ChinesePod - Beginner
662 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 14 hours ago - ★★★★ - 11 ratingsChinesePod makes learning Mandarin fun and easy. It isn't your typical language learning resource - we think you'll be entertained as well!
If you’re just trying to learn some survival Chinese or looking to start a lifelong relationship with the language, this ChinesePod - Beginner Level Podcast Channel is where to start.
Expand your Mandarin Chinese learning experience by also SUBSCRIBING to ChinesePod - Intermediate and ChinesePod - Advanced Podcast channels.
For more lessons, go to www.chinesepod.com and take us for a spin.
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Episodes
Newbie | Is it far?
April 19, 2024 08:00 - 11 minutes - 26.2 MBSo, you’ve used our lessons to land the big contract (we’d like a cut), and all you have to do is meet at their office. Who knew your western GPS wouldn’t work in Asia?! What are you going to do now, G.G. Ross? Can we suggest a lesson on using Mandarin to find out where you are going? In the unlikely event of losing your way, find it in this podcast. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0890
Elementary | Table for Three
April 17, 2024 08:00 - 11 minutes - 26.5 MBIf you've ever had reservations about eating out in China, this is the Chinese podcast for you! Grab a seat and learn how to book a table in Mandarin. I'll meet you anytime you want, in our Sichuanese restaurant. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1046
Newbie | Cell Phones
April 15, 2024 08:00 - 11 minutes - 26.1 MBThe hottest plastic surgery technique to hit China is the surgical removal of mobile phones from the ear. Though it's convenient having it so attached, with the onset of bluetooth technology, more and more young Chinese are opting for removal. So... you’re going to speak Chinese... how better to act Chinese?! Dial that mobile phone and don't ever get off of it. Learn how to do it in Mandarin in this podcast. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0884
Elementary | Get in line!
April 12, 2024 08:00 - 16 minutes - 37.1 MBFor those amongst us who have taken it upon themselves to provide community service in the form of 'Line Management Consulting and Enforcement' and hope to leave a trail of orderly lines behind as their legacy, we provide this podcast. Learn how to confront the offender and whip that line into shape, in Chinese. Today, line-ups... tomorrow, subway cars... Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1037
Newbie | Sing and Dance
April 10, 2024 08:00 - 11 minutes - 25.7 MBThe hills are alive with the sound of the pipa. Singing in China... rife in KTV bars, on street corners, in public parks, in low-budget questionably-directed lip-dub videos. Dancing.. though it's singing's less popular cousin, look out for the classy ballroom dancers in a lit up corner of the park on a cool summer evening. In this podcast, the language of music transcends. Learn it in this Mandarin lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0880
Elementary | Leaving Luggage with the Hotel
April 08, 2024 09:14 - 17 minutes - 40.4 MBPerhaps you could have traveled a little lighter, in retrospect. But the fake LV suitcases came in such a beautiful set and they match your outfit so well, it would have been a shame to exclude any of them from the journey, no? In this podcast, learn freedom from sore arms, broken suitcase wheels, and marital discord. Learn how to check your luggage with the hotel, in Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1033
Newbie | Where Do You Live?
April 05, 2024 08:00 - 12 minutes - 28.2 MBYour place is a mess? Didn't make your bed this morning? Get those dirty clothes off the floor and stack those dishes you were leaving for the Ayi... Guess what? We're finding out where you call home and we're coming over! In this podcast, get ready to reveal all and open your door to someone other than your nosy neighbors! Learn how to say where you live, in Mandarin. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0877
Elementary | Asking for Leave
April 03, 2024 08:00 - 14 minutes - 32.3 MBEverybody needs a little time away... and in this podcast you're going to learn how to ask for it in Chinese. With the plethora of guests you're going to be fielding in your new found home away from home, chances are this will be high-frequency vocab for you. So listen in and learn... and get ready for your new favorite hobby: tour guide. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1030
Newbie | Cat in the Hat
April 01, 2024 08:00 - 14 minutes - 32.1 MBIf only Dr. Seuss had learned Chinese, children China-over could have had a new chant to repeat after their teachers. "Haohao xuexi, tiantian xiangsheng" could have gotten a lot more fun. Now, listen to Dr. Zhu's version of the classic, 'The Mao in the Mao.' Learn this little story all over again, in Mandarin. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0872
Elementary | Stopped at the Gate
March 29, 2024 08:00 - 15 minutes - 35.1 MBThere are a few ways of dealing with getting stopped at an apartment complex gate. There is the 'tunnel vision' technique. To truly perfect this skill you must be on a bicycle to facilitate quick getaways and be immune to yelled threats. Another technique is the 'dense foreigner' skill. No explanation needed. Finally, there is the 'listen to the ChinesePod podcast' technique, highly recommended and transferable to any third degree grilling, Chinese or not. Episode link: https://www.chinesepo...
Newbie | Formal Introduction
March 27, 2024 08:00 - 16 minutes - 37.5 MBThis is the formal introduction to the formal introduction lesson: You've mastered your Chinese hello and don't know what to do with that awkward silence. Now what? 1) Lose any sentimental attachment to your previous identity--you're going to need a new name. 2) Smile, bow, handshake, kiss, twiddle your thumbs, or curtsy... it's all good. Oh yeah, and 3) listen to this lesson to learn how to introduce yourself, Mandarin-style. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0868
Elementary | ID Check at the Internet Cafe
March 25, 2024 08:00 - 12 minutes - 28.1 MBLast time this happened you were busted for having fake ID, and robbed of your chance at an illicit beer-enhanced evening. No, they don't think you're under 21 anymore, but you can tell yourself that if you're having a late-twenties crisis. The China internet cafe ID check. Don't ask why, just bring your passport, listen to this podcast, and stay away from anything your momma wouldn't want you looking at. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0992
Newbie | Months
March 22, 2024 08:00 - 14 minutes - 33.1 MBThirty days has September... April, June, and November. All the rest... are so easy you won't even need a rhyme. In this podcast, learn the months of the year in Mandarin Chinese. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3....4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0864
Elementary | Checking Baggage
March 20, 2024 08:00 - 18 minutes - 41.4 MBYou have an inkling from a post-packing teeter on the bathroom scale that your baggage may be overweight. Your only hope to avoid overweight fees is charming that handsome check-in clerk with a batting of eyes and barrage of Chinese. That, or employing strategic passport placement to cover the scale display numbers. In this lesson, use your Mandarin to check-in your bags and curry some bulkhead seat favors. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0988
Newbie | Days of the week
March 18, 2024 08:00 - 15 minutes - 35.2 MBThere are two methods for learning the days of the week in Chinese. One: this podcast. Two: personalized Chinese days of the week undies. Since the latter seem to be the one eighties fad that has yet to be resurrected, this podcast might be the easier way to get them in your head. And creates less laundry. Listen in and learn, it's as easy as 1, 2, 3... 4, 5, 6, 7. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0860
Elementary | Keys, Wallet, Phone
March 15, 2024 08:00 - 13 minutes - 31.4 MBGood things come in threes. Case in point: watch, bag, DVD. In this case: keys, wallet, phone. All good things, and good things to remember to bring with you when you leave the house. In this podcast, learn how to do a Mandarin Chinese mental checklist before leaving the house, to make sure that you don't end up locked out, penniless and searching in vain for a germy public phone on a borrowed dime. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0985
Newbie | Fruit Salad
March 13, 2024 08:00 - 12 minutes - 28.5 MBCould it be key to the Chinese ability to eat three oil saturated meals a day and maintain their girlish (or boyish) figures? No. Trust us. Even the fruit salad comes with mayonnaise. Your western genes weren't made for this diet. So listen to this Mandarin lesson on eating fruit salad and come prepared with loose pants. Make peace with your paunch and revel in the Buddha belly noogies given by admiring locals. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0856
Elementary | Afraid of Dogs
March 11, 2024 08:00 - 14 minutes - 33.4 MBIn China, there aren't really that many dogs around to be afraid of, but a good chunk of the population has a paralyzing fear of dogs. This lesson will help you learn the Chinese to deal with that fear. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0980
Newbie | Ordering Noodles
March 08, 2024 08:00 - 13 minutes - 30 MBThe Chinese claim to have discovered the key to a long life... eating noodles on your birthday. While they struggle for immortality, you the Newbie can start with a little mortality, and learn how to order some in Mandarin. Your own struggle may have less to do with life and more to do with slippery wetness and chopstick management, but at least you won't starve awaiting your next birthday. Long live the noodle. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0852
Elementary | Caught in the Act
March 06, 2024 08:00 - 11 minutes - 26.3 MBSure, we've all got our skeletons in the closet. It's just when someone opens the door that we get a little red in the face. In today's podcast, the boss makes a slightly uncomfortable discovery. Should you find yourself entangled in a little 'office scandal,' listen to this podcast to learn how to get yourself out of it! In Chinese! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0972
Newbie | Do you have...?
March 04, 2024 08:00 - 15 minutes - 36 MBIn the hierarchy of language learning, there are the 'haves' and the 'havenots.' The 'haves' are those that know how to ask for something. The 'havenot' is that guy over there wildly gesturing, grunting, pointing and flailing at the laoban. In China, of course, as a 'have', you may find you can't always get what you want; but if you try you can get what you need... by listening to this Mandarin lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0849
Elementary | The Panda's Secret Wish
March 01, 2024 08:00 - 14 minutes - 33.1 MBThe first cuddly creature to be used in a diplomatic capacity. A country full of bamboo to eat its way through. In its stuffed animal capacity, the first bear to give teddy a run for its money. The bear that seemingly has it all still wants more. Find out the panda's secret wish in this Mandarin Chinese lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0964
Newbie | He's Not In
February 28, 2024 08:00 - 13 minutes - 31.3 MBYou've arrived, and want to fit in, so start with the national Chinese pastime: cell phone talking (well, it's better than taking up smoking). First, you're going to need a partner in conversation, so pull out one of those linty business cards you shoved in your pocket days ago, any one will do. If you can't read it, no problem, chances are his name is Mr. Li. Now, plug in this lesson and you're set... pick up the phone and pray he's not in. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0844
Elementary | Moscow
February 26, 2024 08:00 - 15 minutes - 36.3 MBYou've always had a secret affinity for borscht, and a secret compulsion to buy nesting dolls at neighborhood garage sales. Enter this lesson, where we transport you to the land that gave us Zhivago, caviar, perogie-making babushkas (bless their souls), and huge fur hat sporting dedushkas. Get ready to warm yourself from the insides out with a vodka-filled journey in Mandarin Chinese to Moscow. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0930
Newbie | Can you Speak Chinese?
February 23, 2024 08:00 - 15 minutes - 35.6 MBAnswering the question "Can you speak Chinese?" in the affirmative is always a proud moment. Perhaps, yes, literally, one moment. Let's call the inevitable next moment, with its subsequent barrage of language, ear assault. But hey, you're already ahead of the game because you have this podcast to learn the art of how to keep the Mandarin flowing, and you have and will perfect the invaluable fake 'i understand' head nod. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0840
Elementary | Seoul
February 21, 2024 08:00 - 14 minutes - 34.2 MBPerhaps best known for remarkable food items such as spicy smelly preserved vegetables and some 'alternative' meats, this capital of Korea is known for a lot more than than its eating. Learn in this lesson about the city of Seoul. A place of delicious food, friendly people, and facelifts. This place has it all! Learn about it in this podcast, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0902
Newbie | Are You Tired?
February 19, 2024 08:00 - 14 minutes - 34 MBDiscovering these 800-plus podcast lessons, likely you've been up for days, listening. You're not tired yet, due to the language-learning high that doesn't wear off until after lesson 452. However, a language full of sh's has been known to produce a trance-like sleepy state. The cure: just turn up the volume and let this podcast wake you up. Learn how to talk tired, in Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0836
Elementary | Paris
February 16, 2024 08:00 - 18 minutes - 41.5 MBWe've got the Summer Palace; they've got Versailles. We've got Shaolin Temple; they've got Notre Dame. They've got stinky cheese; we've got stinky tofu. They, eau de toilette; us, squat toilettes. We're the Paris of the east; they're... Paris. In this podcast, learn about the city of romance and fall in love with it all over again in your new passion... Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0866
Newbie | Upset
February 14, 2024 08:00 - 11 minutes - 27.2 MBReports churning out of celebrity Los Angeles have sparked concern over the latest anti-aging fad: drinking of the tears of young Asian girls. We, Chinese-English speakers of the world all have a responsibility to prevent the cruelty of tear harvesting from taking place. Band together and learn in this podcast how to tell someone to stop crying, and force those movie stars to go back to botox. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0829
Elementary | Olympic Excitement
February 12, 2024 08:00 - 7 minutes - 16.5 MB08-08-2008. The day we've all been waiting for. The factories are closed, the cars are parked away. The buildings are ready, the skies are blue (hopefully). The world has arrived in Beijing and we at ChinesePod are here to cheer everyone on. Jiayou Olympics. Jiayou China. Listen to this podcast and celebrate the opening of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing with us. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0961
Newbie | Where are you going?
February 09, 2024 08:00 - 12 minutes - 27.9 MBLittle did you know when you started learning Mandarin that you would be placed in the thick of an age-old war of 'where' words. Decide which camp has your allegiance--the roll of your tongue 'nar,' favorite of Beijing cabbies and northern ayis. Or 'nali,' a lighter, double-syllable approach to the oft-asked location query. You're gonna need this podcast and a 'nar/nali' support group to help, so listen in and make your stand on where you stand, in Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesep...
Elementary | Rock, Scissors, Cloth
February 07, 2024 08:00 - 13 minutes - 29.8 MBThe debate over who invented this game is not as heated as the one about who invented the noodle, thankfully. Perhaps the noodle debate could be settled for all time by a nice round of rock, scissors, paper... or was it cloth? Either way, next time you're in a quandary, learn how to settle it in this Mandarin Chinese lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0960
Newbie | Getting Nationalities Straight
February 05, 2024 08:00 - 13 minutes - 31.6 MBContrary to popular notions, no, we're not all Americans. The nationality guessing game: favorite exchange of bored cabbies and their captive audience passengers. Expressing nationality in Mandarin Chinese is not hard--unless you are Azerbaijani, Djiboutian, or hail from the Republic of Vanuatu, and even then a bit of research and transliteration gymnastics will do the trick. Listen to this podcast and learn how to reclaim your identity. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0821
Elementary | War Zone
February 02, 2024 08:00 - 11 minutes - 25.5 MBWe assume you will never be a foreign soldier in a Chinese army, and sincerely hope that world peace is attained and this lesson will soon be obsolete. However, after 955 lessons it was about time that we taught you how to 'charge' in Mandarin. Don't forget that this vocabulary can also be applied in your battle for daily subway survival. Listen in and learn how to be a brave soldier, in Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0956
Newbie | How have you been?
January 31, 2024 08:00 - 11 minutes - 25.7 MBWhen faced with the 'Do Chinese people really say ni hao ma or are they just succumbing to Englese' quandary, here is a lesson you can use to circumvent these deep unanswerable how-are-you-dilemmas. An alternative greeting option in Mandarin. In this podcast, learn how to ask after a peep in all new exciting ways. And special bonus--two ambiguous answers in one dialogue. Do the Chinese know how to evade, or what? Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0816
Elementary | Microsoft
January 29, 2024 08:00 - 13 minutes - 30.2 MBA little name-dropping serves one well in many environments. 'Brad Pitt' is just too long to say in Chinese, so let's start with a more business-oriented angle first. You may recognize your nosy neighbor in the conversation that follows. And, if you really want to impress him, throw in a little of your buddy 'Bill Gates' and you'll be the envy of all the 'hood. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0952
Newbie | Buying a Newspaper
January 26, 2024 08:00 - 14 minutes - 32.7 MBAt this juncture, we know some of you bespectacled types are going to show-off your 4,000 character-plus savvy and say you read the Chinese newspaper. This lesson, however, is about options. Some of us lazy types just want to know what's going on in the world, without losing our eyesight over morning coffee. In this podcast, learn how to ask for your preference of the daily news, in Mandarin. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0812
Elementary | Aussie Rules
January 24, 2024 08:00 - 15 minutes - 34.4 MBOlive-ball may not be big in China, but in Laowai land it is. English, American and Aussie styles may differ quite a bit, but they all hold the same potential for a lovers' spat on a lazy weekend afternoon. Couch, beer, game... or... wife, mall, shopping. In this podcast, our sports fan finds himself in this volatile situation. Listen in to see how he handles it, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0948
Newbie | Chinese Green Eggs and Ham
January 22, 2024 08:00 - 16 minutes - 37.3 MBThe concept of green eggs is not one so particularly far-fetched in China. Could a 1,000 year old egg be any other color? Sam-I-am has found his place in the sun. In this podcast, green eggs and ham revisited with a Chinese bent--fried rice as their companion. With a mouse, in a house, on the train... yeah, pretty much anywhere. Expand your Mandarin palate with this lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0808
Elementary | Golf
January 19, 2024 08:00 - 14 minutes - 32.5 MB"So, I’m on the first tee with him. I give him the driver. He hauls off and whacks one - big hitter, the Lama... " If Carl the grounds-keeper can make it down to China to play a round of golf, so can you. But you'll need the lingo, and that is where we come in. After this lesson, you'll be equipped to tell one of your three caddies when you want the driver or the iron, in Mandarin. So you've got that goin’ for ya, which is nice. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0941
Newbie | What's up?
January 17, 2024 08:00 - 17 minutes - 40.2 MBIf we were slangpod.com, this lesson would be called 'whattup.' But for the sake of warding off potential improper English critics, we'll stick to the Queen's English just this once. Enough about English, what about Chinese? How do you greet your peeps? Listen in to this podcast and get the lingo down, bro, in Mandarin. Word. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0804
Elementary | Sound Check
January 15, 2024 08:00 - 16 minutes - 38.6 MBToday a little musical interlude for your listening pleasure. This ain't no muzac, nor is it out of tune KTV. On the other hand, it isn't Coldplay nor is it S.H.E. This podcast is a ChinesePod gig that's gonna make the Grammy's come a knockin'. Listen here as we toot our own horn and play a little ditty on a few instruments of choice. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0937
Newbie | Time for Class
January 12, 2024 08:00 - 13 minutes - 30.7 MBNow that 2008 has been declared the "International Year of Languages" by the UN, it's time to buckle down and study Mandarin for world peace. Start with this podcast and learn how to understand your teacher so you don't end up in the detention hall because you confused 'sit down and shut up' with 'stand up and sing a Chinese rendition of 'Everybody was Kung Fu Fighting.' Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0800
Elementary | Wake-up Call
January 10, 2024 08:00 - 12 minutes - 29.7 MBNo, this isn't the mid-evening call soliciting those 'other' services provided at certain questionable establishments... this is the all important, rip you from the womb of your 400 count Egyptian cotton fluffy feather pillowed bliss morning call. Now, you're gonna want to make sure your Chinese '4' pronunciation is tiptop before attempting this feat, should you have an early morning flight. Listen to this podcast and be sure to be the niao that catches the worm. Episode link: https://www.ch...
Newbie | Hot Soup
January 08, 2024 08:00 - 13 minutes - 30.7 MBThe humble soup. Brought to life by a symphony of slurps... worthy enough to elevate eating to an oral concerto. In this podcast, get 'drinking' with a Chinese lesson to teach you to embrace, celebrate, and justify mouth noise. Take it from us and start gulping--table manners are sooooo passé. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0796
Elementary | Instant Noodles
January 05, 2024 08:00 - 13 minutes - 31.1 MBThe Mr. Noodles rage that swept elementary schools in the 80s (crunchy raw with seasoning packet sprinkled on top) doesn't hold a candle to Chinese people's love affair with this quick lunch. Nutritional value: no. Great taste: debatable. Cheap and easy: of course. The recipe for any well-loved Chinese meal. Get your soup on in this podcast, and get yourself some instant noodles, in Mandarin. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0920
Newbie | I Have Class
January 03, 2024 08:00 - 12 minutes - 28.7 MBNo, we are not talking about the Ron Burgundy type of class, we are talking about the kind you go to...or at least supposed to go to. So don't skip class, and definitely don't skip this podcast. You will slowly become as wise as a miniature Buddha with yet another Chinese lesson under your belt. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0793
Elementary | Missing Luggage
January 02, 2024 08:53 - 13 minutes - 31.5 MBIf you think the people all look alike, wait until you see the luggage coming out of the conveyor belt. Apparently 394 of the 395 other passengers bought their black $15 'Samsonite' luggage from the same Pearl Market back alley. Mistaken luggage identity crisis.... what to do? Find it or not, fear not... there's more luggage where that came from... and underwear shops... and Chinese lesson podcasts to get you there. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0915
Newbie | The Neutral Tone
December 29, 2023 08:00 - 7 minutes - 16.3 MBOft over looked due to its timid tone and quiet presence, this Mandarin Chinese tone is anything but passive. In this podcast, we visit the sometimes forgotten and difficult to define tone that makes love, not war... impartially takes no sides and conscientiously objects to raising its voice. Its only flaw is perhaps a slight tendency toward wimpiness, but hey it'll never get in your face... the neutral tone. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0788
Elementary | Hiking
December 27, 2023 08:00 - 13 minutes - 30.3 MBYou've been stuck on city streets too long. Lace up your shoes, point in the direction of trees, and trade in red China for green with this podcast on hiking. Whether it's the trails of Yangming Shan, the pseudo-hills of She Shan, or the dizzying cliffs of Huang Shan, explore the woods that inspired the Chinese painters and poets of old, and see the China behind the bustle Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0907