Chinese TV Shows for Continued Language Practice

Engaging with media and entertainment in Mandarin is a fun and unique way to retain and strengthen your Chinese language skills. Student blogger Brandy Darling (HNC Cert ‘20 + SAIS MA ’21) connected with current student Hannah Sorenson (HNC MAIS ‘22) and HNC alumna Celine Yeap Shu Wan (HNC Certificate ‘20) to collect a sample of Chinese TV show recommendations to get you started.

幸福触手可及  (Love Designer / Love Advanced Customization)

Recommender: Celine Yeap Shu Wan '20

Genre: Business, Romance 

Where to Watch: YouTube

Summary: The story of an aspiring fashion designer and an e-commerce start-up founder who were a mismatch from the start. Due to incidences that end up making their lives and work heavily interdependent, they are forced to cooperate. Conflicts are bound to happen with these two hard-headed individuals, but they slowly find themselves growing in each other’s strength. 

What words/expressions have you learned from this show? 

E-Commerce/Tech related terms, such as:  

• 营销手段 - marketing approach 
• 用户隐私 - user privacy 
• 失去先机 - losing a key opportunity (first-mover advantage) 
• 上身效果 - a term that describes the effects of trying on certain pieces of apparel 
• 消费理念 - consumption philosophy 
• 应用程序 - application (the actual proper term behind “APP”) 
• 丧  - a common expression to describe someone as dejected (我还是头一回见你那么丧!） 

长安十二时辰  (The Longest Day in Chang’an)

Recommender: Celine Yeap Shu Wan '20

Genre: Historical, Action, Crime Investigation 

Where to Watch: YouTube, Amazon Prime 

Summary: Set in the Tang dynasty, this show tells the story of a former detective turned death row prisoner, Zhang Xiaojing, who came to save the dynasty from being overthrown by mysterious invaders known as “Wolf Guards” (狼卫). 

Check out more on why you should be watching the Longest Day in Chang’an.

What words/expressions have you learned from this show? 

Mainly traditional Chinese grammar patterns.

• 放肆 - a common expression (usually from more senior people) describing someone as presumptuous 
• 经查 - upon investigation; a shortened version of 经过调查 
• 并未 - not really; a shortened version of 并没有 
• 已毙 - a traditional Chinese way of saying “was killed” 
• 故此 - a traditional Chinese way of saying “therefore” (e.g. 故此只能暗捉) 
• 但愿 - if only/I wish; a traditional Chinese way of saying 希望, usually appears in poems (e.g. 但愿人长久，千里共婵娟) 
• 死罪豁免 - immunity from death penalty 

爱上哥们  (Bromance)

Recommender: Hannah Sorenson '22

Genre: Taiwanese Rom-Com

Where to Watch: Netflix  

Summary: “The show has a bunch of story lines all tangled into one—its chaos is what makes it appealing. In the simplest terms, it's a show about a girl, Pi Yanuo, who has to pretend to be a boy until her mid-twenties because a possibly fake fortune teller told her parents they should expect to have a healthy and successful son. A martial arts hobbyist, she saves the life of a notorious gang leader and amusement park owner, Du Zifeng, when he's attacked outside of her mobile hotdog stand. The two become sworn 'brothers' and...fall in love? Unlisted in the main plot are the abducted parents, amnesia, terminal illness, cruises, and goats. It was the first 'drama' I ever watched and, quite frankly, remains the most ridiculous. If you've never seen a drama, look no further—they're all wrapped up into one here.” 

How has it helped you keep up with Chinese language?   

“I watched this show to unwind as an undergraduate student and even convinced non-Chinese speaking friends to watch it. The second time I watched it (which I rarely do), it was particularly useful for improving listening adaptability, especially with the Taiwanese accent. Bromance is also quite useful for simple phrases—I learned 没事 (it's nothing/it's alright) and used it during my first trip to China when I burned my face on 火锅 (hot pot)—and familiarizing yourself with traditional characters, especially if you use the subtitles.

Written by Brandy Darling, HNC Cert ‘20 + SAIS MA ‘21.