When learning Mandarin, what mistakes waste time for beginners?
As a former Chinese beginner-level learner, I could give you my 2-cents in regard to 10 bad habits that many freshers have when they start …
Is it cultural appropriation to name my son “Chiang Kai-Shek” if I am not Chinese?
Is it cultural appropriation to name my son “Chiang Kai-Shek” if I am not Chinese? I am a White American who admires Chiang. Do NOT …
How do you say “Wow” in Chinese?
Interjections are commonly used in our daily life which are also known as “叹词 （tàncí）” or “感叹词 （gǎntàncí）” in Mandarin Chinese. ‘Wow’ is one of …
What is the difference between 可是（kě shì), 但是 (dàn shì), and 不过 (bú guò) in Chinese?
What is the difference between 可是（kě shì）， 但是 （dàn shì）， and 不过 （bú guò） in Chinese? I know they all mean ‘but‘， so what is …
What is it like to learn Mandarin Chinese as a nonnative speaker?
For me, there are two big things about Chinese: It is, as my Classical Chinese teacher called it, “the language of the Fool’s Paradise.” Whenever—and …
Since yellow is a Chinese word, what else is?
Since yellow is a Chinese word, “Yellow” isn’t a Chinese word. It’s English. It isn’t even derived from Chinese. If we look at the etymology, …
How can I say “I can’t live without you” in Chinese?
I’ve always liked an ancient poem: 上邪 上邪，我欲与君相知，长命无绝衰。 山无陵，江水为竭。冬雷震震，夏雨雪。 天地合，乃敢与君绝。 I’ ts means that ： A Pledge By heaven, I shall love you To the …
So if Chinese written language is picture characters, how do they write complicated words like “methyl hydroxy acetate”?
So if Chinese written language is picture characters, how do they write complicated words like “methyl hydroxy acetate”? “Methyl hydroxyacetate” is 羟基乙酸甲酯. While English uses …
Why the distinction between 粤 and 越? why two hanzi?
Why the distinction between 粤 and 越？ I’ve read that Han dynasty conquered the Baiyue, and Yue Chinese evolved over time instead. The name seems …
Is it true that the Chinese character for “thunderstorm” has 51 strokes and is pronounced “ping”?
You are off by one stroke – the actual number is 52. And it’s peng, not ping. 🙂 No, I am not being cheeky. This …