Key Learning Points (preview):
1. 朋友 (Péngyou): friend
2. 发小 (Fàxiǎo): a childhood friend
3. 闺蜜 (Guīmì): a woman’s best female friend
4. 死党 (Sǐdǎng): sworn followers
5. 室友 (Shìyǒu): a roommate
There is a Chinese saying: a sincere friendship is worth more than …
Key Learning Points (Preview):
结婚礼服(jié hūn lǐ fú): n. wedding gown
喜事(xǐshì): n. refers to weddings and any happy events
被子(bèizi): n. quilt
It is common knowledge in the Western world that brides on their wedding day wear something old, something new, something borrowed, and …
Regardless of the language, the number of words used to refer to the two sexes is vast and their meaning can change according to context. Using the improper word may cause not only misunderstandings but also embarrassment.
For example, once an American couple invited their …
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 …
Chinese Culture
Does 老only show old age? There’s a few things you should know about “老Old” in Chinese culture.
When you’re in China, you might notice just how often the word 老(lǎo) is used all around you. The frequent use is actually on account of …
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 …
Jack, a foreign friend who has studied Chinese for almost half a year, was excited about finally coming to China and putting his new knowledge to use.
One thing Jack learned was that people in China greet each other with the sentence “你吃了吗？ (Nǐ chīle …
The correct answer to this test is A.
Translation: Chángchéng duō cháng a? Jack: 长城 多 长 啊？ How long is the Great Wall?
Bāqiān duō gōnglǐ. Eric: 八千 多 公里。 More than 8000 kilometers.
Analysis: In the above sentence, the …
Key Learning Points (Preview):
戴香包 (dài xiāngbāo) v. to wear the sachet
香 (xiāng) adj. fragrant/delicious
It’s widely known that people enjoy “粽子 (zòngzi) rice dumplings” and “赛龙舟 (sài lóngzhōu) dragon-boat races” during the annual Dragon Boat Festival, but amongst all the customs, the most …
Key Learning Points (Preview):
红 (hóng) red
白 (bái) white
黑 (hēi) black
Chinese have developed a rich culture around the use of color, especially in language. Below we will explain the significance of a few colors in Chinese culture: First, something you’ll no doubt …
Key Learning Points (Preview):
银行 (yínháng) n. bank
酒店 (jiǔdiàn) n. hotel
商店 (shāngdiàn) n. store
Whether walking through the throngs of tourists at Tiananmen Square or passing by the ornate West Gate of Peking University, these two imposing stone figures flanking the gates of …
There are varying ways to greet people in Chinese depending on the time of day “早上好 (zǎoshang hǎo) good morning” or the situation “好久不见 (háo jiǔ bú jiàn) long time no see.” One of the more baffling greetings you’re likely to encounter in China is …
Tā shì huángsède, xiàng wānwān de yuèliang. 1. 它 是 黄色的， 像 弯弯 的 月亮。
It is yellow and like the curved moon. Tā shì hóngsède, yuányuánde. 2. 它 是 红色的， 圆圆的。
It is red and round. Tā shì zǐsède, xiǎoxiǎode yuányuánde. 3. 它 是 …
Key Learning Point:
老 (lǎo): adj. old
Several years ago, when Bill Clinton came to China and visited Shanghai, he felt uncomfortable when he was called “Grandpa Clinton” by children in a community. But when one of the children called him “Clinton,” he began to …
Key Learning Points (Preview):
筷子 (kuàizi): n. chopsticks
简单 (jiǎndān): adj. easy/simple
Can you use “筷子 (kuàizi) chopsticks?” With the continued growing popularity of Chinese food and culture, more and more people around the world are trying to learn how to use chopsticks. Some even …
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 …
Valentine’s Day is coming up! Who are you going to spend it with? In today’s lesson, we’ll learn three popular Chinese expressions to use on Valentine’s Day.
Qīn’ài de péngyou, zhù nǐ Qíngrénjié kuàilè. 1. 亲爱 的 朋友， 祝 你 情人节 快乐！ My dear friend, …
The answer to the test is A.
Analysis:
A: “拜年 (bàinián)” means “paying a New Year’s visit.”
For example: Míngtiān wǒ qù gěi péngyou bàinián. 明天 我 去 给 朋友 拜年。
Tomorrow I’ll be paying a New Year’s visit to my …
Yǒu qián méi qián, huíjiā guònián. 1. 有 钱 没 钱，回家 过年。 Money or no, we’ll be home for Spring Festival.
Background Information:
This popular phrase originated from a well-known song of the same name. On Chinese New Year, getting home to see family is …
Key Learning Points (Preview): 龙年 (lóngnián): n. the Year of the Dragon
本命年 (běnmìngnián): n. one’s year of birth in relation to the Chinese Zodiac
China’s celebration of the lunar New Year, the renowned Spring Festival, is less than a month away. As the zodiac’s …
