One of my favorite Mandarin Chinese conversation classes to teach is debate. When my classes have friendly debates about social issues or cultural differences, it gives Chinese learners a chance to think critically and also learn and apply some important, everyday Mandarin expressions to the …
Answer: B 老师 (lǎoshī) teacher.
老虎 (lǎohǔ) tiger.
老婆 (lǎopo) wife.
老人 (lǎorén) old people.
Did you notice the keyword “动物园 (dòngwùyuán) zoo”? Of the four options, it’s obvious that only the word “tiger” is related to the word “动物园 (dòngwùyuán) zoo.” Here’s a complete …
You know the Chinese usually communicate in an indirect style and they really care about “guanxi”–relationship among them. So how do you soften your statements and make them more euphemistic?
1. A: Usain Bolt is really a fast runner! Lydia, nǐ …
1. C 2. B 3. B 4. C 5. A <<Back to “Video Lesson: Let’s Buy Some Beer, Shall We? ” …
Oh I can swim…just not today.
1. A: I’ll reach Beijing Capital International Airport at 8:00 am. Will you pick me up? B: Sorry. I need to work tomorrow. … What would she say? Please choose the best answer. A. Wǒ …
1. B 2. C 3. C 4. B 5. A <<Back to “Video Lesson: The difference Between ‘néng’ and ‘huì’ ” …
Have you ever met someone and been very impressed by how down to earth they are? In Chinese we have a phrase which is an equivalent to this idea in English and it is “接地气 (jiē dìqì)”. Native Chinese speakers often use it in daily …
Answer: B “接地气 (jiēdìqì)” can be used to describe the government officials and celebrities who are very affable, close and friendly (to the public). In the option B, Jin Hong is an ordinary person and “接地气 (jiēdìqì)” has nothing to do with “ground vapour company,” …
How’s the weather today? How’s the weather in Shanghai? Talking about the weather is a nice ice-breaker to start a conversation.
1. Bella: Míngtiān tiānqì zěnmeyàng? Ellie: I heard that tomorrow would be very cold. Bella, you’d better wear your jacket. …
Presents, cakes, candles, and maybe a bowl of noodles?
1. A: Lìli, nǐ shénme shíhou guò shēngrì? B: Liù yuè shíbā hào. What will probably happen on June 18th this year? Please choose the best answer. A. Lili will give birth …
1. C 2. B 3. A 4. C 5. B <<Back to “Video Lesson: Happy Birthday!” …
There are people who often do something that exceeds other’s expectations. Some might, perhaps, memorize long passages in a book, or skillfully craft a figurine with dexterous hands. Sometimes though, not all talents are necessarily beneficial…like those who max out three credit cards in a …
1. C 2. B 3. C 4. A 5. B <<Back to “Video Lesson: She’s Really Something, Isn’t She?” …
1. Which of the following is in the correct Chinese word order?
Shùxué duì wǒ bù gǎn xìngqù. A. 数学 对 我 不 感 兴趣。
Wǒ duì shùxué bù gǎn xìngqù. B. 我 对 数学 不 感 兴趣。
Bù gǎn xìngqù shùxué duì wǒ. C. …
Answer: B. Answer analysis: The correct sentence should be:
Wǒ duì shùxué bù gǎn xìngqù. 我 对 数学 不 感 兴趣。 I’m not interested in math.
Pay attention to the word “对 (duì)”. 对 (duì) is used as a preposition here. It means “to” or …
You are in a Chinese restaurant in New York. The waiter is about to provide you western utensils, yet you’d like to use chopsticks. What should you say?
1. A: Lydia, nǐ huì yòng kuàizi! B: Shì a, wǒ xǐhuan yòng …
1. A 2. B 3. C 4. A 5. C <<Back to “Video Lesson: Chopsticks Or Fork?” …
You successfully signed a contract with a Chinese client, and got invited for a celebration party. Your Chinese host proposed a toast but you don’t drink alcohol at all. You don’t want to offend them but how do you explain to them politely?
