How to Read Chinese Menus Lesson 6

Xiāng cōng jiān yú
1　香 葱 煎 鱼
　Fried fish with green onion



　Bō luó pái gǔ
2　菠 萝 排 骨
　Pork ribs with pineapple



　Xián dàn zhēng ròu
3　咸 蛋 蒸 肉
　Steamed pork with salted egg yolk



　Hăi xiān chăo dàn
4　海 鲜 炒 蛋
　Fried seafood with egg



　Dòu fu jī chì
5　豆 腐 鸡 翅
　Steamed chicken wings with bean curd



　Líng jiao shāo ròu
6　菱 角 烧 肉
　Braised pork with water chestnuts

Ref:http://www.china.org.cn/learning_chinese/2006-01/04/content_1152779.htm

How to Read Chinese Menus Lesson 5

　Dōng gū cài xīn
1　冬 菇 菜 心
　Black mushrooms with kale


　Xiāng qín dòu gān
2　香 芹 豆 干
　Celery and dried bean curd


　Bái guǒ xiā rén
3　白 果 虾 仁
　Fried gingko nut with shrimp


　Fěi cuì pào yú
4　翡 翠 鲍 鱼
　Abalone mushrooms with vegetables


　Xiāng cōng jiān yú
5　香 葱 煎 鱼
　Fried fish with green onion


　Bō luó pái gǔ
6　菠 萝 排 骨
　Pork ribs with pineapple

Ref:http://www.china.org.cn/learning_chinese/2005-10/27/content_1145558.htm

How to Read Chinese Menus Lesson 4

Yāo guǒ xiā rén
1　腰 果 虾 仁
　Shrimp fried with cashew nuts


　Hóng yóu jī sī
2　红 油 鸡 丝
　Spicy shredded chicken


　Jīng jiàng ròu sī
3　京 酱 肉 丝
　Sliced pork with sweet bean paste


　Cōng bào niú ròu
4　葱 爆 牛 肉
　Beef fried with green onion or scallion


　Jiā cháng dòu fu
5　家 常 豆 腐
　Home-style bean curd (tofu) with vegetables


　Shí jǐn ǒu piàn
6　什 锦 藕 片
　Lotus roots with assorted vegetables

Ref:http://www.china.org.cn/learning_chinese/2005-09/22/content_1143108.htm

How to Read Chinese Menus Lesson 3

hóng shāo ròu
1　红 烧 肉
　Braised pork with soy sauce


　huí guō ròu
2　回 锅 肉
　Stir-fried pork slices in hot sauce


　xiāng sū jī
3　香 酥 鸡
　Crispy fried chicken


　bái zhăn jī
4　白 斩 鸡
　Tender-boiled chicken with soy sauce


　yán shuĭ yā
5　盐 水 鸭
　Salted duck


　shuĭ zhǔ yú
6　水 煮 鱼
　Boiled fish fillet in spicy Sichuan sauce

Ref:http://www.china.org.cn/learning_chinese/2005-09/06/content_1140820.htm

How to Read Chinese Menus Lesson 2

　liáng bàn qié ní
1　凉 拌 茄 泥
　Mashed eggplant in sauce


　táng cù lĭ yú
2　糖 醋 鲤 鱼
　Carp in sweet and sour sauce


　yú xiāng ròu sī
3　鱼 香 肉 丝
　Fish-flavored shredded pork


　qīng zhēng páng xiè
4　清 蒸 螃 蟹
　Steamed crabs


　má pó dòu fu
5　麻 婆 豆 腐
　Stir-fired bean curd in spicy sauce


　tiĕ băn niú liǔ
6　铁 板 牛 柳
　Beef with ginger and scallions on a hot plate

How to Read Chinese Menus Lesson 1

　gōng bào jī dīng
1　宫 爆 鸡 丁
　Stir-fried diced chicken with chilli and peanuts


　hóng shāo pái gǔ
2　红 烧 排 骨
　Pork ribs in Brown Sauce


　hǔ pí jiān jiāo
3　虎 皮 尖 椒
　Tiger-skin green peppers


　sōng rén yù mĭ
4　松 仁 玉 米
　Pine nuts with sweet corn


　pí dàn dòu fu
5　皮 蛋 豆 腐
　Tofu mixed with salted duck eggs


　táng cù ǒu piàn
6　糖 醋 藕 片
　Sweet and sour lotus root slices


Ref:http://www.china.org.cn/e-learning/34/dish.htm

Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival

9/30/2012 is Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. 
The Mid-Autumn Festival (simplified Chinese: 中秋节; traditional Chinese: 中秋節; pinyin: zhōngqiū jié), also known as the Moon Festival or Chinese Lantern Festival or Mooncake Festival or Zhongqiu Festival, is a popular lunar harvest festival celebrated by Chinese and Vietnamese people.


The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important holidays in the Chinese calendar, the others being Spring Festival and Winter Solstice. Accompanying the celebration, there are additional cultural or regional customs, such as:
Eating moon cakes, traditionally consisting primarily of lotus bean paste.
Drinking tea.
Matchmaking. In some parts of China, dances are held for young men and women to find partners. "One by one, young women are encouraged to throw their handkerchiefs to the crowd. The young man who catches and returns the handkerchief has a chance of romance.
Carrying brightly lit lanterns, lighting lanterns on towers, floating sky lanterns.
Burning incense in reverence to deities including Chang'e
Fire Dragon Dances
Solving riddles, usually written on slips of paper and pasted on the lanterns. The riddles are called dengmi in Mandarin Chinese.
Moon rabbit is a traditional icon.

Stories of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Houyi and Chang'e
The Hare or The Jade Rabbit

Ref:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid-Autumn_Festival

Chinese Popular Words Lesson 6

 Rén zào měi nǚ
人造美女


Man-made beauty; plastic beauty
Nà mǐ jì shù
纳米技术


Nano technology; nano science
Zhèng fǔ cǎi gòu
政府采购


Government procurement; government purchase
Xìn xī hù dòng
信息互动


Information interaction
Shěn měi pí láo
审美疲劳
To be tired of doing something

Ref:http://www.china.org.cn/learning_chinese/2006-01/17/content_1155359.htm

Chinese Popular words Lesson 5

Yìng shì jiào yù
应 试 教 育
Exam-oriented education


Sù zhì jiào yù
素 质 教 育
Education for all-rounded development


Xué shēng jiăn fù
学 生 减 负
To reduce students' work load


Wăng luò kōng jiān
网 络 空 间
Cyberspace


Kuò dà nèi xū
扩 大 内 需
To expand domestic demand


Ref:http://www.china.org.cn/learning_chinese/2005-12/25/content_1153074.htm

Chinese Popular words Lesson 4

fēng huì
峰 会
Summit meeting or conference


zhǔ dă
主 打
Main; chief; major; the focus of


rén qì
人 气
Public or popular feeling or opinion


xià hăi
下 海
To engage in business; to become a business person


tiào cáo
跳 槽
To regularly move from one job to another; to job-hop

Ref:http://www.china.org.cn/learning_chinese/2005-09/21/content_1142896.htm

Chinese Popular words Lesson 3

qín liú găn
禽 流 感
Bird flu


yǔ shí jù jìn
与 时 俱 进
Keeping up with the times


zhī shi jīng jì
知 识 经 济
Knowledge economy


zhí zhèng néng lì
执 政 能 力
The Party's ruling capabilities


kē xué fā zhăn guān
科 学 发 展 观
To take the view of scientific development; to view things from the perspective of scientific development



Ref:http://www.china.org.cn/learning_chinese/2005-09/06/content_1140818.htm

Chinese Popular words Lesson 2

wăng liàn
网 恋
Love on the Internet; cyber love


wăng luò chōng làng
网 络 冲 浪
Surfing the net; net surfing


wăng shàng gòu wù
网 上 购 物
Online shopping


xu nǐ xiàn shí
虚 拟 现 实
Virtual reality



Ref:http://www.china.org.cn/e-learning/35/popularity.htm

Chinese Popular words Lesson 1

dà wàn er
大 腕 儿
Person with igh skills or rich experiences


dà kuăn
大 款
Person of wealth


xià găng
下 岗
Lose one’s job


bèi chăo yóu yù
被 炒 鱿 鱼
To be fired


pào bā
泡 吧
Indulge oneself in spending long time in bar, café or discotheque

Ref:http://www.china.org.cn/e-learning/34/popularity.htm

Chinese Idioms

lan yú chōng shù
【滥 竽 充 数】



No More Tricks, Mr. Nan Guo! (Pretending to Play the Yu to Retain His Position in the Orchestra)
In the period of the Warring States (475-221 BC), there was a state called Qi. The king of Qi was so fond of the yu, a wind instrument, that he had a band of more than 300 musicians play for him every afternoon. The king was most satisfied with the band and the harmonies they performed.

Little did the king know that a member of the band, Nan Guo, was not even a musician. In fact, Nan Guo knew nothing about the yu. But he somehow managed to pass himself off as a yu player by sitting right at the back, pretending to play the instrument. The king was none the wiser.

But Nan Guo's charade came to an end when the king's son succeeded him.

The new king, unlike his father, preferred solos to full orchestral performances. The king would therefore summon musicians to perform individually.

Of course, Nan Guo's tomfoolery was exposed in no time, and he found himself without a band to hide in anymore.


Ref:http://www.china.org.cn/english/features/Lesson/143105.htm

Fun Chinese:Eric…you’ve “出家Chūjiā” become a monk?

Eric had been in China for less than a year. He didn’t know much Chinese, and made mistakes from time to time. One day, he was late for his Chinese class. Here’s the conversation between him and his teacher.

Lǎoshī: Wèi shénme chídào?
老师：   为      什么     迟到？
Teacher: Why are you late?

        Jīntiān chūjiā wǎn le.
Eric：今  天  出家   晚  了。
    I become a monk late today. (I left home late today.)

After Eric’s reply, his classmates within earshot exploded into laughter. Can you guess why?

In actuality, Eric wanted to express that he had left home late, but he used the wrong word. In Chinese, although 出(Chū) means leave and 家(jiā) means home, “出家(Chūjiā)” itself means to give up the luxuries in life decide to become a monk or a nun. The Chinese word Eric should have used is “出门(Chūmén),” which means to leave home. So next time you want to tell someone that you left the house late, you can say, “我出门晚了！(Wǒ chūmén wǎn le!)”

For Example：

   Duì bù qǐ, ràng nǐ  jiǔ děng le!
A: 对   不 起，让   你  久  等  了！
    Sorry I made you wait for so long!

   Méi guānxi, shì wǒ zìjǐ chūmén zǎo le!
B: 没   关   系，是  我  自己  出门  早   了！
   That’s okay, I left the house a little early!

Ref:http://resources.echineselearning.com/funstuff/funstuff-chinese-69.html

Business Chinese:A Glimpse of China’s Real Estate Market: A KFC Story

Key Learning Points (Preview):

超出……接受范围 (chāochū…jiēshòu fànwéi) Go beyond/be out of the acceptable range of…  

闹市区 (nàoshìqū) Downtown area    

核心竞争力 (héxīn jìngzhēnglì)  Core competitiveness   

Recently, KFC restaurants are reported to have to move frequently in some areas of China. Why does such a fast-food giant have to face this embarrassing situation? KFC restaurants in China often "租赁 (zūlìn) rent" their places. When their 10-year lease expires, the rent in the "闹市区 (nàoshìqū) downtown area" has already soared to several times the original rental price, and has "超出 (chāochū) gone beyond 接受范围 (jiēshòu fànwéi) the acceptable price range of" KFC. So KFC was forced to re-select some less-expensive locations. First of all, this proves that the original locations' selection of KFC is correct. The success rate of its location choices is almost 100 percent, which is one of the KFC's "核心竞争力 (héxīn jìngzhēnglì) core competitiveness." Second, the rent's soaring suggests the "房地产 (fángdìchǎn) real estate" industry's rapid development in China. The same also applies to the development of the "商品房 (shāngpǐnfáng) residential building." Since 2003, China's housing prices began nearly six-year's continuous growth, making more and more people become "房奴 (fángnú) mortgage slaves" due to high housing prices.

超出……接受范围 (chāochū…jiēshòu fànwéi) Go beyond/be out of the acceptable range of…  

"超 (chāo)" means to exceed, "出 (chū)" means out of, so "超出 (chāochū)" means to go beyond. "接受 (jiēshòu)" means to accept, and both the two Chinese characters mean to accept."范围 (fànwéi)" means the range.

Example:
你的价格超出了我公司的接受范围，能稍微降低一些吗？  
Nǐde jiàgé chāochūle wǒ gōngsī de jiēshòu fànwéi, néng shāowēi jiàngdī yìxiē ma? 
Your price goes beyond the acceptable range of our company's capacity. Can you bring it down a bit?

闹市区 (nàoshìqū) Downtown area    

"闹 (nào)" means noisy; "市 (shì)" means market place and "区 (qū)" means area.

核心竞争力 (héxīn jìngzhēnglì)  Core competitiveness   

In this word, the character "核 (hé)" means core and "心 (xīn)" means the very center, so "核心 (héxīn)" means the very core. The character "竞 (jìng)" means to compete and "争 (zhēng)" means to fight, so "竞争 (jìngzhēng)" means to fight to win competition. Here the character "力 (lì)" means ability.

 Example:

文化力是企业核心竞争力的源泉。 
Wénhuàlì shì qǐyè héxīn jìngzhēnglì de yuánquán. 
Culture is the source of core competitiveness in enterprises.

生词 (shēngcí) Vocabulary 

租赁 (zūlìn): v/n rental 

房地产 (fángdìchǎn): n real estate 

商品房 (shāngpǐnfáng): n commercial residential building  

房奴 (fáng nú): n mortgage slaves


Ref:http://resources.echineselearning.com/business/business-chinese-335.html

Business Chinese: Christmas Online Shopping in China

Christmas Online Shopping in China

Key Learning Points (Preview):

网上购物 (wǎngshàng gòuwù) n Online shopping


热销 (rèxiāo) n Best seller

 
讨价还价(tǎojià huánjià) v To bargain

 
As the holiday season is coming up soon, the Christmas shopping frenzy is already around the corner. Will you do "网上购物 (wǎngshàng gòuwù) online shopping?" If so, you might be familiar with sites such as eBay and Amazon, but do you know Taobao? It is China's most popular online shopping site. According to Baidu Encyclopedia, Taobao' s "销量 (xiāoliàng) sales volume" accounts for 80% of China's online shopping market. In China, clothes, books, toys, and flowers are the "热销 (rèxiāo) hot selling" gifts online. Alipay is the "Paypal" in China, and is also an independent third-party payment platform.

"At the times of the '金融危机 (jīnróngwēijī)  financial crisis,' choosing a more economical way of shopping is necessary." Some China's online shopping "顾客 (gùkè) customers" commented. Compared with the traditional shopping methods, most people recognize that the "性价比 (xìngjiàbǐ) performance-to-price ratio" of online shopping is higher.

One unique feature of Taobao is that it offers an instant messenger called "Taobao Wangwang," where buyers can chat with their sellers. The customers can ask for specific product information, and "讨价还价 (tǎojià huánjià) bargain."

网上购物 (wǎngshàng gòuwù) n Online shopping

 
"网 (wǎng)" means network and "上 (shàng)" means on, so "网上 (wǎngshàng)" means on the internet. "购 (gòu)" means to buy and "物 (wù)" means thing, so "购物 (gòuwù)" means shopping. This phrase also can be used as a verb which means to shop online.

Example:

有的汉语学习者认为，应该把如何在网上购物加进AP中文的练习之中。   
Yǒude hànyǔ xuéxízhě rènwéi, yīnggāi bǎ rúhé zài wǎngshàng gòuwù jiājìn AP zhōngwén de liànxí zhīzhōng. 
Some Chinese learners consider that learning how to shop online should be included in AP Chinese practice.

热销 (rèxiāo) n Best seller

 
"热 (rè)" means hot and "销 (xiāo)" means to sell. This word also means to sell well.

Example:

这个学校的各种对外汉语课程中，商务汉语最热销。  
Zhège xuéxiào de gè zhǒng duì wài hànyǔ kèchéng zhōng, shāngwù hànyǔ zuì  rèxiāo.
Among all kinds of the Chinese language courses of this school, the Business Chinese sells best.

讨价还价(tǎojià huánjià) v To bargain

 
"讨 (tǎo)" means to ask and "价 (jià)" means price, so "讨价 (tǎojià)" means to ask a price; "还价 (huánjià)" means to haggle.

Example:

有的顾客把讨价还价当作一种购物的乐趣。
Yǒu de gùkè bǎ tǎojià huánjià dàngzuò yì zhǒng gòuwù de lèqù. 
Some customers believe bargaining is a fun part of shopping.




生词 (shēngcí) Vocabulary:

 
销量 (xiāoliàng): n sales volume

 
礼物 (lǐwù): n gift

 
金融危机 (jīnróng wēijī): n financial crisis

 
顾客 (gùkè): n customer

 
性价比 (xìngjiàbǐ): n performance-to-price ratio



Ref:http://resources.echineselearning.com/business/business-chinese-414.html

Business Chinese:China’s Most Valuable Brand

China’s Most Valuable Brand

Key Learning Points (Preview): 抱怨 (bàoyuàn): v to complain 信誉 (xìnyù): n reputation  

In December 2009, China’s most valuable brand list was “揭晓 (jiēxiǎo) announced” in New York and 100 Chinese consumer brands “进入 (jìnrù) entered” the final list, including “联想(liánxiǎng) Lenovo,” and “TCL.” “中国最有价值品牌 (Zhōngguó zuì yǒu jiàzhí pǐnpái) China’s Most Valuable Brands” was Haier Group, which has won the award for eight consecutive years. How did Haier win the “冠军 (guànjūn) champion” of China’s most valuable brand? Haier is a manufacturer for “家用电器 (jiāyòng diànqì) household electrical appliances,” such as washers, air conditioners and so on. Haier is recognized in China for its products’ “质量 (zhìliang) quality” and customer service. There was a story about the birth of Haier “大地瓜 (Dàdìguā) Big Sweet Potato” washing machine. Once Haier’s CEO “张瑞敏 (Zhāng Ruìmǐn) Zhang Ruimin” heard that farmers “抱怨 (bàoyuàn) complained” about the bad waterspout of Haier’s washing machines, because they washed big sweet potatoes using the washing machines. He said: “客户的难题就是我们的课题. (Kèhù de nántí jiù shì wǒmen de kètí) A customer’s problem is our task.” Shortly,” Big Sweet Potato” washing machine was launched in the market. When Haier listened to its customers and their “反馈 (fǎnkuì) feedback,” its “满意度 (mǎnyìdù) satisfaction level” and “信誉 (xìnyù) reputation” improved.

Key Learning Points:

抱怨 (bàoyuàn): v to complain 

Example: 很多顾客都抱怨这家餐厅的服务质量不高。
                 Hěnduō gùkè dōu bàoyuan zhè jiā cāntīng de fúwù zhìliàng bù gāo. 
                 Many customers complained about the quality of customer service in this 

restaurant. 信誉 (xìnyù): n reputation

Example: 对商家来说，商业信誉很重要。
                 Duì shāngjiā lái shuō, shāngyè xìnyu hěn zhòngyào. 
                 Reputation is very important to businessman. 


生词 (shēngcí) Vocabulary 


进入 (jìnrù): v to enter  

满意度 (mǎnyìdù): n satisfaction level 




Ref:http://resources.echineselearning.com/business/business-chinese-434.html

Business Chinese: Seating Arrangement Etiquette

商务座次礼仪 (shāngwù zuòcì lǐyí) Seating Arrangement Etiquette 　

At Chinese “宴会 (yànhuì) banquets,” the seating arrangement is probably the most important part of Chinese dining “礼仪 (lǐyí) etiquette,” especially in Chinese business banquets. Generally, round tables are used at Chinese banquets and the seat facing the entrance is the seat of honor. The seats on the left hand side of the seat of honor are second, fourth, sixth, etc. in importance, while those on the right are third, fifth, seventh and so on in importance. The seat of honor, “保留 (bǎoliú) reserved” for the master of the banquet or the “客人 (kèrén) guests” with highest status, is the one in the center facing east or facing the entrance. Those of higher position sit closer to the seat of honor. The guests of the lowest position sit furthest from the seat of honor.

生词 (shēngcí) Vocabulary 

礼仪 (lǐyí) n etiquette 　

“礼 (lǐ)” means polite and “仪 (yí)” means ceremony.

Examples:

中国自古就是一个礼仪之邦。 　
Zhōngguó zìgǔ jiùshì yígè lǐyí zhī bāng.
China has always been a state of etiquettes.

代表们须按礼仪要求就座。 
Dàibiǎomen xū àn lǐyí yāoqiú jiùzuò.
The delegates have to be seated according to the proper etiquettes.

宴会 (yànhuì): n banquet  　

客人 (kèrén): n guest  

保留 (bǎoliú): v to reserve 

ref:http://resources.echineselearning.com/business/business-chinese-501.html

Business Chinese: Business Etiquette–Business Card Exchanges and Introduction

商务介绍礼仪 (Shāngwù jièshào lǐyí) Business Etiquette–Business Card Exchanges and Introduction


Key Learning Points (Preview):

介绍 (jièshào): v/n to introduce/introduction


年龄 (niánlíng): n age


名片 (míngpiàn): n business card

　
In China, the first time “介绍 (jièshào) introduction” is crucial in business relationships. It is a stepping stone for successful business cooperation.

There are two main principles about the “顺序 (shùnxù) order” you must follow. One is related to the gender. That is, in China, we usually introduce the men to the ladies before introducing the ladies to the men in order to show “尊敬 (zūnjìng) respect” towards the ladies. The other is related to the “年龄 (niánlíng) age” and seniority. We usually introduce the lower positioned people to the higher positioned first in order to show respect towards the latter.

When exchanging “名片 (míngpiàn) business card,” you should pass your business card with both hands toward the receiving side. You should also take the other’s business card with both hands.



Key Learning Points:

介绍 (jièshào): v/n to introduce/introduction

　
“介 (jiè)” literally means between，and “绍 (shào)” literally means to connect. But in the word “介绍 (jièshào),” both the two characters mean to introduce.

Example:

    Qǐng yǔnxǔ wǒ xiàng nín jièshào wǒmen de dǒngshìzhǎng–Chén xiānsheng.
A: 请     允许   我   向     您   介绍     我们    的            董事长——陈      先生。　
    Please allow me to introduce our chairman to you–Mr. Chen.



    Nínhǎo, Chén xiānsheng, hěn róngxìng jiàndào nín!
B: 您好，     陈      先生，       很     荣幸      见到     您！
     Hello, Mr. Chen, it’s my honor to meet you.



年龄 (niánlíng): n age

　
“年 (nián)” literally means year and “龄 (líng)” means age. And there are some well-known quotations from The Analects of Confucius regarding to “年龄 (niánlíng) age.”
“三十而立 (sānshí érlì)” means “At thirty, a man should have planted his feet firm upon the ground.”
“四十不惑 (sìshí bú huò)” means “At forty, a man should no longer suffer from perplexities,” etc.

Example:


Nín de niánlíng bǐ wǒ dà.
您 的 年龄 比 我 大。 　
You are older than I.

名片 (míngpiàn): n business card

　
“名 (míng)” literally means name and “片 (piàn)” represents the meaning of “卡片 (kǎpiàn) card.”

Example:

Míngpiàn shàng yìn zhe wǒ de qǐyè dìzhǐ hé diànhuà hàomǎ.
名片           上      印  着  我 的 企业 地址 和     电话    号码。
My business address and phone number are printed on the business card.



生词(shēngcí) Vocabulary:


顺序 (shùnxù): n order


尊敬 (zūnjìng): n/v respect



Ref:http://resources.echineselearning.com/business/business-chinese-573.html

Business Chinese:Business Greetings

商务问候 (Shāngwù wènhòu) Business Greetings (Beginner)


Speaking Chinese in a business setting is often challenging. Let's see a dialogue below.

Key Learning Points (Preview):

你 (nĭ) and 您 (nín): pron you

　
第一天上班 Dì yī tiān shàngbān First day of work

　
Lǐ Qiáng: Nĭhăo, nĭ shì xīn lái de ba? Rúguŏ wŏ méi jì cuò,  nĭ jiào Jiékè, duì ma?   
李强：   你好，你是 新 来 的 吧？如果    我 没 记 错，你 叫  杰克，对 吗？　
Li Qiang: Hello, aren't you a newcomer here? And if I'm not mistaken, you must be Jack, right?


Jié Kè:   Shì de, zhè shì wŏ dì yī tiān shàngbān.  
杰克： 是 的，  这  是  我 第  一  天    上班。　
Jack:     Yes, I am. It's my first day here.


Lǐ Qiáng: Nĭhăo, wŏ shì zhège gōngsī de zŏng jīnglĭ, wŏ jiào Lĭ Qiáng! 
李强：       你好，我 是   这个    公司 的    总经理，  我  叫     李强！ 　
Li Qiang:  How do you do! I am the general manager of this company and my name is Li Qiang.



Jié Kè:  Nínhăo, Lĭ Zŏng, jiǔyăng nín de dàmíng.
杰克： 您好，     李总， 久仰     您   的  大名。　
Jack:     How do you do! Mr. Li, I've heard a great deal about you.



Lǐ Qiáng: Bùgăndāng, hěn gāoxìng jiàn dào nĭ! 
李强：          不敢当，   很    高兴    见    到    你！ 　
Li Qiang: I am afraid that is an overstatement. Good to meet you.



Jié Kè:  Jiàn dào nín wŏ yě găn dào fēicháng róngxìng.
杰克：   见  到     您  我  也   感   到    非常        荣幸。
Jack:     Pleasure to meet you, too.



Lǐ Qiáng:  Nĭ shì Měiguó rén, duì ba?  Nĭ de hànyǔ jiăng de hěn bú cuò! 
李强：      你  是    美国  人，对  吧？ 你 的 汉语   讲    得   很  不  错！　
Li Qiang:   You are American, aren't you? But your Chinese is pretty good!



Jié Kè:  Ò, xièxie, nín guòjiăng le! 
杰克： 哦，谢谢，您   过奖    了！ 　
Jack:    Oh, thanks, I am flattered.



Lǐ Qiáng: Wŏ dàibiăo wŏmen gōngsī quántĭ yuángōng huānyíng nĭ de jiārù.
李强：      我    代表    我们    公司      全体       员工       欢迎       你的  加入。　
Li Qiang: I would like to welcome you on behalf of all the staff in this company.



Jié Kè: Zhēn shì wàn fēn gănxiè nín! Chūláizhàdào, yĭhòu yào ràng nín fèixīn le, qĭng nín
杰克： 真     是 万  分    感谢     您！  初来乍到，   以后   要   让    您   费心  了，请 您                 
duōduōguānzhào!                 
 多多关照！ 　
Jack: Thanks a million. Since I just got here, please take care of me in the future.



Lǐ Qiáng: Nĭ tài kèqi le.  Wŏ xīwàng nĭ zài zhèlĭ gōngzuò yúkuài!
李强：     你 太 客气了。我 希望    你 在  这里  工作     愉快！
Li Qiang: Not at all. I hope you will enjoy your stay here.



Jié Kè:  Xièxie, wŏ xiāngxìn wŏ huì de. 
杰克： 谢谢， 我     相信    我  会 的。　
Jack:    I appreciate that. And I bet I will.



Key Learning Points:

“你 (nĭ)” and “您 (nín)” are two personal pronouns in Chinese which are represented by the same word “you” in English. “您 (nín)” is the respectful form of “你 (nĭ)” and is often used to call those who are older or have a higher rank. Both of the words have plural forms: “你们 (nĭmen)” and “您们 (nínmen).”

你 (nĭ) and 您 (nín): pron you

Examples:          

Zǒng jīnglǐ, nínhǎo, zhè shì nín yào de cáiliào.
1. A:   总 经理，    您好， 这 是  您    要   的   材料。
           Hello, general manager, this is the material you want.              


Hǎode, xièxie.    
B: 好的，谢谢！
       Ok, thank you.         




Hāi, nǐ míngtiān xiàwǔ  yǒu shíjiān ma? Wǒmen qù dǎ lánqiú ba.
2. A: 嗨，你    明天    下午     有   时间  吗？   我们    去   打  篮球   吧。
        Hi, are you free tomorrow afternoon? Let’s play basketball.                


 Hǎoa, méiwèntí.    
B: 好啊， 没问题。
     Sure.



生词 (shēngcí) Vocabulary:

　
久仰 (jiǔyăng): v to hear much about somebody

　
荣幸 (róngxìng): adj be honored

　
费心 (fèixīn): v to give a lot of care


初来乍到 (chūláizhàdào): v to have just arrived


关照 (guānzhào): v/n care/attention/concern


客气 (kèqi): adj courteous



Ref:http://resources.echineselearning.com/business/business-chinese-583.html

Business Chinese: How Do Brand Names Attract Chinese Consumers?

How Do Brand Names Attract Chinese Consumers?


Key Learning Points (Preview):

品牌 (pǐnpái): n. brand
吸引 (xīyǐn): v. to attract
印象 (yìnxiang): n. impression

　
It is important for foreign brands to have a Chinese name as it enters the Chinese market. How do companies translate their names? How do they make the names attractive? Do they use transliteration or free translation? Some companies skillfully integrate these two translation methods in order to create an attractive brand name for Chinese consumers. A good brand name can help produce a good impression of a product. In this online Chinese lesson, let's learn how brand names are translated from English to Chinese.

BENZ 奔驰 (Bēnchí)
"奔" and "驰" both mean "run fast" in Chinese.
To drive a BENZ means to enjoy high speeds.

HUMMER 悍马 (Hànmǎ)
"悍" means "strong," and "马" means "horse." In Chinese culture, horses are known for their honesty and endurance.
HUMMER vehicles will be honest and constant friends.

ACCORD 雅阁 (Yǎgé)　
"雅" means "nice and elegant." "阁" refers to "cabinet."
An ACCORD offers a harmonious and comfortable drive.

TISSOT 天梭 (Tiānsuō)　
"天" refers to nature. "梭" is a piece in watches.
The workmanship in TISSOT watches is wonderful.

MASTER万事达 (Wànshìdá)
"万事" means all the things, and "达" means to achieve.
With MASTER products, everything will be successful.

CARREFOUR 家乐福 (Jiālèfú)
"家" refers to family. "福" means blessing.
"CARREFOUR" hopes each family is happy.

COCA COLA 可口可乐 (Kěkǒukělè)
"可口" means tasty, and "乐" means happy.
COCA COLA satisfies thirst and makes people happy.

Pepsi Cola 百事可乐 (Bǎishìkělè) 
While drinking PEPSI, everything is enjoyable.



Key Learning Points:

品牌 (pǐnpái): n. brand　
Example:
Bǎomǎ shì yí gè zhīmíng de qìchē pǐnpái.
宝马      是 一个 知名      的   汽车 品牌。
BMW is a well-known car brand.



吸引 (xīyǐn): v. to attract　
Example:
Zhōngguó de Chángchéng xīyǐn le hěn duō yóukè.
中国           的 长城             吸引了 很   多   游客。
The Great Wall of China attracts a lot of tourists.



印象 (yìnxiang): n. impression　
Example:
Nǐ duì Zhōngguó de dì yī yìnxiang shì shénme?
你 对 中国          的 第一 印象      是    什么？ 　
What was your first impression of China?


Ref:http://resources.echineselearning.com/business/business-chinese-595.html

Business Chinese:Exchange Rate of the Chinese RMB

Exchange Rate of the Chinese RMB 

Key Learning Point:

商务用语 (shāngwù yòngyǔ) Business vocabulary

Look at the short business report:

Jìn jǐ nián lái, rénmínbì huìlǜ wèntí chéngwéi guónèiwài guānzhù de jiāodiǎn.

近 几年 来，人民币     汇率 问题    成为         国内外      关注      的     焦点。 　

In recent years, governments around the world have taken notice of China's currency policy.

Zài èrlínglíngwǔ nián qī yuè èrshíyī rì de huìlǜ gǎigé zhōng,

在   2005           年     7  月   21      日 的  汇率 改革   中， 　

When the Chinese government changed its exchange rate policy on July 21st 2005,

Zhōngguó kāishǐ cǎiyòng gèng wéi línghuó de "yǐ shìchǎng wéi jīchǔ de, 

中国           开始   采用      更      为    灵活   的”以 市场      为   基础 的、

cānkǎo yìlánzi huòbì jìnxíng tiáozhěng de, yǒu guǎnlǐ de fúdòng huìlǜ zhìdù," 

参考     一篮子 货币 进行      调整        的、有    管理  的 浮动    汇率 制度”，

ér búshì dāndān dīng zhù měiyuán.

而 不是 单单       盯     住   美元。　

they began taking steps towards adopting an exchange rate regime that is more flexible and market based. However, it would also be managed with a basket of several currencies in mind, not just the US dollar.

Cǐhòu, rénmínbì duì měiyuán zài wēifú bōdòng zhōng,

此后，人民币     对    美元       在    微幅   波动     中，

yǐ měinián yuē bǎifēnzhī sìdiǎnsān de fúdù kuàisù shēngzhí, bìngqiě chéng jiāsù qūshì.

以每年     约      4.3%                     的  幅度   快速         升值，并且     呈        加速   趋势。

Since that meeting, the Chinese renminbi has been appreciating little by little against the US dollar, at an average rate of about 4.3% per year. But over time, the rate of appreciation has shown a tendency to accelerate.

术语 (shùyǔ): Glossary

汇率 (huìlǜ): n. exchange rate

汇率改革 (huìlǜ gǎigé): n. reform of exchange rate

　

以市场为基础的 (yǐ shìchǎng wéi jīchǔ de): adj. market based

　

一篮子货币 (yìlánzi huòbì): n. a basket of currencies

　

词汇 (cihuì): Vocabulary

　

浮动 (fúdòng): v. to float / n. float

　

采用 (cǎiyòng): v. to adopt

　

调整 (tiáozhěng): v. to adjust

　

微幅波动 (wēifúbōdòng): slight fluctuations

　

约 (yuē): adv. about

　

升值 (shēngzhí): v. to appreciate / n. appreciation

　

呈……趋势 (chéng…qūshì): v. to show an… tendency

　

符号 (fúhào) Notation

　

"%" – the percent sign

In Chinese, the percent sign "%" is read "bǎifēnhào."  The way we write and read it is "百分之 (bǎifēnzhī)." For example, the way we say "ten percent" is "百分之十 (bǎifēnzhīshí)."

Ref:http://resources.echineselearning.com/business/business-chinese-596.html

Fun Chinese: I Got One Point More

I Got One Point More.


Story:

Māma: Zhècì kǎoshì, gēge kǎole jiǔshíwǔ fēn, nǐ kǎole duōshǎo fēn?
妈妈： 这次 考试， 哥哥    考了    95        分，你 考了 多少       分？
Mom: Your brother got 95 points on this exam. What about you?


Dìdi: Wǒ bǐ tā duō yì diǎn.
弟弟：我比他   多 一 点。
Younger brother: Well… I got one point more.


Māma: Shì ma? Jiǔshíliù ma?
妈妈： 是 吗？   96        吗？
Mom: Really? So you got 96 points?


Dìdi: Búshì, shì jiǔdiǎnwǔ fēn.
弟弟：不是，是   9.5         分。　
Younger brother: No. I got 9.5.


Key Learning Point:
一点 (yìdiǎn): a little

　
In Chinese, the phrase “一点(yìdiǎn)” means “a little number or amount.”

Very often in Mandarin, just like in English, a speaker may not be too sure about a calculation. “一点(yìdiǎn)” can be used as an adverb. Sometimes, the “一(yì)” in “一点(yìdiǎn)” can be omitted.



For example:

Nǐ néngbùnéng kuài (yì) diǎn a?
你 能不能          快（一）点   啊？

　
Could you please hurry a little bit?

In the above story, when the younger brother said that he had one more point than his brother, his mother figured he got 96 points.

In actuality, “点(diǎn)” also refers to a “decimal point.”

For example: 9.5 in Chinese is read “九点五 (jiǔ diǎn wǔ).” “点(diǎn)” refers to the “decimal point.”

Example:

Zhè kē píngguǒ shù gāo yīdiǎnwǔ mǐ.
这   棵 苹果        树    高     一点五  米。

　
This apple tree is 1.5 meters high.

Looking back at the story, the sly little brother actually meant that he got one more “点(diǎn) decimal point” than his brother with the not so impressive score of 9.5 points. We’ll leave it to you to decide whether the mother should be troubled by his low score, or applaud his clever response.

Ref:http://resources.echineselearning.com/funstuff/funstuff-chinese-45.html

Tourist Chinese Lesson Five Being A Guest at A Friend’s Home

dì wŭ kè  dào péng yǒu jiā zuò kè
第五课   到朋友家做客
Lesson Five  Being A Guest at A Friend’s Home

If invited, a guest must arrive at a Chinese friend’s home on time. It is proper to be there a couple of minutes earlier, as being late is rude. Generally speaking, eating is more important than talking at a dining table for Chinese people think scant wine and dishes are impolite to guests. Mike is invited to her colleague Wang Li’s home.


Wánglì: fàn zuò hăo le, kuài lái chī ba.
王丽： 饭做好了，快来吃吧。
Wang: Now everything is already prepared. Come on, let’s eat.
   
mài kè: zhè me duō cài, kàn zhe yăn dōu chán le.
麦克： 这么多菜，看着眼都馋了。
Mike: So many delicious dishes! It makes my mouth water just to look at them.
   
Wánglì: lái, jiā cài, duō chī diănr.
王丽： 来，夹菜，多吃点儿。
Wang: Here, take some more.
   
mài kè: zhè xiē cài dōu shì nín zì jĭ zuò de ma?
麦克： 这些菜都有是您自己做的吗？
Mike: Did you cook all these dishes?
   
Wánglì: shì a, zĕn me yàng?
王丽： 是啊，怎么样？
Wang: Yes. How do you like it?
   
mài kè: Zhōng guó rén zuò cài de shŏu yì zhēn bú cuò.
麦克： 中国人做菜的手艺真不错。
Mike: The Chinese are very good at cooks.
   
Wánglì: lái, gĕi nĭ diănr zhè gè cài.
王丽： 来给你点儿这个菜。
Wang: Now, let me help you with the dish.
   
mài kè:   bié kè qì, wŏ zì jĭ lái.
麦克： 别客气，我自己来。
Mike: Don’t stand on ceremony. I’ll help myself.
   
Wánglì: chī băo le ma?
王丽： 吃饱了吗？
Wang: Are you full?
   
mài kè: xiè xiè, chī băo le.
麦克： 谢谢，吃饱了。
Mike: Thanks, I’m quite full



New Words:


1.       朋友 péng yǒu: friend

2.  做客：zuò kè: be invited

3.  饭fàn: dinner

4         菜 cài: dish

5.  馋 chán: greedy

6.       自己 zì jĭ: oneself

7.       做菜 zuò cài: cook

8.       手艺不错 shŏu yì bú cuò: be good at

9.       夹菜 jiā cài: eat

10.　饱 băo: be full  


Ref :http://www.china.org.cn/e-learning/5.htm