#chinese expression

[echineselearning-blog1]

Confused? Learn “打听 (Dǎtīng)” for When You Need to Ask a Question

There are some words you hear over and over again once you begin living in China. As a student of Mandarin Chinese, the words may not be so familiar to us as we learn from textbooks and study for our Chinese exams. However, some words and expressions are used quite frequently on a daily basis in China. One of these words I’d like to introduce today is: 打听 (dǎtīng).

While studying in Beijing, “打听 (dǎtīng)” has made its way into myself and my classmates’ daily language. The word breaks down like this:

打听 (Dǎtīng) = to ask or inquire about something; to get “the scoop” on something.

打 (Dǎ) = a verb, meaning to hit, beat, or fight.

听 (Tīng) = a verb, meaning to hear, understand, or obey.

If we are curious and interested in someone or something, we use “打听 (dǎtīng)” to explain the research and inquiring we do to learn more. If we are annoyed or concerned about the constant barrage of questions we are receiving about our personal lives, or want pertinent information, we can also use “打听 (dǎtīng).”

Here are some examples of “打听 (dǎtīng)” in use:

Jack bú yuàn biérén dǎtīng tā de sīshì. Jack 不   愿    别 人  打 听   他 的 私事。 Jack doesn’t want others prying into his affairs.

Lily xiǎng dǎtīng qù shěnyáng de huǒchē. Lily   想  打   听  去    沈   阳    的  火  车。 Lily wants to inquire about the trains for Shenyang.

Wǒ dǎtīng dào le Sam de dìzhǐ. 我   打 听   到  了 Sam 的 地址。 I found out Sam’s address.

A Scenario:

Do you believe in “love at first sight”? Anne felt that way upon seeing a...

...for the full lesson on  “打听 (dǎtīng)” YOU CAN READ ALONG WITH US HERE!

[echineselearning-blog1]

Beware of a Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing: the Ancient Lesson of “笑里藏刀 (Xiào Lǐ Cáng Dāo)”

When I first decided to learn Mandarin Chinese, it was mostly because of China’s rising economy and all the business opportunities between China and western countries. However, once I began the language learning process, I became much more interested in Chinese culture and history.

This interest led me to read some of the classic books and essay collections, along with more fantastic sagas that we know in the west. Just like Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War”, a book that had me fascinated by Chinese philosophy is “三十六计 (Sānshíliù Jì) Thirty-Six Stratagems.”(What Is “三十六计 (sānshíliù jì)” in China?)

“Thirty-Six Stratagems” is a collection of strategies for interpersonal conflict that were collected from oral and written resources that have been passed down for centuries. These stories often involve deception to get a wanted outcome. The thirty-six strategies are divided into six groups. In Group 2, strategy #10 overall, is “笑里藏刀 (xiào lǐ cáng dāo)” which translates to roughly “hide a knife in a smile.” As you can imagine, it involves becoming close with...

...for the FULL LESSON on “笑里藏刀 (xiào lǐ cáng dāo)” you can READ ALONG WITH US HERE!

[echineselearning-blog1]

Do You Know Where the Phrase ‘Get Off Your High Horse’ Comes from?

In English we have a saying, “Get off your high horse!” It means someone is being prideful and we want them to take their pride down a notch, or just act more humble. The cool thing is that in Chinese we have a similar phrase, although it has a few different meanings from the one in English.

The exact phrase is:

Xiàmǎ 下马

When you break these characters down, they mean:

下 (Xià): from high to low; landing.

马 (Mǎ): horse.

A Popular Chinese Idiom Story You Don’t Want to Miss:

An Old Man in the Frontier Lost His Horse

1. The characters put together are now used today to signify:

下马 (Xiàmǎ): action, get down from a horse; dismount from a horse.

When you use this phrase in a sentence, the sentence structure will look like this:

Sentence Structure: V. + 下马 (Xiàmǎ)

Example:

Tā cóng lìng yì biān tiào xià mǎ. 他从另一边跳下马。 He sprang down onto the other side.

This phrase has a literal meaning, to actually dismount from a horse. You can use it when describing this action in daily life.

2. This phrase also has another idiomatic meaning:

下马 (Xiàmǎ): discontinue, used to describe a major project or work item.

This is often used in daily life when describing work situations. When you use this phrase in a sentence, the sentence structure will now look like this:

Sentence Structure: Subject + 下马 (Xiàmǎ)

Examples:

Yóuyú quēfá zījīn, tāmen zhǐhǎo ràng gōngchéng xiàmǎ. 由于缺乏资金，他们只好让工程下马。 They had to discontinue the project because of a lack of funds.

Zhè xiàng gōngchéng bùnéng xiàmǎ. 这项工程不能下马。 This project should not be abandoned.

3. This word also can be used as a noun:

“下马 (Xiàmǎ)” means ceremony, a ritual of the Taoist practice in rural areas in some parts of China.

When using this phrase as a noun you put it into this sentence structure:

Sentence Structure: 下马 (Xiàmǎ)+ V.

Example:

Xiàmǎ shì yì zhǒng yíshì. 下马是一种仪式。 Dismounting is a ritual.

4. And finally this word can mean a change in roles:

“下马 (Xiàmǎ)” means role change. In ancient times, it meant the transition from cavalry to infantry.

When using this word like this you use it in this sentence structure:

Sentence Structure: Subject + 下马 (Xiàmǎ)

Example:

Qíbīng bùduì xiàmǎ chéngwéi le bùbīng bùduì. 骑兵部队下马成为了步兵部队。 The cavalry unit switched roles and became an infantry unit.

It’s amazing how many meanings just...

...for the FULL LESSON on “High Horse” you can READ ALONG WITH US HERE!

[echineselearning-blog1]

Get Shot While Lying Down: The Chinese Expression You Need to Know

Often, the Mandarin Chinese students in my class will hear trendy slang language that they don’t understand. It’s always fun, as a Chinese teacher, to explain to the class what these new expressions mean. Often, I let the students make an educated guess before explaining the meaning fully. Today, I will introduce to you an expression that is commonly used online in forums and group chats, but also increasingly used on the streets. The expression is “躺着也中枪 (Tǎngzhe yě zhòngqiāng) Get shot even when lying down”. Can you guess what it means?

For occasions when you are the “innocent bystander” and a victim of overhearing some gossip or criticism that was not intended for you, but applies to you and may offend you anyway, you “躺着也中枪 (Tǎngzhe yě zhòngqiāng) Get shot even when lying down”. Basically, you are caught in the crossfire even though you tried to remain quiet and not get involved. You’re innocent, but still hit. How unfortunate!

“躺枪 (Tǎngqiāng)” is the shortened version of “躺着也中枪 (Tǎngzhe yě zhòngqiāng)”. “躺枪 (Tǎngqiāng)” is often used online and by young people in social situations.

We can break the expression down as:

躺着 (tǎngzhe) = lying down;

也 (yě) = also;

中枪 (zhòngqiāng) = get shot.

Examples of how you can use “躺着也中枪 (Tǎngzhe yě zhòngqiāng) Get shot even when lying down” in everyday conversation:

The scenario: On a city bus, two elderly men are talking about some recent gossip about a young local who doesn’t want to take care of his aging parents. One of the old men takes a glance at the young men around and makes the comment:

Xiànzài de niánqīngrén dōu bú tài dǒngshì’r. 现在     的    年轻人      都   不  太   懂事儿. Nowadays, the young people are insensible.

The young man standing quietly nearby, minding his own business thinks to himself:

Āi, wǒ tǎngzhe yě zhòngqiāng! 哎, 我   躺着    也    中枪! I get shot even when lying down!

On an Internet news site, a headline about recent events reads:

Měiguó hé cháoxiān xiānghù shìqiáng, hánguó dānxīn zìjǐ huì “tǎngqiāng”. 美国      和   朝鲜      相互       示强，     韩国    担心  自己 会   “躺枪”. The United States and North Korea Continue to Make Threats While South Korea is Worried That They Will “Get Shot Even When Lying Down!”

New word: 示强 (shìqiáng): v. express strong.

Example: Cōngmíng rén bú yīnggāi chùchù shìqiáng. 聪明          人  不  应该      处处      示强。 Smart People shouldn’t show they are strong in all aspects.

So, now you know some fun Chinese expression to use for...

...for the FULL LESSON on 示强 (shìqiáng), YOU CAN READ ALONG WITH US HERE!

[echineselearning-blog1]

What type of man is “暖男(nuǎnnán)?”

Lately, discussions on social networking sites have turned their attention to, what some argue to be, a new type of ideal boyfriend called “暖男 (nuǎnnán).” So, what is it about this type of men that makes them so sought after? Do you or your man have the characteristics of a “暖男 (nuǎnnán)?”

“暖 (nuǎn)” basically means “warm,” but in the case of “暖男 (nuǎnnán),” the word is also used to modify a person. “暖男 (nuǎnnán)” refers to guys who give off a sense of warmth to others, just like the sunshine. However, the word “warm” here refers to emotional warmth and an understanding of others’ feelings.

“暖男 (nuǎnnán)” is defined as a warm, nice guy who is tender, considerate and understanding. He always make the people around him feel cared for and appreciated. He may remind you to put on more clothes when he knows the weather is going to change, or act as a patient listener when you broke up with your boyfriend. When at home, especially as a husband, he knows how to take good care of his beloved family and always try to spend as much time as possible with them. He might also be good at cooking. All of what he does contributes to a warm and comfortable family atmosphere. Last, but not least, a warm, nice guy is always meticulous, compassionate, and...

...for the FULL LESSON on YOU CAN READ ALONG WITH US HERE!

[echineselearning-blog1]

Talk about Stingy People? Use “铁公鸡(tiěgōngjī)” in Mandarin!

The term “铁公鸡(tiěgōngjī)” comes from the Chinese idiom “铁公鸡,一毛不拔(tiěgōngjī, yìmáo bùbá) You can’t pluck a feather from an iron rooster.” Here, “铁(tiě)” means “iron” and “公鸡(gōngjī)” means “rooster,” but what the term “铁公鸡(tiěgōngjī)” is really used to refer to is a mean, stingy person who won’t spare a cent.

Examples:

Tā shì gè tiěgōngjī, xiǎngyào tā qǐng wǒmen chīfàn, méiménr! 她  是 个  铁公鸡,    想要      她 请     我们     吃饭， 没门儿！ She is such an iron rooster. You want her to invite us to dinner? No way!

Tā yǐqián hěn dàfāng, dànshì xiànzài yuè lái yuè xiǎoqì, jiùshì gè tiěgōngjī. 他  以前   很   大方，  但是    现在   越   来 越   小气， 就是 个  铁公鸡。 He used to be very generous but now he’s getting stingier and stingier. He is such an iron rooster.

There are also some other Chinese expressions with similar meanings, such as “小气鬼(xiǎoqìguǐ) tightwad,” “吝啬鬼(lìnsèguǐ) miser,” and “守财奴(shǒucáinú) penny pincher.”

Examples:

Zhāng Chéng shì gè xiǎoqìguǐ，cónglái bù qǐng péngyou chīfàn. 张成               是  个 小气鬼，    从来    不 请     朋友        吃饭。 Zhang Cheng is a tightwad. He never invites his friends to dinner.

Tā bǎ qián quánbù cún qǐlái,  yìdiǎn yě bùshěde huā, shìgè chūlemíng de lìnsèguǐ. 他 把  钱    全部     存  起来， 一点 也 不舍得    花， 是个 出了名    的 吝啬鬼。 He saves all his money and won’t spend any of it. He is known to be miser.

Tā  jià gěi le  yígè  shǒucáinú,  zàiyě bùnéng xiàng cóngqián yíyàng mǎi gāodàngde huàzhuāngpǐn le. 她  嫁 给  了 一个  守财奴，   再也  不能      像      从前       一样     买   高档的        化妆品           了。 She married a penny pincher, so she can no longer buy high-end cosmetics like before.

As you now know, the term “铁公鸡(tiěgōngjī)” includes the...

...for the full lesson on “铁公鸡(tiěgōngjī)”, you can READ ALONG WITH US HERE!

[echineselearning-blog1]

A Disappearing Act with “一溜烟 (Yí Liù Yān)”

In English it is common to compare someone running away quickly to a cloud of dust. In Chinese, there’s a similar slang word– “一溜烟 (yí liù yān),” which can be used instead. This word is fast as lightning, leaves smoke trails, and is its own disappearing act. With those English idioms you’ve got a pretty good idea how to use “一溜烟 (yí liù yān)” now.

Let’s break it down: 一溜烟 (Yí liù yān): run away swiftly.

一 (Yī): one.

溜 (Liù): slippery.

烟 (Yān): smoke, tobacco.

In daily life conversation this word is often used to describe children who run away quickly after doing something naughty. You can imagine how quickly the children would run if an adult discovered their mischief. Imagine for a moment that a shop clerk approached a boy that was standing in an aisle alone for a long time. As soon as the boy sees the clerk come near, he takes off running! Was the boy stealing? Was he embarrassed? Who knows? The only thing that’s for certain is...

...for the FULL LESSON on  “一溜烟 (yí liù yān)”, YOU CAN READ THE FULL LESSON WITH US HERE!

[echineselearning-blog1]

How Artificial Intelligence Is Proving To Be Smarter Than Us!

Have you heard about the recent discovery of two new planets? We are always discovering new things, including what NASA calls exoplanets, or planets outside of the earth’s solar system. Most recently, NASA and Google have discovered two new planets in a far-away “太阳系 (tài yáng xì) solar system” using cutting-edge “人工智能 (réngōng zhìnéng) artificial intelligence”, or AI.

These exoplanets were discovered using the same “人工智能 (réngōng zhìnéng) Artificial Intelligence” techniques that computers use to recognize things in images, such as animals. The Kepler Space Telescope was able to recognize these exoplanets using this intelligence. Kepler was launched in 2009 to aide in the discovery of new planets orbiting other stars. Before 2009, we had only known of 326 exoplanets. Now Kepler has discovered over 2,500!

New words:

1. 人工智能 (réngōng zhìnéng): AI (Artificial Intelligence).

人工 (réngōng): artificial; manual work.

智能 (zhìnéng): intellect; intelligence.

Examples : Réngōng zhìnéng bèi guǎngfàn de yīngyòng zài rìcháng shēnghuó zhōng. 人工         智能      被     广泛       地  应用        在    日常     生活        中。 Artificial intelligence is used extensively in daily life.

Réngōng zhìnéng ràng rénmen de shēnghuó yuè lái yuè fāngbiàn. 人工         智能      让    人们       的    生活       越   来  越    方便。 Artificial intelligence makes people’s life more and more convenient.

2. 太阳系 (tàiyáng xì): solar system.

Examples: NASA jìnqī fāxiàn le dì èr gè tàiyáng xì. NASA 近期  发现 了 第  二  个  太阳    系。 NASA finds a second solar system recently.

Tàiyáng xì lǐmiàn yǒu duōshǎo gè xíngxīng? 太阳     系  里面   有     多少       个   行星？ How many planets are in the solar system?

Isn’t it amazing how powerful and innovative “人工智能 (réngōng zhìnéng) artificial intelligence” is? Let’s look at another piece of evidence that...

...for the full lesson on Artificial Intelligence, YOU CAN READ ALONG WITH US HERE!