Avsnitt
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In this episode, we get personal. We talk fatherhood, the shifting idea of what it means to be a ‘man,’ and how dads today are navigating emotion, law, and family. From our own experiences to the broader cultural shifts, we explore how parenting and masculinity are evolving, sometimes slowly, sometimes painfully.
Then we zoom out. We dive into the brutal reality of the job market, how AI is flipping industries on their heads, and what that means for all of us. We explore the future of learning, creativity, entertainment, and why, surprisingly, libraries still matter.
This one’s a mix of heartfelt and hard-hitting. Expect real talk, a few laughs, and a look at how the world’s changing fast and how we’re trying to keep up.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In this episode of the Mandarin Monkey Podcast, Tom and Ula take listeners on a conversational journey covering everything from rescuing snails to the surprising genre of cozy fantasy. They share personal stories, listener feedback about subtitles, and survival tips for the salt flats, all wrapped in reflections on parenting, cultural sensitivity, and language learning.
Whether it's talking to kids about historical figures, planning travel adventures, or discussing the purpose behind the show, this episode blends practical insight with humour and heart.
Key Takeaways
The show blends listicle-style episodes with free-flowing conversations.Personal stories (yes, even snail rescues) make it feel real.Talking history with kids is challenging—but worth it.Subtitles are helpful but polarising—feedback is split.The podcast’s mission has shifted from teaching to connecting.Salt flat survival tip: know your landmarks.Altitude sickness is real—plan ahead when traveling.Cozy fantasy offers a gentle, feel-good reading experience.Curiosity is good—but cultural awareness is better.Asking where someone’s from can be a genuine way to connect—if done right.Kobo is a solid platform for Chinese-language reads.www.mandarinmonkey.com - Mandarin Chinese Lessons
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In this episode, we dive into the joys and pains of podcast production, the growing importance of bilingualism in career paths, and how AI is quietly reshaping language learning and job interviews. We also tackle parenting in the tech age, the screen-time struggle, and how different generations navigate the digital world. Oh, and yes—streaming has definitely changed everything.
Key Takeaways
Making a podcast is harder than it looks (trust us, we’ve done a few).Being bilingual gives you a serious edge in today’s job market.Not every role needs perfect fluency—context matters.AI’s creeping into interviews and learning tools—be ready.Parents are stuck between wanting peace and fearing screens.Screen time? Not evil. But moderation is everything.Your nan’s tech habits probably aren’t the same as your kid’s.We’ve gone from VHS to infinite scroll—media has changed.We want your feedback—it actually helps.Fresh air still matters. Get outside now and then.Chapters
0:00 – Intro & New Year Hellos
06:13 – Bilingualism & Better Jobs
11:59 – AI’s New Role in Language Learning
21:01 – Kids, Screens & The Digital Dilemma
26:59 – Tech vs. Trees: Finding Balance
32:54 – How Generations Use Tech Differently
38:57 – From Telly to TikTok: Media Evolution
44:48 – Listener Feedback & What’s Next
www.mandarinmonkey.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In this episode of the Mandarin Monkey Podcast, Tom and Ula dive into some of the strangest bans and laws from around the world, from chewing gum in Singapore to government-approved reincarnation in Tibet.
Through light-hearted yet insightful discussion, they explore how these bans reflect deeper cultural values, political symbolism, religious influences, and social expectations. You'll also pick up real Mandarin vocabulary along the way, making this a perfect listen for language learners who want more than just textbook phrases.
Whether you’re curious about travel customs, cultural sensitivity, or how to say "reincarnate legally" in Mandarin, this episode has you covered.
00:00 – Introduction to the Mandarin Monkey Podcast
08:11 – Banned Items Around the World
20:16 – Cultural Insights and Language Learning
26:02 – Philosophical Musings on Reincarnation
32:06 – Laws and Social Norms Across Countries
39:10 – Cultural Dress Codes and Public Decency
45:58 – Religious Influences on Legislation
51:01 – Public Displays of Affection and Their Restrictions
禁止嚼口香糖 | jìn zhǐ jiáo kǒu xiāng táng | Chewing gum is banned (Singapore)禁止用“IKEA”當名字 | jìn zhǐ yòng “IKEA” dāng míng zì | Naming your child “IKEA” is banned (Sweden)在高速公路上沒油是違法的 | zài gāo sù gōng lù shàng méi yóu shì wéi fǎ de | Running out of fuel is illegal (Germany)古蹟禁止穿高跟鞋 | gǔ jì jìn zhǐ chuān gāo gēn xié | No high heels at historical sites (Greece)轉世需要政府批准 | zhuǎn shì xū yào zhèng fǔ pī zhǔn | Reincarnating without government approval is illegal (Tibet)禁止小熊維尼 | jìn zhǐ xiǎo xióng wéi ní | Winnie the Pooh is banned (China)踩錢是違法的 | cǎi qián shì wéi fǎ de | Stepping on money is illegal (Thailand)公共場合禁止罵髒話 | gōng gòng chǎng hé jìn zhǐ mà zāng huà | Public swearing is banned (Australia)禁止與佛像自拍 | jìn zhǐ yǔ fó xiàng zì pāi | No selfies with Buddha (Sri Lanka)有些地方禁止死亡 | yǒu xiē dì fāng jìn zhǐ sǐ wáng | Dying is illegal in some towns (Japan, Norway)禁止在海灘上穿太暴露的衣服 | jìn zhǐ zài hǎi tān shàng chuān tài bào lù de yī fú | Revealing swimwear is banned on some beaches (Spain)禁止在車內吃東西 | jìn zhǐ zài chē nèi chī dōng xi | Eating inside cars is banned in some areas (USA – certain cities)禁止上廁所時沖馬桶（晚上） | jìn zhǐ shàng cè suǒ shí chōng mǎ tǒng (wǎn shàng) | Flushing the toilet at night is illegal in some flats (Switzerland)禁止穿迷你裙 | jìn zhǐ chuān mí nǐ qún | Wearing miniskirts is banned in some countries (Uganda)禁止養豬（宗教原因） | jìn zhǐ yǎng zhū (zōng jiào yuán yīn) | Keeping pigs is banned for religious reasons (Middle East)禁止開黃色雨傘 | jìn zhǐ kāi huáng sè yǔ sǎn | Yellow umbrellas are banned in political protests (Hong Kong)禁止在公共場所親吻 | jìn zhǐ zài gōng gòng chǎng suǒ qīn wěn | Public kissing is banned (UAE, Saudi Arabia)禁止左撇子寫字（歷史） | jìn zhǐ zuǒ piě zi xiě zì | Left-handed writing was historically banned in schools (global historical context)禁止喝酒（某些國家） | jìn zhǐ hē jiǔ (mǒu xiē guó jiā) | Alcohol is banned in some countries (e.g. Kuwait, Iran)禁止假笑（電影宣傳） | jìn zhǐ jiǎ xiào (diàn yǐng xuān chuán) | Forced or fake smiling banned in public ads (North Korea)Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Looking for a fun way to learn Mandarin while exploring the world’s strangest places? In this episode, we take you on a global journey to the weirdest tourist attractions from haunted doll islands to underwater post offices. Along the way, you’ll pick up real Mandarin vocabulary and cultural insights that go way beyond textbooks. Perfect for Mandarin learners, Chinese language enthusiasts, or anyone curious about bizarre travel destinations.
Join us as we break down the Mandarin for each strange spot, practice pronunciation, and share stories that will make you think twice about your next holiday destination.
娃娃島 | wá wá dǎo | Doll Island (Mexico)倒立屋 | dào lì wū | Upside-down House (Poland, Taiwan, Germany)口香糖巷 | kǒu xiāng táng xiàng | Bubblegum Alley (USA)貓島 | māo dǎo | Cat Island (Japan)老鼠廟 | lǎo shǔ miào | Rat Temple (India)螢火蟲洞 | yíng huǒ chóng dòng | Glowworm Caves (New Zealand)巨人之路 | jù rén zhī lù | Giant's Causeway (Northern Ireland)彎曲森林 | wān qū sēn lín | Crooked Forest (Poland)鹽飯店 | yán fàn diàn | Salt Hotel (Bolivia)沙漠之手 | shā mò zhī shǒu | Hand of the Desert (Chile)地下墳場 | dì xià fén chǎng | Catacombs (Paris, France)人骨教堂 | rén gǔ jiào táng | Bone Church (Czech Republic)便便博物館 | biàn biàn bó wù guǎn | Poop Museum (Japan)鞋屋 | xié wū | Shoe House (USA)鬼屋村 | guǐ wū cūn | Ghost Village (Japan)鏡子迷宮 | jìng zi mí gōng | Mirror Maze (Various locations)雷克雅未克飛機殘骸 | léi kè yǎ wèi kè fēi jī cán huài | Reykjavik Plane Wreck (Iceland)水下郵局 | shuǐ xià yóu jú | Underwater Post Office (Vanuatu)冰屋旅館 | bīng wū lǚ guǎn | Ice Hotel (Sweden)橡皮鴨樂園 | xiàng pí yā lè yuán | Rubber Duck Park (Hong Kong)Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Today on the Mandarin Monkey Podcast, we dive into the beautiful Cotswolds and share our experiences camping in two stunning locations. But things took an unexpected turn when we crossed paths with a stranger who might not have been as friendly as they seemed... Find out what happened!
今天在 Mandarin Monkey，我们深入探讨了科茨沃尔德（Cotswolds）的美丽风光，并分享了我们在两个迷人地点露营的经历。但事情发生了意想不到的转折，当我们遇到了一位看似不那么友善的陌生人... 想知道发生了什么吗?
Sorry no word list today as we just had a casual chat!
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To celebrate 400 episodes of Mandarin Monkey, we’re not getting sentimental, we’re getting strange. Join us as we break down 40 of the weirdest, most useful, and most culturally revealing Mandarin words and phrases we’ve come across. From “snake milker” vocab to expressions for being awkward, overstuffed, or emotionally destroyed, this episode is packed with language you won’t find in your average textbook.
Perfect for learners who want to laugh, expand their vocab, and celebrate a massive milestone with us.
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Think your job is strange? In this episode, we explore 20 of the world’s weirdest real-life occupations — from snake milkers and underwater pizza delivery drivers to professional cuddlers and scream evaluators. Along the way, we’ll teach you how to say each one in Mandarin, complete with vocabulary, pronunciation, and a few questionable career choices.
Perfect for Mandarin learners who want to expand their vocab and their sense of what counts as a job.
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In this episode, we explore 20 of the most ridiculous, real world records ever set — and learn how to talk about them in Mandarin. From smashing toilet seats with your head to balancing snails on your face, this is your crash course in weirdness and useful Mandarin vocabulary. Whether you’re a language learner or just love strange facts, we’ve got you covered.Mandarin Vocabulary List (Traditional + Pinyin + English)一次穿最多件T恤 | yī cì chuān zuì duō jiàn T xù | Most T-shirts worn at once最長指甲 | zuì cháng zhǐ jiǎ | Longest fingernails最快吃完生洋蔥 | zuì kuài chī wán shēng yáng cōng | Fastest time to eat a raw onion一分鐘內用頭撞碎最多馬桶蓋 | yī fēn zhōng nèi yòng tóu zhuàng suì zuì duō mǎ tǒng gài | Most toilet seats broken with head in 1 minute最大橡皮筋球 | zuì dà xiàng pí jīn qiú | Largest rubber band ball最遠丟洗衣機距離 | zuì yuǎn diū xǐ yī jī jù lí | Furthest washing machine throw身上平衡最多湯匙 | shēn shàng píng héng zuì duō tāng chí | Most spoons balanced on a human body吊在電鑽上一分鐘內轉最多圈 | diào zài diàn zuàn shàng yī fēn zhōng nèi zhuǎn zuì duō quān | Most spins on a power drill in 1 minute全身接觸冰塊最久時間 | quán shēn jiē chù bīng kuài zuì jiǔ shí jiān | Longest full-body contact with ice最多人扮成藍色小精靈的聚會 | zuì duō rén bàn chéng lán sè xiǎo jīng líng de jù huì | Largest gathering of people dressed as Smurfs用鼻子打出字母最快時間 | yòng bí zi dǎ chū zì mǔ zuì kuài shí jiān | Fastest time to type the alphabet with your nose臉上放最多蝸牛（五分鐘） | liǎn shàng fàng zuì duō guā niú (wǔ fēn zhōng) | Most snails on a face (in 5 minutes)穿高跟鞋跑100公尺最快時間 | chuān gāo gēn xié pǎo yì bǎi gōng chǐ zuì kuài shí jiān | Fastest 100m run in high heels單腳轉呼拉圈最多次 | dān jiǎo zhuǎn hū lā quān zuì duō cì | Most hula hoop spins on one leg一生中吃最多巨無霸 | yī shēng zhōng chī zuì duō jù wú bà | Most Big Macs eaten in a lifetime全身著火被馬拉最遠距離 | quán shēn zháo huǒ bèi mǎ lā zuì yuǎn jù lí | Longest distance pulled by a horse while on fire蒙眼穿十件T恤最快時間 | méng yǎn chuān shí jiàn T xù zuì kuài shí jiān | Fastest time to put on 10 T-shirts blindfolded三十秒內被濕海綿打最多次 | sān shí miǎo nèi bèi shī hǎi mián dǎ zuì duō cì | Most wet sponge hits in 30 seconds頭頂牛奶瓶走最遠距離 | tóu dǐng niú nǎi píng zǒu zuì yuǎn jù lí | Longest distance walked balancing a milk bottle on head同時刷牙人數最多 | tóng shí shuā yá rén shù zuì duō | Most people brushing their teeth simultaneously
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From baby mop outfits to chopstick fans and silent karaoke mics — the world has no shortage of strange inventions. In this episode, Tom and Ula explore 20 bizarre gadgets from around the globe and break down the Mandarin vocabulary behind each one. It’s the perfect mix of language learning, cultural curiosity, and a whole lot of "Wait… that's real?"
Whether you're here for the vocab or just want to hear us try to explain what a "nose stylus" is in Mandarin… this one’s for you.
嬰兒拖把衣 | yīng ér tuō bǎ yī | Baby mop clothes印臉吐司機 | yìn liǎn tǔ sī jī | Face-printing toaster擁抱枕頭 | yǒng bào zhěn tóu | Hugging pillow香蕉切片器 | xiāng jiāo qiē piàn qì | Banana slicer防色狼腿毛褲襪 | fáng sè láng tuǐ máo kù wà | Anti-pervert hairy tights寵物管家機器人 | chǒng wù guǎn jiā jī qì rén | Pet butler robot鞋子雨傘 | xié zi yǔ sǎn | Shoe umbrellaUSB領帶風扇 | USB lǐng dài fēng shàn | USB tie fan鼻子觸控筆 | bí zi chù kòng bǐ | Nose stylus無聲卡拉OK麥克風 | wú shēng kǎ lā OK mài kè fēng | Silent karaoke mic減肥水 | jiǎn féi shuǐ | Diet water馬桶高爾夫球組 | mǎ tǒng gāo ěr fū qiú zǔ | Toilet golf set瘦臉面罩 | shòu liǎn miàn zhào | Face slimming mask髮夾風扇 | fà jiā fēng shàn | Hair clip fan貓語翻譯項圈 | māo yǔ fān yì xiàng quān | Cat translation collar奶油棒 | nǎi yóu bàng | Butter stick筷子風扇 | kuài zi fēng shàn | Chopstick fan遙控拖鞋拖把 | yáo kòng tuō xié tuō bǎ | Remote mop slippers鼻塞濾網 | bí sāi lǜ wǎng | Nose plug filters午睡枕頭 | wǔ shuì zhěn tóu | Nap desk pillowHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1. Balut – Fertilized duck embryo (Philippines)
鴨仔蛋 | yā zǐ dàn | Duck embryo egg
2. Surströmming – Fermented herring (Sweden)瑞典酸鯡魚 | ruì diǎn suān fèi yú | Swedish sour herring
3. Casu Marzu – Maggot cheese (Italy)活蛆乳酪 | huó qū rǔ lào | Live maggot cheese
4. Fried Tarantula (Cambodia)炸狼蛛 | zhà láng zhū | Fried tarantula
5. Hákarl – Fermented shark (Iceland)發酵鯊魚肉 | fā xiào shā yú ròu | Fermented shark meat
6. Sannakji – Live baby octopus (Korea)活章魚 | huó zhāng yú | Live octopus
7. Escamoles – Ant larvae (Mexico)蟻卵 | yǐ luǎn | Ant eggs / larvae
8. Century Egg – Preserved black egg (China)皮蛋 | pí dàn | Century egg
9. Blood Pancake (Finland)血煎餅 | xuè jiān bǐng | Blood pancake
10. Witchetty Grub (Australia – Aboriginal delicacy)大白蟲 | dà bái chóng | Big white grub
11. Tuna Eyeball (Japan)鮪魚眼球 | wěi yú yǎn qiú | Tuna eyeball
12. Snake Wine (Vietnam/China)蛇酒 | shé jiǔ | Snake wine
13. Guinea Pig (Cuy) (Peru/Ecuador)天竺鼠肉 | tiān zhú shǔ ròu | Guinea pig meat
14. Mopane Worms (Southern Africa)莫潘蟲 | mò pān chóng | Mopane worms
15. Frog Smoothie (Peru)青蛙果汁 | qīng wā guǒ zhī | Frog juice
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Ever heard of a law that bans you from handling salmon "suspiciously"? Or a rule that says men must wear Speedos at public pools in France? In this episode, we dive into some of the strangest, most ridiculous laws from around the world. From kites being outlawed in the UK to Japan’s weight regulations, we break down these bizarre rules, their origins, and whether they actually make any sense. Plus, we’ll throw in some Mandarin vocabulary along the way, so you can learn while you laugh!
Would you obey these laws or break them just for fun? Tune in to find out!
General Law-Related Words法律 (fǎlǜ) – Law法规 (fǎguī) – Regulation非法 (fēifǎ) – Illegal违法 (wéifǎ) – Against the law规定 (guīdìng) – Rule/regulation政府 (zhèngfǔ) – Government批准 (pīzhǔn) – ApprovalWeird Law Examples & VocabularyIllegal to handle salmon suspiciously (UK 🇬🇧)鲑鱼 (guīyú) – Salmon可疑 (kěyí) – Suspicious处理 (chǔlǐ) – To handleNo flying kites in public places (UK 🇬🇧)风筝 (fēngzhēng) – Kite公共场所 (gōnggòng chǎngsuǒ) – Public placeIllegal to be drunk in a pub (UK 🇬🇧)酒吧 (jiǔbā) – Pub/bar喝醉 (hē zuì) – To be drunkNo ice cream in your back pocket (US 🇺🇸, Alabama)冰淇淋 (bīngqílín) – Ice cream口袋 (kǒudài) – PocketIllegal to wake a sleeping bear for a photo (US 🇺🇸, Alaska)熊 (xióng) – Bear拍照 (pāizhào) – Take a photoNo donkeys sleeping in bathtubs (US 🇺🇸, Arizona)驴 (lǘ) – Donkey浴缸 (yùgāng) – BathtubMen must wear Speedos in public pools (France 🇫🇷)泳池 (yóuyǒngchí) – Swimming pool紧身泳裤 (jǐnshēn yǒngkù) – SpeedosNo chewing gum in Singapore (🇸🇬)口香糖 (kǒuxiāngtáng) – Chewing gumYou must walk your dog daily (Germany 🇩🇪)遛狗 (liù gǒu) – Walk the dog宠物 (chǒngwù) – PetIllegal to name your pig ‘Napoleon’ (France 🇫🇷)猪 (zhū) – Pig名字 (míngzì) – NameNo flushing toilets after 10 PM (Switzerland 🇨🇭)厕所 (cèsuǒ) – Toilet晚上 (wǎnshàng) – NighttimeIn China, you cannot reincarnate without government approval (China 🇨🇳)转世 (zhuǎnshì) – Reincarnation灵魂 (línghún) – SoulIllegal to change a lightbulb without a license (Australia 🇦🇺)灯泡 (dēngpào) – Lightbulb执照 (zhízhào) – LicenseHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Unusual Hobbies (特殊的爱好 - tè shū de ài hào)Extreme Ironing (极限熨烫) – jí xiàn yùn tàngQuidditch (魁地奇) – kuí dì qíCheese Rolling (奶酪滚动比赛) – nǎi lào gǔn dòng bǐ sàiToy Voyaging (玩具旅行) – wán jù lǚ xíngCompetitive Duck Herding (竞技赶鸭子) – jìng jì gǎn yā ziTrainspotting (火车观察) – huǒ chē guān cháMooing Competitions (学牛叫比赛) – xué niú jiào bǐ sàiSoapbox Racing (肥皂盒赛车) – féi zào hé sài chēBog Snorkeling (泥潭浮潜) – ní tán fú qiánStone Skipping (打水漂比赛) – dǎ shuǐ piāo bǐ sàiFerret Legging (裤子养雪貂比赛) – kù zi yǎng xuě diāo bǐ sàiWife Carrying Race (扛妻比赛) – káng qī bǐ sàiBeetle Fighting (甲虫格斗) – jiǎ chóng gé dòuCardboard Tube Dueling (纸板管决斗) – zhǐ bǎn guǎn jué dòuUnderwater Hockey (水下曲棍球) – shuǐ xià qū gùn qiúCompetitive Air Guitar (空气吉他比赛) – kōng qì jí tā bǐ sàiCanine Freestyle (狗狗舞蹈比赛) – gǒu gǒu wǔ dǎo bǐ sàiLawn Mower Racing (割草机比赛) – gē cǎo jī bǐ sàiSoap Carving (肥皂雕刻) – féi zào diāo kèPencil Sharpening as an Art (削铅笔艺术) – xuē qiān bǐ yì shùUnusual Cultural Activities (特殊的文化活动 - tè shū de wén huà huó dòng)La Tomatina (番茄大战) – fān qié dà zhànBaby Jumping Festival (跳婴节) – tiào yīng jiéMonkey Buffet Festival (猴子自助餐节) – hóu zi zì zhù cān jiéGoose Pulling (拔鹅比赛) – bá é bǐ sàiPolterabend (婚前碎瓷习俗) – hūn qián suì cí xí súGurning Contests (扭脸比赛) – niǔ liǎn bǐ sàiFamadihana (换尸节) – huàn shī jiéUp-Helly-Aa (维京火节) – wéi jīng huǒ jiéKanamara Matsuri (钢铁阴茎祭) – gāng tiě yīn jīng jìNaki Sumo (婴儿哭泣相扑赛) – yīng ér kū qì xiàng pū sàiThe Battle of the Oranges (橙子大战) – chéng zi dà zhànTunarama Festival (金枪鱼投掷节) – jīn qiāng yú tóu zhì jiéToe Wrestling (脚趾摔跤) – jiǎo zhǐ shuāi jiāoGolden Retriever Festival (金毛犬节) – jīn máo quǎn jiéKrampusnacht (克朗普斯之夜) – kè lǎng pǔ sī zhī yèBlackened Teeth (染黑牙齿, 日本旧习俗) – rǎn hēi yá chǐ, rì běn jiù xí súFrozen Dead Guy Days (冰冻死人节) – bīng dòng sǐ rén jiéGiant Omelette Festival (巨型煎蛋节) – jù xíng jiān dàn jiéHadaka Matsuri (裸体祭, 日本裸祭) – luǒ tǐ jì, rì běn luǒ jìCooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling (库珀山奶酪滚动比赛) – kù pò shān nǎi lào gǔn dòng bǐ sài
Festival (节日) – jié rì
Competition (比赛) – bǐ sài
Traditional (传统的) – chuán tǒng de
Cultural Event (文化活动) – wén huà huó dòng
Unusual (特殊的) – tè shū de
Weird (奇怪的) – qí guài de
Challenge (挑战) – tiǎo zhàn
Sport (运动) – yùn dòng
Activity (活动) – huó dòng
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In this episode of the Mandarin Monkey Podcast, we chat about the Eisenhower Matrix (艾森豪威尔矩阵, Àisēnháowēi’ěr jǔzhèn)—not as experts, but just as two people trying to figure out where all our time goes. We’ve all been there: feeling 忙碌 (mánglù, busy) but not necessarily productive (有成效的, yǒu chéngxiào de). So, what actually makes something 重要 (zhòngyào, important) versus just 紧急 (jǐnjí, urgent)?
我们不是在教你如何管理时间，而是聊聊我们自己是怎么思考这些问题的。为什么有些任务看起来很急 (hěn jí)，但其实没什么意义？为什么真正重要的事情，往往被推到最后才做？我们的生活中有哪些任务是“假忙碌”？
我们讨论了工作、生活、甚至一些让人忍不住拖延的事。听完后，你有没有类似的感受？你的时间管理方式是怎样的？欢迎留言和我们一起讨论!
放松 (fàngsōng) – Relax
压力 (yālì) – Pressure
享受 (xiǎngshòu) – Enjoy
节奏 (jiézòu) – Rhythm/Pace
平衡 (pínghéng) – Balance
忙碌 (mánglù) – Busy
幸福 (xìngfú) – Happiness
瞬间 (shùnjiān) – Moment
简单 (jiǎndān) – Simple
呼吸 (hūxī) – Breathe
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In episode #392 of Mandarin Monkey, we speculate about what it’s like moving to the mountains in Taiwan (we don't live in the mountains) and the joys (and challenges) of using Starlink for internet. We also dive into the differences between nosy neighbors in English and Taiwanese culture—who’s watching, who’s gossiping, and who just doesn’t care? Finally, we put our translation skills to the test with I Do It Anyway by Yoshi 2.0. Some lyrics make sense, some... not so much. Tune in for a mix of language, culture, and a few laughs along the way!
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In this episode of the Mandarin Monkey Podcast, Tom and Ula dive into the world of untranslatable words—those linguistic gems that exist in Mandarin but leave English speakers scratching their heads, and vice versa. They explore phrases like "懒得理 (lǎn de lǐ)"—the perfect expression for when you just can’t be bothered—and "面子 (miànzi)", the all-important social concept of saving face.
From the emotional richness of "心酸 (xīn suān)"—that bittersweet feeling of nostalgia—to the English quirk of feeling "hangry" when hunger turns you into a monster, this episode uncovers the fascinating differences that shape how we express ourselves across cultures.
Plus, they challenge each other to guess the meaning behind some of the weirdest literal translations—like "wolf swallows, tiger gulps"—and invent some brand-new words for those everyday moments we all recognize but never knew how to name.
Tune in for laughs, language insights, and a new appreciation for the wonderfully weird world of words!
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In this engaging episode of the Mandarin Monkey Podcast, hosts Tom and Ula delve into the fascinating world of literal translations between Mandarin and English. They explore how certain phrases, when translated word-for-word, can lead to humorous or confusing interpretations due to cultural and linguistic differences. The discussion includes idioms and expressions from both languages, highlighting the challenges and amusement that arise in translation. Listeners are treated to examples such as "It's raining cats and dogs" and its potential literal Mandarin translation, as well as Mandarin idioms like "一日三秋" (yī rì sān qiū), which literally means "one day, three autumns," but conveys the feeling of missing someone deeply. This episode offers a delightful blend of language learning and cultural insights, making it a must-listen for those interested in the nuances of Mandarin and English expressions.
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Ula and Tom speak about some confusing Mandarin and English words. All in Mandarin and English (Chinglish) for your listening pleasure.
Mandarin Lessons
www.mandarinmonkey.com
帶 (dài) vs. 戴 (dài)
帶 (dài): to bring/carry (請帶你的護照。Qǐng dài nǐ de hùzhào. – Please bring your passport.)戴 (dài): to wear (accessories) (她戴了一條項鍊。Tā dài le yī tiáo xiàngliàn. – She wore a necklace.)買 (mǎi) vs. 賣 (mài)
買 (mǎi): to buy (我買了一本書。Wǒ mǎi le yī běn shū. – I bought a book.)賣 (mài): to sell (這家店賣衣服。Zhè jiā diàn mài yīfú. – This store sells clothes.)見 (jiàn) vs. 見面 (jiànmiàn)
見 (jiàn): to see (我昨天見到了他。Wǒ zuótiān jiàn dào le tā. – I saw him yesterday.)見面 (jiànmiàn): to meet (我們下週見面。Wǒmen xià zhōu jiànmiàn. – We will meet next week.)聽 (tīng) vs. 停 (tíng)
聽 (tīng): to listen (請聽我說。Qǐng tīng wǒ shuō. – Please listen to me.)停 (tíng): to stop (請停車。Qǐng tíngchē. – Please stop the car.)還 (hái) vs. 還 (huán)
還 (hái): still/yet (我還沒吃飯。Wǒ hái méi chīfàn. – I haven’t eaten yet.)還 (huán): to return something (請還我書。Qǐng huán wǒ shū. – Please return my book.)做 (zuò) vs. 作 (zuò)
做 (zuò): to do/make (我要做飯。Wǒ yào zuò fàn. – I am going to cook.)作 (zuò): to act as or create (這是他的作品。Zhè shì tā de zuòpǐn. – This is his work.)借 (jiè) vs. 接 (jiē)
借 (jiè): to borrow/lend (我可以借你的筆嗎？Wǒ kěyǐ jiè nǐ de bǐ ma? – Can I borrow your pen?)接 (jiē): to pick up (phone/person) or receive (我要去機場接他。Wǒ yào qù jīchǎng jiē tā. – I am going to the airport to pick him up.)試 (shì) vs. 是 (shì)
試 (shì): to try (請試試這個。Qǐng shì shì zhège. – Please try this.)是 (shì): to be (我是老師。Wǒ shì lǎoshī. – I am a teacher.)借 (jiè) vs. 還 (huán)
借 (jiè): to borrow (他借了我的書。Tā jiè le wǒ de shū. – He borrowed my book.)還 (huán): to return (請還我書。Qǐng huán wǒ shū. – Please return my book.)光 (guāng) vs. 亮 (liàng)
光 (guāng): light (陽光很好。Yángguāng hěn hǎo. – The sunlight is nice.)亮 (liàng): bright (這盞燈很亮。Zhè zhǎn dēng hěn liàng. – This lamp is very bright.)換 (huàn) vs. 變 (biàn)
換 (huàn): to exchange/change (我要換錢。Wǒ yào huàn qián. – I need to exchange money.)變 (biàn): to transform (他變了很多。Tā biàn le hěn duō. – He has changed a lot.)想 (xiǎng) vs. 要 (yào)
想 (xiǎng): to think or miss someone (我想你。Wǒ xiǎng nǐ. – I miss you.)要 (yào): to want or need (我要喝水。Wǒ yào hē shuǐ. – I want to drink water.)近 (jìn) vs. 進 (jìn)
近 (jìn): near (我家很近。Wǒ jiā hěn jìn. – My home is close.)進 (jìn): to enter (請進來。Qǐng jìnlái. – Please come in.)難 (nán) vs. 男 (nán)
難 (nán): difficult (這題很難。Zhè tí hěn nán. – This question is very difficult.)男 (nán): male (他是男生。Tā shì nánshēng. – He is a boy.)Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Unpleasant Sounds or Awkward Pronunciation
膩 (nì) – Greasy, overly rich (often used for food but also for excessive behavior).
黏 (nián) – Sticky, clinging (can refer to textures or overly attached people).
齁 (hōu) – Overly sweet or salty (common in Taiwanese Mandarin but sounds rough).
癢 (yǎng) – Itchy (some dislike the way it sounds when spoken).
喳喳叫 (zhā zhā jiào) – Chattering noisily (annoying both in sound and meaning).
Gross or Unpleasant Associations
痰 (tán) – Phlegm.
膿 (nóng) – Pus.
流湯 (liú tāng) – To ooze fluid (used for wounds or food, can sound disgusting).
爛 (làn) – Rotten, bad quality (commonly used to insult things or people).
發臭 (fā chòu) – To stink.
Overused or Annoying Phrases in Taiwanese Culture
馬上 (mǎ shàng) – "Right away" (often said but not always meant literally).
隨便啦 (suí biàn la) – "Whatever" (can sound dismissive or rude).
沒差啦 (méi chā la) – "Doesn’t matter" (casual, sometimes frustrating to hear).
你家在哪裡？(nǐ jiā zài nǎ lǐ?) – "Where’s your house?" (Common but feels nosy in Taiwan).
這樣可以嗎？(zhè yàng kě yǐ ma?) – "Is this okay?" (Overused in customer service settings).
Forced Taiwanese Internet Slang
母湯 (mǔ tāng) – Taiwanese Hokkien loanword meaning "don’t do that," some find it cringey.
87 (bā qī) – Internet slang for "idiot" (八七 sounds like 白癡 bái chī, meaning stupid).
安安 (ān ān) – Taiwanese internet greeting, can feel outdated.
尬聊 (gà liáo) – "Forced awkward chat" (often overused online).
好扯哦 (hǎo chě ò) – "So ridiculous!" (Overused in younger circles).
Taiwan-Specific Business or Social Annoyances
報稅 (bào shuì) – Tax filing (dreaded every year).
塞車 (sāi chē) – Traffic jam (a huge problem in Taiwan).
外送 (wài sòng) – Food delivery (used too often in daily conversation).
可以加LINE嗎？(kě yǐ jiā LINE ma?) – "Can we add each other on LINE?" (Some find it intrusive).
租屋 (zū wū) – Renting a house (frustrating for many due to high prices in Taiwan).
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The U.S. is taking steps to ban TikTok—so what does this mean for users, creators, and businesses? In this episode of Mandarin Monkey, Ula (speaking Mandarin) and Tom (speaking English) dive into the controversy surrounding TikTok’s potential ban in America. We discuss why the U.S. government is pushing for it, what might happen next, and whether TikTok can survive this legal battle.
Join us for a bilingual discussion that breaks down the issue from multiple angles—political, economic, and cultural. Is this really about security, or is something else at play? Tune in and find out!
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- Visa fler
