Many Chinese learners make the common mistake of saying “我吃饭在食堂” (Wǒ chīfàn zài shítáng), directly translating from English word order. However, this sounds unnatural to native speakers because Chinese follows different syntactic rules. Understanding these rules is crucial for speaking Chinese fluently.
For foreign professionals navigating China’s business landscape, the greatest challenges often lie not in language barriers, but in the unspoken meanings behind seemingly simple phrases. Chinese business communication operates on multiple levels, where polite surface language frequently conceals more complex intentions. This indirect approach stems …
Learning Chinese can be incredibly rewarding, but many students unknowingly make mistakes that hold them back. Whether you’re a beginner or at an intermediate level, avoiding these common pitfalls can help you progress faster and more efficiently.
Are you often perplexed by Chinese measure words? Wondering why you need different ones for various things, even though they all seem to be used for counting? Why is it “一条鱼 (yì tiáo yú)” instead of “一个鱼 (yí gè yú)”? Why do we use …
Have you spent hours studying for the HSK exam, memorizing vocabulary, and perfecting exercises, yet still find yourself losing points in the listening section? If you’re feeling frustrated, you’re not alone! Many students face this challenge, and it’s often due to three sneaky “…
Have you ever been captivated by the beauty of Chinese culture? Maybe it was the first time you saw a stunning lion dance, or when you tasted your first authentic dumpling. Or perhaps it was a moment when you discovered the wisdom of Confucian …
In today’s digital age, which has swept across the globe, social media platforms have become an indispensable part of teenagers’ lives worldwide. However, the recent ban on TikTok by the U.S. government has been met with strong opposition from a large number of young users. …
In the world of Chinese business culture, understanding “面子” (miànzi)—often translated as “face”—is not just beneficial; it’s essential. Whether you’re negotiating, making business decisions, or navigating day-to-day interactions, mastering this complex concept is crucial for anyone aiming to succeed in the Chinese market. “面子” …
The HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi), or Chinese Proficiency Test, is designed to assess the Chinese language proficiency of non-native speakers. It consists of nine levels, ranging from HSK 1 (beginner) to HSK 9 (advanced). Understanding what to expect at each stage is crucial for setting …
Learning Chinese as an adult can feel like a daunting task, especially when it comes to understanding its sentence structure. Unlike English, Chinese follows a different word order and uses contextual markers that can confuse even the most dedicated learners. But what if you …
Today, we’ve compiled a guide on the format for formal letters commonly used in the writing section of the IB Chinese B exam, specifically for professional texts. This format typically adheres to certain structural and formatting standards to ensure clear communication and professionalism. Below is …
“中国情人节(Zhōngguó qíngrénjié) Chinese Valentine’s Day” will be on the 14th of August. Nowadays, Chinese people celebrate this special day in various ways.
Many young lovers in China go for a special Chinese Valentine’s Day candlelit dinner. People often float red, pink, …
Dragon Boat Festival in Chinese is 端午节(Duānwǔ jié). It is on the fifth of May of lunar calendar. There are many legends about this traditional festival and the most popular one is “屈原 (Qū Yuán) QuYuan,” who was a …
