The Latest Mandarin Chinese Language Lessons
Excellent Materials for You to Learn Chinese Mandarin Language
Latest Lessons
Addressing People Qing Wen
There are a lot of people here. They all have names. In this edition of Qing Wen, learn an essential tool for dodging name-forgetting embarrassment. But, more importantly, learn an essential part of interacting with Chinese people young and old. That is, the many-varied ways of properly addressing people. Listen in and learn how to keep everyone straight.
Jazz and China from a Different Perspective Dear Amber
We have a cool New York City saxophonist join us today on Dear Amber to talk about the jazz music scene as it is today in China. Plus, ChinesePod listener Anthony Vasquez tells us what it's like learning Chinese--and climbing mountains--when you are visually impaired in China. Come visit the comments section to join the discussion.
War Zone Elementary
We assume you will never be a foreign soldier in a Chinese army, and sincerely hope that world peace is attained and this lesson will soon be obsolete. However, after 955 lessons it was about time that we taught you how to 'charge' in Mandarin. Don't forget that this vocabulary can also be applied in your battle for daily subway survival. Listen in and learn how to be a brave soldier, in Chinese.
emotions, directions
Tool Delivery Intermediate
Whether you're making tables or making babies, you've come to the right place. Not for the faint of heart, this lesson teaches you all the Chinese vocabulary you're going to need to know to be able to ask for your hammer... or your scalpel. Listen in and find out what the heck is going on here. (Disclaimer: the dialogue is a leeetle bit graphic, so if you're squeamish, be forewarned.) Related Links: Dear amber - Insect Market and Having a Baby Folks (scroll down for the semi-relevant content)
health, medicine
Getting a Phone Number Newbie
Unless you are a rainman-like genius, you may find attempts at reciting the fifty billion digit long phone numbers of China a challenge. Get help. Listen to this podcast to learn how to give out your number in Mandarin Chinese. You'll be counting spilled boxes of toothpicks in no time. Related Links: What Price Luck? Avoiding Unluck? China Eclipses US in Net Numbers Enslaved by Telecommunications Corporations
communications, numbers
Microsoft Elementary
A little name-dropping serves one well in many environments. 'Brad Pitt' is just too long to say in Chinese, so let's start with a more business-oriented angle first. You may recognize your nosy neighbor in the conversation that follows. And, if you really want to impress him, throw in a little of your buddy 'Bill Gates' and you'll be the envy of all the 'hood. Related Links: Bill Gates Beijing real estate rumors Microsoft Case Studies: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
accommodation, jobs
Colors, By Degrees Qing Wen
Today we welcome JP to Qing Wen with a rousing analysis of pencil crayon colors and flesh tones. In this episode, learn how to talk about all the colors of the rainbow, as well as the variants thereof.
A Month in Recovery and Being Civilized Dear Amber
As if childbirth wasn't bad enough... today on Dear Amber we speak with a new father about the Chinese post-pregnancy one month confinement--what it involves, and why they do it. Also, pre-Olympics, there is a 'civilized' campaign sweeping the nation. We'll hear about it and the effect it's having on people's lives and habits in China.
Badminton Upper Intermediate
It's a bird... it's a plane... no. It's the biggest thing to hit China since ping pong. Meet another sport beloved by the Chinese. In this podcast, listen in to a badminton game as it was meant to be played... in Mandarin. Next time you hit the court, you'll be able to smash that birdie with the best of 'em.
ability, sports
Taxi Small Talk Newbie
Don't be put off by that cage contraption. Think about it... a man trapped in a metal cage. What better language partner could there be than one that can't escape? Listen to this podcast and learn how to chew the fat with that paunchy driver who is so bored he's even willing feign listening to your attempts at Chinese. Make friends with the eyes in the rear view mirror and remember traffic jams are a blessing in disguise.
town and city, transportation, travel
Fat Camp Intermediate
A few months of everything fried combined with Chinese hospitality (read: feed) is enough to start anyone on a one-way trip to fat camp. Listen to this podcast and learn about one poor junk food lover's untimely demise into the shady world of carrots and wheatgrass.
appearance, food, questions
Aussie Rules Elementary
Olive-ball may not be big in China, but in Laowai land it is. English, American and Aussie styles may differ quite a bit, but they all hold the same potential for a lovers' spat on a lazy weekend afternoon. Couch, beer, game... or... wife, mall, shopping. In this podcast, our sports fan finds himself in this volatile situation. Listen in to see how he handles it, in Mandarin Chinese.
sports, entertainment
Clarifying how to use "every" 每（měi） Qing Wen
Amber says Y'all, Connie plays us a Jackie Chan song, and Clay takes a back seat and listens to the girls clarify how to use the an "every" day word.
High Maintenance Girls and the Elderly Dear Amber
Shanghai girls' reputations tend to precede them throughout China. So today on Dear Amber we talk a bit about the cliches and whether they are true, to some degree, or not. Also, we answer a question from a Chinese friend about methods of caring for the elderly in the west versus here in China. And, in keeping with Aussie month, we speak with Irene An of the University of Sydney, who tells us about Chinese learning in Australia, and her firsthand experiences as an immigrant there.
Olympics and more... News and Features
08/08/08 is 'round the corner! That means Olympics, and that also means that we have a DVD available with 888 lessons on it. Listen in and see what's new at ChinesePod.
Taxi Destination Newbie
You feel like you've won the battle by actually getting one to stop--though you had to beat off your street corner contenders to do it. All is fair in the battle for the cab... you claimed this curb first. But now, as you settle into the not-so-white white seat covers, don't lose the war. In this podcast, learn how to tell your taxi driver where you wanna go (and how to get there!), in Mandarin Chinese.
location, taxi, transportation
A Visit by the Police Upper Intermediate
Inspired by many a Shanghai late-night party, be it mahjong with hard of hearing participants getting riled up on baijiu, or a laowai house party, period. Party styles differ, but sleeping neighbors get just as cranky on both sides of the wall. Listen to this podcast, and be ready to explain yourself in Chinese when you get the dreaded police knock at 11:00pm.
accommodation, town and city
Hungry Traveler: Hainan Elementary
Our hungry traveler ventures off to the "Hawaii of China" for some much needed R&R. An island resort in China you say? It's true that Hainan's resort destination, Sanya, has flown under the radar to most of the western world, but it has all the requirements of an island getaway. When you tire of the sun, sand, and coconut tree hammocks, a world of seafood and tropical fruit awaits.
food, Hungry Traveler Series