China in Translation

Which Language was Ma Ying-jeou Speaking in Hunan?

In Hunan, Ma Ying-jeou will now mostly be remembered as ‘the boy from Xiangtan.’

Published

3 years ago

April 28, 2023

Jin Luo

There have been many headlines and views on former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou’s recent visit to mainland China. One aspect of his trip has received relatively little attention, even though it generated some buzz among Chinese netizens: Ma’s way of speaking Chinese. Jin Luo explains.

Ex Taiwan President and former Kuomintang Chairman Ma Ying-jeou (马英九) made headlines earlier this month after he ended his historic 12-day visit to mainland China.

One aspect of his…

Related Topics:China Taiwan Chinese language Hu Xijin Qingming Festival Taiwan Tsai Ing-wen

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Jin Luo

Jin Luo is a language & culture educator based in Berlin. Teaching three languages (Mandarin, Cantonese, English) and learning two (Russian, German) while having lived in 10 cities across 7 countries, her mission is to boost intercultural understanding and communication through education.

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China in Translation

China’s 2025 Year in Review in 12 Phrases

Andrew Methven’s favorite Chinese phrases of the year, a special feature by RealTime Mandarin.

Published

10 months ago

December 31, 2025

Andrew Methven

Dear Reader,

Happy New Year! A new year is, undoubtedly, filled with new resolutions. I have a few on my list, and maybe we have some in common—like reading more books (my new e-reader is arriving from Shenzhen tomorrow!) and being more diligent about practicing my new Chinese vocabulary.

If upping your Chinese is also on your list for 2026, Andrew Methven’s newsletter, RealTime Mandarin, is a must-follow. It’s a free weekly resource that…

China in Translation

Jiehun Huazhai (结婚化债): Getting Married to Pay Off Debts

Published

1 year ago

July 3, 2025

Manya Koetse

🔥 A version of this story also appeared in the Weibo Watch newsletter. Subscribe to stay in the loop.

Our Weibo phrase of the week is 结婚化债 jiéhūn huàzhài. Lately, the term “结婚化债” jiéhūn huàzhài, which translates to “marriage as debt resolution” or “getting married to resolve debt” is a recurring term on Chinese social media.

The word refers to a phenomenon that has become more prevalent alongside rising debts among…