When you strike up a conversation with someone in Shanghai, people will inevitably want to know how long you've been there. Whether you're a grizzled expat who's been there for years or a newbie who's just around for a couple of days, you'll still need to know how to respond in Mandarin Chinese. Learn how in today's newbie lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1952
The 2012 Olympics are in London! If you're from London, going to London, or even fond of occasionally mentioning London, you'd better be able to say it in Chinese! (Oh, and while we're at it, let's make sure you can say "London" in Chinese as well...) Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1993
Another Chinese class is over. You've answered the teacher's questions masterfully throughout and are ready to get home. Learn how classes are ended and how to bid farewell to your teacher in today's newbie lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1942
What are friends for? Lending money, right? In this lesson, learn how to extract as much money as possible from your good, generous friend. (You'll pay him back, of course.) Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1984
Now, we know ChinesePod users like to sit in hip cafés and listen to hip Chinese podcasts, so before you commit to buying that 30RMB cappuccino, we’ve created a lesson to help you to ask if wireless internet is available. We’ll also help you to learn how to ask in Mandarin Chinese whether there are any associated fees, as well—so that 30RMB cappuccino doesn’t turn into a $30 cappuccino. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0480
In China, convenience reigns supreme. So, not only can you buy a drink, herb-flavored gum, underwear, and/or a brown simmering egg in a convenience store, you can also handily pay your bills. In this podcast, learn how to pay those bills using Mandarin Chinese. Don't forget to stop and enjoy the tantalizing tea egg aroma while you're there! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0519
On your next trip back to your home country, don’t forget to pick up some nice “western” treats for all your little friends in the neighborhood to try. And leave it to ChinesePod to think up a lesson to teach you how to be the benevolent benefactor that you will come to be known as around the ‘hood when you start handing out treats. Listen to this podcast to learn how to be a “sugar daddy” in Mandarin Chinese. But remember: buy in bulk...! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0478
Now that your Mandarin is getting so good, chances are all you cool CPoddies will be out late partying every night, your Mandarin getting more fluent with every drink you imbibe. But don’t forget there will be some worrywarts who would appreciate a phone call home when you'll be out late. In this podcast, learn how to talk about the time being late, as well as how to express worry in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0515
Not every baby is cute, but here in China, almost all of them are, so you'll probably find yourself in many situations in which you'll feel the need to tell parents just how adorable their little one is. In today's Newbie lesson, learn all about how to compliment a baby without holding back, because it's not really about that baby's self-esteem anyway - it's about the parents'. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1932
Learning Mandarin is like climbing a mountain made of dumplings. And as with other mountaineering expeditions, it's necessary to study the landscape before starting the ascent. In this podcast, we unravel the mystery of the xiaolongbao, the Mount Everest of Chinese breakfast foods. Tip to the wise: if you can't smell the ocean, don't buy the ones with crab meat. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0511
Though the screech of an alarm clock sounds the same in any language, we know that all this studying makes you tired, so we’ve prepared a lesson on giving you that extra “nudge” to get up out of bed in the morning. In this podcast learn how to tell someone in Chinese that it’s late and they need to get up. Which brings to mind another good thing about Mandarin on your terms: You don’t have to worry about being late for class. So go ahead...hit that snooze button for the seventh time. Episode lin...
"Writing" in China has come a long way from its oracle bone past all the way to its QQ IMing and smartphone texting present. But now there's a new form called "WeChat" which mixes texting and free internet messages with voice messaging and GPS. WeChat is already pretty big in China, so if you're totally unaware, it's time to tackle this lesson... Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1990
Sometimes you say one word of Mandarin and the other side assumes you’re fluent and lets loose with a torrent of Chinese. But then there are times when you have the opposite problem: you don’t hear what someone says, and then they write you off as not even understanding “ni hao.” This podcast was designed for just that maddening situation, so tune in and learn what Mandarin to use in that situation. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0472
We hope that those who come to China have a good memory, seeing as mobile phone numbers are about 20 digits long here. In this podcast, experience a Mandarin Chinese lesson on getting something you can’t live without here—a mobile phone SIM card. (ChinesePod tip: don’t get tricked into taking the number 444-4444-4444 ‘cause it’s easy to remember…) Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0507
What is a 成语 or Chéngyǔ? It's an idiom. Here we learn 2 Chinese Idioms! The first is "Lower than a pig or a dog!" The second one is "Fowls and dogs are not at peace!" Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4093
It's a classic situation in any culture. A child breaks something, and when their parents ask them about it, they deny doing it. In this lesson, a father grills his son about something he broke. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2108
In part 1 of making a dinner reservation, you learned how to say you needed a dinner reservation for how many people. You're almost done, but you're still going to need to leave your phone number and your name. Learn how to do just that in this podcast. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1930
Whether or not one can play a musical instrument, everyone appreciates a good tune. In this lesson, learn how to talk about music and playing musical instruments. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2105
The Chinese language has 4 tones. Follow along with Grace as she brings the 4 tones of Ma alive! The newbie lesson pairs nicely with "The Characters of Ma!" Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4091
Here is a lesson for all our Chinese-speaking carnivores out there. Now, we know steak isn't really a Chinese food, but some of you just may get a yearning to sink your teeth into a red juicy (or not) slab of meat once in a while. So, listen to this podcast to learn how to order it to your liking--in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0503
This is a breakdown of the characters or hanzi behind "Ma!" This lesson pairs nicely with the newbie lesson "Tones of Ma!" Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4090
So you've enjoyed some travels in China of late, but part of the fun is getting to go home and brag to everyone about what you've seen. Listen to this podcast and learn how to use Mandarin Chinese to tell someone about what you've seen and done whilst adventuring in the "Middle Kingdom." Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0500
No China experience would be complete without the “stuck in the middle of a giant mass of people” part. But you really need to get through. Not willing to just PUSH, you have to know what to say. In this podcast, you learn how to say “let me through” in Mandarin. (Getting the crowd to actually take you seriously is up to you.) Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0469
It's time to get those chores done! In this lesson, learn how to talk about doing house work, from washing dishes and doing laundry to tidying up your room. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2102
OK, so you’re in a little Chinese shop, or checking out a vendor’s stand, and the clerk is super excited. She’s trotting out a seemingly endless line of products, not a single one which arises an iota of your interest. So how do you tell her that you’re really “just looking?” In this podcast you can learn the Mandarin to do just that. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0465
Don’t you hate it when you want to know how to tell someone off in Chinese, but you just can’t find the words? Which results in your usual strong words: you bad! Well, leave it to ChinesePod to teach you the phrases you really want to know, like “shut up!” In this podcast, listen in as two friends have a little exchange of words. (Later, we’ll teach you how to kiss and make up). Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0492
Ever been on the hunt for wifi? Here's how to ask! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4087
So much of life if consumed with planning for the things that we want to do. In this lesson, two coworkers talk about an upcoming annual meeting at work and whether or not one of them can attend. Learn how to talk about participating in big events like weddings, meetings, etc., as well as plans to return home. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2099
You know that guy that keeps calling your home number at 3am and asking for “Lao Li” in Chinese? You’ve tried screaming, you’ve tried threatening, you’ve tried begging. But he just KEEPS CALLING. With the help of this podcast you can learn how to finally tell the guy “wrong number” in Mandarin Chinese. (That’ll show him.) Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0460
Co-workers come and go in offices throughout the world. In this lesson, learn how to say goodbye to your Chinese co-workers and wish them the best. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2096
