如何让你遇见我
How do I let you meet me,
在我最美丽的时刻
At my most beautiful moment.
为这
For this,
我已在佛前求了五百年
I beseeched the Buddha for five hundred years,
求佛让我们结一段尘缘
I beseeched Him to let us meet in earthly life.
佛于是把我化做一棵树
Buddha let me become a tree,
长在你必经的路旁
Growing on the roadside that you pass by every day.
阳光下
Under the sunlight,
慎重地开满了花
I carefully bloomed with flowers all over,
朵朵都是我前世的盼望
Every bloom is my longing from a previous life.
当你走近
When you come near,
请你细听
Please listen carefully,
那颤抖的叶
Those shivering leaves,
是我等待的热情
Are the passion of my waiting.
而当你终于无视地走过
And when you finally passed by unawares,
在你身后落了一地的
Those that fell off and covered the ground,
朋友啊
Ah, Friend,
那不是花瓣
Those are not flower petals,
那是我凋零的心
They are my withering heart.
Learn more at http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg080106
2012年7月31日星期二
Chinese Test: What does “我就知道” mean in Chinese?
Beginner Level 初级 (chūjí)
There will be a party tomorrow.
Míngtiān wǒ yào chuān nà tiáo wǒ zuì xǐhuan de qúnzi.
Linda: 明天 我 要 穿 那 条 我 最 喜欢 的 裙子。
Wǒ jiù zhīdào nǐ huì chuān nà tiáo qúnzi.
Mary: 我 就 知道 你 会 穿 那 条 裙子。
What is Mary trying to say?
A. She thinks that Linda should not wear that skirt.
B. She didn’t know that Linda would wear that skirt.
C. She figured that Linda would wear that skirt.
There will be a party tomorrow.
Míngtiān wǒ yào chuān nà tiáo wǒ zuì xǐhuan de qúnzi.
Linda: 明天 我 要 穿 那 条 我 最 喜欢 的 裙子。
Wǒ jiù zhīdào nǐ huì chuān nà tiáo qúnzi.
Mary: 我 就 知道 你 会 穿 那 条 裙子。
What is Mary trying to say?
A. She thinks that Linda should not wear that skirt.
B. She didn’t know that Linda would wear that skirt.
C. She figured that Linda would wear that skirt.
Chinese Character: 龙 (lóng) Dragon
We already know that this year is the Year of the Dragon. The dragon has become a symbol of Chinese culture and impacts almost every other aspect of society in China. From a traditional viewpoint, the dragon stands for positive elements in life, such as riches, success, power and so on. If you were born in the Year of Dragon, people often believe you’ll have a good future. With all of its influence and generally positive aura, don't you think it would be fitting to know how to write the Chinese character for dragon? Today we’ll learn together.
拼音 (pīnyīn) pinyin: lóng
笔画 (bǐhuà) number of strokes: 5
部首 (bùshǒu) Radical: 龙
拼音 (pīnyīn) pinyin: lóng
笔画 (bǐhuà) number of strokes: 5
部首 (bùshǒu) Radical: 龙
Its etymology in china, please click here http://resources.echineselearning.com/general/general-chinese-1512.html?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg080103
Idiom story:New-born Calves are not Afraid of Tigers
初生牛犊不怕虎 (chū shēng niúdú bú pà hǔ) New-born Calves are not Afraid of Tigers
Towards the end of Eastern Han Dynasty, “刘备 (Liú Bèi) Liu Bei” captured the city “汉中 (Hànzhōng) Hanzhong” from “曹操 (Cáo Cāo) Cao Cao” and proclaimed himself king. He ordered his famed general “关羽 (Guān Yǔ) Guan Yu” to capture “襄阳 (Xiāngyáng) Xiang yang” in the north. 刘备 (Liú Bèi)’s army defeated 曹操 (Cáo Cāo)’s army, which fell back on“樊城 (Fánchéng) Fancheng.” “曹操 (Cáo Cāo) Cao Cao” sent a young and brave officer “庞德 (Páng Dé) Pang De” to lead the soldiers into “樊城 (Fánchéng) Fancheng” for support. When “庞德 (Páng Dé) Pang De” led his troops into “樊城 (Fánchéng) Fancheng,” he said that he would have a “决战 (juézhàn) decisive battle” with “关羽 (Guān Yǔ) Guan Yu.” Both fought hard against each other in the following battles but neither prevailed. After the battles, “关羽 (Guān Yǔ) Guan Yu” came back to the military camp and said to his subordinates: “ ‘庞德 (Páng Dé) Pang De’ had very good sword skills, and he was “初生牛犊不怕虎 (chū shēng niúdú bú pà hǔ) a new-born calf that is not afraid of tiger.” We can’t look down upon him.” “初生 (chū shēng)” means new-born and “牛犊 (niúdú)” means calf.
This idiom is often used to describe young people who are not afraid of obstacles and are very brave.
Learn more at http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg080102
Towards the end of Eastern Han Dynasty, “刘备 (Liú Bèi) Liu Bei” captured the city “汉中 (Hànzhōng) Hanzhong” from “曹操 (Cáo Cāo) Cao Cao” and proclaimed himself king. He ordered his famed general “关羽 (Guān Yǔ) Guan Yu” to capture “襄阳 (Xiāngyáng) Xiang yang” in the north. 刘备 (Liú Bèi)’s army defeated 曹操 (Cáo Cāo)’s army, which fell back on“樊城 (Fánchéng) Fancheng.” “曹操 (Cáo Cāo) Cao Cao” sent a young and brave officer “庞德 (Páng Dé) Pang De” to lead the soldiers into “樊城 (Fánchéng) Fancheng” for support. When “庞德 (Páng Dé) Pang De” led his troops into “樊城 (Fánchéng) Fancheng,” he said that he would have a “决战 (juézhàn) decisive battle” with “关羽 (Guān Yǔ) Guan Yu.” Both fought hard against each other in the following battles but neither prevailed. After the battles, “关羽 (Guān Yǔ) Guan Yu” came back to the military camp and said to his subordinates: “ ‘庞德 (Páng Dé) Pang De’ had very good sword skills, and he was “初生牛犊不怕虎 (chū shēng niúdú bú pà hǔ) a new-born calf that is not afraid of tiger.” We can’t look down upon him.” “初生 (chū shēng)” means new-born and “牛犊 (niúdú)” means calf.
This idiom is often used to describe young people who are not afraid of obstacles and are very brave.
Learn more at http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg080102
旱鸭子 (hàn yāzi) Non-swimmer (Advanced)
旱鸭子 (hàn yāzi) Non-swimmer
The character “旱 (hàn)” means dry or drought; “鸭 (yā)” means duck and “子
(zi)” is used as a suffix here.
Example:
我妹妹不会游泳，大家都叫她旱鸭子。
Wǒ mèimei búhuì yóuyǒng, dàjiā dōu jiào tā hàn yāzi.
My sister cannot swim, so we all call her Han Yazi.
More popular Chinese words at http://resources.echineselearning.com/dailybrief/?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg080101
The character “旱 (hàn)” means dry or drought; “鸭 (yā)” means duck and “子
(zi)” is used as a suffix here.
Example:
我妹妹不会游泳，大家都叫她旱鸭子。
Wǒ mèimei búhuì yóuyǒng, dàjiā dōu jiào tā hàn yāzi.
My sister cannot swim, so we all call her Han Yazi.
More popular Chinese words at http://resources.echineselearning.com/dailybrief/?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg080101
2012年7月30日星期一
Do you know Chinese Valentine's Day?
In China we have a day dedicated for love, just like westerns do. This day has many names and a colorful history. In Chinese it's called Qi Xi Jie (七夕节qīxī jié), The Seventh Eve. It is also known as Chinese Valentine's Day(中国情人节zhōngguó qíngrén jié) and The Daughter's Day (女儿节nǚér jié) and just like the official name hints, it occurs on the seventh day of the seventh month, in Chinese lunar calendar.
Origin：
The seventh daughter of the Goddess of Heaven fell in love with the Cowherd, Niu Lang. Regardless of the ban that the immortal could not marry the mortal, she still got married to Niu Lang decisively. They lived happily for several years. Eventually however, the Goddess of Heaven became fed up with her daughter's absence, and ordered her to return to heaven. However, the mother took pity on the couple and allowed them to be reunited once a year. Legend has it that on the seventh night of the seventh month, magpies form a bridge with their wings for Zhi Nv to cross to meet her husband.
Origin：
The seventh daughter of the Goddess of Heaven fell in love with the Cowherd, Niu Lang. Regardless of the ban that the immortal could not marry the mortal, she still got married to Niu Lang decisively. They lived happily for several years. Eventually however, the Goddess of Heaven became fed up with her daughter's absence, and ordered her to return to heaven. However, the mother took pity on the couple and allowed them to be reunited once a year. Legend has it that on the seventh night of the seventh month, magpies form a bridge with their wings for Zhi Nv to cross to meet her husband.
Release Hung Ming lanterns on romantic Qixi Festival:
In ancient times, various activities were held to celebrate the Qixi Festival in different places, but young people nowadays like to release the Hung Ming lanterns. On the Qixi evening, lovers make good wishes together and lit Hung Ming lanterns with full blessing to long for faithful and steadfast love like love between Niu Lang and Zhi Nv.
Know more at http://resources.echineselearning.com/?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg73106
In ancient times, various activities were held to celebrate the Qixi Festival in different places, but young people nowadays like to release the Hung Ming lanterns. On the Qixi evening, lovers make good wishes together and lit Hung Ming lanterns with full blessing to long for faithful and steadfast love like love between Niu Lang and Zhi Nv.
Know more at http://resources.echineselearning.com/?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg73106
AP Chinese Test: What is Your Nationality?
AP Chinese Sample Test Question:
A：你是哪国人？
B：__________
A. 我是美国人。
B. 我学习汉语。
C. 我住在英国。
D. 我要去中国。
A：你是哪国人？
B：__________
A. 我是美国人。
B. 我学习汉语。
C. 我住在英国。
D. 我要去中国。
笨鸟先飞 Clumsy Birds Have to Start Flying Early
Idiom Story
树上一只鸟妈妈孵出了六只鸟宝宝，
Shùshàng yìzhī niǎomāma fū chū le liùzhī niǎobǎobao,
A bird hatches six baby birds,
小六又瘦又小，哥哥姐姐们都欺负它；
Xiǎoliù yòu shòu yòu xiǎo, gēge jiějie men dōu qīfu tā;
Xiaoliu is very weak and small; his sisters and brothers usually bully him.
经常从它嘴里抢虫子，小六只得饿着肚子。
Jīngcháng cóng tā zuǐlǐ qiǎng chóngzi, xiǎoliù zhǐ děi è zhe dùzi.
The other birds usually rob food from his mouth, and Xiaoliu has to suffer from hunger.
哥哥姐姐们叫他 “笨鸟”。
Gēge jiějie men jiào tā “bèn niǎo.”
Sisters and Brothers call him “clumsy bird.”
于是他决心锻炼好身体，让哥哥姐姐们不再嘲笑自己。
Yúshì tā juéxīn duànliàn hǎo shēntǐ, ràng gēge jiějie men bú zài cháoxiào zìjǐ.
He determines to exercise more to be healthier, in order to not be laughed by his sisters and brothers.
他志气非常大，每天都起得很早，
Tā zhìqì fēicháng dà, měitiān dōu qǐ de hěn zǎo,
Xiaoliu has a strong will and gets up very early every day.
等哥哥姐姐们醒来，他已经跑完步，吃了虫子了。
Děng gēge jiějie men xǐnglái, tā yǐjīng pǎo wán bù, chī le chóngzi le.
He always finishes exercising and eating worms by the time his sisters and brothers wake up.
冬天到了，鸟群要南飞了；笨鸟是鸟群中第一个飞往南方的。
Dōngtiān dào le, niǎoqún yào nán fēi le; bènniǎo shì niǎoqún zhōng dìyígè fēiwǎng nánfāng de.
When the winter is coming and the bird flock prepare to fly to the south, the “clumsy bird” is the first one to start flying.
More Chinese idioms at http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg73102
树上一只鸟妈妈孵出了六只鸟宝宝，
Shùshàng yìzhī niǎomāma fū chū le liùzhī niǎobǎobao,
A bird hatches six baby birds,
小六又瘦又小，哥哥姐姐们都欺负它；
Xiǎoliù yòu shòu yòu xiǎo, gēge jiějie men dōu qīfu tā;
Xiaoliu is very weak and small; his sisters and brothers usually bully him.
经常从它嘴里抢虫子，小六只得饿着肚子。
Jīngcháng cóng tā zuǐlǐ qiǎng chóngzi, xiǎoliù zhǐ děi è zhe dùzi.
The other birds usually rob food from his mouth, and Xiaoliu has to suffer from hunger.
哥哥姐姐们叫他 “笨鸟”。
Gēge jiějie men jiào tā “bèn niǎo.”
Sisters and Brothers call him “clumsy bird.”
于是他决心锻炼好身体，让哥哥姐姐们不再嘲笑自己。
Yúshì tā juéxīn duànliàn hǎo shēntǐ, ràng gēge jiějie men bú zài cháoxiào zìjǐ.
He determines to exercise more to be healthier, in order to not be laughed by his sisters and brothers.
他志气非常大，每天都起得很早，
Tā zhìqì fēicháng dà, měitiān dōu qǐ de hěn zǎo,
Xiaoliu has a strong will and gets up very early every day.
等哥哥姐姐们醒来，他已经跑完步，吃了虫子了。
Děng gēge jiějie men xǐnglái, tā yǐjīng pǎo wán bù, chī le chóngzi le.
He always finishes exercising and eating worms by the time his sisters and brothers wake up.
冬天到了，鸟群要南飞了；笨鸟是鸟群中第一个飞往南方的。
Dōngtiān dào le, niǎoqún yào nán fēi le; bènniǎo shì niǎoqún zhōng dìyígè fēiwǎng nánfāng de.
When the winter is coming and the bird flock prepare to fly to the south, the “clumsy bird” is the first one to start flying.
More Chinese idioms at http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg73102
Warren Buffett Bullish on China’s BYD
The "Sage of Omaha" Warren Buffett has invested in "比亚迪 (bǐyàdí) BYD-Build Your Dreams" CO Ltd, which is a Chinese manufacturer of batteries, "手机 (shǒujī) cellphones," andelectric vehicles founded by Wang Chuanfu. Buffett "看好 (kànhǎo)" apparently is bullish on the rise of "技术 (jìshù) technology" -based company BYD. In one meeting, Buffett wore the "标志 (biāozhì) logo" of BYD, showing his recognition of the company. He also "赠送 (zèngsòng) gave a gift" -a wallet, to Wang Chuanfu, wishing him "财气 (cáiqì) luck in making more money." This has coincided with a humorous connotation by some folks that BYD should mean Bring Your Dollars. Wang Chuanfu presented Buffet a BYD’s F6DM dual-mode electric vehicle model which has revealed BYD's confidence in the field of "电动车 (diàndòngchē) electric vehicles." The e6 car is a type of pure electric vehicle researched and developed by BYD itself. Comparing with other electric cars, its running distance per charge is the longest by far in the world. The e6 cars are expected to enter the U.S. market in 2011. Electricity is a "污染 (wūrǎn) pollution" -free energy resource, so the prospect of electric cars was favored by Buffett.
There are some free examples, vocabulary and hearing information at http://resources.echineselearning.com/business/business-chinese-375.html?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg73103
There are some free examples, vocabulary and hearing information at http://resources.echineselearning.com/business/business-chinese-375.html?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg73103
Don’t Call Me “Xiaojie.” (Beginner)
Test-tube baby Charlotte Holmes as the UK's Miss World representative has been drawing attention to the 2012 Miss World contest. Over a hundred young ladies will compete for the crown in Ordos, China, all of them between eighteen to twenty-five years old – hence the term "Miss."
Times are a-changin', and terms of address like "Sir" and "Ma'am" are now falling by the wayside, and considered old-fashioned. Somehow, though, "Miss" has survived and can still be heard in most English speaking countries when addressing a young woman. In China, however, the word "小姐 (xiǎojiě) Miss" is controversial. Many expats in China will walk away dumbfounded after their first experience of hearing a waitress or female friend angrily say, "Don't call me Xiaojie!"
The problem lies in China's size. Different regions have very different slang, and in many parts of China (although not all), "Xiaojie" has taken on a negative and even seedy meaning. Nowadays it is usually used in bars and pubs rather than in daily life. If you have to use "Xiaojie," always try to use the woman's last name as well; for example, 李小姐 (Lǐ xiǎojiě) Miss Li. An even better option is to use "美女 (měinǚ) beauty/beautiful" to address a young woman. This term might sound odd to foreigners' ears, but girls in China will happily accept it as flattery. At official occasions, you can use the word "女士 (nǚshì) Ms./lady."
So even though the word "小姐 (xiǎojiě) Miss" is used by many native speakers, until you have a good grasp of the slang in your region, remember the old saying: better safe than sorry.
Practice:
Choose the best answers to fill in the blanks.
1. When you want to address a girl in Chinese, you’d better not call her _____.
A. 小姐 (xiǎojiě) Miss
B. 女士 (nǚshì) Ms.
C. 美女 (měinǚ) beauty
2. Xiànzài yǒu qǐng Liú ____ shàngtái jiǎnghuà.
现在 有 请 刘 ___ 上台 讲话。
Now, let’s welcome Ms. Liu to give a speech.
A. 小姐
B. 女士
C. 美女
Answers to the practice questions at http://resources.echineselearning.com/general/general-chinese-1531.html?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg73101
Times are a-changin', and terms of address like "Sir" and "Ma'am" are now falling by the wayside, and considered old-fashioned. Somehow, though, "Miss" has survived and can still be heard in most English speaking countries when addressing a young woman. In China, however, the word "小姐 (xiǎojiě) Miss" is controversial. Many expats in China will walk away dumbfounded after their first experience of hearing a waitress or female friend angrily say, "Don't call me Xiaojie!"
The problem lies in China's size. Different regions have very different slang, and in many parts of China (although not all), "Xiaojie" has taken on a negative and even seedy meaning. Nowadays it is usually used in bars and pubs rather than in daily life. If you have to use "Xiaojie," always try to use the woman's last name as well; for example, 李小姐 (Lǐ xiǎojiě) Miss Li. An even better option is to use "美女 (měinǚ) beauty/beautiful" to address a young woman. This term might sound odd to foreigners' ears, but girls in China will happily accept it as flattery. At official occasions, you can use the word "女士 (nǚshì) Ms./lady."
So even though the word "小姐 (xiǎojiě) Miss" is used by many native speakers, until you have a good grasp of the slang in your region, remember the old saying: better safe than sorry.
Practice:
Choose the best answers to fill in the blanks.
1. When you want to address a girl in Chinese, you’d better not call her _____.
A. 小姐 (xiǎojiě) Miss
B. 女士 (nǚshì) Ms.
C. 美女 (měinǚ) beauty
2. Xiànzài yǒu qǐng Liú ____ shàngtái jiǎnghuà.
现在 有 请 刘 ___ 上台 讲话。
Now, let’s welcome Ms. Liu to give a speech.
A. 小姐
B. 女士
C. 美女
Answers to the practice questions at http://resources.echineselearning.com/general/general-chinese-1531.html?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg73101
2012年7月29日星期日
Surnames and Given Names in China
Surnames
A Chinese surname 姓(xìng) refers to one of the over seven hundred family names used by Han Chinese and Sinicized Chinese ethnic groups. The term the hundred family names 百姓(băixìng) is colloquially used in Chinese to mean people/commoners. Chinese surnames are mainly passed from the father.
A Chinese surname 姓(xìng) refers to one of the over seven hundred family names used by Han Chinese and Sinicized Chinese ethnic groups. The term the hundred family names 百姓(băixìng) is colloquially used in Chinese to mean people/commoners. Chinese surnames are mainly passed from the father.
Given names
Generally speaking, Chinese given names have one or two characters, and are written after the family name. When a baby is born, parents often give him or her a pet name乳名(rŭmíng) or little name 小名(xiăomíng), such as Little Gem 小宝(xiăobăo) or two characters that repeat Ming Ming 明明(míngming). The given name is then usually chosen later and is often chosen with consultation of the grandparents.
Generally speaking, Chinese given names have one or two characters, and are written after the family name. When a baby is born, parents often give him or her a pet name乳名(rŭmíng) or little name 小名(xiăomíng), such as Little Gem 小宝(xiăobăo) or two characters that repeat Ming Ming 明明(míngming). The given name is then usually chosen later and is often chosen with consultation of the grandparents.
As mentioned earlier, in Chinese, the surname comes first and then the given name. Therefore "John Smith" as a Chinese name would be "Smith John."
For instance, the NBA star Yao Ming should be addressed as "Mr. Yao," not "Mr. Ming." And people like to add 小(xiăo) before family name, such as小王(Xiăo Wáng) , 小郑(Xiăo Zhèng), 小李(Xiăo Lĭ) and so on. In calling their superiors or elders, the Chinese are accustomed to the nonreciprocal or asymmetrical addressing. They use "title +surname" to address their superior or elders rather than call them surnames (e.g. Professor Wang), while the superior or elders call the addressers their names directly.
The Chinese tend to abide by the principle of depreciating oneself and respecting others to show appropriate respects towards the persons being addressed. Otherwise, the addresser may be considered as ill mannered, ill educated or rude.
Now are you interested in Chinese learning? There is a lot of knowledge of Chinese which is very interesting. You can though Chinese classes or online learning to enrich your own brain. Welcome to visit http://www.echineselearning.com/
Eat soup with chopsticks?
Can you use "筷子 (kuàizi) chopsticks?" With the continued growing popularity of Chinese food and culture, more and more people around the world are trying to learn how to use chopsticks. Some even refuse knives and forks in Chinese restaurants for fear of missing the true experience of Chinese food. However, some people can not figure out how Chinese "喝汤 (hē tāng) eat soup." Someone has even imagined that there are straw like chopsticks, with which Chinese people eat soup.
In Fact, Chinese people will, when having soup, put the chopsticks aside and use "勺子 (sháozi) spoons" or hold the "碗 (wǎn) bowl" to drink directly. You may find this surprising – is it so "简单 (jiǎndān) easy?" It is that simple. Although Chinese people customarily use chopsticks, they will choose other dinnerware when it is impractical to use chopsticks.
Chinese are very particular about using "筷子 (kuàizi) chopsticks" when having their meals. Starting in the Shang Dynasty, Chinese people began to use chopsticks made of "象牙 (xiàngyá) ivory." Overtime, the materials used to make chopsticks have varied from things such as "金 (jīn) gold," and "银 (yín) silver" to ivory. Typically, chopsticks made of such materials were used to symbolize wealth. Chopsticks made for common use can and have been made from bones, "竹子 (zhúzi) bamboo" and plastic. At present, bamboo chopsticks are most common, because they are natural and "健康 (jiànkāng) healthy." So you should give it a try with the bamboo chopsticks.
Learn more at http://resources.echineselearning.com/general/?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg73002
In Fact, Chinese people will, when having soup, put the chopsticks aside and use "勺子 (sháozi) spoons" or hold the "碗 (wǎn) bowl" to drink directly. You may find this surprising – is it so "简单 (jiǎndān) easy?" It is that simple. Although Chinese people customarily use chopsticks, they will choose other dinnerware when it is impractical to use chopsticks.
Chinese are very particular about using "筷子 (kuàizi) chopsticks" when having their meals. Starting in the Shang Dynasty, Chinese people began to use chopsticks made of "象牙 (xiàngyá) ivory." Overtime, the materials used to make chopsticks have varied from things such as "金 (jīn) gold," and "银 (yín) silver" to ivory. Typically, chopsticks made of such materials were used to symbolize wealth. Chopsticks made for common use can and have been made from bones, "竹子 (zhúzi) bamboo" and plastic. At present, bamboo chopsticks are most common, because they are natural and "健康 (jiànkāng) healthy." So you should give it a try with the bamboo chopsticks.
Learn more at http://resources.echineselearning.com/general/?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg73002
Chinese Test: You’re such a show off!
Intermediate Level 中级 (zhōngjí)
Conversation:
Lana was wearing a new dress and felt eager to tell her colleague Amy as soon as she stepped into the office:
Kànkan wǒ zhè yìshēn, gòu měi ba.
Lana: 看看 我 这 一身， 够 美 吧。
(Xiàozhe shuō) Nǐ kě zhēn gòu chòuměi de.
Amy:（笑着 说） 你可 真 够 臭美 的。
What does Amy mean?
A. Lana’s new clothes are beautiful.
B. Lana’s new clothes are not beautiful.
C. Lana is such a show off!
See answer at
Conversation:
Lana was wearing a new dress and felt eager to tell her colleague Amy as soon as she stepped into the office:
Kànkan wǒ zhè yìshēn, gòu měi ba.
Lana: 看看 我 这 一身， 够 美 吧。
(Xiàozhe shuō) Nǐ kě zhēn gòu chòuměi de.
Amy:（笑着 说） 你可 真 够 臭美 的。
What does Amy mean?
A. Lana’s new clothes are beautiful.
B. Lana’s new clothes are not beautiful.
C. Lana is such a show off!
See answer at
Chinese Idiom: 不可救药 (bùkějiùyào) Hopeless
"不可救药 (bùkějiùyào)" literally means that someone is so sick that no medicine can bring him back to good health, to be beyond saving, or in other words, hopeless. Just like the English word "hopeless," "不可救药 (bùkějiùyào)" has evolved to describe someone who can't be changed in regard to some aspect of temperament, or character. It also defines someone who can't help but doing something. For example, do we have any hopeless romantics in our midst? You can also say "无可救药 (wúkějiùyào)" or "无药可救 (wúyàokějiù)" to mean the same thing.
In the dynasty of Zhou, there was an officer named Fan Bo who was exceptionally skilled in matters of governing the country. He came to serve Emperor Zhouliwang as an aid concerning affairs of the state. The emperor always………
Idiom full Story, please click here
In the dynasty of Zhou, there was an officer named Fan Bo who was exceptionally skilled in matters of governing the country. He came to serve Emperor Zhouliwang as an aid concerning affairs of the state. The emperor always………
Idiom full Story, please click here
2012年7月28日星期六
Chinese language makes you know well more about business
Recently, KFC restaurants are reported to have to move frequently in some areas of China. Why does such a fast-food giant have to face this embarrassing situation? KFC restaurants in China often "租赁 (zūlìn) rent" their places. When their 10-year lease expires, the rent in the "闹市区 (nàoshìqū) downtown area" has already soared to several times the original rental price, and has "超出 (chāochū) gone beyond 接受范围 (jiēshòu fànwéi) the acceptable price range of" KFC. So KFC was forced to re-select some less-expensive locations. First of all, this proves that the original locations' selection of KFC is correct. The success rate of its location choices is almost 100 percent, which is one of the KFC's "核心竞争力 (héxīn jìngzhēnglì) core competitiveness." Second, the rent's soaring suggests the "房地产 (fángdìchǎn) real estate" industry's rapid development in China. The same also applies to the development of the "商品房 (shāngpǐnfáng) residential building." Since 2003, China's housing prices began nearly six-year's continuous growth, making more and more people become "房奴 (fángnú) mortgage slaves" due to high housing prices.
Are you interested in Chinese learning? If you are interested in Chinese culture, I hope you can learn more through online Chinese.
If you want to learn Chinese language, join us. Welcome to visit http://www.echineselearning.com/
Are you interested in Chinese learning? If you are interested in Chinese culture, I hope you can learn more through online Chinese.
If you want to learn Chinese language, join us. Welcome to visit http://www.echineselearning.com/
Chinese Idiom: 百发百中 One hundred shots, one hundred hits.
The Chinese idiom "百发百中 (bǎifābǎizhòng)" literally means "to shoot at the target a hundred times without missing it once." This idiom was first used to describe one's excellent shooting skills. It is now used to describe people who are very well prepared and have had great success in their endeavors.
See the idiom story at http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-709.html?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg1272905
Chinese Test: What on earth shall I wear?
Beginner Level 初级 (chūjí)
Conversation:
Mary is going to a dance party without having any idea of what she wants to wear. So she asks her friend Anne for some advice.
Qīn, nǐ juéde wǒ chuān nǎ jiàn bǐjiào hǎo ne?
Mary: 亲，你觉得 我 穿 哪 件 比较 好 呢？
Zhè jiàn bú cuò.
Anne: 这 件 不 错。
Kě wǒ juéde yánsè bú tài hǎo. Zhè jiàn zěnmeyàng?
Mary: 可我 觉得 颜色 不 太 好。这 件 怎么样？
Kěyǐ, dàn gǎnjué bú tài zhèngshì.
Anne: 可以，但 感觉 不 太 正式。
Ài, wǒ gāi chuān shénme ya? Zhēn shì tóu dà a!
Mary: 哎，我该 穿 什么 呀？真 是 头 大啊！
In this dialogue, what does “头大 (tóu dà)” mean?
A. a big head
B. brain fart
C. distraught
See Answer at
http://resources.echineselearning.com/minitestanswers/minitestanswers-chinese-763.html?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg1272903
Conversation:
Mary is going to a dance party without having any idea of what she wants to wear. So she asks her friend Anne for some advice.
Qīn, nǐ juéde wǒ chuān nǎ jiàn bǐjiào hǎo ne?
Mary: 亲，你觉得 我 穿 哪 件 比较 好 呢？
Zhè jiàn bú cuò.
Anne: 这 件 不 错。
Kě wǒ juéde yánsè bú tài hǎo. Zhè jiàn zěnmeyàng?
Mary: 可我 觉得 颜色 不 太 好。这 件 怎么样？
Kěyǐ, dàn gǎnjué bú tài zhèngshì.
Anne: 可以，但 感觉 不 太 正式。
Ài, wǒ gāi chuān shénme ya? Zhēn shì tóu dà a!
Mary: 哎，我该 穿 什么 呀？真 是 头 大啊！
In this dialogue, what does “头大 (tóu dà)” mean?
A. a big head
B. brain fart
C. distraught
See Answer at
http://resources.echineselearning.com/minitestanswers/minitestanswers-chinese-763.html?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg1272903
让我们荡起双桨 Let’s Paddle Together (Intermediate)
Let’s paddle together is a very famous and traditional Chinese song for teens in China. You can definitely practicespeaking Chinese while singing it. Learn Chinese through this beautiful Chinese song!
Listen to the song and read the lyrics at http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-670.html?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg1272902
Listen to the song and read the lyrics at http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-670.html?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg1272902
2012年7月25日星期三
An interesting idiom story
At present, in china the development is more and more fast which is prompting more and more people to learn Chinese. Whether you will learn mandarin online or learn by yourself or on the Chinese classes, learning Chinese is very important.
By the Chinese idiom story I will let you know, learning Chinese language is very interesting. You should like the Chinese and not feel hard to hate it.
About this story is to draw a cake to satisfy hunger. Lu Yu lived in the Kingdom of Wei during the Three Kingdoms periods. He was orphaned at the age of ten. So he undertook the task of supporting his sister-in-law and nephew through a period of extreme hardship. Meanwhile, he also studied hard. He was praised all around for his noble deeds and depth of knowledge.
Later he became an official and still worked hard and put forth valuable advice to the emperor, so the emperor placed great trust in him. At that time, the selection process of government officials depended on the recommendation of powerful and influential men. These men would always recommend famous persons who were all mouth and no action which displeased the emperor.
One time, the emperor asked Lu Yu to recommend an official and said to him: "the selection of government officials should not rely solely on one's fame which is just like a cake drawn on the ground, while it may be good to look at it does not satisfy one's hunger." This story gave rise to the idiom "draw a cake to satisfy hunger. ".
Now it is used to describe someone who uses fantasy to satisfy oneself and means that empty reputation is of no practical value.
By the Chinese idiom story I will let you know, learning Chinese language is very interesting. You should like the Chinese and not feel hard to hate it.
About this story is to draw a cake to satisfy hunger. Lu Yu lived in the Kingdom of Wei during the Three Kingdoms periods. He was orphaned at the age of ten. So he undertook the task of supporting his sister-in-law and nephew through a period of extreme hardship. Meanwhile, he also studied hard. He was praised all around for his noble deeds and depth of knowledge.
Later he became an official and still worked hard and put forth valuable advice to the emperor, so the emperor placed great trust in him. At that time, the selection process of government officials depended on the recommendation of powerful and influential men. These men would always recommend famous persons who were all mouth and no action which displeased the emperor.
One time, the emperor asked Lu Yu to recommend an official and said to him: "the selection of government officials should not rely solely on one's fame which is just like a cake drawn on the ground, while it may be good to look at it does not satisfy one's hunger." This story gave rise to the idiom "draw a cake to satisfy hunger. ".
Now it is used to describe someone who uses fantasy to satisfy oneself and means that empty reputation is of no practical value.
The Chinese idioms do you understand? Do you still feel that Chinese is boring and very difficult to learn? Maybe you can learn mandarin online and it has so much information. You can also learn it by Chinese classes and it has teacher to teach you.
If you are interested in Chinese language, Welcome to visit http://www.echineselearning.com/
If you are interested in Chinese language, Welcome to visit http://www.echineselearning.com/
Chinese language is very interesting
Whether Chinese course or through the online learning, Many foreigners are learning Chinese and do you have any ideas? Chinese learning can come to China for sightseeing and also can understand China development, culture, custom, etc. If you are interested in learning Chinese, then usually you can learn Chinese through the Chinese classes or online to enrich their own minds. For example do you know “to advance with giant strides” in Chinese language? If you don’t, you can see the following story.
传说远古时候，天和地是合在一起的，就像一个鸡蛋似Chuánshuō yuángŭ shíhou, tiān hé dì shì hé zài yì qĭ de, jiù xiàng yí gè jīdàn shì
的。世界的开创人盘古就是在这个鸡蛋中生活
de. Shìjiè de kāichuàng rén Pángŭ jiù shì zài zhège jīdàn zhōng shēnghuó
长大的，经过漫长的一万八千年，盘古在鸡蛋中
zhăngdà de, jīngguò màncháng de yí wàn bā qiān nián, Pángŭ zài jīdàn zhōng
开始开天劈地。结果，蛋清上升成为天，蛋黄
Kāishĭ kāitiānpīdì. Jiéguŏ, dànqīng shàngshēng chéngwéi tiān, dànhuáng
下沉成为地。盘古顶天立地，他不断长高，天和地也不
xiàchén chéngwéi dì. Pángŭ dĭngtiānlìdì, tā búduàn zhănggāo, tiān hé dì yĕ bú
断分开，这样又过了一万八千年，天终于升得
duàn fēnkāi, zhèyàng yòu guò le yī wàn bā qiān nián, tiān zhōngyú shēng de
很高，地也变得很厚，盘古看到自己开天辟地的任务已经
hĕngāo, dì yĕ biàn dé hĕnhòu, Pángŭ kàn dào zìjĭ kāitiānpìdì de rènwù yĭjīng
完成，便力竭倒地而死。
wánchéng, biàn lì jié dăo dì ér sĭ.
English Translation
This is a Chinese legend about the creation of the world. In ancient times, the sky and the earth were combined just like an egg. The founder of the world, Pangu, lived and grew up in the egg. After 18 thousand years, he began to separate the sky and the earth, so the egg white became the sky and the egg yolk became the earth. After another 18 thousand years, the sky and the earth were separated completely. Seeing that his mission was finished, Pangu died of exhaustion. Now people usually use the idiom to describe something advancing with giant strides.
Do you understand? It is not difficult to Chinese learning. Are you interested in Chinese language? Are you taking part in Chinese classes? If you want to learn Chinese, join us. Welcome to visit http://www.echineselearning.com/
chinese story 囫囵吞枣 (húlún tūnzǎo) To eat the date whole
In the Chinese idiom "囫囵吞枣 (húlún tūnzǎo)", "囫囵 (húlún)" means "the whole;" "吞 (tūn)" means to "swallow;" "枣 (zǎo)" is "date." This idiom means "to eat the date whole."
Learn this online Chinese idiomatic story:
A long time ago, a person who considered himself clever went to a friend's party. Everyone was chatting together while eating fruits. A guest among the group said, "It is hard to have the best of both worlds. Let's take eating fruits as an example. Pears are good for our teeth, but they harm our stomachs if we eat too many of them. Likewise, dates are good for our stomachs, but bad for our teeth." The others agreed with the guest. The man who considered himself clever continued the conversation by saying, "This problem is easy to solve. We can discard the pulps when eating pears in order to avoid hurting our stomachs, and we can also eat the dates whole in order to protect our teeth."
In jest, a fellow guest at the party remarked, "You really 囫囵吞枣 (húlún tūnzǎo) eat dates whole!" Following this incident, Chinese people often use this idiom to point out when a person accepts information without digesting and analyzing it.
Learn more stories at http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg1272603
Learn this online Chinese idiomatic story:
A long time ago, a person who considered himself clever went to a friend's party. Everyone was chatting together while eating fruits. A guest among the group said, "It is hard to have the best of both worlds. Let's take eating fruits as an example. Pears are good for our teeth, but they harm our stomachs if we eat too many of them. Likewise, dates are good for our stomachs, but bad for our teeth." The others agreed with the guest. The man who considered himself clever continued the conversation by saying, "This problem is easy to solve. We can discard the pulps when eating pears in order to avoid hurting our stomachs, and we can also eat the dates whole in order to protect our teeth."
In jest, a fellow guest at the party remarked, "You really 囫囵吞枣 (húlún tūnzǎo) eat dates whole!" Following this incident, Chinese people often use this idiom to point out when a person accepts information without digesting and analyzing it.
Learn more stories at http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg1272603
中国功夫 (Zhōngguó Gōngfu) Chinese Kungfu
卧似一张弓，站似一棵松。
Wò sì yì zhāng gōng, zhàn sì yì kē sōng.
Crouching is like a bow, and standing is like a pine.
不动不摇坐如钟，走路一阵风。
Bú dòng bù yáo zuò rú zhōng, zǒulù yí zhèn fēng.
Sitting still is like a bell, and walking is like a blast of wind.
南拳和北腿，少林武当功。
Nánquán hé běituǐ, shǎolín wǔdāng gōng.
Nanquan and Beitui are kungfu of Shaolin and Wudang.
太极八卦连环掌，中华有神功。
Tàijí bāguà liánhuánzhǎng, zhōnghuá yǒu shéngōng.
Tai chi and eight-diagram linked palms are variations of professional kungfu in China.
卧似一张弓，站似一棵松。
Wò sì yì zhāng gōng, zhàn sì yì kē sōng.
Crouching is like a bow, and standing is like a pine.
不动不摇坐如钟，走路一阵风。
Bú dòng bù yáo zuò rú zhōng, zǒulù yí zhèn fēng.
Sitting still is like a bell, and walking is like a blast of wind.
Know more and listen to this song at
Wò sì yì zhāng gōng, zhàn sì yì kē sōng.
Crouching is like a bow, and standing is like a pine.
不动不摇坐如钟，走路一阵风。
Bú dòng bù yáo zuò rú zhōng, zǒulù yí zhèn fēng.
Sitting still is like a bell, and walking is like a blast of wind.
南拳和北腿，少林武当功。
Nánquán hé běituǐ, shǎolín wǔdāng gōng.
Nanquan and Beitui are kungfu of Shaolin and Wudang.
太极八卦连环掌，中华有神功。
Tàijí bāguà liánhuánzhǎng, zhōnghuá yǒu shéngōng.
Tai chi and eight-diagram linked palms are variations of professional kungfu in China.
卧似一张弓，站似一棵松。
Wò sì yì zhāng gōng, zhàn sì yì kē sōng.
Crouching is like a bow, and standing is like a pine.
不动不摇坐如钟，走路一阵风。
Bú dòng bù yáo zuò rú zhōng, zǒulù yí zhèn fēng.
Sitting still is like a bell, and walking is like a blast of wind.
Know more and listen to this song at
商务座次礼仪 Seating Arrangement Etiquette
At Chinese “宴会 (yànhuì) banquets,” the seating arrangement is probably the most important part of Chinese dining “礼仪 (lǐyí) etiquette,” especially in Chinese business banquets. Generally, round tables are used at Chinese banquets and the seat facing the entrance is the seat of honor. The seats on the left hand side of the seat of honor are second, fourth, sixth, etc. in importance, while those on the right are third, fifth, seventh and so on in importance. The seat of honor, “保留 (bǎoliú) reserved” for the master of the banquet or the “客人 (kèrén) guests” with highest status, is the one in the center facing east or facing the entrance. Those of higher position sit closer to the seat of honor. The guests of the lowest position sit furthest from the seat of honor.
More Topics on Learning Business Chinese, please click here http://resources.echineselearning.com/business/?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg1272605
2012年7月24日星期二
Mandarin Lesson: Salutations in Chinese letters
China is known as the "state of ceremonies." No matter whether it's in daily life or business activities, all Chinese people pay attention to etiquette.
Salutations are among the most important elements of business communication. In a formal letter, the salutation occurs first. An appropriate salutation can create a good impression for the letter's reader.
In Chinese letters, salutations are usually the honorific titles of the reader. The relationship between the addresser and the addressee primarily determines what kind of honorific is used.
Salutations in Chinese are usually written using the following form: "honorific + title." Furthermore, they are written on the left hand side of the page, beginning in the first space and then followed by a colon.
Chinese use a variety of honorifics to reflect the different relationships in people's lives.
Case and Examples:
Case 1.
Duì shàngjí
对 上级
Salutations Used When Greeting a Superior
"Jìng'ài de + xìngmíng:"
“敬爱 的+ 姓名：”
"Respected + name:"
Case 2.
Duì tóngjí
对 同级
Salutations Used When Greeting a Colleague
"Qīn'ài de + xìngmíng:"
“亲爱 的+ 姓名：”
"Dear + name:"
Case 3.
Showing Respect When Writing Names in Salutations
Case 4
and so on.
learn more at
Salutations are among the most important elements of business communication. In a formal letter, the salutation occurs first. An appropriate salutation can create a good impression for the letter's reader.
In Chinese letters, salutations are usually the honorific titles of the reader. The relationship between the addresser and the addressee primarily determines what kind of honorific is used.
Salutations in Chinese are usually written using the following form: "honorific + title." Furthermore, they are written on the left hand side of the page, beginning in the first space and then followed by a colon.
Chinese use a variety of honorifics to reflect the different relationships in people's lives.
Case and Examples:
Case 1.
Duì shàngjí
对 上级
Salutations Used When Greeting a Superior
"Jìng'ài de + xìngmíng:"
“敬爱 的+ 姓名：”
"Respected + name:"
Case 2.
Duì tóngjí
对 同级
Salutations Used When Greeting a Colleague
"Qīn'ài de + xìngmíng:"
“亲爱 的+ 姓名：”
"Dear + name:"
Case 3.
Showing Respect When Writing Names in Salutations
Case 4
and so on.
learn more at
I Meant Chinese Style (Not Chinese Food)!
With a slight change in pronunciation, foreigners can often be misunderstood when speaking Chinese. One of the ways this happens is when a foreigner refers to something having a “Chinese style”, but ends up getting mistaken for having said “Chinese food”, which is what happens in the following video.
http://resources.echineselearning.com/funstuff/funstuff-chinese-12.html?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg1272504
If you are speaking of something having a Chinese style without adding “r” sound–a suffix–to the end, then you may be misinterpreted by Chinese people as referring to Chinese food instead. In fact, the “r” sound appears both in mandarin Chinese and some Chinese dialects, and Beijing people use this kind of dialect most frequently. So if you are learning Chinese or interested in this language, adding the “r” sound to some of your words and your pronunciation may make you sound more native like.
http://resources.echineselearning.com/funstuff/funstuff-chinese-12.html?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg1272504
If you are speaking of something having a Chinese style without adding “r” sound–a suffix–to the end, then you may be misinterpreted by Chinese people as referring to Chinese food instead. In fact, the “r” sound appears both in mandarin Chinese and some Chinese dialects, and Beijing people use this kind of dialect most frequently. So if you are learning Chinese or interested in this language, adding the “r” sound to some of your words and your pronunciation may make you sound more native like.
爱屋及乌 (Àiwūjíwū) Love Me, Love My Dog
In this Chinese idiom “爱屋及乌 (àiwūjíwū) Love me, love my dog,” “爱” means “like” or “love;” “屋” refers to “house;” ”及” is a conjunction which means “and;” ”乌” refers to “乌鸦 (wūyā),” which is “crow.”
“爱屋及乌” is a Chinese idiom originally from a story in history long time ago:
Shāngcháo mò nián, Zhōu Wǔwáng zài Jiāng Shàng (tàigōng) děng rén de bāngzhù xià,
商朝 末 年， 周 武王 在 姜 尚 （太公） 等 人 的 帮助 下，
chūbīng tǎofá Zhòuwáng bìng qǔ dé shènglì.
出兵 讨伐 纣王 并 取 得 胜利。
At the end of Shang dynasty, assisted by his counselorJiangshang (taigong) and other capable men, King Zhou Wuwang successfully attacked and killed Zhouwang, anotherKing.
Zhòuwáng sǐhòu, Wǔwáng gǎn dào tiānxià bìng méiyǒu āndìng.
纣王 死后， 武王 感 到 天下 并 没有 安定。
After Zhouwang died, Wuwang still felt anxious since the country was still unstable.
Tā wèn Jiāng tàigōng: “Jìnle Yīndū, yīnggāi rúhé ānpái jiù wángcháo de guānyuán ne?”
他 问 姜 太公：“ 进了 殷都，应该 如何 安排 旧 王朝 的 官员 呢”？
He asked Jiang taigong: “After we enter the capital Yin, how should we deal with Yin’s officers?”
Jiāng tàigōng shuō: “Wǒ tīngshuō guò zhèyàng de huà—rúguǒ xǐhuān nà gè rén,
姜 太公 说：“我 听说 过 这样 的 话—— 如果 喜欢 那 个 人，
jiù lián tā wūdǐng shàng de wūyā yě xǐhuān;
就 连 他 屋顶 上 的 乌鸦 也 喜欢；
rúguǒ bù xǐhuān nà gè rén, jiù lián tā jiā de qiángbì hé líba yě tǎoyàn.
如果 不 喜欢 那 个 人，就 连 他 家 的 墙壁 和 篱笆 也 讨厌。
Jiang taigong said, “I’ve heard of a saying–if you love a person, you should also love the crows on his roof; if you hate somebody …
See full story and click here
“爱屋及乌” is a Chinese idiom originally from a story in history long time ago:
Shāngcháo mò nián, Zhōu Wǔwáng zài Jiāng Shàng (tàigōng) děng rén de bāngzhù xià,
商朝 末 年， 周 武王 在 姜 尚 （太公） 等 人 的 帮助 下，
chūbīng tǎofá Zhòuwáng bìng qǔ dé shènglì.
出兵 讨伐 纣王 并 取 得 胜利。
At the end of Shang dynasty, assisted by his counselorJiangshang (taigong) and other capable men, King Zhou Wuwang successfully attacked and killed Zhouwang, anotherKing.
Zhòuwáng sǐhòu, Wǔwáng gǎn dào tiānxià bìng méiyǒu āndìng.
纣王 死后， 武王 感 到 天下 并 没有 安定。
After Zhouwang died, Wuwang still felt anxious since the country was still unstable.
Tā wèn Jiāng tàigōng: “Jìnle Yīndū, yīnggāi rúhé ānpái jiù wángcháo de guānyuán ne?”
他 问 姜 太公：“ 进了 殷都，应该 如何 安排 旧 王朝 的 官员 呢”？
He asked Jiang taigong: “After we enter the capital Yin, how should we deal with Yin’s officers?”
Jiāng tàigōng shuō: “Wǒ tīngshuō guò zhèyàng de huà—rúguǒ xǐhuān nà gè rén,
姜 太公 说：“我 听说 过 这样 的 话—— 如果 喜欢 那 个 人，
jiù lián tā wūdǐng shàng de wūyā yě xǐhuān;
就 连 他 屋顶 上 的 乌鸦 也 喜欢；
rúguǒ bù xǐhuān nà gè rén, jiù lián tā jiā de qiángbì hé líba yě tǎoyàn.
如果 不 喜欢 那 个 人，就 连 他 家 的 墙壁 和 篱笆 也 讨厌。
Jiang taigong said, “I’ve heard of a saying–if you love a person, you should also love the crows on his roof; if you hate somebody …
Chinese Idiom: 隔墙有耳 (géqiángyǒu’ěr) Walls Have Ears
Cóngqián, yǒu yí ge hàoqíxīn hěn zhòng de rén.
从前， 有 一 个 好奇心 很 重 的 人。
Once upon a time, there was a curious man.
Tā zǒngshì xǐhuan sìchù dǎting biéren de mìmi.
他 总是 喜欢 四处 打听 别人 的 秘密。
He liked to invade other peoples' privacy.
Tā zhīdào de mìmi tài duō le, biē zài xīnlǐ hěn nánshòu.
他 知道 的 秘密太 多 了，憋在 心里 很 难受。
He knew too many secrets and found it hard to keep them all.
Yì tiān, tā hēle jǐ bēi jiǔ, jiéguǒ bǎ zìjǐ dǎting dào de shìqing quánbù shuōle chūlái.
一 天，他 喝了几杯酒，结果 把 自己打听 到 的 事情 全部 说了 出来。
One day he drank several cups of wine, and while drunk spilled all the secrets.
Tā méi xiǎng dào, gébì fángjiān lǐ de rén tīngjiànle tā shuō de huà.
他 没 想 到，隔壁 房间 里 的 人 听见了 他 说 的 话。
To his surprise, the man next door heard all he said.
Méi guò duōjiǔ, suǒyǒu rén dōu zhīdàole tā duōzuǐ de huài máobìng.
没 过 多久， 所 有 人 都 知道了 他 多嘴 的 坏 毛病。
Very soon, everyone knew of his bad habit of gossiping.
The walls may not have ears, but the person next door does. At least that's true in this story. "隔墙有耳 (Géqiángyǒu'ěr)" is a phrase used to alert people to be careful about their words, as someone may be listening in from the other side of the wall.
Listen to the whole Chinese language story and click at
从前， 有 一 个 好奇心 很 重 的 人。
Once upon a time, there was a curious man.
Tā zǒngshì xǐhuan sìchù dǎting biéren de mìmi.
他 总是 喜欢 四处 打听 别人 的 秘密。
He liked to invade other peoples' privacy.
Tā zhīdào de mìmi tài duō le, biē zài xīnlǐ hěn nánshòu.
他 知道 的 秘密太 多 了，憋在 心里 很 难受。
He knew too many secrets and found it hard to keep them all.
Yì tiān, tā hēle jǐ bēi jiǔ, jiéguǒ bǎ zìjǐ dǎting dào de shìqing quánbù shuōle chūlái.
一 天，他 喝了几杯酒，结果 把 自己打听 到 的 事情 全部 说了 出来。
One day he drank several cups of wine, and while drunk spilled all the secrets.
Tā méi xiǎng dào, gébì fángjiān lǐ de rén tīngjiànle tā shuō de huà.
他 没 想 到，隔壁 房间 里 的 人 听见了 他 说 的 话。
To his surprise, the man next door heard all he said.
Méi guò duōjiǔ, suǒyǒu rén dōu zhīdàole tā duōzuǐ de huài máobìng.
没 过 多久， 所 有 人 都 知道了 他 多嘴 的 坏 毛病。
Very soon, everyone knew of his bad habit of gossiping.
The walls may not have ears, but the person next door does. At least that's true in this story. "隔墙有耳 (Géqiángyǒu'ěr)" is a phrase used to alert people to be careful about their words, as someone may be listening in from the other side of the wall.
Take a Taxi in Chinese language
Now more and more people are learning Chinese and are you interesting in Chinese learning? Whether it is online to learn Chinese or Chinese lesson, do you learn it? Do you want to come to China? If you want, then please follow me to learn how to take the car in China.
司机：早上好。欢迎您到北京来。您要去哪？
Zăo shang hăo. Huānyíng nín dào Bĕijīng lái. Nín yào qù nă?
Driver: Good morning! Welcome to Beijing. Can I help you?
茱莉亚：我要去北京酒店。我可以把行李放在车后厢吗？
Wŏ yào qù Bĕijīng jiŭdiàn. Wŏ kéyĭ bă xíngli fàng zài chē hòu xiāng ma?
Julia: Could you take me to the Beijing Hotel? By the way, can I put my luggage in the trunk?
司机：当然可以。我来帮您吧！
Dāngrán kéyĭ. Wŏ lái bāng nín ba!
Driver: Sure! Let me help you!
司机：恐怕我们堵车了。
Kŏngpà wŏmen dŭchē le.
Driver: I am afraid we are in a traffic jam.
茱莉亚：那大概要堵多长时间？
Nà dàgài yào dŭ duō cháng shíjiān?
Julia: How long will we be held up?
司机：不清楚。要不我们换一条路走吧！这样大概二十分钟就能到了。
Bù qīngchu. Yào bù wŏ men huàn yì tiáo lù zŏu ba! Zhèyàng dàgài èr shí fēnzhōng jiù néng dào le.
Driver: I am not sure. Let's take another route. It would take twenty minutes to get to your hotel.
茱莉亚：太好了！
Tài hăo le!
Julia: That's great!
司机：请您系好安全带，我要转弯了。您想听收音机吗？
Qĭng nín xì hăo ān quán dài, wŏ yào zhuăn wān le. Nín xiăng tīng shōu yīn jī ma?
Driver: Please fasten your belt. I'm making a turn now. Can I turn on the radio?
茱莉亚：嗯，可以有点音乐。
En, ké yĭ yóu diăn yīn yuè.
Julia: Yea...let's have some music.
司机：好了，我们到了。这是您的小票，五十块。
Hăo le, wŏ men dào le. Zhè shì nín de xiăo piào, wŭ shí kuài.
Driver: Here we are! Fifty yuan please and here is your receipt.
茱莉亚：给您钱，再见。
Gĕi nín qián, zài jiàn.
Julia: OK. Here is the money. Bye.
司机：您走好。再见。
Nín zŏu hăo. zài jiàn.
Driver: You have a good day. Bye!
If you can understand this Chinese language dialog, I believe you absolutely can ride. If you are interested in other aspects of China, came to learn Chinese. You can self-study or to participate in the Chinese lesson.
If you are interested in Chinese learning, Welcome to visit http://www.echineselearning.com/
Zăo shang hăo. Huānyíng nín dào Bĕijīng lái. Nín yào qù nă?
Driver: Good morning! Welcome to Beijing. Can I help you?
茱莉亚：我要去北京酒店。我可以把行李放在车后厢吗？
Wŏ yào qù Bĕijīng jiŭdiàn. Wŏ kéyĭ bă xíngli fàng zài chē hòu xiāng ma?
Julia: Could you take me to the Beijing Hotel? By the way, can I put my luggage in the trunk?
司机：当然可以。我来帮您吧！
Dāngrán kéyĭ. Wŏ lái bāng nín ba!
Driver: Sure! Let me help you!
司机：恐怕我们堵车了。
Kŏngpà wŏmen dŭchē le.
Driver: I am afraid we are in a traffic jam.
茱莉亚：那大概要堵多长时间？
Nà dàgài yào dŭ duō cháng shíjiān?
Julia: How long will we be held up?
司机：不清楚。要不我们换一条路走吧！这样大概二十分钟就能到了。
Bù qīngchu. Yào bù wŏ men huàn yì tiáo lù zŏu ba! Zhèyàng dàgài èr shí fēnzhōng jiù néng dào le.
Driver: I am not sure. Let's take another route. It would take twenty minutes to get to your hotel.
茱莉亚：太好了！
Tài hăo le!
Julia: That's great!
司机：请您系好安全带，我要转弯了。您想听收音机吗？
Qĭng nín xì hăo ān quán dài, wŏ yào zhuăn wān le. Nín xiăng tīng shōu yīn jī ma?
Driver: Please fasten your belt. I'm making a turn now. Can I turn on the radio?
茱莉亚：嗯，可以有点音乐。
En, ké yĭ yóu diăn yīn yuè.
Julia: Yea...let's have some music.
司机：好了，我们到了。这是您的小票，五十块。
Hăo le, wŏ men dào le. Zhè shì nín de xiăo piào, wŭ shí kuài.
Driver: Here we are! Fifty yuan please and here is your receipt.
茱莉亚：给您钱，再见。
Gĕi nín qián, zài jiàn.
Julia: OK. Here is the money. Bye.
司机：您走好。再见。
Nín zŏu hăo. zài jiàn.
Driver: You have a good day. Bye!
If you can understand this Chinese language dialog, I believe you absolutely can ride. If you are interested in other aspects of China, came to learn Chinese. You can self-study or to participate in the Chinese lesson.
2012年7月23日星期一
Chinese Cheongsam
The cheongsam, or Qipao in Chinese, evolved from a style of ancient clothing worn by the Manchu ethnic minority. During the early years of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) they unified China, and standardized the nationwide costume as well. At that time, men wore a long gown and a mandarin jacket over the gown, while women wore the cheongsam. Although the 1911 Revolution toppled the rule of the Qing Dynasty, this female dress survived the political change and, with succeeding improvements, has become the traditional dress for Chinese women.
2012年7月22日星期日
An interesting chinese idiom story
The Chinese language idiom "老马识途 (lǎomǎshítú)" literally means that an old horse knows the way. Presently, it refers to the value of experience. Read the Chinese language story below and you will know where the idiom comes from.
Gōngyuán qián liùliùsān nián, Qí Huángōng yìng Yānguó de yāoqiú, chū bīng gōngdǎ rùqīn
公元 前 663 年，齐桓公 应 燕国 的 要求，出 兵 攻打 入侵
Yānguó de Shānróng, xiàngguó Guǎn Zhòng hé dàfu Xí Péng suítóng qiánwǎng.
燕国 的 山戎， 相国 管 仲 和 大夫 隰 朋 随同 前往。
In 663 B.C., Qi Huangong was asked by Yanguo to fight against the invaders of Shanrong, a strong minority from northern China. The Premier Guan Zhong and the senior official Xi Peng accompanied him.
Qíjūn shì chūntiān chūzhēng de, dào kǎixuán'érguī shí yǐ shì dōngtiān, cǎomù biànle yàng,
齐军 是 春天 出征 的，到 凯旋而归 时 已 是 冬天， 草木 变了 样，
dàjūn zài shāngǔ lǐ zhǎo bú dào huílái de lù.
大军 在 山谷 里 找 不 到 回来 的路。
The Qi army had gone to fight in spring and returned triumphant in winter. Due to the change of the seasons, the army couldn't find its way out of the valley.
Shíjiān yì cháng, jūnduì de jǐyǎng fāshēng kùnnan, rúguǒ zài bù zhǎo dào chūlù,
时间 一 长， 军队 的 给养 发生 困难， 如果 再 不 找 到 出路，
dàjūn jiù huì kùn sǐ zài zhèlǐ.
大军 就 会 困 死 在 这里。
Transporting the supplies would become too difficult. If they did not find a way out of the valley soon, the army would not be able to survive.
Xiàngguó Guǎn Zhòng xiǎngle yí gè zhǔyì: jìrán gǒu líjiā hěn yuǎn yě néng xún huí jiā qù,
相国 管 仲 想了 一 个 主意：既然 狗 离家 很 远 也 能 寻 回 家 去，
nàme jūn zhōng de lǎomǎ yě yīnggāi huì yǒu rènshi lùtú de bénlǐng.
那么 军 中 的 老马 也 应该 会 有 认识 路途的 本领。
The Premier Guan Zhong had an idea: dogs can always find their way back home even if they are very far away. Should not the old horses in the army be able to do so too?
Yúshì Guǎn Zhòng lìjí tiāo chū jǐ pǐ lǎomǎ,
于是 管 仲 立即挑 出 几 匹 老马，
ràng tāmen zài dàjūn de zuì qiánmian zìyóu xíngzǒu.
让 它们 在 大军 的 最 前面 自由 行走。
Guan Zhong immediately chose several old horses and allowed them to walk in front freely.
Yě zhēn qíguài, zhèxiē lǎomǎ dōu háobùyóuyù de cháo yí gè fāngxiàng xíngjìn.
也 真 奇怪， 这些 老马 都 毫不犹豫 地 朝 一 个 方向 行进。
It was quite strange to see these old horses all, without hesitation, walking in the same direction.
Dàjūn jiù jǐn gēn zhe tāmen, zuìhòu zhōngyú zǒuchūle shāngǔ,
大军 就紧 跟 着 它们， 最后 终于 走出了 山谷，
zhǎodàole huí Qíguó de dàlù.
找到了 回 齐国 的 大路。
The army followed the old horses and was finally able to walk out of the valley, finding their way back home.
If you are interested in Chinese idioms, click here
Gōngyuán qián liùliùsān nián, Qí Huángōng yìng Yānguó de yāoqiú, chū bīng gōngdǎ rùqīn
公元 前 663 年，齐桓公 应 燕国 的 要求，出 兵 攻打 入侵
Yānguó de Shānróng, xiàngguó Guǎn Zhòng hé dàfu Xí Péng suítóng qiánwǎng.
燕国 的 山戎， 相国 管 仲 和 大夫 隰 朋 随同 前往。
In 663 B.C., Qi Huangong was asked by Yanguo to fight against the invaders of Shanrong, a strong minority from northern China. The Premier Guan Zhong and the senior official Xi Peng accompanied him.
Qíjūn shì chūntiān chūzhēng de, dào kǎixuán'érguī shí yǐ shì dōngtiān, cǎomù biànle yàng,
齐军 是 春天 出征 的，到 凯旋而归 时 已 是 冬天， 草木 变了 样，
dàjūn zài shāngǔ lǐ zhǎo bú dào huílái de lù.
大军 在 山谷 里 找 不 到 回来 的路。
The Qi army had gone to fight in spring and returned triumphant in winter. Due to the change of the seasons, the army couldn't find its way out of the valley.
Shíjiān yì cháng, jūnduì de jǐyǎng fāshēng kùnnan, rúguǒ zài bù zhǎo dào chūlù,
时间 一 长， 军队 的 给养 发生 困难， 如果 再 不 找 到 出路，
dàjūn jiù huì kùn sǐ zài zhèlǐ.
大军 就 会 困 死 在 这里。
Transporting the supplies would become too difficult. If they did not find a way out of the valley soon, the army would not be able to survive.
Xiàngguó Guǎn Zhòng xiǎngle yí gè zhǔyì: jìrán gǒu líjiā hěn yuǎn yě néng xún huí jiā qù,
相国 管 仲 想了 一 个 主意：既然 狗 离家 很 远 也 能 寻 回 家 去，
nàme jūn zhōng de lǎomǎ yě yīnggāi huì yǒu rènshi lùtú de bénlǐng.
那么 军 中 的 老马 也 应该 会 有 认识 路途的 本领。
The Premier Guan Zhong had an idea: dogs can always find their way back home even if they are very far away. Should not the old horses in the army be able to do so too?
Yúshì Guǎn Zhòng lìjí tiāo chū jǐ pǐ lǎomǎ,
于是 管 仲 立即挑 出 几 匹 老马，
ràng tāmen zài dàjūn de zuì qiánmian zìyóu xíngzǒu.
让 它们 在 大军 的 最 前面 自由 行走。
Guan Zhong immediately chose several old horses and allowed them to walk in front freely.
Yě zhēn qíguài, zhèxiē lǎomǎ dōu háobùyóuyù de cháo yí gè fāngxiàng xíngjìn.
也 真 奇怪， 这些 老马 都 毫不犹豫 地 朝 一 个 方向 行进。
It was quite strange to see these old horses all, without hesitation, walking in the same direction.
Dàjūn jiù jǐn gēn zhe tāmen, zuìhòu zhōngyú zǒuchūle shāngǔ,
大军 就紧 跟 着 它们， 最后 终于 走出了 山谷，
zhǎodàole huí Qíguó de dàlù.
找到了 回 齐国 的 大路。
The army followed the old horses and was finally able to walk out of the valley, finding their way back home.
If you are interested in Chinese idioms, click here
Read Chinese Story: 矛和盾的故事 (Máo hé dùn de gùshi) The Story of Spear and Shield (Beginner)
Yǒu yí gè Chǔguó rén, mài dùn yòu mài máo.
有 一个 楚国 人，卖 盾 又 卖 矛。
In the State of Chu, there was a man who was selling both shields and spears.
Tā kuāyào zìjǐ de dùn, shuō: “Wǒ de dùn jiāngù wú bǐ,
他 夸耀 自己的 盾， 说：“我 的 盾 坚固 无 比，
rènhé fēnglì de dōngxi dōu chuān bú tòu tā.”
任何 锋利 的 东西 都 穿 不 透 它”。
He would proudly exclaim: “My shield is so strong that it can not be pierced.”
Tā yòu kuāyào zìjǐ de máo, shuō: “Wǒ de máo fēnglì jí le,
他 又 夸耀 自己的 矛， 说：“我 的 矛 锋利 极了，
shénme jiāngù de dōngxi dōu néng cì chuān.”
什么 坚固 的 东西 都 能 刺 穿”。
He would continue to boast the strength of his spear: “My spear is so strong that it can pierce through anything.”
Yǒu rén wèn tā: “Rúguǒ yòng nín de máo cì nín de dùn, jiéguǒ huì zěnme yàng ne?”
有 人 问 他：“如果 用 您 的 矛 刺 您 的 盾， 结果 会 怎么 样 呢”？
One day someone asked him: “What happens if I try to pierce your shield with your spear?”
Nà rén zhāngkǒujiéshé, yí jù huà yě dá bú shàng lái.
那 人 张口结舌， 一 句 话 也 答不 上 来。
Confused and bewildered, he fell silent.
There are some key Learning Points and examples to help you. Click at
有 一个 楚国 人，卖 盾 又 卖 矛。
In the State of Chu, there was a man who was selling both shields and spears.
Tā kuāyào zìjǐ de dùn, shuō: “Wǒ de dùn jiāngù wú bǐ,
他 夸耀 自己的 盾， 说：“我 的 盾 坚固 无 比，
rènhé fēnglì de dōngxi dōu chuān bú tòu tā.”
任何 锋利 的 东西 都 穿 不 透 它”。
He would proudly exclaim: “My shield is so strong that it can not be pierced.”
Tā yòu kuāyào zìjǐ de máo, shuō: “Wǒ de máo fēnglì jí le,
他 又 夸耀 自己的 矛， 说：“我 的 矛 锋利 极了，
shénme jiāngù de dōngxi dōu néng cì chuān.”
什么 坚固 的 东西 都 能 刺 穿”。
He would continue to boast the strength of his spear: “My spear is so strong that it can pierce through anything.”
Yǒu rén wèn tā: “Rúguǒ yòng nín de máo cì nín de dùn, jiéguǒ huì zěnme yàng ne?”
有 人 问 他：“如果 用 您 的 矛 刺 您 的 盾， 结果 会 怎么 样 呢”？
One day someone asked him: “What happens if I try to pierce your shield with your spear?”
Nà rén zhāngkǒujiéshé, yí jù huà yě dá bú shàng lái.
那 人 张口结舌， 一 句 话 也 答不 上 来。
Confused and bewildered, he fell silent.
How Do Brand Names Attract Chinese Consumers?
Key Learning Points (Preview):
品牌 (pǐnpái): n. brand
吸引 (xīyǐn): v. to attract
印象 (yìnxiang): n. impression
It is important for foreign brands to have a Chinese name as it enters the Chinese market. How do companies translate their names? How do they make the names attractive? Do they use transliteration or free translation? Some companies skillfully integrate these two translation methods in order to create an attractive brand name for Chinese consumers. A good brand name can help produce a good impression of a product. In this online Chinese lesson, let's learn how brand names are translated from English to Chinese.
BENZ 奔驰 (Bēnchí)
"奔" and "驰" both mean "run fast" in Chinese.
To drive a BENZ means to enjoy high speeds.
Want to learn more at
品牌 (pǐnpái): n. brand
吸引 (xīyǐn): v. to attract
印象 (yìnxiang): n. impression
It is important for foreign brands to have a Chinese name as it enters the Chinese market. How do companies translate their names? How do they make the names attractive? Do they use transliteration or free translation? Some companies skillfully integrate these two translation methods in order to create an attractive brand name for Chinese consumers. A good brand name can help produce a good impression of a product. In this online Chinese lesson, let's learn how brand names are translated from English to Chinese.
BENZ 奔驰 (Bēnchí)
"奔" and "驰" both mean "run fast" in Chinese.
To drive a BENZ means to enjoy high speeds.
Chinese language idiom stories are very interesting
Whether Chinese course or through the online learning, Many foreigners are learning Chinese and do you have any ideas? Chinese learning can come to China for sightseeing and also can understand China development, culture, custom, etc. If you are interested in learning Chinese, then usually you can learn Chinese through the Chinese classes or online to enrich their own minds. For example do you know this story in Chinese language? If you don’t, you can see the following story.
在森林里，老虎是最凶猛的野兽。一天，它捉到一只狐狸，狡猾的狐狸就
Zài sēnlín lĭ, láohŭ shì zuì xiōngmĕng de yĕshòu. Yì tiān, tā zhuōdào yì zhī húli, jiăohuá de húli jiù
说：“你怎么敢吃我？我是天帝任命来管理所有野兽的，你要吃了我，
shuō:"Nĭ zĕn me găn chī wŏ? Wŏ shì tiāndì rènmìng lái guánlĭ suóyŏu yĕshòu de, nĭ yào chī le wŏ,
就是违抗天意。”老虎一听愣住了。狐狸马上接着说：“你要是不信，就
jiù shì wéikàng tiānyì." Láohŭ yì tīng lèng zhù le. Húli măshàng jiēzhe shuō: "Nĭ yào shì bú xìn, jiù
跟在我后面走一趟，看看是不是所有的动物见了我都害怕。”于
gēn zài wŏ hòumian zŏu yítàng, kànkan shì bu shì suóyŏu de dòngwù jiàn le wŏ dōu hàipà." Yú
是老虎决定跟着狐狸去看看。果然，动物们都吓得要命，四处奔
shì láohŭ juédìng gēnzhe húli qù kànkan. Guŏrán, dòngwù men dōu xià dé yào mìng, sì chù bēn
逃。老虎以为它们真是被狐狸吓跑的，于是相信了狐狸的话，把它放了。
Táo. Láohŭ yĭwéi tāmen zhēn shì bèi húli xià păo de, yúshì xiāngxìn le húli de huà, bă tā fàng le.
Do you understand? It is not difficult to Chinese learning. This is English and I hope it helps. The tiger is the most ferocious animal in the forest. One day, a tiger caught a fox. The cunning fox said: "How dare you! I am the one that God assigned to rule over the other animals." The tiger was shocked. The fox told the tiger to walk behind him through the forest so he could show him what he meant, and the tiger agreed. As they walked, all the animals were scared and ran away quickly, so the tiger believed the fox's words and freed him. This story is widely known all over China. The cunning fox uses the tiger's power to scare others, but if the tiger realized the trick, he would kill him. Now Chinese people usually use it to describe someone who bullies others by flaunting his powerful connections. He may enjoy his power for a short time, but he will be sorely punished when his trick is exposed.
Are you interested in Chinese language? Are you taking part in Chinese classes? If you want to learn Chinese, join us. Welcome to visit http://www.echineselearning.com/
在森林里，老虎是最凶猛的野兽。一天，它捉到一只狐狸，狡猾的狐狸就
Zài sēnlín lĭ, láohŭ shì zuì xiōngmĕng de yĕshòu. Yì tiān, tā zhuōdào yì zhī húli, jiăohuá de húli jiù
说：“你怎么敢吃我？我是天帝任命来管理所有野兽的，你要吃了我，
shuō:"Nĭ zĕn me găn chī wŏ? Wŏ shì tiāndì rènmìng lái guánlĭ suóyŏu yĕshòu de, nĭ yào chī le wŏ,
就是违抗天意。”老虎一听愣住了。狐狸马上接着说：“你要是不信，就
jiù shì wéikàng tiānyì." Láohŭ yì tīng lèng zhù le. Húli măshàng jiēzhe shuō: "Nĭ yào shì bú xìn, jiù
跟在我后面走一趟，看看是不是所有的动物见了我都害怕。”于
gēn zài wŏ hòumian zŏu yítàng, kànkan shì bu shì suóyŏu de dòngwù jiàn le wŏ dōu hàipà." Yú
是老虎决定跟着狐狸去看看。果然，动物们都吓得要命，四处奔
shì láohŭ juédìng gēnzhe húli qù kànkan. Guŏrán, dòngwù men dōu xià dé yào mìng, sì chù bēn
逃。老虎以为它们真是被狐狸吓跑的，于是相信了狐狸的话，把它放了。
Táo. Láohŭ yĭwéi tāmen zhēn shì bèi húli xià păo de, yúshì xiāngxìn le húli de huà, bă tā fàng le.
Do you understand? It is not difficult to Chinese learning. This is English and I hope it helps. The tiger is the most ferocious animal in the forest. One day, a tiger caught a fox. The cunning fox said: "How dare you! I am the one that God assigned to rule over the other animals." The tiger was shocked. The fox told the tiger to walk behind him through the forest so he could show him what he meant, and the tiger agreed. As they walked, all the animals were scared and ran away quickly, so the tiger believed the fox's words and freed him. This story is widely known all over China. The cunning fox uses the tiger's power to scare others, but if the tiger realized the trick, he would kill him. Now Chinese people usually use it to describe someone who bullies others by flaunting his powerful connections. He may enjoy his power for a short time, but he will be sorely punished when his trick is exposed.
Are you interested in Chinese language? Are you taking part in Chinese classes? If you want to learn Chinese, join us. Welcome to visit http://www.echineselearning.com/
2012年7月18日星期三
Showing Honor through Holding Fist (Intermediate)
Holding fist is a form of greeting, usually used by men, with one clenched fist cradled in the other hand and held at chest level. It is a traditional custom in China and is used to express "祝贺 (zhùhè) congratulations" and good "愿望 (yuànwàng) wishes."
In modern China, holding fist is widely used in business situations. So, the way to properly hold fist is just like this: standing upright, hold the right hand (in fist) with the left hand and rock them up and down slightly at roughly chest level. Please see the following picture.
In China, expressing regards through holding fist is often used in the following situations.
1. At every major event or holiday, such as "春节 (chūnjié) Spring Festival." We often show regards through holding fist when we meet our "邻居 (línju) neighbors," "朋友 (péngyou) friends" or "同事 (tóngshì) colleagues."
2. On festive occasions, such as "婚礼 (hūnlǐ) weddings" or birthday parties, the "客人 (kèrén) guests" can hold fist to congratulate the "主人 (zhǔrén) hosts."
More situations and examples, please click at http://resources.echineselearning.com/business/business-chinese-599.html?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg1271903
In modern China, holding fist is widely used in business situations. So, the way to properly hold fist is just like this: standing upright, hold the right hand (in fist) with the left hand and rock them up and down slightly at roughly chest level. Please see the following picture.
In China, expressing regards through holding fist is often used in the following situations.
1. At every major event or holiday, such as "春节 (chūnjié) Spring Festival." We often show regards through holding fist when we meet our "邻居 (línju) neighbors," "朋友 (péngyou) friends" or "同事 (tóngshì) colleagues."
2. On festive occasions, such as "婚礼 (hūnlǐ) weddings" or birthday parties, the "客人 (kèrén) guests" can hold fist to congratulate the "主人 (zhǔrén) hosts."
More situations and examples, please click at http://resources.echineselearning.com/business/business-chinese-599.html?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg1271903
Can I say “Have a Good Shower” in Chinese? (Intermediate)
Howard Wolowitz in American sitcom “The Big Bang Theory” can say “have a good shower” in six different languages, including Chinese. See the video clip below:
Click here and you will see it. In addition, you can also see on the habits of the Chinese about this phrase. http://resources.echineselearning.com/funstuff/funstuff-chinese-21.html?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg1271902
Click here and you will see it. In addition, you can also see on the habits of the Chinese about this phrase. http://resources.echineselearning.com/funstuff/funstuff-chinese-21.html?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg1271902
2012年7月16日星期一
Chinese test: how do you say”golf” in Chinese
Beginner Level 初级 (chūjí)
Conversation:Mike: Did you see the news about Shanshan Feng?
Tom: Yes, because of her, I fell in love with golf.
How do you say “golf” in Chinese?
A. 高尔夫 (gāo’ěrfū)
B. 羽毛球 (yǔmáoqiú)
C. 乒乓球 (pīngpāngqiú)
Please see your answer and click here http://resources.echineselearning.com/minitestanswers/minitestanswers-chinese-800.html?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg1271701
What’s wrong (Beginner) 怎么了（初级）
HSK Preparation: 怎么了 (Zěnme le) What’s wrong (Beginner)
Example:
Bǎobèi, zěnme le? Kū de nàme shāngxīn?
A: 宝贝， 怎么 了？ 哭 得 那么 伤心？
Honey, what’s wrong? Why are you crying so sadly?
Māma, wǒ hànyǔ shuǐpíng kǎoshì (HSK) méi kǎo hǎo.
B: 妈妈，我 汉语 水平 考试（HSK） 没 考 好。
Mom, I failed in my HSK test.
If you want to listen to these audio please, then come to http://resources.echineselearning.com/dailybrief/dailybrief-chinese-1408.html?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg1271703
About more HSK you can click in http://www.echineselearning.com/services/adults-chinese/test-preparation-hsk.html?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg1271703
Example:
Bǎobèi, zěnme le? Kū de nàme shāngxīn?
A: 宝贝， 怎么 了？ 哭 得 那么 伤心？
Honey, what’s wrong? Why are you crying so sadly?
Māma, wǒ hànyǔ shuǐpíng kǎoshì (HSK) méi kǎo hǎo.
B: 妈妈，我 汉语 水平 考试（HSK） 没 考 好。
Mom, I failed in my HSK test.
If you want to listen to these audio please, then come to http://resources.echineselearning.com/dailybrief/dailybrief-chinese-1408.html?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg1271703
About more HSK you can click in http://www.echineselearning.com/services/adults-chinese/test-preparation-hsk.html?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg1271703
“丑八怪 (chǒubāguài),” why not “丑九怪 (chǒujiǔguài)?”
In class, the teacher told the students that "丑八怪 (chǒubāguài)" refers to extremely ugly people. A confused student asked the teacher, “Why don’t we use the number 9? Why can’t we say "丑九怪 (chǒujiǔguài)?"
The teacher smiled and explained to the student, "We should start with '扬州八怪 (Yángzhōu Bā Guài).' '扬州八怪 (Yángzhōu Bā Guài)' refers to a group of people who had similar interests and painting styles. They include: 李蟮 (Lǐ Shàn), 汪士慎 (Wāng Shìshèn), 高翔 (Gāo Xiáng) and so on. (Note: In Chinese, the number "8" is a function word used to represent large amounts of something; it doesn't always literally mean eight.) These painters' painting philosophy was to 'weed through the old and bring forth the new.' They did things in their own way without regarding other’s criticism. They were disregarded by the so-called "orthodox school" at that time. '丑八怪 (chǒubāguài)' means that they were freaks. Even though the orthodox painters and upper-class society shunned them, common people loved their paintings very much. Because of their popularity with common people, they became very famous. The phrase '丑八怪 (chǒubāguài)' has been around ever since. Now people usually use it to describe someone whose conduct is not good."
More popular Chinese words and click here http://resources.echineselearning.com/dailybrief/?level_type=1?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg1271702
The teacher smiled and explained to the student, "We should start with '扬州八怪 (Yángzhōu Bā Guài).' '扬州八怪 (Yángzhōu Bā Guài)' refers to a group of people who had similar interests and painting styles. They include: 李蟮 (Lǐ Shàn), 汪士慎 (Wāng Shìshèn), 高翔 (Gāo Xiáng) and so on. (Note: In Chinese, the number "8" is a function word used to represent large amounts of something; it doesn't always literally mean eight.) These painters' painting philosophy was to 'weed through the old and bring forth the new.' They did things in their own way without regarding other’s criticism. They were disregarded by the so-called "orthodox school" at that time. '丑八怪 (chǒubāguài)' means that they were freaks. Even though the orthodox painters and upper-class society shunned them, common people loved their paintings very much. Because of their popularity with common people, they became very famous. The phrase '丑八怪 (chǒubāguài)' has been around ever since. Now people usually use it to describe someone whose conduct is not good."
More popular Chinese words and click here http://resources.echineselearning.com/dailybrief/?level_type=1?ecl=ptEEEEEEpg1271702
Five Things You Must Not Do with Chopsticks (beginners)
As you are doing business with Chinese people, you may have used “筷子 (kuàizi) chopsticks.” But do you know the taboos of using this dining tool? The followings are five things you must know about the use of “筷子 (kuàizi) chopsticks.”
No.1: Hold “筷子 (kuàizi) chopsticks” with your “大拇指 (dàmǔzhǐ) thumb,” “中指 (zhōngzhǐ) middle finger,” “无名指 (wúmíngzhǐ) ring finger,” and “小拇指 (xiǎomǔzhǐ) little finger,” but be sure not to point your “食指 (shízhǐ) index finger” at others. It is widely acknowledged in China that when someone is about to swear using dirty words, they tend to point their “食指 (shízhǐ) index finger” at others. So if you let your “食指 (shízhǐ) index finger” point to other guests at the table, it is perceived as being impolite.
No.2: Do not hold “筷子 (kuàizi) chopsticks” in your mouth and suck them. It is regarded as lack of “涵养 (hányǎng) good behavior.” Besides, if you suck on the “筷子 (kuàizi) chopsticks,” you are very likely to make strange noises, which is often quite annoying.
No.3: Do not get what you want to eat with only one chopstick. It is well-recognized that both “筷子 (kuàizi) chopsticks” are always used together. But when you use only one of them to...
Read the full article now.
http://resources.echineselearning.com/business/business-chinese-581.html?ecl=PtEEEEEEpg1271603
No.1: Hold “筷子 (kuàizi) chopsticks” with your “大拇指 (dàmǔzhǐ) thumb,” “中指 (zhōngzhǐ) middle finger,” “无名指 (wúmíngzhǐ) ring finger,” and “小拇指 (xiǎomǔzhǐ) little finger,” but be sure not to point your “食指 (shízhǐ) index finger” at others. It is widely acknowledged in China that when someone is about to swear using dirty words, they tend to point their “食指 (shízhǐ) index finger” at others. So if you let your “食指 (shízhǐ) index finger” point to other guests at the table, it is perceived as being impolite.
No.2: Do not hold “筷子 (kuàizi) chopsticks” in your mouth and suck them. It is regarded as lack of “涵养 (hányǎng) good behavior.” Besides, if you suck on the “筷子 (kuàizi) chopsticks,” you are very likely to make strange noises, which is often quite annoying.
No.3: Do not get what you want to eat with only one chopstick. It is well-recognized that both “筷子 (kuàizi) chopsticks” are always used together. But when you use only one of them to...
Read the full article now.
http://resources.echineselearning.com/business/business-chinese-581.html?ecl=PtEEEEEEpg1271603
The Significance of Black in Chinese Culture
Chinese have developed a rich culture around the use of color, especially in language. Below I will explain the significance of black in Chinese culture.
On one hand, it means solemnity and integrity, such as when used as "脸谱 (liǎnpǔ)" which is an important makeup application used in Beijing opera. Here black is used to show the virtuous and dignified nature of a character. On the other hand, black conveys a grave and frightened outlook on life because of an implied lack of light. Some examples of not-so-pleasant uses of black are "黑手 (hēi shǒu)," which means a puppet master, or someone manipulating others behind the scenes, "黑社会 (hēi shèhuì)," an underground criminal organization, "黑名单 (hēi míngdān)" meaning to …
Get more information at http://resources.echineselearning.com/general/general-chinese-1525.html
Examples:
Zhège diàn yě tài hēi le, yì běn shū jūrán yào yìbǎi yuán.
这个 店 也 太 黑 了，一本 书 居然 要 一百 元。
The owner of this bookstore is terrible; the cheapest books go for one hundred yuan.
Wǒ bǎ tā fàngdàole wǒ de hēi míngdān lǐ.
我 把 他 放到了 我 的 黑 名单 里。
I put him on my black list.
Learn more Chinese culture at http://resources.echineselearning.com/general/general-chinese-1525.html?ecl=PtEEEEEEpg1271602
On one hand, it means solemnity and integrity, such as when used as "脸谱 (liǎnpǔ)" which is an important makeup application used in Beijing opera. Here black is used to show the virtuous and dignified nature of a character. On the other hand, black conveys a grave and frightened outlook on life because of an implied lack of light. Some examples of not-so-pleasant uses of black are "黑手 (hēi shǒu)," which means a puppet master, or someone manipulating others behind the scenes, "黑社会 (hēi shèhuì)," an underground criminal organization, "黑名单 (hēi míngdān)" meaning to …
Get more information at http://resources.echineselearning.com/general/general-chinese-1525.html
Examples:
Zhège diàn yě tài hēi le, yì běn shū jūrán yào yìbǎi yuán.
这个 店 也 太 黑 了，一本 书 居然 要 一百 元。
The owner of this bookstore is terrible; the cheapest books go for one hundred yuan.
Wǒ bǎ tā fàngdàole wǒ de hēi míngdān lǐ.
我 把 他 放到了 我 的 黑 名单 里。
I put him on my black list.
Learn more Chinese culture at http://resources.echineselearning.com/general/general-chinese-1525.html?ecl=PtEEEEEEpg1271602