ChinesePod - Beginner
Episodes
Newbie | One Round Trip Ticket
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today's lesson, we're showing you how to buy a train ticket at the station and some useful direction verbs, let's check it out! Episode...
Elementary | Playing Ice Hockey
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What do you get when you combine metal blades, wooden sticks, and players speeding around a rink at 20-30 miles per hour? Besides a high incidence of ...
Newbie | Tone Change #5 Three third tones
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this series, we tackle the most common question in every newbie's mind: "What's with the tone changes?" Along the way, you'll...
Elementary | Which is better: China or the USA?
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you've never taken a taxi in China, you might find this question a bit absurd. "Which is better, China or the USA?" You're quite ...
Newbie | Tone change series #4 你 (nǐ)
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this series, we tackle the most common question in every newbie's mind: "What's with the tone changes?" Along the way, you'll...
Elementary | Don't Eat the Snow
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Don't eat the snow! No, not for the reason you're thinking... it's dirty! Join us in this lesson as a northerner and a southerner compare ...
Newbie | Tone change series #3 好 (hǎo)
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this series, we tackle the most common question in every newbie's mind: "What's with the tone changes?" Along the way, you'll...
Elementary | Lots of Musical Instruments
05 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever played in an orchestra, you may be curious about the Chinese names of some of those musical instruments. No, we don't mean guit...
Newbie | Tone change series #2 一 (yī)
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this series, we tackle the most common question in every newbie's mind: "What's with the tone changes?" Along the way, you'll...
Elementary | This Needs to be Dry Cleaned
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Suits, sweaters... how could anyone possibly know which need to be dry cleaned, and which don't? No need to be shy; just ask! Learn to talk about ...
Newbie | Tone change series #1 不 (bù)
28 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this series, we tackle the most common question in every newbie's mind: "What's with the tone changes?" Along the way, you'll...
Elementary | Skincare: Moisturizing Cream
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
To make it through a northern Chinese winter, you're going to need to do more than your fair share of moisturizing. Go ahead, moisturize your hand...
Newbie | 66 Enjoyable Characters with Joy #9
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you one of the Chinese learners who are afraid of complicated and scary Chinese characters? In this series, we are going to show you 66 traditiona...
Elementary | I Want an Electric Scooter!
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Electric scooters are a popular choice for transportation in China. If you live here, you may find yourself in the market for one. Let us help you tel...
Newbie | 66 Enjoyable Characters with Joy #8
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you one of the Chinese learners who are afraid of complicated and scary Chinese characters? In this series, we are gonna show you 66 traditional c...
Elementary | Keen on Clean
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's a dirty world out there, and it's not easy to stay clean... especially when you're a kid. But you have to try! Wash your hands, wash ...
Newbie | 66 Enjoyable Characters with Joy #7
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you one of the Chinese learners who are afraid of complicated and scary Chinese characters? In this series, we are gonna show you 66 traditional c...
Elementary | Dancing in Public
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever been told to "dance like no one is watching?" It seems like many in China have taken this advice, and they've added some o...
Newbie | 66 Enjoyable Characters with Joy #6
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you one of the Chinese learners who are afraid of complicated and scary Chinese characters? In this series, we are gonna show you 66 traditional c...
Elementary | Fasten that Safety Belt
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Buckling up is the law in many countries, and China is no exception. Sometimes this law is even enforced! In this lesson, learn the essential words an...
Newbie | 66 Enjoyable Characters with Joy #5
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you one of the Chinese learners who are afraid of complicated and scary Chinese characters? In this series, we are gonna show you 66 traditional c...
Elementary | Trick or Treat!
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Halloween is not exactly widely celebrated in China, or at least not the way that your average western observer might recognize. But what if it were? ...
Newbie | 66 Enjoyable Characters with Joy #4
31 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you one of the Chinese learners who are afraid of complicated and scary Chinese characters? In this series produced in our Taipei Studios, we are ...
Elementary | Help Calling a Cab
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You're a busy person, with staff helping you to manage your busy itinerary. You just may need to ask for some help reserving a cab in Mandarin Chi...
Newbie | 66 Enjoyable Characters with Joy #3
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you one of the Chinese learners who are afraid of complicated and scary Chinese characters? In this series produced in our Taipei Studios, we are ...
Elementary | The Hunan Accent
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chinese textbooks don't usually tell you this, but ChinesePod will let you in on a little secret: most of China does not speak that standard Beiji...
Newbie | 66 Enjoyable Characters with Joy #2
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you one of the Chinese learners who are afraid of complicated and scary Chinese characters? In this series, we are gonna show you 66 traditional c...
Elementary | Can't Get a Taxi
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With so many people living in the same city, it's bound to happen: sometimes you just can't get a cab. Experience this Chinese big city annoya...
Newbie | 66 Enjoyable Characters with Joy #1
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you one of the Chinese learners who are afraid of complicated and scary Chinese characters? In this series, we are gonna show you 66 traditional c...
Elementary | Cats Are Cool
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We at ChinesePod are vaguely aware that some people like cats better than dogs. While we don't apologize for our various dog-themed lessons, we...
Newbie | What do you do for a living?
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this newbie lesson, we're showing you three ways to respond to common questions like "What do you do for a living?" or "What'...
Elementary | City Districts in Shanghai
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Cities in China are divided into districts, which are not only labeled on maps, but also frequently mentioned in casual conversation. Do you know what...
Newbie | Grumpy Bus Driver
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today's lesson, we are showing you a conversation between a grumpy bus driver and an impatient passenger. Let's check out the dialogue! Epi...
Elementary | A Stroll through the Hutongs
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Of all the great reasons to visit Beijing, one of the simple pleasures that tops most visitors' lists is the simple "stroll through the huton...
Newbie | Darling...it's not a good time
03 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mobile phones can bring our significant others right into our meetings. In this lesson, you're gonna learn three sentences so that when you're...
Elementary | National Day Holiday
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
October 1st is "National Day" in the PRC, a holiday celebrating the founding of the nation. For the average Joe, this has a very important i...
Newbie | Not ready for bed
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A critical language skill for every toddler: How to gently let your parents know that it’s actually NOT time for bed yet. Episode link: https://www....
Elementary | Set the Alarm Clock
26 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You've got big plans for the morning, so don't forget to set your alarm clock. But do you know how to say this in Chinese, and to ask your tra...
Newbie | When to get a new car
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Some kids are never too young to ask dad about buying a new car. But what could push him into actually doing it? Find out in this lesson. Episode link...
Elementary | An Email Introduction
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's fairly common in China for the newcomer in the office to send out a friendly introductory email to new co-workers. In this lesson we'll b...
Newbie | Popular Brand Names
19 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What common Chinese word do some foreigners learn before "Hello"? McDonald's (麦当劳) of course! Come learn some other important bran...
Elementary | Transportation Card
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you're planning to spend much time in a big city like Shanghai or Beijing, you're going to want to use the subway or bus system. A commuter...
Newbie | 4 Tones of Zhu
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What has a pig got to do with bamboo? Learn the meaning of the word Zhu and practice your tones! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4111
Elementary | The Lazy Child
12 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this practical Chinese lesson a mother is shocked to discover that her child had a rather unproductive day. Learn the specific patterns for asking ...
Newbie | Chinese Idioms - Spiderwebs and Horse Tracks
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know a Chinese Idiom is always just 4 characters? Regardless of your level of Chinese study, it is always fun and interesting to learn new idi...
Elementary | Politely Declining an Invitation
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Naturally you're going to accept every invitation to hang out with your Chinese friends and co-workers, but what do you say when you really just c...
Newbie | Counting to 10
05 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Grace on the farm as she counts all the animals! Learn your numbers from 1 to 10 and the names of farm animals and dragonflies. In this lesson, G...
Elementary | Going to the Gas Station
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
While "the great Chinese road trip" might not be the most popular activity for your typical trip to China, knowing how to say "fill ...
Newbie | I Work in Shanghai
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What are you doing here in Shanghai? It's what everyone wants to know. So tell them that you're here in Shanghai working, and learning Chinese...
Elementary | Asking about What to Wear
29 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
So you've gotten the invitation to the big event, and you're eager to make a good impression, but one key question lingers: what should you we...
Newbie | Introducing One's Spouse
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
No, it's not cool to ignore your spouse at those social functions. (That's what those repeated pokes in the ribs are trying to tell you.) So l...
Elementary | Wrong Way on the Subway
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Subways are one of the great conveniences of first-tier Chinese cities. If you're in Beijing or Shanghai, the subway is often your best transporta...
Newbie | Making Introductions
22 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you know "ni hao," you're ready to start networking in the Middle Kingdom. This lesson will equip you with a few more phrases to assi...
Elementary | Going on a Picnic
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's summertime - the perfect season for a nice picnic in the park. Check out today's lesson to learn how to describe planning a picnic in Chi...
Newbie | Serving Tea
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you come to China you're going to be getting served tea everywhere: in restaurants, homes, even offices. In today's newbie lesson, we'l...
Elementary | Which Subway Exit
15 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meeting up with friends in the city can sometimes be confusing. In today's lesson you'll learn the Chinese you need to know to describe which ...
Newbie | Come In, Please
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's easy to make friends in China, and before you know it you'll be getting invited over to new friends' houses and inviting your friends...
Elementary | Smelly Cheese
11 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The French often say the stinkier a cheese, the better its taste. Well not so, according to the characters in today's lesson. Learn how to describ...
Newbie | How Much is Your Car?
08 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You may know that the Chinese (especially the Shanghainese) are rather open about discussing prices. Housing prices are a conversation staple. But you...
Elementary | Ordering Pizza
06 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From Papa John's to Pizza Hut, American pizza franchises have become a common sight in China's big cities. Learn how to order the pizza you wa...
Newbie | Cola and Milk Prices
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Cola or milk? Sugar or calcium? Cavities or strong bones? While the more healthy choice may be quite obvious, it's still important to know the pri...
Elementary | Chinese Fruits
01 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In China you'll have no problem finding many of the fruits you like to eat back home: bananas, apples, watermelons. But China also has a lot of un...
Newbie | When are you Coming to Hong Kong?
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
OK, so we know you're coming to Hong Kong. The question is when. And please speak more clearly, because that old cell phone you use gets terrible ...
Elementary | Buying Sandals
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We're off to the shoe store today to pick out a pair appropriate for the summer months. Learn how to describe shoes and shoe sizes in this Chinese...
Newbie | What to Expect
25 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We know the challenge of getting into Mandarin Chinese is daunting to say the least, but don't worry, ChinesePod is here to help! Today's less...
Elementary | Check Your Spam
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Most of us have spam filters on our email inboxes. They certainly make life easier a lot of the time, saving us the hassle of deleting loads of advert...
Newbie | Do You Like Shanghai?
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you like Shanghai? There may only be one right answer to this question (depending on who's asking), but there are also plenty of viable non-ans...
Elementary | An Unplanned Tan
18 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today's lesson is all about getting a tan on accident! Tune in to find out all the key tools you'll need to bring to the beach this summer in ...
Newbie | When is Your Birthday?
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone loves birthdays, and chances are if you're new to Chinese they'll be some of the first things you broach in conversation. Learn about...
Elementary | Changing a Plane Ticket
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For whatever reason you're in the airport and the flight you've got just won't do. Now comes the tricky part! How do you ask to change you...
Newbie | Napping in the Meeting
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
So it's another long, boring morning meeting. What's an employee to do? In this Chinese lesson, the boss makes it clear that it's not OK t...
Elementary | Which tone was that again?
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Science is fun! So are sports! But what happens when you want to discuss one in Chinese, but you instead use words describing the other? Sounds like y...
Newbie | Tables and Chairs
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ah, tables and chairs. Even the most minimalist decorator agrees that "being able to sit down" and "having a raised surface to put stuf...
Elementary | World Cup and Diamonds
04 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
All eyes are focused on South Africa this summer as the nation prepares to host the World Cup. Check out today's lesson and learn how to describe ...
Newbie | What Time is It Now?
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fans of "are we there yet" will enjoy annoying their companions with the endlessly repeated question, "what time is it now?" Wheth...
Elementary | Security Check in the Subway
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Security checks are a given at airports and most bus stations in China. But these days, you're likely to see them in some subway stations, as well...
Newbie | Tickets Today, Tickets Tomorrow
27 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hopefully you've bought plane tickets before and you're aware that the price can vary a bit according to when you buy. With this lesson, you c...
Elementary | A New Jug for the Water Cooler
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The office water cooler: this is such a common part of most offices that in English we even have a way of describing gossip that originates there! But...
Newbie | Housekeeping!
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
China is a nation of early risers, so don't be too surprised when housekeeping starts pounding on your hotel room door at 8am. In this Chinese les...
Elementary | Nearby Tea House
20 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You're in China and you want some tea. Where do you go? A tea house, of course. But what happens if you can't find one? Perhaps you'll hav...
Newbie | Lost Wallet and Passport
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You ever lose your passport? Or your wallet? Or your wallet and your passport? We hope not, but just in case, it's probably a good idea to know ho...
Elementary | That's Not Your Food
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
One of the great things about restaurants in China is that they often bring out your food faster than you can order it. On the downside, sometimes the...
Newbie | Where Are You Going In China?
13 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
OK, so you can express that you're going to China, in Chinese. That's great! But if you're telling any Chinese person this, their immediat...
Elementary | These Napkins Ain't Free
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes we take for granted the little things offered to us for free at many restaurants. In today's lesson, we'll be learning about a parti...
Newbie | Don't push me!
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You'll have many fantastic experiences on your trip to China, but, unfortunately, "squeezing into an elevator" or "waiting in line&...
Elementary | Shanghai Expo: Haibao
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The 2010 Shanghai World Expo's mascot has been a source of excitement, the butt of jokes and a topic of conversation since its unveiling a few yea...
Newbie | Shanghai Sightseeing
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Shanghai might not have a "Great Wall" or an army of "Terracotta Warriors," but it does have a few famous landmarks of its own. In...
Elementary | Have you bought your Shanghai Expo ticket?
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Remember the excitement back in 2010? The Expo is coming, the Expo is coming! You've read the signs, you've seen the countdown. The time has a...
Newbie | What Are Your Hobbies?
30 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As you start busting out your Chinese and making Chinese friends, one of the topics that's going to come up is hobbies. (Spoiler alert: you're...
Elementary | Beards Are for Old Men
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Someone's got a date tonight, and he's getting some important advice from a friend. The main question: do women dig the facial hair, or is it ...
Newbie | Studying Chinese
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
So you're studying Chinese? Is it hard? As a student of Chinese, you better be prepared to answer these questions. And don't worry... Chinese ...
Elementary | Mother's Day
23 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Once a year people across the world celebrate the women who brought them into the world. Join us today as we cover some of the essentials for wishing ...
Newbie | Surfing the Internet
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
So what do you like to do in the evening? If your answer is something that does not involve going online, then you're weird, and we're not goi...
Elementary | You Sing Terribly!
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
KTV features prominently in the Chinese social scene. And everyone, everyone has their turn at the mic. Sometimes your friends surprise you with their...
Newbie | Taking the Train to Beijing
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you're a newbie to China, then you've definitely got to make a trip to Beijing. This Chinese lesson for total beginners will help you to ma...
Elementary | Asking for the WiFi password
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this increasingly connected world, it's important to maintain contact with friends and colleagues, even when you're outside the house or th...
Newbie | Living in Nanjing
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Visas are a huge, unavoidable nuisance. If you live in China, there's a good chance you've made at least one trip to Hong Kong in search of th...
Elementary | Waiting for Food
09 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever been in a restaurant when the food just doesn't seem to be coming out fast enough? In today's lesson we'll be bugging the server to s...
Newbie | Checking into a Hotel
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you're planning on spending a night in a Chinese hotel, as a foreigner, you better have your passport ready. In this lesson, learn those magic ...
Elementary | Saying Goodbye at the Airport
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We're at the airport today, and it's time to say our heartfelt goodbyes! Learn how to send a person off in Chinese in this elementary level le...