ChinesePod - Intermediate

If you're from a place like the United States, you might be used to paying exorbitant monthly fees for your cellular phone service. In China, the fees can be very low indeed even including data, but there's a secret: you need to sign up for a monthly service plan. In this Chinese lesson, learn how to abandon pay-as-you-go and get on a data plan. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1699

Cheers! This lesson is about drinking. In this lesson, three friends reminisce about how they first started drinking over a couple of drinks. Learn a bit about Chinese attitudes to alcohol as well as some useful drinking words. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2163

Maybe you've heard that things are cheap in China. Well, yes and no. But leaving lights on and water running isn't smart in any country. In this Chinese lesson, learn how to get to the bottom of a roommate's wasteful behavior and give him an earful for it. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1696

After China's rapid urbanization, it's millions of city dwellers are longing to get back to the farm. And who can blame them? Fresh air, fresh food and peace and quiet. What's not to love about a getaway out in the country? In this lesson, learn all about it! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2159

It's a story that all Chinese children know: the story of the little tadpoles looking for their mother. Follow along on this epic journey and pick up a nice stack of measure words while you're at it. (For extra credit, you'll also be asked to make "the frog noise" the Chinese way.) Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1682

For a wintertime getaway, bathing in a hot spring is a popular pastime for many Chinese, not only to relax but also for certain, often dubious, health benefits. Of course, that's not the only thing in doubt. How clean are these hot springs? And are they really hot springs or just glorified hot tubs? In this lesson, a group of coworkers plan an office getaway and reveal their doubts. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2150

Many homes have what's called a "mending pile," which is also referred to as "the place where old clothes go to die." In China, though, it's so easy to find someone to mend, patch, and alter all your clothing woes! In this Chinese lesson learn the key words to describe how clothes "go bad," the key verbs for fixing them, and even some key measure words. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1679

Exploring the world of Chinese food is not for the faint of heart. Those of us not used to eating the organs of animals should be weary. Many traditional Chinese dishes revel in using all kinds of offal in their preparation. And names can be misleading. Even if you think you know what is in a dish, it's easy to get it wrong. In this lesson, two friends check out the food at a Taiwanese night market and are in for a surprise. Also, be sure to check out the new task feature below, ChinesePod's newest way to enrich your learning experience along with fellow poddies! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2134

We know you've been ordering coffee in Chinese since your Newbie days, but have you been ordering fancy coffee? You know, the kind with cream and sugar and chocolate sprinkles? Because we sure are, and it's high time we invited you into our wonderful world... of fancy coffee. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1676

Ah, the problems of others. The landlord is raising the rent just a bit too high. Someone's lover has run off with someone else. A wayward son can't seem to find his way. For some, hearing about these problems is reason enough to end a conversation or leave the room, but for others, it's entertainment at its best. In this lesson, a mother and daughter argue about the worth of “The Auntie Bai Show”, a talk show concerned with mediating family disputes. Also, be sure to check out the new task feature below, ChinesePod's newest way to enrich your learning experience along with fellow poddies! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2129

Ah, bed wetting. Whether it's your young child, or your "friend" who had that "totally realistic dream where I was using the toilet," bed wetting is a fact of life. Learn the key vocabulary to discuss it in this lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1667

You're out of college and it's time to do something with your life. You can't just hang out on your parent's couch all day, can you? In this lesson, someone discusses with their mother about pursuing their dream of starting a magazine. Also, be sure to check out the new task feature below, ChinesePod's newest way to enrich your learning experience along with fellow poddies! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2113

What is there to do in Nanjing? Learn about this fascinating historical Chinese city, including some of its unique cuisine. At the very end of the lesson, find out about some of the Chinese and foreign perceptions of this unique place. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1664

In China, waiters don't get tips. Zip. Nada. Zilch. Of course, there's no way that can fly in the US where tipping is ubiquitous. In this lesson, two Chinese friends discuss American tipping culture and how it relates to Chinese customs. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2094

Cash is still king in China, but the occasional wire transfer is inevitable. Learn the Chinese vocabulary and patterns to transfer that money in this lesson. (Don't worry, we won't ask what the money is for.) Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1660

Being a journalist is a difficult job not least because of the notoriously low pay and constant deadlines. Getting that scoop that makes the job worthwhile can often be the hardest part of all. In this lesson, a new reporter learns the ropes from a hardened veteran while investigating a mining accident. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2091

For all you TV addicts, you might be relieved to know that in China, too, satellite TV can offer you the hundreds of channels you desire. Sure, they're all pirated, and you'll need to get a new descrambler code every few months, but that's all part of the service and of the "Chinese satellite TV experience." Listen and learn. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1652

A few years ago, both Washington State and Colorado passed initiatives to decriminalize personal possession of marijuana. However, the debate in the US as to whether or not marijuana should be legalized is one that continues on the national level. In this lesson, two Chinese friends discuss the issues surrounding marijuana legalization. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2084

You don't live in modern China without a cell phone (or, as they say in the Old World, "mobile phone"). You can get by without a new-fangled smartphone, but you must be able to send text messages to people. In this Chinese lesson, learn all the essential verbs, and even a key measure word. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1648

Elections are a contentious issue anywhere... even in a classroom. In this lesson, students are asked to elect their leaders. What results is a demonstration in electioneering that would make even seasoned politicos blush! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2080

In modern China, city-dwellers have quite a few options for assistive childcare. Beyond just nannies, there's also a very Chinese, first-month expert. Listen in to this Chinese lesson and learn all about these childcare options. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1642

American favorites from Chinese take out include dishes like crab rangoon, General Tso's chicken and orange beef. However, these dishes are more American than Chinese. In fact, most Chinese people are unlikely to even have heard of these dishes. In this lesson, listen as two Chinese friends talk about American style Chinese food while looking for a bite to eat in the Big Apple. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2074

If you've ever had a roommate, you know how essential it is to be able to accuse someone of snoring. In this Chinese lesson, learn the key vocabulary surrounding snoring, sleeping, and being unable to sleep. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1639

China's recent prosperity has made many of its citizens richer, even the beggars! Realizing that they can make more money from the goodwill of others as opposed to working on their own, some beggars on China's streets aren't in desperate need; they're professionals looking to make a living. In this lesson, learn about the phenomenon of professional beggars and what you can do to tell the real ones from the fake ones. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2062

There's a common but delicious cucumber dish in China called 凉拌黄瓜. Learn exactly what this Chinese dish is, as well as how to make it in this lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1636

It's well-known that table manners can vary a bit from culture to culture, and that Chinese table manners can sometimes be interpreted as "interesting" abroad. But a new generation of well-educated Chinese travelers are ready to shed that old image. In this lesson, listen in on a discussion on this very topic. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1983

Where do traffic and theater collide? On the streets of China, of course! Sometimes a very minor accident can result in quite exaggerated claims of injury. Learn the key Chinese language involved in this lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1633

Have you ever heard of the "fan death" phenomenon, well-known in Korea? The theory is that sleeping in a room with closed doors and windows and a fan on will almost inevitably result in a tragic death. Don't believe it? Neither does the person in this dialogue. Listen in and learn... Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1981

So you're boning up on your Chinese in preparation for that epic trip to China. You're trying to cover all the bases. But have you prepared for the "emergency game of hide and seek" contingency? Don't worry; this lesson is just what you need. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1629

Don't you hate it when you have millions of RMB (which you claim you won legally gambling in Macau), but don't have a way of discreetly "converting" that money into squeaky clean assets, seeing as how you're a high-level official in your home county, and your constituents kind of frown on that kind of thing? Yeah, so do we. And we wrote this podcast about it. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1974

Chinese cuisine boasts some of the most varied and tasty dishes in the world. But if you're new to this land, there's a good chance you'll experience the darker side of Chinese food as well: food poisoning. And you know what happens when you get food poisoning, right? Then you know what we're learning in this Chinese lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1626

Usually being under someone's spell isn't such a good thing (just ask Brett Favre), but oddly enough, new methods of therapy that utilize hypnosis are becoming popular in China and elsewhere. If you're trying to kick a nasty habit, today's upper-intermediate lesson is just what the doctor ordered. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1971

We live in a world where next-door neighbors are frequently strangers. But it doesn't have to be that way! As a learner of Chinese, you need to get yourself out there, speaking Chinese every chance you get. So if your next door neighbors are Chinese, listen to this lesson and then go introduce yourself! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1623

It seems like an internship is the new "senior thesis." And it's a good thing for business because hey, those interns are cheap! Learn the appropriate language for discussing the prospect of hiring an intern in this business-focused Chinese lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1961

Chinese license plates are, of course, "license plates with Chinese characteristics," so they each have a Chinese character on them. These characters typically stand for provinces or municipalities, but sometimes the province-character relationship is less than obvious. In this Chinese lesson, a foreigner gets his Chinese license plate education. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1619

Finally, a ChinesePod lesson for all our opera-loving listeners. Well, not so much operas themselves but bel canto, a world-renowned singing style that's exceedingly popular in China as well. Tune in to find out more! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1954

There are certain personal questions you can expect to be asked in China. Some of them are financial in nature, but others are even more personal. Mentally prepare yourself for these questions with this lesson, while also learning a thing or two about Chinese-style office flirting. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1615

ChinesePod's back with another lesson for all you gamers out there, with a Chinese tilt. We'll cover computer games and console games, plus how to (talk about) hacking your system so you can use all those 7 RMB pirated discs. Get your game on with today's upper-intermediate lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1951

In this lesson, we talk about the glorious modern Chinese tradition of "substitute buying." Making a trip from China to the States or Europe isn't an everyday thing, so naturally you don't mind buying a whole bunch of things on the big long list your friends wrote up, right? Learn about the special benefits of duty-free shops here! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1612

There exists a somewhat uncommon and eccentric business practice utilized by certain companies in China: "military-style management." Predictably, this management style includes a lot slogan-shouting and push-ups. Tune in to today's upper-intermediate lesson to find out more! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1943

Teaching is hard work, so every now and then you might need to come up with an excuse to take a week off, like "surgery" or something. But being the responsible teacher that you are, you're going to need to find someone to take those pesky classes off your hands. Learn how to use Mandarin Chinese to find that substitute teacher in this lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1609

Salaries at home are confusing enough to calculate after taxes, but they're even more confusing when you're abroad and have no knowledge of local rates and labor laws! Today we'll meet one such confused employee wondering why a substantial portion of their pay has been docked. Learn all about calculating salaries after taxes and vacation days in this upper-intermediate lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1941

What could be more fun than filling out a simple form so that a website can tell you what kind of person you are? Listen in to this Chinese lesson, in which two girls discuss the results of their online personality tests. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1606

"Z Visa," "Alien Employment License," "Foreigner Entry Visa Invitation Letter," "Temporary Residence Permit." If you're not familiar with these terms yet but you want to work in China and handle your own paperwork, this is information you're going to want to study. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1934

When the guys get together for dinner, you know there's going to be some drinking. And if they're at all traditional, it's not beer they're drinking. It's baijiu, the Chinese rice wine that strikes fear into the hearts of foreigners everywhere. In this lesson, learn the names for the finest and the most famous of Chinese baijiu. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1602

Calligraphy as an art form is one thing, but what about just having decent handwriting? Sadly, even that sign of "culture" is going by the wayside in modern China. Why practice penmanship when you can be happily chatting on QQ or texting on your cell phone? This is progress, right? Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1931

If you're a basketball fan, you should have no trouble making friends in China. If you want to do more than non-verbal cheering, though, you might be looking for a few more expressions to refer to your favorite basketball teams. In this Chinese lesson, we've got you covered. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1599

Even if you're able to find an agent from a reliable real estate company to help you find the apartment of your dreams in China, you're still going to be confronted with a massive block of Chinese at the end of the process: the lease. Needless to say, it will probably take you a bit of time to read through the entire document, but today's upper-intermediate ChinesePod lesson should ease the pain a bit! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1924

Ah, meeting people online... there was a time when such matters were routinely lied about, or only uttered in shameful whispers. We're way past that now, though. The topic has become which dating sites are the best, and the shame has been left behind in the dusty corner with all those dial-up modems. Learn how to register, sign in, and meet the love of your dreams online in this Chinese lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1596

Back to school! In this edition of ChinesePod's "Saved by the Gong" series, physics students learn the principles of buoyancy. What causes one object to float in a liquid where another one sinks? Learn all about it in this lesson! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2299