When you go out to eat in China, the word “菜(cài)” is ever-present. This one word is used to describe dishes, such as “家常菜(jiācháng cài) home-style dishes;” vegetables such as “白菜(báicài) bok choy,” or simply “蔬菜 (shūcài) vegetables;” cuisines, such as “法国菜(Fǎguó cài) French cuisine;” …
For Shakespeare’s Hamlet, to be, or not to be: that is the question.
Here in Chinese learning, 客气(kèqi) or 不客气(bú kèqi), that is the question!
Please look at the following conversation to see when it is 客气(kèqi) or 不客气(bú kèqi).
Zhōngwén de “bú kèqi” …
Regardless of the language, the number of words used to refer to the two sexes is vast and their meaning can change according to context. Using the improper word may cause not only misunderstandings but also embarrassment.
For example, once an American couple invited their …
The Internet is quickly establishing itself as the de facto media platform. This has led to a growing culture that is distinct to online users and also rapidly spreads into our daily lives with China being no exception. Chinese Internet slang, created by over …
Chinese Culture
Does 老only show old age? There’s a few things you should know about “老Old” in Chinese culture.
When you’re in China, you might notice just how often the word 老(lǎo) is used all around you. The frequent use is actually on account of …
Mary and Lucy are going to the movies together.
Lily, nǐ zǒu kuài yì diǎn, diànyǐnɡ mǎshànɡ jiù yào kāishǐ le. Mary：Lily，你走 快 一 点， 电影 马上 就 要 开始 了。
Lái le lái le, wǒmen jìnqù bɑ. Lily：来 了 来 了，我们 进去 吧。
What …
The right answer for this test is A. Translation: Lily, nǐ zǒu kuài yì diǎn, diànyǐng mǎshàng jiù yào kāishǐ le. Mary：Lily, 你 走 快 一 点， 电影 马上 就 要 开始 了。
Walk fast, Lily. The movie’s going to start …
Eric had been in China for less than a year. He didn’t know much Chinese, and made mistakes from time to time. One day, he was late for his Chinese class. Here’s the conversation between him and his teacher. Lǎoshī: Wèi shénme chídào? 老师： 为 …
When you’ve been invited to a social event in China, it’s courtesy to bring a special gift for the host. For this the options are nearly limitless: food, clothes, books etc. However, there are a few exceptions. For example, in China, a clock “钟(zhōng)” should …
Key Learning Point Preview：安全 (ānquán) adj./n. safe/safety Story:
After spending the evening together, Lucy and Lily are saying goodbye and getting ready to go home. Zhème wǎnle, wǒ yǒudiǎn hàipà! Lucy：这么 晚了，我 有点 害怕！ I’m a bit scared to go outside so late.
Nǐ zhǎng …
The right answer for the Chinese test is C. Analysis:
In China, the common activity of chewing gum is called 嚼口香糖(jiáo kǒuxiāngtáng). Gum is called口香糖, or 泡泡糖(pàopàotáng), which in English is translated into “bubble gum.” We use the verbs嚼 ( jiáo) …
Nǐ zài chī shénme a? Lisa: 你 在 吃 什么 啊？ Wǒ zài chī kǒuxiāngtáng. Emily: 我 在 吃 口香糖。 What does Emily say in this conversation?
A: She’s eating an apple.
B: She’s eating a piece of bread.
C: She’s chewing gum.
…Key learning point: 达人(dárén): an expert or someone who is outstanding in a specified field
What is your “达人(dárén) talent?”
中国达人秀 (zhōngguó dárénxiù)
中国达人秀 (zhōngguó dárénxiù) or China’s Got Talent, a show which searches for talent within the public, has taken the Chinese word 达人 …
Key learning point:
同志 (tóngzhì): n. comrade / gay or lesbian
One day, while studying the word “同志 (tóngzhì),” a foreigner suddenly declared to his Chinese friend, “我是一个男同志 (Wǒ shì yígè nán tóngzhì).”
His friend burst into laughter. Let’s take a look and find out …
Ellie’ s phone is ringing, she picks it up and answers.
___, nǐ hǎo. Ellie: ___，你好。
Hello!
Ellie, wǒ shì Mary. Mary: Ellie，我 是Mary。
Ellie , it’ s Mary.
Shì nǐ ya, yǒu shénme shì ma? Ellie: 是 你 呀，有 什么 事 吗？
Wow, it’s …
The correct answer to this test is A. Analysis:
The options in the test are three interjections, we will explain it as follow. In Chinese, when people answer the phone, they always start with”喂（wèi）Hello!” It is like “Hi!”or “Hello!” in English. As …
Every year on the seventh day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar (this year it falls on August 23) is Chinese Valentine’s Day “七夕节(Qīxījié).” As is the custom elsewhere in the world, this is a day devoted to romance. Chinese Valentine’s Day is …
The correct answer to this test is A.
Analysis:
A. 求婚 (qiúhūn) means a proposal of marriage. B. 表白 (biǎobái) means the confession of love. C. 过生日 (guò shēngrì) means to celebrate one’s birthday.
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Are you ready for “七夕节 (Qīxījié)” Chinese Valentine’s Day? Look at the picture below and choose the proper Chinese expression.
A. 求婚 (qiúhūn)
B. 表白 (biǎobái)
C. 过生日 (guò shēngrì)
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In the Internet age, avatars are everywhere. Do you use an avatar on Facebook or your real picture?
Do you know how to say “avatar” in Chinese? A. 头像 (tóuxiàng) B. 照片 (zhàopiàn) C. 图片 (túpiàn)
