ChinesePod - Beginner
Episodes
Newbie | I Don't Understand
03 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this lesson, Joe and Lyn are teaching you one of the most important sentences that you should know as a Chinese beginner! This phrase comes in hand...
Elementary | Push and Pull
01 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
So you think that "push" and "pull" are the only options for opening a door? Think again! With this Chinese lesson, you can learn ...
Newbie | Give Me All of Them
30 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today's lesson, we are going bag shopping, and you're going to learn some useful phrases that will come in handy when you are in the store ...
Elementary | Getting Picked up by a Driver
27 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If you've really made it in China, you may have a driver to get you where you need to go. But a driver that also speaks fluent English would just ...
Newbie | Who are you waiting for?
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this lesson, we're looking at a conversation that you would definitely recognize if you have ever been hit on by a stranger (or maybe you are t...
Elementary | Which Hilton?
23 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this lesson, we're looking at a conversation that you would definitely recognize if you have ever been hit on by a stranger (or maybe you are t...
Newbie | Did You Get Everything?
20 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Well, if you are a forgetful person, you must hear this dialogue pretty often. "Did you bring this? What about that?" So, today we are going...
Elementary | Checking out at a Hotel
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's checkout time, also known as "check the room for consumption of overpriced snacks and beverages or theft of towels time." In this l...
Newbie | Who's in the Bathroom?
16 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this lesson, Joe and Lyn will show you how to fight for the right to use your bathroom by annoying the person that’s using it. After watching thi...
Elementary | Handsome Foreign Student
11 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this lesson, Joe and Lyn will show you how to fight for the right to use your bathroom by annoying the person that’s using it. After watching thi...
Newbie | Very Cool, Very Ok
11 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If you're a foreign student in China, or planning to be one, you should probably learn the word for "foreign student." And since all our...
Elementary | Sleepy
09 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
You are getting sleepy, very sleepy. And you know it's lame, but you just want to go to bed early. Learn to express these sentiments and more in t...
Newbie | I plan to study abroad
06 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this newbie lesson, we will listen to a conversation between two friends talking about an opportunity to study abroad. We will show you how to say ...
Elementary | Rice First
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Some foreigners think there's a conspiracy to deprive them of enjoying rice with their meal in China. In fact, it's just a Chinese custom whic...
Newbie | Is learning Chinese difficult?
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this newbie lesson, you will hear one of the most common questions that you are asked as a Chinese learner: “Is learning Chinese difficult?” Yo...
Elementary | Stealing a Nose
27 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
No, we're not talking about black market organ trafficking. We're talking about the "I got your nose!" trick you play on kids. While...
Newbie | Chopsticks are difficult to use
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Who says you have to use chopsticks to eat Chinese food? If you have not yet mastered your kuàizi skills, then this lesson is for you. Learn how to a...
Elementary | Old China Hand
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever been called an "Old China Hand?" Don't worry, if you keep practicing your Chinese and spend some time in China, you will b...
Newbie | Lesson 12 - Literally I Love You
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this lesson, we're going to learn a very important phrase when learning Chinese, and that is 'I love you'. When it comes to love, there...
Elementary | Chinese Holidays 中国的节日
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Chinese love their holidays! Review the most popular ones with Grace and Jenny. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4113
Newbie | Lesson 11 - Try Me Doc.
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today's dialogue, the doctor is disobeying her own orders by taking a bite of something she's not supposed to eat...Want to know what it is...
Elementary | No Hot Water
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
You think a hotel is a hotel, but in China these quirky little culture differences have a way of sneaking up on you. Learn about one that westerners m...
Newbie | Lesson 10 - Don’t Pee On Grandpa Tree
11 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this dialogue, we will catch a glimpse of the feud of Grandpa tree and the dog. Why doesn't Grandpa tree like the dog? What happened between th...
Elementary | I love children!
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The scene is a blind date. She reveals she's a kindergarten teacher. He passionately states that he hates children. Cue crickets chirping. It'...
Newbie | Lesson 9 - Care For A Drink
06 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A fight for a girl's attention between a cup and a glass has taken place. The former is an advocate for hot tea, and the latter is a spokesperson ...
Elementary | Movie Theater Seats
04 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
There's a big difference between buying movie tickets in China and buying movie tickets in many other countries: China uses assigned seating. So m...
Newbie | Lesson 8 - Sister Come Home
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today's dialogue, we are going to listen to a conversation between a girl and a prodigal 'horse', and you will learn a sentence pattern...
Elementary | Tea Refill
30 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Are you one of those people that doesn't like to waste money on beverages in restaurants and instead just asks for water? Yeah, so are we. So in C...
Newbie | Lesson 7 - Weather Woes
28 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered what makes it rain? In this lesson, you're going to learn how to use 给 to express 'to give' and the real cause of...
Elementary | Annoying Ringtone
26 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It happens in every modern office: someone leaves their cell phone on their desk, and then disappears for hours. Meanwhile, some impatient caller call...
Newbie | Lesson 6 - Buying Some Good Stuff
23 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Footsteps in the dark. Whispers in a call. Oh no, something shady is going down in today's dialogue. Fear not, you can still learn some Chinese du...
Elementary | Switching Seats on a Plane
21 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever had that problem where you buy seats "together" (consecutive seat numbers), but it turns out they're actually not "to...
Newbie | Lesson 5 - Hungry Washer
19 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Oh no! A hungry washer is eating all of the laundry! How are we going to stop him? Well the answer lies in today's lesson. Let's see how to sa...
Elementary | Turn in Your Homework
16 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Homework is a huge part of every Chinese kid's childhood. In this lesson, we cover that dreaded moment when the teacher asks for everyone's ho...
Newbie | Lesson 4 - Man or Machine
14 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today's dialogue, a vending machine is going through an identity crisis and struggling between being a 饭店 or a 商店, as one does. Through...
Elementary | Changing Class Time
12 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
You're as serious about your Chinese lessons as the next person, but you're also very busy. We understand that. That's why we're going...
Newbie | Lesson 3 - I’m Just A Car
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today's dialogue, a call was made by mistake, someone was asked out on a date, and the best thing is...this conversation happened between a gir...
Elementary | How to Address Someone
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
There are quite a few forms of address for people in Mandarin Chinese, and being the nice, polite student that you are, you want to use the most appro...
Newbie | Lesson 2 - Hello Toilet
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today's dialogue, we're going to learn how to politely greet...your toilet, but of course, you can use the phrases on human beings too. Let...
Elementary | Chinatown Diary
02 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this challenging Elementary lesson, we listen in on the contents of a Chinese diary detailing a trip to San Francisco's Chinatown. There will b...
Newbie | Lesson 1 - The Dish
31 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today's dialogue, a self-introduction was made, and it was quickly followed by a love confession! What's more exciting is that you're g...
Elementary | Where's the soap?
29 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You know how to say you want to wash your hands. You know the word for water. But what about hand soap? First of all - do you want liquid or bar soap?...
Newbie | Introduction to HSK Test Prep
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the ChinesePod HSK Test Prep series, we will focus on the HSK level 1 test. This series has a total of 12 lessons. Check out our Pinyin program fir...
Elementary | Preparing for the HSK
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Teenagers in the US stress over the SATs, while expats in China go crazy preparing for the HSK, China's official test of Chinese-language skill. I...
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 ...