ChinesePod - Intermediate

Don't make the short-sighted mistake of dismissing the many miniscule denominations of Chinese currency jingling around at the bottom of your pocket just because they are worth, say, one one-thousandth or so of a US cent. In no time, you'll be fighting tooth and nail over that self same mao, jiao or fen, finding yourself at a total impasse with that shopkeeper you think is stealing your shirt. In...

While it might come as a shock to you that “bunny ears” are not considered “photographically sound,” we’re sure that your composition and lighting are spot on. So, let’s see you follow a Mandarin lesson on the basic rules of the lens. In this podcast, learn to talk about the techniques and art of photography, using Mandarin Chinese. (Any photoshopping of John’s head to make it seem bigger than his...

The artist-formerly-known-but-has-since-changed-it-back-so-we-assume-it’s-okay-to-call-him-Prince sang about “Pop Life.” Iggy loved it so much he took it on as his surname. It even inspired a form of candy that still (if mixed with Coca-Cola) will kill you. So why wouldn’t we jump on the “pop” bandwagon and talk about its influence in China? In this podcast, DJ Krazy Ken and Mixmaster Jenny do jus...

It’s been estimated that dogs have the ability to understand a vocabulary of around 200 words. So when you come to China, you’ll find out pretty quickly that that Chinese Shar-Pei dog really doesn’t know what you mean when you say “down boy” in English. In this lesson, learn about some of man’s best friend’s very particular personality traits, and some tips on dog training, in Mandarin Chinese. An...

In the north, you’ll find yourself in a maze of “hutongs.” In Shanghai it’s the “longtang.” In this podcast, we’ll open the regional door and lead you through the ChinesePod courtyard in a tale of two city abodes. You will learn about the styles of housing and streets in old China, and how to talk about them using Mandarin Chinese Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0199

Now, back home, an open liquor bottle on your desk might get you a one-way ticket to Palookaville, but in China, a little “báijiǔ” at the end of the meeting is all part of the deal. In this podcast, Ken and Jenny give a lesson about how business gets done in China. You will learn to talk about doing business in Mandarin Chinese, and the dialogue will help you not only learn Chinese, but also learn...

So you arrive in China, map in hand and hundreds of ChinesePod lessons echoing through your head. But you soon find that all the places you want to go and see have a very different name in Chinese than they do in that guidebook. There’s always room for another lesson in your head, so listen in to this podcast and learn what some of China’s top tourist spots are, and how to say them in Mandarin Chi...

In the mid-80’s, you responded with a resounding “YES, I AM” to NKOTB’s query of “Are you tuff enuf?” Now, we’re still sure it rings true, but just in case you need to have a lil’ come-to-Jesus meeting with some less-than-productive employees, you’ll be able to do it using Mandarin Chinese as well (after this lesson, of course)! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0181

Animal metaphors are prevalent in almost every language, but people from different cultures may regard the same animal differently. In Chinese proverbs, you will see a lot of animal metaphors to symbolize human actions. In this lesson, we're showing you three common proverbs related to mice. They can be directly translated to "A cat that can catch mice doesn't purr", "A blind cat meets a dead mous...

What do you get up to before and after work or class? Learn how to ask and answer about morning routines and activities after work. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/3089

Should cinemas supply 3D glasses free of charge? 现在越来越多的电影院已经不再为消费者提供免费的3D眼镜了。可是消费者究竟应不应该自己为3D眼镜买单呢？这样的举措究竟是环保，还是强制消费？来听听今天的讨论吧。 Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4567

Animal metaphors are prevalent in almost every language, but people from different cultures may regard the same animal differently. In Chinese proverbs, you will see a lot of animal metaphors to symbolize human actions. In this lesson, we're showing you three common proverbs related to fish. They can be directly translated to "You cannot get both the fish and a bear's paw", "Either the fish dies o...

It’s always difficult to find the right words of comfort when a friend’s loved one has passed away. It’s many times more difficult when you have to do it in Mandarin. In this podcast, learn the right Chinese phrases for consoling your friend during that painful time. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0463

With the popularity of the previous lesson on visiting the doc (a lot more popular than actually visiting the doc), we decided that a health-laden week was in order. In this podcast, Nurse John and Candy Striper Jenny teach you words in Mandarin Chinese about First Aid. Open up and say: ‘Mandarin on your terms’. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0171

Animal metaphors are prevalent in almost every language, but people from different cultures may regard the same animal differently. In Chinese proverbs, you will see a lot of animal metaphors to symbolize human actions. In this lesson, we're showing you three common proverbs related to pigs. They can be directly translated to "Men are afraid of being famous, just as pigs are afraid of getting fat"...

Situation: You’re working on a document at your office and your computer suddenly freezes up. What do you do? 1. Flail arms around until someone notices, make the “bbbrrrrrrrrr” sound, rub arms and then stand in a “frozen” position. 2. Listen to a lesson on telling someone your computer froze up. …never thought we’d say this, but we’re kind of hoping you opt for the first (we archive these lessons...

You’ll get here and pay 15 yuan for a DVD and wonder why people laugh when you tell them. We don’t want people laughing at you--thus the lesson of the art of the haggle. In this podcast learn some hard-core bargaining phrases in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0166

If they can make penicillin out of moldy bread, surely college made something out of you, right? In this podcast, Jenny takes the reins (with Ken there to help) talking about studies, and post-graduation plans in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0066

A few cultural tips on “personal upkeep” here: 1. Most Chinese bathe at night. 2. Chairman Mao used tea to brush his teeth. 3. Toilet paper is thrown in a wastebasket. …more, you say? More it is – listen to this podcast and learn about washing your face, brushing your teeth and more, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0227

To be honest, we have had this lesson ready to go for a month, and would like to say we timed it for the first week of Germany’s World Cup Football events--but it simply took 30-odd days to explain the sport to our North American staff. Nonetheless, for this podcast put on that foam finger and learn how to talk trash to the other countries teams’ fans in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www...

Sure, Simon pierced many a hope with his sharp Cockney tongue, but no “Pop Idol”, nor its 1000 spin-off shows grabbed a country by its (silk) lapels and held as much attention as this year’s “Supergirl”. In this podcast, Ken (“Super Host”) and Jenny (“Super Hot”, according to your emails) chat about the phenomenon. In this lesson, you will learn how to talk about movie stars, TV shows, and famous...

How and where did “chow main” get its name? “Kung Pao” is a dish and not a (brilliant) film? Someone must have their mouth full of “kuaizi” and not the proper tones. However, not to worry…in this podcast Ken takes off the apron strings and Jenny puts down that ladle for a Mandarin Chinese lesson on cooking. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0173

In Wu Cheng’en’s novel “Journey to the West”, a hero was born…in the form of a monkey. In this podcast, Jenny and Aggie offer up Mandarin Chinese insight on the character gracing television sets, subway adverts and washing liquids…not to mention our Jenny triples her already massive fan base by singing “Only You”…gosh, we’re good. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0151

Animal metaphors are prevalent in almost every language, but people from different cultures may regard the same animal differently. In Chinese proverbs, you will see a lot of animal metaphors to symbolize human actions. In this lesson, we're showing you three common proverbs related to snakes. They can be directly translated to "Hit the snake 7 inches below its head", "Once got bitten by the snake...

In China, having a meal with clients is not just eating. Everything is related to the business. That's why learning table manners is so important. In this lesson, we’re going to learn what we can say when we are eating. Let's get started! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4362