Mandarin Weekly #134

More than 20 links to help you with your Chinese studies!

 

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Hi, [subscriber.full_name]! This is Mandarin Weekly #134, a free newsletter read by more than 20,000 students of Chinese around the world.

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[Sorry for the delay in producing this week’s issue — it’s summer, which has scrambled my schedule a bit.]

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Stinky tofu song Beginner Grammar Video

Do you like stinky tofu? (Yes, that’s really what it’s called.) Regardless, you can enjoy this song about the dish that so many in China like to eat, but don’t like to be next to:

http://www.sinosplice.com/life/archives/2017/07/31/the-grammar-of-an-ode-to-stinky-tofu

Idea characters All Characters

Sometimes, characters aren’t a picture of a thing so much as of an idea. Here are several such characters, and the thinking that you should use to understand them:

http://www.fluentinmandarin.com/content/chinese-characters-explained-2-ones-that-represent-meanings/

Twitter: @Fluent_Mandarin

Bureaucracy Intermediate Vocabulary Culture

Understanding China also means understanding the Chinese government, bureaucracy, and the terms associated with them. Here is an extensive list of words and phrases, including slogans, that you’re likely to see or hear in China:

http://www.saporedicina.com/english/bureaucratic-terms-chinese/

Early or late? Intermediate Grammar Video

The words 才 (cái) and 就 (jiù) are used to indicate that something has happened before or after you expected. Here’s how to use them:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgAv4WW9_4A

Twitter: @ECLSchool

Words using 老 (lǎo) Intermediate Vocabulary

The character 老 means “old,” and is part of many different words — some involving age, and others involving respect:

http://blogs.transparent.com/chinese/15-chinese-words-using-lao/

Twitter: @ChineseLanguage

Choosing a Chinese name All Culture

Do you have a Chinese name? If not, then you should choose one. Here is some background about Chinese names, along with some suggestions for how to choose one:

http://www.digmandarin.com/choose-chinese-name.html

Twitter: @DigMandarin

Using 即使 (jí shǐ) Intermediate Grammar

The conjunction 即使 is sort of like “if” in English, but emphasizes the contrast between things. You can learn more about it here:

http://blogs.transparent.com/chinese/how-to-use-the-chinese-conjunction-word-%e5%8d%b3%e4%bd%bf/

Twitter: @ChineseLanguage

When? Always! (Or Never!) Intermediate Grammar Video

If you want to say that something is “always” or “never” true, then you need to have those words. This video gives lots of examples you can use in your day-to-day conversations:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoM1hB885p0

Twitter: @ECLSchool

Useful apps All Reviews

Want to use your phone to improve your Chinese? Here are some apps you should try:

http://www.tutormandarin.net/en/best-chinese-apps-learning-chinese-2017/

Twitter: @MyTutorMandarin

Translation woes Intermediate Reviews Books

Yang Wen’s “Lost in Translation” describes common mistakes when translating between Chinese and English, and some suggestions for how not to make those errors:

http://carlgene.com/blog/2017/08/what-we-can-learn-from-yang-wens-lost-in-translation/

Twitter: @carlfordham

Dumb scammers Beginner Vocabulary

Have you been scammed in China? You can hope that the person who scammed you is as foolish as the one in this story. Along the way, learn some good vocabulary for handling scams:

https://themandarincornerblog.com/2017/08/07/the-stupidest-scammer-in-china/

New Year traditions All Holidays

Chinese New Year is not exactly around the corner, but this article describes the holiday and its traditions with enough detail to last you until then:

http://www.tutormandarin.net/en/chinese-new-year-traditions-need-know/

Twitter: @MyTutorMandarin

Double 9 Festival Beginner Holidays

What, you haven’t heard of 重阳节 (chóng yáng jié)? You’re not alone, but here’s an explanation that will set you straight:

http://www.echineselearning.com/blog/4-ways-that-chinese-people-honor-the-double-ninth-festival

Twitter: @ECLSchool

Simple pronunciation Beginner Pronunciation

Not sure where to start, in order to ensure that your pronunciation is as accurate as possible? Here’s a primer:

http://www.echineselearning.com/blog/a-beginners-guide-to-chinese-pronunciation

Twitter: @ECLSchool

Intro to Pinyin Beginner Pronunciation

What is Pinyin, and how (how) can you use it to learn faster and better? Here’s a short introduction that will help you to remember how to pronounce Chinese, and how Pinyin reminds you of those pronunciations:

https://medium.com/@thechinesesun/chinese-mandrin-101-why-do-you-need-to-learn-chinese-hanyu-pinyin-c8bc927b9e58

Twitter: @TheChineseSun

Memrise review All Reviews

Many people use Memrise to practice their Chinese (and other languages). Here is a review describing Memrise, and why you should (or shouldn’t) use it:

https://medium.com/@braydenfox/memrise-a-free-language-learning-website-noplag-review-ea8c0675c703

Traffic terms Beginner Vocabulary

Planning to drive in China? Or perhaps just walk? (It’s not clear what’s more challenging!) Here are some terms you should know:

http://www.e-putonghua.com/zone/index.php/2017/08/07/listen-traffic-light-and-traffic-regulations/

Twitter: @eputonghua

Language learning wisdom Intermediate Expressions Learning

Learning a language isn’t easy or straightforward. Here are some sayings, in Chinese, that can help to encourage you along this path:

https://www.writtenchinese.com/10-thought-provoking-quotes-for-learning-a-language/

Twitter: @WrittenChinese

Visiting Taipei All Travel

Visiting Taipei (the capital of Taiwan)? Here are some hints about what to see and do while there:

http://www.saporedicina.com/english/travel-to-taipei/

Transportation Beginner Vocabulary

How can you get around in China? Here are some common (and uncommon) vehicle types:

http://allaboutchinese.tumblr.com/post/163913015999/allaboutchinese-%E4%BA%A4%E9%80%9A%E5%B7%A5%E5%85%B7-transportation

Hey, good looking! Intermediate Vocabulary

Want to flirt in Chinese? In this video, you’ll see how to tell someone you find them attractive, or even if you want to move onto more direct phrases and actions:

https://chelseabubbly.com/2017/08/02/how-to-flirt-in-chinese/

Twitter: @Chelsea_bubbly

Back to school! Beginner Vocabulary Video

Looking forward to the new school year? Maybe not, but at least you can learn the necessary terms in Chinese with this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQsT52cupLg

Twitter: @chineseclass101

Pickup lines in Chinese Intermediate Expressions

Want to pick up someone in Chinese? Here are some phrases that (supposedly) really work. Did they? Let us know!

http://www.fluentu.com/blog/chinese/2017/07/31/chinese-pick-up-lines/

Twitter: @FluentU

At the beach Beginner Vocabulary

Enjoying the beach this summer? If so, then you might want to add to your enjoyment by describing it in Chinese:

http://blogs.transparent.com/chinese/at-the-beach-in-chinese/

Twitter: @ChineseLanguage

Hip hop in Chinese Intermediate Video

Enjoy hip hop music? Well, you can enjoy it in Chinese, as well, with videos from these famous Chinese artists:

https://chinesepod.com/blog/2017/08/02/top-7-chinese-hip-hop-artists/

Twitter: @ChinesePod

About 大连 (Dalian) Advanced Story

Have you ever visited Dalian, a well known tourist spot? If not, this story can introduce you to the city:

http://www.imandarinpod.com/hoola/index.php/podcasts/16-2009-12-02-23-37-52/2906-2017-08-02-01-37-38

Twitter: @imandarinpod

All about me Beginner Story

In this story, we’re introduced to a young Chinese:

http://www.imandarinpod.com/hoola/index.php/podcasts/14-2009-12-02-23-37-05/2904-2017-07-31-13-48-40

Twitter: @imandarinpod

Everybody dance! Advanced Story

Dancing in the square? Absolutely, everyone does it in China:

http://www.imandarinpod.com/hoola/index.php/podcasts/16-2009-12-02-23-37-52/2908-2017-08-04-01-49-24

Twitter: @imandarinpod

Mandarin Weekly #133

Mandarin Weekly hand-picks 20 of the best links for students of Chinese. Learn more Chinese in less time!

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Hi, there! This is Mandarin Weekly #133, a free newsletter read by more than 20,000 students of Chinese around the world.

Customize Mandarin Weekly for your interests and learning level, and support the creation of each issue, by subscribing to Mandarin Weekly Plus. It costs less than $1/week, and less than 50¢/week for students. Click here to subscribe!

If you enjoy Mandarin Weekly, please share it with others. And don’t forget to take advantage of our list of discounts for students of Chinese.

To receive Mandarin Weekly every Monday, sign up MandarinWeekly.com. Every Tuesday, we go up on Facebook, at http://facebook.com/MandarinWeekly, Medium, at http://medium.com/@mandarinweekly, and Twitter, at @MandarinWeekly.  Please like, share, and retweet us!

Chinese humor All Culture Video

Have you ever noticed that American and Chinese humor is far from the same? In particular, sarcasm isn’t as well known or recognized in China. Here are some tips about crossing the cultural humor divide:

https://chinesepod.com/blog/2017/07/26/chinese-humor-vs-american-humor-and-how-to-be-sarcastic-using-%E7%9C%8B%E8%B5%B7%E6%9D%A5/

Twitter: @ChinesePod

Different types of “always” Intermediate Grammar Video

Where English has one type of “always,” Chinese as two, as described here:

http://www.digmandarin.com/always-in-chinese.html

Twitter: @DigMandarin

Listening challenge All Listening

It’s another Hacking Chinese challenge? This month, try to listen to as much Chinese as possible, at whatever level is appropriate for you:

http://www.hackingchinese.com/chinese-listening-challenge-august-2017/

Twitter: @HackingChinese

Summer camp Advanced Story

What is summer camp like in China? Here’s a brief glimpse into this world:

http://www.imandarinpod.com/hoola/index.php/podcasts/16-2009-12-02-23-37-52/2900-2017-07-25-03-24-38

Twitter: @imandarinpod

Balancing your characters Intermediate Characters

Writing characters is more than just writing the correct strokes. The strokes need to be in the right places within the character’s “box,” so that the character appears balanced. Here are some tips for ensuring your characters are balanced in this way:

https://www.writtenchinese.com/how-to-make-sure-your-chinese-characters-are-balanced/

Twitter: @WrittenChinese

Not feeling so great Beginner Vocabulary

Not feeling well? Here are a few symptoms that might lead you to see a doctor, or even go to the hospital:

http://www.e-putonghua.com/zone/index.php/2017/07/25/listen-how-to-pronounce-6-symptoms-that-need-to-go-to-hospital-in-standard-chinese-putonghua/

Twitter: @eputonghua

Classical gardens Advanced Story

Chinese classical gardens have specific layouts and contents. In this story, we learn about them:

http://www.imandarinpod.com/hoola/index.php/podcasts/13-2009-12-02-23-35-40/2902-2017-07-29-06-43-24

Twitter: @imandarinpod

Not just Pinyin All Characters

If you’re learning to read Chinese, then chances ar you’re using Pinyin. But in somne places, a different system known as Zhuyin is used. What are the advantages of each?

https://blog.hutong-school.com/guestblog-pinyin-vs-zhuyin/

Twitter: @hutongschool

Video resources All Video

Want to watch Chinese-language videos, to improve your fluency and listening (well, watching) ability? Here are some sources you can check out:

http://www.fluentu.com/blog/chinese/2017/07/26/learn-chinese-videos/

Twitter: @FluentU

Fractions Beginner Grammar Video

How do you say fractions, such as 2/3, or 4/5, in Chinese?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH8ErLjN2rY

Twitter: @YoYoChinese

Taiwanese fried chicken Advanced Video

I’ve never seen a review of fried chicken quite like this one; while I’m skeptical of its culinary sophistication, it’s good listening practice. (But be warned, watching someone eat fried chicken doesn’t make for super-compelling viewing!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrsgZn9frCI

I’m a fan! Intermediate Vocabulary Video

How can you say that you’re a fan — of a sport, of a celebrity, or of a company’s products? Here are some useful words to express these ideas:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6498R-RcLg

Twitter: @ECLSchool

Cloudy, sunny, and rainy Beginner Vocabulary Video

How can you discuss the weather in basic ways, describing sunny, cloudy, and rainy days? This video will explain:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1S3tJ2l3T5E

Twitter: @ECLSchool

“Still” and “yet” Intermediate Grammar Video

How much time is left? Is the car still broken? These types of sentences require the word “still”, which works differently in Chinese than in English:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pap5v9cgM1M

More “Game of Thrones” vocabvulary. Advanced Vocabulary Video

Last week, we saw a video that describes Game of Thrones in Chinese. This week, we’ll look into weapons used, among other things:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxP1zXocRos

Twitter: @ChinesePod

All about 功夫 (gōng fū), aka Kung Fu Beginner Vocabulary Culture

What is 功夫 and its history? This article will tell you everything you need, aside from doing 功夫 itself:

http://www.echineselearning.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-to-become-a-chinese-kung-fu-expert

Twitter: @ECLSchool

Intro Chinese in 30 minutes Beginner Pronunciation Characters Video

Planning a visit to China in the near future, and want a quick introduction to the language? This video provides a good background, introducing some characters, pronunciation, vocabulary, and even sample sentences and grammar:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNiZ97hEzhc

Twitter: @chineseclass101

This week, or next week? Intermediate Grammar

How can you say (and interpret) terms like “this Sunday” and “next Wednesday” in Chinese?

https://forum.wordreference.com/threads/this-next-tuesday.3349522/

Time words Beginner Grammar

There are words to describe different times of day in Chinese, such as 早上 (zǎo shang) and 中午 (zhōng wǔ). When does each of these time periods start and end?

https://chinese.stackexchange.com/questions/25715/associating-times-of-day-with-meals

Approximations Intermediate Vocabulary

When should you use 大概 (dà gài), and when should you use 大约 (dà yuē)? Both can mean “approximately,” but they’re used in different ways:

https://chinese.stackexchange.com/questions/25718/what-are-the-distinctions-between-%e5%a4%a7%e6%a6%82-and-%e5%a4%a7%e7%ba%a6