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) …
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 …
Recently the Chinese people have been enthralled by the 30th Olympic Games in London, with many people staying up late into the night to watch the representatives from their country compete. China has had some big wins in 2012, as well as some losses, each …
A Chinese teacher organized over ten foreign students to walk to the Tianjin Zoo; they were hoping to get their first glimpse of the panda. After leaving the school gate, the group needed to cross a busy road with rushing traffic. The teacher told the …
Conversation:
Nǐ kàn Lady Gaga Xiānggǎng yǎnchànghuì le ma? Jen: 你看 Lady Gaga 香港 演唱会 了 吗？ Have you seen the Lady Gaga Live concert in Hong Kong?
Dāngrán le, nà kě zhēn shì shízú de Lady Gaga fànr a. Lily: 当然 了，那可 真 是 …
During the Euro 2012 games, time and time again fans cheered the fantastic goals made by Cristiano Ronaldo.
His impeccable performance, combined with his good looks, attracted the attention of many girls’ eyes in China. Ronaldo was dubbed the top “高富帅 (gāo fù shuài)” …
Key Learning Points (Preview):
胜 (shèng) to win
败 (bài) to lose
On June 22nd, the NBA had its fifth and final championship game; the result being that the Miami Heat “大胜 (dà shèng)” beat the Oklahoma City Thunder by a margin of 121–106 and …
Amy and her friend Linda meet at a cafe to chat. Amy: Look at you! You’re so slim! Linda: Thanks! Amy: I wish I were you! I really admire those who keep a good figure. Linda: If you eat a healthy diet, you’ll… Amy: I …
When I was in Beijing for school, I went to a restaurant and correctly ordered “麻婆豆腐 (Mápódòufu) Mapo Tofu” and “宫保鸡丁 (Gōngbǎojīdīng) Kung-Pao Chicken.” I can’t express how excited I was at the time. Back in Europe, I recited common Chinese menus endlessly to invisible …
In recent years, the number of private cars and younger owners in China has steadily risen, bringing with it, the pursuit of “个性 (gèxìng),” or individuality through a more colorful and personal “爱车 (àichē) car.” The simple, but sweet application of a unique “车贴 (chētiē) …
In its simplest form, the word “方便 (fāngbiàn)” is an adjective that means “convenient.” A good example is “方便面 (fāngbiànmiàn) instant noodles,” literally “convenient noodles.” However, Focke, an American, only knew this word as a verb with the colloquial meaning “to go to the toilet/use …
During the 2008 “奥运会 (Àoyùnhuì) Olympic Games,” people of different nationalities flocked to Beijing in support of their fellow countrymen; they shouted out the name of their country, chanted, and sang songs.
As the host nation, many Chinese people attended the games to …
Study the vocabulary then read through the conversation. Why is Mike late?
迟到 (chídào) adj. late
路过 (lùguò) v. to pass by
路标 (lùbiāo) n. signpost/road sign
Mike, nǐ zěnme měitiān shàngxué dōu chídào? Teacher: Mike，你 怎么 每天 上学 都 迟到？
Mike, why …
“萌 (méng)” literarily means to sprout and is the symbol of spring. From this, the meaning of “萌 (méng)” has been extended to describe girls who are young and innocent. The term originated from the animation industry and was used as a lingua franca to …
Are you old enough to remember the ’80s? Crazy hairstyles and fashion often popped up throughout the world as well as a series of advancements in technology that changed the world. Those who grew up during that time can often be seen as having similar …
我还要包子。(Wǒ hái yào bāozi.) I want more steamed stuffed buns.
In the video above, the father repeated a sentence “我还要包子 (Wǒ hái yào bāozi) I want more steamed stuffed buns,” but the kid refuse to say the phrase “还要 (hái yào)” no matter how his …
“汗 (hàn)” is the Chinese character for perspiration, or the sweat people produce when playing sports, or when faced with other intense or strenuous conditions. On the Internet, the word has come to indicate that one has nothing to say on an issue or conversation. …
Dialogue:
Nǐ jīntiān de fàxíng hěn bù yíyàng ye. Tom: 你今天 的 发型 很 不 一样 耶。
Your hairstyle looks very different today. Ò, wǒ tàngle yí xià. Jen: 哦，我烫了 一 下。
Oh yeah, I got a perm. After a while… Á, yán bu yánzhòng …
