In Chinese, both and convey a sense of prohibition or restriction, but they are used in slightly different contexts. In summary, while both and convey the idea of not being allowed to do something, is generally used in more informal settings, while is often used in a more formal or authoritative context. However, the distinction …
The difference between 不可以 (bù kěyǐ) and 不准 (bù zhǔn) Read More »
Title: Exploring the Various Chinese Units of Weight Introduction In this post we will look at common Chinese units of weight. Gram (克 Kè) The gram is one of the most commonly used weight units in Mandarin Chinese. Jin (斤 Jīn) The Jin is a weight unit that has been in use in China for …
In this post we look at the three different ways of saying “can” in Chinese: , and . Let’s look at the difference: means “to be able to” and emphasises the ability or possibility of doing an action. means “to know how to” and emphasises something you have learned to do. means “to have permission …
How to say can in Chinese: 能 (néng), 会 (huì), 可以 (kěyǐ) Read More »
In this post we’ll look at how to structure a time phrase in Chinese. Simple Time Phrases in Chinese The basic structure of a time phrase in Chinese is: subject + time + verb phrase Example Chinese time phrase sentences Here are some examples of time phrases following the subject + time + verb phrase …
了…以外 is used to say except for, or aside from in Chinese. The phrase is used to introduce more information or give an exception. In this post we’ll look at some examples of this phrase. Time, Subject and Object Usage The basic was of using is “除了 <noun phrase> 以外”. can be used with time, …
How to use 除了…以外 (chúle…yǐwài) in Chinese: aside from, except for, in addition Read More »
Taking a train or bus? In this post I will walk you through the phrases and and vocabulary you’ll need to take a commuter train in Chinese. Train vocabulary Below is some basic train vocabulary: train subway train station Get on to a bus / train Get off a bus / train Train platform Next …
If you have Children, this article will give you lots of useful vocabulary to speaking to them in Chinese. Getting Up and Ready Kids Chinese Phrases time to get upLiterally: should getup already! open the curtains brush your teeth wash your face School Kids Chinese Phrases Have you got your lunch box? What do you …
Interrogative Pronouns are the “who? what? when? where? why? how?” questions you may have learned at school. Interrogative Pronouns are essnetially the thing we are asking about. Chinese Interrogative Pronouns are: Chinese Interrogative Pronoun English Interrogative Pronoun What? Which? Which (Plural)? Who? Whose? When? Where? Why? With interrogative pronouns, the word order between the question …
A result complement suffix is where a complement character or characters is added after a verb to communicate the outcome or result. In English this is the equivalent of the difference between “listen” and “hear” or “look” and “see”. It’s important to understand that in Chinese many verbs don’t include the result, so th completement …
In this post we’ll look at rain related vocabulary and phrases in Chinese. Unless you plan on staying inside, it’s likely you’ll encounter rain when in a Chinese speaking country. How to say it’s raining in Chinese The Chinese word for “rain” is , which is comprised of the characters for “going down” and “rain” …
