Chinese is quickly becoming one of the most popular languages for English speakers to learn. With over 1.4 billion native speakers, Chinese is the most widely spoken language in the world. As China continues to grow in economic and political power on the global stage, more and more people are considering learning Chinese to broaden […]
Mandarin Chinese is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, with over 1 billion native speakers. As China continues to grow in economic and political power on the global stage, learning Chinese is becoming an increasingly valuable skill for people of all backgrounds and professions. The idea of learning a language as […]
Shopping in China can be an exciting and culturally enriching experience. However, with a different language and culture, it can also be challenging for foreigners. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know to shop like a local in China. We’ll cover essential vocabulary words and phrases for shopping situations, tips on bargaining and […]
Learning to say “not this time” in Mandarin Chinese can be very useful for politely declining invitations, offers, or requests. Here’s a comprehensive guide to saying “not this time” in various contexts, complete with the most common Chinese phrases, sample sentences, audio clips, and cultural tips. Why Learning This Phrase Is Helpful Being able to […]
Chinese culture is rich with fascinating and sometimes strange superstitions that have developed over thousands of years. From numbers and colors to animals and food, Chinese superstitions influence many aspects of everyday life and business in China. Understanding common Chinese superstitions provides meaningful cultural insights. It can also help avoid embarrassing faux pas when traveling […]
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 […]
Chinese characters, known in Chinese as hanzi, have a history dating back over 3000 years to oracle bone inscriptions of the Shang Dynasty. As one of the world’s oldest continuously used writing systems, hanzi developed into a sophisticated logographic system with thousands of unique characters. When Chinese culture spread to neighboring regions like Japan and […]
Chinese New Year represents the most important festival in Chinese culture. The Spring Festival is filled with rich traditions and joyous celebrations. There are so many fun ways for kids to participate and learn about Chinese New Year customs. Here are some activities to try! Overview of Chinese New Year Chinese New Year, also called […]
With over 1 billion native speakers, Mandarin Chinese is the most widely spoken language in the world. For native English speakers, learning Chinese can seem daunting due to its complex writing system, tones, and grammar structures. However, with the right approach, anyone can gain competency in the foundations of conversational Chinese. In this beginner’s guide, […]