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Another 45 Mandarin Sentences with Chinese Characteristics
(This post is a continuation from my previous article “45 Mandarin Sentences with Chinese Characteristics“.) The following is a collection of sentences in Mandarin which I believe are special in some way. What do I mean by “special”? Well, let’s just say grammatically and structurally they’re not exactly typical, and in most cases they stand-alone [...]
Random Word Trivia #8
Now it’s time for another Random Word Trivia Quiz! Which of these can you guess the Chinese and English for? Answers are at the bottom! (Don’t peek until you can figure them out!) You have a big belly, possibly from too much eating or drinking (noun) You know someone who has a huge vocabulary and [...]
Verb-Object Collocations in Chinese
Both students of Chinese and English alike have probably heard of the term “collocation” (固定搭配), the idea that certain words are more commonly used together than others. What we’re essentially talking about is a relatively “fixed” combination of two or more words. It does not seem terribly difficult to come up with collocations in English. [...]
Interpreting Speech #9 – Protecting Koalas (English-into-Mandarin)
Briefing You have been called to interpret for a visiting delegation from China. They are visiting the office of the Koala Conservation and Research Foundation. The director of the foundation is giving a speech about the protection of koala populations in Australia. Listen to Speech Interpreting Speech #9 – Protecting Koalas (English-into-Mandarin)
25 Common Abbreviations in Mandarin
I’ve had a number of readers ask me when I’ll be updating Parts 3 and 4 of the Top 100 Chinese Words feature. They’re currently a work in progress; I hope this list of common Mandarin abbreviations can tie you over in the meantime. If you can think of any good ones to add let [...]
Mandarin-English Dialogue #31 – Investment Enquiry
Briefing A Mandarin-speaking customer has come into the office of an investment broker to make some enquiries about investment options. Listen to Dialogue Mandarin-English Dialogue #31 – Investment Enquiry
Mandarin-English Dialogue #30 – Neighbourhood Dispute
Briefing You have been called to interpret for Mrs Lai, a Mandarin-speaking woman, who has come into the office of Mr Wilkinson, a mediator. Mrs Lai is currently involved in a dispute with her neighbour and is seeking to resolve it by means of mediation. Listen to Dialogue Mandarin-English Dialogue #30 – Neighbourhood Dispute
Mandarin-English Dialogue #29 – Catering Booking
Briefing An English-speaking Personal Assistant (PA) of a multinational company has rung Viva Catering Services (VCS) to make a booking for the catering of an upcoming Annual General Meeting. The catering receptionist is a Mandarin-speaking woman. Listen to Dialogue Mandarin-English Dialogue #29 – Catering Booking
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