In this episode, we explore the essential word 离 (lí) — your go-to expression for talking about distance, location, and travel time in Mandarin. Whether something is very far or just around the corner, this episode helps you use 离 naturally and correctly. We also dive into a cultural warning: why calling a woman 阿姨 (āyí) — often translated as “auntie” — might offend someone if she’s not actually your aunt. You’ll learn what to say instead, depending on age, context, and relationship. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How to use 离 (lí) for distance and time expressions ✅ Sentence patterns like “A 离 B 很远 / 很近” ✅ Why 阿姨 can feel inappropriate — and better alternatives ✅ Everyday examples for confident speaking ✅ A breakdown of Chinese titles and politeness rules. Cultural Insight of the Week: In Chinese culture, 阿姨 (āyí) is age-coded. If a woman doesn’t see herself as “auntie age,” she might feel offended. Instead, use 女士 (nǚshì) in formal situations or 小姐 (xiǎojiě) in casual service contexts — but even 小姐 has limits, so use it carefully! At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights: Online Campus: The best virtual campus. Access study materials, interactive exercises, and additional resources from anywhere, anytime. Private Teachers: Our highly trained teachers provide personalized classes with an individual approach. Trial Classes: Not sure if this language is for you? Try our trial classes! Immerse yourself in the language and discover if it’s the right choice for you. Hanyu Blog: Every week, we publish informative and entertaining articles to help you improve your understanding of the language and culture. Learn more languages with Trainlang! Visit our websites and start your language journey today! Chapters (00:00:00) - Chinese Language Master Class Podcast(00:02:27) - Chinese language(00:08:55) - How to commute to work in China(00:12:50) - How Chinese people address each other in Chinese(00:16:16) - What Is I? ((00:17:38) - "Big Brother" and "Little Sister"(00:19:01) - "Shauguko" and "Tick Tock"(00:22:54) - Chinese people's use of I in conversation(00:25:17) - Chinese Language(00:26:47) - Chinese Phrases in 2 Minutes

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related