Ep. 56
I wanted to take a walk in the park this morning, but it was closed when I got there. What a pity! Let’s learn how to say “unfortunately / what a pity” in Chinese. 可惜 （kě xī) Hello，大家好，我是 Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine. 今天早上阳光很好，Jīntiān zǎoshang yángguāng hěn hǎo, 我本来想去公园散步。Wǒ běnlái xiǎng qù gōngyuán sànbù. 可是到门口才发现公园关门了。Kěshì dào ménkǒu cái fāxiàn gōngyuán guān mén le. 真 可惜 ！Zhēn kěxī !...
Oct 20, 2025•1 min•Season 1Ep. 55
I watched a mystery movie today and kept wondering — who was that person? In the end, I finally found out! Let’s learn how to say “after all / exactly” in Chinese. 到底 （dàodǐ) Hello，大家好，我是 Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine. 我今天在看一部悬疑电影，Wǒ jīntiān zài kàn yí bù xuányí diànyǐng, 故事太精彩了。Gùshì tài jīngcǎi le. 我一直在想：这个人 到底 是谁？Wǒ yīzhí zài xiǎng: zhège rén dàodǐ shì shéi? 看到最后我才知道，原来是他！Kàn dào zuìhòu wǒ cái zhīdào, yuánlái shì tā!...
Oct 20, 2025•58 sec•Season 1Ep. 54
I went early to the supermarket thinking there’d be fewer people — but the line was even longer! Let’s learn how to say “instead / on the contrary” in Chinese. 反而 （fǎn’ér) Hello，大家好，我是 Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine. 昨天我早早地去超市买东西，Zuótiān wǒ zǎozǎo de qù chāoshì mǎi dōngxi, 想着人应该不多。Xiǎngzhe rén yīnggāi bù duō. 结果 反而 排了更长的队！Jiéguǒ fǎn’ér pái le gèng cháng de duì! 我只好慢慢等。Wǒ zhǐhǎo màn man děng....
Oct 20, 2025•1 min•Season 1Ep. 53
“Busy people are successful”? Not necessarily! Let’s learn how to say “not necessarily” in Chinese. 不见得 （bú jiàn dé) Hello，大家好，我是 Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine. 朋友说：“工作多的人一定很成功。”Péngyou shuō: “Gōngzuò duō de rén yídìng hěn chénggōng.” 我笑着说：“ 不见得 吧，工作多也可能很累。”Wǒ xiào zhe shuō: “ Bú jiàndé ba, gōngzuò duō yě kěnéng hěn lèi.”
Oct 16, 2025•1 min•Season 1Ep. 52
The cinema was too crowded, so I thought, “Better go home and watch a movie.” Let’s learn how to say “it’d be better to” in Chinese. 不如 （bù rú) Hello，大家好，我是 Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine. 今天本来想去看电影。Jīntiān běnlái xiǎng qù kàn diànyǐng. 但是电影院人太多了。Dànshì diànyǐngyuàn rén tài duō le. 我想了想：“ 不如 回家看一部老电影吧。”Wǒ xiǎng le xiǎng: “ Bùrú huí jiā kàn yí bù lǎo diànyǐng ba.”
Oct 16, 2025•1 min•Season 11Ep. 51
When you’re not sure about something, you can say “不好说.” Let’s learn how to say “hard to say / not sure” in Chinese. 不好说 （bù hǎo shuō) Hello，大家好，我是 Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine. 昨天朋友问我：“你觉得明天会下雪吗？”Zuótiān péngyou wèn wǒ: “Nǐ juéde míngtiān huì xià xuě ma?” 我想了想，说：“ 不好说 ，巴黎的天气很奇怪。”Wǒ xiǎng le xiǎng, shuō: “ Bù hǎo shuō , Bālí de tiānqì hěn qíguài.”
Oct 16, 2025•58 sec•Season 1Ep. 50
I wanted to go shopping, but it started raining again… I’m afraid I can’t go out today. Let’s learn how to say “I’m afraid that…” in Chinese. 恐怕 （kǒng pà) Hello，大家好，我是 Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine. 今天我准备去超市买东西。Jīntiān wǒ zhǔnbèi qù chāoshì mǎi dōngxi. 刚出门，就开始下雨了。Gāng chūmén, jiù kāishǐ xià yǔ le. 我看着天说：“ 恐怕 今天又不能出门了。”Wǒ kàn zhe tiān shuō: “ Kǒngpà jīntiān yòu bù néng chūmén le.”
Oct 16, 2025•56 sec•Season 1Ep. 49
Sometimes happiness doesn’t need a reason — it’s nothing special. Let’s learn how to say “nothing special / it’s nothing” in Chinese. 没什么 （méi shénme) Hello，大家好，我是 Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine. 今天一个朋友问我：“你今天为什么看起来这么开心？”Jīntiān yí gè péngyou wèn wǒ: “Nǐ jīntiān wèishénme kàn qǐlái zhème kāixīn?” 我笑着说：“ 没什么 ，就是天气很好。”Wǒ xiào zhe shuō: “ Méi shénme , jiù shì tiānqì hěn hǎo.” 有时候，快乐真的 没什么特别的原因 。Yǒu shíhou, kuàilè zhēnde méi shénme tèbié de yuányīn ....
Oct 16, 2025•1 min•Season 11Ep. 48
My friend wore a T-shirt on a cold morning, and I told him, “You’d better wear a jacket!” Let’s learn how to say “you’d better” in Chinese. 最好 （zuì hǎo) Hello，大家好，我是 Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine. 今天早上我出门的时候，天气有点冷。Jīntiān zǎoshang wǒ chūmén de shíhou, tiānqì yǒudiǎn lěng. 我看见一个朋友只穿了一件 T恤 。Wǒ kànjiàn yí gè péngyou zhǐ chuān le yí jiàn T xù . 我说：“你 最好 穿件外套，不然会感冒。”Wǒ shuō: “Nǐ zuìhǎo chuān jiàn wàitào, bùrán huì gǎnmào.” 他笑着说：“没关系，我身体好。”Tā xiào zhe shuō: “Méi guānxi, wǒ shēntǐ hǎo.”...
Oct 15, 2025•54 sec•Season 1Ep. 47
Before my trip, my friend said, “Don’t forget your passport!” Let’s learn how to say “don’t forget to” in Chinese. 别忘了 （bié wàng le) Hello，大家好，我是 Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine. 今天我要出门旅行。Jīntiān wǒ yào chūmén lǚxíng. 朋友说：“ 别忘了 带护照！”Péngyou shuō: “ Bié wàng le dài hùzhào!” 我笑着说：“放心吧，我已经放进包里了。”Wǒ xiào zhe shuō: “Fàngxīn ba, wǒ yǐjīng fàng jìn bāo lǐ le.”
Oct 15, 2025•41 sec•Season 1Ep. 46
My computer suddenly stopped working. What a trouble! Let’s learn how to say “troublesome / to bother” in Chinese. 麻烦 （má fan) Hello，大家好，我是 Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine. 昨天我的电脑突然 不工作了 。Zuótiān wǒ de diànnǎo tūrán bù gōngzuò le . 我试了几次都打不开。Wǒ shì le jǐ cì dōu dǎ bù kāi. 我只好打电话给朋友帮忙。Wǒ zhǐhǎo dǎ diànhuà gěi péngyou bāngmáng. 我说：“真 麻烦 啊！”Wǒ shuō: “Zhēn máfan a!”
Oct 15, 2025•46 sec•Season 1Ep. 45
The smell of fresh bread this morning made me think, “This must be delicious.” Let’s learn how to say “definitely / for sure” in Chinese. 一定 （yí dìng) Hello，大家好，我是 Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine. 今天早上我去面包店。Jīntiān zǎoshang wǒ qù miànbāo diàn. 空气里都是面包的香味。Kōngqì lǐ dōu shì miànbāo de xiāngwèi. 我看着柜台里的蛋挞，想：“这个 一定 很好吃。”Wǒ kàn zhe guìtái lǐ de dàntà, xiǎng: “Zhège yídìng hěn hǎo chī.” 我买了一个，吃了一口，果然没错。Wǒ mǎi le yí gè, chī le yì kǒu, guǒrán méi cuò....
Oct 15, 2025•48 sec•Season 1Ep. 44
