Chinese Bites — with Janine | HSK 1️⃣

In this episode, we learn how to say yes, no, and “maybe next time” in Chinese — politely and naturally.
You’ll practice common expressions like 可以, 好啊, 不行, and 下次吧, and learn how Chinese softens refusals to keep conversations friendly.

可以

好 / 好啊

不行

不可以

下次吧

In this episode, we learn how to make choices in Chinese using two essential words that both mean “or”: 或者 and 还是.
You’ll discover when to use 或者 in statements and 还是 in questions, and how Chinese clearly separates talking about options from asking someone to choose.
或者 → or (in statements)

还是 → or (in questions)

In this episode, you’ll learn how to connect ideas naturally in Chinese using three essential words: 因为 (because), 所以 (so), and 但是 (but).
因为 → because

所以 → so

但是 → but

In this episode, you’ll learn how to ask “why” and “how is it” in Chinese using two essential question words: 为什么 and 怎么样.
We’ll then practice giving simple, natural reasons with 因为 + adjective, without long sentences or complicated grammar. Everything stays short, clear, and beginner-friendly.

为什么 → why

怎么样 → how is it
因为 + adjective

In this episode, we continue building on degree expressions in Chinese and learn how to fine-tune your tone without changing sentence structure.
You’ll discover how to use 还, 真, and 非常 to sound more natural when describing people, situations, and feelings — from calm and realistic to emotional or polite and formal.
还 → quite / not bad

真 → really (emotional)

非常 → very (neutral, strong)