A common expression used by Chinese people is 我先走了 (Wǒ xiān zǒu le). Literally translated it means “I am leaving first”. This typical way of saying good-bye is used when leaving a group earlier than others. It is kind of like “I gotta get going”. Listen to the exchange below by clicking on first column. To check out the vo...

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The Double Seven festival occurs on the 7th day of the 7th month of the traditional Chinese lunar calendar. This day is also known as Chinese Valentines day. This year (2019) the festival lands on August 7th. Ancient Story This day is a special day for two romantic characters banished from heaven and Earth. The girl, Zhīnǚ (织女), was a weaver of fine...

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This lesson has something for almost everyone: beginner, secondary, and intermediate. Even Kermit can learn something from this post. Beginner Level Gānbēi is the Chinese equivalent of “Cheers”. Literally it means “dry cup”. But you don’t have to feel obligated. Unless you are the guest of honor, in which case you pretty...

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Bubble tea is a hugely popular in Taiwan, China and the US. Personally, I just don’t get it. Those tapioca pearls are just weird. But if you like them, you can turn the ordering process into a Mandarin learning event. Learn how to order bubble tea Listen to the first video and then return here to sharpen your skills with the dialog below. ...

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Have you ever lost something in the laundromat? Most people have, but we seldom notice until we get home. Here is a quick Mandarin lesson, just in case it happens to you. Interesting Grammar Pattern “Zhǎo bù dào” means “to search without success” In English we have two words: “search” means to look for something...

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