ChinesePod - Beginner
Episodes
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...
Elementary | Christmas Plans
20 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jingle bells are in the air again, but one of our characters isn't feeling very merry. In this lesson we'll teach you some Christmas vocabulary, wheth...
Newbie | Explosion
18 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When you're traveling in China, you may hear some pretty strange sounds. Today's podcast will teach you how ask "What's that sound?" in Mandarin. You ...
Elementary | A Thanksgiving Phone Call
16 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's the time of the year when Americans (and even some Canadians, too) give thanks for the good things in their lives. Today we're listening to a con...
Newbie | Heading Home
13 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You've had a wonderful time in China, but nothing lasts forever. You're at the end of your trip, and you're telling your new Chinese friends that this...
Elementary | Express Train or High-speed Train?
11 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In recent years, a high-speed train lines have popped up between many important Chinese cities. Today's Chinese podcast will explain how to order a ti...
Newbie | Counting Coins
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's Mandarin lesson, you'll learn to count your blessings. Actually, after today's podcast, you'll know how to count all kinds of things in Chi...
Elementary | Tone Change Rule: Yi '一'
06 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have the Chinese tones been giving you headaches? In today's handy Chinese lesson, you'll learn the ups and downs of the first tone. Learn how to tran...
Newbie | Do You Want a Map?
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Getting from one place to another is no mean feat in the land of curvy, inconsistently marked streets. Today's Chinese podcast will give you the Manda...
Elementary | The Pen and Paper Mystery
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we have a Chinese lesson worthy of Sherlock Holmes: The Case of the Stationery in the Satchel. In this Mandarin podcast, we'll be looking at way...
Newbie | Napkins
29 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Every smart traveler in China should have a thick stack of thin paper in their pocket. No, we're not talking about money, although that is handy. Toda...
Elementary | What Type of Man do You Like?
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's lesson, you'll learn to use Chinese to talk about your taste in men. Do you like bad boys? Do you like high rollers? In today's podcast, yo...
Newbie | Rise and Shine!
25 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Getting out of bed is not much fun, unless you wake up to the sound of Ken and Jenny on ChinesePod! Today, learn how to talk about dragging yourself o...
Elementary | Excited About Traveling
22 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Oh boy, oh boy! You're going traveling soon, and you just can't wait! Tell all your friends in perfect Mandarin Chinese that you are going to be takin...
Newbie | Toilet Types
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The birds do it. The bees do it. Even educated fleas do it. Let's do it, let's go to the toilet. Today's podcast will teach you about one of life's ne...
Elementary | Do You Know That Girl?
18 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Pretty woman, walkin' down the street. Pretty woman, kind I like to greet! In today's Mandarin lesson you'll learn how to talk about the beautiful peo...
Newbie | Does it Have Bones?
15 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Time to bone up on your Chinese. Today's podcast lesson is all about eating food that has bones in it. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1127
Elementary | Why Are You at Home?
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hey Mom, you're home early! Me? Well, I was just...you know...school got out early-- yeah, that's right! In today's Chinese podcast, you'll learn how ...
Newbie | Can You Use Chopsticks?
11 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
No matter how long you have lived in China, and no matter how well you speak Chinese, people will be amazed to see that you have learned how to put fo...
Elementary | Are You Busy?
08 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You can't just drop in on people whenever you feel like it. They have their own lives, too! In this Mandarin Chinese podcast, you'll learn how to ask ...
Newbie | How Long?
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How long is "just a moment?" In today's Chinese lesson, you'll learn how to talk about things that are about to happen. Wait for it-- the lesson is al...
Elementary | I'm Not Here
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You're a popular person. People are looking for you, but you don't always want to talk to them. Today's Chinese lesson will help you deal with those t...
Newbie | Stinky Feet
01 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We know, you've been so absorbed in learning Mandarin on ChinesePod that you haven't had time to wash your feet since before the Olympics...in Athens....
Elementary | No TV Before Your Test!
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For the past month you've been studying for your Chinese test. Now you just want to relax in the warm glow of Mother Television. But what's this? Your...
Newbie | Too Heavy!
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We at ChinesePod are always ready to give you a hand as you learn Mandarin. In today's lesson, learn how to share your burdens with a friend, all in C...
Elementary | Are You Free?
25 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you want to do fun stuff with people, you need to make plans. And you can't make plans unless you know if people are free! In today's Mandarin podc...
Newbie | I Miss Daddy!
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today's podcast will teach you how to call your loved ones and tell them how much you miss them, all in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.ch...
Elementary | Pin Number
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this modern age, plastic is as good as paper. We're not talking about shopping bags, though. We're talking about payment methods. In this lesson, l...
Newbie | Hold the Elevator
18 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The elevator doors are closing. What can you do? If you only knew how to ask the people inside to wait a bit. In today's podcast, you'll find out. Whe...
Elementary | Juiced!
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tea and baijiu aren't the only things you can drink in China. In today's Mandarin podcast, you'll learn how to order a juice -- and how to complain wh...
Newbie | You First
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Letting others go first is a great way to show respect and give face. In today's podcast, you'll learn how to say "You first" in Mandarin Chinese. Epi...
Elementary | Why are You Studying Chinese?
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Why are you learning Chinese? Will it help you at work? Is Mandarin your ticket to a life of adventure? Are you just a mental masochist? Listen to tod...
Newbie | Sign Here, Please
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In China, getting things delivered is relatively cheap and easy. In today's podcast, you'll learn how to use Mandarin to accept delivery of a package ...
Elementary | Funny Rice
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we're looking at a classic Chinese joke. The Chinese language is full of homonyms, which we can use to humorous effect. Special note: today's jo...
Newbie | The Broken Chair
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A low squat is a popular way to take a load off here. But there will be times when you need to sit down on something beside your ankles. In this lesso...
Elementary | Blow out Your Candles
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you could have one wish, what would it be? Do you want to speak Mandarin? Would you like to visit China? In today's podcast, make a wish and blow o...
Newbie | Seeing Somebody to the Door
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's podcast we'll cover an integral part of Chinese manners - 'Seeing Someone Off'. Being able to not only see someone to the door, but politel...
Elementary | Big Bed
27 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Travelers sometimes have to decide whether to take the plunge and share a bed. In today's podcast, you'll learn enough Mandarin Chinese to dea...
Newbie | The Powerless Phones
25 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Cell phones are almost universal in China. In some places, they're more common than landlines. In today's podcast, learn to talk in Mandarin C...
Elementary | Hungry Traveler: Guangdong
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Hungry Traveler series arrives at its next stop - Guangdong, the home of Cantonese food! And what's first on the menu? Barbecue! Episode link:...
Newbie | Stuffy Room
20 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is it any wonder that Chinese uses the same character for "stuffy" and "depressed"? In this podcast, learn how to use Mandarin to ...
Elementary | Hungry Traveler: Xi'an
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
ChinesePod's Hungry Traveler series makes a stop in Xi'an to try some delicious local dishes like 肉夹馍 (ròujiāmó) and 羊肉泡馍 (yá...
Newbie | I want coffee!
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
China has the soy bean, hairy bean, and the mung bean. What about the coffee bean? In today's podcast, you'll learn how to get your daily dose...
Elementary | Hungry Traveler: Yunnan
13 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today ChinesePod's Hungry Traveller is going to southwest China's Yunnan province. This region's diverse landscapes and ethnic groups are ...