If you’re interested in learning Cantonese, you might be wondering where to start. Well, this is the list for you! This post will show 11 of the most beneficial podcasts that can help anyone learn the language and have fun while doing it!
There are over 1 billion people who speak Cantonese worldwide. With these podcasts, we hope that number increases even more. So without further ado, let’s get started on our journey to mastering this beautiful language with these helpful resources.
Cantonese Podcasts
PODCASTS FOR BEGINNERS
1.CantoneseClass101
Cantoneseclass101 was the first-ever podcast that I listened to when learning Cantonese in Apr 2021. It is an extremely helpful resource for anyone who’s learning this language.
The episode starts from scratch and the speakers share things at a slow pace, making it easier for beginners to understand them.
Unique features:
Each episode share comes with audio, definition, example sentences, and cultural insight and is made accessible online on its site. If you listen to all the episodes in Cantoneseclass101 even the basic ones, your listening comprehension will improve greatly.
Cantoneseclass101 has over 50 episodes (and counting) so be sure to check it out if you’re interested.
It has got good reviews too.
Price:
A free trial is made accessible for Cantoneseclass101 to try the basic plan. After that, it is either $119 for the whole year or you can pay on a month-to-month basis at $12.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT CANTONESECLASS101
2. Learn Cantonese Daily
It is another podcast that is extremely helpful for beginners and advanced students alike. The grammar points are explained in great detail with audio, example sentences, and also share cultural insight.
Unique features:
In addition to the podcasts, they also have a blog that explains and shares new vocabulary words, phrases, idioms, and slang in a fun way.
Cantoneseclass101 and Learn Cantonese Daily are both top resources for beginners who have already received their fundamentals in Cantonese such as the numbers, days of the week, and other beginner vocab.
Price:
$7.99-14.99 per month, depending on how long you subscribe.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT LEARN CANTONESE DAILY
3. Cantonese For Travel And Beginners
I love this podcast. It goes at a slow and steady pace. The hosts go over and share the vocabulary at a slower pace, explaining key phrases used when traveling. They also promote culture-knowledge and tips for travelers that will help you get around your destination safely. It has got good content reviews too. Simply search it on your browser and you can get and reach the show.
Unique features:
It is a great supplemental tool to have as you love this language. With fun information about the culture and travel tips, you can’t go wrong with this show.
It has over 20 (and counting) episodes so be sure to check it out if you’re looking for an engaging podcast that’s helpful for beginners like me.
Price:
Free
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT CANTONESE FOR TRAVEL AND BEGINNERS
4. Popup Cantonese
If you’re looking for something more interactive than just listening then check out this podcast. This podcast will give you exposure to real-world phrases you’ll need for your vacation in Hong Kong. The learning curve is very gradual which makes it perfect for those who’ve never been to China and want to learn the basics of the language before going there. You can come back to the telecasts anytime to know and revise pretty much everything
Unique features:
It is a fun way to learn new phrases, slang, and cultural insights. It’s like having a local friend teaching you the language. The episode starts by going over simple words and phrases that you can use when trying to order some food or find your way around town.
In addition, they also explain unique aspects of the Hong Kong community which is always a fun bonus.
Price:
Free
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT POPUP CANTONESE
INTERMEDIATE
1. Cantonese And Mandarin For Medical Matters
Cantonese And Mandarin For Medical Matters is not a podcast for beginners, it’s a resource for seekers who are more advanced in this Chinese language and want to learn some Mandarin in time as well.
This program can help almost anyone once they’ve gone through the beginner stage where most seekers begin their Cantonese journey. The lessons are extremely useful if you’re interested in studying or working in the medical field because this program focuses on proper pronunciation and common phrases used by doctors and nurses when taking a patient history, giving treatment, etc. It has got good reviews too.
Unique features:
Many medical-related terms are shared in Cantonese.
The reason I think this specific program is beneficial is that medical-related terminology in this Chinese language isn’t that different from the words used in everyday language. That means you can join it and use the words you learn in this telecast and apply them to other daily activities.
Price:
$180 for the whole year
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT CANTONESE AND MANDARIN FOR MEDICAL MATTERS
2. Cantonese Conversations
It goes over typical topics people discuss when they meet new friends or colleagues, such as sports, school life, entertainment, time and more. It’s relayed on the radio too.
The relay is also accompanied by example sentences and cultural insight which makes it a great resource for students looking to improve their listening comprehension without reading a book even for a day.
Unique features:
These are conversations about daily life and real-world topics in this popular language where the speakers start and share colloquially. The audio files here should be sufficient for most intermediate students to follow along.
It has over 10 episodes (and counting) available online in 2021 on its site that you can join, so be sure to check it out if you’re interested.
Price:
The basic trial option is available, then it costs $7 per month or $70 per year, paid annually.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT CANTONESE CONVERSATIONS
3. Cantonese Pod
The host of Cantonese Pod Inc. gives an insightful episode about Cantonese. In each episode, the host breaks down difficult topics such as grammar and conversations.
These are vocabulary lists and dialogs with audio in this popular language that you can learn. Each telecast tackles a specific topic so you don’t have to listen to the entire series from start to finish if you’re not interested.
Unique features:
The program also comes with audio, example sentences, and cultural insight which makes it a great resource for students looking to learn and improve their listening, and spoken comprehension without reading a book.
Price:
$10 per month, paid annually which is not much.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT CANTONESE POD
4.ChinesePod Lessons
Once you’ve gone through beginner Cantonese and are somewhat familiar with the language, this podcast is great because it’s more interactive than just listening on your own. It helps to improve spoken skills.
Each episode comes with a worksheet that can be downloaded from their website which allows students to practice writing characters on their own time as well as fill in gaps in comprehension by completing multiple-choice questions about what they just listened to.
Unique features:
Not only does ChinesePod allow for self-studying but there are active community forums for discussion where students can ask questions if they get lost or confused during lessons.
Price:
The trial is available, then it is for $1 per month or $11 for the whole year
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT CHINESE LESSONS
ADVANCED
1. SBS Cantonese
In SBS Cantonese, the hosts discuss Cantonese news and go over the vocabulary surrounding those topics. The great thing about this podcast is that you will be exposed to new vocabulary words each time you listen.
If you’re planning to live in Hong Kong, this podcast is helpful as it’s not meant even a little bit for beginners. It makes you think and promote you try to come around everything Cantonese a little bit.
Unique features:
There are 2-3 lessons released each week and they usually focus on a different topic. Besides the dialogue, there are also vocabulary lists that allow listeners to check if they’re able to understand new words in context.
Each episode includes transcripts with the English translation so it’s great for those who want to learn Cantonese but already use another dialect of Chinese.
Price:
No cost
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT SBS CANTONESE
2. HKPUG podcast for Cantonese
Another place where students can ask questions and get feedback from fellow learners and native speakers in 2021 is the HKPUG podcast Inc. for Cantonese. This was started by the same people across and behind Cantonese Daily so you already know it’s going to be good.
Like on ChinesePod, there are weekly lessons and each dialogue includes an accompanying script that comes with English translations. This top show would help you to improve your spoken skills day by day.
Unique features:
If you have no interest in writing characters then this is the best Cantonese podcast for you in 2024 because their focus is entirely on the Cantonese language itself.
Price:
Zero cost.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT THE HKPUG PODCAST FOR CANTONESE
3. Fountain of Love and life Cantonese Podcast
One thing that sets this podcast apart from others is that each episode focuses on a different story with its topic such as “The First Time I Went To Hong Kong” and “Old Hong Kong.”
Listening to these stories in 2024 will help increase comprehension skills by allowing students to simultaneously listen and read along. They also have notes available for free download on their website that would include vocabulary lists. It’s relayed on the radio too.
Unique features:
In addition, there are also Cantonese practice sheets for each episode which allows learners to check if they’re able to recall words and phrases correctly after listening to the dialogue.
One tip I have is that even though this podcast is great for learning new things in context in 2024, you may want to refer back to previous lessons because they would not repeat vocab and phrases as often as other podcasts do.
Price:
Zero cost.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT THE FOUNTAIN OF LOVE AND LIFE CANTONESE PODCAST
Conclusion
Having access to different resources is a great way to improve your Cantonese skills. In addition, I love podcasts because it’s a great and engaging way to practice the language. They’re also fun and helpful for improving listening comprehension.
If you ask me, I found CantoneseClass101 the best for me as a beginner in Apr 2021. This is because CantoneseClass101 uses a balance of reading, writing, and listening comprehension practices to establish the basics of Cantonese.
It does not teach from pre-packaged content lessons- meaning we make and share our own stories with fluid vocabulary and grammar structures that flow nicely in conversation with authentic speakers from all over China. Finally, all learning is done through games and fun activities that make all the difference.
To find what’s best for you, be sure to check out these Cantonese Podcasts in 2024. I guarantee they’ll be a great tool in your Cantonese learning arsenal in 2024 as you continue on your journey. Don’t hesitate to share if you like the post.