ChinesePod - Beginner

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...

Newbie | Business Cards

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Business cards. In China they’re handed out for any and every reason… but what do you say when you get one? “Thanks” might seem a little bland...

Elementary | April Fool's Day Car

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's April Fool's day and someone is about to get punk'd. Find out just what happens by tuning in to today's ChinesePod lesson all abo...

Newbie | Long Time No See!

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Cliché as it may be, a good “long time no see” does wonders for reconnecting with old friends. In this podcast, we’re going to make you sound m...

Elementary | Visiting a Friend's Room

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today's show covers important language for anyone planning on visiting a friend in a doorman building. Learn the basics for interacting with secur...

Newbie | Explaining Your Job

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

“So… what do you do?” While that might sound like a “Singles’ Night” introduction, we mean it… seriously (you should see our faces right...

Elementary | Slippery Ground

21 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Often times in China when you're running out the door you notice the street cleaners have just washed down the streets and sidewalks. This can be ...

Newbie | Asking the Time

18 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In bustling cities like Shanghai and Beijing, there's always something happening, and sometimes even according to schedule. Knowing what time it i...

Elementary | Cold Weather Is Coming

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

One thing is true about the weather these days: it's really unpredictable! People generally try to stay on top of the weather news in China, but d...

Newbie | Taxi to the Airport

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Never leave it till the last minute to catch a taxi to the airport. If you are left with no choice, make sure you've listened to today's lesso...

Elementary | Return to the Hometown

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's the new year and that means traveling home to see friends and family. In today's lesson learn how to make plans to see old friends. Hopef...

Newbie | Which Time Zone?

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tossing and turning, lack of appetite, moodiness; these are all symptoms of one very common condition: jet lag! But the worst is when you forget to ch...

Elementary | Mailing a Package at the Post Office

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sending a package can be a bit intimidating in any language. The post office employee will ask you a number of questions about the contents of your pa...

Newbie | Anybody home?

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we'll arm you with the right phrases in Mandarin for dealing with big scary creaky doors that are left ajar and asking if anyone is there. J...

Elementary | Canceling Dinner Plans

02 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Got plans with friends that you've got to rearrange? Looking for a way to explain why you can't attend an appointment? Check out this ChineseP...

Newbie | U-Turn

31 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

"Yep, straight through the light, then pull over to the right - WHAT? No you've passed it!" So you know how to give basic directions in ...

Elementary | Why is everyone looking at me?

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today's podcast explores a common situation, albeit one that's more likely to occur in dreams than real life. You've guessed it - it's...

Newbie | Where is the Supermarket?

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

So you're in China. You don't need no stinking "maps." You'd rather just walk up to the nearest person on the street and ask whe...

Elementary | Office Lunch Options

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You eat lunch at your office every day. Five meals a week, nearly fifty weeks a year. It might seem like there are a lot of options at first, but afte...

Newbie | It's Stopped Raining

21 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Didn't it rain, children? Today we're going to talk about rain in Chinese. This podcast will discuss things that start and stop, like rainstor...

Elementary | Calling an Ambulance

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's a nightmare situation: someone has an accident and needs immediate medical help, and you're the only person around to help. In today'...

Newbie | Getting Off the Metro

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Squeeze your way to the front of the line for this useful Mandarin podcast. Today, we're explaining how to negotiate your way through a crowded Ch...

Elementary | Medicine Doses

14 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

OK, you made it to the pharmacy and you managed to explain your symptoms to the pharmacist. You even have some funky-looking over-the-counter pills th...

Newbie | Looking for Someone Else

12 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever looked for someone, only to find someone else? In today's Mandarin podcast, you'll learn how deal with this common situation. To...

Elementary | I Want a Thick Blanket

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Winter has officially descended upon us. Now it's time to focus on how to be most comfortable in the cold (and how to avoid getting sick). Step on...

Newbie | A Mouse Upstairs

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In China, when there's a mouse in your house, don't just sit around and grouse! You put on your favorite blouse and douse him with poison! In ...

Elementary | Playing Wii

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When Nintendo came out with this game console a few years ago, video games got a breath of fresh air. People of all walks of life started playing - sw...

Newbie | It's My Birthday!

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today's Chinese podcast, we're getting out the candles, chopping up the cake, and getting ready to celebrate. Listen and learn how to talk ...

Elementary | Jet Lag

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How often have you traveled across multiple time-zones and gone straight into the office the next day? Some of our Poddies in the community may have a...

Newbie | How many family members do you have?

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you want to learn to talk about your family in Chinese? Well, you've come to the right podcast. In today's lesson, you'll learn the Chi...

Elementary | Buying a Bike

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Riding a bike is probably the most convenient mode of transport in China. So far on ChinesePod you've used Mandarin to rent a bike and even fix a ...

Elementary | Learn Mandarin From Movies: 你好, 之华 (Last Letter) Part 2

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Learn Mandarin From Movies Series aims to increase awareness of fun Chinese movies that can help you improve your Mandarin Chinese level. Episode link...

Newbie | Learn Mandarin From Movies: 你好, 之华 (Last Letter)

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Learn Mandarin From Movies Series aims to increase awareness of fun Chinese movies that can help you improve your Mandarin Chinese level. Episode link...

Elementary | Learn Mandarin From Movies: 半个喜剧 (Almost A Comedy) Part 2

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Learn Mandarin From Movies Series aims to increase awareness of fun Chinese movies that can help you improve your Mandarin Chinese level. Episode link...

Newbie | Learn Mandarin From Movies: 半个喜剧 (Almost A Comedy)

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Learn Mandarin From Movies Series increases awareness of fun Chinese movies that can help you improve your Mandarin Chinese level. Episode link: https...

Elementary | Learn Mandarin From Movies: 亲爱的新年好 (Begin, Again) Part 2

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Learn Mandarin From Movies Series introduces fun Chinese movies that can help you improve your Mandarin Chinese level. Episode link: https://www.chine...

Newbie | Learn Mandarin From Movies: 亲爱的新年好 (Begin, Again)

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Learn Mandarin From Movies Series is a push increase awareness of fun Chinese movies that can help you improve your Mandarin Chinese level. Episode li...

Newbie | A Lot of Sisters

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are your sisters weird? In today's Chinese podcast, learn how to talk in Mandarin about your vast quantities of older sisters. You may even learn ...

Elementary | Finding a Seat at the Movies

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

So you figured out which movie you want to see, you bought the right tickets, and you made it past the concessions area (you might have even picked up...

Newbie | What Would You Say You Do Here?

03 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Talking about your job is one of the best ways to break the ice in Chinese. In today's Mandarin podcast, you'll learn how to talk about what y...

Elementary | Skiing, Not Ice Skating

31 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Skiing and ice skating are two of the world's most popular winter sports. But don't let this singular commonality fool you into thinking that ...

Newbie | Gong Xi Fa Cai!

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Chinese New Year! Whether you plan to celebrate by dancing down the street inside a papier-maché dragon, or by giving cash-stuffed envelopes to...

Elementary | Hang Up and Ride!

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You will see just about everything imaginable on the streets of China - a family of four on the back of a scooter, bike carts stacked ten feet high wi...

Newbie | A Family of Teachers

24 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Some families seem to have teaching in their blood. In today's Chinese lesson, we'll talk about family members and their jobs in Mandarin Chin...

Elementary | Dinner with Friends

22 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Chinese terms for various relatives are a bit complicated. But don't worry, ChinesePod is here to help you learn them! In today's Mandarin...

Newbie | Son or Daughter?

20 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Chinese terms for various relatives are a bit complicated. But don't worry, ChinesePod is here to help you learn them! In today's Mandarin...

Elementary | It's cold, wear more clothes!

17 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The days are getting shorter, nights longer; autumn has arrived. You may feel like venturing out in shorts and t-shirts, but the chill winds may make ...

Newbie | Baby Photos

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A picture is worth a thousand Chinese characters. In this Chinese lesson, you'll learn to talk in Mandarin about photographs and the people in them. I...

Elementary | To Tip or Not to Tip

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

To tip or not to tip in China... You might think you know the answer to this question, but it can be a little confusing, and you may find yourself nee...

Newbie | Student or Teacher?

10 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you're reading this, you're most likely studying Mandarin. You need to learn how to talk about yourself and your teachers. In today's lesson, learn...

Elementary | Not Cooked Enough

08 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When you travel in China, you're sure to encounter some unusual cuisine. Today's Mandarin podcast is about a peculiar and popular dish: drunken shrimp...

Newbie | What's Your Surname?

06 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Introductions are a great way to start studying Chinese. You can't become friends with someone until you know their name. In today's Mandarin lesson, ...

Elementary | Light and Dark Colors of Clothing

03 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sure, you know your basic colors. What it comes to clothes shopping, though, you want to find just the right shade. In this lesson, learn how to speci...

Newbie | Who are You Looking For?

01 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today's podcast will teach you the Chinese you need to ask if people are available. No matter if you're looking for Ms. Wang, Director Li, or Premier ...

Elementary | A Special Christmas Gift

30 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The holiday season is a time for shopping, which means lots of decision-making. Who will you buy gifts for? How much will you spend? Oh yes, and there...

Newbie | Would You Like a Drink?

27 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Drinking is a big part of Chinese hospitality. Whether you're doing the inviting or the visiting, you need to know how to politely offer or decline a ...

Elementary | Spending Christmas in Asia

25 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this festive episode, we discuss spending Chrismas in Asia with friends. Over in the East, Xmas is not so much a holiday to spend with family, but ...

Newbie | What Would You Like to Eat?

23 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There's nothing worse than learning Chinese on an empty stomach. After you listen to this lesson, you'll never again have to learn Mandarin over the g...