The Latest Mandarin Chinese Language Lessons
Excellent Materials for You to Learn Chinese Mandarin Language
Latest Lessons
Shanghai Sightseeing Newbie
Shanghai might not have a "Great Wall" or an army of "Terracotta Warriors," but it does have a few famous landmarks of its own. In this lesson, learn the Chinese names for the Bund and Nanjing Road, two must-see spots for any tourist in Shanghai.
travel, city, place
Meeting in Real Life Intermediate
So the online relationship is going great... could it be time for the "RL meetup"? It's a big step. Scrutinize those photos, talk it over with some RL friends, and make a decision about whether or not meeting in Real Life is a good idea. Then learn the Chinese in this lesson.
relationships, internet, personality
Chinese Folk Medicine Beijing Standard Time
Most of you listeners out there probably have a number of household remedies you use to cure common ailments: chicken soup for colds, getting scared for hiccups, and so on. But have you ever heard of rubbing ice cubes on your hands for toothaches? Or grinding earthworms and sugar to treat cold sores? Join David, Greg, and Jiaojie as we discuss some of the more common (and not so common) methods of treating various maladies using Chinese folk medicine. Please enjoy and if you've tried any of the methods we mention in the podcast or any other traditional cures, please don't hesitate to share them below!
medicine
Words with Heart Qing Wen
The Chinese concept of "xin" is actually not just heart; it's mind, it's essence. But it's also at the heart of tons of useful Chinese vocabulary. In this first lesson of a two-part series, we'll be looking at some of the more basic words, comparing and contrasting, and discussing antonyms when possible. It's not that hard; take heart...
feelings, personality
The Seven Year Itch Upper Intermediate
Popularized by the 1955 Marilyn Monroe film, the "seven year itch" is a phrase which has found its way into Chinese culture, and, unfortunately, some Chinese marriages as well. In this lesson, delve into the psyche of a young woman whose marriage is a bit shy of perfection.
fight, relationships
Don't push me! Newbie
You'll have many fantastic experiences on your trip to China, but, unfortunately, "squeezing into an elevator" or "waiting in line" are not going to be on that list. For most travelers, there's going to be a bit of "jostling." Arm yourself with a few phrases to help you push back (linguistically, at least).
daily life, transportation
The Kindle Intermediate
Although it may not be as common a sight in China as certain other electronic products, the Kindle is a handy little device not unknown in the Middle Kingdom. Learn the Chinese to introduce your (not-so-shiny) e-book reader (and we hope you're not studying this lesson from a paper printout).
technology, daily life, entertainment
We're lost Elementary
So you're wandering in a scary dark forest, and you realize that you keep seeing this same patch of woods over and over... you're lost! In this Chinese lesson, learn how to admit you're lost (or at least the language to accomplish this difficult feat).
travel, emergency, directions
Chinese Liquor Beijing Standard Time
It's no doubt that 酒 plays a very important role in Chinese culture. You'll probably understand this quite well after going out drinking with your Chinese boss, clients, friends or even father-in-law. Tune into this BST show and find out some must-knows about Chinese spirits, drinking customs and a few tips to avoid getting too drunk in China. As always, David and Greg await comments from listeners about their own experiences with drinking Chinese spirits or more advice on how to escape endless toasts. We hope you enjoy the show and consume your drinks with enjoyment and safety. For more discussion of drinking in China, check out ChinesePod's lessons on alcohol selection and Chinese baijiu!
alcohol, baijiu, drinking, liquor, manners
Strong (in the abstract) Qing Wen
So we've talked about strong winds, strong coffee, strong perfume, and big strong brutes. But what about all those other uses which are a bit more abstract? Well, here's where things get a little tricky. Tune into this Chinese lesson to find out quite a few new ways "strong" can be translated into Mandarin.
personality, strong, performance
Having Spare Keys Made Intermediate
Multiple roommates, one room. You're going to have to get extra keys made. In this lesson, two roommates try to accomplish the (apparently difficult) feat of having a spare key made.
emergency, daily life
孙悟空三打白骨精（大结局） Advanced
大结局啦！大结局啦！在唐僧念了紧箍咒，孙悟空痛晕了之后，会发生什么样的事呢？别忘了那个奇怪的老头子还活着，他接下来会有什么样的行动呢？在没有孙悟空的帮助之下，唐僧他们对付得了白骨精吗？赶紧戴上耳机，听听这个故事的大结局吧！
story, literature, Buddhism, culture
I'm gonna be Late Pre Intermediate
We've all been in this situation... two people agree to meet at a certain time, but one person calls to say she'll be late. And then calls again to say she'll be later. (And then you start to wonder if she's going to make it at all.) Learn the essential Chinese in this lesson.
time
Detective Li 4: The Circus Troupe Upper Intermediate
In part 4 of the series, the indomitable Detective Li and his faithful partner Xiao You find themselves summoned to the scene of a burglary... in a circus. Listen in to the details of the case, and see if you can match wits with Detective Li and determine who committed the crime. [上集答案：根据条件，没有说谎的孩子是毛毛。打破玻璃的孩子是星星。]
detective story, crime
Answering the Door Newbie
OK, so even if you haven't come to China to pursue that job as a door-to-door salesman, you may need to call on a Chinese friend. Learn the appropriate phrases for the person on each side of the door in this lesson.
daily life
Car Decorations and Bumper Stickers Beijing Standard Time
Have you ever noticed that Chinese drivers love hanging little doodads down the rear-view mirrors of their cars? For this lesson we found a number of popular ones and explain the culture behind each one. In addition, we prepared some excellent examples of Chinese bumper stickers for our listeners that can be found on bumpers all over China. Check out this BST show with David, Greg, and Ellen, and find out the story behind all of these interesting objects and sayings. Have you seen other interesting or hard to interpret bumper stickers or objects? You know where to go. Just make sure that when you're staring hard at bumper stickers the car is stopped and that you're not behind the wheel!
car, decoration, driving
Paying Attention and Caring Qing Wen
The verbs for "to pay attention" and "to care" seem pretty straightforward, until you start noticing how they overlap and work a bit differently. In this Chinese lesson, the Qing Wen looks at the words 注意 (zhùyì), 关心 (guānxīn), 在乎 (zàihu), 只顾着 (zhǐ gùzhe), and 照顾 (zhàogu).
feelings, news
Ice Cream Run Elementary
When a co-worker is making an ice cream run, it's time to speak up or forever dwell in ice cream-less regret. We'll talk about popsicles, cones, and a few other important details. If you're an ice cream fiend, this is an essential Chinese lesson for you.
food, ice cream