Mandarin Essentials
Pieces or dollars? A hilarious mixup in Chinese!
According to the calculating method of the man wearing a black shirt in the conversation, in the end how much does the “豆腐 (dòufu) tofu” cost?
A. 两块 (liǎng kuài) 2 yuan B. 五毛 (wǔ máo) 5 mao C. 一块 (yí kuài) 1 yuan D. …
Answer to pieces or dollars? A hilarious mixup in Chinese!
Correct Answer 1. B
Answer Analysis
If you paid attention to the beginning of the comic your answer might be A, 2 yuan, since that is what the person in the hat says when the other first asks, “豆腐多少钱 (dòufu duōshǎo qián?) How much is …
Video lesson: Learn “在 (zài)” to find everything and everyone you need!
Your wallet just got stolen and you don’t know where the police are. Could it get worse? At least you can ask someone for help and find the police using your Mandarin skills! Watch Video Answers …
塞翁失马，焉知非福 (Sàiwēngshīmǎ, yānzhīfēifú) Misfortune may actually be a blessing
It can be difficult to foresee the twists and turns which lead to misfortune begetting fortune, and vice versa. For example, there once was a father, skilled in divination, who lived close to the “边疆 (biānjiāng) frontier” with his son. One of his horses accidentally …
Video lesson: Know “多少 (duōshǎo)” to count or measure
In Chinese, you can ask about numbers and quantity by using “多少 (duōshǎo) How many / How much.” “多少 (duōshǎo)” is a question pronoun that you will use daily in Chinese. Watch Video Answers …
Video lesson: Be specific! Know “几 (jǐ)” to count how many in Chinese
In Chinese, the most frequently used words for asking “how many” or “how much” questions are “几 (jǐ)” and “多少 (duōshao)” Though related, they are quite different in usage and are used in different circumstances. Watch Video Answers …
Video lesson: Get in touch! Ask for a phone number in Chinese
You’ll need to get in touch with your Chinese friends, right? Or your hotel in Beijing? Of course. Know how to ask for a phone number in Chinese with this video lesson. Watch Video Answers …
Chinese films you must watch this summer
What movies will you be watching this summer? A perfect choice for some was Independence Day 2, as it corresponds with July, 4th and came into theaters around the same time. Why not watch people battle aliens for the earth in a fight for the …
Brexit? Learn “脱 (tuō)” to describe Britain’s decision
Known in the UK as the EU Referendum, or the “Brexit” Referendum, on June 23rd 2016, the UK voted by 52% vs. 48% to leave the European Union, or “EU (欧盟) .” The EU (欧盟) is a political and economic union between 28 countries that …
The 2016 European Championship entertains fans in China and abroad
Every four years, the world’s eyes turn to Europe to follow the most popular sport in the world, ”足球 (zúqiú) football,” or “soccer” if you live in the US, Canada, South Africa, Australia or New Zealand. This June of 2016 is that time again! It’s …
Video lesson: More than one? Know “都 (dōu)” to express “both”or “all”
You can use “都 (dōu)”, first tone, as an adverb for ‘both’ or ‘all’. The easy-to-remember basic structure is ‘multiple subjects’ + 都 (dōu) + verb + object. Since 都 (dōu) comes after the subjects, it means “both”. When referring to a larger group, 都 …