Mandarin Essentials
Video Lesson: Go on A Date
Go hiking? Go window shopping? Go on a date? Make a plan and express it in Chinese. Watch Video Answer …
Video Lesson: What Kind of Music Do You Like?
What kind of music do you like? Which game is fun to play? What kind of hair style is cool… Today let’s talk about how to use “什么 (shénme)” when asking questions. Watch Video Answers …
Let Your Chinese Take Flight with This Bird Metaphor!
All languages often use animals as metaphorical representations of a person’s character or temperament. In English, phrases such as “stubborn as a mule” and “eyes of a hawk” are easily used and understood in everyday conversation. The Chinese language is no different! Today’s blog focuses …
Chinese Way of Giving a Compliment and Apology: 难为你了 (nánwéi nǐ le)
In English you might say “I know it’s hard for you…” to express a kind of apology and thankfulness for someone’s extra efforts in a task that is not related to their usual responsibilities, or that require extra effort on their part. In Mandarin Chinese, …
Chinese Beginners: Try This Simple Test!
1. Which of the following describes the object in the photo above? A. 船 (chuán) B. 飞机 (fēijī) C. 火车 (huǒchē) D. 汽车 (qìchē)
HSK Test General Chinese (Beginner Level) General Chinese (Intermediate Level) …
Answer to Chinese Beginners: Try This Simple Test!
Answer: B 船 (chuán) Ship
The Chinese word “飞机 (fēijī)” means airplane, “飞 (fēi)” means “fly” and “机 (jī)” means machine. So, you know B is the correct answer.
Screwed Over? In a “坑 (kēng)”? This Lesson May Help!
As you know, the context and tone of how you say a word or expression in any language can change it’s meaning and intention. In English, you might jokingly say to your friends “you really screwed me over!” during a friendly game of Monopoly. However, …
China is Crowded: You May See a “一窝蜂 (yīwōfēng)” Scene Every Day!
There is an old English expression that describes people as sometimes being: “Packed like sardines in a tin.” Eventually, this expression was shortened down to the adjective “packed”, which is now the most likely-used word to describe a crowded place, or the scenario of people …
Are You a Sucker? Know “冤大头 (yuāndàtóu)” and It’s Warning Signs
As the old English expression goes: “A fool and his money are soon parted.” Some people have “deeper pockets” than others. Often, those people with the deep pockets are surrounded by others who sense that heavy wallet and will take advantage of that person’s financial …
Open Your Eyes: “占便宜 (zhàn piányi)” is Everywhere, Unfortunately!
An old English expression says: “Most burglaries are committed by casual opportunists” We all know someone who will step over their neighbors to get what they desire. It happens in every country and every culture, unfortunately. When these opportunistic people take advantage of a situation, …