Category: Chinese Grammar

Chinese phrase translation: 冒昧 (màomèi) allow me to take the liberty

冒昧 (màomèi) allow me to take the liberty Usage: “冒昧”是一种谦虚的说法,指语言或者行为不顾地位、能力、场合是否合时宜,一般用这个词来让对方原谅说话者的唐突。“冒昧” is a construction that implies modesty. It implies that one’s words or actions are void of position, ability, or suitability for an occasion. When using this word, the speaker wants the listener to forgive his ignorance.

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Chinese phrase translation: 沙发客 (Shāfākè) couchsurfer

沙发客 (Shāfākè) couchsurfer Usage: “沙发客”是一种在旅游中新兴的省钱方式。指旅行者到旅游的目的地后住在陌生人为其免费提供的床铺、沙发、地板等,旅行者达到了节省资金的目的,陌生人也热衷这样的旅游方式。
“沙发客”is a new way to save money while traveling. Tourists live for free in the homes of strangers, who offer free beds, sofas, or the floor when guests arrive. These hosts are also fond of this form of tourism.

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Chinese phrase translation: 国货 (guóhuò) goods made in China

国货 (guóhuò) goods made in China Usage: 本国生产或制造的物品都称为“国货”。在中国,提到“国货”大多与民族情感相联系。“国货”价廉物美,伴随中国人很多年,能引发他们的怀旧情怀。The goods that are produced or manufactured within the home country are called “国货.” In China, there is a relationship between “国货” and feelings of nationalism. “国货” are inexpensive but of good quality and have been in China for many years, which gives many a sense of nostalgia.

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Chinese grammar: What is a 被bei Sentence?

Bei Sentences, which are called 被字句 (bèizìjù) in Chinese, are a key way to express the passive in modern Mandarin Chinese. In passive sentences, the object of an action becomes the subject of the sentence, and what would have been the subject of the normal (active voice) sentence, the "doer" of the action, becomes secondary, and may or may not be included in the passive sentence.

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