Why 2016 Makes an Ancient Chinese Idiom Contradict Itself?
The Chinese idiom “猴年马月(hóunián mǎyuè)” literally means “monkey year, horse month” and is causing a lot of excitement on social media in China. Following the cycle of the 12 Chinese zodiacs, every 12 years is the year of the monkey. In accordance with this, each …
Answer to How the Lantern Festival Lights up China
Answer: D The Lantern Festival “元宵节(yuánxiāojié)” is technically the last day of the Chinese Spring Festival and is an uplifting, traditional holiday. The literal meaning of “元宵节(yuánxiāojié)” is the Sweet Dumpling Festival. There is a large variety of delicious food served during the festival, but …
How the Lantern Festival Lights up China?
A. Watch the dragon dance, or “舞龙舞狮(wǔlóng wǔshī)” B. Eat “汤圆 (tāngyuán) glutinous rice balls” C. Let off fireworks 烟花(yānhuā) in the street D. Enjoy viewing the moon, or “赏月(shǎngyuè)”
WeChat Lucky Money Taps into Chinese New Year Tradition
“微信红包” WeChat Lucky Money (wēixìn hóngbāo)
During the Spring Festival, Chinese adults will give children and elders “红包(hóngbāo),” known as Lucky Money or Red Envelopes in English, as a sign of luck and good fortune. However, this year, this Chinese tradition of …
商务问候 (Shāngwù wènhòu) Business Greetings (Beginner)
商务问候 (Shāngwù wènhòu) Business Greetings (Beginner) (Learn Chinese Business Etiquette Lessons with our teachers!) Speaking Chinese in a business setting is often challenging. Let’s see a dialogue below.
Key Learning Points (Preview): 你 (nĭ) and 您 (nín): pron you 第一天上班 Dì yī tiān …
A Kids’ Story- A Little Monkey Comes down from the Mountain
The Year of the Monkey is upon us! Hopefully it will be one of luck and prosperity for you all! We know monkeys can be mischievous little creatures, and the unlucky monkey in this story is no different. Let his mistakes teach you a little …
Are you Afraid of New Year’s Visits?
Please choose the correct answer to fill in the blank. Many young Chinese people, especially “leftover” men and women, who are not willing to pay New Year’s visits may suffer from 拜年(bàinián)______. A. 抑郁症(yìyùzhèng)
B. 恐惧症(kǒngjùzhèng)
C. 强迫症(qiángpòzhèng)
Not sure about the answer? No worries, …
Answer to “跑腿(pǎotuǐ)” Fancy Footwork Gets the Job Done! (Beginner)
“跑腿(pǎotuǐ)” doesn’t literally mean “to run with one’s legs”. It has two meanings. One is to serve others for money or for free. The other is to run here and there to do odds and ends for oneself. So “跑腿(pǎotuǐ)” actually means “to do legwork/footwork …
“跑腿(pǎotuǐ)” Fancy Footwork Gets the Job Done! (Beginner)
In Chinese, people often use “跑腿(pǎotuǐ)” when describing their jobs. What does this mean? Find out after completing this test!
Wáng Lín: Mǎ Kè, nǐde xīngōngzuò zěnmeyàng a? 王 琳：马 克，你的 新工作 怎么样 啊？ Wang Lin: Mark, how’s your new job? Mǎ Kè: Biétíle, tiāntiān …
压岁钱的故事 The Story of Pocket Money on Lunar New Year’s Day (Beginner)
压岁钱的故事 (Yāsuìqián de gùshi) The Story of Pocket Money for Children on Lunar New Year’s Day
Listen to the story
Key Learning Points (Preview):
哭 (kū):
v.
to cry
宝贝 (bǎobèi):
n/v.
baby/ take sth/ sb as treasured one
告诉 (gàosù):
v.
to tell
Gǔ …
Chinese Test: Joining the Red Envelope Frenzy for Spring Festival?
Mike: Spring Festival is coming up. I’m pretty excited. Dan: Yeah, maybe we’ll get some red envelopes.
What does “red envelope” mean in Chinese?
A. 包裹 (bāoguǒ) B. 红包 (hóngbāo) C. 礼物 (lǐwù) C. 情书 (qíngshū)
Answer to Chinese Test: Joining the Red Envelope Frenzy for Spring Festival?
Answer: B
Analysis:
A: “包裹 (bāoguǒ)” means “package.” B: “红包 (hóngbāo)” means “red envelope.” C: “礼物 (lǐwù)” means “present.” D: “情书 (qíngshū)” means “love letter.”
Culture Note:
In Chinese culture, a “红包 (hóngbāo) red envelope” is usually presented with good tidings written on it and …
商务介绍礼仪 Business Etiquette–Business Card Exchanges and Introduction (Beginner)
商务介绍礼仪 (Shāngwù jièshào lǐyí) Business Etiquette–Business Card Exchanges and Introduction
Key Learning Points (Preview):
介绍 (jièshào): v/n. to introduce/introduction
年龄 (niánlíng): n. age
名片 (míngpiàn): n. business card
In China, the first “介绍 (jièshào) introduction” is crucial in business relationships. It is a stepping …
Chinese Kids Story: The Crab’s Funny Walk (Beginner)
Mandarin Chinese Course: 横行的螃蟹 (Héngxíngde pángxiè) The Crab that Walks Sidewise
Key Learning Points (Preview):
螃蟹 (pángxiè) n. crab
难看 (nánkàn) adj. ugly
Yígè yuèguāng míngliàngde yèwǎn, xiǎo pángxiè zài shātān shàng zǒuzhe. 一个 月光 明亮的 夜晚， 小 螃蟹 在 沙滩 上 走着。 On a …
Answer to Three of China’s MOST Disgusting Foods
Correct Answers 1. A 2. D <<Back to “Three of China’s MOST Disgusting Foods”