Takeaway Chinese

China Plus

About

A weekly Chinese language teaching show which covers the most frequently used Chinese words and expressions, dialogues, language tips, and stories behind the idioms.

Available on

Community

750 episodes

Do you make plans… or just go with the flow? 聊聊计划和目标

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Some people love this question because it gives them a chance to talk about their goals and ambitions. Others absolutely hate it. After all, not everyone likes planning that far ahead — and life doesn't always go according to plan. In this episode of Takeaway Chinese, Niuniu and Steve talk about useful and practical Chinese when talking about goals, schedules, and future plans. Tune in now! (04:38) Different ways to say "plan" in Chinese. (15:33) Do you make plans every day?

31m
Mar 09
Special: How to say "torment 煎熬" in Chinese?

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "torment" in Chinese.

1m
Mar 06
Special: How to say "qualified 合格" in Chinese?

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "qualified" in Chinese.

1m
Mar 03
How Chinese people talk about luck 你是一个幸运的人吗?

Do you believe in luck? In this episode of Takeaway Chinese, Niuniu and Steve talk about how Chinese people talk about luck – from good luck in love and life's unexpected twists. Tune in and pick up handy phrases to use in everyday conversations! (09:05) A fish that symbolizes good luck in Chinese culture. (17:25) Feeling lucky in love? Learn how to say it in Chinese!

31m
Mar 02
Special: How to say "ordinary 平凡" in Chinese?

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "ordinary" in Chinese.

1m
Feb 27
​Special: How to say "a good deal 划算" in Chinese?

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "a good deal" in Chinese.

1m
Feb 24
Year of the Horse special: Classic horse stories you should know! “马”的故事

Horses have inspired some of the most fascinating idioms and historical tales. In this episode of Takeaway Chinese, we explore three legendary horse stories that continue to shape the way people talk about wisdom, strategy, and recognizing true potential. On the show: Niu Honglin & Steve. (03:20) The story of Bo Le discerning a noble steed. (14:30) The story searching for a fine horse according to a picture - and why it failed. (19:23) Tian Ji's horse racing: How to lose one race and win the game.

27m
Feb 23
Special: How to say "make do 凑合" in Chinese?

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "make do" in Chinese.

1m
Feb 20
Special: How to say "key 关键" in Chinese?

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "key" in Chinese.

1m
Feb 17
Happy Year of the Horse! 辞旧岁,迎新春

Celebrate the most meaningful night of the year in Chinese culture with Takeaway Chinese! In this episode, we explore key Chinese New Year customs and expressions — from reunion dinners and red envelopes to visiting relatives and shopping for festive goods... On the show: Niu Honglin & Steve. (06:15) The most important dinner of the year (15:10) Must-know Chinese New Year customs

31m
Feb 16
Special: How to say "static electricity 静电" in Chinese?

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "static electricity" in Chinese.

1m
Feb 13
Special: How to say "update 更新" in Chinese?

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "update" in Chinese.

1m
Feb 10
Horse-related expressions you should know! 马年说马

The Year of the Horse is almost here! In this episode, we provide you with useful horse-related cultural insights and expressions in Chinese. Tune in now and learn how "horse" can symbolize talent, success, and achievement. On the show: Niu Honglin & Steve. (08:51) How can "horse" be used metaphorically to describe someone with great talent? (11:45) 汗马功劳: Great contributions and hard-earned achievements.

27m
Feb 09
Special: How to say "good review 好评" in Chinese?

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "good review" in Chinese.

1m
Feb 06
Special: How to say "greasy 油腻" in Chinese?

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "greasy" in Chinese.

1m
Feb 03
Mandarin helps unlock conversations, friendships, and opportunity 英国校长谈中文学习

On "Takeaway Chinese," Dr. Chris Evans, headmaster of Reading School in the UK, explains why UK students are embracing Mandarin—and how it unlocks conversations, friendships, and future opportunities. Tune in for more insights. (06:22) How does Dr. Chris Evans see learning Chinese? (10:16) How are students in the UK learning Chinese?

27m
Feb 02
Special: How to say "river basin 流域" in Chinese?

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "river basin" in Chinese.

1m
Jan 30
Special: How to say "production 产量" in Chinese?

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "production" in Chinese.

1m
Jan 27
Listener special: Our Chinese learning journeys & China stories 听众特辑:外国人眼里的中国

What does China look like through the eyes of foreign friends? What fun stories do they have with their Chinese friends? Find out in this listener special of "Takeaway Chinese." On the show: Niu Honglin & Steve. (01:22) The Chinese word that puzzled foreign learners the most at the start. (12:57) Stories with Chinese friends.

25m
Jan 26
Special: How to say "keep fresh 保鲜" in Chinese?

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "keep fresh" in Chinese.

1m
Jan 23
Special: How to say "crowdfunding 众筹" in Chinese?

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "crowdfunding" in Chinese.

1m
Jan 20
From the first word, to real life in China 我们的中文故事

Over the past few weeks, we asked you all kinds of questions about China and Chinese learning — and now it's time to hear your stories! Tune in to our brand-new episode as Niuniu and Steve dive into your thoughts and experiences. (05:32) Why did you start learning Chinese? (26:38) What was the very first Chinese word you learned?

32m
Jan 19
Special: How to say "quit the fandom 退坑" in Chinese?

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "quit the fandom" in Chinese.

1m
Jan 16
Special: How to say "stand idle 闲置" in Chinese?

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "stand idle" in Chinese.

1m
Jan 13
Talking about time in Chinese: Everyday expressions 用中文聊聊时间

In this episode of Takeaway Chinese, we zoom in on time-related Chinese expressions you'll actually hear in real life. From common phrases and sentence patterns… if you want to talk about time more confidently in Chinese — this episode is right on time. On the show: Niu Honglin & Steve. (03:32) Talking about time: key expressions in Chinese (11:29) How was time measured in ancient China?

28m
Jan 12
Special: How to say "old items 旧物" in Chinese?

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "old items" in Chinese.

1m
Jan 09
Special: How to say "second-hand 二手" in Chinese?

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "second-hand" in Chinese.

1m
Jan 06
New Year, new words: The mindsets and buzzwords kicking off 2026 新年快乐,“爱你老几”!

In this episode of "Takeaway Chinese," we're kicking off the New Year by unpacking the new trends and new words everyone's using right now. From fresh expressions to buzzwords shaping daily conversations, we'll explore how language captures hopes, changes, and the mood of the year ahead. Whether you're learning Chinese or just curious about what people really say in real life, this episode gives you practical phrases and cultural context. On the show: Niu Honglin & Steve. (05:54) "Love yourself" is the new mindset. (10:28) More people are choosing culture-driven travel experiences.

28m
Jan 05
Special: How to say "acupuncture 针灸" in Chinese?

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "acupuncture" in Chinese.

1m
Jan 02
Special: How to say "travel photography 旅拍" in Chinese?

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "travel photography" in Chinese.

1m
Dec 30, 2025