ChinesePod - Beginner

Shopping is a great opportunity to practice your Chinese. In today's lesson, you'll learn a new way to say "how much is this?" so that you can prompt the shopkeeper to tell you about their deals and different pricing combos. You'll also learn how to play hardball to haggle your way to a good deal. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2695

As mentioned, we’re all quite aware that our Jenny is one of the most downloaded women on the net--but she’s also a hoot! How funny? Really funny… or our name isn’t “ChinesePod.” Which it is…so there you go. Listen in to this podcast and learn a Mandarin Chinese joke to tell at your next party. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0435

This lesson clearly shows how using different characters in Chinese (才cái VS 就 jiù) can switch the meaning of otherwise identical sentences. We hear two people discussing their sleeping habits and how the student feels it's early to get to sleep at 2am, whilst the working person thinks that's rather late. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2661

You see him stealing, you yell at people to draw attention, but all you can say is “bu hao ren,” which could make you come across a bit judgmental. So, the sooner you can shout “thief”, the sooner you can go back home a hero. Listen to this podcast and learn how to make your Mandarin Chinese come to the rescue. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0423

Not that we condone it (we learned that lesson before), but there’s a nice, and a not-so-nice way of lighting up. So, why not ask if it’s an appropriate “smoking area” beforehand? In this podcast, learn how to do just that, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0411

Meeting someone for the first time on a blind date can be an awkward experience as it is, especially when you don't know what they look like. In this lesson, we've decided to raise the stakes by making that first encounter in Chinese! Don't worry, it's easier than you think! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2068

Again, feel free to make your arms ttttttttttttttttttthhhhhhhhhiiiiiiiissssssss big, then point to yourself, and then to China, and then hold up fingers to let them know how long you’ve been in China and how long you’re staying… or, you could listen in to this podcast on how to differentiate between the two in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0409

The “big man” sets a deadline, but everyone decides that if they combine forces, they’ll be able to get it extended. But boss man didn’t get the corner office by being flexible, and says no. (The lesson is much more interesting than the description. Trust us.) In this podcast, learn an attempt at negotiating with the big boss over deadlines, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepo...

We can tell you from experience: the Chinese really have no clue about how crazy their mother tongue sounds to the rest of us. So while we're certainly not shocked that you might need things repeated again and again, the Chinese themselves are going to need that reminder. Repeatedly. Learn how to ask your kind, patient hosts to "say it again" in this lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.co...

Chinese class is over and it's time to have some fun. In this lesson, learn how to talk about getting out of class, telling time and playing sports. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2065

To drink the tap water, or not to drink; that is the question. In this podcast you will learn how to use Mandarin Chinese to warn someone not to drink the tap water; as well as how to ask what is wrong with it, and how to tell someone that the water is unsanitary. Not only that, but you will also learn how to thank someone for telling you! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0406

Seeing double or just looking at a pair of twins? It's a common practice the world over for the parents of twins to dress up their double bundles of joy in matching clothing. In this lesson, learn to talk about similarities and differences as someone is overtaken by the cuteness of a pair of twin babies. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2063

Do you have any questions? Of course you do! Because you're a good student, and good students always have questions. But just in case your question is, "how do you say 'do you have any questions,'" we've prepared this Chinese lesson just for you. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1988

You want to buy it, but you’re not sure if it’s sold by unit, package or weight. We want you to buy it (we’re secretly getting 15%), thus, the lesson on finding out how something is sold. In this podcast, learn how to ask how something is sold, using Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0413

Though quite likely the response in these parts on a given day may be typhoon, blizzard or hurricane, we're not going to teach you how to say those just yet. However, in this podcast you will learn how to get your way through this universal conversation starter in Mandarin Chinese. How's the weather? Get ready to be the life of the party when you pull this topic out of your sleeve. Episode link: h...

They didn’t get your “Just the fax, ma’am” joke, nor did they understand when you mimed the document flying across the little map in their office. So, in this podcast, how about we quickly teach you how to say send a fax in Mandarin Chinese, hmmm? Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0407

With certain cities in China being referred to as “the fiery furnaces” in summer due to their hot climate, when the temperature rises you just may find that asking someone to turn on the air conditioning becomes essential survival Chinese! In this podcast you will learn how to ask someone to turn on the air conditioning, and how to express that the temperature is “just right” in Mandarin Chinese....

Contrary to everything you thought you understood about the world up until now, no, grass is not made for walking on, rolling down, dog-frolicking, pant-knee-staining, smelling, or any other such frivolities. Though your laundress may be glad, your walk in the park may never be the same. Listen to this podcast, a whistle-blowing on those who dare to not 'keep off the grass.' Episode link: https://...

“They’re hanging in there with the chopsticks, aren’t they?” –Jerry Seinfeld Should you be the one that finally caves and simply has to ask for a fork, this one’s for you… quitter. In this podcast, learn to request cutlery in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0397

You haven’t really experienced Chinese culture until you’ve spent all night playing Mahjong with your friends. So do you know how to play? If not, listen and learn; in this podcast you will learn how to ask someone in Mandarin Chinese if they know how to play Mahjong. You will also learn how to say that you don’t play very well; and who knows, just like our friend in the dialogue, you may just get...

We're not talking about the Grammy Award winning female hip-hop artists who sang Push It, and we're not talking about MSG and chilies. We're talking about the most basic of basics and something you'll definitely need if you want a taste of home. In this podcast, you'll learn how to ask for salt and pepper in Mandarin Chinese. Of course, if you get meiyou'ed, that other world of taste enhancing cry...

Managers are a big deal in these parts. And you don't want to go calling them any old 'Mister.' In this podcast, learn how to address and introduce your manager in Chinese in the most efficient, face-giving manner possible. Sure to result in promotions, raises, slaps on the back, and right back at ya face-giving maneuvers. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1009

No doubt, you’ve heard from people how wonderful it is to come visit us. So how could you tell your colleagues you’re going on holiday? I mean, you could do it in English…or be that really annoying person who answers in Mandarin! In this podcast, learn to talk all about it, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0393

A vain flap of the hand. A loud throat clear. A futile effort at eye contact. You want a waiter and you want one now. How you gonna find one? That's right. Start hollering. Hey, you're not tipping so you get what you pay for. Here's how to ask your waiter to clear your dishes away, in Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1003

Scientific studies have proven that sleep improves memory. So jump into bed, and put your cold feet up against your significant other's warm leg. Start counting backwards from 500 in Chinese as you melt away into the happy happy land of dancing Chinese characters and Jenny and Ken's voices consolidating neurons in your head. This podcast will teach you the basics of good night! Episode link: https...