ChinesePod - Beginner Elementary | Wrong Way on the Subway
Aug 25, 2025
Navigate the bustling subways of Beijing and Shanghai with ease! Discover how to ask if you’re on the right line and what to do if you’re heading in the wrong direction. Learn about the useful particle 吧 for seeking confirmation. Hear personal stories from the hosts about their own subway mix-ups—because everyone has been there! With practical phrases at your fingertips, you'll be ready to tackle any train journey like a local!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Hosts Share Wrong-Train Experiences
- John recalls getting on the wrong train sometimes and emphasizes it's fixable.
- Jenny says native knowledge of landmarks helps avoid directional mistakes in Shanghai.
How Subway Lines Are Named
- 一号线 breaks down as 一 (one) + 号 (number) + 线 (line), a common naming system.
- Most Chinese cities use numbered lines like 二号线, 三号线 for subway routes.
Confirm The Line And Destination
- Ask which line you're on by saying “请问这是一号线吗?” to confirm the train line.
- Use 可以...吧 to check if you can reach a destination and seek confirmation politely.