Mandarin Essentials
Wish your Dad a happy Father’s Day in Chinese!
As everyone knows Father’s Day is almost here. On Father’s Day many people make a special effort for their fathers or father figures. For some people this means a visit to their fathers. While for most others it means getting their Dads a gift such …
Is that your man or a meal ticket?
Let’s face it—there’s nothing like having someone to take care of you, whether you’re sick, sad or shopping. Well, especially if you’re shopping. A spree is a great way to lift your spirits! That’s where having a “男朋友 (nán péngyou) boyfriend” comes in handy. In …
Answer Key – Video Lesson: Learn the Many Ways to Say “Hello” in Chinese!
Answer Analysis
For the first question – what would Ellie say, the right answer is B, because they are talking about a man Ellie likes (no polite form needed), Ellie’s friend wants Ellie to introduce herself to the man.
For the second question – what …
Video Lesson: Learn the Many Ways to Say “Hello” in Chinese!
Bump into a friend? Know the formal and informal ways to say “hello” in Chinese. We know that “你好(nǐhǎo)” is the most common way, but did you know there are other ways?
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Video Lesson: Don’t eat a shoe! Know how to order Chinese food!
In China, you’ll be eating. A lot. Before you close your menu, you must know how to order in Chinese. You can use “我要 (wǒ yào) Want it” + the name of the dish you want. Otherwise, be ready for a surprise! Watch Video Answers…
Essential Chinese: “多少钱？(Duōshǎo qián?) How Much is It?”
Before you make a purchase in China, it’s important to know how to ask “多少钱？(Duōshǎo qián?) How much is it?” It’s an applicable phrase everywhere you go! Watch Video Answers …
Know how to order “外卖(wàimài) takeout!”
Meal time is an essential part of daily life in China. The importance of eating even influences the the daily language of the Chinese. For example, New Yorkers may greet friends with “How ya doin?” While traditionally friends in China may ask “你吃了吗？…
Video Lesson: Learn the Most Common Sentence Structure in Chinese
Sometimes you may have strong and positive feelings toward someone or something: “I love it!” “I like you!” Wonder how to express them in Chinese? This lesson helps you do so using one of the most basic sentence patterns: Subject + Verb + Object. Watch …
How Ordering Rice Might Have You Begging for It! (Elementary)
Ordering food can be intimidating for new learners living in China. Menus are often filled with unusual delicacies, and the Chinese descriptions can seem as strange as the English translations (if you’re lucky enough to have translations). Anyone want some “stir-fried Wikipedia?”
So when it …
守株待兔 To Stand by a Tree Stump Waiting for a Hare (Intermediate)
Learn Mandarin Chinese Idiom: 守株待兔 (Shǒuzhūdàitù) To Stand by a Tree Stump Waiting for a Hare (Intermediate)
Key Learning Point (Preview):
待 (dài): v. to wait/to wait for
Cóngqián, yǒu yí gè nóngfū. 从前，有一个农夫。 Once upon a time, there was a farmer.
Yì tiān, zài …
Video Lesson: Night at the Movies? Enjoy This Chinese Theater Lesson First!
The Chinese love going to the movies just as much as anyone else! Movie theaters are a popular activity for young Chinese in the cities. Before going to the “电影院 (diànyĭngyuàn),” “movie theater” or “cinema”, learn the Chinese necessary to have a good time! Learn …
Video Lesson: 天啊, OMG!
Oh, my god! I win the lottery! Oh, my god! He proposed to me! Oh, my god! I got the signature from Lady Gaga! Oh, my god! … Watch Video Answers…