Elementary | Getting Ready for a Dinner Party

If you've ever had reservations about eating out in China, this is the Chinese podcast for you! Grab a seat and learn how to book a table in Mandarin. I'll meet you anytime you want, in our Sichuanese restaurant. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1046

The hottest plastic surgery technique to hit China is the surgical removal of mobile phones from the ear. Though it's convenient having it so attached, with the onset of bluetooth technology, more and more young Chinese are opting for removal. So... you’re going to speak Chinese... how better to act Chinese?! Dial that mobile phone and don't ever get off of it. Learn how to do it in Mandarin in this podcast. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0884

For those amongst us who have taken it upon themselves to provide community service in the form of 'Line Management Consulting and Enforcement' and hope to leave a trail of orderly lines behind as their legacy, we provide this podcast. Learn how to confront the offender and whip that line into shape, in Chinese. Today, line-ups... tomorrow, subway cars... Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1037

The hills are alive with the sound of the pipa. Singing in China... rife in KTV bars, on street corners, in public parks, in low-budget questionably-directed lip-dub videos. Dancing.. though it's singing's less popular cousin, look out for the classy ballroom dancers in a lit up corner of the park on a cool summer evening. In this podcast, the language of music transcends. Learn it in this Mandarin lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0880

Perhaps you could have traveled a little lighter, in retrospect. But the fake LV suitcases came in such a beautiful set and they match your outfit so well, it would have been a shame to exclude any of them from the journey, no? In this podcast, learn freedom from sore arms, broken suitcase wheels, and marital discord. Learn how to check your luggage with the hotel, in Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1033

Your place is a mess? Didn't make your bed this morning? Get those dirty clothes off the floor and stack those dishes you were leaving for the Ayi... Guess what? We're finding out where you call home and we're coming over! In this podcast, get ready to reveal all and open your door to someone other than your nosy neighbors! Learn how to say where you live, in Mandarin. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0877

Everybody needs a little time away... and in this podcast you're going to learn how to ask for it in Chinese. With the plethora of guests you're going to be fielding in your new found home away from home, chances are this will be high-frequency vocab for you. So listen in and learn... and get ready for your new favorite hobby: tour guide. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1030

If only Dr. Seuss had learned Chinese, children China-over could have had a new chant to repeat after their teachers. "Haohao xuexi, tiantian xiangsheng" could have gotten a lot more fun. Now, listen to Dr. Zhu's version of the classic, 'The Mao in the Mao.' Learn this little story all over again, in Mandarin. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0872

There are a few ways of dealing with getting stopped at an apartment complex gate. There is the 'tunnel vision' technique. To truly perfect this skill you must be on a bicycle to facilitate quick getaways and be immune to yelled threats. Another technique is the 'dense foreigner' skill. No explanation needed. Finally, there is the 'listen to the ChinesePod podcast' technique, highly recommended and transferable to any third degree grilling, Chinese or not. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1023

This is the formal introduction to the formal introduction lesson: You've mastered your Chinese hello and don't know what to do with that awkward silence. Now what? 1) Lose any sentimental attachment to your previous identity--you're going to need a new name. 2) Smile, bow, handshake, kiss, twiddle your thumbs, or curtsy... it's all good. Oh yeah, and 3) listen to this lesson to learn how to introduce yourself, Mandarin-style. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0868