ChinesePod - Beginner

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

Newbie | Lying In Chinese

November 25, 2020 08:00 - 16 minutes - 15.6 MB

Not that we’d ever take you for a impostor, but just in case you might need to talk your way out of something defend yourself or simply argue…all the time…like my ex…ahem. Anyway, it’s Ken and Jenny to the rescue in this lesson. In this podcast you will learn some important phrases like “you’re lying”, and “it wasn’t me!” Well, maybe you won’t need to use these phrases yourself, but they will help with understanding all those Chinese soap operas you’re likely to become addicted to. Episode l...

Elementary | If It Rains, Then What?

November 23, 2020 08:00 - 16 minutes - 37.3 MB

This lesson is all about how to use the "if__then" conditional structure (如果__的话 rúguǒ__dehuà). For example, if it rains, what shall we do? In today's lesson, they are trying to make dinner plans, but don't want to eat seafood again so instead suggest a picnic. But what if it rains? Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/3076

Newbie | What Are Your Hobbies? (original)

November 20, 2020 08:00 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MB

We finally “bow to the Yao” and teach you how to talk about the sport or hobby you like. In this podcast you will learn how to talk about your hobbies with someone in Mandarin Chinese. And if you’d rather watch than play, this lesson will teach you how to say that as well. Give me a “C”! Give me a “hinesepod”! Hurrah! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0052

Elementary | It's Not Too Far

November 18, 2020 08:00 - 14 minutes - 33.9 MB

This elementary lesson is about asking for directions, and enquiring about how long a journey will take. Very useful for the travellers amongst you. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/3065

Newbie | Guess What I'm Learning?

November 16, 2020 08:00 - 13 minutes - 12.9 MB

So someone asks you what you've been up to. Be the life of the party and tell them "I've been studying Chinese"…in Mandarin!!! How many cool points awarded to your side? Uber…at least in our book. In this podcast, Ken and Jenny help out in explaining your studies. You will get the chance opine on whether you think studying Chinese is easy or difficult. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0047

Elementary | Is There A Service Charge?

November 13, 2020 08:00 - 16 minutes - 38.5 MB

Service charges (tipping) is becoming more and more common, but sometimes it can he hard to know if it's enforced. In this lesson, the service charge is "clearly" written on the blackboard on the wall of the restaurant, but the friend is complaining that the words are too small, and he cannot see them. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/3057

Newbie | Friends For Dinner

November 11, 2020 08:00 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MB

Not a normal podcast, but one you’ll memorize word-for-word and print out as well. In this podcast, our producer, Aric, abuses his power (which we tell him he has) by stopping by to get his American Chinese menu translated into Mandarin Chinese…use this lesson to get some of these dishes down and impress the entire restaurant back home. Not to mention impress your growing belly. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0044

Elementary | I Can't Afford Cake

November 09, 2020 08:00 - 19 minutes - 45.3 MB

In this lesson we look at the important phrase, "I can't afford it" (买不起 mǎi bù qǐ). In today's dialogue, two friends are walking around an expensive department store, complaining that everything is so expensive, and that they cannot afford to buy anything, even the cake! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/3053

Newbie | How You Doin'?

November 06, 2020 08:00 - 15 minutes - 14.1 MB

We can only ignore so many requests for “chat-up lines” until we break…which we did today. In this soon-to-be most popular lesson for our loyal podcast listeners, you will learn some nice compliments in Chinese to endear you to someone you have your eye on; and we will also give you some saucy lines in Mandarin Chinese to use at the pub this weekend…and withdraw from any consequences thereof. (Also included will be “Go away, you arrogant jerk!” Ouch.) Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com...

Elementary | Is This the Correct Stop?

November 04, 2020 08:00 - 14 minutes - 32.1 MB

When travelling in an unfamiliar city, the transport network can be quite confusing. Learn how to ask passengers if you're heading in the right direction so that you don't miss your stop. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/3041

Newbie | Long Time No See (Original)

November 03, 2020 08:00 - 12 minutes - 11.4 MB

Cliché as it may be, a good “long time no see” does wonders for reconnecting with old “peng you”. In this podcast, we’re going to make you sound more like a local by sharing these tidbits, as well as a cooler way of saying “how are you” as well as “I’m fine” in Mandarin Chinese…we just keep on giving. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0045

Elementary | When Do You Shower?

October 30, 2020 08:00 - 18 minutes - 41.6 MB

When do you shower? In the morning or in the evening. In the East, it's common to shower once you get home for the day, and most people wouldn't dream of going to bed without first bathing. Learn useful ways to ask colloquial and relaxed questions about what someone has been doing with their weekend. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/3001

Newbie | Weekend Warriors

October 28, 2020 08:00 - 15 minutes - 14.3 MB

Now we like mahjong and karaoke as much as the next person, but unless you pay attention to this lesson about what other things people like to do on the weekends, you might just become a compulsive gambler and boozer. In this podcast, learn how to expand your horizons and ask a friend in Mandarin Chinese what they are up to this weekend (aka fishing for an invite). Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0046

Elementary | Pets

October 26, 2020 08:00 - 14 minutes - 34.3 MB

Granted, most dogs here look like they chase parked cars, but that doesn’t stop them from being a part of the family. In this podcast, learn how to talk to fellow pet-lovers about your pet, in Mandarin Chinese. Explaining to them that dogs actually *don’t* make the sound “wang-wang” is up to you. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0208

Newbie | What Time Is It?

October 23, 2020 08:00 - 14 minutes - 13 MB

Every once and a while we veer away from our “normal programming” and offer up some lessons on high-frequency phrases in Chinese that you will use everyday. Today happens to be “once” and now is actually “in a while” so grab that “authentic” Rolex you bought near your hotel and join us for a podcast on telling time in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0122

Elementary | Where Children Come From

October 21, 2020 08:00 - 18 minutes - 43.4 MB

As parents, there is always the unavoidable coming of age when we must explain to our children about "the birds and the bees". For those of us learning Mandarin Chinese, however, there is a simpler solution. In this podcast, learn an alternative and skillfully evasive (albeit not particularly politically correct) response to this age-old question, as answered by many Chinese parents to their beloved child's query of "Mommy, where did I come from?" (note to self: breaking the news should be d...

Newbie | What'll It Be?

October 19, 2020 08:00 - 16 minutes - 15.5 MB

Don’t get me wrong, your ability to say “chicken” and “noodles” is gold-star worthy, but if variety is the spice of life, then Chinese food is the spice rack. In this “tantalizing” podcast lesson we’ll help you order some traditional dishes in China in Mandarin Chinese…without looking at that picture menu. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0042

Elementary | Will vs. Can Using 会 [會] huì

October 16, 2020 08:00 - 12 minutes - 27.6 MB

The character 会／會／huì can either mean "can" (a learned ability to do something) or "will" ( a future action or event happening). Knowing which one to use is all about context and the position in a sentence, and with a little bit of listening practice, will become second nature. Check out today's lesson to master the 会 character. You can and will do it! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/3006

Newbie | What's His Name?

October 14, 2020 08:00 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MB

With every 4th child born in the world being Chinese, there’s a good chance you’ll meet a few. In this podcast, we help you learn how to ask not only about names of new friends using Mandarin Chinese, but also about other information that might just get you an invite to that “famous restaurant” in town (word of warning: they all are famous). Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0150

Elementary | Which Floor?

October 12, 2020 08:00 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MB

In this lesson, we teach some great ways to make small talk in the elevator with your neighbors. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4033

Newbie | Where's The Bathroom?

October 09, 2020 08:00 - 13 minutes - 12.1 MB

Despite our professional image (ahem) we confess to laughing like schoolgirls anytime someone attempts to act out this phrase. So, listen in to this podcast and get the education in the things you really need to know in Mandarin Chinese. If we didn’t teach you, who would? Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0163

Elementary | Working Overtime Until 9PM!

October 07, 2020 08:00 - 16 minutes - 38.7 MB

In today's elementary class we teach you lots of "time spent doing" sentences, for example, "I have been studying for X amount of time", or "Yesterday, I read my book until.... e.g: 昨天我看书看到 9点 Time Phrase VO V 到 TIME Yesterday I read book, read until 9 o'clock Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4005

Newbie | World Cup Football Terms

October 05, 2020 08:00 - 11 minutes - 10.6 MB

Despite the majority of our staff being passificus apatheticus when it comes to soccer football--we simply couldn’t ignore that World Cup thingy. In this podcast, Jenny, John and Aric teach “let’s go”, “great shot”, “REFEREE!!!”, and more, all in Mandarin Chinese. Now, if you’ll excuse us, there are some baseball reruns to catch. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0159

Elementary | You Really Are Impressive

October 02, 2020 08:00 - 16 minutes - 38.8 MB

In this lesson, we hear a student compliment another student about their various accomplishments both academic and sporting. We also take a closer look at 得 (de) sentences where we turn adjectives into adverbs Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/3031

Newbie | You Look Nervous

September 30, 2020 08:00 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MB

Fact: There are 1.4 billion people in China. Fact: You don’t read enough to understand the bus schedule Fact: This leaves you with the option of riding a bicycle or hopping on the back of an illegal motorcycle taxi. Fact: You might need to know how to talk about being nervous. In this podcast, Ken and Jenny hold your trembling hand through a lesson on the “shakes”, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0117

Elementary | You Can't Bring That On The Plane!

September 28, 2020 08:00 - 15 minutes - 35 MB

In this lesson, we teach you some words to do with items commonly brought on flights that are not allowed through security. Learn some key Chinese vocabulary to do with airport security and arguing with security. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4059

Newbie | Baby Talk: Be Good!

September 25, 2020 08:00 - 11 minutes - 11 MB

More “baby talk”… In this podcast, you will learn some more popular common phrases in Mandarin Chinese, such as: “Good boy/girl”, “Be careful!” and “Don’t be naughty”. Think these phrases are only for people adopting children? Listen closely and you’ll hear Jenny confess that her parents still use some of these on her! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0126

Elementary | I Can Teach You Spanish

September 23, 2020 08:00 - 14 minutes - 33.5 MB

Spanish can be difficult for many learners, especially because of the need to be able to roll your tongue to produce the trill sound seen in many words. Listen to a dialogue about someone saying they can't speak Spanish, and the friend offering to teach them. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/3034

Newbie | At the Zoo

September 21, 2020 08:00 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MB

We always chuckle to think of the situations you found yourself in before ChinesePod came along…for instance: going to the zoo. While we don’t want to know how you indicated the red-bummed baboon, we would like to offer up a cognitive exercise lesson on identifying some animals in Mandarin Chinese by the sounds they make. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0346

Elementary | How to Say: Come out / Come in

September 18, 2020 08:00 - 14 minutes - 33.4 MB

In this lesson, we focus on the important ways to give directions verbs such as to come in, or to go out. We do this using the structure: Direction Verb 來／去. This structure is very high use, and important in situations such as greeting guests or going for a job interview. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/3061

Newbie | Asking for Favors

September 16, 2020 08:00 - 17 minutes - 16.5 MB

“Some day, and that day may never come, I’ll call upon you”…if it’s good enough for Brando, its good enough for us. In this podcast Ken (an Irish Johnny Fontane) and Jenny (never sides against the family) teach you how to ask for a favor in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0099

Elementary | How Cold Is It in Winter?

September 14, 2020 08:00 - 12 minutes - 27.7 MB

Learn different ways to modify adjectives with this lesson all about the seasons. By the end of the lesson, you'll know how to describe the winter in different Chinese cities with varying levels of coldness. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/3010

Newbie | Asking for Change

September 11, 2020 08:00 - 13 minutes - 12.8 MB

Now, we know when in Rome, you like to adapt to the locals. So, we expect that you’ll be treating everyone to 12 course dinners like the best of them. But, if, for some reason, you go western style and split the bill, you’re gonna need this podcast. Listen, and learn how to ask for change for that 100 yuan bill (again, sounds like more than it is) in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0296

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