Often, the Mandarin Chinese students in my class will hear trendy slang language that they don’t understand. It’s always fun, as a Chinese teacher, to explain to the class what these new expressions mean. Often, I let the students make an educated guess before explaining
Answer: C For occasions when you are the “innocent bystander” and a victim of overhearing some gossip or criticism that was not intended for you, but applies to you and may offend you anyway, you “躺着也中枪 (Tǎngzhe yě zhòngqiāng) Get shot even when lying down”. …
Mandarin Chinese is definitely a foreign language for Westerners and even Easterners alike. But what are some of the most common misconceptions that Mandarin Chinese Learners have? We explore the top four below:
Not true! When I …
This tea is very pleasant to drink, that movie is unpleasant to watch. Learn how to express approval or disapproval of something.
1. A: Anna, nǐ xǐhuan zhèige dàngāo ma? B: Wǒ hěn xǐhuan! ________________。 Please choose the answer that best …
Are you a person who is concerned about the body shapes of yourself and others? Sometimes on the street, we can’t take our eyes away when we see some nice body types, or some “辣眼睛 (làyǎnjīng) eyes feeling spicy” types. In Chinese, we …
A computer, an air conditioner and a washing machine…did you know that you need to use measure words to say these words in Chinese?
1. A: Jessica, what do you want to sing? I’ll help you choose. B: I only know …
Answer: B
“偶然 (ǒurán)” often takes the place of “It just happened that …” in English.
Tā ǒurán fāxiàn le zhè fú huà. 他 偶然 发现 了 这 幅 画。 He discovered the painting …
Often on the first day of class, I like to discuss with my students why they chose to learn Mandarin Chinese in China. Some students are young and interested in the appeal of something mysterious. Some of my students are a few decades older and …
Drinking culture in China, compared drinking culture in Western societies is quite different. And, by “drinking” I don’t mean tea or juice! Just as most other societies like to “put one back” and have one (or many!) alcoholic beverages in an evening, so too do …
How do you start a phone conversation in Chinese? There are some special expressions you’ve got to know.
1. A: Wéi, nǐ hǎo! Wǒ zhǎo Mary. B: Shì Jack mɑ? Wǒ shì Mary. Which of the following statements is true according …
“Oh, I’m busy now. I’ll call you later.” “Sorry, I’ll be running a little bit late.” Have you ever received these kinds of text messages before?
1. A: Bella, can we talk about our travel plans? B: Wǒ zài máng, shāo …
You think the party that starts at 7:00 is too early? I think it starts too late! You can use “jiù 就” or “cái 才” before a verb to show something happens earlier or later than expected. But how?
1. A: …
1. The History of Kung-fu
In Chinese, the term 功夫 (gōngfū) Kung-fu refers to any skill that is acquired through learning or practice. It is a compound word composed of the words 功 (gōng) meaning “work”, “achievement”, or “merit”, and 夫 (fū) which is a …
Yuèguāng xià, yí gè xiǎoxiǎo de luǎn, tǎng zài shùyè shàng. 月光 下，一 个 小小 的 卵， 躺 在 树叶 上. In the light of the moon, a little egg lay on a leaf.
Yí gè xīngqītiān de zǎochén, nuǎnnuǎn de tàiyáng shēng qǐ lái …
1. About Learning Mandarin Chinese
Mandarin Chinese is the official language of Mainland China and Taiwan. There are many versions of Chinese spoken throughout China; including Cantonese (spoken in Guangdong province), the Beijing dialect and the Shanghai dialect; but Mandarin Chinese is most common dialect …
Today I’m going to introduce some fun and helpful Chinese songs that you can learn, from beginner to intermediate level. These songs can supplement your Mandarin Chinese progress and make things a bit more fun. In fact, one of my favorite parts of teaching Chinese …
Have you ever just lost it and unloaded your negativity online? You’re not the only one. None of us is perfect, and occasionally we just want to mock our opponent. Since we spend so much time online, it’s hard to keep perfect behavior. So when …
The grass is always greener on the other hill. Let’s learn how to say “other” in Chinese.
1. A: Jenny, what are you looking for? B: Wǒ xiǎng mǎi mángguǒ. A: Zhèi ge chāoshì méiyǒu. Wǒmen qù biéde chāoshì, zěnmeyàng? B: …
I’m going to tell you about China’s many 共享单车 (gòngxiǎng dānchē) programs. These programs are cheap, convenient and changing the way that locals and visitors are getting around in China. I’ve been studying Mandarin Chinese in Beijing for nearly a year now. Myself and my …
Answer: C
Once you find the bike you wish to use, you can input the corresponding bike number into the app. It will then give you a four-digit code to unlock that bike. When you’ve finished the trip, you can leave the bike …
