Mandarin Essentials
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 …
Video lesson: Step on it! The Chinese you need to take a taxi!
Taxis in China are plentiful and fairly inexpensive. It’s a common way to get around the cities. When you visit, you will surely be in a few! The first thing you need to communicate is where you are going. You can start with calling your …
Video lesson: How to show possession in Chinese with “有 (yǒu)?”
In Chinese, “有 (yǒu)” means “have.” You can indicate possession with “Subject + 有 (yǒu) + Noun.” Sound simple? It is! An example: 我有钱 (wǒ yǒu qián) I have money. Watch Video Answers …
Video lesson: The versatile and useful Chinese word “这 (zhè) this”
In Chinese, “这 (zhè) this” is pronounced in the fourth tone and is used to refer to a nearby object or to introduce something. You can also use “这 (zhè) this” to refer to something that just happened. Watch Video Answers …