ChinesePod - Intermediate

年夜饭 Nián yèfàn is the large family dinner that kick-starts the festive season. It happens the night before the start of the Chinese New Year (Spring Festival). In this lesson we learn about some of the foods eaten at this time, some traditions, and also how some people like to eat out instead of going home. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2836

Everyone loves receiving gifts, no matter the occasion they're celebrating or the country they're living in. Gift-giving in China, however, can get slightly complicated if you don't know a few basic rules. Listen in to today's Qing Wen and learn some essential tips that will help you maintain "face" at various celebratory events. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/7233

Making dinner to welcome in the Chinese New Year is no easy feat. The chef needs to prepare at least a dozen dishes, many of which have special significance. In this lesson, a mother and her daughter discuss their Chinese New Year feast and all the essential dishes. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2367

Christmas is just around the corner and we have all got our festive sweaters on, but we in the office have an age out conundrum to solve. What to get your colleagues and family for Xmas. In this dialogue, they have clearly run out of all good ideas. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2599

If rice is the staple of the Chinese diet, then the electric rice cooker is the staple of the Chinese kitchen. In this lesson, learn about the range of options available to the rice cooker shopper, and which features are most important to the discriminating Chinese consumer. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1492

Many people have already experienced blizzard-like conditions this year, but for those of you who have yet to see snowfall in your neck of the woods, this lesson's for you! Tune in to learn how to describe the year's first snow. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1579

You've just graduated high school and you have your whole life ahead of you. It's time to start thinking about what you'll study in university. What happens when you choose a course of study that your parents don't approve of? Learn how to talk about this important life decision in today's lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1447

Grab your apples and honey, because we've got a sweet Mandarin lesson lined up for you. In today's Chinese podcast, we're looking at Rosh Hashanah, often called the "Jewish New Year." Jews and Gentiles alike will find something useful and interesting in this Mandarin lesson. Shofar, sho-good! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1250

Today's lesson takes us on a blind date. It may be a little awkward at first, but in the end we'll be learning all about non-governmental organizations, or NGO's, and what they do. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1443

Here's a question: What's the price you pay for a healthy, home-made dinner? No, we're not talking about a conversation with your significant other. We're talking about washing the dishes when you get done. Learn how to talk about grease and detergent in Mandarin Chinese in this podcast. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1225

We're off to the stables today for a little exercise with some four-legged friends. Today's show focuses on a class with a riding instructor - you'll be learning all about taking commands from teachers and interacting with horses in Chinese! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1435

A day at the amusement park -- what fun! In today's Mandarin lesson, learn how to talk about this exciting and light-hearted way to spend a summer day. Learn the Chinese for roller-coaster, Ferris wheel, and "Yay!" Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1217

Our not-so-outdoorsey couple managed to stray from the group in part 1 of this series. In today's lesson learn how to talk about survival in the wilderness in Mandarin Chinese as they discuss their plans for staying safe and fed. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1462

In this Chinese lesson, we're off to a land of sun and fun: the Philippines. Follow us to Manila, where we use Chinese to talk about everything from mango juice to sunsets. Tune in to today's podcast and find out more about this beautiful, romantic city. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1213

Sometimes you just need to get out of the city. In today's lesson, a couple plans a weekend camping trip, which ends up getting a little more complicated than expected. We hope you packed provisions! This might be a longer trip than originally thought... Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1439

Baijiu, the Chinese liquor, tastes so bad that you need something to take your mind off the foul burning that is coating your mouth and throat. Why not play some drinking games? In today's Mandarin podcast, you'll learn all about how to win face and make friends over a few rounds of watery beer. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1208

We've got a lesson rich in culture for you today. We'll be delving into the world of high art. You'll learn how to talk about art and how to talk about the authenticity of artwork. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1427

In this soggy job market, it's hard just to get a job interview. But if you do, you need to be able to talk about your strengths, short-comings, and unrealistic salary expectations. If you can do this in Mandarin Chinese, so much the better! In today's Mandarin podcast, you'll learn how to ace your next Chinese job interview. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1192

Most people dislike going to the dentist. Kids are certainly no exception! Once their baby teeth have fallen out, it's time for braces, retainers and all sorts of fun stuff. Find out more in today's lesson! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1425

There's nothing more frustrating than waiting for a delivery. In today's podcast, learn the Mandarin Chinese you need to prod and cajole your hard-working delivery person. It may not make him any faster, but it will let you blow off some steam as you wait for him to deliver those Liza Minnelli tickets. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1183

For anyone who has ever woken up to find their car covered in sand, the situation covered in today's lesson will be a familiar one. In some parts of the world, like Italy, France, and northern China, sandstorms are a part of the weather, even if the nearest desert lies hundreds of miles away. Today we'll be teaching you how to discuss this very particular meteorological phenomenon. Episode link: h...

Don't try to manage too many small details. That's what you have subordinates for! In today's lesson, learn how to use Mandarin Chinese to delegate responsibilities. That will leave you more time for the important stuff, like working on your golf swing. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1176

We're in New York today, deep in the headquarters of the UN. Listen as an insider describes his work with this preeminent international organization. You'll be learning some key vocabulary for talking about international affairs and diplomacy. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1414

The Chinese love their tea. Today's Mandarin lesson will teach you all about the fragrant infusion of that wondrous leaf. Put the kettle on, get your best China cup, and get ready to talk about Chinese tea. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1169

There is a phenomenon in China called "mute English." You've probably met someone who has experienced this - someone who studied English (or any language, for that matter) but who just can't speak it! Well find out more about this in today's lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1412