This episode introduces three idioms that use the word dog. Listen to the examples to hear how to use them. Please send me a message if you would like a copy of the audio script. 

Idiom Corner

As time goes by more and more characters are created. How many Chinese characters do we have? And how many characters should a foreign learner master that can manage daily conversations ? Am I suppose to learn all Chinese characters? Don't be worry, this audio will give you an answer.

Learning Chinese culture with Miss Zhang

Chinese characters 2

Recruiter: Why do you want to do this job?

Candidate: I would be very happy to work here because I really respect the work that this company does and I have always had a positive opinion of it. I believe that with the skills that I have learned over the past six years in this industry, I would be an excellent person to have on the team.

Recruiter: What experience do you have?



Candidate: When I started, I worked as a sales rep for two years and learned a lot during that time and went to a lot of training courses. After two years, I was promoted and became an area manager with a small team of two other people. I did that for three years, before moving to the job I do now. I currently manage a different area with a larger team of five people and since I have been there, our sales have increased by 25%.

Recruiter: Why are you looking for work?

Candidate: Ihave been with this company for six years now and I would like to have experience with a new company and I’m looking for a new challenge. Also, I have a new manager who started a couple of months ago and I don’t really get along with him. He’s pretty stupid.

Recruiter: How would you describe yourself?

Candidate: I’m a hard worker and enjoy learning new skills. I really love working in sales and don’t have a problem with working as long as I need to reach my goals. I’m good at working as part of a team, but I’m happy to work by myself too.

Recruiter: What is your dream job?

Candidate: Selling ice cream on a beach! Sun, ice cream, and sales: my three favorite things.

Recruiter: What are you good at?

Candidate: One of my biggest strengths is listening to customers to find out what they need and building relationships with them.

Recruiter: How do you deal with a large amount of work?

Candidate: First, I decide what are the most important tasks to deal with and I do those first. If I’ve got a lot to do, I will get up extra early and get a head start.

Recruiter: What are your hobbies?


English Conversation/Dialogue

Job Interviews

TRANSCRIPTION (explanation included)
These various expressions for negation span a spectrum of formality and tone. In the lexicon of everyday conversation, one might simply assert "no," "nope," or "nah," and even employ a touch of informality with "not gonna happen." When a matter is more absolute, phrases like "without a doubt, no" and "under no circumstances" make the position clear. In informal settings, a definitive refusal might take the form of "not a chance" or "ain't gonna happen," perhaps even with a touch of camaraderie, as in "nah, mate." For matters requiring decorum, a formal approach may involve phrases like "I'm afraid the answer is no" or "I must decline," while adding regret, as in "regrettably, no," imparts a sense of genuine consideration. Politeness tempers the refusal in phrases such as "I'm sorry, but no" and "thank you for considering me, but I'll have to say no," expressing gratitude for the offer. The witty turn of phrase adds a touch of humor to the refusal, suggesting impossibility with expressions like "I'd sooner sprout wings and fly" or "when pigs fly." In more elevated circles, the upper class might communicate their refusal with statements like "I regret to inform you that the answer is in the negative" or "it would not be fitting, I'm afraid," while maintaining an air of politeness. For royalty, a refusal is conveyed with grace and tact, as in "one must respectfully decline" or "I cannot acquiesce to that request," underscoring the formal nature of the response. Ultimately, the choice of expression hinges on the context and the level of decorum required for the situation at hand.

LEARN BY LISTENING

How To say 'NO' in various English Registers

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Vidéo complète avec images et sous titres bilingues ici: 
https://youtu.be/TfUitPI_E7Q?si=nCay-Gc2slazf2_l

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¿Por qué gastamos más de la mitad del tiempo y la energía del aprendizaje de un idioma, especialmente el español, en los tiempos verbales  pretéritos, cuando el pasado nunca volverá jamás?

AUDIO-ARTÍCULOS (Nivel B2-C1)

El pasado pasó y nosotros seguimos estando...

刻舟求剑[kè zhōu qiú jiàn]：mark/boat/find/sword to mark the boat in order to find the lost sword.
乘船chéng chuán：take  a ship/boat
渡江dù jiāng：cross a river
佩剑pèi jiàn：a double-edged sword;walking sword
记号jì hào：mark;sign signal;symbol
This idiom satirizes those who instead of taking changed circumstances account