We have previously introduced Sichuan’s “麻辣(málà)” and Hunan’s “香辣(xiānglà)” flavors. In this last issue of our three-part sizzling-hot tour of China we will learn about one more unique kind of “spiciness” — the “酸辣(suānlà) sour spiciness” of “贵州(guìzhōu).” The special climate of Guizhou Province is, in a word, “天无三日晴(tiān wú sānrì qíng),” meaning “There are never three sunny days in a row.”…
Answer: A In China, the full name of a Han Chinese person (Han is the largest ethnic group in China) is composed of two parts: the surname and the given name. In Chinese, the surname comes first and is then followed by the given name.…
How much do you know about Chinese surnames and given names? Take the following test! If a Chinese woman’s name is 张小梅(Zhāng Xiǎoméi), then 张(Zhāng) is _____. A. her surname B. her given name
Correct Answers: 1. B 2. C 3. C <<Back to “Three ‘Spicy’ Provinces in China (Part II) – Hunan”
In China, “辣椒(làjiāo) chili” has rich cultural connotations. The fire-red chilies, connected with feelings of joy and celebration, symbolize colorful and thriving lives. What’s more, the character “交(jiāo) make friends or associate with someone” is a homophone of “椒(jiāo)”, suggesting that making good friends with others can help you make a good fortune, get a lucky break, and achieve good things.…
Correct Answers: 1. B 2. A 3. C <<Back to “Three ‘Spicy’ Provinces in China (Part I) – Sichuan”
(Want to travel in China? Try a Travel Chinese lesson first!)
Mention of the word “spicy” often reminds people of hot peppers, which turn red when ripening. In China, red color is the color of auspiciousness and prosperity, symbolizing good luck, happiness, and a rich life.…
Correct Answer: A First off, it should be made clear that China has long been a patriarchal society, where males have traditionally played dominant roles in political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and also control of property. In ancient China, females were not supposed to hunt for jobs to support their families; that was considered “a man’s territory” according to traditional conventions.…
How does dating work in China? Try this little test to check how much you know about dating in Chinese culture! Who is supposed to pay the bill on a date according to Chinese custom? A. The man B. The woman C. Go Dutch, so each person pays his or her own part
Have you ever heard of Chinese “糖画(tánghuà) sugar painting?” If not, check out the video below for a glimpse of this intricate, edible art!
Have you ever seen anything like what the artist makes in the video? Do you think the way “糖画(tánghuà)” is made is pretty amazing?…
Correct Answer: C In Chinese culture, giving and exchanging gifts is very popular. If you have any Chinese friends, learning the ins and outs of gift-giving culture in China is very important.
Especially when you visit a Chinese friend’s house, “点心(diǎnxīn) cakes,” “白酒(báijiǔ) hard alcohol,” “香烟(xiāngyān) cigarettes,” “茶叶(cháyè) tea,” “水果(shuǐguǒ) fruit,” “牛奶(niúnǎi) milk,” and “鸡蛋(jīdàn) eggs” are all traditional Chinese’s gifts from someone who needs a favor.…
Which of the following shouldn’t be given as gifts in China? A. 香烟(xiāngyān)
B. 白酒(báijiǔ)
C. 时钟(shízhōng)
D. 手表(shǒubiǎo)
Correct Answer: A In the Chinese language, 4(sì) has similar pronunciation with “死(sì) die,” which gives people an ominous, unlucky feeling. For this reason, Chinese people don’t like the number 4. <<Back to “Choose Lucky Numbers and Steer Clear of Unlucky Ones!” …
For Chinese people, which of the following numbers has a bad meaning? A. 4
B. 6
C. 8
D. 9
Not sure about the answer? No worries, just take a look at the article WeChat Lucky Money Taps Into Chinese New Year Tradition to figure out the correct answer!…
清明节 (Qīngmíngjié)
(Intermediate)
Key Learning Points (Preview):
放风筝 (fàng fēngzheng): v to fly kites
荡秋千 (dàng qiūqiān): v to swing
“清明节 (Qīngmíngjié) Tomb Sweeping Day” is celebrated fifteen days after the Spring equinox and is one of the few Chinese holidays that follows the solar calendar. …
Correct Answer: C If you live in, or have traveled to, Western countries like America, Germany, and France, you will have had the experience of leaving a tip after a meal. This custom is very common in some countries, but if you do this in China, don’t be surprised if your waiter looks puzzled or even tries to chase you down to give it back.…
In which of the following countries’ restaurants do you not need to leave a tip? A. 美国(Měiguó)
B. 德国(Déguó)
C. 中国(Zhōngguó)
The movie 变脸(biànliǎn) Face Off was directed by Chinese director 吴宇森(Wúyŭsēn) John Woo, and was released in 1997. While the movie was a hit, in fact, 变脸(biànliǎn) is a form of art in Sichuan Province, China. 变脸(biànliǎn) face-off and 川剧(chuānjù) Sichuan Opera
川剧(chuānjù) Sichuan Opera is a form of folk art just like Peking Opera and Qinqiang Opera.…
Sun Zi’s Art of War was written by Sun Wu in the final year of the Spring and Autumn
Period (770BC – 476BC).
It is not only the oldest Chinese military work in existence but also the oldest book
of military theory in the world, well-known for a long time in the history of the
military academy in China and abroad.…
