ChinesePod - Beginner
Episodes
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 ...
Newbie | Friends For Dinner
11 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Not a normal podcast, but one you’ll memorize word-for-word and print out as well. In this podcast, our producer, Aric, abuses his power (which we t...
Elementary | I Can't Afford Cake
09 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this lesson we look at the important phrase, "I can't afford it" (买不起 mǎi bù qǐ). In today's dialogue, two friends are walking around an e...
Newbie | How You Doin'?
06 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We can only ignore so many requests for “chat-up lines” until we break…which we did today. In this soon-to-be most popular lesson for our loyal ...
Elementary | Is This the Correct Stop?
04 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When travelling in an unfamiliar city, the transport network can be quite confusing. Learn how to ask passengers if you're heading in the right direct...
Newbie | Long Time No See (Original)
03 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Cliché as it may be, a good “long time no see” does wonders for reconnecting with old “peng you”. In this podcast, we’re going to make you ...
Elementary | When Do You Shower?
30 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When do you shower? In the morning or in the evening. In the East, it's common to shower once you get home for the day, and most people wouldn't dream...
Newbie | Weekend Warriors
28 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Now we like mahjong and karaoke as much as the next person, but unless you pay attention to this lesson about what other things people like to do on t...
Elementary | Pets
26 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Granted, most dogs here look like they chase parked cars, but that doesn’t stop them from being a part of the family. In this podcast, learn how to ...
Newbie | What Time Is It?
23 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Every once and a while we veer away from our “normal programming” and offer up some lessons on high-frequency phrases in Chinese that you will use...
Elementary | Where Children Come From
21 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
As parents, there is always the unavoidable coming of age when we must explain to our children about "the birds and the bees". For those of us learnin...
Newbie | What'll It Be?
19 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Don’t get me wrong, your ability to say “chicken” and “noodles” is gold-star worthy, but if variety is the spice of life, then Chinese food ...
Elementary | Will vs. Can Using 会 [會] huì
16 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The character 会／會／huì can either mean "can" (a learned ability to do something) or "will" ( a future action or event happening). Knowing whic...
Newbie | What's His Name?
14 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With every 4th child born in the world being Chinese, there’s a good chance you’ll meet a few. In this podcast, we help you learn how to ask not o...
Elementary | Which Floor?
12 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this lesson, we teach some great ways to make small talk in the elevator with your neighbors. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4033
Newbie | Where's The Bathroom?
09 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Despite our professional image (ahem) we confess to laughing like schoolgirls anytime someone attempts to act out this phrase. So, listen in to this p...
Elementary | Working Overtime Until 9PM!
07 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In today's elementary class we teach you lots of "time spent doing" sentences, for example, "I have been studying for X amount of time", or "Yesterday...
Newbie | World Cup Football Terms
05 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Despite the majority of our staff being passificus apatheticus when it comes to soccer football--we simply couldn’t ignore that World Cup thingy. In...
Elementary | You Really Are Impressive
02 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this lesson, we hear a student compliment another student about their various accomplishments both academic and sporting. We also take a closer loo...
Newbie | You Look Nervous
30 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Fact: There are 1.4 billion people in China. Fact: You don’t read enough to understand the bus schedule Fact: This leaves you with the option of rid...
Elementary | You Can't Bring That On The Plane!
28 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this lesson, we teach you some words to do with items commonly brought on flights that are not allowed through security. Learn some key Chinese voc...
Newbie | Baby Talk: Be Good!
25 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
More “baby talk”… In this podcast, you will learn some more popular common phrases in Mandarin Chinese, such as: “Good boy/girl”, “Be care...
Elementary | I Can Teach You Spanish
23 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Spanish can be difficult for many learners, especially because of the need to be able to roll your tongue to produce the trill sound seen in many word...
Newbie | At the Zoo
21 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We always chuckle to think of the situations you found yourself in before ChinesePod came along…for instance: going to the zoo. While we don’t wan...
Elementary | How to Say: Come out / Come in
18 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this lesson, we focus on the important ways to give directions verbs such as to come in, or to go out. We do this using the structure: Direction Ve...
Newbie | Asking for Favors
16 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
“Some day, and that day may never come, I’ll call upon you”…if it’s good enough for Brando, its good enough for us. In this podcast Ken (an ...
Elementary | How Cold Is It in Winter?
14 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Learn different ways to modify adjectives with this lesson all about the seasons. By the end of the lesson, you'll know how to describe the winter in ...
Newbie | Asking for Change
11 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Now, we know when in Rome, you like to adapt to the locals. So, we expect that you’ll be treating everyone to 12 course dinners like the best of the...
Elementary | First This, Then That
09 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this lesson, we focus on the structure, first....and then... (先...再...) This is useful when you are making plans, or telling a story and want t...
Newbie | Allergies
07 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Sure, some might think this a niche lesson, but consider the alternative: (In Mandarin) “To tell you the truth, doc, I’m not sure if it was my ina...
Elementary | Describing Beauty
04 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this lesson, we teach you some great ways to describe beauty, specifically when talking about a pretty woman. Learn how to say "your hair is like a...
Newbie | Addresses
02 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
You’ve made contact via mobile phone with your friend and now you need to meet up, but can’t, for the life of you, figure out why he/she keeps say...
Elementary | Buying Fresh Fish in the Market
31 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this elementary lesson, we learn the different words for fresh and saltwater fish, as well as how to buy fish in a traditional wet market. Episode ...
Newbie | A Late Knock
28 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With 20 million people all hitting the roads after work at the same time, you just may find yourself in the position of being late. So perhaps being a...
Elementary | Beijing Accent
26 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Hearing a new accent can sometimes take a little time to get used to. When native speakers talk, they often link and join syllables, which is perfectl...
Newbie | A Startled Friend
24 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
“BOO!” Bet you don’t know what to say to that, do ya? We do, and today we’ll teach you the correct response…In this podcast, you will learn ...
Elementary | Asking Too Many Questions
17 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Listen as a nosy sister asks lots of questions to her younger brother over the telephone about what he's been up to lately and how his relationship is...