ChinesePod - Beginner
Episodes
Newbie | St. Patrick's Day
23 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You may know about a famous Chinese "Day for the Ladies," but what about that face-down-in-green-beer-that-seemed-like-a-good-idea-at-the-time holiday...
Elementary | Visiting Taiwan
20 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Taiwan is not often the focus of our lessons at ChinesePod, but this time it's front and center. Learn such gems as "Taiwan is an island," as well as ...
Newbie | How Long Have You Been in Shanghai?
18 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When you strike up a conversation with someone in Shanghai, people will inevitably want to know how long you've been there. Whether you're a grizzled ...
Elementary | The London Olympics
16 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The 2012 Olympics are in London! If you're from London, going to London, or even fond of occasionally mentioning London, you'd better be able to say i...
Newbie | Class Is Over Now
13 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Another Chinese class is over. You've answered the teacher's questions masterfully throughout and are ready to get home. Learn how classes are ended a...
Elementary | Can You Lend Me Money?
11 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What are friends for? Lending money, right? In this lesson, learn how to extract as much money as possible from your good, generous friend. (You'll pa...
Newbie | Wireless Internet
09 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Now, we know ChinesePod users like to sit in hip cafés and listen to hip Chinese podcasts, so before you commit to buying that 30RMB cappuccino, we’...
Elementary | Paying a Bill
06 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In China, convenience reigns supreme. So, not only can you buy a drink, herb-flavored gum, underwear, and/or a brown simmering egg in a convenience st...
Newbie | For You, And You, And You
04 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On your next trip back to your home country, don’t forget to pick up some nice “western” treats for all your little friends in the neighborhood ...
Elementary | Late Getting Back
03 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Now that your Mandarin is getting so good, chances are all you cool CPoddies will be out late partying every night, your Mandarin getting more fluent ...
Newbie | Your Baby is So Cute!
30 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Not every baby is cute, but here in China, almost all of them are, so you'll probably find yourself in many situations in which you'll feel the need t...
Elementary | Ordering Xiaolongbao
28 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Learning Mandarin is like climbing a mountain made of dumplings. And as with other mountaineering expeditions, it's necessary to study the landscape b...
Newbie | Get up!
26 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Though the screech of an alarm clock sounds the same in any language, we know that all this studying makes you tired, so we’ve prepared a lesson on ...
Elementary | WeChat
23 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
"Writing" in China has come a long way from its oracle bone past all the way to its QQ IMing and smartphone texting present. But now there's a new for...
Newbie | Didn't Hear Clearly
21 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes you say one word of Mandarin and the other side assumes you’re fluent and lets loose with a torrent of Chinese. But then there are times w...
Elementary | Buying a SIM card
19 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We hope that those who come to China have a good memory, seeing as mobile phone numbers are about 20 digits long here. In this podcast, experience a M...
Newbie | Chinese Idioms - Lower than a pig or dog
16 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What is a 成语 or Chéngyǔ? It's an idiom. Here we learn 2 Chinese Idioms! The first is "Lower than a pig or a dog!" The second one is "Fowls and d...
Elementary | Questioning a Child
14 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's a classic situation in any culture. A child breaks something, and when their parents ask them about it, they deny doing it. In this lesson, a fat...
Newbie | Making a Dinner Reservation - Part 2
12 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In part 1 of making a dinner reservation, you learned how to say you needed a dinner reservation for how many people. You're almost done, but you're s...
Elementary | Music Lovers
09 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Whether or not one can play a musical instrument, everyone appreciates a good tune. In this lesson, learn how to talk about music and playing musical ...
Newbie | The Tones of Ma
07 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Chinese language has 4 tones. Follow along with Grace as she brings the 4 tones of Ma alive! The newbie lesson pairs nicely with "The Characters o...
Elementary | Ordering a Steak
05 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Here is a lesson for all our Chinese-speaking carnivores out there. Now, we know steak isn't really a Chinese food, but some of you just may get a yea...
Newbie | The Characters of Ma
02 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is a breakdown of the characters or hanzi behind "Ma!" This lesson pairs nicely with the newbie lesson "Tones of Ma!" Episode link: https://www.c...
Elementary | Traveling around China
30 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
So you've enjoyed some travels in China of late, but part of the fun is getting to go home and brag to everyone about what you've seen. Listen to this...
Newbie | Please let me through!
28 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
No China experience would be complete without the “stuck in the middle of a giant mass of people” part. But you really need to get through. Not wi...
Elementary | Washing the Sheets
25 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's time to get those chores done! In this lesson, learn how to talk about doing house work, from washing dishes and doing laundry to tidying up your...
Newbie | Just Looking
23 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
OK, so you’re in a little Chinese shop, or checking out a vendor’s stand, and the clerk is super excited. She’s trotting out a seemingly endless...
Elementary | Shut up!
21 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Don’t you hate it when you want to know how to tell someone off in Chinese, but you just can’t find the words? Which results in your usual strong ...
Newbie | Do you have wifi?
18 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ever been on the hunt for wifi? Here's how to ask! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4087
Elementary | Annual Meeting
16 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
So much of life if consumed with planning for the things that we want to do. In this lesson, two coworkers talk about an upcoming annual meeting at wo...
Newbie | Wrong Number
14 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You know that guy that keeps calling your home number at 3am and asking for “Lao Li” in Chinese? You’ve tried screaming, you’ve tried threaten...
Elementary | Goodbye to a Co-worker
11 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Co-workers come and go in offices throughout the world. In this lesson, learn how to say goodbye to your Chinese co-workers and wish them the best. Ep...
Newbie | Emergency Call
09 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Emergencies happen. Buildings catch on fire. Here at ChinesePod, we prefer to think of these unfortunate incidents as “opportunities”--for you to ...
Elementary | The Clogged Toilet
07 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Though your instinct may be to scream and run, a clogged toilet just isn’t going to go away, as we all know. Since you insist on throwing your toile...
Newbie | The 5 "W" Questions
04 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Asking Questions you need to know these five pronouns: who, what, when, where, and why. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4079
Elementary | Leaving a Tip
03 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How much should you leave as a tip after a meal in China? The answer is nothing! In China, it is not customary to give tips. In this lesson, two frien...
Newbie | What Does This Word Mean?
02 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Some say "1.3 billion people," but we say "1.3 billion human dictionaries." That's right, why should you thumb through one of those new-fangled "book"...
Elementary | Drawing Suns
28 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Little children do the strangest things, don't they? They bring us great delight, but also prove to be little monsters from time to time. In this less...
Newbie | Colored Balls
26 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You never know when you’ll end up in the colored ball room at Ikea and want to know how to have a conversation about colored balls, but, seriously, ...
Elementary | Flags and National Anthems
24 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Now that China is your "adopted country", you had better make sure you know what your flag looks like. The national anthem? Hmm, that we'll leave for ...
Newbie | Does He Have Children?
21 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mr. Li is the talk of the town. He's dashing, he's witty, and... he's a father! In this lesson, the gossip turns to the subject of Mr. Li's children. ...
Elementary | Easter and Chocolate Bunnies
19 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered what Easter has to do with chocolate bunnies? Well…you won’t find out in this podcast. You will, however, learn how to talk about th...
Newbie | Riding the Elevator
17 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Granted, you might get some stares for just being in an elevator, but your situation might improve if you could actually use your Mandarin Chinese to ...
Elementary | Bounced!
14 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Huge guys in black suits with icy stares, bouncers are the same everywhere. In this lesson, two friends try to check out a popular nightclub, only to ...
Newbie | Let Me Help You
12 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Chinese people are often very gracious and helpful towards foreign guests, especially when traveling via train or plane. Having trouble stowing your h...
Elementary | Dumb Joke
10 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jokes are never as funny when they have to be explained, and it’s likely that a joke in Chinese is going to need an explanation. But what about a jo...
Newbie | Coffee Shop
07 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You want a coffee, and that nice Chinese employee in the cafe wants nothing more than to sell you one. So stop overthinking it and cut to the chase. I...
Elementary | Help with Housework
05 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
For the record, we're a clean podcast. But every now and then we make a mess. But does a podcast listed in Time Magazine clean up after itself? Absolu...
Newbie | Lost Keys
03 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Alicia has ‘em, so does Florida. But what happens when you lose yours? A lesson, that’s what! Learn how to express your panic, in Mandarin Chinese...
Elementary | No TP
30 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Practically, it's a very important piece of knowledge to have: bathrooms in China often don't have toilet paper. The assumption is that folks will bri...
Newbie | Wait for Me Here
28 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Oh sure, you can get ‘em over with a broad gesturing sweep of the arm, but it’s getting them to stay that’s causing some problems. I mean, you t...
Elementary | Tone Rule: Changes for 'bu'
26 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
While the writer attempts to interject occasional humor into these intros, he knows there's nothing funny about the word ‘bu’, especially when you...
Newbie | Nope, You Cannot!
23 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I'm sure we have all pestered our parents asking them "can I do this?" or "can I do that?".In today's Newbie Mandarin lesson you will learn a really u...
Elementary | A Day in the Life of a Student
21 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
School days are here. In this lesson, read the diary of a student about their day at school. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2081
Newbie | Buying Bread and Butter
19 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It’s only right that with us being the “bread and butter” of your day, we also offer up a Mandarin Chinese lesson on buying these two basics at ...
Elementary | Elevator Issues
16 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If there's one place you're apt to find yourself in a crowded elevator, it's China. With so many people around, chances someone will have to help you ...
Newbie | Would You Like Some Tea?
14 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today we're trying out a different style of lesson. We are following the traditional ChinesePod approach, but adding this visual element to hopefully ...
Elementary | Ping Pong
12 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
ChinesePod loves sports, which is why ChinesePod has such a fantastic figure. So, in keeping with that “little meet-up” in Beijing happenin' in 20...
Newbie | Your Mandarin Is Really Good!
09 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
No matter where you are in China, Chinese people will be lavishing praise on you the moment you're able to utter even a simple "hello" or "thank you" ...
Elementary | Basketball Game
07 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's time to check out a basketball game. In this lesson, learn the word for 'basketball game', and more importantly, how to say you're free to go wat...
Newbie | Power Outage
05 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There are a few things ChinesePod is scared of: 1. Having to be constrained to a classroom seat to learn language 2. Animals dressed as humans 3. The ...
Elementary | Hangover
02 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Your head aches, your mouth is dry and your stomach is churning, but you're not sick. You had a lot of fun last night, maybe too much fun... In this l...
Newbie | I Didn’t Bring My Umbrella
31 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
“Ah,” you say (in Mandarin), “it’s raining and I don’t have my….” (stopping short here to describe curvy handle with fabric cover except...
Elementary | Tortoise and the Hare
30 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Granted, the names might have changed, but the story stays the same. The same story that got [Artist Previously Known as Rian the Intern] through some...
Newbie | Which Character Is That?
26 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When you hear a Chinese person's name, you can be reasonably sure that each syllable is a character and that the first character is the surname. But w...
Elementary | The Monks in the Temple on the Mountain
24 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Did you ever hear the one about the Monks in the Temple on the Mountain? We have--in fact, the Monks in the Temple on the Mountain is one of our favor...
Newbie | It's Snowing
22 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
“White rain! Cold ice!” While these are admirable attempts at saying, “it’s snowing,” it still kind of makes you sound like a tool. So in th...
Elementary | What Do You Like to Do on Weekends?
19 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The weekend's here. What are you going to do? Curl up with a book? Play sports with your friends? Surf the web? In this lesson, two friends talk about...
Newbie | Haggle For A Good Deal
17 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Shopping is a great opportunity to practice your Chinese. In today's lesson, you'll learn a new way to say "how much is this?" so that you can prompt ...
Elementary | The Man and the Dog
15 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As mentioned, we’re all quite aware that our Jenny is one of the most downloaded women on the net--but she’s also a hoot! How funny? Really funny…...
Newbie | You Only Got to Bed at 2am!
12 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This lesson clearly shows how using different characters in Chinese (才cái VS 就 jiù) can switch the meaning of otherwise identical sentences. We ...
Elementary | I See A Thief!
10 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You see him stealing, you yell at people to draw attention, but all you can say is “bu hao ren,” which could make you come across a bit judgmental...
Newbie | Can I Smoke Here?
08 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Not that we condone it (we learned that lesson before), but there’s a nice, and a not-so-nice way of lighting up. So, why not ask if it’s an appro...
Elementary | Recognizing a Blind Date
05 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Meeting someone for the first time on a blind date can be an awkward experience as it is, especially when you don't know what they look like. In this ...
Newbie | How Long in China
03 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Again, feel free to make your arms ttttttttttttttttttthhhhhhhhhiiiiiiiissssssss big, then point to yourself, and then to China, and then hold up finge...
Elementary | Due This Week
01 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The “big man” sets a deadline, but everyone decides that if they combine forces, they’ll be able to get it extended. But boss man didn’t get t...
Newbie | Say It Again, Please
29 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We can tell you from experience: the Chinese really have no clue about how crazy their mother tongue sounds to the rest of us. So while we're certainl...
Elementary | Do You Have Class This Afternoon?
27 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Chinese class is over and it's time to have some fun. In this lesson, learn how to talk about getting out of class, telling time and playing sports. E...
Newbie | Don't Drink the Water
25 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
To drink the tap water, or not to drink; that is the question. In this podcast you will learn how to use Mandarin Chinese to warn someone not to drink...
Elementary | They're Twins!
22 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Seeing double or just looking at a pair of twins? It's a common practice the world over for the parents of twins to dress up their double bundles of j...
Newbie | Do You Have Any Questions?
20 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Do you have any questions? Of course you do! Because you're a good student, and good students always have questions. But just in case your question is...
Elementary | How Is This Sold?
18 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You want to buy it, but you’re not sure if it’s sold by unit, package or weight. We want you to buy it (we’re secretly getting 15%), thus, the l...
Newbie | How's The Weather?
15 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Though quite likely the response in these parts on a given day may be typhoon, blizzard or hurricane, we're not going to teach you how to say those ju...
Elementary | Sending A Fax
13 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
They didn’t get your “Just the fax, ma’am” joke, nor did they understand when you mimed the document flying across the little map in their off...
Newbie | Turn On The Air Conditioning
11 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With certain cities in China being referred to as “the fiery furnaces” in summer due to their hot climate, when the temperature rises you just may...
Elementary | No Walking On The Grass
08 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Contrary to everything you thought you understood about the world up until now, no, grass is not made for walking on, rolling down, dog-frolicking, pa...
Newbie | Requesting A Fork
06 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
“They’re hanging in there with the chopsticks, aren’t they?” –Jerry Seinfeld Should you be the one that finally caves and simply has to ask ...
Elementary | Mahjong
04 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You haven’t really experienced Chinese culture until you’ve spent all night playing Mahjong with your friends. So do you know how to play? If not,...
Newbie | Salt and Pepper
01 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We're not talking about the Grammy Award winning female hip-hop artists who sang Push It, and we're not talking about MSG and chilies. We're talking a...
Elementary | Introducing the Managers
29 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Managers are a big deal in these parts. And you don't want to go calling them any old 'Mister.' In this podcast, learn how to address and introduce yo...
Newbie | Going on Vacation
27 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
No doubt, you’ve heard from people how wonderful it is to come visit us. So how could you tell your colleagues you’re going on holiday? I mean, yo...
Elementary | Clearing the Table
24 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A vain flap of the hand. A loud throat clear. A futile effort at eye contact. You want a waiter and you want one now. How you gonna find one? That's r...
Newbie | Good Night
22 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Scientific studies have proven that sleep improves memory. So jump into bed, and put your cold feet up against your significant other's warm leg. Star...
Elementary | It's Nothing
20 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
“So, big guy - what’s the matter?” “Oh…(sigh)…it’s…aw, you don’t want to hear about it.” But that’s where you’re wrong, buster...
Newbie | Dirty Little Hands
17 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Subway poles, dirty money, bajillions of people... perhaps the fact that hand shaking is not so popular yet has saved the Chinese race from germ decim...
Elementary | Basketball
15 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
John promised to stop singing the Curtis Blow hit (”We’re playin’ baaaaaaasketbaaaaaaallllllll….”) if you promise to listen and use this les...
Newbie | Have You Eaten?
13 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In New York it’s “how ya doin’,” but here your well-being can be measured by your belt notch. So what say you to the classic “have you eaten...
Elementary | A Very Special Day
10 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The days of our lives. Like sands through the hourglass. Today, on this most momentous of days, let us all listen to this podcast, rekindle, reminisce...
Newbie | Is so-and-so there?
08 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You know you need to speak to “Li,” but don’t know how to ask if he’s there. So you simply say “Li?” to whomever answers. Her name isn’t...
Elementary | Dress Warmly
06 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You’re not cold, but it doesn’t matter. Your Chinese friends know you’re here without your mother, so along with feeding you, there’s also the...