Archive by Author
Going to a Concert Posted by Transparent Language on Jun 13, 2010
The other day I attended a concert where the band 五月天 (wu3yue4tian1 – Mayday) was playing. They’re a group from 台湾 (tai2wan1 – Taiwan) who has been playing their form of 摇滚乐 (yao2gun3yue4 – rock music) for over a decade. They make it very clear that they draw a lot of inspiration from the 披头四 …
An Art Show Posted by Transparent Language on Jun 11, 2010
The other day I went to an art show in Hong Kong sponsored by 德意志银行 (de2yi4zhi4 yin2hang2 – Deutsche Bank), held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center. Works from 世界各地 (shi4jie4ge4di4 – all over the world) were on display. Some of the more recognizable works on display included the exaggerated smiling faces made…
Talking about Income Inequality Posted by Transparent Language on Jun 8, 2010
The income gap in China is a topic of frequent discussion, and below are some relevant terms that can help you understand news reports as well as participate in discussions of your own. Numerous reports of the Foxconn employees leaving their 宿舍 (su4she4 – dormitories) to 跳楼 (tiao4lou2 – jump [from a] building) has raised…
Comparing Ideas or Actions Posted by Transparent Language on Jun 3, 2010
Earlier I discussed how to compare people, places, and things. What about comparing ideas? Take a look at the first example, which follows from the previous illustrations of how to make comparisons using 比 (bi3). Swimming’s more fun than dancing. 游泳比跳舞好玩 (you2yong3 bi3 tiao4wu3 hao3wan2 – lit. swimming [compare] dancing fun) To form a negative…
Easy Characters to Mix Up Posted by Transparent Language on Jun 1, 2010
Every time you learn a new character, you may feel like you’ve met a new person or a new friend. At the same time, just like meeting real people, make sure you don’t mistake your new friend for any lookalikes! Below are some characters which I’ve found easy to mix up. 部 (bu4 – department)…
Simple Comparisons Posted by Transparent Language on May 27, 2010
When speaking Mandarin, there are several ways to make comparisons between people, places, and things. Positive Comparisons 1. He is taller than she. 他比她高 -ta1bi3ta1gao1 2. He is taller than she. 他高过她 -ta1gao1guo4ta1 I have always found that the second structure is more comfortable, albeit more of a vernacular formation which I have encountered more…
North-South Variations Posted by Transparent Language on May 25, 2010
After moving from Beijing to Shenzhen last year, I noticed numerous differences between the spoken Mandarin that I was accustomed to up north and the Mandarin spoken in this new city full of 外地人 (wai4di4ren2 – out-of-towners) from all over China. As Shenzhen is located in Guangdong province and next to Hong Kong and Macau…