Gifts range from the practical to the extravagant, and in today's lesson we're learning about both the language and culture of gift-giving in China. It might be news to you, but green hats are a big no-no. Find out why by tuning in! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1379
The growing number of drivers in China is a big deal for the government; there's not enough room on the roads for 1.3 billion cars, especially in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Learn about the different ways the local government in Beijing and Shanghai are dealing with the issue, and what exactly you'll have to go through to get a license plate for your car. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1611
With Expo fever in full swing, we're getting into the nitty-gritty of the event itself. Having already covered how to buy tickets and Haibao, the ubiquitous Expo mascot, we're spending today's lesson focusing on the much-anticipated China Pavilion and how to talk about it in Chinese. Join us! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1418
Maybe you showed up in China with nothing more than the clothes on your back and a sense of adventure, but some people bring a lot more... including pets. If you need to bring your furry friend to the Middle Kingdom, there are just a few procedures you need to be aware of. Learn about them in this lesson! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1603
Today's lesson focuses on a conversation between an employee and his boss. Learn the language appropriate for dealing with superiors, and find out how to ask for that raise you've been wanting - in Chinese! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1376
When there's a new employee in the office, someone has to show them around and show them the ropes. In this "Intermediate to Upper Intermediate" transitional Chinese lesson, learn some of the basic words and expressions used in such a situation. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1598
As spring arrives, the parks are beginning to liven up again. In today's show, we'll be exploring a popular park activity: kite flying. Join us to learn all about this fun hobby in this lesson! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1372
For the growing numbers of affluent Chinese mainlanders, Hong Kong is a shopping paradise. That is, until this year, when some new tax policies kicked in. In this lesson, learn about the difficulties of buying an iPad cheap in Hong Kong, as well as a rather sneaky (if legally questionable) little plot to avoid those taxes. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1593
Today, ChinesePod is exploring the four words no one ever wants to hear from the person they care about. Learn how to ask a friend to take things to the next level - and how to gently let someone down - in this heart-breaker of a lesson! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1370
Foreigners raising their young children in China face a very difficult choice regarding schooling. Is it better to send one's child to a local school to learn along with all the Chinese kids and grow up culturally Chinese, or to attend an international school where English is used much more often and Chinese language is not emphasized? Learn to discuss these issues with this lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1590
It's a mad dash to make the best of today's killer discount! Find out how to describe clothing sizes and styles in today's shopping-focused ChinesePod lesson! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1362
"My mind is filled with your lovely smiling face. Your sweet smile warms up this frigid winter. Can I still see you tomorrow - in that secluded place?" ...If you found a love letter like this written by your teenage son, how would you react? Listen in as a Chinese parent flips out in this lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1583
Ever wonder why you see some people in China wearing a little bit of red every single day? Well we've got an interesting explanation for you in today's astrology themed lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1358
Today's lesson features a very serious topic that affects many families. Learn not only how to talk about divorce in Chinese, but also learn about the divorce process in China. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1578
The language of sales and advertising is very unique. It's meant to get you excited enough to run to the store and buy that brand new cell phone you never wanted (again). In today's lesson, find out just what those guys in the TV advertisements are saying to get people to buy, buy buy! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1356
It takes a lot of hard work to build a business, but sometimes things go wrong. You may have taken various measures to get the company back on track, but in some cases you just have to consider bankruptcy. In this lesson, learn to discuss this unhappy situation in Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1573
Drip. Drip. Drip... we've got a leaky faucet today - time to call the plumber! Learn some great plumbing terms that will help you get your bathroom and kitchen in working order again. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1353
For all those tourists who have showed up in China dismayed at the modern economies and booming metropolises, the tourism industry has an answer, and that answer is the Chinese river towns. The old-style housing, traditional eats, and arts and crafts will charm Chinese and foreigners alike. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1567
It's the end of the Chinese year, and you know what that means! No, we're not talking about long waits in the ticket line at the train station. And we're not talking about fireworks, either. We're talking about the very exciting end of the year bonus. Let's just hope it was a good year... if not, you might have to scratch that new flat screen off of your shopping wishlist! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1351
In this lesson, two radio announcers discuss the Jewish "Festival of Lights" in Chinese. Get the abridged history of the holiday along with your essential candle vocabulary. You'll be ready for your first Chinese Hanukkah in no time. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1558
Choosing glasses is always a challenge, but throw in a system of glasses prescriptions completely different from any you're used to, and it's a recipe for confusion and frustration. But not to worry! ChinesePod is here to provide you with the tools to make your next trip to get eye glasses a success. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1345
The rising cost of food is a social issue that can't be ignored. You'll hear the average Zhou on the street talking about it, and you'll see it on the news. But what happens when you put the two together? What are the Chinese viewer reactions to this kind of news? Tune in to this lesson to find out. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1563
Being a parent means making tough decisions all the time. In today's podcast, we'll be learning about a very important parenting moment in an age-old debate: are righties smarter than lefties? Or vice versa? The parents in this dialog struggle with old Chinese stereotypes and try to respect the individuality of their toddler. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1343
At least for the time being, a lot of things are cheaper in China than in the West. One that might not immediately come to mind is laser eye surgery. But is it safe? How is it viewed and discussed in Chinese society? Listen in to this lesson for a modern Chinese take. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1553
Today we're leaving behind the rats, monkeys and tigers of the Chinese zodiac for Leo, Taurus and Sagittarius. Find out how to discuss your own sign, and learn how to ask someone else theirs. Who knows, you might even pick up some flirting tips! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1341
"Second-hand" isn't just one option when buying a bicycle; for many consumers, it's a whole way of life. In this lesson, we cover a range of topics, from broken-down bikes to second-hand philosophy. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1548
We've all been there: you're in the middle of a big project, you're about to save, and... nothing. Your computer is frozen. Nothing to do but shout in anger and beg the tech. department to come over and see what the bigger problem is. A virus? A hardware issue? Tune in today to learn how to describe computer problems and how to ask for help. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1336
How do you provide healthcare for a population of 1.4 billion? We don't know either, but this lesson takes a look at the more practical side of the issue: just getting a prescription filled. The Chinese process is a bit different from that of the west, so listen in to learn the Chinese way to get those meds. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1542
If you've been to China, you will have noticed the lack of fire detectors in homes and office buildings. We won't be solving this problem with today's ChinesePod lesson, but we will be providing you with the language tools to alert others if there is a fire. You'll also be learning how to ask for a fire extinguisher! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1334
Crank your amps up to 11; it's time for band practice! In this lesson you'll learn the Chinese to talk about getting ready for the big show, busting out with that sweet guitar solo, and even the possibility of making it big. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1538
