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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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