Bits of Mandarin

Studying Mandarin -five usual questions and answers

I've studied Mandarin in China for two years, and people often ask me how hard it is to learn a language where they don't even use alphabetic letters. Some tell me they don't even understand why I have chosen to study such a complicated language, that seems to take half a lifetime to master.

28th September 2009 - Jonna Wibelius - Learn Chinese

When it's hard to say "thank you"

When someone pays us a compliment most of us will say ”thank you!” and smile. In China, however, people rarely say ”thank you!” if someone compliments their clothes/ hair style/ language skills.

15th July 2009 - Jonna Wibelius - Bits of Mandarin

Shèngdàn kuàilè! - Merry Christmas!

The holiday season is a perfect time to learn vocabulary related to Christmas.

26th December 2008 - Terhi Mikkolainen - Bits of Mandarin

Zhōngguó jiā yóu! - Go China go!

Now that the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games have already started, it is just about the right time to practice some sports terms in Chinese, so that you'll get the tones right when cheering for the Chinese team!

18th August 2008 - Terhi Mikkolainen - Bits of Mandarin

Huàn wàihùi – Exchanging currency

International credit cards have found their way to China already some time ago, but in many smaller shops and street vendors' desks, especially outside the big cities, you should not count on getting by with just plastic money. Better to keep some cash in your wallet and rehearse the basics of currency exchange terminology.

14th December 2007 - Terhi Mikkolainen - Bits of Mandarin

Cèsuŏ zài năr? - Where is the toilet?

One day you might need to ask the location of a toilet in Chinese. Better start preparing yourself for that moment right now!

26th September 2007 - Terhi Mikkolainen - Bits of Mandarin

Wŏ xĭhuan hóng sè – I like red

Knowing the colors in Chinese will make your shopping trip more enjoyable.

26th June 2007 - Terhi Mikkolainen - Bits of Mandarin

Zuò huŏchē – Taking the train

Tourists can really get a sense of the proportions and diversity of China on a train trip through the territory. Here is some practical vocabulary for when traveling on the Chinese "fire wagon."

17th April 2007 - Terhi Mikkolainen - Bits of Mandarin

Dōng-xī-nán-bĕi – East and west, south and north

The Chinese consider there to be five cardinal directions.

6th March 2007 - Terhi Mikkolainen - Bits of Mandarin

Chūnjié kuàilè! - Happy Spring Festival!

This year we celebrate the Chinese New Year on the 18th of February. According to the Chinese calendar, the new year starts on the day of the second new moon after the winter solstice.

16th February 2007 - Terhi Mikkolainen - Bits of Mandarin

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