Beginner Chinese Listening

Beginner Chinese Listening：爱玩的学生  Playful Student

Here are five ways to say "hi" in Chinese, along with examples of how to use them:
1. 你好 (nǐ hǎo) - This is a very common way to greet someone in Chinese, and is similar to saying "hello" in English. Example: "你好，怎么样？" (Nǐ hǎo, zěn me yàng?) - "Hi, how are you?" 
2. 您好 (nín hǎo) - This is a more formal way of greeting someone, and is used when addressing someone older or in a position of authority. Example: "您好，我是来自美国的留学生。" (Nín hǎo, wǒ shì lái zì Měiguó de liúxuéshēng.) - "Hello, I am a student from the United States." 
3. 大家好 (dà jiā hǎo) - This is a way to greet a group of people, and is similar to saying "hello, everyone" or "hello, all" in English. Example: "大家好，我是新来的。" (Dà jiā hǎo, wǒ shì xīn lái de.) - "Hello, everyone, I am new here."
4. 哈喽 (hā lóu) is a casual way of greeting someone in Chinese, similar to saying "hi" or "hey" in English. The word is derived from the English word "hello," and is often used among friends or in informal situations.
Example: "哈喽，你最近过得怎么样？" (Hā lóu, nǐ zuìjìn guò de zěn me yàng?) - "Hi, how have you been lately?"
It is worth noting that 哈喽 is not as commonly used as other greetings such as 你好 (nǐ hǎo) or 您好 (nín hǎo) in Chinese. It is more commonly used among younger people or in casual settings.
5. 嗨 (hāi) - This is a more informal and casual way of greeting someone, and is similar to saying "hi" or "hey" in English. Example: "嗨，最近过得怎么样？" (Hāi, zuìjìn guò de zěn me yàng?) - "Hi, how have you been lately?" 


Five Ways to Say XXX in Chinese

5 ways to say "hi" in Chinese

This is a review of my chapter 4  in my book Expect the Unexpected, about living in a foreign country.  This chapter is about a weekend with my dad back in 1972. In this story, I learn several lessons which follow through the book.

Expect the Unexpected

Another Weekend of Hunting

Un lendemain de fête
Chut ! Entrons sans bruit dans le terrier des deux marmottes. Voyez comme elles hibernent dans leurs jolis pelages bruns... Mais… on dirait qu'elles ronflent; leurs moustaches frétillent! À quoi peuvent-elles bien rêver ?
Oh ! mais… toutes ces bouteilles renversées sur le sol ! Et que dire de toutes ces assiettes mal nettoyées et ces friandises éparpillées?.. Ah ça, j'ai compris ! Les marmottes ont fait la fête hier, premier jour de l'année, et aujourd'hui… elles se remettent.
Qui a dit qu'en hiver les marmottes hibernent ?

Des Milliers D'histoires

Histoire 2 - Un lendemain de fête

Welcome English learners! Today we’re continuing the conversation between Jennifer and James. In the last episode, James had just met Jennifer while he was walking in the park. Her dog had fetched a ball and had come close to him. Jennifer was in the middle of telling him why she started dog sitting for her friend. Listen to the story in this episode to grow your vocabulary and listening skills. Enjoy!
“I was having coffee with my friend, Sarah, and we were talking about how difficult it is to live up to the standards of being a “modern woman.” Jennifer started her story.
“Oh, that sounds like an interesting conversation…” James responded. “I’ve always felt like it must be almost impossible for women to balance career and family. Especially single women.”
“Well, yeah, that’s what we were saying to each other. There’s a lot of pressure on women to be “independent,” as if they don’t need men in their lives. I think marriage and family are great and I hate the stigma that is sometimes given to housewives in our society.”
“That’s an interesting perspective to hear from a woman.” James replied. “You wouldn’t know that based on what you see in the media.”
“Exactly. Anyways, Sarah is married, so she and her husband are taking a trip this weekend. She works as an accountant, so she stays busy, but she wants to have kids, too. That’s why we were talking about “modern women.” Anyhow, I offered to watch their dog for the weekend, so here I am!” Jennifer explained.
“I see. That’s nice of you to do for her!” James appreciated this small act Jennifer was doing for her friend. He wanted to learn more about her, but she had a question for him.
“So, what brings you out to the park on a Saturday morning?” Jennifer inquired.
“I like to go for a walk when I’m thinking about something.” James told her.
“Ah, ok. So, can I ask what’s on your mind?” Sarah asked with an inquisitive look on her face. 
James was more than happy to tell her.


Stories in English

Why Jennifer is Dog Sitting

In this episode, I’ll discuss different situations to help you figure out who will pay for a meal when dining out with friends in China. Enjoy! Plus, you'll learn some useful vocabulary along the way:

AA制 (AA zhì)
中文解释：一种支付方式，每个人平均分担费用。
英文解释：A payment system where everyone shares the cost equally.

平摊 (píng tán)
中文解释：指将费用或责任平均分担。
英文解释：To divide costs or responsibilities equally among participants.

请客 (qǐng kè)
中文解释：邀请别人吃饭，并且由邀请方承担所有费用。
英文解释：To treat someone to a meal, with the host covering the entire cost.

邀请 (yāo qǐng)
中文解释：向某人发出请求，邀请对方参与活动。
英文解释：To extend an invitation, asking someone to join an event or activity.

接风 (jiē fēng)
中文解释：为欢迎远道而来的客人而举行的宴请。
英文解释：A welcoming meal for guests, often held to greet someone arriving from afar.

庆祝 (qìng zhù)
中文解释：为了纪念某件特别的事情而举行的活动，通常伴有聚餐。
英文解释：To celebrate an event or achievement, often accompanied by a meal or party.

Learn Chinese and Have Fun!

和中国朋友吃饭，Who Pay?

This episode is part two of the episode Introducing the Shadowing Technique for English Learning. In this episode, you will learn new English phrases and idioms. Increasing your English vocabulary for everyday conversations in your personal life and work will allow you to really speak the English language and connect with native speakers. 



You'll learn seven definitions for the English phrases and idioms I used in the last episode. You'll also get some homework at the end so you can continue to improve your English communication skills. If you’re an English learner and currently work or want to work with native English speakers from the U.S., you won't want to miss it!

Episode originally published on September 18, 2020.
Transcript at https://www.express-to-impress.com/brain-fried-english-phrases/. 

Express to Impress

Brain Fried and Other English Phrases

Today we're talking about the idioms "free rein" and "carte blanche" 

For instance, "the architect given carte blanche to design the store", or "you have free rein to hire anyone you want".

DAILY Business English VOCABULARY builder

You're free! Do whatever you want!

IELTS Preparation. Band 8-9 Answers. Part 1 - Flowers q1-2.

Q. Do you like to have flowers in your home? [Why/Why not?]
Q. Where would you go to buy flowers? [Why?]

Write down few ideas that you got inspired by and see you today for 2 more questions.

P.S. If you want mroe IELTS questions and answers - please check my podcast section for more :)

See you in my classes.