和尚 (héshang): n. monk
挑水 (tiāoshuǐ): v.to draw water
Shānshàng yǒu zuò xiǎomiào, miàolǐ yǒu gè xiǎo héshang. 山上 …
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: 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 …
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)”
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) (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 …
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 …
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, …
“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 …
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 (Yāsuìqián de gùshi) The Story of Pocket Money for Children on Lunar New Year’s Day
哭 (kū):
to cry
宝贝 (bǎobèi):
baby/ take sth/ sb as treasured one
告诉 (gàosù):
to tell
Gǔ …
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: 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 (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 …
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 …
