Learning Mandarin Chinese is different from learning other languages such as Italian or French. It is nearly impossible to self-study Mandarin Chinese or learn through books and audio/video resources alone. To effectively learn Mandarin Chinese, you need to immerse yourself into a learning process with a native-speaking Chinese teacher. If possible, the opportunity to study ...

This movie is pretty good! The weather is pretty nice! He is pretty humorous! That jacket is pretty cool! See what we are getting at?

Exercises in the Video:
1. A: Judy, nĭ de zhōumò zĕnmeyàng?
    B: Tĭng búcuò de. I watched the Euro Cup.
    Which of the following statements is true according to the dialogue? Please ...

Have you tried Chinese white liquor before? Maotai or Erguotou, which do you prefer?

Exercises in the Video:
1. A: David, wǒmen hē shénme?
    B: …
    What would David most likely to say according to the dialogue?
    A. Lái yí gè gōngbǎo jīdīng.
    B. Wǒ bù xiǎng qù.
    C. Hē báijiǔ, zěnmeyàng?
2. A: Zuótiān wǎnshang ...

In English we have the saying, “Take a chill pill!” This can be slightly derogatory, but it also can encourage others to relax a bit when they are being too up-tight.
In Chinese we have a phrase that very much relates to this meaning. It is “定心丸 (Dìngxīnwán)”. And it originally was used to define a ...

Quite often, I receive messages from parents outside China who would like some guidance and suggestions on how to motivate their children to learn Mandarin Chinese and what goals to set. While standardized tests may only motivate some students, I do find that the AP Chinese Language and Culture Exam is an excellent way to ...

Western breakfast in Chinese terms.

Exercises in the Video:
1. A: John, wǒmen míngtiān zǎocān chī màipiàn, zěnmeyang?
    B: Wǒ bù xiǎng chī màipiàn, wǒ xiǎng chī niúnǎi hé miànbāoquān.
    What does John want to eat for breakfast tomorrow? Please choose the best answer.
    A. Only cereal.
    B. Only milk.
    C. Milk and donuts.
2. A: Zǎoshang ...

If you’re ever planning on living in China and understanding Mandarin Chinese, a working knowledge of Chinese words with both literal and figurative meanings will be absolutely necessary to follow the topic and direction of the conversation. If we are learning through books or outdated lessons, we may take every word literally and miss the ...

April Fools’ Day is fast approaching! Have you prepared the surprise for your friends?

Exercises in the Video:
1. A: Rachel, you told me you wrecked my car! It looks fine to me…what’s wrong with you?
    B: Hàha, jīntiān shì Yúrénjié! Yúrénjié kuàilè!
    Which of the following is true according to the dialogue? Please choose the best ...

There is one word that I ALWAYS teach my students when they are new to Chinese culture. As with any country/culture, relationship is everything. To interact with meaning with those around you, it’s essential you have an understanding of how business, interpersonal, familial and other types of relationships work. The word that best covers the ...

1. Please read the dialogue below and choose the best answer to fill in the blank.
A: 你的汉语真好！

B: 谢谢！我学汉语一 ______ 多了。
A. 年

B. 分

C. 时

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