20 Common Chinese Slang Words
As with all languages, Chinese has an informal set of slang words which can be quite useful to know and can help one communicate better. Chinese slang usually can’t be…
Cracking the Wisdom of Chinese Idioms
Here are two facts about Chinese idioms: there are lots and lots of them, and for the most part they are not particularly useful. I’ve been a student of Mandarin…
“正”, the Chinese Tally Mark And Other Kinds of Tally Marks from Around the World
Tally marks are a numerical system used for to make counting easier. As the name suggests, it is a system that helps keep “tally” of things by number. Tally marks…
狗年 The Year of Dog 2018
Now that 2018 is upon us, it is also nearing the time of a new lunar year on the Chinese calendar, and just like in the West, the Chinese also…
Sending Flowers in China: Do’s and Don’ts
The topic of how to send flowers in China came to my mind a short time ago when one of my friends told me of a student who sent her…
6 Common Chinese Chengyu For Life and Success
Chinese Chengyu (成语, Chéngyǔ) plays an important role in Chinese culture. They are the collected wisdom from ancient Chinese people; and they contain deep insights into human life. Behind the…
Breaking the Ice: Top Topics for Your First Chinese Conversation
It is almost impossible to learn Mandarin without lots of practice with a native Chinese person, but taking that first step to actual have that first conversation can feel like…
Chinese Ghost Month – The Taboos You Must Know
In Chinese culture, the seventh month of the Lunar Calendar holds special significance. It is known as “Ghost Month” 鬼月(Guǐ yuè), and hosts the so-called “Ghost Festival” (鬼节, Guǐ jié)…
Chinese Idioms or Chéngyǔ About Animals
What is a Chinese idiom/Chéngyǔ? Briefly speaking, Chengyu (成语, Chéngyǔ) are Chinese idioms that are normally made up of four Chinese characters. Chengyu are usually handed down from way back…