ChinesePod - Intermediate

Calligraphy as an art form is one thing, but what about just having decent handwriting? Sadly, even that sign of "culture" is going by the wayside in modern China. Why practice penmanship when you can be happily chatting on QQ or texting on your cell phone? This is progress, right? Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1931

If you're a basketball fan, you should have no trouble making friends in China. If you want to do more than non-verbal cheering, though, you might be looking for a few more expressions to refer to your favorite basketball teams. In this Chinese lesson, we've got you covered. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1599

Even if you're able to find an agent from a reliable real estate company to help you find the apartment of your dreams in China, you're still going to be confronted with a massive block of Chinese at the end of the process: the lease. Needless to say, it will probably take you a bit of time to read through the entire document, but today's upper-intermediate ChinesePod lesson should ease the pain a bit! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1924

Ah, meeting people online... there was a time when such matters were routinely lied about, or only uttered in shameful whispers. We're way past that now, though. The topic has become which dating sites are the best, and the shame has been left behind in the dusty corner with all those dial-up modems. Learn how to register, sign in, and meet the love of your dreams online in this Chinese lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1596

Back to school! In this edition of ChinesePod's "Saved by the Gong" series, physics students learn the principles of buoyancy. What causes one object to float in a liquid where another one sinks? Learn all about it in this lesson! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2299

The scene is a young couple's bedroom. He's dressed and ready to go, while she's only just begun the long process of outfit deliberation. There will be ideas, questions, new ideas, reconsiderations, and changing of one's mind. If you gain nothing else from this Chinese lesson, at least learn the phrase "I changed my mind." Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1592

You haven't been paying attention in class all semester and the exam's next week; it's going to take more than some serious cramming to make up for all the slacking you've been doing. There's only one option: beg the teacher for the test questions in advance. Listen in as a group of unprepared students try to wrest useful test information from their teacher's unwilling grasp in today's upper-intermediate lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1921

When a friend or co-worker tells you a relative has passed away, what do you say? You could probably use some help in this delicate situation. For one thing, you don't say "I'm sorry" in Mandarin. Learn how to offer your consolation the Chinese way in this lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1589

Your company's brand-new kimchee-flavored chocolate has been painstakingly perfected and is ready to hit store shelves. There's just one problem: how are you going to get anyone to buy it? Tune in to today's lesson to hear how the marketing department is planning to introduce the new product to the public. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1914

It's that time of year, and a flu vaccination is probably a good idea. In this lesson, we follow a fearless child and her mother into the doctor's office to get a flu shot. Learn all the essential vocabulary you'll need to get a vaccination, as well as the super-useful question, "are you afraid of pain?" Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1586

This lesson is for our boldest, hardiest, and most probably craziest users out there. We're listening in today as one such athlete discusses ironman triathlons in Mandarin Chinese; if you're like us, you'll probably relate much more to the astonished listener than the competitor! Learn how to talk about triathlons and the intensive preparation they require in today's upper-intermediate lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1911

If you're like us, you know a lot of people, and you make a fair amount of calls with your cell phone. But every once in a while, you'll get this annoying recording telling you the call won't go through because it's a "nonlocal number." Fortunately there's an easy solution. Learn about it in this Chinese lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1582

It can be difficult motivating a team. So what do you do when enthusiasm among your employees reaches an all-time low? Just fire the whole lot of them and start over? In this lesson, a wise HR manager tells us that there is another way. Listen in to this Chinese lesson to find out what it is. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1901

In case you haven't been inducted into any Chinese families, you should know up front that there are a few titles to learn. OK, maybe more than a few. In this lesson, follow a young man on his way to visit his wife's parents, and learn all the important family vocab. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1572

When a high-level manager departs for greener pastures it's often difficult to find an able replacement. Today's dialogue features a debate between two high-level executives deciding how to fill a recently-vacated managerial position within the company: through making a new hire or an inner promotion. Find out how they decide to act while learning some useful business-related Mandarin vocab in today's upper-intermediate lesson Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1894

So dad's got the new digital video camera out, and he claims to know how to use it, but he's having a little trouble. Shaky hands, erratic zooming in and out... this Chinese lesson covers the language you'll need. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1569

Remember when 3G was the must-have feature on every smartphone? Before lightning-fast 5G and unlimited data plans became the norm, getting a reliable 3G connection felt like unlocking the future. In this throwback ChinesePod lesson, we revisit a classic conversation about signing up for a 3G plan in China. Whether you were a business traveler needing constant email access or just couldn’t live without YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter, 3G was once absolutely essential. Tune in and relive the moment when mobile internet first became part of everyday life in China! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1891

In these modern times, life is getting easier and easier. Cell phones and the internet make connecting with loved ones half a world away a simple matter. But nothing reminds us of how fragile all these amenities are like a natural disaster. In this lesson, follow along as a Chinese mother and father learn of a massive earthquake in New Zealand and anxiously try to contact their daughter who is studying there. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1881

Today's ChinesePod lesson presents a dire situation: a young woman has dialed into a mental health hotline reporting domestic violence and threatening suicide. Can the experts on the other end talk her down and help her make the right decisions? Tune in and find out. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1876

The end of year party just got a lot more exciting. First prize in the raffle is a car! Listen to the lesson to find out who wins! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2627

Today's lesson is a bit different and quite special. We have a 20 minute Chinese New Year calligraphy lesson for you all to join in with. Join newbie learner Karl and advanced learner Natasha as they learn to write some common sayings and characters to write during Spring Festival. We will learn all about why you see certain characters such as 春 and 满 everywhere during this time, and also the meaning behind the red sheets of paper on either side of a door seen during this festival. If you don't know any of this, no problem. Get your calligraphy pens at the ready, and prepare for a spot of relaxing calligraphy. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2835

With more and more Chinese citizens buying cars, the car wash business in big cities is booming. But that's not to say that every automobile owner keeps his ride nice and clean. In this lesson, learn how to discuss car washes and filthy cars in Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1566

We hope all of our employed users have perfect jobs that are extremely fun and have great benefits and high salaries. Unfortunately, we have yet to meet someone who has never had a job that they despised. Today's Upper-Intermediate lesson joins three coworkers who have had less than satisfactory jobs in the past. Tune in and learn the invaluable skill of how to complain about previous jobs in Mandarin Chinese! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1871

Everyone has a duty to protect the environment, and it starts with you! Far from just spewing grandiose platitudes, in this Chinese lesson we're prepared to lay out exactly what the individual can be doing to help this ailing planet. Tune in to find out what we should be doing more of, and what we should be doing less of. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1562

It's not uncommon in China for the wife in a marriage to have sole access to the family credit cards and bank accounts (the reason being to avoid wasteful purchases, of course!). Naturally, the husbands have devised a way around their wives' vice-like grip on the family funds: stashing money in nooks and crannies all over their houses. But what happens when a wife discovers her husband's hidden hoards? Listen in and find out! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1863

You may not be surprised to learn that China has its own version of sign language, but do you know the role regional variation plays in Chinese sign language? Get a little closer to the deaf community in China by learning about the sign language situation in this lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1559

Do you believe in astrology? Palm reading? Physiognomy? Feng shui? The Chinese tradition of reading facial features and palms is long and storied; while the practice is not as widespread as it once was, the practice still exists. Listen in as two young travelers have their own fortunes revealed in today's ChinesePod lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1859

The difference between kings, emperors, and presidents can be confusing to a child. Explaining the difference in Chinese, however, becomes crystal clear in this lesson. Lesson in to learn the vocabulary and the language of power. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1556

The "Seven Year Itch" has ravaged and nearly destroyed the relationships of our saga, but it seems the epidemic has finally subsided. In the final chapter, we listen in on two seasoned husbands and their reflections on their personal encounters with the "itch." Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1903

How does the word for "moonlight" refer to the modern Chinese worker's spending habits? Learn all about the secret life of the Chinese "moonlight clan" in this lesson, and how it relates to deep-seated Chinese spending habits. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1552

We've witnessed the trials and tribulations endured by couples afflicted with the seven-year-itch: fierce arguments, suspect extramarital interactions, even divorce. Luckily, at least one couple has managed to make it through relatively unscathed with their relationship intact. Listen in as she discusses with her close friend how she and her husband were able to cope. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1856

There are many massage options in China, and one of the popular ones is blind massage. What's special about blind massage? Tune in to this lesson to find out the answer and learn some massage Chinese at the same time. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1549

ChinesePod brings you the next installment in our series on marital strife. One couple's marriage is in severe jeopardy after a husband's rather suspect interaction with a young college girl. Listen in to find out more! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1813

Parting is such sweet sorrow... except when it tastes like beer. In this lesson, a few 'bei's are 'gan'ned as an office throws a farewell dinner for a departing co-worker. But is all the Chinese well-wishing heart-felt, or mere cliche lip service? Listen in to find out. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1543

We return to the topic of the "seven year itch" to find another couple's marriage struggling. Additionally, a close friend's seemingly perfect marriage is now facing divorce. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1789

Now both Beijing and Shanghai have official Apple Stores, just in time for the release of the iPad. What do you think of the iPad? Revolution in computing, or an over-sized (overpriced) iPhone? No matter where you stand on the issue, this lesson will equip you to make some comments on the Apple iPad in Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1539

Popularized by the 1955 Marilyn Monroe film, the "seven year itch" is a phrase which has found its way into Chinese culture, and, unfortunately, some Chinese marriages as well. In this lesson, delve into the psyche of a young woman whose marriage is a bit shy of perfection. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1721

There's never a dull moment on the streets of China. This means you better be looking both ways even on one-way streets, and you must always be on the lookout for renegade pedestrians and maniacal drivers. Are there sometimes altercations? You better believe it! This lesson focuses on a disagreement between a driver and a pedestrian. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1536

The weather has been a ghastly roller coaster of weirdness in recent years, and in China, many are taking a closer look at pollution. Specifically, we're talking about fine particulate matter. Listen in to learn more about this very timely issue. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1838

A move into a new home involves lots of excitement and lots of work. Inevitably, the first time you try to cook a meal in that new home, you'll discover that a few crucial tools and condiments are missing. In this lesson, learn about the essentials of the Chinese kitchen. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1533

Do you hear a big round of applause for your making it to Upper-Intermediate? You might find yourself in a learning plateau though. Take heart! This level is about focus, refining your goals and fully delving into the rewarding learning and life experiences on the road ahead. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1834

When business is slow, it's a good time to have an department store "anniversary sale". Listen to a shop assistant subtly trick a customer into getting some discount goods. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2809

Few countries are as education-crazy as China, but what recourse is left for those that couldn't afford a higher level education right out of high school but still have a desire to further their higher learning? China actually does have a system in place to help these people, but the reality is not exactly perfect. Learn about it in this Chinese lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1827

Today we hear a Chinese and British colleague chat about Christmas and how they will celebrate this holiday period. Seems like the Chinese colleague might be going on a date with someone! Have a Merry Xmas everybody. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2816

In this lesson, an intrepid shopper is going through a rather long list of medical supplies as he receives assistance from the pharmacist. As for why an apparently healthy young man would need such an assortment of bandages and painkillers, listen in to this Chinese lesson to find out! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1823

Major cities in China have automated taxi cab reservation services. You make a phone call, listen to a recording, and then are put in touch with an operator. This lesson will cover all the basics for what to expect from such a call, empowering you to start reserving your own taxis! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1529

Driving in China has been likened to action films, video games, and even demolition derby. Make no mistake -- there are good reasons not to get behind the wheel in China! On the other hand, there are also compelling reasons not to make that daily commute. Learn more in this lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1818

Whether you prefer a high-end salon or that guy cutting hair under the bridge, this lesson will cover all the Mandarin Chinese a guy needs to simply make his hair shorter (and then a bit shorter). Beware, though: learning this material could result in massive hair loss. Use with caution. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1519

The Chinese are well aware that many foreigners are adopting Chinese babies. Many of these foreigners even return to China with their children, introducing the land of their heritage to them. But what does the average Chinese person think about this phenomenon? Listen in on one such conversation in this lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1806

Maybe you know about the weekly English corner in your local park, but did you know that there are also "music corners?" In China, these informal bands aren't too hard to find (they're the ones with the musical instruments in their hands), and they sometimes even draw quite a crowd. In this lesson, learn the vocabulary for various traditional Chinese musical instruments. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1516