Say It Right Series

The Latest Mandarin Chinese Language Lessons


Latest Lessons


Taking Advantage Qing Wen

Qing Wen explores the many words for “advantage” in Chinese. Learn the differences between words like 优点 (yōudiǎn), 优势 (yōushì), 好处 (hǎochù) and 利益 (lìyì).


No Subs on the Subway Elementary

A ban against eating and drinking on the subway has recently been put into place in Shanghai. However, not everyone got the memo. Listen in on this lesson as two passengers discuss the new policy.

subway, food, rules

Not So SIM-ple Intermediate

These SIM cards keep getting smaller and smaller. How can one keep up? In this lesson, someone goes to get their SIM card trimmed so it can fit in their current phone. It proves to be an educational experience.

cell phones, SIM cards

O2Os and Other Lingo Upper Intermediate

Learn about the escapades of China's big three internet giants in this ChinesePod lesson. It's full of a bit of jargon, but don't let that hold you back. All will be explained. Get the scoop on Dianping, O2Os, the BAT and more!

business, online, marketing

A Card Gets Swiped Intermediate

Someone's credit card has been stolen! Luckily, the bank alerted them via text message. But what to do? Find out in this lesson.

credit cards, criminal, bank, money, scam

A Call Fur Action Elementary

In springtime, pets start shedding, leaving a hairy trail of destruction in their wake. What to do? Find out the answer in this lesson!

pets, cleaning, housework

Toilet Time Qing Wen

When you've got to go, you've got to go, right? Of course, there are many ways to talk about the restroom, some more polite than others. In this Qing Wen, learn about the different words for the toilet in Chinese.

bathroom

It's Written in the Stars - Part 1 Upper Intermediate

Whether you believe in it or not, astrology is an unavoidable part of dating in China. When looking for a potential mate, many people still look to the stars for answers. In the first of ChinesePod's series on astrology, two friends discuss the positives of having a Virgo husband.

star sign, personality, date, relationships

Talking about Figure Skating Intermediate

What's the difference between a double Axel and a triple Axel? Well, we're not really sure, but the two folks in this week's dialogue definitely know. ChinesePod slides into the world of figure skating.

Olympics, sports, winter

单独二胎 Advanced

实行了三十多年的“独生子女”政策终于有了重大的改变。2013年,夫妻双方有一方是独生子女就可以生二胎了。那中国人是怎么看这个新政策的呢?“单独”家庭到底想不想生二胎呢?

family, kids, jobs, government, policy

A Tricky Text Elementary

They're out there lurking. They're sending text messages to try and get you to give them your money. 骗子 (piànzi)! Con-artists have quite a reputation in China. Learn about one of their most common scams in this lesson.

criminal, renting, money

Cracking QR Codes Intermediate

QR codes have become quite a phenomenon in China. On the subway or walking through the mall, one is likely to see QR codes ready for scanning everywhere. In this lesson, someone learns how they work for the first time while waiting for a seat in a restaurant.

shopping, technology, mobile phones, software

Videographers Needed News and Features

Listen up, Poddies! ChinesePod is looking a for a videographer in the Shanghai area to help ChinesePod make some educational videos. The qualified candidate will have professional experience shooting, editing and making short films. If you or someone you know are interested, please email us at hr@chinesepod.com!


So Many Sayings! Qing Wen

The number of sayings and fixed phrases in the Chinese language is daunting. However, it's one of the many things about Chinese that makes it such a unique and fascinating language. In this Qing Wen, learn about the five different types of Chinese sayings: 成语(chéngyǔ), 固定说法(gūdìngshuōfǎ), 俗语(súyǔ), 谚语(yànyǔ) and 歇后语(xiēhòuyǔ).

sayings

Ordering a Cake Intermediate

You can't have a birthday party without cake! In this lesson, learn how to pick one up for that next big birthday bash.

food, buying, birthday

A Line Too Long Elementary

Why is the line for the women's room always longer than the men's? Is there any solution? Find out in this lesson!

bathroom, waiting, friends

Patience for Doctors and Patients Upper Intermediate

Violence between patients, their families and medical personnel have become a problem throughout China as the country continues to modernize its medical treatment facilities. Many Chinese people have high expectations of doctors and are unfamiliar with many medical practices. In addition, doctors often work in crowded conditions which makes it difficult to communicate with patients effectively. This lesson simulates a news broadcast investigating a violent clash between doctors and patients.

medicine, hospital, doctor

Standing Up for Car Seats Intermediate

As cars become more and more prevalent in Chinese society, so do car seats for children. However, not everyone immediately sees the importance of them. In this dialogue, a husband and wife discuss the importance of buying a car seat.

car, kids, safety

Workplace Woes Elementary

It's a nightmarish situation that haunts office workers around the globe. A report is finished and then - poof! - it suddenly disappears! Whether it was deleted by accident or never saved properly, the loss of a document is one of the most frustrating experiences that can happen to any employee. In this lesson, bear witness to one of the worst of the workplace woes.

work, office, computers

Words in the North and South Qing Wen

While Mandarin is spoken widely throughout China, there are some notable differences in diction between the North and the South . In this Qing Wen, learn about about some of the most important differences.

south, north, Mandarin