ChinesePod - Beginner

Flu season is upon us. Don your surgical mask, get jacked up on Vitamin C, and embrace obsessive-compulsive disorder in any form that involves non-stop hand sterilization. Someone's a-sneezing and if you don't watch out, it's gonna be you. In this lesson, learn to discern if that sneezer is a harbinger of colds to come, in Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1039

Northeastern Chinese are known for their hearty appetites and hilarious accents. In today's Mandarin podcast, let's look at a few specialties from China's northeast. Learn how to talk in Mandarin about the cooking and culture of China's Rustbelt. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1185

One foot on the platform, the other foot on the train. Listen to today's Chinese podcast and learn how to talk all about those fateful few moments before the locomotive rolls on out -- in Mandarin. All aboard! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1035

Taiwan deserves its reputation as Foodie Heaven. In today's podcast, we'll talk in Chinese about some Taiwanese specialties. Learning Mandarin is much more fun on a full stomach. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1161

Life in China is go-go-go. Be it taxi, bicycle, moped or bus number 11, chances are you're going places. In this podcast, learn how to use your Chinese to say you are 'on the way'... here, there, or anywhere. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1027

China is a country of diverse eating and drinking habits. In today's podcast, you'll learn how to talk in Mandarin about avoiding foods for religious reasons. If you don't dig on swine, this is the lesson for you. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1136

You want to be polite. But after a day of sightseeing in vinyl shoes, you are slightly apprehensive of the Chinese tradition of taking off one's shoes. Plus the slippers look like they are about four inches too short. What will you do? Learn in your sweaty socked anxiety how to ask your host apprehensively... 'Do I need to take off my shoes?' in Chinese... hopefully in a tone of voice...

In today's podcast, our Hungry Travelers are off to Inner Mongolia. Grab a leg of lamb, and slurp down some milk tea, and learn all about this hearty food in Chinese! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1106

First impressions. Intent stares. Is he sizing up the map of your face--determining your future wealth, lack of it, sexual prowess, eyebrow hair luck factor? Or is he just trying to decipher your nin hao? In this lesson, get introduced to your friend's father, and learn the Chinese equivalent of a firm handshake, in Mandarin. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0998

The city on West Lake is beloved across China for its romantic atmosphere, glorious history, and tasty cuisine. In this podcast, let's take a culinary excursion to the lovely city of Hangzhou. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1060

You can't understand the cows 'mou', the chicken's 'gege,' the sheep's 'miemie,' the horse's 'huirhuir,' nor the pig and its incessant 'hengheng.' In China, you even need a translator for the animals. The good thing is, they mostly look the same. In this podcast, learn how to ask about animals, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.c...

Peking, Khanbaliq, Yanjing, Beijing. No matter what you call it, the city is a paradise for foodies. From snacks to banquets, you'll find it here. Get the low down on the foods of Beijing for your listening and eating pleasure, and learn how to say them in Chinese. Are you ready to eat? A capital idea! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1018

While you may not relish your walk up five flights of stairs six times a day, think of it as a pre-Huangshan hike training ground. Or the third stage of your triathlon-esque commute home. The way to stairmaster-free nice buttocks. After all, the elevator-less buildings of China were the breeding ground for the likes of Yao Ming and Liu Xiang. So, lift those knees, and get buzzed up to the fifth fl...

We call it Szechuan, they call it Sichuan. Does Ants on a Tree really come with ants? Was it just a novelty dish? All just a joke on the American public? Well, now is your chance to find out. Learn about the Chinese cuisine embraced the world over: the hot and spicy Sichuan. And while you're at it, add a few more dishes to your ordering repertoire. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0968

You know the signs. A mass of people, ten deep, reminiscent of a football huddle. A flying chair. A lot of arguing and pointing and yelling, but nary a punch thrown. Yes, it is the China street argument. Whether you're a looky-loo, or more of the steal-a-furtive-glance type, listen to this Chinese lesson and join in on the biggest spectator sport in urban China. Episode link: https://www.chine...

Our hungry traveler ventures off to the "Hawaii of China" for some much needed R&R. An island resort in China you say? It's true that Hainan's resort destination, Sanya, has flown under the radar to most of the western world, but it has all the requirements of an island getaway. When you tire of the sun, sand, and coconut tree hammocks, a world of seafood and tropical fruit a...

Fabric markets, little shops, department stores, Taobao... cheap and cheerful clothes abound in China. You're feeling like a knock-out in your knock-offs, and now that you're going to be looking so pretty, better learn how to accept a compliment. In this podcast, learn how to comment on clothing, and how to respond, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0978

When you mix a Portuguese bun with a Chinese egg roll, what do you get? Is there any hope of a compatible union for these two unlikely partners in calories? This edition of the Hungry Traveler takes us to the shores of Macao. The Las Vegas of China, where one can only hope to find all-you-can-eat buffets filled with this kind of fare... Work up an appetite listening to this podcast on the cuisine...

Thought of as 'petite' in your homeland, as you browse the corner shoe store, you are alarmed to find that the only thing you can get your dainty foot into is a florescent orange counterfeit men's 'Croc' clog. Things aren't looking up anytime soon, so listen to this podcast to learn how to ask for your size in Chinese, and to accept the fact that your fruitless quest will e...

In another edition of the Hungry Traveler, we find ourselves in HK. The city full of millionaires, movie stars, fast cars, and... food! It's all about the dim sum baby. When you hear that squeaky cart roll by your table, you have to think fast. Decisions... decisions. What culinary delights will our traveler select? Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0911

Here is a Chinese lesson for all those morning people out there that we love to hate. A few chipper 'good mornings' to start off the day. You can shout them out your window to those neighbors who love to rise at the screech of dawn for a powwow outside your window. In this lesson, learn all kinds of greetings a la Mandarin. You'll be hello-ing and beyond in no time! Episode link: https...

One man's meat is another man's poison. In this edition of 'The Hungry Traveler' we journey to the cuisine oft adored by westerners and somewhat spurned by those of a more Shanghai palate. Did you ever think of Chinese food as chewy flatbreads, cumin-crusted kebabs, and spicy curries? Welcome to Xinjiang... the marvelous cuisine that is the best kept culinary secret of China. Episo...

A wee baby learning to talk. His first word, a loving 'mama.' The second, 'dada.' And then comes the 'gimme, gimme, gimme.' Well, you have to start somewhere. In this podcast, learn the phrase that will help you get what you want, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0966

Some cuisines should come with a fire marshall's warning. Not to fear, a cup of hot tea will be standing by to quell the flames. In this new series, we visit the red hot pastures of Hunan province--the spicy province living in the shadow of better known big brother Sichuan. You'll love or loathe us for introducing you to the food of this region. Listen to this podcast then get yourself to...

Rub-a-dub-dub four tones in the tub. Bath time just got more fun and your old repertoire of songs to shower by just expanded. In this podcast, lather up and learn how to take a shower, Chinese-style. Also included, for those with long-showering, hot water user-upper roommates: learn how to stage phantom phone calls from love interests. Sure to get them out in a hurry. Episode link: https://www.chi...