ChinesePod - Intermediate

Upper-intermediate | A Jizhou Child's Warning

18 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you find yourself perplexed, fear not that your Chinese comprehension is going down. Rather, this series is just messing with your mind. In this my...

Intermediate | Lili and Zhang Liang 3: The Jealous Friend

15 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The “lucky color” red doesn’t go well with green--especially when the latter is brought on by a fit of jealousy. Catching up with girlfriend/boy...

Pre-intermediate | Interested in Chinese Medicine

13 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What are you interested in? Even if it's not traditional Chinese medicine, you're going to want to know how to ask that question and how to answer it....

Upper-intermediate | Familiar Face in Jizhou

11 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Lost meets Fantasy Island, missing person sighting. Follow along with Wentao and Zhao Lu as the mystery thickens in Jizhou. Yes, it...

Intermediate | Lili and Zhang Liang 2: Growing Affections

08 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

No matter where/who you are, the “laying it on thick” stage of the (almost) relationship is the same in any language. So how does boyfriend-to-be ...

Pre-intermediate | Favorites

06 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do you keep track of your preferred websites by putting them in your Favorites? Listen in as a daughter teaches her father how to bookmark his favorit...

Upper-intermediate | Missing Persons in Jizhou

04 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Though they haven't found the 'hatch' yet, the secrets of Jizhou are starting to reveal themselves to our mystified loved-one seekers. In this podcast...

Intermediate | Lili and Zhang Liang 1: A Fated Meeting

01 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s the classic (21st century, Chinese) love tale: a couple meets online (QQ, most likely), start talking (BBS, no doubt) and then meet in person f...

Pre-intermediate | What does she look like?

29 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

So that friend that could never get a girlfriend finally got one. The immediate question is, "what does she look like?" Of course, it's a useful quest...

Upper-intermediate | Arrival in Jizhou

27 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You've heard of 'Lost', 'The Twilight Zone', and ChinesePod's famous 'Alien Abduction'... but, have you heard of Jizhou? The place where eerie flutes ...

Intermediate | Rome

24 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When in China... learn about Rome! Today's podcast takes us on a tour of this famous Italian city. Come along on our trip as we hit the Coliseum... bu...

Pre-intermediate | No Tampons?!

22 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This is a situation you girls living in China will be able to relate to: trying to find a place that sells tampons! Since tampons are generally not re...

Upper-intermediate | Rating Restaurants on Dianping

20 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Zagat? Fodors? Frommers? Michelin? No, no, and no. Trust the most food-centric culture there is. Every holiday, gathering, birthday, birth, death, and...

Intermediate | Using A Dictionary

17 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With 80,000 total characters (and the majority of words needing at least 2), you might enlist some help along the way. Yes, ChinesePod will be with yo...

Pre-intermediate | Practicing Kung Fu

15 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You don't have to know much Chinese to get started with your all-Chinese kung fu lessons; in fact, you don't have to know any. A little language prep ...

Upper-intermediate | Buying On Taobao

13 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You've developed Enochiophobia from your last venture into a Saturday department store. However, your underwear has holes and your jean supply is non-...

Intermediate | Public Speaking Tips

10 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A foreigner who speaks Chinese is sometimes a circus side show. Be prepared for the hoopla that may follow you when you become the second Dashan. Prep...

Pre-intermediate | Changing the Plate

08 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What should you do with the plate when it is full? Have you ever been stuck not knowing how to ask for a new one in Mandarin? In this lesson, get equi...

Upper-intermediate | Getting a Driver's License

06 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This lesson does not constitute in any way, shape or form any advocation, promotion, condoning of, nor in any way comprehension of the notion of forei...

Intermediate | Cooking Wings

03 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Granted, it goes against everything we stand for (at least the Southern boy Granted, it goes against everything we stand for (at least the Southern bo...

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...