ChinesePod - Beginner

What has a pig got to do with bamboo? Learn the meaning of the word Zhu and practice your tones! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4111

In this practical Chinese lesson a mother is shocked to discover that her child had a rather unproductive day. Learn the specific patterns for asking and answering what you've done and haven't done (and then you can go back to being lazy for a little while). Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1486

Did you know a Chinese Idiom is always just 4 characters? Regardless of your level of Chinese study, it is always fun and interesting to learn new idioms. Do you know what it means when "The horses Arrive?" Find out! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4102

Naturally you're going to accept every invitation to hang out with your Chinese friends and co-workers, but what do you say when you really just can't make it? In this lesson, find out how to politely decline an invitation, thereby increasing your chances of getting invited again (rather than getting blacklisted from their homes and shunned for life). Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1483

Join Grace on the farm as she counts all the animals! Learn your numbers from 1 to 10 and the names of farm animals and dragonflies. In this lesson, Grace uses measure words for the different animals. Chinese has many measure words. As we build our lessons, we will identify the various measure words and when they are used. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4094

While "the great Chinese road trip" might not be the most popular activity for your typical trip to China, knowing how to say "fill 'er up" is definitely going to come in handy if you find yourself in private cars often. In this lesson, learn all the key Chinese words and phrases you need to get back on the road with a full tank. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1479

What are you doing here in Shanghai? It's what everyone wants to know. So tell them that you're here in Shanghai working, and learning Chinese in your spare time. (Convincing them that you're not all about partying and living the high life is a topic for another lesson...) Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1912

So you've gotten the invitation to the big event, and you're eager to make a good impression, but one key question lingers: what should you wear?? In today's Chinese lesson, learn how to ask this key question, as well as some of the most likely (culturally appropriate) answers. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1476

No, it's not cool to ignore your spouse at those social functions. (That's what those repeated pokes in the ribs are trying to tell you.) So learn how to introduce him or her with this practical Chinese lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1910

Subways are one of the great conveniences of first-tier Chinese cities. If you're in Beijing or Shanghai, the subway is often your best transportation option. Of course, if you're not yet familiar with the subway system, you could find yourself on a train heading in the wrong direction. Learn the Chinese for how to ask if you're going the right way, and get back on the right track. (Don't worry; your pride will recover.) Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1473

If you know "ni hao," you're ready to start networking in the Middle Kingdom. This lesson will equip you with a few more phrases to assist in Chinese introductions. But remember: you're no one if you don't have a "name card," so have yours ready! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1902

It's summertime - the perfect season for a nice picnic in the park. Check out today's lesson to learn how to describe planning a picnic in Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1469

If you come to China you're going to be getting served tea everywhere: in restaurants, homes, even offices. In today's newbie lesson, we'll be joining a young woman as she enters an office. Listen in and learn the language for basic manners and politeness in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1892

Meeting up with friends in the city can sometimes be confusing. In today's lesson you'll learn the Chinese you need to know to describe which exit of the metro station you'll be meeting your friends at. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1466

It's easy to make friends in China, and before you know it you'll be getting invited over to new friends' houses and inviting your friends over to yours. Today's ChinesePod lesson will teach you the basics of at-the-door pleasantries that you'll exchange when you arrive. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1882

The French often say the stinkier a cheese, the better its taste. Well not so, according to the characters in today's lesson. Learn how to describe this popular Gallic export and its most important characteristic in Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1463

You may know that the Chinese (especially the Shanghainese) are rather open about discussing prices. Housing prices are a conversation staple. But you may be surprised how much a car can set you back in modern China. Learn how to ask how much a car costs, and embrace the harsh financial realities of modern life in the PRC. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1880

From Papa John's to Pizza Hut, American pizza franchises have become a common sight in China's big cities. Learn how to order the pizza you want with today's lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1456

Cola or milk? Sugar or calcium? Cavities or strong bones? While the more healthy choice may be quite obvious, it's still important to know the price of either product as well. Learn how to use Mandarin Chinese to ask for prices in today's newbie lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1870

In China you'll have no problem finding many of the fruits you like to eat back home: bananas, apples, watermelons. But China also has a lot of unusual fruits you might have never heard of (or even seen before)! Learn about some of these in today's lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1452

OK, so we know you're coming to Hong Kong. The question is when. And please speak more clearly, because that old cell phone you use gets terrible reception. We've boiled these sentiments down into one Newbie-sized bite of useful Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1837

We're off to the shoe store today to pick out a pair appropriate for the summer months. Learn how to describe shoes and shoe sizes in this ChinesePod lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1449

We know the challenge of getting into Mandarin Chinese is daunting to say the least, but don't worry, ChinesePod is here to help! Today's lesson is a practical guide for the complete newbie, hopefully assuaging some of the fears associated with learning Mandarin and giving you pointers of what you should do. Be sure to check out ChinesePod's Pinyin Pronunciation Chart; a handy reference for learning the basics of Mandarin Chinese pronunciation. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1833

Most of us have spam filters on our email inboxes. They certainly make life easier a lot of the time, saving us the hassle of deleting loads of advertisements for unnecessary (and often less-than-wholesome) products. Yet sometimes spam filters also cause problems. Check out today's lesson for some useful technology terminology. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1446

Do you like Shanghai? There may only be one right answer to this question (depending on who's asking), but there are also plenty of viable non-answers. Learn how to navigate this verbal minefield in this Chinese lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1828

Today's lesson is all about getting a tan on accident! Tune in to find out all the key tools you'll need to bring to the beach this summer in order to avoid tanning! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1442

Everyone loves birthdays, and chances are if you're new to Chinese they'll be some of the first things you broach in conversation. Learn about birthdays, dates, and days of the week in Mandarin Chinese in today's lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1824

For whatever reason you're in the airport and the flight you've got just won't do. Now comes the tricky part! How do you ask to change your ticket? Find out today with this elementary level lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1438

So it's another long, boring morning meeting. What's an employee to do? In this Chinese lesson, the boss makes it clear that it's not OK to sleep during the meeting. Learn the key language here. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1772

Science is fun! So are sports! But what happens when you want to discuss one in Chinese, but you instead use words describing the other? Sounds like you have a problem with tones, but not to worry! ChinesePod is here to help! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1436

Ah, tables and chairs. Even the most minimalist decorator agrees that "being able to sit down" and "having a raised surface to put stuff on" are good things. There are a few surprises in store for you in today's Chinese lesson, though, so tune in and learn. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1768

All eyes are focused on South Africa this summer as the nation prepares to host the World Cup. Check out today's lesson and learn how to describe one important South African export (here's a hint: we hear they're a girl's best friend). Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1432

Fans of "are we there yet" will enjoy annoying their companions with the endlessly repeated question, "what time is it now?" Whether you're just curious, or you're shooting for the "super obnoxious" end of the spectrum, you've got to admit that this is a useful question to master. Cover the essentials in this Chinese lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1766

Security checks are a given at airports and most bus stations in China. But these days, you're likely to see them in some subway stations, as well (ahem, Shanghai)! Check out today's lesson to learn some important terms related to safety and security checks. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1426

Hopefully you've bought plane tickets before and you're aware that the price can vary a bit according to when you buy. With this lesson, you can also be prepared to deal with this reality in Mandarin Chinese! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1760

The office water cooler: this is such a common part of most offices that in English we even have a way of describing gossip that originates there! But what happens when the water runs out? Learn how to talk about this in today's super-practical lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1422

China is a nation of early risers, so don't be too surprised when housekeeping starts pounding on your hotel room door at 8am. In this Chinese lesson, learn to kindly and clearly tell housekeeping that you're more interested in sleeping than a tidy room. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1740

You're in China and you want some tea. Where do you go? A tea house, of course. But what happens if you can't find one? Perhaps you'll have to settle for another kind of caffeinated beverage... Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1420

You ever lose your passport? Or your wallet? Or your wallet and your passport? We hope not, but just in case, it's probably a good idea to know how to say these things. (At the very least, the Chinese people around you will understand why you're totally freaking out.) This lesson will help. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1733

One of the great things about restaurants in China is that they often bring out your food faster than you can order it. On the downside, sometimes the food isn't quite what you had in mind... Learn about a common dish today, and about how to describe something you might not have ordered! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1406

OK, so you can express that you're going to China, in Chinese. That's great! But if you're telling any Chinese person this, their immediate next question is always going to be: where in China?. With this lesson, learn how to face that question and stay just one step ahead. (OK, so it's only two steps total, but you're getting somewhere!) Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1727

Sometimes we take for granted the little things offered to us for free at many restaurants. In today's lesson, we'll be learning about a particularly useful item that many restaurants in China ask you to pay for. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1401

You'll have many fantastic experiences on your trip to China, but, unfortunately, "squeezing into an elevator" or "waiting in line" are not going to be on that list. For most travelers, there's going to be a bit of "jostling." Arm yourself with a few phrases to help you push back (linguistically, at least). Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1720

The 2010 Shanghai World Expo's mascot has been a source of excitement, the butt of jokes and a topic of conversation since its unveiling a few years back. In today's lesson we're talking about Haibao and trying to figure out just what it is he is supposed to resemble. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1404

Shanghai might not have a "Great Wall" or an army of "Terracotta Warriors," but it does have a few famous landmarks of its own. In this lesson, learn the Chinese names for the Bund and Nanjing Road, two must-see spots for any tourist in Shanghai. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1723

Remember the excitement back in 2010? The Expo is coming, the Expo is coming! You've read the signs, you've seen the countdown. The time has arrived to get your tickets to the 2010 Shanghai World Expo. Check out today's lesson to learn how (and where) to buy tickets. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1384

As you start busting out your Chinese and making Chinese friends, one of the topics that's going to come up is hobbies. (Spoiler alert: you're going to hear a lot of "listening to music" and "watching movies.") If one of your hobbies is playing basketball, this lesson is perfect. If you just like watching basketball, this lesson is still perfect. If you like hitting people, it's also pretty good. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1687

Someone's got a date tonight, and he's getting some important advice from a friend. The main question: do women dig the facial hair, or is it better to go for the clean shave? Find out how to talk about facial hair in today's lesson. We hope you'll add your two cents to this very personal debate after listening to the show! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1387

So you're studying Chinese? Is it hard? As a student of Chinese, you better be prepared to answer these questions. And don't worry... Chinese people won't mind if you tell them you're finding it a tad bit difficult. They've wrestled with it their whole lives too. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1683

Once a year people across the world celebrate the women who brought them into the world. Join us today as we cover some of the essentials for wishing mom a wonderful Mother's Day! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1413

So what do you like to do in the evening? If your answer is something that does not involve going online, then you're weird, and we're not going to help you. If, however, you like going online for your entertainment, we've got just the Chinese lesson for you! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1678