Mandarin Essentials
Body Parts: The Names of the Fingers in Chinese
Read the Story:
“五个手指头的对话(Wǔ gè Shǒuzhǐtou de Duìhuà)” The Five Fingers’ Dialogue
Yìtiān wǎnshang, wǔ gè shǒuzhǐtou tǎng zài chuáng shàng liáotiān. 一天 晚上， 五 个 手指头 躺 在 床 上 聊天。 One night, five fingers laid on the bed chatting.
Zhōngzhǐ shuō: “āiyō, mǔzhǐ …
Have You Ever “蹭饭(cèngfàn)” at Other People’s Homes?
Zhāng Míng: Wáng Lì, jīntiān néng qù nǐjiā cèngfàn ma? 张 明： 王 丽，今天 能 去 你家 蹭饭 吗？ Zhang Ming: Wang Li, Can I go to your home for dinner today?
Wáng Lì: Wèishénme qù wǒjiā cèngfàn? 王 丽：为什么 去 我家 蹭饭？ Wang Li: …
Answer to Have You Ever “蹭饭(cèngfàn)” at Other People’s Homes?
Answer: B “蹭(cèng)” is a Chinese word which means to use others’ things for free. You may come across many collocations of the word in daily conversations, for example, “蹭网(cèngwǎng) to use others’ Wi-Fi without authorization,” or “蹭课(cèngkè) to attend another person’s classes”, also “蹭车(cèngchē) …
Answer to Oh My God, So That’s What “我的妈呀!” Means!”
Correct Answers 1. B 2. A <<Back to “Oh My God, so that’s What ‘我的妈呀!” Means!'”
Answer to “臭美(chòuměi)”, Smelly But Beautiful?
Answer: 1.B
2.B
“臭美(chòuměi)” is usually used to describe those who are extremely narcissistic and often talk about their good looks or qualities, but in reality, they aren’t especially beautiful or better at things than others. Sometimes we use the word to be ironic or …
“臭美(chòuměi)”, Smelly But Beautiful?
Lǐ Lì: Tiānna! Wǒ zhēn shì tài piàoliang le! 李丽：天哪！ 我 真 是 太 漂亮 了！ Lily: Oh god! I am so beautiful! Mǎ Kè: Nǐ bié chòuměi le. 马 克：你 别 臭美 了。 Mark: ______. Does Mark think Lily is beautiful? A. Yes. B. …
Answer to What Are You Doing? Using the Phrase “干吗?”
Correct Answers 1. B 2. C <<Back to “What Are You Doing? Using the Phrase 干吗?”
What Are You Doing? Using the Phrase “干吗?”
One of the hardest parts of learning the Chinese language is understanding the various meanings of the same word, and then knowing how and when to throw them into a conversation. Today we will take a look at a simple, yet versatile phrase: “干吗? (gànmá?)” …
What Do You Mean By “回头见(huítóujiàn)”?
You may often hear others say “回头见(huítóujiàn)”. What does it mean? How to use it? Now let’s have a look!
Mǎ Kè: Liùdiǎn le, Línglíng, yìqǐ xiàbān ba. 马 克：六点 了，玲玲， 一起 下班 吧。 Mark: It’s 6 o ’clock. Lingling, let’s go. Línglíng: Nǐ xiān …
The Breakfast Chinese People Are Crazy About!
It is common to see many carts like the one in the video set out along the street selling breakfast each morning. A traditional breakfast, 煎饼果子(jiānbǐng guǒzi), is made up mainly of a fried flour and egg batter, with chopped green onions, lettuce and soy …
Answer to What Do You Mean By “回头见(huítóujiàn)”?
Answer: 1. B 2. C “回头见(huítóujiàn)” is a common greeting in Chinese. “回头(huítóu)” means to turn one’s head or turn round. And “见(jiàn)” means to see or catch sight of something. However, “回头见(huítóujiàn)” doesn’t mean to turn around and see something. Actually, when someone says …
Why are Chinese Surnames So “贵(guì)” Expensive?
Chinese people have their own special ways to ask about someone’s name. How familiar are you with these customary phrases? Try the following test to find out! Which is NOT a proper reply? Zhāng Míng: Nín guì xìng? 张 明： 您 贵 姓？ Zhang Ming: …
Answer to Why are Chinese Surnames So “贵(guì)” Expensive?
In the test, “姓(xìng)” refers to one’s surname, or family name. When asking somebody’s “姓(xìng),” we usually add “贵(guì)” out of politeness and to show our respect. However, to answer the question, we shouldn’t add “贵(guì)” as a way of showing our humility. We can …
How to Buy Subway & Bus Tickets in Chinese (Part II)
In a recent newsletter, we introduced the key Chinese phrases you will need to buy “火车票(huǒchēpiào) train tickets” in China. With all the choices you have when it comes to type and class of travel, it can certainly get a little confusing. Now that you …
How to Buy Train Tickets in Chinese (Part I)
One of the best things about traveling in China is the country’s convenient transportation network. China’s cities are well connected by trains, which are generally quick, comfortable, and with regular departures to choose from. To enjoy your trip in China, you must learn some essential …
Answer to What Does It Mean When You Say “随便(suíbiàn)”?
Answer: C The key word in this test is “随便(suíbiàn).” Generally, the word is used in two ways: 1. We can use “随便(suíbiàn)” as a verb which means “ to do as one wishes” or as a conjunction which means “no matter,” indicating that one …