Listening to Chinese podcasts is an excellent way to improve your listening skills and expand your vocabulary. If you listen to podcasts regularly, combined with 1-on-1 online Chinese lessons, you get an immersive Chinese learning environment that will help you improve your Chinese faster. …
Chinese grammar can seem daunting for beginners, especially for those who are more familiar with the grammatical structures of Indo-European languages like English, Spanish, or French. However, with a solid understanding of the basics, you can demystify the complexities of Chinese and make significant progress …
Chinese culture is rich in idioms, many of which use food-related metaphors to convey complex ideas. Have you ever come across the intriguing phrase “闭门羹 (bì mén gēng)” and wondered what it truly means? Or is it delicious?
Actually, “闭门羹 (bì mén gēng)” …
Learning how to ask questions is a fundamental part of mastering any language. In Chinese, forming yes-or-no questions is straightforward once you grasp a few key concepts. This guide will provide a detailed explanation of how to ask yes-or-no questions using simple structures and help …
Do you want your Mandarin to sound more native-like to the ear? Understanding and applying these three tone sandhi rules can make all the difference in your pronunciation.
Mandarin Chinese is a tonal language, which means that the meaning …
As a digital native, you might have come across intriguing phrases like “city不city,” “被硬控了三秒,” or “偷感很重” during your online adventures. What do they mean? Are you in the know? If these terms have piqued your curiosity or left you feeling like you’ve stumbled upon a …
Living or traveling in China can be an exciting and enriching experience, but it can also present challenges, especially if you don’t speak the language. Communication is key to navigating daily life smoothly, and mastering some essential Chinese phrases can make a significant difference. Whether …
If you’re just starting to learn Chinese, you might be surprised to find that some aspects of its sentence structure are quite similar to English. One of the key similarities is the basic sentence pattern “S-V-O” (Subject-Verb-Object), which both languages use. In this guide, we’ll …
Have you ever found yourself struggling to express yourself clearly while living or traveling in China? Whether it’s the pace of conversation or the diverse accents, communicating effectively can be a common challenge for expats. But fear not! I’ve curated a list of …
Even though most tourist attractions in China have signs in foreign languages, you might feel a bit lost when it comes to situations where you need to communicate with people, such as shopping, asking for directions, or asking someone to take a photo …
Staying in hotels in China might throw various unexpected scenarios your way, like a faulty room key that won’t unlock the door, a malfunctioning water heater leaving you with no hot water, and realizing there’s no hairdryer in the room. How do you go about …
If you’re considering living or studying in China, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with some essential travel phrases. While English instructions are often provided below the Chinese text, mastering frequently used vocabulary and sentences will greatly facilitate obtaining assistance. By acquiring a deeper …
Many foreigners know how to express “excuse me” in Chinese as: “duìbùqǐ (对不起),” so they often use it in various situations, including when passing by others. However, the word “láojià (劳驾)” is actually more commonly used in spoken Chinese. You can use “láojià 劳驾” when …
Are you wondering how to express “It’s my treat, let me be the host” in Chinese? Perhaps you’ve invited your Chinese friend to dinner and want to convey this sentiment effectively. Let’s explore the best way to express this in Chinese!
Jīn tiān de …
We already know that this year is the Year of the Dragon. The dragon has become a symbol of Chinese culture and impacts almost every other aspect of society in China. From a traditional viewpoint, the dragon stands for positive elements in life, such …
Mastering Chinese grammar is the key to fluency. Grammar enables you to construct meaningful sentences and clearly express your thoughts. It’s what helps you navigate the subtleties of Chinese, such as formal vs. informal speech, and the impact of small particles that can change the …
As 2023 is coming to an end, it’s time to summarize the popular slang once again. What new vocabulary has emerged since the first half of the year? Are you still using those outdated catchphrases? Would you like to see what new trendy expressions …
As the Thanksgiving season approaches, why not add a touch of cultural flair to your celebrations by incorporating some key Chinese phrases? Whether you’re hosting Chinese friends or simply want to infuse a bit of linguistic diversity into your gathering, here are the top 10 …
