“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 …
商务座次礼仪 Seating Arrangement Etiquette
商务座次礼仪 (shāngwù zuòcì lǐyí) Seating Arrangement Etiquette
At Chinese “宴会 (yànhuì) banquets,” the seating arrangement is probably the most important part of Chinese dining “礼仪 (lǐyí) etiquette,” especially in Chinese business banquets. Generally, round tables are used at Chinese banquets and the seat facing the …
Kids’ Chinese Story: 小猫钓鱼 Little Cat Goes Fishing (Beginner)
小猫钓鱼 (Xiǎomāo diàoyú) Little Cat Goes Fishing (Beginner)
Key Learning Points (Preview):
飞机 (fēijī): n. plane
一心一意 (yìxīnyíyì): adj. focused
Yì tiān, xiǎo māo gēn māo māma qù diàoyú. 一 天， 小 猫 跟 猫 妈妈 去 钓鱼。 One day, a little cat goes fishing …
7 Tips for Choosing a Good Wonderful Chinese Tutor!
(Click to enlarge image)
Finding a good Chinese tutor is key if you want to learn the Chinese language correctly and in an effective way, but how do you know if your tutor is the right one for you? Use the following checklist as …
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 …
商务就餐礼仪之敬酒 Toasting Etiquette at a Business Dinner (Advanced)
商务就餐礼仪之敬酒 (Shāngwù jiùcān lǐyí zhī jìngjiǔ) Toasting Etiquette at a Business Dinner
Key Learning Points (Preview):
敬酒 (jìngjiǔ): v.to propose a toast
除非 (chúfēi): conj. unless
“敬酒 (jìngjiǔ) Toasting” is an important part of dinner in China, especially at business dinners. One should follow the …
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 …
白雪公主 Snow White (Beginner)
(Learn Chinese through Cartoons)
Cóngqián yǒu yígè gōngzhǔ, tāde pífū báide xiàng xuě, suóyǐ guówáng gěi tā qǐmíng wéi báixuě 从前 有 一个 公主， 她的 皮肤 白得 像 雪，所以 国王 给 她 起名 为 白雪 gōngzhǔ. Dànshì gōngzhǔ de māma qùshì dé hěnzǎo. 公主。 但是 …
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 …
What Does It Mean When You Say “随便(suíbiàn)”?
Read the dialogue below and answer the question that follows. Mǎ Kè: Amy, wǒmen qù chīfàn ba. Nǐ xiǎng chī shénme? 马 克：Amy，我们 去 吃饭 吧。你 想 吃 什么？ Mark: Amy, let’s dine out, what do you wan to eat?
Amy: Suíbiàn. Wǒ chī shénme …
筷子礼仪五知道 Five Things You Must NOT Do with Chopsticks (Beginner)
筷子 (kuàizi): n. chopsticks
涵养 (hányǎng): n.good behavior
As you are doing business with Chinese people, you may have used “筷子 (kuàizi) chopsticks.” But do you know the taboos of using this dining tool? The following list has five things you must know about the …