/ Korean
Did you know the Korean alphabet has its own day?
Every October 9, South Korea celebrates its alphabet. Discover the story of Hangeul, King Sejong's legacy and why this writing system has a day of its own.
Blog
/ Chinese
How to use punctuation in Chinese
Why is the Chinese full stop a circle, and why are there two kinds of comma? Learn how Chinese punctuation works with examples, pinyin and translations.
/ Japanese
What makes a Japanese toilet different?
Faced with a toilet panel full of unfamiliar buttons? Learn what the Japanese labels mean, from wash settings and heated seats to the all-important flush button.
/ Chinese
How does the education system work in China?
From kindergarten to university, explore China's education system, find out what the gaokao is and learn the Chinese words for each stage.
/ Japanese
Can a Japanese verb have more than one meaning?
Listen or hear? Do or play? Discover how context shapes the meaning of Japanese verbs, with examples that show why one translation isn't always enough.
/ Chinese
中秋节快乐！Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!
中秋节 [zhōngqiūjié] is the Mid-Autumn Festival, one of China's most important traditional celebrations.
/ Japanese
How should you bow in Japan?
In Japan, the way you bow depends on the situation and the level of respect you want to show.
/ Chinese
HSK 3.0 now has an official launch date: December 13, 2026
Chinese Testing International has now announced that the new HSK 3.0 exam will officially be held on December 13, 2026, and that from 2027, HSK 3.0 will replace the current HSK 2.0 system.
/ Japanese
Is green sometimes "blue" in Japan?
In a word, yes. In Japan, we sometimes use 青【あお, ao】, which usually means "blue," for things that many other languages would call green.
/ Chinese
Back to school! HSK 3.0 vocabulary to talk about your studies
If you’re starting the school year and learning Chinese, the new HSK 3.0 features several words and expressions to help you talk about your studies.
/ Japanese
Why are Japanese people known for being so clean and tidy?
Cleaning is not treated as a punishment, but as an everyday activity. And when you do something every day from an early age, it eventually becomes a habit and feels like a totally normal part of life.
/ Chinese
Which 10 words from HSK2 3.0 will you definitely use in China?
The HSK2 3.0 2026 includes many terms and expressions that are particularly useful for traveling in China, from transportation, hotels, and restaurants to shopping, and directions.