Friendship holds great meaning in Chinese culture. Unlike Western notions of friendship that focus on shared interests and quality time together, the Chinese concept of friendship (友谊, yǒuyì) runs much deeper. Friendship in China is viewed as a lifelong bond infused with obligation, respect, loyalty and honor. There are even unique words in Chinese that […]
Asking “what” in Mandarin Chinese is one of the most common and important phrases for beginner learners. Knowing how to ask simple questions is key to having basic conversations and getting information. In this comprehensive guide, we will explain everything you need to know about saying “what” in Mandarin, from pronunciation to spelling, context, and […]
1. Among the initial consonant sounds “b” and “p” in Mandarin Chinese, which one has a stronger airflow? Many people might mistakenly think that “b” has a stronger airflow because its sound is louder. However, this is incorrect. The exhaled airflow for “p” is actually much stronger than for “b.” Don’t believe it? Try holding […]
“两” (liǎng) and “二” (èr) have similar meanings, but they are used differently in common practice. 1. “二” is used exclusively for ordinal numbers, such as “Grade Two” (二年级) or “February Second” (二月份). 2. “两” can be used for cardinal numbers, but it’s generally used with specific measurements or quantities. For instance, “twenty” (二十) or […]
To fulfill your wish as a cat lover, this article brings you a “Cat Special” edition. From the basics of pronunciation of how to Say Cat in Chinese to various cat breeds in China and even some cat trivia… it’s a must-see for cat enthusiasts! The love for cute animals and pets transcends borders worldwide. […]
Learning Chinese can be challenging, especially when it comes to mastering grammar and vocabulary. One common question that Chinese learners may have is how to say “if” in Chinese. In this article, we will explore the different ways to say “if” in Chinese and how to use them correctly. Different ways to say “if” in […]
If you have a hard time telling the difference between 想(xiǎnɡ) and 要(yào) and do not want to read articles full of academic terms, then you are in the right place now. Don’t worry; you got covered with straightforward tips and practical examples from GoEast. 想(xiǎng) and 要(yào) can be used interchangeably with some subtle […]
– By Ruoran Helen Bai How to say No in Chinese? It seems like a simple answer — just one simple click on either your phone or your computer, either on Google or Pleco. Well, this simple character “不 bù” does not only play its role as “No” in Chinese. But it’s more than just […]
– By Ruoran Helen Bai Are you confused with 还是 háishì and 或者huòzhě? Even intermediate Chinese language learners still make mistakes with this because in their mother language, these two separate words don’t exist. Maybe you do as well. You tried to use them in the way your Mandarin teacher told you, but you often […]
In the Chinese language there are two ways to say “two” and this grammar point catches out a lot of foreigners, especially for Beginner Chinese students. Let’s go over it here! In a nutshell though: Use ‘两liǎng’ for measuring things, such as ‘two people’ or ‘two cups of coffee’ Use ‘两liǎng’ to say ‘Two o’clock’ […]