So it's another long, boring morning meeting. What's an employee to do? In this Chinese lesson, the boss makes it clear that it's not OK to sleep during the meeting. Learn the key language here.

Everyone loves birthdays, and chances are if you're new to Chinese they'll be some of the first things you broach in conversation. Learn about birthdays, dates, and days of the week in Mandarin Chinese in today's lesson.

Do you like Shanghai? There may only be one right answer to this question (depending on who's asking), but there are also plenty of viable non-answers. Learn how to navigate this verbal minefield in this Chinese lesson.

We know the challenge of getting into Mandarin Chinese is daunting to say the least, but don't worry, ChinesePod is here to help! Today's lesson is a practical guide for the complete newbie, hopefully assuaging some of the fears associated with learning Mandarin and giving you pointers of what you should do. Be sure to check out ChinesePod's Pinyin Pronunciation Chart; a handy reference for learning the basics of Mandarin Chinese pronunciation.

OK, so we know you're coming to Hong Kong. The question is when. And please speak more clearly, because that old cell phone you use gets terrible reception. We've boiled these sentiments down into one Newbie-sized bite of useful Chinese.

You may know that the Chinese (especially the Shanghainese) are rather open about discussing prices. Housing prices are a conversation staple. But you may be surprised how much a car can set you back in modern China. Learn how to ask how much a car costs, and embrace the harsh financial realities of modern life in the PRC.

It's easy to make friends in China, and before you know it you'll be getting invited over to new friends' houses and inviting your friends over to yours. Today's ChinesePod lesson will teach you the basics of at-the-door pleasantries that you'll exchange when you arrive.

Cola or milk? Sugar or calcium? Cavities or strong bones? While the more healthy choice may be quite obvious, it's still important to know the price of either product as well. Learn how to use Mandarin Chinese to ask for prices in today's newbie lesson.

Fans of "are we there yet" will enjoy annoying their companions with the endlessly repeated question, "what time is it now?" Whether you're just curious, or you're shooting for the "super obnoxious" end of the spectrum, you've got to admit that this is a useful question to master. Cover the essentials in this Chinese lesson.

You're in China and you want some tea. Where do you go? A tea house, of course. But what happens if you can't find one? Perhaps you'll have to settle for another kind of caffeinated beverage...