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 | 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
Newbie | Give Me All of Them
In today's lesson, we are going bag shopping, and you're going to learn some useful phrases that will come in handy when you are in the store next time! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4507
Elementary | Getting Picked up by a Driver
If you've really made it in China, you may have a driver to get you where you need to go. But a driver that also speaks fluent English would just be no fun, so this lesson focuses on basic communications with the driver in Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1651
Newbie | Who are you waiting for?
In this lesson, we're looking at a conversation that you would definitely recognize if you have ever been hit on by a stranger (or maybe you are the stranger!). Let's learn how to get out of the awkward situation using one simple phrase, check out the video to find out! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4503
Elementary | Which Hilton?
In this lesson, we're looking at a conversation that you would definitely recognize if you have ever been hit on by a stranger (or maybe you are the stranger!). Let's learn how to get out of the awkward situation using one simple phrase, check out the video to find out! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4503
Newbie | Did You Get Everything?
Well, if you are a forgetful person, you must hear this dialogue pretty often. "Did you bring this? What about that?" So, today we are going to learn how to ask these questions and how to answer them in Chinese in this lesson. Let's get started! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4369
Elementary | Checking out at a Hotel
It's checkout time, also known as "check the room for consumption of overpriced snacks and beverages or theft of towels time." In this lesson, learn how to tell the hotel you're checking out, and the Chinese you're going to hear when they bust you. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1637
Newbie | Who's in the Bathroom?
In this lesson, Joe and Lyn will show you how to fight for the right to use your bathroom by annoying the person that’s using it. After watching this, I’m sure nobody will ever come between you and the toilet in the future! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4329
Elementary | Handsome Foreign Student
If you're a foreign student in China, or planning to be one, you should probably learn the word for "foreign student." And since all our listeners are good-looking, the word for "handsome guy" might just come in handy as well. Learn all this and more in this Chinese lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1634
Newbie | Very Cool, Very Ok
If you're a foreign student in China, or planning to be one, you should probably learn the word for "foreign student." And since all our listeners are good-looking, the word for "handsome guy" might just come in handy as well. Learn all this and more in this Chinese lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1634
Elementary | Sleepy
You are getting sleepy, very sleepy. And you know it's lame, but you just want to go to bed early. Learn to express these sentiments and more in this Chinese lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1631
Newbie | I plan to study abroad
In this newbie lesson, we will listen to a conversation between two friends talking about an opportunity to study abroad. We will show you how to say "I plan to..." in Chinese and how to express uncertainty with a particle 吧 [ba]. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4282
Elementary | Rice First
Some foreigners think there's a conspiracy to deprive them of enjoying rice with their meal in China. In fact, it's just a Chinese custom which might seem strange to you. Here's a helpful tip: if you want to eat your rice with your meal, you can always ask them to bring out the rice first. Learn to do that in Chinese, with this lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1627
Newbie | Is learning Chinese difficult?
In this newbie lesson, you will hear one of the most common questions that you are asked as a Chinese learner: “Is learning Chinese difficult?” Your immediate response might be, “Yes, learning Chinese is VERY difficult!” But there’s actually a better response to that question! Find out what it is as you join Lyn and Joe for this lesson! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4266
Elementary | Stealing a Nose
No, we're not talking about black market organ trafficking. We're talking about the "I got your nose!" trick you play on kids. While this game is not exactly "traditionally Chinese," it's still good fun, and involves some essential facial features and verbs. Learn the Chinese to commit your own acts of facial larceny in this lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinese
Newbie | Chopsticks are difficult to use
Who says you have to use chopsticks to eat Chinese food? If you have not yet mastered your kuàizi skills, then this lesson is for you. Learn how to ask for a fork in a restaurant in today's lesson, let's check it out! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4261
Elementary | Old China Hand
Have you ever been called an "Old China Hand?" Don't worry, if you keep practicing your Chinese and spend some time in China, you will be! In this Chinese lesson, learn more about this common term while also going over the "foreigner in China FAQ" list. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1617
Newbie | Lesson 12 - Literally I Love You
In this lesson, we're going to learn a very important phrase when learning Chinese, and that is 'I love you'. When it comes to love, there's always a choice that has to be made. Out of a computer, a book, and a TV, which one do you think the girl love the most? Check out the video and find out! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4256
Elementary | Chinese Holidays 中国的节日
The Chinese love their holidays! Review the most popular ones with Grace and Jenny. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4113
Newbie | Lesson 11 - Try Me Doc.
In today's dialogue, the doctor is disobeying her own orders by taking a bite of something she's not supposed to eat...Want to know what it is? Check out the lesson and learn the usage of 'verb 不 verb questions' along the way! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4255
Elementary | No Hot Water
You think a hotel is a hotel, but in China these quirky little culture differences have a way of sneaking up on you. Learn about one that westerners might find particularly surprising (and potentially shower-nullifying) in this lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1613
Newbie | Lesson 10 - Don’t Pee On Grandpa Tree
In this dialogue, we will catch a glimpse of the feud of Grandpa tree and the dog. Why doesn't Grandpa tree like the dog? What happened between them? Along the way, you will learn how to say your age, your date of birth. Let's see how it unravels in today's lesson! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4254
Elementary | I love children!
The scene is a blind date. She reveals she's a kindergarten teacher. He passionately states that he hates children. Cue crickets chirping. It's going to be a long night. But you just want to learn how to talk about how you feel about children! So listen in to this Chinese lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1610
Newbie | Lesson 9 - Care For A Drink
A fight for a girl's attention between a cup and a glass has taken place. The former is an advocate for hot tea, and the latter is a spokesperson for cold water. Which side are you on? Come find out who is the winner of the girl's heart in today's lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4253
Elementary | Movie Theater Seats
There's a big difference between buying movie tickets in China and buying movie tickets in many other countries: China uses assigned seating. So make sure you know how to get the seats you want. Learn how to do it in Chinese in this lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1607
Newbie | Lesson 8 - Sister Come Home
In today's dialogue, we are going to listen to a conversation between a girl and a prodigal 'horse', and you will learn a sentence pattern to express 'to do sth. together' using 和 and 一起. Let's see what happens! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4252
Elementary | Tea Refill
Are you one of those people that doesn't like to waste money on beverages in restaurants and instead just asks for water? Yeah, so are we. So in China, we naturally ask for tea. In this lesson, learn how to make sure that drink you're getting is free. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1604
Newbie | Lesson 7 - Weather Woes
Have you ever wondered what makes it rain? In this lesson, you're going to learn how to use 给 to express 'to give' and the real cause of rain. Spoiler alert, it might be a little different from what you learned in science class. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4251
Elementary | Annoying Ringtone
It happens in every modern office: someone leaves their cell phone on their desk, and then disappears for hours. Meanwhile, some impatient caller calls again and again, repeatedly subjecting everyone in the office to the loudest and most annoying ringtone on earth. Relive that moment as the annoying becomes the instructional in this Chinese lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1600
Newbie | Lesson 6 - Buying Some Good Stuff
Footsteps in the dark. Whispers in a call. Oh no, something shady is going down in today's dialogue. Fear not, you can still learn some Chinese during this dubious transaction. Now, grab your popcorn and enjoy this lesson before the police gets here! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4250
Elementary | Switching Seats on a Plane
Have you ever had that problem where you buy seats "together" (consecutive seat numbers), but it turns out they're actually not "together" (split across different rows rather than adjacent)? So have we! And we've decided to do something about this problem: create a Mandarin Chinese lesson about it. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1597
Newbie | Lesson 5 - Hungry Washer
Oh no! A hungry washer is eating all of the laundry! How are we going to stop him? Well the answer lies in today's lesson. Let's see how to say 'That's not allowed' using the word 可以. Let's check it out! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4249
Elementary | Turn in Your Homework
Homework is a huge part of every Chinese kid's childhood. In this lesson, we cover that dreaded moment when the teacher asks for everyone's homework and one unlucky guy doesn't have his. There's gonna be a reckoning! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1594
Newbie | Lesson 4 - Man or Machine
In today's dialogue, a vending machine is going through an identity crisis and struggling between being a 饭店 or a 商店, as one does. Through this dilemma, we will learn how to use the word 请 to treat somebody to a meal, 但是 to indicate a turn in the statement, and 也 to express 'also'. Let's get started! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4248
Elementary | Changing Class Time
You're as serious about your Chinese lessons as the next person, but you're also very busy. We understand that. That's why we're going to be very understanding and let you change class times so you can attend the Comic-con this year. But you have to be able to ask in Chinese! Tune in to this lesson to learn how. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1591
Newbie | Lesson 3 - I’m Just A Car
In today's dialogue, a call was made by mistake, someone was asked out on a date, and the best thing is...this conversation happened between a girl and a car. As confusing as it sounds, you will definitely learn how to say 'I want to...' and 'I don't want to...' using the words 想 and 要 in this lesson, so let's check it out. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4247
Elementary | How to Address Someone
There are quite a few forms of address for people in Mandarin Chinese, and being the nice, polite student that you are, you want to use the most appropriate one when you meet someone new. In this lesson, learn how to ask what you should call someone. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1587
Newbie | Lesson 2 - Hello Toilet
In today's dialogue, we're going to learn how to politely greet...your toilet, but of course, you can use the phrases on human beings too. Let's check it out! Disclaimer: No toilet was harmed in today's lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4246
Elementary | Chinatown Diary
In this challenging Elementary lesson, we listen in on the contents of a Chinese diary detailing a trip to San Francisco's Chinatown. There will be Chinese characters, Chinese food, and maybe even a dragon dance. In this lesson, learn the language to get you through a full day of Chinatown activities. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1584
Newbie | Lesson 1 - The Dish
In today's dialogue, a self-introduction was made, and it was quickly followed by a love confession! What's more exciting is that you're going to learn how to express 'I can...' using 会 and 'I am...' using 是. Let's check it out! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4245
Elementary | Where's the soap?
You know how to say you want to wash your hands. You know the word for water. But what about hand soap? First of all - do you want liquid or bar soap? Second - where is it? Learn how to ask for different kinds of soap at the grocery store in today's elementary lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1580
Newbie | Introduction to HSK Test Prep
In the ChinesePod HSK Test Prep series, we will focus on the HSK level 1 test. This series has a total of 12 lessons. Check out our Pinyin program first, then follow us through our HSK Level 1 series. Let’s start this wonderful journey together!! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4244
Elementary | Preparing for the HSK
Teenagers in the US stress over the SATs, while expats in China go crazy preparing for the HSK, China's official test of Chinese-language skill. It's no easy task, but today you can learn how to talk about studying for this most burdensome of tests in our newest Elementary lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1956
Newbie | One Round Trip Ticket
In today's lesson, we're showing you how to buy a train ticket at the station and some useful direction verbs, let's check it out! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4239
Elementary | Playing Ice Hockey
What do you get when you combine metal blades, wooden sticks, and players speeding around a rink at 20-30 miles per hour? Besides a high incidence of concussions, lacerations and broken bones, you get hockey, of course! Learn how to talk about this popular wintertime sport in Chinese today. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1577
Newbie | Tone Change #5 Three third tones
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. w
Elementary | Which is better: China or the USA?
If you've never taken a taxi in China, you might find this question a bit absurd. "Which is better, China or the USA?" You're quite likely to be asked this in China, however. In this lesson, learn the diplomatic way to answer in Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1574
Newbie | Tone change series #4 你 (nǐ)
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. w
Elementary | Don't Eat the Snow
Don't eat the snow! No, not for the reason you're thinking... it's dirty! Join us in this lesson as a northerner and a southerner compare their Chinese winter experiences. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1568
Newbie | Tone change series #3 好 (hǎo)
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. w
Elementary | Lots of Musical Instruments
If you've ever played in an orchestra, you may be curious about the Chinese names of some of those musical instruments. No, we don't mean guitar or drums; we're talking violin, tuba, and clarinet. The names are easier than you think. This one is for you, band nerds! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1564
Newbie | Tone change series #2 一 (yī)
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. w
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