ChinesePod - Beginner

Newbie | Taxi Conversations: Suggesting A Route

13 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Another useful lesson for your “Traveler’s Audio Phrase Book”, in this podcast we assist you in using Mandarin Chinese to suggest a route to tak...

Elementary | Encouraging Words

11 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Yes, we know you’re going to make your voice sound like the guy in the film when you say “you can do it!”--and that’s okay. What’s not okay ...

Newbie | One Egg Tart, Please

08 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We all know that humans can't live without snacks...uhh...no, I mean food. So knowing how to order food and knowing what the server says are really es...

Elementary | Make-up

06 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

While you might underestimate a lesson on lipstick, eye shadow, etc, you’d be surprised how relaxing it is to put on after a long day at the office....

Newbie | Taxi Conversations: Destination

04 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You’ve used the last lesson on taxis to get into a cab (or put your headphones in the ears of an unsuspecting driver), but now what? Let him take yo...

Elementary | Character Mind Map: 老 old

01 Oct 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 | Taxi Conversations: Finding A Taxi

29 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We assume that, as a beginner, deciphering the schedule for the airport bus might be just a little stressful, so put off breaking into that duty-free ...

Elementary | Borrowing And Returning

27 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Despite many an inter-office email on “please don’t make the intros your own therapy” we simply cannot ignore today’s topic and the fact that ...

Newbie | The Pen Is Out Of Water

24 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this newbie lesson, we are looking for some common office supplies, and in doing so, you have to learn how to use the sentence structure 没...了....

Elementary | I Can't Find My Glasses!

22 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We know how much you hate losing things (mind, especially), and we do too. We also know that if you don’t have your glasses, you can’t read these ...

Newbie | Directions & Transportation

20 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this newbie lesson, we're going to show you how to ask for directions in Chinese, as well as how to say all the different directions, let's get sta...

Elementary | I Want To Play

17 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Not that we ever had friends calling our name from outside asking us to join the “cool kids” and play, but with our “cool listeners only” rule...

Newbie | Watch Out At The Light

15 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this Newbie lesson, Joe and Joy will show us a catchy slogan which would come in handy when you’re crossing the streets, and we’re also going t...

Elementary | Don't Do That!

13 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A few subway tips you might not be aware of: 1. The process of letting those on the subway off before boarding has not yet caught on; 2. Mobile ring t...

Newbie | I Am Not That Hungry

10 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this lesson, Joe and Lyn will show you a useful sentence to politely turn down someone’s invitation to a meal, and you'll also learn how to expre...

Elementary | Massage Therapy

08 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

"LaoWise” is a ChinesePod series aimed at aiding expats in China. She might be all of 5’2” and 50 – but those knuckles dig deep into the arch ...

Newbie | I'm Not Chinese

06 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You might look the part, you might sound the part, but you’re not actually Chinese. So how would you go about telling someone that although you migh...

Elementary | Continued Tone Change Series #6 - I Miss You

03 Sep 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 | Please Speak Slowly

01 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As mentioned previously, uttering “xiexie” and “nihao” seem to automatically put you in the bracket of “fluent”, meaning they’re going t...

Elementary | Having Food Delivered

31 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With the, ahem, “affordability” of DVD’s here, you might find yourself three seasons into a show you’ve never even heard of (see: “The Prete...

Newbie | Master, I'll Be Late

27 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I know what you're thinking, "Is this a lesson about Chinese Kung Fu?" Well, not really, sorry for the misleading thumbnail. Instead in this lesson, w...

Elementary | Pronunciation Correction

25 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Oh, it will happen – right after the cab driver who you just told “I don’t speak Chinese” starts drawing Chinese characters on the window with...

Newbie | Happy Birthday

23 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Quick – name things that you love! 1. ChinesePod 2. Cake That’s right! So what’s the only thing we could include to make this a very special day...

Elementary | Chengyu Series: Nine Buffaloes And One Hair

20 Aug 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 | This Is Mine!

18 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you were that kid in school who hated sharing, then we strongly suggest hypnotherapy before attending a meal here. Food, laughs and sometimes even ...

Elementary | The Doggy Bag

16 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Oh sure – you come over with a good 6 inches on the average Chinese person, thinking that half-a-foot will make you the leader in FAT (Food Acquisit...

Newbie | I Am Very Good At Cooking

13 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today's lesson, we're going to show you how to ask others about their ability, and how to express (or show off) that you're really good at somethin...

Elementary | How Embarrassing!

11 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Yes – we’ve prepared you for the language side of things, but there are some situations that just can’t be prepared for (see: using an “Easter...

Newbie | Stand Up

09 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Even if you’re going to get by for the first while learning a new language using the universal language, charades, you’ll love to learn these init...

Elementary | Nationalities

06 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With your “I Climbered The Grate Well” t-shirt and dual-fisted approach to chopsticks, it should come as no shock that you’re not blending in as...

Newbie | Thirsty For Water

04 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

So, you’re thirsty… for water. Now, believe it or not, some shopkeepers will give you tea when you ask for water. In fact, others will even offer ...

Elementary | Skincare: Sunscreen

02 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Fact: Should you ever get away to the gorgeous town of Qingdao, you might be amazed at how many people aren’t on the beach during the day. Tan is mo...

Newbie | Playing Cards

30 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It’s hard to keep that poker face when you face your Mandarin speaking opponents, tongue-tied. So, before you sit down to a card game, listen to thi...

Elementary | Getting A Date

28 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We don’t allow ugly (on the inside) people to listen (work here, yes, but not listen), so of course, when you come here to visit us, you will end up...

Newbie | The Door

26 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If it’s not obvious already -- we’re nerds. Nerdy enough to spend far too much money on a sound effects CD. So simply bear with us in this podcast...

Elementary | Going To Church

24 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In a land of Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Islam – and now Christianity – a quick sermon on how to identify your own religion might help. In thi...

Newbie | Stopping The Taxi

23 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You might find yourself chuckling so loud at the “No Drunkards or Psychos” rule in the back of Shanghai taxis that you forget to tell the driver w...

Elementary | Adding Credit To A Cellphone

22 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A few things you can’t live without upon arriving: 1. Toilet paper (oh – you laugh now, but trust us) 2. ChinesePod 3. A mobile phone …now, we h...

Newbie | I'm Cold!

16 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When it’s snowing out and finally realize that the reason there is no thermostat in your apartment is because there is actually no central heating, ...

Elementary | Musical Instruments

14 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Granted, even we can’t say “pipa” without giggling, and still feel the need to grab the “erhu” and do a scissor kick, but it won’t stop us...

Newbie | Feminine Products

12 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A man writes these intros. He doesn’t have a “special time” each month. He also realizes that being funny about needing feminine products isn’...

Elementary | A Walk In The Park

09 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Yes, using ChinesePod makes learning Mandarin a walk in the park – thank you. But this lesson is actually about walking in the park--not the in the ...

Newbie | Black Or Green Tea

07 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You know (from watching Tom Hanks save the world again) that lemon or milk depends on the brew, but would you be able to order a proper cup of PG Tips...

Elementary | Here Is Your Change

05 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Surely you never thought that having change could be so important. However, when you pull out one of the “hundred dollar bills” (not as much as it...

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...