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In this Intermediate Level Podcast Feed, explore broader contexts and applications of frequently used expressions needed to navigate comfortably in a Mandarin speaking environment. Deepen your knowledge on current affairs while learning and increase your confidence level in speaking Chinese.
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Pre-intermediate | Antiperspirant In China
Confidence, confidence, dry and secure... raise your hand..... raise your hand... if you're sure you want to drop a hundred kuai on your favorite stick, spray, or roll-on at the fancy supermarket. The laowai demand has caused the supply to shift in our favor. Or maybe the locals finally realized the western world actually invented something awesome before they did. Either way, it's here! Albeit in a limited supply.... Learn the Chinese to get it in this podcast. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0929
13:0815/09/2021
Upper-intermediate | Choosing A Wine
While no one can be a smooth as Steve Martin’s character in “The Jerk” (”No more 1966! Bring us some fresh, new stuff!”), you can still impress (or offend) some with a fine choice of vino. In this podcast, learn how to talk about different wines in Mandarin Chinese, as well as learn some Chinese foods you just may never have thought of pairing with wine. Just tell us you’re not a rosé drinker. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0307
16:4913/09/2021
Intermediate | Misfortune From Our Mouths 祸从口入──管住嘴巴
In this lesson, you’ll learn useful vocabulary for nuts, seafood, milk etc that’ll come handy especially for persons with food allergies. 祸从口入 means to encounter misfortune (or in this case) to fall ill when an allergic person eats the wrong food. As the saying goes be careful of what we put in our mouths! HSK 4 - 出发 仔细 紧张 样子 HSK 5 - 海鲜 过敏 消化 毕竟 耽误 Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4164
18:3310/09/2021
Pre-intermediate | Fortunate Cookies
“The greatest danger could be your stupidity.” “Hell is paved with good intentions.” “Magic time is created when unconventional person comes.” Where can such sage wisdom be found? Confucius? The Analects? Nope. Fortunate you are amongst eaters if you even get a fortune cookie at the end of your ‘Chinese’ meal. Learn about how un-Chinese these Chinese cookies really are, in this podcast. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0910
11:1608/09/2021
Upper-intermediate | Movie Genres
In a land of, ahem, less-than-pricy DVD’s, it’s no shock that films are always of interest. So why not wow ‘em by discussing your favorite genres of movies in Mandarin Chinese? From Hollywood to Bollywood, learn all about them in this podcast. Premium subscribers will also be taught how to say “I think Dolph Lundgren is underrated”. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0298
19:5106/09/2021
Intermediate | Coffee Break Series #4 - The Exhibition
In the intermediate coffee break series, we will follow the footsteps of Nick through his adventure in China. Along the way, you will learn important terms and phrases used in business settings, as well as some tips and tricks on dealing with Chinese businessmen. In this episode, our main character Nick meets a customer in the exhibition and introduces his company's products. Will the customer pay? If you want to know what happens in today’s episode, watch the video and get down to business! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4347
13:3903/09/2021
Pre-intermediate | MSN and QQ
Reports reveal a mysterious drop in the GDP of several countries in the last ten years. Analysts have been concerned and perplexed. But they have overlooked the telltale signs. The blinking orange task bar, the familiar 'ping', the too-fast typing smirk and dexterous click of the mouse when the boss nears. A decade of workdays have passed that much happier for office toilers since the miracle of MSN. Hear about it, and its Chinese counterpart, in this podcast. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0810
16:2201/09/2021
Upper-intermediate | Chinese Antiques
No visit to the PRC would be complete without a “Waving Mao” watch, but is it *really* an antique? In this podcast, one seasoned friend helps another with determining whether that artifact really is 3,000 years old or not. Learn some characteristics of different dynasty’s antique items, and how to talk about them in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0289
14:5131/08/2021
Intermediate | How Was Your Date?
Not that we agree with the whole “those who can’t, teach”, but it does seem odd, us giving a lesson on talking about dates--seeing as how we can’t get them (despite our “We work with Ken and Jenny” shirts). However, it’s a hot topic in conversation and we’d like to think you’re a “bit of all right” and will need to know this. If not…join us for video night, Friday and Saturday nights. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0106
14:0927/08/2021
Pre-intermediate | Iron Your Clothes
Your mom's not here and neither is your ayi, and where is a Chinese laundry when you need one? Yes, we know it's true that shirt will get just as rumpled after your sardine subway ride to work, but hey... you never know when you'll be sandwiched up against Mrs. Right. Make a good impression--learn how to iron, and how to say it in Mandarin in this podcast. Women love a man that can pull off a great pant crease. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0787
11:4625/08/2021
Upper-intermediate | Exam Overview
With more and more people (see: our John Pasden) attending uni at a Mandarin school, we’d like to cover some basics. We’ve already taught you “keg stand” and “dodging student loans”, so the only thing left is making sure you know when an exam is coming up. In this podcast, learn to discuss exams and expectations in Mandarin Chinese. (Premium subscribers get an invite to our “ChinesePod Toga Party”). Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0280
20:0623/08/2021
Intermediate | Future Goals
What are your plans for the future? Think that this question ends after you walk out of your guidance counselor’s office? “Think two times” (Chinglish for “twice”). In this podcast, we offer up a monologue on business plans in Mandarin Chinese. Listen and learn…you might just get some good ideas! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0104
15:0320/08/2021
Pre-intermediate | Don't Litter
Dodging street debris may be good foot-dexterity training for the Chinese New Year lion dance you've been getting ready for, but a quick slip on a banana peel can end a potentially brilliant dance career faster than the crash of a gong. In this podcast, a lesson for the litterbugs, in Mandarin. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0773
14:1818/08/2021
Upper-intermediate | Phobias
For Ken, it’s those tiny little sock hangers. For Jenny it’s losing that great head of hair. We all have phobias…ours is that you won’t learn enough Mandarin (ahem - on your terms) to talk about them. Let’s fix that. In this podcast, learn about some common, and some not-so-common phobias, in Mandarin Chinese. Now, we want you to focus on that object directly in front of you. Allow your entire body to melt into the chair. Now, sleeeeeeeepppppppp….. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0271
14:5216/08/2021
Intermediate | Negotiating Price
A foreigner in China soon gets over any initial shyness to talk price after finding out he paid fifteen times the going rate for that “waving Mao” watch. Everything is to be bargained for…everything. So, take a break from talking price to brush up on your skills in this podcast. And remember, if you can do it in Mandarin Chinese, you’ll only pay ten times too much…! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0100
14:0113/08/2021
Pre-intermediate | Winter Fun
If you're creative, indoor winter sports can be so much fun in China. Warm your hands over your gas stovetop flame with your significant other, or chug baijiu in a vain attempt to warm up from the inside out. Or, steam your pores over a lip-numbing Sichuan hotpot while trying not to look at the guy eating brains beside you. All this, and more, can be yours in a China winter. Listen to today's podcast lesson for more Mandarin fun. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0714
15:2911/08/2021
Upper-intermediate | Attitudes Toward Religion
Between 1937-39, over 20,000 Jewish families migrated to Shanghai. Today, north of the city center, there is still a flourishing Jewish community. China is also seeing more and more Christian churches popping up. So how does the average Chinese feel about others who pray to a different higher being? We’ll learn all about it in Mandarin Chinese, in a podcast on the subject. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0260
16:3409/08/2021
Intermediate | A Disappointment
So, you’re able to say “I’m fine”, but what about when you’re in that bad mood? Sure, the easy way out is to always be “fine”--even if you’re not. But wait, this isn’t Stoic-pod, ya know! In this lesson Kind Ken and Jovial Jenny offer up a lesson on “disappointment”…you robot. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0102
19:1506/08/2021
Pre-intermediate | Describing Athletes
Oh the superlative human form. It is said a picture is worth a thousand words, so please allow your eye to feast on the lesson image to the left of this very intro, and admire along with the writer that hunk of a man. Oh yes, and before you get too carried away... don't forget to push play and listen to this podcast on describing hot bods, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0665
13:3104/08/2021
Upper-intermediate | Translation Issues
If Pepsi’s slogan “Come Alive” can mean “Brings Your Ancestors Back from the Dead” after translation into Chinese, then there’s a good chance that you’ll find yourself lost in translation. We don’t want that to happen, so we want to help with this podcast in the form of a Mandarin Chinese lesson on translating. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0251
19:5402/08/2021
Intermediate | Taiwanese Mandopop: Teresa Teng 邓丽君 and Singer-Songwriters (1970s-90s)
Taiwanese songwriters such as 罗大佑 and 李宗盛, and of course the legendary singer Teresa Teng 邓丽君 gifted us classic songs that almost every Chinese-speaking person could sing by heart. Chi explains the beautiful music and lyric-writing in these “经典中的经典” (lit. “the classics of classics”). Song in focus: 罗大佑 – 童年 (1983). Songs featured: 邓丽君 – 月亮代表我的心 (1977) 邓丽君 – 甜蜜蜜 (1979) 邓丽君 – 我只在乎你 (1979) 陈淑桦 – 这样爱你对不对 (1991) 张雨生 – 我期待 (1994) 优客李林 – 输了你赢了世界又如何 (1994) 张惠妹 – 听海 (1997) 黄品源 – 你怎么舍得我难过 (1991) Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4335
20:2130/07/2021
Pre-intermediate | Coffee Break Series: Business Dinner, Part 3
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 after hosting a meal or being treated. Let's get started! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4366
08:4928/07/2021
Upper-intermediate | Exotic Animals
No trip to China would be complete without a look at the (sleeps for 23.7 hours a day) panda and the (will take your mobile phone) golden-haired monkey. In this podcast, we take a trip to the erm, “exotic zoo” (Google that if you’re bored), where you will learn about some interesting animals in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0244
14:4726/07/2021
Intermediate | Coffee Break Series #3 - First Meeting
In the intermediate coffee break series, we will follow the footsteps of Nick through his adventure in China. Along the way, you will learn important terms and phrases used in business settings, as well as some tips and tricks on dealing with Chinese businessmen. In this episode, our main character Nick is having his first meeting in the company, and things are not going so well for him. If you want to know what happens in today’s episode, watch the video and get down to business! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4309
17:0924/07/2021
Pre-intermediate | Man Or Woman?
When he/she walks like a woman and talks like a man, and the response that comes to your query of “Who is that?” is “It’s Pat,” you may find yourself in a quandary of gender identification. Think you can fake your way through this kind of predicament in Chinese with an evasive ‘ta’? That, and this podcast will help. And who knows, you may just find out that the elusive Lola ended up in China. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0627
16:0323/07/2021
Upper-intermediate | Negotiating Rent
Well, to start, there’s the first 3 months plus deposit… and that’s the easy part. The “laowai” shuffle begins thereafter. If you think you can knock that price tag down all by your lonesome, then feel free – and come back to this lesson afterwards. In this podcast, take a tour of an apartment in Mandarin Chinese, then learn some effective bargaining tools to try out. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0233
20:4122/07/2021
Intermediate | Animal Proverbs: A Dead Duck’s Mouth Is Hard
In this lesson, we're showing you three common proverbs related to ducks. They can be directly translated to "To herd the ducks onto a porch", "A cooked duck flies away", and "A dead duck's month is still hard". Do you know what they actually mean? Check out these proverbs with Joy and Joshua and learn how to apply them to daily life! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4300
11:2516/07/2021
Pre-intermediate | Introducing Oneself To The Family
"Meet the parents" takes on a whole other meaning in Chinese families. Now, if you can't keep track of which auntie is the elder, whose brother the rotund uncle is and whose sister the tall auntie is... or for that matter--which side is this grandpa is on, and how that lady over in the corner fits in to the whole scenario... the safest bet is to give lots of compliments about how young they all look. In this podcast, learn a lesson in Chinese charm. You'll be sure to get a dinner invite! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0589
15:4714/07/2021
Upper-intermediate | Anthropology
You sure are clever, and we sure are too. So let’s do what clever people do and talk about clever things… I don’t know, say…anthropology? And to be extra clever, let’s learn all about it in Mandarin Chinese in this podcast. So when your friends ask you “what’s up?” you can say “Oh, you know – just talking about anthropology. In Mandarin.” Someone’s getting a dinner party invite! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0224
17:1012/07/2021
Intermediate | COVID-19, Rumors and Beer
It is not that easy to stay sane lately as the whole world has been gloomy (天昏地暗) due to COVID-19, to put it mildly. This lesson is about being confused by fears and rumors surrounding the pandemic. As we all know, coronavirus and Corona beer share nothing but a similar name, but that didn't prevent the rumors from flying around. Gosh! (天啊!) How much do we hope the pandemic could end soon! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4294
27:1709/07/2021
Pre-intermediate | Travel Itinerary
Having a travel itinerary in place is no problem in China. You can take a tour and be ushered along to a string of jade factories, miracle pearl cream shops, dramatic burn-healing remedy demonstrations and, uh, another jade factory... oh, yeah, and to the Great Wall too, if you're lucky! In this podcast, take control of your itinerary! Learn how to plan your own travel itinerary, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0558
14:0107/07/2021
Upper-intermediate | Views On The News
“CCTV” is all the news here – not the “When Russell Crowe Goes Bad” type of CCTV, but the actual conglomerate of news stations. If you live here, you’ll learn to love it… well, most of it (read: Dashan adverts). So how about a newsworthy lesson in Mandarin Chinese on viewing habits? In this podcast, you’ll learn to talk about the tube, as well as learn how to talk about some current events in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0215
18:1405/07/2021
Intermediate | Coffee Break Series - Airport Pick Up #1
In the intermediate coffee break series, we will follow the footsteps of Nick through his adventure in China. Along the way, you will learn important terms and phrases used in business settings, as well as some tips and tricks on dealing with Chinese businessmen. In this episode, our main character Nick just arrived at the airport. Through a phone conversation, we're going to show you useful terms that you see in every airport. Let's get down to business! P.S. The dialogue you heard in this lesson was recorded by a non-native speaker for character authenticity. However, we have also included a version in the dialogue file that was recorded by a native Chinese speaker. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4284
14:4302/07/2021
Pre-intermediate | Chinese Money Denominations
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 this podcast, learn about Chinese money denominations in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0549
14:4130/06/2021
Upper-intermediate | Discussing Photography
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 body will result in water torture) Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0206
20:2028/06/2021
Intermediate | Pop Music And Pop Culture
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 just that. This lesson will help you learn how to talk about bars, music and what young people in China like to do for fun these days, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0085
16:4825/06/2021
Pre-intermediate | Dog Personalities
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. And remember, even the dogs will expect you to speak Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0475
11:5923/06/2021
Upper-intermediate | Traditional Residences
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
19:1621/06/2021
Intermediate | Business Style
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 all about how important a little “guānxi” really is. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0076
16:2118/06/2021
Pre-intermediate | China's Most Famous Tourist Destinations
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 Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0473
18:5416/06/2021
Upper-intermediate | Getting Tough On Employees
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
17:1814/06/2021
Intermediate | Animal Proverbs: A Blind Cat Meets A Dead Mouse
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 mouse", and "When a rat crosses the streets, everyone yell 'Hit it!" Do you know what they actually mean? Check out these proverbs and learn how to apply them to daily life! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4278
12:1511/06/2021
Pre-intermediate | Morning And After-Work Habits
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
15:2109/06/2021
Upper-intermediate | 强买强卖?3D 眼镜
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
17:4107/06/2021
Intermediate | Animal Proverbs: Can't Get Both Fish And A Bear's Paw
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 or the net breaks", and "Fish helps water, and water helps fish". Do you know what they actually mean? Check out these proverbs and learn how to apply them to daily life! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4265
12:0904/06/2021
Pre-intermediate | Consoling The Bereaved
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
13:3702/06/2021
Upper-intermediate | First Aid
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
16:3831/05/2021
Intermediate | Animal Proverbs: Become A Pig To Catch A Tiger
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", "Disguise oneself as a pig to catch a tiger", and "Even though one has never eaten pork, at least one has seen pigs run". Do you know what they actually mean? Check out these proverbs with Joy and Joshua and learn how to apply them to daily life! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4263
12:4328/05/2021
Pre-intermediate | My Computer Froze!
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 anyway). In this podcast, learn how to cry for tech help in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0278
11:3926/05/2021
Upper-intermediate | Bargaining
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
16:2324/05/2021