ChinesePod - Beginner

Newbie | Finding A Seat

March 22, 2021 08:00 - 12 minutes - 11.9 MB

Ask 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 MB

Being 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 MB

In 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 MB

Three 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 MB

Wei?! 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 MB

As 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 MB

In 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 MB

While “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 MB

Studies 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 MB

What 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 MB

We 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 MB

So 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 MB

You 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 MB

If “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 MB

With 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 MB

With 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 MB

The 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 MB

We 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 MB

In 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 MB

Zen 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 MB

Remember 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 MB

Boasting 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 MB

No 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 MB

In 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 MB

Chengyu 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 MB

Think 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 MB

In 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 MB

With 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 MB

The 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 MB

You 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 MB

In 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 MB

So… 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

Elementary | Character Mind Map: 走 Walk

January 04, 2021 08:00 - 10 minutes - 24.7 MB

In 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 走 and all the interesting words using this character. Let's check them out! Episode link: https://...

Newbie | Sending Emails

January 01, 2021 08:00 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MB

You could try and mime your way through it to ask for someone’s email address (piano fingers and tongue clicking). You could simply call them every time you needed to speak. Or, you could just listen to this lesson, where you will learn how to ask for someone’s email address in Mandarin Chinese. Good choice, now, you can use that money you save on long-distance phone bills to buy us presents (we’re a 33×34). Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0094

Elementary | Chengyu Series - Say Three, Speak Four

December 30, 2020 08:00 - 11 minutes - 26.6 MB

Chengyu 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 | Surfing The Internet (Original)

December 28, 2020 08:00 - 17 minutes - 15.9 MB

Think you don’t need to talk about the internet? You’re positive? Okay, tell you what, think very, very carefully about your life sans web…no email, no news, no CHINESEPOD, ye gods! In this podcast, Ken (An Irish Spicoli) and Jenny (Our Little Surfer Girl) teach you how to talk in Mandarin Chinese about surfing the internet. The Chinese love their electronics and you’ve got to fit in! Listen and this lesson will teach you how. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0092

Elementary | Too Many Questions

December 25, 2020 08:00 - 14 minutes - 32.5 MB

In today's lesson, we are teaching you how to ask questions using the A not A sentence structure. Practice this structure in daily conversations, but be careful not to ask too many questions in a roll though, you might upset people like the restaurant owner in today's dialogue! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4262

Newbie | University Major: Part 1

December 23, 2020 08:00 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MB

Well, now that you’re a Chinese student, chances are you’re gonna be hangin’ with other students, so how to get in on the lingo? In this podcast Ken and Jenny take time from rushing poor pledges to lecture you in a lesson in Mandarin Chinese, teaching you how to ask someone what they are studying. And you’ll also learn how to tell someone what you want to be when you grow up. “Thank you ChinesePod, may I have another?!” Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0090

Elementary | Character Mind Map - 还 Still

December 21, 2020 08:00 - 16 minutes - 37 MB

In 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 还 and all the interesting words using this character. Let's check them out! Episode link: https://...

Newbie | Marriage And Divorce (Original)

December 18, 2020 08:00 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MB

Yes, we realize that the only two things you are ever pronounced in life are “dead” and “man and wife”, but if you think that the 51% split rate is going to sway us from a lesson on the betrothed, then we’d better site irreconcilable differences right now. In this podcast, we unify spoken Mandarin Chinese about marriage/divorce with the English explanation…a match made in the Temple of Heaven. Mazel tov. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0088

Elementary | I Just Want To Sleep

December 16, 2020 08:00 - 12 minutes - 28.5 MB

In this dialogue, a concerned flatmate checks in on their friend, asking if they have eaten a proper meal and how much coffee they've had. It seems the flatmate just wants to stay in and sleep. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4040

Newbie | I'm Not Hungry

December 14, 2020 08:00 - 15 minutes - 14.6 MB

99.9% of us eat Chinese food before ever coming to China. So it should come as no surprise that 99.9% of everything in China revolves around a meal. In this podcast, Ken and Jenny bake up a tasty session on eating, or not, in Mandarin Chinese. In this lesson, you will hear how to invite someone to dinner, and also how to turn down politely, using the oldest excuse in the book. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0083

Elementary | What's In Your Handbag?

December 11, 2020 08:00 - 16 minutes - 36.8 MB

Learn how to list common items you might find in your bag, as well as how to say a sweet and savoury cookie. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4012

Newbie | Useful Phrases 2

December 09, 2020 08:00 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MB

So you’ve moved up into the Basic Level and you’re feeling pretty good about yourself…so good, you ask your non-English speaking Chinese friend how they’re doing. “Well”, they answer in Mandarin, “horse-horse, tiger-tiger”. Make sense to you? Fortunately, it does to Ken and Jenny. In this podcast, they’ll explain that aforementioned phrase, along with many other useful ones to keep in your pocket…just make sure to take them out before putting them in the washing machine. Episode link: https:...

Elementary | Mongolian Yurt

December 07, 2020 08:00 - 18 minutes - 41.3 MB

Learn how to talk about Mongolian cuisine, travel in Mongolia, and discuss what you've done when travelling. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4008

Newbie | Too Many Cooks

December 04, 2020 08:00 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MB

No doubt you’ve been thinking about throwing that fab “Chinese Dinner Party” so as to impress friends and family with your Mandarin skills. You can keep that egg in the wok and off of your face by listening to this lesson about explaining your culinary ability. In this podcast you will learn how to talk about your specialties, and learn about a well-loved Chinese dish. And if you’re no Iron Chef, you will learn how to ask someone to cook for you next time! Episode link: https://www.chinesepo...

Elementary | Nationalities At Work

December 02, 2020 08:00 - 18 minutes - 42.3 MB

In this lesson, you will learn how to ask someone how many people work in a company from different nations. You'll learn some useful terms for nationalities, as well as ways to describe numbers and amounts of things in more detail as well as estimates and approximations. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4002

Newbie | Describing The Weather

November 30, 2020 08:00 - 13 minutes - 12.1 MB

With the northern tip touching Russia, and the southern hitting Thailand, it should come as no surprise that China, and her people, have much to talk about when it comes to climate…do you? In this podcast, you will learn to talk about the weather and temperatures in Mandarin Chinese. “Weather-Ken” and “Weather-Jen” predict a downpour of excellent Mandarin followed by light winds of Shanghai-sent self-confidence. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0061

Elementary | Subway Transfer

November 27, 2020 08:00 - 16 minutes - 38 MB

Your bike is broken so you need to take public transport to school instead. Learn how to ask how long it takes to ride the subway from your home to school, as well as comparing it to riding the bus. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/3095

ChinesePod - Beginner

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