ChinesePod - Intermediate
Episodes
Pre-intermediate | Walking The Bird
01 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You can walk a dog, and maybe even a cat, but did you know you can walk a bird? This lesson will familiarize you with this Chinese habit, as well as t...
Upper-intermediate | The Glory of Labor
30 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
May 1 is an important holiday in China--Labor Day. Now, for most of us, we celebrate the lack of labor on that day--but what is the real meaning behin...
Intermediate | Recovering a Cell Phone Number
27 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Be it stolen, lost, lent, or otherwise--all is not gone. You're wandering the streets of China, forlornly calling out in search of long lost friends w...
Pre-intermediate | New Sofa
25 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hooray! The new sofa has arrived! ChinesePod gets ready to relax in style. But wait! Is it pet proof? Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2398
Upper-intermediate | Capital Punishment
23 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Now, we know all our CPoddies are law-abiding good citizens, but the debate rages on about the death penalty. Now, we’re not telling you to take sid...
Intermediate | Teaching English In China
20 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ken’s done it. John’s done it. Jenny still does it. (Aric padded his C.V. to make it look like he did it). You might do it. Any guesses? (Besides ...
Pre-intermediate | Your First Mooncake
18 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's called a mooncake, and it's about the size and shape of a hockey puck. If you're in China during the autumn, you just may have the opportunity to...
Upper-intermediate | Chinese Onomatopoeia
16 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Do “boom” “wah” and “click” sound the same in every language? That’s what you thought… but onomatopoeia, like any art, has room for in...
Intermediate | A Trip to Shanxi
13 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Shanxi (山西) province is a mountainous plateau region located in northern China. It is know for its yummy noodles and the ancient city of Pingyao (...
Pre-intermediate | A Robotic Solution?
11 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's been a long day for a husband and wife. Still, the floors are dirty and there's cleaning to be done. Of course, neither of them want to do it. Ju...
Upper-intermediate | Sales Part 3: Handling Difficult Leads
09 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this lesson, students ask Teacher Chen about how to handle some difficult questions they've encountered when trying to determine qualified leads. T...
Intermediate | Old Friend
06 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Yes, we know you were the prom queen in school (and to be honest, you might not remember us--we were the weird ones that took drama very seriously). S...
Pre-intermediate | You've Been Everywhere!
04 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
So you're planning a trip with your travel buddy, and you're talking about the places you've been and haven't been. The problem is, this guy's been ev...
Upper-intermediate | Sales Part 2: Determining a Customer's Purchasing Power
02 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On the streets of China's major cities, it's not uncommon to see Italian sports cars, luxury handbags and expensive wristwatches. China is now full of...
Intermediate | Difficult Cake Choices
29 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone has been at the mercy of indecision at one time or another. However, the task of deciding becomes even more difficult when you are being pumm...
Pre-intermediate | Full for Real
27 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you're a special guest at a dinner in China, expect to eat a lot of food. But when you're full, what's the polite way to say that you can't eat any...
Upper-intermediate | Sales: Understanding a Customer's Needs
25 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The art of sales is no easy one. In this lesson, a seasoned saleswoman shares her tips on relating to customers and making a sale. Episode link: https...
Intermediate | Buying A Drink
22 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With a 16-hour flight on what can only be described as an “Eastern seating design” in the cabin – and oh, by the way, those cabbies at the airpo...
Pre-intermediate | Reviewing In Class
20 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today's lesson is essential for anyone taking or planning on taking a Chinese class. Learn how to describe reviewing the material and learn how to tal...
Upper-intermediate | State-Owned And Privately-Owned Enterprises
18 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What’s all this talk about economic reform in China? Well, to really understand this business, you’ll need to listen in to this podcast, which dis...
Intermediate | Sending A Large File
15 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's amazing what can be done these days with Photoshop, or Illustrator, or Final Cut Pro... but sometimes the price for that quality you love is a hu...
Pre-intermediate | The Year Of The Horse
13 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Chinese New Year comes again, and this year we welcome in the Year of the Horse. In this lesson, listen in as a family gets ready to gallop into the N...
Upper-intermediate | Chinese Geography
11 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
OK, so you're all set to get out of your cushy city routine, ready to brave that altitude sickness and hop on that train to Tibet you've been hearing ...
Intermediate | Fast Cars and Shallow Women
08 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Why does anyone drive an expensive car? Is it for the speed? The power? The prestige? Well, those might be factors for some, but in today's dialogue i...
Pre-intermediate | Photos With Animals
06 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
While it's strictly taboo at many zoos in America, taking pictures with or feeding the animals is a common occurrence at Chinese zoos. Of course, it i...
Upper-intermediate | The Play's The Thing
04 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It wouldn't be true drama if it didn't attract dramatic characters. And what higher drama is there than Shakespeare? In this Chinese lesson, you'll he...
Intermediate | Standing In Line
01 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Back in the day it was one bus per hour, which explains the, erm, shall we say, “lack of formation” in that ticket queue. In this podcast you will...
Pre-intermediate | Giving Up A Seat On The Bus
30 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the craziness that befalls Chinese cities at rush hour it hardly seems likely that there is any method to the madness. Yet often times when it come...
Upper-intermediate | Chinese Identity
28 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ken: foreigner. Jenny: Chinese. Easy, right? But this game gets a little more difficult when it comes to those with Chinese heritage that were raised ...
Intermediate | The Typhoon
25 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Typhoons are no joking matter in China, where flooding and falling debris can wreak serious havoc in densely-packed urban areas. Learn the key words f...
Pre-intermediate | Shampoo And Cut
23 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
That hair of yours is getting long and straggly, ain't it? Time for a haircut! In this lesson, you'll learn the basics for getting your hair done in C...
Upper-intermediate | For The Love Of Pale Skin
21 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Chinese culture (and the ladies in particular) tends to prize pale skin. East Asian ladies of all nationalities, in fact, will go to great lengths to ...
Intermediate | Girly Talk
18 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Combine Alicia Silverstone with Wang Faye and you will start to understand the crux of this podcast…oh yeah, and throw in a 6’4” laowai--now you...
Pre-intermediate | Finishing Work For The Weekend
16 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
At the end of the work week things generally wind down. But for some people, Fridays are the busiest. Check out today's lesson to learn about a person...
Upper-intermediate | Closing A Meeting
14 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You used our "Opening a Meeting" to wow 'em and just finished the proposal of your life. So you smile, put down your laser pointer and... sit down? Th...
Intermediate | A Detained Package
11 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes getting a package in China isn't quite as simple as having it shipped to your home address. Packages can get detained by customs, in which c...
Pre-intermediate | Mooncakes For The Staff
09 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Glorified paperweights or delicious traditional Chinese treats? Every autumn, Chinese offices are inundated with mooncakes - sweet, impossibly dense c...
Upper-intermediate | Recognizing An Employee
07 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
ChinesePod can attest that late night text messages are not the recommended route to complimenting employees. So, how can you do it (without legal rep...
Intermediate | Street Food
04 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
While most “laowai” that live here might have trouble explaining the directions to the sidewalk vendors, you can bet they know the entire selectio...
Pre-intermediate | Can't Get To Sleep
02 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Having trouble falling asleep? Anxious before bed? Well unfortunately we can't solve these problems for you - but what we can do is teach you how to d...
Upper-intermediate | Black Market Gun Deal
28 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Despite our cheerful demeanor, even we have a dark side. This lesson features one (soon-to-be-unlucky) man attempting to buy a firearm (illegally). Wh...
Intermediate | I'm Pregnant!
25 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
'Bun in the oven' lost something when you tried to translate it to 'baozi in a steamer basket.' In this podcast, learn how to break the news to your s...
Pre-intermediate | I Don't Feel Well 我不舒服
23 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This lesson introduces dialog that expresses how to communicate when someone doesn't look well and when someone one has an upset stomach. The vocabula...
Upper-intermediate | An Athlete's Strengths And Weaknesses
21 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Being a true fan of any sport requires you to have a slightly deeper knowledge of participating athletes than "he runs really fast" or "she jumps real...
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 ...