Is learning basic Chinese hard?
Many Chinese people take pride in the fact that their language is supposed to be impossibly difficult for foreigners to master (many westerners also assume …
What does 「民」 mean?
I thought I’d post a response to Kang-Lin Cheng’s post as to where 「民」 came from and how it got its meaning today. 「民」 (slave > the common people) …
What is the meaning of 绿茶婊 in Mandarin Chinese?
“绿茶” literally means green tea, 婊= “bitch” or “prostitute.” Online, people usually say just “green tea” as a euphemism. It refers to a type of woman who looks pure and …
Why is “Becoming Chinese” trending overseas?
Chinese American TikToker Sherry started the “becoming Chinese” vogue by sharing her cultural insights online. She stated with mock solemnity: “Tomorrow, you’re turning Chinese. I …
What is the most distinguishing characteristic of Chinese culture?
Never give up! Never give in! Everyone is equal. Is there anyone born as a king, duke, general or minister? One who fears not being …
Why is “Becoming Chinese” trending overseas?
For a moment I thought the question was “Why is becoming overseas Chinese trendy”. Oh well, maybe some day. Guess the soft power is paying …
What does the Chinese word 隔壁老王 mean?
In early 21st century, there was a cartoon TV series named Big head son and small head dad. The TV show translated into Chinese is 大头儿子小头爸爸, very …
What does 守宮砂 mean?
守宮砂 is basically a virginity mark. It is occult witch doctor nonsense, but I do know the legend about how it was done. “A lizard, …
What are the differences in use between laowai (老外) and waiguoren (外国人)?
Wai Guo Ren is the formal, written form to describe a person with a nationality other than China. Lao Wai is a oral term to …
Why is the right side of 門 have a ”亅” and not a “丨”?
Very good question, but my answer will probably be a disappointment. Sometimes the answer for an interesting question is actually quite mundane. First, let’s take …