ChinesePod - Beginner

Elementary | Visiting Taiwan

January 20, 2023 08:00 - 16 minutes - 38.3 MB

Taiwan is not often the focus of our lessons at ChinesePod, but this time it's front and center. Learn such gems as "Taiwan is an island," as well as some of the names of the major cities on said island. As for you political-minded rascals, ho ho, no we're not going there. We're here to help you learn Chinese! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1998

Newbie | How Long Have You Been in Shanghai?

January 18, 2023 08:00 - 10 minutes - 24.9 MB

When you strike up a conversation with someone in Shanghai, people will inevitably want to know how long you've been there. Whether you're a grizzled expat who's been there for years or a newbie who's just around for a couple of days, you'll still need to know how to respond in Mandarin Chinese. Learn how in today's newbie lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1952

Elementary | The London Olympics

January 16, 2023 08:00 - 14 minutes - 32.7 MB

The 2012 Olympics are in London! If you're from London, going to London, or even fond of occasionally mentioning London, you'd better be able to say it in Chinese! (Oh, and while we're at it, let's make sure you can say "London" in Chinese as well...) Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1993

Newbie | Class Is Over Now

January 13, 2023 08:00 - 13 minutes - 30.4 MB

Another Chinese class is over. You've answered the teacher's questions masterfully throughout and are ready to get home. Learn how classes are ended and how to bid farewell to your teacher in today's newbie lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1942

Elementary | Can You Lend Me Money?

January 11, 2023 08:00 - 15 minutes - 35.5 MB

What are friends for? Lending money, right? In this lesson, learn how to extract as much money as possible from your good, generous friend. (You'll pay him back, of course.) Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1984

Newbie | Wireless Internet

January 09, 2023 08:00 - 10 minutes - 23.3 MB

Now, we know ChinesePod users like to sit in hip cafés and listen to hip Chinese podcasts, so before you commit to buying that 30RMB cappuccino, we’ve created a lesson to help you to ask if wireless internet is available. We’ll also help you to learn how to ask in Mandarin Chinese whether there are any associated fees, as well—so that 30RMB cappuccino doesn’t turn into a $30 cappuccino. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0480

Elementary | Paying a Bill

January 06, 2023 08:00 - 12 minutes - 28.1 MB

In China, convenience reigns supreme. So, not only can you buy a drink, herb-flavored gum, underwear, and/or a brown simmering egg in a convenience store, you can also handily pay your bills. In this podcast, learn how to pay those bills using Mandarin Chinese. Don't forget to stop and enjoy the tantalizing tea egg aroma while you're there! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0519

Newbie | For You, And You, And You

January 04, 2023 08:00 - 12 minutes - 27.5 MB

On your next trip back to your home country, don’t forget to pick up some nice “western” treats for all your little friends in the neighborhood to try. And leave it to ChinesePod to think up a lesson to teach you how to be the benevolent benefactor that you will come to be known as around the ‘hood when you start handing out treats. Listen to this podcast to learn how to be a “sugar daddy” in Mandarin Chinese. But remember: buy in bulk...! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0478

Elementary | Late Getting Back

January 03, 2023 08:00 - 16 minutes - 37.8 MB

Now that your Mandarin is getting so good, chances are all you cool CPoddies will be out late partying every night, your Mandarin getting more fluent with every drink you imbibe. But don’t forget there will be some worrywarts who would appreciate a phone call home when you'll be out late. In this podcast, learn how to talk about the time being late, as well as how to express worry in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0515

Newbie | Your Baby is So Cute!

December 30, 2022 08:00 - 15 minutes - 35 MB

Not every baby is cute, but here in China, almost all of them are, so you'll probably find yourself in many situations in which you'll feel the need to tell parents just how adorable their little one is. In today's Newbie lesson, learn all about how to compliment a baby without holding back, because it's not really about that baby's self-esteem anyway - it's about the parents'. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1932

Elementary | Ordering Xiaolongbao

December 28, 2022 08:00 - 15 minutes - 34.5 MB

Learning Mandarin is like climbing a mountain made of dumplings. And as with other mountaineering expeditions, it's necessary to study the landscape before starting the ascent. In this podcast, we unravel the mystery of the xiaolongbao, the Mount Everest of Chinese breakfast foods. Tip to the wise: if you can't smell the ocean, don't buy the ones with crab meat. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0511

Newbie | Get up!

December 26, 2022 08:00 - 11 minutes - 25.5 MB

Though the screech of an alarm clock sounds the same in any language, we know that all this studying makes you tired, so we’ve prepared a lesson on giving you that extra “nudge” to get up out of bed in the morning. In this podcast learn how to tell someone in Chinese that it’s late and they need to get up. Which brings to mind another good thing about Mandarin on your terms: You don’t have to worry about being late for class. So go ahead...hit that snooze button for the seventh time. Episode...

Elementary | WeChat

December 23, 2022 08:00 - 14 minutes - 32.4 MB

"Writing" in China has come a long way from its oracle bone past all the way to its QQ IMing and smartphone texting present. But now there's a new form called "WeChat" which mixes texting and free internet messages with voice messaging and GPS. WeChat is already pretty big in China, so if you're totally unaware, it's time to tackle this lesson... Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1990

Newbie | Didn't Hear Clearly

December 21, 2022 08:00 - 13 minutes - 31.1 MB

Sometimes you say one word of Mandarin and the other side assumes you’re fluent and lets loose with a torrent of Chinese. But then there are times when you have the opposite problem: you don’t hear what someone says, and then they write you off as not even understanding “ni hao.” This podcast was designed for just that maddening situation, so tune in and learn what Mandarin to use in that situation. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0472

Elementary | Buying a SIM card

December 19, 2022 09:13 - 13 minutes - 30.8 MB

We hope that those who come to China have a good memory, seeing as mobile phone numbers are about 20 digits long here. In this podcast, experience a Mandarin Chinese lesson on getting something you can’t live without here—a mobile phone SIM card. (ChinesePod tip: don’t get tricked into taking the number 444-4444-4444 ‘cause it’s easy to remember…) Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0507

Newbie | Chinese Idioms - Lower than a pig or dog

December 16, 2022 08:00 - 3 minutes - 8.29 MB

What is a 成语 or Chéngyǔ? It's an idiom. Here we learn 2 Chinese Idioms! The first is "Lower than a pig or a dog!" The second one is "Fowls and dogs are not at peace!" Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4093

Elementary | Questioning a Child

December 14, 2022 08:00 - 14 minutes - 32.2 MB

It's a classic situation in any culture. A child breaks something, and when their parents ask them about it, they deny doing it. In this lesson, a father grills his son about something he broke. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2108

Newbie | Making a Dinner Reservation - Part 2

December 12, 2022 08:00 - 12 minutes - 29.2 MB

In part 1 of making a dinner reservation, you learned how to say you needed a dinner reservation for how many people. You're almost done, but you're still going to need to leave your phone number and your name. Learn how to do just that in this podcast. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1930

Elementary | Music Lovers

December 09, 2022 08:00 - 14 minutes - 33.9 MB

Whether or not one can play a musical instrument, everyone appreciates a good tune. In this lesson, learn how to talk about music and playing musical instruments. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2105

Newbie | The Tones of Ma

December 07, 2022 08:00 - 3 minutes - 7.84 MB

The Chinese language has 4 tones. Follow along with Grace as she brings the 4 tones of Ma alive! The newbie lesson pairs nicely with "The Characters of Ma!" Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4091

Elementary | Ordering a Steak

December 05, 2022 08:00 - 13 minutes - 31.4 MB

Here is a lesson for all our Chinese-speaking carnivores out there. Now, we know steak isn't really a Chinese food, but some of you just may get a yearning to sink your teeth into a red juicy (or not) slab of meat once in a while. So, listen to this podcast to learn how to order it to your liking--in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0503

Newbie | The Characters of Ma

December 02, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 13.1 MB

This is a breakdown of the characters or hanzi behind "Ma!" This lesson pairs nicely with the newbie lesson "Tones of Ma!" Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4090

Elementary | Traveling around China

November 30, 2022 08:00 - 18 minutes - 42.7 MB

So you've enjoyed some travels in China of late, but part of the fun is getting to go home and brag to everyone about what you've seen. Listen to this podcast and learn how to use Mandarin Chinese to tell someone about what you've seen and done whilst adventuring in the "Middle Kingdom." Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0500

Newbie | Please let me through!

November 28, 2022 08:00 - 10 minutes - 24.5 MB

No China experience would be complete without the “stuck in the middle of a giant mass of people” part. But you really need to get through. Not willing to just PUSH, you have to know what to say. In this podcast, you learn how to say “let me through” in Mandarin. (Getting the crowd to actually take you seriously is up to you.) Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0469

Elementary | Washing the Sheets

November 25, 2022 08:00 - 12 minutes - 28.9 MB

It's time to get those chores done! In this lesson, learn how to talk about doing house work, from washing dishes and doing laundry to tidying up your room. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2102

Newbie | Just Looking

November 23, 2022 08:00 - 12 minutes - 29.2 MB

OK, so you’re in a little Chinese shop, or checking out a vendor’s stand, and the clerk is super excited. She’s trotting out a seemingly endless line of products, not a single one which arises an iota of your interest. So how do you tell her that you’re really “just looking?” In this podcast you can learn the Mandarin to do just that. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0465

Elementary | Shut up!

November 21, 2022 08:00 - 13 minutes - 31.7 MB

Don’t you hate it when you want to know how to tell someone off in Chinese, but you just can’t find the words? Which results in your usual strong words: you bad! Well, leave it to ChinesePod to teach you the phrases you really want to know, like “shut up!” In this podcast, listen in as two friends have a little exchange of words. (Later, we’ll teach you how to kiss and make up). Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0492

Newbie | Do you have wifi?

November 18, 2022 08:00 - 10 minutes - 24.9 MB

Ever been on the hunt for wifi? Here's how to ask! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4087

Elementary | Annual Meeting

November 16, 2022 08:00 - 16 minutes - 37.4 MB

So much of life if consumed with planning for the things that we want to do. In this lesson, two coworkers talk about an upcoming annual meeting at work and whether or not one of them can attend. Learn how to talk about participating in big events like weddings, meetings, etc., as well as plans to return home. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2099

Newbie | Wrong Number

November 14, 2022 08:00 - 10 minutes - 23.8 MB

You know that guy that keeps calling your home number at 3am and asking for “Lao Li” in Chinese? You’ve tried screaming, you’ve tried threatening, you’ve tried begging. But he just KEEPS CALLING. With the help of this podcast you can learn how to finally tell the guy “wrong number” in Mandarin Chinese. (That’ll show him.) Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0460

Elementary | Goodbye to a Co-worker

November 11, 2022 08:00 - 17 minutes - 40.7 MB

Co-workers come and go in offices throughout the world. In this lesson, learn how to say goodbye to your Chinese co-workers and wish them the best. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2096

Newbie | Emergency Call

November 09, 2022 08:00 - 10 minutes - 23.5 MB

Emergencies happen. Buildings catch on fire. Here at ChinesePod, we prefer to think of these unfortunate incidents as “opportunities”--for you to start causing a ruckus about it in Mandarin. If your Chinese is not yet up to the task, then it’s time to tune into this podcast. You’ll learn not only how to tell people there’s a fire, but also how to dial the appropriate emergency number. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0455

Elementary | The Clogged Toilet

November 07, 2022 08:00 - 12 minutes - 27.9 MB

Though your instinct may be to scream and run, a clogged toilet just isn’t going to go away, as we all know. Since you insist on throwing your toilet paper into the toilet (unlike the locals, who know better!), you will likely shortly be in need of this lesson. In this podcast learn how to use your Mandarin Chinese to beckon for your property manager’s help to deal with this delicate task. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0487

Newbie | The 5 "W" Questions

November 04, 2022 08:00 - 6 minutes - 14.9 MB

Asking Questions you need to know these five pronouns: who, what, when, where, and why. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4079

Elementary | Leaving a Tip

November 03, 2022 08:00 - 17 minutes - 39.3 MB

How much should you leave as a tip after a meal in China? The answer is nothing! In China, it is not customary to give tips. In this lesson, two friends learn what happens when you try to give a tip in China after a meal. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2090

Newbie | What Does This Word Mean?

November 02, 2022 08:00 - 14 minutes - 32.2 MB

Some say "1.3 billion people," but we say "1.3 billion human dictionaries." That's right, why should you thumb through one of those new-fangled "book" thingies when you can rely on glorious oral tradition and just ask people what words mean? This lesson will equip you to do just that, in Chinese! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1979

Elementary | Drawing Suns

October 28, 2022 08:00 - 16 minutes - 37.2 MB

Little children do the strangest things, don't they? They bring us great delight, but also prove to be little monsters from time to time. In this lesson, a mother discovers that her precious child may have taken its drawing a little too far. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2087

Newbie | Colored Balls

October 26, 2022 08:00 - 11 minutes - 25.3 MB

You never know when you’ll end up in the colored ball room at Ikea and want to know how to have a conversation about colored balls, but, seriously, knowing about shapes and colors always comes in handy! In this podcast, Ken and Jenny use a graphic to help put you through the training. Learn the Mandarin words for six different colors, as well as how to describe big and small. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0451

Elementary | Flags and National Anthems

October 24, 2022 08:00 - 14 minutes - 32.8 MB

Now that China is your "adopted country", you had better make sure you know what your flag looks like. The national anthem? Hmm, that we'll leave for you to learn before 2008 (or you can just hum along). In this podcast, learn a little bit about the flag and national anthem of China, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0482

Newbie | Does He Have Children?

October 21, 2022 08:00 - 11 minutes - 26.4 MB

Mr. Li is the talk of the town. He's dashing, he's witty, and... he's a father! In this lesson, the gossip turns to the subject of Mr. Li's children. If you're a parent (or maybe you're working on a complete inventory of everyone's children), you're going to find this lesson useful. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1976

Elementary | Easter and Chocolate Bunnies

October 19, 2022 08:00 - 15 minutes - 36.5 MB

Ever wondered what Easter has to do with chocolate bunnies? Well…you won’t find out in this podcast. You will, however, learn how to talk about this important holiday in Mandarin Chinese. Listen in to this podcast and learn how to discuss Easter in Chinese, and learn some words that have to do with the religious significance of this observance. Oh yes, and you will learn one of the most important words in any language: “chocolate”. Yes, don’t miss this one! Episode link: https://www.chinesep...

Newbie | Riding the Elevator

October 17, 2022 08:02 - 12 minutes - 29.5 MB

Granted, you might get some stares for just being in an elevator, but your situation might improve if you could actually use your Mandarin Chinese to tell the attendant to which floor you're headed. Thus, the podcast. Next stop: Mandarin on Your Terms (obvious, yes, but we get away with it because we're cute). Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0444

Elementary | Bounced!

October 14, 2022 08:00 - 14 minutes - 34.3 MB

Huge guys in black suits with icy stares, bouncers are the same everywhere. In this lesson, two friends try to check out a popular nightclub, only to find themselves stopped by a bouncer at the door. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2086

Newbie | Let Me Help You

October 12, 2022 08:00 - 11 minutes - 26.3 MB

Chinese people are often very gracious and helpful towards foreign guests, especially when traveling via train or plane. Having trouble stowing your heavy bag in an overhead compartment? Chances are you'll have someone offering to help you in no time. Learn how to accept such aid (and offer it!) in today's lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1969

Elementary | Dumb Joke

October 10, 2022 08:00 - 15 minutes - 36 MB

Jokes are never as funny when they have to be explained, and it’s likely that a joke in Chinese is going to need an explanation. But what about a joke where there’s really nothing to get? Not only do you not feel dumb, but you actually get smarter, because you learn all the Mandarin associated with a “cold joke” in this podcast. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0467

Newbie | Coffee Shop

October 07, 2022 08:00 - 13 minutes - 31.3 MB

You want a coffee, and that nice Chinese employee in the cafe wants nothing more than to sell you one. So stop overthinking it and cut to the chase. It's time to learn how to order a coffee (a latte, let's say) in Mandarin Chinese. Sweet caffeine awaits. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1962

Elementary | Help with Housework

October 05, 2022 08:00 - 16 minutes - 37.3 MB

For the record, we're a clean podcast. But every now and then we make a mess. But does a podcast listed in Time Magazine clean up after itself? Absolutely not! We delegate.This is where you learn the Mandarin you need to get that Chinese housework done. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0459

Newbie | Lost Keys

October 03, 2022 08:00 - 10 minutes - 24.4 MB

Alicia has ‘em, so does Florida. But what happens when you lose yours? A lesson, that’s what! Learn how to express your panic, in Mandarin Chinese, when you can’t find your something. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0439

Elementary | No TP

September 30, 2022 08:00 - 17 minutes - 39 MB

Practically, it's a very important piece of knowledge to have: bathrooms in China often don't have toilet paper. The assumption is that folks will bring their own paper or tissues with them when doing their business. In this lesson, someone learns this piece of information the hard way... Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2083

Newbie | Wait for Me Here

September 28, 2022 08:00 - 11 minutes - 26.2 MB

Oh sure, you can get ‘em over with a broad gesturing sweep of the arm, but it’s getting them to stay that’s causing some problems. I mean, you touch them and then point down to the sidewalk, which seems obvious--but it could also mean you want to buy concrete. How about a podcast teaching you how to say “wait here” in Mandarin Chinese? Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0437

ChinesePod - Beginner

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