Episodes
Here's a lesson on Sign Language. In this podcast, you'll learn how to sneakily figure out people's age, based on the twelve-year Chinese zodiac. And do it all in Mandarin! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1051
Published 04/22/24
Published 04/22/24
So, you’ve used our lessons to land the big contract (we’d like a cut), and all you have to do is meet at their office. Who knew your western GPS wouldn’t work in Asia?! What are you going to do now, G.G. Ross? Can we suggest a lesson on using Mandarin to find out where you are going? In the unlikely event of losing your way, find it in this podcast. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0890
Published 04/19/24
If you've ever had reservations about eating out in China, this is the Chinese podcast for you! Grab a seat and learn how to book a table in Mandarin. I'll meet you anytime you want, in our Sichuanese restaurant. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1046
Published 04/17/24
The hottest plastic surgery technique to hit China is the surgical removal of mobile phones from the ear. Though it's convenient having it so attached, with the onset of bluetooth technology, more and more young Chinese are opting for removal. So... you’re going to speak Chinese... how better to act Chinese?! Dial that mobile phone and don't ever get off of it. Learn how to do it in Mandarin in this podcast. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0884
Published 04/15/24
For those amongst us who have taken it upon themselves to provide community service in the form of 'Line Management Consulting and Enforcement' and hope to leave a trail of orderly lines behind as their legacy, we provide this podcast. Learn how to confront the offender and whip that line into shape, in Chinese. Today, line-ups... tomorrow, subway cars... Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1037
Published 04/12/24
The hills are alive with the sound of the pipa. Singing in China... rife in KTV bars, on street corners, in public parks, in low-budget questionably-directed lip-dub videos. Dancing.. though it's singing's less popular cousin, look out for the classy ballroom dancers in a lit up corner of the park on a cool summer evening. In this podcast, the language of music transcends. Learn it in this Mandarin lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0880
Published 04/10/24
Perhaps you could have traveled a little lighter, in retrospect. But the fake LV suitcases came in such a beautiful set and they match your outfit so well, it would have been a shame to exclude any of them from the journey, no? In this podcast, learn freedom from sore arms, broken suitcase wheels, and marital discord. Learn how to check your luggage with the hotel, in Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1033
Published 04/08/24
Your place is a mess? Didn't make your bed this morning? Get those dirty clothes off the floor and stack those dishes you were leaving for the Ayi... Guess what? We're finding out where you call home and we're coming over! In this podcast, get ready to reveal all and open your door to someone other than your nosy neighbors! Learn how to say where you live, in Mandarin. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0877
Published 04/05/24
Everybody needs a little time away... and in this podcast you're going to learn how to ask for it in Chinese. With the plethora of guests you're going to be fielding in your new found home away from home, chances are this will be high-frequency vocab for you. So listen in and learn... and get ready for your new favorite hobby: tour guide. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1030
Published 04/03/24
If only Dr. Seuss had learned Chinese, children China-over could have had a new chant to repeat after their teachers. "Haohao xuexi, tiantian xiangsheng" could have gotten a lot more fun. Now, listen to Dr. Zhu's version of the classic, 'The Mao in the Mao.' Learn this little story all over again, in Mandarin. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0872
Published 04/01/24
There are a few ways of dealing with getting stopped at an apartment complex gate. There is the 'tunnel vision' technique. To truly perfect this skill you must be on a bicycle to facilitate quick getaways and be immune to yelled threats. Another technique is the 'dense foreigner' skill. No explanation needed. Finally, there is the 'listen to the ChinesePod podcast' technique, highly recommended and transferable to any third degree grilling, Chinese or not. Episode link:...
Published 03/29/24
This is the formal introduction to the formal introduction lesson: You've mastered your Chinese hello and don't know what to do with that awkward silence. Now what? 1) Lose any sentimental attachment to your previous identity--you're going to need a new name. 2) Smile, bow, handshake, kiss, twiddle your thumbs, or curtsy... it's all good. Oh yeah, and 3) listen to this lesson to learn how to introduce yourself, Mandarin-style. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0868
Published 03/27/24
Last time this happened you were busted for having fake ID, and robbed of your chance at an illicit beer-enhanced evening. No, they don't think you're under 21 anymore, but you can tell yourself that if you're having a late-twenties crisis. The China internet cafe ID check. Don't ask why, just bring your passport, listen to this podcast, and stay away from anything your momma wouldn't want you looking at. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0992
Published 03/25/24
Thirty days has September... April, June, and November. All the rest... are so easy you won't even need a rhyme. In this podcast, learn the months of the year in Mandarin Chinese. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3....4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0864
Published 03/22/24
You have an inkling from a post-packing teeter on the bathroom scale that your baggage may be overweight. Your only hope to avoid overweight fees is charming that handsome check-in clerk with a batting of eyes and barrage of Chinese. That, or employing strategic passport placement to cover the scale display numbers. In this lesson, use your Mandarin to check-in your bags and curry some bulkhead seat favors. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0988
Published 03/20/24
There are two methods for learning the days of the week in Chinese. One: this podcast. Two: personalized Chinese days of the week undies. Since the latter seem to be the one eighties fad that has yet to be resurrected, this podcast might be the easier way to get them in your head. And creates less laundry. Listen in and learn, it's as easy as 1, 2, 3... 4, 5, 6, 7. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0860
Published 03/18/24
Good things come in threes. Case in point: watch, bag, DVD. In this case: keys, wallet, phone. All good things, and good things to remember to bring with you when you leave the house. In this podcast, learn how to do a Mandarin Chinese mental checklist before leaving the house, to make sure that you don't end up locked out, penniless and searching in vain for a germy public phone on a borrowed dime. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0985
Published 03/15/24
Could it be key to the Chinese ability to eat three oil saturated meals a day and maintain their girlish (or boyish) figures? No. Trust us. Even the fruit salad comes with mayonnaise. Your western genes weren't made for this diet. So listen to this Mandarin lesson on eating fruit salad and come prepared with loose pants. Make peace with your paunch and revel in the Buddha belly noogies given by admiring locals. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0856
Published 03/13/24
In China, there aren't really that many dogs around to be afraid of, but a good chunk of the population has a paralyzing fear of dogs. This lesson will help you learn the Chinese to deal with that fear. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0980
Published 03/11/24
The Chinese claim to have discovered the key to a long life... eating noodles on your birthday. While they struggle for immortality, you the Newbie can start with a little mortality, and learn how to order some in Mandarin. Your own struggle may have less to do with life and more to do with slippery wetness and chopstick management, but at least you won't starve awaiting your next birthday. Long live the noodle. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0852
Published 03/08/24
Sure, we've all got our skeletons in the closet. It's just when someone opens the door that we get a little red in the face. In today's podcast, the boss makes a slightly uncomfortable discovery. Should you find yourself entangled in a little 'office scandal,' listen to this podcast to learn how to get yourself out of it! In Chinese! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0972
Published 03/06/24
In the hierarchy of language learning, there are the 'haves' and the 'havenots.' The 'haves' are those that know how to ask for something. The 'havenot' is that guy over there wildly gesturing, grunting, pointing and flailing at the laoban. In China, of course, as a 'have', you may find you can't always get what you want; but if you try you can get what you need... by listening to this Mandarin lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0849
Published 03/04/24
The first cuddly creature to be used in a diplomatic capacity. A country full of bamboo to eat its way through. In its stuffed animal capacity, the first bear to give teddy a run for its money. The bear that seemingly has it all still wants more. Find out the panda's secret wish in this Mandarin Chinese lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0964
Published 03/01/24
You've arrived, and want to fit in, so start with the national Chinese pastime: cell phone talking (well, it's better than taking up smoking). First, you're going to need a partner in conversation, so pull out one of those linty business cards you shoved in your pocket days ago, any one will do. If you can't read it, no problem, chances are his name is Mr. Li. Now, plug in this lesson and you're set... pick up the phone and pray he's not in. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0844
Published 02/28/24