Mandarin Essentials
Manly or Not, It’s Better to Have That Special “Smell!”
Generally, “味(wèi)” means “smell, flavor or taste,” like a flower’s fragrance, a stink, sourness and so on.
But what is “男人味(nánrénwèi),” and “女人味(nǚrénwèi)?” If we take the two words literally, it means “a man’s smell” and “a woman’s smell.” But the terms actually do not …
Answers to the Exercise on the Differences Between “或者(huòzhě)” And “还是(háishì)”
Answer: C
In many situations, a single word in English may have several different forms, meanings and usages in Chinese – such as the word “or” which translates to both “或者(huòzhě)” and “还是(háishì)” in Chinese.
Both “或者(huòzhě)” and “还是(háishì)” can be used to connect two …
Learn the difference between “或者(huòzhě)” and “还是(háishì)”
Please fill in the blanks with the proper conjunctions. Alice, nǐ xiǎng hē shénme? Niúnǎi __ guǒzhī? Ellie: Alice，你 想 喝 什么？ 牛奶 __ 果汁？ Alice, what do you want to drink? Milk or fruit juice? Niúnǎi__ guǒzhī, dōu kěyǐ. Alice: 牛奶 __ 果汁， 都 …
Chinese Slang -“靠谱(kàopǔ) Reliable”
“靠谱(kào pǔ)” is a slang term used daily by Chinese people. The meaning of “靠谱(kàopǔ)” is “to be reliable” or “ to be worthy of trust.” It is used as an adjective to describe a person or thing.
If you trust a person …
How to Call Your Ex in Chinese?
In the Chinese language, a word could have many different meanings when used in different situations. Today, let’s talk about the word “前(qián).”
Generally, “前(qián)” means “the position in front.”
Example
Wǒ jiā qiánmiàn yǒu yì tiáo hé. 我 家 前面 有 一 条 河。…
Nothing’s Better than “淡定(dàndìng)” to Calm Someone Down!
In China, you will often hear the word “淡定(dàndìng)” used in daily life, on TV and see it a lot on the Internet.
The word “淡定(dàndìng)” means “to calm down or to be at ease about something.”
In a romantic comedy called “十全九美 (shí quán …
“Life” Can Be sold in Chinese?
In the Chinese language, many words, when combined with other words, will have different meanings. Today, let’s talk about the word “卖(mài).”
Generally, “卖(mài)” means “to sell,” usually we have “卖菜(mài cài) sell vegetables,” “卖报纸(mài bàozhǐ) sell the newspaper” “卖书(mài shū) sell books” etc.
Examples…
Answers to the Exercises on the Tone Change Rules
Answer: B
In the Chinese language, there are four main tones and one neutral tone (or, as some say, five tones). The four main tones are first tone, second tone, third tone and forth tone. And in some situations, the tones will change according to …
How to Pronounce “Nǐ hǎo!” Correctly?
(At a party) Zhāng Wěi: Mike, zhè shì wǒ de hǎo péngyou, Liú Lì. 张 伟：Mike，这 是 我 的 好 朋友， 刘 丽。 Zhang Wei: Mike, this is my good friend, Liu Li. Mike：___ ！ What would Mike most probably say? Please choose the correct …
Answers to the Exercises on the Usage of Interrogative Pronouns
1. Answer: C “哪(nǎ)” in Chinese is an interrogative pronoun that means “where.” It can be used to ask directions and with the word “儿(er)” or “里(lǐ).” For example: Nǐ qù nǎr/nǎ lǐ? 你 去 哪儿/哪里？
Where are you going? 2. Answer: B “谁(shéi)” is …
Use “What” “Who” And “Where” to Ask Questions in Chinese
(On the phone) Zhāng Lì: Wéi, Jack, nǐ zài ___? Nǐ hé ___ zài yìqǐ? 张 丽：喂，Jack，你在_1_？你 和 _2_ 在一起？ Zhāng Lì: Hello, Jack. Where are you? Who are you with? Jack: Duìbuqǐ, nǐ shuō ___? Jack：对不起，你 说 _3_？ Jack: I’m sorry. What did you …
Does the Number 9 in Chinese Really Make Things Last Long? (Lucky Number, PartⅡ)
In the Chinese language, the number 9 has the same pronunciation as “久(jiǔ)” which means “long lasting.” Therefore, 9, 99 or 999 (or more 9s) can all be used to express the wish that beautiful things will last long, for example love, friendship, happiness and …