Beginner05:51

The Animal Signs

In this video, the teacher discusses the Chinese zodiac signs, their cultural significance, and the stories behind each animal that represents a year in the 12-year cycle, providing an overview of Chinese traditional culture.

Published on 2024-02-12 · Used with permission

Comprehensible Mandarin
Comprehensible Mandarin

Related videos

The great wall
10:10

Beginner

The great wallThe video discusses the history and significance of the Great Wall of China, highlighting its role in protecting the country from invaders and its transformation into a world-famous cultural heritage site. The narrator encourages viewers to visit the Great Wall to experience its ancient architecture and appreciate the hard work and dedication of those who built it.Comprehensible Mandarin
Osteoglyphs related to people
07:02

Beginner

Osteoglyphs related to peopleThe video discusses the evolution of Chinese characters related to people, showcasing ancient oracle bone script and their modern counterparts, such as the symbol for "pregnant" and "follow." It highlights the meanings and transformations of these characters, providing insights into their origins and significance.Comprehensible Mandarin
Oracle bone inscriptions pt1
06:34

Beginner

Oracle bone inscriptions pt1The video discusses Chinese ancient characters known as oracle bone script, their origins, and characteristics, focusing on characters related to people. The script, used before the existence of writing tools and resembling drawings, evolved into modern Chinese characters.Comprehensible Mandarin
Chinese approach to educating children
09:44

Beginner

Chinese approach to educating children The video discusses the Chinese education system, focusing on how students progress through different stages from kindergarten to university. It highlights the challenges faced by teachers in educating students during their teenage years, emphasizing the importance of communication and guidance rather than traditional disciplinary methods.Comprehensible Mandarin
Origins and stories of the Chinese Zodiac - Chinese comprehensible input
07:12

Beginner

Origins and stories of the Chinese Zodiac - Chinese comprehensible inputThe video discusses the origins of the Chinese zodiac and how it is used to represent different years, with each year corresponding to a different animal sign. It also explains the historical significance and cultural importance of the Chinese zodiac in Chinese society.Comprehensible Mandarin
Talk shows
10:38

Beginner

Talk showsThe video transcript talks about the popularity of stand-up comedy shows, especially in China, and describes the experience of attending a stand-up comedy performance called "笑笑" (Xiao Xiao). It highlights how these shows provide a fun and relaxing way for people, especially working individuals, to enjoy and unwind.Comprehensible Mandarin
Care & Challenges for the elderly in an aging society - Chinese Comprehensible Input
10:11

Beginner

Care & Challenges for the elderly in an aging society - Chinese Comprehensible InputThe video discusses the challenges of elderly care in an aging society and proposes solutions such as improving healthcare services, promoting home care services, increasing social activities for the elderly, and utilizing smart technology to enhance their quality of life. It emphasizes the importance of changing societal perceptions and working together to create a more friendly living environment for the elderly.Comprehensible Mandarin
New year countdown in Chinese
07:11

Beginner

New year countdown in ChineseThe video describes how Chinese people celebrate New Year's Eve, with activities such as gathering at large malls or beaches, releasing fireworks and balloons at midnight, and enjoying traditional snacks like candied hawthorn. The speaker reflects on the passage of time, encourages viewers to cherish happy memories, and hopes for success and happiness in the coming year.Comprehensible Mandarin
How do Chinese people spend winter?
06:11

Beginner

How do Chinese people spend winter?The video discusses how Chinese people generally spend their winters, focusing on the various heating methods used in different regions. It highlights the use of radiators and underfloor heating as common methods of keeping warm, as well as the clothing choices, such as thick sweaters, down jackets, and snow boots, to combat the cold weather.Comprehensible Mandarin
Getting ready for school sports day
08:46

Beginner

Getting ready for school sports dayThe video describes the preparation for a school sports day opening ceremony, where the students perform creative and innovative acts mimicking various sports. Despite the challenges of rehearsals with noisy students, the teacher looks forward to the event and is excited about the student performances in both the ceremony and the sports competitions.Comprehensible Mandarin
The importance of voting
09:19

Beginner

The importance of votingVoting is a crucial aspect of democracy, as it allows every citizen to have a voice in deciding the future of their country or region. Each vote is significant in shaping the outcome of elections and public policies, highlighting the importance of active participation in the democratic process.Comprehensible Mandarin
New year's day
06:38

Beginner

New year's dayThe video discusses the customs and traditions observed in China on New Year's Day (元旦), which is the first day of the Gregorian calendar. While Chinese people celebrate the Lunar New Year more prominently, they also mark January 1st with activities like decorating homes, cleaning, and choosing to spend time with friends or family.Comprehensible Mandarin
Teachers in China work a lot of overtime
07:08

Beginner

Teachers in China work a lot of overtimeThe video discusses the common practice of overtime among teachers in China due to the heavy workload of teaching multiple classes and grading a large number of students' assignments, which can be physically exhausting. Despite the challenges of overtime, the speaker finds ways to cope by enjoying beverages like milk tea or coffee during late nights at work.Comprehensible Mandarin
Chinese solar terms
05:21

Beginner

Chinese solar terms The video introduces a traditional Chinese festival called "jieqi" which is used to guide agricultural activities based on different weather patterns. It also explains the significance of upcoming jieqi like "Daxue" (major snow) and "Xiaoxue" (minor snow), and how they mark the transition into colder weather as winter approaches.Comprehensible Mandarin
Involution & lying flat
06:48

Beginner

Involution & lying flatThe video discusses two popular Chinese terms, "neijuan" and "tangping", which describe contrasting lifestyles. "Neijuan" refers to people who work very hard to achieve success, while "tangping" refers to those who prefer a more relaxed and comfortable life without much ambition.Comprehensible Mandarin
Chinese Hanfu
06:07

Beginner

Chinese HanfuThe video introduces traditional Chinese clothing called Hanfu, showcasing its long sleeves, various colors, and decorative elements. It also mentions the popularity of Hanfu experiences and its appeal to both local and foreign visitors, emphasizing the cultural significance of this traditional attire.Comprehensible Mandarin
Classic Chinese Arts Calligraphy & Kung Fu
08:23

Beginner

Classic Chinese Arts Calligraphy & Kung FuThis video discusses traditional Chinese culture, focusing on calligraphy and martial arts. Calligraphy involves using a brush and ink to write on special paper, while martial arts, such as Tai Chi, are popular for their fitness benefits and slow, deliberate movements.Comprehensible Mandarin
Chinese calligraphy
06:06

Beginner

Chinese calligraphyThe video discusses Chinese traditional art, calligraphy, exploring different calligraphy styles and tools used for writing. It highlights the importance and cultural significance of calligraphy in Chinese history, despite it being less commonly practiced in modern times.Comprehensible Mandarin
The 3rd day of the 3rd month in the Lunar Calendar
07:15

Beginner

The 3rd day of the 3rd month in the Lunar CalendarThe video discusses the traditional Chinese festival of Sanyuesan, where people in different regions celebrate with various customs such as bathing in water, reciting poetry, and freely engaging in love interests, reflecting a blend of cultural similarities and differences. As the festival has evolved over time, it remains important in some minority ethnic areas in Southern China, showcasing the diversity and essence of festive celebrations.Comprehensible Mandarin
Get to know the Chinese dragon
12:31

Beginner

Get to know the Chinese dragonThe video introduces the Chinese zodiac sign of the Dragon and explains how various parts of the Dragon's body, such as feet, head, ears, body, skin, and claws, are inspired by different animals like the deer, horse, snake, fish, and eagle. The video highlights the significance of the Dragon in Chinese culture and invites viewers to share their own zodiac signs.Comprehensible Mandarin
Meaning of gestures
05:26

Beginner

Meaning of gesturesThe video discusses the significance of different hand gestures in various countries, such as expressing love, victory, anticipation, and disrespect. Each gesture carries a unique cultural meaning and is used to convey different emotions or messages.Comprehensible Mandarin
The dragon
05:52

Beginner

The dragonThe video discusses the differences between Chinese dragons and Western dragons in terms of appearance and symbolism. While Chinese dragons symbolize luck, power, and happiness, Western dragons are often associated with threat, destruction, and fear. The video highlights how these cultural differences shape the perception and portrayal of dragons in each region.Comprehensible Mandarin
The Lantern Festival
04:05

Beginner

The Lantern FestivalThe video introduces the traditional Chinese Lantern Festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month. It highlights customs such as lantern displays, eating tangyuan (sweet rice dumplings), dragon and lion dances, lantern riddles, and fireworks to symbolize the start of a new year.Comprehensible Mandarin
Autumn festival in China
09:15

Beginner

Autumn festival in ChinaThe video explains the traditions of the Mid-Autumn Festival in China, including hanging lanterns, eating mooncakes, and lighting lanterns to make wishes. It showcases the colorful decorations and delicious food associated with this festival.Comprehensible Mandarin
Winter solstice
05:42

Beginner

Winter solsticeThe video discusses the Winter Solstice, a traditional Chinese festival where the day is shortest and the night is longest. It highlights the customs of eating Tangyuan (sweet rice balls) to symbolize family reunion and warmth during the winter season.Comprehensible Mandarin
Chinese Zodiac signs explained
14:31

Beginner

Chinese Zodiac signs explainedThe video provides a detailed analysis of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs, highlighting the characteristics and traits of each sign based on the year of birth. It also discusses the differences between zodiac signs and Chinese zodiac signs, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each sign.Comprehensible Mandarin
Most commonly used apps in China pt1
12:04

Beginner

Most commonly used apps in China pt1The video introduces several commonly used Chinese apps, including WeChat for messaging and payments, Alipay for payments and various functions, Gaode Maps for navigation and ride-hailing, Taobao for online shopping, Ele.me for food delivery, Meituan Waimai for food delivery, and Dianping for reviewing various establishments. These apps are highlighted for their practicality and convenience in daily life in China.Comprehensible Mandarin
What is a Dragon made of?
03:47

Beginner

What is a Dragon made of?The video shows different animal parts being put together to create a dragon, showcasing how different animals can combine to form something new and unique.Comprehensible Mandarin
Chinese Knot Button
05:56

Beginner

Chinese Knot ButtonThe video discusses the traditional Chinese garment Qipao, focusing on the different designs of buttons and collars. It explains the symbolic meanings of various button patterns like chrysanthemum, plum blossom, and butterfly, representing elegance, purity, and companionship.Comprehensible Mandarin
Chinese peony porcelain
13:29

Beginner

Chinese peony porcelainThe video introduces a traditional Chinese gift, the peony porcelain, known for its rich symbolism of wealth and prosperity. The presenter showcases how to carefully handle and display this delicate and valuable gift for special friends or guests.Comprehensible Mandarin
All about pandas
03:24

Beginner

All about pandasThe video introduces the giant panda, a national treasure of China that loves to eat bamboo, vegetables, and fruits, as well as drink lots of water. It also showcases the pandas' activities in zoos like climbing trees and playing with toys, highlighting their cuteness and encouraging viewers to visit them in real life.Comprehensible Mandarin
Chinese Zodiac pt2
07:21

Beginner

Chinese Zodiac pt2The video explains how to calculate which animal sign you belong to based on the Chinese zodiac, with examples given for each year. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the characteristics associated with each zodiac animal and how they can influence one's personality.Comprehensible Mandarin
Chinese Zodiac pt1
15:52

Beginner

Chinese Zodiac pt1The video explains the Chinese zodiac signs, starting with the story of the rat being the first to reach the celestial prize. It goes on to describe each animal symbol, such as the tiger being the forest king and the dragon representing mystery and power, ending with a hint on how to determine one's own zodiac sign.Comprehensible Mandarin
Chinese Zodiac
10:19

Beginner

Chinese ZodiacThe video discusses the twelve Chinese zodiac signs and explains how each sign corresponds to a specific year in a twelve-year cycle. It also explores how people can use their zodiac sign to determine their age and celebrate their "本命年" (zodiac birth year) with happiness and significance.Comprehensible Mandarin
The most popular cartoons in China
09:17

Beginner

The most popular cartoons in ChinaThe video discusses the most popular animated TV shows in China, including "Teletubbies" from the US, "Peppa Pig" from the UK, and Chinese favorite "Happy Heroes and Grey Wolf." The video also highlights the trend of using cats as cartoon characters in modern Chinese animations.Comprehensible Mandarin
Popular mobile games in China
08:30

Beginner

Popular mobile games in ChinaThe video discusses the most popular games in China, including "连连看" (matching game), "植物大战僵尸" (Plants vs. Zombies), "我的世界" (Minecraft), and "愤怒的小鸟" (Angry Birds), with a focus on mobile gaming and their cultural significance.Comprehensible Mandarin
Customs of Little New Year
13:37

Beginner

Customs of Little New YearThe video talks about the customs and traditions of the Chinese festival, Xiao Nian, which includes activities like cleaning, hanging decorative window flowers, washing feet for good luck, celebrating marriage, and eating dumplings and sweets to welcome the upcoming Spring Festival.Comprehensible Mandarin
Everything you need to know about Chinese New Year | 2023
09:45

Beginner

Everything you need to know about Chinese New Year | 2023The video explains how Chinese people celebrate the new year and shares traditions such as cleaning, hanging couplets, wearing new clothes, eating reunion dinner, watching the Spring Festival Gala, giving red envelopes, and setting off fireworks to bring good luck and prosperity for the new year. Happy New Year!A Cup of Chinese
What do Chinese think about Western food?
09:18

Beginner

What do Chinese think about Western food?The video discusses the Chinese perspective on Western food, focusing on bread such as toast, sandwiches, and donuts. While many Chinese people traditionally eat Chinese cuisine, they are gradually embracing Western food but may experience discomfort at first due to not being accustomed to it from a young age.Comprehensible Mandarin
How Chinese people talk about weather
05:43

Beginner

How Chinese people talk about weatherThe video discusses different types of weather conditions, such as sunny, rainy, and foggy, in Chinese. Viewers are encouraged to share how weather is described in their own country and whether it is typically rainy or sunny.Comprehensible Mandarin
The videos Chinese people watch every day
12:34

Beginner

The videos Chinese people watch every dayThe video discusses popular types of video bloggers in China, including comedy, food, beauty, pets, fashion, gaming, movies, travel, knowledge-sharing, parenting, and fitness. Viewers are asked to share their favorite types of videos and bloggers in the comments.Comprehensible Mandarin
The Same China? 02b
05:16

Beginner

The Same China? 02bThe video discusses stereotypes about people from the North and their ability to drink alcohol. It also touches on height stereotypes between people from the North and South, with the conclusion that everyone is different.Blabla Chinese - Comprehensible Input
The Same China? 02a
03:18

Beginner

The Same China? 02aThe video discusses common stereotypes about people from the north of China, including the assumption that they can drink a lot and are tall. The speaker, Amber, challenges these stereotypes by sharing that she personally cannot drink much and is not very tall, but she is comfortable with her height and believes that stereotypes do not define individuals.Blabla Chinese - Comprehensible Input
Do they have Black Friday in China?
09:09

Beginner

Do they have Black Friday in China?The video introduces shopping culture in China, discussing shopping festivals such as "Double Eleven" and comparing it to Black Friday in the US. It also touches on the importance of using reusable bags for environmental reasons.Comprehensible Mandarin
Delivery apps & ordering online
12:47

Beginner

Delivery apps & ordering online The video provides a step-by-step guide on ordering food delivery in China using a mobile app. It highlights the convenience and popularity of food delivery services, showcasing how users can select meals, make payments, and rate their dining experience.Comprehensible Mandarin
Lantern festival
09:53

Beginner

Lantern festivalThe video discusses the traditional Chinese Lantern Festival, showing the cultural activities like making river lanterns, releasing sky lanterns, and performing to celebrate the festival with prayers and blessings for the future and remembrance of loved ones. It also highlights the symbolism of unity, happiness, and commemoration associated with the Lantern Festival in China.Comprehensible Mandarin
What foreign cartoons did Chinese children watch?
02:35

Beginner

What foreign cartoons did Chinese children watch?The video discusses popular foreign cartoons from childhood, such as "Tom and Jerry," "Winnie the Pooh," "Inspector Gadget," "Rabbit's House of Fox Girl," and "SpongeBob SquarePants." The speaker reminisces about these well-known animated shows with a touch of humor and nostalgia.Comprehensible Mandarin
How children play
06:01

Beginner

How children playThe video discusses how children in China celebrate International Children's Day with various activities like singing, dancing, magic shows, and parent-child competitions. The focus is on creating a happy and memorable experience for children and fostering their psychological well-being.Comprehensible Mandarin
I have 3 birthdays
03:16

Beginner

I have 3 birthdaysThe video discusses how the teacher, Crazy, has three birthdays, one according to Lunar calendar, one according to Gregorian calendar, and one on his ID. Despite the confusion, Crazy's birthdays are celebrated by different groups of people.Crazie Laoshi