EducationLanguage Learning

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.

Play

Open in

111 episodes
daily
Avg 9 min
English

Episodes 111

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

Yesterday · 10 min
Popup Chinese — Elementary: Sleepless Nights in China
We received some advice from a famous Silicon Valley consultant the other day. If you want to promote sales, he said, put a picture of a beautiful, smiling girl on your front page. Eye contact is especially important. So we looked at our recent lessons and found they included tasteful photos of coffee, a nondescript office hallway, and a nice glass of water. And then we saw today's lesson and brightened. "What if she's young and beautiful," we asked, "but visibly sleep deprived and possibly manic depressive?" Speaking of manic depressives, we would be remiss not to mention that we have one hell of a promotion right now. Sign up for a three month University Program and get a fourth month absolutely free. This offer is only good for the next eight days, so check it out soon, especially since it may not be long until only our manic depressive tutor has any space left. Cindy is more monotone on the phone, but she does assign more interesting vocabulary sometimes. 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 · 10 min
Popup Chinese — Intermediate: A Late Night in the Studio
We usually hold our Chinese recording sessions on Wednesday evenings. Most of them go pretty smoothly, and even accounting for 9527's periodic laughter flame-outs, recording times have tended downwards over the last year or so. That said, there are always exceptions to a trend and this lesson is all about one of them. We started recording this lesson at seven o'clock in the evening and didn't finish until nearly midnight. Listen up and you'll know who to blame. Warning: there's some Chinese profanity in this lesson. This language isn't considered particularly strong by northern standards, but you'll raise eyebrows if you actively use this stuff further south. So use this language at your discretion, and don't be afraid to mutter. 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 — Absolute Beginners: Office Pleasantries
The infamously reclusive Teddy Wang, tycoon of the Orient and Time Magazine's "China Entrepreneur" five years running, had fallen into seclusion. From his estate on one of the outlying Hong Kong islands, the dashing young businessman had taken to conducting business exclusively through his timid assistant Roger, a meekrat of a man who spent his days shuffling papers for the reclusive industrial magnate. And yet despite their mutual dependence no-one had ever seen the two of them together at the same time.... Join us in today's Chinese lesson as we cover a few useful phrases and pleasantries you can use right away in business meetings. Even if you can't conduct a whole meeting in Chinese (yet), once you're done with this lesson you'll know how to give face to your Chinese guest by inviting them to come in and sit down. We've also enabled our Speaking Practice hotline for this lesson, so if you're a premium subscriber don't forget to give us a call and get one-on-one feedback on your pronunciation. 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 · 10 min
Popup Chinese — Intermediate: The Family Secret
It had taken months of therapy for the patient to share her innermost secret. "You were right to come here," the psychiatrist said as they shared the breakthrough, "and I long suspected that your problem was related to your father." The doctor then paused, pen frozen in mid-air above a black leather notebook. "Of course," she added at last, "at least your case isn't as bad as that of my last patient...." Are you an intermediate mandarin student? Join us in this podcast for a Chinese lesson all about the shameful secrets that can break family relationships. In addition to a fast-moving and entertaining dialogue, this lesson also teaches the difference between two conjunctions with almost identical meanings, but slightly different emotional weights. Learn to use them correctly and you'll impress the hell out of your psychiatrist, we promise. 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
Saturday · 9 min
Popup Chinese — Elementary: Have another cup of coffee?
Symptoms of excessive caffeine intake include restlessness, insomnia, gastrointestinal discomfort, cardiac arrhythmia and random muscle twitching. Yet insufficient caffeine intake leads directly to mental and physical sluggishness, and is strongly correlated with a tendency among staff to miss project deadlines and blow sales leads. Employers in the United States typically walk this fine line by promoting self-medication through free soda kitchens. As staff in China are rarely accustomed to this sort of perk, once you've begun hiring you will need to be more proactive about medicating your employees. But how aggressive should you be? Is the drip really necessary? Join us in this podcast as we share some more subtle techniques we use at Popup Chinese to keep staff working far longer than is reasonable without the need for constant injections. 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
Friday · 8 min
Popup Chinese — Elementary: You know why I like Popup Chinese?
We love our staff and they love us too (especially the children, bless their souls). Which is why we were mystified when the Labor Relations Board approached us with outrageous allegations of unpaid overtime and that old story about us locking staff in the studio while we retreated to our executive yacht. It was lunch people... everyone is supposed to go out for lunch! In any event, seeing that the government has formally launched an investigation into human rights abuses in the construction of our new office space, we've decided to go on a public relations offensive. And we're starting with this podcast, in which we showcase some of the best and brightest actors in the Beijing arts scene going on the record about why they love working for us. And we didn't even have to script this! Hot damn this is good stuff. 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
October 29 · 8 min
Popup Chinese — Elementary: The Chinese Earthquake
We asked for an elementary lesson filled with drama and terror. "Picture yourselves at the epicenter of a massive earthquake," David requested. "Give us something with tension and danger," Echo added, "with lots of buildings shaking and all that jazz." Our voice actors nodded gravely. Then they gave us this.... 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
October 28 · 10 min
Popup Chinese — Intermediate: The Young Inventor, Part II
After your son has pumped five hundred volts of current through your chest, it may be time for a little parental intervention. Is it really necessary for him to replicate the work of Nicolas Tesla in your family basement? As our own parents repeatedly reminded us growing up: high-energy experiments belong in the classroom, not the bedroom. If you're an intermediate student in the Chinese language, join us for this lesson in the mysteries of science. In addition to a pro-science dialogue dedicated to Nicolas Tesla, this lesson reviews common units of measurement and how to use them in Chinese sentences. This is critical vocabulary to know regardless of whether you are conducting wireless electricity, building secret underwater laboratories, or simply reanimating dead lab assistants. 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
October 27 · 11 min
Popup Chinese — Intermediate: The Young Inventor
Our forays into the hard sciences have been mercifully brief to date, a phenomenon caused partly by fear and partly by memories of high school chemistry class. In today's Chinese lesson we delve more deeply into the natural sciences though with a Chinese lesson about key warning signs that someone you love may be considering a career in them. In addition to some life-saving tips on intervening, we also teach a number of Chinese words that are useful for describing industrial accidents. The dialogue in this lesson is a bit on the easier side of our other Intermediate materials, but our vocabulary and sample sentences make up for this in difficulty. If you're an intermediate learner, we think you'll enjoy this podcast. So join us and be sure to let us know what you think by leaving a comment on the site or writing Echo anytime at echo@popupchinese.com. 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
October 26 · 9 min
Popup Chinese — Elementary: An XBox for the Kids
Doctor Smith says young children need intellectual stimulation, and what better way to stimulate Billy's imagination that bonding with his father over a deathmatch or two. Now don't look at me that way honey. You want to surround the boy with nothing but books, denying him the trigger-finger reflexes and hand-eye coordination necessary for a good job in the twenty-first century? Thinking of becoming a parent or already have a brood under your wing? Join us for an Elementary Chinese lesson that overcomes traditional myths about parenting with very practical suggestion on how to rear your children. In addition to advice that will let you sleep in for a change, this lesson introduces a key measure word for talking about household electronics. Use it whenever you hear the word XBox. 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
October 25 · 9 min
Popup Chinese — Elementary: Psychopathic Business Cards
Our constant interest in hiring good Chinese voice actors has drawn some curious candidates to us over the years. Like the fellow who came in and handed out business cards. He had put considerable time and effort into designing them: the card stock was an elegant eggshell white set off by raised black lettering in Silian Rail. The card contained his name, contact information and current profession. "Unemployed student" it read. That said, with business cards selling for as little as twenty renminbi per box here in China, it's hard to be critical, even if your situation is as unorthodox as that in our dialogue for today. Brett Easton Ellis may not have penned the script, but if you're planning to do business in China this is still a must-have lesson in the language and etiquette of exchanging business cards in China. 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
October 24 · 10 min
Popup Chinese — Elementary: A Visit to the Shanghai Subway
A lot of Shanghai residents are genuinely baffled that other Chinese citizens consider them a curiosity. But it doesn't take much time elsewhere in the country to discover why exactly Shanghai bears the brunt of so many jokes. Not sure yourself? We think you'll understand after listening to our lesson for today, a gritty look at the wild side of the Shanghai streets. This is a lesson based on a true story: Brendan's personal experience running into a gang fight on the Shanghai metro. 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
October 23 · 11 min
Popup Chinese — Intermediate: Great Actors of the Twentieth Century
When the definitive history of twentieth century cinema is written, there will be a few actors and actresses we believe will stand out from their peers as titans of the screen and stage. Yet while the talents of such stars as Gregory Peck, Marlon Brando, Meryl Streep and others have brought them well-deserved recognition, there remain a legion of working actors and actresses who continue to shine in lesser roles. Our podcast today is a tribute to one such actor. So join us in this podcast as we pay a humble Popup Chinese tribute to one of the most underrated thespians of our generation. You may not have noticed the delicate emotional shading he adds to otherwise straightforward roles. Once we point him out though, we think you will join us in praise. So strap on your iPod and listen in as we spill the beans on our celebrity pick, and then share a Chinese grammar point or two. 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
October 22 · 8 min
Popup Chinese — Elementary: Memories of Breakfast
It was your last Western breakfast, eaten in haste before an early morning flight over the pole. You had pancakes and syrup. Yoghurt. Apples, oranges, bananas, lychee and watermelon. Toast of both the French and non-French varieties. Various cereals hot and cold with scrambled eggs, bacon, fried mushrooms and onions. And all of it topped-off by carrot juice and left-over pizza. China may be an exciting place to live, but even its strongest proponents have to admit the country is still catching up to the rest of the world when it comes to the most important meal of the day. So join us in this Elementary podcast as we cover a very practical tip for making the memories last.... 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
October 21 · 12 min
Popup Chinese — Intermediate: A Taste of the Whip
When Hegel wrote that history repeats itself, perhaps he was thinking of our seemingly infinite capacity to rationalize cruelty in the pursuit of power and wealth. For are not the pages of history filled with corporations which have sacrificed workplace health and safety on the altar of progress, throwing away human lives like so much chaff in an unquenchable drive for power and market share? While we may be a small company here at Popup Chinese, we cannot help but look upon this recurring pattern of industrial tyranny and ask the obvious question: why not us? And as Brendan and Echo share in this podcast, we're willing to let Google take the high road. Our path to glory involves conscripting our staff into forced labor in the construction of a giant monument to the glory of our cause and long-term tourist revenue. Perhaps some of this language will be useful to 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
October 20 · 6 min
Popup Chinese — Film Friday: Not Quite Consensus
This week we bring you an action film tailor-made for those who prefer their action films light on explosions and heavy on conversation. And if your ears perked up at our mention of Xitang last week, we suspect our selection will bring you even more pleasure: Minority Report (2002) 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
October 19 · 8 min
Popup Chinese — Elementary: Buying DVDs in China
"The quality of those things isn't reliable," the DVD salesperson said ruffling through his dufflebag, leaving Jacob wide-eyed in disbelief. He had purchased the movie just yesterday, and was astounded to hear the seller blame his player instead of the pitted disc. "Next time buy a quality machine," the merchant cautioned him. "If you're looking for one that actually works," he motioned vaguely behind him, "I think I've got one back home I could sell you." Our lesson today is on the easy side of the Elementary level, but still a notch above the Absolute Beginner level. If this sounds right for you, join us as we cover some absolutely essential vocabulary for getting customer satisfaction in the Chinese film industry. In under ten minutes, we'll teach you how to return DVDs in China, get a refund when they don't work, or exchange your broken discs for ones that work. 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
October 18 · 51 sec
Popup Chinese — Elementary listening test: Meet the Parents
Matthew's reluctance to meet her parents had concerned Stacy. "I've had bad experiences with that in the past," he would say whenever she suggested it. But now they had been together for two years there was no avoiding it, which was how Stacy had finally dragged him out to the Boston suburbs to meet her folks.... Our elementary listening test for today revolves around a bizarre mini-play that's a favorite in our office. In addition to a generous helping of multiple choice questions, we've added a new question type as well: the missing word puzzler. So listen in once and then click through to our quiz section to gauge your comprehension. If you can get over eighty percent consistently you are doing well enough to advance to our intermediate level. 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
October 17 · 8 min
Popup Chinese — Intermediate: The Rumor Mill
Every now and then we get a dialogue that's a bit different from the rest, and today is a case in point. We haven't really had a lesson quite like this since the time we locked our entire recording staff in the studio and headed out for Sichuan food. Sometimes different is good. And while we're not afraid to gossip, what matters in our dialogue today is less the scandalous revelation and more the casual nature of the spoken Chinese you'll hear. This is the way people actually talk when they're gossiping or just hanging out in the office. As much as most places emphasize getting the tones right, bear in mind as you listen that communication is as much about emotion as about pitch and word choice. 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
October 16 · 8 min
Popup Chinese — Elementary: The Sickbed Confession
In the spirit of giving you some time to recover from the Blitzkrieg that was our last Elementary dialogue, our lesson for today slows things right down. One of the parties to our dialogue barely speaks, in fact. So join him, and a close friend of his, in the hospital for a moment of unguarded intimacy.... 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

Showing 1–20 of 111 episodes