Mandarin Essentials
Answers to mini test
1. B
Wǒ xǐhuan qù páshān.
我 喜欢 去 爬山。
I like to go hiking on Sundays.
我(wǒ) is a first-person pronoun used as the subject in a sentence, and 喜欢(xǐhuān) is a verb meaning like and it can be followed by nouns or verbs. …
Survival Chinese: Essential Phrases to Get By in China
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Easy Guide to Basic Chinese Sentence Patterns for Beginners
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 …
When in China: 12 Cultural Questions You’ll Be Asked (And Winning Responses)
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 …
25 Practical Chinese Phrases for a Seamless Travel in China
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 …
Essential Mandarin Phrases for Dealing with Unexpected Situations in Chinese Hotels
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 …
Traveling in China: Useful Phrases for Asking Directions and Getting Around
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 …
How to Say ‘Excuse Me’ in Chinese: “láojià (劳驾)”
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 …
How to Say ‘It’s My Treat, Let Me Host’ in Chinese?
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!
Dialogue:
Jīn tiān de …
Daily Quiz Answer: B. Chopsticks
Beginner Level 初级 (chūjí)
The correct answer to this quiz is B.
Analysis:
Traditionally in China, people are used to eating with chopsticks. Chinese are very particular about using “筷子 (kuàizi) chopsticks” when having their meals. Starting in the Shang Dynasty, Chinese people began to …
Daily Quiz: What is the main eating utensil in China?
Beginner Level 初级 (chūjí)
Question:
Do you know which one of the following is the main eating utensil in China? A. 勺子 (sháozi) B. 筷子 (kuàizi) C. 刀叉 (dāochā)
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… Chinese Character: 春 (chūn) Spring (Beginner)
Chinese character (Beginner)
春 (Chūn) Spring
Chinese character: 春 (chūn) Spring
拼音 (pīnyīn) pinyin: chūn
笔画 (bǐhuà) number of strokes: 9
含义 (hányì) meaning: spring
笔顺 (bǐshùn) stroke order:
1. Learn Chinese characters with native Chinese teacher
词源 (cíyuán) Etymology: In spring, the sunshine …
Learn Chinese Character: 龙 (lóng) Dragon
The Dragon (龙 lóng) is arguably the most iconic sign in the Chinese Zodiac. A powerful symbol of good fortune, success, and strength, the dragon impacts many aspects of Chinese culture. The dragon has become a symbol of Chinese culture and impacts almost every other …
Chinese Grammar: Essential Tips for Learners
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 …
5 Most Trendy Chinese Words in the Second Half of 2023
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 …
10 Chinese Phrases You Need to Know for Thanksgiving
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 …
Essential Tips to Master Chinese Pinyin in Just Ten Minutes
The pronunciation of Mandarin Pinyin is similar to English. As long as you know these English pronunciations, you can quickly learn Chinese Pinyin. Come and give it a try. You can master Mandarin Pinyin in just ten minutes.
Basic Pinyin Structure:
1. Initials (声母 – …