Mandarin Essentials
Video Lesson: Mandarin Chinese for “I’m Sorry”
Everyone makes mistakes! It’s common to say “sorry” in any language. In Mandarin Chinese, the most common way is by saying: “对不起 (duìbùqĭ) I am sorry.” Watch Video Answers …
Video Lesson: Breaking Up in Mandarin Chinese
“I am not sure if we are right for each other. I guess we have to break up.” It is absolutely heart breaking to hear this, or is it? Watch Video Answers …
Know 打交道 (dǎ jiāodào) to “Deal With” Chinese Business Clients
As the saying goes: “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know”. Making personal contacts and relationships and then applying them to work in China is just as important as it is in any country. It can make or break you! In Mandarin Chinese, …
Video Lesson: I Love You!
Are you in a relationship now? Or do you have a crush on someone? Learn the most basic phrases that help you express your feelings toward the special someone. Watch Video Answer …
Video Lesson: Go on A Date
Go hiking? Go window shopping? Go on a date? Make a plan and express it in Chinese. Watch Video Answer …
Video Lesson: What Kind of Music Do You Like?
What kind of music do you like? Which game is fun to play? What kind of hair style is cool… Today let’s talk about how to use “什么 (shénme)” when asking questions. Watch Video Answers …
Let Your Chinese Take Flight with This Bird Metaphor!
All languages often use animals as metaphorical representations of a person’s character or temperament. In English, phrases such as “stubborn as a mule” and “eyes of a hawk” are easily used and understood in everyday conversation. The Chinese language is no different! Today’s blog focuses …
Chinese Way of Giving a Compliment and Apology: 难为你了 (nánwéi nǐ le)
In English you might say “I know it’s hard for you…” to express a kind of apology and thankfulness for someone’s extra efforts in a task that is not related to their usual responsibilities, or that require extra effort on their part. In Mandarin Chinese, …
Chinese Beginners: Try This Simple Test!
1. Which of the following describes the object in the photo above? A. 船 (chuán) B. 飞机 (fēijī) C. 火车 (huǒchē) D. 汽车 (qìchē)
HSK Test General Chinese (Beginner Level) General Chinese (Intermediate Level) …
Answer to Chinese Beginners: Try This Simple Test!
Answer: B 船 (chuán) Ship
The Chinese word “飞机 (fēijī)” means airplane, “飞 (fēi)” means “fly” and “机 (jī)” means machine. So, you know B is the correct answer.
Screwed Over? In a “坑 (kēng)”? This Lesson May Help!
As you know, the context and tone of how you say a word or expression in any language can change it’s meaning and intention. In English, you might jokingly say to your friends “you really screwed me over!” during a friendly game of Monopoly. However, …