ChinesePod - Beginner
673 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days 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 | Dumb Joke
October 10, 2022 08:00 - 15 minutes - 36 MBJokes 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 MBYou 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 MBFor 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 MBAlicia 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 MBPractically, 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 MBOh 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
Elementary | Tone Rule: Changes for 'bu'
September 26, 2022 08:00 - 8 minutes - 20.1 MBWhile the writer attempts to interject occasional humor into these intros, he knows there's nothing funny about the word ‘bu’, especially when you factor in the rules involved. Sorry, you don't know the rules? Oh, you'll thank us for this podcast that takes away the mystery of the changeable ‘bu’ in Mandarin Chinese, then. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0453
Newbie | Nope, You Cannot!
September 23, 2022 08:00 - 13 minutes - 31.3 MBI'm sure we have all pestered our parents asking them "can I do this?" or "can I do that?".In today's Newbie Mandarin lesson you will learn a really useful and highly repeated phrase for saying you can or cannot do something. In Chinese there are about 3 ways to say can, and in today's lesson we focus on the one that is used when asking for permission. For example, when asking if you can use the toilet, or if you can eat and drink on the subway. After the lesson you will be confident in know...
Elementary | A Day in the Life of a Student
September 21, 2022 08:00 - 20 minutes - 46.9 MBSchool days are here. In this lesson, read the diary of a student about their day at school. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2081
Newbie | Buying Bread and Butter
September 19, 2022 08:00 - 11 minutes - 27 MBIt’s only right that with us being the “bread and butter” of your day, we also offer up a Mandarin Chinese lesson on buying these two basics at the grocers. In this podcast, learn how to request a specific item at the supermarket, using your Mandarin Chinese. Spread the word! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0434
Elementary | Elevator Issues
September 16, 2022 08:00 - 12 minutes - 28.6 MBIf there's one place you're apt to find yourself in a crowded elevator, it's China. With so many people around, chances someone will have to help you push your floor if it hasn't been pushed already. This lesson helps bring your elevator talk to a new level. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2077
Newbie | Would You Like Some Tea?
September 14, 2022 08:00 - 9 minutes - 21.1 MBToday we're trying out a different style of lesson. We are following the traditional ChinesePod approach, but adding this visual element to hopefully make learning Chinese that little bit easier. We hope you like it and if you have any feedback, we'd love to hear what you have to say in the comments below :) Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2748
Elementary | Ping Pong
September 12, 2022 08:00 - 11 minutes - 26.3 MBChinesePod loves sports, which is why ChinesePod has such a fantastic figure. So, in keeping with that “little meet-up” in Beijing happenin' in 2008, in this podcast we offer up a Mandarin Chinese lesson on that slightly popular and oh-so-exciting game of ping pong. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0448
Newbie | Your Mandarin Is Really Good!
September 09, 2022 08:00 - 14 minutes - 33.9 MBNo matter where you are in China, Chinese people will be lavishing praise on you the moment you're able to utter even a simple "hello" or "thank you" in barely distinguishable Chinese. It's important to know how to deflect this politely (your Chinese companion will often expect you to!). Listen to today's newbie lesson to learn how! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1986
Elementary | Basketball Game
September 07, 2022 08:00 - 14 minutes - 33.7 MBIt's time to check out a basketball game. In this lesson, learn the word for 'basketball game', and more importantly, how to say you're free to go watch! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2075
Newbie | Power Outage
September 05, 2022 08:00 - 13 minutes - 30.8 MBThere are a few things ChinesePod is scared of: 1. Having to be constrained to a classroom seat to learn language 2. Animals dressed as humans 3. The dark …so, over the next few months, we will address each. Today, we start with the 3rd: what would one say when the power goes out? Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0431
Elementary | Hangover
September 02, 2022 08:00 - 15 minutes - 36.5 MBYour head aches, your mouth is dry and your stomach is churning, but you're not sick. You had a lot of fun last night, maybe too much fun... In this lesson, learn how to talk about feeling under weather after a night out on the town. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2073
Newbie | I Didn’t Bring My Umbrella
August 31, 2022 08:00 - 13 minutes - 31.1 MB“Ah,” you say (in Mandarin), “it’s raining and I don’t have my….” (stopping short here to describe curvy handle with fabric cover except that you don’t know how to say “curvy,” “handle,” or “fabric,” meaning it just got weird). Let us help you out in this podcast and teach you how to talk about “neglecting to pack the brelly”, using Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0420
Elementary | Tortoise and the Hare
August 30, 2022 07:35 - 16 minutes - 38.2 MBGranted, the names might have changed, but the story stays the same. The same story that got [Artist Previously Known as Rian the Intern] through some rough times. The least we can do is share it with you... in Chinese, of course. In this podcast, learn the Mandarin Chinese version of the well-loved fable (* moral can be applied to learning Chinese). Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0445
Newbie | Which Character Is That?
August 26, 2022 08:00 - 12 minutes - 28.5 MBWhen you hear a Chinese person's name, you can be reasonably sure that each syllable is a character and that the first character is the surname. But with thousands of Chinese characters, you often won't know which character it is unless you ask. Learn how to ask in this lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1982
Elementary | The Monks in the Temple on the Mountain
August 24, 2022 08:00 - 13 minutes - 29.9 MBDid you ever hear the one about the Monks in the Temple on the Mountain? We have--in fact, the Monks in the Temple on the Mountain is one of our favorites… so much so that in this podcast we’d like to offer up a Mandarin Chinese lesson on the Monks in the Temple on the Mountain. Well, that is, unless you’ve already heard the one about the Monks in the Temple on the Mountain. That reminds us… have you ever heard… [further text removed by ChinesePod staff] Episode link: https://www.chinesepod....
Newbie | It's Snowing
August 22, 2022 08:00 - 13 minutes - 31.1 MB“White rain! Cold ice!” While these are admirable attempts at saying, “it’s snowing,” it still kind of makes you sound like a tool. So in this podcast, how about we not only teach you how to say it in Mandarin Chinese, but also suggest that you go outside to play in it? Just don’t eat the 黄雪. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0416
Elementary | What Do You Like to Do on Weekends?
August 19, 2022 08:00 - 11 minutes - 27 MBThe weekend's here. What are you going to do? Curl up with a book? Play sports with your friends? Surf the web? In this lesson, two friends talk about what they like to do on weekends. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2070
Newbie | Haggle For A Good Deal
August 17, 2022 08:00 - 12 minutes - 27.7 MBShopping is a great opportunity to practice your Chinese. In today's lesson, you'll learn a new way to say "how much is this?" so that you can prompt the shopkeeper to tell you about their deals and different pricing combos. You'll also learn how to play hardball to haggle your way to a good deal. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2695
Elementary | The Man and the Dog
August 15, 2022 08:48 - 12 minutes - 28.1 MBAs mentioned, we’re all quite aware that our Jenny is one of the most downloaded women on the net--but she’s also a hoot! How funny? Really funny… or our name isn’t “ChinesePod.” Which it is…so there you go. Listen in to this podcast and learn a Mandarin Chinese joke to tell at your next party. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0435
Newbie | You Only Got to Bed at 2am!
August 12, 2022 08:00 - 13 minutes - 30.3 MBThis lesson clearly shows how using different characters in Chinese (才cái VS 就 jiù) can switch the meaning of otherwise identical sentences. We hear two people discussing their sleeping habits and how the student feels it's early to get to sleep at 2am, whilst the working person thinks that's rather late. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2661
Elementary | I See A Thief!
August 10, 2022 08:00 - 15 minutes - 35.4 MBYou see him stealing, you yell at people to draw attention, but all you can say is “bu hao ren,” which could make you come across a bit judgmental. So, the sooner you can shout “thief”, the sooner you can go back home a hero. Listen to this podcast and learn how to make your Mandarin Chinese come to the rescue. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0423
Newbie | Can I Smoke Here?
August 08, 2022 08:00 - 10 minutes - 23.9 MBNot that we condone it (we learned that lesson before), but there’s a nice, and a not-so-nice way of lighting up. So, why not ask if it’s an appropriate “smoking area” beforehand? In this podcast, learn how to do just that, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0411
Elementary | Recognizing a Blind Date
August 05, 2022 08:00 - 16 minutes - 38.2 MBMeeting someone for the first time on a blind date can be an awkward experience as it is, especially when you don't know what they look like. In this lesson, we've decided to raise the stakes by making that first encounter in Chinese! Don't worry, it's easier than you think! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2068
Newbie | How Long in China
August 03, 2022 08:00 - 9 minutes - 21.8 MBAgain, feel free to make your arms ttttttttttttttttttthhhhhhhhhiiiiiiiissssssss big, then point to yourself, and then to China, and then hold up fingers to let them know how long you’ve been in China and how long you’re staying… or, you could listen in to this podcast on how to differentiate between the two in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0409
Elementary | Due This Week
August 01, 2022 08:00 - 15 minutes - 34.6 MBThe “big man” sets a deadline, but everyone decides that if they combine forces, they’ll be able to get it extended. But boss man didn’t get the corner office by being flexible, and says no. (The lesson is much more interesting than the description. Trust us.) In this podcast, learn an attempt at negotiating with the big boss over deadlines, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0417
Newbie | Say It Again, Please
July 29, 2022 08:00 - 14 minutes - 33.6 MBWe can tell you from experience: the Chinese really have no clue about how crazy their mother tongue sounds to the rest of us. So while we're certainly not shocked that you might need things repeated again and again, the Chinese themselves are going to need that reminder. Repeatedly. Learn how to ask your kind, patient hosts to "say it again" in this lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1996
Elementary | Do You Have Class This Afternoon?
July 27, 2022 08:00 - 12 minutes - 29.3 MBChinese class is over and it's time to have some fun. In this lesson, learn how to talk about getting out of class, telling time and playing sports. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2065
Newbie | Don't Drink the Water
July 25, 2022 08:00 - 11 minutes - 26.7 MBTo drink the tap water, or not to drink; that is the question. In this podcast you will learn how to use Mandarin Chinese to warn someone not to drink the tap water; as well as how to ask what is wrong with it, and how to tell someone that the water is unsanitary. Not only that, but you will also learn how to thank someone for telling you! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0406
Elementary | They're Twins!
July 22, 2022 08:00 - 15 minutes - 36.6 MBSeeing double or just looking at a pair of twins? It's a common practice the world over for the parents of twins to dress up their double bundles of joy in matching clothing. In this lesson, learn to talk about similarities and differences as someone is overtaken by the cuteness of a pair of twin babies. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2063
Newbie | Do You Have Any Questions?
July 20, 2022 08:00 - 13 minutes - 30.8 MBDo you have any questions? Of course you do! Because you're a good student, and good students always have questions. But just in case your question is, "how do you say 'do you have any questions,'" we've prepared this Chinese lesson just for you. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1988
Elementary | How Is This Sold?
July 18, 2022 08:00 - 15 minutes - 35.3 MBYou want to buy it, but you’re not sure if it’s sold by unit, package or weight. We want you to buy it (we’re secretly getting 15%), thus, the lesson on finding out how something is sold. In this podcast, learn how to ask how something is sold, using Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0413
Newbie | How's The Weather?
July 15, 2022 08:00 - 16 minutes - 38 MBThough quite likely the response in these parts on a given day may be typhoon, blizzard or hurricane, we're not going to teach you how to say those just yet. However, in this podcast you will learn how to get your way through this universal conversation starter in Mandarin Chinese. How's the weather? Get ready to be the life of the party when you pull this topic out of your sleeve. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1017
Elementary | Sending A Fax
July 13, 2022 08:00 - 11 minutes - 25.4 MBThey didn’t get your “Just the fax, ma’am” joke, nor did they understand when you mimed the document flying across the little map in their office. So, in this podcast, how about we quickly teach you how to say send a fax in Mandarin Chinese, hmmm? Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0407
Newbie | Turn On The Air Conditioning
July 11, 2022 08:00 - 12 minutes - 28.8 MBWith certain cities in China being referred to as “the fiery furnaces” in summer due to their hot climate, when the temperature rises you just may find that asking someone to turn on the air conditioning becomes essential survival Chinese! In this podcast you will learn how to ask someone to turn on the air conditioning, and how to express that the temperature is “just right” in Mandarin Chinese. Now you’ll be able to pass the summers a lot more comfortably! Episode link: https://www.chinese...
Elementary | No Walking On The Grass
July 08, 2022 08:00 - 15 minutes - 34.6 MBContrary to everything you thought you understood about the world up until now, no, grass is not made for walking on, rolling down, dog-frolicking, pant-knee-staining, smelling, or any other such frivolities. Though your laundress may be glad, your walk in the park may never be the same. Listen to this podcast, a whistle-blowing on those who dare to not 'keep off the grass.' Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1012
Newbie | Requesting A Fork
July 06, 2022 08:00 - 10 minutes - 25.1 MB“They’re hanging in there with the chopsticks, aren’t they?” –Jerry Seinfeld Should you be the one that finally caves and simply has to ask for a fork, this one’s for you… quitter. In this podcast, learn to request cutlery in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0397
Elementary | Mahjong
July 04, 2022 08:00 - 15 minutes - 35.7 MBYou haven’t really experienced Chinese culture until you’ve spent all night playing Mahjong with your friends. So do you know how to play? If not, listen and learn; in this podcast you will learn how to ask someone in Mandarin Chinese if they know how to play Mahjong. You will also learn how to say that you don’t play very well; and who knows, just like our friend in the dialogue, you may just get a willing gambler to offer to teach you! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0403
Newbie | Salt and Pepper
July 01, 2022 08:00 - 13 minutes - 30.4 MBWe're not talking about the Grammy Award winning female hip-hop artists who sang Push It, and we're not talking about MSG and chilies. We're talking about the most basic of basics and something you'll definitely need if you want a taste of home. In this podcast, you'll learn how to ask for salt and pepper in Mandarin Chinese. Of course, if you get meiyou'ed, that other world of taste enhancing crystals is always another option. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1014
Elementary | Introducing the Managers
June 29, 2022 08:00 - 15 minutes - 36.4 MBManagers are a big deal in these parts. And you don't want to go calling them any old 'Mister.' In this podcast, learn how to address and introduce your manager in Chinese in the most efficient, face-giving manner possible. Sure to result in promotions, raises, slaps on the back, and right back at ya face-giving maneuvers. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1009
Newbie | Going on Vacation
June 27, 2022 08:00 - 12 minutes - 29.1 MBNo doubt, you’ve heard from people how wonderful it is to come visit us. So how could you tell your colleagues you’re going on holiday? I mean, you could do it in English…or be that really annoying person who answers in Mandarin! In this podcast, learn to talk all about it, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0393
Elementary | Clearing the Table
June 24, 2022 08:00 - 16 minutes - 37.9 MBA vain flap of the hand. A loud throat clear. A futile effort at eye contact. You want a waiter and you want one now. How you gonna find one? That's right. Start hollering. Hey, you're not tipping so you get what you pay for. Here's how to ask your waiter to clear your dishes away, in Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1003
Newbie | Good Night
June 22, 2022 08:00 - 11 minutes - 25.5 MBScientific studies have proven that sleep improves memory. So jump into bed, and put your cold feet up against your significant other's warm leg. Start counting backwards from 500 in Chinese as you melt away into the happy happy land of dancing Chinese characters and Jenny and Ken's voices consolidating neurons in your head. This podcast will teach you the basics of good night! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1007
Elementary | It's Nothing
June 20, 2022 08:42 - 16 minutes - 37 MB“So, big guy - what’s the matter?” “Oh…(sigh)…it’s…aw, you don’t want to hear about it.” But that’s where you’re wrong, buster--we do! So much that we even crafted a lesson on downplaying despair and despondency. In this podcast, learn how to whine and sigh a bit in Mandarin Chinese (Premium subscribers get to hug it out). Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0399
Newbie | Dirty Little Hands
June 17, 2022 08:00 - 11 minutes - 26.4 MBSubway poles, dirty money, bajillions of people... perhaps the fact that hand shaking is not so popular yet has saved the Chinese race from germ decimation. China--not the place for those with hypochondriacal tendencies. In this podcast, learn how to make sure those you share hand space with have washed their dirty little hands. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1005