ChinesePod - Intermediate

The rising cost of food is a social issue that can't be ignored. You'll hear the average Zhou on the street talking about it, and you'll see it on the news. But what happens when you put the two together? What are the Chinese viewer reactions to this kind of news? Tune in to this lesson to find out. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1563

Being a parent means making tough decisions all the time. In today's podcast, we'll be learning about a very important parenting moment in an age-old debate: are righties smarter than lefties? Or vice versa? The parents in this dialog struggle with old Chinese stereotypes and try to respect the individuality of their toddler. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1343

At least for the time being, a lot of things are cheaper in China than in the West. One that might not immediately come to mind is laser eye surgery. But is it safe? How is it viewed and discussed in Chinese society? Listen in to this lesson for a modern Chinese take. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1553

Today we're leaving behind the rats, monkeys and tigers of the Chinese zodiac for Leo, Taurus and Sagittarius. Find out how to discuss your own sign, and learn how to ask someone else theirs. Who knows, you might even pick up some flirting tips! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1341

"Second-hand" isn't just one option when buying a bicycle; for many consumers, it's a whole way of life. In this lesson, we cover a range of topics, from broken-down bikes to second-hand philosophy. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1548

We've all been there: you're in the middle of a big project, you're about to save, and... nothing. Your computer is frozen. Nothing to do but shout in anger and beg the tech. department to come over and see what the bigger problem is. A virus? A hardware issue? Tune in today to learn how to describe computer problems and how to ask for help. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/133...

How do you provide healthcare for a population of 1.4 billion? We don't know either, but this lesson takes a look at the more practical side of the issue: just getting a prescription filled. The Chinese process is a bit different from that of the west, so listen in to learn the Chinese way to get those meds. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1542

If you've been to China, you will have noticed the lack of fire detectors in homes and office buildings. We won't be solving this problem with today's ChinesePod lesson, but we will be providing you with the language tools to alert others if there is a fire. You'll also be learning how to ask for a fire extinguisher! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1334

Crank your amps up to 11; it's time for band practice! In this lesson you'll learn the Chinese to talk about getting ready for the big show, busting out with that sweet guitar solo, and even the possibility of making it big. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1538

We're in for a treat today - foot massages! But not just any foot massages... these will be medicinal foot soaks. Learn all about how the foot relates to other parts of the body - and how taking care of your feet might even help your stomach (huh)? Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1331

Adults that still live with their parents long past the time when they were expected to be financially independent are said to be "gnawing on the old" in Mandarin Chinese. In this lesson, hear how a member of this clan interacts with his parents (who don't particularly enjoy the gnawing). Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1534

It's intimidating enough meeting your spouse's family... today we're meeting the whole extended family, titles, relationships and all. After studying this lesson, you'll have the tools you need to feel comfortable in any Chinese family gathering! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1324

The days of the "iron rice bowl" are long gone, a daughter reminds her mother in this lesson. Just as in many other parts of the world, modern Chinese young people aren't staying with any one employer for too long. Find out more about this viewpoint on the Chinese job market in this lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1528

What better way to spend an hour on Saturday than soaking your fingers, getting your hands massaged, and coming home with beautifully manicured nails? And did you know - manicures aren't just for women! Check out today's lesson to arm yourself to confidently walk into a Chinese nail salon and get a lovely French manicure. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1315

What goes on in a Chinese bath house? Maybe not all of it is fit for a family podcast, but in this lesson a husband insists that bath houses are rapidly becoming popular (and legitimate) places to make business deals. Listen in on the debate and learn some useful Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1523

Everyone likes free money, right? But is there really such a thing as free money? Join us at ChinesePod today as we go shopping - and receive some vouchers that are tempting... too tempting! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1312

Ah, taxes... one of the few certainties in life, and the bane of our existence. Unfortunately, learning all the little quirks of the Chinese tax system doesn't make the whole ordeal any more fun in China. Listen in to this lesson, and we can help you out with the Mandarin Chinese side of the equation, at least. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1517

As children we're told not to judge a book by its cover. That being said, if you spend hours, days, perhaps even weeks finding just the right Christmas gift for someone, do you want to give up at the home-stretch and wrap it in a brown paper bag? Of course not! Listen to this ChinesePod lesson to make sure you know how to get the perfect wrapping paper suitable for your perfect gift! Episode l...

In August 7, 2010, there was a terrible mudslide in Gansu Province. In this lesson we hear not only a newscast related to the natural disaster, but also the reactions of some average Chinese people with relatives in Gansu. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1513

Now that it's cold out, sitting around a boiling pot of broth for hours on end doesn't seem like such a bad idea. On the contrary! It is a very appealing style of eating (which also accounts for the long lines at hot pot restaurants all over town right now). Learn how to talk hot pot in today's delicious ChinesePod lesson! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1303

Do you know the story of the Frog Prince? Do you know the Chinese chengyu about frogs and wells? In this lesson, hear a children's fairytale infused with Chinese cultural characteristics, and also get a little dose of Middle Kingdom morals. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1508

Ever found yourself running late, navigating an unknown place, trying to find the address you had scribbled down in front of you? Well today we're in this very situation, and our directions are all off! Learn how to ask for directions (and to criticize someone for completely messing up the directions)! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1299

Do you know all the work that goes into maintaining a rice paddy? And can you talk about it in Mandarin Chinese? In this lesson, a visitor to the countryside learns about both the hard labor and the simple pleasures to be found outside of China's urban areas. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1502

Some people are minimalists, others are pack-rats. When it comes to moving house, you'd better hope your the former and not the latter! Join us today as we call up a moving company to find out just how to get stuff out of one apartment and into another! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1292

Foreigners everywhere are working hard at learning Chinese. Unfortunately, many of those sincere students find themselves learning from boring, poorly designed material. In this lesson we take a look at this issue from the angle of the school and the teachers, who are asking each other: what can we do to make these Chinese classes more interesting? Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1498