The lunar year 2024 joyously welcomes the Year of the Dragon – characterized by strength, prosperity, and good fortune. In Chinese culture, every word, dish, decoration has special significance. This Spring Festival 春节（chūn jié）, welcome your own good fortune by learning the traditions, customs, and most importantly – the essential Chinese vocabulary – to capture […]
As the world turns its attention to the upcoming Chinese New Year（中国年，Zhōngguó nián）, excitement builds for this significant cultural event happening later in the month. Known alternatively as the Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival（春节，chūnjié）, this period symbolizes more than just the dawn of a new lunar calendar; it’s a time for rejuvenation and […]
As the year of 2023 draws to an end, let’s take a look back at some of the most popular Internet slang terms that took off in the Chinese language this year. In this digital age of instant information, new words and phrases spread faster than ever before online. Young people especially like to use these […]
In recent years, a new Chinese term “内卷” (nèi juǎn) has emerged to describe the intense and excessive competition within Chinese society. As China continues its rapid economic development, competition for good grades, jobs, relationships, and even minor things has reached unhealthy levels. Understanding 内卷 and why it exists can provide insight into broader Chinese […]
The China’s Zhou dynasty was the longest-lasting imperial dynasty in Chinese history, ruling over the Central Plain region for nearly 800 years from 1046 BCE to 256 BCE. Though it went through periods of decline and revival, the political and cultural frameworks established during the Zhou dynasty had an enduring impact on later Chinese dynasties. […]
Sun Quan was the younger brother of Sun Ce and founder of the state of Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms period in ancient China. Though initially overshadowed by his elder brother Sun Ce’s exploits, Sun Quan showed his own talents as a leader when Sun Ce died prematurely in 200 CE. Sun Quan steadily […]
The Hakka people are an intriguing ethnic subgroup in China with a distinct culture, cuisine, and history. Numbering over 80 million worldwide, the Hakka have a fascinating story of migration, hardship, and preservation of ancient traditions. This article explores the origins, diaspora, language, culture, food, and impact of the Hakka Chinese. Who Are the Hakka […]
The “get ready to learn Chinese buddy” meme has become a viral sensation online in recent years. Often used in response to perceived threats to American ideals or freedom of speech, this meme pokes fun at the idea that Chinese censorship and authoritarianism could somehow spread to the United States. Where did this meme come […]
China is home to over 1.4 billion people, making it the world’s most populous country. With a long history and rich cultural heritage, China continues to grow in global economic and political influence. This fascinating country offers much for foreigners to experience, from bustling megacities like Shanghai to serene natural landscapes. For an expat, living […]
Learning how to write a formal letter in Chinese is an important skill for anyone doing business or communicating officially in China. While informal messaging and social media have become the norm for daily communication, more formal letters are still used in many professional situations. Knowing the proper format, style, and customs for Chinese letters […]