Lesson Channels > Newbie
If you're brand new to Chinese, this level is for you. In the Newbie podcasts your hosts Ken and Jenny focus on the most useful phrases for practical situations. The lessons are mainly in English, and when Jenny introduces Chinese words she speaks slowly and clearly. The dialogues are repeated three times, and Ken provides the linguistic insights a learner needs. Newbie is the best place to start whether you aim to master the language or just want a few phrases under your belt for a trip to China.
Latest Lessons:
Newbie - Dirty Little Hands
Subway poles, dirty money, bajillions of people... perhaps the fact that hand shaking is not so popular yet has saved the Chinese race from germ decimation. China--not the place for those with hypochondriacal tendencies. In this podcast, learn how to make sure those you share hand space with have washed their dirty little hands.
Newbie - Introducing a Friend
First impressions. Intent stares. Is he sizing up the map of your face--determining your future wealth, lack of it, sexual prowess, eyebrow hair luck factor? Or is he just trying to decipher your nin hao? In this lesson, get introduced to your friend's father, and learn the Chinese equivalent of a firm handshake, in Mandarin.
Newbie - Farm Animals
You can't understand the cows 'mou', the chicken's 'gege,' the sheep's 'miemie,' the horse's 'huirhuir,' nor the pig and its incessant 'hengheng.' In China, you even need a translator for the animals. The good thing is, they mostly look the same. In this podcast, learn how to ask about animals, in Mandarin Chinese.
Newbie - Come on up!
While you may not relish your walk up five flights of stairs six times a day, think of it as a pre-Huangshan hike training ground. Or the third stage of your triathlon-esque commute home. The way to stairmaster-free nice buttocks. After all, the elevator-less buildings of China were the breeding ground for the likes of Yao Ming and Liu Xiang. So, lift those knees, and get buzzed up to the fifth floor, and listen to this ChinesePod lesson on going upstairs.
Newbie - Street Argument
You know the signs. A mass of people, ten deep, reminiscent of a football huddle. A flying chair. A lot of arguing and pointing and yelling, but nary a punch thrown. Yes, it is the China street argument. Whether you're a looky-loo, or more of the steal-a-furtive-glance type, listen to this Chinese lesson and join in on the biggest spectator sport in urban China.
Newbie - Pretty Clothes
Fabric markets, little shops, department stores, Taobao... cheap and cheerful clothes abound in China. You're feeling like a knock-out in your knock-offs, and now that you're going to be looking so pretty, better learn how to accept a compliment. In this podcast, learn how to comment on clothing, and how to respond, in Mandarin Chinese.
Newbie - What size?
Thought of as 'petite' in your homeland, as you browse the corner shoe store, you are alarmed to find that the only thing you can get your dainty foot into is a florescent orange counterfeit men's 'Croc' clog. Things aren't looking up anytime soon, so listen to this podcast to learn how to ask for your size in Chinese, and to accept the fact that your fruitless quest will end nowhere but in dishwasher-safe footwear.
Newbie - Morning at the Office
Here is a Chinese lesson for all those morning people out there that we love to hate. A few chipper 'good mornings' to start off the day. You can shout them out your window to those neighbors who love to rise at the screech of dawn for a powwow outside your window. In this lesson, learn all kinds of greetings a la Mandarin. You'll be hello-ing and beyond in no time!
Newbie - I Want This
A wee baby learning to talk. His first word, a loving 'mama.' The second, 'dada.' And then comes the 'gimme, gimme, gimme.' Well, you have to start somewhere. In this podcast, learn the phrase that will help you get what you want, in Mandarin Chinese.
Newbie - Taking a Shower
Rub-a-dub-dub four tones in the tub. Bath time just got more fun and your old repertoire of songs to shower by just expanded. In this podcast, lather up and learn how to take a shower, Chinese-style. Also included, for those with long-showering, hot water user-upper roommates: learn how to stage phantom phone calls from love interests. Sure to get them out in a hurry.
