ChinesePod - Intermediate
Episodes
Intermediate | Introducing Hotels
18 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With only a single letter difference between “hotel” and “hostel,” a lesson in Mandarin Chinese on where you lay that head of yours whilst on ...
Pre-intermediate | Getting Taller (Not Fatter)
16 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Children grow so quickly - it's amazing. Especially for relatives who don't get to see their young nieces, nephews, or grandchildren on a regular basi...
Upper-intermediate | An Unhappy Valentine's
14 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's been a year since the breakup at Valentines, but today's character receives a call from their sister wishing them a happy Valentine's, only to st...
Intermediate | Wishing People Well at Chinese New Year
11 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this lesson, we teach you how to wish someone a Happy Chinese New Year. First we teach you the most common ones like "xin nian kuai le", or "gong x...
Pre-intermediate | Toothache
09 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Toothaches hurt. If you have a toothache, this is a fact you'll be wanting to communicate. In this lesson, we talk about toothaches, swollen faces, an...
Upper-intermediate | A Classic Grand Slam Matchup
07 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Grand Slam tournaments have been the stage for classic battles between fierce rivals throughout tennis history: Becker and Edberg, Lendl and McEnroe, ...
Intermediate | Chinese New Year Plans
04 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Certain ancient Chinese traditions are more easily assimilated to the Western mind. Five days straight of blowing off firecrackers tends to sit better...
Pre-intermediate | The North Has Central Heating
02 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Contrary to what you'd think, winter often feels colder in south China than in north China. Why is this? Two words: central heating. So cuddle up with...
Upper-intermediate | Whose Home For Chinese New Year?
31 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Chinese New Year is all about going home to one's family and enjoying precious time with family stuffing one's face. But what happens when a husband a...
Intermediate | Calligraphy
28 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
At ChinesePod, we expect a lot from our listeners: well kept, an invite over for cake every now and then, and personal growth--so, even though you jus...
Pre-intermediate | What Have You Done In 2009?
26 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Christmas has just passed and it's that time of year again - the time when you look back on everything you've done and think about what you'd like to ...
Upper-intermediate | Exchange Rates
24 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Although they may sound similar, the difference between the “yen” and the “yuan” is big. So how does the world’s next big economy communicat...
Intermediate | Goals For Studying Chinese
21 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With more and more “laowai” coming to the People’s Republic, more and more find themselves in conversations about the occasional frustration one...
Pre-intermediate | Borrowing Money From A Friend
19 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You're in that awkward situation where you don't have any money and you have to ask a friend for help. Fear not. Hopefully you have as good a friend a...
Upper-intermediate | Homeschooling
18 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In a society renowned for its rigid examination system, homeschooling might seem like a very attractive option to conscientious parents that are looki...
Intermediate | How's Business?
14 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Yes, you want to come to China to see the beautiful sites and meet the gorgeous ChinesePod crew, but there’s a good chance that work will bring you ...
Pre-intermediate | Asking For Sick Leave
12 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Even the hardest-working employees need a break sometimes! Whether you're actually sick or not, knowing how to ask your Chinese boss for a bit of time...
Upper-intermediate | Intellectual Property Lawsuits
10 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You know it’s a heavy lesson when the writer of these intros has to look up the definition. So, to guard himself from any more ridicule: Here’s a ...
Intermediate | Dreaming Of You
07 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Are you a dream reader, a modern-day Zhougong? Do you like to share your dreams with your friends? Then today's lesson is for you! While telling someo...
Pre-intermediate | I'll Call You Back
05 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Too busy to talk? Then I'll call you back! In this lesson, ChinesePod takes you through how to return a call in Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chi...
Upper-intermediate | New Year's Cash
03 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
For corrupt officials, cash-filled envelopes involve a wink, a nod, and an expedited liquor license. For little kids, envelopes stuffed with cash mean...
Intermediate | New Year's Wishes
01 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Happy New Year, ChinesePoddies! That's right - we're saying goodbye to 2009 and hello to a new decade. But who needs resolutions when you've got the "...
Pre-intermediate | Add Me on WeChat
31 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's now one of the top five most used apps on the planet, but outside of the Sinosphere, few people know about it. It's WeChat! In this lesson, learn...
Upper-intermediate | New Year's Resolutions
30 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
For Ken, it’s getting back into archery. For Jenny, it’s finding Roger Federer again. For a few of our guests it’s….Nope, not going to give it...
Intermediate | Christmas
29 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We know what went on at your company Christmas party which basically puts you far, far down on the list of who’s been naughty and nice. Fortunately,...
Pre-intermediate | Picking Up a Friend at the Airport
28 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Your friend just got off of a long haul flight. He's got nasty bed-head and his breath could kill a small animal. But even that can't deter you from d...
Upper-intermediate | A Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
27 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This is a tale of a young man with a penchant for women who flip out on him and make his life miserable, even long after they've "ended" it. Yes, the ...
Intermediate | Christmas Gifts from China
17 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
After spending some time in China, going home for Christmas can be a troublesome event for any expat. Aside from getting that plane ticket home, you'v...
Pre-intermediate | Ordering Flowers
15 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
So you're planning to send some flowers, but roses have been done to death, and you've got some other ideas. But did you know that some flowers are "f...
Upper-intermediate | A Creepy Guy
14 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Any good bar has its share of dolled-up girls and shady but ever-so-eligible bachelors. Maybe he hadn't had enough to drink, maybe he has a staring pr...
Intermediate | Office Christmas Party
10 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The entire team is here, celebrating the holidays at an office Christmas party. Delve into a little CPod office mayhem as we discuss decorating the wo...
Pre-intermediate | Varieties of Candy
08 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Halloween means Trick-or-Treating, which means bucket-loads of candy! Be it fruit gummies, toffee, chocolate or lollipops, ChinesePod is taking you on...
Upper-intermediate | Opening a Meeting
06 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
You’re going places, which is why you’re using ChinesePod. So, it shouldn’t surprise anyone to know that at some point you might be meeting with...
Intermediate | Manly Beards or Pretty Boys?
03 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What do Chinese girls think of a guy with a goatee? Well, we can't speak for all girls, but we can speak for two fictional girls in a fictional dialog...
Pre-intermediate | A Snake Discovery
01 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Let's go out for a spring stroll, shall we? But wait! What's that up ahead? A snake! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2136
Upper-intermediate | Buying Goods From Abroad Online
29 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
There's an endless number of reasons for purchasing goods from abroad online: trying to avoid jacked up prices on imported goods, distrust of products...
Intermediate | Lesson Brainstorming
26 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ever desired a glimpse into how the finest and most brilliant minds at ChinesePod come up with award-winning lessons on a stunningly regular basis? We...
Pre-intermediate | Hamsters, Snakes, And Owls
24 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
There's only so much that can be said about owning cats and dogs before you, the intermediate learner, feels that urge to move onto discussions about ...
Upper-intermediate | Romantic Movies And Real Life
22 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We all love a romantic chick-flick every now and then, but for some women it becomes a problem: they expect every man to live up to their Ryan Gosling...
Intermediate | Stop Speeding!
19 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Grand Prix held here in Shanghai showcased breakneck speeds, hairline turns and drivers with death wishes…and that was all in the taxi ride to t...
Pre-intermediate | Grammar Lesson
17 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
There aren't many things more fun than learning Chinese grammar. Today, you're in for a real treat-- this podcast is all about a class of students who...
Upper-intermediate | Chinese Commuters
15 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Any look at a bus, subway or highway on any given day will give you an idea of the constant struggle facing those who depend on the transportation sys...
Intermediate | Family Life
12 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Never has China been accused of not respecting family. In fact, concepts like moving out of your parents’ house before marriage are still in their i...
Pre-intermediate | Grab Some Veggies From The Store
10 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
You can't cook dinner without a big pile of ingredients. In today's Chinese podcast, you'll learn how to tell someone to pick up a load of fresh veget...
Upper-intermediate | Shaolin Temple
08 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
While many don’t know this (due to the fact that it’s not true), all ChinesePod employees are required to attend a 6-month intensive course at the...
Intermediate | A Promotion
05 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
You wouldn’t be here if you weren’t a good, pro-active, self-motivating individual. So we’ll make you a deal. After listening to this lesson, yo...
Pre-intermediate | Language Exchange
03 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If you're learning Chinese in China, there's a very good chance that someone will try to become your language partner. With any luck, you'll become fa...
Upper-intermediate | Marketing Proposal
01 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Brace yourself. Jenny is going to talk about “proposals” but it’s not what you think (cancel that flight here). It’s all about the “next big...
Intermediate | Signing A Rental Agreement
29 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this lesson, we are at the lease signing, and a conversation occurs between the landlord, tenant, and property agent, going over the finer details ...
Pre-intermediate | Buying Pants 买裤子
27 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this lesson, we discuss our favorite pastime: shopping! We review various places one can go shopping. We learn about different kinds of pants and h...
Upper-intermediate | Prank Telephone Call
25 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's lesson is about prank telephone calling someone. You learn some useful ways to answer the telephone, ask who's calling, as well as fun ways to...
Intermediate | Ordering Pizza Over The Phone
22 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today you'll learn how to order a pizza over the telephone. This language is super useful when you're hungry and wanting some junk food. Episode link:...
Pre-intermediate | New Job Opportunity
20 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Having a second language can really boost your potential for job opportunities. In this lesson, we hear someone being offered a potential job opportun...
Upper-intermediate | 蛇夫座 Ophiuchus (Astrology)
18 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's dialogue is all about astrology and star signs. Ophiuchus (⛎) (/ɒfiˈjuːkəs/) is sometimes considered the thirteenth sign in addition to ...
Intermediate | Checking Out A New Flat
15 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this video lesson, we teach some useful words when you are looking to rent an apartment. Finding an apartment can be hard, but if you know some of ...
Pre-intermediate | Misunderstanding The Doctor
13 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this lesson, a patient sprains their ankle while playing soccer, but there is a misunderstanding which leads to an embarrassing situation. Episode ...
Upper-intermediate | Organic Food Shopping
11 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Listen to a dialogue about shopping in an organic supermarket for vegetables. Are they more nutritious, or tastier? Episode link: https://www.chinesep...
Intermediate | Traditional Chinese Medicine
08 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
At ChinesePod, we know that part of learning Chinese is getting an introduction to the wonderful world of Chinese medicine. Before we take your pulse ...
Pre-intermediate | Ordering Songs At Karaoke
06 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
There's nothing like a night (or an afternoon) of karaoke to bring friends together. It's also a great way to learn Chinese. In today's Mandarin lesso...
Upper-intermediate | Shanghai Expo
04 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Granted, you’ve heard all about the impending Olympic arrival here, but what about the next big thing? The Shanghai Expo seems to be what everyone i...
Intermediate | Shanghai Fashion
01 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Granted, the same person that said Shanghai was the “Paris of the East” also said that baijiu was a tasty drink…so we’ll let you decide. Fashi...
Pre-intermediate | What Do Foreigners Like?
29 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
No matter what you sell, you have to know your market. In today's podcast you'll learn how to talk in Chinese about dealing with picky customers who a...
Upper-intermediate | TV Commercials
27 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Thanks to an “open door” policy, you can hear the neighbors’ “telly” in your own house. So why not possess the ability to stroll in, squeeze...
Intermediate | Chinese Tea
24 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Here is a lesson impressing on you the “Importance of Tea”…you’ll notice we capitalized the “T” there, which should tell you something. Te...
Pre-intermediate | Simple Electrical Stuff
22 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If you can't plug in your computer, how can you get your ChinesePod fix? In today's lesson, you'll learn the ins and outs of plugs and sockets, all in...
Upper-intermediate | The Cocktail Party
21 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As we’ve mentioned before, people that listen to ChinesePod are cool. Cool people attend cool functions, like cocktail parties. Cool people also sch...
Intermediate | Let’s Break Up ASAP 趁早
17 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It’s not uncommon for a relationship to go stagnant, with both parties pretending everything’s alright. 趁早 sung by 张惠妹 is an anthem for ...
Pre-intermediate | Antiperspirant In China
15 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Confidence, confidence, dry and secure... raise your hand..... raise your hand... if you're sure you want to drop a hundred kuai on your favorite stic...
Upper-intermediate | Choosing A Wine
13 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
While no one can be a smooth as Steve Martin’s character in “The Jerk” (”No more 1966! Bring us some fresh, new stuff!”), you can still impr...
Intermediate | Misfortune From Our Mouths 祸从口入──管住嘴巴
10 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this lesson, you’ll learn useful vocabulary for nuts, seafood, milk etc that’ll come handy especially for persons with food allergies. 祸从口...
Pre-intermediate | Fortunate Cookies
08 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“The greatest danger could be your stupidity.” “Hell is paved with good intentions.” “Magic time is created when unconventional person comes...
Upper-intermediate | Movie Genres
06 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In a land of, ahem, less-than-pricy DVD’s, it’s no shock that films are always of interest. So why not wow ‘em by discussing your favorite genre...
Intermediate | Coffee Break Series #4 - The Exhibition
03 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In the intermediate coffee break series, we will follow the footsteps of Nick through his adventure in China. Along the way, you will learn important ...
Pre-intermediate | MSN and QQ
01 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Reports reveal a mysterious drop in the GDP of several countries in the last ten years. Analysts have been concerned and perplexed. But they have over...
Upper-intermediate | Chinese Antiques
31 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
No visit to the PRC would be complete without a “Waving Mao” watch, but is it *really* an antique? In this podcast, one seasoned friend helps anot...
Intermediate | How Was Your Date?
27 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Not that we agree with the whole “those who can’t, teach”, but it does seem odd, us giving a lesson on talking about dates--seeing as how we can...
Pre-intermediate | Iron Your Clothes
25 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Your mom's not here and neither is your ayi, and where is a Chinese laundry when you need one? Yes, we know it's true that shirt will get just as rump...
Upper-intermediate | Exam Overview
23 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
With more and more people (see: our John Pasden) attending uni at a Mandarin school, we’d like to cover some basics. We’ve already taught you “k...
Intermediate | Future Goals
20 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What are your plans for the future? Think that this question ends after you walk out of your guidance counselor’s office? “Think two times” (Chi...
Pre-intermediate | Don't Litter
18 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dodging street debris may be good foot-dexterity training for the Chinese New Year lion dance you've been getting ready for, but a quick slip on a ban...
Upper-intermediate | Phobias
16 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
For Ken, it’s those tiny little sock hangers. For Jenny it’s losing that great head of hair. We all have phobias…ours is that you won’t learn ...
Intermediate | Negotiating Price
13 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A foreigner in China soon gets over any initial shyness to talk price after finding out he paid fifteen times the going rate for that “waving Mao”...
Pre-intermediate | Winter Fun
11 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If you're creative, indoor winter sports can be so much fun in China. Warm your hands over your gas stovetop flame with your significant other, or chu...
Upper-intermediate | Attitudes Toward Religion
09 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Between 1937-39, over 20,000 Jewish families migrated to Shanghai. Today, north of the city center, there is still a flourishing Jewish community. Chi...
Intermediate | A Disappointment
06 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
So, you’re able to say “I’m fine”, but what about when you’re in that bad mood? Sure, the easy way out is to always be “fine”--even if y...
Pre-intermediate | Describing Athletes
04 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Oh the superlative human form. It is said a picture is worth a thousand words, so please allow your eye to feast on the lesson image to the left of th...
Upper-intermediate | Translation Issues
02 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If Pepsi’s slogan “Come Alive” can mean “Brings Your Ancestors Back from the Dead” after translation into Chinese, then there’s a good cha...
Intermediate | Taiwanese Mandopop: Teresa Teng 邓丽君 and Singer-Songwriters (1970s-90s)
30 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Taiwanese songwriters such as 罗大佑 and 李宗盛, and of course the legendary singer Teresa Teng 邓丽君 gifted us classic songs that almost ev...
Pre-intermediate | Coffee Break Series: Business Dinner, Part 3
28 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In China, having a meal with clients is not just eating. Everything is related to the business. That's why learning table manners is so important. In ...
Upper-intermediate | Exotic Animals
26 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
No trip to China would be complete without a look at the (sleeps for 23.7 hours a day) panda and the (will take your mobile phone) golden-haired monke...
Intermediate | Coffee Break Series #3 - First Meeting
24 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In the intermediate coffee break series, we will follow the footsteps of Nick through his adventure in China. Along the way, you will learn important ...
Pre-intermediate | Man Or Woman?
23 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When he/she walks like a woman and talks like a man, and the response that comes to your query of “Who is that?” is “It’s Pat,” you may find...
Upper-intermediate | Negotiating Rent
22 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Well, to start, there’s the first 3 months plus deposit… and that’s the easy part. The “laowai” shuffle begins thereafter. If you think you ...
Intermediate | Animal Proverbs: A Dead Duck’s Mouth Is Hard
16 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this lesson, we're showing you three common proverbs related to ducks. They can be directly translated to "To herd the ducks onto a porch", "A cook...
Pre-intermediate | Introducing Oneself To The Family
14 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
"Meet the parents" takes on a whole other meaning in Chinese families. Now, if you can't keep track of which auntie is the elder, whose brother the ro...
Upper-intermediate | Anthropology
12 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
You sure are clever, and we sure are too. So let’s do what clever people do and talk about clever things… I don’t know, say…anthropology? And ...
Intermediate | COVID-19, Rumors and Beer
09 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It is not that easy to stay sane lately as the whole world has been gloomy (天昏地暗) due to COVID-19, to put it mildly. This lesson is about bein...
Pre-intermediate | Travel Itinerary
07 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Having a travel itinerary in place is no problem in China. You can take a tour and be ushered along to a string of jade factories, miracle pearl cream...
Upper-intermediate | Views On The News
05 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“CCTV” is all the news here – not the “When Russell Crowe Goes Bad” type of CCTV, but the actual conglomerate of news stations. If you live ...
Intermediate | Coffee Break Series - Airport Pick Up #1
02 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In the intermediate coffee break series, we will follow the footsteps of Nick through his adventure in China. Along the way, you will learn important ...