ChinesePod - Beginner

Despite our unbelievably good music taste (Ken likes anything he can do the “big box-little box” dance to; Jenny’s more of a country music gal), it wasn’t until our “80’s Office Party” that we realized we could make a lesson out of a Milli Vanilli ballad. In this retro-fueled podcast, we teach you how to tell that special someone that you miss them, using Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://ww...

COVID-19 has left many cities stuck in a halt. In this special podcast, Chi first takes a short tour in the "paused" New York City, one of the epicenters of the pandemic. He then interviews with Shun who is from Hubei - the region where COVID-19 first emerged. What are the positives we can get out of a lockdown situation? How do we make things better for everyone? Let's brainstorm together! Episod...

Being sick sucks, but being sick in Chinese really sucks. If you haven't lost your voice yet, get yourself down to the corner pharmacy for some relief. The smorgasbord of remedies range from the thick, boiled and black variety to something of the pill genre that you can't decipher from the box. But that 'pharmacist' behind the counter looks kinda trustworthy, no? Listen and learn more in order to...

How old are you? When an adult asks another adult this question, guessing games are likely to ensue. In this dialog, the question is met with just this kind of response. Learn the Chinese to ask this question, and pick up a coyly evasive (but simple!) response at the same time. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1752

Making a dinner reservation over the phone can be a daunting prospect, especially when restaurant on the other end of the line is exceptionally noisy and hard to understand. Thankfully, the exchange is actually fairly straightforward and scripted, and with the help of today's newbie lesson to break it down piece by piece, you'll be making reservations for you and your friends in no time! Episode l...

If you're the kind of person that even the alarm clock doesn't wake, then you'll have definitely experienced a conversation similar to this. Learn how to tell someone that you want to sleep that little bit longer. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2625

OK, so even if you haven't come to China to pursue that job as a door-to-door salesman, you may need to call on a Chinese friend. Learn the appropriate phrases for the person on each side of the door in this lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1712

You've had a wonderful time with your friends but you're worn out and ready to leave. It's time to go. But how do you break the news to your undoubtedly disappointed friends? Learn how to leave a social situation gracefully in Mandarin Chinese with today's newbie lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1890

Ah, the eternal question... do you like Shanghai, or do you like Beijing? It's a question that both Chinese and foreigners alike enjoy debating, and with the rapid development of both cities, it kind of feels like a new discussion every time. So take your first steps into this discussion in Chinese with this lesson! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1972

When you're in China, you're going to need to buy stuff. When you buy stuff, it's best to actually know how much money something costs rather than just blindly throwing money at the merchant. Learn how to ask how much things cost in today's newbie lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1966

Rise and shine! This newbie lesson involves a discussion about getting out of bed in the morning and getting off to school. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2037

Here's a Chinese lesson for all you students out there, who live and die (hopefully not die) by the academic calendar. One of the most pertinent questions for any student whose vacation is rapidly coming to an end is: "when does the new term begin?" Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1743

How do you use Chinese to say where you've been, and when you were there? In today's Mandarin lesson, you'll learn how to talk about where you were and when you went there. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1236

Today's Chinese podcast will teach you how to talk about your job or lack thereof. No matter whether you're an easy-living bohemian, a diligent student, or an uptight and mildly incompetent middle manager, ChinesePod can help you learn how to talk about your job in Mandarin. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1226

“Why are you here?” Not in a self-help sort of way, but more in explaining to your driver why you’re here exactly. In this, another podcast that could be considered our “Traveler’s Audio Phrase Book”, we’ll help you carry on that initial conversation in Mandarin Chinese with your ever-present built-in friend, the taxi driver. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0056

Ah, the home front. Any self-respecting Mandarin learner has their work cut out for them in deciphering the who's who of a Chinese family. And don't think the one-child policy makes things any easier. So, line 'em up, and get them all straight in this podcast which will enlighten you on the members of a Chinese family. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0676

In China, where eating is always the the central activity around which all else is planned, dinner with friends is the preferred way to socialize. So you'd best prepare yourself for dinner invitations and being treated to meals. Cover the basics in this Chinese lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1780

Chinese food is well known for its variety, and one of those variable factors is spiciness. In this Chinese lesson, learn how to clearly ask if something is spicy or not. Just don't complain to us if you can't handle the heat! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1707

Don't be surprised when your Chinese friends start asking you what you do on the weekends. (Foreigners are known to have riotously good times on the weekends, as faithfully reported by Hollywood.) In this lesson, learn how to make a connection and ask a friend in Mandarin Chinese what they are up to this weekend (AKA fishing for an invite). Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1692

So you've successfully communicated the address to the taxi driver, but as he approaches your final destination he needs a bit more help. Be sure you know the Chinese for "turn right" and "turn left" so you can avoid the extra "I couldn't explain exactly where to go so I ended up just getting out at the wrong place" walk of shame. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1271

You ever get in an elevator with someone you know and have nothing to say? Yeah, it's kinda... awkward. In Chinese as well. Just like in this lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1641

Do you often travel on business in China? Here's a Mandarin lesson that will help you to explain where you're going and when you'll be back. In this class we'll explain some useful phrases to use when you're traveling on business. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1256

In today's show Amber and guests talk about some racy and not-so-racy massages in China, as well as give you the scoop on how to go about renting an apartment when you arrive here. And a special treat--another interview with one of our very own Cpoddies, Madeleine Greey. She started her Mandarin-learning journey way back in the 80's, and tells us about her experiences in learning Chinese way-back-...

This week, the moment you've all been waiting for, our dear long-time poddie Bazza joins Amber and his beloved Jenny in the studio and tells all. Also, returning cohort Clay gives some insight into the male mind and Chinese girls... plus, just in time for flu season, we get the low-down on some interesting Chinese remedies for what ails you. Enjoy!  Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/CA...

This week on Dear Amber we hear firsthand from a student of Chinese about applying for scholarships to Chinese Universities. In addition, an interesting expose on nudity in China. And last but not least... DA cares! Watch your wallets... with Chinese New Year approaching, we give out some tips on preventing thievery on the streets. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/CA0011