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 …
One of my friends, Xiao Li is getting married soon in October. We are going to give her a “红包(hóngbāo)” as a wedding gift. In China, it is a tradition to give people who are getting married a “红包(hóngbāo)” as a kind of celebration and …
One day, Lucy received a love letter from Zhangming. To her surprise, there were no words in the letter, but only some numbers: “584, 5201314.” She was totally confused, and did not know what to think. So she asked her friend Lihua for help. After …
三石山 (Sānshíshān) Three-stone Mountain
Wǒjiā zhùzài Sānshíshān, 我家 住在 三石山，
My family is living on the Three-stone Mountain.
shānqián shānhòu sānzuòshān, 山前 山后 三座山，
Front and back, there are three mountains in total.
shānxià yǒuzuò shuǐdiànzhàn, 山下 有座 水电站，
A hydropower station is located at …
五指歌 (Wǔ zhǐ gē): Five Fingers Song Lyrics:
Yī èr sān sì wǔ, 一 二 三 四 五， One, two, three, four, five,
shàng shān dǎ lǎohǔ. 上 山 打 老虎。 hunt for a tiger alive.
Lǎohǔ méi dǎ dào, 老虎 没 打 到, We …
Answers: 1. A The sentence is “苹果很便宜 (Píngguǒ hěn piányi),” means “Apples are very cheap.” It’s the first usage of the word 便宜 (piányi), as we mentioned in the above passage.
2. C “星期天我们去血拼吧! (Xīngqītiān wǒmen qù xuèpīn ba!)” means, “Let’s go shopping on Sunday!” …
The right answer is
.
Lǎobǎn, zhè shù huār duōshao qián? Li Hua：老板， 这 束 花儿 多少 钱？ How much does this bunch of flowers cost? Wǔshí kuài qián. Seller：五十 块 钱。 Fifty Yuan. Tài guì le! Li Hua：太 贵 了！ That’s too …
New Year’s Day is just around the corner and we wish you all the best for the New Year! In Chinese, we call New Year’s Day, or the first day of the year, 元旦 (Yuándàn). So, 元旦快乐 (Yuándàn kuàilè, Happy New Year’s Day)!
Chinese usually …
Christmas, or “圣诞节 (shèngdàn jié),” is on its way! Department stores, shopping malls and supermarkets all over China are adorned with decorations and are blasting holiday song favorites. The crinkling of wrapping paper echoes through hallways as people begin to prepare gifts for their loved …
What exactly do you know about the number 2? Is it just a mere number in Mandarin? Let’s have a look at the following conversation and see just where you stand.
Nǐ tài èr le. Lǐ Huá：你 太 2 了。
Á? Lucy：啊？
Nǐ de chēpáishang …
The Internet is quickly establishing itself as the de facto media platform. This has led to a growing culture that is distinct to online users and also rapidly spreads into our daily lives with China being no exception. Chinese Internet slang, created by over …
When you’ve been invited to a social event in China, it’s courtesy to bring a special gift for the host. For this the options are nearly limitless: food, clothes, books etc. However, there are a few exceptions. For example, in China, a clock “钟(zhōng)” should …
The right answer for this test is C.
A: When people are happy, they usually say something like: “我很高兴。(Wǒ hěn gāoxìng. ) I’m happy.”, “我非常高兴。(Wǒ fēicháng gāoxìng . ) I’m very happy.” “我是世界上最幸福的人。(Wǒ shì shìjiè shàng zuì xìngfú de rén. …
The right answer for this test is A.
A. The Chinese character for 8 is “八 (bā).” Its pronunciation is similar to that of another Chinese character “发 (fā)” which means good fortune and luck. That’s why 8 is the …
The right answer to the test is C.
Translation: Nǐ zěnme le? Anne: 你 怎么 了？
Are you OK?
Yǒu diǎnr gǎnmào. Helen: 有 点儿 感冒。
I think I have a cold.
Wǒ péi nǐ qù kàn yīshēng ba. Anne: 我 …
The answer to the test is B.
Analysis: The correct pronunciation of “508” is “五百零八 (wǔbǎi líng bā).” “零 (Líng),” literally means “zero.” It is used in counting wherever a column or a sequence of columns is skipped. Note that in …
Story: One day, Tom saw a large sign in front of a busy, midtown restaurant with the printed characters, “小心地滑.” As he passed, he starts to slowly skate his feet across the floor. His friend Jack immediately stops him. Tom, nǐ gàn má ne? Jack: …
Key Learning Point (Preview):
年年有余 (niánniányǒuyú) May you always get more than you wish for.
The Spring Festival has come to an end and all of us have to go back to work. Thinking back to the Spring Festival, do you remember the plate of …
People in China love to sent text messages for blessings on Christmas. It is worth noting, but in Chinese, the pronunciation of the Chinese word for Christmas sounds exactly like another very common expression, “生蛋 (shēngdàn) lay an egg.” Thus we get a play on …
Key Learning Point (Preview): 剩女 (shèngnǚ) n. spinsters
Today we take a look at the Chinese phrase “剩女 (shèngnǚ).” The term shows up every day in newspapers, TV shows and daily life. Can you guess its meaning? “剩 (shèng)” means to remain, or to be …
