logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2023
16m 15s

Elementary | To Bow or Not to Bow

ChinesePod LLC
About this episode

A shake of the hand received with an approving grip. A bow of the head prompts a slightly confused bow in return. A bear hug... a stone stiff body. Two kisses on each cheek... well, you might want to think twice about that one. Unsure what to do? ChinesePod greeting methodology 101 to the rescue. Listen to this podcast and learn about first meetings in China, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0609

Up next
Today
Elementary | Hospitality Series 2: China Union Pay
Our hospitality saga continues with an encounter between a young woman and a hotel clerk. Learn how to talk about room reservations and China Union Pay bank cards in today's lesson! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1765 
18m 11s
Aug 21
Elementary | Hospitality Series 1: Welcome to the Hilton!
Imagine that you work at the Hilton in New York City, and you're tasked with welcoming Chinese guests in Mandarin. You better know exactly what to say, and this Chinese lesson covers exactly that. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1755 
22m 42s
Aug 19
Elementary | Dental Floss
In recent years, China's stunning economic progress has propelled it into the ranks of "nations that pretend to use dental floss to appease their dentists." Many Chinese people are also now aware that excessive use of toothpicks can be a bad thing. If you're ready for the big "de ... Show More
14m 24s
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2025
Intermediate | Two Tough Ladies
<p>You know how to express yourself in Chinese with grace and tact. But when you need some down-and-dirty insults, what are you going to say? Listen to this Mandarin podcast and learn the Chinese you need to let people know that you mean business! Episode link: https://www.chines ... Show More
15m 32s
Apr 2023
Upper-intermediate | Group Photo
<p>OK, everybody lean in, put your hands on your knees or around the person next to you. You in the back, two fingers behind someone’s head please. Now smile and look cute so no one can tell us apart. Say &#39;Chinese!&#39; In this podcast, a Mandarin lesson for the over-zealous ... Show More
12m 56s
Jun 2014
AEE 131: The Hug or The Handshake – How to Greet in American Culture
Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training course Do you know how to greet someone in American culture? Today you’ll learn how to avoid embarrassing situations when you are not sure whether to hug, handshake, or wave. We had a question from a Chinese student. She wasn’t sure ... Show More
11m 3s
Jul 2025
Shaking Hands
How do you greet people? Do you say hello, or shake hands? Tell us what you think. And then listen to today's Spotlight program on handshakes.http://spotlightenglish.comDownload our app for Android at http://bit.ly/spotlight-androidDownload our app for iOS at http://bit.ly/spotli ... Show More
14m 8s
May 2024
Intermediate | Here she comes
<p>When someone you&#39;ve never even met suddenly gives you flowers, that&#39;s ChinesePod.&#39; In this podcast, we hear what really goes on inside the mind of the average smitten male. A Chinese lesson in mustering up the courage to talk to that guy/girl you&#39;re fancying. S ... Show More
13m 36s
Aug 2023
Intermediate | Flattery in the Office
<p>Rules of boss flattery: if you start complimenting your beer-bellied boss on his figure, he might catch on that you&#39;re just looking for a raise. Better to stick to his rugged good looks. In this podcast, a Mandarin lesson on how to use your Chinese charms to suck up. Episo ... Show More
16m 54s
Oct 2022
Upper-intermediate | Interview with the Boss
<p>The clammy handshake... the subsequent perspiring flush of sweat, the blank mind run through the wringer as the suit across the desk shoots out a machine-gun-like barrage of blank-drawing interrogations. All that's missing are the torture devices and spotlight in your face. Do ... Show More
15m 8s
Mar 2026
Lesson 001. Basic Greetings in Mandarin Chinese.
There are several basic greetings in Mandarin Chinese. In this lesson you will learn how to greet people you meet for the first time and also people you have not seen for a long time. You can start learning Mandarin Chinese from this lesson! To download ALL 200+ lessons with full ... Show More
10m 5s
Jan 2023
Upper-intermediate | Calisthenics
<p>You may be so busy studying Chinese that your exercise program has gone the way of the rickshaw. Don't wait until the situation degenerates to the point of your robust belly drawing comparisons to a piece of tofu. Listen to this podcast, and learn in Mandarin about exercise pr ... Show More
15m 41s