Lesson Channels > Elementary
Once you're no longer a Newbie, you're ready to build on the basics with Elementary level lessons, adding elements of grammar, and a wider range of everyday applications for your Chinese. Hosts Jenny and John (or Jenny and Ken) give a thorough treatment of lesson content, including individual tones. More Chinese is used than in Newbie, but Jenny's speed remains slow enough to be accessible. Repeating the dialogues three times eases the listener into familiarity with the podcast content.
Latest Lessons:
Elementary - You Sing Terribly!
KTV features prominently in the Chinese social scene. And everyone, everyone has their turn at the mic. Sometimes your friends surprise you with their ability to belt out pop standards. Other times, though, you find yourself suffering through butchered John Denver classics. If you're experiencing the latter of these two situations, check out today's lesson to find out how to get your friends off stage!
Elementary - Asking for the WiFi password
In this increasingly connected world, it's important to maintain contact with friends and colleagues, even when you're outside the house or the office. Cafés all over the world cater to this by offering free or paid wifi. But how do you ask for the password in Chinese? Find out in today's super-useful lesson.
Elementary - Finishing Work for the Weekend
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).
Elementary - Waiting for Food
Ever been in a restaurant when the food just doesn't seem to be coming out fast enough? In today's lesson we'll be bugging the server to speed things up a bit!
Elementary - Saying Goodbye at the Airport
We're at the airport today, and it's time to say our heartfelt goodbyes! Learn how to send a person off in Chinese in this elementary level lesson.
Elementary - Visiting a Friend's Room
Today's show covers important language for anyone planning on visiting a friend in a doorman building. Learn the basics for interacting with security, 保安(bǎo'ān), in today's helpful ChinesePod lesson.
Elementary - Slippery Ground
Often times in China when you're running out the door you notice the street cleaners have just washed down the streets and sidewalks. This can be especially dangerous in the winter when water freezes into ice. In today's lesson, learn how to tell someone to watch out if the ground is slippery. You'll also be learning how to verbally rebound from a not-so-graceful spill!
Elementary - Cold Weather Is Coming
One thing is true about the weather these days: it's really unpredictable! People generally try to stay on top of the weather news in China, but despite an effort to stay informed, one of the characters in today's lesson will most definitely be feeling the chill tomorrow. Tune in to find out why!
Elementary - Return to the Hometown
It's the new year and that means traveling home to see friends and family. In today's lesson learn how to make plans to see old friends. Hopefully you're able to fit it all into a week-long visit!
Elementary - Mailing a Package at the Post Office
Sending a package can be a bit intimidating in any language. The post office employee will ask you a number of questions about the contents of your package, the way you want to send it, and the options you have for its arrival. Check out today's ChinesePod lesson to prepare yourself for the next time you need to send a package and communicate these important details in Chinese!
