We all have colleagues who like to speak their minds. Perhaps we could even call these people aggressive or harsh. However, there are definitely other pieces of vocabulary we could use here. Today we're looking at the word "direct", "to speak one's mind", and "to sugar coat" something.

DAILY Business English VOCABULARY builder

This is terrible work. I can't believe you did this!

不行！bù xíng ！No！
不对。bù duì .That's not right!
我不同意。wǒ bù tóngyì. I don't agree.
我不这样认为。wǒ bù zhèyàng rènwéi. I don't think so.
这样不太好吧。zhèyàng bù tài hǎo ba. It doesn't sound good. 


Say It Now! 想说就说[xiǎng shuō jiù shuō]

7. 反对[fǎn duì]～Disapproval

When was the last time you made a joke? Would it be funny in other languages? What makes sense of humour specific to a culture? So many questions. Let's figure it out.

The Age of Humans

Episode 2: Sense of Humour

In this episode, we follow Ömer, a Turkish language learner visiting Istanbul, as he explores a cozy bookstore in Kadıköy. From asking for directions in Turkish to picking the perfect book for his language journey, Ömer’s day is filled with authentic interactions and cultural discoveries. Tune in to hear practical dialogues, useful phrases, and language tips to inspire your own Turkish learning experience :)

Merhaba Türkçe 

A Turkish Bookstore Journey: Learning Language Through Stories

Hi everyone! Christmas is getting closer and closer! I'm having a hard time choosing all the gifts I have to give this year. In this episode, I introduce Japanese Christmas again but in N4-N3 Japanese!

たつきのにほんご

日本のクリスマス (intermediate)

The character "耳 - ěr" is a pictographic character resembling the shape of a human ear.

1. Meaning (字义)
The character "耳 -ěr " primarily means "ear." It can also relate to hearing and listening.

2. Usage (用法)

"耳" is commonly used in words and phrases related to ears and hearing. 

Example Words (例词)

1.耳朵 (ěr duo) - ear
我的耳朵很敏感。 (Wǒ de ěr duo hěn mǐngǎn.)
My ears are very sensitive.

2.耳环 (ěr huán) - earring
她戴着漂亮的耳环。 (Tā dàizhe piàoliang de ěr huán.)
She is wearing beautiful earrings.

Example Sentences (例句)

1.他用耳朵听音乐。 (Tā yòng ěr duo tīng yīnyuè.)
He listens to music with his ears.

2.她的耳朵很大。 (Tā de ěr duo hěn dà.)
Her ears are very big.

3.小心保护耳朵。 (Xiǎoxīn bǎohù ěr duo.)
Be careful to protect your ears.

Idiom (四字成语)

成语: 耳目一新 (Ěr mù yì xīn )

Meaning (意义)
"耳目一新" literally means "a fresh new look for the ears and eyes." It refers to something that is refreshing and gives a new and pleasant impression.

Usage (用法)
This idiom is used to describe a new experience or change that is refreshing and invigorating.

Example Sentence (例句)
新装修的房子让人耳目一新。 (Xīn zhuāngxiū de fángzi ràng rén ěr mù yì xīn.)
The newly renovated house is refreshing and gives a new impression.

Summary
The character "耳" is related to ears and hearing. Its usage is common in everyday expressions and phrases. The idiom "耳目一新" describes something new and refreshing, often used to express a positive change or improvement.


每日一字

In this story, a woodpecker named George is the watchman for a society of animals. But what happens when he starts to lose his confidence? 
This is Part 1 of 6. 

Oh no, it’s happening… I can feel it. They’re coming...

George swooped down from his treetop lookout and glided over a harmonious society of diverse forest animals. He trumpeted an alarming bird sound to warn of an incoming attack. All the animals immediately scattered to their hiding places. 

George darted for the animal leaders’ headquarters. Zipping into the center of the gathering, almost tumbling over, George the Woodpecker announced, “Code Red!”  

The animal leaders sprang into action to execute their emergency plan.
 
Carlos the Bear was the first to charge out. It’s his role to meet the invaders head on. Confronting them at the perimeter of the animal territory, he saw them holding chainsaws, swords and knives. The terrifying brown bear let out an incredible roar to keep them back. However, as they had deadly weapons, the arrogant invaders kept inching closer and closer.  

Meanwhile, Julian the Beaver was holding onto Mary the Dear’s back as they raced through the forest. Going around the side and meeting the intruders from behind, the other two animal leaders encountered delimbers, stump grinders and log loaders. These deforesting machines are devastating for animal habitats. Working in coordination, they cut down trees, rip out the roots and stack the lumber package, ready for transport. 

Julian snuck into the heart of the murderous machinery and interfered with their engines. Because of his robust and tough teeth, he chewed through vital wires, creating malfunctions. With his role complete, he jumped back on Mary and they got away.  With the massive machines now needing repairs, the invaders retreated back to their logging station. 

Back at the headquarters, Carlos, Mary, Julian and George, the trusted guardians of the forest, gathered together to evaluate their response to the invaders.  

Being a Cloud

George the Woodpecker

CHISTES MEXICANOS

PEPITO QUIERE SER COMUNISTA.

What is at the end of the story?

Is the story going to end? 

What's out there, have you explored it yet?

Try to 'quantum jump there' and explore what 'there' is like?

How does it feel to 'be already there'?

Do you think you can spend more time 'being there' and 'experiencing more of it'?

Sure thing, its your imagination but the cool thing about it - you'll experience just that which you've experienced now!

Tell me how it felt and what's 'out there' like for you??

To Your Success!