Yes, for strong beginners ready to stretch. TeaTime Chinese is a learner podcast with slow, clear talk in Chinese, though its producer pitches it at intermediate learners, so treat it as a step up after your first graded stories.
- Level
- Intermediate
- Format
- Podcast
- Year
- 2026
- Episodes
- 100
Why it works for learners
Host Nathan Rao, a native speaker, talks through topics such as Chinese culture and society using simple language and comprehensible input. It differs from native podcasts because he adjusts his words and pace for you. Episode lengths are modest, listed at roughly 5 to 20 minutes, and about 100 episodes give you room to choose. Since topics vary, you can start with subjects you already know, which makes the Chinese far easier to follow.
What makes it hard
Little English is offered, and the talk covers culture and history, so beginners will meet unfamiliar words quickly. Some listeners report following only part of it at first. Expect a stretch rather than comfortable listening until your core vocabulary grows.
How to use it
Start with a short episode on a topic you already know something about. Listen once for the gist, then again with a transcript if available. Repeat it a few days later. If you catch less than half, go back to easier stories first.
More for Chinese learners: our Chinese guides.
Keep it where you'll see it
Save TeaTime Chinese and log every episode or chapter toward your Chinese hours. Free for one language.
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