AIChinese, are there plans to allow users to practice longer patterns of 5+ words using the ChinesePod lessons? One of the books from your materials, I think Basic Chinese I and II, actually does allow one to practice sentences and nailing the tones is pretty hard then. Is it at least technically possible to do that with the imported ChinesePod lessons?

Not so good first experience.. "System Error. Please try again later." :) haha.. Well maybe I will but maybe I won't even bother. Sorry but if I can't even get my first word out of my lips to be analysed, it's a big FAIL to me.

Reloaded the page and adjusted mic setting again and it seems to be working now, even though I set the mic settings identical to the first time. I also notice now the spoken output is much lower volume and I had to raise the volume on my own side.

I am finding that it is not really able to cope with my accent very well.. I have picked up a southern accent because many of my friends are from Hangzhou, Shanghai and Fujian.. so it doesn't like how I finish my words, taking off a star for poor (read: different) pronunciation. I am getting the tones right.. but it just doesn't like my accent. I notice that if I speak like a robot, it picks it up fine.. but if I speak how I would speak with my friends, it can't handle the accent.

Also, I am not American.. so maybe your software has been calibrated for Americans as I am seeing a lot of references, in the examples and so on, to American modes of speach and pronunciation.

I've just started playing with this program using the trial version.  I think it is interesting and helpful way to practice my tones and pronunciation.  In fact I've found a number of problem areas that I didn't realize I had - such as 2nd tones and pronouncing the letter "n" (also "p", "g" and "c").  "n" - who knew? I still am not sure if this is a volume issue, but on the chance that it isn't I need to figure out what I'm saying that is incorrect.

A couple of technical comments:

1) Currently the program only imports the vocabulary from the ChinesePod lessons.  Based on my practice with other available lessons on the site, what I most need to work on are sentences. I can generally say the vocabulary words fine on their own, but as soon as you put them in a sentence, I have a lot of trouble getting the tones and pronunciation right (based on practicing sentences from other textbooks offered on the site). I was wondering if there is there any plan to import the dialogue or example sentences from the ChinesePod lessons?  Otherwise the import option from ChinesePod has little value for me.

2) I also want to practice remembering how to say things - this is hard to do because of the dialogue autoplay and the continual presence of the tone marks and either Hanyu or pinyin. It would be helpful to have a way to turn off the dialogue autoplay feature. It would also be useful to have an option of seeing just the English (in addition to the Hanzi, Pinyin and Hanzi+pinyin options which are currently available), such as what is available with the ChinesePod flashcards - which I use a LOT.  But I also want to see where I got red marks on the tones and pronunciation, so it would be nice to have the tones and pinyin pop up automatically after I finish speaking, but then disappear again when I move to the next word or sentence. (This and the Autoplay could be a toggle option.) Right now I have the system set to Hanyu only, but I have to change to pinyin in order to see where I made mistakes, and then change back again and this is tiresome.  I end up either not checking my pinyin pronunciation or just turning it on and become lazy with my Hanzi reading.

3) The "Business Chinese" lessons are interesting - but one recommendation for the "Learning" section is to give the user the option to turn off the voice of the guy giving the "Well Done!" comments. He amused me, or he did at first, but hearing him say the same things 100 times in a row gets old quickly. Also, his voice is much louder than the other voices in the lesson which is irritating. In order to keep him to a reasonable level, I either had to turn the volume down and can barely hear the other voices or I had to change the volume repeatedly.

I hope these comments were helpful for you!

"Intermediate - Too Many Food Allergies

You must now have learnt how to say ""allergy"":
1. 过敏
allergic reaction 过敏反应{医}
Do not be sensitive! 别神经过敏！

How about specialty (food)?
2. 拿手菜
What kind of food do you specialize? 你们有什么拿手菜？
Lobster and steak are the specialty of the house. 龙虾和牛排是这家的拿手菜。

In “过” and “手” there are “g” and “sh”.  g is pronounced like g as in ""go"", but is pronounced more lightly than in English, while sh is pronounced like sh as in ""shop"", with the tongue curled back somewhat."

Newbie - The First Tone
In this lesson we learn and practice the first tone.
声调, tone
她的声调低了下来。
Her voice dropped to a lower pitch.
她说话的声调抑扬顿挫。
She has a lilt to her voice.

How do we say "new"?
新
新朋友
a new friend
新北京新奥运!
New Beijing, Great Olympics!
There is x in新. x is pronounced like sh as in "sheep", with the tongue forward.

"Upper Intermediate：Is China Scary?
Can you tell the difference between the following two words in this lesson?
1. 主题, subject
the subject of a poem  诗的主题
the theme of a literary work  作品的主题思想

2. 题材, range of subjects, materials for the subjects
range of subjects  题材范围
This is good material for a play.  这是写剧本的好题材。

In “主” and “题” there are “zh” and “t”. “zh” is pronounced like j as in “jam”, with the tongue curled back somewhat. while “t” is pronounced like t as in "" ten"", but is accompanied by a stronger puff of air than in English.
"

Elementary - Juiced!
The following words from this lesson can be useful:
1. 难喝 means "(drink) tastes awful", literally, it is “difficult to drink"
Do nasty bottle of wine.
一瓶质量恶劣的、难喝的葡萄酒
The liquid tastes awful.
这种药水很难喝。

2.可以:
That sounds OK.
可以。
By all means.
当然可以。

In “喝” and “可” there are “h” and “k”.  h is pronounced like h as in "how", but is pronounced further back in the throat, and is accompanied by a stronger puff of air than in English, while k is pronounced like k as in "kite", but is accompanied by a stronger puff of air than in English.

Upper Intermediate - Job Shopping in Modern China
How do we say "resign" in Chinese?
1.辞职
I hereby resign my office
特此辞职。
He plans the resignation.
他打算辞职。

And "boss"?
2.顶头上司
He is over me.
他是我的顶头上司。
He is busy sucking in with his immediate superior
他忙着巴结自己的顶头上司。

In “辞” and “司” there are “c” and “s”.  c is pronounced like ts as in "hats", while s is pronounced like s as in "sand", but is pronounced more strongly than in English.

Newbie - Intro 5: Do you have a menu? 

We have randomly selected two important words for you to remember in this lesson:

1. 买单(mǎi dān) to ask for the bill

Waitress, check, please. 小姐，买单。

Do you have enough gold to pay the bill? 你有足够的钱买单吗?

2. 点菜(diǎn cài) to order food

You do the ordering. 你点菜吧。

Would you please to order now? 可以点菜了吗？

In 买(mǎi) and 菜(cài), they have the some final "ai", which is pronounced like "i" as in "fine".

Newbie:Intro 3: Where are you from?

How do Chinese say ""Chinese""?

1.中国人

I'm proud I am Chinese.我骄傲我是中国人。

Chinese people are working hard to make the country richer and more beautiful.中国人民正在努力工作，把国家建设得更加富饶美丽。

And ""welcome""?

2.欢迎

They gave the chairman a tumultuous welcome.他们热烈地欢迎主席。

They gave him a hearty welcome.他们衷心欢迎他。

In ""是"" and ""对"" there are ""i"" and ""ui"".""i"" After b, d, j, l, m, n, p, q, t and x, the letter i is pronounced like ee as in ""bee"".

However, after c, ch, r, s, sh, z and zh, the letter i is not pronounced like ee as in ""bee"". Instead, after the initial consonant has been pronounced, the position of the tongue remains unchanged, and a voiced sound is made. For example, si is pronounced like s as in ""so"", immediately followed by z as in ""zoo"".

""ui"" ui is pronounced like ""way"".

Intermediate: How was your flight?
You probably can't avoid talking about "luggage" before or after a flight?
1、行李
Any carry-on baggage? 有随身行李吗？
Where's the bags? 行李在哪里？

And you still remember how to say "flight"?
2、航班
Do you like a morning or an afternoon flight?  上午的航班还是下午的航班？
Which flight, please? 请问是哪次航班？

In“行”and“行” there are“ing”and“ang”. “ing” is pronounced like ing as in "sing". “ang” is pronounced like ong as in "song".

Upper Intermediate：Hobbies: Music
It's useful to remember how to say "university":
1，大学
University of London
伦敦大学
College Professor
大学教授

And "music", of course:
2，音乐
 a lover of music
 音乐爱好者
 music of Germany
 德意志音乐

In “大” and “乐” there are “d” and “e”. d is pronounced like d as in "day", but is pronounced more lightly than in English.
e is pronounced like e as in French "le"; except after i or y, where it is pronounced like e as in "yet".

Elementary-Hungry Traveller: Yunnan
You probably don't want to miss the following word in such a gourmet country as China: 
1. 小吃                
Do you like those snacks?      您喜欢那些小吃吗?  
Refreshments were bountifully served.  小吃吧通常供应快餐。

And do you remember how to say ""dinner"" or ""super""?
2. 晚饭
We have supper at six. 我们六点吃晚饭。
We were in time for supper. 我们六点吃晚饭。
 
In “晚” and “饭” there are “w” and “f”, w is pronounced like w as in ""wood""，while  f is pronounced like f as in ""five"".

Intermediate - Hot Pot Chitchat
The following words are very useful as they can be used in many different situations:
1 开, to open
开牌 to open the bidding
开诊断书 make out a medical certificate

2 放, to let go, release
放暑假 have summer holidays; have a summer vacation
放鹰 release a hawk for prey

There is “k” in “开”, k is pronounced like k as in "kite", but

Elementary - Hungry Traveler: Shanghai
We have called out two very interesting words from this lesson:
1. 就 means "then", however Chinese use it much often than English speaking people use "then":
She will be hack in a little.
她一会儿就回来。
Heated, the metal expands.
金属受热就膨胀。

2. 东西, literally it means "east-west", but in reality it means "things":
Where shall we put these things?
这些东西放哪儿？
I want to eat something.
我要吃东西。

In “东” and “最” there are “d” and “z”. “d” is pronounced like d as in "day", but is pronounced more lightly than in English, while “z” is pronounced like ds as in "weeds".

Elementary - Hungry Traveler: Inner Mongolia
It’s better for you to remember these words and sentences:
1、打包
Do you want that to go? 您打包带走吗?
Please wrap it up to take out. 请打包，我要带走。
2、怎么办
What's to be done?  怎么办?
What if it rains? 下雨怎么办？

In “真” and “怎” they all have initial “z”.  “z” is pronounced like ds as in "weeds".

"Newbie - Hotel, Motel, Holiday Inn
Do you know how to check in? The following words are very useful.
1. 订房间to make room reservations
我现在就订房间。
I'll make a reservation right now.
我打电话是想订房间。
I am calling to make a reservation, please.

2. 护照passport
请出示护照。
Show me your passport, please.
我持有法国护照。
I hold a French passport.

There is “zh” in “照”. zh is pronounced like j as in ""jam"", with the tongue curled back somewhat.
"

"Intermediate:Here she comes
We have randomly selected two important words for you to remember in this lesson:
1.紧张, nervous
He stammers when he feels nervous.他一紧张就结巴。
The bashful boy was nervous with strangers.那个害羞的小男孩遇到陌生人就紧张。

2.没用, useless
She find it useless argue with them.她发现和他们的争论没用。
Their opponents had the whip hand and it was useless to resist.他们因对手权柄在握，反抗也没用。

In ""约"" and ""笨"" there are ""y"" and ""b"".""y"" is pronounced like y as in ""yes""; except that the syllable yi is pronounced like ee as in ""bee"".""b"" is pronounced like b as in ""bell"", but is pronounced more lightly than in English."

Elementary: Grammar Lesson
We've picked two words for you to remember in this lesson:
1. 喜欢 to like
我喜欢喝啤酒。
I like beer.
中国人喜欢摆谱。
Chinese people like to show off.

2. 现在 now
现在几点了？ What time is it now?
现在，生活好多了。 Life is much better now.

喜 and 现 all start with initial "x". "x" is not pronunced as "z" in English but pronunced like "sh" as in "sheep", with the tongue forward.

Elementary: Going to the Gas Station
You may find the gas price in China is more "expensive" in the States:
1. 贵
A motorcycle is more expensive than a bicycle.
摩托车比自行车贵。
It is a gook thing for one to be able to have a proper appraisal off oneself.
人贵有自知之明。

And at gas station they generally expect you to pay "cash“ too:
2. 现金
You will have a reduction for cash.
付现金可以打折扣。
Be responsible for cash flow control.
负责现金流量管理。

In “现” and “加” there are “x” and “j”. “x” is pronounced like sh as in "sheep", with the tongue forward, while “j” is pronounced like j as in "jeep", with the tongue forward.

Intermediate: Giving Instructions to the Ayi
The following two words could be useful in describing a house:
1、地毯, rug, carpet
The rug is faded where the sun strikes it.  地毯被阳光找到的地方褪了色。
Take heed not to spill milk on the rug.  当心别把牛奶洒在地毯上。
2、沙发, sofa
a sofa that can be converted into a bed. 可以被折成床的沙发。
Children like bouncing up and down on a sofa. 孩子们喜欢在沙发上蹦蹦跳跳。

In “毯”and“沙” there are“an”and“sh”. an is pronounced like an as in "fan". sh is pronounced like sh as in "shop", with the tongue curled back somewhat.

Elementary - Going on a Picnic
Two important words for you to remember in this lesson:
1. 野餐
We all went on a picnic last Sunday. 我们大伙儿上星期日去野餐。
How about going for a swim or a picnic? 去游泳或去野餐怎么样？

2. 休息
You do not have a rest after dinner? 你饭后不休息？
It might be an idea to have a rest first. 可以先休息一下。

In “做” and “最”，all start with initial “z”
z is pronounced like ds as in "weeds".

Intermediate：Getting the Correct Change

好像 means to seem as if, to look as if:

好像要下雨了。

It looks as if it is going to rain.

好像她已出去好几天了。

It looks as if she's gone away for a few days.

旧 means old, it’s opposite to 新:

我偶然在抽屉的后面发现了这张旧照片。 

I dropped across this old photograph in the back of the drawer.

这些旧书卖不了多少钱。

Those old books won't fetch (you) much.

In “旧” and “像” there are “j” and “x”. j is pronounced like j as in ""jeep"", with the tongue forward. x is pronounced like sh as in ""sheep"", with the tongue forward.

Elementary: Having Food Delivered
For those of you who love Chinese takeways, you probably won't have problems in remembering the following words:
1. 外卖(wài mài)        take-away
Do you have take-away? 你们这里有外卖吗？
I ordered a take-away hamburger. 我叫了一份外卖汉堡。

外 and 卖 all end with final "ai", "ai" is pronounced like "i" as in "fine".

2. 炒饭(chǎo fàn) fried rice
rice fried with eggs 蛋炒饭
I asked for four orders of fried rice. 我叫了四份炒饭。

Elementary：Have you bought your Shanghai Expo ticket?
Shanghai Expo may have been a piece of beautiful memory, but the following two words in the lesson could be useful for any internet users:
1. 网上
surf the Internet  网上冲浪
online trading platform  网上交易平台

2. 预定
at the fixed time and place
在预定的时间和地点
make a landing in a predetermined area
在预定地点着陆

In “网” and “预” there are “w” and “y”. “w” is pronounced like w as in “wood”, while “y” is pronounced like y as in "yes"; except that the syllable yi is pronounced like ee as in "bee".

Elementary:Haircuts
"A little" could be really useful describing the kind of hairstyle you want:
1.一点
Get your head out of the clouds. 现实一点。
Be a little more careful!小心一点！

And for ladies, "a fringe of hair", this is an interesting word:
2.流海
I'd like my hair bang.我喜欢剪成刘海短发。
The girl wore her hair in a fringe.那个女孩子额前梳着刘海。

In "剪 " and "留" there are "j" and "l"."j" is pronounced like j as in "jeep", with the tongue forward."l" is pronounced like l as in "like".

Elementary - Getting Taller (Not Fatter)

As an adverb, 真means "really" in Chinese, and it can be used in many different circumstances:
1. 真
How dreadful it is!  真可怕！
What a sell。 真失望！

And how do we say "year" in Chinese?
2. 年
the following year 第二年
several years  若干年

In "真" and "年",there are "zh" and "n". zh is pronounced like j as in "jam", with the tongue curled back somewhat. n is pronounced like n as in "nine".

Intermediate：Getting a Tattoo
You probably won't want to get a "cut" in getting your tattoo, but you might want to remember how to say it just in case:
1,伤口 cut  wound
The wound skinned over.
伤口长皮了。
The wound is still discharging pus.
这伤口仍在流浓。

How do we say "to find"?
2,发现 find; discover
discover problems and solve them
发现问题， 解决问题
discover and employ qualified personnel
发现人才， 使用人才

In "口" and "发",there are "k" and "f".k is pronounced like k as in "kite", but is accompanied by a stronger puff of air than in English. f is pronounced like f as in "five".

"Intermediate - Going to the Toy Store
You may not want to buy ""stationary"" in a toy store, but you might find them there
1.文具               
The stationery is in the drawer.      文具放在抽屉里。  
The head office sent down for some stationery.  总公司要求送一些文具去。 

How do you ask if a toy has got any ""guarantee""?
2. 保证
To pledge mutually. 互相保证。
Guarantee participation in the tender。投标保证。
 
In “保” and “证” there are “b” and “zh”,b is pronounced like b as in ""bell"", but is pronounced more lightly than in English,while  zh is pronounced like j as in ""jam"", with the tongue curled back somewhat. 
"

Intermediate - Going to the Toy Store

It’s better for you to remember these words and sentences: 

1.文具               

The stationery is in the drawer.      文具放在抽屉里。  

The head office sent down for some stationery.  总公司要求送一些文具去。 

2. 保证

To pledge mutually. 互相保证。

Guarantee participation in the tender。投标保证。

In “保” and “证” there are “b” and “zh”,b is pronounced like b as in "bell", but is pronounced more lightly than in English,while  zh is pronounced like j as in "jam", with the tongue curled back somewhat.

Upper Intermediate:Getting a Library Card
In China, a library card is a "borrow-book" card:
1.借书卡
I'd like to apply for a library card.我想申请一张借书卡。
We give you a library card so you can take books home.我们会给你一张借书卡,这样你就可以把书借回家了。

And how do we say "reading room"?
2.阅览室
The reading room held many students, as well as a few time killers.阅览室有许多学生，也有一些消磨时间的人。
That teacher is looking his all students walk into the reading room.那位老师看着他所有的学生走进阅览室。

In "借 " and "罚" there are "j" and "f"."j" is pronounced like j as in "jeep", with the tongue forward."f" is pronounced like f as in "five".

Intermediate: Fans at Andy Lau's Concert
The following word can be very useful if you are not going to a concert alone:
1. 陪, accompany
Concentrate on spending quality time with children.
也要多陪陪孩子哦。
Who will accompany you on the journey?
这次旅行谁陪你？

How do we describe "crazy" fans?
2. 疯狂
The number of lunatic is as finite as the number of lunatics.
疯狂的书籍和疯狂的人一样数量有限。
I went out on a shopping spree.
我出去疯狂地购物。

In “陪” and “丝” there are “p” and “s”. “p” is pronounced like p as in "pen", but is accompanied by a stronger puff of air than in English, while “s” is pronounced like s as in "sand", but is pronounced more strongly than in English.

Upper Intermediate - Doing Business in the Bath House
Remember ""hot spring"" is not ""hot"" in Chinese, it is ""warm"".
1、 温泉
It's great soak in a hot spring after skiing. 滑雪后泡温泉真棒。
She feasted on the caress of the hot spring.  她尽情享受着温泉的抚爱。

How do we say “to experience""?
2、 体验
Experience Aboriginal Australia. 体验澳洲土著文化。
Customizing the End User Experience. 自定义终端用户体验。

In “温” and “验” there are “en” and “an”. “en” is pronounced somewhat like en as in ""ten"".  “an” is pronounced like an as in ""fan"".

Elementary - Express Train or High-speed Train?
We have learnt how to say "train" previously. Can you now combine "train" and "ticket" to say "train ticket"?
1. 火车票
Have you got your train ticket? 你拿到火车票了吗？
How much does the ticket to London cost ? 去伦敦的火车票票价多少？

How do we ask "what time"?
2. 几点
What time does it leave? 几点出发？
What time does the library open ? 图书馆几点开?

In "比" and "较"， there are "b" and "j".

b is pronounced like b as in "bell", but is pronounced more lightly than in English
j is pronounced like j as in "jeep", with the tongue forward.

Intermediate - Fun at the Beach

In this lesson we’d like to draw your attention to the following words and sentences:

1. 梦想, dream

我有一个梦想。

I Have a Dream.

他梦想着成为律师。

He is dreaming of becoming a lawyer.

2. 刺激, exciting, thrilling

真是太刺激了。

It was all terribly exciting.

蹦极是很刺激的运动。 

Bungee jumping is a thrilling sport.

In “激” and “想” there are “j” and “x”. j is pronounced like j as in ""jeep"", with the tongue forward. x is pronounced like sh as in ""sheep"", with the tongue forward. 

Intermediate - Days of the week
Don't ever forget how to ask for a discount:
1你
Are you serious? 你说真的?
 You are sorry？你难过？
2怎么样
 How is your business? 生意怎么样？
How about Broadway? 百老汇怎么样？
In”你”，there are ‘n’. n is pronounced like n as in "nine".
In“样”，there are ‘y’, y is pronounced like y as in "yes"; except that the syllable yi is pronounced like ee as in "bee".

Intermediate - Construction
There are many constructions sites in China. One you might come across often would be:
1.修路
A gang of workmen were repairing the road.一群工人在修路。
Traffic will be diverted while the road is under repair.在修路期间车辆改道行驶。

Cement is probably the most relevant word in construction in China.
2.水泥
He cemented the bricks into place.他用水泥砌砖。
The sack of cement hit the ground with a thump.水泥袋砰的一声落在地上。

In "吵 " and "修" there are "ch" and "x"."ch" is pronounced like ch as in "chalk", with the tongue curled back somewhat."x" is pronounced like sh as in "sheep", with the tongue forward.

Intermediate：Fog or Smog?
How do we say "car“?
1.汽车
back a car out of a garage
将汽车倒开出车库
He is learning to drive.
他正在学开汽车。

What is the problem caused by cars' emissions?
2.污染
industrial pollution
工业污染
debase the standards of social conduct
污染社会风气
In “车” and “染” there are “ch” and “r”. “ch” is pronounced like ch as in “chalk”, with the tongue curled back somewhat, while “r” is pronounced with the tongue curled back as for l in "laugh", but with the tip of the tongue not touching the roof of the mouth.

Elementary - Football (Soccer)
有意思 means "interesting" in Chinese and has interesting uses too:
1. 有意思
It sounds interesting.
挺有意思。
He has a crush on you.
他对你有意思。

What is the opposite of "interesting"?
2. 无聊
You are very interesting, while he is very boring.
你很有意思，他很无聊。

nothing to say, boring
没有话好说，无聊

In “意” and “思” there are “y” and “s”.  y is pronounced like y as in "yes"; except that the syllable yi is pronounced like ee as in "bee", while s is pronounced like s as in "sand", but is pronounced more strongly than in English.

Elementary:Check Your Spam
Do you know that the direct translation of spam is actually "rubbish":
1.垃圾
Sue was troubled to see trash everywhere. 苏看到到处是垃圾很苦恼。
Many things pollute water, such as tires, trash, and plastic bags. 很多东西使水污染，例如轮胎、垃圾和塑胶袋。

How do we say "often"?
2.经常
The factory is in frequent scarcity of raw materials. 这个工厂经常原料不足。
I often take my children to play in the park. 我经常带我的孩子们去公园玩。

In "发 " and "真" there are "f" and "zh"."f" is pronounced like f as in "five"."zh" is pronounced like j as in "jam", with the tongue curled back somewhat.

Intermediate - Describing Travels
Do you remember how to say "take a holiday"?
1. 度假
To take a holiday or to go on holiday  休假或度假
go to the seaside for one's holidays  去海滨度假

and "decide/determine"?
2. 决定
To close an order.  决定成交。
sex determination  性别决定

In “度” and “决” there are “d” and “j”. d is pronounced like d as in "day", but is pronounced more lightly than in English. j is pronounced like j as in "jeep", with the tongue forward.

Intermediate：Choosing a New Pair of Glasses
In Chinese, glasses and contact lenses are both called -
1.眼镜
a new pair of glasses  一副新眼镜
haptic lens  隐形眼镜

A reminder: how do we say "young" in Chinese?
2.年轻
the young generation 年轻的一代
able and young; young and promising 年轻有为

In “镜” and “轻” there are “j” and “q”. “j” is pronounced like j as in “jeep”, with the tongue forward, while  “q” is pronounced like ch as in "cheep", with the tongue forward.

Elementary - City Districts in Shanghai
Do you remember how to say "how" in Chinese?
1. 怎么
Such beginning, such end.
怎么开始，怎么结尾。
What was that all about?
怎么回事？

What is the formal way of saying "bus"?
2. 公交车
We just made the last bus.
我们正好赶上末班公交车。
I advise you to take a bus.
我建议你乘公交车。

In “怎” and “车” there are “z” and “ch”.  z is pronounced like ds as in "weeds", while ch is pronounced like ch as in "chalk", with the tongue curled back somewhat.

Elementary - Changing a Plane Ticket

The following words and sentences, derived from this lesson, could be very useful:

小姐, means Miss or Ms., usually used to address young female counter, waitress, or stranger.

e.g. 小姐，你好 Hello, Miss.

这位小姐，请问贵姓？ Hello Miss, can I ask for your name?

飞机, means plane.

坐飞机去北京。 Go to Bejing by air. (坐飞机 means "take plane", or "by air").

螺旋桨飞机和喷气式飞机 Propeller plane and jet.

加, means to add, to plus.

加、减、乘和除。 Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

一加一等于二。 One plus one equals two.

There is "j" in 姐(jie3), 机(ji1) and 加(jia1). "j" is pronounced like j as in "jeep", with the tongue forward.

Elementary - Can't Get a Taxi 

Two very important words linked to commute in big cities:

1. 打车

I want to go home by taxi. 我想打车回家。

In everyday life, people often need take a taxi. 在日常生活中，打车是常事

2. 地铁

Where do I change to the Second Line? 请问我在哪儿换乘二线地铁？

Which line do I take for the Art Gallery? 去美术馆乘哪条地铁？

In “地” and “铁”，there are “d” and “t”

“d” is pronounced like d as in ""day"", but is pronounced more lightly than in English.

“t” is pronounced like t as in ""ten"", but is accompanied by a stronger puff of air than in English.

Business Card Gone Wrong

Exchanging business cards is a custom in dealing business in China.

1. 名片, business card

I exchange business card. 我交换名片。

I exchange business card with a client. 我客户交换名片。

Freebie is always good. How do we say ""free""?

2. 免费

Entrance is grati.s免费入场。

Wine is gratis. 酒水免费。

In “片”and “免”,there are “an”and ‘m’. an is pronounced like an as in ""fan"". m is pronounced like m as in ""month"".

Elementary： Buying a SIM card
You must have found the contents of this lesson very useful as no-one nowadays live without a phone.
Can you remember how to say "number"?
1、号码
And his number? 他的号码是多少？
He thumbed through the directory to look for her number.  他翻阅电话号码簿找寻她的号码。

And "call charges"?
2、通话费
Usage charges care in 1-minute unit.  通话费以每分钟为计算单位。
This shows that competition can help reduce the cost of the phone calls and also can help improve the quality of services. 我们知道通过竞争可以降低通话费用，提高服务质量。

In “号”and“费”there are“ao”and“ei”. “ao” is pronounced like ow as in“how”.“ei” is pronounced like a as in“late”.

Intermediate - Buying a Shirt
Don't ever forget how to ask for a discount:
打折
可以打折吗？
Could you give me a discount?
现在牛仔裤打折销售。
Right now, jeans are at a discount.

And you have learnt another of saying "roughly":
大概
大概十分钟。
About ten minutes.
他大概明天会在家。
He will very likely be home tomorrow.
There is “zh” in “折”. zh is pronounced like j as in "jam", with the tongue curled back somewhat.

Upper Intermediate：Considering a Credit Card
People are talking about inflation a lot these days:
1. 通货膨胀                                 
bring down the inflation 抑制通货膨胀
fiscal inflation 财政性通货膨胀

Does the following idiom make sense to you from the meanings of each individual characters?
2. 大惊小怪
Don’t make a fuss !  别大惊小怪的 !
Calm down.Don’t be so dramatic. 冷静点吧，不要大惊小怪。

zh is pronounced like j as in "jam", with the tongue curled back somewhat.

Elementary - Buying Sandals
码 in Chinese can mean different things:
1. 码
Country code 国码
encoding disk 码盘

Do you still remember how to say "mirror"?
2. 镜子
wipe one's spectacles 擦镜子
A mirror reflects light. 镜子能反光。

In “码” and “镜” there are “m” and “j”. m is pronounced like m as in "month", while j is pronounced like j as in "jeep", with the tongue forward.

"Intermediate：Catching a Train

Do you still remember the formal way of saying “train"" in Chinese?
1. 列车
The train pulled in exactly on time. 列车准时进站。
The train is running at full speed. 列车在飞速前进。

What about ""to queue, to wait in line""?
2. 排队
We lined up to buy tickets. 我们排队买票。
The passengers are waiting in line to get on the train. 乘客排队搭乘火车。
 
In “各” and “由” there are “g” and “y”.  “g” is pronounced like g as in ""go"", but is pronounced more lightly than in English, while “y” is pronounced like y as in ""yes""; except that the syllable yi is pronounced like ee as in ""bee"".
"

Conquering those initials - yesterday I had some help from a native speaker. Words like cao, can, and cai have always been very hard, well almost impossible for me. Others have tried to teach me but I just couldnt hear or fathom what was causing the problem. My cai sounded more like zai he says and after much thought and a few failed suggestions, he got it. It was all about air. That puff of exhaled air. I still cant hear the difference, but he lit up like a xmas tree when I got it right so I believed him. Could it be, I finally learned to say the only initial I couldnt get. Last night I gave it the AIChinese test and sure enough, the program could tell I now knew the secret - black c's all around. Now if only I could get those second tones without thinking about it, without speaking very slowly.

Elementary - Cats Are Cool
It’s useful to remember the following 2 words:
1.猫, cat
Cats dislike dogs, and vice versa. 猫讨厌狗,而狗也讨厌猫。
As you know, the little cat is in favour with Aunt Mary. 要知道，这只猫是深受玛丽大婶的宠爱。
2. 可是, but
This is a very critical time right now. 现在可是关键时刻。
It is a great happy event. 这可是件大喜事。
In “可” and “是” there are “k” and “sh”. k is pronounced like k as in ""kite"", but is accompanied by a stronger puff of air than in English, while sh is pronounced like sh as in ""shop"", with the tongue curled back somewhat.

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Elementary - Cats Are Cool

It’s better for you to remember these words and sentences:

1.猫

Cats dislike dogs, and vice versa. 猫讨厌狗,而狗也讨厌猫。

As you know, the little cat is in favour with Aunt Mary. 要知道，这只猫是深受玛丽大婶的宠爱。

2. 可是

This is a very critical time right now. 现在可是关键时刻。

It is a great happy event. 这可是件大喜事。

In “可” and “是” there are “k” and “sh”. k is pronounced like k as in "kite", but is accompanied by a stronger puff of air than in English, while sh is pronounced like sh as in "shop", with the tongue curled back somewhat.

Intermediate: Blown Fuse
What would blown fuse cause in your house?
1.停电
While I was cooking supper the electricity went off. 我正在做晚饭时停电了。
There was a power cut and all the lights went out. 因停电所有的灯都熄灭了。

You probably know remember how to say "fuse" now:
2.保险丝
There's a faulty connection in the fuse-box. 保险丝盒里接错了线。
I've fused all the lights. 我把保险丝烧断了，电灯全都灭了。

In "断" and "修" there are "d" and "x"."d" is pronounced like d as in "day", but is pronounced more lightly than in English."x" is pronounced like sh as in "sheep", with the tongue forward.

Upper Intermediate - A Chinese Bachelor Party
It’s better for you to remember these words and sentences:
1，        商量
As to the price, we may talk it over.
至于价钱，我们可以商量商量。
Are these things negotiable?
这些可以再商量商量吗？
2，        来宾
all the guests; every guest.
各位来宾。
They are courteous to their guests.
他们对来宾彬彬有礼。
l is pronounced like l as in "like". ai is pronounced like i as in "fine".

Intermediate: A Tour of Xi'an
Which city is the provincial capital of Shaanxi?
1. 西安
I have been to Xi'an and Shanghai. 我去过西安和上海。
What is the most famous historic site in Xi'an? 最著名的西安古迹是什么？

顺手 is an interesting word. Its direct English translation would be "handy", but Chinese never use it as "handy". See examples below.
2. 顺手
It was done without a hitch. 事情办得相当顺手。
He tossed the newspaper away. 他把那张报纸顺手一抛。

In “肉” and “回” there are “r” and “h”. “r” is pronounced with the tongue curled back as for l in "laugh", but with the tip of the tongue not touching the roof of the mouth, while “h” is pronounced like h as in "how", but is pronounced further back in the throat, and is accompanied by a stronger puff of air than in English.

Elementary - Asking about What to Wear
Two important words for you to remember in this lesson:
1. 见, meaning "to see", is used in lots of different situations:
Good bye till the day after tomorrow. 后天见。
have an audience with 晋见

And how do we say "should"?
2. 应该
We should be the equal of our word. 我们应该言行一致。
Good thing. 应该的。

In “见” and “应” there are “j” and “y”. j is pronounced like j as in "jeep", with the tongue forward, while y is pronounced like y as in "yes"; except that the syllable yi is pronounced like ee as in "bee".

Upper Intermediate：Arrival in Jizhou

It's useful to remember these words and sentences:

1. 荒凉, wild (with a negative feeling attached to it)

wild scenery

荒凉的景色

a scene of desolation

一片荒凉

2. 探索, probe

probe the secrets of the universe

探索宇宙的秘密

probe into the essence of things

探索事物的本质

In “凉” and “索” there are “l” and “s”. “l” is pronounced like l as in “like”, while “s” is pronounced like s as in "" sand"", but is pronounced more strongly than in English.

Hello RJBerki,

Thanks for all that detailed research and play around with AIChinese! We use a lot of native voices but all of them have to achieve 2.1（二级甲等） in thePSC：PUTONGHUA SHUIPING CESHI designed to test a native Chinese speaking. Therefore, there won't be various accents even if speakers are from different regions. That way, we make sure our learners are compared to the authentic Chinese standard.

Although CPod has a lot of new words, the actually combination of initials, finals and tones are limited to about 1000. For example, 妻 and 七, they are two characters but sound exactly the same anyway. Therefore the AI technology has already covered all of them. So it is always comparison between the learner and the many native, nothing to do with Chinesepod's standard voice.

Hope that answer your questions. Anything else, please feel free to ask!

I have two questions for AI

1. You have stated that our pronunciations are compared to a statistical average of many native voices. If this is an average of various accents and speakers from different regions, how does that affect the usefulness of that average?

2. When vocab files are imported from cpod, are we still compared to that word from your statistical database or just to that one voice coming from cpod?

HELLO ，everyone,I 'm a Chinese,my name is Wuyuanlu(伍远露)，my English name is Five Remotedew.I want to make friends for USA beacause my English is very poor.THIS IS my e-mail:i#wuyuanlu.com("#"="@")

Newbie: Anybody home?
How do we say "no" in Chinese?
1. 不是
No, not that. 不，不是那样。
No, it is actually not. 不，实际上不是。

In 不(bú), "b" is pronounced like "b" as in "bell", but is pronounced more lightly than in English.
In 是(shì), "sh" is pronounced like "sh" as in "shop", with the tongue curled back somewhat.

And what about "we"?
2. 我们
We love our company. 我们爱我们的公司。
We love each other very much. 我们相亲相爱。

In 我(wǒ), "w" is pronounced like "w" as in "wood".
In 们(mén), "m" is pronounced like "m" as in "month".

Intermediate:Adjusting the Temperature
Do you remember how to say air conditioning in Chinese?
1.空调
Is there air-conditioning? 有空调吗?
The air-conditioner is under way. 空调正开着。

And "button" or "press a button"?
2.按键
Touch tome telephone. 按键式电话机。
He pressed the button to call the lift. 他按键招呼电梯。

Some pronuciation tips: in "吹" and "低" there are "ch" and "d". "ch" is pronounced like ch as in "chalk", with the tongue curled back somewhat. "d" is pronounced like d as in "day", but is pronounced more lightly than in English.

Intermediate - A Magazine Subscription

It’s better for you to remember these words and sentences:

1. 发呆
He is stupefied with grief [terror].  他因忧郁[恐怖]而发呆。
His eyes set.  他的眼神发呆。
2. 送
present (a gift); make a present of sth.   馈送  
(of a woman) make eyes; ogle; cast amorous glances送秋波

In “发” and “送” there are “f” and “s”.  f is pronounced like f as in "five", with the tongue forward, while  s is pronounced like s as in "sand", but is pronounced more strongly than in English , with the tongue forward.

A Chinese Bachelor Party
It’s better for you to remember these words and sentences:
1，    商量
As to the price, we may talk it over.
至于价钱，我们可以商量商量。
Ms. Wilson: Are these things negotiable?
这些可以再商量商量吗？
2，    来宾
all the guests; every guest.
各位来宾。
They are courteous to their guests.
他们对来宾彬彬有礼。
l is pronounced like l as in "like". ai is pronounced like i as in "fine".

Intermediate：Getting to Know the Beauty Pageant Judges

How do we say judges in Chinese?

1. 评委

he members of the jury (The judges) selected the finalists. 评委选出决赛选手。

Her charm prejudiced the judges in her favour. 她姿色迷人, 因而评委都偏向她。

What are judges for?

2. 公平

He dispenses equal justice to all. 他对所有人一律公平对待。

The American flag stands for freedom and justice. 美国国旗代表自由及公平。

We have learned two ""ping2"" in the above words. 平 and 评 pronounce the same. Interestingly they both pronounce the same as ""ping"" in English but with the second tone. Easy, isn't it?

Intermediate - A Short Haircut

It’s better for you to remember these words and sentences:
1、剪
她剪掉了一束头发。
She cut a wisp of hair off.
他从玫瑰树上剪下一枝插条。
He took a cutting from a rose.

2、好像
好像要下雨了。
It looks as if it is going to rain.
好像她已出去好几天了。
It looks as if she's gone away for a few days.

In “剪” and “好像” there are “j” and “x”. j is pronounced like j as in ""jeep"", with the tongue forward. x is pronounced like sh as in ""sheep"", with the tongue forward. "

Intermediate - A Magazine Subscription

You may seldom 发呆 when the delivery guy 送 you a magazine, but we have the following two interesting words for you.

1. 发呆

with a blank look...

He is stupefied with grief [terror].  他因忧郁[恐怖]而发呆。

His eyes set.  他的眼神发呆。

2. 送

present (a gift); make a present of sth.   馈送  

(of a woman) make eyes; ogle; cast amorous glances送秋波 

In “发” and “送” there are “f” and “s”.  f is pronounced like f as in "five", with the tongue forward, while  s is pronounced like s as in "sand", but is pronounced more strongly than in English , with the tongue forward. 

Upper Intermediate: An Invitation to the God of Wealth

Two words are very popular amongst Chinese with the reference to God of Wealth.

1st of all is of course the God of Wealth himself

1. 财神 - God of Wealth

Welcome the God of Wealth in NEW YEAR. 新春迎财神。

2. 红火 - on red fire, which means going on very well.

His business came on very well.他的生意非常红火。

The paper seems to be thriving.这家报纸正办的红火。

In “财” and “神” there are “c” and “sh”. c is pronounced like ts as in ""hats"". 

while sh is pronounced like sh as in ""shop"", with the tongue curled back somewhat. 

Hey guys, it appears AIChinese doesn't like Linux. Couldn't get it to work using Firefox or Chromium. Would like to give it a spin otherwise.

Upper Intermediate:4S Dealership

The following two words are very common in Chinese day-to-day conversations and we recommend you remember them:

1.气派

The piano gives the room a touch of style.这架钢琴把房间衬托得很有气派。

He had a stalwart figure and walked with an air.他身材魁梧，走起路来很有气派。

2.售后服务

This firm provided a back-up service free of charge.这家公司免费提供售后服务。

Complaint is piling up about the after - sale service.人们对售后服务抱怨日益增多。

Some pronunciation tips:

In ""馈"" and ""斩"" there are ""k"" and ""zh"".""k"" is pronounced like k as in ""kite"", but is accompanied by a stronger puff of air than in English.""zh"" is pronounced like j as in ""jam"", with the tongue curled back somewhat."

Thanks for the tips AI. Personally, I find AI great for doing the new vocab list. This way I can master the characters, the tones, the pronunciations (initials, finals, and tones) , and the meanings, all at once, as one combination, right from the beginning. I usually open two tabs, the other so I can do Cpod's "Skritter light" for each new word as I use the AI tool to develop the correct pronunciation. Works great. Thanks Cpod for all the great tools. Learning Chinese in the 21st century! Way cool.

Elementary - Trick or Treat!

We learnt 万圣节 in this lesson. 

万 wan4 actually means ten of thousands

圣 sheng4 means saint

节 jie2 means festival

So all together literally it means ten of thousands of saints' festival. :D

Chinese tend to use 万 to indicate a lot but not necessarily mean ten of thousands. For example,

万人敌 - to indicate strong and skillful fighter

万箭齐发 - to indicate a lot of arrows shooting at the same time

Intermediate - Reserving a Taxi Cab by Telephone

We learnt "强生" in this lesson and know it is a company name. Actually this is another example of pronunciation-based translation in Chinese. 

Next we would like to present some examples of other famous “foreign” companies' translation in China. Try guess who they are:

飞利浦

康柏

西门子

劳斯莱斯

惠而浦

Answers：

Philips

Compell

Siemens

Rolls-Royce

whirlpool

You're welcome to add more by replying to this post!  

Elementary - Fasten that Safety Belt

We learn 系 in this lesson as a verb.

系 can also be used as a noun and when it is used as a noun, it should be pronounced as xi4. It means department, faculty, division in a system. 

For example:

工程系 Engineering Department

系统 System

Chinesepod lesson - 闪婚 (advanced)

马拉松恋爱，马拉松 means Marathon，Because it takes a long time to finish a full marathon, Chinese tends to use this to indicate a relatively long terms. 

Another examples would be:

马拉松谈判，long long negotiation

马拉松会议，long long meeting

马拉松 pronounce as ma3 la1 song1，it is actually translated purely by pronunciation. If you look into the phrase literally:

马 - horse

拉 - pull

松 - pine

So it means horse pulling pine. :) 

In Chinese, there are a lot of phrases translated by pronunciation. 

咖啡 ka1 fei1 - coffee

沙发 sha1 fa1 - sofa

Try to find some yourself and share with us! Have a nice weekend! 

Help calling a cab

This lesson tells how to ask for help reserving a cab in Mandarin Chinese.

叫车 means to call a taxi.

帮 means to help. We may use this structure : 帮 + someone + V. So we can say请帮我叫（一）辆车 (Please help me call a taxi).

Please remember the saying : 请帮我+ V (Please help me…) . It is very formal and polite.

In this lesson we learn the two words “一会儿” and “哪儿”. They are pronounced as “yí huìr” and “nǎr” respectively. This is what we called “儿化”. In Chinese the final “er” sometimes does not form a syllable by itself but is attached to another final to form a retroflex final. A retroflex final is represented by the letter “r” added to the final. In actual writing, “儿” is added to the character in question. So “儿” in “一会儿” and “哪儿” does not have specific meaning.

Thanks!

Taxable Salary

“规定” is used as a noun in this lesson。However, it can also be used as a verb. It is normally used in government ruling out policy. For example: 英国政府规定，年收入低于6000英镑的不需要缴纳个人所得税。

“外籍” means with foreign passport. 籍 is used widely in Chinese. For example,
“美籍华人”: Chinese American
“英籍华人”: Chinese British

“籍” initial: J and final: i.
For a lot of people, j is a difficult sound. They would normally produce something like zh.

ji is an unaspirated voiceless palatal affricate. This sound is pronounced by first putting the tip of the tongue against the lower teeth and blocking the air with its front part against the hard palate, and the dropping to release the air. The vocal cords do not vibrate.

I do find AIChinese useful. Getting the tones right is fairly easy now, but getting the tones plus the initials and finals on each word can be a challenge. It is a great way to learn new lesson vocabulary. A great way to learn the hanzi, definitions, and tones all right from the begining.