What kind of movies do you like watching. Do you prefer romantic comedies, or perhaps sci-fi movies. Listen in to these two friends discuss their favourites. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2639

Everyone's always looking forward to their next holiday, but when is it again? Next month? Next week? To help figure it out, in this lesson, we discuss holidays and how to talk about dates and time. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2048

We’re all about the classics here – Chuck Taylors, Pong, New Coke, the lot. So why not help you out with the classic question: “what are you doing?” Why not, indeed! Listen to this podcast and learn it in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0372

Does steamed white rice have taste? Well, some of us seem to think so. However, there are those who just can't resist drizzling a bit of soy sauce over it to add a bit of flavor. In this elementary lesson, two friends discuss putting soy sauce on rice. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2046

To some, a trip to the hair salon is a delight. To others, it's a nerve-racking experience with a good chance of coming out with some awful haircut. Add to this the fact that this might be your first experience having to converse entirely in Chinese. Fear not; with ChinesePod, we can make your visit to the salon an enjoyable one. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2630

Again, you don’t have to use ChinesePod for everyday tasks, but it helps. Take, for instance, making copies. The putting down of said document next to blank document and using a finger to indicate (with a dramatic arch) what is on one, needs to go on the other could work, Mr. “Arching-Finger Hidden-Embarrassment” (1/2 of our staff didn’t get that), or you could just listen in to this podcast to learn how to use Mandarin Chinese with the photocopy man. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0357

When you first venture to a foreign country, the first thing you'll need to do is find somewhere to live. This lesson will arm you with all the vocabulary that you will need to haggle with your Chinese landlord, or at least the basics. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2620

“It’s not what you said; it’s the tone in which you said it!” By now, you’ll know the importance (and occasional frustration) of the tones in Mandarin Chinese, but even the best find themselves in a pickle when 2 third tones in a row causes a tone change… Confused? Good thing we decided to make a lesson out of it. Listen to this podcast to become the Chinese tone master you always dreamed of being. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0353

Oh sure, we say “karaoke” and you laugh and think about making a fool out of yourself in front of 200 others at the bar who all chimed in on the chorus to “Proud Mary.” But here it’s serious business. So how in the world can you explain in Mandarin Chinese to your demanding hosts that you really can’t, won’t and don’t sing? By listening to this podcast. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0368

If you haven't been in this situation, you haven't been in China long. There are just some times when you wait and you wait, but the food you order never arrives. So when you call to inquire, you're told that it's coming "right away." Learn all the key language in this Chinese lesson. How tough you want to get is up to you. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2026

“Soooo… who’s the eye-candy on your arm?” See, ChinesePod is used to these questions, as we only hire “hot-cakes.” So, what do you say to an old acquaintance when you’re seen hand in hand with your spouse? (This is your cue to press play). In this podcast, learn how to tell someone that you got hitched, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0365

“Thanks,” you say (in Chinese). “Goodness me! Your ability to master the language is amazing!” comes the response. So now what do you say? “Yes, actually it’s all due to ChinesePod”? As much as we’d like to think you’d promo us, we’re quite sure a podcast with a Chinese lesson on “playing down” your Mandarin would be more appropriate. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0348

Invented in Japan in the 80's, these marvels of human ingenuity have become more and more popular in recent years, especially with the food scandals of late. Listen in as a friend discusses her new purchase. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2615

Sure, you're studying Chinese. We all know that. But are you a casual learner, or are you hardcore? And by that, I mean, "how many lessons do you have per week?" Learn what every student needs to be able to answer in this lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2023

Yes, you’re a go-getter, self-starter, and outside-the-box thinker. But even you might need the occasional hand… especially at the office. So, not that you need it, but here’s a podcast with a Mandarin Chinese lesson on asking someone if they have time to give you a hand. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0361

When catching a train in a Chinese city, you need to know which train station you're leaving from. Cities will often have several train stations, and they are often nowhere near each other. In this lesson, a traveler in Shanghai is surprised to find that his taxi driver asks him which train station he wants to go to. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2042

It's that time of the year when you step on the scales and realise you have piled on the pounds. But don't worry. You have a whole year to drop that extra tire. Listen to this lesson and learn all about losing weight in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2610

Do you know how to say "terracotta warriors" in China? Any studious student has to know this word, and be warned, the Chinese is quite different from the English. History buffs also take note: Xi'an is a Chinese city that demands your attention. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2017

China's known for its fried rice; it's not known for its hot dogs. Still, there are plenty of spots in the Middle Kingdom to grab one these days. Of course, not everybody has an appetite for them... Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2044

Nobody likes taking too much with them when traveling. However, some of us just don't like washing their clothes when on the road. This lesson concerns to friends discussing how much clothing they're bringing on a trip and why. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2040

While on your side of the world a “waving one hand while the other rests on the belly” gesture indicates “no more,” here it’s taken more as a challenge. Now, feel free to either use the previous lesson on “throwing up,” or perhaps unbutton that brain for one more helping of ChinesePod. In this podcast, learn how to insist, in Mandarin Chinese, that you’re really, really full. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0358

Ah the income gap - a prevalent issue in China and many other parts of the world. Most of us are struggling forward to rise to the next income bracket (and studying Chinese might just be the boost you need to get there!). In this lesson we will be discussing differences between the rich and the poor. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2035

So, you got a little sick being flung around the backseat of that cab on the way over? Now, some poor cab driver is freezing his long-nailed fingers off washing off that back right side of his car, since you didn’t give him a heads up you were about to throw up. So, listen to this podcast. Yes, only at ChinesePod, a Mandarin Chinese lesson on hurling. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0354

“So… you’ll never guess who I bumped into! You know, about 5′8″, dark hair….” Yeah, good luck with that. We’re thinking that a lesson on describing people would help out– and we’re all about helping. In this podcast, learn how to describe people, using Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0341

It's time for a coffee break. In this lesson, learn how to ask your friend if they want to go with you on a trip to the convenience store for some coffee. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2059

While “how much” is usually reserved for all the bargaining you do here, it can also be used for “quantifying things,” meaning that you need to understand “measure words,” which means we need to make you a lesson on it… lest your retort to “how far is it” be “too expensive!” Listen in and expand your knowledge of this especially fun element of the Mandarin Chinese language. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0335

The maître d’ asks (in Chinese) “how many “--but you don’t understand, and resort back to your old days of “greasing the palm.” So she sees the 100 kuai note and assumes that you’re dining with 99 others. You’re more than welcome to book the place, or perhaps a quick Mandarin Chinese lesson on “how many?” would aid. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0351

Children are well-known for their boundless curiosity. It can be heartwarming and wonderful to behold on occasion, but if you're a parent, you're well aware that endless questions with no simple answers can get old quick. Today's dialogue features one such Chinese parent's predicament. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2030

Younger brothers can sometimes be a nuisance, breaking your things or asking you an endless amount of questions (kids are curious, after all). But more often than not, we can't help but feel proud for them. In this lesson we learn how to introduce our younger brother and tell his age. Younger brothers can sometimes be a nuisance, breaking your things or asking you an endless amount of questions (kids are curious, after all). But more often than not, we can't help but feel proud for them. In this lesson we learn how to introduce our younger brother and tell his age. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2033

Oh, you’ll find yourself in that uncomfortable situation, the one where you come here to visit us, and the guy next to you starts talking (in Chinese) about the upcoming Olympic marathon. Do you really want to be that person who just ends up saying “xie xie” the whole time? No. You don’t. In this podcast, learn to talk marathons with the best of them, in Mandarin Chinese Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0320

Today's newbie lesson will teach all of you who've just started learning Chinese how to give a basic self-introduction. We admit, this framework may not knock you off your feet with its scintillating content, but hey, it's functional and will get your point across. Learn how to let people know where you're from and what you do in Mandarin Chinese today! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2027

You’ve been waiting for this moment for years. Finally, the Olympics are here and you won’t have to hear about them anymore. No, but really, the Olympic opening ceremonies are a grand spectacle that is amazing to witness. Learn to talk about them in Mandarin Chinese, and about trying to buy tickets (good luck!) in this podcast. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0287

Once again, we respect your individuality. Thus the choices: When you need to throw that “baozi” napkin away, you can either make a “throwing” gesture – which would lead to an in-depth discussion on the NBA – or simply ask where it belongs. It’s up to you. We’ll love you either way. If you choose to listen, this podcast will teach you how to ask the location of something, and to point someone in the right direction. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0268

That “Cocktail Party” lesson got you an invite to dinner, and you even went as far to buy the traditional gift of “duck neck” to hand over to your guest. But what say you when the door is opened? In this podcast, learn some Chinese etiquette on being a good guest, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0326

It is common workplace knowledge that the reason Rian the Intern took a long sabbatical a few months back was because he was so deeply touched by “Love, Actually” that he got back into poetry. So this podcast is for him--and everyone else who still believes in the power of love-- an oh-so-special Mandarin Chinese lesson on Valentine’s Day gift-giving. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0425

Wo ai ni. I love you. I mean it. Look at these flowers i bought you, and these chocolates. And this card... it is a Hallmark day after all. Nothing says i love you like a lesson about Valentine's Day. After all... the Chinese celebrate not one, not two, but THREE Valentine's Days. And who said Mandarin wasn't the language of love? Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0791

Not that you’d ever find yourself in a position to identify what something is (this said we we’re still recovering from the “calf brain” we unknowingly tried last weekend), but should you wish to identify before ingesting, you might (burp) benefit from a lesson on asking what something is. In this podcast, learn how to ask what something is in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0205

It's the first day of college, and a younger sister is asking lots of questions about the older brother's classmates. The three de's Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/3037

Getting lost is an inevitable problem even you have Google Maps on your phone. Sometimes we still have to ask someone for help. So today, we’re going to learn what we can say when we are lost. Let’s get started! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4364

The fact that they invented them means that they can set them off all night (and we do mean ALL night) – but what does a parental talk before the fireworks begin sound like? A cracking lesson to get you in the Chinese New Year mood! (Oh, that’s right, you don’t celebrate this holiday there… we’ll send you a postcard.) In this podcast, learn to talk about these dangerous little explosives in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0430

Take a deep breath. It's time to order your first meal in Chinese. Luckily, many restaurants in China have picture menus which makes ordering a matter of simply pointing to something and saying "I want this". In this lesson, learn how to do just that, as well as discuss briefly with a friend what they want. Easy enough right? But what if they don't have what you want? Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2052

It's the day before Chinese New Year and everyone is antsy to get home to have dinner with their families. Some employees are able to get off work early and head home, but not everyone is so lucky... Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2368

The tones of Mandarin Chinese are a challenge for every learner. You don't just master tones in a week; it's a lengthy process. One thing you're going to be doing for a while, then, as a dedicated learner, is clarifying the tones for the words you're learning. In this lesson, learn the crucial question for asking "what tone is that?" Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2024

In the second video starring guest host Dan, we discuss a dialogue between two co-workers. One of them is very inquisitive, asking lots of questions about what the other person likes to do in their free time. The responses are not the most polite or detailed of answers. Learn ways to ask "What do you like to do when you're working/relaxing/at the weekend. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/3025

When you're first learning Chinese, it's pretty tough to express your basic opinions, needs, and desires when you don't know the names of the various objects that surround you. Today's lesson will teach you a useful phrase that will let you smoothly ask your teacher what something is called in Chinese USING Chinese! Handy! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2020

Everyone's got different preferences for living situations. Living with roommates can be vexing for those who desire personal space but a necessity for those who crave constant human interaction. Learn how to talk about your own housing situation in Mandarin Chinese in today's elementary lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2013

No matter how linguistically well-prepared you may be when you visit China for the first time (all thanks to ChinesePod, of course!), you'll still inevitably encounter any number of awkward and embarrassing situations that will require a basic exchange of niceties in the local language. Today's newbie lesson will equip you with the most basic of phrases to both apologize for your blunder as well as thank the local who is nice enough to assist you in your time of need. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2015

In certain groups, McDonalds has been renamed the “McEmbassy” – and no matter how much you tell yourself you won’t, you will end up caving in to that craving for something familiar. So what would a burger order sound like? A super-sized lesson, that’s what. Listen in to this podcast and learn how to use Mandarin Chinese to order food in a fast food restaurant. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0330