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 90: 这是我的荣幸 (zhè shì wǒ de róng xìng) - Art & Culture in China

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 90: 这是我的荣幸 (zhè shì wǒ de róng xìng)

For Bill from the US, this is his favorite Chinese phrase. Whether it's with a friend or a stranger, he gets a real kick out of using it.

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 89: 活到老学到老 (huó dào lǎo,xué dào lào) - Art & Culture in China

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 89: 活到老学到老 (huó dào lǎo,xué dào lào)

Vaibhav, from India, loves learning new things and believes that "It's never too late to learn."

2024-11-22 13:15 0

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 88: 出淤泥而不染,濯清涟而不妖 (chū yū ní ér bù rǎn, zhuó qīng lián ér bù yāo) - Art & Culture in China

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 88: 出淤泥而不染,濯清涟而不妖 (chū yū ní ér bù rǎn, zhuó qīng lián ér bù yāo)

The verse's message has inspired Mylene, who is particularly fond of Chinese poetry, to maintain a pure and beautiful heart.

2024-11-18 18:48 0

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 87: 有借有还再借不难 (yǒu jiè yǒu huán, zài jiè bù nán) - Art & Culture in China

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 87: 有借有还再借不难 (yǒu jiè yǒu huán, zài jiè bù nán)

This phrase implies that if people return what they have borrowed, they can preserve trust, responsibility, and good relationships.

2024-11-13 20:10 0

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 86: 内卷 (Nei Juan) - Art & Culture in China

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 86: 内卷 (Nei Juan)

For Kai, an American Chinese who has lived and worked in Shanghai for 14 years, the buzzword, which means "involution" resonates deeply.

2024-11-03 16:48 0

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 85: 人心齐泰山移 (rén xīn qí, tài shān yí) - Art & Culture in China

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 85: 人心齐泰山移 (rén xīn qí, tài shān yí)

Mayank is particularly impressed by the Chinese idiom, which means 'when people are united, they can move Mount Tai.' In India, there is a phrase with the same meaning.

2024-10-26 15:27 0

'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.

2024-10-18 15:30 0

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.

2024-10-14 15:12 0

'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

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