Learn a little Chinese every day
可以 kěyǐ 可以 kěyǐ refers to permission or the ability to do something in a given situation. It is often used to make requests or ask for permission, and can also be used to describe what is allowed or permissible in a particular context.It is similar in meaning to the English phrases “may I” or…
Grammar Point:每 měi is a Chinese character that means “every” in English. It is often used to indicate the recurrence of an action or event at regular intervals. Structure 每 měi + Measure Word + (N) + (都 dōu) Some Chinese words don’t need extra measure words because they are already like measure words. For…
Grammar Point:The Chinese word 即將将 jíjiāng means “soon” or “about to.” It indicates that an event or action is imminent or approaching in the near future. It conveys the sense of something happening shortly or being on the verge of occurring. Structure jíjiāng + Verb 即將将 jíjiāng is generally considered a formal term in Chinese….
Grammar Point:一再 yízài and 再三 zàisān are both Chinese expressions that convey the idea of “repeatedly” or “again and again.” While they share a similar meaning, there are nuanced differences in how they are used. Structure 一再 yízài In Chinese, the word 一再 yízà emphasizes the idea of doing something repeatedly or continuously, often to…
Grammar Point:In Chinese, the way to express on-going actions is by adding the auxiliary verbs 在 zài or 正在 zhèngzài in front of the verb. 在 zài is used for both short-term and long-term progress, while 正在 zhèngzài is used to emphasize the ongoing action at that moment. In spoken language, we prefer to use…
Grammar Point:The Chinese word 未必 wèibì means “not necessarily” or “may not necessarily” in English. It leaves room for the possibility that things could be different or may not turn out as expected. Structure 未必 wèibì + V / Adj / Clause 這個zhège文法wénfǎ未必wèibì簡單jiǎndān这个zhège文法wénfǎ未必wèibì简单jiǎndānThis grammar may not necessarily be simple. 他的tāde計劃jìhuà未必wèibì會huì成功chénggōng他的tāde计划jìhuá未必wèibì会huì成功chénggōngHis plan may not necessarily succeed….
Grammar Point:This structure is a little confusing because the meaning of 不是 búshì is not just “is not”; it actually means “it is not true that.” This grammar structure is commonly used to express the negation of the previous statement. Structure 不是 + Statement 電視diànshì說shuō今天jīntiān天氣tiānqì很冷hěnlěng， 可是kěshì我wǒ覺得juéde不是búshì很冷hěnlěng电视diànshì说shuō今天jīntiān天气tiānqì很冷hěnlěng， 可是kěshì我wǒ觉得juéde不是búshì很冷hěnlěngThe TV said today’s weather is very cold, but…
Grammar Point:The Chinese words 按時时 ànshí and 儘尽快 jǐnkuài are employed to convey various aspects of time management. 按時时 ànshí means “on time” in English, while 儘尽快 jǐnkuà translates to “as soon as possible” in English. Structure On Time – ànshí It is an adverb used to indicate punctuality or performing tasks according to a…
Hey foodies! Tiffany here, your guide at OneDotDot Chinese. Ever wondered how to navigate Chinese food delivery apps? Well, there are some essential words you gotta know. Let’s get ready for a culinary adventure at your doorstep! Food Delivery App in China One of the food delivery apps is Meituan. It’s not just about delivering…
Grammar Point:In Chinese, verb reduplication V一V suggests that the action is being done in a laid-back manner or that this action only takes a short time. Structure V(一)V These two verbs must be a monosyllabic verb, and the 一 yī can be dropped without changing the meaning. 我們wǒmen出去chūqù走一走zǒuyìzǒu吧ba我们wǒmen出去chūqù走一走zǒuyìzǒu吧baLet’s go for a (short) walk. 你nǐ可以kěyǐ幫bāng我wǒ看一看kànyíkàn我的wǒde句子jùzi對不對duìbúduì嗎ma？ 你nǐ可以kěyǐ帮bāng我wǒ看一看kànyíkàn我的wǒde句子jùzi对不对duìbúduì吗ma？…