ChinesePod - Beginner
ChinesePod makes learning Mandarin fun and easy. It isn't your typical language learning resource - we think you'll be entertained as well! If you’re just trying to learn some survival Chinese or looking to start a lifelong relationship with the language, this ChinesePod - Beginner Level Podcast Channel is where to start. Expand your Mandarin Chinese learning experience by also SUBSCRIBING to ChinesePod - Intermediate and ChinesePod - Advanced Podcast channels. For more lessons, go to www.chinesepod.com and take us for a spin.
Episodes
Elementary | Buying High-Speed Train Tickets
If you're a fan of traveling (and if you're in China or planning a visit, you almost undoubtedly are!) then chances are you're going to need to buy train tickets at some point. Train ticket offices in China can be very daunting: lines are more of a suggestion and dialects reign supreme. But have no fear, ChinesePod is here to help! Listen in and learn all the key vocabulary vital for p
Elementary | Exchanging Dollars for RMB
One of the first things you're going to need to do in China is change some of your hard-earned cash into spendable RMB. Today's dialogue follows one such traveler as they venture into a local bank. Learn all the vital vocab for exchanging money using Mandarin Chinese in today's elementary lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1872
Elementary | Words of Encouragement
It's been a rough week. The work piled up over the holiday last week and all your dutiful employees have been working long overtime hours. What's the best way, other than an expensive bonus, to show your immense appreciation for your subordinates who pour their blood, sweat and tears into your company? Uplifting (and cheap!) words of encouragement, of course! Learn how to spur on your work
Elementary | Spending Money in Hong Kong
As one of Asia's premier shopping cities, Hong Kong has more than a few places to spend your hard-earned cash. No matter what it is you buy, your coworkers will undoubtedly be curious as to how much money you've spent on your most recent buying binge. Learn how to discuss such a topic in today's ChinesePod lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1862
Elementary | A Present for Mid-Autumn Festival
Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated every year on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, is a celebration in honour of the moon, and sharing mooncakes is one of the hallmark traditions of this festival. Listen in to today's lesson to see what someone gets for a present on this holiday. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2536
Elementary | Photocopying and Printing
What do you do when you're thrust into an office environment with little English and a multitude of tasks to complete? ChinesePod offers a solution with today's lesson on the wild world of office duties like photocopying, printing and calling cabs for your superiors. Learn how to be a company superstar with this elementary lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1858
Elementary | Finding the Office Building
You've gotten directions to the office and gotten your friend to tell the taxi driver where to go. All you need to do now is find your way out of the taxi to the correct floor in the office building itself. Learn how to make this final push in Mandarin Chinese in today's elementary lesson! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1855
Elementary | Buying a Prepaid Cell Phone Card
So you've just had an hour-long argument with your landlord about the electricity bill or exchanged a few hundred texts with your significant other; either way your phone is out of credit. Don't panic! Learn how to recharge your cell phone minutes in today's highly useful Elementary lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1851
Elementary | Restaurant Recommendation
Each person has his own preferences, but the Chinese way to finding a good restaurant is -- no, not Yelp or Dianping -- asking friends, face to face, the good old-fashioned way! In this lesson, follow such a conversation about where to eat lunch and learn some Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1847
Elementary | Directions for the Taxi Driver
Why bother to even ask for directions at all, when you can just hop in a cab, call your Chinese friend, and have her tell the driver where you want to go? In this lesson, our lazy office visitor does just that. But you may just learn some Chinese from the exchange if you listen in and pay attention! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1845
Elementary | Getting to the Office
You'd normally just check online for the fastest route via public transportation to get to your destination, but you're out of data on your smartphone and can't find wireless. What do you do? Good thing you listened to this ChinesePod lesson and learned how to ask for and understand directions in Mandarin Chinese! Crisis averted! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1843
Elementary | Afternoon Meeting
Afternoon meetings are a fact of life in many offices, but in many companies they're on a dangerous collision course with the Chinese "afternoon nap" custom. In this lesson, learn the key Mandarin phrases for reminding others about meetings. As for actually staying awake in that meeting... you're on your own! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1841
Elementary | Boxing Day
No, Boxing Day has nothing to do with the big fight on Pay-Per-View. It's that semi-mystical holiday celebrated by the loyal subjects of the queen. Apparently it's all about shopping? If you have any idea what we're talking about, let's convert the idea into Chinese in this lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1832
Elementary | Getting an Official Receipt
If you intend to claim something as an expense in China, you need an "official receipt" (AKA "fapiao"). So don't just fight over the bill -- make sure you get this government-issued scrap of paper to make it official. Learn the magic words in this Chinese lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1831
Elementary | Choosing a Room
You've had a long day and finally arrive at your hotel, ready for some much needed R&R. But alas, the room you desire isn't available! What is to be done? Today's unlucky traveler finds himself in such a predicament. Be sure to listen in and learn about different room types in today's lesson! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1825
Elementary | The Better Man
If you're going to treat men like objects, it's important to be able to compare them like objects. In this Chinese lesson, a group of ladies in the office compare two of their male co-workers. Listen in on the age-old debate of Xiao Wang vs. Xiao Li, and learn how to make comparisons in Mandarin! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1821
Elementary | Hospitality Series 7: Hotel Room Cleaning
So you slept in until noon, and NOW it's convenient for you to have housekeeping clean your room? That's fine... you're the guest after all. Find out what both the request and the polite staff response are in this continuation of ChinesePod's hospitality series. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1889
Elementary | Hospitality Series 6：Buying a Handbag
We revisit Ms. Wu's saga in New York in today's elementary lesson as we follow on a handbag shopping excursion. Will she be able to find one that suits her? Learn how to shop for handbags (and other products) in today's ChinesePod lesson! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1886
Elementary | Hospitality Series 4: Chinese Breakfast
We're back with another useful lesson for the hotel-staffing Chinese learner. Hotel guests highly value their breakfast. Today's lesson will teach you how to direct guests to their morning vittles. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1791
Elementary | Hospitality Series 3: Slippers, Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Everyone forgets the essentials sometimes when they travel. What's a poor traveler to do without their toothbrush? Listen in as a forgetful hotel guest asks hotel staff for vital necessities in Mandarin Chinese and learn how to do the same yourself! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1785
Elementary | Hospitality Series 2: China Union Pay
Our hospitality saga continues with an encounter between a young woman and a hotel clerk. Learn how to talk about room reservations and China Union Pay bank cards in today's lesson! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1765
Elementary | Hospitality Series 1: Welcome to the Hilton!
Imagine that you work at the Hilton in New York City, and you're tasked with welcoming Chinese guests in Mandarin. You better know exactly what to say, and this Chinese lesson covers exactly that. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1755
Elementary | Dental Floss
In recent years, China's stunning economic progress has propelled it into the ranks of "nations that pretend to use dental floss to appease their dentists." Many Chinese people are also now aware that excessive use of toothpicks can be a bad thing. If you're ready for the big "dental floss or toothpick" question, this is the lesson for you. Episode link: https://www.chi
Elementary | Scheduling a Time
That Manager Li is a busy, powerful woman. You can't expect to just pull her aside next to the water cooler; you're going to need to schedule your precious face time with her. In this lesson, learn how to do just that in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1816
Newbie | Learn Mandarin From Commercials: 士力架 (Snickers)
Learn Mandarin From Commercials Series helps you experience the culture from Chinese entertainment through commercials where you can learn everyday Chinese phrases and vocabulary. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4601
Newbie | Learn Mandarin From Commercials: 滴滴 DiDi Phone Number Security
Learn Mandarin From Movies Series aims to increase awareness of fun Chinese movies that can help you improve your Mandarin Chinese level. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4599
Newbie | Learn Mandarin From Commercials: Volkswagen
Learn Mandarin From Commercials Series helps you experience the culture from Chinese entertainment through commercials where you can learn everyday Chinese phrases and vocabulary. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4597
Newbie | Learn Mandarin From Commercials: 滴滴 (Di Di)
Learn Mandarin From Commercials Series helps you experience the culture from Chinese entertainment through commercials where you can learn everyday Chinese phrases and vocabulary. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4595
Elementary | Character Amnesia
Learning how to hand-write characters can be a daunting task for those of us just starting to learn Chinese; how often have you forgotten how to write a character? The answer is probably exceedingly often. Don't feel too bad, though. In today's lesson, you'll learn that it's not just foreigners who are prone to forgetting how to write characters! Episode link: https://www.chinesepo
Newbie | Where are you from? Talking About Your Hometown
In this lesson, Joe and Lyn are teaching you an important topic that always comes up when you meet somebody for the first time - talking about your hometown. Let's check it out! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4609
Elementary | Thanksgiving Turkey
Thanksgiving means "turkey day" to most Americans. While the Chinese can get behind the whole idea of a day giving thanks, they also have a few less-than-enthusiastic opinions about turkey. Find out the Chinese view on turkey and learn how to use Chinese to defend the honor of this delicious bird. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1810
Elementary | Making Plans for the Day
Most successful professionals are excellent planners, or at least have a responsible secretary to take care of all their scheduling needs! Learn how to delegate your scheduling duties to your underlings in Mandarin Chinese in today's ChinesePod lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1797
Newbie | 88 characters with Carly, Part 12
Join Carly as she explains 88 common & simple Chinese characters you will find all over China. In this 12th lesson Carly will give you a final recap of the last set of characters she talked about in previous lessons. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4582
Elementary | Favorite Sports
Sports are a popular topic of discussion all over the world, and China is no exception. In this podcast, learn how to discuss which sports you like to play. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1788
Newbie | 88 characters with Carly, Part 11
Join Carly as she explains 88 common & simple Chinese characters you will find all over China. In this 11th lesson Carly will give you details for characters used for other countries & languages. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4581
Elementary | Marriage and Divorce
Marriage and divorce. We hope you'll be talking much more about one over the other, but just in case, tune into this lesson to learn how to talk about getting married and divorced in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1783
Newbie | 88 characters with Carly, Part 10
Join Carly as she explains 88 common & simple Chinese characters you will find all over China. In this 10th lesson Carly will give you details for characters used for other Chinese cities such as Beijing & Shanghai. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4580
Elementary | Thanking a Hospitable Friend
If you've ever had the fortune of being "taken care of" by a Chinese friend while in China, then you know how truly hospitable the Chinese can be. When it comes time to say farewell, though, you may have a little trouble expressing the depths of your gratitude. This Chinese lesson is just what you need. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1775
Newbie | 88 characters with Carly, Part 9
Join Carly as she explains 88 common & simple Chinese characters you will find all over China. In this 9th lesson Carly will give you details for characters used for common public areas. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4579
Elementary | Plane Ticket Prices
We hope you're ready for some slightly higher numbers, because these are plane tickets we're talking about; the numbers 1-100 aren't going to cut it. Learn how to ask about travel planes, and also how to discuss slightly vague price ranges in this Chinese lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1771
Newbie | 88 characters with Carly, Part 8
Join Carly as she explains 88 common & simple Chinese characters you will find all over China. In this 8th lesson Carly will give you details for characters used on public signs. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4578
Elementary | Online Shopping Help
We're sure many of our subscribers, tech-savvy or not, have experienced the joys of shopping online. In today's lesson, learn about one of China's biggest online shopping site, Taobao, in addition to learning how to discuss buying things online in Mandarin. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1761
Newbie | 88 characters with Carly, Part 7
Join Carly as she explains 88 common & simple Chinese characters you will find all over China. In this 7th lesson Carly will give you details for characters used for transportation such as cars & buses, Trains and so on. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4577
Elementary | Where in Shanghai
Your Chinese friends will be delighted to learn that you lived in China for a while, and that you speak Chinese. But they're going to want to know immediately: where in China? And then if it's a city they're from, they're going to want to know where in that city? This lesson will prepare you for the geographical drill-down! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1745
Newbie | 88 characters with Carly, Part 6
Join Carly as she explains 88 common & simple Chinese characters you will find all over China. In this 6th lesson Carly will give you some shopping advice and point out specific characters you will see while looking for the best deals in town. Be prepared knowing these while on your next visit to China. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4576
Elementary | A Good Book
You may not be up to reading novels in Chinese just yet, but you can certainly express your opinion on whether or not a book is good. In this lesson, all your bookworms can learn how to express a little love for the printed word (the kind on dead trees). Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1805
Newbie | 88 characters with Carly, Part 5
Join Carly as she explains 88 common & simple Chinese characters you will find all over China. In this 5th lesson Carly will give a quick RECAP on what you learned from the previous character videos. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4575
Elementary | Breakup
With this lesson, we did our best to distill the most cliché Chinese breakup lines into one simple dialog. This way, should you ever have the misfortune of needing to understand these words and phrases, you focus on being brokenhearted rather than puzzling over vocabulary and grammar. (You can thank us later.) Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1737
Newbie | 88 characters with Carly, Part 4
Join Carly as she explains 88 common & simple Chinese characters you will find all over China. In this 4th lesson Carly will give you the details on everyday popular drinks like coffee, tea and more. Be prepared knowing these characters while on your next visit to China. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4574
Elementary | Help with Luggage
There are times when one must depend upon the kindness of strangers. This Chinese lesson revolves around one such case: a young lady could use a hand getting her heavy luggage up onto that overhead rack. Learn the key phrases with us. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1735
Newbie | 88 characters with Carly, Part 3
Join Carly as she explains 88 common & simple Chinese characters you will find all over China. In this 3rd lesson Carly will give you the details of dates & times and when they are used. Be prepared knowing these characters while on your next visit to China. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4573
Elementary | Can I Have your Phone Number? Please?
You may know one way to ask for a phone number, but can you beg shamelessly for one? Or can you deflect the request like a true ice queen? This lesson provides some simple but useful Chinese which might just come in handy at a bar. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1729
Newbie | 88 characters with Carly, Part 2
Join Carly as she explains 88 common & simple Chinese characters you will find all over China. In this 2nd lesson Carly will give you the details of number characters and where they can be found in. 一二三 (one, two, three), let's go! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4572
Elementary | Workout Frequency at the Gym
Gym rats love to be told that their efforts are noticed, and they may just want to share how often they work out. Even if working out is not your thing, this lesson has you covered. So start learning the Chinese to talk about gyms now! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1725
Newbie | 88 characters with Carly, Part 1
Join Carly as she explains 88 common and simple Chinese characters you will find all over China. In this 1st lesson Carly will give you the details of characters found on everyday streets and buildings. Be prepared knowing these characters while on your next visit to China. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4571
Elementary | Sending a Text Message
Networking done the traditional way involves stacks of business cards. Nowadays, though, a cell phone is all you need to make that connection. Just be aware that even if you have no intention of making a real connection, your new "friend" might ask you to text her immediately to seal the deal. Learn the necessary Chinese for texting in this lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.co
Newbie | Mom, I Am Hungry!
In this Newbie lesson, Brian and Penny will teach us on how to talk about when something is wrong or asking people when something's wrong. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4562
Elementary | We're lost
So you're wandering in a scary dark forest, and you realize that you keep seeing this same patch of woods over and over... you're lost! In this Chinese lesson, learn how to admit you're lost (or at least the language to accomplish this difficult feat). Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1717
Newbie | Hurry Up!
In this Newbie lesson, Brian and Rena will help you how to tell your friend who moves in a slow pace and always turn out late to hurry up! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4560
Elementary | Ice Cream Run
When a co-worker is making an ice cream run, it's time to speak up or forever dwell in ice cream-less regret. We'll talk about popsicles, cones, and a few other important details. If you're an ice cream fiend, this is an essential Chinese lesson for you. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1710
Newbie | One Chinese Pancake
In this Newbie lesson, Brian and Abby will take you for breakfast and show you how to order your desired meal. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4554
Elementary | Swearing at a Driver
"Aggressive" would be a kind way to describe the driving style you'll witness on the streets of mainland China. For the most part, the pedestrian population regards this driving behavior with amazing tolerance, but every now and then you'll witness a conflict. In this PG-13 Chinese lesson, listen in as a driver gets told off. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1702
Newbie | Did you do it on purpose?
In this Newbie lesson, Josh and Julia will present unavoidable situations where accidents and mistakes may occur and how to deal with them. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4551
Elementary | Broken Pipe
If you're staying in a Chinese apartment, sooner or later something is going to go wrong, and you'll need to find the right person to fix the problem. In this Chinese lesson, our fearless tenant contacts the building management about a broken pipe. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1697
Newbie | Fast Delivery! Looking for a Foreigner
In this lesson, Charlie and Mary will teach you how to say some words when receiving a package. Let's check it out! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4547
Elementary | Baijiu or Beer
The mere mention of baijiu, the "white alcohol," strikes fear into the hearts of those foreigners who have tasted the fearsome liquid. Fortunately, it's usually not the only option. Knowing how to say "I prefer beer" may save you not only the gustatory punishment of the moment, but also the wicked hangover of the next morning. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1694
Newbie | Don't You Need To Sleep?
In this lesson, Joe and Lyn will talk about those little fights you might have with people that are close to you. Let's check it out! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4544
Elementary | Ballet
So you're at a club, getting into the beat, and you kinda feel like dancing. You can dance, right? What style of dance? Wait, what? Ballet? Ummm, that's cool, but maybe not best suited for these endless Lady Gaga remixes. (Prepare for these good times with this Chinese lesson!) Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1690
Newbie | Bring your umbrella
In this lesson, Joe and Lyn will talk about the weather. Let's check it out! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4539
Elementary | Introducing Kids to Each Other
Ah, kids. They love to play, but they also love to steal from each other and smack each other around for no reason. (Come to think of it, they're not that different from adults.) In this Chinese lesson, learn how to introduce children to each other so that they start off on the right foot. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1684
Newbie | First Time Customer
In this lesson, Joe and Lyn are taking you to the restaurant to learn how to ask easy questions, make an introduction and some suggestions on how to make small talk. Let's check it out! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4536
Elementary | Rowing a Boat
Renting a boat and going for a little row on the lake is quite common in China's parks. If you're here for a visit, you, too, may find yourself rowing a boat. So cover the essential Chinese vocabulary with us to ensure that language won't be what stops your little rowboat. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1681
Newbie | You’re Sitting in My Seat
In this lesson, Joe and Lyn are taking you to the cinema and showing useful sentences you can use to find your seat. Let's check it out! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4528
Elementary | I don't smoke
If you come to China, you're going to be offered a cigarette. While you can get by on context and gestures, it's nice to know how to politely decline. While you're at it, you smokers out there can also learn how to ask for a light in Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1672
Newbie | Can I See the Menu?
In this lesson, Joe and Lyn are teaching you one of the most important sentences that you should know as a Chinese beginner! This phrase comes in handy in when you go to a restaurant as a foreigner in China. Let's check it out! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4520
Elementary | Asking Height and Weight
Just by being a foreigner in China, you're a fair target for all sorts of personal questions. So don't be surprised when you're asked how tall you are, or how much you weigh. In this lesson, learn to answer these questions. Remember: for personal questions like these, truth is optional. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1670
Newbie | Taxi Small Talk: Are you here for the first time?
In this lesson, Joe and Lyn are teaching you how to make "small talk" when you meet somebody for the first time. Let's check it out! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4519
Elementary | 5000 Years of History
Do you know how many years of history China is sporting? In case you have no Chinese friends around to remind you, we have created this lesson to fill you in on this critical detail of world history. This Chinese lesson will also help you Americans out there make a comparison. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1666
Newbie | I Don't Understand
In this lesson, Joe and Lyn are teaching you one of the most important sentences that you should know as a Chinese beginner! This phrase comes in handy in the "I have no idea what you're talking about" situations that you might encounter as a foreigner in China. Let's check it out! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4511
Elementary | Push and Pull
So you think that "push" and "pull" are the only options for opening a door? Think again! With this Chinese lesson, you can learn about advanced door opening, even as an absolute beginner. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1654
