The Hangzhou G20 summit: know “峰会 (fēnghuì)” to describe it
The G20 (or G-20 or Group of Twenty) is an international forum for the governments of 20 of the largest economies in the world. Each year, the G20 holds an annual “summit,”or “meeting,” to address many of the world’s economic and financial problems. Past locations …
Chinese brides: The Cinderella’s of China’s past
You are probably very familiar with the fairytale Cinderella, but did you know there was a custom in ancient China much like this story? The bridegroom in China would actually use a shoe to tell if it’s his bride! Much like in the children’s story, …
Test Yourself with this Sample HSK Quiz-Advanced
Zuò wán shǒushù, Liú dàifu de shǒu dōu zhǒng le, _______ tā xīnlǐ shì gāoxìng de. 做 完 手术, 刘 大夫 的 手 都 肿 了,_______ 他心里 是 高兴 的。 After completing the surgery, Doctor Liu’s hand was swollen, but in his heart he was …
Answer to Test Yourself with this Sample HSK Quiz-Advanced
Correct Answer: C Zuò wán shǒushù, Liú dàifu de shǒu dōu zhǒng le, kě tā xīnlǐ shì gāoxìng de. 做 完 手术, 刘 大夫 的 手 都 肿 了,可 他心里 是 高兴 的。 After completing the surgery, Doctor Liu’s hand was swollen, but in his …
Answer to Learn how to read important signs in Chinese
Correct Answers: 1. A 2. D
Zhèlǐ jìnzhǐ tíngchē! 这里 禁止 停车! No parking here!
Bówùguǎn jìnzhǐ pāizhào. 博物馆 禁止 拍照。 You can’t take pictures in the Museum.
Learn how to read important signs in Chinese
Seen regularly around town, many foreigners will notice signs featuring the Chinese characters “禁止 (jìnzhǐ).” From street signs near buildings and public offices, or even on the side of the road these characters are very important to know! They may even save your life one …
Learn “完蛋了(wándàn le)” if you are “Over With” (Advanced)
Has your boat ever “gone under?”
We have all been in those doomed situations, sometimes.
In English, you might express this situation as being “doomed,” “in trouble,” or “in a bad spot.”
In Chinese, you can say “完蛋了 (wándàn le).” Your business is closing? The …
Answer to Do you know Chinese measure words? Try this Sample HSK Quiz
Correct Answer: A Tā gěi wǒ jì lái le yì zhāng túpiàn. 他 给 我 寄 来 了 一 张 图片。 He sent me a picture.
Since there is no equivalent in English for certain measure words, you have to associate them with a similar …
Do you know Chinese measure words? Try this Sample HSK Quiz
Tā gěi wǒ jì lái le yì ______ túpiàn. 他 给 我 寄 来 了 一______ 图片。 He sent me a picture. A. 张 (zhāng) B. 个 (gè) C. 封 (fēng) D. 篇 (piān)
Chinese story for kids: Why do cats always want to eat mice? (Intermediate)
Do you know why cats always want to eat mice? Read the following story to find out!
Listen to the whole story:
Key Learning Points (Preview):
睡 (shuì): v. to sleep
吃 (chī): v. to eat
Hěn jiǔ yǐqián, māo hé lǎoshǔ jìshì línju, yòushì …
Why Chinese “拔火罐 (báhuǒguàn)” has gained attention at the 2016 Rio Olympics
Another Olympic season has passed, and the same as the past few Olympics since 2008 in Beijing, swimming dominated the headlines. Particularly, the swimmers themselves made headlines from Rio to around the world. The most famous swimmer, 25-time gold medal winner Michael Phelps drew attention …
Where can I learn Mandarin Chinese online?
Chinese is growing in popularity, so there are new ways to learn online popping up every day. They aren’t all good though. I believe the best resource is, of course, you can work one-to-one with qualified instructors online. Here are some of the other…
Learn “夺duó” for the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics
Since China’s dramatic and successful hosting of the 2008 Olympic Games “奥运会 (Aoyùnhuì),” the Chinese people have considered The Olympics as a point of pride for their country. The Beijing games, and its colorful opening ceremony, captured the attention of the world and are still …
China makes waves at 2016 Rio Olympics
1. How to say “gold medal” in Chinese? A. 金牌 (jīnpái) B. 银牌 (yínpái) C. 铜牌 (tóngpái) 2. Zuó wǎn ____ kàn Àoyùnhuì le, jīntiān kěnéng huì _____. 昨 晚 ____ 看 奥运会 了,今天 可能 会 _____。 I stayed up late last night to watch …
Answer to China Makes Waves at 2016 Rio Olympics
Correct Answers 1. A 2. B C The Summer Olympic Games in Rio are coming to an end. So far, the United State earned forty-six”金牌 (jīnpái) gold medals” and China has claimed twenty-six “金牌 (jīnpái) gold medals.” So many excellent athletes have left a deep …



