#12 Master 离 | Distance & Time + Why You Shouldn't Call Women 阿姨 | Learn Chinese Online | HSK 2

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!

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