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ChinesePod makes learning Mandarin fun and easy. It isn't your typical language learning resource - we think you'll be entertained as well!
If you’re just trying to learn some survival Chinese or looking to start a lifelong relationship with the language, this ChinesePod - Beginner Level Podcast Channel is where to start.
Expand your Mandarin Chinese learning experience by also SUBSCRIBING to ChinesePod - Intermediate and ChinesePod - Advanced Podcast channels.
For more lessons, go to www.chinesepod.com and take us for a spin.
Newbie | I Didn’t Bring My Umbrella
“Ah,” you say (in Mandarin), “it’s raining and I don’t have my….” (stopping short here to describe curvy handle with fabric cover except that you don’t know how to say “curvy,” “handle,” or “fabric,” meaning it just got weird). Let us help you out in this podcast and teach you how to talk about “neglecting to pack the brelly”, using Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0420
13:3431/08/2022
Elementary | Tortoise and the Hare
Granted, the names might have changed, but the story stays the same. The same story that got [Artist Previously Known as Rian the Intern] through some rough times. The least we can do is share it with you... in Chinese, of course. In this podcast, learn the Mandarin Chinese version of the well-loved fable (* moral can be applied to learning Chinese). Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0445
16:4130/08/2022
Newbie | Which Character Is That?
When you hear a Chinese person's name, you can be reasonably sure that each syllable is a character and that the first character is the surname. But with thousands of Chinese characters, you often won't know which character it is unless you ask. Learn how to ask in this lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1982
12:2626/08/2022
Elementary | The Monks in the Temple on the Mountain
Did you ever hear the one about the Monks in the Temple on the Mountain? We have--in fact, the Monks in the Temple on the Mountain is one of our favorites… so much so that in this podcast we’d like to offer up a Mandarin Chinese lesson on the Monks in the Temple on the Mountain. Well, that is, unless you’ve already heard the one about the Monks in the Temple on the Mountain. That reminds us… have you ever heard… [further text removed by ChinesePod staff] Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0441
13:0324/08/2022
Newbie | It's Snowing
“White rain! Cold ice!” While these are admirable attempts at saying, “it’s snowing,” it still kind of makes you sound like a tool. So in this podcast, how about we not only teach you how to say it in Mandarin Chinese, but also suggest that you go outside to play in it? Just don’t eat the 黄雪. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0416
13:3522/08/2022
Elementary | What Do You Like to Do on Weekends?
The weekend's here. What are you going to do? Curl up with a book? Play sports with your friends? Surf the web? In this lesson, two friends talk about what they like to do on weekends. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2070
11:4819/08/2022
Newbie | Haggle For A Good Deal
Shopping is a great opportunity to practice your Chinese. In today's lesson, you'll learn a new way to say "how much is this?" so that you can prompt the shopkeeper to tell you about their deals and different pricing combos. You'll also learn how to play hardball to haggle your way to a good deal. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2695
12:0717/08/2022
Elementary | The Man and the Dog
As mentioned, we’re all quite aware that our Jenny is one of the most downloaded women on the net--but she’s also a hoot! How funny? Really funny… or our name isn’t “ChinesePod.” Which it is…so there you go. Listen in to this podcast and learn a Mandarin Chinese joke to tell at your next party. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0435
12:1615/08/2022
Newbie | You Only Got to Bed at 2am!
This lesson clearly shows how using different characters in Chinese (才cái VS 就 jiù) can switch the meaning of otherwise identical sentences. We hear two people discussing their sleeping habits and how the student feels it's early to get to sleep at 2am, whilst the working person thinks that's rather late. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2661
13:1312/08/2022
Elementary | I See A Thief!
You see him stealing, you yell at people to draw attention, but all you can say is “bu hao ren,” which could make you come across a bit judgmental. So, the sooner you can shout “thief”, the sooner you can go back home a hero. Listen to this podcast and learn how to make your Mandarin Chinese come to the rescue. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0423
15:2910/08/2022
Newbie | Can I Smoke Here?
Not that we condone it (we learned that lesson before), but there’s a nice, and a not-so-nice way of lighting up. So, why not ask if it’s an appropriate “smoking area” beforehand? In this podcast, learn how to do just that, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0411
10:2608/08/2022
Elementary | Recognizing a Blind Date
Meeting someone for the first time on a blind date can be an awkward experience as it is, especially when you don't know what they look like. In this lesson, we've decided to raise the stakes by making that first encounter in Chinese! Don't worry, it's easier than you think! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2068
16:4105/08/2022
Newbie | How Long in China
Again, feel free to make your arms ttttttttttttttttttthhhhhhhhhiiiiiiiissssssss big, then point to yourself, and then to China, and then hold up fingers to let them know how long you’ve been in China and how long you’re staying… or, you could listen in to this podcast on how to differentiate between the two in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0409
09:3203/08/2022
Elementary | Due This Week
The “big man” sets a deadline, but everyone decides that if they combine forces, they’ll be able to get it extended. But boss man didn’t get the corner office by being flexible, and says no. (The lesson is much more interesting than the description. Trust us.) In this podcast, learn an attempt at negotiating with the big boss over deadlines, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0417
15:0801/08/2022
Newbie | Say It Again, Please
We can tell you from experience: the Chinese really have no clue about how crazy their mother tongue sounds to the rest of us. So while we're certainly not shocked that you might need things repeated again and again, the Chinese themselves are going to need that reminder. Repeatedly. Learn how to ask your kind, patient hosts to "say it again" in this lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1996
14:4029/07/2022
Elementary | Do You Have Class This Afternoon?
Chinese class is over and it's time to have some fun. In this lesson, learn how to talk about getting out of class, telling time and playing sports. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2065
12:4827/07/2022
Newbie | Don't Drink the Water
To drink the tap water, or not to drink; that is the question. In this podcast you will learn how to use Mandarin Chinese to warn someone not to drink the tap water; as well as how to ask what is wrong with it, and how to tell someone that the water is unsanitary. Not only that, but you will also learn how to thank someone for telling you! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0406
11:4125/07/2022
Elementary | They're Twins!
Seeing double or just looking at a pair of twins? It's a common practice the world over for the parents of twins to dress up their double bundles of joy in matching clothing. In this lesson, learn to talk about similarities and differences as someone is overtaken by the cuteness of a pair of twin babies. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2063
15:5922/07/2022
Newbie | Do You Have Any Questions?
Do you have any questions? Of course you do! Because you're a good student, and good students always have questions. But just in case your question is, "how do you say 'do you have any questions,'" we've prepared this Chinese lesson just for you. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1988
13:2620/07/2022
Elementary | How Is This Sold?
You want to buy it, but you’re not sure if it’s sold by unit, package or weight. We want you to buy it (we’re secretly getting 15%), thus, the lesson on finding out how something is sold. In this podcast, learn how to ask how something is sold, using Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0413
15:2618/07/2022
Newbie | How's The Weather?
Though quite likely the response in these parts on a given day may be typhoon, blizzard or hurricane, we're not going to teach you how to say those just yet. However, in this podcast you will learn how to get your way through this universal conversation starter in Mandarin Chinese. How's the weather? Get ready to be the life of the party when you pull this topic out of your sleeve. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1017
16:3615/07/2022
Elementary | Sending A Fax
They didn’t get your “Just the fax, ma’am” joke, nor did they understand when you mimed the document flying across the little map in their office. So, in this podcast, how about we quickly teach you how to say send a fax in Mandarin Chinese, hmmm? Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0407
11:0513/07/2022
Newbie | Turn On The Air Conditioning
With certain cities in China being referred to as “the fiery furnaces” in summer due to their hot climate, when the temperature rises you just may find that asking someone to turn on the air conditioning becomes essential survival Chinese! In this podcast you will learn how to ask someone to turn on the air conditioning, and how to express that the temperature is “just right” in Mandarin Chinese. Now you’ll be able to pass the summers a lot more comfortably! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0402
12:3311/07/2022
Elementary | No Walking On The Grass
Contrary to everything you thought you understood about the world up until now, no, grass is not made for walking on, rolling down, dog-frolicking, pant-knee-staining, smelling, or any other such frivolities. Though your laundress may be glad, your walk in the park may never be the same. Listen to this podcast, a whistle-blowing on those who dare to not 'keep off the grass.' Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1012
15:0708/07/2022
Newbie | Requesting A Fork
“They’re hanging in there with the chopsticks, aren’t they?” –Jerry Seinfeld Should you be the one that finally caves and simply has to ask for a fork, this one’s for you… quitter. In this podcast, learn to request cutlery in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0397
10:5906/07/2022
Elementary | Mahjong
You haven’t really experienced Chinese culture until you’ve spent all night playing Mahjong with your friends. So do you know how to play? If not, listen and learn; in this podcast you will learn how to ask someone in Mandarin Chinese if they know how to play Mahjong. You will also learn how to say that you don’t play very well; and who knows, just like our friend in the dialogue, you may just get a willing gambler to offer to teach you! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0403
15:3404/07/2022
Newbie | Salt and Pepper
We're not talking about the Grammy Award winning female hip-hop artists who sang Push It, and we're not talking about MSG and chilies. We're talking about the most basic of basics and something you'll definitely need if you want a taste of home. In this podcast, you'll learn how to ask for salt and pepper in Mandarin Chinese. Of course, if you get meiyou'ed, that other world of taste enhancing crystals is always another option. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1014
13:1601/07/2022
Elementary | Introducing the Managers
Managers are a big deal in these parts. And you don't want to go calling them any old 'Mister.' In this podcast, learn how to address and introduce your manager in Chinese in the most efficient, face-giving manner possible. Sure to result in promotions, raises, slaps on the back, and right back at ya face-giving maneuvers. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1009
15:5429/06/2022
Newbie | Going on Vacation
No doubt, you’ve heard from people how wonderful it is to come visit us. So how could you tell your colleagues you’re going on holiday? I mean, you could do it in English…or be that really annoying person who answers in Mandarin! In this podcast, learn to talk all about it, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0393
12:4127/06/2022
Elementary | Clearing the Table
A vain flap of the hand. A loud throat clear. A futile effort at eye contact. You want a waiter and you want one now. How you gonna find one? That's right. Start hollering. Hey, you're not tipping so you get what you pay for. Here's how to ask your waiter to clear your dishes away, in Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1003
16:3324/06/2022
Newbie | Good Night
Scientific studies have proven that sleep improves memory. So jump into bed, and put your cold feet up against your significant other's warm leg. Start counting backwards from 500 in Chinese as you melt away into the happy happy land of dancing Chinese characters and Jenny and Ken's voices consolidating neurons in your head. This podcast will teach you the basics of good night! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1007
11:0822/06/2022
Elementary | It's Nothing
“So, big guy - what’s the matter?” “Oh…(sigh)…it’s…aw, you don’t want to hear about it.” But that’s where you’re wrong, buster--we do! So much that we even crafted a lesson on downplaying despair and despondency. In this podcast, learn how to whine and sigh a bit in Mandarin Chinese (Premium subscribers get to hug it out). Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0399
16:1020/06/2022
Newbie | Dirty Little Hands
Subway poles, dirty money, bajillions of people... perhaps the fact that hand shaking is not so popular yet has saved the Chinese race from germ decimation. China--not the place for those with hypochondriacal tendencies. In this podcast, learn how to make sure those you share hand space with have washed their dirty little hands. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1005
11:3217/06/2022
Elementary | Basketball
John promised to stop singing the Curtis Blow hit (”We’re playin’ baaaaaaasketbaaaaaaallllllll….”) if you promise to listen and use this lesson on verbs and cheers any basketball fan might need. In this podcast, learn how to cheer on your team in Mandarin Chinese. At least you’ll make Yao Ming feel at home. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0392
12:4815/06/2022
Newbie | Have You Eaten?
In New York it’s “how ya doin’,” but here your well-being can be measured by your belt notch. So what say you to the classic “have you eaten” greetin’? It’s all inside. Listen to this podcast and learn how to ask it, and how to answer, all in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0389
07:4013/06/2022
Elementary | A Very Special Day
The days of our lives. Like sands through the hourglass. Today, on this most momentous of days, let us all listen to this podcast, rekindle, reminisce, kiss passionately, sing kumbaya, and vow eternal love to each other. If you don't know what day it is, do not admit it. Either way, join in the celebrations of this auspicious day for Chinese learners everywhere... and figure out what the heck is going on! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1000
17:3610/06/2022
Newbie | Is so-and-so there?
You know you need to speak to “Li,” but don’t know how to ask if he’s there. So you simply say “Li?” to whomever answers. Her name isn’t “Li” and she keeps trying to tell you that; so you say “No…Li!” which ends up in anger--and we’re a peaceful podcast. So in this podcast learn how to ask if “(so-and-so) is there”, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0386
12:3608/06/2022
Elementary | Dress Warmly
You’re not cold, but it doesn’t matter. Your Chinese friends know you’re here without your mother, so along with feeding you, there’s also the ongoing fear that you’ll catch cold. So what would a lesson on “dressing warmly” sound like? Erm… this. In this podcast, learn how to tell someone it’s cold outside and to put on some more clothes, using Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0385
14:0406/06/2022
Newbie | Who's That Over There?
You spot a familiar figure on the street. Well it's best you know how to describe that person if you're trying to point them out from a busy crowd. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2657
12:3903/06/2022
Elementary | Fake Beggars?
When going out in the evening in Chinese cities, one is likely to run into ragged looking beggars soliciting change from passersby. And while some of these beggars have experienced terrible misfortunes, for others it's just an act to make easy money. In his lesson, learn how to talk about beggars and if you think one is just faking it. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2057
17:2001/06/2022
Newbie | Noodles Without Cilantro
At ChinesePod, we not only care about helping you learn Mandarin, we also want to help your social standing…and, to be honest, herbs in the teeth a cool cat do not make. So, in this podcast, here’s what we can do: teach you how to order those tasty noodles, but without the either loathed or loved cilantro/coriander. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0383
11:5830/05/2022
Elementary | Directions with a Map #2
So, you dug the previous “left/right” lesson (or enjoyed taking “orders” from Jenny) so much, we decided to make another. But in this podcast, instead of “left/right,” we’re taking you north/south/east/west. Watch, listen, learn Mandarin Chinese and love. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0379
10:2827/05/2022
Newbie | If Not You, then Who?
We all have those tasks that no one wants to do, so you often end up getting into a war of attrition with your interlocutor. Today we hear lots of common sentence structures and phrases repeated and will teach you all about giving instructions, asking questions, and telling someone that you don't want to do it. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2652
10:4625/05/2022
Elementary | Directions with a Map #1
Yes, we know you’d love nothing more than a “map to Jenny,” but until our ratings drop (yeah, right), we’ll hang onto that. What we can do is offer up “Jenny and a map.” In this visionary-of-a-lesson, keep your eye on the map and your ear on “The Zhu.” In this podcast, learn how to get around, using Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0371
12:2323/05/2022
Newbie | Boba Tea
Ordering tea from a tea shop can be a little daunting, but it's also a great chance to practice some of the Chinese you've been learning. We're here to guide you with the tools necessary to get some of that lovely bubble tea inside you. We also talk a little about some useful tone change rules which will help you with your pronunciation. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2644
15:4220/05/2022
Elementary | Pens And Notebooks
Pens and notebooks are essential for any student, especially a student of Chinese. For many students of Chinese, mastering all of those characters requires writing and re-writing them over and over. In this lesson, learn how to go buy yourself some pens and notebooks and get started. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2054
10:3618/05/2022
Newbie | Simple Toasts
They. Toast. Everything. …it’s a lesson you can learn from us, or learn the hard way. So, how about you turn the tables and offer up some Mandarin Chinese “drinking words” of your own? In this podcast, learn how to spread some “cheers”. (Premium subscribers will learn the whole swapping-the-baijiu-for-Sprite trick). Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0381
11:3416/05/2022
Elementary | Getting Ready for a Dinner Party
Start cleaning the living room and getting busy in the kitchen, you're about to have a dinner party. In this lesson, learn how to discuss how many people will be eating and how many dishes to make to prepare for the dinner party. And as someone plans for a dinner party with their housekeeper, you'll also learn how to apologize for causing them extra trouble. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2050
18:4113/05/2022
Newbie | Asking the Bus Destination
If ABBA can take a chance on you, then you can take a chance on the bus. But, unless it’s heading to a mountain, you won’t be able to read the characters. So, listen to this podcast, dig deep, pull out exact change, and ask the driver where that bus is going in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0376
12:1211/05/2022
Elementary | American Breakfast
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 in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0364
15:4909/05/2022