ChinesePod - Intermediate

Today we're leaving behind the rats, monkeys and tigers of the Chinese zodiac for Leo, Taurus and Sagittarius. Find out how to discuss your own sign, and learn how to ask someone else theirs. Who knows, you might even pick up some flirting tips! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1341

"Second-hand" isn't just one option when buying a bicycle; for many consumers, it's a whole way of life. In this lesson, we cover a range of topics, from broken-down bikes to second-hand philosophy. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1548

We've all been there: you're in the middle of a big project, you're about to save, and... nothing. Your computer is frozen. Nothing to do but shout in anger and beg the tech. department to come over and see what the bigger problem is. A virus? A hardware issue? Tune in today to learn how to describe computer problems and how to ask for help. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1336

How do you provide healthcare for a population of 1.4 billion? We don't know either, but this lesson takes a look at the more practical side of the issue: just getting a prescription filled. The Chinese process is a bit different from that of the west, so listen in to learn the Chinese way to get those meds. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1542

If you've been to China, you will have noticed the lack of fire detectors in homes and office buildings. We won't be solving this problem with today's ChinesePod lesson, but we will be providing you with the language tools to alert others if there is a fire. You'll also be learning how to ask for a fire extinguisher! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1334

Crank your amps up to 11; it's time for band practice! In this lesson you'll learn the Chinese to talk about getting ready for the big show, busting out with that sweet guitar solo, and even the possibility of making it big. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1538

We're in for a treat today - foot massages! But not just any foot massages... these will be medicinal foot soaks. Learn all about how the foot relates to other parts of the body - and how taking care of your feet might even help your stomach (huh)? Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1331

Adults that still live with their parents long past the time when they were expected to be financially independent are said to be "gnawing on the old" in Mandarin Chinese. In this lesson, hear how a member of this clan interacts with his parents (who don't particularly enjoy the gnawing). Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1534

It's intimidating enough meeting your spouse's family... today we're meeting the whole extended family, titles, relationships and all. After studying this lesson, you'll have the tools you need to feel comfortable in any Chinese family gathering! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1324

The days of the "iron rice bowl" are long gone, a daughter reminds her mother in this lesson. Just as in many other parts of the world, modern Chinese young people aren't staying with any one employer for too long. Find out more about this viewpoint on the Chinese job market in this lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1528

What better way to spend an hour on Saturday than soaking your fingers, getting your hands massaged, and coming home with beautifully manicured nails? And did you know - manicures aren't just for women! Check out today's lesson to arm yourself to confidently walk into a Chinese nail salon and get a lovely French manicure. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1315

What goes on in a Chinese bath house? Maybe not all of it is fit for a family podcast, but in this lesson a husband insists that bath houses are rapidly becoming popular (and legitimate) places to make business deals. Listen in on the debate and learn some useful Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1523

Everyone likes free money, right? But is there really such a thing as free money? Join us at ChinesePod today as we go shopping - and receive some vouchers that are tempting... too tempting! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1312

Ah, taxes... one of the few certainties in life, and the bane of our existence. Unfortunately, learning all the little quirks of the Chinese tax system doesn't make the whole ordeal any more fun in China. Listen in to this lesson, and we can help you out with the Mandarin Chinese side of the equation, at least. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1517

As children we're told not to judge a book by its cover. That being said, if you spend hours, days, perhaps even weeks finding just the right Christmas gift for someone, do you want to give up at the home-stretch and wrap it in a brown paper bag? Of course not! Listen to this ChinesePod lesson to make sure you know how to get the perfect wrapping paper suitable for your perfect gift! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1310

In August 7, 2010, there was a terrible mudslide in Gansu Province. In this lesson we hear not only a newscast related to the natural disaster, but also the reactions of some average Chinese people with relatives in Gansu. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1513

Now that it's cold out, sitting around a boiling pot of broth for hours on end doesn't seem like such a bad idea. On the contrary! It is a very appealing style of eating (which also accounts for the long lines at hot pot restaurants all over town right now). Learn how to talk hot pot in today's delicious ChinesePod lesson! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1303

Do you know the story of the Frog Prince? Do you know the Chinese chengyu about frogs and wells? In this lesson, hear a children's fairytale infused with Chinese cultural characteristics, and also get a little dose of Middle Kingdom morals. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1508

Ever found yourself running late, navigating an unknown place, trying to find the address you had scribbled down in front of you? Well today we're in this very situation, and our directions are all off! Learn how to ask for directions (and to criticize someone for completely messing up the directions)! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1299

Do you know all the work that goes into maintaining a rice paddy? And can you talk about it in Mandarin Chinese? In this lesson, a visitor to the countryside learns about both the hard labor and the simple pleasures to be found outside of China's urban areas. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1502

Some people are minimalists, others are pack-rats. When it comes to moving house, you'd better hope your the former and not the latter! Join us today as we call up a moving company to find out just how to get stuff out of one apartment and into another! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1292

Foreigners everywhere are working hard at learning Chinese. Unfortunately, many of those sincere students find themselves learning from boring, poorly designed material. In this lesson we take a look at this issue from the angle of the school and the teachers, who are asking each other: what can we do to make these Chinese classes more interesting? Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1498

If you take random peeks at your Chinese co-workers' computer screens throughout the day, you'll be sure to find quite a few of them raising farm animals and growing crops on Kaixin Wang. Kaixin Wang is China's answer to Facebook, and it's super popular. Listen to today's Mandarin lesson to find out more. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1276

Learn Mandarin From Movies Series aims to increase awareness of fun Chinese movies that can help you improve your Mandarin Chinese level. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4598

Learn Mandarin From Movies Series aims to increase awareness of fun Chinese movies that can help you improve your Mandarin Chinese level. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4596

Learn Mandarin From Movies Series aims to increase awareness of fun Chinese movies that can help you improve your Mandarin Chinese level. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4592

Learn Mandarin From Movies Series aims to increase awareness of fun Chinese movies that can help you improve your Mandarin Chinese level. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4591

Learn Mandarin From Movies Series aims to increase awareness of fun Chinese movies that can help you improve your Mandarin Chinese level. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4587

Learn Mandarin From Movies Series is a push increase awareness of fun Chinese movies that can help you improve your Mandarin Chinese level. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4570

It's never easy to fire someone, even if you have ample reason to do so. This lesson demonstrates the Chinese way of laying out the facts leading to that unpleasant decision, in a firm but humane way. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1488

It's coming up on Christmas time, which means presents and parties and... thank you notes. In today's lesson you can practice not only your Chinese letter-writing formula, but also how to say mushy and heartwarming cheesy lines to warm your friends' hearts. (Thank you, ChinesePod, for all the wonderful podcasts...) Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1288

The couple in this Chinese lesson are shopping for jewelry, with an unusual disregard for price. Learn how to discuss some of the specific Chinese vocabulary relating to these expensive accessories, and even find out where China's "bargain jewelry" is. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1482

They say laughter is the best medicine. In today's ChinesePod lesson you'll be learning how to express regret for a friend's unexpected injury, as well as offer standard (but sincere!) pleasant wishes for his or her speedy recovery! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1285

It's coming up to Chinese New Year (2017) and this year it is the Year of the Rooster. Learn some phrases to wish someone well this coming CNY. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/3021

You know how to express yourself in Chinese with grace and tact. But when you need some down-and-dirty insults, what are you going to say? Listen to this Mandarin podcast and learn the Chinese you need to let people know that you mean business! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1252

So you're working in a Chinese company, and your boss is really piling on the work, with unrealistic deadlines. What are you going to do? In today's lesson, we see how a conscientious translator is able to skillfully talk her manager into extending the deadline. (Yeah, acquiring this skill is going to take some practice!) Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1478

It's that time of year when the tank tops and shorts get packed away in storage. Out come the long johns, the thick socks, and the ear muffs. Join us in today's ChinesePod lesson as we learn how to talk about winter clothing in Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1306

As more and more Chinese buy cars, consumers are increasingly paying attention to the services provided by the dealerships. In today's Chinese lesson, learn what a "4S Dealership" is and what it offers. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1472

The competition is heating up as the judges decide to throw musical instruments into the talent show mix. Learn the Chinese words for playing various instruments, and be sure you know what "PK" means. (And you thought all Chinese words were written in characters?) Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1270

Each new year is the same. You make a list of New Year's Resolutions and end up not sticking to any of them. Listen as some friends meet up for their annual reflection on how the year went, and whether or not anyone achieved what they set out to do. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/3018

What's that screeching sound? Is it Peking Opera? Oh, wait, it's just a talent show. In this Mandarin podcast, you'll learn how to use Chinese to describe that television staple, the talent show. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1241

Today's lesson is a must for anyone in higher education in China. Learn how to discuss your ideas, how to make suggestions, and how to hash out a thesis plan and schedule with your advisor. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1468

The five-star flag flutters in the breeze. An ancient and glorious civilization salutes its leaders. Troops march down the avenue in perfect lock-step. The whole world looks on in awe. Today's Mandarin podcast is about National Day, which celebrates the founding of the People's Republic of China. It's especially significant this year, as 2009 marks the sixtieth anniversary of the nation's founding. This lesson will also answer the eternal question: "Hu is the leader of China?" Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1260

We're back in school, today. No, it's not history class. Nor is it chemistry. Yup, you guessed it! We're talking about sex ed. today. Join us and relive some of the more awkward moments of your youth. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1458

Experiencing Chinese New Year in China is truly a spectacular event. Houses are covered in bright red decorations. Bright red lanterns are lit up for all to see. Literally millions of firecrackers are set off at the same time, filling the streets with a mighty roar. But how did these traditions come about? In this lesson a grandfather tells the story to his grandson. Also, be sure to check out the new task feature below, ChinesePod's newest way to enrich your learning experience along with fellow poddies! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2120

The CCTV New Year's Gala, also known as the Spring Festival Gala, and commonly abbreviated in Chinese as Chunwan, is a Chinese New Year special produced by China Central Television. Listen to a dialogue about a family prepare to watch this event and how it has become a tradition in the household during Chinese New Year. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/3023

Today's Qing Wen is all about ringing in the lunar New Year. In addition to all of the quintessential New Year's wishes, we've added a number of dragon-pertinent terms and idioms that are sure to impress your Chinese friends and bring them good luck too! Happy year of the dragon to all our poddies and listeners! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/7236

年夜饭 Nián yèfàn is the large family dinner that kick-starts the festive season. It happens the night before the start of the Chinese New Year (Spring Festival). In this lesson we learn about some of the foods eaten at this time, some traditions, and also how some people like to eat out instead of going home. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2836

Everyone loves receiving gifts, no matter the occasion they're celebrating or the country they're living in. Gift-giving in China, however, can get slightly complicated if you don't know a few basic rules. Listen in to today's Qing Wen and learn some essential tips that will help you maintain "face" at various celebratory events. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/7233

Making dinner to welcome in the Chinese New Year is no easy feat. The chef needs to prepare at least a dozen dishes, many of which have special significance. In this lesson, a mother and her daughter discuss their Chinese New Year feast and all the essential dishes. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2367