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 84: 守株待兔 (shǒu zhū dài tù) - Art & Culture in China

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 84: 守株待兔 (shǒu zhū dài tù)

Penny, from Grace, was deeply impressed by an idiom that tells us success doesn't come from passively waiting, but from taking the initiative to carve out your own path.

Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 83: 班门弄斧 (Ban Men Nong Fu) - Lifestyle in China

Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 83: 班门弄斧 (Ban Men Nong Fu)

The idiom describes a situation where showing off one's skills in front of an expert can lead to embarrassment. It reminds us of the importance of maintaining humility.

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 82: 赠人玫瑰,手留余香 (zèng rén méi guī, shǒu liú yú xiāng) - Art & Culture in China

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 82: 赠人玫瑰,手留余香 (zèng rén méi guī, shǒu liú yú xiāng)

Yassine from Morocco recommends one of his favorite idiom, which reflects the idea that helping others also benefits oneself.

2024-10-04 00:08 0

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 81: 只要功夫深, 铁杵磨成针 (zhǐ yào gōng fū shēn, tiě chǔ mó chéng zhēn) - Art & Culture in China

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 81: 只要功夫深, 铁杵磨成针 (zhǐ yào gōng fū shēn, tiě chǔ mó chéng zhēn)

This particular saying is about a story of the legendary poet Li Bai, teaching us that success depends not only on talent but also on persistent effort.

2024-09-30 18:38 0

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 80: 轻舟已过万重山(qīng zhōu yǐ guò wàn chóng shān) - Art & Culture in China

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 80: 轻舟已过万重山(qīng zhōu yǐ guò wàn chóng shān)

Originally from Myanmar, Manni has spent three years in Shanghai, where she has developed a profound appreciation for Chinese classical poetry.

2024-09-20 13:27 0

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 79: 青出于蓝而胜于蓝 (Qing Chu Yu Lan Er Sheng Yu Lan) - Art & Culture in China

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 79: 青出于蓝而胜于蓝 (Qing Chu Yu Lan Er Sheng Yu Lan)

Monica, a German-Italian blend living in Shanghai, recommends an idiom that means 'great teachers inspire students to surpass even their own accomplishments.

2024-09-10 09:45 0

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 78: 什么鬼 (Shén Me Guǐ) - Art & Culture in China

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 78: 什么鬼 (Shén Me Guǐ)

Do you often hear the phrase 'What the hell?' in casual conversations? In Chinese, there's a similarly popular expression.

2024-09-04 18:39 0

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 77: 磕蛋 (Ke Dan) - Art & Culture in China

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 77: 磕蛋 (Ke Dan)

Literally, it means "cracking eggs," but in the fitness community, it has become a popular catchphrase referring to consuming eggs for protein.

2024-08-31 11:32 0

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 76: 老天爷(Lao Tian Ye) - Art & Culture in China

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 76: 老天爷(Lao Tian Ye)

Mohammed Abiola, a young man from Nigeria, endorses the phrase. His friend once exclaimed it in astonishment when Abiola's proficiency in Chinese surprised him.

2024-08-23 22:23 0

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 75: 顺其自然 (Shùn Qì Zì Rán) - Art & Culture in China

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 75: 顺其自然 (Shùn Qì Zì Rán)

The young man from the UK has gained a deep understanding of the relationship between effort and success.

2024-08-17 11:25 0

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