ChinesePod - Beginner
697 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day 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
Elementary | What Do You Do?
April 30, 2021 08:00 - 15 minutes - 35.6 MBWe’ve helped you get through that initial “hi”, “thanks” and “where is the toilet” (all you need, really), but you’d like to stop talking about “hi”, “thanks” and “where is the toilet” (your friends are bored). So why not ask them about their interests? In this podcast, Ken and Jenny take time from their hobbies (walking on the beach, talking about feelings) to help you learn how to ask others theirs, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0141
Newbie | I'm Here For An Interview
April 28, 2021 08:00 - 14 minutes - 13.4 MBYou walk in, use your previously learned ChinesePod lessons to give the secretary your name and a quick “ni hao.” She does the same. What comes next? Most would think a reason for being there, but unless you thrive on those uncomfortable international moments (see: lesson on “Where is the Toilet Paper”), pay attention to this podcast, wherein you will learn how to tell someone that you’ve arrived for an interview, using Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0200
Elementary | A Ticket To Suzhou
April 26, 2021 08:00 - 13 minutes - 30.6 MB“In the sky there’s heaven, on the earth there’s Suzhou”. Coming in as the 335th city the Chinese call “Venice of the East”, it would be a shame not to spend a few days here. In this podcast, Jenny and Ken maneuver you through the canals of a Mandarin Chinese lesson on buying a train ticket to Suzhou. Ciao! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0139
Newbie | How Do You Say...?
April 23, 2021 08:00 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBEvery once and a while, we like to give you options, and today is no exception. If you want to ask someone, “how can I say this in Chinese?” you can either: 1. Point to the object, at yourself, say the object and then point to the Chinese person with you and wait; 2. Hold object up, shrug shoulders and wait; or 3. Say, “How do you say this in Chinese? (in Chinese)” Again, no pressure – what we like about you is the person inside. But if you want to know, listen to this podcast, you won’t be ...
Elementary | You're Late Again!
April 21, 2021 08:00 - 17 minutes - 41.1 MBYou come here, you set up shop, even hire an assistant who’s nice enough to show up 45 minutes late everyday allowing you to ease in to your day. You think you’re scolding him by saying “You!”, “Here!”, “9:45!”, but he knows of your ChinesePod addiction and figures you’re simply practicing what you’ve learned. So either you continue this standard practice, or you listen to this lesson on being late and have a lil’ “face the music” meeting on Monday. In this podcast, learn how to say “you’re ...
Newbie | Using A Credit Card
April 19, 2021 08:00 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MBFor a million yuan, a ChinesePod pop quiz: Q. You could be asked 2 things at the cash register. One is “paper or plastic,” and the other is “_________ or _________” (answer rhymes with “cash or credit”). In this podcast, we’ll aid you in adding to that credit card debt you keep kidding yourself that you’ll pay off someday. You’ll learn how to say “charge it!” in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0191
Elementary | I Don't Have Time
April 16, 2021 08:00 - 15 minutes - 36.3 MBNo doubt if you’re learning Mandarin, you’ve seen a picture of Nanjing Lu or Wangfujing. Now, very quickly, name three adjectives to describe the scene. Were “laid-back”, “relaxing” and “chilled out” any of your picks? That’s what we thought; so perhaps now a lesson on time in Mandarin Chinese would be very timely…In this podcast, learn how to talk about how long it takes you to do something, as well as how to tell someone you don’t have any time…now, STOP PUSHING! Episode link: https://www....
Newbie | Transportation
April 14, 2021 08:00 - 15 minutes - 14.7 MBWe know that deep down, there’s a person in ya that wants to combine “On the Road” with “Journey to the West”, and we think that’s just great. But the “lu” less traveled might be a road un-traveled should you be unable to get around. In this podcast, we’ll get you on your way, learning a lesson in Mandarin Chinese about the different modes of transportation in the big land. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0186
Elementary | Disliking Others
April 12, 2021 08:00 - 16 minutes - 38.6 MBWe have recently come under attack for being too “puppy dogs and ice cream” (meaning you’ve not heard of the “no eye-contact” rule for our interns), so to prove to you that we are, in fact, bu-bu-bu-bu-bad, we give a lesson in Mandarin Chinese on not liking someone. In this podcast you will learn how to say that you don’t like someone, and get a chance to vent about whats driving you crazy about them. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0118
Newbie | Finding A Cheap Hostel
April 09, 2021 08:00 - 15 minutes - 14 MBThere’s a good chance that you’ll come here with loads of cash and leave with none (see: Qipu Lu, the new “hot spot” to shop), meaning those final few nights might be spent in a “starless abode.” Because ChinesePod loves you, we want you to be able to find the best of the… erm, lesser, and offer up a lesson on finding a hostel. In this podcast you will learn how to ask how to find a hostel, using Mandarin Chinese. Plus, those iPod earplugs work great for drowning out that “dorm ambience” as ...
Elementary | Discussing Loan Repayment
April 07, 2021 08:00 - 18 minutes - 42.5 MBNow we know we should “neither a borrower nor lender be”. However, we also know that “a friend in need is a friend indeed”. So what are you gonna do when that friend forgets to pay you back? In this podcast, Ken and Jenny talk all about borrowing and teach you how to use Mandarin Chinese to give a friend a friendly reminder to pay up. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0115
Newbie | May I Take Your Photo?
April 05, 2021 08:00 - 10 minutes - 10 MBThings that will get your photo taken in China: - Having blonde (“yellow”) hair - Having hair on your arms - Using a mobile phone - Sitting - Being …so you might as well return the favor – nicely, of course. In this lesson, we zoom in for a tight shot of pictorial verbiage. You will learn how to ask someone if you can take a photo, using Mandarin Chinese. ChinesePod, you’re the MAN(darin)! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0180
Elementary | What Does She Usually Do?
April 02, 2021 08:00 - 19 minutes - 44.6 MBYou “always” listen to ChinesePod, you “usually” practice everything you learn every day, you “never” miss a podcast and you “sometimes” brag about us to your friends. In this podcast, learn about adverbs of frequency in Mandarin Chinese. You will use them very “often”! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0112
Newbie | Vegetarian Eating
March 31, 2021 08:00 - 17 minutes - 15.9 MBIn a country known for its “Beijing Duck”, Inner “Mongolian Hot Pot” and “Pork Dumplings,” should you not be a carnivore, you’ll need to know how to say “vegetarian”–a lot vegetable dishes even have a smattering of meat. In this podcast, we help you learn how to explain in Mandarin Chinese that you don’t eat anything with a face. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0175
Elementary | Calling In Sick
March 29, 2021 08:00 - 14 minutes - 32.8 MBSo, we actually tried to buy you a keyboard (with the “sick” sound effects) from “Ferris Buller’s Day Off” and send it to you to make your phone call to the boss sound more believable, but instead got you the next best thing: a lesson on “Calling in Sick”. In this podcast you’ll learn how to use Mandarin Chinese to tell your boss you can’t come to work today because you have the flu. (Excuses for why the boss saw you at happy hour the same day to follow). Episode link: https://www.chinesepod...
Newbie | Exchanging Money
March 26, 2021 08:00 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MBIf you visit Shanghai, we expect a visit. Here’s all you have to do: 1. Take the Maglev magnetic train to Longyang Lu (50 yuan) 2. Take Subway Line 2 to People’s Square-change to Line 1 (4rmb) 3. Exit Huang Pi Nan Lu, take a taxi to Huangpi and Jianguo Lu …easy, right? You betcha--as long as you have 54 kuai. What? You forgot to exchange your money? To think that’s what kept you from meeting Rian the Intern. Tsk. Listen to this podcast to learn how to use your Mandarin Chinese to exchange th...
Elementary | What Would You Like To Drink?
March 24, 2021 08:00 - 19 minutes - 44.9 MBYou go to the States, it’s a cup of Joe. The English will pour you a “cuppa” and here in Shanghai it’s green tea. But, what happens if you don’t drink any of them? A universal shaking of the head, or a polite way to ask for something else? In this podcast Ken (caffeineicus tomuchicus) and Jenny (more of a “Dragon Well” type) help you use Mandarin Chinese to order your “bevvie” with class. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0105
Newbie | Finding A Seat
March 22, 2021 08:00 - 12 minutes - 11.9 MBAsk anyone who’s braved an hour long subway ride at rush hour here and you’ll understand the need of finding, and securing (politely) a seat. In this podcast, we walk you through a Mandarin Chinese lesson on sitting down. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0168
Elementary | Office Policy: Internet
March 19, 2021 08:00 - 11 minutes - 26 MBBeing spied on is no longer just a Dan Brown novel (or a Bush Cabinet agenda), so we hope you aren’t sending “romantic messages” to others from your work account. In fact, as this lesson on office policy states, you’re not paid to check your email all day (Chinesepod is okay, though. We asked). In this podcast, learn about chatting online in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0093
Newbie | I Like Beef
March 17, 2021 08:00 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MBIn the 80’s it was “Where’s the…”, in the 90’s it was “What’s For Dinner” and in the ummm…0’s, it’s the focus of our lesson. In this podcast, Ken and Jenny teach a Mandarin Chinese lesson dealing with carnivores and their preferences. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0155
Elementary | Mother's Birthday
March 15, 2021 08:00 - 16 minutes - 37.4 MBThree things you don’t forget: 1. Anniversary 2. Mom’s Birthday 3. Listen to Chinesepod…Now, we can help you with two of the three (sorry, you’re on your own with #1) today. In this podcast Ken (loves his mum) and Jenny (ài tā māma) hold your hand in talking about your mother’s birthday with a friend in Mandarin Chinese. You’re sure to never forget again! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0091
Newbie | She Went Out
March 12, 2021 08:00 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MBWei?! Most likely, this is the word that will stick with you…all day…and night…even in your sleep. So what is it exactly? We’re not sure…and neither are the Chinese, but you still need to learn it…as well as phone basics. In this podcast you will learn how to say hello on the phone in Mandarin Chinese, as well as how to enquire if someone is in, and ask who is calling. And of course, not to be overlooked, how to say goodbye in Chinese as well! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0152
Elementary | Football (Soccer)
March 10, 2021 08:00 - 13 minutes - 30.7 MBAs much as some of us (Yankee) staff would have loved to translate the “gridiron” into Chinese, we cater to the other 98% of the world that calls soccer “football” and turn it into a lesson on football in Mandarin Chinese. In this podcast, Ken (An Irish Beckham) and Jenny (A Chinese Posh) also will throw in discussing other sports and the term “boring” for those that aren’t fanatics. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0089
Newbie | Baby Talk: Eat Up!
March 08, 2021 08:00 - 10 minutes - 10.1 MBIn another addition to our “Baby Talk” series, Ken and Jenny talk this time about encouraging your little bundle of joy to eat something…or not. In this podcast, learn how to tell your baby to eat up, using Mandarin Chinese. As far as explaining why “fish at the table” and “fish in the bowl” are different, you’re on your own. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0145
Elementary | Hobbies: Music
March 05, 2021 08:00 - 16 minutes - 37.2 MBWhile “Peking Opera” is the Chinese equivalent of haggis (few really like it, but you kind of have to try it), the rest of the music scene here will always be a conversation piece. In this Mandarin Chinese lesson podcast, Ken and Jenny teach you how to be your own conversation piece: to talk about what you like to do, and what your interests are. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0087
Newbie | Baby Talk: Praise
March 03, 2021 08:00 - 14 minutes - 13 MBStudies show our personalities are formed before the age of four. We at ChinesePod want you to raise a happy, confident little future Chinese speaker…so listen in to this lesson as Jenny teaches all about praising that little whippersnapper. In this podcast, learn how to tell your squishy cute baby just how cute they really are, using Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0140
Elementary | Useful Phrases #3
March 01, 2021 08:00 - 12 minutes - 29.5 MBWhat could you use more than some more useful phrases in Mandarin Chinese? Well, even better than that, we’ve got some excellent high-frequency language you will wonder how you ever did without (i.e. Where is the washroom?). Listen in on this podcast, and learn some more important and useful questions and responses in Mandarin Chinese. Alas, who else could you count on to educate you in these sorts of “delicate” matters? Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0081
Newbie | It's Broken
February 26, 2021 08:00 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MBWe were on our way to the studio when our “authentic” Tag Heuer stopping working making us stop abruptly in our “realistic” Nike’s to reach into our “genuine” Prada (man) bag to check the time on our phone…which turned out to be broken. In this podcast, Ken (all real, he claims) and Jenny (unreal, you declare) mend a Mandarin Chinese lesson on things breakin’. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0136
Elementary | Finding An Apartment
February 24, 2021 08:00 - 13 minutes - 31.9 MBSo you’ve finally made it to China and with what’s left of the money you spent on taking us for “báijiǔ”, you decide to get an apartment overlooking the Summer Palace. Out of reach? Not at all…but you might want to be able to tell the landlord your basics…unless you don’t mind an “Eastern Toilet”. So, listen in to this podcast and learn to talk about the type of apartment you would like, using Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0079
Newbie | Downloading Music
February 22, 2021 07:42 - 17 minutes - 15.9 MBYou can go to iTunes, subscribe to an RSS feed and arrange everything all by yourself? You’re all growed up, aren’t ya? Now, tell us that in Mandarin and move to the front of the class. In this podcast, Ken (on a time out) and Jenny (a gold star) forego nap time to teach you to talk about all things “downloadable” in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0133
Elementary | Discussing Eating
February 19, 2021 08:00 - 11 minutes - 27.4 MBIf “King and Country” are the loves in England, then so are “Mao and Mouth” here in China. In this podcast, Ken and Jenny walk you through a salivating lesson concerning eating in China…and a great dialogue in Mandarin Chinese which leads to the question of whether or not you know how to use chopsticks….which in turn leads to a tale of Ken being cheered on by dozens of strangers in a restaurant. It has to be ChinesePod. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0075
Newbie | I Don't Feel Well
February 17, 2021 08:00 - 13 minutes - 12.5 MBWith a menu full of never before encountered items and a passion for all things oil/MSG, you might end up with the lesser-know “Beijing Belly”. So unless you care to “assume the position” in an off-color game of charades, you might benefit from a lesson on “not feeling well”. In this podcast, you will learn how to tell someone you aren’t feeling well, using Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0130
Elementary | Chinese Celebrity: Bruce Lee
February 15, 2021 07:55 - 12 minutes - 27.8 MBWith Bosnia erecting their own tribute to Hong Kong’s “Little Dragon”, we wanted to do the same. In this podcast, Ken and Jenny (mainland celebrities in their own minds) give you the scoop in Mandarin Chinese…good for you, but annoying for us, as this means Ken spends the rest of the day whacking interns with his nun chucks. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0059
Newbie | Too Polite
February 12, 2021 08:00 - 18 minutes - 17.2 MBThe last thing you would want to do is insult your kind host…but where to learn about the do’s and don’ts of Chinese etiquette? In this podcast, Ken and Jenny nicely promenade you through a cultural Mandarin Chinese lesson on Chinese manners. Learn how to be polite—Chinese-style! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0124
Elementary | The Traffic Jam
February 10, 2021 08:00 - 17 minutes - 40.8 MBWe know you listen while you’re on the subway, but we’ll put our China commute up against yours any day. In this podcast, we’ll take advantage of your gridlock to teach you “gridlock”. You’ll also learn to talk about how you get to work every day, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0057
Newbie | Drive Faster!
February 08, 2021 08:00 - 14 minutes - 13.5 MBIn the labyrinth of an average Chinese city, it’s easy for the unexpected to happen, and cause you to run a little behind. So now that you’ve found that taxi, how to tell him to put the petal to the medal? Two options: a) Make a “wrrrrooooooommmmmm” sound and stab the air with your index finger b) Pay attention to this lesson on asking the driver to hurry In this podcast, learn how to say you are in a hurry, and how to ask the driver to drive faster (ChinesePod disclaimer: use this Mandarin ...
Elementary | Mild Swearing
February 05, 2021 08:00 - 12 minutes - 28.9 MBZen might be of Asian design, but it takes a back-seat when someone cuts in line. In this podcast, Ken and Jenny lower their professional integrity by teaching some mild ways of insulting someone in Mandarin Chinese and the importance of never, ever wearing a green hat…ever. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0055
Newbie | Chatting Online
February 03, 2021 08:00 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MBRemember back in the day (insert nostalgic music here) when a tank of gas cost ya a nickel, “George W” referred to “Washington” and “chatting” was something done face-to-face? In this lesson, we tackle just that (the last one, as none of us drive here and another one of us is from Texas), online chatting. In this podcast learn about getting online and chatting, amongst other hobbies, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0119
Elementary | Weather, Man
February 01, 2021 08:00 - 12 minutes - 28.4 MBBoasting 1.4 billion people, needless to say China’s a big place…with many different types of weather. This podcast will not only teach you weather basics in Mandarin Chinese, but also how to plan accordingly. What else are you going to talk about with the driver while heading to work the same time as aforementioned numbers are? Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0049
Newbie | Talking About Your Hometown
January 29, 2021 08:00 - 12 minutes - 11.5 MBNo doubt these questions will be among the top 3 you’ll need to memorize…here they are, in no particular order: 1. What’s your name? 2. Where are you from? 3. Have you ever had the pleasure of meeting that clever “laowai” that writes the wonderfully entertaining introductions to ChinesePod? …your name you know, and until we have the pleasure, the only thing left is your ole stompin’ ground. In this podcast, Ken and Jenny talk teach you how to talk about where you call “jiā.” Episode link: ht...
Elementary | Character Mind Map: 出 Out
January 27, 2021 08:00 - 12 minutes - 28.8 MBIn Chinese, you often encounter single characters that have multiple related meanings. This has the potential to confuse learners because sometimes it is hard to make connections between component characters and their meanings within multiple-character words. That's why we created this Character Mind Map series, where we focus on characters and the words they make up.Today, we're talking about 出 and all the interesting words using this character. Let's check them out! Episode link: https://w...
Newbie | University Major: Part 2
January 25, 2021 08:00 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MB“Do a lesson on University major’s” you said. “Okay, here you go” Chinesepod replied. (3 weeks past). “Do another lesson on university majors” you demanded. “We already did one” we responded. “Do it NOW” you shouted. “You’re not the boss of me” we informed. “Yes I am” came the curt retort…so now we see who’s bossing who…with lesson #2 on uni majors…meanie. Listen in on this podcast to learn how to ask someone about their major in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0110
Elementary | Chengyu Series - Five Flowers And Eight Doors
January 22, 2021 08:00 - 14 minutes - 33.3 MBChengyu are Chinese idioms that consist of four characters. Although they originate from classical Chinese, Chengyu remain as an important aspect in both spoken and written language. They may seem erratic and confusing to you at first since they don’t follow the usual sentence order and their meanings depend heavily on context. But don’t worry, in this Chengyu series, we will introduce simple Chengyu made up with all the characters that you already knew, and you can infer the actual meaning ...
Newbie | Singing Ability
January 20, 2021 08:00 - 14 minutes - 13.9 MBThink the Von Trapp’s liked to sing? That’s nothing! Wait until you get the Chinese invite to listen…which is anytime. So, what do you do after someone gives you a tune, offer up the same “thanks” you give a taxi driver or a proper “you sing very well”? In this podcast Ken and Jenny compose a lesson for the ages. You’ll learn how to compliment someone on their singing using Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0109
Elementary | Character Mind Map: 面 Face
January 18, 2021 08:00 - 17 minutes - 40 MBIn today's lesson, we're talking about 面 and all the interesting words using this character. Let's check them out! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4303
Newbie | Baby Talk: Words of Comfort
January 15, 2021 08:00 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBWith so many people adopting from the mainland and Taiwan, it should come With so many people adopting babies from China, it should come as no surprise that we have received an abundance of requests for “baby lingo”. Here is a podcast on some sweet and cuddly talk to comfort the child who has just been introduced to your family. In this lesson, Ken and Jenny walk you through your first (comforting) words in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0108
Elementary | Love Amid COVID-19
January 13, 2021 08:00 - 20 minutes - 46.3 MBThe COVID-19 pandemic is sweeping across the globe right now. Although 病毒 - virus, 无情 - doesn’t discriminate, 人 - humanity, 有情 - has love for one another. Through sharing the love, we can help each other out and get over with the pandemic swiftly. Watch to learn more about general newbie vocabularies, as well as phrases to use amid such tough times! All in all, everyone 加油! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4295
Newbie | Buying Train Tickets
January 11, 2021 08:00 - 18 minutes - 17.2 MBYou were *this* close to taking the Trans-Siberian Line from Beijing to Moscow (8 time zones!), *this* close from starting at Tiananmen Square and ending in Red Square…and what stopped you? You didn’t know how to ask for a ticket! Let’s remedy that today, shall we? All aboard, next stop: Chuga-chuga, chuga-chuga, Chinesepod! (Make a fist, put your arm at a 45 degree angle and pull down). In this podcast you will learn how to enquire about train tickets in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: http...
Elementary | Continued Tone Change Series #4 - I Can't Find You!
January 08, 2021 08:00 - 15 minutes - 36.1 MBIn our previous newbie tone change series, we have introduced the tone change rules for 不, 一, two third tones, and three third tones. Just like many other aspects in the Chinese language, tone changes are more nuanced than the rules you see in textbooks. That's why for the elementary tone change series, we decided that we would reinforce the rules with the help of dialogues that you hear in everyday conversations. Practice and familiarize yourselves with the sounds, and you'll be a tone mast...
Newbie | Invitations To Eat (Original)
January 06, 2021 08:00 - 14 minutes - 13.9 MBSo… ummmm, hi… I was…ahem, wondering (cough) if you… ahhhh, are doing…anything tonight? Think that’s hard in your own language? Try it in Mandarin Chinese! In this socially awkward podcast, Ken (never does this, honest) and Jenny (doesn’t like you in that way) teach you how to invite someone to a meal. Once you put all the effort into this lesson, how can they say no?! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0097