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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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Intermediate | Old Friend
Yes, we know you were the prom queen in school (and to be honest, you might not remember us--we were the weird ones that took drama very seriously). So what happens when you bump into someone from “back in the day?” In this podcast, we open that wound of high school days past and teach you how to catch up with someone in Mandarin Chinese. They’ll all be jealous at that next reunion. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0194
16:3806/05/2022
Pre-intermediate | You've Been Everywhere!
So you're planning a trip with your travel buddy, and you're talking about the places you've been and haven't been. The problem is, this guy's been everywhere! Learn these very practical Chinese sentence patterns about past experiences in this lesson. You'll have to figure out the trip destination on your own, though. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1489
18:3604/05/2022
Upper-intermediate | Sales Part 2: Determining a Customer's Purchasing Power
On the streets of China's major cities, it's not uncommon to see Italian sports cars, luxury handbags and expensive wristwatches. China is now full of customers with big time purchasing power, but how do you know who has got the cash to pay a who doesn't? In this next lesson on sales, our instructor gives us some tips on how to determine who our potential customers are and if they have the ability to pay. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2043
18:1802/05/2022
Intermediate | Difficult Cake Choices
Everyone has been at the mercy of indecision at one time or another. However, the task of deciding becomes even more difficult when you are being pummeled by an array of delicious dessert choices. In this lesson, we explore the challenging task of choosing a birthday cake - from black forest to mango mousse! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2032
19:4729/04/2022
Pre-intermediate | Full for Real
If you're a special guest at a dinner in China, expect to eat a lot of food. But when you're full, what's the polite way to say that you can't eat any more? Find out in this lesson! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2355
16:0627/04/2022
Upper-intermediate | Sales: Understanding a Customer's Needs
The art of sales is no easy one. In this lesson, a seasoned saleswoman shares her tips on relating to customers and making a sale. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2034
19:5125/04/2022
Intermediate | Buying A Drink
With a 16-hour flight on what can only be described as an “Eastern seating design” in the cabin – and oh, by the way, those cabbies at the airport are the loudest in the mainland – you might need an adult beverage. In this podcast, you’ll learn all about ordering a nice stiff drink in Mandarin Chinese. But watch out for those ice cubes, as you will see… Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0188
18:0722/04/2022
Pre-intermediate | Reviewing In Class
Today's lesson is essential for anyone taking or planning on taking a Chinese class. Learn how to describe reviewing the material and learn how to talk about habitual actions. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1459
23:0320/04/2022
Upper-intermediate | State-Owned And Privately-Owned Enterprises
What’s all this talk about economic reform in China? Well, to really understand this business, you’ll need to listen in to this podcast, which discusses some of the different types of enterprises you will encounter and hear about in China. Sound like a bunch of number-crunching jargon? It is! But only John and Jenny could turn such a stuffy sounding topic into a great, and essential, Mandarin Chinese lesson for all you business types out there. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0479
14:1418/04/2022
Intermediate | Sending A Large File
It's amazing what can be done these days with Photoshop, or Illustrator, or Final Cut Pro... but sometimes the price for that quality you love is a huge file. Transferring a large file can be a problem when you're dealing with multiple gigabytes. Explore the options in Chinese with this lesson! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2022
16:5815/04/2022
Pre-intermediate | The Year Of The Horse
Chinese New Year comes again, and this year we welcome in the Year of the Horse. In this lesson, listen in as a family gets ready to gallop into the New Year! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2365
20:0813/04/2022
Upper-intermediate | Chinese Geography
OK, so you're all set to get out of your cushy city routine, ready to brave that altitude sickness and hop on that train to Tibet you've been hearing so much about. Oops, someone forgot to mention it's booked up until 2011... oh well, that will give you lots of time to study up on your Chinese geography. In this podcast, learn the ins and outs of this vast country, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0483
13:2811/04/2022
Intermediate | Fast Cars and Shallow Women
Why does anyone drive an expensive car? Is it for the speed? The power? The prestige? Well, those might be factors for some, but in today's dialogue it's all to win a girl's heart (surprise, surprise). Will it be the Ferrari, the limited edition Maserati, or the lowly QQ that gets the privilege of sweeping this beauty off her feet? Tune in now to find out! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2019
18:0708/04/2022
Pre-intermediate | Photos With Animals
While it's strictly taboo at many zoos in America, taking pictures with or feeding the animals is a common occurrence at Chinese zoos. Of course, it isn't always the safest of activities, especially where ferocious animals are concerned. In this lesson, a mother tries to prevent her son from joining in. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2309
13:1806/04/2022
Upper-intermediate | The Play's The Thing
It wouldn't be true drama if it didn't attract dramatic characters. And what higher drama is there than Shakespeare? In this Chinese lesson, you'll hear a director's take on the classic Romeo and Juliet, as his actors struggle to satisfy his demands. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2031
17:5104/04/2022
Intermediate | Standing In Line
Back in the day it was one bus per hour, which explains the, erm, shall we say, “lack of formation” in that ticket queue. In this podcast you will obtain some cultural insight and learn a few stinging phrases in Mandarin Chinese to bring line etiquette to the attention of the offender. Would that relieve some of that stress? It’s Dr. C. Pod to the rescue. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0176
13:5601/04/2022
Pre-intermediate | Giving Up A Seat On The Bus
In the craziness that befalls Chinese cities at rush hour it hardly seems likely that there is any method to the madness. Yet often times when it comes to the elderly and the handicapped (and kiddos, too) people are quick to relinquish their hard-won seats. Find out more about giving up your bus seat with today's lesson! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1394
17:0730/03/2022
Upper-intermediate | Chinese Identity
Ken: foreigner. Jenny: Chinese. Easy, right? But this game gets a little more difficult when it comes to those with Chinese heritage that were raised entirely overseas. Are they Chinese or not? Tune in to this podcast to learn how one Chinese American girl feels about her own identity crisis and how she articulates her confusion to a Chinese friend in Mandarin. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0466
17:4828/03/2022
Intermediate | The Typhoon
Typhoons are no joking matter in China, where flooding and falling debris can wreak serious havoc in densely-packed urban areas. Learn the key words for discussing typhoons and typhoon-related issues in this Chinese lesson, as well as a fun little bit of etymology. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2016
15:0925/03/2022
Pre-intermediate | Shampoo And Cut
That hair of yours is getting long and straggly, ain't it? Time for a haircut! In this lesson, you'll learn the basics for getting your hair done in Chinese, as well as a bit about barbershop culture in China. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2301
16:4323/03/2022
Upper-intermediate | For The Love Of Pale Skin
Chinese culture (and the ladies in particular) tends to prize pale skin. East Asian ladies of all nationalities, in fact, will go to great lengths to keep their skin as white as possible, employing anti-UV umbrellas and various creams. The Chinese have recently taken the obsession to new heights with the "facekini" however. Learn all about the issue in this Chinese lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2025
18:2321/03/2022
Intermediate | Girly Talk
Combine Alicia Silverstone with Wang Faye and you will start to understand the crux of this podcast…oh yeah, and throw in a 6’4” laowai--now you understand. In this Mandarin Chinese lesson, John and Jenny dissect their Chinese sisters’ girl talk. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0169
13:2918/03/2022
Pre-intermediate | Finishing Work For The Weekend
At the end of the work week things generally wind down. But for some people, Fridays are the busiest. Check out today's lesson to learn about a person who's trying to cram everything in before the weekend. Jenny and John will also be discussing the very common practice of working overtime: 加班 (jiābān). Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1374
15:4116/03/2022
Upper-intermediate | Closing A Meeting
You used our "Opening a Meeting" to wow 'em and just finished the proposal of your life. So you smile, put down your laser pointer and... sit down? That would be so anti-climatic! So, listen in to this podcast to learn how to end that meeting, in Mandarin Chinese! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0452
12:0514/03/2022
Intermediate | A Detained Package
Sometimes getting a package in China isn't quite as simple as having it shipped to your home address. Packages can get detained by customs, in which case you should receive a written notice. In this dialogue, a girl gets just such an unpleasant surprise... Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2012
12:2511/03/2022
Pre-intermediate | Mooncakes For The Staff
Glorified paperweights or delicious traditional Chinese treats? Every autumn, Chinese offices are inundated with mooncakes - sweet, impossibly dense confections made to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival. In this lesson, a boss decides what kind of mooncakes to give his employees. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2277
14:0509/03/2022
Upper-intermediate | Recognizing An Employee
ChinesePod can attest that late night text messages are not the recommended route to complimenting employees. So, how can you do it (without legal repercussions)? Just listen to this podcast, and learn how to do it using your Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0438
12:3507/03/2022
Intermediate | Street Food
While most “laowai” that live here might have trouble explaining the directions to the sidewalk vendors, you can bet they know the entire selection by heart. From morning buns to early morning kebabs (and other parts of a lamb should you ever brave Longfusi Lu in Beijing), a knowledge of a portable kitchen menu is a must. In this podcast, learn some of the names of these tasty treats in Mandarin Chinese, as well as get an introduction to the art of street-side dining. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0162
19:3404/03/2022
Pre-intermediate | Can't Get To Sleep
Having trouble falling asleep? Anxious before bed? Well unfortunately we can't solve these problems for you - but what we can do is teach you how to describe them in Chinese. And that's exactly what we're doing in today's podcast, so join us to learn more about sleep troubles! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1339
19:3502/03/2022
Upper-intermediate | Black Market Gun Deal
Despite our cheerful demeanor, even we have a dark side. This lesson features one (soon-to-be-unlucky) man attempting to buy a firearm (illegally). Why unlucky? Let’s just say things are not always what they seem (insert spooky organs here). In this podcast you will learn about police busts, guns and intrigues, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0428
13:2528/02/2022
Intermediate | I'm Pregnant!
'Bun in the oven' lost something when you tried to translate it to 'baozi in a steamer basket.' In this podcast, learn how to break the news to your significant other that you're with child. And learn how to prepare yourself for the weird and wonderful cravings of a Chinese mother-to-be. We're not talking pickles and peanut butter, either... Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0997
14:5525/02/2022
Pre-intermediate | I Don't Feel Well 我不舒服
This lesson introduces dialog that expresses how to communicate when someone doesn't look well and when someone one has an upset stomach. The vocabulary includes the descriptions of how one feels as well as examples of popular Chinese midnight snack. This is pre-intermediate, so we are using more Chinese to explain the lesson. The Expansion and Grammar sections have a lot of material to work on, as well. Enjoy! And let's hope you don't ever have to use this material! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4083
17:5623/02/2022
Upper-intermediate | An Athlete's Strengths And Weaknesses
Being a true fan of any sport requires you to have a slightly deeper knowledge of participating athletes than "he runs really fast" or "she jumps really high." Learn how to participate in such discussions about endurance, strength, and slightly more complex strategy in today's upper-intermediate lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1999
20:3221/02/2022
Intermediate | Introducing Hotels
With only a single letter difference between “hotel” and “hostel,” a lesson in Mandarin Chinese on where you lay that head of yours whilst on the road might come in handy, lest you find yourself trying to decide on where to use that spare change (snack machine or vibrating bed). In this podcast you will learn useful terms in Mandarin Chinese to aid you in finding a desirable (or less than, depending on your price range) place to stay. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0174
17:4018/02/2022
Pre-intermediate | Getting Taller (Not Fatter)
Children grow so quickly - it's amazing. Especially for relatives who don't get to see their young nieces, nephews, or grandchildren on a regular basis. In today's ChinesePod lesson, we've got an uncle and his nephew who are getting reacquainted after a year of not seeing one another. Learn all about drawing comparisons and making predictions for the future. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1327
22:1416/02/2022
Upper-intermediate | An Unhappy Valentine's
It's been a year since the breakup at Valentines, but today's character receives a call from their sister wishing them a happy Valentine's, only to stir up some unwanted emotions. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4000
16:2914/02/2022
Intermediate | Wishing People Well at Chinese New Year
In this lesson, we teach you how to wish someone a Happy Chinese New Year. First we teach you the most common ones like "xin nian kuai le", or "gong xi fa cai." We also teach you some Year of the Monkey specific ones that make you look super smart, as well as some really advanced phrases that will have people wowed by your linguistic genius. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2837
12:1111/02/2022
Pre-intermediate | Toothache
Toothaches hurt. If you have a toothache, this is a fact you'll be wanting to communicate. In this lesson, we talk about toothaches, swollen faces, and scary visits to the dentist. Listen in to learn this basic dental Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1550
17:0509/02/2022
Upper-intermediate | A Classic Grand Slam Matchup
Grand Slam tournaments have been the stage for classic battles between fierce rivals throughout tennis history: Becker and Edberg, Lendl and McEnroe, Borg and Connors, Sampras and Agassi...the list goes on and on. Today's upper-intermediate lesson focuses on perhaps the greatest rivalry in the last 10 years: Federer and Nadal. Join in as two rabid Chinese tennis fans discuss the pros and cons of each competitor and the strategies each one employs! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2021
15:5107/02/2022
Intermediate | Chinese New Year Plans
Certain ancient Chinese traditions are more easily assimilated to the Western mind. Five days straight of blowing off firecrackers tends to sit better than 12-course dinners. If you don't join 'em, you aren't gonna beat 'em, so put on your protective glasses and light up your xiaoqu with China's gift to the world. In this podcast, plan your Chinese New Year in Mandarin. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0783
15:4104/02/2022
Pre-intermediate | The North Has Central Heating
Contrary to what you'd think, winter often feels colder in south China than in north China. Why is this? Two words: central heating. So cuddle up with a warm blanket and join us as we explore this chilly winter topic! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1307
19:1702/02/2022
Upper-intermediate | Whose Home For Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year is all about going home to one's family and enjoying precious time with family stuffing one's face. But what happens when a husband and wife are from different cities and they both want to go home to their own families for CNY? This dialog ensues, that's what! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1848
17:2931/01/2022
Intermediate | Calligraphy
At ChinesePod, we expect a lot from our listeners: well kept, an invite over for cake every now and then, and personal growth--so, even though you just now figured out the brush strokes for “yi”, we’re quite certain a lesson in calligraphy will be just what you need? In this podcast, learn to discuss the art of Chinese calligraphy in Mandarin Chinese. How apropos. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0158
18:0728/01/2022
Pre-intermediate | What Have You Done In 2009?
Christmas has just passed and it's that time of year again - the time when you look back on everything you've done and think about what you'd like to do in the year to come. Join ChinesePod today as we reminisce on 2009, and look to an exciting new decade! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1323
20:0426/01/2022
Upper-intermediate | Exchange Rates
Although they may sound similar, the difference between the “yen” and the “yuan” is big. So how does the world’s next big economy communicate? In terms of exchange rates. And how does the next big Mandarin learner join in? By listening to this podcast, wherein you will learn about currency exchange and money matters, in Mandarin Chinese Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0410
15:1124/01/2022
Intermediate | Goals For Studying Chinese
With more and more “laowai” coming to the People’s Republic, more and more find themselves in conversations about the occasional frustration one finds at that point in Mandarin where you’re good enough to get by, but are far from fluent. In this podcast, Ken, Jenny and Aggie discuss the aforementioned, and teach you to cry the language blues using Mandarin Chinese. Please be assured that we at ChinesePod are devoted to helping you get through this difficult period. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0157
16:0021/01/2022
Pre-intermediate | Borrowing Money From A Friend
You're in that awkward situation where you don't have any money and you have to ask a friend for help. Fear not. Hopefully you have as good a friend as Daisy has, and they can lend you some cash. But don't be one of those people that never returns the money... Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2585
16:4719/01/2022
Upper-intermediate | Homeschooling
In a society renowned for its rigid examination system, homeschooling might seem like a very attractive option to conscientious parents that are looking to do more for their children's futures then turn them into obedient little worker drones, fresh terracotta bricks for the (not so great) wall. But did you know that homeschooling is actually illegal in China? Get the Chinese perspective in this lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2014
19:0118/01/2022
Intermediate | How's Business?
Yes, you want to come to China to see the beautiful sites and meet the gorgeous ChinesePod crew, but there’s a good chance that work will bring you here, so why don’t we start you off with a lesson on business? In this podcast, we’ll walk you through a Mandarin Chinese conversation about a prospering “biz”. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0144
14:5414/01/2022
Pre-intermediate | Asking For Sick Leave
Even the hardest-working employees need a break sometimes! Whether you're actually sick or not, knowing how to ask your Chinese boss for a bit of time off is a highly important skill. Learn how to do so in today's lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1860
13:4912/01/2022