TingMate · English Learning
Slow English stories for intermediate learners. One short story is told gently, then taken apart piece by piece until every word makes sense. Quiet listening practice for anyone learning English.
Episodes
Day 52 · Working From Home
A slow English story about A week of working from home, so free but so much less productive, and that's OK. 14 simple sentences. Word by word. About 11 minutes.📝 Today's sentences① This week, I'm doing remote work.② It just means I don't have to go into the office. I can work from anywhere.③ We only get four weeks of it a year.④ I was saving it for my Christmas holiday.⑤ I planned
Day 51 · A Full Three Thousand
A slow English story about Apple raised Mac prices across the board, and the increase alone could buy a whole laptop. 10 simple sentences. Word by word. About 9 minutes.📝 Today's sentences① Lately, I've seen a lot of posts about Apple raising prices.② Macs went up across the board.③ Someone online said they hesitated for a long time about buying one.④ Before they could decide, the price ju
Day 50 · The Mountain Is Always Here
A slow English story about Half a year after leaving the Bay Area, the old hiking group gets back together. 12 simple sentences. Word by word. About 12 minutes.📝 Today's sentences① I left the Bay Area about half a year ago.② Now that I'm back, I reached out to my friends right away.③ We used to have a hiking group. We hiked every week for almost a year.④ After I left, everyone got busy. Th
Day 40–44 · Last Week Review
Day 40 · ChampionsTonight could be the night. Game 5. New York leads the series three to one.None of us got a ticket. They were way too expensive. So we squeeze in front of one screen.For most of the game, New York is down. At one point, down by sixteen. It looks over.Then Brunson takes over! Thirteen points in a row! We can't believe it!We are all on the edge of our seats.The final minute. Ne
Day 45–49 · Current Week Review
Day 45 · Out of the BlueThis past Sunday, I got a text from a friend out of the blue.He said he's landing in the Bay Area on Tuesday.He flew from China to New York for an NBA game.I promised to show him around Silicon Valley.I've been really busy lately. It totally slipped my mind.But he's coming all the way from China. I have to keep my word.So I opened the Workday app. And I put in f
Day 49 · Just a Prompt Engineer
A slow English story about Back to work after the visit, meetings, a backlog, and just directing my AI assistant. 14 simple sentences. Word by word. About 14 minutes.📝 Today's sentences① Yesterday I saw my friend off. He flew back to China.② I wanted to go back to China too. But as an adult, it's time to go back to work.③ Because of my three days off, my work piled up. Now I've got a h
Day 48 · Google, Apple, Stanford
A slow English story about Touring my friend around Google, Apple, and Stanford in one packed day. 13 simple sentences. Word by word. About 17 minutes.📝 Today's sentences① We had a lot planned today. After picking him up, we went straight to Google.② We had the employee breakfast, then rode the colorful bikes to Google headquarters.③ We saw work areas themed like dinosaurs, forests, and oceans
Day 47 · Just Like Old Times
A slow English story about Picking up an old friend at the airport and showing him around San Francisco. 15 simple sentences. Word by word. About 17 minutes.📝 Today's sentences① Texas is two hours ahead of California. This morning I almost overslept.② My friend texted me. He landed. I jumped out of bed.③ Good thing I live close to the airport. I washed my face and drove straight there.④ The ai
Day 46 · A Close Call
A slow English story about A close call at the airport, traffic, a long line, and barely making my flight. 14 simple sentences. Word by word. About 14 minutes.📝 Today's sentences① Today I flew to San Francisco to see my friend.② I took a cab to the airport. I thought I had plenty of time.③ But we got stuck in traffic. There were a few accidents.④ The driver's GPS messed up and took us to t
Day 45 · Out of the Blue
A slow English story about A friend texts out of the blue, and I scramble to book a last-minute flight. 14 simple sentences. Word by word. About 14 minutes.📝 Today's sentences① This past Sunday, I got a text from a friend out of the blue.② He said he's landing in the Bay Area on Tuesday.③ He flew from China to New York for an NBA game.④ I promised to show him around Silicon Valley.⑤ I'
Day 35–39 · Last Week Review
Day 35 · The Call Before GaokaoListen, my nephew called me this weekend.He told me his gaokao starts tomorrow morning.And he wanted me to give him a pep talk.Honestly, I was kind of touched.He thought of me at a moment like this.But I didn't really know what to say.I mean, it's the gaokao.I just wanted him to take it easy.So I said, I'm so glad you called me.You've really grown the
Day 40–44 · Current Week Review
Day 40 · ChampionsTonight could be the night. Game 5. New York leads the series three to one.None of us got a ticket. They were way too expensive. So we squeeze in front of one screen.For most of the game, New York is down. At one point, down by sixteen. It looks over.Then Brunson takes over! Thirteen points in a row! We can't believe it!We are all on the edge of our seats.The final minute. Ne
Day 44 · Happy Dragon Boat Festival
A slow English story about Wrapping zongzi for Dragon Boat Festival, and missing the red bean paste from my childhood. 11 simple sentences. Word by word. About 12 minutes.📝 Today's sentences① Dragon Boat Festival is almost here. So today I left work early and went to a friend's place.② She had everything ready. And we tried wrapping zongzi.③ And honestly? It's so much harder than it lo
Day 43 · 618 Mid-Year Sale?
A slow English story about Last day of the 618 sale, and I can't figure out if I actually saved anything. 12 simple sentences. Word by word. About 12 minutes.📝 Today's sentences① Hey, do you guys know what day it is? Today's the last day of the 618 mid-year sale.② I just paid the balance on my pre-order.③ And honestly, I was scared I'd messed up the math.④ These days, you just can&
Day 42 · Don't Suffer Alone
A slow English story about My AC stopped cooling at night, and the neighbor group chat fixed it together. 14 simple sentences. Word by word. About 16 minutes.📝 Today's sentences① I got home around 6:30 today. And man, it was hot.② The house hit 84 degrees Fahrenheit. So I turned on the AC right away.③ I grabbed a drink from the fridge and sank into my rocking chair.④ But five minutes later, I
Day 41 · Tasting It Online
A slow English story about Craving crawfish at the supermarket, I made a deal with myself — and ended up eating it online. 13 simple sentences. Word by word. About ? minutes.📝 Today's sentences① My friends, I have a question for you. Is it crawfish season back in China right now?② I've been in Austin, Texas lately. The most famous local supermarket here is H-E-B.③ There's one almost ev
Day 40 · Champions
A slow English story about We couldn't afford a ticket, so we crowded around one screen — and watched the Knicks win it all. 11 simple sentences. Word by word. About ? minutes.📝 Today's sentences① Tonight could be the night. Game 5. New York leads the series three to one.② None of us got a ticket. They were way too expensive. So we squeeze in front of one screen.③ For most of the game, New
Day 30–34 · Last Week Review
Day 30 · Cheers to Right NowThis weekend, I went to my friend's housewarming party.Here's the thing. She didn't buy the place. She rented it.But it's still a big deal. Ten years in the US.This is her first time living in a house.Honestly, international student life isn't all that fancy.You're moving abroad, learning English, finding a job, then the H1B lottery.She kept goin
Day 35–39 · Gaokao Week Review
Day 35 · The Call Before GaokaoListen, my nephew called me this weekend.He told me his gaokao starts tomorrow morning.And he wanted me to give him a pep talk.Honestly, I was kind of touched.He thought of me at a moment like this.But I didn't really know what to say.I mean, it's the gaokao.I just wanted him to take it easy.So I said, I'm so glad you called me.You've really grown the
Day 39 · Part Time or Travel?
A slow English story about My nephew wanted to deliver food for the summer — I made him an offer instead. 12 simple sentences. Word by word.📝 Today's sentencesMy nephew called me Thursday afternoon and said his gaokao went good.He said: I want to do part-time as a delivery guy this summer. Then I can save up for university.Actually, I was so proud, and it reminded me of my own summer long time
Day 38 · The Morning After
A slow English story about The morning after gaokao — parents tiptoeing, the kid sleeping in, and one quiet line at breakfast. 11 simple sentences. Word by word.📝 Today's sentencesYesterday was the last day of gaokao. Today, the house is too quiet.He came home past midnight. From the class dinner. With a hangover.It's almost noon. He's still sleeping in. Door closed.There's no rush
Day 37 · The Class Dinner Night
A slow English story about Wednesday midnight, picturing them on their last day of gaokao — and the class dinner ahead. 13 simple sentences. Word by word.📝 Today's sentencesIt just turned Wednesday. I'm thinking about them again.Today is their last day of gaokao. Probably their only one ever.Just one more exam. English. They'll walk out of that exam room by five. All over.And just like
Day 36 · The Gaokao Year
A slow English story about Driving past a school full of parents holding flowers — and remembering my own gaokao 20 years ago. 15 simple sentences. Word by word.📝 Today's sentencesThis morning, the streets felt unusually quiet.No one was honking. No one rushing.It hit me. Today is the day.I drove past a school on my way to work.Parents were everywhere, holding flowers.And just like that, I was
Day 35 · The Call Before Gaokao
A slow English story about A phone call from my nephew the night before his gaokao — and what I told him. 16 simple sentences. Word by word.📝 Today's sentencesListen, my nephew called me this weekend.He told me his gaokao starts tomorrow morning.And he wanted me to give him a pep talk.Honestly, I was kind of touched.He thought of me at a moment like this.But I didn't really know what to sa
Day 25–29 · Last Week Review
Day 25 · I Poured Another GlassSo this weekend, I had a picnic with a friend. Out in the park.We laid out a blanket. Wine, bread, fruit. All takeout, honestly. Nothing fancy.The weather was perfect. I just sat there, doing nothing for once.And there were two kids next to us, sharing one ice cream. Both racing to finish it before it melts.It was the sweetest little rush. Honestly, I was kinda jealo
Day 30–34 · Current Week Review
Beta App invite → WeChat: TingMateEnDay 30 · Cheers to Right NowThis weekend, I went to my friend's housewarming party.Here's the thing. She didn't buy the place. She rented it.But it's still a big deal. Ten years in the US.This is her first time living in a house.Honestly, international student life isn't all that fancy.You're moving abroad, learning English, finding a job
Day 34 · What a Way to End the Night
Beta app invite → WeChat: TingMateEn A slow English story about Pulled over for a stop sign — third time in three years, always at night. 16 simple sentences. Word by word.📝 Today's sentencesListen, I'm so done with this.So I just got pulled over on my way home.I was driving back from dinner at my friend's place.I came up to this stop sign at the corner.And I stopped. I swear, I stoppe
Day 33 · What a Morning
A slow English story about An early morning dog walk that turned wild — a five-foot snake right on the path. 15 simple sentences. Word by word.📝 Today's sentences Listen, I'm not kidding. This just happened this morning.I woke up pretty early.So I planned to walk my dog for a bit longer.We were on the lakeside path around the apartment.All of a sudden, I saw a snake right on the path.My ne
Day 32 · That "Morning"
A slow English story about Monday morning, an overslept hangover, and a boss who said it without saying it. 14 simple sentences. Word by word.📝 Today's sentencesMonday morning, and I slept in.I drank way too much at the housewarming last night.I can't really drink much, but I just love a good drink.I threw on some clothes and rushed out the door.Just my luck, the elevator was slow.I snuck
Day 31 · App is Here
Wechat: TingMateEnA slow English story about TingMate beta is here — limited spots for beta testing. 14 simple sentences. Word by word.📝 Today's sentencesHey, are you guys ready? And I've got some good news for you today.First of all, you guys are crazy.I mean, I never expected this many people to love TingMate.So I started working on the app launch.But honestly, the process is slower than
Day 30 · Cheers to Right Now
A slow English story about a friend's housewarming and an H1B that finally came through. 13 simple sentences. Word by word.📝 Today's sentencesThis weekend, I went to my friend's housewarming party.Here's the thing. She didn't buy the place. She rented it.But it's still a big deal. Ten years in the US.This is her first time living in a house.Honestly, international student l
Day 19–23 · Last Week Review
Day 19 · Before The MeetingMonday morning. The big week starts now.And before heading out, I looked in the mirror and gave myself a firm nod.I got to the office, made coffee, opened my notes app.I started a new list. Just three things for today.One: I proofread the design doc with ChatGPT. Took half an hour.Two: I shared the deck with everyone on the invite.Three: I dropped a message in the group
Day 25–29 · Current Week Review
Day 25 · I Poured Another GlassSo this weekend, I had a picnic with a friend. Out in the park.We laid out a blanket. Wine, bread, fruit. All takeout, honestly. Nothing fancy.The weather was perfect. I just sat there, doing nothing for once.And there were two kids next to us, sharing one ice cream. Both racing to finish it before it melts.It was the sweetest little rush. Honestly, I was kinda jealo
Day 29 · Open Secret
A slow English story about office gossip and an open secret. 11 simple sentences. Word by word.📝 Today's sentencesWednesday afternoon. Casy came over to my desk with that look in her eye.You know the look. The "I've got something interesting" face.She leaned in to spill the tea. "Did you know Joe and Lin are dating?"My jaw actually dropped. But honestly? In hindsight, i
Day 28 · Unspoken Thing
A slow English story about a Wednesday bubble tea ritual and an unspoken thing. 12 simple sentences. Word by word.📝 Today's sentencesWednesday. Honestly, it's my favorite day of the week.I know that sounds weird. But let me explain.Here's my theory. Once Wednesday hits, the week's halfway gone. Weekend's right around the corner.Plus, I've got a special Wednesday routine. An
Day 27 · Don't Be Too Polite
A slow English story about cutting through the politeness to actually help someone. 10 simple sentences. Word by word.📝 Today's sentencesAfter work, I walked over to the coffee shop on the corner. She was already there.I spotted her right away. The only one with her laptop closed, just staring at the door.She apologized like five times before I even sat down. "Sorry to take up your time,&
Day 26 · Meet a Stranger?
A slow English story about a stranger sliding into your DMs for career advice. 9 simple sentences. Word by word.📝 Today's sentencesMonday morning. A stranger DMed me out of the blue.Turns out, she wanted to ask about my career switch. Switching into tech. Said she's been stuck for a while.Truth is, I don't usually meet people from the internet. Makes me nervous.But I get it. I've been there before
Day 25 · I Poured Another Glass
A slow English story about a weekend picnic and the quiet weight of everyday life. 7 simple sentences. Word by word.📝 Today's sentencesSo this weekend, I had a picnic with a friend. Out in the park.We laid out a blanket. Wine, bread, fruit. All takeout, honestly. Nothing fancy.The weather was perfect. I just sat there, doing nothing for once.And there were two kids next to us, sharing one ice
Day 24 · Weekend Hangout
A slow English story about hitting 11k subscribers and announcing weekend review days. 8 simple sentences. Word by word.📝 Today's sentencesWow! Look what you guys did! We already hit 11k subscribers. I really appreciate all your support.But hey, real talk. I know a lot of you are struggling to keep up. And nobody wants to fall behind, right?And that got me thinking. I mean, language is just a tool
Day 23 · The Overshare
A slow English story about the hangover overshare after one too many drinks. 8 simple sentences. Word by word. About 10 minutes.📖 In this episodeHungover Friday morning, recounting last night at the bar. The waiter was completely on it — soon as I put my glass down, he'd refill it like there's no tomorrow. Two glasses in: 'This guy gets it!' Three glasses in: 'This might be a problem.' The little
Day 22 · Green Light
A slow English story about the design review and getting the green light. 8 simple sentences. Word by word. About 9 minutes.📖 In this episodeThursday morning. Came in early to set up the meeting room. Hit record. Everyone started showing up. Took a deep breath: 'Thanks for joining today's design review. Feel free to jump in with any questions.' Most comments were already resolved from
Day 21 · Dry Run
A slow English story about doing a dry run with the team. 8 simple sentences. Word by word. About 9 minutes.📖 In this episodeWednesday morning. Brought the final deck to my mentor's desk. She walked me through it once more — it all made sense. She suggested a dry run with the team that afternoon. 4 PM, everyone showed up. Lots of questions. One stood out: how do we plug AI into the data flow?
Day 20 · Closing The Loop
A slow English story about closing the feedback loop before tomorrow's rehearsal. 8 simple sentences. Word by word. About 9 minutes.📖 In this episodeTuesday morning. Inbox refreshed. Two more pieces of feedback came in overnight. By 9, pinged the holdouts. By 11, all in — fewer comments than expected. Sat down with Claude, resolved the easy ones. One vague comment from Lisa, quick 1:1 to talk
Day 19 · Before The Meeting
A slow English story about the morning before the big presentation. 8 simple sentences. Word by word. About 9 minutes.📖 In this episodeMonday morning. The big week starts now. Before heading out, you look in the mirror and give yourself a firm nod. Coffee. Notes app. Three things on today's list. Proofread the design doc with ChatGPT. Share the deck with everyone on the invite. Drop a message
Day 18 · Out Of Nowhere
A slow English story about a Sunday deep clean out of nowhere. 8 simple sentences. Word by word. About 9 minutes.📝 Today's sentencesI slept in today. Like really slept in. Sunday morning, no alarm.Then out of nowhere, I started cleaning. Like deep cleaning.Which makes no sense. I'm a lazy person. Nobody's even coming over.But I kept at it for the whole afternoon. Scrubbing, sorting, throwing thing
Day 17 · Dear You
A slow English story about a movie that stayed with you all day. 8 simple sentences. Word by word. About 9 minutes.📝 Today's sentencesI don't watch a lot of movies. They're too much of a time commitment.But today I watched one. And honestly, it's stayed with me all day.It's called "Dear You."A grandma's husband went to Thailand for work decades ago. And letters and money kept coming home.Year afte
Day 16 · Make Friday Count
A slow English story about protecting your Friday. 8 simple sentences. Word by word. About 10 minutes.📝 Today's sentencesTGIF, you guys! Thank God it's Friday. I'm working from home today.No meetings on my calendar. Honestly, no one schedules meetings on Friday. It's just an unspoken thing.I mean, do you know how important Friday is for us 9-to-5ers?I've been working so hard all week. Just to make
Day 15 · There Was This Girl
A slow English story about waking up from a really sweet dream. 7 simple sentences. Word by word. About 8 minutes.📝 Today's sentencesI woke up this morning, feeling SO happy!Because I had this really sweet dream.In the dream, I was a middle school boy. And there was this girl I had a crush on.During break, she walked over and asked to borrow a pencil.So I gave her my newest one, the one with a
Day 14 · And Just Like That
A slow English story about winding down after a long day. 8 simple sentences. Word by word. About 8 minutes.📝 Today's sentencesI'm home. The elevator's fast and quiet, because I'm the only one in it.Honestly, I'm pretty tired.But instead of crashing on the couch, I push myself to finish the night routine.I tidy up a bit, wash my face, toss my clothes in the washer.Finally, I li
Day 13 · Worth the 5 Yuan
A slow English story about the 5 yuan that buys a smile. 8 simple sentences. Word by word. About 8 minutes.📖 In this episode8 p.m. Time to clock out. Streets still packed. Uber says fifteen minutes — or pay 5 yuan more for a faster ride. You hesitate. Then you think: your time matters, and maybe this little thing makes the driver's day. Boom, ride confirmed. Windows down, breeze on your face. Time
Day 12 · Just Come Prepared
A slow English story about the last-minute 5 p.m. meeting. 8 simple sentences. Word by word. About 9 minutes.📖 In this episode4:30 p.m. A message pops up: 5 p.m. meeting, new project. Are you serious? But you're just an employee — you grab your stuff and go. An hour in, no idea what's been decided. You don't hate meetings. Just come prepared, please.📝 Today's sentencesIt's 4:30 p.m. — and a messag
Day 11 · Lunch Break Score
A slow English story about scoring a great lunch deal. 8 simple sentences. Word by word. About 9 minutes.📖 In this episodeLunch break, starving — dead starving. Scrolling Rednote for ideas. And boom: a new hotpot place downstairs. 30 yuan all-you-can-eat, buy one get one free. That's 15 a person. You share the link, lock eyes with a coworker for half a second — and it's settled.📝 Today's sentences
Day 10 · 9 A.M. Sharp
A slow English story about arriving at the office at 9 a.m. sharp. 6 simple sentences. Word by word. About 6 minutes.📖 In this episode9 a.m. sharp — not late today! You push the door open, ready to say hi. But the office is dead silent. Just keyboards clicking. No need to say a word. You slip into your seat, act like you've been here all along. We've all done it.📝 Today's sentencesYeah! You know?
Day 9 · Elevator Math
A slow English story about the silent elevator ride. 6 simple sentences. Word by word. About 7 minutes.📖 In this episodeStep into the elevator. Three strangers, total silence. Everyone's watching the floor numbers — and you do too, even though you know your floor. In your head: another long day. Life is never easy. You're the only one who can cheer yourself up.📝 Today's sentencesI got in the eleva
Day 8 · The 7:40 Train
Day 8 · The 7:40 TrainA slow English story about surviving the morning rush hour subway. 6 simple sentences. Word by word. About 5 minutes.📖 In this episodeThe 7:40 train. So packed you can barely reach your phone. The guy next to you is half asleep — you get it, same here. Counting down the stops, just hoping not to be late. We've all been there.📝 Today's sentencesIt's the 7:40 train. Too packed
Day 7 · Day 7 of Learning English
A slow English story about seven days of showing up. 6 simple sentences. Word by word. About 7 minutes.📖 In this episodeSeven days of learning English. They say seven days makes a habit. Maybe, maybe not. But here's the truth: you keep coming back. That's enough.📝 Today's sentencesIf you're here today, that's day 7 of learning English.They say 7 days makes a habit. Do you believe in this?Honestly,
Day 6 · Leaving on Time
A slow English story about leaving work on time. 6 simple sentences. Word by word. About 7 minutes.📖 In this episodeIt's 6 PM and a person is actually packing up to leave. The air hits different. They deserve this. Tonight: dinner, a walk, no laptop. Small wins matter.📝 Today's sentencesIt's 6 PM, and somehow I'm actually packing up to leave.Wait, am I really leaving at 6?!Walking out of the offic
Day 5 · One Task at a Time
A slow English story about easing back into work. 6 simple sentences. Word by word. About 7 minutes.📖 In this episodeBack at the desk. Messages piling up. A person can't be productive every single second. Today's lesson: one task at a time. No rushing.📝 Today's sentencesOkay, I'm officially back at my desk. Just survived the first few hours.The messages are piling up, and honestly, I just want ano
Day 4 · Holiday Hangover
A slow English story about the end of a long holiday. 6 simple sentences. Word by word. About 7 minutes.📖 In this episodeThe holiday is almost over. A person didn't do much, just rested. Now they're not ready to go back to work. You know the feeling — you're not alone.📝 Today's sentencesOh my god, the holiday is almost over.Honestly, I haven't done much these past few days.How time flies when you
Day 3 · The Two Holidays
A slow English story about choosing the right kind of holiday. 6 simple sentences. Word by word. 📖 In this episodeA person used to chase every tourist spot. Now they want quiet lunches with friends and afternoons doing nothing. Both kinds of rest are real.📝 Today's sentencesIt's the holiday, but honestly — this time, I'm not going anywhere.I used to chase every must-see spot, every single long bre
Day 2 · A New Way to Learn
A slow English story about rethinking how we learn English. 6 simple sentences. Word by word. About 7 minutes.📖 In this episodeA person realizes English isn't a school subject — it's a new way to talk. No more grammar drills. Just listen, imitate, and live in it.📝 Today's sentencesI finally know why I failed at English before.See, I treated it like a tough school subject.I was focusing on grammar
Day 1 · A New Beginning
A slow English story about restarting your English journey. 6 simple sentences. Word by word. About 7 minutes.📖 In this episodeA person decides to start learning English again after years away. They don't promise how far they'll go — just that they're proud to begin.📝 Today's sentencesToday, I'm going to tell you something which has been on my mind for so long.Yes, yes, I am going to restart learn
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