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 29: 船到桥头自然直 (Chuan Dao Qiao Tou Zi Ran Zhi) - Art & Culture in China
Art & Culture

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 29: 船到桥头自然直 (Chuan Dao Qiao Tou Zi Ran Zhi)

When faced with the decision to either go to Greece or return to China, Alex stumbled upon this proverb and learned to have faith in the plan that the universe has for him.
'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 28: 还可以 (Hai Ke Yi) - Art & Culture in China
Art & Culture

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 28: 还可以 (Hai Ke Yi)

Valentin, a wine merchant from Argentina, introduces a popular Chinese phrase which contains multiple meanings stemming from the high-context nature of Chinese language.
'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 27: 摸鱼(Mo Yu) - Art & Culture in China
Art & Culture

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 27: 摸鱼(Mo Yu)

Have you ever had the experience of pretending to work or study hard when you're actually not doing anything?
'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 26: 冰冻三尺,非一日之寒 ( Bing Dong San Chi Fei Yi Ri Zhi Han) - Art & Culture in China
Art & Culture

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 26: 冰冻三尺,非一日之寒 ( Bing Dong San Chi Fei Yi Ri Zhi Han)

Ritchel Olpindo, an English teacher from the Philippines, learnt it from a Chinese friend when she felt discouraged, and the proverb really gave her an uplift.
'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 25: 学而不思则罔,思而不学则殆 (Xue Er Bu Si Ze Wang, Si Er Bu Xue Ze Dai) - Art & Culture in China
Art & Culture

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 25: 学而不思则罔,思而不学则殆 (Xue Er Bu Si Ze Wang, Si Er Bu Xue Ze Dai)

This famous Chinese saying comes from the Analects of Confucius.
'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 24:  塞翁失马,焉知非福 (Sai Weng Shi Ma, Yan Zhi Fei Fu) - Art & Culture in China
Art & Culture

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 24: 塞翁失马,焉知非福 (Sai Weng Shi Ma, Yan Zhi Fei Fu)

As Oliver Hassan immerses himself in Chinese society, he gains a distinctive perspective on Chinese culture. Check out how he introduces this famous Chinese idiom.
'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 23: 坚持就是胜利 (Jian Chi Jiu Shi Sheng Li) - Art & Culture in China
Art & Culture

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 23: 坚持就是胜利 (Jian Chi Jiu Shi Sheng Li)

The idiom, which emphasizes the importance of persevering through obstacles, motivated Haitian Jovens Alabre to strive towards his goal of becoming a medical doctor.
'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 22: 人有悲欢离合,月有阴晴圆缺 (Ren You Bei Huan Li He, Yue You Yin Qing Yuan Que) - Art & Culture in China
Art & Culture

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 22: 人有悲欢离合,月有阴晴圆缺 (Ren You Bei Huan Li He, Yue You Yin Qing Yuan Que)

People from different countries have different emotions towards the moon. Sato Shizuka, who is from Japan, learnt a Chinese expression about the moon when she was a child.
'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 21: 茉莉花  (Mo Li Hua) - Art & Culture in China
Art & Culture

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 21: 茉莉花 (Mo Li Hua)

Are you familiar with the Chinese folk song "Jasmine Flower"? Do you enjoy jasmine tea? Nazia Vasi from India shares her love of the flower and the Chinese word.
'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 20: 打包 (Da Bao) - Art & Culture in China
Art & Culture

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 20: 打包 (Da Bao)

Yolanda, who has been living in Shanghai for over a decade, recommends a very useful word today. In addition to packing endless meals, what else does she want to "da bao"?

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