The Latest Mandarin Chinese Language Lessons
Excellent Materials for You to Learn Chinese Mandarin Language
Latest Lessons
Of Soldiers and Military People Qing Wen
We had to stifle the urge to use "military man" for the title of this lesson, because Chinese words for soldiers are properly gender neutral. The Chinese words for soldier, however, involve other considerations, like rank and prestige. Now listen in and learn about these key terms. That's an order!
soldiers, military, navy
Annoying Ringtone Elementary
It happens in every modern office: someone leaves their cell phone on their desk, and then disappears for hours. Meanwhile, some impatient caller calls again and again, repeatedly subjecting everyone in the office to the loudest and most annoying ringtone on earth. Relive that moment as the annoying becomes the instructional in this Chinese lesson.
office, sound, call, ringtone
Discussing Basketball Teams Intermediate
If you're a basketball fan, you should have no trouble making friends in China. If you want to do more than non-verbal cheering, though, you might be looking for a few more expressions to refer to your favorite basketball teams. In this Chinese lesson, we've got you covered.
basketball, team, player, names, NBA
New Employee in the Office Upper Intermediate
When there's a new employee in the office, someone has to show them around and show them the ropes. In this "Intermediate to Upper Intermediate" transitional Chinese lesson, learn some of the basic words and expressions used in such a situation.
training, office, office politics, work, communications, marketing, sales
Switching Seats on a Plane Elementary
Have you ever had that problem where you buy seats "together" (consecutive seat numbers), but it turns out they're actually not "together" (split across different rows rather than adjacent)? So have we! And we've decided to do something about this problem: create a Mandarin Chinese lesson about it.
seat, plane, directions
What's in a name? Beijing Standard Time
Have you ever introduced yourself to someone using your Chinese name (a name which a teacher or friend gave you) only to be met with giggles? Well we certainly have! Today's show will help you choose your own Chinese name and will cover how nicknames work in Chinese. You'll also hear about the famous 百家姓 (Bǎijiāxìng) Don't forget to tell us your Chinese name in the comments section! And if you're a newbie just starting out, learn how to introduce your new name in Chinese with this CPod lesson.
Chinese, Chinese name
The Various Guises of "Until" Qing Wen
The word "until" seems to take on various forms in Mandarin Chinese, depending on the context. In this lesson, the Qing Wen gang looks at some of these forms and contexts, and doesn't stop until it's all clear!
until, time, relationships
Registering for a Dating Website Intermediate
Ah, meeting people online... there was a time when such matters were routinely lied about, or only uttered in shameful whispers. We're way past that now, though. The topic has become which dating sites are the best, and the shame has been left behind in the dusty corner with all those dial-up modems. Learn how to register, sign in, and meet the love of your dreams online in this Chinese lesson.
website, internet, online, socializing
Turn in Your Homework Elementary
Homework is a huge part of every Chinese kid's childhood. In this lesson, we cover that dreaded moment when the teacher asks for everyone's homework and one unlucky guy doesn't have his. There's gonna be a reckoning!
students, school, teacher, homework, names
Dodging Hong Kong Sales Tax Upper Intermediate
For the growing numbers of affluent Chinese mainlanders, Hong Kong is a shopping paradise. That is, until this year, when some new tax policies kicked in. In this lesson, learn about the difficulties of buying an iPad cheap in Hong Kong, as well as a rather sneaky (if legally questionable) little plot to avoid those taxes.
tax, Hong Kong, shopping, policy
I Changed My Mind Intermediate
The scene is a young couple's bedroom. He's dressed and ready to go, while she's only just begun the long process of outfit deliberation. There will be ideas, questions, new ideas, reconsiderations, and changing of one's mind. If you gain nothing else from this Chinese lesson, at least learn the phrase "I changed my mind."
clothes, mind, colors, style
Marco Polo in China Beijing Standard Time
For a lot of people, mention of Marco Polo conjures up images of idyllic summer afternoons at the pool. Others might be reminded of the popular Chinese bakery chain. In today's show we'll be talking about the man and his travels. While some contemporary scholars believe that many of his stories are at best exaggerated and at worst outright untrue, his importance as a historical figure and a link between East and West is undeniable. Following a brief discussion of the language related to Marco Polo, John and Jason will be discussing the modern phenomenon known as "Marco Polo Syndrome."
Making the Most of 最 (zui) Qing Wen
You probably learned the superlative prefix 最 (zuì) long ago, but it's time to revisit it with some deeper questions. Do you know how to say "second best" or "second to last"? Do you know what verbs can take 最 (zuì)? Do you know the opposite of 最 (zuì)? Listen it to learn the answers to all these questions.
ranking, list, most
Changing Class Time Elementary
You're as serious about your Chinese lessons as the next person, but you're also very busy. We understand that. That's why we're going to be very understanding and let you change class times so you can attend the Comic-con this year. But you have to be able to ask in Chinese! Tune in to this lesson to learn how.
classroom, time, study
International vs. Local Schools Upper Intermediate
Foreigners raising their young children in China face a very difficult choice regarding schooling. Is it better to send one's child to a local school to learn along with all the Chinese kids and grow up culturally Chinese, or to attend an international school where English is used much more often and Chinese language is not emphasized? Learn to discuss these issues with this lesson.
school, children, parents, culture, education, language
Funerals and Consolation Intermediate
When a friend or co-worker tells you a relative has passed away, what do you say? You could probably use some help in this delicate situation. For one thing, you don't say "I'm sorry" in Mandarin. Learn how to offer your consolation the Chinese way in this lesson.
funeral, feelings, etiquette, family, office, culture
How to Address Someone Elementary
There are quite a few forms of address for people in Mandarin Chinese, and being the nice, polite student that you are, you want to use the most appropriate one when you meet someone new. In this lesson, learn how to ask what you should call someone.
greetings, people