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…
Differences between Chinese and English Posted by Transparent Language on Feb 28, 2009
Over the past few months, I’ve collected some of the differences I’ve observed between Chinese and English, of which I will outline here: 1. 东西 2. 大家 3. 一般 4. 应该 东西 means “thing,” but you should watch out how you use it. If you were trying to tell somebody that they weren’t an object and you said…
Buying a Hammer Posted by Transparent Language on Feb 28, 2009
The other day, I wanted to go buy a sledgehammer. I hopped in a cab to my local 建材城 (construction material city), made my way past the 地板 (flooring) and the 地毯 (carpeting) until I got to the 五金 (hardware) section. I set aside 螺丝刀 (screwdrivers) and smaller 锤子 (hammers) until I relented and just…
Chinese New Year Traditions Posted by Transparent Language on Feb 28, 2009
As evidenced by my recent posts, the Chinese New Year is no small affair. What do people in China do during the new year celebrations? Children are among the happiest, as they collect 红包 (red envelopes) which have money from relatives and family friends. The money inside the envelopes is referred to as 压岁钱 (keep…
A Little Business Chinese Posted by Transparent Language on Feb 28, 2009
In the workplace, there are a lot of different terms to become familiar with. Use some of these, so the next time you 开会 (have a meeting), you won’t be at a loss. Some meetings will go over 预算 (budget) and 业绩 (work achievements). Those who don’t have enough may be required to 离职 (leave…