logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2024
11m 35s

Intermediate | The Surname Code

ChinesePod LLC
About this episode

What's in a name? If you're speaking Chinese, a lot. In the land of homophones, seeing characters as bits and pieces is an essential skill. In this podcast, learn about "three dot water" and "double person" radicals and explain your name in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1040

Up next
Yesterday
Upper-intermediate | The Legend of the White Snake (Part 2)
The Legend of the White Snake continues! In this episode, Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian find happiness with each other. However, this happiness isn't destined to last... Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2153 
15m 50s
Sep 4
Intermediate | Too Young to be Dating
Somewhere in China, a telephone rings. The mother answers, and, much to her dismay, discovers that it is a young man calling for her daughter. What's a mother to do? And how does a Chinese girl try to outsmart a protective mother? Find out in this Chinese lesson. Episode link: ht ... Show More
16m 38s
Sep 2
Upper-intermediate | The Legend of the White Snake (Part 1)
Just in time for the Year of the Snake, this classic Chinese folktale takes us to the famed shores of the West Lake in Hangzhou where magical Taoist snakes turn into beautiful women and fall in love with good hearted shepherds. It's The Legend of the White Snake! Episode link: ht ... Show More
16m 1s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2022
Newbie | Which Character Is That?
<p>When you hear a Chinese person's name, you can be reasonably sure that each syllable is a character and that the first character is the surname. But with thousands of Chinese characters, you often won't know which character it is unless you ask. Learn how to ask in this lesson ... Show More
12m 26s
May 2019
Newbie | Just Call Me...
<p>Unless your name is "John Smith" or "Anna Jones," chances are your new Chinese friends will have a little difficulty with the pronunciation of your English name. If you've adopted a Chinese name for your stay in the Middle Kingdom, you'll want to make it known to your Chinese ... Show More
13m 16s
Jan 2025
Elementary | Dinner with Friends
<p>The Chinese terms for various relatives are a bit complicated. But don&#39;t worry, ChinesePod is here to help you learn them! In today&#39;s Mandarin lesson, start talking about your sons, daughters and other family members. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1293</p> 
17m 11s
Jan 2025
Newbie | Son or Daughter?
<p>The Chinese terms for various relatives are a bit complicated. But don&#39;t worry, ChinesePod is here to help you learn them! In today&#39;s Mandarin lesson, start talking about your sons, daughters and other family members. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1195</p> 
14m 36s
Jan 2025
Newbie | Who are You Looking For?
<p>Today's podcast will teach you the Chinese you need to ask if people are available. No matter if you're looking for Ms. Wang, Director Li, or Premier Wen, today's Mandarin lesson will come in handy. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1175</p> 
10m 44s
Jan 2025
Newbie | What's Your Surname?
<p>Introductions are a great way to start studying Chinese. You can't become friends with someone until you know their name. In today's Mandarin lesson, learn how to introduce yourself. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1181</p> 
12m 39s
Dec 2024
Elementary | Tone Change Rule: Yi '一'
<p>Have the Chinese tones been giving you headaches? In today's handy Chinese lesson, you'll learn the ups and downs of the first tone. Learn how to transition between the first tone and all the rest in this useful Mandarin podcast. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1248</ ... Show More
9m 57s
Apr 2026
Lesson 005. What’s Your Name?
What’s your name? What’s your family name in Mandarin Chinese? Listen to this lesson and you will also learn a lot more! Download ALL 200+ lessons with full PDF lesson transcripts and worksheets after you signup and become a registered member. 
24 m
May 2023
Newbie | I Forgot Your Name
<p>Now, we know that when names consist mainly of a medley of Xs, Qs and Zs, it can be easy to lose it under pressure. So, when that friend that you just ran into is looking into your eyes with an anticipative look, you might just, understandably, come up short. This situation af ... Show More
11m 25s