ChinesePod - Beginner

Elementary | Christmas Presents

December 27, 2021 08:00 - 16 minutes - 37.9 MB

“Do they know it’s Christmastime at allllllll....” - while John and Ken fight over who gets to sing the Spandau Ballet part, in this podcast we’ll unwrap a Mandarin Chinese lesson on buying Christmas presents here in China. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0375

Newbie | A Present from Santa Claus

December 17, 2021 08:00 - 16 minutes - 39.2 MB

A crazy man with a white fu manchu and white hair seems to have infiltrated your house. You get your nunchucks out from under your bed, poised to karate chop him. But wait. You've been spending a leeetle too much time studying Mandarin... keep your Chinese whipping stars in the closet--this isn't some old kung fu movie, it's Christmas... with a podcast to go with it. Listen and learn about old Santa, China-style. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0739

Elementary | Spending Christmas in China

December 15, 2021 08:00 - 18 minutes - 43.1 MB

When living in China, going back to one's home country for Christmas can be difficult. Christmas isn't an official holiday in China and the place that many foreigners call home is far away. So if you end staying China for Christmas, how do you talk about it? Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2343

Newbie | Your Receipt

December 14, 2021 08:00 - 17 minutes - 40.1 MB

If you’ve spent any time in China, or plan to, you’ll notice a strange piece of paper being asked for at the end of meals/cab rides/etc. What is it? We’d better let Jenny explain; and if you’re lucky, she’ll include a lil’ cultural insight as well. In this podcast, learn how to ask for that precious receipt, in Mandarin Chinese. ChinesePod…the taste of fantastic. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0128

Elementary | Christmas Carols

December 10, 2021 08:00 - 21 minutes - 48.7 MB

Everyone's heard the song Jingle Bells. But did you know that there's a Chinese version of this Christmas classic? We kid you not. Listen to this lesson to learn the words (that is, if you can remember past the first line). Jingle bells, jingle bells... Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1320

Newbie | How Are You?

December 08, 2021 08:00 - 13 minutes - 30.6 MB

Nervous about how to get past that initial “good morning”? Well, nothing better than to ask a question, naturally, “how are you?” Here’s a great basic lesson that will get you through all your “good morning” greets. In this podcast you will learn how to give and respond to greetings in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0142

Elementary | Christmas In Chinese

December 06, 2021 08:00 - 13 minutes - 30.3 MB

Time has flown by and once again it's time to deck the halls, hang the stockings, put up the Christmas tree and eagerly await Santa's arrival. Today's Qing Wen has all your favorite Christmas terminology in Mandarin Chinese. Listen in and amaze your Chinese friends with your ability to describe all your favorite Christmas traditions in detail! And finally, a happy holidays to all our beloved users from the entire ChinesePod staff! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/QW0232

Newbie | Come Sit Some Time

December 03, 2021 08:00 - 14 minutes - 32.4 MB

In this lesson, we are going to look at a common dialogue between a guest and a host. We will show you how to invite someone to visit next time, and how you can take your leave as a guest. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4343

Elementary | Mysterious Visitor

December 01, 2021 08:00 - 18 minutes - 43.1 MB

Picture this: it’s a dark night, and someone’s all tucked in. Alone in the house, each creak seems to come directly at her. So when the doorknob starts to rattle, what happens? A Mandarin Chinese lesson, that’s what…Listen in to this podcast and learn how to be able to discern who it really is pounding at your door. Premium subscribers will learn how to say, “The calls are coming from inside the house, mmmmwwwaaaaa haaaa haaaa.” Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0313

Newbie | Hello And Goodbye

November 29, 2021 08:00 - 8 minutes - 20.3 MB

Greetings and farewells: the indispensable tools for striking up and ending conversations. If you don't want to appear entirely socially inept, you should probably master these phrases. Learn them in Mandarin Chinese in today's lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2007

Elementary | Repaying A Debt

November 26, 2021 08:00 - 14 minutes - 33.2 MB

If a good friend asks to borrow a little bit of money from us, we'll probably oblige 99% of the time without setting up any repayment parameters. But as the days turn into weeks and weeks into months, things can get a bit tricky and awkward when your "good friend" is slow in repaying his or her loan. Learn how to calmly tackle such a situation using Mandarin Chinese in today's ChinesePod lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2004

Newbie | Pandas In Chengdu

November 24, 2021 08:00 - 14 minutes - 32.8 MB

So you've hiked the Great Wall, explored the wonders of the Forbidden City, marveled at the Bund; you've exhausted the top-tier tourist attractions of eastern China. Fortunately for tireless travelers like you, China's a massive country chock full of national treasures available for your viewing pleasure. Next stop for the travelers in today's lesson: pandas! Learn how to talk about these cuddly creatures in this newbie lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2002

Elementary | Views On Contact Lenses

November 22, 2021 08:00 - 15 minutes - 34.8 MB

Ironic that the person sucking the marrow out of a bone at dinner would be somewhat timid about wearing contact lenses, but it happened (at least, in ChinesePodLand). So tilt your head back, pry open your mind and listen in to this lesson in Mandarin Chinese on Contact Lenses. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0305

Newbie | Can You Take A Photo For Me?

November 19, 2021 08:00 - 13 minutes - 30.6 MB

This new lesson is about a major problem for people when traveling alone. And that is taking pictures of yourself! Yes you can always take selfies, but it doesn’t work for full body photos! In this lesson, Joe and Lyn will show you how to ask someone to take pictures of you when you’re traveling in China. After the video, you can say goodbye to selfie fails and say hello to insta-worthy photos! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4318

Elementary | Introducing One's Children

November 17, 2021 08:00 - 10 minutes - 25.4 MB

This is a lesson for all those proud parents out there. What’s better than showing off your cute offspring to those you meet? So, listen in on this podcast, and learn how to introduce your kids to those you meet, using Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0292

Newbie | Explaining Your Occupation

November 15, 2021 08:00 - 16 minutes - 38.8 MB

“So… what do you do?” While that might sound like a “Singles’ Night” introduction, we mean it… seriously (you should see our faces right now). In this lesson, you will learn how to ask someone what they do, using Mandarin Chinese. And this podcast will also help you to learn how to give a nice sounding response… and so much more. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0077

Elementary | Elevator Emergency

November 12, 2021 08:00 - 15 minutes - 36.7 MB

Despite most buildings here not having a 4th floor (whoooooooo), occasionally potential disaster still strikes (dum-Dum-DUM). So what would it sound like if two people were stuck in an elevator together? It’s all in the lesson, in Mandarin Chinese. So, if it happens, don’t panic—think ChinesePod. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0299

Newbie | Useful Phrases #1

November 10, 2021 08:00 - 12 minutes - 28 MB

With these basic sentences you’ll be able to sound like a pro even if you only started studying Chinese five minutes ago. In this lesson, learn some high-frequency sentences in Mandarin Chinese that you will find you can use every day in China or with your Chinese friends. Careful with “Wǒ lái fù qián” though – showing off could get you into trouble… Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0071

Elementary | Weather And Seasons

November 08, 2021 08:00 - 13 minutes - 31.5 MB

A place of extremities, our Shanghai: blistering in the summer and arctic in the winter. All worth it for the autumn though. Fancy a “talk about the changing seasons” with another? Then take our hand as we stroll down a red leaf covered path of knowledge, as in this podcast you will learn to wax poetic in Mandarin Chinese about things such as heat and humidity. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0283

Newbie | When And What Time?

November 05, 2021 08:00 - 13 minutes - 30.4 MB

When you're planning a trip, it's important to know the dates and arrival times for your plane, train, boat, or whatever mode of transportation you're taking. Need to learn how to tell your contact in China all these important details? ChinesePod's got your back with today's newbie lesson! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2001

Elementary | Just A Flesh Wound

November 03, 2021 08:00 - 14 minutes - 34.1 MB

Learning how to “be a man” and walk off that scrape that secretly makes you cry is important in impressing the other sex. So, follow along with our podcast, where the details just get gorier and gorier—starting off with someone bleeding. Learn all this juicy vocabulary, as well as how to act tough, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0295

Newbie | Hotel, Motel, Holiday Inn

November 01, 2021 08:00 - 11 minutes - 27.6 MB

You proudly made it out of the airport, into a taxi and found your way to the hotel! While you’ve been busy taking an orange out of the basket, we’ve added another to our “Traveler’s Audio Phrase Book” podcasts by aiding you and your jet-lagged self (drink water) in checking into your hotel. In this lesson you will learn how use Mandarin Chinese to explain to a clerk that you have reserved a room. Sweet dreams! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0067

Elementary | Which Sports Do You Like?

October 29, 2021 08:00 - 19 minutes - 45 MB

Which sports do YOU like? Do you like Soccer, or perhaps a spot of badminton. Do you dabble with ping pong or perhaps a bit of rugger on a Sunday morning. Dan, friend of the show, hosts a lesson all about likes and dislikes of sport. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/3022

Newbie | Miss, Is This Yours?

October 27, 2021 08:00 - 12 minutes - 29.8 MB

Have you ever tried to talk to a stranger on the street? Maybe you’re trying to get someone’s attention because he dropped something on the floor or you just want to get a pretty girl’s number. No matter what the reason is, this lesson is going to be useful for you because Joe and Lyn will show you different ways to strike up a conversation with someone you don’t know. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4313

Elementary | Furniture

October 25, 2021 08:00 - 14 minutes - 33.3 MB

“Come on over,” they say, “We’ve a furnished apartment for you!” “Great,” you think – until you get there. The bed is a foot and a half too small, and the chair doesn’t recline at all, making it hard to watch football. So what do you do, lazy boy? Learn how to sleep in the fetal position, or listen up to a lesson on furniture? In this podcast, learn by taking a trip to a furniture shop and picking out what you like, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0274

Newbie | Weekend Appointments

October 22, 2021 08:00 - 16 minutes - 38.5 MB

In this lesson, you're going to learn how to ask people's weekend plans and how to say Häagen-Dazs in Chinese. See if you can spot it in the dialogue. Let's check it out! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4299

Elementary | Pregnancy

October 20, 2021 08:00 - 16 minutes - 38.2 MB

You know all the terms, from “bun in the oven” to “pregos,” so why not add another phrase to that wicked repertoire, and learn it in Mandarin? In this podcast, learn how to ask someone how far along they are, and to congratulate them. (For premium subscribers, we’ll also teach you how to apologize profusely for asking someone who isn’t, when she’s due.) Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0269

Newbie | Taxi Conversations: Arriving at your Destination

October 18, 2021 08:00 - 13 minutes - 31.2 MB

More “Traveler’s Audio Phrase Book” phrases in Mandarin Chinese for you. In this podcast, we tackle arrivals. When your loyal taxi man gets you where you want to go, safe and sound, what’s left to do? Think you can ignore this lesson and get by with a simple point and “okay”? Nǎo zi huài le! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0065

Elementary | Past Experience With 过 guò

October 15, 2021 08:00 - 17 minutes - 39.9 MB

过/過/guò is a past experience marker in Chinese, but what does that mean, and how do we use it in conversation? Listen to this dialogue about a friend asking about a trip to Beijing, and whether of not they've had the experience of eating the famous Beijing Roast Duck. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/3016

Newbie | Taxi Conversations: Suggesting A Route

October 13, 2021 08:00 - 10 minutes - 24.8 MB

Another useful lesson for your “Traveler’s Audio Phrase Book”, in this podcast we assist you in using Mandarin Chinese to suggest a route to take to your taxi driver. Unimportant, you might think? Try going from Beijing to Shanghai on the service road instead of the highway! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0062

Elementary | Encouraging Words

October 11, 2021 08:00 - 14 minutes - 34.3 MB

Yes, we know you’re going to make your voice sound like the guy in the film when you say “you can do it!”--and that’s okay. What’s not okay is getting discouraged (and in a language of 4 tones & 50,000 characters, it can happen). So how ‘bout a podcast with a Mandarin Chinese lesson on helping that friend out with a few words of encouragement? Go for it! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0266

Newbie | One Egg Tart, Please

October 08, 2021 08:00 - 12 minutes - 28.2 MB

We all know that humans can't live without snacks...uhh...no, I mean food. So knowing how to order food and knowing what the server says are really essential. Let's check out the lesson and try the sentences in the lesson in your daily life. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4296

Elementary | Make-up

October 06, 2021 08:00 - 16 minutes - 37 MB

While you might underestimate a lesson on lipstick, eye shadow, etc, you’d be surprised how relaxing it is to put on after a long day at the office. In this podcast, Jenny (one of the lucky ones who doesn’t need it) teaches Ken (more of a “winter”) all about cosmetics, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0262

Newbie | Taxi Conversations: Destination

October 04, 2021 08:00 - 13 minutes - 30.1 MB

You’ve used the last lesson on taxis to get into a cab (or put your headphones in the ears of an unsuspecting driver), but now what? Let him take you to where he thinks you need to go (read: every tourist spot known to man)? In this podcast, we’ll help you navigate as a Mandarin Chinese speaking back-seat driver. He won’t dare give you the run around. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0053

Elementary | Character Mind Map: 老 old

October 01, 2021 08:00 - 20 minutes - 48 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 老 and all the interesting words using this character. Let's check them out! Episode link: https://...

Newbie | Taxi Conversations: Finding A Taxi

September 29, 2021 08:00 - 12 minutes - 28.2 MB

We assume that, as a beginner, deciphering the schedule for the airport bus might be just a little stressful, so put off breaking into that duty-free you bought for 10 minutes or so and get yourself far, far away from the mayhem that is an Asian airport. In this podcast, you will learn to ask where to catch a taxi, in Mandarin Chinese, as well as some directional words to help you find your way there. Then, sit back and enjoy the ride! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0050

Elementary | Borrowing And Returning

September 27, 2021 08:00 - 14 minutes - 32.7 MB

Despite many an inter-office email on “please don’t make the intros your own therapy” we simply cannot ignore today’s topic and the fact that Ken has yet to return our favorite Sharpie pen. Listen in to this podcast for a Mandarin Chinese lesson on borrowing and returning. We promise—no moralizing. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0259

Newbie | The Pen Is Out Of Water

September 24, 2021 08:00 - 15 minutes - 35.6 MB

In this newbie lesson, we are looking for some common office supplies, and in doing so, you have to learn how to use the sentence structure 没...了. I know what you're thinking, "The pen is out of...water? That's just bad English". I assure you that it's not a typo, but a way to help you remember how to express "The pen is out of ink" in Chinese. Let's check out today's lesson! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4293

Elementary | I Can't Find My Glasses!

September 22, 2021 08:00 - 14 minutes - 32.8 MB

We know how much you hate losing things (mind, especially), and we do too. We also know that if you don’t have your glasses, you can’t read these Pulitzer Prize worthy intros, so should you find yourself in a situation where you can’t see, and the only people around you speak Mandarin, in about 15 minutes, you’ll be equipped. In this podcast, learn how to say you can’t find something, using Mandarin Chinese, and you’ll be set. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0254

Newbie | Directions & Transportation

September 20, 2021 07:41 - 14 minutes - 33.8 MB

In this newbie lesson, we're going to show you how to ask for directions in Chinese, as well as how to say all the different directions, let's get started! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4286

Elementary | I Want To Play

September 17, 2021 08:00 - 15 minutes - 35 MB

Not that we ever had friends calling our name from outside asking us to join the “cool kids” and play, but with our “cool listeners only” rule firmly in effect, we thought we’d teach you. In this podcast, Jenny brings back fond childhood memories while at the same time, peeling back the scab of Ken’s. In this podcast, learn a conversation between a parent and child in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0250

Newbie | Watch Out At The Light

September 15, 2021 08:00 - 12 minutes - 28.2 MB

In this Newbie lesson, Joe and Joy will show us a catchy slogan which would come in handy when you’re crossing the streets, and we’re also going to learn some vocabulary about traffic lights and transportation! Fasten your seat belt and check out this video! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4277

Elementary | Don't Do That!

September 13, 2021 07:36 - 11 minutes - 27.2 MB

A few subway tips you might not be aware of: 1. The process of letting those on the subway off before boarding has not yet caught on; 2. Mobile ring tones are downloaded so owner and train neighbors can hear – meaning you’ll be treated to 90 seconds of a Backstreet Boy weeping; and 3. The process of letting those on the subway off before boarding has (still) not yet caught on. Now – we know you’re patient, but for that friend of yours, here’s a “strong” way of telling someone to immediately ...

Newbie | I Am Not That Hungry

September 10, 2021 08:00 - 14 minutes - 33.6 MB

In this lesson, Joe and Lyn will show you a useful sentence to politely turn down someone’s invitation to a meal, and you'll also learn how to express feeling hungry or thirsty in Chinese! Let's check it out! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4273

Elementary | Massage Therapy

September 08, 2021 08:00 - 10 minutes - 25.1 MB

"LaoWise” is a ChinesePod series aimed at aiding expats in China. She might be all of 5’2” and 50 – but those knuckles dig deep into the arch of your foot and you can either put on a brave face or tell her it feels like tiny hammers… In this podcast, we’ll teach you how to say “a little harder”, or the more likely to be used “a little lighter” in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0241

Newbie | I'm Not Chinese

September 06, 2021 07:41 - 11 minutes - 11.1 MB

You might look the part, you might sound the part, but you’re not actually Chinese. So how would you go about telling someone that although you might sound like a native speaker (hopefully!), you’re not from China? Ken knows – he gets it all the time. Listen to this podcast to learn how to clarify where you are from, using Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0343

Elementary | Continued Tone Change Series #6 - I Miss You

September 03, 2021 08:00 - 18 minutes - 42.6 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 | Please Speak Slowly

September 01, 2021 08:00 - 10 minutes - 9.6 MB

As mentioned previously, uttering “xiexie” and “nihao” seem to automatically put you in the bracket of “fluent”, meaning they’re going to speak to you in a normal (read: fast) speed. So learning how to tell someone in Mandarin Chinese to “slow it down a bit” in this podcast just might save you from having to admit that you’re actually not quite that fluent yet. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0338

Elementary | Having Food Delivered

August 31, 2021 03:29 - 13 minutes - 32.2 MB

With the, ahem, “affordability” of DVD’s here, you might find yourself three seasons into a show you’ve never even heard of (see: “The Pretender”) and not wanting to go all the way downstairs and 50 feet to the right. So, you either snack on those cold chicken feet your neighbor gave you, or you order in. In this podcast, learn how to order take-out in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0236

Newbie | Master, I'll Be Late

August 27, 2021 08:00 - 14 minutes - 32.6 MB

I know what you're thinking, "Is this a lesson about Chinese Kung Fu?" Well, not really, sorry for the misleading thumbnail. Instead in this lesson, we're going to show you how to rush your driver in a taxi, and a very common word for expressing "Oh I'm finished!" in Chinese. "But...What about the master?" That's another mystery we're going to solve. Check out the video and find out yourself! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4234

ChinesePod - Beginner

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