There is an old English expression that describes people as sometimes being: “Packed like sardines in a tin.” Eventually, this expression was shortened down to the adjective “packed”, which is now the most likely-used word to describe a crowded place, or the scenario of people …
By 2017, Chinese citizens will become the world’s largest group of filmgoers worldwide. Each year, since the films “Lost in Thailand” in 2015 and later “The Mermaid in 2016,” Chinese films are breaking box office records each year in China! However, Chinese blockbusters have had …
In Buddhist funerals, the idea of a place called Sukhavati, or “Western Paradise,” is considered the favorable destination for a soul that is departing Earth. Different languages have various names for this “heaven” that we hope to go to. In Chinese, we call this place …
In Chinese, a rich son-in-law, or a rich husband, is often referred to as a “Gold Turtle Husband”, or 金龟婿 (jīnguīxù)” . Are you looking for your golden turtle? Does this phrase make any sense to you? Probably not. There is, however, an interesting story …
When British singer Adele announced her 2016 concert tour, more than 10 million fans swarmed the Ticketmaster.com website to buy tickets to see the megastar performer. Many of those 10 million ticket buyers were “scalpers,” or “黄牛党 (huángniúdǎng).” “黄牛党 (huángniúdǎng) ticket scalpers” are people who …
You are probably very familiar with the fairytale Cinderella, but did you know there was a custom in ancient China much like this story? The bridegroom in China would actually use a shoe to tell if it’s his bride! Much like in the children’s story, …
Since China’s dramatic and successful hosting of the 2008 Olympic Games “奥运会 (Aoyùnhuì),” the Chinese people have considered The Olympics as a point of pride for their country. The Beijing games, and its colorful opening ceremony, captured the attention of the world and are still …
1. What day is the “七夕节(qīxījié) Chinese Valentine’s Day (lunar calendar)?” A. July 1st B. July 7th C. June 1st D. June 7th 2. All of the following are traditional activities on “七夕节(qīxījié)” EXCEPT: A. 表白 (biǎobái) B. 求婚 (qiúhūn) C. 烛光晚餐 (zhúguāng wǎncān) D. …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Food is an important part of Chinese culture and lifestyle. Meals in China are so important that they also influence the daily language. Greetings such as “你吃了吗？(Nǐ chī le ma?) Have you eaten yet?” is used to break the ice and say hello. …
数鸭子 (Shǔ yāzi): Counting Ducks
Lyrics:
Mén qián dàqiáo xià, 门 前 大桥 下， Under the bridge and in front of the gate,
Yóu guò yìqún yā. 游 过 一群 鸭。 A team of ducks are swimming by.
Kuài lái kuài lái shǔyishǔ, 快 来 …
Listen to the whole story:
Chūnqiū shí, wèiguó yǒu gè jiào Kǒng Yǔ de dàfu. 春秋 时，卫 国 有 个 叫 孔 圉 的 大夫。 In the Spring and Autumn …
“大材小用 (dàcáixiǎoyòng)” literally means “to use big materials to do small things.” It is used now to express that talented people are being misused. Key Learning Point (Preview): 大材小用 (dàcáixiǎoyòng) to waste one’s talent on a petty job
Idiom Story:
Listen to the whole story…
It’s said that when China’s then-leader Deng Xiaoping visited Texas 35 years ago, he was gifted a green cowboy hat by some of his hosts as a sign of hospitality. Deng squirmed at the idea of wearing the hat, and his hosts couldn’t figure out …
“得寸进尺 (décùnjìnchǐ)” means that if you give someone an inch, they will take a mile. Nowadays, people usually use this expression to describe someone who is very greedy.
Key Learning Point (Preview):
得寸进尺(décùnjìnchǐ) If give someone an inch, he will take a mile.
Idiom Story:…
Key Learning Points (Preview): 回家 (huíjiā): v.
to go home
然后 (ránhòu): adv. then/after that
Listen to the whole story:
Wèiguó yǒu gè jiào Yuè Yángzǐ de rén dào yuǎnfāng qù xúnshī qiúxué. 魏 国 有 个 叫 乐 羊子 的 人 到 远方 去 …
The
“纸上谈兵(zhǐshàngtánbīng) armchair strategy” refers to people who engage in idle talk, but are unable to act on their high minded theories. It is usually used to urge people to combine theories with practical knowledge and not be bookworms. Let’s read about the …
