Local Lingo

Language is the road map of a culture. In this column, we will invite expats to introduce their favorite Chinese words, phrases, idioms, poems and more in a one-minute video. We hope this column will be a window through which you can better understand Chinese culture, mindset and wit. Have something to share? Please contact juliezhu@shanghaidaily.com.

Language is the road map of a culture. In this column, we will invite expats to introduce their favorite Chinese words, phrases, idioms, poems and more in a one-minute video. We hope this column will be a window through which you can better understand Chinese culture, mindset and wit. Have something to share? Please contact juliezhu@shanghaidaily.com.

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 13: 加油 (Jia You) - Art & Culture in China

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 13: 加油 (Jia You)

For the Argentinian Maxi, the cheers from the 2008 Beijing Olympics still echo in his ears, as it was a part of his good memories with China.

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 12: 笨鸟先飞 (Ben Niao Xian Fei) - Art & Culture in China

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 12: 笨鸟先飞 (Ben Niao Xian Fei)

There are numerous Chinese idioms that describe a diligent and hardworking person. Our guest will introduce one of them today.

2023-05-17 08:40 0

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 11: 闲云野鹤 (Xian Yun Ye He) - Art & Culture in China

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 11: 闲云野鹤 (Xian Yun Ye He)

The graphical elements of "cloud" and "crane" are commonly seen in traditional costumes of Japanese women. What inspired Kagi to pick this word as her favorite?

2023-05-10 08:00 0

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 10: 差不多 (Cha Bu Duo) - Art & Culture in China

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 10: 差不多 (Cha Bu Duo)

People commonly use "approximately" to describe a number they're not sure of. In Chinese, there's a term which can express similar meaning. Daniel deems it as a versatile term.

2023-05-03 09:00 0

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 9: 辛苦了 (Xin Ku Le) - Art & Culture in China

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 9: 辛苦了 (Xin Ku Le)

It is a short Chinese sentence that can be used on various occasions. Belgian Tobias feels it precious because there is no similar term in western languages.

2023-04-26 09:00 0

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 8: 额角头碰到天花板 (E Jiao Tou Peng Dao Tian Hua Ban) - Art & Culture in China

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 8: 额角头碰到天花板 (E Jiao Tou Peng Dao Tian Hua Ban)

It is a Chinese idiom in Shanghai dialect, which literally means "one's forehead reaches the ceiling." Spanish pianist Mario Alonso learnt this idiom from his Shanghai friends.

2023-04-19 08:00 0

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 7: 芭比Q了 (ba bi Q le) - Art & Culture in China

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 7: 芭比Q了 (ba bi Q le)

The Chinese term "芭比Q了" sounds similar to "barbeque," but actually means "I messed up."

2023-04-12 08:00 0

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 6: 老板 (lao ban) - Art & Culture in China

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 6: 老板 (lao ban)

South African Fabian believes that using the term "老板" is an effective way to convey friendly intentions and to establish closer connections with friends in conversations.

2023-04-05 08:00 0

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 5: 美女/帅哥 (mei nu/shuai ge) - Art & Culture in China

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 5: 美女/帅哥 (mei nu/shuai ge)

Do you know that in China, it's common for people to be called "beauty" or "handsome" when they're dining out or shopping? Misa finds this phenomenon very interesting.

2023-03-29 08:00 0

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 4: 己所不欲,勿施于人 (ji suo bu yu wu shi yu ren) - Art & Culture in China

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 4: 己所不欲,勿施于人 (ji suo bu yu wu shi yu ren)

For American Hasani, this Chinese proverb is a proverb that lives his life by. It has an English counterpart, which is "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

2023-03-22 08:00 0

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