Learn a little Chinese every day
Grammar Point:The Chinese word 幾几 jǐ is often used to indicate an approximate or indefinite number. It is similar to the English words “a few,” “several,” or “a couple of” when used to describe a small, unspecified quantity. 幾/几 jǐ Numbers + jǐ （10～99） 我們wǒmen家jiā有yǒu二十èrshí幾jǐ本běn書shū我们wǒmen家jiā有yǒu二十èrshí几jǐ本běn书shūWe have over twenty books at home. 他tā學xué了le十shí幾jǐ年nián的de中文zhōngwén他tā学xué了le十shí几jǐ年nián的de中文zhōngwénHe has been studying…
Grammar Point:始終终 shǐzhōng is an adverb in Chinese that means “all along” or “from beginning to end.” It is used to indicate continuity, or consistency in an action or state, and it implies that something has remained constant or unchanged throughout a specific period of time or process. Structure 始終终 shǐzhōng + V 他tā始終shǐzhōng保持bǎochí樂觀lèguān態度tàidù他tā始终shǐzhōng保持bǎochí乐观lèguān态度tàidùHe has…
Grammar Point:The word “each” can be translated to Chinese as 各 gè. In Chinese, this character is commonly used to indicate “each” or “every” when referring to individual items or elements within a group. It is often used to express the idea that something applies to each or every item in a set or collection….
Are you ready to learn about Chinese seasonings and make your Chinese dishes taste amazing? Authentic Chinese cuisine is famous for its delicious flavors, thanks to its special sauces and seasonings. In this blog post, we’ll explore the most common seasonings used in Chinese cooking. Whether you’re a skilled chef or new to the kitchen,…
Grammar Point:互相 hùxiāng and 相互 xiānghù are two Chinese expressions that are used to convey the idea of “each other” in English. While they are similar in meaning, there is a slight difference in their usage and placement within a sentence. Structure 互相 hùxiāng + V 互相 hùxiāng is an adverb and it typically focuses…
Grammar Point:The Chinese word 因此 yīncǐ is a conjunction that is often used to indicate a logical consequence, inference, or conclusion. It is similar in meaning to the English phrases “as a result” or “therefore,” and it is commonly used in formal writing. Structure Cause + 因此 yīncǐ + effect 我wǒ太tài累lèi了le， 因此yīncǐ决定juédìng早點zǎodiǎn上床shàngcháig睡覺shuìjiào我wǒ太tài累lèi了le， 因此yīncǐ决定juédìng早点儿zǎodiǎnr上床shàngcháig睡觉shuìjiàoI’m too tired,…
Grammar Point:The term 儘尽量 jìjǐnliàng in Chinese serves as an adverb and is used to convey the idea of “as much as possible” or “to the greatest extent.” It is often used in various contexts to indicate a strong effort to maximize or optimize something. Structure In China, you might come across the word “儘尽量”…
Grammar Point:The phrase “In person” in Chinese is 親亲自 qīnzì. It refers to doing something yourself or in one’s own physical presence, rather than through a representative or by some other indirect means. Structure S + qīnzì + V + O 這zhè是shì我wǒ親自qīnzì做zuò的de蛋糕dàngāo这zhè是shì我wǒ亲自qīnzì做zuò的de蛋糕dàngāoThis is a cake I made personally. 你nǐ親自qīnzì去qù跟gēn他tā說shuō的de嗎ma？ 你nǐ亲自qīnzì去qù跟gēn他tā说shuō的de吗ma？ Did you personally talk to…
Grammar Point:In English, you can express the idea of having absolutely no money, not even a single penny. This notion of “not even one” can also be conveyed in Chinese. Structure 一 yì + MW + N + 也 yě or 都 dōu + negation 他tā一yí句jù中文zhōngwén也yě不會búhuì說shuō他tā一yí句jù中文zhōngwén也yě不会búhuì说shuōHe can’t speak a single word of Chinese. 我wǒ一yí個ge歐洲ōuzhōu國家guójiā也yě沒méi去qù過guò我wǒ一yí个ge欧洲ōuzhōu国家guójiā也yě没méi去qù过guòI haven’t…
Grammar Point:In Chinese, a rhetorical question can be formed by using the word 什麼么 shénme which means “what.” It is used to emphasize a point or express surprise or disbelief. This is a way of making a statement or remarking on something, and the speaker isn’t necessarily expecting a response. Structure V or Adj +…