ChinesePod - Intermediate

You can walk a dog, and maybe even a cat, but did you know you can walk a bird? This lesson will familiarize you with this Chinese habit, as well as the other responsibilities that come with raising a Chinese bird. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1522

May 1 is an important holiday in China--Labor Day. Now, for most of us, we celebrate the lack of labor on that day--but what is the real meaning behind the holiday for the people of this country? Listen in to this interesting podcast with a Mandarin Chinese lesson on the background and history of this holiday in China. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0502

Be it stolen, lost, lent, or otherwise--all is not gone. You're wandering the streets of China, forlornly calling out in search of long lost friends whose phone numbers you never wrote down. Get down to the phone company. With a little rigmarole, you'll be waiting by the phone for your friends to reconnect in no time. Get back your phone number, and your life, with this podcast on recovering your lost number. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0995

Hooray! The new sofa has arrived! ChinesePod gets ready to relax in style. But wait! Is it pet proof? Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2398

Now, we know all our CPoddies are law-abiding good citizens, but the debate rages on about the death penalty. Now, we’re not telling you to take sides, but at least learn what everyone’s talking about when the topic comes up. In this podcast get informed about capital punishment—in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0496

Ken’s done it. John’s done it. Jenny still does it. (Aric padded his C.V. to make it look like he did it). You might do it. Any guesses? (Besides modeling, of course). It would be the world of English teaching--and a conversation that you will find yourself in. In this podcast, you will learn lots of useful vocabulary about English teaching jobs in China, except that you will be talking about it in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0202

It's called a mooncake, and it's about the size and shape of a hockey puck. If you're in China during the autumn, you just may have the opportunity to partake in this quintessentially Chinese ritual. Learn not only the key vocabulary, but also some of the cultural features as well, such as what makes Taiwan's Mid-Autumn Moon Festival special. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1504

Do “boom” “wah” and “click” sound the same in every language? That’s what you thought… but onomatopoeia, like any art, has room for interpretation. In this podcast, learn how sounds sound in Mandarin Chinese! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0491

Shanxi (山西) province is a mountainous plateau region located in northern China. It is know for its yummy noodles and the ancient city of Pingyao (平遥), which has become a world heritage site. But don't be afraid to get dirty! Shanxi is the leading coal producer in China and is also frequented by yearly sand storms. In this lesson, we get a sneak peek of what Shanxi has to offer. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2036

It's been a long day for a husband and wife. Still, the floors are dirty and there's cleaning to be done. Of course, neither of them want to do it. Just when all seems to be lost... it's robots to the rescue! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2378

In this lesson, students ask Teacher Chen about how to handle some difficult questions they've encountered when trying to determine qualified leads. Tune in to hear her advice! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2071

Yes, we know you were the prom queen in school (and to be honest, you might not remember us--we were the weird ones that took drama very seriously). So what happens when you bump into someone from “back in the day?” In this podcast, we open that wound of high school days past and teach you how to catch up with someone in Mandarin Chinese. They’ll all be jealous at that next reunion. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0194

So you're planning a trip with your travel buddy, and you're talking about the places you've been and haven't been. The problem is, this guy's been everywhere! Learn these very practical Chinese sentence patterns about past experiences in this lesson. You'll have to figure out the trip destination on your own, though. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1489

On the streets of China's major cities, it's not uncommon to see Italian sports cars, luxury handbags and expensive wristwatches. China is now full of customers with big time purchasing power, but how do you know who has got the cash to pay a who doesn't? In this next lesson on sales, our instructor gives us some tips on how to determine who our potential customers are and if they have the ability to pay. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2043

Everyone has been at the mercy of indecision at one time or another. However, the task of deciding becomes even more difficult when you are being pummeled by an array of delicious dessert choices. In this lesson, we explore the challenging task of choosing a birthday cake - from black forest to mango mousse! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2032

If you're a special guest at a dinner in China, expect to eat a lot of food. But when you're full, what's the polite way to say that you can't eat any more? Find out in this lesson! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2355

The art of sales is no easy one. In this lesson, a seasoned saleswoman shares her tips on relating to customers and making a sale. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2034

With a 16-hour flight on what can only be described as an “Eastern seating design” in the cabin – and oh, by the way, those cabbies at the airport are the loudest in the mainland – you might need an adult beverage. In this podcast, you’ll learn all about ordering a nice stiff drink in Mandarin Chinese. But watch out for those ice cubes, as you will see… Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0188

Today's lesson is essential for anyone taking or planning on taking a Chinese class. Learn how to describe reviewing the material and learn how to talk about habitual actions. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1459

What’s all this talk about economic reform in China? Well, to really understand this business, you’ll need to listen in to this podcast, which discusses some of the different types of enterprises you will encounter and hear about in China. Sound like a bunch of number-crunching jargon? It is! But only John and Jenny could turn such a stuffy sounding topic into a great, and essential, Mandarin Chinese lesson for all you business types out there. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0479

It's amazing what can be done these days with Photoshop, or Illustrator, or Final Cut Pro... but sometimes the price for that quality you love is a huge file. Transferring a large file can be a problem when you're dealing with multiple gigabytes. Explore the options in Chinese with this lesson! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2022

Chinese New Year comes again, and this year we welcome in the Year of the Horse. In this lesson, listen in as a family gets ready to gallop into the New Year! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2365

OK, so you're all set to get out of your cushy city routine, ready to brave that altitude sickness and hop on that train to Tibet you've been hearing so much about. Oops, someone forgot to mention it's booked up until 2011... oh well, that will give you lots of time to study up on your Chinese geography. In this podcast, learn the ins and outs of this vast country, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0483

Why does anyone drive an expensive car? Is it for the speed? The power? The prestige? Well, those might be factors for some, but in today's dialogue it's all to win a girl's heart (surprise, surprise). Will it be the Ferrari, the limited edition Maserati, or the lowly QQ that gets the privilege of sweeping this beauty off her feet? Tune in now to find out! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2019

While it's strictly taboo at many zoos in America, taking pictures with or feeding the animals is a common occurrence at Chinese zoos. Of course, it isn't always the safest of activities, especially where ferocious animals are concerned. In this lesson, a mother tries to prevent her son from joining in. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2309

It wouldn't be true drama if it didn't attract dramatic characters. And what higher drama is there than Shakespeare? In this Chinese lesson, you'll hear a director's take on the classic Romeo and Juliet, as his actors struggle to satisfy his demands. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2031

Back in the day it was one bus per hour, which explains the, erm, shall we say, “lack of formation” in that ticket queue. In this podcast you will obtain some cultural insight and learn a few stinging phrases in Mandarin Chinese to bring line etiquette to the attention of the offender. Would that relieve some of that stress? It’s Dr. C. Pod to the rescue. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0176

In the craziness that befalls Chinese cities at rush hour it hardly seems likely that there is any method to the madness. Yet often times when it comes to the elderly and the handicapped (and kiddos, too) people are quick to relinquish their hard-won seats. Find out more about giving up your bus seat with today's lesson! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1394

Ken: foreigner. Jenny: Chinese. Easy, right? But this game gets a little more difficult when it comes to those with Chinese heritage that were raised entirely overseas. Are they Chinese or not? Tune in to this podcast to learn how one Chinese American girl feels about her own identity crisis and how she articulates her confusion to a Chinese friend in Mandarin. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0466

Typhoons are no joking matter in China, where flooding and falling debris can wreak serious havoc in densely-packed urban areas. Learn the key words for discussing typhoons and typhoon-related issues in this Chinese lesson, as well as a fun little bit of etymology. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2016

That hair of yours is getting long and straggly, ain't it? Time for a haircut! In this lesson, you'll learn the basics for getting your hair done in Chinese, as well as a bit about barbershop culture in China. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2301

Chinese culture (and the ladies in particular) tends to prize pale skin. East Asian ladies of all nationalities, in fact, will go to great lengths to keep their skin as white as possible, employing anti-UV umbrellas and various creams. The Chinese have recently taken the obsession to new heights with the "facekini" however. Learn all about the issue in this Chinese lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2025

Combine Alicia Silverstone with Wang Faye and you will start to understand the crux of this podcast…oh yeah, and throw in a 6’4” laowai--now you understand. In this Mandarin Chinese lesson, John and Jenny dissect their Chinese sisters’ girl talk. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0169

At the end of the work week things generally wind down. But for some people, Fridays are the busiest. Check out today's lesson to learn about a person who's trying to cram everything in before the weekend. Jenny and John will also be discussing the very common practice of working overtime: 加班 (jiābān). Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1374

You used our "Opening a Meeting" to wow 'em and just finished the proposal of your life. So you smile, put down your laser pointer and... sit down? That would be so anti-climatic! So, listen in to this podcast to learn how to end that meeting, in Mandarin Chinese! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0452

Sometimes getting a package in China isn't quite as simple as having it shipped to your home address. Packages can get detained by customs, in which case you should receive a written notice. In this dialogue, a girl gets just such an unpleasant surprise... Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2012

Glorified paperweights or delicious traditional Chinese treats? Every autumn, Chinese offices are inundated with mooncakes - sweet, impossibly dense confections made to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival. In this lesson, a boss decides what kind of mooncakes to give his employees. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2277

ChinesePod can attest that late night text messages are not the recommended route to complimenting employees. So, how can you do it (without legal repercussions)? Just listen to this podcast, and learn how to do it using your Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0438

While most “laowai” that live here might have trouble explaining the directions to the sidewalk vendors, you can bet they know the entire selection by heart. From morning buns to early morning kebabs (and other parts of a lamb should you ever brave Longfusi Lu in Beijing), a knowledge of a portable kitchen menu is a must. In this podcast, learn some of the names of these tasty treats in Mandarin Chinese, as well as get an introduction to the art of street-side dining. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0162

Having trouble falling asleep? Anxious before bed? Well unfortunately we can't solve these problems for you - but what we can do is teach you how to describe them in Chinese. And that's exactly what we're doing in today's podcast, so join us to learn more about sleep troubles! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1339

Despite our cheerful demeanor, even we have a dark side. This lesson features one (soon-to-be-unlucky) man attempting to buy a firearm (illegally). Why unlucky? Let’s just say things are not always what they seem (insert spooky organs here). In this podcast you will learn about police busts, guns and intrigues, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0428

'Bun in the oven' lost something when you tried to translate it to 'baozi in a steamer basket.' In this podcast, learn how to break the news to your significant other that you're with child. And learn how to prepare yourself for the weird and wonderful cravings of a Chinese mother-to-be. We're not talking pickles and peanut butter, either... Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0997

This lesson introduces dialog that expresses how to communicate when someone doesn't look well and when someone one has an upset stomach. The vocabulary includes the descriptions of how one feels as well as examples of popular Chinese midnight snack. This is pre-intermediate, so we are using more Chinese to explain the lesson. The Expansion and Grammar sections have a lot of material to work on, as well. Enjoy! And let's hope you don't ever have to use this material! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4083

Being a true fan of any sport requires you to have a slightly deeper knowledge of participating athletes than "he runs really fast" or "she jumps really high." Learn how to participate in such discussions about endurance, strength, and slightly more complex strategy in today's upper-intermediate lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1999

With only a single letter difference between “hotel” and “hostel,” a lesson in Mandarin Chinese on where you lay that head of yours whilst on the road might come in handy, lest you find yourself trying to decide on where to use that spare change (snack machine or vibrating bed). In this podcast you will learn useful terms in Mandarin Chinese to aid you in finding a desirable (or less than, depending on your price range) place to stay. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0174

Children grow so quickly - it's amazing. Especially for relatives who don't get to see their young nieces, nephews, or grandchildren on a regular basis. In today's ChinesePod lesson, we've got an uncle and his nephew who are getting reacquainted after a year of not seeing one another. Learn all about drawing comparisons and making predictions for the future. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1327

It's been a year since the breakup at Valentines, but today's character receives a call from their sister wishing them a happy Valentine's, only to stir up some unwanted emotions. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4000

In this lesson, we teach you how to wish someone a Happy Chinese New Year. First we teach you the most common ones like "xin nian kuai le", or "gong xi fa cai." We also teach you some Year of the Monkey specific ones that make you look super smart, as well as some really advanced phrases that will have people wowed by your linguistic genius. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2837

Toothaches hurt. If you have a toothache, this is a fact you'll be wanting to communicate. In this lesson, we talk about toothaches, swollen faces, and scary visits to the dentist. Listen in to learn this basic dental Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1550

Grand Slam tournaments have been the stage for classic battles between fierce rivals throughout tennis history: Becker and Edberg, Lendl and McEnroe, Borg and Connors, Sampras and Agassi...the list goes on and on. Today's upper-intermediate lesson focuses on perhaps the greatest rivalry in the last 10 years: Federer and Nadal. Join in as two rabid Chinese tennis fans discuss the pros and cons of each competitor and the strategies each one employs! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2021