Learn Chinese Blog

You’re Welcome in Chinese

Mandarin Chinese Language Lover — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 04:04:26 +0000

How to Say You’re Welcome in Chinese Using Mandarin, you can easily say you’re welcome in a variety of ways. While these range from, “There’s no need,” to “Don’t be so polite,” you’ll find that Chinese culture, in general, does not seem to receive verbal thanks all that well. You’re Welcome Phrases Chinese Character Chinese PinYin English …

Basic Questions in Chinese

Mandarin Chinese Language Lover — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 19:34:12 +0000

How to Ask Questions in Chinese If you’ve ever wondered how to ask a question in Chinese, then join the rest of us who often must pause to figure out whether or not we’re asking it correctly! Indeed, you’ll find that asking questions in Chinese is actually easier than in English. It is, however, something …

Elderly in Chinese

Mandarin Chinese Language Lover — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 01:02:16 +0000

“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 …

Young in Chinese

Mandarin Chinese Language Lover — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 01:58:03 +0000

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” …

Old in Chinese

Mandarin Chinese Language Lover — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 01:52:45 +0000

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.

New in Chinese

Mandarin Chinese Language Lover — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 01:47:48 +0000

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

Dark in Chinese

Mandarin Chinese Language Lover — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 01:44:30 +0000

“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.

It’s All Lights and Glitter!

Mandarin Chinese Language Lover — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 01:25:14 +0000

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

Don’t Be a Weakling!

Mandarin Chinese Language Lover — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 04:21:06 +0000

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 …

Are You Strong Enough?

Mandarin Chinese Language Lover — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 01:15:31 +0000

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