ChinesePod - Beginner

Newbie | Business Cards (original)

02 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

They’re handed out for any and every reason…but what do you say? “Thanks” might seem a little bland, but then again, “WOW! You’ve such fin...

Elementary | Going To The Doctor

30 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A big house full of needles, beds with restraints and gloves that are lubed for a reason and you still think “winging it” at the hospital will get...

Newbie | Ouch!

28 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Fact: no matter how prepared you are for it; you will take that piece of chicken and bite down hard. Fact: most chicken here comes still on the bone, ...

Elementary | He's Boring

25 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hard as it is to believe, as we look out our window to people doing tai chi in pajamas and 6:00am ballroom dancing with perfect hair--there might be a...

Newbie | I'm Hungry!

23 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Although we don’t foresee you—after being force-fed fruit an hour after a 14-dish meal (on those cool tables that spin around)—suffering from “...

Elementary | Baby Talk: Your Baby Looks Like You!

21 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Explaining in another language that you “have your father’s eyes” is dangerous, seeing as a simple grammatical mistake could mean you actually t...

Newbie | Baby Talk: Friends Song

18 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

No, it’s not the Proclaimer’s one hit – nor is it Tinky Winky’s (too controversial, even for our Saturday Show) tune – but we do have an ole...

Elementary | Haircuts

16 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Few things in life are certain: 1. Life 2. Death 3. A non-English speaking barber might struggle in getting that “feathered” look you’re after S...

Newbie | The Olympics

14 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We don’t know if you heard but, (if not—were you on Mars?) Beijing’s got the Olympics here in 2008. So we thought we’d make sure you can hold ...

Elementary | Character Mind Map: 蛋 Egg

11 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In Chinese, you often encounter single characters that have multiple related meanings. This has the potential to confuse learners because sometimes it...

Newbie | Hotel Essentials

09 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Now you’ve used your Mandarin skills to find the hotel, check-in, order in some room service—but wait! There is something essential you forgot to ...

Elementary | Continued Tone Change Series #5: Ordering Dumplings

07 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In our previous newbie tone change series, we have introduced the tone change rules for 不, 一, two third tones, and three third tones. Just like ma...

Newbie | What Character?

04 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You just thought the “what’s that, what’s this” went out at 7 years old…wrong. From the moment you realize that 山 means (and looks like a)...

Elementary | Chengyu Series: Seven Up And Eight Down

02 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Chengyu are Chinese idioms that consist of four characters. Although they originate from classical Chinese, Chengyu remain as an important aspect in b...

Newbie | Mailing A Letter

31 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s face it, all excuses aside, you learn Chinese to be cool – the same reason we buy gifts abroad for people, the same reason we send postcards...

Elementary | Have You Been To Beijing?

28 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Know the difference between “Wang Fu Jing” and “Nan Jing Lu”? In one place you can find “The Bund”, in the other you’ll eat a “bun”…...

Newbie | Stomach Trouble

26 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In Indonesia it’s “Bali Belly,” Mexico “Montezuma’s Revenge,” and in China… commonplace. There’s a good chance that despite how tasty ...

Elementary | This Room Is Too Small

24 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The fact that ChinesePod’s size 12 foot gets laughed out of every shop in town should clue you into something…you’re big, they are not. Realizin...

Newbie | Lost Luggage

21 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ask anyone who’s flown into Pudong Int’l Airport and we promise that the words “laid-back” and “relaxing” will never cross their lips. So ...

Elementary | Do I Look Good In This?

19 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We know all ChinesePod learners wanna look cool, so when we realized you might leave the house wearing something a little lacking that “je ne sais q...

Newbie | I Love China!

17 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Things that will get you the best seat in the “jia”: 1. Saying “I love Yao Ming!” 2. Saying “I love Chinese food!” 3. Saying “I love Chi...

Elementary | Do You Have Vegetables?

14 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Any one of us here will tell you the golden rule of dining: Never, we mean never, ask what kind of meat it is. So, should you care to counter that “...

Newbie | Little Friends

12 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If your height, hair color, eyelashes, and big feet somehow don’t scare off the kiddo cowering behind his mother’s leg, you might find yourself wi...

Elementary | Where's My Class?

10 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Forget wedgies, spit-balls and unsuccessfully trying to hold number one until after nap-time; if you can’t find your class, it’s going to be a bad...

Newbie | No, Thank You!

07 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Any stroll down Wangfujing or Nanjing Lu will tell you the shops aren’t the only ones selling. Constant “hallo!’s” tailed with “bag?” “w...

Elementary | Character Mind Map: 包 Bag

05 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In Chinese, you often encounter single characters that have multiple related meanings. This has the potential to confuse learners because sometimes it...

Newbie | Too Expensive!

03 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We know you would *never* lower yourself to buying a “Rolax” here and passing it off as an original for someone’s birthday, but we’re sure tha...

Elementary | What Do You Do?

30 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We’ve helped you get through that initial “hi”, “thanks” and “where is the toilet” (all you need, really), but you’d like to stop talk...

Newbie | I'm Here For An Interview

28 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You walk in, use your previously learned ChinesePod lessons to give the secretary your name and a quick “ni hao.” She does the same. What comes ne...

Elementary | A Ticket To Suzhou

26 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

“In the sky there’s heaven, on the earth there’s Suzhou”. Coming in as the 335th city the Chinese call “Venice of the East”, it would be a...

Newbie | How Do You Say...?

23 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Every once and a while, we like to give you options, and today is no exception. If you want to ask someone, “how can I say this in Chinese?” you c...

Elementary | You're Late Again!

21 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You come here, you set up shop, even hire an assistant who’s nice enough to show up 45 minutes late everyday allowing you to ease in to your day. Yo...

Newbie | Using A Credit Card

19 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For a million yuan, a ChinesePod pop quiz: Q. You could be asked 2 things at the cash register. One is “paper or plastic,” and the other is “___...

Elementary | I Don't Have Time

16 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

No doubt if you’re learning Mandarin, you’ve seen a picture of Nanjing Lu or Wangfujing. Now, very quickly, name three adjectives to describe the ...

Newbie | Transportation

14 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We know that deep down, there’s a person in ya that wants to combine “On the Road” with “Journey to the West”, and we think that’s just gr...

Elementary | Disliking Others

12 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We have recently come under attack for being too “puppy dogs and ice cream” (meaning you’ve not heard of the “no eye-contact” rule for our i...

Newbie | Finding A Cheap Hostel

09 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There’s a good chance that you’ll come here with loads of cash and leave with none (see: Qipu Lu, the new “hot spot” to shop), meaning those f...

Elementary | Discussing Loan Repayment

07 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Now we know we should “neither a borrower nor lender be”. However, we also know that “a friend in need is a friend indeed”. So what are you go...

Newbie | May I Take Your Photo?

05 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Things that will get your photo taken in China: - Having blonde (“yellow”) hair - Having hair on your arms - Using a mobile phone - Sitting - Bein...

Elementary | What Does She Usually Do?

02 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You “always” listen to ChinesePod, you “usually” practice everything you learn every day, you “never” miss a podcast and you “sometimes”...

Newbie | Vegetarian Eating

31 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In a country known for its “Beijing Duck”, Inner “Mongolian Hot Pot” and “Pork Dumplings,” should you not be a carnivore, you’ll need to...

Elementary | Calling In Sick

29 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

So, we actually tried to buy you a keyboard (with the “sick” sound effects) from “Ferris Buller’s Day Off” and send it to you to make your p...

Newbie | Exchanging Money

26 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you visit Shanghai, we expect a visit. Here’s all you have to do: 1. Take the Maglev magnetic train to Longyang Lu (50 yuan) 2. Take Subway Line ...

Elementary | What Would You Like To Drink?

24 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You go to the States, it’s a cup of Joe. The English will pour you a “cuppa” and here in Shanghai it’s green tea. But, what happens if you don...

Newbie | Finding A Seat

22 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ask anyone who’s braved an hour long subway ride at rush hour here and you’ll understand the need of finding, and securing (politely) a seat. In t...

Elementary | Office Policy: Internet

19 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Being spied on is no longer just a Dan Brown novel (or a Bush Cabinet agenda), so we hope you aren’t sending “romantic messages” to others from ...

Newbie | I Like Beef

17 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In the 80’s it was “Where’s the…”, in the 90’s it was “What’s For Dinner” and in the ummm…0’s, it’s the focus of our lesson. I...

Elementary | Mother's Birthday

15 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Three things you don’t forget: 1. Anniversary 2. Mom’s Birthday 3. Listen to Chinesepod…Now, we can help you with two of the three (sorry, you’...

Newbie | She Went Out

12 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Wei?! Most likely, this is the word that will stick with you…all day…and night…even in your sleep. So what is it exactly? We’re not sure…and...

Elementary | Football (Soccer)

10 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As much as some of us (Yankee) staff would have loved to translate the “gridiron” into Chinese, we cater to the other 98% of the world that calls ...

Newbie | Baby Talk: Eat Up!

08 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In another addition to our “Baby Talk” series, Ken and Jenny talk this time about encouraging your little bundle of joy to eat something…or not....

Elementary | Hobbies: Music

05 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

While “Peking Opera” is the Chinese equivalent of haggis (few really like it, but you kind of have to try it), the rest of the music scene here wi...

Newbie | Baby Talk: Praise

03 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Studies show our personalities are formed before the age of four. We at ChinesePod want you to raise a happy, confident little future Chinese speaker…...

Elementary | Useful Phrases #3

01 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What could you use more than some more useful phrases in Mandarin Chinese? Well, even better than that, we’ve got some excellent high-frequency lang...

Newbie | It's Broken

26 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We were on our way to the studio when our “authentic” Tag Heuer stopping working making us stop abruptly in our “realistic” Nike’s to reach ...

Elementary | Finding An Apartment

24 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

So you’ve finally made it to China and with what’s left of the money you spent on taking us for “báijiǔ”, you decide to get an apartment ove...

Newbie | Downloading Music

22 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You can go to iTunes, subscribe to an RSS feed and arrange everything all by yourself? You’re all growed up, aren’t ya? Now, tell us that in Manda...

Elementary | Discussing Eating

19 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If “King and Country” are the loves in England, then so are “Mao and Mouth” here in China. In this podcast, Ken and Jenny walk you through a s...

Newbie | I Don't Feel Well

17 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With a menu full of never before encountered items and a passion for all things oil/MSG, you might end up with the lesser-know “Beijing Belly”. So...

Elementary | Chinese Celebrity: Bruce Lee

15 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With Bosnia erecting their own tribute to Hong Kong’s “Little Dragon”, we wanted to do the same. In this podcast, Ken and Jenny (mainland celebr...

Newbie | Too Polite

12 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The last thing you would want to do is insult your kind host…but where to learn about the do’s and don’ts of Chinese etiquette? In this podcast,...

Elementary | The Traffic Jam

10 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We know you listen while you’re on the subway, but we’ll put our China commute up against yours any day. In this podcast, we’ll take advantage o...

Newbie | Drive Faster!

08 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In the labyrinth of an average Chinese city, it’s easy for the unexpected to happen, and cause you to run a little behind. So now that you’ve foun...

Elementary | Mild Swearing

05 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Zen might be of Asian design, but it takes a back-seat when someone cuts in line. In this podcast, Ken and Jenny lower their professional integrity by...

Newbie | Chatting Online

03 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Remember back in the day (insert nostalgic music here) when a tank of gas cost ya a nickel, “George W” referred to “Washington” and “chattin...

Elementary | Weather, Man

01 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Boasting 1.4 billion people, needless to say China’s a big place…with many different types of weather. This podcast will not only teach you weathe...

Newbie | Talking About Your Hometown

29 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

No doubt these questions will be among the top 3 you’ll need to memorize…here they are, in no particular order: 1. What’s your name? 2. Where ar...

Elementary | Character Mind Map: 出 Out

27 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In Chinese, you often encounter single characters that have multiple related meanings. This has the potential to confuse learners because sometimes it...

Newbie | University Major: Part 2

25 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

“Do a lesson on University major’s” you said. “Okay, here you go” Chinesepod replied. (3 weeks past). “Do another lesson on university maj...

Elementary | Chengyu Series - Five Flowers And Eight Doors

22 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Chengyu are Chinese idioms that consist of four characters. Although they originate from classical Chinese, Chengyu remain as an important aspect in b...

Newbie | Singing Ability

20 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Think the Von Trapp’s liked to sing? That’s nothing! Wait until you get the Chinese invite to listen…which is anytime. So, what do you do after ...

Elementary | Character Mind Map: 面 Face

18 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today's lesson, we're talking about 面 and all the interesting words using this character. Let's check them out! Episode link: https://www.chinese...

Newbie | Baby Talk: Words of Comfort

15 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With so many people adopting from the mainland and Taiwan, it should come With so many people adopting babies from China, it should come as no surpris...

Elementary | Love Amid COVID-19

13 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The COVID-19 pandemic is sweeping across the globe right now. Although 病毒 - virus, 无情 - doesn’t discriminate, 人 - humanity, 有情 - has l...

Newbie | Buying Train Tickets

11 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You were *this* close to taking the Trans-Siberian Line from Beijing to Moscow (8 time zones!), *this* close from starting at Tiananmen Square and end...

Elementary | Continued Tone Change Series #4 - I Can't Find You!

08 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In our previous newbie tone change series, we have introduced the tone change rules for 不, 一, two third tones, and three third tones. Just like ma...

Newbie | Invitations To Eat (Original)

06 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

So… ummmm, hi… I was…ahem, wondering (cough) if you… ahhhh, are doing…anything tonight? Think that’s hard in your own language? Try it in ...

Elementary | Character Mind Map: 走 Walk

04 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In Chinese, you often encounter single characters that have multiple related meanings. This has the potential to confuse learners because sometimes it...

Newbie | Sending Emails

01 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You could try and mime your way through it to ask for someone’s email address (piano fingers and tongue clicking). You could simply call them every ...

Elementary | Chengyu Series - Say Three, Speak Four

30 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Chengyu are Chinese idioms that consist of four characters. Although they originate from classical Chinese, Chengyu remain as an important aspect in b...

Newbie | Surfing The Internet (Original)

28 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Think you don’t need to talk about the internet? You’re positive? Okay, tell you what, think very, very carefully about your life sans web…no em...

Elementary | Too Many Questions

25 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In today's lesson, we are teaching you how to ask questions using the A not A sentence structure. Practice this structure in daily conversations, but ...

Newbie | University Major: Part 1

23 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Well, now that you’re a Chinese student, chances are you’re gonna be hangin’ with other students, so how to get in on the lingo? In this podcast...

Elementary | Character Mind Map - 还 Still

21 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In Chinese, you often encounter single characters that have multiple related meanings. This has the potential to confuse learners because sometimes it...

Newbie | Marriage And Divorce (Original)

18 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Yes, we realize that the only two things you are ever pronounced in life are “dead” and “man and wife”, but if you think that the 51% split ra...

Elementary | I Just Want To Sleep

16 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this dialogue, a concerned flatmate checks in on their friend, asking if they have eaten a proper meal and how much coffee they've had. It seems th...

Newbie | I'm Not Hungry

14 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

99.9% of us eat Chinese food before ever coming to China. So it should come as no surprise that 99.9% of everything in China revolves around a meal. I...

Elementary | What's In Your Handbag?

11 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Learn how to list common items you might find in your bag, as well as how to say a sweet and savoury cookie. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/...

Newbie | Useful Phrases 2

09 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

So you’ve moved up into the Basic Level and you’re feeling pretty good about yourself…so good, you ask your non-English speaking Chinese friend ...

Elementary | Mongolian Yurt

07 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Learn how to talk about Mongolian cuisine, travel in Mongolia, and discuss what you've done when travelling. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/...

Newbie | Too Many Cooks

04 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

No doubt you’ve been thinking about throwing that fab “Chinese Dinner Party” so as to impress friends and family with your Mandarin skills. You ...

Elementary | Nationalities At Work

02 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this lesson, you will learn how to ask someone how many people work in a company from different nations. You'll learn some useful terms for nationa...

Newbie | Describing The Weather

30 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With the northern tip touching Russia, and the southern hitting Thailand, it should come as no surprise that China, and her people, have much to talk ...

Elementary | Subway Transfer

27 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Your bike is broken so you need to take public transport to school instead. Learn how to ask how long it takes to ride the subway from your home to sc...

Newbie | Lying In Chinese

25 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Not that we’d ever take you for a impostor, but just in case you might need to talk your way out of something defend yourself or simply argue…all ...

Elementary | If It Rains, Then What?

23 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This lesson is all about how to use the "if__then" conditional structure (如果__的话 rúguǒ__dehuà). For example, if it rains, what shall we do?...

Newbie | What Are Your Hobbies? (original)

20 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We finally “bow to the Yao” and teach you how to talk about the sport or hobby you like. In this podcast you will learn how to talk about your hob...

Elementary | It's Not Too Far

18 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This elementary lesson is about asking for directions, and enquiring about how long a journey will take. Very useful for the travellers amongst you. E...

Newbie | Guess What I'm Learning?

16 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

So someone asks you what you've been up to. Be the life of the party and tell them "I've been studying Chinese"…in Mandarin!!! How many cool points ...

Elementary | Is There A Service Charge?

13 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Service charges (tipping) is becoming more and more common, but sometimes it can he hard to know if it's enforced. In this lesson, the service charge ...