ChinesePod - Beginner

While the writer cannot believe “grits” and “biscuits and gravy” were not included on the list of an “American Breakfast,” his contract stipulates that he still has to write this. So, (begrudgingly) here’s a lesson on that oh-so-important first meal. And if you don’t fancy having rice or noodles with your morning coffee, listen carefully to this podcast to learn how to ask for what you’re craving...

What kind of movies do you like watching. Do you prefer romantic comedies, or perhaps sci-fi movies. Listen in to these two friends discuss their favourites. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2639

Everyone's always looking forward to their next holiday, but when is it again? Next month? Next week? To help figure it out, in this lesson, we discuss holidays and how to talk about dates and time. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2048

We’re all about the classics here – Chuck Taylors, Pong, New Coke, the lot. So why not help you out with the classic question: “what are you doing?” Why not, indeed! Listen to this podcast and learn it in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0372

Does steamed white rice have taste? Well, some of us seem to think so. However, there are those who just can't resist drizzling a bit of soy sauce over it to add a bit of flavor. In this elementary lesson, two friends discuss putting soy sauce on rice. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2046

To some, a trip to the hair salon is a delight. To others, it's a nerve-racking experience with a good chance of coming out with some awful haircut. Add to this the fact that this might be your first experience having to converse entirely in Chinese. Fear not; with ChinesePod, we can make your visit to the salon an enjoyable one. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2630

Again, you don’t have to use ChinesePod for everyday tasks, but it helps. Take, for instance, making copies. The putting down of said document next to blank document and using a finger to indicate (with a dramatic arch) what is on one, needs to go on the other could work, Mr. “Arching-Finger Hidden-Embarrassment” (1/2 of our staff didn’t get that), or you could just listen in to this podcast to le...

When you first venture to a foreign country, the first thing you'll need to do is find somewhere to live. This lesson will arm you with all the vocabulary that you will need to haggle with your Chinese landlord, or at least the basics. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2620

“It’s not what you said; it’s the tone in which you said it!” By now, you’ll know the importance (and occasional frustration) of the tones in Mandarin Chinese, but even the best find themselves in a pickle when 2 third tones in a row causes a tone change… Confused? Good thing we decided to make a lesson out of it. Listen to this podcast to become the Chinese tone master you always dreamed of being...

Oh sure, we say “karaoke” and you laugh and think about making a fool out of yourself in front of 200 others at the bar who all chimed in on the chorus to “Proud Mary.” But here it’s serious business. So how in the world can you explain in Mandarin Chinese to your demanding hosts that you really can’t, won’t and don’t sing? By listening to this podcast. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/036...

If you haven't been in this situation, you haven't been in China long. There are just some times when you wait and you wait, but the food you order never arrives. So when you call to inquire, you're told that it's coming "right away." Learn all the key language in this Chinese lesson. How tough you want to get is up to you. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2026

“Soooo… who’s the eye-candy on your arm?” See, ChinesePod is used to these questions, as we only hire “hot-cakes.” So, what do you say to an old acquaintance when you’re seen hand in hand with your spouse? (This is your cue to press play). In this podcast, learn how to tell someone that you got hitched, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0365

“Thanks,” you say (in Chinese). “Goodness me! Your ability to master the language is amazing!” comes the response. So now what do you say? “Yes, actually it’s all due to ChinesePod”? As much as we’d like to think you’d promo us, we’re quite sure a podcast with a Chinese lesson on “playing down” your Mandarin would be more appropriate. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0348

Invented in Japan in the 80's, these marvels of human ingenuity have become more and more popular in recent years, especially with the food scandals of late. Listen in as a friend discusses her new purchase. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2615

Sure, you're studying Chinese. We all know that. But are you a casual learner, or are you hardcore? And by that, I mean, "how many lessons do you have per week?" Learn what every student needs to be able to answer in this lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2023

Yes, you’re a go-getter, self-starter, and outside-the-box thinker. But even you might need the occasional hand… especially at the office. So, not that you need it, but here’s a podcast with a Mandarin Chinese lesson on asking someone if they have time to give you a hand. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0361

When catching a train in a Chinese city, you need to know which train station you're leaving from. Cities will often have several train stations, and they are often nowhere near each other. In this lesson, a traveler in Shanghai is surprised to find that his taxi driver asks him which train station he wants to go to. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2042

It's that time of the year when you step on the scales and realise you have piled on the pounds. But don't worry. You have a whole year to drop that extra tire. Listen to this lesson and learn all about losing weight in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2610

Do you know how to say "terracotta warriors" in China? Any studious student has to know this word, and be warned, the Chinese is quite different from the English. History buffs also take note: Xi'an is a Chinese city that demands your attention. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2017

China's known for its fried rice; it's not known for its hot dogs. Still, there are plenty of spots in the Middle Kingdom to grab one these days. Of course, not everybody has an appetite for them... Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2044

Nobody likes taking too much with them when traveling. However, some of us just don't like washing their clothes when on the road. This lesson concerns to friends discussing how much clothing they're bringing on a trip and why. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2040

While on your side of the world a “waving one hand while the other rests on the belly” gesture indicates “no more,” here it’s taken more as a challenge. Now, feel free to either use the previous lesson on “throwing up,” or perhaps unbutton that brain for one more helping of ChinesePod. In this podcast, learn how to insist, in Mandarin Chinese, that you’re really, really full. Episode link: https:/...

Ah the income gap - a prevalent issue in China and many other parts of the world. Most of us are struggling forward to rise to the next income bracket (and studying Chinese might just be the boost you need to get there!). In this lesson we will be discussing differences between the rich and the poor. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2035

So, you got a little sick being flung around the backseat of that cab on the way over? Now, some poor cab driver is freezing his long-nailed fingers off washing off that back right side of his car, since you didn’t give him a heads up you were about to throw up. So, listen to this podcast. Yes, only at ChinesePod, a Mandarin Chinese lesson on hurling. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0354

“So… you’ll never guess who I bumped into! You know, about 5′8″, dark hair….” Yeah, good luck with that. We’re thinking that a lesson on describing people would help out– and we’re all about helping. In this podcast, learn how to describe people, using Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0341