ChinesePod - Beginner

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...

Newbie | Dialect Party Mix

10 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Lots of lessons under your belt and you’re feeling a bit sure of yourself these days, so here’s an intro to a few of the 1500 regional dialects he...

Elementary | Asking Directions to the Toilet

07 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this lesson, we teach you possibly the most important phrase to know. "Which way to the bathroom!?" If it's your first time travelling, it could be...

Newbie | Paying the Bill

03 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

You’ve had the Beijing Duck not to mention an ill-advised attempt at eating “chao mian” with chopsticks, and now it’s time to pay. Who gets th...

Newbie | A Correction of Tones

27 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Mandarin tones got ya down? Perk up! We understand. In today’s podcast, our GM Steve comes in and offers up the wrong tones in Mandarin Chinese, so ...

Newbie | All in the Family

20 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Chances are that while you’re pulling out your wallet to buy that “I Climbed The Great Wall” t-shirt, a few photos of the family will show thems...

Newbie | Michelle's COVID-19 Journey - with Vocabulary

10 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

ChinesePod's Michelle kindly shares her experience through contracting and recovering from COVID-19 with Chi, introducing a number of related vocabula...

Newbie | Colors

24 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Roses are green, violets are red…it wouldn’t make sense back home, nor would it here, so you’d better familiarize yourself a little with the col...

Newbie | I Want to Buy This One

22 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

China is a shoppers’ heaven, and in this podcast lesson you’ll learn some key phrases in Mandarin Chinese to help you navigate the markets and sho...

Newbie | Do You Have a Menu?

19 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Restaurant culture is a huge part of life in China, and you won’t want to miss out on some of the world’s most interesting cuisine just because yo...

Newbie | Do You Like China?

17 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When you travel to China, the question on all Chinese people’s lips is “Do you like China?" So, in this podcast lesson, we help you to answer that...

Newbie | Where Are You From?

15 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

After you have said hello in Chinese and know your partner in conversation’s name, the next topic likely to come up is where you are from. In this p...

Newbie | What's Your Name?

12 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Yes, it’s easy to point at yourself, say your own name, then point at their chest and make a questioning grunt, but wouldn’t it be great if you co...

Newbie | Good Morning!

10 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this lesson, we’ll teach you how to make friends! Or, at least the very first step: greetings. You’ll learn how to greet people in Mandarin Chi...

Newbie | I Miss You!

09 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Despite our unbelievably good music taste (Ken likes anything he can do the “big box-little box” dance to; Jenny’s more of a country music gal),...

Any | COVID-19: United We Stand

27 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

COVID-19 has left many cities stuck in a halt. In this special podcast, Chi first takes a short tour in the "paused" New York City, one of the epicent...

Elementary | Going to the Pharmacy

03 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Being sick sucks, but being sick in Chinese really sucks. If you haven't lost your voice yet, get yourself down to the corner pharmacy for some relief...

Newbie | How Old Are You?

10 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How old are you? When an adult asks another adult this question, guessing games are likely to ensue. In this dialog, the question is met with just thi...

Newbie | Making a Dinner Reservation, Part 1

03 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Making a dinner reservation over the phone can be a daunting prospect, especially when restaurant on the other end of the line is exceptionally noisy ...

Newbie | Let Me Sleep a Little Longer

28 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you're the kind of person that even the alarm clock doesn't wake, then you'll have definitely experienced a conversation similar to this. Learn how...

Newbie | Answering the Door

21 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

OK, so even if you haven't come to China to pursue that job as a door-to-door salesman, you may need to call on a Chinese friend. Learn the appropriat...