ChinesePod - Beginner

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.chinesepod.com/1624

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

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

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

The Chinese love their holidays! Review the most popular ones with Grace and Jenny. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4113

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 and burdensome to beginning learners. To help our users to master tone change rules more quickly, we have deliberately marked the changes so that they are more easily recognized and more discernible to learners. So join us in this newly designed tone change series, and let us know your thoughts! In this episode, we will introduce the tone change rule for consecutive three third tones! Let's get started! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4214

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

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 and burdensome to beginning learners. To help our users to master tone change rules more quickly, we have deliberately marked the changes so that they are more easily recognized and more discernible to learners. So join us in this newly designed tone change series, and let us know your thoughts! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4206

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

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 and burdensome to beginning learners. To help our users to master tone change rules more quickly, we have deliberately marked the changes so that they are more easily recognized and more discernible to learners. So join us in this newly designed tone change series, and let us know your thoughts! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4203

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

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 and burdensome to beginning learners. To help our users to master tone change rules more quickly, we have deliberately marked the changes so that they are more easily recognized and more discernible to learners. So join us in this newly designed tone change series, and let us know your thoughts! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4196

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

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, tone change rules are confusing and burdensome to beginning learners. To help our users to master tone change rules more quickly, we have deliberately marked the changes so that they are more easily recognized and more discernible to learners. So join us in this newly designed tone change series, and let us know your thoughts! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4195

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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