Who says it’s hard to learn Mandarin? Who says it can’t be fun? Not Xinwen Chen, a thirty-something TCSOL-certified Mandarin Chinese teacher! Taking a functional approach to language acquisition, this collection of 50 three-minute lessons uses very simple scenarios based on everyday situations to immerse learners in the elements of practical conversation. “I define myself as a bridge between east and west!” says Xinwen. An engaging language-learning tool, and an enchanting glimpse of Chinese culture.

Lessons include…

First Sentence

• “Hello! It’s good to speak Chinese!

• “Good morning!”

• “What is your name?”

• “Do you speak English?”

• “Where do you come from?”

• “It’s ok!”

• “Let me through!”

• “Can you do me a favor?”

Transportation

• “Take me to…”

• “Excuse me! How can I get to…”

• “Is there a bus stop around here?”

• “Which line of bus should I take?”

• “When is the next bus coming?”

• “I want to buy a ticket.”

• “I want to rent a car.”

• “Which road should I take?”

• “Where is the nearest gas station?”

• “How long does it take to walk there?”

• “Can you take me there?”

Eating and Shopping

• “Have a meal together?”

• “Menu, please!”

• “What is your signature dish?”

• “Cheers! Bottoms up!”

• “I want to order a drink.”

• “Check, please!”

• “It’s on me today!”

• “Do you accept a credit card?”

• “What is this?”

• “How much is it?”

• “Is there an ATM near here?”

• “May I try this on?”

Traveling

• “What time does this place open?”

• “I have a reservation.”

• “How long do you plan to stay?”

• “What is the telephone number here?”

• “What tour packages do you offer?”

• “Can you help me to take a photo?”

• “I would like to exchange my money for RMB.”

• “When does the performance start?”

Chatting

• “May I speak to…”

• “Really?”

• “I like…”

• “What do you think about…”

• “You are very beautiful!”

• “From…to…”

• “Are you free tonight?”

• “Anybody home?”

• “What time is it now?”

• “What date is today?”

• “How is the weather?”

Viewable/printable educational resources for each lesson are available online. (Portions in Chinese with English subtitles, 2 hours 30 minutes)