The Latest Mandarin Chinese Language Lessons
Excellent Materials for You to Learn Chinese Mandarin Language
Latest Lessons
Walking the Bird Pre Intermediate
You can walk a dog, and maybe even a cat, but did you know you can walk a bird? This lesson will familiarize you with this Chinese habit, as well as the other responsibilities that come with raising a Chinese bird.
bird, pets, culture, cleaning
An Introduction to Chengyu Qing Wen
If you've studied Chinese for any length of time, you've probably heard of those quintessentially Chinese idioms known as chengyu (成语). How does one approach chengyu in one's studies, and what is a good place to start? Listen in to today's lesson to find the answer to that question and more.
idioms, language, culture
Can't Get a Taxi Elementary
With so many people living in the same city, it's bound to happen: sometimes you just can't get a cab. Experience this Chinese big city annoyance vicariously in today's lesson, picking up practical vocabulary along the way. Oh, and what's the solution if you simply can't get a cab? Listen to find out.
taxi, subway, time
A Short Haircut Intermediate
Whether you prefer a high-end salon or that guy cutting hair under the bridge, this lesson will cover all the Mandarin Chinese a guy needs to simply make his hair shorter (and then a bit shorter). Beware, though: learning this material could result in massive hair loss. Use with caution.
appearance, haircut, beards
Cats Are Cool Elementary
We at ChinesePod are vaguely aware that some people like cats better than dogs. While we don't apologize for our various dog-themed lessons, we're happy to throw you cat lovers a (fish)bone. Listen to this lesson to learn how to deal with the irrational cat-haters of this world in Mandarin Chinese.
cat, pets, dogs, raising, names
Taxable Salary Upper Intermediate
Ah, taxes... one of the few certainties in life, and the bane of our existence. Unfortunately, learning all the little quirks of the Chinese tax system doesn't make the whole ordeal any more fun in China. Listen in to this lesson, and we can help you out with the Mandarin Chinese side of the equation, at least.
tax, salary, government, policy, insurance, contract, company
Four Uses of the Complement 起来 (qilai) Qing Wen
You've seen 起来 (qilai) tacked onto the end of verbs, and it didn't bother you at first. But then you started noticing it doing different things in different circumstances (and with different verbs), and you probably started wondering what is going on with this complement. This lesson breaks it down and explains the four main cases, while also referencing an older Qing Wen: Using 看 (kàn) and 看起来 (kàn qilai).
actions
Music Corner in the Park Intermediate
Maybe you know about the weekly English corner in your local park, but did you know that there are also "music corners?" In China, these informal bands aren't too hard to find (they're the ones with the musical instruments in their hands), and they sometimes even draw quite a crowd. In this lesson, learn the vocabulary for various traditional Chinese musical instruments.
music, musical instrument, culture, entertainment
City Districts in Shanghai Elementary
Cities in China are divided into districts, which are not only labeled on maps, but also frequently mentioned in casual conversation. Do you know what the major city districts of Shanghai or Beijing are? If you live in China, do you know which district you live in? In this lesson, we cover the essential Chinese words you need.
city, transportation, distance, time, district, place
Mudslide Upper Intermediate
In August 7, 2010, there was a terrible mudslide in Gansu Province. In this lesson we hear not only a newscast related to the natural disaster, but also the reactions of some average Chinese people with relatives in Gansu.
mudslide, disaster, news
Too Many Food Allergies Intermediate
We've all met one of those people that seems to be allergic to everything. Sure, it's not their fault, but that doesn't stop others from being annoyed at the dinner table. In this lesson, learn many sentences patterns related to expressing "allergies," "allergic," and "allergic reaction" in Mandarin Chinese, while also experiencing some fun social tension.
food, parents, culture
Ending, Completing, Finishing Qing Wen
Translating the word "finish" into Chinese can be a challenge at the intermediate level. Listen in to today's Mandarin lesson to find out which translations work for which situations. This is one important lesson you'll want to finish for sure.
task, homework
A Stroll through the Hutongs Elementary
Of all the great reasons to visit Beijing, one of the simple pleasures that tops most visitors' lists is the simple "stroll through the hutongs." These twisty old Beijing alleyways are traditional, they're charming, and they're a great way to get blissfully lost in Beijing. In today's lesson, learn the basic Chinese vocabulary you need to get started exploring Beijing's backstreets.
hutongs, Beijing, culture, food
疯狂的球迷 Advanced
做一个足球迷是一件令人兴奋的事儿。每逢比赛，一边喝着啤酒，一边看着球赛，一边为球队欢呼，谁没有这样的经历呢？可是做一个中国足球迷就没那么兴奋了，失望和愤怒可能会随时而来。现在又有谁愿意大胆地喊一声，我是个中国足球迷呢？
World Cup, football, football fans
National Day Holiday Elementary
October 1st is "National Day" in the PRC, a holiday celebrating the founding of the nation. For the average Joe, this has a very important implication: vacation! In this lesson, learn how official holidays are announced, as well as some of their unfortunate drawbacks.
National Day, time, work
The Frog Prince in the Well Upper Intermediate
Do you know the story of the Frog Prince? Do you know the Chinese chengyu about frogs and wells? In this lesson, hear a children's fairytale infused with Chinese cultural characteristics, and also get a little dose of Middle Kingdom morals.
story, fairy tale, idioms, culture, prince, frogs
Construction Intermediate
Construction is everywhere in China's major cities. You can't avoid it, so you better learn how to talk about it. In this Chinese lesson, learn not only how to say that a road is under construction, but also learn to describe some of the major machinery on the construction site.
vehicle, transportation, repair, construction
Site Updates and More Anniversary Videos News and Features
Catherine and John remind us this week that the ChinesePod 5th Anniversary festive spirit is not over. We have just uploaded a number of user video/audio messages onto our blog, and you can still leave your message on our dedicated anniversary page, too. Also, be sure you're up to date on the changes that went live last Monday, affecting lesson management, lesson subscriptions, and groups.
news, ChinesePod