Monthly Archives: November 2011

Happy Thanksgiving. 感恩节快乐.

Posted on November 21, 2011 by rolling piggy

Thanksgiving is an American holiday, but the concept of being grateful is universally welcomed. Happy Thanksgiving. 感恩节快乐. (listen:) happy thanksgiving  • 感: feel. Pronunciation: gǎn (3) • 恩: kindness, favor. Pronunciation: ēn (1) Note that 感 and 恩 share a component: 心 (heart) • 节: festival … Continue reading →

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Impressive! 你牛啊(you bull)

Posted on November 17, 2011 by rolling piggy

Supposedly when working in the field, bulls are not good at making turns – they work hard, in a straight line. Overtime, bulls became a symbol for someone who’s determined and strong. It can have the negative meaning of being … Continue reading →

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Help! 救命(save life)

Posted on November 16, 2011 by rolling piggy

I hope you would never need to use this. (listen:) help!  • 救: save. Pronunciation: jiù (4) • 命: life. Pronunciation: mìng (4)

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Come on! 加油(add oil/gasoline)

Posted on November 15, 2011 by rolling piggy

There are many stories of how this phrase came about. My favorite is: a landlord noticed the farmers he hired were not working hard. Upon his inquiry, the farmers said they were simply hungry as there wasn’t enough oil in … Continue reading →

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Oh my god! 天哪!

Posted on November 14, 2011 by rolling piggy

Some short and possibly emotional phrases this week, starting with: (listen:) oh my god  • 天: day or sky. Pronunciation: tiān (1) • 哪: a modal particle. Pronunciation: na (soft tone) While Westerners direct their surprises to god, Chinese talk to the sky, home to the super … Continue reading →

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