ChinesePod - Intermediate

Certain ancient Chinese traditions are more easily assimilated to the Western mind. Five days straight of blowing off firecrackers tends to sit better than 12-course dinners. If you don't join 'em, you aren't gonna beat 'em, so put on your protective glasses and light up your xiaoqu with China's gift to the world. In this podcast, plan your Chinese New Year in Mandarin. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0783

Contrary to what you'd think, winter often feels colder in south China than in north China. Why is this? Two words: central heating. So cuddle up with a warm blanket and join us as we explore this chilly winter topic! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1307

Chinese New Year is all about going home to one's family and enjoying precious time with family stuffing one's face. But what happens when a husband and wife are from different cities and they both want to go home to their own families for CNY? This dialog ensues, that's what! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1848

At ChinesePod, we expect a lot from our listeners: well kept, an invite over for cake every now and then, and personal growth--so, even though you just now figured out the brush strokes for “yi”, we’re quite certain a lesson in calligraphy will be just what you need? In this podcast, learn to discuss the art of Chinese calligraphy in Mandarin Chinese. How apropos. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0158

Christmas has just passed and it's that time of year again - the time when you look back on everything you've done and think about what you'd like to do in the year to come. Join ChinesePod today as we reminisce on 2009, and look to an exciting new decade! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1323

Although they may sound similar, the difference between the “yen” and the “yuan” is big. So how does the world’s next big economy communicate? In terms of exchange rates. And how does the next big Mandarin learner join in? By listening to this podcast, wherein you will learn about currency exchange and money matters, in Mandarin Chinese Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0410

With more and more “laowai” coming to the People’s Republic, more and more find themselves in conversations about the occasional frustration one finds at that point in Mandarin where you’re good enough to get by, but are far from fluent. In this podcast, Ken, Jenny and Aggie discuss the aforementioned, and teach you to cry the language blues using Mandarin Chinese. Please be assured that we at ChinesePod are devoted to helping you get through this difficult period. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0157

You're in that awkward situation where you don't have any money and you have to ask a friend for help. Fear not. Hopefully you have as good a friend as Daisy has, and they can lend you some cash. But don't be one of those people that never returns the money... Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2585

In a society renowned for its rigid examination system, homeschooling might seem like a very attractive option to conscientious parents that are looking to do more for their children's futures then turn them into obedient little worker drones, fresh terracotta bricks for the (not so great) wall. But did you know that homeschooling is actually illegal in China? Get the Chinese perspective in this lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2014

Yes, you want to come to China to see the beautiful sites and meet the gorgeous ChinesePod crew, but there’s a good chance that work will bring you here, so why don’t we start you off with a lesson on business? In this podcast, we’ll walk you through a Mandarin Chinese conversation about a prospering “biz”. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0144

Even the hardest-working employees need a break sometimes! Whether you're actually sick or not, knowing how to ask your Chinese boss for a bit of time off is a highly important skill. Learn how to do so in today's lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1860

You know it’s a heavy lesson when the writer of these intros has to look up the definition. So, to guard himself from any more ridicule: Here’s a podcast with a Mandarin Chinese lesson on intellectual property lawsuits in China, and some of the steps China has taken towards real IP law (blatantly copy and pasted from colleague’s explanation). Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0396

Are you a dream reader, a modern-day Zhougong? Do you like to share your dreams with your friends? Then today's lesson is for you! While telling someone that you dreamt about them might be a little creepy, the story (or omens of wealth within!) might make it worth divulging. Listen in to today's intermediate lesson in which a girl tells her friend about her particularly strange dream. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2009

Too busy to talk? Then I'll call you back! In this lesson, ChinesePod takes you through how to return a call in Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2251

For corrupt officials, cash-filled envelopes involve a wink, a nod, and an expedited liquor license. For little kids, envelopes stuffed with cash mean: Happy New Year! Today's Mandarin lesson will teach you all about how to give and receive these little bundles of joy. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1086

Happy New Year, ChinesePoddies! That's right - we're saying goodbye to 2009 and hello to a new decade. But who needs resolutions when you've got the "god of good luck" taking down your wishes over the phone? Join for this lesson as we make some wishes in Mandarin Chinese for the year to come. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1326

It's now one of the top five most used apps on the planet, but outside of the Sinosphere, few people know about it. It's WeChat! In this lesson, learn what the fuss is all about and how to join in on the fun. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2254

For Ken, it’s getting back into archery. For Jenny, it’s finding Roger Federer again. For a few of our guests it’s….Nope, not going to give it away! In this podcast, we will help you in your New Year’s resolution to learn more Mandarin Chinese by making it into a lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0382

We know what went on at your company Christmas party which basically puts you far, far down on the list of who’s been naughty and nice. Fortunately, in this podcast, Father Ken and Saint Jenny understand that it was the Egg Nog talkin’ and have wrapped up a little somethin’ somethin’ in the form of a Christmas Lesson for you. In this lesson, learn how to express how you feel about Christmas, using Mandarin Chinese, as well as talk about the gifts you got this year. Happy holidays from all of us! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0069

Your friend just got off of a long haul flight. He's got nasty bed-head and his breath could kill a small animal. But even that can't deter you from doing your duties as a proper Chinese host and meeting him at the airport. In today's ChinesePod lesson, learn how to greet your friend at the airport. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1282

This is a tale of a young man with a penchant for women who flip out on him and make his life miserable, even long after they've "ended" it. Yes, the crazy ex-girlfriend trope is alive and well in Chinese culture as well. It's not going to be pleasant, but sooner or later you're going to have to face it. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1994

After spending some time in China, going home for Christmas can be a troublesome event for any expat. Aside from getting that plane ticket home, you've also got to figure out what to bring the folks at home from the Middle Kingdom. In this lesson, a foreigner talks with his Chinese coworker about what to bring and also how Chinese give gifts during the holiday season. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2088

So you're planning to send some flowers, but roses have been done to death, and you've got some other ideas. But did you know that some flowers are "for old people"? Listen in on today's Mandarin lesson to learn a few more flower names in Chinese, and also get some cultural advice. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1262

Any good bar has its share of dolled-up girls and shady but ever-so-eligible bachelors. Maybe he hadn't had enough to drink, maybe he has a staring problem, or maybe he just really hadn't gotten the hang of "blue steel," but in this lesson we join one of those creepy guys in a bar and find out how he fares against a lovely young lady with an attitude. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1991

The entire team is here, celebrating the holidays at an office Christmas party. Delve into a little CPod office mayhem as we discuss decorating the workspace, setting up a tree, and doing a secret Santa gift exchange. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1317

Halloween means Trick-or-Treating, which means bucket-loads of candy! Be it fruit gummies, toffee, chocolate or lollipops, ChinesePod is taking you on a sugar-coated Mandarin odyssey of sweetness. Just remember not to take candy from strangers, and happy Halloween! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1281

You’re going places, which is why you’re using ChinesePod. So, it shouldn’t surprise anyone to know that at some point you might be meeting with local government officials and kicking it off with a speech in Mandarin Chinese. ChinesePod has made many of these speeches (we too, are going places), and doesn’t mind sharing in this podcast on how to open a meeting. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0374

What do Chinese girls think of a guy with a goatee? Well, we can't speak for all girls, but we can speak for two fictional girls in a fictional dialog, and then build a lesson around it. And you can learn quite a bit from it about different types of men. What are you waiting for? Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2005

Let's go out for a spring stroll, shall we? But wait! What's that up ahead? A snake! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2136

There's an endless number of reasons for purchasing goods from abroad online: trying to avoid jacked up prices on imported goods, distrust of products produced by local companies, or just really, really, really wanting that pair of shoes that is inexplicably absent from every Nike store in Shanghai. In this case, it's two mothers discussing the option of buying baby formula outside the country and shipping it in. Learn all about this phenomenon in today's upper intermediate lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2008

Ever desired a glimpse into how the finest and most brilliant minds at ChinesePod come up with award-winning lessons on a stunningly regular basis? Well, loyal listeners, your prayers have been answered! This landmark lesson offers a 100% accurate portrayal of the painstaking process the tireless academics team goes through when brainstorming new lesson topics. Check it out! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2000

There's only so much that can be said about owning cats and dogs before you, the intermediate learner, feels that urge to move onto discussions about other types of pets... like hamsters! In this Chinese lesson you'll learn not only the essential hamster questions, but some other pet-related language as well. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2029

We all love a romantic chick-flick every now and then, but for some women it becomes a problem: they expect every man to live up to their Ryan Gosling/ Zhou Yumin/Seth Rogen-sized expectations, and it sometimes grates on their partners. In today's upper-intermediate lesson, learn all about to discuss Cheesy-Movie-Relationship-Damaging Syndrome (OK, we made that up) in Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2003

The Grand Prix held here in Shanghai showcased breakneck speeds, hairline turns and drivers with death wishes…and that was all in the taxi ride to the stadium. So either you’re really good at the unspoken-but-point-taken bracing yourself with one hand on the glove box and the other on the “Oh Crap” handle, you might love a lesson on telling someone they drive erratically. Listen to this podcast and learn how to express yourself in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0137

There aren't many things more fun than learning Chinese grammar. Today, you're in for a real treat-- this podcast is all about a class of students who are learning Mandarin. Listen and learn! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1239

Any look at a bus, subway or highway on any given day will give you an idea of the constant struggle facing those who depend on the transportation system here. Today, we look at what a commuter faces in China. Listen to this podcast to learn how to talk traffic in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0362

Never has China been accused of not respecting family. In fact, concepts like moving out of your parents’ house before marriage are still in their infancy. In this podcast, Ken and Jenny teach us about family in Mandarin Chinese, and the roles therein. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0125

You can't cook dinner without a big pile of ingredients. In today's Chinese podcast, you'll learn how to tell someone to pick up a load of fresh vegetables from the market in Mandarin Chinese. You can almost smell dinner cooking, eh? Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1231

While many don’t know this (due to the fact that it’s not true), all ChinesePod employees are required to attend a 6-month intensive course at the famous kung fu HQ, Shaolin Temple. So a Mandarin Chinese lesson on it is like the wind through the reeds (insert David Carradine intro music here)…Listen to this podcast to learn all about this ancient Chinese art form and where it comes from. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0355

You wouldn’t be here if you weren’t a good, pro-active, self-motivating individual. So we’ll make you a deal. After listening to this lesson, you tell 10 friends about ChinesePod and we’ll tell your boss all of those aforementioned qualities. In this podcast, learn to talk about promotions and getting a raise in Mandarin Chinese. Who knows, maybe with your new found language skills, it'll really happen! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0123

If you're learning Chinese in China, there's a very good chance that someone will try to become your language partner. With any luck, you'll become fast friends. If not, the experience can be awkward and dull. In any case, let's listen to this podcast and learn how to talk about language exchange in Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1203

Brace yourself. Jenny is going to talk about “proposals” but it’s not what you think (cancel that flight here). It’s all about the “next big thing,” and you’re going to hear the pitch. Listen to this business Chinese podcast to learn some important marketing terminology in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0344

In this lesson, we are at the lease signing, and a conversation occurs between the landlord, tenant, and property agent, going over the finer details of the contract. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/3013

In this lesson, we discuss our favorite pastime: shopping! We review various places one can go shopping. We learn about different kinds of pants and how to describe the kind of pants you want to buy. These descriptions include size and length, and style. While discussion pants we find two pictophonetic Chinese characters. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4081

Today's lesson is about prank telephone calling someone. You learn some useful ways to answer the telephone, ask who's calling, as well as fun ways to prank your friends like it was still the 80's. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/3012

Today you'll learn how to order a pizza over the telephone. This language is super useful when you're hungry and wanting some junk food. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/3011

Having a second language can really boost your potential for job opportunities. In this lesson, we hear someone being offered a potential job opportunity with a good salary based on their ability to speak French. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4027

Today's dialogue is all about astrology and star signs. Ophiuchus (⛎) (/ɒfiˈjuːkəs/) is sometimes considered the thirteenth sign in addition to the twelve signs of the Zodiac. In the conversation, one of the friends is unhappy hearing that they are no longer considered Sagittarius Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/3008

In this video lesson, we teach some useful words when you are looking to rent an apartment. Finding an apartment can be hard, but if you know some of the specialist language, your life will get easier.  Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/3007

In this lesson, a patient sprains their ankle while playing soccer, but there is a misunderstanding which leads to an embarrassing situation. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/3098