#beginnermandarinchinese

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Everyone likes to take a break from the books. One of the best ways to keep learning without taxing your brain too much is to watch a movie. Don’t worry, a little relaxation won’t hurt. And after all, what’s the use of learning Chinese without learning a bit about Chinese culture too? Here are five of China’s best films:

1. 十七岁的单车 (Shíqīsuì de dānchē) Beijing Bicycle

Like so many countries, China loves drama. This film tells the story of Guei, a young countryside boy who loses his bike in Beijing and goes looking for it. Along the way he meets another boy at a thrift market attempting to buy the bike. This classic film explores boyhood, relationships, and social issues in China. Highly recommended.

2. 卧虎藏龙 (Wò hǔ cáng lóng) Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

You’ve probably heard of this renowned martial arts masterpiece from director Ang Lee. If you haven’t, where have you been? Two warriors and a fugitive in search of a mysterious sword encounter a young and preternaturally skilled nobleman’s daughter on their quest. Fighting ensues.

3. 末代皇帝 (Mòdài huángdì) The Last Emperor

An epic tale of the last Chinese emperor before China’s transition to communist rule. This movie racked up all nine Academy Awards that it was nominated for, and for good reason. The Last Emperor is a landmark film that recounts a story little known in the West, and it’s a visual feast unlike any other.

4. 霸王别姬 (Bàwáng bié jī) Farewell My Concubine

Yet another magnificent epic that gained heaps of praise worldwide. The Last Emperor covers the transition to communist rule, and Farewell My Concubine explores the effects of this harrowing moment in time on the people of..

...for the full lesson on CHINESE MOVIES TO WATCH AS YOU LEARN MANDARIN, join us here.

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Give a Compliment at the Office: How to Address Colleagues with Respect Using Chinese!

Business relationships can be just as influential as personal ones in our daily lives, if you spend a lot of time at work. My fellow teachers and I are constantly interacting with one another, and this makes our lives richer and more fun, and it makes us better teachers! If you work in an office, or have any role in a company (where Mandarin is spoken), and are cultivating relationships, this is a great word to know:

“资深 (zīshēn)”

Particularly in the business field, you can use “资深 (zīshēn)” to compliment your partners who have rich work experience in any specific field. I use this with teachers who are older, wiser and have more experience than me. It has helped to closen our relationship and cultivate a deeper friendship. They feel respect every time I use it.

So what does it mean, exactly?

资深 (zīshēn): adj. senior; elder.

Example 1: Jack shì yì míng zīshēn de dǎoyǎn. Jack  是  一 名    资深   的   导演. Jack is a senior director.

Example 2: Ann shì yí gè fēicháng zīshēn de wàikē yīshēng. Ann  是 一 个   非常     资深   的   外科    医生. Ann is a quite senior surgeon.

But what’s the real meaning of these characters, when broken down? 资 (zī): n.

资 (zī) also can be expressed with “资历 (zīlì)” here which means qualifications and record of service, seniority.

深 (shēn): adj. deep, far.

Do you see how this is a great compliment when you’re...

...for the Full Lesson on BUSINESS LANGUAGE IN CHINA WITH COLLEAGUES YOU CAN READ ALONG WITH US HERE!

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Click here to take a Beginner Mandarin Chinese test and see your results!

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There is no faster and more efficient way to study Mandarin Chinese than to travel to China and immerse yourself in the Chinese language and the local culture. In addition to improving your Mandarin through the immersion, you will also gain unique insights into what life in China, Chinese culture, and local customs are all about.

Read here for MORE INFORMATION ON eChineseLearning’s UNIQUE CHINESE IMMERSION PROGRAM!

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Learn about the Chinese character “爱 (ài) = love” and how to write it stroke by stroke in our lesson here.

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Do you think you could try chicken feet “凤爪 (fèngzhuǎ)”, one of CHINA’s MOST “DISGUSTING” FOODS?

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Do you feel like January is the longest month of the year? Seems that winter goes on forever. Learn about THE HISTORY AND STROKE ORDER OF THE CHINESE CHARACTER “冬 (dōng)” = WINTER.

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It’s MONDAY. Back to work!