Archive for March, 2009
Locked In/Out Posted by Transparent Language on Mar 24, 2009
The day I was to go to HK, I managed to lock myself out of my apartment. The door automatically 锁上 (locked) as I left my 屋子 (room) without my 钥匙 (keys). 还好 (at least, fortunately) I didn’t leave my passport in there when I was on my way to HK. A new 事项 (item)…
Back to HK Posted by Transparent Language on Mar 22, 2009
This morning, I got up to go to the airport for another visa run to Hong Kong. It was a little late, but I figured I’d get to the 机场快轨 (airport express) in time. I got to the checkin counter to find that it was 关了 (closed). The checkin counter person told me that I’d…
Phone Fun Posted by Transparent Language on Mar 12, 2009
In China, the cellphone system is different from other countries. There is no (or very limited) voicemail, and phones are paid for on a pay-as-you-go basis. When you call somebody, you can pick up a lot of clues from the message/ring. 你好，你所拨打的用户正在通话中。 If this rings twice and then you get the message, then your call…
International Women’s Day Posted by Transparent Language on Mar 8, 2009
Today is March 8, which means it’s 国际妇女节 (International Women’s Day). Don’t forget to send a message to your 女性 (female) friends. Incidentally, 三八 (literally – “3 8” means gossipy/b*&%^) is a term used for referring to women which has two meanings- neither one is very flattering. 女人手撑半边天 (women hold up half the sky) is…