Say It Right Series

The Latest Mandarin Chinese Language Lessons


Latest Lessons


Describing a Girlfriend Shanghainese

Today's show is all about relationships. Well, to be more specific, about planning on having relationships. You'll be learning some, erm, unique adjectives for describing people. Check out this very colorful and very cultural show!

girlfriend, relationships, Shanghainese, Shanghai

人类的起源 Advanced

今天我们要来思考一个问题,一个连聪明的科学家们都无法解决的问题——人是从哪儿来的?有的人说是神创造了人;有的人说人是猴子变来的;你的答案是什么呢?快来告诉我们吧!

history, science, people, myth, origin

Which tone was that again? Elementary

Science is fun! So are sports! But what happens when you want to discuss one in Chinese, but you instead use words describing the other? Sounds like you have a problem with tones, but not to worry! ChinesePod is here to help!

sports, skiing, tones

Horseback Riding Upper Intermediate

We're off to the stables today for a little exercise with some four-legged friends. Today's show focuses on a class with a riding instructor - you'll be learning all about taking commands from teachers and interacting with horses in Chinese!

horse, riding, practicing, actions

Fun at the Beach Intermediate

Summer is here and it's time to go to the beach. Join us today as we cover the essentials for having a good time in the sand and in the water. And don't forget to pack the sunscreen - you wouldn't want to get burnt!

travel, beach, culture, entertainment

Football and Dragon Boats News and Features

If you haven't already heard her in our series on Shanghainese, then be prepared to meet Daini today. She will be here today to give you a sneak peek of the week's lessons with Catherine. The two will also be discussing World Cup soccer (or football, if you prefer) and Dragon Boat Festival. To learn how to make Dragon Boat Festival's special snack, 粽子, zòngzi, check out this recipe. To learn more about ChinesePod's newly-created Technical Problems on Site group, click here. To get in touch with us privately, you can email customer support here: support@praxislanguage.com.

festivals, Dragon Boat Festival, football, World Cup, lessons

Doing the math with 算 (suàn) Qing Wen

The team is here today to explore an important use of the word 算 (suàn). Learn how to discuss describing things that count (or don't). They'll also be touching on the commonly-heard phrase 算了 (suànle). Tune in for all this and more!

verb, to count, to consider

Mahjong with the In-laws Shanghainese

The clicking and rustling of tiles on a table is a familiar sound to anyone who has ever lived in China. It can mean only one thing: a game of mahjong. In today's Shanghainese lesson, learn how to talk not only about this popular game, but also about family, spouses, and in-laws.

mah jongg, games, family, in-law

选择:大城市还是小城市? Advanced

大城市繁华现代,机会多,空间大,但竞争激烈,房价高消费高;小城市悠闲安逸,生活舒适,压力小......到底是去大城市实现梦想呢,还是在小城市过平淡的生活?不同的人就有不同的想法和选择。欢迎大家收听今天的高级中文课程。

lifestyle, choosing, family, pressure, city

World Cup and Diamonds Elementary

All eyes are focused on South Africa this summer as the nation prepares to host the World Cup. Check out today's lesson and learn how to describe one important South African export (here's a hint: we hear they're a girl's best friend).

World Cup, football, South Africa

Love Tangle 8: The Good Husband Upper Intermediate

Lulu has a little accident today, forcing Mr. Shen to re-evaluate his priorities. Does he work too much? Is he available for his child? Find out how the couple handles this drama in today's episode of Love Tangle.

pregnancy, family, relationships

A Tour of Xi'an Intermediate

Take a trip with ChinesePod as we visit one of China's most famous cities: Xi'an! From the Qin Shi Huang's famous Terracotta Warriors to delicious foods found on Xi'an's Muslim food street, this city's got something for everyone. Join us and learn how to get yourself around in Chinese.

city, snacks, place, culture, history

Progress Tracking and Grammar Guide News and Features

In today's News and Features Sarah (who has returned to us!) and Catherine are here to preview next week's lessons. They'll also be introducing the new progress tracking feature on the site. As this feature is currently in its beta version, we encourage you to send us your feedback: all ideas and suggestions are welcome. You can email us at support@praxislanguage.com. We're also launching the first two (and largest) sections of our grammar guide this week: Adverbs and Verbs. Read all about these two important areas of Chinese grammar: we've got descriptions, examples and links to lessons.

progress tracking, grammar, grammar guide, lessons

Going, Leaving, and Leaving for Good Qing Wen

离开 (líkāi), 走(zǒu) and 去 (qù) are three important ways of describing going somewhere. But how do you know when to use which one? Which ones imply temporary actions ("heading home" from a lame party)? Which ones imply permanence ("I'm leaving China [for good]")? Find out today as Connie, John and Liliana cover these important terms and how to use them.

leaving, place, going, verb

Talking Numbers Shanghainese

As the title of today's lesson promises, the team will be tackling an important aspect of Shanghainese today: numbers. From now on you'll be able to avoid giving clerks at convenience stores blank stares when you're shopping!

numbers, shopping, money

中国的戏剧 Advanced

有一首歌是这么唱的:"外国人把那京戏叫做beijing opera,没见过那五色的油彩楞往脸上画。"你是不是想弄明白为什么演员的脸上都要涂各种各样的颜色呢?有红脸,有黑脸,有白脸,有黄脸,到底代表了怎样的意义呢?快来听听今天的课吧。

culture, tradition, opera

Insecticide Intermediate

No one wants bugs or vermin in their homes. These little pests seem to appear more often in the hot months. So tune in to today's lesson about insecticides to find out how to describe getting rid of pests - in Chinese!

pests, insecticide, family, apartment

Traditional Chinese Paintings Upper Intermediate

We've got a lesson rich in culture for you today. We'll be delving into the world of high art. You'll learn how to talk about art and how to talk about the authenticity of artwork.

art, culture, traditional painting, type

Security Check in the Subway Elementary

Security checks are a given at airports and most bus stations in China. But these days, you're likely to see them in some subway stations, as well (ahem, Shanghai)! Check out today's lesson to learn some important terms related to safety and security checks.

security, subway, transportation

Security, the Arts, and a Chengyu Group News and Features

Catherine and John are here today to give you a sneak peek of this week's lessons. They've also got a user group they will be presenting, which you can join by visiting its group page here. Finally, if you didn't have a chance to check out ChinesePod's new customized study plan last week, you can still do so by providing us with a little information here. Remember, the consultation is free of charge, no strings attached!

news, lessons, groups