Chinese people have their own special ways to ask about someone’s name. How familiar are you with these customary phrases? Try the following test to find out! Which is NOT a proper reply? Zhāng Míng: Nín guì xìng? 张 明： 您 贵 姓？ Zhang Ming: …
In the test, “姓(xìng)” refers to one’s surname, or family name. When asking somebody’s “姓(xìng),” we usually add “贵(guì)” out of politeness and to show our respect. However, to answer the question, we shouldn’t add “贵(guì)” as a way of showing our humility. We can …
商务就餐礼仪之敬酒 (Shāngwù jiùcān lǐyí zhī jìngjiǔ) Toasting Etiquette at a Business Dinner
Key Learning Points (Preview):
敬酒 (jìngjiǔ): v.to propose a toast
除非 (chúfēi): conj. unless
“敬酒 (jìngjiǔ) Toasting” is an important part of dinner in China, especially at business dinners. One should follow the …
In a recent newsletter, we introduced the key Chinese phrases you will need to buy “火车票(huǒchēpiào) train tickets” in China. With all the choices you have when it comes to type and class of travel, it can certainly get a little confusing. Now that you …
(Learn Chinese through Cartoons)
Cóngqián yǒu yígè gōngzhǔ, tāde pífū báide xiàng xuě, suóyǐ guówáng gěi tā qǐmíng wéi báixuě 从前 有 一个 公主， 她的 皮肤 白得 像 雪，所以 国王 给 她 起名 为 白雪 gōngzhǔ. Dànshì gōngzhǔ de māma qùshì dé hěnzǎo. 公主。 但是 …
One of the best things about traveling in China is the country’s convenient transportation network. China’s cities are well connected by trains, which are generally quick, comfortable, and with regular departures to choose from. To enjoy your trip in China, you must learn some essential …
Answer: C The key word in this test is “随便(suíbiàn).” Generally, the word is used in two ways: 1. We can use “随便(suíbiàn)” as a verb which means “ to do as one wishes” or as a conjunction which means “no matter,” indicating that one …
Read the dialogue below and answer the question that follows. Mǎ Kè: Amy, wǒmen qù chīfàn ba. Nǐ xiǎng chī shénme? 马 克：Amy，我们 去 吃饭 吧。你 想 吃 什么？ Mark: Amy, let’s dine out, what do you wan to eat?
Amy: Suíbiàn. Wǒ chī shénme …
筷子 (kuàizi): n. chopsticks
涵养 (hányǎng): n.good behavior
As you are doing business with Chinese people, you may have used “筷子 (kuàizi) chopsticks.” But do you know the taboos of using this dining tool? The following list has five things you must know about the …
Sòngcháo de shíhou, yǒu yí gè jiào Wén Tóng de huàjiā, hěn shàncháng huà zhúzi. 宋朝 的 时候， 有 一 个 叫 文 同 的 画家， 很 擅长 画 竹子。 In the Song Dynasty, there was an artist whose name was Wen Tong; he was …
New technology is being developed every day, and the Chinese are always up-to-date on what’s hot, with the newest gadget in hand. People in China are especially obsessed with smartphones. Take a trip on a bus or the subway in any Chinese city and have …
Correct Answers
1. A 2. A Not sure about the answer? No problem! Have a look at the following article then come back to the quiz when you’re ready!
<<Back to “Are You a Smartphone Addict? 手机控(shǒujīkòng)/低头族(dītóuzú)”
Answer: B Let’s take a look at the answer choices. As for A and C, “你真棒(Nǐ zhēn bàng)” and “你真牛(Nǐ zhēn niú)” both mean “You are great” in English and they are usually used in compliments.
Lǐ Lán: Wǒ tōngguò miànshì le! 李 兰：我 …
Compliments can be helpful in a lot of social situations. Maybe you need to suck up to your boss, flatter a pretty girl, or you just feel like letting someone know they’ve done a good job. So, do you know how to compliment someone in …
(Learn Chinese through listening to popular kids’ songs.) Xiăobáitù guāiguai, bă mén kāi kāi, kuàidiăn kāi kāi, wǒ yào jìnlái. 小白兔 乖乖， 把 门 开 开，快点 开 开，我 要 进来。 Little rabbit, hurry up and open the door, I want to come in.
Bù …
Recently, a Chinese cat named Luhu was deemed “the most depressed cat in the world” by many netizens, thanks to the permanently gloomy expression on the feline’s face.
Meanwhile, Grumpy Dog, a pooch from America with an annoyed look, went viral on the internet after …
中国商务送礼禁忌 (Zhōngguó shāngwù sònglǐ jìnjì) Taboos of giving business gifts in China
Key Learning Points (Preview):
送礼 (sònglǐ): v. to give gift
商务往来 (shāngwù wǎnglái): n. business exchanges/doing business with others
“送礼 (sònglǐ) Gift giving ” is an important part of “商务往来 (shāngwù wǎnglái) doing …
