Tag Archives: Culture
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…
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…
Chinese Zodiac: The Rat Posted by Transparent Language on Feb 25, 2009
Hello Readers! Today’s topic is the Rat. The 鼠 (rat) is the first sign of the Chinese zodiac. They are known for being 聪明 (smart), 节俭 (thrifty), and 灵巧 (handy). Moreover, they are marked by their 魅力 (charm), ability to speak in a 坦率 (frank) manner, and their personality’s 开朗 (carefree) nature. In their later…
Chinese Zodiac: The Monkey Posted by Transparent Language on Jan 31, 2009
Hello Readers! Today’s topic is the Monkey. People born in the year of the 猴 (monkey) are known to be quite 活泼 (vivacious) like the Dragon and also 灵巧 (handy). What makes the Monkey unique is their high dedication to 侠义 (chivalry) and their tendency to 放弃 (abandon) whatever they’re doing to help a friend. …
Chinese Zodiac: The Sheep Posted by Transparent Language on Jan 31, 2009
Hello Readers! Today’s post is about the Sheep. People born in the year of the 羊 (sheep) are strong in the cogitation department. Their thoughts are both 深沉 (deep) and 伶俐 (witty). This may explain why their 宗教信念 (religious beliefs) and 孝心 (loyalty to the family) are so strong. Sheep also have a particular 趣味…
Chinese Zodiac: The Dragon Posted by Transparent Language on Jan 27, 2009
Hello Readers! Today’s topic is the Dragon. People born in the year of the 龙 (dragon) were born to be people who can work 一心一意 (intently). The Dragon is also the only 虚构 (imaginary) animal of the zodiac. Their rather 活泼 (lively, vivacious) 风气 (style) may be characterized by the Dragon’s love of 冒险 (risk-taking)…
Chinese Zodiac: The Rabbit Posted by Transparent Language on Jan 26, 2009
Hello Readers! Today’s topic is the Rabbit. People born in the year of the 兔(rabbit) are known to be 温和 (moderate) individuals. One drawback for the Rabbits is that they sometimes 遗失 (miss out on, lose due to carelessness) good opportunities because they tend to not make judgments in black and white terms. 敏感(sensitive) would…