Elementary | Getting to the Office
Sep 21, 2026 · 14m
Summary
Hosts Di Lu and John teach beginner Chinese for asking directions over the phone. They analyze a dialogue where a woman asks how to reach an office from People's Square in Shanghai. Key phrases include "zenme zou" for "how do I get there," "di t" for subway, and "xia che" for getting off. The lesson also covers specific vocabulary like "gongsi" for office and "da di" for taxi, while humorously noting the route leads to John's apartment.
Topics discussed
Introduction to the phone directions lesson
Explaining the phrase 'zenme zou' (how to get there)
Listening to the dialog and providing translation
Reviewing the dialog: asking for directions and location
Vocabulary: 'gongsi' (company) vs 'office'
Polite phrasing and specifying destinations
Vocabulary: 'guangchang' (square) and landmarks
Vocabulary: 'di' (to ride/take) and subway lines
Vocabulary: Station names and 'zhan' (stop)
Vocabulary: 'xia che' (to get off)
Vocabulary: 'zai' (then) and 'da che' (hail a cab)
Chinese Pod Trivia: HSK test preparation
Discussion: The dialog's connection to John's apartment
Context: Why not use this dialog for job interviews
Closing remarks and call to action
Website resources for Lesson 1843
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