Irene Gómez Fayos 尤美祎
Chinese-language content creator
Translator and Chinese teacher. Beekeeper and music lover.
Articles published by
/ Chinese
Things you need to know before you start learning Chinese
Do you need thousands of characters before you can speak? Get answers about Mandarin tones, pinyin, writing and how to build a study routine.
/ Chinese
2027 HSK calendar: key dates and how to prepare for the new exam
Check the 2027 HSK exam dates, registration deadlines for each format, and HSK 7-9 sessions. Choose your test date and plan your preparation for HSK 3.0.
/ Chinese
Ten Chinese dramas to watch in 2026
Find your next C-drama among ten titles from 2026, from period romances to crime comedies, and explore the Chinese vocabulary behind their names.
/ 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.
/ 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.
/ 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.
/ 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.
/ 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.
/ 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.
/ Chinese
HSK 3.0: new pilot test on 20 September 2026
A new global HSK 3.0 pilot test for levels 1 to 6 will take place on 20 September 2026. However, regular HSK exams in 2026 will still follow the HSK 2.0 format.
/ Chinese
15 words to talk about summer in Chinese
🥵 Feeling the heat this summer? 💦 Cool off with these essential Chinese words to survive the summer!
/ Chinese
10 current Chinese terms from the new HSK 3.0 2026
The new HSK 3.0 2026 includes very modern terms related to the internet, technology, online shopping and digital life.
/ Chinese
Words leaving HSK in 2026, but that you should still know
The new HSK 3.0 has restructured the vocabulary you need for exams, meaning some words from the old HSK 2.0 are no longer on the official lists. But watch out: just because a word won’t come up in the exam doesn't mean you shouldn't learn it.
/ Chinese
HSK2 3.0 2026: the easiest level in the new HSK?
Compared to HSK1, the new HSK2 3.0 2026 includes just 200 new words. Let’s explore why it might be the most accessible level in the new HSK.
/ Chinese
10 New HSK1 3.0 Words for 2026 You Should Learn
The new HSK1 3.0 includes more than 80 new terms compared with the old HSK levels.
/ Chinese
HSK2 3.0 Vocabulary 2026: official list, changes, and downloadable PDF
The PDF containing the new HSK2 3.0 vocabulary for 2026 is now ready to download!
/ Chinese
Learn Chinese from Scratch with HSK1: Step-by-Step Course by Chinesimple
Chinesimple’s Chinese course has landed! We’re super excited to announce that our complete HSK1 course is finally here! It’s designed so you can start from scratch and be guided step by step on your language learning journey.
/ Chinese
5 mistakes you should avoid in China
Today we’re going to cover the five mistakes you should avoid in China if you want to make a good impression.
/ Chinese
New HSK1 3.0 Textbook Review 2026: Official Book Explained
Has dicho Ahí va el post en inglés, te hace comenzar con una traducción al español?: Intro The new HSK1 3.0 book is out now! In this video, we’re going to do a deep dive into the improvements and changes made since the old version and how technology comes into play.
/ Chinese
Year of the Horse
2026 marks the beginning of the Year of the Fire Horse, starting on 17 February 2026, according to the lunar calendar.
/ Chinese
New HSK1 3.0 (2026): vocabulary changes and downloadable PDF
If you’re still preparing for the HSK1 as usual… you might want to take a beat. Because the HSK has changed… a lot. In 2026, HSK 3.0 officially lands, and the number of words, the grammar, and even the way you start learning to speak Chinese are no longer the same.
/ Chinese
New HSK 3.0 (2026): vocabulary, levels, exams and official textbooks
It’s finally official! The new HSK 3.0 is now underway, and – be warned – with it come major changes. In this article, we compare all the new features with HSK 2.0 and the 2021 release of HSK 3.0.
/ Chinese
"Chinesesimple", "Chinese simple" or "Chinesimple"?
If you’ve wound up here on the hunt for Chinesimple, Chinese simple, or similar… don’t worry, you’re not alone.
/ Chinese
Christmas in China?
In the Western world, December means Christmas, but… Does the festive period take over China in the same way? The short answer is: not exactly.
/ Chinese
Essential winter vocabulary to get you through the colder months
Whether you’re in Beijing, where temperatures can drop to -10 degrees, or in Shanghai, where the lowest temperatures usually hover around 2 degrees, today’s vocab will come in handy when you splurge on that padded coat or treat yourself to a warm 奶茶 nǎichá (milk tea).
/ Chinese
Introduction to Chinese etymology
In today’s article, we’re going to look at ten characters with truly captivating etymologies. Delving into the etymology of Chinese characters is not only very interesting, but it is also an excellent way to memorize them.
/ Chinese
Were there geishas in China?
The image of the geisha is usually associated with Japan。 However, in Chinese history we find similar prominent figures within the arts and entertainment: the 歌妓 [gējì], the 乐妓 [yuèjì], and the 名妓 [míngjì].
/ Chinese
20 phrases you should learn for HSK1
HSK Level 1—the most basic level of the official Chinese exam—includes essential vocabulary and simple structures that allow you to introduce yourself, ask basic questions, and navigate everyday situations.
/ Chinese
Basic food vocabulary in Chinese
Warning: this article will make you hungry! That’s because today, we’re going to learn some food-related vocabulary (食物 [shíwù])!
/ Chinese
How to learn Chinese
It’s no secret: Chinese is a difficult language. Whether you’re planning to start or have already begun, here are some essential tips to help you get off on the right foot, avoid frustration, and enjoy the wonderful journey of learning this incredible language.
/ Chinese
Mid autumn festival
中秋节快乐！Today China celebrates its second most important festival after Chinese New Year: the Mid-Autumn Festival (literally, 中 [zhōng] means “middle” and 秋 [qiū] means “autumn”). It is also known as the Moon Festival.
/ Chinese
Chinese Radicals: 7 Useful Radicals for Learning Characters
These components, called radicals (部首 [bùshǒu]), help you recognize patterns in hanzi and memorize vocabulary more logically.
/ Chinese
Dou Dizhu: the Chinese card game that rivals Mahjong
The card game Dou Dizhu 斗地主 [dòu dìzhǔ] is one of the most popular pastimes in China.
/ Chinese
What Is Zhuyin or Bopomofo?
Zhuyin Fuhao (注音符號), also known as Bopomofo, is a phonetic system used to represent the pronunciation of Mandarin Chinese. Unlike pinyin, it uses its own symbols rather than Latin letters.
/ Chinese
What is the YCT test?
The Youth Chinese Test (YCT) is an international standardized test designed to assess the Chinese language proficiency of young learners in primary and secondary school.
/ Chinese
Using the past tense: 了 and (是……) 的
In Chinese, we can indicate the past tense with either the particle 了 [le] or the structure 是……的 [shì……de].
/ Chinese
和, 跟, 与: don't they all mean the same thing? Let's learn how to use them!
One of the first things we learn when studying Chinese is how to say "and" or "with". But we soon find there are actually three different words that all seem to mean the same thing: 和 [hé], 跟 [gēn], and 与 [yǔ].
/ Chinese
Religion in China: beliefs, history and modern day
Unlike in many Western countries, religion in China is not a unified, fully defined phenomenon. Instead, it’s a mix of beliefs, cultural practices, and spirituality.
/ Chinese
The influence of Confucianism on Chinese society
Did you know that many modern Chinese customs have roots over 2,000 years old? Confucianism still shapes how people think, learn, govern, and relate to one another in China. Discover more here.
/ Chinese
How to tell the time in Chinese
How do you tell the time in Chinese? Learn how to use 点, 半, 刻 and more with clear explanations and practical examples.
/ Chinese
When to use 对, 给, or 为?
When do you use 对, 给 or 为 in Chinese? Learn the difference between these particles with clear, easy-to-remember examples.
/ Chinese
The World's Oldest Civilization? Discover the Dynasties That Shaped China
China has been ruled by dynasties for over 4,000 years. Each one left its mark on culture, politics, and science. Discover which dynasties marked a turning point in the history of the world’s oldest living civilization.
/ Chinese
How to pass the HSK exam: practical tips and strategies
Are you preparing for the HSK exam? Discover the best practical tips and strategies for every level, from time management to improving your listening, reading and writing skills.
/ Chinese
Chinese internet slang
Discover how young Chinese people are transforming the language with viral expressions like 特种兵式旅游 or 网红打卡地. Do you know what they mean?
/ Chinese
All about the HSK exam: levels, structure, duration, and scores
Your quick guide to the official HSK exam: what to expect and how to prepare.
/ Chinese
Common mistakes when preparing for the HSK (and how to avoid them)
Avoid the most common mistakes when preparing for the HSK. Studying smarter means studying better.
/ Chinese
New HSK 2 v3.0 Vocabulary List in English (2021) – What's New and Why It Matters
Discover the full HSK 2 v3.0 (2021) vocabulary list in English.
/ Chinese
10 Fun Facts About the HSK Exam You Might Not Know
How much do you really know about the HSK? 10 fun facts that will surprise you
/ Chinese
有点儿 vs 一点儿
"A little” in Chinese? Learn the difference between 有点儿 and 一点儿 with simple examples.
/ Chinese
Chinese Monetary Units
Already passed HSK1, but still not sure how to express prices in Chinese? No worries! Today we’ll show you the different Chinese currencies and teach you how to talk about them.
/ Chinese
Did you know that, with over 2200 years of history, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the oldest practices in the world?
Discover the three essential principles of traditional Chinese medicine and how they impact your well-being. We explain it simply!
/ Chinese
How to address people in Chinese
Not sure whether to say "sir," "uncle," or "brother" in Chinese? Learn how to address people naturally without sounding awkward. Discover the key terms and use them like a native.
/ Chinese
8 Chinese New Year traditions you need to know about
Discover 8 Chinese New Year traditions and their cultural significance.