As you advance in your Chinese language studies and work toward mastering HSK 4, the importance of understanding colloquial expressions cannot be overstated. These expressions are a key to navigating real-life conversations and grasping the subtleties of modern Chinese. Today I will introduce you to 10 essential colloquial expressions that are vital for passing HSK 4 and deepening your cultural insight.
1. 黄牛 (huáng niú) – Ticket Scalper
In China, “黄牛 (huáng niú)” refers to ticket scalpers, individuals who buy tickets for events, such as concerts or sports games, and then resell them at a higher price.
Example:
Bié mǎi huáng niú piào.
别买黄牛票。
Don’t buy tickets from scalpers.
2. 马马虎虎 (mǎ mǎ hū hū) – So-So
This phrase is commonly used to express something that’s just “okay” or “mediocre.” When something is neither good nor bad, but acceptable, you can use this expression. It’s frequently used in everyday conversations, especially when discussing outcomes or performances.
Example:
Zhè dùn fàn zhǐ néng suàn shì mǎ mǎ hū hū.
这顿饭只能算是马马虎虎。
The meal was just so-so.
3. 搞定 (gǎo dìng) – To Fix or Handle
This expression is essential for HSK 4 and daily life in China. “搞定 (gǎo dìng)” means to complete a task or solve a problem. It is widely used both in professional and informal settings.
Example:
Bié dān xīn, wǒ yǐ jīng gǎo dìng le suǒ yǒu de zhǔn bèi gōng zuò.
别担心，我已经搞定了所有的准备工作。
Don’t worry, I’ve already handled all the preparations.
4. 摆谱 (bǎi pǔ) – To Show Off
This term refers to showing off or acting superior, often used to describe someone who is trying to impress others with their status or wealth.
Example:
Tā zǒng shì xǐ huān zài péng yǒu miàn qián bǎi pǔ, ràng rén jué dé hěn bù shū fú.
他总是喜欢在朋友面前摆谱，让人觉得很不舒服。
He always likes to show off in front of his friends, making others feel uncomfortable.
5. 侃大山 (kǎn dà shān) – To Chat Casually
This colloquial phrase means to engage in casual conversation or banter. “侃大山 (kǎn dà shān)” literally translates to “chatting about big mountains” and is often used to describe a friendly and relaxed conversation, usually among friends.
Example:
Tā men liǎng gè yī jiàn miàn jiù kǎn dà shān, hǎo xiàng yǒu shuō bù wán de huà.
他们两个一见面就侃大山，好像有说不完的话。
When they meet, they chat casually as if they have endless topics to discuss.
6. 走后门 (zǒu hòu mén) – Using Connections
“走后门 (zǒu hòu mén)” means to use connections or backdoor methods to gain advantages, bypassing the proper channels. It’s crucial for understanding how informal networks can operate in Chinese culture.
Example:
Tā méi yǒu tōng guò zhèng guī qú dào shēn qǐng gōng zuò, ér shì zǒu le hòu mén.
他没有通过正规渠道申请工作，而是走了后门。
He didn’t apply for the job through the formal channels; instead, he used his connections.
7. 支付宝 (zhī fù bǎo) – Alipay
Alipay, known as “支付宝(zhī fù bǎo) ” is more than just a payment platform in China——it symbolizes the country’s rapid embrace of technology. Many daily transactions, from shopping to paying utility bills, are done through Alipay, making it a critical term for HSK 4 students to understand.
Example:
Xiàn zài chū mén bù yòng dài qián bāo, zhí jiē yòng zhī fù bǎo jiù kě yǐ le.
现在出门不用带钱包，直接用支付宝就可以了。
Nowadays, you don’t need to carry a wallet when going out; you can just use Alipay.
8. 春运 (chūn yùn) – Spring Festival Travel Season
“春运 (chūn yùn)” refers to the massive migration of people during the Chinese New Year. This period, known for its crowded transportation hubs, is the busiest travel time of the year and highlights the importance of family in Chinese culture.
Example:
Měi dào chūn yùn qī jiān, huǒ chē piào dōu fēi cháng nán mǎi.
每到春运期间，火车票都非常难买。
During the Spring Festival travel season, it is very difficult to buy train tickets.
9. 私信我 (sī xìn wǒ) – DM Me
“私信我 (sī xìn wǒ)” means “send me a private message” or “DM me.” In a world where social media is an essential communication tool, knowing how to say this in Chinese will help you navigate interactions more smoothly.
Example:
Rú guǒ nǐ yǒu rèn hé wèn tí, kě yǐ sī xìn wǒ.
如果你有任何问题，可以私信我。
If you have any questions, you can DM me.
10. 打卡 (dǎ kǎ) – Checking In or Visiting
The term “打卡 (dǎ kǎ)” refers to the act of visiting a location and sharing your experience on social media, often with a photo. In China, “打卡 (dǎ kǎ)” at trendy or famous spots has become a significant aspect of social media culture.
Example:
Jīn tiān qù le yī gè wǎng hóng dǎ kǎ dì, pāi le hěn duō piào liang de zhào piàn.
今天去了一个网红打卡地，拍了很多漂亮的照片。
Today, I visited a famous internet hotspot and took many beautiful pictures.
Mastering these 10 colloquial expressions will greatly enhance your understanding of Chinese culture and help you excel in your HSK 4 exam. However, language learning is more than just memorizing phrases——it’s about truly understanding how and when to use them in real-life conversations.
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