Archive for 'Vocabulary'
Import/Export on a Small Scale Posted by Transparent Language on Dec 31, 2008
Recently, I did a little bit of small-scale 进出口 (import and export) involving 化妆品 (makeup products). What I noticed while in China was that 睫毛膏 (mascara)， 口红(lipstick) 粉底液(foundation) from companies such as 兰蔻(Lancome) were so pricey that you could say they were 宰人 (ripoff). One example would be the price difference between one cream which…
Making a Good Impression Posted by Transparent Language on Dec 31, 2008
I am the only foreigner in my district in Beijing. I say this for no reason but to emphasize that I can’t exactly blend in, and that making a good first impression is of high importance. Below is a story of something that happened not long after I moved in, and I even heard people…
Financial Crisis Posted by Transparent Language on Nov 30, 2008
If you’re in the thick of the 金融危机 (financial crisis), you’re not alone. The crisis is also more commonly known as the 次贷危机 (subprime loan crisis). No matter who you are, you are likely to 受到影响 (be affected). Large numbers of companies have either 破产 (gone bankrupt) or 倒闭 (closed shop), depending on the severity…
Thanksgiving! Posted by Transparent Language on Nov 29, 2008
Last Thursday marked the holiday of 感恩节 (Thanksgiving). American families at home and abroad sat down to hearty portions of 火鸡 (turkey), 土豆 (potatoes), 小红梅酱 (cranberry sauce), and 南瓜派 (pumpkin pie). Thanksgiving is a 家庭团聚的节日 (holiday for family gathering). Typically, it’s a time for people to 对家人表示感激 (express appreciation for family). On your Thanksgiving, don’t…
Birthday! Posted by Transparent Language on Nov 28, 2008
The other day marked the occasion of my 生日 (birthday). In China, people will usually ask someone’s age by asking his or her 属相 (Chinese zodiac sign). People’s numerical reports of their age may vary based on their 周岁 (actual age) and 虚岁(age based on Chinese zodiac). Birthdays are accompanied by 生日卡(birthday cards)，生日蛋糕 (birthday cakes)，and…
Computer Buyer Primer – The Process Posted by Transparent Language on Nov 24, 2008
For anyone based in Beijing, locating low-cost electronic equipment is no sweat. A quick trip to one of the many hardware/software hubs in the northwest part of the city will be met with endless hawkers, touts, and advertisements all competing for your yuan. When you finally do get to a vendor whose prices are what…
Election Posted by Transparent Language on Nov 20, 2008
Hello! Sorry for the delayed update, there are now a bunch of posts in the hopper. One big event since my last post was the US Presidential Election! 奥巴马 (Obama) won over 麦凯恩 (McCain) to become America’s 总统 (president), and the 民主党 (Democratic party) now outnumbers the members of the 共和党 (Republican party) in America’s…