
Newbie | Giving an Example
When learning a language there are a profusion of ways to acquire new language. One method many have found helpful has been dubbed "pictionary." However, when your partner in language, pen in hand, attempts to illustrate a concept to you by drawing a likeness that looks like a game of pick-up-sticks gone bad... it's time for this lesson. In this podcast, learn how to ask for someone to illustrate by example, rather than creative genius, using Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0532
20 Mar 202310min

Elementary | How spicy?
When your mouth is on fire and the only thing within reach with which to douse the flames is a tiny cup of hot tea, you had better be wise enough to take precautionary measures. In this lesson, learn how to avoid the potentially high cost of mouth skin grafts, and take control of your oral inferno, in Mandarin Chinese. (Recommended follow up lesson: "Thirsty for Water"...) Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0586
17 Mar 202319min

Newbie | What stop is this?
Though you may find having your face pressed up against someone else's cheek a little unpleasant, think of the intimacy it affords. Once you have listened to this podcast, you will handily be able use your Mandarin Chinese on a crowded subway or bus to enquire of your newly proximate acquaintance what stop you are at. Extracting yourself from the cozy throngs-- now, that is not a Chinese lesson, that is an art. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0527
15 Mar 20239min

Elementary | Why, why, why??
Why is the sky blue? Why is the grass green? Why is Chinese still using hieroglyphics for its written language? While some questions are simply unanswerable, in this podcast, we will start by answering for you the question of how to say "why" in Mandarin. The answers to all the other enigmas of life, dear poddies, we'll leave for a future lesson, when Ken's in a more philosophical mood. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0582
14 Mar 202312min

Newbie | What's that smell?
Some things are not discussed in polite society. In today's groundbreaking lesson in Mandarin Chinese, we run through how to shatter that taboo and accuse your friends, neighbors and language partners of... well, having an overabundance of spirits. Note: vocabulary also useful when touring certain alternative-energy plants. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0523
10 Mar 20238min

Elementary | Chinese Seasonings
The little extras you'll have to crown your food masterpiece with on this side of the world may just turn out to be a little different than the humble yet revered fixings you're accustomed to back home. Come to think of it, the foods you'll like to adorn here aren't the most ketchup-and-mustard-friendly anyway. So, get with the Chinese food condiments and find out where it's really at in Chinese food. Listen to this podcast and learn in Mandarin how to exalt your foodstuffs to the zenith of culinary perfection! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0577
8 Mar 202316min

Newbie | Where's the bus stop?
No one likes waiting for the bus. But if you can’t find the bus stop, it’s going to make things that much more difficult. So before you give up and hop in that taxi, listen to this podcast, and learn how to ask where the bus stop is, in Mandarin Chinese. And remember... hold on tight! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0513
6 Mar 20239min

Elementary | The Olympics on TV
It's not that we advocate being TV addicts, however, come 2008 we'll be glued to our screens (or fighting the crowds in Beijing) with the best of them to watch the very first Olympic games ever held in China. In this podcast, learn how to sit down, turn on the telly, and camp out for a two-week viewing extravaganza, in Mandarin Chinese. Yet another incentive to make the trip to China for the games: not having to be ripped from slumber at 3:00am to watch! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0574
3 Mar 202314min