People often joke that finding a job is more difficult than NASA launching a spacecraft.
While that might not be totally true, it is true that the job market has been in a slump since the financial crisis.
Even major international companies have to downsize …
Answer page
The correct answer is B.
In the above conversation, it is clear that the weather is the main reason they won’t go shopping. “Rain” in Chinese is 下雨 (xiàyǔ), so the right answer is B.
A. 下雪 (xiàxuě), means “to snow.”
C. 有风 …
In the previous article, we mentioned that modern Chinese wedding ceremonies involve many elements from western traditions, such as wearing a white wedding gown, exchanging rings, and walking down the aisle to Mendelssohn’s wedding march. However, there are some unique wedding traditions that never lost …
On November 7, 2012, Barack Obama won a second term as President (总统, zǒngtǒng) of the United States.
You know some countries have a president, or a prime minister, or even a chancellor. And some countries, such as China, have a premier as well as …
The right answer for this test is B. Analysis: Zhècì měiguó xuǎnjǔ shì 11 yuè 7 hào jiéshù de ma? Sam：这次 美国 选举 是 11 月 7 号 结束 的 吗？ Did the American election end on 7, November? Shì de! Li Hua：是 的！ Yes!…
Recently, several countries held major elections (选举, xuǎnjǔ) for their next leader. Take a look at the conversation between Li Hua and Sam.
Zhècì měiguó xuǎnjǔ shì 11 yuè 7 hào jiéshù de ma? Sam：这次 美国 选举 是 11 月 7 号 结束 的 吗？ …
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 …
When you go out to eat in China, the word “菜(cài)” is ever-present. This one word is used to describe dishes, such as “家常菜(jiācháng cài) home-style dishes;” vegetables such as “白菜(báicài) bok choy,” or simply “蔬菜 (shūcài) vegetables;” cuisines, such as “法国菜(Fǎguó cài) French cuisine;” …
For Shakespeare’s Hamlet, to be, or not to be: that is the question.
Here in Chinese learning, 客气(kèqi) or 不客气(bú kèqi), that is the question!
Please look at the following conversation to see when it is 客气(kèqi) or 不客气(bú kèqi).
Zhōngwén de “bú kèqi” …
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 …
Mary and Lucy are going to the movies together.
Lily, nǐ zǒu kuài yì diǎn, diànyǐnɡ mǎshànɡ jiù yào kāishǐ le. Mary：Lily，你走 快 一 点， 电影 马上 就 要 开始 了。
Lái le lái le, wǒmen jìnqù bɑ. Lily：来 了 来 了，我们 进去 吧。
What …
The right answer for this test is A. Translation: Lily, nǐ zǒu kuài yì diǎn, diànyǐng mǎshàng jiù yào kāishǐ le. Mary：Lily, 你 走 快 一 点， 电影 马上 就 要 开始 了。
Walk fast, Lily. The movie’s going to start …
Eric had been in China for less than a year. He didn’t know much Chinese, and made mistakes from time to time. One day, he was late for his Chinese class. Here’s the conversation between him and his teacher. Lǎoshī: Wèi shénme chídào? 老师： 为 …
Key Learning Point Preview：安全 (ānquán) adj./n. safe/safety Story:
After spending the evening together, Lucy and Lily are saying goodbye and getting ready to go home. Zhème wǎnle, wǒ yǒudiǎn hàipà! Lucy：这么 晚了，我 有点 害怕！ I’m a bit scared to go outside so late.
Nǐ zhǎng …
The right answer for the Chinese test is C. Analysis:
In China, the common activity of chewing gum is called 嚼口香糖(jiáo kǒuxiāngtáng). Gum is called口香糖, or 泡泡糖(pàopàotáng), which in English is translated into “bubble gum.” We use the verbs嚼 ( jiáo) …
Nǐ zài chī shénme a? Lisa: 你 在 吃 什么 啊？ Wǒ zài chī kǒuxiāngtáng. Emily: 我 在 吃 口香糖。 What does Emily say in this conversation?
A: She’s eating an apple.
B: She’s eating a piece of bread.
C: She’s chewing gum.
…Key learning point: 达人(dárén): an expert or someone who is outstanding in a specified field
What is your “达人(dárén) talent?”
中国达人秀 (zhōngguó dárénxiù)
中国达人秀 (zhōngguó dárénxiù) or China’s Got Talent, a show which searches for talent within the public, has taken the Chinese word 达人 …
Key learning point:
同志 (tóngzhì): n. comrade / gay or lesbian
One day, while studying the word “同志 (tóngzhì),” a foreigner suddenly declared to his Chinese friend, “我是一个男同志 (Wǒ shì yígè nán tóngzhì).”
His friend burst into laughter. Let’s take a look and find out …
