45 Mandarin Sentences With Chinese Characteristics

8/12/2019 45 Mandarin Sentences With Chinese Characteristics

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45 Mandarin Sentences with Chinese

Characteristics

Beginners Level

1.Nchfn le ma?Literally:Have you eaten?Function:Expresses ones concern for someone else.Near-equivalent phrase in English:Hows it going? or How are you?

2. Ndu ch ydin.Literally:Eat some more.Function:Expresses ones hospitality for a guest.Near-equivalent phrase in English:Have some more.

3. Mn man ch.Literally:Eat slowly.Function:Expresses politeness to someone when eating.Near-equivalent phrase in English:Bon apptit or enjoy your meal (AmericanEnglish).

4. Mn zu.Literally:Walk slowly.Function:Expresses politeness to someone when they leave someones house or a hotel,restaurant, etc.Near-equivalent phrase in English:Take care or Have a good day (AmericanEnglish).

5.

Mn mn li.Literally:Come slowly.Function:Expresses to someone to take it easy.Near-equivalent phrase in English:Take it easy, Take your time or Easy does it.

6. Wgn njing.Literally:I speak to you.

Similar phrase in Chinese:ntng wjing (Literally: Listen to what I say).

Note thatjing can always be replaced byshu.

Function:Used to get someone to listen to you when you want to tell them something youthink is important.

Near-equivalent phrase in English:Look, or Listen, 7. Wxin zu le.Literally:I go first.Function:Used to tell someone that you are leaving, and that they can stay in the same placeif they wish.Near-equivalent phrase in English:Im off. or I gotta run.

8. Qng wn yxi.


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Literally: Please [let me] ask.Function: Used when you wish to ask someone (usually a stranger) a question.Near-equivalent phrase in English: Excuse me.

Intermediate Level9. Bi sng le.Literally: Dont see me out.Similar phrase in Chinese:qnghu (Please return.) andQng lib (Please

stop here.)Function:Very polite. The guest says this to the host when the guest feels its not necessaryfor the host to see them out.Near-equivalent phrase in English: You dont need to see me out. or No need to walkme out.

10. Wjng ny bi.Literally: This phrase is difficult to translate literally.jng here symbolises respect given

to the second party.Function: Said when you wish to raise your drink to someone, to drink with them or proposea toast.Near-equivalent phrase in English:I drink to you or just Cheers.

11. Whu kolyxi de.Literally: I will consider [it].Function: Used to let someone know that youll think about something they have suggested,especially if youre not really sure you acceptit.Near-equivalent phrase in English: Ill think about it.

12. Nq mng nde ba.Literally: You go do what you are busy with.Function: Used to let someone know that they can continue doing what they are doing, while

you go and do something else.Near-equivalent phrase in English: Please carry on with what youre doing.

13. Wb sh shu n.Literally: Im not criticising you.

Similar phrase in Chinese:Wb gui n(Im not blaming you.)Function: Used to preface something critical youre about to say and urge the other personnot to be offended by it.Near-equivalent phrase in English: Im not criticising you.or Im not having a go at

you. (Aussie English) or No offense.14.Zhy ma?Literally:Difficult to translate literally;zhy is a verb used to indicate that something

has reached a certain level, whilema creates a question structure.

Function:Used to express doubt about what someone says. You may reply aszhy or

b zhy.Near-equivalent phrase in English: Is that really the case? or Has it come to that?(depending on situation)


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15. Nxi swle.Literally:You scared me to death.

Similar phrase in Chinese:Nxi le wy tio (similar, but not as strong)Function:Used to express ones fear or concern about someone.Near-equivalent phrase in English: You scared the crap outta me or You freaked meout or You made me concerned depending on situation.

16. Su nle.Literally:Isui[follow? go with?] you.

Similar phrase in Chinese:SubinFunction: Used to express that, when it comes to making a particular decision, you dontreally mind either way.Near-equivalent phrase in English: Up to you or Im easy. Whatever/I dont caredepending on the situation.

17. Li li lizu zu zu ch ch chLiterally:Come come come sit sit sit eat eat eatFunction: These three different phrases are used in different situations, though they may besaid after one another. They are normally used when greeting a guest and you wish to showthem your hospitality to come in and/or take a seat and/or eat.Near-equivalent phrase in English: Make yourself at home Please, take a seat Tuckin.

18. [] [Somebody] b zi zhungti.Literally:Somebody is not in [a normal] state.Function:Used to explain that someone perhaps a friend or a family member is notfeeling very well.Near-equivalent phrase in English: Somebody is not him/herself.

19. Wshpi le.Literally:I lose [your] company.Function: Used to politely let someone know that you are leaving.Near-equivalent phrase in English: Im sorry but I must take my leave(very formal) orSorry but I have to run (informal).

20. Qngjio yxi.Literally:Please instruct [me].Function: Used to let someone know that you welcome comments and criticism, particularlyabout a project you have been working on, your performance, etc.Near-equivalent phrase in English: Id love to hear some feedback from you., I lookforward to hearing your advice., Feel free to leave some comments. etc.

21. Nxnkle.Literally:Youve tasted bitterness/hardship.Function: Used to express gratitude for the help someone has given you.Near-equivalent phrase in English: No real equivalent in English. The translationYouve worked so hard. is acceptable, but probably sounds a little strange. In this situationan English speaker would probably just say, Thank you so much, I really appreciate it.

22. [] [Somebody] ch le hn du k.Literally: Somebodyhas eaten a lot of bitterness (hardship).Function: Used to state that someone has gone through many hardships.


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Near-equivalent phrase in English: Somebodys been through a lot. or Somebodyhasgone through a rough time.

23. Wtng nde.Literally:Ill listen to you.Function: Used to express that you will listen and follow what someone does, usually for ourown good.Near-equivalent phrase in English: Youre the boss.

24. [] [Something] du hun gi losh le.Literally:Somethinghas all been given back to the teacher.Function:Used to indicate that everything that youve learnt has been forgotten.Near-equivalent phrase in English:As far as I know, no real equivalent. Ive forgotten itall would suffice as a reference translation. A native English speaker may say something like,My French/mathematics/etc is a bit rusty though this is not as strong as the originalChinese sentence.

25. AB A shng le B de q.Literally:A generated anger because of B.Function: Used to express that you have made somebody angry. Notable because this

structure in Mandarin is unusual and a little confusing for Chinese learners.Near-equivalent phrase in English: A is angry at B. or A is pissed off with B. or Bmade A angry.

26. [][] [Something] b gun[somebody]de sh.Literally:Something does not relate to the affairs of somebody.Function:Used to (quite rudely) point out that something is not the business of someoneelse.Near-equivalent phrase in English: Something is not someonesbusiness.. When usedas an interjection the phrases None of your business! or Whats it to you? come to mind

thatsGun np sh? in Mandarin.

27. [] [Somebody]zhn gu pngyu.Literally:Somebodyis really an adequate friend.Function:Used to let someone know that you really value their friendship.Near-equivalent phrase in English: Somebodyis a true friend or Somebody is a realmate in Aussie English.

28. Hu b sh zhme shu.Literally:It is not said like this.Function:Used to gently disagree with someone.Near-equivalent phrase in English: I dont really think thats the case.

29.K b sh ma?Literally: How can it not be?Similar phrase in Chinese:Shi shu bu sh ne (Who doesnt say thats the

case?) orjish (Indeed!)Function:Used to express your strong agreement about something.Near-equivalent phrase in English: Definitely! or Absolutely!

30.Nr gn nr?Literally:Where compared to where?Function: Used to express doubt about the relationship of two things which you think are


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not related.Near-equivalent phrase in English: I dont see the connection or Whats that got to do

with it?

31. Zhn yu nde.Literally:(really) +(you) +(your [skill; talent])Function:Used to express your admiration of someones skill or talent.Near-equivalent phrase in English:Youre really awesome. or Youre really something

else.32. Kn qngkung.Literally:Look at the situation.Function: Used to express uncertainty about a certain situation.Near-equivalent phrase in English: Play it by ear or It depends depending onsituation

33.Shi gn shi a?Literally:Who with who ah?Similar phrase in Chinese:Bi jinwi (Dont act like an outsider.)

Function: Used to remind the other person that you are good friends with them, to get themto stop being so polite or to get them to reveal to you something you want to know.Near-equivalent phrase in English: Come on, were friends arent we?

34. [] [Something] bo zi wshnshang.Literally:Somethings package is on my person.Function:Used to let someone know that you will take absolute responsibility for a certaintask.Near-equivalent phrase in English: Leave it all to me and Ill make it happen.

35. [] [Somebody]b sh dngxi.Literally:Somebodyis not a thing.

Function: Used to insult someone.Near-equivalent phrase in English:Somebodyis good-for-nothing.

Advanced Level36. Ji nme hu sh.Literally:Thats how it was.Function: To state that something is mediocre or average.Near-equivalent phrases in English: Not that great. or Average.

37. [

]

[Somebody] s

de xn du y

u.Literally: Somebodyeven has a dead heart. (As if their heart is dead.) Function: Used to express somebodys desperation, disappointment and/or grief.Near-equivalent phrase in English: Somebody is torn apart.

38.i shishi!Literally:Love who who!Function: Used to express indifference.Near-equivalent phrase in English:Whatever! or Who cares!

39. [] [Somebody]b ho n ku.


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Literally:Somebodyis not well (used to) that mouth.Function: Used to express that someone does not share a particular hobby or fondness forsomething.Near-equivalent phrase in English: Somebody is not into that. or Thatsnot somebodysthing.

40. B yo fng zi xn shng.Literally:Dont put [it] in [your] heart.

Function: Used to advise someone to not continue thinking about an unpleasant topic.Near-equivalent phrase in English: Dont take it to heart.

41. Qng ndudu bohan.Literally:Please forgive [me] much.Function: Said before or after you do or say something which you think may hurt or offendothers.Near-equivalent phrase in English: Please forgive me. or Please bear with me.

42.[] Gi[somebody]dinr yns kn kn.Literally:Givesomebodya little colour (facial expression) to see.Function: Used to express someones ferociousness, to intimidate someone, usually to warnthem that they are tough and not to be offended.Near-equivalent phrase in English: Teachsomeone a lesson.

43. [] [Somebody]de bzi q wi le.Literally:Somebodys nose is crooked with anger.Function: Used to express how angry someone is.Near-equivalent phrase in English: Hes really pissed off.

44. [] [About something] dy g wnho.Literally:About something[I] write a question mark.Function:Used to express doubt about something.

Near-equivalent phrase in English: Not sure of an idiomatic equivalent; a basictranslation is to be unsure about something.

45. [] [Somebody]y yu jntin.Literally:Somebody also has today.Function: Used to state that someone has gotten comeuppance for a wrong deed.Near-equivalent phrase in English: Somebodywill get his/her just deserts. orSomebodyhas got what he/she deserves.

Beginners Level1.Jiyu!Literally: Add oil!

Function: Used to encourage someone to make extra effort, to do better or to cheer someone

on.

Near-equivalent in English: You can do it! or Go John/Mary/etc.! depending on

context.

2. Wdzi le.


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Literally: My belly is hungry.

Function: Used to let the other person know you are hungry.

Near-equivalent in English:Im hungry. or Im starving.

3. Nzo din xixi.Literally:You [better] rest early.

Function: Used to show concern for someone late at night, to urge them to go to bed early.

Near-equivalent in English: You better get to bed early or Dont have a late one.

4. Yunli rc.Literally: It was like this all along.

Function: Used to indicate that you have just realised something to be true.

Near-equivalent in English:I see. or Now I got you.

5. Sun le ba.Literally: (count; regard) +(verb completion particle) +(particle indicating

suggestion)

Function: Used to let the other person know that you dont care anymore about what was

being talked about.

Near-equivalent in English:Forget about it. or Nevermind.

6.Znmebn ne?Literally: How to do?

Function: Used to express frustration at not knowing what to do in a certain situation.

Near-equivalent in English:What do I do? or What should I do?

Synonyms:

7. Zhnsh de.Literally:(really) +(is) +(grammatical particle, used for emphasis)

Function: Used to express displeasure or annoyance at the actions of someone else.

Near-equivalent in English:Oh come on!, Seriously! or Jesus! depending on

context.

8. B hu ba.Literally: Cant be.

Function: Used to express a feeling that the likelihood of something happening is very low.

Near-equivalent in English:No way., I doubt it. or Youre kidding me. depending on

context.

9. Gitinzishuba.


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Literally: Change day, speak again.

Function:Used when you wish to cancelled a plan with someone, and reschedule it for

another day.

Near-equivalent in English:Lets try for another day. or Lets take a rain check.

10. B yng j.Literally: Dont use urgent. (No use for urgency.)

Function: Used to reassure someone that what is being discussed is not urgent.

Near-equivalent in English:No rush. or Take your time.

Synonyms:

11.Zhnde jide?Literally: Real, fake?

Function: Used to express surprise or doubt about something just discussed or discovered.

Near-equivalent in English:Really? or No way!12.Nzhnbng!Literally: Youre really excellent!

Function: Used to praise someone for their talent, behaviour or actions.

Near-equivalent in English:Youre awesome or Youre really something.

Synonyms:

13. Wxing liojiyxi.Literally: I want to understand/know.

Function: Used to politely enquire about something.

Near-equivalent phrase in English: I was just wondering or Id like to know more

about

14. Yu sh kyzho w.Literally: [If] youhave a matter you can try to find me.

Function: Used to express your willingness to help someone.

Near-equivalent phrase in English: Contact me if you need any help.

Intermediate Level15. B di zhyng de.Literally: Not look after like this.

Function: Used to state that the way someone is treating you is unacceptable or unfair.

Near-equivalent phrase in English: How could you do this to me?, Oh, come on! or

Thats not cool.


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23. Tyu le.Literally: She has.

Function: Used to state that a woman is pregnant. Used as a euphemism.

Near-equivalent in English:Shes got a bun in the oven. or Shes expecting.

24. [] [Somebody]zhnyu lingxizi.Literally: Somebodyreally has a couple of times.Function: Used to state that someone is skillful, with a high level of ability.

Near-equivalent in English:Somebodyhas real skill. or S/he really knows her/his

stuff.

25. Zhnsh ge bijo.Literally: Really is a tragedy.

Function: Used to complain about something which disappointed you. Has a melodramatic

tone. The wordis often typed as the pun(cup). By extension, the word(tea

table) is also used to describe someone you think leads a particularly sucky life.

Near-equivalent in English:That really sucks., What a bummer. or Fail. (American

slang)

Synonyms:

26. Bijdng.Literally: Dont get agitated/excited.

Function: Used to tell someone to calm down.

Near-equivalent phrase in English: Calm down. or Settle down.

27.[] Sh[somebody]zu xio le.Literally: Countsomebodyas the littlest.

Function: Used to state that someone is the youngest in their family, or in a group of people.

Near-equivalent in English: Somebody is the youngest here. or Somebody is the baby

of the family.

28. Zh sh mngbi zhe ya.Literally: This matter is obvious.

Function: Used to state that something is obvious so does not need further explanation.

Near-equivalent in English: Its obvious.

29. [] [Somebody]xnliyush.Literally: Insomebodysheart there is a number.

Function: Used to express confidence that someone knows what to do to achieve something,

especially when others worries that they cant.


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Near-equivalent in English: Somebodyis confident about it. or Somebodyis certain

about it depending on the context.

Synonyms:

30. Ch dudngling le.Literally: The tea has gone cold from waiting.

Function: Used to express impatience with someone who has made you wait a long time.

Near-equivalent in English: Weve been waiting forever.

31.Shngbr s!Literally: Life is not as good as death!

Function: Used to complain that the terrible things in ones life are too much to bear, that it

would be better to die than to keep on living. Melodramatic in tone.

Near-equivalent in English:Kill me now!

32. [][] [Somebody]du [somebody]yu ysi.Literally: Somebody is interested in somebody.

Function: Used to state that someone has a romantic interest in someone else.

Near-equivalent in English:Somebody is into somebody or somebody has a thing

for somebody.

33. [][] [Somebody]gn[somebody]yu yunfn.Literally: Somebody has a destiny with somebody.

Function: Used to state that two people have a predestined affinity, that they were fated to

meet.

Near-equivalent in English:We were fated to meet. or We were meant to be. in a

romantic context.

34. [][] [Somebody]du[something]yu ynji.Literally: Somebodyhas done research about something.

Function: Used to state that somebody knows or is informed about a topic or matter.

Near-equivalent in English:Somebodyknows a thing or two aboutsomething. or

Somebodyis informed about something.

35. Wxing png png ynq.Literally: Id like to touch/knock [my] luck.

Function: Used to state that you would like to try and see if you can succeed in something,

even if the odds may be against you.

Near-equivalent in English:Id like to try my luck.

36. Wzu gushyn le.


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Literally: I stepped on dog-shit luck.

Function: Used to state that you unexpectedly got lucky, or that you achieved something by

fluke.

Near-equivalent in English:I fluked it. or I lucked out. depending on context.

Synonyms:(adverb)

37. Wdukui bngkule.Literally: Im about to collapse.

Function: Used to state that someone is psychologically exhausted, or devastated.

Near-equivalent in English:Im going to pieces. or Im near the point of breakdown.

38.Znmego deLiterally: How could that have been done?

Function: Used to show confusion about something that has happened thatyou dont

understand, or dissatisfaction or blame about what someone has done, or failed to do.Near-equivalent in English:Whats going on? or Whats going on with you?

depending on context.

Advanced Level39. [][] [Somebody]gi[somebody]chunxioxi le.Literally: Somebody gave somebodysmall shoes to wear.

Function: Used to indicate that someone, usually of a higher position, is deliberately making

life difficult for someone else.

Near-equivalent phrase in English: Somebodyis making life difficult forsomebody. or

Somebodyhas put somebodyin a difficult situation.

40.Fng mguli ba!Literally: Set your horses on me!

Function: Used to show that you are ready for a challenge or fight.

Near-equivalent in English: Bring it on! or Gimme all you got!41. [][] [Somebody]sh [somebody]dzi ldechngzi.Literally: Somebodyis somebodysbelly bug.

Function: Used to indicate that someone knows someone else so well that s/he knows

exactly what they are thinking.

Near-equivalent in English:Somebodycan read somebodysmind/thoughts.


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42. [][] [Somebody]fng le [somebody]de gzi.Literally: Somebodyreleased a pigeon on somebody.

Function: Used to indicate that someone has failed to show up to a meeting, date or other

engagement.

Near-equivalent in English:Somebodystood somebody up.

43.Shnme fngbngichudo zhr li la?Literally: What wind blew you here?

Function: Used to greet an acquaintance who you have bumped into, or who has turned up

to your home unannounced.

Near-equivalent in English:What brings you here? Can also be translated as Look

what the cat dragged in. though this is usually used between friends only as it can be

offensive.

44. [

]

[Somebody]de xndut do s

ngziy

nr le.Literally: Somebodys heart has rose up into their throat.Function: Used to state that someone has extremely nervous or scared.

Near-equivalent in English:Somebodys heart is racing.

45. [][] [Somebody]gi[somebody]ge tijixi.Literally: Givesomebodya flight of steps to get on.

Function: Used to state that someone has given someone an opportunity to get out of an

awkward or embarrassing situation.

Near-equivalent in English:No exact equivalent; consider: Givesomebodya way out of

an awkward situation.

10 Chinese Love Idiomscarlgeneon 26/07/201017 Comments

Ive been looking through some old notes I had written a few years ago and was inspired to

come up with a love/relationships theme for my next blog entry. Heres a list Ive come upwith some (native-speaker-checked) example sentences to help you express more eloquently

your past, present and future experiences with the lovers in your life. If Ive left out any of

your favourites, please leave a comment.

1. yjinrg
http://carlgene.com/blog/author/carlgene/http://carlgene.com/blog/author/carlgene/http://carlgene.com/blog/2010/07/10-chinese-love-idioms/#commentshttp://carlgene.com/blog/2010/07/10-chinese-love-idioms/#commentshttp://carlgene.com/blog/2010/07/10-chinese-love-idioms/#commentshttp://carlgene.com/blog/author/carlgene/


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To hit it off right from the start; to feel like old friends upon first meeting. Similar to

yjinzhngqng, love at first sight.

Wmen liyjinrg, sn g yu yhu ji jihn le.

We hit it off the moment we met and got married three months later.

2. yxingqngyunUse this when someone you know likes someone but that person doesnt like them back. For

example, a man is trying to do whatever he can to please a woman but the woman just does

not like him. However this also has a slightly negative connotation and implies that the person

is only taking into account his or her own feelings and not those of the other party. (A

common occurrence when courting someone a little out of ones league!)

Wde biog xing zhu wde yg tngxu, kngp t sh yxingqngyun ba!

My cousin wants to go after one of my classmates but unfortunately his love is only one-way.

3.zhngsqngyuThis phrase implies that you put your boyfriend or girlfriend ahead of your friends. In

English, the US slang [to put] bros before hos comes to mind. (Edit: Which has the opposite

meaning. Thanks for the correction.)

Wishnme nfng le wgzi? Wmen bsh ho pngyu ma? Nndo nsh yg

zhngsqngyu de rn ma?

Why did you stand me up? Arent we good friends? Could it be that youre the kind of person

who wont put bros before hoes?

4. ywngqngshnTo love deeply; to be deeply attached to; to be head over heels.

Jshtmen yjng fnshu le, Wngchn du Cob hish ywngqngshn.

Although they had broken up, Wangchen and Caobo were still deeply in love.

5.hikshln


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Even if the seas should run dry and the rocks crumble. By extension, no matter what

happens and for how long. This very poetic and romantic idiom is used to express your

undying love for someone.

T zhsh zhe t de ynjng, fsh shu t hu ido t hikshln.

He gazed into her eyes and swore to love her until his last dying breath.

6.lingqngxingyuTo be attracted and attached to one another.

Tmen knqli yjng lingqngxingyu le, trn li le g dsnzh.

They seemed so attached to one another, then along came someone else.

7.byshungfiTo fly as a couple, wing to wing.This can be used either literally the idea of flying in the

clouds with your lover, such as in a dream or figuratively to mean to enjoy a kind of activity

together, such as going on holiday.

Tmen zhun gu le qin zhhu bin byshungfi le.

After making enough money, they went out to have some fun.

8.jio t ling zh chunTo have ones feet in two boats.This idiom can refer to a man who already has a girlfriend

but is seeing someone else at the same time. When used generically it can also just refer to any

kind of situation in which someone is undecided.

Jio t ling zh chun hn yu wixinxng.

Its dangerous to have ones feet in two boats.

9.udunslinThe lotus root is severed, but linked by threads. This chengyu metaphorises the idea of a

relationship breaking up, but still being connected in some kind of way.

Surn tmen yjng lhn hnjile, dn ur y hu zi wngshng linx, zhn yudin


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udunslin de gnju.

Although they divorced a long time ago, they still contact each other online from time to time

and so have not cut off relations completely.

10. ydolingdunTo make a clean break; to break up; to a sever a relationship completely.

Wshzi shu blio t de suzusuwi, suyji h t ydolingdun le.

I couldnttake her behaviour any more, so I cut her out of my life.

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45 Mandarin Sentences With Chinese Characteristics

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