Mandarin Essentials
“七上八下(qī shàng bā xià)” and Why Do Chinese Hate It?
While learning Chinese, we have become familiar with the numbers “七(qī) seven,” “八(bā) eight,” and the two verbs “上 (shàng) up,” and “下 (xià) down.” Such as, “七天 (qī tiān) seven days, ” “八点(bā diǎn) eight o’clock,” “上楼 (shànglóu) go upstairs,” and “下山 (xiàshān) go …
How to Use “以前(yǐqián)” And “以后(yǐhòu)” in Chinese
Answer: A In the Chinese language, “前(qián)” means before, and “后(hòu)” means after. Both “以前(yǐqián)” and “以后(yǐhòu)” can be used to indicate a period of time. They are similar in usage. In this text we will introduce three situations for using these two words.
Situation
… How to Express a Period of Time in Chinese?
Please choose the correct answer to fill in the blank. Yì nián___, wǒ bú huì shuō zhōngwén. 一 年___， 我 不 会 说 中文。 One year ago, I couldn’t speak Chinese. A. 以前(yǐqián)
B. 以后(yǐhòu)
“零钱(língqián)” – Zero Money or Small Change?
“零(líng), 0” in Chinese is known as zero, such as “零分(língfēn), a score of zero” “2014 年(èr líng yī sì nián), the year 2014,” etc.
Example:
Jīnnián shì èr líng yī sì nián. 今年 是 2014 年。 This year is 2014.
However, if you hear …
The Difference Between “还是(háishì)” and “或者(huòzhě)” in Chinese
Correct Answer: A In the Chinese language, both “还是(háishì)” and “或者(huòzhě)” can be used to connect two words or phrases that represent different alternatives or choices. Both words can be translated in to “or” in English. However, “还是(háishì)” is usually used in questions to present …
How to Make Alternative Choice Questions in Chinese?
Now that the glamorous Oscars has come to an end, which actors do you like? Please choose the correct answer to fill in the blank. Nǐ xǐhuan Leonardo DiCaprio ___ Matthew McConaughey? 你 喜欢 Leonardo DiCaprio ___ Matthew McConaughey？ Do you like Leonardo DiCaprio or …
“潮男(cháonán)”— Wet or Fashionable?
“潮(cháo),” literally means “tide,” and is typically used in phrases related to the tide, such as “潮水(cháoshuǐ) tide” and “涨潮(zhǎngcháo) rising tide” etc.
Examples
Qiántángjiāng de cháoshuǐ hěn yǒumíng. 钱塘江 的 潮水 很 有名。
The tide of Qiantang River is very famous.
Zhǎngcháo de shíhou …
Ask Questions in Chinese
Answer: B In the Chinese language, there are several ways to ask questions. We will introduce three ways to ask questions in Chinese today. First, we can ask questions in Chinese using the interrogative particle “吗(ma).” To form a question, simply add “吗(ma)” to the …
How do you ask for help in Chinese?
Which of the following is correct for “Can you help me?” A. 可以你帮我吗？(Kěyǐ nǐ bāng wǒ ma?)
B. 你可以帮我吗？(Nǐ kěyǐ bāng wǒ ma?)
C. 你可以不可以帮我吗？(Nǐ kěyǐ bù kěyǐ bāng wǒ ma?)
Not All “花(huā) Flowers” in Chinese Are Pleasant!
Spring is coming in China! In a few months, the ground will be ablaze with the bright colors and decoration of flowers, such as cherry blossoms, peach blossoms, and winter jasmines, bringing life and vitality back to the earth. In fact, all the beautiful flowers …
Answer to the Exercise on Chinese Grammar – The Differences Between “不(bù)” And “没(méi)”
Answer: B In the Chinese language, both “不(bù)” and “没(méi)” can indicate negation. But they are quite different in usage. “不(bù)” is mainly used to negate facts. Whereas “没(méi)” is generally used for negating a certain experience that has taken place.
Examples:
Wǒ jīntiān bù …
What Are the Differences Between “不(bù)” And “没(méi)?”
Choose the correct words to fill in the blanks. Zhāng Lì: Chén Wěi, jīntiān wǎnshang qù kàn diànyǐng, zěnmeyàng? 张 丽：陈 伟， 今天 晚上 去 看 电影， 怎么样？ Zhang Li: Chen Wei, how about going to see a film tonight? Chén Wěi: Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ …
“蜜(mì)” – A Sweet Chinese Word!
“蜜(mì)” means “honey” or “sweet things” in Chinese, such as “蜂蜜(fēngmì) honey,” or “花蜜(huāmì) nectar” etc.
Example
Qǐng gěi wǒ yìbēi fēngmìshuǐ. 请 给 我 一杯 蜂蜜 水。 Please give me a glass of honey water.
In addition to meaning honey, “蜜(mì)” can also be …