In this series, we tackle the most common question in every newbie's mind: "What's with the tone changes?" Along the way, you'll learn the tone change rules for 不, 一, two third tones, and three third tones. Practice and familiarize yourselves with the sounds, and you'll be a tone master in no time. Generally we do not see tone change rules applied in written texts, i.e. we do not see the change of tone mark reflected in written pinyin. Precisely because of this, tone change rules are confusing a...
Dec 03, 2025•9 min
Suits, sweaters... how could anyone possibly know which need to be dry cleaned, and which don't? No need to be shy; just ask! Learn to talk about clothing and dry cleaning options in this lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1561
Dec 02, 2025•15 min
In this series, we tackle the most common question in every newbie's mind: "What's with the tone changes?" Along the way, you'll learn the tone change rules for 不, 一, two third tones, and three third tones. Practice and familiarize yourselves with the sounds, and you'll be a tone master in no time. Today, let's start with 不(bù). Generally we do not see tone change rules applied in written texts, i.e. we do not see the change of tone mark reflected in written pinyin. Precisely because of this, to...
Nov 28, 2025•9 min
To make it through a northern Chinese winter, you're going to need to do more than your fair share of moisturizing. Go ahead, moisturize your hands and face. It'll give you something to talk about. But listen to this Chinese lesson first. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1557
Nov 26, 2025•14 min
Are you one of the Chinese learners who are afraid of complicated and scary Chinese characters? In this series, we are going to show you 66 traditional characters that you see every day produced in our Taipei Studios! Check it out and enjoying learning with Joy! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4130
Nov 24, 2025•8 min
Electric scooters are a popular choice for transportation in China. If you live here, you may find yourself in the market for one. Let us help you tell all the reasons why this is such a fabulous idea in this Chinese lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1554
Nov 21, 2025•16 min
Are you one of the Chinese learners who are afraid of complicated and scary Chinese characters? In this series, we are gonna show you 66 traditional characters that you see every day produced in our Taipei Studios! Check it out and enjoying learning with Joy! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4129
Nov 19, 2025•4 min
It's a dirty world out there, and it's not easy to stay clean... especially when you're a kid. But you have to try! Wash your hands, wash your face, and change your clothes if you have to. Learn all this language in Chinese and more, in today's lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1544
Nov 17, 2025•15 min
Are you one of the Chinese learners who are afraid of complicated and scary Chinese characters? In this series, we are gonna show you 66 traditional characters that you see every day produced in our Taipei Studios! Check it out and enjoying learning with Joy! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4128
Nov 14, 2025•9 min
Have you ever been told to "dance like no one is watching?" It seems like many in China have taken this advice, and they've added some of their own: "also dance where everyone is watching." Learn the language for jumping in on some Chinese public dancing. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1537
Nov 12, 2025•15 min
Are you one of the Chinese learners who are afraid of complicated and scary Chinese characters? In this series, we are gonna show you 66 traditional characters that you see every day produced in our Taipei Studios! This episode is a recap of the first five lessons, be sure to review them! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4166
Nov 10, 2025•5 min
Buckling up is the law in many countries, and China is no exception. Sometimes this law is even enforced! In this lesson, learn the essential words and phrases for a run-in with the police over fastening one's safety belt. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1531
Nov 07, 2025•16 min
Are you one of the Chinese learners who are afraid of complicated and scary Chinese characters? In this series, we are gonna show you 66 traditional characters that you see every day produced in our Taipei Studios! Check it out and enjoying learning with Joy! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4126
Nov 05, 2025•5 min
Halloween is not exactly widely celebrated in China, or at least not the way that your average western observer might recognize. But what if it were? In this lesson, learn the Chinese for "trick or treat" as well as some Chinese attitudes on this special holiday. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1532
Nov 03, 2025•20 min
Are you one of the Chinese learners who are afraid of complicated and scary Chinese characters? In this series produced in our Taipei Studios, we are gonna show you 66 traditional characters that you see every day! Check it out and enjoying learning with Joy! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4125
Oct 31, 2025•6 min
You're a busy person, with staff helping you to manage your busy itinerary. You just may need to ask for some help reserving a cab in Mandarin Chinese. This lesson covers the essentials you need to get in that car and on the road. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1527
Oct 29, 2025•14 min
Are you one of the Chinese learners who are afraid of complicated and scary Chinese characters? In this series produced in our Taipei Studios, we are gonna show you 66 traditional characters that you see every day! Check it out and enjoying learning with Joy! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4124
Oct 27, 2025•6 min
Chinese textbooks don't usually tell you this, but ChinesePod will let you in on a little secret: most of China does not speak that standard Beijing accent. In fact, some parts of China have accents and idiosyncrasies that can be downright baffling when you first encounter them. In this lesson, we learn about some key features of the Hunanese accent in Mandarin. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1524
Oct 24, 2025•19 min
Are you one of the Chinese learners who are afraid of complicated and scary Chinese characters? In this series, we are gonna show you 66 traditional characters that you see every day produced in our Taipei Studios! Check it out and enjoying learning with Joy! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4123
Oct 22, 2025•5 min
With so many people living in the same city, it's bound to happen: sometimes you just can't get a cab. Experience this Chinese big city annoyance vicariously in today's lesson, picking up practical vocabulary along the way. Oh, and what's the solution if you simply can't get a cab? Listen to find out. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1521
Oct 21, 2025•20 min
Are you one of the Chinese learners who are afraid of complicated and scary Chinese characters? In this series, we are gonna show you 66 traditional characters that you see every day! Check it out and enjoying learning with Joy! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4121
Oct 17, 2025•7 min
We at ChinesePod are vaguely aware that some people like cats better than dogs. While we don't apologize for our various dog-themed lessons, we're happy to throw you cat lovers a (fish)bone. Listen to this lesson to learn how to deal with the irrational cat-haters of this world in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1518
Oct 15, 2025•19 min
In this newbie lesson, we're showing you three ways to respond to common questions like "What do you do for a living?" or "What's your job?". Let's check it out! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4230
Oct 13, 2025•13 min
Cities in China are divided into districts, which are not only labeled on maps, but also frequently mentioned in casual conversation. Do you know what the major city districts of Shanghai or Beijing are? If you live in China, do you know which district you live in? In this lesson, we cover the essential Chinese words you need. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1514
Oct 10, 2025•21 min
In today's lesson, we are showing you a conversation between a grumpy bus driver and an impatient passenger. Let's check out the dialogue! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4221
Oct 08, 2025•14 min
Of all the great reasons to visit Beijing, one of the simple pleasures that tops most visitors' lists is the simple "stroll through the hutongs." These twisty old Beijing alleyways are traditional, they're charming, and they're a great way to get blissfully lost in Beijing. In today's lesson, learn the basic Chinese vocabulary you need to get started exploring Beijing's backstreets. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1511
Oct 06, 2025•14 min
Mobile phones can bring our significant others right into our meetings. In this lesson, you're gonna learn three sentences so that when you're about to join a meeting, or even in a meeting, you'll know what to say to your dear ones on the phone. Watch out! This lesson is designed for newbies who desire challenges! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4191
Oct 03, 2025•16 min
October 1st is "National Day" in the PRC, a holiday celebrating the founding of the nation. For the average Joe, this has a very important implication: vacation! In this lesson, learn how official holidays are announced, as well as some of their unfortunate drawbacks. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1509
Oct 01, 2025•19 min
A critical language skill for every toddler: How to gently let your parents know that it’s actually NOT time for bed yet. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4189
Sep 29, 2025•12 min
You've got big plans for the morning, so don't forget to set your alarm clock. But do you know how to say this in Chinese, and to ask your travel buddy if he has performed this very necessary ritual? Learn the essential alarm clock Chinese in this lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1500
Sep 26, 2025•18 min