Category: Spoken Chinese

动不动 dòngbudòng：often out of boredom “动不动”比喻某种现象频繁发生(常含厌烦意),一般跟“就”连用。“dòngbudòng” means that a phenomenon occurs frequently (and often out of boredom). It is usually used with“就.”

Stephy: 好的，谢谢！(Hǎo de, xièxiè!)
Passenger: 不用。(Búyònɡ.)

Stephy: To pass these red shark fin-looking barriers, you’ll going to have to buy a subway ticket. Subway fare is relatively cheap compared to taxi fare. Taxis can range from 10 to 100 yuan depending on distance. Whereas a one-way subway ticket to any destination costs a flat 2 yuan, or 30 cents in the United States. Let’s go and get a ticket.

Dominic to taxi driver: 师傅，多少钱？(Shīfu, duōshǎo qián?)
Driver: 六十块。(Liùshí kuài.)

Stephy: Looking for the faster and less stressful alternative? Be a true Beijinger, join us as we head underground to use Beijing’s subway system and learn some useful Chinese transportation phrases along the way.

(Foreigners talking about their experiences of renting an apartment in China) (Apartment interiors)

Lance: Moving to any city in the world, though exciting and new, comes with its share of frustrations and concerns. Topping the list is finding a place to call home. In a city like Beijing, the more you know, the better-off you will be.