Century eggs, also known as pidan (皮蛋) in Chinese, are a famous Chinese preserved food with a history stretching back centuries. Their unusual appearance and flavor make for a unique culinary experience. While their origin is uncertain, multiple accounts suggest century eggs have existed since at least the 14th-16th centuries during the Ming Dynasty. Various […]
Learning the days of the week is one of the most fundamental parts of learning any new language. In Chinese, the days of the week provide a great opportunity to get familiar with the language, learn some vocabulary, and gain exposure to Chinese characters. Here is a comprehensive guide to the days of the week […]
The “qipao” (旗袍) is a traditional Chinese dress for women. It is a one-piece, high-necked, figure-hugging dress with distinctive Chinese features such as a mandarin collar, side slits, and frog buttons. Examples of Using “Qipao” Here are some examples of “qipao” being used in everyday Chinese conversations: Mary: 我们中文系晚宴要穿中国传统服装,我想穿旗袍。 Wǒmen zhōngwén xì wǎnyàn yào chuān […]
In Chinese, “Biao Bai” (表白) means to openly reveal one’s thoughts or feelings, to confess or declare something. It is the act of expressing, explaining or declaring oneself. Examples of Using “Biao Bai” Here are some examples of “Biao Bai” being used in real-life Chinese conversations: Mike: 我准备对Mary表白我对她的爱。Wǒ zhǔnbèi duì Mary biǎobái wǒ duì tā […]
In Chinese, “Mei Jia” (美甲) refers to nail art and beauty – specifically manicures and pedicures. It covers techniques like nail polishing, designing, extensions, and more. Examples of Using “Mei Jia” Here are some real-life examples of “Mei Jia” used in Chinese conversations: Sally: 我周末要去做美甲,给指甲上个设计。Wǒ zhōumò yào qù zuò měijiā, gěi zhǐjiā shàng ge shèjì.I’m […]
In Chinese, “Mei Da Mei Xiao” (没大没小) is an idiomatic expression that means “impolite, cheeky, impudent.” It describes someone who acts inappropriately without regard for social etiquette or hierarchy. Examples of Using “Mei Da Mei Xiao” Here are some real-life dialogues demonstrating how to use “Mei Da Mei Xiao”: Mary: 我们的新同事对老板没大没小,经常顶嘴。 Wǒmen de xīn tóngshì […]
“本来” and “原来” can both function as adjectives, indicating a situation that has remained unchanged from before. “本来” or “原来” + “的” serves as an attributive in a sentence. For example: (1) After not seeing you for several years, you still look the same as “原来” (“本来”), nothing has changed. (2) Our “本来” (“原来”) plan […]
In this article, we will briefly analyze and summarize the common usages of ‘会’ (can), ‘能’ (able to), and ‘可以’ (may/allowed to). 1. Expressing Abilities with “能” and “会” When indicating the acquisition of an ability through learning, both “能” and “会” can be used, but more often, we choose “会.” For example: He can […]
1. How to Use Basic Chinese Greetings and Introduce Yourself? (1)你好(nǐhǎo)！ Hello! (2)我叫桑德兰(wǒjiàosāngdélán)。 My name is Sandra. (3)你是哪国人(nǐshìnǎguórén)？ What’s your nationality? (4)我是奥地利人(wǒshìàodìlìrén)。 I am Austrian. (5)我不是大学生(wǒbùshìdàxuéshēng)。 I am not a university student. (6)我不会说汉语(wǒbúhuìshuōhànyǔ)。 I don’t speak Chinese. (7)我会说英语(wǒhuìshuōyīngyǔ)。 I can speak English. (8)我喜欢吃中国菜(wǒxǐhuanchīzhōngguócài)。 I like Chinese food. (9)你(nǐ)是(shì)第(dì)一(yī)次(cì)来(lái)重(chóng)庆(qìng)吗(ma)？ Is this your first time in chongqing? […]
Navigating unfamiliar streets and neighborhoods in a foreign country can be both exciting and challenging. In China, asking for directions is not only a practical skill but also a wonderful opportunity to connect with locals. In this post, we’ll discover how to ask for directions in Mandarin Chinese. 1. Starting a Conversation: **a) 请问，这附近有…吗？(Qǐngwèn, zhè […]