ChinesePod - Beginner

40 Episodes
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By: ChinesePod LLC

ChinesePod makes learning Mandarin fun and easy. It isn't your typical language learning resource - we think you'll be entertained as well! If you’re just trying to learn some survival Chinese or looking to start a lifelong relationship with the language, this ChinesePod - Beginner Level Podcast Channel is where to start. Expand your Mandarin Chinese learning experience by also SUBSCRIBING to ChinesePod - Intermediate and ChinesePod - Advanced Podcast channels. For more lessons, go to www.chinesepod.com and take us for a spin.

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Elementary | Boxing Day
Elementary | Boxing Day episode artwork
Today at 8:00 AM

No, Boxing Day has nothing to do with the big fight on Pay-Per-View. It's that semi-mystical holiday celebrated by the loyal subjects of the queen. Apparently it's all about shopping? If you have any idea what we're talking about, let's convert the idea into Chinese in this lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1832


Elementary | Getting an Official Receipt
Elementary | Getting an Official Receipt episode artwork
Last Wednesday at 8:00 AM

If you intend to claim something as an expense in China, you need an "official receipt" (AKA "fapiao"). So don't just fight over the bill -- make sure you get this government-issued scrap of paper to make it official. Learn the magic words in this Chinese lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1831


Elementary | Choosing a Room
Elementary | Choosing a Room episode artwork
Last Monday at 10:02 AM

You've had a long day and finally arrive at your hotel, ready for some much needed R&R. But alas, the room you desire isn't available! What is to be done? Today's unlucky traveler finds himself in such a predicament. Be sure to listen in and learn about different room types in today's lesson! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1825


Elementary | The Better Man
Elementary | The Better Man episode artwork
09/04/2026

If you're going to treat men like objects, it's important to be able to compare them like objects. In this Chinese lesson, a group of ladies in the office compare two of their male co-workers. Listen in on the age-old debate of Xiao Wang vs. Xiao Li, and learn how to make comparisons in Mandarin! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1821


Elementary | Hospitality Series 7: Hotel Room Cleaning
Elementary | Hospitality Series 7: Hotel Room Cleaning episode artwork
09/02/2026

So you slept in until noon, and NOW it's convenient for you to have housekeeping clean your room? That's fine... you're the guest after all. Find out what both the request and the polite staff response are in this continuation of ChinesePod's hospitality series. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1889


Elementary | Hospitality Series 6:Buying a Handbag
Elementary | Hospitality Series 6:Buying a Handbag episode artwork
09/01/2026

We revisit Ms. Wu's saga in New York in today's elementary lesson as we follow on a handbag shopping excursion. Will she be able to find one that suits her? Learn how to shop for handbags (and other products) in today's ChinesePod lesson! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1886


Elementary | Hospitality Series 4: Chinese Breakfast
Elementary | Hospitality Series 4: Chinese Breakfast episode artwork
08/28/2026

We're back with another useful lesson for the hotel-staffing Chinese learner. Hotel guests highly value their breakfast. Today's lesson will teach you how to direct guests to their morning vittles. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1791


Elementary | Hospitality Series 3: Slippers, Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Elementary | Hospitality Series 3: Slippers, Toothbrush and Toothpaste episode artwork
08/26/2026

Everyone forgets the essentials sometimes when they travel. What's a poor traveler to do without their toothbrush? Listen in as a forgetful hotel guest asks hotel staff for vital necessities in Mandarin Chinese and learn how to do the same yourself! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1785


Elementary | Hospitality Series 2: China Union Pay
Elementary | Hospitality Series 2: China Union Pay episode artwork
08/24/2026

Our hospitality saga continues with an encounter between a young woman and a hotel clerk. Learn how to talk about room reservations and China Union Pay bank cards in today's lesson! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1765


Elementary | Hospitality Series 1: Welcome to the Hilton!
Elementary | Hospitality Series 1: Welcome to the Hilton! episode artwork
08/21/2026

Imagine that you work at the Hilton in New York City, and you're tasked with welcoming Chinese guests in Mandarin. You better know exactly what to say, and this Chinese lesson covers exactly that. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1755


Elementary | Dental Floss
Elementary | Dental Floss episode artwork
08/19/2026

In recent years, China's stunning economic progress has propelled it into the ranks of "nations that pretend to use dental floss to appease their dentists." Many Chinese people are also now aware that excessive use of toothpicks can be a bad thing. If you're ready for the big "dental floss or toothpick" question, this is the lesson for you. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1817


Elementary | Scheduling a Time
Elementary | Scheduling a Time episode artwork
08/17/2026

That Manager Li is a busy, powerful woman. You can't expect to just pull her aside next to the water cooler; you're going to need to schedule your precious face time with her. In this lesson, learn how to do just that in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1816


Newbie | Learn Mandarin From Commercials: 士力架 (Snickers)
Newbie | Learn Mandarin From Commercials: 士力架 (Snickers) episode artwork
08/14/2026

Learn Mandarin From Commercials Series helps you experience the culture from Chinese entertainment through commercials where you can learn everyday Chinese phrases and vocabulary. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4601


Newbie | Learn Mandarin From Commercials: 滴滴 DiDi Phone Number Security
Newbie | Learn Mandarin From Commercials: 滴滴 DiDi Phone Number Security episode artwork
08/12/2026

Learn Mandarin From Movies Series aims to increase awareness of fun Chinese movies that can help you improve your Mandarin Chinese level. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4599


Newbie | Learn Mandarin From Commercials: Volkswagen
Newbie | Learn Mandarin From Commercials: Volkswagen episode artwork
08/10/2026

Learn Mandarin From Commercials Series helps you experience the culture from Chinese entertainment through commercials where you can learn everyday Chinese phrases and vocabulary. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4597


Newbie | Learn Mandarin From Commercials: 滴滴 (Di Di)
Newbie | Learn Mandarin From Commercials: 滴滴 (Di Di) episode artwork
08/07/2026

Learn Mandarin From Commercials Series helps you experience the culture from Chinese entertainment through commercials where you can learn everyday Chinese phrases and vocabulary. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4595


Elementary | Character Amnesia
Elementary | Character Amnesia episode artwork
08/05/2026

Learning how to hand-write characters can be a daunting task for those of us just starting to learn Chinese; how often have you forgotten how to write a character? The answer is probably exceedingly often. Don't feel too bad, though. In today's lesson, you'll learn that it's not just foreigners who are prone to forgetting how to write characters! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1812


Newbie | Where are you from? Talking About Your Hometown
Newbie | Where are you from? Talking About Your Hometown episode artwork
08/03/2026

In this lesson, Joe and Lyn are teaching you an important topic that always comes up when you meet somebody for the first time - talking about your hometown. Let's check it out! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4609


Elementary | Thanksgiving Turkey
Elementary | Thanksgiving Turkey episode artwork
07/31/2026

Thanksgiving means "turkey day" to most Americans. While the Chinese can get behind the whole idea of a day giving thanks, they also have a few less-than-enthusiastic opinions about turkey. Find out the Chinese view on turkey and learn how to use Chinese to defend the honor of this delicious bird. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1810


Elementary | Making Plans for the Day
Elementary | Making Plans for the Day episode artwork
07/29/2026

Most successful professionals are excellent planners, or at least have a responsible secretary to take care of all their scheduling needs! Learn how to delegate your scheduling duties to your underlings in Mandarin Chinese in today's ChinesePod lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1797


Newbie | 88 characters with Carly, Part 12
Newbie | 88 characters with Carly, Part 12 episode artwork
07/28/2026

Join Carly as she explains 88 common & simple Chinese characters you will find all over China. In this 12th lesson Carly will give you a final recap of the last set of characters she talked about in previous lessons. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4582


Elementary | Favorite Sports
Elementary | Favorite Sports episode artwork
07/24/2026

Sports are a popular topic of discussion all over the world, and China is no exception. In this podcast, learn how to discuss which sports you like to play. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1788


Newbie | 88 characters with Carly, Part 11
Newbie | 88 characters with Carly, Part 11 episode artwork
07/22/2026

Join Carly as she explains 88 common & simple Chinese characters you will find all over China. In this 11th lesson Carly will give you details for characters used for other countries & languages. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4581


Elementary | Marriage and Divorce
Elementary | Marriage and Divorce episode artwork
07/20/2026

Marriage and divorce. We hope you'll be talking much more about one over the other, but just in case, tune into this lesson to learn how to talk about getting married and divorced in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1783


Newbie | 88 characters with Carly, Part 10
Newbie | 88 characters with Carly, Part 10 episode artwork
07/17/2026

Join Carly as she explains 88 common & simple Chinese characters you will find all over China. In this 10th lesson Carly will give you details for characters used for other Chinese cities such as Beijing & Shanghai. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4580


Elementary | Thanking a Hospitable Friend
Elementary | Thanking a Hospitable Friend episode artwork
07/15/2026

If you've ever had the fortune of being "taken care of" by a Chinese friend while in China, then you know how truly hospitable the Chinese can be. When it comes time to say farewell, though, you may have a little trouble expressing the depths of your gratitude. This Chinese lesson is just what you need. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1775


Newbie | 88 characters with Carly, Part 9
Newbie | 88 characters with Carly, Part 9 episode artwork
07/13/2026

Join Carly as she explains 88 common & simple Chinese characters you will find all over China. In this 9th lesson Carly will give you details for characters used for common public areas. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4579


Elementary | Plane Ticket Prices
Elementary | Plane Ticket Prices episode artwork
07/10/2026

We hope you're ready for some slightly higher numbers, because these are plane tickets we're talking about; the numbers 1-100 aren't going to cut it. Learn how to ask about travel planes, and also how to discuss slightly vague price ranges in this Chinese lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1771


Newbie | 88 characters with Carly, Part 8
Newbie | 88 characters with Carly, Part 8 episode artwork
07/08/2026

Join Carly as she explains 88 common & simple Chinese characters you will find all over China. In this 8th lesson Carly will give you details for characters used on public signs. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4578


Elementary | Online Shopping Help
Elementary | Online Shopping Help episode artwork
07/06/2026

We're sure many of our subscribers, tech-savvy or not, have experienced the joys of shopping online. In today's lesson, learn about one of China's biggest online shopping site, Taobao, in addition to learning how to discuss buying things online in Mandarin. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1761


Newbie | 88 characters with Carly, Part 7
Newbie | 88 characters with Carly, Part 7 episode artwork
07/03/2026

Join Carly as she explains 88 common & simple Chinese characters you will find all over China. In this 7th lesson Carly will give you details for characters used for transportation such as cars & buses, Trains and so on. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4577


Elementary | Where in Shanghai
Elementary | Where in Shanghai episode artwork
07/01/2026

Your Chinese friends will be delighted to learn that you lived in China for a while, and that you speak Chinese. But they're going to want to know immediately: where in China? And then if it's a city they're from, they're going to want to know where in that city? This lesson will prepare you for the geographical drill-down! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1745


Newbie | 88 characters with Carly, Part 6
Newbie | 88 characters with Carly, Part 6 episode artwork
06/29/2026

Join Carly as she explains 88 common & simple Chinese characters you will find all over China. In this 6th lesson Carly will give you some shopping advice and point out specific characters you will see while looking for the best deals in town. Be prepared knowing these while on your next visit to China. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4576


Elementary | A Good Book
Elementary | A Good Book episode artwork
06/26/2026

You may not be up to reading novels in Chinese just yet, but you can certainly express your opinion on whether or not a book is good. In this lesson, all your bookworms can learn how to express a little love for the printed word (the kind on dead trees). Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1805


Newbie | 88 characters with Carly, Part 5
Newbie | 88 characters with Carly, Part 5 episode artwork
06/24/2026

Join Carly as she explains 88 common & simple Chinese characters you will find all over China. In this 5th lesson Carly will give a quick RECAP on what you learned from the previous character videos. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4575


Elementary | Breakup
Elementary | Breakup episode artwork
06/22/2026

With this lesson, we did our best to distill the most cliché Chinese breakup lines into one simple dialog. This way, should you ever have the misfortune of needing to understand these words and phrases, you focus on being brokenhearted rather than puzzling over vocabulary and grammar. (You can thank us later.) Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1737


Newbie | 88 characters with Carly, Part 4
Newbie | 88 characters with Carly, Part 4 episode artwork
06/19/2026

Join Carly as she explains 88 common & simple Chinese characters you will find all over China. In this 4th lesson Carly will give you the details on everyday popular drinks like coffee, tea and more. Be prepared knowing these characters while on your next visit to China. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4574


Elementary | Help with Luggage
Elementary | Help with Luggage episode artwork
06/17/2026

There are times when one must depend upon the kindness of strangers. This Chinese lesson revolves around one such case: a young lady could use a hand getting her heavy luggage up onto that overhead rack. Learn the key phrases with us. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1735


Newbie | 88 characters with Carly, Part 3
Newbie | 88 characters with Carly, Part 3 episode artwork
06/15/2026

Join Carly as she explains 88 common & simple Chinese characters you will find all over China. In this 3rd lesson Carly will give you the details of dates & times and when they are used. Be prepared knowing these characters while on your next visit to China. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4573


Elementary | Can I Have your Phone Number? Please?
Elementary | Can I Have your Phone Number? Please? episode artwork
06/12/2026

You may know one way to ask for a phone number, but can you beg shamelessly for one? Or can you deflect the request like a true ice queen? This lesson provides some simple but useful Chinese which might just come in handy at a bar. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1729