Mamahuhu is a four-character Chinese idiom that literally translates to “horse horse tiger tiger 马马虎虎 mǎ mǎ hū hū .” Despite its strange literal meaning, this phrase is commonly used in Mandarin to express two distinct concepts: Mediocre, average, so-so When used to describe someone’s ability, performance, or the quality of something, mamahuhu conveys that […]
If you’re studying Chinese, you’ve likely realized the language has a great richness of Chinese proverbs.But you may not know where to start learning them – which ones to remember, how to remember them, and when to use them properly. Proverbs often go unnoticed because they require further explanation to fully grasp. The fact is, […]
Have you ever met someone after a long time and told them “Long time no see!”? It is a very warm way of getting in touch again after a long time. There even exist other adaptions such as “Long time no speak!”. Knowing how to say this expression using Chinese could be important for you […]
The internet has given rise to many new slang terms and abbreviations, especially among young people communicating online. One Chinese internet slang expression that has become quite popular in recent years is “awsl” (啊我死了). This unique phrase has a very interesting meaning and backstory. What Does “Awsl” Mean in Chinese? The term “awsl” is written […]
The Chinese interjection “wasai” (pronounced “wah-sy”) is a fascinating linguistic expression that conveys a complex mix of emotions. Despite its simple spelling, this two-character word has nuanced cultural meanings and is widely used in spoken Chinese. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the definition, usage, and cultural significance of “wasai” to better understand this […]
Wang ba, or 王八 (wāng bā), is a common Chinese profanity with a rather interesting origin story involving turtles. Though frequently used in curses and insults, many Chinese speakers today don’t fully understand the meaning behind the term. In this article, we’ll explore the origins of “turtle wang ba,” examine how it became a popular […]
Whether you’re just starting to learn Chinese or have been studying it for years, navigating the complexities of formal and informal language can be tricky. Knowing when and how to use the appropriate register is essential for communicating effectively and avoiding potentially embarrassing faux pas. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the key differences […]
Chinese is a fascinating language with a long history and rich culture behind it. As a tonal language, Mandarin Chinese relies heavily on tones to convey meaning. However, prefixes and suffixes also play an important role in building words and modifying meaning in Chinese. Unlike English, Chinese has a relatively small set of prefixes and […]
Learning new vocabulary words is essential for success when starting to learn any new language. The HSK vocabulary lists created by the HSK Authority provide a structured way for Mandarin learners to methodically build up their knowledge of commonly used words and characters. HSK 1 is the first level of the HSK exam and contains […]
Learning Chinese can seem like a daunting task. With unfamiliar characters, tones and pronunciation, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed as a beginner. However, just learning 100 basic words and phrases can give you a solid foundation to start having simple conversations and grow your Chinese vocabulary. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover fundamental Chinese vocabulary […]