There's nothing like that feeling when your Chinese sounds amazing.

You've reached that "flow" state when it feels natural, and "fluent" (whatever that means). But it's an elusive feeling too.

Being away from China for 3 years also doesn't help. Everything feels rusty.

But being armed with the right phrases, it is possible to impress and get your confidence back quickly. Try these 3 types of phrases to impress:

#1 Advanced Idiom

Take a phrase you use a lot and learn a more advanced idiom to say it.

• Example: Replace 工作很辛苦 ("I've been so busy recently") with 披星戴月

#2 Trending Term

Learn a few "hot" terms people are using online. Try them in real life.

• Example: Use 栓Q "thank you" (sarcastic) instead of 谢谢.

#3 Philosophical Phrase

Learn a common philosophical phrase which makes a simple point.

• Example: 天将降大任于斯人也 from Mencius. Use it when someone has suffered pain. It means they've got great things ahead of them.