Meaning: 国货 (guóhuò) goods made in China Usage: 本国生产或制造的物品都称为“国货”。在中国，提到“国货”大多与民族情感相联系。“国货”价廉物美，伴随中国人很多年，能引发他们的怀旧情怀。 The goods that are produced or manufactured within the home country are called “国货.” In China, there is a relationship between “国货” and feelings of nationalism. “国货” are inexpensive but of Continue Reading

Meaning: 沙发客 (Shāfākè) couchsurfer Usage: “沙发客”是一种在旅游中新兴的省钱方式。指旅行者到旅游的目的地后住在陌生人为其免费提供的床铺、沙发、地板等，旅行者达到了节省资金的目的，陌生人也热衷这样的旅游方式。 “沙发客”is a new way to save money while traveling. Tourists live for free in the homes of strangers, who offer free beds, sofas, or the floor when guests arrive. These hosts are also fond Continue Reading

Structure : 因为 + Cause + 所以 + Effect Meaning: “因为 … 所以 …” are used to indicate cause and effect. They are often thought of as being: “Since ___ happened, so ___ happened.” Examples:     因为 天气 太 Continue Reading

Meaning: 冒昧 (màomèi) allow me to take the liberty Usage: “冒昧”是一种谦虚的说法，指语言或者行为不顾地位、能力、场合是否合时宜，一般用这个词来让对方原谅说话者的唐突。 “冒昧” is a construction that implies modesty. It implies that one’s words or actions are void of position, ability, or suitability for an occasion. When using this word, the Continue Reading

Meaning: 将就 (jiāngjiù) to have to Usage: “将就”指对环境或事物不太满意，勉勉强强能够接受或适应。 “将就” means when someone is not satisfied with an environment or situation but is forced to accept or adapt. Examples: 1. 政府在关系到民生问题的时候可不能将就。     Zhèngfǔ zài guānxìdào mínshēng wèntí de shíhòu kě bùnéng Continue Reading

Meaning: 正视 (zhèngshì) to face squarely Usage: “正视”是指用严肃认真的态度对待事情，不躲避，不敷衍。 “正视” means to treat something with a serious attitude and not to escape or put it off. Examples: 1. 不要放弃希望，希望使人正视困难和失败。     Búyào fàngqì xīwàng, xīwàng shǐrén zhèngshì kùnnán hé shībài     Do Continue Reading

Meaning: 小儿科 (xiǎo’érkē) something not worth considering; something extremely easy Usage: “小儿科”主要有两种意思：一是比喻价值小、水平低，不值得重视的事情；一是比喻极其容易做的事情，类似于“小菜一碟”。 “小儿科”has two main meanings: one refers to things of small value, low level, and unworthy of consideration. The other refers to things that are extremely easy, as in Continue Reading

Meaning: 唱反调 (chàngfǎndiào) to speak or act contrary to Usage: “唱反调”是指提出相反的主张，采取相反的行动。 “唱反调” is when someone takes the contrary opinion or performs an opposing action. Examples: 1. 由于有人唱反调，调查工作受到了阻碍。     Yóuyú yǒurén chàngfǎndiào, diàochá gōngzuò shòudào le zǔ’ài.     Because someone made Continue Reading

Meaning: 面子 (miànzi) face Usage: “面子”原本指物体的表面，后来发展出两个意思：一是表面的虚荣；二是情面。中国人向来重视“面子”问题，有时与自尊联系在一起。 “面子” means the face or surface of an object. It then developed two meanings: one is superficial vanity; the other is to save face. Chinese people pay close attention to questions regarding face, which Continue Reading

Meaning: 打酱油 (dǎ jiàngyóu) to buy some sauce, to be a bystander Usage: “打酱油”原指孩子大了可以帮家长做一些家务事。网络语境中，表示某人对话题漠不关心，或者在一项活动中没有起到任何作用。 “打酱油” originally referred to how kids, when they grow up, can help their parents with housework. When used on the internet, it means that someone is Continue Reading