Aug 26
“Lăo” is the character used to express old (as in elderly). Notice that in Chinese culture, the elderly are highly respected. Therefore, you will also find related terms to hold a good connotation (like the word used for “old friends”). “Lăo” is also used for teacher and master. However, there are numerous words formed with …
Aug 25
Two characters together convey the meaning of young in Chinese. These two characters are “nián qīng” said with the rising second tone and the level first tone. The first character is pronounced like “knee” + “en” as in enter, while the second tone is pronounced like “ch” + “ing.” “Nián” literally means year, while “qīng” …
Aug 24
The idea of being old and worn is depicted with the character “jiù” which is said with the falling fourth tone and pronounced a little like “geo.” Words that also use this character are former, second-hand, past event, and old acquaintance.
Aug 23
Fresh, recent, up-to-date, and new are all words that are represented by the character “xīn.” “Xīn” is said with the level, first tone and pronounced like “sheen.” Other related terms include news, novel (original), bride, newborn, and freshman. Amazon.com Widgets
Aug 22
“Àn” is said with the falling fourth tone, and pronounced like “on.” This Chinese character, like so many others, has many meanings and uses. Some of the related terms include dull, dim, and even hidden. Other words that use the character “àn” are secretly, code word, and detective.
Aug 19
The character for bright in Chinese (or even shiny) is “liàng.” This character is said with the falling fourth tone and pronounced “lee” + “ong.” Words that include this character are reveal, enlighten, sparkling, brilliant, and gleaming. Amazon.com Widgets
Aug 18
Weak in Chinese is represented by the character “ruò.” It is said with the falling fourth tone and pronounced like something between “roo” + “aw” and “raw.” Related terms include inferior, feeble, in weak health, and mentally disabled. (Unfortunately, you will also notice that in Chinese culture, those with mental disabilities are unfortunately shunned or …
Aug 17
The character for strong (as it relates to strength) is “qiáng,” said with the rising second tone and pronounced much like “chee” + “ong.” Other related terms include powerful, capable, rich, intense, violent, and even forceful. Amazon.com Widgets
Aug 16
Much like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, the past two posts are about hard and soft. As it relates to hard or stiff, the Chinese character “yìng” is used. Said with the falling fourth tone, as you say this term it should sound as though you are letting out a sigh of relief, but pronounced …
Aug 15
Soft in Chinese as referring to flexible or even gentle is depicted by the character “ruán.” This character is said with the rising second tone and pronounced much like “roo” + “on.” (Remember that the second tone should sound almost like you are asking a question where your voice rises at the end). Other related …
 
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