The Latest Mandarin Chinese Language Lessons
Excellent Materials for You to Learn Chinese Mandarin Language
Latest Lessons
Issues with Flavor Elementary
Who doesn't love being an amateur food critic? Strong, weak, bland, flavorful; OK, maybe they're not the most expressive adjectives in the book, but they're still useful when discussing your food. Learn some basic words in Mandarin Chinese to discuss your food's flavor in today's elementary lesson.
food, tea, drinking
How Long Have You Been in Shanghai? Newbie
When you strike up a conversation with someone in Shanghai, people will inevitably want to know how long you've been there. Whether you're a grizzled expat who's been there for years or a newbie who's just around for a couple of days, you'll still need to know how to respond in Mandarin Chinese. Learn how in today's newbie lesson.
city, time
Chinese Fans Beijing Standard Time
If you're a fan of Chinese fans, then today's BST should pique your interest in a big way. We'll look at the earliest permutation of the fan in ancient Chinese society followed by more recent adaptations, both opulent and pedestrian; did I mention we have pictures, too? Tune in to find out more!
fans, culture, history
Words with 可(ke) Qing Wen
Many Chinese learners will recognize the character 可 from the word "可以," used to ask permission, but it's also present in some extremely useful words and phrases that you may or may not have seen before. Cute, scary, pitiable, and suspicious; who knew they all involved 可?? Tune in to find out more!
people, feelings
Chinese Gamer Culture Upper Intermediate
ChinesePod's back with another lesson for all you gamers out there, with a Chinese tilt. We'll cover computer games and console games, plus how to (talk about) hacking your system so you can use all those 7 RMB pirated discs. Get your game on with today's upper-intermediate lesson.
internet, games, technology
Where Are the Seat Belts? Intermediate
You'd be hard-pressed to find a working passenger side seat belt in the front seat, much less the back seat, of a cab in Shanghai. This can be exceptionally disconcerting for those recently arrived in the city, especially after observing how people drive here. But never fear! After listening to today's intermediate lesson, you'll be well-equipped to request that the driver dredge up the seat belts that have been hidden away.
driving, transportation, taxi
Using a VPN Pre Intermediate
A VPN in Western countries can be useful for hiding your less-than-savory browsing history at work, but in China it's an absolute necessity if you have any intention of using international networking sites or Youtube. Learn a bit about this useful cloaking device in today's elementary lesson.
internet, networking, technology
Need a Sofa? Elementary
Have you ever had a piece of furniture that you just cannot get off your hands? Sure, there's eBay or Taobao, but it'd be so much less of a hassle to just pawn it off on one of your unassuming friends or coworkers. Learn how to convince someone to buy an unwanted couch in today's elementary lesson.
furniture, shopping
Chinese Children's Songs Beijing Standard Time
In honor of Children's Day this past Friday, we at BST decided to host a show on notable Chinese children's songs. Not only do they offer valuable cultural insight, they're not terrible Chinese learning tools, either! Tune in to find out more. If you're looking for some newbie lessons on Chinese children's songs, check out our lessons on The Two Little Tigers and The Friends Song!
childhood, songs
The Preposition 于(yu) Qing Wen
Today's Qing Wen covers the fairly formal but highly useful preposition 于 (yu). It's got different meanings in different situations, but it's perfect for formal settings and is part of some pretty important set phrases, too. Darkstar94, this one's for you!
written language, time, place
Quieting the Baby Elementary
If you've ever had a baby (or perhaps even a really immature adolescent), you know the value of getting your little one to quiet down at night so you can get some sleep. Learn all about the ins and outs of soothing your baby in Chinese in today's Elementary lesson!
baby, family, parents
The Tea Scam Intermediate
If you're a foreign-looking guy walking down a major street in any international city in China, there's a distinct possibility that you'll be approached by young ladies wanting to chat you up and drink tea with you. Don't be fooled; a lovely chat over normal tea may cost you hundreds of RMB! While we certainly don't want to imply that all, or even a significant number, of Chinese people want to swindle you, this scam is definitely something to be aware of. Listen in to learn more!
tea, cheating, money, China
Calligraphy Practice Elementary
Brush calligraphy is a time-honored tradition within Chinese culture and has been practiced for centuries. Anyone who's ever practiced it, though, will tell you that it's no cakewalk to practice well! Learn how to discuss calligraphy at a basic level in Mandarin Chinese in today's elementary lesson.
calligraphy, writing, Chinese character, culture
Employee Exercises Upper Intermediate
There exists a somewhat uncommon and eccentric business practice utilized by certain companies in China: "military-style management." Predictably, this management style includes a lot slogan-shouting and push-ups. Tune in to today's upper-intermediate lesson to find out more!
actions, exercise, work
Ancient Chinese Gods Beijing Standard Time
While China does sport the longest history of any nation in the world, the Chinese do believe that the universe existed before the nation's earliest of dynasties. Join us in today's BST as we discuss a few of the most popular and well-known deities from pre-Xia China, including Pan Gu, Nu Wa, and Fu Xi. Tune in to find out more!
myth, gods, legend
Hiring and Employment Qing Wen
In today's Qing Wen we'll be teaching our loyal listeners about the word "hire" and all its different permutations of the verb in Mandarin Chinese. We can't guarantee that this lesson will actually get you a job or miraculously turn you into some sort of "responsible adult," but it's a start, right? Tune in to find out more!
job-hunting, jobs
Calculating Salaries Upper Intermediate
Salaries at home are confusing enough to calculate after taxes, but they're even more confusing when you're abroad and have no knowledge of local rates and labor laws! Today we'll meet one such confused employee wondering why a substantial portion of their pay has been docked. Learn all about calculating salaries after taxes and vacation days in this upper-intermediate lesson.
work, salary
Please Speak Mandarin! Elementary
China is an amazing land with a rich and diverse culture. That cultural landscape includes a multitude of regional variations, and one of the ones that most directly affects you as a student of Chinese is that of dialects. Expect to hear various "versions" of Chinese, but don't be too shy to ask people to speak Mandarin if you need to.
language, dialect