Why the 20th of May is the new Valentine's day? Let's find out in this episode!

Shay的中文小课堂

Chat Episode3-520

"The Crisis" — by Mikhail Zoshchenko
In this episode, I read a simplified version of the short story "The Crisis" by Mikhail Zoshchenko — a witty look at everyday life during hard times. You'll hear slow and clear Russian, learn useful vocabulary, and answer a few simple questions to check your understanding. Perfect for A2–B1 level learners. Let’s dive in, word by word!

Слово за словом с Дашей

 Кризис (The Crisis) A2 - B1

the difference between 放松 and 轻松, show me with examples
放松 (fàng sōng) and 轻松 (qīng sōng) are both adjectives that can be translated as "relaxed" in English. However, there are some subtle differences in how they are used.
放松 (fàng sōng)  is a more general term that refers to the state of being relaxed or at ease. For example:
我喜欢做瑜伽，因为它能让我放松。(I like doing yoga because it helps me relax.)
wǒ xǐ huān zuò yú jiā, yīn wéi tā néng ràng wǒ fàng sōng.
假期让我放松许多。(The vacation helped me relax a lot.)
jià qī ràng wǒ fàng sōng xǔ duō.

轻松 (qīng sōng) on the other hand, is often used to describe an activity or task that is easy and not very demanding. For example:
这道题目太轻松了，我很快就会做出来。(This problem is too easy. I'll finish it quickly.)
zhè dào tí mù tài qīng sōng le, wǒ hěn kuài jiù huì zuò chū lái.
这项工作对我来说很轻松。(This job is very easy for me.)
zhè xiàng gōng zuò duì wǒ lái shuō hěn qīng sōng.

So, while both words refer to a state of relaxation, 放松 is more general and refers to a general feeling of relaxation, while 轻松 is more specific and refers to an activity or task that is easy and not very demanding.

Difference between A and B in Chinese with Shanmei

Difference between 放松 (fàng sōng) and 轻松 (qīng sōng) 

5 Tips to Improve Your Confidence Speaking Business English.

1. Display some interest

You want to show that you are engaged while listening to others. Ask questions that will get others to talk. Show interest in the topic. It'll not be long so if the topic isn't interesting - it will not be long AANNDD... you can learn something new, look for that!

2. Use positive language.

Use positive words and phrases that will stir the conversation to a positive end. 

3. Use gestures to show understanding

Be a little bit like people from Italy - communicate with your body, let other people know that you are into what they are describing, try not to be dull and passive, right? :)

You can immediately apply the tips tomorrow and let me know how you'll liked them!

If you need assistance to become fear-less when communicating to colelagues, in meetings, during zooms calls or talking to clients - let me know what your challenges are.

I hold different meetings for different clients - read some of my class types. I'm sure you'll like some of it.

See you tomorrow.

Job Interview Preparation | Build Strong Communication Under Pressure

5 Tips to Improve Your Confidence Speaking Business English.

Struggling with the L sound in English? Whether it's light L or dark L, this episode breaks it down so you can pronounce it clearly and confidently. Learn common mistakes, practice with minimal pairs, and get tips to improve your pronunciation. Don’t let L leave you lost—tune in and master it today! 🎙🔊

 Pronunciation and Accent Reduction with a Focus on North American English

 Lost in “L”? - Don’t Call for Help - Listen to This!

みなさん、こんにちは。
今日の東京は久しぶりの雨です。少しうれしいです。暑いジリジリと照り付ける太陽から少し解放（かいほう）された感じです。
今日は、朝から空はどんよりとした黒い雲に覆（おお）われていて、少し前から、ぽたぽたと雨が降り始めました。今はしとしとと雨がふっている感じです。だんだんと雨足（あまあし）が強くなってくるかもしれません。
娘が帰ってくる時間帯に、ざあざあと激しく雨が降らなければいいのですが。
雨がふると、湿度が高くなり、むしむし、じめじめとしてきます。
まあ、しょうがないですね。

先週末、娘は塾のテストでした。小学4年生です。でも東京の子供の多くは、塾へ通っています。
で、帰るなり「国語が難しかった。しかも慣用句！！『うそをつく友人とは手を（なんて）』いうの」って。
あー、もう「うそをつく友だちとは『関わらない』ってことだよ。『手をきる』っていうんだよ」といいながら、娘と二人で慣用句の勉強をしました。
手を使う慣用句、たくさんあるんですよ。
例えば、「困っている人に『手を出す』」と言えば「助けることです」。ついつい子供のことには手を出してしまう私です。過保護（かほご）すぎるとよく注意されています。
ほかにも色々ありますが、「めんどくさいので『手をぬく』」というと、適当にやることです。
息子は、常に学校の先生や私含め親から「手をぬかない」「手をぬきすぎ」「もっとまじめにやりなさい」って怒（おこ）られています。
一方で娘は、とてもまじめな性格なので、「もう少し手をぬいていいんだよ」と言いうほどです。

今日はオノマトペと「手」を使った慣用句をたくさん使ってみました。

オノマトペ：
ジリジリ
しとしと
ざあざあ
むしむし
じめじめ

手を使った慣用句
手をきる
手を出す
手をぬく


「のぞみ」の日記

雨（オノマトペ）

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EJPJHk67aCJYsxiAGv_7L-Rafb4GSNti/view?usp=sharing

Teacher Robert's Podcast

Why is Friday the 13th Unlucky? (with transcript)

I interviewed a Professional Teacher from iTalki about Job Interview strategies. Check him out!

Jonathan Kimball 
https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/8373369