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Popup Chinese

Xenia Hell and her stupid useless...

The most convenient way to learn Chinese the way it is actually spoken and used. Start with our basic lessons, and in no time you'll be listening to music, watching films and television and engaging in the actual language. With free daily podcasts, a vibrant community, online study tools and much more, PopupChinese is the most powerful and personal way to learn mandarin.

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Episodes 27

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  • Yesterday · 8 min

    Popup Chinese — Film Friday: Like Father, Like Son

    This week, Film Friday starts off with a blast from the past. Listen to our first mystery film clip and see if you've got what it takes to guess the film in question: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) Navigate the reincarnated Popup Chinese archives, including the original customized word-to-word transcripts for this and every other lesson as PDF files: Reincarnated Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese Reincarnated Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese

  • Thursday · 54 sec

    Popup Chinese — Advanced listening test: The Band's Perspective

    Today we bring you yet another overlooked perspective on a great historical event. We don't want to say too much more because this is a listening test and part of the goal here is for you to figure out what is going on yourself. So give this podcast a listen and then click through to our online quiz to test your listening comprehension. It may not be as easy as you think. Navigate the reincarnated Popup Chinese archives, including the original customized word-to-word transcripts for this and every other lesson as PDF files: Reincarnated Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese Reincarnated Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese

  • Wednesday · 7 min

    Popup Chinese — Elementary: The Shark Tank

    Notice that shark over there? That's right, our Elementary Chinese lesson for today is all about man-eating beasts of the deep. It is unapologetically inspired by Jaws III, and particularly that scene where the Great Whites start ramming the underwater observation tunnels at Seaworld to the shock and horror of the soon-to-be-eaten tourist hordes. Despite the fact that its dialogue was written by an eight year old, our podcast for today offers more than weeks of unrelenting nightmares for the discriminating Chinese student. In it we showcase all the mandarin you'll ever need to bluff your way through the Orient as a marine biologist. In addition, we also teach a valuable Machiavellian lesson on how to bend others to your will and coerce colleagues into risking life and limb through the steady application of negative rhetorical questions. Enjoy! Navigate the reincarnated Popup Chinese archives, including the original customized word-to-word transcripts for this and every other lesson as PDF files: Reincarnated Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese Reincarnated Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese

  • Tuesday · 7 min

    Popup Chinese — Elementary: Unsuccessful Branding

    On occasion, our shameless sense of self-promotion here at Popup Chinese rubs up against unforgiving reality. This is a podcast about one of these occasions. More importantly, it is also a lesson on how to talk about clothing. The words we'll cover are critical to know whether you're buying clothes, selling clothes, or telling the naked kid running around outside to go and put some on for a change. Navigate the reincarnated Popup Chinese archives, including the original customized word-to-word transcripts for this and every other lesson as PDF files: Reincarnated Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese Reincarnated Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese

  • Monday · 8 min

    Popup Chinese — Elementary: No, you cannot build a swimming pool in our backyard....

    Today we're pleased to support all you parents out there with a lesson that will teach you how to crush the hopes and dreams of your offspring with two simple words. Whether your child's interests lie in backyard construction, the sporting life, or more prosaic things like a chance to leave their room and enjoy their sixth birthday, this is your chance to put that foot down and establish some parental authority. Enjoy! Navigate the reincarnated Popup Chinese archives, including the original customized word-to-word transcripts for this and every other lesson as PDF files: Reincarnated Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese Reincarnated Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese

  • Sunday · 9 min

    Popup Chinese — Elementary: The Trip Home

    From a sickly childhood, Steven passed into a sickly adolescence. Phantom aches and pains constantly wracked the poor boy, much to the bafflement of the family doctor, who pronounced "nothing at all wrong with him physically." In fact, it wasn't until his first year away at university that his constitution seemed to pick up and his body threw off its shackles of ill-health. New to Popup Chinese? Our lessons at the Elementary level are designed for anyone who already knows the basics but is still working towards full comprehension of shorter sentences spoken at real speed. Our dialogues here are limited in length and our vocabulary is very high frequency. Exactly the stuff you need to build the bridge to greater fluency. So give us a listen. Feedback is always welcome at echo@popupchinese.com. Oh yeah, and skip the rice gruel too. Navigate the reincarnated Popup Chinese archives, including the original customized word-to-word transcripts for this and every other lesson as PDF files: Reincarnated Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese Reincarnated Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese

  • August 22 · 16 min

    Popup Chinese — Quiz Night: Welcome to the Quiz Show

    This is the pilot episode of a new concept show we're developing for upper-intermediate students: a quiz game featuring mostly Chinese questions with just enough bilingual discussion thrown in to keep things intelligible. We had a good time producing this, and if you're stretching past the intermediate level we think you'll like it too -- our topics range from ancient Rome to 19th century English literature and there is plenty of useful vocab here you won't find elsewhere, if only because dialogues about malaria are generally considered to be a bummer. And what exactly is at stake? This week we pitch China against the rest of the world in a climactic showdown that aims to establish definitively whether East or West is better at trivia. So if your Chinese is already pretty good and you're looking for a fun way to make it even better, join us and put your general knowledge to the test. Navigate the reincarnated Popup Chinese archives, including the original customized word-to-word transcripts for this and every other lesson as PDF files: Reincarnated Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese Reincarnated Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese

  • August 21 · 13 min

    Popup Chinese — Film Friday: Let the Bullets Fly / 让子弹飞

    In our inaugural episode of the Popup Chinese movie show, opinions split over Let the Bullets Fly, the Chinese western directed by Jiang Wen and starring train-robbing, gun-shooting and horse-riding versions of himself and Chow Yun-Fat. This is the film that broke the Chinese box-office record shortly after its release, but considering that its competition that year included possibly the worst Chinese film ever made, we thought it about time for a discussion of whether the film is actually any good. Learning Chinese? We're pitching this show at the intermediate to upper-intermediate level and aiming for a discussion that splits half-and-half between English and Chinese. The English is there to help weaker listeners follow the discussion, but there is a lot of Chinese-only material here too, especially as the show goes on. And if you're having trouble following it? We've added a vocabulary list with some of the more difficult words, along with a number of sample sentences to illustrate usage. Navigate the reincarnated Popup Chinese archives, including the original customized word-to-word transcripts for this and every other lesson as PDF files: Reincarnated Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese Reincarnated Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese

  • August 20 · 8 min

    Popup Chinese — Elementary: The Honest Cabbie

    Why is it that despite the enormous variety in our personal experiences, we all end up having exactly the same conversation with cab drivers? You know the drill. Where are you from? Are you used to eating Chinese food? Can you use chopsticks? Like Chinese water torture, the deadening repetition invites psychological defense mechanisms just to cope, like inventing new personal histories for each encounter. But then, just when you're about to lose faith in humanity, you run into a cabbie who is interesting, quick on his feet, and brutally honest. Our Elementary lesson for today is about exactly this situation. Like a bracing dash of cold water, it refreshes and re-motivates. Give it a listen and see if it rings true for you too. Navigate the reincarnated Popup Chinese archives, including the original customized word-to-word transcripts for this and every other lesson as PDF files: Reincarnated Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese Reincarnated Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese

  • August 19 · 13 min

    Popup Chinese — Intermediate: Golden Monkey Throat Lozenges, Part II

    You may have heard the slanderous rumours about our brand circulated by that other Golden Monkey pharmaceutical company. Don't believe the lies! Golden Monkey Throat Lozenges offer soothing relief from a range of symptoms with minimal side effects and a great orange taste. If you are suffering from any number of ailments or body image problems, call our telephone hotline and get medical relief with next-day delivery! The old-timers among you may remember our first part to the world-famous Golden Monkey saga. That podcast dates back almost two years now, but is as great-tasting today as it has even been. So if you're learning Chinese and like this podcast, be sure to check it out too. Navigate the reincarnated Popup Chinese archives, including the original customized word-to-word transcripts for this and every other lesson as PDF files: Reincarnated Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese Reincarnated Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese

  • August 18 · 8 min

    Popup Chinese — Intermediate: Golden Monkey Throat Lozenges

    Sore throat? Dry, hacking cough? Golden Monkey Throat lozenges offer soothing relief from pain and a great orange taste! Listen to today's podcast for a lesson in the power of sheer repetition as a marketing technique. In no time you'll be asking for them by name! Navigate the reincarnated Popup Chinese archives, including the original customized word-to-word transcripts for this and every other lesson as PDF files: Reincarnated Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese Reincarnated Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese

  • August 17 · 8 min

    Popup Chinese — Elementary: I am not a Spy

    Attention new recruits. After 84% of last year's class were caught crossing Customs and an additional 10% were found out while checking into their hotels, the Agency Directorate has ordered the commencement of emergency classes on basic spy decorum. Join us in this Elementary Chinese podcast as we cover the four elementary rules you need to know for how not to get caught. Navigate the reincarnated Popup Chinese archives, including the original customized word-to-word transcripts for this and every other lesson as PDF files: Reincarnated Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese Reincarnated Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese

  • August 16 · 8 min

    Popup Chinese — Intermediate: Titanic, A Chinese Romance

    When it comes to tales of both romance and disaster, China is never far away. So in today's Intermediate podcast, we step back into history and show the Chinese connection to the Great Ship itself. Our podcast is less explicitly pedagogical than usual, but we hope you'll still find it both enjoyable and educational. We're still experimenting with recording formats, so welcome thoughts and comments as well. Navigate the reincarnated Popup Chinese archives, including the original customized word-to-word transcripts for this and every other lesson as PDF files: Reincarnated Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese Reincarnated Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese

  • August 15 · 6 min

    Popup Chinese — Elementary: Andy Lau

    "You should try one," Andy motioned for us to take a cheeze-puff. It was a brand he endorsed, and it was selling better than milk. A ray of sunlight caught a stray tooth mid-gesture, the blinding glare sending a nearby waitress into celebrity swoon. And then the sunglasses were off and he was leaning in, exposing us to the full force of his animal magnetism. "I don't usually endorse digital products, but you guys are the best." We were floating far above Hong Kong: this was the best dream ever. Visions of the entire mainland subscribing to Popup Chinese wafted through our imaginations like milk chocolate bubbles. It wouldn't matter that they already spoke Chinese. In about a week we would have 1.3 billion customers lining up to practice hello over the phone. "Then we've got an understanding." Another cheeze-puff disappeared into his spotless white maw. "I love you guys, I really do." Navigate the reincarnated Popup Chinese archives, including the original customized word-to-word transcripts for this and every other lesson as PDF files: Reincarnated Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese Reincarnated Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese

  • August 14 · 58 sec

    Popup Chinese — Advanced listening test: Terror on the High Seas

    The rumbling explosion in the lower hold and increasingly acrid smoke on deck sent the captain's assistant scurrying into her master's cabin. But after closing and barring the door behind her, the young woman turned to the captain and froze in astonishment. Expecting to see him prepared for a fight in defense of command, the girl was shocked to find the man bent calmly over his desk examining the nautical charts with a pocket glass, his sword lying sheathed by the nightstand. Avast mateys! Our Chinese lesson for today is an advanced listening test designed for near-native speakers. If you think your mandarin is pushing towards fluency, try listening to our dialogue a single time before clicking through to our quiz and finding out how much you really understood. And if you have any questions? Either leave us a comment below, or click through to the text page to examine our word-by-word annotated transcript and find out what you missed. Navigate the reincarnated Popup Chinese archives, including the original customized word-to-word transcripts for this and every other lesson as PDF files: Reincarnated Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese Reincarnated Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese

  • August 13 · 9 min

    Popup Chinese — Absolute Beginners: The Secret Lives of Celebrities

    It's been a while since we've released a lesson for absolute beginners, but we're back in the saddle today with a sequel of sorts to our earlier podcast on how not to be confused for a Scientologist during your weekend trip to Xi'an. So if you've ever fancied yourself more a Brad Pitt (or Angelina Jolie) take a listen as we teach you how to introduce yourself to the locals in style. Maybe you'll get a free lunch out of it. In addition to sharing some useful language for passing yourself off as a celebrity in China, in this lesson we also introduce a dead-easy sentence pattern you can use to indulge in unsubstantiated celebrity gossip or tell others how you feel. So if you're an absolute beginner give this lesson a listen. And if your Chinese is more advanced, swing by our lessons archive and look for something a bit more suited to your level of difficulty. Navigate the reincarnated Popup Chinese archives, including the original customized word-to-word transcripts for this and every other lesson as PDF files: Reincarnated Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese Reincarnated Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese

  • August 12 · 8 min

    Popup Chinese — Absolute Beginners: Feel My Total Indifference

    So, you've woken up at some ungodly hour in the morning to start hauling yourself out of bed when a minor epiphany strikes. Why get out of bed at all? Isn't there something better you can do with your day than this car trip to Tongzhou. And whose crazy idea was this anyway? How about just sleeping in past noon? Now there's a capital idea. And maybe in a few hours you could even head downstairs and get some breakfast, or maybe watch a movie. Or maybe just stay in bed all afternoon. At Popup Chinese we're keenly aware of the practical reality of life in China: which is why we're happy to bring you today's lesson on what to do on those days you feel totally and utterly apathetic. If you've ever felt that cheerfulness is not exactly your strong point, this is the lesson for you. So join us today for an Absolute Beginner lesson that will let you tell them what you really think. Because sleep calls. Navigate re-incarnated Popup Chinese archives, including the original customized word-to-word transcripts for this and every other lesson as PDF files: Reincarnated Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese Reincarnated Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese Reincarnated Popup Chinese shows — Popup Chinese shows — Popup Chinese shows

  • August 11 · 9 min

    Popup Chinese — Absolute Beginners: Where are you from?

    If you've ever been in a Chinese taxi, you've been asked this question, even if you didn't understand it at the time. In fact, being asked where one is from is such a common question we've decided to devote an entire lesson just to it. So join us in this beginner lesson and before long you'll be inventing new and exciting background stories each time you take a trip across town. Yes sir, I am a nuclear scientist from Kazakhstan. Note: it's been a while since we've had a dedicated speaking practice lesson, so we've enabled our voice recording service for this lesson. If you're a premium subscriber click through to our text page and grab our telephone hotline and your personal PIN number. Call us up and leave us a message in Chinese when prompted: record yourself either practicing the dialogue or speaking extemporaneously using this vocabulary or telling us a story. Our teachers will get back to you in a day or two with personal feedback on how you're doing. Navigate re-incarnated Popup Chinese archives, including the original customized word-to-word transcripts for this and every other lesson as PDF files: Reincarnated Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese Reincarnated Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese Reincarnated Popup Chinese shows — Popup Chinese shows — Popup Chinese shows

  • August 10 · 11 min

    Popup Chinese — Absolute Beginners: On Avoiding the Plague

    "Don't worry about me," the voice on the phone hoarsely whispered after its wave of violent coughing finally subsided. "I'll be down in an hour so we can keep working on that report." Join us in our Absolute Beginner lesson for today as we learn a polite way of telling others to keep themselves and their infections out of your working space. There is a lot of simple but useful mandarin in this podcast. In addition to introducing a number of common adjectives you can use to express your fatigue and frustration, we also give you a simple sentence pattern you can use whenever you're feeling under the weather yourself. Navigate re-incarnated Popup Chinese archives, including the original customized word-to-word transcripts for this and every other lesson as PDF files: Reincarnated Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese Reincarnated Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese Reincarnated Popup Chinese shows — Popup Chinese shows — Popup Chinese shows

  • August 9 · 1 min

    Popup Chinese — Advanced listening test: The Summer Job

    When the Harvard Crimson called the job market depressed, it may as well have been describing its readership. Browsing through the classifieds, Susan was shocked to see so few opportunities for summer employment. Her uncle had been urging her to take a break from academia and "get her hands dirty" at the family business, and she had avoided the thought at first, but -- and then she noticed Michael leafing through the paper a few seats away. Hadn't he been the first in her cohort to land a good position? First things first, calm down. Our advanced Chinese listening test for today is not fork-in-eye difficult. It is fast and long but not terribly punishing, so if you've been pushing yourself through our Intermediate podcasts and have the endurance for a longer challenge, take a listen and see how much you understand. It may be more than you expect. Navigate re-incarnated Popup Chinese archives, including the original customized word-to-word transcripts for this and every other lesson as PDF files: Reincarnated Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese — Popup Cantonese Reincarnated Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese — Popup Chinese Reincarnated Popup Chinese shows — Popup Chinese shows — Popup Chinese shows

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