Ask anyone who’s flown into Pudong Int’l Airport and we promise that the words “laid-back” and “relaxing” will never cross their lips. So should that suitcase full of Imodium AD and ChinesePod backup CDs go a-missing, this podcast will prepare you well. In this lesson you will learn how to say that you can’t find your luggage. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0226

We know all ChinesePod learners wanna look cool, so when we realized you might leave the house wearing something a little lacking that “je ne sais quoi”, we immediately put together a lesson to aid you with that conversation. You can’t have “ChinesePod” without “C-H-I-C”, so in this podcast learn all about what suits you, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0149

Things that will get you the best seat in the “jia”: 1. Saying “I love Yao Ming!” 2. Saying “I love Chinese food!” 3. Saying “I love China” So, for those who don’t know of giant basketball players, or who haven’t yet ventured out into the “hairy crab” food section, in this podcast we’ll make sure you know how to confess your love for the P.R.C. in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0221

Any one of us here will tell you the golden rule of dining: Never, we mean never, ask what kind of meat it is. So, should you care to counter that “Mystery Meat” with something that came from the earth, of course it’s ChinesePod to the rescue. In this podcast, we help you to learn how to use Mandarin Chinese to ask for something green--before you turn that same color. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0146

If your height, hair color, eyelashes, and big feet somehow don’t scare off the kiddo cowering behind his mother’s leg, you might find yourself with a new little friend. So either you confuse him even more by throwing in what you’ve learned up ‘til now (see: taxi lingo, mild insults) or ask him that age-old question that always gets you an answer in the form of fingers. In this podcast, you will learn how to use Mandarin Chinese to ask someone how old they are. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0218

Forget wedgies, spit-balls and unsuccessfully trying to hold number one until after nap-time; if you can’t find your class, it’s going to be a bad year. In this podcast, Jenny (head of the class) and Ken (sat at the back of class) give you a Mandarin Chinese lesson in helping you find your classroom. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0143

Any stroll down Wangfujing or Nanjing Lu will tell you the shops aren’t the only ones selling. Constant “hallo!’s” tailed with “bag?” “watch?” and “DVD?” will follow you no matter what you do to escape. So, either learn how to walk faster, master the “laowai lookaway,” or simply find a brilliant podcast that will teach you “no, thank you”, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0213

In Chinese, you often encounter single characters that have multiple related meanings. This has the potential to confuse learners because sometimes it is hard to make connections between component characters and their meanings within multiple-character words. That's why we created this Character Mind Map series, where we focus on characters and the words they make up.Today, we're talking about 包 and all the interesting words using this character. Let's check them out! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4327

We know you would *never* lower yourself to buying a “Rolax” here and passing it off as an original for someone’s birthday, but we’re sure that “friend of yours” will. So how to politely suggest that the opening bid might be a bit out of your range? A lesson on acting incensed by the price could save you a few “jiao.” In this podcast, learn how to tell someone “it’s too expensive” in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0209

We’ve helped you get through that initial “hi”, “thanks” and “where is the toilet” (all you need, really), but you’d like to stop talking about “hi”, “thanks” and “where is the toilet” (your friends are bored). So why not ask them about their interests? In this podcast, Ken and Jenny take time from their hobbies (walking on the beach, talking about feelings) to help you learn how to ask others theirs, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0141

You walk in, use your previously learned ChinesePod lessons to give the secretary your name and a quick “ni hao.” She does the same. What comes next? Most would think a reason for being there, but unless you thrive on those uncomfortable international moments (see: lesson on “Where is the Toilet Paper”), pay attention to this podcast, wherein you will learn how to tell someone that you’ve arrived for an interview, using Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0200

“In the sky there’s heaven, on the earth there’s Suzhou”. Coming in as the 335th city the Chinese call “Venice of the East”, it would be a shame not to spend a few days here. In this podcast, Jenny and Ken maneuver you through the canals of a Mandarin Chinese lesson on buying a train ticket to Suzhou. Ciao! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0139

Every once and a while, we like to give you options, and today is no exception. If you want to ask someone, “how can I say this in Chinese?” you can either: 1. Point to the object, at yourself, say the object and then point to the Chinese person with you and wait; 2. Hold object up, shrug shoulders and wait; or 3. Say, “How do you say this in Chinese? (in Chinese)” Again, no pressure – what we like about you is the person inside. But if you want to know, listen to this podcast, you won’t be sorry. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0196

You come here, you set up shop, even hire an assistant who’s nice enough to show up 45 minutes late everyday allowing you to ease in to your day. You think you’re scolding him by saying “You!”, “Here!”, “9:45!”, but he knows of your ChinesePod addiction and figures you’re simply practicing what you’ve learned. So either you continue this standard practice, or you listen to this lesson on being late and have a lil’ “face the music” meeting on Monday. In this podcast, learn how to say “you’re late” in Mandarin Chinese (with a little more angry tone of voice to get the message across). Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0134

For a million yuan, a ChinesePod pop quiz: Q. You could be asked 2 things at the cash register. One is “paper or plastic,” and the other is “_________ or _________” (answer rhymes with “cash or credit”). In this podcast, we’ll aid you in adding to that credit card debt you keep kidding yourself that you’ll pay off someday. You’ll learn how to say “charge it!” in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0191

No doubt if you’re learning Mandarin, you’ve seen a picture of Nanjing Lu or Wangfujing. Now, very quickly, name three adjectives to describe the scene. Were “laid-back”, “relaxing” and “chilled out” any of your picks? That’s what we thought; so perhaps now a lesson on time in Mandarin Chinese would be very timely…In this podcast, learn how to talk about how long it takes you to do something, as well as how to tell someone you don’t have any time…now, STOP PUSHING! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0131

We know that deep down, there’s a person in ya that wants to combine “On the Road” with “Journey to the West”, and we think that’s just great. But the “lu” less traveled might be a road un-traveled should you be unable to get around. In this podcast, we’ll get you on your way, learning a lesson in Mandarin Chinese about the different modes of transportation in the big land. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0186

We have recently come under attack for being too “puppy dogs and ice cream” (meaning you’ve not heard of the “no eye-contact” rule for our interns), so to prove to you that we are, in fact, bu-bu-bu-bu-bad, we give a lesson in Mandarin Chinese on not liking someone. In this podcast you will learn how to say that you don’t like someone, and get a chance to vent about whats driving you crazy about them. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0118

There’s a good chance that you’ll come here with loads of cash and leave with none (see: Qipu Lu, the new “hot spot” to shop), meaning those final few nights might be spent in a “starless abode.” Because ChinesePod loves you, we want you to be able to find the best of the… erm, lesser, and offer up a lesson on finding a hostel. In this podcast you will learn how to ask how to find a hostel, using Mandarin Chinese. Plus, those iPod earplugs work great for drowning out that “dorm ambience” as well. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0184

Now we know we should “neither a borrower nor lender be”. However, we also know that “a friend in need is a friend indeed”. So what are you gonna do when that friend forgets to pay you back? In this podcast, Ken and Jenny talk all about borrowing and teach you how to use Mandarin Chinese to give a friend a friendly reminder to pay up. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0115

Things that will get your photo taken in China: - Having blonde (“yellow”) hair - Having hair on your arms - Using a mobile phone - Sitting - Being …so you might as well return the favor – nicely, of course. In this lesson, we zoom in for a tight shot of pictorial verbiage. You will learn how to ask someone if you can take a photo, using Mandarin Chinese. ChinesePod, you’re the MAN(darin)! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0180

You “always” listen to ChinesePod, you “usually” practice everything you learn every day, you “never” miss a podcast and you “sometimes” brag about us to your friends. In this podcast, learn about adverbs of frequency in Mandarin Chinese. You will use them very “often”! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0112

In a country known for its “Beijing Duck”, Inner “Mongolian Hot Pot” and “Pork Dumplings,” should you not be a carnivore, you’ll need to know how to say “vegetarian”–a lot vegetable dishes even have a smattering of meat. In this podcast, we help you learn how to explain in Mandarin Chinese that you don’t eat anything with a face. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0175

So, we actually tried to buy you a keyboard (with the “sick” sound effects) from “Ferris Buller’s Day Off” and send it to you to make your phone call to the boss sound more believable, but instead got you the next best thing: a lesson on “Calling in Sick”. In this podcast you’ll learn how to use Mandarin Chinese to tell your boss you can’t come to work today because you have the flu. (Excuses for why the boss saw you at happy hour the same day to follow). Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0111

If you visit Shanghai, we expect a visit. Here’s all you have to do: 1. Take the Maglev magnetic train to Longyang Lu (50 yuan) 2. Take Subway Line 2 to People’s Square-change to Line 1 (4rmb) 3. Exit Huang Pi Nan Lu, take a taxi to Huangpi and Jianguo Lu …easy, right? You betcha--as long as you have 54 kuai. What? You forgot to exchange your money? To think that’s what kept you from meeting Rian the Intern. Tsk. Listen to this podcast to learn how to use your Mandarin Chinese to exchange that cash. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0172

You go to the States, it’s a cup of Joe. The English will pour you a “cuppa” and here in Shanghai it’s green tea. But, what happens if you don’t drink any of them? A universal shaking of the head, or a polite way to ask for something else? In this podcast Ken (caffeineicus tomuchicus) and Jenny (more of a “Dragon Well” type) help you use Mandarin Chinese to order your “bevvie” with class. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0105

Ask anyone who’s braved an hour long subway ride at rush hour here and you’ll understand the need of finding, and securing (politely) a seat. In this podcast, we walk you through a Mandarin Chinese lesson on sitting down. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0168

Being spied on is no longer just a Dan Brown novel (or a Bush Cabinet agenda), so we hope you aren’t sending “romantic messages” to others from your work account. In fact, as this lesson on office policy states, you’re not paid to check your email all day (Chinesepod is okay, though. We asked). In this podcast, learn about chatting online in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0093

In the 80’s it was “Where’s the…”, in the 90’s it was “What’s For Dinner” and in the ummm…0’s, it’s the focus of our lesson. In this podcast, Ken and Jenny teach a Mandarin Chinese lesson dealing with carnivores and their preferences. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0155

Three things you don’t forget: 1. Anniversary 2. Mom’s Birthday 3. Listen to Chinesepod…Now, we can help you with two of the three (sorry, you’re on your own with #1) today. In this podcast Ken (loves his mum) and Jenny (ài tā māma) hold your hand in talking about your mother’s birthday with a friend in Mandarin Chinese. You’re sure to never forget again!  Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0091

Wei?! Most likely, this is the word that will stick with you…all day…and night…even in your sleep. So what is it exactly? We’re not sure…and neither are the Chinese, but you still need to learn it…as well as phone basics. In this podcast you will learn how to say hello on the phone in Mandarin Chinese, as well as how to enquire if someone is in, and ask who is calling. And of course, not to be overlooked, how to say goodbye in Chinese as well! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0152

As much as some of us (Yankee) staff would have loved to translate the “gridiron” into Chinese, we cater to the other 98% of the world that calls soccer “football” and turn it into a lesson on football in Mandarin Chinese. In this podcast, Ken (An Irish Beckham) and Jenny (A Chinese Posh) also will throw in discussing other sports and the term “boring” for those that aren’t fanatics. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0089

In another addition to our “Baby Talk” series, Ken and Jenny talk this time about encouraging your little bundle of joy to eat something…or not. In this podcast, learn how to tell your baby to eat up, using Mandarin Chinese. As far as explaining why “fish at the table” and “fish in the bowl” are different, you’re on your own. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0145

While “Peking Opera” is the Chinese equivalent of haggis (few really like it, but you kind of have to try it), the rest of the music scene here will always be a conversation piece. In this Mandarin Chinese lesson podcast, Ken and Jenny teach you how to be your own conversation piece: to talk about what you like to do, and what your interests are. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0087

Studies show our personalities are formed before the age of four. We at ChinesePod want you to raise a happy, confident little future Chinese speaker…so listen in to this lesson as Jenny teaches all about praising that little whippersnapper. In this podcast, learn how to tell your squishy cute baby just how cute they really are, using Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0140

What could you use more than some more useful phrases in Mandarin Chinese? Well, even better than that, we’ve got some excellent high-frequency language you will wonder how you ever did without (i.e. Where is the washroom?). Listen in on this podcast, and learn some more important and useful questions and responses in Mandarin Chinese. Alas, who else could you count on to educate you in these sorts of “delicate” matters? Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0081

We were on our way to the studio when our “authentic” Tag Heuer stopping working making us stop abruptly in our “realistic” Nike’s to reach into our “genuine” Prada (man) bag to check the time on our phone…which turned out to be broken. In this podcast, Ken (all real, he claims) and Jenny (unreal, you declare) mend a Mandarin Chinese lesson on things breakin’. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0136

So you’ve finally made it to China and with what’s left of the money you spent on taking us for “báijiǔ”, you decide to get an apartment overlooking the Summer Palace. Out of reach? Not at all…but you might want to be able to tell the landlord your basics…unless you don’t mind an “Eastern Toilet”. So, listen in to this podcast and learn to talk about the type of apartment you would like, using Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0079

You can go to iTunes, subscribe to an RSS feed and arrange everything all by yourself? You’re all growed up, aren’t ya? Now, tell us that in Mandarin and move to the front of the class. In this podcast, Ken (on a time out) and Jenny (a gold star) forego nap time to teach you to talk about all things “downloadable” in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0133

If “King and Country” are the loves in England, then so are “Mao and Mouth” here in China. In this podcast, Ken and Jenny walk you through a salivating lesson concerning eating in China…and a great dialogue in Mandarin Chinese which leads to the question of whether or not you know how to use chopsticks….which in turn leads to a tale of Ken being cheered on by dozens of strangers in a restaurant. It has to be ChinesePod. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0075

With a menu full of never before encountered items and a passion for all things oil/MSG, you might end up with the lesser-know “Beijing Belly”. So unless you care to “assume the position” in an off-color game of charades, you might benefit from a lesson on “not feeling well”. In this podcast, you will learn how to tell someone you aren’t feeling well, using Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0130

With Bosnia erecting their own tribute to Hong Kong’s “Little Dragon”, we wanted to do the same. In this podcast, Ken and Jenny (mainland celebrities in their own minds) give you the scoop in Mandarin Chinese…good for you, but annoying for us, as this means Ken spends the rest of the day whacking interns with his nun chucks. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0059

The last thing you would want to do is insult your kind host…but where to learn about the do’s and don’ts of Chinese etiquette? In this podcast, Ken and Jenny nicely promenade you through a cultural Mandarin Chinese lesson on Chinese manners. Learn how to be polite—Chinese-style! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0124

We know you listen while you’re on the subway, but we’ll put our China commute up against yours any day. In this podcast, we’ll take advantage of your gridlock to teach you “gridlock”. You’ll also learn to talk about how you get to work every day, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0057

In the labyrinth of an average Chinese city, it’s easy for the unexpected to happen, and cause you to run a little behind. So now that you’ve found that taxi, how to tell him to put the petal to the medal? Two options: a) Make a “wrrrrooooooommmmmm” sound and stab the air with your index finger b) Pay attention to this lesson on asking the driver to hurry In this podcast, learn how to say you are in a hurry, and how to ask the driver to drive faster (ChinesePod disclaimer: use this Mandarin at your own risk!). Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0121

Zen might be of Asian design, but it takes a back-seat when someone cuts in line. In this podcast, Ken and Jenny lower their professional integrity by teaching some mild ways of insulting someone in Mandarin Chinese and the importance of never, ever wearing a green hat…ever. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0055

Remember back in the day (insert nostalgic music here) when a tank of gas cost ya a nickel, “George W” referred to “Washington” and “chatting” was something done face-to-face? In this lesson, we tackle just that (the last one, as none of us drive here and another one of us is from Texas), online chatting. In this podcast learn about getting online and chatting, amongst other hobbies, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0119

Boasting 1.4 billion people, needless to say China’s a big place…with many different types of weather. This podcast will not only teach you weather basics in Mandarin Chinese, but also how to plan accordingly. What else are you going to talk about with the driver while heading to work the same time as aforementioned numbers are? Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0049