Learn Chinese - All Lessons

Advanced Lesson - China News - 24/06/2009

Another short news podcast with the China news for Wednesday, 24th of June 2009. We created this short news podcast for those who would like to hear the latest news in mandarin chinese to practice your listening skills. If you think that the Amy speaks a bit too fast don't worry, we include a pdf transcript with everything that is being said both in chinese characters and pinyin.

今日头条是：
1.欧美就中国限制稀有金属出口向WTO提起诉讼
2.中华香烟实际涨价超过12%
3.《变形金刚2》在中国内地火爆公映

Beginner Lesson - Videos - Survival Chinese - How much do you sell this for?

In a previous podcast we taught you how to say "How much ?" in chinese: 多少钱. But actually here in China you will hear quite often: 这个怎么卖. If you translate this to english it means: How much do you sell this for? Both expressions are equivalent but it is always useful to know both. Watch this video with Demi and see a real life example on how to use this expression.

Beginner Lesson - Videos - Survival Chinese - Would you like to have coffee with me?

You have met the chinese girl of your dreams and now you want to take it one step further. Learn how to say it in chinese. How can she ever refuse that? You only have to say：你能跟我一起喝咖啡吗 And she will certainly reply with 可以. You don't know how to pronounce it? Then please watch this video with Demi.

Beginner Lesson - Videos - Survival Chinese - Where is the toilet?

This is a very practical lesson that everyone who goes to China should learn. Learn how to ask: Where is the toilet? Watch this video and learn a very valuable lesson.

Beginner Lesson - Videos - Survival Chinese - Long time no see

You meet your friend on the street, who you have not seen for a long time. What would be the first thing you say to him? Perhaps you would say "Long time no see"?. Did you know that "Long time no see" is the exact english translation for the chinese saying 好久不见? Watch this video with Demi and find out how to pronounce this sentence.

Beginner Lesson - Chinese Podcast - Survival Chinese - Going Home after the Party

One Friday night, Emil hung out with his friends in a bar, where they drank, ate and talked. They didn’t feel like going until one of they became too tipsy to move. It was already really late at night, or rather, early in the morning. The only public transportation was the taxi. Emil supported the drunk guy and waved to a coming taxi. He was going to bring his friend home. In the taxi, Emil and the driver had a small conversation:

A: Do you usually walk home?
B: yes, it doesn’t take so much time.
A: But I also take subways, there are 5 stops.
B: Oh, I see.
A: How long have you been learning Chinese?
B: About two years.
A: Do you drive?
B: No, it is hard to find place for parking.

If you want to consolidate what you have learned, why not try the exercises for this lesson? Please Chinese test to try the exercises now.

Advanced Lesson - China News - 15/06/2009

Another short news podcast with the China news for Monday, 15th of June 2009. We created this short news podcast for those who would like to hear the latest news in mandarin chinese to practice your listening skills. If you think that the Amy speaks a bit too fast don't worry, we include a pdf transcript with everything that is being said both in chinese characters and pinyin.

今日头条是：
1.秦俑一号坑开始第三次发掘游客现场观看
2.北京健身自行车每小时可发电0.3度
3.女主持人方静回归央视

Advanced Lesson - China News - 12/06/2009

Another short news podcast with the China news for Friday, 12th of June 2009. We created this short news podcast for those who would like to hear the latest news in mandarin chinese to practice your listening skills. If you think that the Amy speaks a bit too fast don't worry, we include a pdf transcript with everything that is being said both in chinese characters and pinyin.

今日头条是：
1.英媒体称法航失事客机两乘客疑为恐怖分子
2.中国预计2030年前后实现载人登月建立月球基地
3.长城6号为60周年庆典保驾护航

Beginner Lesson - Chinese Podcast - Survival Chinese - Can I have a menu please?

He goes to a restaurant sits on a table and shouts: "Can I have a menu please?"... Ten pass after he looks 100 times at his watch... and still no menu on his table. He again shouts with a touch of indignation in his voice "Can I have a menu please!!!?" Once again, nobody seemed to notice him. Only if he had known he would have gone to another more expensive restaurant. There they certainly quickly serve him a good meal. When he was just about to leave a lady on the table next to him said: "Why don't you speak chinese? I don't think anyone here understands english...
Perhaps you have been in a similar situation then if that is the case you should listen to this podcast and learn some very simple sentences on how to get your menu and how to order your food in a chinese restaurant.

What you will learn:
How to get the attention of a waiter: 服务员！
How to ask for a menu: 我要酒水菜单
Showing initiative, paying for the bill - 慢慢吃, 不着急，我买单.

If you want to consolidate what you have learned, why not try the exercises for this lesson? Please Chinese test to try the exercises now.

Advanced Lesson - Chinese Podcast - Shaanxi Food

In this advanced lesson Alice and Amy talk about Shaanxi food. Shaanxi food as you might know has a quite strong muslim influence. Here in Shaanxi you can find food which is quite unlike what you find anywhere else in China. Just to name a few: Liang Pi Cold Noodles, Lamb/Pork Burgers, Lamb Soup, Yangrou Paomo – a muttom soup served with wheat flour flat bread. If you want to learn more about Shaanxi food, tune in to this podcast.