Mandarin From the Ground Up Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/mandarin-from-the-ground-up Learn to speak Mandarin the same way you learned your native language: by imitating what you hear. No memorizing, no tedious grammar lessons, no superhuman willpower, just the sounds of Chinese, your ears, and you. Let's start speaking Chinese for real this time. Subscribe to start building your Mandarin from the ground up! Logo artwork by Alex Wang • 老汪 © 2023 Isaac Myers 637f0439-30cf-5542-8289-ba7a1e6ebf8f no Support this podcast Trailer: Learning Mandarin like a native speaker en Wed, 23 Jul 2025 07:36:47 -0700 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 13:08:29 -0800 https://www.mftgu.com/ https://img.transistor.fm/zPX4xVok9jv0bKIiXKtLFkpVW6AvyUfdzL9JQg8q9Ck/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/Lzk2NDAvMTY3NDc5/MDIzNC1hcnR3b3Jr/LmpwZw.jpg Mandarin From the Ground Up https://www.mftgu.com/ serial Isaac Myers Learn to speak Mandarin the same way you learned your native language: by imitating what you hear. No memorizing, no tedious grammar lessons, no superhuman willpower, just the sounds of Chinese, your ears, and you. Let's start speaking Chinese for real this time. Subscribe to start building your Mandarin from the ground up! Logo artwork by Alex Wang • 老汪 Learn to speak Mandarin the same way you learned your native language: by imitating what you hear. Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan Isaac Myers No No Trailer: Learning Mandarin like a native speaker 1 1 Trailer: Learning Mandarin like a native speaker trailer 41c37ed0-c0aa-4599-98e2-674f17d9a13e https://share.transistor.fm/s/4f30f8d7 Nothing stands in the way of you getting fluent in Mandarin. Billions have managed it. So why does it seem so hard?

In less than three minutes, I'll explain how you can start to change learning Chinese from an insurmountable obstacle into a way to get more in touch with yourself and your ears.

New lesson released every Wednesday. Subscribe to start building your Mandarin from the ground up!

Music:
https://soundcloud.com/jonasmyersmusic

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Nothing stands in the way of you getting fluent in Mandarin. Billions have managed it. So why does it seem so hard?

In less than three minutes, I'll explain how you can start to change learning Chinese from an insurmountable obstacle into a way to get more in touch with yourself and your ears.

New lesson released every Wednesday. Subscribe to start building your Mandarin from the ground up!

Music:
https://soundcloud.com/jonasmyersmusic

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Thu, 16 Apr 2020 08:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 174 What learning a language is really about, and how you can start building your Mandarin skills naturally from the ground up. What learning a language is really about, and how you can start building your Mandarin skills naturally from the ground up. Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No 01 ~ Listen, can you speak Chinese? 1 1 01 ~ Listen, can you speak Chinese? full 0bd32da9-bce1-4e68-bf46-32d233fde67a https://mftgu.squarespace.com/episodes/s01-e01 In our very first lesson, we'll get you started speaking useful Mandarin right away. You'll learn how to say whether or not you can speak Chinese, and we'll start building a good foundation for your accent, copying exactly what you hear.

~

When you're listening to the sounds of Chinese or any other language, pay close attention to the intonation. This is the first thing that infants copy in their native language, and it should be the first thing you copy when learning Mandarin.

Give yourself permission to sound a little silly or weird to yourself -- you may even feel like you're doing a caricature of the other language, but you're really not. Faithfully mimicking what you hear actually shows that you respect the language, and that you're trying to speak it on its own terms. Native speakers will appreciate the effort, and have a much easier time understanding you.

Of course, this is true about any language, but it's doubly true for Chinese, where a different intonation can radically change the meaning of what you're saying. If it helps, you can think of it like learning to sing a song, rather than learning to "say" something.

In this episode, we hear a dialogue between two people talking about what languages they speak. With enough repetitions and practice, you'll be speaking right along with them.

A note about pronunciation: The vocabulary list below includes the Chinese characters and the pinyin romanization system. The advantage of pinyin for English speakers is that it uses the familiar symbols of the Latin alphabet. The disadvantage is that English speakers are easily deceived into thinking these familiar symbols represent the same sounds they do in English. They don't. That said, pinyin can be a useful system to learn, but you must rely on your ears first, eyes second. 

Don't expect to be able to pronounce anything just by reading the pinyin; the romanization is just a reference to jog your memory. the language exists primarily in its sounds, which is why daily listening and imitation practice is so important. 

Episode vocabulary:

  • 你 :: nǐ :: you
  • 我 :: wǒ :: I/me
  • 好 :: hǎo :: good/OK
  • 聽 :: tīng :: to listen, to hear
  • 說 :: shuō :: to say, to speak
  • 會 :: huì :: to be able to
  • 不 :: bù :: not
  • 中文 :: zhōngwén :: Mandarin / Chinese language
  • 嗎 :: ma :: [indicates a question]
  • 一點 :: yīdiǎn :: a little
  • 對 :: duì :: correct/right
  • 吧 :: ba :: [indicates a suggestion]
  • 英文 :: yīngwén :: English language
  • 加油 :: jiāyóu :: Good luck! / You got this!


About learning Chinese characters
Teaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of this podcast, but if you are learning Chinese characters through another course or method, you can use the transcript below to follow along.

Learning characters can be a fulfilling project, and can help you to remember and differentiate similar-sounding words. And, of course, it opens up more avenues for practicing your Mandarin, such as reading (books, children's books, comic books) and corresponding with Chinese speakers via email and other messaging apps. I highly encourage you to give it a try!

However, if the thought of memorizing all those characters now gives you a headache, rest assured: you can start speaking Mandarin without being able to read or write. Millions of preliterate children speak Mandarin fluently, and so can you! If and when you are ready to start learning the characters, already speaking some Mandarin will make it that much easier.

The bottom line is this: Don't let anything stop you or discourage you. The best method is the method you actually use, and any method you choose is better than no method at all! Find a way to move forward. You can always make adjustments later.

Dialogue transcript

  • M：你好
  • L：你好！
  • M：你聽我說
  • L：好
  • M：你會說中文嗎？
  • L：呃...
  • M：你不會？
  • L：我不會
  • M：你會吧！你會說一點中文，對吧！
  • L：對... 我會說一點點
  • M：對吧！
  • L：那，你會說英文嗎？
  • M：不會
  • L：喔... 
  • M：加油！！！


Enjoying this indie podcast? Become a member, get extra content, and keep it going! 
★ Support this podcast ★

]]> In our very first lesson, we'll get you started speaking useful Mandarin right away. You'll learn how to say whether or not you can speak Chinese, and we'll start building a good foundation for your accent, copying exactly what you hear.

~

When you're listening to the sounds of Chinese or any other language, pay close attention to the intonation. This is the first thing that infants copy in their native language, and it should be the first thing you copy when learning Mandarin.

Give yourself permission to sound a little silly or weird to yourself -- you may even feel like you're doing a caricature of the other language, but you're really not. Faithfully mimicking what you hear actually shows that you respect the language, and that you're trying to speak it on its own terms. Native speakers will appreciate the effort, and have a much easier time understanding you.

Of course, this is true about any language, but it's doubly true for Chinese, where a different intonation can radically change the meaning of what you're saying. If it helps, you can think of it like learning to sing a song, rather than learning to "say" something.

In this episode, we hear a dialogue between two people talking about what languages they speak. With enough repetitions and practice, you'll be speaking right along with them.

A note about pronunciation: The vocabulary list below includes the Chinese characters and the pinyin romanization system. The advantage of pinyin for English speakers is that it uses the familiar symbols of the Latin alphabet. The disadvantage is that English speakers are easily deceived into thinking these familiar symbols represent the same sounds they do in English. They don't. That said, pinyin can be a useful system to learn, but you must rely on your ears first, eyes second. 

Don't expect to be able to pronounce anything just by reading the pinyin; the romanization is just a reference to jog your memory. the language exists primarily in its sounds, which is why daily listening and imitation practice is so important. 

Episode vocabulary:

  • 你 :: nǐ :: you
  • 我 :: wǒ :: I/me
  • 好 :: hǎo :: good/OK
  • 聽 :: tīng :: to listen, to hear
  • 說 :: shuō :: to say, to speak
  • 會 :: huì :: to be able to
  • 不 :: bù :: not
  • 中文 :: zhōngwén :: Mandarin / Chinese language
  • 嗎 :: ma :: [indicates a question]
  • 一點 :: yīdiǎn :: a little
  • 對 :: duì :: correct/right
  • 吧 :: ba :: [indicates a suggestion]
  • 英文 :: yīngwén :: English language
  • 加油 :: jiāyóu :: Good luck! / You got this!


About learning Chinese characters
Teaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of this podcast, but if you are learning Chinese characters through another course or method, you can use the transcript below to follow along.

Learning characters can be a fulfilling project, and can help you to remember and differentiate similar-sounding words. And, of course, it opens up more avenues for practicing your Mandarin, such as reading (books, children's books, comic books) and corresponding with Chinese speakers via email and other messaging apps. I highly encourage you to give it a try!

However, if the thought of memorizing all those characters now gives you a headache, rest assured: you can start speaking Mandarin without being able to read or write. Millions of preliterate children speak Mandarin fluently, and so can you! If and when you are ready to start learning the characters, already speaking some Mandarin will make it that much easier.

The bottom line is this: Don't let anything stop you or discourage you. The best method is the method you actually use, and any method you choose is better than no method at all! Find a way to move forward. You can always make adjustments later.

Dialogue transcript

  • M：你好
  • L：你好！
  • M：你聽我說
  • L：好
  • M：你會說中文嗎？
  • L：呃...
  • M：你不會？
  • L：我不會
  • M：你會吧！你會說一點中文，對吧！
  • L：對... 我會說一點點
  • M：對吧！
  • L：那，你會說英文嗎？
  • M：不會
  • L：喔... 
  • M：加油！！！


Enjoying this indie podcast? Become a member, get extra content, and keep it going! 
★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Wed, 29 Apr 2020 08:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 991 In our very first lesson, we'll get you started speaking useful Mandarin right away. You'll learn how to say whether or not you can speak Chinese, and we'll start building a good foundation for your accent, copying exactly what you hear.

~

When you're listening to the sounds of Chinese or any other language, pay close attention to the intonation. This is the first thing that infants copy in their native language, and it should be the first thing you copy when learning Mandarin.

Give yourself permission to sound a little silly or weird to yourself -- you may even feel like you're doing a caricature of the other language, but you're really not. Faithfully mimicking what you hear actually shows that you respect the language, and that you're trying to speak it on its own terms. Native speakers will appreciate the effort, and have a much easier time understanding you.

Of course, this is true about any language, but it's doubly true for Chinese, where a different intonation can radically change the meaning of what you're saying. If it helps, you can think of it like learning to sing a song, rather than learning to "say" something.

In this episode, we hear a dialogue between two people talking about what languages they speak. With enough repetitions and practice, you'll be speaking right along with them.

A note about pronunciation: The vocabulary list below includes the Chinese characters and the pinyin romanization system. The advantage of pinyin for English speakers is that it uses the familiar symbols of the Latin alphabet. The disadvantage is that English speakers are easily deceived into thinking these familiar symbols represent the same sounds they do in English. They don't. That said, pinyin can be a useful system to learn, but you must rely on your ears first, eyes second. 

Don't expect to be able to pronounce anything just by reading the pinyin; the romanization is just a reference to jog your memory. the language exists primarily in its sounds, which is why daily listening and imitation practice is so important. 

Episode vocabulary:

  • 你 :: nǐ :: you
  • 我 :: wǒ :: I/me
  • 好 :: hǎo :: good/OK
  • 聽 :: tīng :: to listen, to hear
  • 說 :: shuō :: to say, to speak
  • 會 :: huì :: to be able to
  • 不 :: bù :: not
  • 中文 :: zhōngwén :: Mandarin / Chinese language
  • 嗎 :: ma :: [indicates a question]
  • 一點 :: yīdiǎn :: a little
  • 對 :: duì :: correct/right
  • 吧 :: ba :: [indicates a suggestion]
  • 英文 :: yīngwén :: English language
  • 加油 :: jiāyóu :: Good luck! / You got this!


About learning Chinese characters
Teaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of this podcast, but if you are learning Chinese characters through another course or method, you can use the transcript below to follow along.

Learning characters can be a fulfilling project, and can help you to remember and differentiate similar-sounding words. And, of course, it opens up more avenues for practicing your Mandarin, such as reading (books, children's books, comic books) and corresponding with Chinese speakers via email and other messaging apps. I highly encourage you to give it a try!

However, if the thought of memorizing all those characters now gives you a headache, rest assured: you can start speaking Mandarin without being able to read or write. Millions of preliterate children speak Mandarin fluently, and so can you! If and when you are ready to start learning the characters, already speaking some Mandarin will make it that much easier.

The bottom line is this: Don't let anything stop you or discourage you. The best method is the method you actually use, and any method you choose is better than no method at all! Find a way to move forward. You can always make adjustments later.

Dialogue transcript

  • M：你好
  • L：你好！
  • M：你聽我說
  • L：好
  • M：你會說中文嗎？
  • L：呃...
  • M：你不會？
  • L：我不會
  • M：你會吧！你會說一點中文，對吧！
  • L：對... 我會說一點點
  • M：對吧！
  • L：那，你會說英文嗎？
  • M：不會
  • L：喔... 
  • M：加油！！！


Enjoying this indie podcast? Become a member, get extra content, and keep it going! 
★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No Daily Practice Session - Lesson 01 1 1 Daily Practice Session - Lesson 01 bonus 4c96571e-9a51-49a6-bbe6-c9065b8d2a94 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d3163c2b Learning to recognize and speak the sounds of another language is a form of exercise, and it requires repetition. By listening to -- and repeating -- the same dialogue every day, you're training new muscle memory, and signaling to your speech recognition center that  "these sounds are important." 

After you've listened to Lesson 1 once, use this track as your daily practice routine. At less than four minutes, I think you'll agree getting your Mandarin off the ground is really no big deal. 


About learning Chinese characters
Teaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of this podcast, but if you are learning Chinese characters through another course or method, you can use the transcript below to follow along.

Learning characters can be a fulfilling project, and can help you to remember and differentiate similar-sounding words. And, of course, it opens up more avenues for practicing your Mandarin, such as reading (books, children's books, comic books) and corresponding with Chinese speakers via email and other messaging apps. I highly encourage you to give it a try!

However, if the thought of memorizing all those characters now gives you a headache, rest assured: you can start speaking Mandarin without being able to read or write. Millions of preliterate children speak Mandarin fluently, and so can you! If and when you are ready to start learning the characters, already speaking some Mandarin will make it that much easier.

The bottom line is this: Don't let anything stop you or discourage you. The best method is the method you actually use, and any method you choose is better than no method at all! Find a way to move forward. You can always make adjustments later.

Dialogue transcript: 

  • M：你好
  • L：你好！
  • M：你聽我說
  • L：好
  • M：你會說中文嗎？
  • L：呃...
  • M：你不會？
  • L：我不會
  • M：你會吧！你會說一點中文，對吧！
  • L：對... 我會說一點點
  • M：對吧！
  • L：那，你會說英文嗎？
  • M：不會
  • L：喔... 
  • M：加油！！！


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Learning to recognize and speak the sounds of another language is a form of exercise, and it requires repetition. By listening to -- and repeating -- the same dialogue every day, you're training new muscle memory, and signaling to your speech recognition center that  "these sounds are important." 

After you've listened to Lesson 1 once, use this track as your daily practice routine. At less than four minutes, I think you'll agree getting your Mandarin off the ground is really no big deal. 


About learning Chinese characters
Teaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of this podcast, but if you are learning Chinese characters through another course or method, you can use the transcript below to follow along.

Learning characters can be a fulfilling project, and can help you to remember and differentiate similar-sounding words. And, of course, it opens up more avenues for practicing your Mandarin, such as reading (books, children's books, comic books) and corresponding with Chinese speakers via email and other messaging apps. I highly encourage you to give it a try!

However, if the thought of memorizing all those characters now gives you a headache, rest assured: you can start speaking Mandarin without being able to read or write. Millions of preliterate children speak Mandarin fluently, and so can you! If and when you are ready to start learning the characters, already speaking some Mandarin will make it that much easier.

The bottom line is this: Don't let anything stop you or discourage you. The best method is the method you actually use, and any method you choose is better than no method at all! Find a way to move forward. You can always make adjustments later.

Dialogue transcript: 

  • M：你好
  • L：你好！
  • M：你聽我說
  • L：好
  • M：你會說中文嗎？
  • L：呃...
  • M：你不會？
  • L：我不會
  • M：你會吧！你會說一點中文，對吧！
  • L：對... 我會說一點點
  • M：對吧！
  • L：那，你會說英文嗎？
  • M：不會
  • L：喔... 
  • M：加油！！！


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Thu, 30 Apr 2020 08:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 218 After you've listened to Lesson 1, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short, daily listening and speaking practice sessions. After you've listened to Lesson 1, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short, daily listening and speaking practice sessions. Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No 02 ~ It's OK to feel tired. 1 1 02 ~ It's OK to feel tired. full 8b880e67-311d-4739-aa9f-4c7d5a7fcb15 https://mftgu.squarespace.com/episodes/s01-e02 It's OK to feel tired sometimes, and acknowledging it is part of staying motivated. In this episode, you'll learn how to ask and talk about feelings, especially that feeling of needing some rest.

---

Learning a language is the project of a lifetime. There's usually a starting point -- that day you decide will be your first day learning Mandarin, say -- but there's never a stopping point. From that moment forward, the language is alive with you, a part of you.

It's important to make sure the language is working for you, and not the other way around. This means finding ways of using it for things that are intrinsically rewarding, even from day one. Connecting with people is a big one. And, let's be honest, there are also few things more rewarding than talking about yourself to someone who is really listening.

In this episode you'll start to learn how to do that. You'll be able to ask another person how they're feeling, and by observing and imitating what they say, you'll add more feeling states to your vocabulary. And, yes, you'll be able to say that you're tired. That's a handy one.

A note about pronunciation: The vocabulary list below includes the Chinese characters and the pinyin romanization system. The advantage of pinyin for English speakers is that it uses the familiar symbols of the Latin alphabet. The disadvantage is that English speakers are easily deceived into thinking these familiar symbols represent the same sounds they do in English. They don't. That said, pinyin can be a useful system to learn, but you must rely on your ears first, eyes second. 

Don't expect to be able to pronounce anything just by reading the pinyin; the romanization is just a reference to jog your memory. the language exists primarily in its sounds, which is why daily listening and imitation practice is so important. 

Episode vocabulary:

  • 還好 :: hái hǎo :: OK / so-so
  • 怎麼 :: zěnme :: how
  • 了 :: le :: [past tense, change of state, etc.]
  • 怎麼了 :: zěnmele :: What's wrong? What's up?
  • 怎麼說 :: zěnme shuō :: How do you say...?
  • 累 :: lèi :: tired
  • 也 :: yě :: also
  • 我們 :: wǒmen :: we/us
  • 都 :: dōu :: all
  • 今天 :: jīntiān :: today
  • 大家 :: dàjiā :: everybody


About learning Chinese characters
Teaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of this podcast, but if you are learning Chinese characters through another course or method, you can use the transcript below to follow along.

Learning characters can be a fulfilling project, and can help you to remember and differentiate similar-sounding words. And, of course, it opens up more avenues for practicing your Mandarin, such as reading (books, children's books, comic books) and corresponding with Chinese speakers via email and other messaging apps. I highly encourage you to give it a try!

However, if the thought of memorizing all those characters now gives you a headache, rest assured: you can start speaking Mandarin without being able to read or write. Millions of preliterate children speak Mandarin fluently, and so can you! If and when you are ready to start learning the characters, already speaking some Mandarin will make it that much easier. 

The bottom line is this: Don't let anything stop you or discourage you. The best method is the method you actually use, and any method you choose is better than no method at all! Find a way to move forward. You can always make adjustments later. 


Dialogue transcript:

  • M：你好
  • L：你好
  • M：你好嗎？
  • L：我嗎？
  • M：對啊，你啊
  • L：我還好
  • M：怎麼了？
  • L：我有一點累
  • M：我也有一點累
  • L：你也累了？
  • M：對啊，我也累了
  • L：我們都累了
  • M：對啊，好像今天大家都累了


Thanks for listening! 

Enjoying this indie podcast? Become a member and keep it going!
★ Support this podcast ★

]]> It's OK to feel tired sometimes, and acknowledging it is part of staying motivated. In this episode, you'll learn how to ask and talk about feelings, especially that feeling of needing some rest.

---

Learning a language is the project of a lifetime. There's usually a starting point -- that day you decide will be your first day learning Mandarin, say -- but there's never a stopping point. From that moment forward, the language is alive with you, a part of you.

It's important to make sure the language is working for you, and not the other way around. This means finding ways of using it for things that are intrinsically rewarding, even from day one. Connecting with people is a big one. And, let's be honest, there are also few things more rewarding than talking about yourself to someone who is really listening.

In this episode you'll start to learn how to do that. You'll be able to ask another person how they're feeling, and by observing and imitating what they say, you'll add more feeling states to your vocabulary. And, yes, you'll be able to say that you're tired. That's a handy one.

A note about pronunciation: The vocabulary list below includes the Chinese characters and the pinyin romanization system. The advantage of pinyin for English speakers is that it uses the familiar symbols of the Latin alphabet. The disadvantage is that English speakers are easily deceived into thinking these familiar symbols represent the same sounds they do in English. They don't. That said, pinyin can be a useful system to learn, but you must rely on your ears first, eyes second. 

Don't expect to be able to pronounce anything just by reading the pinyin; the romanization is just a reference to jog your memory. the language exists primarily in its sounds, which is why daily listening and imitation practice is so important. 

Episode vocabulary:

  • 還好 :: hái hǎo :: OK / so-so
  • 怎麼 :: zěnme :: how
  • 了 :: le :: [past tense, change of state, etc.]
  • 怎麼了 :: zěnmele :: What's wrong? What's up?
  • 怎麼說 :: zěnme shuō :: How do you say...?
  • 累 :: lèi :: tired
  • 也 :: yě :: also
  • 我們 :: wǒmen :: we/us
  • 都 :: dōu :: all
  • 今天 :: jīntiān :: today
  • 大家 :: dàjiā :: everybody


About learning Chinese characters
Teaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of this podcast, but if you are learning Chinese characters through another course or method, you can use the transcript below to follow along.

Learning characters can be a fulfilling project, and can help you to remember and differentiate similar-sounding words. And, of course, it opens up more avenues for practicing your Mandarin, such as reading (books, children's books, comic books) and corresponding with Chinese speakers via email and other messaging apps. I highly encourage you to give it a try!

However, if the thought of memorizing all those characters now gives you a headache, rest assured: you can start speaking Mandarin without being able to read or write. Millions of preliterate children speak Mandarin fluently, and so can you! If and when you are ready to start learning the characters, already speaking some Mandarin will make it that much easier. 

The bottom line is this: Don't let anything stop you or discourage you. The best method is the method you actually use, and any method you choose is better than no method at all! Find a way to move forward. You can always make adjustments later. 


Dialogue transcript:

  • M：你好
  • L：你好
  • M：你好嗎？
  • L：我嗎？
  • M：對啊，你啊
  • L：我還好
  • M：怎麼了？
  • L：我有一點累
  • M：我也有一點累
  • L：你也累了？
  • M：對啊，我也累了
  • L：我們都累了
  • M：對啊，好像今天大家都累了


Thanks for listening! 

Enjoying this indie podcast? Become a member and keep it going!
★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Wed, 06 May 2020 08:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 735 It's OK to feel tired sometimes, and acknowledging it is part of staying motivated. In this episode, you'll learn how to ask and talk about feelings, especially that feeling of needing some rest.

---

Learning a language is the project of a lifetime. There's usually a starting point -- that day you decide will be your first day learning Mandarin, say -- but there's never a stopping point. From that moment forward, the language is alive with you, a part of you.

It's important to make sure the language is working for you, and not the other way around. This means finding ways of using it for things that are intrinsically rewarding, even from day one. Connecting with people is a big one. And, let's be honest, there are also few things more rewarding than talking about yourself to someone who is really listening.

In this episode you'll start to learn how to do that. You'll be able to ask another person how they're feeling, and by observing and imitating what they say, you'll add more feeling states to your vocabulary. And, yes, you'll be able to say that you're tired. That's a handy one.

A note about pronunciation: The vocabulary list below includes the Chinese characters and the pinyin romanization system. The advantage of pinyin for English speakers is that it uses the familiar symbols of the Latin alphabet. The disadvantage is that English speakers are easily deceived into thinking these familiar symbols represent the same sounds they do in English. They don't. That said, pinyin can be a useful system to learn, but you must rely on your ears first, eyes second. 

Don't expect to be able to pronounce anything just by reading the pinyin; the romanization is just a reference to jog your memory. the language exists primarily in its sounds, which is why daily listening and imitation practice is so important. 

Episode vocabulary:

  • 還好 :: hái hǎo :: OK / so-so
  • 怎麼 :: zěnme :: how
  • 了 :: le :: [past tense, change of state, etc.]
  • 怎麼了 :: zěnmele :: What's wrong? What's up?
  • 怎麼說 :: zěnme shuō :: How do you say...?
  • 累 :: lèi :: tired
  • 也 :: yě :: also
  • 我們 :: wǒmen :: we/us
  • 都 :: dōu :: all
  • 今天 :: jīntiān :: today
  • 大家 :: dàjiā :: everybody


About learning Chinese characters
Teaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of this podcast, but if you are learning Chinese characters through another course or method, you can use the transcript below to follow along.

Learning characters can be a fulfilling project, and can help you to remember and differentiate similar-sounding words. And, of course, it opens up more avenues for practicing your Mandarin, such as reading (books, children's books, comic books) and corresponding with Chinese speakers via email and other messaging apps. I highly encourage you to give it a try!

However, if the thought of memorizing all those characters now gives you a headache, rest assured: you can start speaking Mandarin without being able to read or write. Millions of preliterate children speak Mandarin fluently, and so can you! If and when you are ready to start learning the characters, already speaking some Mandarin will make it that much easier. 

The bottom line is this: Don't let anything stop you or discourage you. The best method is the method you actually use, and any method you choose is better than no method at all! Find a way to move forward. You can always make adjustments later. 


Dialogue transcript:

  • M：你好
  • L：你好
  • M：你好嗎？
  • L：我嗎？
  • M：對啊，你啊
  • L：我還好
  • M：怎麼了？
  • L：我有一點累
  • M：我也有一點累
  • L：你也累了？
  • M：對啊，我也累了
  • L：我們都累了
  • M：對啊，好像今天大家都累了


Thanks for listening! 

Enjoying this indie podcast? Become a member and keep it going!
★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No Daily Practice Session - Lesson 02 1 1 Daily Practice Session - Lesson 02 bonus ef4a3727-2145-4b0b-b2f2-58483201072b https://share.transistor.fm/s/86591b04 About learning Chinese characters
Teaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of this podcast, but if you are learning Chinese characters through another course or method, you can use the transcript below to follow along.

Learning characters can be a fulfilling project, and can help you to remember and differentiate similar-sounding words. And, of course, it opens up more avenues for practicing your Mandarin, such as reading (books, children's books, comic books) and corresponding with Chinese speakers via email and other messaging apps. I highly encourage you to give it a try!

However, if the thought of memorizing all those characters now gives you a headache, rest assured: you can start speaking Mandarin without being able to read or write. Millions of preliterate children speak Mandarin fluently, and so can you! If and when you are ready to start learning the characters, already speaking some Mandarin will make it that much easier. 

The bottom line is this: Don't let anything stop you or discourage you. The best method is the method you actually use, and any method you choose is better than no method at all! Find a way to move forward. You can always make adjustments later. 


Dialogue transcript:

  • M：你好
  • L：你好
  • M：你好嗎？
  • L：我嗎？
  • M：對啊，你啊
  • L：我還好
  • M：怎麼了？
  • L：我有一點累
  • M：我也有一點累
  • L：你也累了？
  • M：對啊，我也累了
  • L：我們都累了
  • M：對啊，好像今天大家都累了


Thanks for listening! 
Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> About learning Chinese characters
Teaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of this podcast, but if you are learning Chinese characters through another course or method, you can use the transcript below to follow along.

Learning characters can be a fulfilling project, and can help you to remember and differentiate similar-sounding words. And, of course, it opens up more avenues for practicing your Mandarin, such as reading (books, children's books, comic books) and corresponding with Chinese speakers via email and other messaging apps. I highly encourage you to give it a try!

However, if the thought of memorizing all those characters now gives you a headache, rest assured: you can start speaking Mandarin without being able to read or write. Millions of preliterate children speak Mandarin fluently, and so can you! If and when you are ready to start learning the characters, already speaking some Mandarin will make it that much easier. 

The bottom line is this: Don't let anything stop you or discourage you. The best method is the method you actually use, and any method you choose is better than no method at all! Find a way to move forward. You can always make adjustments later. 


Dialogue transcript:

  • M：你好
  • L：你好
  • M：你好嗎？
  • L：我嗎？
  • M：對啊，你啊
  • L：我還好
  • M：怎麼了？
  • L：我有一點累
  • M：我也有一點累
  • L：你也累了？
  • M：對啊，我也累了
  • L：我們都累了
  • M：對啊，好像今天大家都累了


Thanks for listening! 
Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Thu, 07 May 2020 08:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 156 After you've listened to Lesson 2, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short, daily listening and speaking practice sessions. After you've listened to Lesson 2, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short, daily listening and speaking practice sessions. Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No 03 ~ Where are you again? 1 1 03 ~ Where are you again? full 43f632f5-6225-4f85-b934-c7855409da48 https://mftgu.squarespace.com/episodes/s01-e03 A big part of being able to speak naturally and fluently is being able to convince yourself on some level that you're actually from the same place as other native speakers. It’s one thing to learn a bunch of words and phrases. But to be able to use them like a native speaker requires being able to think like one. In this episode, you'll learn how to tell people where you are, and where you're from. 


If you were from, say, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, or China, what would that version of you be like? You can start to get a sense by paying close attention to the expressions native speakers use, especially to the feeling behind them. Imitating them, you might find yourself saying things whose equivalent you would never say in the same situation in your native language. And that’s one of the amazing things about learning a new language -- it lets you develop another side of yourself.

A note about pronunciation: The vocabulary list below includes the Chinese characters and the pinyin romanization system. The advantage of pinyin for English speakers is that it uses the familiar symbols of the Latin alphabet. The disadvantage is that English speakers are easily deceived into thinking these familiar symbols represent the same sounds they do in English. They don't. That said, pinyin can be a useful system to learn, but you must rely on your ears first, eyes second. 

Don't expect to be able to pronounce anything just by reading the pinyin; the romanization is just a reference to jog your memory. the language exists primarily in its sounds, which is why daily listening and imitation practice is so important. 

Episode vocabulary:

  • 哪裡 :: nǎlǐ :: where
  • 在 :: zài :: at/in
  • 台灣 :: táiwān :: Taiwan
  • 台北 :: táiběi :: Taipei
  • 美國 :: měiguó :: USA
  • 西雅圖 :: xīyǎtú :: Seattle
  • 請 :: qǐng :: please
  • 再 :: zài :: again
  • 一次 :: yīcì :: one time
  • 人 :: rén :: person
  • 是 :: shì :: to be (am/are/is)
  • 以為 :: yǐwéi :: to have mistakenly thought
  • 真的 :: zhēn de :: really, truly


About learning Chinese characters
Teaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of this podcast, but if you are learning Chinese characters through another course or method, you can use the transcript below to follow along.

Learning characters can be a fulfilling project, and can help you to remember and differentiate similar-sounding words. And, of course, it opens up more avenues for practicing your Mandarin, such as reading (books, children's books, comic books) and corresponding with Chinese speakers via email and other messaging apps. I highly encourage you to give it a try!

However, if the thought of memorizing all those characters now gives you a headache, rest assured: you can start speaking Mandarin without being able to read or write. Millions of preliterate children speak Mandarin fluently, and so can you! If and when you are ready to start learning the characters, already speaking some Mandarin will make it that much easier. 

The bottom line is this: Don't let anything stop you or discourage you. The best method is the method you actually use, and any method you choose is better than no method at all! Find a way to move forward. You can always make adjustments later. 


Dialogue transcript

  • L：嘿，你在哪裡？
  • M：我嗎？我在台灣啊
  • L：在台灣哪裡？
  • M：在台北啊！你呢？你在哪裡？
  • L：我... 我在... 我在西雅圖
  • M：啊？
  • L：喂？
  • M：請再說一次
  • L：我說，我在西雅圖
  • M：西雅圖在哪裡？
  • L：西雅圖在美國
  • M：你在美國？！
  • L：對，我在美國
  • M：你是美國人嗎？
  • L：對啊，我是美國人
  • M：我以為你是台灣人呢
  • L：真的嗎？


Thanks for listening!

Enjoying this podcast? Become a member and keep it going!
★ Support this podcast ★

]]> A big part of being able to speak naturally and fluently is being able to convince yourself on some level that you're actually from the same place as other native speakers. It’s one thing to learn a bunch of words and phrases. But to be able to use them like a native speaker requires being able to think like one. In this episode, you'll learn how to tell people where you are, and where you're from. 


If you were from, say, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, or China, what would that version of you be like? You can start to get a sense by paying close attention to the expressions native speakers use, especially to the feeling behind them. Imitating them, you might find yourself saying things whose equivalent you would never say in the same situation in your native language. And that’s one of the amazing things about learning a new language -- it lets you develop another side of yourself.

A note about pronunciation: The vocabulary list below includes the Chinese characters and the pinyin romanization system. The advantage of pinyin for English speakers is that it uses the familiar symbols of the Latin alphabet. The disadvantage is that English speakers are easily deceived into thinking these familiar symbols represent the same sounds they do in English. They don't. That said, pinyin can be a useful system to learn, but you must rely on your ears first, eyes second. 

Don't expect to be able to pronounce anything just by reading the pinyin; the romanization is just a reference to jog your memory. the language exists primarily in its sounds, which is why daily listening and imitation practice is so important. 

Episode vocabulary:

  • 哪裡 :: nǎlǐ :: where
  • 在 :: zài :: at/in
  • 台灣 :: táiwān :: Taiwan
  • 台北 :: táiběi :: Taipei
  • 美國 :: měiguó :: USA
  • 西雅圖 :: xīyǎtú :: Seattle
  • 請 :: qǐng :: please
  • 再 :: zài :: again
  • 一次 :: yīcì :: one time
  • 人 :: rén :: person
  • 是 :: shì :: to be (am/are/is)
  • 以為 :: yǐwéi :: to have mistakenly thought
  • 真的 :: zhēn de :: really, truly


About learning Chinese characters
Teaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of this podcast, but if you are learning Chinese characters through another course or method, you can use the transcript below to follow along.

Learning characters can be a fulfilling project, and can help you to remember and differentiate similar-sounding words. And, of course, it opens up more avenues for practicing your Mandarin, such as reading (books, children's books, comic books) and corresponding with Chinese speakers via email and other messaging apps. I highly encourage you to give it a try!

However, if the thought of memorizing all those characters now gives you a headache, rest assured: you can start speaking Mandarin without being able to read or write. Millions of preliterate children speak Mandarin fluently, and so can you! If and when you are ready to start learning the characters, already speaking some Mandarin will make it that much easier. 

The bottom line is this: Don't let anything stop you or discourage you. The best method is the method you actually use, and any method you choose is better than no method at all! Find a way to move forward. You can always make adjustments later. 


Dialogue transcript

  • L：嘿，你在哪裡？
  • M：我嗎？我在台灣啊
  • L：在台灣哪裡？
  • M：在台北啊！你呢？你在哪裡？
  • L：我... 我在... 我在西雅圖
  • M：啊？
  • L：喂？
  • M：請再說一次
  • L：我說，我在西雅圖
  • M：西雅圖在哪裡？
  • L：西雅圖在美國
  • M：你在美國？！
  • L：對，我在美國
  • M：你是美國人嗎？
  • L：對啊，我是美國人
  • M：我以為你是台灣人呢
  • L：真的嗎？


Thanks for listening!

Enjoying this podcast? Become a member and keep it going!
★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Wed, 13 May 2020 08:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 860 A big part of being able to speak naturally and fluently is being able to convince yourself on some level that you're actually from the same place as other native speakers. It’s one thing to learn a bunch of words and phrases. But to be able to use them like a native speaker requires being able to think like one. In this episode, you'll learn how to tell people where you are, and where you're from. 


If you were from, say, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, or China, what would that version of you be like? You can start to get a sense by paying close attention to the expressions native speakers use, especially to the feeling behind them. Imitating them, you might find yourself saying things whose equivalent you would never say in the same situation in your native language. And that’s one of the amazing things about learning a new language -- it lets you develop another side of yourself.

A note about pronunciation: The vocabulary list below includes the Chinese characters and the pinyin romanization system. The advantage of pinyin for English speakers is that it uses the familiar symbols of the Latin alphabet. The disadvantage is that English speakers are easily deceived into thinking these familiar symbols represent the same sounds they do in English. They don't. That said, pinyin can be a useful system to learn, but you must rely on your ears first, eyes second. 

Don't expect to be able to pronounce anything just by reading the pinyin; the romanization is just a reference to jog your memory. the language exists primarily in its sounds, which is why daily listening and imitation practice is so important. 

Episode vocabulary:

  • 哪裡 :: nǎlǐ :: where
  • 在 :: zài :: at/in
  • 台灣 :: táiwān :: Taiwan
  • 台北 :: táiběi :: Taipei
  • 美國 :: měiguó :: USA
  • 西雅圖 :: xīyǎtú :: Seattle
  • 請 :: qǐng :: please
  • 再 :: zài :: again
  • 一次 :: yīcì :: one time
  • 人 :: rén :: person
  • 是 :: shì :: to be (am/are/is)
  • 以為 :: yǐwéi :: to have mistakenly thought
  • 真的 :: zhēn de :: really, truly


About learning Chinese characters
Teaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of this podcast, but if you are learning Chinese characters through another course or method, you can use the transcript below to follow along.

Learning characters can be a fulfilling project, and can help you to remember and differentiate similar-sounding words. And, of course, it opens up more avenues for practicing your Mandarin, such as reading (books, children's books, comic books) and corresponding with Chinese speakers via email and other messaging apps. I highly encourage you to give it a try!

However, if the thought of memorizing all those characters now gives you a headache, rest assured: you can start speaking Mandarin without being able to read or write. Millions of preliterate children speak Mandarin fluently, and so can you! If and when you are ready to start learning the characters, already speaking some Mandarin will make it that much easier. 

The bottom line is this: Don't let anything stop you or discourage you. The best method is the method you actually use, and any method you choose is better than no method at all! Find a way to move forward. You can always make adjustments later. 


Dialogue transcript

  • L：嘿，你在哪裡？
  • M：我嗎？我在台灣啊
  • L：在台灣哪裡？
  • M：在台北啊！你呢？你在哪裡？
  • L：我... 我在... 我在西雅圖
  • M：啊？
  • L：喂？
  • M：請再說一次
  • L：我說，我在西雅圖
  • M：西雅圖在哪裡？
  • L：西雅圖在美國
  • M：你在美國？！
  • L：對，我在美國
  • M：你是美國人嗎？
  • L：對啊，我是美國人
  • M：我以為你是台灣人呢
  • L：真的嗎？


Thanks for listening!

Enjoying this podcast? Become a member and keep it going!
★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No Daily Practice Session - Lesson 03 1 1 Daily Practice Session - Lesson 03 bonus 84b554c3-46d4-4b9b-9034-233eb8091632 https://share.transistor.fm/s/13d4d064 About learning Chinese characters
Teaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of this podcast, but if you are learning Chinese characters through another course or method, you can use the transcript below to follow along.

Learning characters can be a fulfilling project, and can help you to remember and differentiate similar-sounding words. And, of course, it opens up more avenues for practicing your Mandarin, such as reading (books, children's books, comic books) and corresponding with Chinese speakers via email and other messaging apps. I highly encourage you to give it a try!

However, if the thought of memorizing all those characters now gives you a headache, rest assured: you can start speaking Mandarin without being able to read or write. Millions of preliterate children speak Mandarin fluently, and so can you! If and when you are ready to start learning the characters, already speaking some Mandarin will make it that much easier. 

The bottom line is this: Don't let anything stop you or discourage you. The best method is the method you actually use, and any method you choose is better than no method at all! Find a way to move forward. You can always make adjustments later. 


Dialogue transcript:

  • L：嘿，你在哪裡？
  • M：我嗎？我在台灣啊
  • L：在台灣哪裡？
  • M：在台北啊！你呢？你在哪裡？
  • L：我... 我在... 我在西雅圖
  • M：啊？
  • L：喂？
  • M：請再說一次
  • L：我說，我在西雅圖
  • M：西雅圖在哪裡？
  • L：西雅圖在美國
  • M：你在美國？！
  • L：對，我在美國
  • M：你是美國人嗎？
  • L：對啊，我是美國人
  • M：我以為你是台灣人呢
  • L：真的嗎？

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> About learning Chinese characters
Teaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of this podcast, but if you are learning Chinese characters through another course or method, you can use the transcript below to follow along.

Learning characters can be a fulfilling project, and can help you to remember and differentiate similar-sounding words. And, of course, it opens up more avenues for practicing your Mandarin, such as reading (books, children's books, comic books) and corresponding with Chinese speakers via email and other messaging apps. I highly encourage you to give it a try!

However, if the thought of memorizing all those characters now gives you a headache, rest assured: you can start speaking Mandarin without being able to read or write. Millions of preliterate children speak Mandarin fluently, and so can you! If and when you are ready to start learning the characters, already speaking some Mandarin will make it that much easier. 

The bottom line is this: Don't let anything stop you or discourage you. The best method is the method you actually use, and any method you choose is better than no method at all! Find a way to move forward. You can always make adjustments later. 


Dialogue transcript:

  • L：嘿，你在哪裡？
  • M：我嗎？我在台灣啊
  • L：在台灣哪裡？
  • M：在台北啊！你呢？你在哪裡？
  • L：我... 我在... 我在西雅圖
  • M：啊？
  • L：喂？
  • M：請再說一次
  • L：我說，我在西雅圖
  • M：西雅圖在哪裡？
  • L：西雅圖在美國
  • M：你在美國？！
  • L：對，我在美國
  • M：你是美國人嗎？
  • L：對啊，我是美國人
  • M：我以為你是台灣人呢
  • L：真的嗎？

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Thu, 14 May 2020 08:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 234 After you've listened to Lesson 3, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short, daily listening and speaking practice sessions. After you've listened to Lesson 3, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short, daily listening and speaking practice sessions. Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No 04 ~ Who are you again? 1 1 04 ~ Who are you again? full 218c9435-76ab-4370-9572-04107351c362 https://mftgu.squarespace.com/episodes/s01-e04 The contents of this episode are pretty standard fare for a language learner, or anyone else for that matter: What's your name? Nice to meet you. Do you have an English name? But hidden in the sentences are a handful of other extremely useful expressions.

A note about pronunciation: The vocabulary list below includes the Chinese characters and the pinyin romanization system. The advantage of pinyin for English speakers is that it uses the familiar symbols of the Latin alphabet. The disadvantage is that English speakers are easily deceived into thinking these familiar symbols represent the same sounds they do in English. They don't. That said, pinyin can be a useful system to learn, but you must rely on your ears first, eyes second. 

Don't expect to be able to pronounce anything just by reading the pinyin; the romanization is just a reference to jog your memory. the language exists primarily in its sounds, which is why daily listening and imitation practice is so important. 

Episode vocabulary:

  • 叫 :: jiào :: to call, to be called
  • 什麼 :: shénme :: what
  • 名字 :: míngzì :: name
  • 高興 :: gāoxìng :: happy
  • 認識 :: rènshí :: to know (someone)
  • 有 :: yǒu :: to have
  • 英文 :: yīngwén :: English
  • 中文  :: zhōngwén :: Mandarin
  • 跟 :: gēn :: with/and
  • 和 :: hé :: and/with
  • 一樣 :: yīyàng :: the same ("one kind")
  • 很像 :: hěn xiàng :: similar


About learning Chinese characters

Teaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of this podcast, but if you are learning Chinese characters with another course or method, you can use the transcript below to follow along.


Learning characters can be a fulfilling project, and can help you to remember and differentiate similar-sounding words. And, of course, it opens up more avenues for practicing your Mandarin, such as reading (books, children's books, comic books) and corresponding with Chinese speakers via email and other messaging apps. I highly encourage you to give it a try!


However, if the thought of memorizing all those characters now gives you a headache, rest assured: you can start speaking Mandarin without being able to read or write. Millions of preliterate children learn to speak Mandarin fluently, and so can you! If and when you are ready to start learning the characters, already speaking some Mandarin will also make it that much easier. 


The bottom line is this: Don't let anything stop you or discourage you. The best method is the method you actually use, and any method you choose is better than no method at all! Find a way to move forward. You can always make adjustments later. And most of all, enjoy! 


Episode text:

  • M：對了，你叫什麼名字？
  • L：我叫小李，你呢？
  • M：我叫阿明
  • L：很高興認識你！
  • M：我也是
  • L：你有英文名字嗎？
  • M：有，我有
  • L：那，你的英文名字是什麼？
  • M：我的英文名字叫Mike，你呢？你也有英文名字嗎？
  • L：有啊！我的英文名字叫Lee
  • M：跟你的中文名字一樣！
  • L：對，我的英文名字和中文名字很像


Enjoying this podcast? Become a member and keep it going! 
★ Support this podcast ★

]]> The contents of this episode are pretty standard fare for a language learner, or anyone else for that matter: What's your name? Nice to meet you. Do you have an English name? But hidden in the sentences are a handful of other extremely useful expressions.

A note about pronunciation: The vocabulary list below includes the Chinese characters and the pinyin romanization system. The advantage of pinyin for English speakers is that it uses the familiar symbols of the Latin alphabet. The disadvantage is that English speakers are easily deceived into thinking these familiar symbols represent the same sounds they do in English. They don't. That said, pinyin can be a useful system to learn, but you must rely on your ears first, eyes second. 

Don't expect to be able to pronounce anything just by reading the pinyin; the romanization is just a reference to jog your memory. the language exists primarily in its sounds, which is why daily listening and imitation practice is so important. 

Episode vocabulary:

  • 叫 :: jiào :: to call, to be called
  • 什麼 :: shénme :: what
  • 名字 :: míngzì :: name
  • 高興 :: gāoxìng :: happy
  • 認識 :: rènshí :: to know (someone)
  • 有 :: yǒu :: to have
  • 英文 :: yīngwén :: English
  • 中文  :: zhōngwén :: Mandarin
  • 跟 :: gēn :: with/and
  • 和 :: hé :: and/with
  • 一樣 :: yīyàng :: the same ("one kind")
  • 很像 :: hěn xiàng :: similar


About learning Chinese characters

Teaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of this podcast, but if you are learning Chinese characters with another course or method, you can use the transcript below to follow along.


Learning characters can be a fulfilling project, and can help you to remember and differentiate similar-sounding words. And, of course, it opens up more avenues for practicing your Mandarin, such as reading (books, children's books, comic books) and corresponding with Chinese speakers via email and other messaging apps. I highly encourage you to give it a try!


However, if the thought of memorizing all those characters now gives you a headache, rest assured: you can start speaking Mandarin without being able to read or write. Millions of preliterate children learn to speak Mandarin fluently, and so can you! If and when you are ready to start learning the characters, already speaking some Mandarin will also make it that much easier. 


The bottom line is this: Don't let anything stop you or discourage you. The best method is the method you actually use, and any method you choose is better than no method at all! Find a way to move forward. You can always make adjustments later. And most of all, enjoy! 


Episode text:

  • M：對了，你叫什麼名字？
  • L：我叫小李，你呢？
  • M：我叫阿明
  • L：很高興認識你！
  • M：我也是
  • L：你有英文名字嗎？
  • M：有，我有
  • L：那，你的英文名字是什麼？
  • M：我的英文名字叫Mike，你呢？你也有英文名字嗎？
  • L：有啊！我的英文名字叫Lee
  • M：跟你的中文名字一樣！
  • L：對，我的英文名字和中文名字很像


Enjoying this podcast? Become a member and keep it going! 
★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Wed, 20 May 2020 08:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 725 The contents of this episode are pretty standard fare for a language learner, or anyone else for that matter: What's your name? Nice to meet you. Do you have an English name? But hidden in the sentences are a handful of other extremely useful expressions.

A note about pronunciation: The vocabulary list below includes the Chinese characters and the pinyin romanization system. The advantage of pinyin for English speakers is that it uses the familiar symbols of the Latin alphabet. The disadvantage is that English speakers are easily deceived into thinking these familiar symbols represent the same sounds they do in English. They don't. That said, pinyin can be a useful system to learn, but you must rely on your ears first, eyes second. 

Don't expect to be able to pronounce anything just by reading the pinyin; the romanization is just a reference to jog your memory. the language exists primarily in its sounds, which is why daily listening and imitation practice is so important. 

Episode vocabulary:

  • 叫 :: jiào :: to call, to be called
  • 什麼 :: shénme :: what
  • 名字 :: míngzì :: name
  • 高興 :: gāoxìng :: happy
  • 認識 :: rènshí :: to know (someone)
  • 有 :: yǒu :: to have
  • 英文 :: yīngwén :: English
  • 中文  :: zhōngwén :: Mandarin
  • 跟 :: gēn :: with/and
  • 和 :: hé :: and/with
  • 一樣 :: yīyàng :: the same ("one kind")
  • 很像 :: hěn xiàng :: similar


About learning Chinese characters

Teaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of this podcast, but if you are learning Chinese characters with another course or method, you can use the transcript below to follow along.


Learning characters can be a fulfilling project, and can help you to remember and differentiate similar-sounding words. And, of course, it opens up more avenues for practicing your Mandarin, such as reading (books, children's books, comic books) and corresponding with Chinese speakers via email and other messaging apps. I highly encourage you to give it a try!


However, if the thought of memorizing all those characters now gives you a headache, rest assured: you can start speaking Mandarin without being able to read or write. Millions of preliterate children learn to speak Mandarin fluently, and so can you! If and when you are ready to start learning the characters, already speaking some Mandarin will also make it that much easier. 


The bottom line is this: Don't let anything stop you or discourage you. The best method is the method you actually use, and any method you choose is better than no method at all! Find a way to move forward. You can always make adjustments later. And most of all, enjoy! 


Episode text:

  • M：對了，你叫什麼名字？
  • L：我叫小李，你呢？
  • M：我叫阿明
  • L：很高興認識你！
  • M：我也是
  • L：你有英文名字嗎？
  • M：有，我有
  • L：那，你的英文名字是什麼？
  • M：我的英文名字叫Mike，你呢？你也有英文名字嗎？
  • L：有啊！我的英文名字叫Lee
  • M：跟你的中文名字一樣！
  • L：對，我的英文名字和中文名字很像


Enjoying this podcast? Become a member and keep it going! 
★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No Daily Practice Session - Lesson 04 1 1 Daily Practice Session - Lesson 04 bonus 53905082-cbcc-4ce8-8227-f557c84a2909 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d8b46abe About learning Chinese characters

Teaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of this podcast, but if you are learning Chinese characters with another course or method, you can use the transcript below to follow along.


Learning characters can be a fulfilling project, and can help you to remember and differentiate similar-sounding words. And, of course, it opens up more avenues for practicing your Mandarin, such as reading (books, children's books, comic books) and corresponding with Chinese speakers via email and other messaging apps. I highly encourage you to give it a try!


However, if the thought of memorizing all those characters now gives you a headache, rest assured: you can start speaking Mandarin without being able to read or write. Millions of preliterate children learn to speak Mandarin fluently, and so can you! If and when you are ready to start learning the characters, already speaking some Mandarin will also make it that much easier. 


The bottom line is this: Don't let anything stop you or discourage you. The best method is the method you actually use, and any method you choose is better than no method at all! Find a way to move forward. You can always make adjustments later. And most of all, enjoy! 


Episode text:

  • M：對了，你叫什麼名字？
  • L：我叫小李，你呢？
  • M：我叫阿明
  • L：很高興認識你！
  • M：我也是
  • L：你有英文名字嗎？
  • M：有，我有
  • L：那，你的英文名字是什麼？
  • M：我的英文名字叫Mike，你呢？你也有英文名字嗎？
  • L：有啊！我的英文名字叫Lee
  • M：跟你的中文名字一樣！
  • L：對，我的英文名字和中文名字很像


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks for listening!

]]> About learning Chinese characters

Teaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of this podcast, but if you are learning Chinese characters with another course or method, you can use the transcript below to follow along.


Learning characters can be a fulfilling project, and can help you to remember and differentiate similar-sounding words. And, of course, it opens up more avenues for practicing your Mandarin, such as reading (books, children's books, comic books) and corresponding with Chinese speakers via email and other messaging apps. I highly encourage you to give it a try!


However, if the thought of memorizing all those characters now gives you a headache, rest assured: you can start speaking Mandarin without being able to read or write. Millions of preliterate children learn to speak Mandarin fluently, and so can you! If and when you are ready to start learning the characters, already speaking some Mandarin will also make it that much easier. 


The bottom line is this: Don't let anything stop you or discourage you. The best method is the method you actually use, and any method you choose is better than no method at all! Find a way to move forward. You can always make adjustments later. And most of all, enjoy! 


Episode text:

  • M：對了，你叫什麼名字？
  • L：我叫小李，你呢？
  • M：我叫阿明
  • L：很高興認識你！
  • M：我也是
  • L：你有英文名字嗎？
  • M：有，我有
  • L：那，你的英文名字是什麼？
  • M：我的英文名字叫Mike，你呢？你也有英文名字嗎？
  • L：有啊！我的英文名字叫Lee
  • M：跟你的中文名字一樣！
  • L：對，我的英文名字和中文名字很像


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks for listening!

]]> Thu, 21 May 2020 08:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 192 After you've listened to Lesson 4, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short, daily listening and speaking practice sessions. After you've listened to Lesson 4, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short, daily listening and speaking practice sessions. Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No 05 ~ Can you hear me? 1 1 05 ~ Can you hear me? full 7090f204-82e5-4b55-9265-28d7d787ec2a https://mftgu.squarespace.com/episodes/s01-e05 In this lesson, you'll learn how to have a successful video call, and how to talk about what you're drinking, and what you like.

It's tempting to focus on all the things you don't know how to say yet. But really, why do that? If you consider what you already do know how to say, even after just a handful of lessons, you might be surprised. It's all about combinatorics -- at this stage, everything you learn increases what you're able to say many times over. By the end of this lesson, your range of competency will have increased by an order of magnitude.

Of course, what you know is only useful if you can recall it at will, which is why repetition is so important. Check back tomorrow for the dialogue-only practice recording!

A note about pronunciation: The vocabulary list below includes the Chinese characters and the pinyin romanization system. The advantage of pinyin for English speakers is that it uses the familiar symbols of the Latin alphabet. The disadvantage is that English speakers are easily deceived into thinking these familiar symbols represent the same sounds they do in English. They don't. That said, pinyin can be a useful system to learn, but you must rely on your ears first, eyes second. 

Don't expect to be able to pronounce anything just by reading the pinyin; the romanization is just a reference to jog your memory. A language exists primarily in its sounds, which is why daily listening and imitation practice is so important. 

Episode vocabulary:

  • 看 :: kàn :: to see, to look, to watch
  • 得到 :: dédào :: to gain, to successfully do sth, e.g. 看得到 to be able to see 
  • 開始 :: kāishǐ :: to start
  • 在 :: zài :: currently doing sth, e.g. 在看 currently watching
  • 什麼 :: shénme :: what
  • 喝 :: hē :: to drink
  • 東西 :: dōngxī :: thing, something
  • 咖啡  :: kāfēi :: coffee
  • 喜歡 :: xǐhuān :: to like
  • 茶 :: chá :: tea
  • 的 :: de :: [possessive]
  • 這 :: zhè :: this
  • 現在 :: xiànzài :: now


About learning Chinese characters

Teaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of this podcast, but if you are learning Chinese characters with another course or method, you can use the transcript below to follow along. 

Learning characters can be a fulfilling project, and can help you to remember and differentiate similar-sounding words. And, of course, it opens up more avenues for practicing your Mandarin, such as reading (books, children's books, comic books) and corresponding with Chinese speakers via email and other messaging apps. I highly encourage you to give it a try! 

However, if the thought of memorizing all those characters now gives you a headache, rest assured: you can start speaking Mandarin without being able to read or write. Millions of preliterate children learn to speak Mandarin fluently, and so can you! If and when you are ready to start learning the characters, already speaking some Mandarin will also make it that much easier. 

The bottom line is this: Don't let anything stop you or discourage you. The best method is the method you actually use, and any method you choose is better than no method at all! Find a way to move forward. You can always make adjustments later. And most of all, enjoy! 


Dialogue transcript

  • M: 喂？你聽得到嗎？
  • L: 我聽得到！你呢？你聽得到嗎？
  • M: 有，我聽得到
  • L: 那，我們開始說中文吧！
  • M: 呃。。。我們在說中文啊
  • L: 喔，對了，哈哈。嘿，你在喝東西嗎？
  • M: 有啊，我在喝東西
  • L: 你在喝什麼？
  • M: 我在喝咖啡。你喜歡咖啡嗎？
  • L: 我還好，我喜歡喝茶
  • M: 你現在在喝茶嗎？
  • L: 有！你看，這是我的茶
  • M：那是什麼茶？
  • L：這是烏龍茶


Enjoying this podcast? Become a member and keep it alive! 
★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks for listening! 

]]> In this lesson, you'll learn how to have a successful video call, and how to talk about what you're drinking, and what you like.

It's tempting to focus on all the things you don't know how to say yet. But really, why do that? If you consider what you already do know how to say, even after just a handful of lessons, you might be surprised. It's all about combinatorics -- at this stage, everything you learn increases what you're able to say many times over. By the end of this lesson, your range of competency will have increased by an order of magnitude.

Of course, what you know is only useful if you can recall it at will, which is why repetition is so important. Check back tomorrow for the dialogue-only practice recording!

A note about pronunciation: The vocabulary list below includes the Chinese characters and the pinyin romanization system. The advantage of pinyin for English speakers is that it uses the familiar symbols of the Latin alphabet. The disadvantage is that English speakers are easily deceived into thinking these familiar symbols represent the same sounds they do in English. They don't. That said, pinyin can be a useful system to learn, but you must rely on your ears first, eyes second. 

Don't expect to be able to pronounce anything just by reading the pinyin; the romanization is just a reference to jog your memory. A language exists primarily in its sounds, which is why daily listening and imitation practice is so important. 

Episode vocabulary:

  • 看 :: kàn :: to see, to look, to watch
  • 得到 :: dédào :: to gain, to successfully do sth, e.g. 看得到 to be able to see 
  • 開始 :: kāishǐ :: to start
  • 在 :: zài :: currently doing sth, e.g. 在看 currently watching
  • 什麼 :: shénme :: what
  • 喝 :: hē :: to drink
  • 東西 :: dōngxī :: thing, something
  • 咖啡  :: kāfēi :: coffee
  • 喜歡 :: xǐhuān :: to like
  • 茶 :: chá :: tea
  • 的 :: de :: [possessive]
  • 這 :: zhè :: this
  • 現在 :: xiànzài :: now


About learning Chinese characters

Teaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of this podcast, but if you are learning Chinese characters with another course or method, you can use the transcript below to follow along. 

Learning characters can be a fulfilling project, and can help you to remember and differentiate similar-sounding words. And, of course, it opens up more avenues for practicing your Mandarin, such as reading (books, children's books, comic books) and corresponding with Chinese speakers via email and other messaging apps. I highly encourage you to give it a try! 

However, if the thought of memorizing all those characters now gives you a headache, rest assured: you can start speaking Mandarin without being able to read or write. Millions of preliterate children learn to speak Mandarin fluently, and so can you! If and when you are ready to start learning the characters, already speaking some Mandarin will also make it that much easier. 

The bottom line is this: Don't let anything stop you or discourage you. The best method is the method you actually use, and any method you choose is better than no method at all! Find a way to move forward. You can always make adjustments later. And most of all, enjoy! 


Dialogue transcript

  • M: 喂？你聽得到嗎？
  • L: 我聽得到！你呢？你聽得到嗎？
  • M: 有，我聽得到
  • L: 那，我們開始說中文吧！
  • M: 呃。。。我們在說中文啊
  • L: 喔，對了，哈哈。嘿，你在喝東西嗎？
  • M: 有啊，我在喝東西
  • L: 你在喝什麼？
  • M: 我在喝咖啡。你喜歡咖啡嗎？
  • L: 我還好，我喜歡喝茶
  • M: 你現在在喝茶嗎？
  • L: 有！你看，這是我的茶
  • M：那是什麼茶？
  • L：這是烏龍茶


Enjoying this podcast? Become a member and keep it alive! 
★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks for listening! 

]]> Wed, 27 May 2020 08:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 1107 In this lesson, you'll learn how to have a successful video call, and how to talk about what you're drinking, and what you like.

It's tempting to focus on all the things you don't know how to say yet. But really, why do that? If you consider what you already do know how to say, even after just a handful of lessons, you might be surprised. It's all about combinatorics -- at this stage, everything you learn increases what you're able to say many times over. By the end of this lesson, your range of competency will have increased by an order of magnitude.

Of course, what you know is only useful if you can recall it at will, which is why repetition is so important. Check back tomorrow for the dialogue-only practice recording!

A note about pronunciation: The vocabulary list below includes the Chinese characters and the pinyin romanization system. The advantage of pinyin for English speakers is that it uses the familiar symbols of the Latin alphabet. The disadvantage is that English speakers are easily deceived into thinking these familiar symbols represent the same sounds they do in English. They don't. That said, pinyin can be a useful system to learn, but you must rely on your ears first, eyes second. 

Don't expect to be able to pronounce anything just by reading the pinyin; the romanization is just a reference to jog your memory. A language exists primarily in its sounds, which is why daily listening and imitation practice is so important. 

Episode vocabulary:

  • 看 :: kàn :: to see, to look, to watch
  • 得到 :: dédào :: to gain, to successfully do sth, e.g. 看得到 to be able to see 
  • 開始 :: kāishǐ :: to start
  • 在 :: zài :: currently doing sth, e.g. 在看 currently watching
  • 什麼 :: shénme :: what
  • 喝 :: hē :: to drink
  • 東西 :: dōngxī :: thing, something
  • 咖啡  :: kāfēi :: coffee
  • 喜歡 :: xǐhuān :: to like
  • 茶 :: chá :: tea
  • 的 :: de :: [possessive]
  • 這 :: zhè :: this
  • 現在 :: xiànzài :: now


About learning Chinese characters

Teaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of this podcast, but if you are learning Chinese characters with another course or method, you can use the transcript below to follow along. 

Learning characters can be a fulfilling project, and can help you to remember and differentiate similar-sounding words. And, of course, it opens up more avenues for practicing your Mandarin, such as reading (books, children's books, comic books) and corresponding with Chinese speakers via email and other messaging apps. I highly encourage you to give it a try! 

However, if the thought of memorizing all those characters now gives you a headache, rest assured: you can start speaking Mandarin without being able to read or write. Millions of preliterate children learn to speak Mandarin fluently, and so can you! If and when you are ready to start learning the characters, already speaking some Mandarin will also make it that much easier. 

The bottom line is this: Don't let anything stop you or discourage you. The best method is the method you actually use, and any method you choose is better than no method at all! Find a way to move forward. You can always make adjustments later. And most of all, enjoy! 


Dialogue transcript

  • M: 喂？你聽得到嗎？
  • L: 我聽得到！你呢？你聽得到嗎？
  • M: 有，我聽得到
  • L: 那，我們開始說中文吧！
  • M: 呃。。。我們在說中文啊
  • L: 喔，對了，哈哈。嘿，你在喝東西嗎？
  • M: 有啊，我在喝東西
  • L: 你在喝什麼？
  • M: 我在喝咖啡。你喜歡咖啡嗎？
  • L: 我還好，我喜歡喝茶
  • M: 你現在在喝茶嗎？
  • L: 有！你看，這是我的茶
  • M：那是什麼茶？
  • L：這是烏龍茶


Enjoying this podcast? Become a member and keep it alive! 
★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks for listening! 

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No Daily Practice Session - Lesson 05 1 1 Daily Practice Session - Lesson 05 bonus b58ace51-8031-4277-9c28-502565aaa6e1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d7533dd8 Dialogue transcript

  • M: 喂？你聽得到嗎？
  • L: 我聽得到！你呢？你聽得到嗎？
  • M: 有，我聽得到
  • L: 那，我們開始說中文吧！
  • M: 呃。。。我們在說中文啊
  • L: 喔，對了，哈哈。嘿，你在喝東西嗎？
  • M: 有啊，我在喝東西
  • L: 你在喝什麼？
  • M: 我在喝咖啡。你喜歡咖啡嗎？
  • L: 我還好，我喜歡喝茶
  • M: 你現在在喝茶嗎？
  • L: 有！你看，這是我的茶
  • M：那是什麼茶？
  • L：這是烏龍茶

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening!

]]> Dialogue transcript

  • M: 喂？你聽得到嗎？
  • L: 我聽得到！你呢？你聽得到嗎？
  • M: 有，我聽得到
  • L: 那，我們開始說中文吧！
  • M: 呃。。。我們在說中文啊
  • L: 喔，對了，哈哈。嘿，你在喝東西嗎？
  • M: 有啊，我在喝東西
  • L: 你在喝什麼？
  • M: 我在喝咖啡。你喜歡咖啡嗎？
  • L: 我還好，我喜歡喝茶
  • M: 你現在在喝茶嗎？
  • L: 有！你看，這是我的茶
  • M：那是什麼茶？
  • L：這是烏龍茶

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening!

]]> Thu, 28 May 2020 08:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 246 After you've listened to Lesson 5, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short, daily listening and speaking practice sessions. After you've listened to Lesson 5, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short, daily listening and speaking practice sessions. Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No 06 ~ I'm still waiting 1 1 06 ~ I'm still waiting full fa0c14f0-0205-41ce-af9f-1440dd7f6dc1 https://mftgu.squarespace.com/episodes/s01-e06 In this lesson, you'll learn how to talk about things that haven't happened yet.

Learning how to say familiar words in another language, it's easy to get the impression that every language is simply another way of saying the same things, but using different sounds. The truth, however, is that each language is a unique system for dividing up all the meaning and concepts that the human mind is capable of representing. There's no one-to-one mapping between languages, which is what makes translation so difficult in the first place. It's also one of the things that makes learning another language so fascinating. 

While we use translation to help you understand what you're hearing, the English translation is merely a stepping stone. Your goal should be to connect the Mandarin sounds you hear to the meaningful context, not to the English sounds themselves. When you're listening to this dialogue and you hear an English translation, let it conjure a picture in your mind, and then try your best to banish the English you just heard, and hold on to that picture as you hear the Mandarin version.

Super easy? Not quite. Natural, intuitive, and effective? Why, yes!

A note about pronunciation: The vocabulary list below includes the Chinese characters and the pinyin romanization system. The advantage of pinyin for English speakers is that it uses the familiar symbols of the Latin alphabet. The disadvantage is that English speakers are easily deceived into thinking these familiar symbols represent the same sounds they do in English. They don't. That said, pinyin can be a useful system to learn, but you must rely on your ears first, eyes second. 

Don't expect to be able to pronounce anything just by reading the pinyin; the romanization is just a reference to jog your memory. A language exists primarily in its sounds, which is why daily listening and imitation practice is so important. 

Episode vocabulary:

  • 今天 :: jīntiān :: today
  • 沒 :: méi :: not
  • 沒有 :: méiyǒu :: not have
  • 還 :: hái :: yet, still; pretty, rather
  • 等 :: děng :: to wait
  • 一下 :: yīxià :: "one sec", a moment, a bit
  • 還在 :: hái zài :: [still ongoing]
  • 來 :: lái :: to come
  • 漂亮  :: piàoliang :: beautiful
  • 店 :: diàn :: a shop, a store
  • 一個 :: yīgè :: one [of something]
  • 要 :: yào :: to want; important; to ask for; will, going to; may, must; probably; if


About learning Chinese characters

Teaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of this podcast, but if you are learning Chinese characters with another course or method, you can use the transcript below to follow along. 

Learning characters can be a fulfilling project, and can help you to remember and differentiate similar-sounding words. And, of course, it opens up more avenues for practicing your Mandarin, such as reading (books, children's books, comic books) and corresponding with Chinese speakers via email and other messaging apps. I highly encourage you to give it a try! 

However, if the thought of memorizing all those characters now gives you a headache, rest assured: you can start speaking Mandarin without being able to read or write. Millions of preliterate children learn to speak Mandarin fluently, and so can you! If and when you are ready to start learning the characters, already speaking some Mandarin will also make it that much easier. 

The bottom line is this: Don't let anything stop you or discourage you. The best method is the method you actually use, and any method you choose is better than no method at all! Find a way to move forward. You can always make adjustments later. And most of all, enjoy! 

Dialogue transcript: 

  • M: 嘿，你今天好嗎？
  • L: 我今天還OK啊，你呢？你在哪裡啊？
  • M: 我在咖啡店，你看
  • L: 喔！很漂亮！
  • M: 對啊
  • L: 你在喝咖啡嗎？
  • M: 還沒，等一下
  • L: 你在等咖啡？
  • M: 對啊，我還在等
  • L: 欸！有東西來了！
  • M：喔對！（謝謝）我的咖啡來了！
  • L: 好喝嗎？
  • M: 等一下！我還沒喝... 喔！好喝！
  • L: 我也要一個！


Enjoying this podcast? Become a member and keep it going! 
★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks for listening! 

]]> In this lesson, you'll learn how to talk about things that haven't happened yet.

Learning how to say familiar words in another language, it's easy to get the impression that every language is simply another way of saying the same things, but using different sounds. The truth, however, is that each language is a unique system for dividing up all the meaning and concepts that the human mind is capable of representing. There's no one-to-one mapping between languages, which is what makes translation so difficult in the first place. It's also one of the things that makes learning another language so fascinating. 

While we use translation to help you understand what you're hearing, the English translation is merely a stepping stone. Your goal should be to connect the Mandarin sounds you hear to the meaningful context, not to the English sounds themselves. When you're listening to this dialogue and you hear an English translation, let it conjure a picture in your mind, and then try your best to banish the English you just heard, and hold on to that picture as you hear the Mandarin version.

Super easy? Not quite. Natural, intuitive, and effective? Why, yes!

A note about pronunciation: The vocabulary list below includes the Chinese characters and the pinyin romanization system. The advantage of pinyin for English speakers is that it uses the familiar symbols of the Latin alphabet. The disadvantage is that English speakers are easily deceived into thinking these familiar symbols represent the same sounds they do in English. They don't. That said, pinyin can be a useful system to learn, but you must rely on your ears first, eyes second. 

Don't expect to be able to pronounce anything just by reading the pinyin; the romanization is just a reference to jog your memory. A language exists primarily in its sounds, which is why daily listening and imitation practice is so important. 

Episode vocabulary:

  • 今天 :: jīntiān :: today
  • 沒 :: méi :: not
  • 沒有 :: méiyǒu :: not have
  • 還 :: hái :: yet, still; pretty, rather
  • 等 :: děng :: to wait
  • 一下 :: yīxià :: "one sec", a moment, a bit
  • 還在 :: hái zài :: [still ongoing]
  • 來 :: lái :: to come
  • 漂亮  :: piàoliang :: beautiful
  • 店 :: diàn :: a shop, a store
  • 一個 :: yīgè :: one [of something]
  • 要 :: yào :: to want; important; to ask for; will, going to; may, must; probably; if


About learning Chinese characters

Teaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of this podcast, but if you are learning Chinese characters with another course or method, you can use the transcript below to follow along. 

Learning characters can be a fulfilling project, and can help you to remember and differentiate similar-sounding words. And, of course, it opens up more avenues for practicing your Mandarin, such as reading (books, children's books, comic books) and corresponding with Chinese speakers via email and other messaging apps. I highly encourage you to give it a try! 

However, if the thought of memorizing all those characters now gives you a headache, rest assured: you can start speaking Mandarin without being able to read or write. Millions of preliterate children learn to speak Mandarin fluently, and so can you! If and when you are ready to start learning the characters, already speaking some Mandarin will also make it that much easier. 

The bottom line is this: Don't let anything stop you or discourage you. The best method is the method you actually use, and any method you choose is better than no method at all! Find a way to move forward. You can always make adjustments later. And most of all, enjoy! 

Dialogue transcript: 

  • M: 嘿，你今天好嗎？
  • L: 我今天還OK啊，你呢？你在哪裡啊？
  • M: 我在咖啡店，你看
  • L: 喔！很漂亮！
  • M: 對啊
  • L: 你在喝咖啡嗎？
  • M: 還沒，等一下
  • L: 你在等咖啡？
  • M: 對啊，我還在等
  • L: 欸！有東西來了！
  • M：喔對！（謝謝）我的咖啡來了！
  • L: 好喝嗎？
  • M: 等一下！我還沒喝... 喔！好喝！
  • L: 我也要一個！


Enjoying this podcast? Become a member and keep it going! 
★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks for listening! 

]]> Wed, 03 Jun 2020 08:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 1023 In this lesson, you'll learn how to talk about things that haven't happened yet.

Learning how to say familiar words in another language, it's easy to get the impression that every language is simply another way of saying the same things, but using different sounds. The truth, however, is that each language is a unique system for dividing up all the meaning and concepts that the human mind is capable of representing. There's no one-to-one mapping between languages, which is what makes translation so difficult in the first place. It's also one of the things that makes learning another language so fascinating. 

While we use translation to help you understand what you're hearing, the English translation is merely a stepping stone. Your goal should be to connect the Mandarin sounds you hear to the meaningful context, not to the English sounds themselves. When you're listening to this dialogue and you hear an English translation, let it conjure a picture in your mind, and then try your best to banish the English you just heard, and hold on to that picture as you hear the Mandarin version.

Super easy? Not quite. Natural, intuitive, and effective? Why, yes!

A note about pronunciation: The vocabulary list below includes the Chinese characters and the pinyin romanization system. The advantage of pinyin for English speakers is that it uses the familiar symbols of the Latin alphabet. The disadvantage is that English speakers are easily deceived into thinking these familiar symbols represent the same sounds they do in English. They don't. That said, pinyin can be a useful system to learn, but you must rely on your ears first, eyes second. 

Don't expect to be able to pronounce anything just by reading the pinyin; the romanization is just a reference to jog your memory. A language exists primarily in its sounds, which is why daily listening and imitation practice is so important. 

Episode vocabulary:

  • 今天 :: jīntiān :: today
  • 沒 :: méi :: not
  • 沒有 :: méiyǒu :: not have
  • 還 :: hái :: yet, still; pretty, rather
  • 等 :: děng :: to wait
  • 一下 :: yīxià :: "one sec", a moment, a bit
  • 還在 :: hái zài :: [still ongoing]
  • 來 :: lái :: to come
  • 漂亮  :: piàoliang :: beautiful
  • 店 :: diàn :: a shop, a store
  • 一個 :: yīgè :: one [of something]
  • 要 :: yào :: to want; important; to ask for; will, going to; may, must; probably; if


About learning Chinese characters

Teaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of this podcast, but if you are learning Chinese characters with another course or method, you can use the transcript below to follow along. 

Learning characters can be a fulfilling project, and can help you to remember and differentiate similar-sounding words. And, of course, it opens up more avenues for practicing your Mandarin, such as reading (books, children's books, comic books) and corresponding with Chinese speakers via email and other messaging apps. I highly encourage you to give it a try! 

However, if the thought of memorizing all those characters now gives you a headache, rest assured: you can start speaking Mandarin without being able to read or write. Millions of preliterate children learn to speak Mandarin fluently, and so can you! If and when you are ready to start learning the characters, already speaking some Mandarin will also make it that much easier. 

The bottom line is this: Don't let anything stop you or discourage you. The best method is the method you actually use, and any method you choose is better than no method at all! Find a way to move forward. You can always make adjustments later. And most of all, enjoy! 

Dialogue transcript: 

  • M: 嘿，你今天好嗎？
  • L: 我今天還OK啊，你呢？你在哪裡啊？
  • M: 我在咖啡店，你看
  • L: 喔！很漂亮！
  • M: 對啊
  • L: 你在喝咖啡嗎？
  • M: 還沒，等一下
  • L: 你在等咖啡？
  • M: 對啊，我還在等
  • L: 欸！有東西來了！
  • M：喔對！（謝謝）我的咖啡來了！
  • L: 好喝嗎？
  • M: 等一下！我還沒喝... 喔！好喝！
  • L: 我也要一個！


Enjoying this podcast? Become a member and keep it going! 
★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks for listening! 

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No Daily Practice Session - Lesson 06 1 1 Daily Practice Session - Lesson 06 bonus 60dda9b1-0f02-4177-a8ff-ee82b27ba46c https://share.transistor.fm/s/1d4bbbba Dialogue transcript: 

  • M: 嘿，你今天好嗎？
  • L: 我今天還OK啊，你呢？你在哪裡啊？
  • M: 我在咖啡店，你看
  • L: 喔！很漂亮！
  • M: 對啊
  • L: 你在喝咖啡嗎？
  • M: 還沒，等一下
  • L: 你在等咖啡？
  • M: 對啊，我還在等
  • L: 欸！有東西來了！
  • M：喔對！（謝謝）我的咖啡來了！
  • L: 好喝嗎？
  • M: 等一下！我還沒喝... 喔！好喝！
  • L: 我也要一個！


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> Dialogue transcript: 

  • M: 嘿，你今天好嗎？
  • L: 我今天還OK啊，你呢？你在哪裡啊？
  • M: 我在咖啡店，你看
  • L: 喔！很漂亮！
  • M: 對啊
  • L: 你在喝咖啡嗎？
  • M: 還沒，等一下
  • L: 你在等咖啡？
  • M: 對啊，我還在等
  • L: 欸！有東西來了！
  • M：喔對！（謝謝）我的咖啡來了！
  • L: 好喝嗎？
  • M: 等一下！我還沒喝... 喔！好喝！
  • L: 我也要一個！


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> Thu, 04 Jun 2020 08:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 184 After you've listened to Lesson 6, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week. After you've listened to Lesson 6, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week. Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No 07 ~ You ask me why... 你問我為什麼... 1 1 07 ~ You ask me why... 你問我為什麼... full cc349cb8-74fd-4c45-aafb-431a7c139e9f https://mftgu.squarespace.com/episodes/s01-e07 In this lesson, you'll learn how to identify and produce the four main tones in spoken Mandarin, and some essential COVID-19 vocabulary to help you talk about your situation -- whatever it may be -- plus how to ask why? Why??!

Let's talk about tones. For someone coming from a non-tonal language background, it's easy to imagine that tones are something extra, like some kind of garnish sprinkled on top of the language, possibly put there just to make it fancy or to make it harder to learn. This couldn't be further from the truth, of course. Tones are an essential part of communicating in Mandarin. Getting tones right means the difference between saying to someone you just met: "Excuse me, can I ask you?" and "Kiss, can I smell you?" 

Of course, native Mandarin speakers can sometimes guess what others are saying even when they aren't getting the tones just right. But it can be tiring. If you've ever talked to someone who speaks English rapidly but puts the stress on the wrong syllables, you can imagine what this is like -- except in Mandarin, it's worse.   

The good news is that learning tones isn't as hard as you might think. In fact, if you speak English you are most likely already familiar with all four tones, you just aren't used to thinking of them as such. In this lesson, you'll hear an example of English words that use the exact same tones as those used in Mandarin (If you speak a dialect of English that doesn't say these words the same way I use them, I apologize. But hopefully you still get the idea!) 

This is why imitation -- imitating sound, intonation, and emotion, even to the point of adopting a different persona in your mind -- is such an important part of learning to speak Chinese naturally and fluently. You don't want to just copy what other people say; you want to copy the way they say it, and how they think and feel as they say it. If you do this, the tones will come automatically, because they'll be just another part of how you normally say things as a Mandarin speaker.

A note about pronunciation: The vocabulary list below includes the Chinese characters and the pinyin romanization system. The advantage of pinyin for English speakers is that it uses the familiar symbols of the Latin alphabet. The disadvantage is that English speakers are easily deceived into thinking these familiar symbols represent the same sounds they do in English. They don't. That said, pinyin can be a useful system to learn, but you must rely on your ears first, eyes second.

Don't expect to be able to pronounce anything just by reading the pinyin; the romanization is just a reference to jog your memory. A language exists primarily in its sounds, which is why daily listening and imitation practice is so important.

Words and phrases

  • 但 :: dàn :: but
  • 但是 :: dànshì :: but
  • 昨天 :: zuótiān :: yesterday
  • 不一樣 :: bù yīyàng :: different
  • 貓咪 :: māomī :: cat
  • 為什麼 :: wèishéme :: why
  • 每天 :: měitiān :: every day
  • 問 :: wèn :: to ask
  • 可以 :: kěyǐ :: can / to be able to
  • 去 :: qù :: to go
  • 出 :: chū :: out
  • 待 :: dài :: to stay
  • 家裡 :: jiālǐ :: at home
  • 這個 :: zhège :: this one
  • 想 :: xiǎng :: to want / would like to


About learning Chinese characters

Teaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of this podcast, but if you are learning Chinese characters with another course or method, you can use the transcript below to follow along. 

Learning characters can be a fulfilling project, and can help you to remember and differentiate similar-sounding words. And, of course, it opens up more avenues for practicing your Mandarin, such as reading (books, children's books, comic books) and corresponding with Chinese speakers via email and other messaging apps. I highly encourage you to give it a try! 

However, if the thought of memorizing all those characters now gives you a headache, rest assured: you can start speaking Mandarin without being able to read or write. Millions of preliterate children learn to speak Mandarin fluently, and so can you! If and when you are ready to start learning the characters, already speaking some Mandarin will also make it that much easier. 

The bottom line is this: Don't let anything stop you or discourage you. The best method is the method you actually use, and any method you choose is better than no method at all! Find a way to move forward. You can always make adjustments later. And most of all, enjoy! 


Dialogue transcript

  • L: 你今天也在咖啡店？
  • M: 對啊
  • L: 但是，今天的咖啡店跟昨天的不一樣
  • M: 對，你看： 今天的咖啡店有貓咪！
  • L: 為什麼？
  • M: 沒有為什麼啊
  • L: 為什麼你每天都去咖啡店？
  • M: 你問我為什麼... 
  • L: 為什麼你可以每天出去，但我每天要待在家裡？！
  • M: 這個嘛... 
  • L: 為什麼？！你跟我說！
  • M: ...你不喜歡待在家裡？
  • L :沒有人喜歡待在家裡啊
  • M: ... 你想再看一下貓咪嗎？
  • L: 好吧

  ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks for listening! 

]]> In this lesson, you'll learn how to identify and produce the four main tones in spoken Mandarin, and some essential COVID-19 vocabulary to help you talk about your situation -- whatever it may be -- plus how to ask why? Why??!

Let's talk about tones. For someone coming from a non-tonal language background, it's easy to imagine that tones are something extra, like some kind of garnish sprinkled on top of the language, possibly put there just to make it fancy or to make it harder to learn. This couldn't be further from the truth, of course. Tones are an essential part of communicating in Mandarin. Getting tones right means the difference between saying to someone you just met: "Excuse me, can I ask you?" and "Kiss, can I smell you?" 

Of course, native Mandarin speakers can sometimes guess what others are saying even when they aren't getting the tones just right. But it can be tiring. If you've ever talked to someone who speaks English rapidly but puts the stress on the wrong syllables, you can imagine what this is like -- except in Mandarin, it's worse.   

The good news is that learning tones isn't as hard as you might think. In fact, if you speak English you are most likely already familiar with all four tones, you just aren't used to thinking of them as such. In this lesson, you'll hear an example of English words that use the exact same tones as those used in Mandarin (If you speak a dialect of English that doesn't say these words the same way I use them, I apologize. But hopefully you still get the idea!) 

This is why imitation -- imitating sound, intonation, and emotion, even to the point of adopting a different persona in your mind -- is such an important part of learning to speak Chinese naturally and fluently. You don't want to just copy what other people say; you want to copy the way they say it, and how they think and feel as they say it. If you do this, the tones will come automatically, because they'll be just another part of how you normally say things as a Mandarin speaker.

A note about pronunciation: The vocabulary list below includes the Chinese characters and the pinyin romanization system. The advantage of pinyin for English speakers is that it uses the familiar symbols of the Latin alphabet. The disadvantage is that English speakers are easily deceived into thinking these familiar symbols represent the same sounds they do in English. They don't. That said, pinyin can be a useful system to learn, but you must rely on your ears first, eyes second.

Don't expect to be able to pronounce anything just by reading the pinyin; the romanization is just a reference to jog your memory. A language exists primarily in its sounds, which is why daily listening and imitation practice is so important.

Words and phrases

  • 但 :: dàn :: but
  • 但是 :: dànshì :: but
  • 昨天 :: zuótiān :: yesterday
  • 不一樣 :: bù yīyàng :: different
  • 貓咪 :: māomī :: cat
  • 為什麼 :: wèishéme :: why
  • 每天 :: měitiān :: every day
  • 問 :: wèn :: to ask
  • 可以 :: kěyǐ :: can / to be able to
  • 去 :: qù :: to go
  • 出 :: chū :: out
  • 待 :: dài :: to stay
  • 家裡 :: jiālǐ :: at home
  • 這個 :: zhège :: this one
  • 想 :: xiǎng :: to want / would like to


About learning Chinese characters

Teaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of this podcast, but if you are learning Chinese characters with another course or method, you can use the transcript below to follow along. 

Learning characters can be a fulfilling project, and can help you to remember and differentiate similar-sounding words. And, of course, it opens up more avenues for practicing your Mandarin, such as reading (books, children's books, comic books) and corresponding with Chinese speakers via email and other messaging apps. I highly encourage you to give it a try! 

However, if the thought of memorizing all those characters now gives you a headache, rest assured: you can start speaking Mandarin without being able to read or write. Millions of preliterate children learn to speak Mandarin fluently, and so can you! If and when you are ready to start learning the characters, already speaking some Mandarin will also make it that much easier. 

The bottom line is this: Don't let anything stop you or discourage you. The best method is the method you actually use, and any method you choose is better than no method at all! Find a way to move forward. You can always make adjustments later. And most of all, enjoy! 


Dialogue transcript

  • L: 你今天也在咖啡店？
  • M: 對啊
  • L: 但是，今天的咖啡店跟昨天的不一樣
  • M: 對，你看： 今天的咖啡店有貓咪！
  • L: 為什麼？
  • M: 沒有為什麼啊
  • L: 為什麼你每天都去咖啡店？
  • M: 你問我為什麼... 
  • L: 為什麼你可以每天出去，但我每天要待在家裡？！
  • M: 這個嘛... 
  • L: 為什麼？！你跟我說！
  • M: ...你不喜歡待在家裡？
  • L :沒有人喜歡待在家裡啊
  • M: ... 你想再看一下貓咪嗎？
  • L: 好吧

  ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks for listening! 

]]> Wed, 10 Jun 2020 08:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 1286 In this lesson, you'll learn how to identify and produce the four main tones in spoken Mandarin, and some essential COVID-19 vocabulary to help you talk about your situation -- whatever it may be -- plus how to ask why? Why??!

Let's talk about tones. For someone coming from a non-tonal language background, it's easy to imagine that tones are something extra, like some kind of garnish sprinkled on top of the language, possibly put there just to make it fancy or to make it harder to learn. This couldn't be further from the truth, of course. Tones are an essential part of communicating in Mandarin. Getting tones right means the difference between saying to someone you just met: "Excuse me, can I ask you?" and "Kiss, can I smell you?" 

Of course, native Mandarin speakers can sometimes guess what others are saying even when they aren't getting the tones just right. But it can be tiring. If you've ever talked to someone who speaks English rapidly but puts the stress on the wrong syllables, you can imagine what this is like -- except in Mandarin, it's worse.   

The good news is that learning tones isn't as hard as you might think. In fact, if you speak English you are most likely already familiar with all four tones, you just aren't used to thinking of them as such. In this lesson, you'll hear an example of English words that use the exact same tones as those used in Mandarin (If you speak a dialect of English that doesn't say these words the same way I use them, I apologize. But hopefully you still get the idea!) 

This is why imitation -- imitating sound, intonation, and emotion, even to the point of adopting a different persona in your mind -- is such an important part of learning to speak Chinese naturally and fluently. You don't want to just copy what other people say; you want to copy the way they say it, and how they think and feel as they say it. If you do this, the tones will come automatically, because they'll be just another part of how you normally say things as a Mandarin speaker.

A note about pronunciation: The vocabulary list below includes the Chinese characters and the pinyin romanization system. The advantage of pinyin for English speakers is that it uses the familiar symbols of the Latin alphabet. The disadvantage is that English speakers are easily deceived into thinking these familiar symbols represent the same sounds they do in English. They don't. That said, pinyin can be a useful system to learn, but you must rely on your ears first, eyes second.

Don't expect to be able to pronounce anything just by reading the pinyin; the romanization is just a reference to jog your memory. A language exists primarily in its sounds, which is why daily listening and imitation practice is so important.

Words and phrases

  • 但 :: dàn :: but
  • 但是 :: dànshì :: but
  • 昨天 :: zuótiān :: yesterday
  • 不一樣 :: bù yīyàng :: different
  • 貓咪 :: māomī :: cat
  • 為什麼 :: wèishéme :: why
  • 每天 :: měitiān :: every day
  • 問 :: wèn :: to ask
  • 可以 :: kěyǐ :: can / to be able to
  • 去 :: qù :: to go
  • 出 :: chū :: out
  • 待 :: dài :: to stay
  • 家裡 :: jiālǐ :: at home
  • 這個 :: zhège :: this one
  • 想 :: xiǎng :: to want / would like to


About learning Chinese characters

Teaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of this podcast, but if you are learning Chinese characters with another course or method, you can use the transcript below to follow along. 

Learning characters can be a fulfilling project, and can help you to remember and differentiate similar-sounding words. And, of course, it opens up more avenues for practicing your Mandarin, such as reading (books, children's books, comic books) and corresponding with Chinese speakers via email and other messaging apps. I highly encourage you to give it a try! 

However, if the thought of memorizing all those characters now gives you a headache, rest assured: you can start speaking Mandarin without being able to read or write. Millions of preliterate children learn to speak Mandarin fluently, and so can you! If and when you are ready to start learning the characters, already speaking some Mandarin will also make it that much easier. 

The bottom line is this: Don't let anything stop you or discourage you. The best method is the method you actually use, and any method you choose is better than no method at all! Find a way to move forward. You can always make adjustments later. And most of all, enjoy! 


Dialogue transcript

  • L: 你今天也在咖啡店？
  • M: 對啊
  • L: 但是，今天的咖啡店跟昨天的不一樣
  • M: 對，你看： 今天的咖啡店有貓咪！
  • L: 為什麼？
  • M: 沒有為什麼啊
  • L: 為什麼你每天都去咖啡店？
  • M: 你問我為什麼... 
  • L: 為什麼你可以每天出去，但我每天要待在家裡？！
  • M: 這個嘛... 
  • L: 為什麼？！你跟我說！
  • M: ...你不喜歡待在家裡？
  • L :沒有人喜歡待在家裡啊
  • M: ... 你想再看一下貓咪嗎？
  • L: 好吧

  ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks for listening! 

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan Yes Daily Practice Session - Lesson 07 1 1 Daily Practice Session - Lesson 07 bonus 7f3f5de9-9939-46a9-ac97-79722d67fb97 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4d446748 Dialogue transcript

  • L: 你今天也在咖啡店？
  • M: 對啊
  • L: 但是，今天的咖啡店跟昨天的不一樣
  • M: 對，你看： 今天的咖啡店有貓咪！
  • L: 為什麼？
  • M: 沒有為什麼啊
  • L: 為什麼你每天都去咖啡店？
  • M: 你問我為什麼... 
  • L: 為什麼你可以每天出去，但我每天要待在家裡？！
  • M: 這個嘛... 
  • L: 為什麼？！你跟我說！
  • M: ...你不喜歡待在家裡？
  • L :沒有人喜歡待在家裡啊
  • M: ... 你想再看一下貓咪嗎？
  • L: 好吧

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> Dialogue transcript

  • L: 你今天也在咖啡店？
  • M: 對啊
  • L: 但是，今天的咖啡店跟昨天的不一樣
  • M: 對，你看： 今天的咖啡店有貓咪！
  • L: 為什麼？
  • M: 沒有為什麼啊
  • L: 為什麼你每天都去咖啡店？
  • M: 你問我為什麼... 
  • L: 為什麼你可以每天出去，但我每天要待在家裡？！
  • M: 這個嘛... 
  • L: 為什麼？！你跟我說！
  • M: ...你不喜歡待在家裡？
  • L :沒有人喜歡待在家裡啊
  • M: ... 你想再看一下貓咪嗎？
  • L: 好吧

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Thanks for listening! 

]]> Thu, 11 Jun 2020 08:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 247 After you've listened to Lesson 7, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week. After you've listened to Lesson 7, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week. Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No 08 ~ What's your favorite food? 你最喜歡吃什麼？ 1 1 08 ~ What's your favorite food? 你最喜歡吃什麼？ full d79d3825-784d-4c90-bb9b-8a3720c8f2b7 https://www.mftgu.com/episodes/s01-e08 In this lesson, we'll talk about the single most important thing you should be doing for your spoken Mandarin. We'll also learn how to talk about food, and how to make plans to go eat with other people.

Have you ever had the experience of studying a language for a long time, of feeling like you should be able to speak it by now, but then when the opportunity arises you get stuck, or maybe even get cold feet and make some excuse as to why you're not ready yet? If so, the question you should be asking yourself isn't why this happens, but why you didn't make it happen sooner.

Nobody speaks well on their first try, no matter how long they've spent preparing for it. 

This podcast -- or any other podcast, app, or class for that matter -- is not going to singlehandedly turn you into a Mandarin speaker. The only thing that's going to do that is talking to another human being, and doing it often. It doesn't matter if it's online or offline, as long as it's a real, live person.

If this podcast is doing its job, you'll walk into those first conversations equipped to have an interesting talk. You'll be able to make educated guesses or even understand some of what the other person is saying, and you'll have some idea how to make yourself understood. But it's still not going to be pretty. You'll make mistakes, have misunderstandings, and have to abandon ship on a lot of things you thought you knew how to say. No matter what you do, remember to find ways to make it fun for yourself. That's what will keep you motivated to keep practicing.

A note about pronunciation: The vocabulary list below includes the Chinese characters and the pinyin romanization system. The advantage of pinyin for English speakers is that it uses the familiar symbols of the Latin alphabet. The disadvantage is that English speakers are easily deceived into thinking these familiar symbols represent the same sounds they do in English. They don't. That said, pinyin can be a useful system to learn, but you must rely on your ears first, eyes second. 

Don't expect to be able to pronounce anything just by reading the pinyin; the romanization is just a reference to jog your memory. A language exists primarily in its sounds, which is why daily listening and imitation practice is so important. 

Lesson vocabulary:

  • 最 :: zuì :: most
  • 吃 :: chī :: to eat
  • 韓國 :: hánguó :: Korea
  • 菜 :: cài :: vegetables / cuisine
  • 拉麵 :: lāmiàn :: ramen
  • 晚餐 :: wǎncān :: dinner ("evening meal")
  • 要不要 :: yào bùyào :: [do you want...?]
  • 一起 :: yīqǐ :: together
  • 餐廳 :: cāntīng :: restaurant
  • 久 :: jiǔ :: a long time
  • 車 :: chē :: car
  • 開 :: kāi :: to open
  • 開車 :: kāichē :: to drive a car
  • 時候 :: shíhòu :: time
  • 什麼時候 :: shénme shíhòu :: when
  • 他 :: tā :: [third person singular pronoun]
  • 餓 :: è :: hungry
  • 就 :: jiù :: [keep an eye on this word]


About learning Chinese characters

Teaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of this podcast, but if you are learning Chinese characters with another course or method, you can use the transcript below to follow along. 

Learning characters can be a fulfilling project, and can help you to remember and differentiate similar-sounding words. And, of course, it opens up more avenues for practicing your Mandarin, such as reading (books, children's books, comic books) and corresponding with Chinese speakers via email and other messaging apps. I highly encourage you to give it a try! 

However, if the thought of memorizing all those characters now gives you a headache, rest assured: you can start speaking Mandarin without being able to read or write. Millions of preliterate children learn to speak Mandarin fluently, and so can you! If and when you are ready to start learning the characters, already speaking some Mandarin will also make it that much easier. 

The bottom line is this: Don't let anything stop you or discourage you. The best method is the method you actually use, and any method you choose is better than no method at all! Find a way to move forward. You can always make adjustments later. And most of all, enjoy! 

Dialogue transcription

  • M: 小李，你最喜歡吃什麼？
  • L：我最喜歡吃韓國菜，你呢？
  • M：我也喜歡吃韓國菜，但我最喜歡吃拉麵
  • L：我要去吃晚餐了，你要不要跟我一起去？
  • M：好啊，但你要去哪吃？
  • L：我要去韓國餐廳，很久沒去
  • M：好啊，你開車嗎？
  • L：對啊，我開車去
  • M：什麼時候？
  • L：等一下就要去了
  • M：他們也有麵嗎？
  • L：有啊
  • M：那好，我們一起去吧，我餓了！


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> In this lesson, we'll talk about the single most important thing you should be doing for your spoken Mandarin. We'll also learn how to talk about food, and how to make plans to go eat with other people.

Have you ever had the experience of studying a language for a long time, of feeling like you should be able to speak it by now, but then when the opportunity arises you get stuck, or maybe even get cold feet and make some excuse as to why you're not ready yet? If so, the question you should be asking yourself isn't why this happens, but why you didn't make it happen sooner.

Nobody speaks well on their first try, no matter how long they've spent preparing for it. 

This podcast -- or any other podcast, app, or class for that matter -- is not going to singlehandedly turn you into a Mandarin speaker. The only thing that's going to do that is talking to another human being, and doing it often. It doesn't matter if it's online or offline, as long as it's a real, live person.

If this podcast is doing its job, you'll walk into those first conversations equipped to have an interesting talk. You'll be able to make educated guesses or even understand some of what the other person is saying, and you'll have some idea how to make yourself understood. But it's still not going to be pretty. You'll make mistakes, have misunderstandings, and have to abandon ship on a lot of things you thought you knew how to say. No matter what you do, remember to find ways to make it fun for yourself. That's what will keep you motivated to keep practicing.

A note about pronunciation: The vocabulary list below includes the Chinese characters and the pinyin romanization system. The advantage of pinyin for English speakers is that it uses the familiar symbols of the Latin alphabet. The disadvantage is that English speakers are easily deceived into thinking these familiar symbols represent the same sounds they do in English. They don't. That said, pinyin can be a useful system to learn, but you must rely on your ears first, eyes second. 

Don't expect to be able to pronounce anything just by reading the pinyin; the romanization is just a reference to jog your memory. A language exists primarily in its sounds, which is why daily listening and imitation practice is so important. 

Lesson vocabulary:

  • 最 :: zuì :: most
  • 吃 :: chī :: to eat
  • 韓國 :: hánguó :: Korea
  • 菜 :: cài :: vegetables / cuisine
  • 拉麵 :: lāmiàn :: ramen
  • 晚餐 :: wǎncān :: dinner ("evening meal")
  • 要不要 :: yào bùyào :: [do you want...?]
  • 一起 :: yīqǐ :: together
  • 餐廳 :: cāntīng :: restaurant
  • 久 :: jiǔ :: a long time
  • 車 :: chē :: car
  • 開 :: kāi :: to open
  • 開車 :: kāichē :: to drive a car
  • 時候 :: shíhòu :: time
  • 什麼時候 :: shénme shíhòu :: when
  • 他 :: tā :: [third person singular pronoun]
  • 餓 :: è :: hungry
  • 就 :: jiù :: [keep an eye on this word]


About learning Chinese characters

Teaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of this podcast, but if you are learning Chinese characters with another course or method, you can use the transcript below to follow along. 

Learning characters can be a fulfilling project, and can help you to remember and differentiate similar-sounding words. And, of course, it opens up more avenues for practicing your Mandarin, such as reading (books, children's books, comic books) and corresponding with Chinese speakers via email and other messaging apps. I highly encourage you to give it a try! 

However, if the thought of memorizing all those characters now gives you a headache, rest assured: you can start speaking Mandarin without being able to read or write. Millions of preliterate children learn to speak Mandarin fluently, and so can you! If and when you are ready to start learning the characters, already speaking some Mandarin will also make it that much easier. 

The bottom line is this: Don't let anything stop you or discourage you. The best method is the method you actually use, and any method you choose is better than no method at all! Find a way to move forward. You can always make adjustments later. And most of all, enjoy! 

Dialogue transcription

  • M: 小李，你最喜歡吃什麼？
  • L：我最喜歡吃韓國菜，你呢？
  • M：我也喜歡吃韓國菜，但我最喜歡吃拉麵
  • L：我要去吃晚餐了，你要不要跟我一起去？
  • M：好啊，但你要去哪吃？
  • L：我要去韓國餐廳，很久沒去
  • M：好啊，你開車嗎？
  • L：對啊，我開車去
  • M：什麼時候？
  • L：等一下就要去了
  • M：他們也有麵嗎？
  • L：有啊
  • M：那好，我們一起去吧，我餓了！


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> Wed, 17 Jun 2020 08:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 1190 In this lesson, we'll talk about the single most important thing you should be doing for your spoken Mandarin. We'll also learn how to talk about food, and how to make plans to go eat with other people.

Have you ever had the experience of studying a language for a long time, of feeling like you should be able to speak it by now, but then when the opportunity arises you get stuck, or maybe even get cold feet and make some excuse as to why you're not ready yet? If so, the question you should be asking yourself isn't why this happens, but why you didn't make it happen sooner.

Nobody speaks well on their first try, no matter how long they've spent preparing for it. 

This podcast -- or any other podcast, app, or class for that matter -- is not going to singlehandedly turn you into a Mandarin speaker. The only thing that's going to do that is talking to another human being, and doing it often. It doesn't matter if it's online or offline, as long as it's a real, live person.

If this podcast is doing its job, you'll walk into those first conversations equipped to have an interesting talk. You'll be able to make educated guesses or even understand some of what the other person is saying, and you'll have some idea how to make yourself understood. But it's still not going to be pretty. You'll make mistakes, have misunderstandings, and have to abandon ship on a lot of things you thought you knew how to say. No matter what you do, remember to find ways to make it fun for yourself. That's what will keep you motivated to keep practicing.

A note about pronunciation: The vocabulary list below includes the Chinese characters and the pinyin romanization system. The advantage of pinyin for English speakers is that it uses the familiar symbols of the Latin alphabet. The disadvantage is that English speakers are easily deceived into thinking these familiar symbols represent the same sounds they do in English. They don't. That said, pinyin can be a useful system to learn, but you must rely on your ears first, eyes second. 

Don't expect to be able to pronounce anything just by reading the pinyin; the romanization is just a reference to jog your memory. A language exists primarily in its sounds, which is why daily listening and imitation practice is so important. 

Lesson vocabulary:

  • 最 :: zuì :: most
  • 吃 :: chī :: to eat
  • 韓國 :: hánguó :: Korea
  • 菜 :: cài :: vegetables / cuisine
  • 拉麵 :: lāmiàn :: ramen
  • 晚餐 :: wǎncān :: dinner ("evening meal")
  • 要不要 :: yào bùyào :: [do you want...?]
  • 一起 :: yīqǐ :: together
  • 餐廳 :: cāntīng :: restaurant
  • 久 :: jiǔ :: a long time
  • 車 :: chē :: car
  • 開 :: kāi :: to open
  • 開車 :: kāichē :: to drive a car
  • 時候 :: shíhòu :: time
  • 什麼時候 :: shénme shíhòu :: when
  • 他 :: tā :: [third person singular pronoun]
  • 餓 :: è :: hungry
  • 就 :: jiù :: [keep an eye on this word]


About learning Chinese characters

Teaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of this podcast, but if you are learning Chinese characters with another course or method, you can use the transcript below to follow along. 

Learning characters can be a fulfilling project, and can help you to remember and differentiate similar-sounding words. And, of course, it opens up more avenues for practicing your Mandarin, such as reading (books, children's books, comic books) and corresponding with Chinese speakers via email and other messaging apps. I highly encourage you to give it a try! 

However, if the thought of memorizing all those characters now gives you a headache, rest assured: you can start speaking Mandarin without being able to read or write. Millions of preliterate children learn to speak Mandarin fluently, and so can you! If and when you are ready to start learning the characters, already speaking some Mandarin will also make it that much easier. 

The bottom line is this: Don't let anything stop you or discourage you. The best method is the method you actually use, and any method you choose is better than no method at all! Find a way to move forward. You can always make adjustments later. And most of all, enjoy! 

Dialogue transcription

  • M: 小李，你最喜歡吃什麼？
  • L：我最喜歡吃韓國菜，你呢？
  • M：我也喜歡吃韓國菜，但我最喜歡吃拉麵
  • L：我要去吃晚餐了，你要不要跟我一起去？
  • M：好啊，但你要去哪吃？
  • L：我要去韓國餐廳，很久沒去
  • M：好啊，你開車嗎？
  • L：對啊，我開車去
  • M：什麼時候？
  • L：等一下就要去了
  • M：他們也有麵嗎？
  • L：有啊
  • M：那好，我們一起去吧，我餓了！


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No Daily Practice Session - Lesson 08 1 1 Daily Practice Session - Lesson 08 bonus 05cb06ef-81a2-453e-a4e0-382268d46a00 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5fcedcd8 After you've listened to Lesson 8, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week.

Dialogue transcription

  • M: 小李，你最喜歡吃什麼？
  • L：我最喜歡吃韓國菜，你呢？
  • M：我也喜歡吃韓國菜，但我最喜歡吃拉麵
  • L：我要去吃晚餐了，你要不要跟我一起去？
  • M：好啊，但你要去哪吃？
  • L：我要去韓國餐廳，很久沒去
  • M：好啊，你開車嗎？
  • L：對啊，我開車去
  • M：什麼時候？
  • L：等一下就要去了
  • M：他們也有麵嗎？
  • L：有啊
  • M：那好，我們一起去吧，我餓了！


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> After you've listened to Lesson 8, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week.

Dialogue transcription

  • M: 小李，你最喜歡吃什麼？
  • L：我最喜歡吃韓國菜，你呢？
  • M：我也喜歡吃韓國菜，但我最喜歡吃拉麵
  • L：我要去吃晚餐了，你要不要跟我一起去？
  • M：好啊，但你要去哪吃？
  • L：我要去韓國餐廳，很久沒去
  • M：好啊，你開車嗎？
  • L：對啊，我開車去
  • M：什麼時候？
  • L：等一下就要去了
  • M：他們也有麵嗎？
  • L：有啊
  • M：那好，我們一起去吧，我餓了！


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> Thu, 18 Jun 2020 08:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 254 After you've listened to Lesson 8, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week.

Dialogue transcription

  • M: 小李，你最喜歡吃什麼？
  • L：我最喜歡吃韓國菜，你呢？
  • M：我也喜歡吃韓國菜，但我最喜歡吃拉麵
  • L：我要去吃晚餐了，你要不要跟我一起去？
  • M：好啊，但你要去哪吃？
  • L：我要去韓國餐廳，很久沒去
  • M：好啊，你開車嗎？
  • L：對啊，我開車去
  • M：什麼時候？
  • L：等一下就要去了
  • M：他們也有麵嗎？
  • L：有啊
  • M：那好，我們一起去吧，我餓了！


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No 09 ~ Aren't you going to drive? 不是你要開的嗎？ 1 1 09 ~ Aren't you going to drive? 不是你要開的嗎？ full 67ecaa1f-7d3f-4821-b5b0-1c2c2cd436a0 https://www.mftgu.com/episodes/s01-e09 This dialogue reinforces a lot of words and phrases you already know, which just a few new ones. In this dialogue, 小李 and 阿明 are talking about going to have some food, and who is going to drive.

We learn best when we learn from context. Letting your brain try to infer the meaning and usage of a word or phrase is much more effective than having someone just tell you. Facts are forgettable, but experience lasts.

However, in order to learn the patterns of a language, it's not enough to just see a word or phrase used once. We need to hear it multiple times, in various situations. This is why, starting from lesson 9, we are going to start seeing dialogues that do more reinforcing of what you already know, and less introducing of new words. We are also going to spend less time dwelling on specific vocabulary, instead giving you the full translation of each sentence, so that you have a chance to figure out the words and usages from context. It may be confusing in the beginning, but it will be worth it.

Transcripts are available below, first with only Chinese characters, and then with pinyin and the translation. 

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • M：小李，你吃飯了嗎？
  • L：還沒，你呢？
  • M: 我也還沒。你餓了嗎？
  • L：好餓！
  • M： 我也是，我也很餓
  • L：你想吃什麼？
  • M：我想吃飯！你呢？
  • L：好啊，我也想吃飯
  • M：那我們去吃飯吧！
  • L：好，去餐廳吃怎麼樣？
  • M：好！你要開車嗎？
  • L：我開車？不是你要開的嗎？
  • M：我沒有車啊，我把車子賣掉了
  • L：你把車子賣掉了幹嘛？
  • M：我沒錢啊
  • L：可是我不會開車啊
  • M：你不會開車？我以為你會
  • L：我不會啊！你是不是忘記了！
  • M：那怎麼辦？
  • L: 沒辦法! 


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • M：小李，你吃飯了嗎？
    • M: Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ chīfànle ma?
    • M: Xiaoli, have you eaten?
  • L：還沒，你呢？
    • L: Hái méi, nǐ ne?
    • L: Not yet, and you? 
  • M: 我也還沒。你餓了嗎？
    • M: Wǒ yě hái méi. Nǐ èle ma?
    • M: I also haven't yet. Are you hungry? 
  • L：好餓！
    • L: Hǎo è!
    • L: So hungry!
  • M： 我也是，我也很餓
    • M: Wǒ yěshì, wǒ yě hěn è
    • M: Me too, I'm also really hungry. 
  • L：你想吃什麼？
    • L: Nǐ xiǎng chī shénme?
    • L: You want to eat what? 
  • M：我想吃飯！你呢？
    • M: Wǒ xiǎng chīfàn! Nǐ ne?
    • M: I want to eat rice (a full meal)! And you? 
  • L：好啊，我也想吃飯
    • L: Hǎo a, wǒ yě xiǎng chīfàn
    • L: Ok, I also want to eat rice.
  • M：那我們去吃飯吧！
    • M: Nà wǒmen qù chīfàn ba!
    • M: Then let's go eat!
  • L：好，去餐廳吃怎麼樣？
    • L: Hǎo, qù cāntīng chī zěnme yàng?
    • L: Ok, go to a restaurant to eat, how about it? 
  • M：好！你要開車嗎？
    • M: Hǎo! Nǐ yào kāichē ma?
    • M: Ok! Are you going to drive? 
  • L：我開車？不是你要開的嗎？
    • L: Wǒ kāichē? Bùshì nǐ yào kāi de ma?
    • L: Me, drive? Aren't you going to drive? 
  • M：我沒有車啊，我把車子賣掉了
    • M: Wǒ méiyǒu chē a, wǒ bǎ chēzi mài diàole
    • M: I don't have a car! I sold my car.
  • L：你把車子賣掉了幹嘛？
    • L: Nǐ bǎ chēzi mài diàole gàn ma?
    • L: You sold the car, WTF?
  • M：我沒錢啊
    • M: Wǒ méi qián a
    • M: I don't have money. 
  • L：可是我不會開車啊
    • L: Kěshì wǒ bù huì kāichē a
    • L: But I can't drive!
  • M：你不會開車？我以為你會
    • M: Nǐ bù huì kāichē? Wǒ yǐwéi nǐ huì
    • M: You can't drive? I thought you could. 
  • L：我不會啊！你是不是忘記了！
    • L: Wǒ bù huì a! Nǐ shì bùshì wàngjìle!
    • L: I can't! You forgot, didn't you? 
  • M：那怎麼辦？
    • M: Nà zěnme bàn?
    • M: Then what are we gonna do? 
  • L: 沒辦法! 
    • L: Méi bànfǎ!
    • L: Nothing to do!


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> This dialogue reinforces a lot of words and phrases you already know, which just a few new ones. In this dialogue, 小李 and 阿明 are talking about going to have some food, and who is going to drive.

We learn best when we learn from context. Letting your brain try to infer the meaning and usage of a word or phrase is much more effective than having someone just tell you. Facts are forgettable, but experience lasts.

However, in order to learn the patterns of a language, it's not enough to just see a word or phrase used once. We need to hear it multiple times, in various situations. This is why, starting from lesson 9, we are going to start seeing dialogues that do more reinforcing of what you already know, and less introducing of new words. We are also going to spend less time dwelling on specific vocabulary, instead giving you the full translation of each sentence, so that you have a chance to figure out the words and usages from context. It may be confusing in the beginning, but it will be worth it.

Transcripts are available below, first with only Chinese characters, and then with pinyin and the translation. 

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • M：小李，你吃飯了嗎？
  • L：還沒，你呢？
  • M: 我也還沒。你餓了嗎？
  • L：好餓！
  • M： 我也是，我也很餓
  • L：你想吃什麼？
  • M：我想吃飯！你呢？
  • L：好啊，我也想吃飯
  • M：那我們去吃飯吧！
  • L：好，去餐廳吃怎麼樣？
  • M：好！你要開車嗎？
  • L：我開車？不是你要開的嗎？
  • M：我沒有車啊，我把車子賣掉了
  • L：你把車子賣掉了幹嘛？
  • M：我沒錢啊
  • L：可是我不會開車啊
  • M：你不會開車？我以為你會
  • L：我不會啊！你是不是忘記了！
  • M：那怎麼辦？
  • L: 沒辦法! 


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • M：小李，你吃飯了嗎？
    • M: Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ chīfànle ma?
    • M: Xiaoli, have you eaten?
  • L：還沒，你呢？
    • L: Hái méi, nǐ ne?
    • L: Not yet, and you? 
  • M: 我也還沒。你餓了嗎？
    • M: Wǒ yě hái méi. Nǐ èle ma?
    • M: I also haven't yet. Are you hungry? 
  • L：好餓！
    • L: Hǎo è!
    • L: So hungry!
  • M： 我也是，我也很餓
    • M: Wǒ yěshì, wǒ yě hěn è
    • M: Me too, I'm also really hungry. 
  • L：你想吃什麼？
    • L: Nǐ xiǎng chī shénme?
    • L: You want to eat what? 
  • M：我想吃飯！你呢？
    • M: Wǒ xiǎng chīfàn! Nǐ ne?
    • M: I want to eat rice (a full meal)! And you? 
  • L：好啊，我也想吃飯
    • L: Hǎo a, wǒ yě xiǎng chīfàn
    • L: Ok, I also want to eat rice.
  • M：那我們去吃飯吧！
    • M: Nà wǒmen qù chīfàn ba!
    • M: Then let's go eat!
  • L：好，去餐廳吃怎麼樣？
    • L: Hǎo, qù cāntīng chī zěnme yàng?
    • L: Ok, go to a restaurant to eat, how about it? 
  • M：好！你要開車嗎？
    • M: Hǎo! Nǐ yào kāichē ma?
    • M: Ok! Are you going to drive? 
  • L：我開車？不是你要開的嗎？
    • L: Wǒ kāichē? Bùshì nǐ yào kāi de ma?
    • L: Me, drive? Aren't you going to drive? 
  • M：我沒有車啊，我把車子賣掉了
    • M: Wǒ méiyǒu chē a, wǒ bǎ chēzi mài diàole
    • M: I don't have a car! I sold my car.
  • L：你把車子賣掉了幹嘛？
    • L: Nǐ bǎ chēzi mài diàole gàn ma?
    • L: You sold the car, WTF?
  • M：我沒錢啊
    • M: Wǒ méi qián a
    • M: I don't have money. 
  • L：可是我不會開車啊
    • L: Kěshì wǒ bù huì kāichē a
    • L: But I can't drive!
  • M：你不會開車？我以為你會
    • M: Nǐ bù huì kāichē? Wǒ yǐwéi nǐ huì
    • M: You can't drive? I thought you could. 
  • L：我不會啊！你是不是忘記了！
    • L: Wǒ bù huì a! Nǐ shì bùshì wàngjìle!
    • L: I can't! You forgot, didn't you? 
  • M：那怎麼辦？
    • M: Nà zěnme bàn?
    • M: Then what are we gonna do? 
  • L: 沒辦法! 
    • L: Méi bànfǎ!
    • L: Nothing to do!


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]]> Wed, 24 Jun 2020 08:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 675 This dialogue reinforces a lot of words and phrases you already know, which just a few new ones. In this dialogue, 小李 and 阿明 are talking about going to have some food, and who is going to drive.

We learn best when we learn from context. Letting your brain try to infer the meaning and usage of a word or phrase is much more effective than having someone just tell you. Facts are forgettable, but experience lasts.

However, in order to learn the patterns of a language, it's not enough to just see a word or phrase used once. We need to hear it multiple times, in various situations. This is why, starting from lesson 9, we are going to start seeing dialogues that do more reinforcing of what you already know, and less introducing of new words. We are also going to spend less time dwelling on specific vocabulary, instead giving you the full translation of each sentence, so that you have a chance to figure out the words and usages from context. It may be confusing in the beginning, but it will be worth it.

Transcripts are available below, first with only Chinese characters, and then with pinyin and the translation. 

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • M：小李，你吃飯了嗎？
  • L：還沒，你呢？
  • M: 我也還沒。你餓了嗎？
  • L：好餓！
  • M： 我也是，我也很餓
  • L：你想吃什麼？
  • M：我想吃飯！你呢？
  • L：好啊，我也想吃飯
  • M：那我們去吃飯吧！
  • L：好，去餐廳吃怎麼樣？
  • M：好！你要開車嗎？
  • L：我開車？不是你要開的嗎？
  • M：我沒有車啊，我把車子賣掉了
  • L：你把車子賣掉了幹嘛？
  • M：我沒錢啊
  • L：可是我不會開車啊
  • M：你不會開車？我以為你會
  • L：我不會啊！你是不是忘記了！
  • M：那怎麼辦？
  • L: 沒辦法! 


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • M：小李，你吃飯了嗎？
    • M: Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ chīfànle ma?
    • M: Xiaoli, have you eaten?
  • L：還沒，你呢？
    • L: Hái méi, nǐ ne?
    • L: Not yet, and you? 
  • M: 我也還沒。你餓了嗎？
    • M: Wǒ yě hái méi. Nǐ èle ma?
    • M: I also haven't yet. Are you hungry? 
  • L：好餓！
    • L: Hǎo è!
    • L: So hungry!
  • M： 我也是，我也很餓
    • M: Wǒ yěshì, wǒ yě hěn è
    • M: Me too, I'm also really hungry. 
  • L：你想吃什麼？
    • L: Nǐ xiǎng chī shénme?
    • L: You want to eat what? 
  • M：我想吃飯！你呢？
    • M: Wǒ xiǎng chīfàn! Nǐ ne?
    • M: I want to eat rice (a full meal)! And you? 
  • L：好啊，我也想吃飯
    • L: Hǎo a, wǒ yě xiǎng chīfàn
    • L: Ok, I also want to eat rice.
  • M：那我們去吃飯吧！
    • M: Nà wǒmen qù chīfàn ba!
    • M: Then let's go eat!
  • L：好，去餐廳吃怎麼樣？
    • L: Hǎo, qù cāntīng chī zěnme yàng?
    • L: Ok, go to a restaurant to eat, how about it? 
  • M：好！你要開車嗎？
    • M: Hǎo! Nǐ yào kāichē ma?
    • M: Ok! Are you going to drive? 
  • L：我開車？不是你要開的嗎？
    • L: Wǒ kāichē? Bùshì nǐ yào kāi de ma?
    • L: Me, drive? Aren't you going to drive? 
  • M：我沒有車啊，我把車子賣掉了
    • M: Wǒ méiyǒu chē a, wǒ bǎ chēzi mài diàole
    • M: I don't have a car! I sold my car.
  • L：你把車子賣掉了幹嘛？
    • L: Nǐ bǎ chēzi mài diàole gàn ma?
    • L: You sold the car, WTF?
  • M：我沒錢啊
    • M: Wǒ méi qián a
    • M: I don't have money. 
  • L：可是我不會開車啊
    • L: Kěshì wǒ bù huì kāichē a
    • L: But I can't drive!
  • M：你不會開車？我以為你會
    • M: Nǐ bù huì kāichē? Wǒ yǐwéi nǐ huì
    • M: You can't drive? I thought you could. 
  • L：我不會啊！你是不是忘記了！
    • L: Wǒ bù huì a! Nǐ shì bùshì wàngjìle!
    • L: I can't! You forgot, didn't you? 
  • M：那怎麼辦？
    • M: Nà zěnme bàn?
    • M: Then what are we gonna do? 
  • L: 沒辦法! 
    • L: Méi bànfǎ!
    • L: Nothing to do!


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]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No Daily Practice Session - Lesson 09 1 1 Daily Practice Session - Lesson 09 bonus f4c20da0-452d-4d34-8d3e-0f9abd8585f5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/040e691e After you've listened to Lesson 9, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week.

Transcripts are available below, first with only Chinese characters, and then with pinyin and the translation.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • M：小李，你吃飯了嗎？
  • L：還沒，你呢？
  • M: 我也還沒。你餓了嗎？
  • L：好餓！
  • M： 我也是，我也很餓
  • L：你想吃什麼？
  • M：我想吃飯！你呢？
  • L：好啊，我也想吃飯
  • M：那我們去吃飯吧！
  • L：好，去餐廳吃怎麼樣？
  • M：好！你要開車嗎？
  • L：我開車？不是你要開的嗎？
  • M：我沒有車啊，我把車子賣掉了
  • L：你把車子賣掉了幹嘛？
  • M：我沒錢啊
  • L：可是我不會開車啊
  • M：你不會開車？我以為你會
  • L：我不會啊！你是不是忘記了！
  • M：那怎麼辦？
  • L: 沒辦法! 


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • M：小李，你吃飯了嗎？
    • M: Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ chīfànle ma?
    • M: Xiaoli, have you eaten?
  • L：還沒，你呢？
    • L: Hái méi, nǐ ne?
    • L: Not yet, and you? 
  • M: 我也還沒。你餓了嗎？
    • M: Wǒ yě hái méi. Nǐ èle ma?
    • M: I also haven't yet. Are you hungry? 
  • L：好餓！
    • L: Hǎo è!
    • L: So hungry!
  • M： 我也是，我也很餓
    • M: Wǒ yěshì, wǒ yě hěn è
    • M: Me too, I'm also really hungry. 
  • L：你想吃什麼？
    • L: Nǐ xiǎng chī shénme?
    • L: You want to eat what? 
  • M：我想吃飯！你呢？
    • M: Wǒ xiǎng chīfàn! Nǐ ne?
    • M: I want to eat rice (a full meal)! And you? 
  • L：好啊，我也想吃飯
    • L: Hǎo a, wǒ yě xiǎng chīfàn
    • L: Ok, I also want to eat rice.
  • M：那我們去吃飯吧！
    • M: Nà wǒmen qù chīfàn ba!
    • M: Then let's go eat!
  • L：好，去餐廳吃怎麼樣？
    • L: Hǎo, qù cāntīng chī zěnme yàng?
    • L: Ok, go to a restaurant to eat, how about it? 
  • M：好！你要開車嗎？
    • M: Hǎo! Nǐ yào kāichē ma?
    • M: Ok! Are you going to drive? 
  • L：我開車？不是你要開的嗎？
    • L: Wǒ kāichē? Bùshì nǐ yào kāi de ma?
    • L: Me, drive? Aren't you going to drive? 
  • M：我沒有車啊，我把車子賣掉了
    • M: Wǒ méiyǒu chē a, wǒ bǎ chēzi mài diàole
    • M: I don't have a car! I sold my car.
  • L：你把車子賣掉了幹嘛？
    • L: Nǐ bǎ chēzi mài diàole gàn ma?
    • L: You sold the car, WTF?
  • M：我沒錢啊
    • M: Wǒ méi qián a
    • M: I don't have money. 
  • L：可是我不會開車啊
    • L: Kěshì wǒ bù huì kāichē a
    • L: But I can't drive!
  • M：你不會開車？我以為你會
    • M: Nǐ bù huì kāichē? Wǒ yǐwéi nǐ huì
    • M: You can't drive? I thought you could. 
  • L：我不會啊！你是不是忘記了！
    • L: Wǒ bù huì a! Nǐ shì bùshì wàngjìle!
    • L: I can't! You forgot, didn't you? 
  • M：那怎麼辦？
    • M: Nà zěnme bàn?
    • M: Then what are we gonna do? 
  • L: 沒辦法! 
    • L: Méi bànfǎ!
    • L: Nothing to do!


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Thanks for listening! 

]]> After you've listened to Lesson 9, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week.

Transcripts are available below, first with only Chinese characters, and then with pinyin and the translation.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • M：小李，你吃飯了嗎？
  • L：還沒，你呢？
  • M: 我也還沒。你餓了嗎？
  • L：好餓！
  • M： 我也是，我也很餓
  • L：你想吃什麼？
  • M：我想吃飯！你呢？
  • L：好啊，我也想吃飯
  • M：那我們去吃飯吧！
  • L：好，去餐廳吃怎麼樣？
  • M：好！你要開車嗎？
  • L：我開車？不是你要開的嗎？
  • M：我沒有車啊，我把車子賣掉了
  • L：你把車子賣掉了幹嘛？
  • M：我沒錢啊
  • L：可是我不會開車啊
  • M：你不會開車？我以為你會
  • L：我不會啊！你是不是忘記了！
  • M：那怎麼辦？
  • L: 沒辦法! 


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • M：小李，你吃飯了嗎？
    • M: Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ chīfànle ma?
    • M: Xiaoli, have you eaten?
  • L：還沒，你呢？
    • L: Hái méi, nǐ ne?
    • L: Not yet, and you? 
  • M: 我也還沒。你餓了嗎？
    • M: Wǒ yě hái méi. Nǐ èle ma?
    • M: I also haven't yet. Are you hungry? 
  • L：好餓！
    • L: Hǎo è!
    • L: So hungry!
  • M： 我也是，我也很餓
    • M: Wǒ yěshì, wǒ yě hěn è
    • M: Me too, I'm also really hungry. 
  • L：你想吃什麼？
    • L: Nǐ xiǎng chī shénme?
    • L: You want to eat what? 
  • M：我想吃飯！你呢？
    • M: Wǒ xiǎng chīfàn! Nǐ ne?
    • M: I want to eat rice (a full meal)! And you? 
  • L：好啊，我也想吃飯
    • L: Hǎo a, wǒ yě xiǎng chīfàn
    • L: Ok, I also want to eat rice.
  • M：那我們去吃飯吧！
    • M: Nà wǒmen qù chīfàn ba!
    • M: Then let's go eat!
  • L：好，去餐廳吃怎麼樣？
    • L: Hǎo, qù cāntīng chī zěnme yàng?
    • L: Ok, go to a restaurant to eat, how about it? 
  • M：好！你要開車嗎？
    • M: Hǎo! Nǐ yào kāichē ma?
    • M: Ok! Are you going to drive? 
  • L：我開車？不是你要開的嗎？
    • L: Wǒ kāichē? Bùshì nǐ yào kāi de ma?
    • L: Me, drive? Aren't you going to drive? 
  • M：我沒有車啊，我把車子賣掉了
    • M: Wǒ méiyǒu chē a, wǒ bǎ chēzi mài diàole
    • M: I don't have a car! I sold my car.
  • L：你把車子賣掉了幹嘛？
    • L: Nǐ bǎ chēzi mài diàole gàn ma?
    • L: You sold the car, WTF?
  • M：我沒錢啊
    • M: Wǒ méi qián a
    • M: I don't have money. 
  • L：可是我不會開車啊
    • L: Kěshì wǒ bù huì kāichē a
    • L: But I can't drive!
  • M：你不會開車？我以為你會
    • M: Nǐ bù huì kāichē? Wǒ yǐwéi nǐ huì
    • M: You can't drive? I thought you could. 
  • L：我不會啊！你是不是忘記了！
    • L: Wǒ bù huì a! Nǐ shì bùshì wàngjìle!
    • L: I can't! You forgot, didn't you? 
  • M：那怎麼辦？
    • M: Nà zěnme bàn?
    • M: Then what are we gonna do? 
  • L: 沒辦法! 
    • L: Méi bànfǎ!
    • L: Nothing to do!


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Thanks for listening! 

]]> Thu, 25 Jun 2020 08:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 328 After you've listened to Lesson 9, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week.

Transcripts are available below, first with only Chinese characters, and then with pinyin and the translation.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • M：小李，你吃飯了嗎？
  • L：還沒，你呢？
  • M: 我也還沒。你餓了嗎？
  • L：好餓！
  • M： 我也是，我也很餓
  • L：你想吃什麼？
  • M：我想吃飯！你呢？
  • L：好啊，我也想吃飯
  • M：那我們去吃飯吧！
  • L：好，去餐廳吃怎麼樣？
  • M：好！你要開車嗎？
  • L：我開車？不是你要開的嗎？
  • M：我沒有車啊，我把車子賣掉了
  • L：你把車子賣掉了幹嘛？
  • M：我沒錢啊
  • L：可是我不會開車啊
  • M：你不會開車？我以為你會
  • L：我不會啊！你是不是忘記了！
  • M：那怎麼辦？
  • L: 沒辦法! 


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • M：小李，你吃飯了嗎？
    • M: Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ chīfànle ma?
    • M: Xiaoli, have you eaten?
  • L：還沒，你呢？
    • L: Hái méi, nǐ ne?
    • L: Not yet, and you? 
  • M: 我也還沒。你餓了嗎？
    • M: Wǒ yě hái méi. Nǐ èle ma?
    • M: I also haven't yet. Are you hungry? 
  • L：好餓！
    • L: Hǎo è!
    • L: So hungry!
  • M： 我也是，我也很餓
    • M: Wǒ yěshì, wǒ yě hěn è
    • M: Me too, I'm also really hungry. 
  • L：你想吃什麼？
    • L: Nǐ xiǎng chī shénme?
    • L: You want to eat what? 
  • M：我想吃飯！你呢？
    • M: Wǒ xiǎng chīfàn! Nǐ ne?
    • M: I want to eat rice (a full meal)! And you? 
  • L：好啊，我也想吃飯
    • L: Hǎo a, wǒ yě xiǎng chīfàn
    • L: Ok, I also want to eat rice.
  • M：那我們去吃飯吧！
    • M: Nà wǒmen qù chīfàn ba!
    • M: Then let's go eat!
  • L：好，去餐廳吃怎麼樣？
    • L: Hǎo, qù cāntīng chī zěnme yàng?
    • L: Ok, go to a restaurant to eat, how about it? 
  • M：好！你要開車嗎？
    • M: Hǎo! Nǐ yào kāichē ma?
    • M: Ok! Are you going to drive? 
  • L：我開車？不是你要開的嗎？
    • L: Wǒ kāichē? Bùshì nǐ yào kāi de ma?
    • L: Me, drive? Aren't you going to drive? 
  • M：我沒有車啊，我把車子賣掉了
    • M: Wǒ méiyǒu chē a, wǒ bǎ chēzi mài diàole
    • M: I don't have a car! I sold my car.
  • L：你把車子賣掉了幹嘛？
    • L: Nǐ bǎ chēzi mài diàole gàn ma?
    • L: You sold the car, WTF?
  • M：我沒錢啊
    • M: Wǒ méi qián a
    • M: I don't have money. 
  • L：可是我不會開車啊
    • L: Kěshì wǒ bù huì kāichē a
    • L: But I can't drive!
  • M：你不會開車？我以為你會
    • M: Nǐ bù huì kāichē? Wǒ yǐwéi nǐ huì
    • M: You can't drive? I thought you could. 
  • L：我不會啊！你是不是忘記了！
    • L: Wǒ bù huì a! Nǐ shì bùshì wàngjìle!
    • L: I can't! You forgot, didn't you? 
  • M：那怎麼辦？
    • M: Nà zěnme bàn?
    • M: Then what are we gonna do? 
  • L: 沒辦法! 
    • L: Méi bànfǎ!
    • L: Nothing to do!


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Thanks for listening! 

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No 10 ~ I got it! 我知道了！ 1 1 10 ~ I got it! 我知道了！ full d8227615-2ab0-41ce-a03d-bb0e5b8b79a0 https://www.mftgu.com/episodes/s01-e10 In this lesson, I talk a little about discovering the unique logic of a new language. In the dialogue, Ah-Ming (阿明) and Xiao-Li (小李) decide to break the law.

One of my favorite things about learning a new language is discovering the unique way it expresses ideas: the logic, the way of thinking that the language makes possible.

For example, take the word get in English. There are so many ways English speakers use this word, including to say "I got it!" when we have an idea or a solution to a problem. The interesting thing is that there is no equivalent word in Mandarin. So what do Chinese speakers say in a similar situation? They might say: 我知道了！(Wǒ zhīdàole) which literally is closer to "I know."

This is just one of the infinite ways that Mandarin and English differ in how they express ideas. Imagine trying to speak and think without using the words get, it, yes, a, or the, and you can start to get a sense of how different it is to think in Mandarin (none of these words has a direct equivalent in Chinese). 

And of course, it goes the other way too: Chinese is full of words and expressions that Mandarin speakers rely on routinely in their speech and in their thought, which don't exist at all in English. Some of these are grammatical, like when you 把 (bǎ) something -- a way of expressing a relationship between a person and a thing that is acted upon. Some are shorthand phrases, like 怎麼辦? (Zěnme bàn?) which literally means something like "how to do" but expresses a meaning more like "What should be done?" or "What are we going to do?" often said when a seemingly intractable problem suddenly arises. 

The only way to start to develop a feel for the logic of Mandarin is to hear examples in context, over and over again -- and each time you hear them, to feel or picture the meaning, connecting the meaning in your mind to the sounds, so that slowly but surely the sounds themselves are imbued with meaning. Which is what Mandarin From the Ground Up is all about.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • M：怎麼辦？我好餓。我想去吃飯！
  • L：喔！我知道了！我們可以開我媽的車
  • M：真的嗎？真的可以嗎？
  • L：可以啊，沒問題！
  • M：你不是不會開車嗎？
  • L：呃... 騙你啦！我只是沒有駕照。
  • M：沒有駕照... 這樣可以嗎？
  • L：還好吧，沒有人知道
  • M：好吧，那... 我們走吧。你知道怎麼去嗎？
  • L：我當然知道啊！沒問題的！
  • M：好！走！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)


  • M：怎麼辦？我好餓。我想去吃飯！
    • M: Zěnme bàn? Wǒ hǎo è. Wǒ xiǎng qù chīfàn!
    • M: What are we gonna do? I’m so hungry. I want to go eat!
  • L：喔！我知道了！我們可以開我媽的車
    • L: Ō! Wǒ zhīdàole! Wǒmen kěyǐ kāi wǒ mā de chē
    • L: Oh! I got it! We can drive my mom’s car. 
  • M：真的嗎？真的可以嗎？
    • M: Zhēn de ma? Zhēn de kěyǐ ma?
    • M: Really? Really can we? 
  • L：可以啊，沒問題！
    • L: Kěyǐ a, méi wèntí!
    • L: Sure we can, no problem.
  • M：你不是不會開車嗎？
    • M: Nǐ bùshì bù huì kāichē ma?
    • M: Aren’t you unable to drive?
  • L：呃... 騙你啦！我只是沒有駕照。
    • L: È... Piàn nǐ la! Wǒ zhǐshì méiyǒu jiàzhào.
    • L: Uh… I was kidding! I just don’t have a license.
  • M：沒有駕照... 這樣可以嗎？
    • M: Méiyǒu jiàzhào... Zhèyàng kěyǐ ma?
    • M: You don’t have a license… is that OK? 
    • Literal: No license... this way can? 
  • L：還好吧，沒有人知道
    • L: Hái hǎo ba, méiyǒu rén zhīdào
    • L: It’s alright (suggestion), nobody knows. 
  • M：好吧，那... 我們走吧。你知道怎麼去嗎？
    • M: Hǎo ba, nà... Wǒmen zǒu ba. Nǐ zhīdào zěnme qù ma?
    • M: Fine… so, let’s go. Do you know how to go there?
  • L：我當然知道啊！沒問題的！
    • L: Wǒ dāngrán zhīdào a! Méi wèntí de!
    • L: Of course I know! No problem!
  • M：好！走！
    • M: Hǎo! Zǒu!
    • M: Ok! Let’s go!
    • Literal: Good! Walk!

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Thanks for listening! 

]]> In this lesson, I talk a little about discovering the unique logic of a new language. In the dialogue, Ah-Ming (阿明) and Xiao-Li (小李) decide to break the law.

One of my favorite things about learning a new language is discovering the unique way it expresses ideas: the logic, the way of thinking that the language makes possible.

For example, take the word get in English. There are so many ways English speakers use this word, including to say "I got it!" when we have an idea or a solution to a problem. The interesting thing is that there is no equivalent word in Mandarin. So what do Chinese speakers say in a similar situation? They might say: 我知道了！(Wǒ zhīdàole) which literally is closer to "I know."

This is just one of the infinite ways that Mandarin and English differ in how they express ideas. Imagine trying to speak and think without using the words get, it, yes, a, or the, and you can start to get a sense of how different it is to think in Mandarin (none of these words has a direct equivalent in Chinese). 

And of course, it goes the other way too: Chinese is full of words and expressions that Mandarin speakers rely on routinely in their speech and in their thought, which don't exist at all in English. Some of these are grammatical, like when you 把 (bǎ) something -- a way of expressing a relationship between a person and a thing that is acted upon. Some are shorthand phrases, like 怎麼辦? (Zěnme bàn?) which literally means something like "how to do" but expresses a meaning more like "What should be done?" or "What are we going to do?" often said when a seemingly intractable problem suddenly arises. 

The only way to start to develop a feel for the logic of Mandarin is to hear examples in context, over and over again -- and each time you hear them, to feel or picture the meaning, connecting the meaning in your mind to the sounds, so that slowly but surely the sounds themselves are imbued with meaning. Which is what Mandarin From the Ground Up is all about.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • M：怎麼辦？我好餓。我想去吃飯！
  • L：喔！我知道了！我們可以開我媽的車
  • M：真的嗎？真的可以嗎？
  • L：可以啊，沒問題！
  • M：你不是不會開車嗎？
  • L：呃... 騙你啦！我只是沒有駕照。
  • M：沒有駕照... 這樣可以嗎？
  • L：還好吧，沒有人知道
  • M：好吧，那... 我們走吧。你知道怎麼去嗎？
  • L：我當然知道啊！沒問題的！
  • M：好！走！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)


  • M：怎麼辦？我好餓。我想去吃飯！
    • M: Zěnme bàn? Wǒ hǎo è. Wǒ xiǎng qù chīfàn!
    • M: What are we gonna do? I’m so hungry. I want to go eat!
  • L：喔！我知道了！我們可以開我媽的車
    • L: Ō! Wǒ zhīdàole! Wǒmen kěyǐ kāi wǒ mā de chē
    • L: Oh! I got it! We can drive my mom’s car. 
  • M：真的嗎？真的可以嗎？
    • M: Zhēn de ma? Zhēn de kěyǐ ma?
    • M: Really? Really can we? 
  • L：可以啊，沒問題！
    • L: Kěyǐ a, méi wèntí!
    • L: Sure we can, no problem.
  • M：你不是不會開車嗎？
    • M: Nǐ bùshì bù huì kāichē ma?
    • M: Aren’t you unable to drive?
  • L：呃... 騙你啦！我只是沒有駕照。
    • L: È... Piàn nǐ la! Wǒ zhǐshì méiyǒu jiàzhào.
    • L: Uh… I was kidding! I just don’t have a license.
  • M：沒有駕照... 這樣可以嗎？
    • M: Méiyǒu jiàzhào... Zhèyàng kěyǐ ma?
    • M: You don’t have a license… is that OK? 
    • Literal: No license... this way can? 
  • L：還好吧，沒有人知道
    • L: Hái hǎo ba, méiyǒu rén zhīdào
    • L: It’s alright (suggestion), nobody knows. 
  • M：好吧，那... 我們走吧。你知道怎麼去嗎？
    • M: Hǎo ba, nà... Wǒmen zǒu ba. Nǐ zhīdào zěnme qù ma?
    • M: Fine… so, let’s go. Do you know how to go there?
  • L：我當然知道啊！沒問題的！
    • L: Wǒ dāngrán zhīdào a! Méi wèntí de!
    • L: Of course I know! No problem!
  • M：好！走！
    • M: Hǎo! Zǒu!
    • M: Ok! Let’s go!
    • Literal: Good! Walk!

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Thanks for listening! 

]]> Wed, 01 Jul 2020 08:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 605 In this lesson, I talk a little about discovering the unique logic of a new language. In the dialogue, Ah-Ming (阿明) and Xiao-Li (小李) decide to break the law.

One of my favorite things about learning a new language is discovering the unique way it expresses ideas: the logic, the way of thinking that the language makes possible.

For example, take the word get in English. There are so many ways English speakers use this word, including to say "I got it!" when we have an idea or a solution to a problem. The interesting thing is that there is no equivalent word in Mandarin. So what do Chinese speakers say in a similar situation? They might say: 我知道了！(Wǒ zhīdàole) which literally is closer to "I know."

This is just one of the infinite ways that Mandarin and English differ in how they express ideas. Imagine trying to speak and think without using the words get, it, yes, a, or the, and you can start to get a sense of how different it is to think in Mandarin (none of these words has a direct equivalent in Chinese). 

And of course, it goes the other way too: Chinese is full of words and expressions that Mandarin speakers rely on routinely in their speech and in their thought, which don't exist at all in English. Some of these are grammatical, like when you 把 (bǎ) something -- a way of expressing a relationship between a person and a thing that is acted upon. Some are shorthand phrases, like 怎麼辦? (Zěnme bàn?) which literally means something like "how to do" but expresses a meaning more like "What should be done?" or "What are we going to do?" often said when a seemingly intractable problem suddenly arises. 

The only way to start to develop a feel for the logic of Mandarin is to hear examples in context, over and over again -- and each time you hear them, to feel or picture the meaning, connecting the meaning in your mind to the sounds, so that slowly but surely the sounds themselves are imbued with meaning. Which is what Mandarin From the Ground Up is all about.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • M：怎麼辦？我好餓。我想去吃飯！
  • L：喔！我知道了！我們可以開我媽的車
  • M：真的嗎？真的可以嗎？
  • L：可以啊，沒問題！
  • M：你不是不會開車嗎？
  • L：呃... 騙你啦！我只是沒有駕照。
  • M：沒有駕照... 這樣可以嗎？
  • L：還好吧，沒有人知道
  • M：好吧，那... 我們走吧。你知道怎麼去嗎？
  • L：我當然知道啊！沒問題的！
  • M：好！走！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)


  • M：怎麼辦？我好餓。我想去吃飯！
    • M: Zěnme bàn? Wǒ hǎo è. Wǒ xiǎng qù chīfàn!
    • M: What are we gonna do? I’m so hungry. I want to go eat!
  • L：喔！我知道了！我們可以開我媽的車
    • L: Ō! Wǒ zhīdàole! Wǒmen kěyǐ kāi wǒ mā de chē
    • L: Oh! I got it! We can drive my mom’s car. 
  • M：真的嗎？真的可以嗎？
    • M: Zhēn de ma? Zhēn de kěyǐ ma?
    • M: Really? Really can we? 
  • L：可以啊，沒問題！
    • L: Kěyǐ a, méi wèntí!
    • L: Sure we can, no problem.
  • M：你不是不會開車嗎？
    • M: Nǐ bùshì bù huì kāichē ma?
    • M: Aren’t you unable to drive?
  • L：呃... 騙你啦！我只是沒有駕照。
    • L: È... Piàn nǐ la! Wǒ zhǐshì méiyǒu jiàzhào.
    • L: Uh… I was kidding! I just don’t have a license.
  • M：沒有駕照... 這樣可以嗎？
    • M: Méiyǒu jiàzhào... Zhèyàng kěyǐ ma?
    • M: You don’t have a license… is that OK? 
    • Literal: No license... this way can? 
  • L：還好吧，沒有人知道
    • L: Hái hǎo ba, méiyǒu rén zhīdào
    • L: It’s alright (suggestion), nobody knows. 
  • M：好吧，那... 我們走吧。你知道怎麼去嗎？
    • M: Hǎo ba, nà... Wǒmen zǒu ba. Nǐ zhīdào zěnme qù ma?
    • M: Fine… so, let’s go. Do you know how to go there?
  • L：我當然知道啊！沒問題的！
    • L: Wǒ dāngrán zhīdào a! Méi wèntí de!
    • L: Of course I know! No problem!
  • M：好！走！
    • M: Hǎo! Zǒu!
    • M: Ok! Let’s go!
    • Literal: Good! Walk!

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Thanks for listening! 

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No Daily Practice Session - Lesson 10 1 1 Daily Practice Session - Lesson 10 bonus e3f39aa0-a165-4da1-bb8f-38c57d42b4dc https://share.transistor.fm/s/7507658a Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • M：怎麼辦？我好餓。我想去吃飯！
  • L：喔！我知道了！我們可以開我媽的車
  • M：真的嗎？真的可以嗎？
  • L：可以啊，沒問題！
  • M：你不是不會開車嗎？
  • L：呃... 騙你啦！我只是沒有駕照。
  • M：沒有駕照... 這樣可以嗎？
  • L：還好吧，沒有人知道
  • M：好吧，那... 我們走吧。你知道怎麼去嗎？
  • L：我當然知道啊！沒問題的！
  • M：好！走！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)


  • M：怎麼辦？我好餓。我想去吃飯！
    • M: Zěnme bàn? Wǒ hǎo è. Wǒ xiǎng qù chīfàn!
    • M: What are we gonna do? I’m so hungry. I want to go eat!
  • L：喔！我知道了！我們可以開我媽的車
    • L: Ō! Wǒ zhīdàole! Wǒmen kěyǐ kāi wǒ mā de chē
    • L: Oh! I got it! We can drive my mom’s car. 
  • M：真的嗎？真的可以嗎？
    • M: Zhēn de ma? Zhēn de kěyǐ ma?
    • M: Really? Really can we? 
  • L：可以啊，沒問題！
    • L: Kěyǐ a, méi wèntí!
    • L: Sure we can, no problem.
  • M：你不是不會開車嗎？
    • M: Nǐ bùshì bù huì kāichē ma?
    • M: Aren’t you unable to drive?
  • L：呃... 騙你啦！我只是沒有駕照。
    • L: È... Piàn nǐ la! Wǒ zhǐshì méiyǒu jiàzhào.
    • L: Uh… I was kidding! I just don’t have a license.
  • M：沒有駕照... 這樣可以嗎？
    • M: Méiyǒu jiàzhào... Zhèyàng kěyǐ ma?
    • M: You don’t have a license… is that OK? 
    • Literal: No license... this way can? 
  • L：還好吧，沒有人知道
    • L: Hái hǎo ba, méiyǒu rén zhīdào
    • L: It’s alright (suggestion), nobody knows. 
  • M：好吧，那... 我們走吧。你知道怎麼去嗎？
    • M: Hǎo ba, nà... Wǒmen zǒu ba. Nǐ zhīdào zěnme qù ma?
    • M: Fine… so, let’s go. Do you know how to go there?
  • L：我當然知道啊！沒問題的！
    • L: Wǒ dāngrán zhīdào a! Méi wèntí de!
    • L: Of course I know! No problem!
  • M：好！走！
    • M: Hǎo! Zǒu!
    • M: Ok! Let’s go!
    • Literal: Good! Walk!

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • M：怎麼辦？我好餓。我想去吃飯！
  • L：喔！我知道了！我們可以開我媽的車
  • M：真的嗎？真的可以嗎？
  • L：可以啊，沒問題！
  • M：你不是不會開車嗎？
  • L：呃... 騙你啦！我只是沒有駕照。
  • M：沒有駕照... 這樣可以嗎？
  • L：還好吧，沒有人知道
  • M：好吧，那... 我們走吧。你知道怎麼去嗎？
  • L：我當然知道啊！沒問題的！
  • M：好！走！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)


  • M：怎麼辦？我好餓。我想去吃飯！
    • M: Zěnme bàn? Wǒ hǎo è. Wǒ xiǎng qù chīfàn!
    • M: What are we gonna do? I’m so hungry. I want to go eat!
  • L：喔！我知道了！我們可以開我媽的車
    • L: Ō! Wǒ zhīdàole! Wǒmen kěyǐ kāi wǒ mā de chē
    • L: Oh! I got it! We can drive my mom’s car. 
  • M：真的嗎？真的可以嗎？
    • M: Zhēn de ma? Zhēn de kěyǐ ma?
    • M: Really? Really can we? 
  • L：可以啊，沒問題！
    • L: Kěyǐ a, méi wèntí!
    • L: Sure we can, no problem.
  • M：你不是不會開車嗎？
    • M: Nǐ bùshì bù huì kāichē ma?
    • M: Aren’t you unable to drive?
  • L：呃... 騙你啦！我只是沒有駕照。
    • L: È... Piàn nǐ la! Wǒ zhǐshì méiyǒu jiàzhào.
    • L: Uh… I was kidding! I just don’t have a license.
  • M：沒有駕照... 這樣可以嗎？
    • M: Méiyǒu jiàzhào... Zhèyàng kěyǐ ma?
    • M: You don’t have a license… is that OK? 
    • Literal: No license... this way can? 
  • L：還好吧，沒有人知道
    • L: Hái hǎo ba, méiyǒu rén zhīdào
    • L: It’s alright (suggestion), nobody knows. 
  • M：好吧，那... 我們走吧。你知道怎麼去嗎？
    • M: Hǎo ba, nà... Wǒmen zǒu ba. Nǐ zhīdào zěnme qù ma?
    • M: Fine… so, let’s go. Do you know how to go there?
  • L：我當然知道啊！沒問題的！
    • L: Wǒ dāngrán zhīdào a! Méi wèntí de!
    • L: Of course I know! No problem!
  • M：好！走！
    • M: Hǎo! Zǒu!
    • M: Ok! Let’s go!
    • Literal: Good! Walk!

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> Thu, 02 Jul 2020 08:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 289 After you've listened to Lesson 10, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week. After you've listened to Lesson 10, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week. Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No 11 ~ You don't know the way? 你不知道怎麼去？ 1 1 11 ~ You don't know the way? 你不知道怎麼去？ full 9230c242-a989-4952-9a8f-326704036958 https://www.mftgu.com/episodes/s01-e11 In this lesson, we talk about the similarities between learning a language and learning to play music. In the dialogue, Ah-Ming (阿明) and Xiao-Li (小李) get lost looking for the Korean restaurant.

Language and music have a lot in common. We learn both of them in large part because they feel good. It feels good to connect with other people; it feels good to express yourself. Sure, you might say the real reason you're learning Mandarin is to help with your career, your studies, or any number of other reasons. And that can be a great starting point. But language learning is an endurance sport, and those who don't find some way to enjoy the process are much more likely to burn out and give up.

Similarly, the vast majority of people who regularly play an instrument do so in large part because it feels good; it's meaningful; it's enjoyable. And we tend to feel sorry for the few musicians who play despite disliking it or finding no meaning in it, just because they "should." Why bother?

Not that you need to find complete enjoyment in learning Mandarin right now. Like any new thing, it takes time. So give yourself time (and space) to explore, to try various things, to follow paths of inquiry that inspire you. There's no one correct path when it comes to languages (or music).

A conversation is a lot like a jam session. It goes well when everyone listens to everyone else; when everyone plays in the same rhythm and the same key (well, more or less, depending on the genre). Everyone takes turns sharing the spotlight; one player takes a solo, and the others hang back, make space, nod in affirmation, ask questions, play counterpoint. A good conversation can be a beautiful thing, just like a well improvised piece of music.

In his TEDx talk at Gabriola Island, musician Victor Wooten tells the story of learning to play the bass guitar as a very young child. Before he was old enough to even hold a real instrument, he would sit in on his older brothers’ jam sessions. His brothers put a plastic toy guitar in his hand so that he could feel like he was part of the band. You could say he was learning music at the same time that he was learning English. 

This is an unusual way to start learning music, but it was effective: By the time Wooten was old enough to hold a real instrument, nobody needed to tell him what to do with it. He knew how to play music -- it was just a matter of teaching his fingers to channel what his mind already grasped. 


Nobody ever told Victor Wooten that he wasn’t ready to play yet. Or that he wasn’t allowed to jam with his older brothers until he learned more chords and scales. So don’t let anyone -- least of all yourself -- tell you that you aren’t ready to speak Mandarin until you learn more words and phrases. 

If you know what it feels like to communicate with someone, then in a crucial way you already have everything you need to start speaking Mandarin. If you’re still a beginner, then maybe you’re just like that baby Victor Wooten, sitting in the chair with the plastic guitar: You're already in the band. You're already holding the instrument. You just need to start messing around on it, and keep your eyes and ears open. 


Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • L：欸？餐廳在哪裡... 
  • M：你不知道怎麼去？
  • L：我忘記了...
  • M: 你忘記怎麼去！要不要我幫你看Google Maps? 
  • L：不用了，我可以的
  • M：你看左邊！是那家嗎？
  • L：喔？不是。不是那家
  • M：好吧... 欸？等一下！是左邊那家很大的餐廳嗎？
  • L：在哪裡啊？
  • M：在那裡啊！
  • L：喔！對！就是那家！我的眼睛有問題了
  • M：沒關係，趕快停車！



Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • L：欸？餐廳在哪裡... 
    • L: Éi? Cāntīng zài nǎlǐ... 
    • L: Huh? Where’s the restaurant… 
  • M：你不知道怎麼去？
    • M: Nǐ bù zhīdào zěnme qù?
    • M: You don’t know how to go? 
  • L：我忘記了...
    • L: Wǒ wàngjìle...
    • L: I forgot… 
  • M: 你忘記怎麼去！要不要我幫你看Google Maps? 
    • M: Nǐ wàngjì zěnme qù! Yào bùyào wǒ bāng nǐ kàn Google Maps?
    • M: You forgot how to go?! Do you want me to help you look at Google Maps?
  • L：不用了，我可以的
    • L: Bùyòngle, wǒ kěyǐ de
    • L: Don’t bother (literally: don't use), I can do it. 
  • M：你看左邊！是那家嗎？
    • M: Nǐ kàn zuǒbiān! Shì nà jiā ma?
    • M: Look to the left! Is it that one? 
  • L：喔？不是。不是那家
    • L: Ō? Bùshì. Bùshì nà jiā
    • L: Oh? No, it’s not. It’s not that one. 
  • M：好吧... 欸？等一下！是左邊那家很大的餐廳嗎？
    • M: Hǎo ba... Éi? Děng yīxià! Shì zuǒbiān nà jiā hěn dà de cāntīng ma?
    • M: Alright… Oh? Wait a sec! Is it that really big restaurant on the left? 
  • L：在哪裡啊？
    • L: Zài nǎlǐ a?
    • L: Where?!
  • M：在那裡啊！
    • M: Zài nàlǐ a!
    • M: There!
  • L：喔！對！就是那家！我的眼睛有問題了
    • L: Ō! Duì! Jiùshì nà jiā! Wǒ de yǎnjīng yǒu wèntíle
    • L: Oh! Yeah! That’s the one! My eyes have a problem. 
  • M：沒關係，趕快停車！
    • M: Méiguānxì, gǎnkuài tíngchē!
    • M: It’s fine, hurry up and park!

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> In this lesson, we talk about the similarities between learning a language and learning to play music. In the dialogue, Ah-Ming (阿明) and Xiao-Li (小李) get lost looking for the Korean restaurant.

Language and music have a lot in common. We learn both of them in large part because they feel good. It feels good to connect with other people; it feels good to express yourself. Sure, you might say the real reason you're learning Mandarin is to help with your career, your studies, or any number of other reasons. And that can be a great starting point. But language learning is an endurance sport, and those who don't find some way to enjoy the process are much more likely to burn out and give up.

Similarly, the vast majority of people who regularly play an instrument do so in large part because it feels good; it's meaningful; it's enjoyable. And we tend to feel sorry for the few musicians who play despite disliking it or finding no meaning in it, just because they "should." Why bother?

Not that you need to find complete enjoyment in learning Mandarin right now. Like any new thing, it takes time. So give yourself time (and space) to explore, to try various things, to follow paths of inquiry that inspire you. There's no one correct path when it comes to languages (or music).

A conversation is a lot like a jam session. It goes well when everyone listens to everyone else; when everyone plays in the same rhythm and the same key (well, more or less, depending on the genre). Everyone takes turns sharing the spotlight; one player takes a solo, and the others hang back, make space, nod in affirmation, ask questions, play counterpoint. A good conversation can be a beautiful thing, just like a well improvised piece of music.

In his TEDx talk at Gabriola Island, musician Victor Wooten tells the story of learning to play the bass guitar as a very young child. Before he was old enough to even hold a real instrument, he would sit in on his older brothers’ jam sessions. His brothers put a plastic toy guitar in his hand so that he could feel like he was part of the band. You could say he was learning music at the same time that he was learning English. 

This is an unusual way to start learning music, but it was effective: By the time Wooten was old enough to hold a real instrument, nobody needed to tell him what to do with it. He knew how to play music -- it was just a matter of teaching his fingers to channel what his mind already grasped. 


Nobody ever told Victor Wooten that he wasn’t ready to play yet. Or that he wasn’t allowed to jam with his older brothers until he learned more chords and scales. So don’t let anyone -- least of all yourself -- tell you that you aren’t ready to speak Mandarin until you learn more words and phrases. 

If you know what it feels like to communicate with someone, then in a crucial way you already have everything you need to start speaking Mandarin. If you’re still a beginner, then maybe you’re just like that baby Victor Wooten, sitting in the chair with the plastic guitar: You're already in the band. You're already holding the instrument. You just need to start messing around on it, and keep your eyes and ears open. 


Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • L：欸？餐廳在哪裡... 
  • M：你不知道怎麼去？
  • L：我忘記了...
  • M: 你忘記怎麼去！要不要我幫你看Google Maps? 
  • L：不用了，我可以的
  • M：你看左邊！是那家嗎？
  • L：喔？不是。不是那家
  • M：好吧... 欸？等一下！是左邊那家很大的餐廳嗎？
  • L：在哪裡啊？
  • M：在那裡啊！
  • L：喔！對！就是那家！我的眼睛有問題了
  • M：沒關係，趕快停車！



Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • L：欸？餐廳在哪裡... 
    • L: Éi? Cāntīng zài nǎlǐ... 
    • L: Huh? Where’s the restaurant… 
  • M：你不知道怎麼去？
    • M: Nǐ bù zhīdào zěnme qù?
    • M: You don’t know how to go? 
  • L：我忘記了...
    • L: Wǒ wàngjìle...
    • L: I forgot… 
  • M: 你忘記怎麼去！要不要我幫你看Google Maps? 
    • M: Nǐ wàngjì zěnme qù! Yào bùyào wǒ bāng nǐ kàn Google Maps?
    • M: You forgot how to go?! Do you want me to help you look at Google Maps?
  • L：不用了，我可以的
    • L: Bùyòngle, wǒ kěyǐ de
    • L: Don’t bother (literally: don't use), I can do it. 
  • M：你看左邊！是那家嗎？
    • M: Nǐ kàn zuǒbiān! Shì nà jiā ma?
    • M: Look to the left! Is it that one? 
  • L：喔？不是。不是那家
    • L: Ō? Bùshì. Bùshì nà jiā
    • L: Oh? No, it’s not. It’s not that one. 
  • M：好吧... 欸？等一下！是左邊那家很大的餐廳嗎？
    • M: Hǎo ba... Éi? Děng yīxià! Shì zuǒbiān nà jiā hěn dà de cāntīng ma?
    • M: Alright… Oh? Wait a sec! Is it that really big restaurant on the left? 
  • L：在哪裡啊？
    • L: Zài nǎlǐ a?
    • L: Where?!
  • M：在那裡啊！
    • M: Zài nàlǐ a!
    • M: There!
  • L：喔！對！就是那家！我的眼睛有問題了
    • L: Ō! Duì! Jiùshì nà jiā! Wǒ de yǎnjīng yǒu wèntíle
    • L: Oh! Yeah! That’s the one! My eyes have a problem. 
  • M：沒關係，趕快停車！
    • M: Méiguānxì, gǎnkuài tíngchē!
    • M: It’s fine, hurry up and park!

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> Wed, 08 Jul 2020 08:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 691 In this lesson, we talk about the similarities between learning a language and learning to play music. In the dialogue, Ah-Ming (阿明) and Xiao-Li (小李) get lost looking for the Korean restaurant.

Language and music have a lot in common. We learn both of them in large part because they feel good. It feels good to connect with other people; it feels good to express yourself. Sure, you might say the real reason you're learning Mandarin is to help with your career, your studies, or any number of other reasons. And that can be a great starting point. But language learning is an endurance sport, and those who don't find some way to enjoy the process are much more likely to burn out and give up.

Similarly, the vast majority of people who regularly play an instrument do so in large part because it feels good; it's meaningful; it's enjoyable. And we tend to feel sorry for the few musicians who play despite disliking it or finding no meaning in it, just because they "should." Why bother?

Not that you need to find complete enjoyment in learning Mandarin right now. Like any new thing, it takes time. So give yourself time (and space) to explore, to try various things, to follow paths of inquiry that inspire you. There's no one correct path when it comes to languages (or music).

A conversation is a lot like a jam session. It goes well when everyone listens to everyone else; when everyone plays in the same rhythm and the same key (well, more or less, depending on the genre). Everyone takes turns sharing the spotlight; one player takes a solo, and the others hang back, make space, nod in affirmation, ask questions, play counterpoint. A good conversation can be a beautiful thing, just like a well improvised piece of music.

In his TEDx talk at Gabriola Island, musician Victor Wooten tells the story of learning to play the bass guitar as a very young child. Before he was old enough to even hold a real instrument, he would sit in on his older brothers’ jam sessions. His brothers put a plastic toy guitar in his hand so that he could feel like he was part of the band. You could say he was learning music at the same time that he was learning English. 

This is an unusual way to start learning music, but it was effective: By the time Wooten was old enough to hold a real instrument, nobody needed to tell him what to do with it. He knew how to play music -- it was just a matter of teaching his fingers to channel what his mind already grasped. 


Nobody ever told Victor Wooten that he wasn’t ready to play yet. Or that he wasn’t allowed to jam with his older brothers until he learned more chords and scales. So don’t let anyone -- least of all yourself -- tell you that you aren’t ready to speak Mandarin until you learn more words and phrases. 

If you know what it feels like to communicate with someone, then in a crucial way you already have everything you need to start speaking Mandarin. If you’re still a beginner, then maybe you’re just like that baby Victor Wooten, sitting in the chair with the plastic guitar: You're already in the band. You're already holding the instrument. You just need to start messing around on it, and keep your eyes and ears open. 


Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • L：欸？餐廳在哪裡... 
  • M：你不知道怎麼去？
  • L：我忘記了...
  • M: 你忘記怎麼去！要不要我幫你看Google Maps? 
  • L：不用了，我可以的
  • M：你看左邊！是那家嗎？
  • L：喔？不是。不是那家
  • M：好吧... 欸？等一下！是左邊那家很大的餐廳嗎？
  • L：在哪裡啊？
  • M：在那裡啊！
  • L：喔！對！就是那家！我的眼睛有問題了
  • M：沒關係，趕快停車！



Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • L：欸？餐廳在哪裡... 
    • L: Éi? Cāntīng zài nǎlǐ... 
    • L: Huh? Where’s the restaurant… 
  • M：你不知道怎麼去？
    • M: Nǐ bù zhīdào zěnme qù?
    • M: You don’t know how to go? 
  • L：我忘記了...
    • L: Wǒ wàngjìle...
    • L: I forgot… 
  • M: 你忘記怎麼去！要不要我幫你看Google Maps? 
    • M: Nǐ wàngjì zěnme qù! Yào bùyào wǒ bāng nǐ kàn Google Maps?
    • M: You forgot how to go?! Do you want me to help you look at Google Maps?
  • L：不用了，我可以的
    • L: Bùyòngle, wǒ kěyǐ de
    • L: Don’t bother (literally: don't use), I can do it. 
  • M：你看左邊！是那家嗎？
    • M: Nǐ kàn zuǒbiān! Shì nà jiā ma?
    • M: Look to the left! Is it that one? 
  • L：喔？不是。不是那家
    • L: Ō? Bùshì. Bùshì nà jiā
    • L: Oh? No, it’s not. It’s not that one. 
  • M：好吧... 欸？等一下！是左邊那家很大的餐廳嗎？
    • M: Hǎo ba... Éi? Děng yīxià! Shì zuǒbiān nà jiā hěn dà de cāntīng ma?
    • M: Alright… Oh? Wait a sec! Is it that really big restaurant on the left? 
  • L：在哪裡啊？
    • L: Zài nǎlǐ a?
    • L: Where?!
  • M：在那裡啊！
    • M: Zài nàlǐ a!
    • M: There!
  • L：喔！對！就是那家！我的眼睛有問題了
    • L: Ō! Duì! Jiùshì nà jiā! Wǒ de yǎnjīng yǒu wèntíle
    • L: Oh! Yeah! That’s the one! My eyes have a problem. 
  • M：沒關係，趕快停車！
    • M: Méiguānxì, gǎnkuài tíngchē!
    • M: It’s fine, hurry up and park!

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No Daily Practice Session - Lesson 11 1 1 Daily Practice Session - Lesson 11 bonus f33ed937-acc6-448b-b24f-5a6cd94b3e4c https://share.transistor.fm/s/7ba4bc12 After you've listened to Lesson 11, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • L：欸？餐廳在哪裡... 
  • M：你不知道怎麼去？
  • L：我忘記了...
  • M: 你忘記怎麼去！要不要我幫你看Google Maps? 
  • L：不用了，我可以的
  • M：你看左邊！是那家嗎？
  • L：喔？不是。不是那家
  • M：好吧... 欸？等一下！是左邊那家很大的餐廳嗎？
  • L：在哪裡啊？
  • M：在那裡啊！
  • L：喔！對！就是那家！我的眼睛有問題了
  • M：沒關係，趕快停車！



Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • L：欸？餐廳在哪裡... 
    • L: Éi? Cāntīng zài nǎlǐ... 
    • L: Huh? Where’s the restaurant… 
  • M：你不知道怎麼去？
    • M: Nǐ bù zhīdào zěnme qù?
    • M: You don’t know how to go? 
  • L：我忘記了...
    • L: Wǒ wàngjìle...
    • L: I forgot… 
  • M: 你忘記怎麼去！要不要我幫你看Google Maps? 
    • M: Nǐ wàngjì zěnme qù! Yào bùyào wǒ bāng nǐ kàn Google Maps?
    • M: You forgot how to go?! Do you want me to help you look at Google Maps?
  • L：不用了，我可以的
    • L: Bùyòngle, wǒ kěyǐ de
    • L: Don’t bother (literally: don't use), I can do it. 
  • M：你看左邊！是那家嗎？
    • M: Nǐ kàn zuǒbiān! Shì nà jiā ma?
    • M: Look to the left! Is it that one? 
  • L：喔？不是。不是那家
    • L: Ō? Bùshì. Bùshì nà jiā
    • L: Oh? No, it’s not. It’s not that one. 
  • M：好吧... 欸？等一下！是左邊那家很大的餐廳嗎？
    • M: Hǎo ba... Éi? Děng yīxià! Shì zuǒbiān nà jiā hěn dà de cāntīng ma?
    • M: Alright… Oh? Wait a sec! Is it that really big restaurant on the left? 
  • L：在哪裡啊？
    • L: Zài nǎlǐ a?
    • L: Where?!
  • M：在那裡啊！
    • M: Zài nàlǐ a!
    • M: There!
  • L：喔！對！就是那家！我的眼睛有問題了
    • L: Ō! Duì! Jiùshì nà jiā! Wǒ de yǎnjīng yǒu wèntíle
    • L: Oh! Yeah! That’s the one! My eyes have a problem. 
  • M：沒關係，趕快停車！
    • M: Méiguānxì, gǎnkuài tíngchē!
    • M: It’s fine, hurry up and park!

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> After you've listened to Lesson 11, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • L：欸？餐廳在哪裡... 
  • M：你不知道怎麼去？
  • L：我忘記了...
  • M: 你忘記怎麼去！要不要我幫你看Google Maps? 
  • L：不用了，我可以的
  • M：你看左邊！是那家嗎？
  • L：喔？不是。不是那家
  • M：好吧... 欸？等一下！是左邊那家很大的餐廳嗎？
  • L：在哪裡啊？
  • M：在那裡啊！
  • L：喔！對！就是那家！我的眼睛有問題了
  • M：沒關係，趕快停車！



Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • L：欸？餐廳在哪裡... 
    • L: Éi? Cāntīng zài nǎlǐ... 
    • L: Huh? Where’s the restaurant… 
  • M：你不知道怎麼去？
    • M: Nǐ bù zhīdào zěnme qù?
    • M: You don’t know how to go? 
  • L：我忘記了...
    • L: Wǒ wàngjìle...
    • L: I forgot… 
  • M: 你忘記怎麼去！要不要我幫你看Google Maps? 
    • M: Nǐ wàngjì zěnme qù! Yào bùyào wǒ bāng nǐ kàn Google Maps?
    • M: You forgot how to go?! Do you want me to help you look at Google Maps?
  • L：不用了，我可以的
    • L: Bùyòngle, wǒ kěyǐ de
    • L: Don’t bother (literally: don't use), I can do it. 
  • M：你看左邊！是那家嗎？
    • M: Nǐ kàn zuǒbiān! Shì nà jiā ma?
    • M: Look to the left! Is it that one? 
  • L：喔？不是。不是那家
    • L: Ō? Bùshì. Bùshì nà jiā
    • L: Oh? No, it’s not. It’s not that one. 
  • M：好吧... 欸？等一下！是左邊那家很大的餐廳嗎？
    • M: Hǎo ba... Éi? Děng yīxià! Shì zuǒbiān nà jiā hěn dà de cāntīng ma?
    • M: Alright… Oh? Wait a sec! Is it that really big restaurant on the left? 
  • L：在哪裡啊？
    • L: Zài nǎlǐ a?
    • L: Where?!
  • M：在那裡啊！
    • M: Zài nàlǐ a!
    • M: There!
  • L：喔！對！就是那家！我的眼睛有問題了
    • L: Ō! Duì! Jiùshì nà jiā! Wǒ de yǎnjīng yǒu wèntíle
    • L: Oh! Yeah! That’s the one! My eyes have a problem. 
  • M：沒關係，趕快停車！
    • M: Méiguānxì, gǎnkuài tíngchē!
    • M: It’s fine, hurry up and park!

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> Thu, 09 Jul 2020 08:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 237 After you've listened to Lesson 11, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • L：欸？餐廳在哪裡... 
  • M：你不知道怎麼去？
  • L：我忘記了...
  • M: 你忘記怎麼去！要不要我幫你看Google Maps? 
  • L：不用了，我可以的
  • M：你看左邊！是那家嗎？
  • L：喔？不是。不是那家
  • M：好吧... 欸？等一下！是左邊那家很大的餐廳嗎？
  • L：在哪裡啊？
  • M：在那裡啊！
  • L：喔！對！就是那家！我的眼睛有問題了
  • M：沒關係，趕快停車！



Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • L：欸？餐廳在哪裡... 
    • L: Éi? Cāntīng zài nǎlǐ... 
    • L: Huh? Where’s the restaurant… 
  • M：你不知道怎麼去？
    • M: Nǐ bù zhīdào zěnme qù?
    • M: You don’t know how to go? 
  • L：我忘記了...
    • L: Wǒ wàngjìle...
    • L: I forgot… 
  • M: 你忘記怎麼去！要不要我幫你看Google Maps? 
    • M: Nǐ wàngjì zěnme qù! Yào bùyào wǒ bāng nǐ kàn Google Maps?
    • M: You forgot how to go?! Do you want me to help you look at Google Maps?
  • L：不用了，我可以的
    • L: Bùyòngle, wǒ kěyǐ de
    • L: Don’t bother (literally: don't use), I can do it. 
  • M：你看左邊！是那家嗎？
    • M: Nǐ kàn zuǒbiān! Shì nà jiā ma?
    • M: Look to the left! Is it that one? 
  • L：喔？不是。不是那家
    • L: Ō? Bùshì. Bùshì nà jiā
    • L: Oh? No, it’s not. It’s not that one. 
  • M：好吧... 欸？等一下！是左邊那家很大的餐廳嗎？
    • M: Hǎo ba... Éi? Děng yīxià! Shì zuǒbiān nà jiā hěn dà de cāntīng ma?
    • M: Alright… Oh? Wait a sec! Is it that really big restaurant on the left? 
  • L：在哪裡啊？
    • L: Zài nǎlǐ a?
    • L: Where?!
  • M：在那裡啊！
    • M: Zài nàlǐ a!
    • M: There!
  • L：喔！對！就是那家！我的眼睛有問題了
    • L: Ō! Duì! Jiùshì nà jiā! Wǒ de yǎnjīng yǒu wèntíle
    • L: Oh! Yeah! That’s the one! My eyes have a problem. 
  • M：沒關係，趕快停車！
    • M: Méiguānxì, gǎnkuài tíngchē!
    • M: It’s fine, hurry up and park!

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No 12 ~ Let's hurry up and order! 我們快一點點菜吧！ 1 1 12 ~ Let's hurry up and order! 我們快一點點菜吧！ full ee9e7d77-18aa-48df-a21b-bec2c6a4a4d9 https://www.mftgu.com/episodes/s01-e12 In this lesson, I talk about how I went from not knowing a single word of Mandarin to starting a Mandarin learning podcast! Meanwhile, Ah-Ming (阿明) and Xiao-Li (小李) finally sit down at the restaurant to order. But there's a problem...

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • L：到了！好餓！
  • M：我也是，我們快一點點菜吧！
  • L：好，菜單呢？
  • M：菜單在這裡！看你想吃什麼...
  • L：呃... 
  • M：怎麼了？
  • L：我看不懂... 
  • M：喔！你看不懂中文字！
  • L：對啊，還是看不太懂
  • M：那我幫你，來...   這個是「飯」，這邊是「青菜」，然後這邊有「湯」，看你要哪一個
  • L：我不知道...
  • M：沒關係，還是我幫你點好了
  • L：好，謝謝！
  • M：不客氣！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • L：到了！好餓！
    • L: Dàole! Hǎo è!
    • L: We’re here! So hungry!
  • M：我也是，我們快一點點菜吧！
    • M: Wǒ yěshì, wǒmen kuài yīdiǎn diǎn cài ba!
    • M: Me too, let’s hurry up and order!
  • L：好，菜單呢？
    • L: Hǎo, càidān ne?
    • L: Ok, and... the menu? 
  • M：菜單在這裡！看你想吃什麼...
    • M: Càidān zài zhèlǐ! Kàn nǐ xiǎng chī shénme...
    • M: Here’s the menu! See what you want to eat.  
  • L：呃... 
    • L: È... 
    • L: Uh...
  • M：怎麼了？
    • M: Zěnmele?
    • M: Something wrong?
  • L：我看不懂... 
    • L: Wǒ kàn bù dǒng... 
    • L: I can’t understand this...
  • M：喔！你看不懂中文字！
    • M: Ō! Nǐ kàn bù dǒng zhōngwén zì!
    • M: Oh! You don’t understand Chinese characters!
  • L：對啊，還是看不太懂
    • L: Duì a, háishì kàn bù tài dǒng
    • L: Yeah, I still can’t really understand them. 
  • M：那我幫你，來...   
    • M: Nà wǒ bāng nǐ, lái...   
    • M: Then I’ll help you, come on…
  • M: 這個是「飯」，這邊是「青菜」
    • M: Zhège shì `fàn', zhè biān shì `qīngcài'
    • M: This one is “rice”, this side is “vegetables,” ... 
  • M: 然後這邊有「湯」，看你要哪一個
    • M: Ránhòu zhè biān yǒu `tāng', kàn nǐ yào nǎ yīgè
    • M: ...and then this side has “soup." Depends which one you want. 
  • L：我不知道...
    • L: Wǒ bù zhīdào...
    • L: I don’t know...
  • M：沒關係，還是我幫你點好了
    • M: Méiguānxì, háishì wǒ bāng nǐ diǎn hǎole
    • M: No problem, how about I just help you order. 
  • L：好，謝謝！
    • L: Hǎo, xièxiè!
    • L: Ok, thanks!
  • M：不客氣！
    • M: Bù kèqì!
    • M: Don’t mention it!  

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

 

]]> In this lesson, I talk about how I went from not knowing a single word of Mandarin to starting a Mandarin learning podcast! Meanwhile, Ah-Ming (阿明) and Xiao-Li (小李) finally sit down at the restaurant to order. But there's a problem...

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • L：到了！好餓！
  • M：我也是，我們快一點點菜吧！
  • L：好，菜單呢？
  • M：菜單在這裡！看你想吃什麼...
  • L：呃... 
  • M：怎麼了？
  • L：我看不懂... 
  • M：喔！你看不懂中文字！
  • L：對啊，還是看不太懂
  • M：那我幫你，來...   這個是「飯」，這邊是「青菜」，然後這邊有「湯」，看你要哪一個
  • L：我不知道...
  • M：沒關係，還是我幫你點好了
  • L：好，謝謝！
  • M：不客氣！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • L：到了！好餓！
    • L: Dàole! Hǎo è!
    • L: We’re here! So hungry!
  • M：我也是，我們快一點點菜吧！
    • M: Wǒ yěshì, wǒmen kuài yīdiǎn diǎn cài ba!
    • M: Me too, let’s hurry up and order!
  • L：好，菜單呢？
    • L: Hǎo, càidān ne?
    • L: Ok, and... the menu? 
  • M：菜單在這裡！看你想吃什麼...
    • M: Càidān zài zhèlǐ! Kàn nǐ xiǎng chī shénme...
    • M: Here’s the menu! See what you want to eat.  
  • L：呃... 
    • L: È... 
    • L: Uh...
  • M：怎麼了？
    • M: Zěnmele?
    • M: Something wrong?
  • L：我看不懂... 
    • L: Wǒ kàn bù dǒng... 
    • L: I can’t understand this...
  • M：喔！你看不懂中文字！
    • M: Ō! Nǐ kàn bù dǒng zhōngwén zì!
    • M: Oh! You don’t understand Chinese characters!
  • L：對啊，還是看不太懂
    • L: Duì a, háishì kàn bù tài dǒng
    • L: Yeah, I still can’t really understand them. 
  • M：那我幫你，來...   
    • M: Nà wǒ bāng nǐ, lái...   
    • M: Then I’ll help you, come on…
  • M: 這個是「飯」，這邊是「青菜」
    • M: Zhège shì `fàn', zhè biān shì `qīngcài'
    • M: This one is “rice”, this side is “vegetables,” ... 
  • M: 然後這邊有「湯」，看你要哪一個
    • M: Ránhòu zhè biān yǒu `tāng', kàn nǐ yào nǎ yīgè
    • M: ...and then this side has “soup." Depends which one you want. 
  • L：我不知道...
    • L: Wǒ bù zhīdào...
    • L: I don’t know...
  • M：沒關係，還是我幫你點好了
    • M: Méiguānxì, háishì wǒ bāng nǐ diǎn hǎole
    • M: No problem, how about I just help you order. 
  • L：好，謝謝！
    • L: Hǎo, xièxiè!
    • L: Ok, thanks!
  • M：不客氣！
    • M: Bù kèqì!
    • M: Don’t mention it!  

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

 

]]> Wed, 15 Jul 2020 08:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 978 In this lesson, I talk about how I went from not knowing a single word of Mandarin to starting a Mandarin learning podcast! Meanwhile, Ah-Ming (阿明) and Xiao-Li (小李) finally sit down at the restaurant to order. But there's a problem...

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • L：到了！好餓！
  • M：我也是，我們快一點點菜吧！
  • L：好，菜單呢？
  • M：菜單在這裡！看你想吃什麼...
  • L：呃... 
  • M：怎麼了？
  • L：我看不懂... 
  • M：喔！你看不懂中文字！
  • L：對啊，還是看不太懂
  • M：那我幫你，來...   這個是「飯」，這邊是「青菜」，然後這邊有「湯」，看你要哪一個
  • L：我不知道...
  • M：沒關係，還是我幫你點好了
  • L：好，謝謝！
  • M：不客氣！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • L：到了！好餓！
    • L: Dàole! Hǎo è!
    • L: We’re here! So hungry!
  • M：我也是，我們快一點點菜吧！
    • M: Wǒ yěshì, wǒmen kuài yīdiǎn diǎn cài ba!
    • M: Me too, let’s hurry up and order!
  • L：好，菜單呢？
    • L: Hǎo, càidān ne?
    • L: Ok, and... the menu? 
  • M：菜單在這裡！看你想吃什麼...
    • M: Càidān zài zhèlǐ! Kàn nǐ xiǎng chī shénme...
    • M: Here’s the menu! See what you want to eat.  
  • L：呃... 
    • L: È... 
    • L: Uh...
  • M：怎麼了？
    • M: Zěnmele?
    • M: Something wrong?
  • L：我看不懂... 
    • L: Wǒ kàn bù dǒng... 
    • L: I can’t understand this...
  • M：喔！你看不懂中文字！
    • M: Ō! Nǐ kàn bù dǒng zhōngwén zì!
    • M: Oh! You don’t understand Chinese characters!
  • L：對啊，還是看不太懂
    • L: Duì a, háishì kàn bù tài dǒng
    • L: Yeah, I still can’t really understand them. 
  • M：那我幫你，來...   
    • M: Nà wǒ bāng nǐ, lái...   
    • M: Then I’ll help you, come on…
  • M: 這個是「飯」，這邊是「青菜」
    • M: Zhège shì `fàn', zhè biān shì `qīngcài'
    • M: This one is “rice”, this side is “vegetables,” ... 
  • M: 然後這邊有「湯」，看你要哪一個
    • M: Ránhòu zhè biān yǒu `tāng', kàn nǐ yào nǎ yīgè
    • M: ...and then this side has “soup." Depends which one you want. 
  • L：我不知道...
    • L: Wǒ bù zhīdào...
    • L: I don’t know...
  • M：沒關係，還是我幫你點好了
    • M: Méiguānxì, háishì wǒ bāng nǐ diǎn hǎole
    • M: No problem, how about I just help you order. 
  • L：好，謝謝！
    • L: Hǎo, xièxiè!
    • L: Ok, thanks!
  • M：不客氣！
    • M: Bù kèqì!
    • M: Don’t mention it!  

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

 

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No Daily Practice Session - Lesson 12 1 1 Daily Practice Session - Lesson 12 bonus 5763f2ce-a933-463d-92b2-c86e4ad5c55c https://share.transistor.fm/s/7f59bec7 After you've listened to Lesson 12, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • L：到了！好餓！
  • M：我也是，我們快一點點菜吧！
  • L：好，菜單呢？
  • M：菜單在這裡！看你想吃什麼...
  • L：呃... 
  • M：怎麼了？
  • L：我看不懂... 
  • M：喔！你看不懂中文字！
  • L：對啊，還是看不太懂
  • M：那我幫你，來...   這個是「飯」，這邊是「青菜」，然後這邊有「湯」，看你要哪一個
  • L：我不知道...
  • M：沒關係，還是我幫你點好了
  • L：好，謝謝！
  • M：不客氣！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • L：到了！好餓！
    • L: Dàole! Hǎo è!
    • L: We’re here! So hungry!
  • M：我也是，我們快一點點菜吧！
    • M: Wǒ yěshì, wǒmen kuài yīdiǎn diǎn cài ba!
    • M: Me too, let’s hurry up and order!
  • L：好，菜單呢？
    • L: Hǎo, càidān ne?
    • L: Ok, and... the menu? 
  • M：菜單在這裡！看你想吃什麼...
    • M: Càidān zài zhèlǐ! Kàn nǐ xiǎng chī shénme...
    • M: Here’s the menu! See what you want to eat.  
  • L：呃... 
    • L: È... 
    • L: Uh...
  • M：怎麼了？
    • M: Zěnmele?
    • M: Something wrong?
  • L：我看不懂... 
    • L: Wǒ kàn bù dǒng... 
    • L: I can’t understand this...
  • M：喔！你看不懂中文字！
    • M: Ō! Nǐ kàn bù dǒng zhōngwén zì!
    • M: Oh! You don’t understand Chinese characters!
  • L：對啊，還是看不太懂
    • L: Duì a, háishì kàn bù tài dǒng
    • L: Yeah, I still can’t really understand them. 
  • M：那我幫你，來...   
    • M: Nà wǒ bāng nǐ, lái...   
    • M: Then I’ll help you, come on…
  • M: 這個是「飯」，這邊是「青菜」
    • M: Zhège shì `fàn', zhè biān shì `qīngcài'
    • M: This one is “rice”, this side is “vegetables,” ... 
  • M: 然後這邊有「湯」，看你要哪一個
    • M: Ránhòu zhè biān yǒu `tāng', kàn nǐ yào nǎ yīgè
    • M: ...and then this side has “soup." Depends which one you want. 
  • L：我不知道...
    • L: Wǒ bù zhīdào...
    • L: I don’t know...
  • M：沒關係，還是我幫你點好了
    • M: Méiguānxì, háishì wǒ bāng nǐ diǎn hǎole
    • M: No problem, how about I just help you order. 
  • L：好，謝謝！
    • L: Hǎo, xièxiè!
    • L: Ok, thanks!
  • M：不客氣！
    • M: Bù kèqì!
    • M: Don’t mention it!  

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

 

]]> After you've listened to Lesson 12, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • L：到了！好餓！
  • M：我也是，我們快一點點菜吧！
  • L：好，菜單呢？
  • M：菜單在這裡！看你想吃什麼...
  • L：呃... 
  • M：怎麼了？
  • L：我看不懂... 
  • M：喔！你看不懂中文字！
  • L：對啊，還是看不太懂
  • M：那我幫你，來...   這個是「飯」，這邊是「青菜」，然後這邊有「湯」，看你要哪一個
  • L：我不知道...
  • M：沒關係，還是我幫你點好了
  • L：好，謝謝！
  • M：不客氣！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • L：到了！好餓！
    • L: Dàole! Hǎo è!
    • L: We’re here! So hungry!
  • M：我也是，我們快一點點菜吧！
    • M: Wǒ yěshì, wǒmen kuài yīdiǎn diǎn cài ba!
    • M: Me too, let’s hurry up and order!
  • L：好，菜單呢？
    • L: Hǎo, càidān ne?
    • L: Ok, and... the menu? 
  • M：菜單在這裡！看你想吃什麼...
    • M: Càidān zài zhèlǐ! Kàn nǐ xiǎng chī shénme...
    • M: Here’s the menu! See what you want to eat.  
  • L：呃... 
    • L: È... 
    • L: Uh...
  • M：怎麼了？
    • M: Zěnmele?
    • M: Something wrong?
  • L：我看不懂... 
    • L: Wǒ kàn bù dǒng... 
    • L: I can’t understand this...
  • M：喔！你看不懂中文字！
    • M: Ō! Nǐ kàn bù dǒng zhōngwén zì!
    • M: Oh! You don’t understand Chinese characters!
  • L：對啊，還是看不太懂
    • L: Duì a, háishì kàn bù tài dǒng
    • L: Yeah, I still can’t really understand them. 
  • M：那我幫你，來...   
    • M: Nà wǒ bāng nǐ, lái...   
    • M: Then I’ll help you, come on…
  • M: 這個是「飯」，這邊是「青菜」
    • M: Zhège shì `fàn', zhè biān shì `qīngcài'
    • M: This one is “rice”, this side is “vegetables,” ... 
  • M: 然後這邊有「湯」，看你要哪一個
    • M: Ránhòu zhè biān yǒu `tāng', kàn nǐ yào nǎ yīgè
    • M: ...and then this side has “soup." Depends which one you want. 
  • L：我不知道...
    • L: Wǒ bù zhīdào...
    • L: I don’t know...
  • M：沒關係，還是我幫你點好了
    • M: Méiguānxì, háishì wǒ bāng nǐ diǎn hǎole
    • M: No problem, how about I just help you order. 
  • L：好，謝謝！
    • L: Hǎo, xièxiè!
    • L: Ok, thanks!
  • M：不客氣！
    • M: Bù kèqì!
    • M: Don’t mention it!  

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

 

]]> Thu, 16 Jul 2020 08:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 254 After you've listened to Lesson 12, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • L：到了！好餓！
  • M：我也是，我們快一點點菜吧！
  • L：好，菜單呢？
  • M：菜單在這裡！看你想吃什麼...
  • L：呃... 
  • M：怎麼了？
  • L：我看不懂... 
  • M：喔！你看不懂中文字！
  • L：對啊，還是看不太懂
  • M：那我幫你，來...   這個是「飯」，這邊是「青菜」，然後這邊有「湯」，看你要哪一個
  • L：我不知道...
  • M：沒關係，還是我幫你點好了
  • L：好，謝謝！
  • M：不客氣！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • L：到了！好餓！
    • L: Dàole! Hǎo è!
    • L: We’re here! So hungry!
  • M：我也是，我們快一點點菜吧！
    • M: Wǒ yěshì, wǒmen kuài yīdiǎn diǎn cài ba!
    • M: Me too, let’s hurry up and order!
  • L：好，菜單呢？
    • L: Hǎo, càidān ne?
    • L: Ok, and... the menu? 
  • M：菜單在這裡！看你想吃什麼...
    • M: Càidān zài zhèlǐ! Kàn nǐ xiǎng chī shénme...
    • M: Here’s the menu! See what you want to eat.  
  • L：呃... 
    • L: È... 
    • L: Uh...
  • M：怎麼了？
    • M: Zěnmele?
    • M: Something wrong?
  • L：我看不懂... 
    • L: Wǒ kàn bù dǒng... 
    • L: I can’t understand this...
  • M：喔！你看不懂中文字！
    • M: Ō! Nǐ kàn bù dǒng zhōngwén zì!
    • M: Oh! You don’t understand Chinese characters!
  • L：對啊，還是看不太懂
    • L: Duì a, háishì kàn bù tài dǒng
    • L: Yeah, I still can’t really understand them. 
  • M：那我幫你，來...   
    • M: Nà wǒ bāng nǐ, lái...   
    • M: Then I’ll help you, come on…
  • M: 這個是「飯」，這邊是「青菜」
    • M: Zhège shì `fàn', zhè biān shì `qīngcài'
    • M: This one is “rice”, this side is “vegetables,” ... 
  • M: 然後這邊有「湯」，看你要哪一個
    • M: Ránhòu zhè biān yǒu `tāng', kàn nǐ yào nǎ yīgè
    • M: ...and then this side has “soup." Depends which one you want. 
  • L：我不知道...
    • L: Wǒ bù zhīdào...
    • L: I don’t know...
  • M：沒關係，還是我幫你點好了
    • M: Méiguānxì, háishì wǒ bāng nǐ diǎn hǎole
    • M: No problem, how about I just help you order. 
  • L：好，謝謝！
    • L: Hǎo, xièxiè!
    • L: Ok, thanks!
  • M：不客氣！
    • M: Bù kèqì!
    • M: Don’t mention it!  

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

 

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No 13 ~ That's it! 這樣就好！ 1 1 13 ~ That's it! 這樣就好！ full 6c6f6eec-622e-4264-8e4e-f19cc88a4de2 https://www.mftgu.com/episodes/s01-e13 Which dialect of Mandarin should you learn? In the dialogue, Ah-Ming (阿明) and Xiao-Li (小李) order some food! How do you call the waiter in Mandarin? (Hint: it doesn't involve eye contact.)

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • A-Ming (M): 不好意思，可以點餐了！
  • Waiter (F): 好，你要點什麼呢？
  • M: 一個宮保雞丁，一份鍋貼，還有一個炒青菜
  • F: 要白飯嗎？
  • M: 要！誒，小李，你要吃飯嗎？
  • Xiao Li (L): 好啊
  • M: 那我們要兩碗白飯
  • F: 這樣就好了嗎？
  • M: 對，這樣就好
  • F: 好的，請稍等
  • M: 他們的鍋貼超好吃！對了，你要不要喝啤酒？
  • L：我不能喝酒，等一下還要開車啊
  • M：對齁，那... 我們喝茶吧！
  • L：好
  • M：好，我去拿


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • A-Ming (M): 不好意思，可以點餐了！
    • Bù hǎoyìsi, kěyǐ diǎn cānle!
    • Excuse me, we can order!  
  • Waiter (F): 好，你要點什麼呢？
    • Hǎo, nǐ yàodiǎn shénme ne?
    • Ok, what do you want to order? 
  • M: 一個宮保雞丁，一份鍋貼，還有一個炒青菜
    • Yīgè gōngbǎo jī dīng, yī fèn guōtiē, hái yǒu yīgè chǎo qīngcài
    • One 宮保雞丁, one portion of potstickers, and also one stir-fried green vegetable. 
  • F: 要白飯嗎？
    • Yào báifàn ma?
    • Do you want white rice? 
  • M: 要！誒，小李，你要吃飯嗎？
    • Yào! Éi, xiǎo lǐ, nǐ yào chīfàn ma?
    • Want! Oh, Xiao Li, do you want to eat rice? 
  • Xiao Li (L): 好啊
    • Hǎo a
    • Ok!
  • M: 那我們要兩碗白飯
    • Nà wǒmen yào liǎng wǎn báifàn
    • Then we want two bowls of white rice.
  • F: 這樣就好了嗎？
    • Zhèyàng jiù hǎole ma?
    • Is that it? 
  • M: 對，這樣就好
    • Duì, zhèyàng jiù hǎo
    • Yep, that's it. 
  • F: 好的，請稍等
    • Hǎo de, qǐng shāo děng
    • Ok, please wait a moment. 
  • M: 他們的鍋貼超好吃！對了，你要不要喝啤酒？
    • Tāmen de guōtiē chāo hào chī! Duìle, nǐ yào bùyào hē píjiǔ?
    • Their potstickers are super delicious! Oh right, do you want to drink beer? 
  • L：我不能喝酒，等一下還要開車啊
    • Wǒ bùnéng hējiǔ, děng yīxià hái yào kāichē a
    • I can't drink alcohol, I have to drive in a second!
  • M：對齁，那... 我們喝茶吧！
    • Duì hōu, nà... Wǒmen hē chá bā!
    • Oh right, then... let's drink tea! 
  • L：好
    • Hǎo
    • OK. 
  • M：好，我去拿
    • Hǎo, wǒ qù ná
    • Ok, I'll go get it. 


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]]> Which dialect of Mandarin should you learn? In the dialogue, Ah-Ming (阿明) and Xiao-Li (小李) order some food! How do you call the waiter in Mandarin? (Hint: it doesn't involve eye contact.)

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • A-Ming (M): 不好意思，可以點餐了！
  • Waiter (F): 好，你要點什麼呢？
  • M: 一個宮保雞丁，一份鍋貼，還有一個炒青菜
  • F: 要白飯嗎？
  • M: 要！誒，小李，你要吃飯嗎？
  • Xiao Li (L): 好啊
  • M: 那我們要兩碗白飯
  • F: 這樣就好了嗎？
  • M: 對，這樣就好
  • F: 好的，請稍等
  • M: 他們的鍋貼超好吃！對了，你要不要喝啤酒？
  • L：我不能喝酒，等一下還要開車啊
  • M：對齁，那... 我們喝茶吧！
  • L：好
  • M：好，我去拿


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • A-Ming (M): 不好意思，可以點餐了！
    • Bù hǎoyìsi, kěyǐ diǎn cānle!
    • Excuse me, we can order!  
  • Waiter (F): 好，你要點什麼呢？
    • Hǎo, nǐ yàodiǎn shénme ne?
    • Ok, what do you want to order? 
  • M: 一個宮保雞丁，一份鍋貼，還有一個炒青菜
    • Yīgè gōngbǎo jī dīng, yī fèn guōtiē, hái yǒu yīgè chǎo qīngcài
    • One 宮保雞丁, one portion of potstickers, and also one stir-fried green vegetable. 
  • F: 要白飯嗎？
    • Yào báifàn ma?
    • Do you want white rice? 
  • M: 要！誒，小李，你要吃飯嗎？
    • Yào! Éi, xiǎo lǐ, nǐ yào chīfàn ma?
    • Want! Oh, Xiao Li, do you want to eat rice? 
  • Xiao Li (L): 好啊
    • Hǎo a
    • Ok!
  • M: 那我們要兩碗白飯
    • Nà wǒmen yào liǎng wǎn báifàn
    • Then we want two bowls of white rice.
  • F: 這樣就好了嗎？
    • Zhèyàng jiù hǎole ma?
    • Is that it? 
  • M: 對，這樣就好
    • Duì, zhèyàng jiù hǎo
    • Yep, that's it. 
  • F: 好的，請稍等
    • Hǎo de, qǐng shāo děng
    • Ok, please wait a moment. 
  • M: 他們的鍋貼超好吃！對了，你要不要喝啤酒？
    • Tāmen de guōtiē chāo hào chī! Duìle, nǐ yào bùyào hē píjiǔ?
    • Their potstickers are super delicious! Oh right, do you want to drink beer? 
  • L：我不能喝酒，等一下還要開車啊
    • Wǒ bùnéng hējiǔ, děng yīxià hái yào kāichē a
    • I can't drink alcohol, I have to drive in a second!
  • M：對齁，那... 我們喝茶吧！
    • Duì hōu, nà... Wǒmen hē chá bā!
    • Oh right, then... let's drink tea! 
  • L：好
    • Hǎo
    • OK. 
  • M：好，我去拿
    • Hǎo, wǒ qù ná
    • Ok, I'll go get it. 


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]]> Wed, 22 Jul 2020 08:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 819 Which dialect of Mandarin should you learn? In the dialogue, Ah-Ming (阿明) and Xiao-Li (小李) order some food! How do you call the waiter in Mandarin? (Hint: it doesn't involve eye contact.)

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • A-Ming (M): 不好意思，可以點餐了！
  • Waiter (F): 好，你要點什麼呢？
  • M: 一個宮保雞丁，一份鍋貼，還有一個炒青菜
  • F: 要白飯嗎？
  • M: 要！誒，小李，你要吃飯嗎？
  • Xiao Li (L): 好啊
  • M: 那我們要兩碗白飯
  • F: 這樣就好了嗎？
  • M: 對，這樣就好
  • F: 好的，請稍等
  • M: 他們的鍋貼超好吃！對了，你要不要喝啤酒？
  • L：我不能喝酒，等一下還要開車啊
  • M：對齁，那... 我們喝茶吧！
  • L：好
  • M：好，我去拿


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • A-Ming (M): 不好意思，可以點餐了！
    • Bù hǎoyìsi, kěyǐ diǎn cānle!
    • Excuse me, we can order!  
  • Waiter (F): 好，你要點什麼呢？
    • Hǎo, nǐ yàodiǎn shénme ne?
    • Ok, what do you want to order? 
  • M: 一個宮保雞丁，一份鍋貼，還有一個炒青菜
    • Yīgè gōngbǎo jī dīng, yī fèn guōtiē, hái yǒu yīgè chǎo qīngcài
    • One 宮保雞丁, one portion of potstickers, and also one stir-fried green vegetable. 
  • F: 要白飯嗎？
    • Yào báifàn ma?
    • Do you want white rice? 
  • M: 要！誒，小李，你要吃飯嗎？
    • Yào! Éi, xiǎo lǐ, nǐ yào chīfàn ma?
    • Want! Oh, Xiao Li, do you want to eat rice? 
  • Xiao Li (L): 好啊
    • Hǎo a
    • Ok!
  • M: 那我們要兩碗白飯
    • Nà wǒmen yào liǎng wǎn báifàn
    • Then we want two bowls of white rice.
  • F: 這樣就好了嗎？
    • Zhèyàng jiù hǎole ma?
    • Is that it? 
  • M: 對，這樣就好
    • Duì, zhèyàng jiù hǎo
    • Yep, that's it. 
  • F: 好的，請稍等
    • Hǎo de, qǐng shāo děng
    • Ok, please wait a moment. 
  • M: 他們的鍋貼超好吃！對了，你要不要喝啤酒？
    • Tāmen de guōtiē chāo hào chī! Duìle, nǐ yào bùyào hē píjiǔ?
    • Their potstickers are super delicious! Oh right, do you want to drink beer? 
  • L：我不能喝酒，等一下還要開車啊
    • Wǒ bùnéng hējiǔ, děng yīxià hái yào kāichē a
    • I can't drink alcohol, I have to drive in a second!
  • M：對齁，那... 我們喝茶吧！
    • Duì hōu, nà... Wǒmen hē chá bā!
    • Oh right, then... let's drink tea! 
  • L：好
    • Hǎo
    • OK. 
  • M：好，我去拿
    • Hǎo, wǒ qù ná
    • Ok, I'll go get it. 


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Thanks for listening! 

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No Daily Practice Session - Lesson 13 1 1 Daily Practice Session - Lesson 13 bonus 960db525-be38-461d-815e-9f23d6f185d4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b6196336 After you've listened to Lesson 13, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • A-Ming (M): 不好意思，可以點餐了！
  • Waiter (F): 好，你要點什麼呢？
  • M: 一個宮保雞丁，一份鍋貼，還有一個炒青菜
  • F: 要白飯嗎？
  • M: 要！誒，小李，你要吃飯嗎？
  • Xiao Li (L): 好啊
  • M: 那我們要兩碗白飯
  • F: 這樣就好了嗎？
  • M: 對，這樣就好
  • F: 好的，請稍等
  • M: 他們的鍋貼超好吃！對了，你要不要喝啤酒？
  • L：我不能喝酒，等一下還要開車啊
  • M：對齁，那... 我們喝茶吧！
  • L：好
  • M：好，我去拿


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • A-Ming (M): 不好意思，可以點餐了！
    • Bù hǎoyìsi, kěyǐ diǎn cānle!
    • Excuse me, we can order!  
  • Waiter (F): 好，你要點什麼呢？
    • Hǎo, nǐ yàodiǎn shénme ne?
    • Ok, what do you want to order? 
  • M: 一個宮保雞丁，一份鍋貼，還有一個炒青菜
    • Yīgè gōngbǎo jī dīng, yī fèn guōtiē, hái yǒu yīgè chǎo qīngcài
    • One 宮保雞丁, one portion of potstickers, and also one stir-fried green vegetable. 
  • F: 要白飯嗎？
    • Yào báifàn ma?
    • Do you want white rice? 
  • M: 要！誒，小李，你要吃飯嗎？
    • Yào! Éi, xiǎo lǐ, nǐ yào chīfàn ma?
    • Want! Oh, Xiao Li, do you want to eat rice? 
  • Xiao Li (L): 好啊
    • Hǎo a
    • Ok!
  • M: 那我們要兩碗白飯
    • Nà wǒmen yào liǎng wǎn báifàn
    • Then we want two bowls of white rice.
  • F: 這樣就好了嗎？
    • Zhèyàng jiù hǎole ma?
    • Is that it? 
  • M: 對，這樣就好
    • Duì, zhèyàng jiù hǎo
    • Yep, that's it. 
  • F: 好的，請稍等
    • Hǎo de, qǐng shāo děng
    • Ok, please wait a moment. 
  • M: 他們的鍋貼超好吃！對了，你要不要喝啤酒？
    • Tāmen de guōtiē chāo hào chī! Duìle, nǐ yào bùyào hē píjiǔ?
    • Their potstickers are super delicious! Oh right, do you want to drink beer? 
  • L：我不能喝酒，等一下還要開車啊
    • Wǒ bùnéng hējiǔ, děng yīxià hái yào kāichē a
    • I can't drink alcohol, I have to drive in a second!
  • M：對齁，那... 我們喝茶吧！
    • Duì hōu, nà... Wǒmen hē chá bā!
    • Oh right, then... let's drink tea! 
  • L：好
    • Hǎo
    • OK. 
  • M：好，我去拿
    • Hǎo, wǒ qù ná
    • Ok, I'll go get it. 


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> After you've listened to Lesson 13, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • A-Ming (M): 不好意思，可以點餐了！
  • Waiter (F): 好，你要點什麼呢？
  • M: 一個宮保雞丁，一份鍋貼，還有一個炒青菜
  • F: 要白飯嗎？
  • M: 要！誒，小李，你要吃飯嗎？
  • Xiao Li (L): 好啊
  • M: 那我們要兩碗白飯
  • F: 這樣就好了嗎？
  • M: 對，這樣就好
  • F: 好的，請稍等
  • M: 他們的鍋貼超好吃！對了，你要不要喝啤酒？
  • L：我不能喝酒，等一下還要開車啊
  • M：對齁，那... 我們喝茶吧！
  • L：好
  • M：好，我去拿


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • A-Ming (M): 不好意思，可以點餐了！
    • Bù hǎoyìsi, kěyǐ diǎn cānle!
    • Excuse me, we can order!  
  • Waiter (F): 好，你要點什麼呢？
    • Hǎo, nǐ yàodiǎn shénme ne?
    • Ok, what do you want to order? 
  • M: 一個宮保雞丁，一份鍋貼，還有一個炒青菜
    • Yīgè gōngbǎo jī dīng, yī fèn guōtiē, hái yǒu yīgè chǎo qīngcài
    • One 宮保雞丁, one portion of potstickers, and also one stir-fried green vegetable. 
  • F: 要白飯嗎？
    • Yào báifàn ma?
    • Do you want white rice? 
  • M: 要！誒，小李，你要吃飯嗎？
    • Yào! Éi, xiǎo lǐ, nǐ yào chīfàn ma?
    • Want! Oh, Xiao Li, do you want to eat rice? 
  • Xiao Li (L): 好啊
    • Hǎo a
    • Ok!
  • M: 那我們要兩碗白飯
    • Nà wǒmen yào liǎng wǎn báifàn
    • Then we want two bowls of white rice.
  • F: 這樣就好了嗎？
    • Zhèyàng jiù hǎole ma?
    • Is that it? 
  • M: 對，這樣就好
    • Duì, zhèyàng jiù hǎo
    • Yep, that's it. 
  • F: 好的，請稍等
    • Hǎo de, qǐng shāo děng
    • Ok, please wait a moment. 
  • M: 他們的鍋貼超好吃！對了，你要不要喝啤酒？
    • Tāmen de guōtiē chāo hào chī! Duìle, nǐ yào bùyào hē píjiǔ?
    • Their potstickers are super delicious! Oh right, do you want to drink beer? 
  • L：我不能喝酒，等一下還要開車啊
    • Wǒ bùnéng hējiǔ, děng yīxià hái yào kāichē a
    • I can't drink alcohol, I have to drive in a second!
  • M：對齁，那... 我們喝茶吧！
    • Duì hōu, nà... Wǒmen hē chá bā!
    • Oh right, then... let's drink tea! 
  • L：好
    • Hǎo
    • OK. 
  • M：好，我去拿
    • Hǎo, wǒ qù ná
    • Ok, I'll go get it. 


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> Thu, 23 Jul 2020 08:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 257 After you've listened to Lesson 13, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • A-Ming (M): 不好意思，可以點餐了！
  • Waiter (F): 好，你要點什麼呢？
  • M: 一個宮保雞丁，一份鍋貼，還有一個炒青菜
  • F: 要白飯嗎？
  • M: 要！誒，小李，你要吃飯嗎？
  • Xiao Li (L): 好啊
  • M: 那我們要兩碗白飯
  • F: 這樣就好了嗎？
  • M: 對，這樣就好
  • F: 好的，請稍等
  • M: 他們的鍋貼超好吃！對了，你要不要喝啤酒？
  • L：我不能喝酒，等一下還要開車啊
  • M：對齁，那... 我們喝茶吧！
  • L：好
  • M：好，我去拿


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • A-Ming (M): 不好意思，可以點餐了！
    • Bù hǎoyìsi, kěyǐ diǎn cānle!
    • Excuse me, we can order!  
  • Waiter (F): 好，你要點什麼呢？
    • Hǎo, nǐ yàodiǎn shénme ne?
    • Ok, what do you want to order? 
  • M: 一個宮保雞丁，一份鍋貼，還有一個炒青菜
    • Yīgè gōngbǎo jī dīng, yī fèn guōtiē, hái yǒu yīgè chǎo qīngcài
    • One 宮保雞丁, one portion of potstickers, and also one stir-fried green vegetable. 
  • F: 要白飯嗎？
    • Yào báifàn ma?
    • Do you want white rice? 
  • M: 要！誒，小李，你要吃飯嗎？
    • Yào! Éi, xiǎo lǐ, nǐ yào chīfàn ma?
    • Want! Oh, Xiao Li, do you want to eat rice? 
  • Xiao Li (L): 好啊
    • Hǎo a
    • Ok!
  • M: 那我們要兩碗白飯
    • Nà wǒmen yào liǎng wǎn báifàn
    • Then we want two bowls of white rice.
  • F: 這樣就好了嗎？
    • Zhèyàng jiù hǎole ma?
    • Is that it? 
  • M: 對，這樣就好
    • Duì, zhèyàng jiù hǎo
    • Yep, that's it. 
  • F: 好的，請稍等
    • Hǎo de, qǐng shāo děng
    • Ok, please wait a moment. 
  • M: 他們的鍋貼超好吃！對了，你要不要喝啤酒？
    • Tāmen de guōtiē chāo hào chī! Duìle, nǐ yào bùyào hē píjiǔ?
    • Their potstickers are super delicious! Oh right, do you want to drink beer? 
  • L：我不能喝酒，等一下還要開車啊
    • Wǒ bùnéng hējiǔ, děng yīxià hái yào kāichē a
    • I can't drink alcohol, I have to drive in a second!
  • M：對齁，那... 我們喝茶吧！
    • Duì hōu, nà... Wǒmen hē chá bā!
    • Oh right, then... let's drink tea! 
  • L：好
    • Hǎo
    • OK. 
  • M：好，我去拿
    • Hǎo, wǒ qù ná
    • Ok, I'll go get it. 


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No 14 ~ Hurry up and try it! 你快試試看！ 1 1 14 ~ Hurry up and try it! 你快試試看！ full aeda3ae0-ef60-4735-9733-9e384c191007 https://www.mftgu.com/episodes/s01-e14 Ah-Ming (阿明) and Xiao-Li (小李) are enjoying the food they ordered, and we learn how to talk about trying things, whether or not you can handle spicy foods, and how to compare foods that look (or sound) different.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • Ah-Ming (M): 菜都上了！你快試試看！
  • Xiao Li (L): 好
  • M：好吃嗎？
  • L：好吃！但很辣！
  • M：你會怕辣嗎？
  • L：還好，不會，我喜歡
  • M：那就好，要不要喝一點茶？
  • L：好
  • M：來，我幫你倒
  • L：謝謝
  • M：鍋貼也吃看看吧
  • L：那是什麼？
  • M：美國沒有鍋貼嗎？
  • L：有啊，可是美國的鍋貼看起來有一點不一樣
  • M：我們這裡的鍋貼很好吃，你吃就知道了
  • L：裡面有什麼？
  • M：裡面有肉跟高麗菜，很好吃！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • Ah-Ming (M): 菜都上了！你快試試看！
    • Cài dōu shàngle! Nǐ kuài shì shìkàn!
    • The food's all here! Hurry up and try it!   
  • Xiao Li (L): 好
    • Hǎo
    • Ok! 
  • M：好吃嗎？
    • Hǎo chī ma?
    • Is it good? 
  • L：好吃！但很辣！
    • Hǎo chī! Dàn hěn là!
    • It's good! But really spicy! 
  • M：你會怕辣嗎？
    • Nǐ huì pà là ma?
    • Are you afraid of spice? 
  • L：還好，不會，我喜歡
    • Hái hǎo, bù huì, wǒ xǐhuān
    • Not really, I'm not, I like it. 
  • M：那就好，要不要喝一點茶？
    • Nà jiù hǎo, yào bùyào hè yīdiǎn chá?
    • That's good then. Do you want to drink some tea? 
  • L：好
    • Hǎo
    • Sure. 
  • M：來，我幫你倒
    • Lái, wǒ bāng nǐ dào
    • Here, I'll help you pour. 
  • L：謝謝
    • Xièxiè
    • Thanks. 
  • M：鍋貼也吃看看吧
    • Guōtiē yě chī kàn kàn ba
    • Also try the potstickers!
  • L：那是什麼？
    • Nà shì shénme?
    • What is that? 
  • M：美國沒有鍋貼嗎？
    • Měiguó méiyǒu guōtiē ma?
    • America doesn't have potstickers? 
  • L：有啊，可是美國的鍋貼看起來有一點不一樣
    • Yǒu a, kěshì měiguó de guōtiē kàn qǐlái yǒu yīdiǎn bù yīyàng
    • It does, but America's potstickers look a little bit not the same. 
  • M：我們這裡的鍋貼很好吃，你吃就知道了
    • Wǒmen zhèlǐ de guōtiē hěn hào chī, nǐ chī jiù zhīdàole
    • Our potstickers here are really good, when you try them you'll know. 
  • L：裡面有什麼？
    • Lǐmiàn yǒu shé me?
    • What's inside? 
  • M：裡面有肉跟高麗菜，很好吃！
    • Lǐmiàn yǒu ròu gēn gāolí cài, hěn hǎo chī!
    • Inside there's meat and cabbage, it's really good! 

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> Ah-Ming (阿明) and Xiao-Li (小李) are enjoying the food they ordered, and we learn how to talk about trying things, whether or not you can handle spicy foods, and how to compare foods that look (or sound) different.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • Ah-Ming (M): 菜都上了！你快試試看！
  • Xiao Li (L): 好
  • M：好吃嗎？
  • L：好吃！但很辣！
  • M：你會怕辣嗎？
  • L：還好，不會，我喜歡
  • M：那就好，要不要喝一點茶？
  • L：好
  • M：來，我幫你倒
  • L：謝謝
  • M：鍋貼也吃看看吧
  • L：那是什麼？
  • M：美國沒有鍋貼嗎？
  • L：有啊，可是美國的鍋貼看起來有一點不一樣
  • M：我們這裡的鍋貼很好吃，你吃就知道了
  • L：裡面有什麼？
  • M：裡面有肉跟高麗菜，很好吃！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • Ah-Ming (M): 菜都上了！你快試試看！
    • Cài dōu shàngle! Nǐ kuài shì shìkàn!
    • The food's all here! Hurry up and try it!   
  • Xiao Li (L): 好
    • Hǎo
    • Ok! 
  • M：好吃嗎？
    • Hǎo chī ma?
    • Is it good? 
  • L：好吃！但很辣！
    • Hǎo chī! Dàn hěn là!
    • It's good! But really spicy! 
  • M：你會怕辣嗎？
    • Nǐ huì pà là ma?
    • Are you afraid of spice? 
  • L：還好，不會，我喜歡
    • Hái hǎo, bù huì, wǒ xǐhuān
    • Not really, I'm not, I like it. 
  • M：那就好，要不要喝一點茶？
    • Nà jiù hǎo, yào bùyào hè yīdiǎn chá?
    • That's good then. Do you want to drink some tea? 
  • L：好
    • Hǎo
    • Sure. 
  • M：來，我幫你倒
    • Lái, wǒ bāng nǐ dào
    • Here, I'll help you pour. 
  • L：謝謝
    • Xièxiè
    • Thanks. 
  • M：鍋貼也吃看看吧
    • Guōtiē yě chī kàn kàn ba
    • Also try the potstickers!
  • L：那是什麼？
    • Nà shì shénme?
    • What is that? 
  • M：美國沒有鍋貼嗎？
    • Měiguó méiyǒu guōtiē ma?
    • America doesn't have potstickers? 
  • L：有啊，可是美國的鍋貼看起來有一點不一樣
    • Yǒu a, kěshì měiguó de guōtiē kàn qǐlái yǒu yīdiǎn bù yīyàng
    • It does, but America's potstickers look a little bit not the same. 
  • M：我們這裡的鍋貼很好吃，你吃就知道了
    • Wǒmen zhèlǐ de guōtiē hěn hào chī, nǐ chī jiù zhīdàole
    • Our potstickers here are really good, when you try them you'll know. 
  • L：裡面有什麼？
    • Lǐmiàn yǒu shé me?
    • What's inside? 
  • M：裡面有肉跟高麗菜，很好吃！
    • Lǐmiàn yǒu ròu gēn gāolí cài, hěn hǎo chī!
    • Inside there's meat and cabbage, it's really good! 

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> Wed, 29 Jul 2020 21:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 812 Ah-Ming (阿明) and Xiao-Li (小李) are enjoying the food they ordered, and we learn how to talk about trying things, whether or not you can handle spicy foods, and how to compare foods that look (or sound) different.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • Ah-Ming (M): 菜都上了！你快試試看！
  • Xiao Li (L): 好
  • M：好吃嗎？
  • L：好吃！但很辣！
  • M：你會怕辣嗎？
  • L：還好，不會，我喜歡
  • M：那就好，要不要喝一點茶？
  • L：好
  • M：來，我幫你倒
  • L：謝謝
  • M：鍋貼也吃看看吧
  • L：那是什麼？
  • M：美國沒有鍋貼嗎？
  • L：有啊，可是美國的鍋貼看起來有一點不一樣
  • M：我們這裡的鍋貼很好吃，你吃就知道了
  • L：裡面有什麼？
  • M：裡面有肉跟高麗菜，很好吃！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • Ah-Ming (M): 菜都上了！你快試試看！
    • Cài dōu shàngle! Nǐ kuài shì shìkàn!
    • The food's all here! Hurry up and try it!   
  • Xiao Li (L): 好
    • Hǎo
    • Ok! 
  • M：好吃嗎？
    • Hǎo chī ma?
    • Is it good? 
  • L：好吃！但很辣！
    • Hǎo chī! Dàn hěn là!
    • It's good! But really spicy! 
  • M：你會怕辣嗎？
    • Nǐ huì pà là ma?
    • Are you afraid of spice? 
  • L：還好，不會，我喜歡
    • Hái hǎo, bù huì, wǒ xǐhuān
    • Not really, I'm not, I like it. 
  • M：那就好，要不要喝一點茶？
    • Nà jiù hǎo, yào bùyào hè yīdiǎn chá?
    • That's good then. Do you want to drink some tea? 
  • L：好
    • Hǎo
    • Sure. 
  • M：來，我幫你倒
    • Lái, wǒ bāng nǐ dào
    • Here, I'll help you pour. 
  • L：謝謝
    • Xièxiè
    • Thanks. 
  • M：鍋貼也吃看看吧
    • Guōtiē yě chī kàn kàn ba
    • Also try the potstickers!
  • L：那是什麼？
    • Nà shì shénme?
    • What is that? 
  • M：美國沒有鍋貼嗎？
    • Měiguó méiyǒu guōtiē ma?
    • America doesn't have potstickers? 
  • L：有啊，可是美國的鍋貼看起來有一點不一樣
    • Yǒu a, kěshì měiguó de guōtiē kàn qǐlái yǒu yīdiǎn bù yīyàng
    • It does, but America's potstickers look a little bit not the same. 
  • M：我們這裡的鍋貼很好吃，你吃就知道了
    • Wǒmen zhèlǐ de guōtiē hěn hào chī, nǐ chī jiù zhīdàole
    • Our potstickers here are really good, when you try them you'll know. 
  • L：裡面有什麼？
    • Lǐmiàn yǒu shé me?
    • What's inside? 
  • M：裡面有肉跟高麗菜，很好吃！
    • Lǐmiàn yǒu ròu gēn gāolí cài, hěn hǎo chī!
    • Inside there's meat and cabbage, it's really good! 

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No Daily Practice Session - Lesson 14 1 1 Daily Practice Session - Lesson 14 bonus 83465435-4fd8-43e9-b052-0a9a640672f6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bf17198a After you've listened to Lesson 14, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • Ah-Ming (M): 菜都上了！你快試試看！
  • Xiao Li (L): 好
  • M：好吃嗎？
  • L：好吃！但很辣！
  • M：你會怕辣嗎？
  • L：還好，不會，我喜歡
  • M：那就好，要不要喝一點茶？
  • L：好
  • M：來，我幫你倒
  • L：謝謝
  • M：鍋貼也吃看看吧
  • L：那是什麼？
  • M：美國沒有鍋貼嗎？
  • L：有啊，可是美國的鍋貼看起來有一點不一樣
  • M：我們這裡的鍋貼很好吃，你吃就知道了
  • L：裡面有什麼？
  • M：裡面有肉跟高麗菜，很好吃！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • Ah-Ming (M): 菜都上了！你快試試看！
    • Cài dōu shàngle! Nǐ kuài shì shìkàn!
    • The food's all here! Hurry up and try it!   
  • Xiao Li (L): 好
    • Hǎo
    • Ok! 
  • M：好吃嗎？
    • Hǎo chī ma?
    • Is it good? 
  • L：好吃！但很辣！
    • Hǎo chī! Dàn hěn là!
    • It's good! But really spicy! 
  • M：你會怕辣嗎？
    • Nǐ huì pà là ma?
    • Are you afraid of spice? 
  • L：還好，不會，我喜歡
    • Hái hǎo, bù huì, wǒ xǐhuān
    • Not really, I'm not, I like it. 
  • M：那就好，要不要喝一點茶？
    • Nà jiù hǎo, yào bùyào hè yīdiǎn chá?
    • That's good then. Do you want to drink some tea? 
  • L：好
    • Hǎo
    • Sure. 
  • M：來，我幫你倒
    • Lái, wǒ bāng nǐ dào
    • Here, I'll help you pour. 
  • L：謝謝
    • Xièxiè
    • Thanks. 
  • M：鍋貼也吃看看吧
    • Guōtiē yě chī kàn kàn ba
    • Also try the potstickers!
  • L：那是什麼？
    • Nà shì shénme?
    • What is that? 
  • M：美國沒有鍋貼嗎？
    • Měiguó méiyǒu guōtiē ma?
    • America doesn't have potstickers? 
  • L：有啊，可是美國的鍋貼看起來有一點不一樣
    • Yǒu a, kěshì měiguó de guōtiē kàn qǐlái yǒu yīdiǎn bù yīyàng
    • It does, but America's potstickers look a little bit not the same. 
  • M：我們這裡的鍋貼很好吃，你吃就知道了
    • Wǒmen zhèlǐ de guōtiē hěn hào chī, nǐ chī jiù zhīdàole
    • Our potstickers here are really good, when you try them you'll know. 
  • L：裡面有什麼？
    • Lǐmiàn yǒu shé me?
    • What's inside? 
  • M：裡面有肉跟高麗菜，很好吃！
    • Lǐmiàn yǒu ròu gēn gāolí cài, hěn hǎo chī!
    • Inside there's meat and cabbage, it's really good! 

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> After you've listened to Lesson 14, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • Ah-Ming (M): 菜都上了！你快試試看！
  • Xiao Li (L): 好
  • M：好吃嗎？
  • L：好吃！但很辣！
  • M：你會怕辣嗎？
  • L：還好，不會，我喜歡
  • M：那就好，要不要喝一點茶？
  • L：好
  • M：來，我幫你倒
  • L：謝謝
  • M：鍋貼也吃看看吧
  • L：那是什麼？
  • M：美國沒有鍋貼嗎？
  • L：有啊，可是美國的鍋貼看起來有一點不一樣
  • M：我們這裡的鍋貼很好吃，你吃就知道了
  • L：裡面有什麼？
  • M：裡面有肉跟高麗菜，很好吃！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • Ah-Ming (M): 菜都上了！你快試試看！
    • Cài dōu shàngle! Nǐ kuài shì shìkàn!
    • The food's all here! Hurry up and try it!   
  • Xiao Li (L): 好
    • Hǎo
    • Ok! 
  • M：好吃嗎？
    • Hǎo chī ma?
    • Is it good? 
  • L：好吃！但很辣！
    • Hǎo chī! Dàn hěn là!
    • It's good! But really spicy! 
  • M：你會怕辣嗎？
    • Nǐ huì pà là ma?
    • Are you afraid of spice? 
  • L：還好，不會，我喜歡
    • Hái hǎo, bù huì, wǒ xǐhuān
    • Not really, I'm not, I like it. 
  • M：那就好，要不要喝一點茶？
    • Nà jiù hǎo, yào bùyào hè yīdiǎn chá?
    • That's good then. Do you want to drink some tea? 
  • L：好
    • Hǎo
    • Sure. 
  • M：來，我幫你倒
    • Lái, wǒ bāng nǐ dào
    • Here, I'll help you pour. 
  • L：謝謝
    • Xièxiè
    • Thanks. 
  • M：鍋貼也吃看看吧
    • Guōtiē yě chī kàn kàn ba
    • Also try the potstickers!
  • L：那是什麼？
    • Nà shì shénme?
    • What is that? 
  • M：美國沒有鍋貼嗎？
    • Měiguó méiyǒu guōtiē ma?
    • America doesn't have potstickers? 
  • L：有啊，可是美國的鍋貼看起來有一點不一樣
    • Yǒu a, kěshì měiguó de guōtiē kàn qǐlái yǒu yīdiǎn bù yīyàng
    • It does, but America's potstickers look a little bit not the same. 
  • M：我們這裡的鍋貼很好吃，你吃就知道了
    • Wǒmen zhèlǐ de guōtiē hěn hào chī, nǐ chī jiù zhīdàole
    • Our potstickers here are really good, when you try them you'll know. 
  • L：裡面有什麼？
    • Lǐmiàn yǒu shé me?
    • What's inside? 
  • M：裡面有肉跟高麗菜，很好吃！
    • Lǐmiàn yǒu ròu gēn gāolí cài, hěn hǎo chī!
    • Inside there's meat and cabbage, it's really good! 

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> Thu, 30 Jul 2020 08:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 257 After you've listened to Lesson 14, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • Ah-Ming (M): 菜都上了！你快試試看！
  • Xiao Li (L): 好
  • M：好吃嗎？
  • L：好吃！但很辣！
  • M：你會怕辣嗎？
  • L：還好，不會，我喜歡
  • M：那就好，要不要喝一點茶？
  • L：好
  • M：來，我幫你倒
  • L：謝謝
  • M：鍋貼也吃看看吧
  • L：那是什麼？
  • M：美國沒有鍋貼嗎？
  • L：有啊，可是美國的鍋貼看起來有一點不一樣
  • M：我們這裡的鍋貼很好吃，你吃就知道了
  • L：裡面有什麼？
  • M：裡面有肉跟高麗菜，很好吃！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • Ah-Ming (M): 菜都上了！你快試試看！
    • Cài dōu shàngle! Nǐ kuài shì shìkàn!
    • The food's all here! Hurry up and try it!   
  • Xiao Li (L): 好
    • Hǎo
    • Ok! 
  • M：好吃嗎？
    • Hǎo chī ma?
    • Is it good? 
  • L：好吃！但很辣！
    • Hǎo chī! Dàn hěn là!
    • It's good! But really spicy! 
  • M：你會怕辣嗎？
    • Nǐ huì pà là ma?
    • Are you afraid of spice? 
  • L：還好，不會，我喜歡
    • Hái hǎo, bù huì, wǒ xǐhuān
    • Not really, I'm not, I like it. 
  • M：那就好，要不要喝一點茶？
    • Nà jiù hǎo, yào bùyào hè yīdiǎn chá?
    • That's good then. Do you want to drink some tea? 
  • L：好
    • Hǎo
    • Sure. 
  • M：來，我幫你倒
    • Lái, wǒ bāng nǐ dào
    • Here, I'll help you pour. 
  • L：謝謝
    • Xièxiè
    • Thanks. 
  • M：鍋貼也吃看看吧
    • Guōtiē yě chī kàn kàn ba
    • Also try the potstickers!
  • L：那是什麼？
    • Nà shì shénme?
    • What is that? 
  • M：美國沒有鍋貼嗎？
    • Měiguó méiyǒu guōtiē ma?
    • America doesn't have potstickers? 
  • L：有啊，可是美國的鍋貼看起來有一點不一樣
    • Yǒu a, kěshì měiguó de guōtiē kàn qǐlái yǒu yīdiǎn bù yīyàng
    • It does, but America's potstickers look a little bit not the same. 
  • M：我們這裡的鍋貼很好吃，你吃就知道了
    • Wǒmen zhèlǐ de guōtiē hěn hào chī, nǐ chī jiù zhīdàole
    • Our potstickers here are really good, when you try them you'll know. 
  • L：裡面有什麼？
    • Lǐmiàn yǒu shé me?
    • What's inside? 
  • M：裡面有肉跟高麗菜，很好吃！
    • Lǐmiàn yǒu ròu gēn gāolí cài, hěn hǎo chī!
    • Inside there's meat and cabbage, it's really good! 

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No 15 ~ Excuse me! 不好意思！ 1 1 15 ~ Excuse me! 不好意思！ full 554e3c9d-c1a4-4a6d-8fec-f416813f2aa6 https://www.mftgu.com/episodes/s01-e15 In episode 15, I talk about how you might be misunderstanding your own forgetfulness. Meanwhile, Ah-Ming (阿明) and Xiao-Li (小李) fight over who's going to pick up the check.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • Ah-Ming (M)：你吃飽了嗎？
  • Xiao Li (L)：吃好飽！
  • M：不好意思，我們要買單！
  • Waiter (F)：好的，這樣五百八
  • M：好，來
  • L：等一下！你要請我嗎？
  • M：對啊，你剛來台灣，當然要請你啊
  • L：不行，上次你請我，這一次換我請你啦！
  • M：不要啦！我請你就好，等我去美國你再請我
  • L：很不好意思
  • M：不用不好意思！你來我的地盤，當然我請你啊
  • L：那好吧...
  • M：不好意思，這裡一千，麻煩你
  • F：收你一千，請稍等一下... 好，找你四百二！
  • M：好， 謝謝！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • Ah-Ming (M)：你吃飽了嗎？
    • Nǐ chī bǎole ma?
    • Are you full?
  • Xiao Li (L)：吃好飽！
    • Chī hǎo bǎo!
    • So full! 
  • M：不好意思，我們要買單！
    • Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒmen yāo mǎidān!
    • Excuse me, we'll take the check! 
  • Waiter (F)：好的，這樣五百八
    • Hǎo de, zhèyàng wǔbǎi bā
    • Ok, that'll be five hundred eighty. 
  • M：好，來
    • Hǎo, lái
    • Ok, here. 
  • L：等一下！你要請我嗎？
    • Děng yīxià! Nǐ yàoqǐng wǒ ma?
    • Wait a sec! You're going to treat me? 
  • M：對啊，你剛來台灣，當然要請你啊
    • Duì a, nǐ gāng lái táiwān, dāngrán yàoqǐng nǐ a
    • Yeah, you just came to Taiwan, of course I'm treating you.
  • L：不行，上次你請我，這一次換我請你啦！
    • Bùxíng, shàng cì nǐ qǐng wǒ, zhè yīcì huàn wǒ qǐng nǐ la!
    • No way, you treated me last time, this time it's my turn to treat you!
  • M：不要啦！我請你就好，等我去美國你再請我
    • Bùyào la! Wǒ qǐng nǐ jiù hǎo, děng wǒ qù měiguó nǐ zài qǐng wǒ
    • Nah! I'll treat you and that's it. Wait till I go to the US, then you can treat me. 
  • L：很不好意思
    • Hěn bù hǎoyìsi
    • I feel really bad. 
  • M：不用不好意思！你來我的地盤，當然我請你啊
    • Bùyòng bù hǎoyìsi! Nǐ lái wǒ dì dìpán, dāngrán wǒ qǐng nǐ a.
    • Don't feel bad! You come to my turf, of course I'm gonna treat you. 
  • L：那好吧... 
    • Nà hǎo ba... 
    • Well, alright...
  • M：不好意思，這裡一千，麻煩你
    • Bù hǎoyìsi, zhèlǐ yīqiān, máfan nǐ
    • Excuse me, here's a thousand, sorry to trouble you. 
  • F：收你一千，請稍等一下... 好，找你四百二！
    • Shōu nǐ yīqiān, qǐng shāo děng yīxià... Hǎo, zhǎo nǐ sìbǎi èr!
    • Receive your thousand, please wait a moment... Ok, your change: four hundred twenty. 
  • M：好， 謝謝！
    • Hǎo, xièxiè!
    • Ok, thanks!

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Thanks for listening! 

]]> In episode 15, I talk about how you might be misunderstanding your own forgetfulness. Meanwhile, Ah-Ming (阿明) and Xiao-Li (小李) fight over who's going to pick up the check.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • Ah-Ming (M)：你吃飽了嗎？
  • Xiao Li (L)：吃好飽！
  • M：不好意思，我們要買單！
  • Waiter (F)：好的，這樣五百八
  • M：好，來
  • L：等一下！你要請我嗎？
  • M：對啊，你剛來台灣，當然要請你啊
  • L：不行，上次你請我，這一次換我請你啦！
  • M：不要啦！我請你就好，等我去美國你再請我
  • L：很不好意思
  • M：不用不好意思！你來我的地盤，當然我請你啊
  • L：那好吧...
  • M：不好意思，這裡一千，麻煩你
  • F：收你一千，請稍等一下... 好，找你四百二！
  • M：好， 謝謝！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • Ah-Ming (M)：你吃飽了嗎？
    • Nǐ chī bǎole ma?
    • Are you full?
  • Xiao Li (L)：吃好飽！
    • Chī hǎo bǎo!
    • So full! 
  • M：不好意思，我們要買單！
    • Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒmen yāo mǎidān!
    • Excuse me, we'll take the check! 
  • Waiter (F)：好的，這樣五百八
    • Hǎo de, zhèyàng wǔbǎi bā
    • Ok, that'll be five hundred eighty. 
  • M：好，來
    • Hǎo, lái
    • Ok, here. 
  • L：等一下！你要請我嗎？
    • Děng yīxià! Nǐ yàoqǐng wǒ ma?
    • Wait a sec! You're going to treat me? 
  • M：對啊，你剛來台灣，當然要請你啊
    • Duì a, nǐ gāng lái táiwān, dāngrán yàoqǐng nǐ a
    • Yeah, you just came to Taiwan, of course I'm treating you.
  • L：不行，上次你請我，這一次換我請你啦！
    • Bùxíng, shàng cì nǐ qǐng wǒ, zhè yīcì huàn wǒ qǐng nǐ la!
    • No way, you treated me last time, this time it's my turn to treat you!
  • M：不要啦！我請你就好，等我去美國你再請我
    • Bùyào la! Wǒ qǐng nǐ jiù hǎo, děng wǒ qù měiguó nǐ zài qǐng wǒ
    • Nah! I'll treat you and that's it. Wait till I go to the US, then you can treat me. 
  • L：很不好意思
    • Hěn bù hǎoyìsi
    • I feel really bad. 
  • M：不用不好意思！你來我的地盤，當然我請你啊
    • Bùyòng bù hǎoyìsi! Nǐ lái wǒ dì dìpán, dāngrán wǒ qǐng nǐ a.
    • Don't feel bad! You come to my turf, of course I'm gonna treat you. 
  • L：那好吧... 
    • Nà hǎo ba... 
    • Well, alright...
  • M：不好意思，這裡一千，麻煩你
    • Bù hǎoyìsi, zhèlǐ yīqiān, máfan nǐ
    • Excuse me, here's a thousand, sorry to trouble you. 
  • F：收你一千，請稍等一下... 好，找你四百二！
    • Shōu nǐ yīqiān, qǐng shāo děng yīxià... Hǎo, zhǎo nǐ sìbǎi èr!
    • Receive your thousand, please wait a moment... Ok, your change: four hundred twenty. 
  • M：好， 謝謝！
    • Hǎo, xièxiè!
    • Ok, thanks!

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Thanks for listening! 

]]> Thu, 06 Aug 2020 08:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 1033 In episode 15, I talk about how you might be misunderstanding your own forgetfulness. Meanwhile, Ah-Ming (阿明) and Xiao-Li (小李) fight over who's going to pick up the check.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • Ah-Ming (M)：你吃飽了嗎？
  • Xiao Li (L)：吃好飽！
  • M：不好意思，我們要買單！
  • Waiter (F)：好的，這樣五百八
  • M：好，來
  • L：等一下！你要請我嗎？
  • M：對啊，你剛來台灣，當然要請你啊
  • L：不行，上次你請我，這一次換我請你啦！
  • M：不要啦！我請你就好，等我去美國你再請我
  • L：很不好意思
  • M：不用不好意思！你來我的地盤，當然我請你啊
  • L：那好吧...
  • M：不好意思，這裡一千，麻煩你
  • F：收你一千，請稍等一下... 好，找你四百二！
  • M：好， 謝謝！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • Ah-Ming (M)：你吃飽了嗎？
    • Nǐ chī bǎole ma?
    • Are you full?
  • Xiao Li (L)：吃好飽！
    • Chī hǎo bǎo!
    • So full! 
  • M：不好意思，我們要買單！
    • Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒmen yāo mǎidān!
    • Excuse me, we'll take the check! 
  • Waiter (F)：好的，這樣五百八
    • Hǎo de, zhèyàng wǔbǎi bā
    • Ok, that'll be five hundred eighty. 
  • M：好，來
    • Hǎo, lái
    • Ok, here. 
  • L：等一下！你要請我嗎？
    • Děng yīxià! Nǐ yàoqǐng wǒ ma?
    • Wait a sec! You're going to treat me? 
  • M：對啊，你剛來台灣，當然要請你啊
    • Duì a, nǐ gāng lái táiwān, dāngrán yàoqǐng nǐ a
    • Yeah, you just came to Taiwan, of course I'm treating you.
  • L：不行，上次你請我，這一次換我請你啦！
    • Bùxíng, shàng cì nǐ qǐng wǒ, zhè yīcì huàn wǒ qǐng nǐ la!
    • No way, you treated me last time, this time it's my turn to treat you!
  • M：不要啦！我請你就好，等我去美國你再請我
    • Bùyào la! Wǒ qǐng nǐ jiù hǎo, děng wǒ qù měiguó nǐ zài qǐng wǒ
    • Nah! I'll treat you and that's it. Wait till I go to the US, then you can treat me. 
  • L：很不好意思
    • Hěn bù hǎoyìsi
    • I feel really bad. 
  • M：不用不好意思！你來我的地盤，當然我請你啊
    • Bùyòng bù hǎoyìsi! Nǐ lái wǒ dì dìpán, dāngrán wǒ qǐng nǐ a.
    • Don't feel bad! You come to my turf, of course I'm gonna treat you. 
  • L：那好吧... 
    • Nà hǎo ba... 
    • Well, alright...
  • M：不好意思，這裡一千，麻煩你
    • Bù hǎoyìsi, zhèlǐ yīqiān, máfan nǐ
    • Excuse me, here's a thousand, sorry to trouble you. 
  • F：收你一千，請稍等一下... 好，找你四百二！
    • Shōu nǐ yīqiān, qǐng shāo děng yīxià... Hǎo, zhǎo nǐ sìbǎi èr!
    • Receive your thousand, please wait a moment... Ok, your change: four hundred twenty. 
  • M：好， 謝謝！
    • Hǎo, xièxiè!
    • Ok, thanks!

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Thanks for listening! 

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan Yes Daily Practice Session - Lesson 15 1 1 Daily Practice Session - Lesson 15 bonus ed0d7d96-491e-47c4-972c-971dac9d29a0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a31f5f6e Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • Ah-Ming (M)：你吃飽了嗎？
  • Xiao Li (L)：吃好飽！
  • M：不好意思，我們要買單！
  • Waiter (F)：好的，這樣五百八
  • M：好，來
  • L：等一下！你要請我嗎？
  • M：對啊，你剛來台灣，當然要請你啊
  • L：不行，上次你請我，這一次換我請你啦！
  • M：不要啦！我請你就好，等我去美國你再請我
  • L：很不好意思
  • M：不用不好意思！你來我的地盤，當然我請你啊
  • L：那好吧...
  • M：不好意思，這裡一千，麻煩你
  • F：收你一千，請稍等一下... 好，找你四百二！
  • M：好， 謝謝！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • Ah-Ming (M)：你吃飽了嗎？
    • Nǐ chī bǎole ma?
    • Are you full?
  • Xiao Li (L)：吃好飽！
    • Chī hǎo bǎo!
    • So full! 
  • M：不好意思，我們要買單！
    • Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒmen yāo mǎidān!
    • Excuse me, we'll take the check! 
  • Waiter (F)：好的，這樣五百八
    • Hǎo de, zhèyàng wǔbǎi bā
    • Ok, that'll be five hundred eighty. 
  • M：好，來
    • Hǎo, lái
    • Ok, here. 
  • L：等一下！你要請我嗎？
    • Děng yīxià! Nǐ yàoqǐng wǒ ma?
    • Wait a sec! You're going to treat me? 
  • M：對啊，你剛來台灣，當然要請你啊
    • Duì a, nǐ gāng lái táiwān, dāngrán yàoqǐng nǐ a
    • Yeah, you just came to Taiwan, of course I'm treating you.
  • L：不行，上次你請我，這一次換我請你啦！
    • Bùxíng, shàng cì nǐ qǐng wǒ, zhè yīcì huàn wǒ qǐng nǐ la!
    • No way, you treated me last time, this time it's my turn to treat you!
  • M：不要啦！我請你就好，等我去美國你再請我
    • Bùyào la! Wǒ qǐng nǐ jiù hǎo, děng wǒ qù měiguó nǐ zài qǐng wǒ
    • Nah! I'll treat you and that's it. Wait till I go to the US, then you can treat me. 
  • L：很不好意思
    • Hěn bù hǎoyìsi
    • I feel really bad. 
  • M：不用不好意思！你來我的地盤，當然我請你啊
    • Bùyòng bù hǎoyìsi! Nǐ lái wǒ dì dìpán, dāngrán wǒ qǐng nǐ a.
    • Don't feel bad! You come to my turf, of course I'm gonna treat you. 
  • L：那好吧... 
    • Nà hǎo ba... 
    • Well, alright...
  • M：不好意思，這裡一千，麻煩你
    • Bù hǎoyìsi, zhèlǐ yīqiān, máfan nǐ
    • Excuse me, here's a thousand, sorry to trouble you. 
  • F：收你一千，請稍等一下... 好，找你四百二！
    • Shōu nǐ yīqiān, qǐng shāo děng yīxià... Hǎo, zhǎo nǐ sìbǎi èr!
    • Receive your thousand, please wait a moment... Ok, your change: four hundred twenty. 
  • M：好， 謝謝！
    • Hǎo, xièxiè!
    • Ok, thanks!

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • Ah-Ming (M)：你吃飽了嗎？
  • Xiao Li (L)：吃好飽！
  • M：不好意思，我們要買單！
  • Waiter (F)：好的，這樣五百八
  • M：好，來
  • L：等一下！你要請我嗎？
  • M：對啊，你剛來台灣，當然要請你啊
  • L：不行，上次你請我，這一次換我請你啦！
  • M：不要啦！我請你就好，等我去美國你再請我
  • L：很不好意思
  • M：不用不好意思！你來我的地盤，當然我請你啊
  • L：那好吧...
  • M：不好意思，這裡一千，麻煩你
  • F：收你一千，請稍等一下... 好，找你四百二！
  • M：好， 謝謝！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • Ah-Ming (M)：你吃飽了嗎？
    • Nǐ chī bǎole ma?
    • Are you full?
  • Xiao Li (L)：吃好飽！
    • Chī hǎo bǎo!
    • So full! 
  • M：不好意思，我們要買單！
    • Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒmen yāo mǎidān!
    • Excuse me, we'll take the check! 
  • Waiter (F)：好的，這樣五百八
    • Hǎo de, zhèyàng wǔbǎi bā
    • Ok, that'll be five hundred eighty. 
  • M：好，來
    • Hǎo, lái
    • Ok, here. 
  • L：等一下！你要請我嗎？
    • Děng yīxià! Nǐ yàoqǐng wǒ ma?
    • Wait a sec! You're going to treat me? 
  • M：對啊，你剛來台灣，當然要請你啊
    • Duì a, nǐ gāng lái táiwān, dāngrán yàoqǐng nǐ a
    • Yeah, you just came to Taiwan, of course I'm treating you.
  • L：不行，上次你請我，這一次換我請你啦！
    • Bùxíng, shàng cì nǐ qǐng wǒ, zhè yīcì huàn wǒ qǐng nǐ la!
    • No way, you treated me last time, this time it's my turn to treat you!
  • M：不要啦！我請你就好，等我去美國你再請我
    • Bùyào la! Wǒ qǐng nǐ jiù hǎo, děng wǒ qù měiguó nǐ zài qǐng wǒ
    • Nah! I'll treat you and that's it. Wait till I go to the US, then you can treat me. 
  • L：很不好意思
    • Hěn bù hǎoyìsi
    • I feel really bad. 
  • M：不用不好意思！你來我的地盤，當然我請你啊
    • Bùyòng bù hǎoyìsi! Nǐ lái wǒ dì dìpán, dāngrán wǒ qǐng nǐ a.
    • Don't feel bad! You come to my turf, of course I'm gonna treat you. 
  • L：那好吧... 
    • Nà hǎo ba... 
    • Well, alright...
  • M：不好意思，這裡一千，麻煩你
    • Bù hǎoyìsi, zhèlǐ yīqiān, máfan nǐ
    • Excuse me, here's a thousand, sorry to trouble you. 
  • F：收你一千，請稍等一下... 好，找你四百二！
    • Shōu nǐ yīqiān, qǐng shāo děng yīxià... Hǎo, zhǎo nǐ sìbǎi èr!
    • Receive your thousand, please wait a moment... Ok, your change: four hundred twenty. 
  • M：好， 謝謝！
    • Hǎo, xièxiè!
    • Ok, thanks!

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> Fri, 07 Aug 2020 08:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 303 After you've listened to Lesson 15, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week. After you've listened to Lesson 15, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week. Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No 16 ~ Do you have any siblings? 你有兄弟姊妹嗎？ 1 1 16 ~ Do you have any siblings? 你有兄弟姊妹嗎？ full e71d49db-c3f5-4762-85a8-340349fbc97b https://www.mftgu.com/episodes/s01-e16 In this lesson, Ah-Ming (阿明) and Xiao-Li (小李) ask about each other's families. This is the last episode of Season 1.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • Ah-Ming (M)：小李，我問你喔，你有兄弟姊妹嗎？
  • Xiao Li (L)：我有一個姊姊
  • M：她做什麼工作？
  • L：她是醫生。你呢？你有兄弟姊妹嗎？
  • M：有，我有一個弟弟，還有一個妹妹
  • L：那，他們做什麼工作？
  • M：他們沒有在工作，他們還在唸書
  • L：還在唸書？他們幾歲？
  • M：我的弟弟29歲，我的妹妹27. 
  • L：他們那麼大，還在唸書？
  • M：對啊，這樣不好嗎？
  • L：沒有不好啊... 
  • M：唸書很重要啊
  • L：對啊，對啊，很重要啊
  • M：對啊
  • L：對啊
  • M：幹嘛
  • L：沒事
  • M：你很無聊


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • Ah-Ming (M)：小李，我問你喔，你有兄弟姊妹嗎？
    • Xiǎo lǐ, wǒ wèn nǐ ō, nǐ yǒu xiōngdì zǐmèi ma?
    • Xiao Li, I ask you oh, do you have any siblings? 
  • Xiao Li (L)：我有一個姊姊
    • Wǒ yǒu yīgè jiě jie
    • I have an older sister. 
  • M：她做什麼工作？
    • Tā zuò shénme gōngzuò?
    • She does what work? 
  • L：她是醫生。你呢？你有兄弟姊妹嗎？
    • Tā shì yīshēng. Nǐ ne? Nǐ yǒu xiōngdì jiěmèi ma?
    • She's a doctor. And you? Do you have any siblings?
  • M：有，我有一個弟弟，還有一個妹妹
    • Yǒu, wǒ yǒu yīgè dìdì, hái yǒu yīgè mèimei
    • I have, I have a younger brother, I also have a younger sister. 
  • L：那，他們做什麼工作？
    • Nà, tāmen zuò shénme gōngzuò?
    • Then, they do what work? 
  • M：他們沒有在工作，他們還在唸書
    • Tāmen méiyǒu zài gōngzuò, tāmen hái zài niànshū
    • They aren't working, they're still studying. 
  • L：還在唸書？他們幾歲？
    • Hái zài niànshū? Tāmen jǐ suì?
    • Still studying? How old are they? 
  • M：我的弟弟29歲，我的妹妹27. 
    • Wǒ de dìdì èrshíjiǔ suì, wǒ de mèimei èrshíqī. 
    • My younger brother is 29 years old, my younger sister is 27. 
  • L：他們那麼大，還在唸書？
    • Tāmen nàme dà, hái zài niànshū?
    • They're that big, still studying? 
  • M：對啊，這樣不好嗎？
    • Duì a, zhèyàng bù hǎo ma?
    • Yeah, is this way bad? 
  • L：沒有不好啊... 
    • Méiyǒu bù hǎo a... 
    • Nothing bad ah...
  • M：唸書很重要啊
    • Niànshū hěn zhòngyào a
    • Studying is really important ah.
  • L：對啊，對啊，很重要啊
    • Duì a, duì a, hěn zhòngyào a
    • Yeah, yeah, really important ah. 
  • M：對啊
    • Duì a
    • Yeah!
  • L：對啊
    • Duì a
    • Yeah.  
  • M：幹嘛
    • Gàn ma
    • What?! 
  • L：沒事
    • Méishì
    • Never mind. 
  • M：你很無聊
    • Nǐ hěn wúliáo
    • You're really boring. 



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]]> In this lesson, Ah-Ming (阿明) and Xiao-Li (小李) ask about each other's families. This is the last episode of Season 1.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • Ah-Ming (M)：小李，我問你喔，你有兄弟姊妹嗎？
  • Xiao Li (L)：我有一個姊姊
  • M：她做什麼工作？
  • L：她是醫生。你呢？你有兄弟姊妹嗎？
  • M：有，我有一個弟弟，還有一個妹妹
  • L：那，他們做什麼工作？
  • M：他們沒有在工作，他們還在唸書
  • L：還在唸書？他們幾歲？
  • M：我的弟弟29歲，我的妹妹27. 
  • L：他們那麼大，還在唸書？
  • M：對啊，這樣不好嗎？
  • L：沒有不好啊... 
  • M：唸書很重要啊
  • L：對啊，對啊，很重要啊
  • M：對啊
  • L：對啊
  • M：幹嘛
  • L：沒事
  • M：你很無聊


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • Ah-Ming (M)：小李，我問你喔，你有兄弟姊妹嗎？
    • Xiǎo lǐ, wǒ wèn nǐ ō, nǐ yǒu xiōngdì zǐmèi ma?
    • Xiao Li, I ask you oh, do you have any siblings? 
  • Xiao Li (L)：我有一個姊姊
    • Wǒ yǒu yīgè jiě jie
    • I have an older sister. 
  • M：她做什麼工作？
    • Tā zuò shénme gōngzuò?
    • She does what work? 
  • L：她是醫生。你呢？你有兄弟姊妹嗎？
    • Tā shì yīshēng. Nǐ ne? Nǐ yǒu xiōngdì jiěmèi ma?
    • She's a doctor. And you? Do you have any siblings?
  • M：有，我有一個弟弟，還有一個妹妹
    • Yǒu, wǒ yǒu yīgè dìdì, hái yǒu yīgè mèimei
    • I have, I have a younger brother, I also have a younger sister. 
  • L：那，他們做什麼工作？
    • Nà, tāmen zuò shénme gōngzuò?
    • Then, they do what work? 
  • M：他們沒有在工作，他們還在唸書
    • Tāmen méiyǒu zài gōngzuò, tāmen hái zài niànshū
    • They aren't working, they're still studying. 
  • L：還在唸書？他們幾歲？
    • Hái zài niànshū? Tāmen jǐ suì?
    • Still studying? How old are they? 
  • M：我的弟弟29歲，我的妹妹27. 
    • Wǒ de dìdì èrshíjiǔ suì, wǒ de mèimei èrshíqī. 
    • My younger brother is 29 years old, my younger sister is 27. 
  • L：他們那麼大，還在唸書？
    • Tāmen nàme dà, hái zài niànshū?
    • They're that big, still studying? 
  • M：對啊，這樣不好嗎？
    • Duì a, zhèyàng bù hǎo ma?
    • Yeah, is this way bad? 
  • L：沒有不好啊... 
    • Méiyǒu bù hǎo a... 
    • Nothing bad ah...
  • M：唸書很重要啊
    • Niànshū hěn zhòngyào a
    • Studying is really important ah.
  • L：對啊，對啊，很重要啊
    • Duì a, duì a, hěn zhòngyào a
    • Yeah, yeah, really important ah. 
  • M：對啊
    • Duì a
    • Yeah!
  • L：對啊
    • Duì a
    • Yeah.  
  • M：幹嘛
    • Gàn ma
    • What?! 
  • L：沒事
    • Méishì
    • Never mind. 
  • M：你很無聊
    • Nǐ hěn wúliáo
    • You're really boring. 



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Thanks for listening! 

]]> Fri, 14 Aug 2020 08:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 754 In this lesson, Ah-Ming (阿明) and Xiao-Li (小李) ask about each other's families. This is the last episode of Season 1.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • Ah-Ming (M)：小李，我問你喔，你有兄弟姊妹嗎？
  • Xiao Li (L)：我有一個姊姊
  • M：她做什麼工作？
  • L：她是醫生。你呢？你有兄弟姊妹嗎？
  • M：有，我有一個弟弟，還有一個妹妹
  • L：那，他們做什麼工作？
  • M：他們沒有在工作，他們還在唸書
  • L：還在唸書？他們幾歲？
  • M：我的弟弟29歲，我的妹妹27. 
  • L：他們那麼大，還在唸書？
  • M：對啊，這樣不好嗎？
  • L：沒有不好啊... 
  • M：唸書很重要啊
  • L：對啊，對啊，很重要啊
  • M：對啊
  • L：對啊
  • M：幹嘛
  • L：沒事
  • M：你很無聊


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • Ah-Ming (M)：小李，我問你喔，你有兄弟姊妹嗎？
    • Xiǎo lǐ, wǒ wèn nǐ ō, nǐ yǒu xiōngdì zǐmèi ma?
    • Xiao Li, I ask you oh, do you have any siblings? 
  • Xiao Li (L)：我有一個姊姊
    • Wǒ yǒu yīgè jiě jie
    • I have an older sister. 
  • M：她做什麼工作？
    • Tā zuò shénme gōngzuò?
    • She does what work? 
  • L：她是醫生。你呢？你有兄弟姊妹嗎？
    • Tā shì yīshēng. Nǐ ne? Nǐ yǒu xiōngdì jiěmèi ma?
    • She's a doctor. And you? Do you have any siblings?
  • M：有，我有一個弟弟，還有一個妹妹
    • Yǒu, wǒ yǒu yīgè dìdì, hái yǒu yīgè mèimei
    • I have, I have a younger brother, I also have a younger sister. 
  • L：那，他們做什麼工作？
    • Nà, tāmen zuò shénme gōngzuò?
    • Then, they do what work? 
  • M：他們沒有在工作，他們還在唸書
    • Tāmen méiyǒu zài gōngzuò, tāmen hái zài niànshū
    • They aren't working, they're still studying. 
  • L：還在唸書？他們幾歲？
    • Hái zài niànshū? Tāmen jǐ suì?
    • Still studying? How old are they? 
  • M：我的弟弟29歲，我的妹妹27. 
    • Wǒ de dìdì èrshíjiǔ suì, wǒ de mèimei èrshíqī. 
    • My younger brother is 29 years old, my younger sister is 27. 
  • L：他們那麼大，還在唸書？
    • Tāmen nàme dà, hái zài niànshū?
    • They're that big, still studying? 
  • M：對啊，這樣不好嗎？
    • Duì a, zhèyàng bù hǎo ma?
    • Yeah, is this way bad? 
  • L：沒有不好啊... 
    • Méiyǒu bù hǎo a... 
    • Nothing bad ah...
  • M：唸書很重要啊
    • Niànshū hěn zhòngyào a
    • Studying is really important ah.
  • L：對啊，對啊，很重要啊
    • Duì a, duì a, hěn zhòngyào a
    • Yeah, yeah, really important ah. 
  • M：對啊
    • Duì a
    • Yeah!
  • L：對啊
    • Duì a
    • Yeah.  
  • M：幹嘛
    • Gàn ma
    • What?! 
  • L：沒事
    • Méishì
    • Never mind. 
  • M：你很無聊
    • Nǐ hěn wúliáo
    • You're really boring. 



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Thanks for listening! 

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No Daily Practice Session - Lesson 16 1 1 Daily Practice Session - Lesson 16 bonus 6c08f9dd-a28d-45b4-ad7e-db4ac1dd7a02 https://share.transistor.fm/s/41e35007 After you've listened to Lesson 16, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • Ah-Ming (M)：小李，我問你喔，你有兄弟姊妹嗎？
  • Xiao Li (L)：我有一個姊姊
  • M：她做什麼工作？
  • L：她是醫生。你呢？你有兄弟姊妹嗎？
  • M：有，我有一個弟弟，還有一個妹妹
  • L：那，他們做什麼工作？
  • M：他們沒有在工作，他們還在唸書
  • L：還在唸書？他們幾歲？
  • M：我的弟弟29歲，我的妹妹27. 
  • L：他們那麼大，還在唸書？
  • M：對啊，這樣不好嗎？
  • L：沒有不好啊... 
  • M：唸書很重要啊
  • L：對啊，對啊，很重要啊
  • M：對啊
  • L：對啊
  • M：幹嘛
  • L：沒事
  • M：你很無聊


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • Ah-Ming (M)：小李，我問你喔，你有兄弟姊妹嗎？
    • Xiǎo lǐ, wǒ wèn nǐ ō, nǐ yǒu xiōngdì zǐmèi ma?
    • Xiao Li, I ask you oh, do you have any siblings? 
  • Xiao Li (L)：我有一個姊姊
    • Wǒ yǒu yīgè jiě jie
    • I have an older sister. 
  • M：她做什麼工作？
    • Tā zuò shénme gōngzuò?
    • She does what work? 
  • L：她是醫生。你呢？你有兄弟姊妹嗎？
    • Tā shì yīshēng. Nǐ ne? Nǐ yǒu xiōngdì jiěmèi ma?
    • She's a doctor. And you? Do you have any siblings?
  • M：有，我有一個弟弟，還有一個妹妹
    • Yǒu, wǒ yǒu yīgè dìdì, hái yǒu yīgè mèimei
    • I have, I have a younger brother, I also have a younger sister. 
  • L：那，他們做什麼工作？
    • Nà, tāmen zuò shénme gōngzuò?
    • Then, they do what work? 
  • M：他們沒有在工作，他們還在唸書
    • Tāmen méiyǒu zài gōngzuò, tāmen hái zài niànshū
    • They aren't working, they're still studying. 
  • L：還在唸書？他們幾歲？
    • Hái zài niànshū? Tāmen jǐ suì?
    • Still studying? How old are they? 
  • M：我的弟弟29歲，我的妹妹27. 
    • Wǒ de dìdì èrshíjiǔ suì, wǒ de mèimei èrshíqī. 
    • My younger brother is 29 years old, my younger sister is 27. 
  • L：他們那麼大，還在唸書？
    • Tāmen nàme dà, hái zài niànshū?
    • They're that big, still studying? 
  • M：對啊，這樣不好嗎？
    • Duì a, zhèyàng bù hǎo ma?
    • Yeah, is this way bad? 
  • L：沒有不好啊... 
    • Méiyǒu bù hǎo a... 
    • Nothing bad ah...
  • M：唸書很重要啊
    • Niànshū hěn zhòngyào a
    • Studying is really important ah.
  • L：對啊，對啊，很重要啊
    • Duì a, duì a, hěn zhòngyào a
    • Yeah, yeah, really important ah. 
  • M：對啊
    • Duì a
    • Yeah!
  • L：對啊
    • Duì a
    • Yeah.  
  • M：幹嘛
    • Gàn ma
    • What?! 
  • L：沒事
    • Méishì
    • Never mind. 
  • M：你很無聊
    • Nǐ hěn wúliáo
    • You're really boring. 



Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> After you've listened to Lesson 16, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • Ah-Ming (M)：小李，我問你喔，你有兄弟姊妹嗎？
  • Xiao Li (L)：我有一個姊姊
  • M：她做什麼工作？
  • L：她是醫生。你呢？你有兄弟姊妹嗎？
  • M：有，我有一個弟弟，還有一個妹妹
  • L：那，他們做什麼工作？
  • M：他們沒有在工作，他們還在唸書
  • L：還在唸書？他們幾歲？
  • M：我的弟弟29歲，我的妹妹27. 
  • L：他們那麼大，還在唸書？
  • M：對啊，這樣不好嗎？
  • L：沒有不好啊... 
  • M：唸書很重要啊
  • L：對啊，對啊，很重要啊
  • M：對啊
  • L：對啊
  • M：幹嘛
  • L：沒事
  • M：你很無聊


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • Ah-Ming (M)：小李，我問你喔，你有兄弟姊妹嗎？
    • Xiǎo lǐ, wǒ wèn nǐ ō, nǐ yǒu xiōngdì zǐmèi ma?
    • Xiao Li, I ask you oh, do you have any siblings? 
  • Xiao Li (L)：我有一個姊姊
    • Wǒ yǒu yīgè jiě jie
    • I have an older sister. 
  • M：她做什麼工作？
    • Tā zuò shénme gōngzuò?
    • She does what work? 
  • L：她是醫生。你呢？你有兄弟姊妹嗎？
    • Tā shì yīshēng. Nǐ ne? Nǐ yǒu xiōngdì jiěmèi ma?
    • She's a doctor. And you? Do you have any siblings?
  • M：有，我有一個弟弟，還有一個妹妹
    • Yǒu, wǒ yǒu yīgè dìdì, hái yǒu yīgè mèimei
    • I have, I have a younger brother, I also have a younger sister. 
  • L：那，他們做什麼工作？
    • Nà, tāmen zuò shénme gōngzuò?
    • Then, they do what work? 
  • M：他們沒有在工作，他們還在唸書
    • Tāmen méiyǒu zài gōngzuò, tāmen hái zài niànshū
    • They aren't working, they're still studying. 
  • L：還在唸書？他們幾歲？
    • Hái zài niànshū? Tāmen jǐ suì?
    • Still studying? How old are they? 
  • M：我的弟弟29歲，我的妹妹27. 
    • Wǒ de dìdì èrshíjiǔ suì, wǒ de mèimei èrshíqī. 
    • My younger brother is 29 years old, my younger sister is 27. 
  • L：他們那麼大，還在唸書？
    • Tāmen nàme dà, hái zài niànshū?
    • They're that big, still studying? 
  • M：對啊，這樣不好嗎？
    • Duì a, zhèyàng bù hǎo ma?
    • Yeah, is this way bad? 
  • L：沒有不好啊... 
    • Méiyǒu bù hǎo a... 
    • Nothing bad ah...
  • M：唸書很重要啊
    • Niànshū hěn zhòngyào a
    • Studying is really important ah.
  • L：對啊，對啊，很重要啊
    • Duì a, duì a, hěn zhòngyào a
    • Yeah, yeah, really important ah. 
  • M：對啊
    • Duì a
    • Yeah!
  • L：對啊
    • Duì a
    • Yeah.  
  • M：幹嘛
    • Gàn ma
    • What?! 
  • L：沒事
    • Méishì
    • Never mind. 
  • M：你很無聊
    • Nǐ hěn wúliáo
    • You're really boring. 



Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> Sat, 15 Aug 2020 08:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 296 After you've listened to Lesson 16, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only)

  • Ah-Ming (M)：小李，我問你喔，你有兄弟姊妹嗎？
  • Xiao Li (L)：我有一個姊姊
  • M：她做什麼工作？
  • L：她是醫生。你呢？你有兄弟姊妹嗎？
  • M：有，我有一個弟弟，還有一個妹妹
  • L：那，他們做什麼工作？
  • M：他們沒有在工作，他們還在唸書
  • L：還在唸書？他們幾歲？
  • M：我的弟弟29歲，我的妹妹27. 
  • L：他們那麼大，還在唸書？
  • M：對啊，這樣不好嗎？
  • L：沒有不好啊... 
  • M：唸書很重要啊
  • L：對啊，對啊，很重要啊
  • M：對啊
  • L：對啊
  • M：幹嘛
  • L：沒事
  • M：你很無聊


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)

  • Ah-Ming (M)：小李，我問你喔，你有兄弟姊妹嗎？
    • Xiǎo lǐ, wǒ wèn nǐ ō, nǐ yǒu xiōngdì zǐmèi ma?
    • Xiao Li, I ask you oh, do you have any siblings? 
  • Xiao Li (L)：我有一個姊姊
    • Wǒ yǒu yīgè jiě jie
    • I have an older sister. 
  • M：她做什麼工作？
    • Tā zuò shénme gōngzuò?
    • She does what work? 
  • L：她是醫生。你呢？你有兄弟姊妹嗎？
    • Tā shì yīshēng. Nǐ ne? Nǐ yǒu xiōngdì jiěmèi ma?
    • She's a doctor. And you? Do you have any siblings?
  • M：有，我有一個弟弟，還有一個妹妹
    • Yǒu, wǒ yǒu yīgè dìdì, hái yǒu yīgè mèimei
    • I have, I have a younger brother, I also have a younger sister. 
  • L：那，他們做什麼工作？
    • Nà, tāmen zuò shénme gōngzuò?
    • Then, they do what work? 
  • M：他們沒有在工作，他們還在唸書
    • Tāmen méiyǒu zài gōngzuò, tāmen hái zài niànshū
    • They aren't working, they're still studying. 
  • L：還在唸書？他們幾歲？
    • Hái zài niànshū? Tāmen jǐ suì?
    • Still studying? How old are they? 
  • M：我的弟弟29歲，我的妹妹27. 
    • Wǒ de dìdì èrshíjiǔ suì, wǒ de mèimei èrshíqī. 
    • My younger brother is 29 years old, my younger sister is 27. 
  • L：他們那麼大，還在唸書？
    • Tāmen nàme dà, hái zài niànshū?
    • They're that big, still studying? 
  • M：對啊，這樣不好嗎？
    • Duì a, zhèyàng bù hǎo ma?
    • Yeah, is this way bad? 
  • L：沒有不好啊... 
    • Méiyǒu bù hǎo a... 
    • Nothing bad ah...
  • M：唸書很重要啊
    • Niànshū hěn zhòngyào a
    • Studying is really important ah.
  • L：對啊，對啊，很重要啊
    • Duì a, duì a, hěn zhòngyào a
    • Yeah, yeah, really important ah. 
  • M：對啊
    • Duì a
    • Yeah!
  • L：對啊
    • Duì a
    • Yeah.  
  • M：幹嘛
    • Gàn ma
    • What?! 
  • L：沒事
    • Méishì
    • Never mind. 
  • M：你很無聊
    • Nǐ hěn wúliáo
    • You're really boring. 



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Thanks for listening! 

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No S2 ~ 01 ~ 你回來了！You're back! 2 2 S2 ~ 01 ~ 你回來了！You're back! full ffac072e-5d46-4339-b969-dc886b35884d https://www.mftgu.com/episodes/s02-e01 We're back for another season! In this episode,  Xiao-Li (小李) comes back to Taiwan.

Learning how to digest (and even to be entertained by) material that you don't completely understand is an important skill for learning a language. In this episode, we introduce a new dialogue, but don't translate it all at once like we did in Season 1. Instead, I'll introduce some of the key words and phrases, and we'll let your language intuition work to try and figure out the rest. It's ok if you don't get all or even most of it; it's the challenge of grappling with the exercise that makes us grow, not simply knowing the right answer.

Tomorrow, I will release the dialogue on its own, so that you can start to practice and master the material more and more over time. Repetition is important; each time you listen, you are reinforcing new connections in your brain, and you may notice things you didn't notice during previous repetitions.

And in the next episode, I will translate this dialogue completely, line by line, so that you can fill in whatever gaps remain in your comprehension, possibly enjoying many "Aha!" moments.

Today's Lesson Outline:

  1. Introduction: Language is music. 
  2. Dialogue at normal speed.
  3. Dialogue at slow speed. Listen and repeat.   
  4. Learn some vocabulary and phrases from the dialogue.
  5. Listen to the dialogue at normal speed again. See if you pick out any of the new words or phrases you just learned. 
  6. Dialogue at slow speed again. Try to picture the scene in your mind. 


As a visual cue and for reference, here are the words we learn in the lesson, and example phrases:

Chinese characters only (scroll down for pinyin and translation):

  1. 回 
  2. 來  
    1. 回來 
  3. 還好
    1.  你還好嗎？ 
    2. 我還好啊 
    3. 還好啦！
  4. 還是 
    1.  我還是很開心 
    2.  還是很謝謝你  
  5. 到 
    1.  回到 
    2.  我們到了 
    3.  我看到你 
    4.  我買到了 
  6. 飛機 
  7. 上 
    1.  飛機上 
    2.  你在飛機上做什麼？
    3.  車上 
    4.  路上 
    5.  路上小心  
  8. 都在 
    1.  我都在睡  
    2.  你都在吃  
  9. 貼心
    1.  你好貼心  
    2.  你最貼心  
    3.  你真貼心  
  10. 趕快 
    1.  趕快吃！ 
    2.  趕快去！
    3.  趕快來！ 
    4.  趕快買！ 
  11. 好久不見  
  12. 真的假的  


With pinyin and translation:

  1. 回 / huí / return
  2. 來 / lái / to come 
    1. 回來 / huílái / to come back
  3. 還好 / hái hǎo / alright, not bad
    1.  你還好嗎？/ nǐ hái hǎo ma? / Are you alright? 
    2. 我還好啊 / wǒ hái hǎo a / I'm alright. 
    3. 還好啦！/  hái hǎo la! / Not really, no big deal
  4. 還是 / háishì / Still..., nevertheless... 
    1.  我還是很開心 / wǒ háishì hěn kāixīn / I'm still very happy
    2.  還是很謝謝你 / háishì hěn xièxiè nǐ / Still, thank you; I'm still thankful. 
  5. 到 / dào / arrive; completion
    1.  回到 / huí dào / to arrive back, to return
    2.  我們到了/ wǒmen dàole / We have arrived. 
    3.  我看到你 / wǒ kàn dào nǐ  / I see you (I successfully completed the action). 
    4.  我買到了 / wǒ mǎi dàole / I (successfully) bought it.
  6. 飛機 / fēijī / airplane
  7. 上 / shàng / on, above, previous
    1.  飛機上 / fēijī shàng / on the plane
    2.  你在飛機上做什麼？/ nǐ zài fēijī shàng zuò shénme? / What did you do on the plane?
    3.  車上 / chē shàng / in the car
    4.  路上 / lùshàng / on the road, en route
    5.  路上小心 / lùshàng xiǎoxīn / Be careful en route (often said when someone is departing). 
  8. 都在 / dōu zài / continuously, incessantly doing something
    1.  我都在睡 / wǒ dū zài shuì / I slept the whole time. 
    2.  你都在吃 / nǐ dōu zài chī / You've just been eating this whole time. 
  9. 貼心 / tiēxīn / Considerate, thoughtful
    1.  你好貼心 / nǐ hǎo tiēxīn / You're so considerate. 
    2.  你最貼心 / nǐ zuì tiēxīn / You're the most considerate. 
    3.  你真貼心 / nǐ zhēn tiēxīn / You're truly considerate. 
  10. 趕快 / gǎnkuài / hurry up, quickly
    1.  趕快吃！/ gǎnkuài chī! / Hurry up and eat! 
    2.  趕快去！/ gǎnkuài qù! / Hurry up and go!
    3.  趕快來！/ gǎnkuài lái! / Hurry up and come here! 
    4.  趕快買！/ gǎnkuài mǎi! / Hurry up and buy it! 
  11. 好久不見 / hǎojiǔ bùjiàn / Long time no see. 
  12. 真的假的 / zhēn de jiǎ de / Really?! (lit. real or fake?) 


Language as collaboration

Many years ago, before I starting to learn Mandarin, I took a trip to Italy. Though I spoke basically no Italian, I found that just trying to imitate the way people there spoke went a long way towards generating good will, and seemed to make many people want to try harder to communicate with me, despite the language barrier. I began to see speaking a language as a collaborative act, almost like making music, where listening and imitating are important parts of playing in rhythm and staying in the same key. 

What I take away from this is that learning to speak any language, including Mandarin, is more an attitude than a technical skill. If you're willing to listen carefully and really open yourself up to the language -- to try your best to sound like a native speaker, even if you're a total beginner -- then you can go a long way with very little. You'll have more chances to practice, and you'll form stronger connections and make friends, which is what it's really all about. And, of course, you'll actually learn the language a lot faster. 


Thanks for listening! 


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> We're back for another season! In this episode,  Xiao-Li (小李) comes back to Taiwan.

Learning how to digest (and even to be entertained by) material that you don't completely understand is an important skill for learning a language. In this episode, we introduce a new dialogue, but don't translate it all at once like we did in Season 1. Instead, I'll introduce some of the key words and phrases, and we'll let your language intuition work to try and figure out the rest. It's ok if you don't get all or even most of it; it's the challenge of grappling with the exercise that makes us grow, not simply knowing the right answer.

Tomorrow, I will release the dialogue on its own, so that you can start to practice and master the material more and more over time. Repetition is important; each time you listen, you are reinforcing new connections in your brain, and you may notice things you didn't notice during previous repetitions.

And in the next episode, I will translate this dialogue completely, line by line, so that you can fill in whatever gaps remain in your comprehension, possibly enjoying many "Aha!" moments.

Today's Lesson Outline:

  1. Introduction: Language is music. 
  2. Dialogue at normal speed.
  3. Dialogue at slow speed. Listen and repeat.   
  4. Learn some vocabulary and phrases from the dialogue.
  5. Listen to the dialogue at normal speed again. See if you pick out any of the new words or phrases you just learned. 
  6. Dialogue at slow speed again. Try to picture the scene in your mind. 


As a visual cue and for reference, here are the words we learn in the lesson, and example phrases:

Chinese characters only (scroll down for pinyin and translation):

  1. 回 
  2. 來  
    1. 回來 
  3. 還好
    1.  你還好嗎？ 
    2. 我還好啊 
    3. 還好啦！
  4. 還是 
    1.  我還是很開心 
    2.  還是很謝謝你  
  5. 到 
    1.  回到 
    2.  我們到了 
    3.  我看到你 
    4.  我買到了 
  6. 飛機 
  7. 上 
    1.  飛機上 
    2.  你在飛機上做什麼？
    3.  車上 
    4.  路上 
    5.  路上小心  
  8. 都在 
    1.  我都在睡  
    2.  你都在吃  
  9. 貼心
    1.  你好貼心  
    2.  你最貼心  
    3.  你真貼心  
  10. 趕快 
    1.  趕快吃！ 
    2.  趕快去！
    3.  趕快來！ 
    4.  趕快買！ 
  11. 好久不見  
  12. 真的假的  


With pinyin and translation:

  1. 回 / huí / return
  2. 來 / lái / to come 
    1. 回來 / huílái / to come back
  3. 還好 / hái hǎo / alright, not bad
    1.  你還好嗎？/ nǐ hái hǎo ma? / Are you alright? 
    2. 我還好啊 / wǒ hái hǎo a / I'm alright. 
    3. 還好啦！/  hái hǎo la! / Not really, no big deal
  4. 還是 / háishì / Still..., nevertheless... 
    1.  我還是很開心 / wǒ háishì hěn kāixīn / I'm still very happy
    2.  還是很謝謝你 / háishì hěn xièxiè nǐ / Still, thank you; I'm still thankful. 
  5. 到 / dào / arrive; completion
    1.  回到 / huí dào / to arrive back, to return
    2.  我們到了/ wǒmen dàole / We have arrived. 
    3.  我看到你 / wǒ kàn dào nǐ  / I see you (I successfully completed the action). 
    4.  我買到了 / wǒ mǎi dàole / I (successfully) bought it.
  6. 飛機 / fēijī / airplane
  7. 上 / shàng / on, above, previous
    1.  飛機上 / fēijī shàng / on the plane
    2.  你在飛機上做什麼？/ nǐ zài fēijī shàng zuò shénme? / What did you do on the plane?
    3.  車上 / chē shàng / in the car
    4.  路上 / lùshàng / on the road, en route
    5.  路上小心 / lùshàng xiǎoxīn / Be careful en route (often said when someone is departing). 
  8. 都在 / dōu zài / continuously, incessantly doing something
    1.  我都在睡 / wǒ dū zài shuì / I slept the whole time. 
    2.  你都在吃 / nǐ dōu zài chī / You've just been eating this whole time. 
  9. 貼心 / tiēxīn / Considerate, thoughtful
    1.  你好貼心 / nǐ hǎo tiēxīn / You're so considerate. 
    2.  你最貼心 / nǐ zuì tiēxīn / You're the most considerate. 
    3.  你真貼心 / nǐ zhēn tiēxīn / You're truly considerate. 
  10. 趕快 / gǎnkuài / hurry up, quickly
    1.  趕快吃！/ gǎnkuài chī! / Hurry up and eat! 
    2.  趕快去！/ gǎnkuài qù! / Hurry up and go!
    3.  趕快來！/ gǎnkuài lái! / Hurry up and come here! 
    4.  趕快買！/ gǎnkuài mǎi! / Hurry up and buy it! 
  11. 好久不見 / hǎojiǔ bùjiàn / Long time no see. 
  12. 真的假的 / zhēn de jiǎ de / Really?! (lit. real or fake?) 


Language as collaboration

Many years ago, before I starting to learn Mandarin, I took a trip to Italy. Though I spoke basically no Italian, I found that just trying to imitate the way people there spoke went a long way towards generating good will, and seemed to make many people want to try harder to communicate with me, despite the language barrier. I began to see speaking a language as a collaborative act, almost like making music, where listening and imitating are important parts of playing in rhythm and staying in the same key. 

What I take away from this is that learning to speak any language, including Mandarin, is more an attitude than a technical skill. If you're willing to listen carefully and really open yourself up to the language -- to try your best to sound like a native speaker, even if you're a total beginner -- then you can go a long way with very little. You'll have more chances to practice, and you'll form stronger connections and make friends, which is what it's really all about. And, of course, you'll actually learn the language a lot faster. 


Thanks for listening! 


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Sun, 01 Aug 2021 22:11:42 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 1204 We're back for another season! In this episode,  Xiao-Li (小李) comes back to Taiwan.

Learning how to digest (and even to be entertained by) material that you don't completely understand is an important skill for learning a language. In this episode, we introduce a new dialogue, but don't translate it all at once like we did in Season 1. Instead, I'll introduce some of the key words and phrases, and we'll let your language intuition work to try and figure out the rest. It's ok if you don't get all or even most of it; it's the challenge of grappling with the exercise that makes us grow, not simply knowing the right answer.

Tomorrow, I will release the dialogue on its own, so that you can start to practice and master the material more and more over time. Repetition is important; each time you listen, you are reinforcing new connections in your brain, and you may notice things you didn't notice during previous repetitions.

And in the next episode, I will translate this dialogue completely, line by line, so that you can fill in whatever gaps remain in your comprehension, possibly enjoying many "Aha!" moments.

Today's Lesson Outline:

  1. Introduction: Language is music. 
  2. Dialogue at normal speed.
  3. Dialogue at slow speed. Listen and repeat.   
  4. Learn some vocabulary and phrases from the dialogue.
  5. Listen to the dialogue at normal speed again. See if you pick out any of the new words or phrases you just learned. 
  6. Dialogue at slow speed again. Try to picture the scene in your mind. 


As a visual cue and for reference, here are the words we learn in the lesson, and example phrases:

Chinese characters only (scroll down for pinyin and translation):

  1. 回 
  2. 來  
    1. 回來 
  3. 還好
    1.  你還好嗎？ 
    2. 我還好啊 
    3. 還好啦！
  4. 還是 
    1.  我還是很開心 
    2.  還是很謝謝你  
  5. 到 
    1.  回到 
    2.  我們到了 
    3.  我看到你 
    4.  我買到了 
  6. 飛機 
  7. 上 
    1.  飛機上 
    2.  你在飛機上做什麼？
    3.  車上 
    4.  路上 
    5.  路上小心  
  8. 都在 
    1.  我都在睡  
    2.  你都在吃  
  9. 貼心
    1.  你好貼心  
    2.  你最貼心  
    3.  你真貼心  
  10. 趕快 
    1.  趕快吃！ 
    2.  趕快去！
    3.  趕快來！ 
    4.  趕快買！ 
  11. 好久不見  
  12. 真的假的  


With pinyin and translation:

  1. 回 / huí / return
  2. 來 / lái / to come 
    1. 回來 / huílái / to come back
  3. 還好 / hái hǎo / alright, not bad
    1.  你還好嗎？/ nǐ hái hǎo ma? / Are you alright? 
    2. 我還好啊 / wǒ hái hǎo a / I'm alright. 
    3. 還好啦！/  hái hǎo la! / Not really, no big deal
  4. 還是 / háishì / Still..., nevertheless... 
    1.  我還是很開心 / wǒ háishì hěn kāixīn / I'm still very happy
    2.  還是很謝謝你 / háishì hěn xièxiè nǐ / Still, thank you; I'm still thankful. 
  5. 到 / dào / arrive; completion
    1.  回到 / huí dào / to arrive back, to return
    2.  我們到了/ wǒmen dàole / We have arrived. 
    3.  我看到你 / wǒ kàn dào nǐ  / I see you (I successfully completed the action). 
    4.  我買到了 / wǒ mǎi dàole / I (successfully) bought it.
  6. 飛機 / fēijī / airplane
  7. 上 / shàng / on, above, previous
    1.  飛機上 / fēijī shàng / on the plane
    2.  你在飛機上做什麼？/ nǐ zài fēijī shàng zuò shénme? / What did you do on the plane?
    3.  車上 / chē shàng / in the car
    4.  路上 / lùshàng / on the road, en route
    5.  路上小心 / lùshàng xiǎoxīn / Be careful en route (often said when someone is departing). 
  8. 都在 / dōu zài / continuously, incessantly doing something
    1.  我都在睡 / wǒ dū zài shuì / I slept the whole time. 
    2.  你都在吃 / nǐ dōu zài chī / You've just been eating this whole time. 
  9. 貼心 / tiēxīn / Considerate, thoughtful
    1.  你好貼心 / nǐ hǎo tiēxīn / You're so considerate. 
    2.  你最貼心 / nǐ zuì tiēxīn / You're the most considerate. 
    3.  你真貼心 / nǐ zhēn tiēxīn / You're truly considerate. 
  10. 趕快 / gǎnkuài / hurry up, quickly
    1.  趕快吃！/ gǎnkuài chī! / Hurry up and eat! 
    2.  趕快去！/ gǎnkuài qù! / Hurry up and go!
    3.  趕快來！/ gǎnkuài lái! / Hurry up and come here! 
    4.  趕快買！/ gǎnkuài mǎi! / Hurry up and buy it! 
  11. 好久不見 / hǎojiǔ bùjiàn / Long time no see. 
  12. 真的假的 / zhēn de jiǎ de / Really?! (lit. real or fake?) 


Language as collaboration

Many years ago, before I starting to learn Mandarin, I took a trip to Italy. Though I spoke basically no Italian, I found that just trying to imitate the way people there spoke went a long way towards generating good will, and seemed to make many people want to try harder to communicate with me, despite the language barrier. I began to see speaking a language as a collaborative act, almost like making music, where listening and imitating are important parts of playing in rhythm and staying in the same key. 

What I take away from this is that learning to speak any language, including Mandarin, is more an attitude than a technical skill. If you're willing to listen carefully and really open yourself up to the language -- to try your best to sound like a native speaker, even if you're a total beginner -- then you can go a long way with very little. You'll have more chances to practice, and you'll form stronger connections and make friends, which is what it's really all about. And, of course, you'll actually learn the language a lot faster. 


Thanks for listening! 


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No Daily Practice Session - S2 - Lesson 01 2 2 Daily Practice Session - S2 - Lesson 01 bonus 05203a67-2d02-4dcb-8a1a-c02d290f0bac https://share.transistor.fm/s/b62d9527 After listening to S02 Episode 1, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking four minutes a day to practice listening and speaking the dialogue. Repetition makes progress!

A transcript of the dialogue is available below. First, it is written out in only Chinese characters for those who are learning characters and want to practice reading along. Then it is written out with the translation and pinyin. 

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only): 

  1. 阿明：小李，你回來了！
  2. 小李：阿明，好久不見！
  3. 阿明：真的好久不見。美國還好嗎？
  4. 小李：美國很好啊，但我還是很開心回到台灣
  5. 阿明：我也很開心看到你
  6. 小李：謝謝你來接我
  7. 阿明：不客氣！小事情 
  8. 小李：還是很謝謝你啊
  9. 阿明：你在飛機上有吃東西嗎？
  10. 小李：沒有欸，我都在睡覺
  11. 阿明：你餓了嗎？
  12. 小李：有一點餓
  13. 阿明：你看，我買什麼給你：你最喜歡的鍋貼！
  14. 小李：哇！真的假的！阿明，你好貼心！
  15. 阿明：還好啦，趕快吃！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  1. 阿明：小李，你回來了！
    1.  A-Ming: Xiao Li, you came back!
    2. Ā míng: Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ huíláile!
  2. 小李：阿明，好久不見！
    1.  Xiao Li: A-Ming, long time no see!
    2. Xiǎo lǐ: Ā míng, hǎojiǔ bùjiàn!
  3. 阿明：真的好久不見。美國還好嗎？
    1.  Really long time no see. Was the US alright? 
    2. Zhēn de hǎojiǔ bùjiàn. Měiguó hái hǎo ma?
  4. 小李：美國很好啊，但我還是很開心回到台灣
    1.  The US was great, but I’m still really happy to be back in Taiwan. 
    2. Měiguó hěn hǎo a, dàn wǒ háishì hěn kāixīn huí dào táiwān
  5. 阿明：我也很開心看到你
    1.  I’m also really happy to see you. 
    2. Wǒ yě hěn kāixīn kàn dào nǐ
  6. 小李：謝謝你來接我
    1.  Thanks for coming to get me. 
    2. Xièxiè nǐ lái jiē wǒ
  7. 阿明：不客氣！小事情
    1. Don’t be so polite! It’s no biggie. 
    2. Bù kèqì! Xiǎo shìqíng 
  8. 小李：還是很謝謝你啊
    1.  Still, really, thank you. 
    2. Háishì hěn xièxiè nǐ a
  9. 阿明：你在飛機上有吃東西嗎？
    1.  Did you eat anything on the plane? 
    2. Nǐ zài fēijī shàng yǒu chī dōngxī ma?
  10. 小李：沒有欸，我都在睡覺
    1.  I didn’t! I slept the whole time. 
    2. Méiyǒu ēi, wǒ dōu zài shuìjiào
  11. 阿明：你餓了嗎？
    1.  Are you hungry?
    2. Nǐ èle ma?
  12. 小李：有一點餓
    1.  I’m a litte hungry. 
    2. Yǒu yīdiǎn è
  13. 阿明：你看，我買什麼給你：你最喜歡的鍋貼！
    1.  Look what I bought you. Your favorite potstickers! 
    2. Nǐ kàn, wǒ mǎi shénme gěi nǐ: nǐ zuì xǐhuān de guōtiē!
  14. 小李：哇！真的假的！阿明，你好貼心！
    1.  Wow! For real? A-Ming, you’re so considerate! 
    2. Wa! Zhēn de jiǎ de! Ā míng, nǐ hǎo tiēxīn!
  15. 阿明：還好啦，趕快吃！
    1.  Nah, come on, hurry up and eat!
    2. Hái hǎo la, gǎnkuài chī!

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★


Thanks for listening! 

]]> After listening to S02 Episode 1, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking four minutes a day to practice listening and speaking the dialogue. Repetition makes progress!

A transcript of the dialogue is available below. First, it is written out in only Chinese characters for those who are learning characters and want to practice reading along. Then it is written out with the translation and pinyin. 

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only): 

  1. 阿明：小李，你回來了！
  2. 小李：阿明，好久不見！
  3. 阿明：真的好久不見。美國還好嗎？
  4. 小李：美國很好啊，但我還是很開心回到台灣
  5. 阿明：我也很開心看到你
  6. 小李：謝謝你來接我
  7. 阿明：不客氣！小事情 
  8. 小李：還是很謝謝你啊
  9. 阿明：你在飛機上有吃東西嗎？
  10. 小李：沒有欸，我都在睡覺
  11. 阿明：你餓了嗎？
  12. 小李：有一點餓
  13. 阿明：你看，我買什麼給你：你最喜歡的鍋貼！
  14. 小李：哇！真的假的！阿明，你好貼心！
  15. 阿明：還好啦，趕快吃！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  1. 阿明：小李，你回來了！
    1.  A-Ming: Xiao Li, you came back!
    2. Ā míng: Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ huíláile!
  2. 小李：阿明，好久不見！
    1.  Xiao Li: A-Ming, long time no see!
    2. Xiǎo lǐ: Ā míng, hǎojiǔ bùjiàn!
  3. 阿明：真的好久不見。美國還好嗎？
    1.  Really long time no see. Was the US alright? 
    2. Zhēn de hǎojiǔ bùjiàn. Měiguó hái hǎo ma?
  4. 小李：美國很好啊，但我還是很開心回到台灣
    1.  The US was great, but I’m still really happy to be back in Taiwan. 
    2. Měiguó hěn hǎo a, dàn wǒ háishì hěn kāixīn huí dào táiwān
  5. 阿明：我也很開心看到你
    1.  I’m also really happy to see you. 
    2. Wǒ yě hěn kāixīn kàn dào nǐ
  6. 小李：謝謝你來接我
    1.  Thanks for coming to get me. 
    2. Xièxiè nǐ lái jiē wǒ
  7. 阿明：不客氣！小事情
    1. Don’t be so polite! It’s no biggie. 
    2. Bù kèqì! Xiǎo shìqíng 
  8. 小李：還是很謝謝你啊
    1.  Still, really, thank you. 
    2. Háishì hěn xièxiè nǐ a
  9. 阿明：你在飛機上有吃東西嗎？
    1.  Did you eat anything on the plane? 
    2. Nǐ zài fēijī shàng yǒu chī dōngxī ma?
  10. 小李：沒有欸，我都在睡覺
    1.  I didn’t! I slept the whole time. 
    2. Méiyǒu ēi, wǒ dōu zài shuìjiào
  11. 阿明：你餓了嗎？
    1.  Are you hungry?
    2. Nǐ èle ma?
  12. 小李：有一點餓
    1.  I’m a litte hungry. 
    2. Yǒu yīdiǎn è
  13. 阿明：你看，我買什麼給你：你最喜歡的鍋貼！
    1.  Look what I bought you. Your favorite potstickers! 
    2. Nǐ kàn, wǒ mǎi shénme gěi nǐ: nǐ zuì xǐhuān de guōtiē!
  14. 小李：哇！真的假的！阿明，你好貼心！
    1.  Wow! For real? A-Ming, you’re so considerate! 
    2. Wa! Zhēn de jiǎ de! Ā míng, nǐ hǎo tiēxīn!
  15. 阿明：還好啦，趕快吃！
    1.  Nah, come on, hurry up and eat!
    2. Hái hǎo la, gǎnkuài chī!

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Thanks for listening! 

]]> Mon, 02 Aug 2021 10:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 245 After listening to S02 Episode 1, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking four minutes a day to practice listening and speaking the dialogue. Repetition makes progress!

A transcript of the dialogue is available below. First, it is written out in only Chinese characters for those who are learning characters and want to practice reading along. Then it is written out with the translation and pinyin. 

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only): 

  1. 阿明：小李，你回來了！
  2. 小李：阿明，好久不見！
  3. 阿明：真的好久不見。美國還好嗎？
  4. 小李：美國很好啊，但我還是很開心回到台灣
  5. 阿明：我也很開心看到你
  6. 小李：謝謝你來接我
  7. 阿明：不客氣！小事情 
  8. 小李：還是很謝謝你啊
  9. 阿明：你在飛機上有吃東西嗎？
  10. 小李：沒有欸，我都在睡覺
  11. 阿明：你餓了嗎？
  12. 小李：有一點餓
  13. 阿明：你看，我買什麼給你：你最喜歡的鍋貼！
  14. 小李：哇！真的假的！阿明，你好貼心！
  15. 阿明：還好啦，趕快吃！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  1. 阿明：小李，你回來了！
    1.  A-Ming: Xiao Li, you came back!
    2. Ā míng: Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ huíláile!
  2. 小李：阿明，好久不見！
    1.  Xiao Li: A-Ming, long time no see!
    2. Xiǎo lǐ: Ā míng, hǎojiǔ bùjiàn!
  3. 阿明：真的好久不見。美國還好嗎？
    1.  Really long time no see. Was the US alright? 
    2. Zhēn de hǎojiǔ bùjiàn. Měiguó hái hǎo ma?
  4. 小李：美國很好啊，但我還是很開心回到台灣
    1.  The US was great, but I’m still really happy to be back in Taiwan. 
    2. Měiguó hěn hǎo a, dàn wǒ háishì hěn kāixīn huí dào táiwān
  5. 阿明：我也很開心看到你
    1.  I’m also really happy to see you. 
    2. Wǒ yě hěn kāixīn kàn dào nǐ
  6. 小李：謝謝你來接我
    1.  Thanks for coming to get me. 
    2. Xièxiè nǐ lái jiē wǒ
  7. 阿明：不客氣！小事情
    1. Don’t be so polite! It’s no biggie. 
    2. Bù kèqì! Xiǎo shìqíng 
  8. 小李：還是很謝謝你啊
    1.  Still, really, thank you. 
    2. Háishì hěn xièxiè nǐ a
  9. 阿明：你在飛機上有吃東西嗎？
    1.  Did you eat anything on the plane? 
    2. Nǐ zài fēijī shàng yǒu chī dōngxī ma?
  10. 小李：沒有欸，我都在睡覺
    1.  I didn’t! I slept the whole time. 
    2. Méiyǒu ēi, wǒ dōu zài shuìjiào
  11. 阿明：你餓了嗎？
    1.  Are you hungry?
    2. Nǐ èle ma?
  12. 小李：有一點餓
    1.  I’m a litte hungry. 
    2. Yǒu yīdiǎn è
  13. 阿明：你看，我買什麼給你：你最喜歡的鍋貼！
    1.  Look what I bought you. Your favorite potstickers! 
    2. Nǐ kàn, wǒ mǎi shénme gěi nǐ: nǐ zuì xǐhuān de guōtiē!
  14. 小李：哇！真的假的！阿明，你好貼心！
    1.  Wow! For real? A-Ming, you’re so considerate! 
    2. Wa! Zhēn de jiǎ de! Ā míng, nǐ hǎo tiēxīn!
  15. 阿明：還好啦，趕快吃！
    1.  Nah, come on, hurry up and eat!
    2. Hái hǎo la, gǎnkuài chī!

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Thanks for listening! 

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No S2 ~ 02 ~ 你回來了！Part 2 2 2 S2 ~ 02 ~ 你回來了！Part 2 full 29cdbe6c-d5f5-4e32-9327-c616f459a664 https://www.mftgu.com/episodes/s02-e02 We all acquire language in the same way, and it has nothing to do with talent or aptitude. In this lesson, we get the line-by-line translation of the dialogue and complete the picture from Lesson 01.

Lesson Outline:

  1. Introduction: We all learn languages the same way, and talent has nothing to do with it.  
  2. Listen to the dialogue at normal speed.
  3. Get the translation line-by-line, and try to infer the meaning of the parts you don't know yet.
  4. Listen to the dialogue at normal speed again, and repeat during the pauses.   


Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only):

  1. 阿明：小李，你回來了！
  2. 小李：阿明，好久不見！
  3. 阿明：真的好久不見。美國還好嗎？
  4. 小李：美國很好啊，但我還是很開心回到台灣
  5. 阿明：我也很開心看到你
  6. 小李：謝謝你來接我
  7. 阿明：不客氣！小事情
  8. 小李：還是很謝謝你啊
  9. 阿明：你在飛機上有吃東西嗎？
  10. 小李：沒有欸，我都在睡覺
  11. 阿明：你餓了嗎？
  12. 小李：有一點餓
  13. 阿明：你看，我買什麼給你：你最喜歡的鍋貼！
  14. 小李：哇！真的假的！阿明，你好貼心！
  15. 阿明：還好啦，趕快吃！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation):

  1. 阿明：小李，你回來了！
    1.  A-Ming: Xiao Li, you came back!
    2. Ā míng: Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ huíláile!
  2. 小李：阿明，好久不見！
    1.  Xiao Li: A-Ming, long time no see!
    2. Xiǎo lǐ: Ā míng, hǎojiǔ bùjiàn!
  3. 阿明：真的好久不見。美國還好嗎？
    1.  Really long time no see. Was the US alright? 
    2. Zhēn de hǎojiǔ bùjiàn. Měiguó hái hǎo ma?
  4. 小李：美國很好啊，但我還是很開心回到台灣
    1.  The US was great, but I’m still really happy to be back in Taiwan. 
    2. Měiguó hěn hǎo a, dàn wǒ háishì hěn kāixīn huí dào táiwān
  5. 阿明：我也很開心看到你
    1.  I’m also really happy to see you. 
    2. Wǒ yě hěn kāixīn kàn dào nǐ
  6. 小李：謝謝你來接我
    1.  Thanks for coming to get me. 
    2. Xièxiè nǐ lái jiē wǒ
  7. 阿明：不客氣！小事情
    1. Don’t be so polite! It’s no biggie. 
    2. Bù kèqì! Xiǎo shìqíng 
  8. 小李：還是很謝謝你啊
    1.  Still, really, thank you. 
    2. Háishì hěn xièxiè nǐ a
  9. 阿明：你在飛機上有吃東西嗎？
    1.  Did you eat anything on the plane? 
    2. Nǐ zài fēijī shàng yǒu chī dōngxī ma?
  10. 小李：沒有欸，我都在睡覺
    1.  I didn’t! I slept the whole time. 
    2. Méiyǒu ēi, wǒ dōu zài shuìjiào
  11. 阿明：你餓了嗎？
    1.  Are you hungry?
    2. Nǐ èle ma?
  12. 小李：有一點餓
    1.  I’m a litte hungry. 
    2. Yǒu yīdiǎn è
  13. 阿明：你看，我買什麼給你：你最喜歡的鍋貼！
    1.  Look what I bought you. Your favorite potstickers! 
    2. Nǐ kàn, wǒ mǎi shénme gěi nǐ: nǐ zuì xǐhuān de guōtiē!
  14. 小李：哇！真的假的！阿明，你好貼心！
    1.  Wow! For real? A-Ming, you’re so considerate! 
    2. Wa! Zhēn de jiǎ de! Ā míng, nǐ hǎo tiēxīn!
  15. 阿明：還好啦，趕快吃！
    1.  Nah, come on, hurry up and eat!
    2. Hái hǎo la, gǎnkuài chī!

Thanks for listening! 


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> We all acquire language in the same way, and it has nothing to do with talent or aptitude. In this lesson, we get the line-by-line translation of the dialogue and complete the picture from Lesson 01.

Lesson Outline:

  1. Introduction: We all learn languages the same way, and talent has nothing to do with it.  
  2. Listen to the dialogue at normal speed.
  3. Get the translation line-by-line, and try to infer the meaning of the parts you don't know yet.
  4. Listen to the dialogue at normal speed again, and repeat during the pauses.   


Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only):

  1. 阿明：小李，你回來了！
  2. 小李：阿明，好久不見！
  3. 阿明：真的好久不見。美國還好嗎？
  4. 小李：美國很好啊，但我還是很開心回到台灣
  5. 阿明：我也很開心看到你
  6. 小李：謝謝你來接我
  7. 阿明：不客氣！小事情
  8. 小李：還是很謝謝你啊
  9. 阿明：你在飛機上有吃東西嗎？
  10. 小李：沒有欸，我都在睡覺
  11. 阿明：你餓了嗎？
  12. 小李：有一點餓
  13. 阿明：你看，我買什麼給你：你最喜歡的鍋貼！
  14. 小李：哇！真的假的！阿明，你好貼心！
  15. 阿明：還好啦，趕快吃！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation):

  1. 阿明：小李，你回來了！
    1.  A-Ming: Xiao Li, you came back!
    2. Ā míng: Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ huíláile!
  2. 小李：阿明，好久不見！
    1.  Xiao Li: A-Ming, long time no see!
    2. Xiǎo lǐ: Ā míng, hǎojiǔ bùjiàn!
  3. 阿明：真的好久不見。美國還好嗎？
    1.  Really long time no see. Was the US alright? 
    2. Zhēn de hǎojiǔ bùjiàn. Měiguó hái hǎo ma?
  4. 小李：美國很好啊，但我還是很開心回到台灣
    1.  The US was great, but I’m still really happy to be back in Taiwan. 
    2. Měiguó hěn hǎo a, dàn wǒ háishì hěn kāixīn huí dào táiwān
  5. 阿明：我也很開心看到你
    1.  I’m also really happy to see you. 
    2. Wǒ yě hěn kāixīn kàn dào nǐ
  6. 小李：謝謝你來接我
    1.  Thanks for coming to get me. 
    2. Xièxiè nǐ lái jiē wǒ
  7. 阿明：不客氣！小事情
    1. Don’t be so polite! It’s no biggie. 
    2. Bù kèqì! Xiǎo shìqíng 
  8. 小李：還是很謝謝你啊
    1.  Still, really, thank you. 
    2. Háishì hěn xièxiè nǐ a
  9. 阿明：你在飛機上有吃東西嗎？
    1.  Did you eat anything on the plane? 
    2. Nǐ zài fēijī shàng yǒu chī dōngxī ma?
  10. 小李：沒有欸，我都在睡覺
    1.  I didn’t! I slept the whole time. 
    2. Méiyǒu ēi, wǒ dōu zài shuìjiào
  11. 阿明：你餓了嗎？
    1.  Are you hungry?
    2. Nǐ èle ma?
  12. 小李：有一點餓
    1.  I’m a litte hungry. 
    2. Yǒu yīdiǎn è
  13. 阿明：你看，我買什麼給你：你最喜歡的鍋貼！
    1.  Look what I bought you. Your favorite potstickers! 
    2. Nǐ kàn, wǒ mǎi shénme gěi nǐ: nǐ zuì xǐhuān de guōtiē!
  14. 小李：哇！真的假的！阿明，你好貼心！
    1.  Wow! For real? A-Ming, you’re so considerate! 
    2. Wa! Zhēn de jiǎ de! Ā míng, nǐ hǎo tiēxīn!
  15. 阿明：還好啦，趕快吃！
    1.  Nah, come on, hurry up and eat!
    2. Hái hǎo la, gǎnkuài chī!

Thanks for listening! 


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Wed, 11 Aug 2021 18:17:57 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 788 We all acquire language in the same way, and it has nothing to do with talent or aptitude. In this lesson, we get the line-by-line translation of the dialogue and complete the picture from Lesson 01.

Lesson Outline:

  1. Introduction: We all learn languages the same way, and talent has nothing to do with it.  
  2. Listen to the dialogue at normal speed.
  3. Get the translation line-by-line, and try to infer the meaning of the parts you don't know yet.
  4. Listen to the dialogue at normal speed again, and repeat during the pauses.   


Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only):

  1. 阿明：小李，你回來了！
  2. 小李：阿明，好久不見！
  3. 阿明：真的好久不見。美國還好嗎？
  4. 小李：美國很好啊，但我還是很開心回到台灣
  5. 阿明：我也很開心看到你
  6. 小李：謝謝你來接我
  7. 阿明：不客氣！小事情
  8. 小李：還是很謝謝你啊
  9. 阿明：你在飛機上有吃東西嗎？
  10. 小李：沒有欸，我都在睡覺
  11. 阿明：你餓了嗎？
  12. 小李：有一點餓
  13. 阿明：你看，我買什麼給你：你最喜歡的鍋貼！
  14. 小李：哇！真的假的！阿明，你好貼心！
  15. 阿明：還好啦，趕快吃！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation):

  1. 阿明：小李，你回來了！
    1.  A-Ming: Xiao Li, you came back!
    2. Ā míng: Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ huíláile!
  2. 小李：阿明，好久不見！
    1.  Xiao Li: A-Ming, long time no see!
    2. Xiǎo lǐ: Ā míng, hǎojiǔ bùjiàn!
  3. 阿明：真的好久不見。美國還好嗎？
    1.  Really long time no see. Was the US alright? 
    2. Zhēn de hǎojiǔ bùjiàn. Měiguó hái hǎo ma?
  4. 小李：美國很好啊，但我還是很開心回到台灣
    1.  The US was great, but I’m still really happy to be back in Taiwan. 
    2. Měiguó hěn hǎo a, dàn wǒ háishì hěn kāixīn huí dào táiwān
  5. 阿明：我也很開心看到你
    1.  I’m also really happy to see you. 
    2. Wǒ yě hěn kāixīn kàn dào nǐ
  6. 小李：謝謝你來接我
    1.  Thanks for coming to get me. 
    2. Xièxiè nǐ lái jiē wǒ
  7. 阿明：不客氣！小事情
    1. Don’t be so polite! It’s no biggie. 
    2. Bù kèqì! Xiǎo shìqíng 
  8. 小李：還是很謝謝你啊
    1.  Still, really, thank you. 
    2. Háishì hěn xièxiè nǐ a
  9. 阿明：你在飛機上有吃東西嗎？
    1.  Did you eat anything on the plane? 
    2. Nǐ zài fēijī shàng yǒu chī dōngxī ma?
  10. 小李：沒有欸，我都在睡覺
    1.  I didn’t! I slept the whole time. 
    2. Méiyǒu ēi, wǒ dōu zài shuìjiào
  11. 阿明：你餓了嗎？
    1.  Are you hungry?
    2. Nǐ èle ma?
  12. 小李：有一點餓
    1.  I’m a litte hungry. 
    2. Yǒu yīdiǎn è
  13. 阿明：你看，我買什麼給你：你最喜歡的鍋貼！
    1.  Look what I bought you. Your favorite potstickers! 
    2. Nǐ kàn, wǒ mǎi shénme gěi nǐ: nǐ zuì xǐhuān de guōtiē!
  14. 小李：哇！真的假的！阿明，你好貼心！
    1.  Wow! For real? A-Ming, you’re so considerate! 
    2. Wa! Zhēn de jiǎ de! Ā míng, nǐ hǎo tiēxīn!
  15. 阿明：還好啦，趕快吃！
    1.  Nah, come on, hurry up and eat!
    2. Hái hǎo la, gǎnkuài chī!

Thanks for listening! 


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No S2 ~ 03 ~ 買禮物很不簡單 Buying gifts isn't easy 2 2 S2 ~ 03 ~ 買禮物很不簡單 Buying gifts isn't easy full 1b45a15a-63a1-42d7-bede-9626725a1e57 https://share.transistor.fm/s/439d2bd4 Xiao-Li (小李) runs into trouble buying presents for the family back home, and A-Ming (阿明) tries to give some advice.

Lesson Outline:

  1. I'll mention a few words that will appear in the dialogue. 
  2. Listen to the dialogue at normal speed.
  3. Listen to the slow version and repeat.  
  4. Hear the translation, line-by-line, and try to infer the meaning of the parts you don't know yet.
  5. Listen to the slow version again and repeat, trying to connect the sound to the meaning. 


Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only):

  1. 阿明：你現在要去哪？
  2. 小李：我要去買禮物
  3. 阿明：送給女朋友嗎？
  4. 小李：不是，要送給我的家人 
  5. 阿明：是哦！你要買什麼？
  6. 小李：我還不知道，現在很多店都關了！
  7. 阿明：線上買呢？ 
  8. 小李：可是我覺得我要看到、摸到才能確定
  9. 阿明：也是... 送茶葉呢？
  10. 小李：他們不太懂喝茶
  11. 阿明：那... 鳳梨酥呢？
  12. 小李：已經送過太多次了
  13. 阿明：是哦... 買禮物真的很不簡單！
  14. 小李：你看我買的貼紙！
  15. 阿明：狗狗的貼紙好可愛！ 
  16. 小李：還有這個貼紙
  17. 阿明：禁止吸煙？


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation):

  1. 阿明：你現在要去哪？
    1. Nǐ xiànzài yào qù nǎ?
    2. Where are you going now?
  2. 小李：我要去買禮物
    1. Wǒ yào qù mǎi lǐwù
    2. I'm going to buy presents. 
  3. 阿明：送給女朋友嗎？
    1. sòng gěi nǚ péngyǒu ma?
    2. To give to your girlfriend? 
  4. 小李：不是，要送給我的家人
    1. Búshì, yào sòng gěi wǒ de jiārén
    2. No, to give to my family. 
  5. 阿明：是哦！你要買什麼？
    1. shì o! Nǐ yào mǎi shénme?
    2. Oh! What are you going to buy? 
  6. 小李：我還不知道，現在很多店都關了！
    1. Wǒ hái bù zhīdào, xiànzài hěnduō diàn dōu guānle!
    2. I don't know yet, a lot of shops are closed now. 
  7. 阿明：線上買呢？
    1. Xiànshàng mǎi ne?
    2. What about buying online? 
  8. 小李：可是我覺得我要看到、摸到才能確定
    1. Kěshì wǒ juéde wǒ yào kàn dào, mō dào cáinéng quèdìng
    2. But I think I have to see and feel (them) to be sure. 
  9. 阿明：也是... 送茶葉呢？
    1. yěshì... Sòng cháyè ne?
    2. True... what about giving tea? 
  10. 小李：他們不太懂喝茶
    1. Tāmen bú tài dǒng hē chá
    2. They don't really appreciate tea (lit. don't understand how to drink tea). 
  11. 阿明：那... 鳳梨酥呢？
    1. nà... Fènglí sū ne?
    2. Then... how about pineapple cake?
  12. 小李：已經送過太多次了
    1. Yǐjīng sòngguò tài duō cìle
    2. I've already given it too many times. 
  13. 阿明：是哦... 買禮物真的很不簡單！
    1. shì o... Mǎi lǐwù zhēn de hěn bù jiǎndān! 
    2. Oh... buying presents really isn't easy! 
  14. 小李：你看我買的貼紙！
    1. Nǐ kàn wǒ mǎi de tiēzhǐ!
    2. Look at the stickers I bought!
  15. 阿明：狗狗的貼紙好可愛！
    1. Gǒu gǒu de tiēzhǐ hǎo kě'ài!
    2. The dog stickers are so cute! 
  16. 小李：還有這個貼紙
    1. Hái yǒu zhège tiēzhǐ
    2. There's also this sticker. 
  17. 阿明：禁止吸煙？
    1. jìnzhǐ xīyān?
    2. Smoking prohibited?


Note about Pinyin transliteration: Pinyin can be a helpful system for comprehending and recording the pronunciation of Chinese. However, keep in mind that it's only an approximation of the way people actually speak. Tones, like many other things, are affected by the tones and sounds that occur before and after them, by the context, and pronunciation also varies by region. As a result, there will necessarily be some discrepancy between the written tones and what you actually hear a person say.

(Examples from this dialogue: 狗狗 gǒu gǒu is much more commonly pronounced in Taiwan as "gǒu góu", and 買什麼 mǎi shénme is usually pronounced "mái shěnme", even though the "correct" dictionary pronunciation is that used in the original Pinyin.)

The moral of all this is: Trust your ears and imitate what you hear. Written language and phonetic systems are imperfect attempts at representing language on paper, but a spoken language actually exists when people open their mouths and speak. 

That said, if you have a question about any details from a lesson, feel free to drop me a line!

Thanks for listening! 

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Xiao-Li (小李) runs into trouble buying presents for the family back home, and A-Ming (阿明) tries to give some advice.

Lesson Outline:

  1. I'll mention a few words that will appear in the dialogue. 
  2. Listen to the dialogue at normal speed.
  3. Listen to the slow version and repeat.  
  4. Hear the translation, line-by-line, and try to infer the meaning of the parts you don't know yet.
  5. Listen to the slow version again and repeat, trying to connect the sound to the meaning. 


Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only):

  1. 阿明：你現在要去哪？
  2. 小李：我要去買禮物
  3. 阿明：送給女朋友嗎？
  4. 小李：不是，要送給我的家人 
  5. 阿明：是哦！你要買什麼？
  6. 小李：我還不知道，現在很多店都關了！
  7. 阿明：線上買呢？ 
  8. 小李：可是我覺得我要看到、摸到才能確定
  9. 阿明：也是... 送茶葉呢？
  10. 小李：他們不太懂喝茶
  11. 阿明：那... 鳳梨酥呢？
  12. 小李：已經送過太多次了
  13. 阿明：是哦... 買禮物真的很不簡單！
  14. 小李：你看我買的貼紙！
  15. 阿明：狗狗的貼紙好可愛！ 
  16. 小李：還有這個貼紙
  17. 阿明：禁止吸煙？


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation):

  1. 阿明：你現在要去哪？
    1. Nǐ xiànzài yào qù nǎ?
    2. Where are you going now?
  2. 小李：我要去買禮物
    1. Wǒ yào qù mǎi lǐwù
    2. I'm going to buy presents. 
  3. 阿明：送給女朋友嗎？
    1. sòng gěi nǚ péngyǒu ma?
    2. To give to your girlfriend? 
  4. 小李：不是，要送給我的家人
    1. Búshì, yào sòng gěi wǒ de jiārén
    2. No, to give to my family. 
  5. 阿明：是哦！你要買什麼？
    1. shì o! Nǐ yào mǎi shénme?
    2. Oh! What are you going to buy? 
  6. 小李：我還不知道，現在很多店都關了！
    1. Wǒ hái bù zhīdào, xiànzài hěnduō diàn dōu guānle!
    2. I don't know yet, a lot of shops are closed now. 
  7. 阿明：線上買呢？
    1. Xiànshàng mǎi ne?
    2. What about buying online? 
  8. 小李：可是我覺得我要看到、摸到才能確定
    1. Kěshì wǒ juéde wǒ yào kàn dào, mō dào cáinéng quèdìng
    2. But I think I have to see and feel (them) to be sure. 
  9. 阿明：也是... 送茶葉呢？
    1. yěshì... Sòng cháyè ne?
    2. True... what about giving tea? 
  10. 小李：他們不太懂喝茶
    1. Tāmen bú tài dǒng hē chá
    2. They don't really appreciate tea (lit. don't understand how to drink tea). 
  11. 阿明：那... 鳳梨酥呢？
    1. nà... Fènglí sū ne?
    2. Then... how about pineapple cake?
  12. 小李：已經送過太多次了
    1. Yǐjīng sòngguò tài duō cìle
    2. I've already given it too many times. 
  13. 阿明：是哦... 買禮物真的很不簡單！
    1. shì o... Mǎi lǐwù zhēn de hěn bù jiǎndān! 
    2. Oh... buying presents really isn't easy! 
  14. 小李：你看我買的貼紙！
    1. Nǐ kàn wǒ mǎi de tiēzhǐ!
    2. Look at the stickers I bought!
  15. 阿明：狗狗的貼紙好可愛！
    1. Gǒu gǒu de tiēzhǐ hǎo kě'ài!
    2. The dog stickers are so cute! 
  16. 小李：還有這個貼紙
    1. Hái yǒu zhège tiēzhǐ
    2. There's also this sticker. 
  17. 阿明：禁止吸煙？
    1. jìnzhǐ xīyān?
    2. Smoking prohibited?


Note about Pinyin transliteration: Pinyin can be a helpful system for comprehending and recording the pronunciation of Chinese. However, keep in mind that it's only an approximation of the way people actually speak. Tones, like many other things, are affected by the tones and sounds that occur before and after them, by the context, and pronunciation also varies by region. As a result, there will necessarily be some discrepancy between the written tones and what you actually hear a person say.

(Examples from this dialogue: 狗狗 gǒu gǒu is much more commonly pronounced in Taiwan as "gǒu góu", and 買什麼 mǎi shénme is usually pronounced "mái shěnme", even though the "correct" dictionary pronunciation is that used in the original Pinyin.)

The moral of all this is: Trust your ears and imitate what you hear. Written language and phonetic systems are imperfect attempts at representing language on paper, but a spoken language actually exists when people open their mouths and speak. 

That said, if you have a question about any details from a lesson, feel free to drop me a line!

Thanks for listening! 

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Sun, 22 Aug 2021 08:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 726 Xiao-Li (小李) runs into trouble buying presents for the family back home, and A-Ming (阿明) tries to give some advice.

Lesson Outline:

  1. I'll mention a few words that will appear in the dialogue. 
  2. Listen to the dialogue at normal speed.
  3. Listen to the slow version and repeat.  
  4. Hear the translation, line-by-line, and try to infer the meaning of the parts you don't know yet.
  5. Listen to the slow version again and repeat, trying to connect the sound to the meaning. 


Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only):

  1. 阿明：你現在要去哪？
  2. 小李：我要去買禮物
  3. 阿明：送給女朋友嗎？
  4. 小李：不是，要送給我的家人 
  5. 阿明：是哦！你要買什麼？
  6. 小李：我還不知道，現在很多店都關了！
  7. 阿明：線上買呢？ 
  8. 小李：可是我覺得我要看到、摸到才能確定
  9. 阿明：也是... 送茶葉呢？
  10. 小李：他們不太懂喝茶
  11. 阿明：那... 鳳梨酥呢？
  12. 小李：已經送過太多次了
  13. 阿明：是哦... 買禮物真的很不簡單！
  14. 小李：你看我買的貼紙！
  15. 阿明：狗狗的貼紙好可愛！ 
  16. 小李：還有這個貼紙
  17. 阿明：禁止吸煙？


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation):

  1. 阿明：你現在要去哪？
    1. Nǐ xiànzài yào qù nǎ?
    2. Where are you going now?
  2. 小李：我要去買禮物
    1. Wǒ yào qù mǎi lǐwù
    2. I'm going to buy presents. 
  3. 阿明：送給女朋友嗎？
    1. sòng gěi nǚ péngyǒu ma?
    2. To give to your girlfriend? 
  4. 小李：不是，要送給我的家人
    1. Búshì, yào sòng gěi wǒ de jiārén
    2. No, to give to my family. 
  5. 阿明：是哦！你要買什麼？
    1. shì o! Nǐ yào mǎi shénme?
    2. Oh! What are you going to buy? 
  6. 小李：我還不知道，現在很多店都關了！
    1. Wǒ hái bù zhīdào, xiànzài hěnduō diàn dōu guānle!
    2. I don't know yet, a lot of shops are closed now. 
  7. 阿明：線上買呢？
    1. Xiànshàng mǎi ne?
    2. What about buying online? 
  8. 小李：可是我覺得我要看到、摸到才能確定
    1. Kěshì wǒ juéde wǒ yào kàn dào, mō dào cáinéng quèdìng
    2. But I think I have to see and feel (them) to be sure. 
  9. 阿明：也是... 送茶葉呢？
    1. yěshì... Sòng cháyè ne?
    2. True... what about giving tea? 
  10. 小李：他們不太懂喝茶
    1. Tāmen bú tài dǒng hē chá
    2. They don't really appreciate tea (lit. don't understand how to drink tea). 
  11. 阿明：那... 鳳梨酥呢？
    1. nà... Fènglí sū ne?
    2. Then... how about pineapple cake?
  12. 小李：已經送過太多次了
    1. Yǐjīng sòngguò tài duō cìle
    2. I've already given it too many times. 
  13. 阿明：是哦... 買禮物真的很不簡單！
    1. shì o... Mǎi lǐwù zhēn de hěn bù jiǎndān! 
    2. Oh... buying presents really isn't easy! 
  14. 小李：你看我買的貼紙！
    1. Nǐ kàn wǒ mǎi de tiēzhǐ!
    2. Look at the stickers I bought!
  15. 阿明：狗狗的貼紙好可愛！
    1. Gǒu gǒu de tiēzhǐ hǎo kě'ài!
    2. The dog stickers are so cute! 
  16. 小李：還有這個貼紙
    1. Hái yǒu zhège tiēzhǐ
    2. There's also this sticker. 
  17. 阿明：禁止吸煙？
    1. jìnzhǐ xīyān?
    2. Smoking prohibited?


Note about Pinyin transliteration: Pinyin can be a helpful system for comprehending and recording the pronunciation of Chinese. However, keep in mind that it's only an approximation of the way people actually speak. Tones, like many other things, are affected by the tones and sounds that occur before and after them, by the context, and pronunciation also varies by region. As a result, there will necessarily be some discrepancy between the written tones and what you actually hear a person say.

(Examples from this dialogue: 狗狗 gǒu gǒu is much more commonly pronounced in Taiwan as "gǒu góu", and 買什麼 mǎi shénme is usually pronounced "mái shěnme", even though the "correct" dictionary pronunciation is that used in the original Pinyin.)

The moral of all this is: Trust your ears and imitate what you hear. Written language and phonetic systems are imperfect attempts at representing language on paper, but a spoken language actually exists when people open their mouths and speak. 

That said, if you have a question about any details from a lesson, feel free to drop me a line!

Thanks for listening! 

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No Daily Practice Session - S2 - Lesson 03 2 2 Daily Practice Session - S2 - Lesson 03 bonus 5a27ae9b-1bf0-4de0-9043-106129bfe877 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f674dc36 After listening to S02 Episode 03, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking two minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the dialogue. Repetition makes progress!

If you want to practice reading along in Chinese, here is the dialogue written out in Chinese characters only (you can find the translation and pinyin below that):

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only): 

  1. 阿明：你現在要去哪？
  2. 小李：我要去買禮物
  3. 阿明：送給女朋友嗎？
  4. 小李：不是，要送給我的家人
  5. 阿明：是哦！你要買什麼？
  6. 小李：我還不知道，現在很多店都關了！
  7. 阿明：線上買呢？
  8. 小李：可是我覺得我要看到、摸到才能確定
  9. 阿明：也是... 送茶葉呢？ 
  10. 小李：他們不太懂喝茶 
  11. 阿明：那... 鳳梨酥呢？
  12. 小李：已經送過太多次了
  13. 阿明：是哦... 買禮物真的很不簡單！
  14. 小李：你看我買的貼紙！
  15. 阿明：狗狗的貼紙好可愛！
  16. 小李：還有這個貼紙
  17. 阿明：禁止吸煙？

Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  1. 阿明：你現在要去哪？
    1. Nǐ xiànzài yào qù nǎ?
    2. Where are you going now?
  2. 小李：我要去買禮物
    1. Wǒ yào qù mǎi lǐwù
    2. I'm going to buy presents. 
  3. 阿明：送給女朋友嗎？
    1. sòng gěi nǚ péngyǒu ma?
    2. To give to your girlfriend? 
  4. 小李：不是，要送給我的家人
    1. Búshì, yào sòng gěi wǒ de jiārén
    2. No, to give to my family. 
  5. 阿明：是哦！你要買什麼？
    1. shì o! Nǐ yào mǎi shénme?
    2. Oh! What are you going to buy? 
  6. 小李：我還不知道，現在很多店都關了！
    1. Wǒ hái bù zhīdào, xiànzài hěnduō diàn dōu guānle!
    2. I don't know yet, a lot of shops are closed now. 
  7. 阿明：線上買呢？
    1. Xiànshàng mǎi ne?
    2. What about buying online? 
  8. 小李：可是我覺得我要看到、摸到才能確定
    1. Kěshì wǒ juéde wǒ yào kàn dào, mō dào cáinéng quèdìng
    2. But I think I have to see and feel (them) to be sure. 
  9. 阿明：也是... 送茶葉呢？
    1. yěshì... Sòng cháyè ne?
    2. True... what about giving tea? 
  10. 小李：他們不太懂喝茶
    1. Tāmen bú tài dǒng hē chá
    2. They don't really appreciate tea (lit. don't understand how to drink tea). 
  11. 阿明：那... 鳳梨酥呢？
    1. nà... Fènglí sū ne?
    2. Then... how about pineapple cake?
  12. 小李：已經送過太多次了
    1. Yǐjīng sòngguò tài duō cìle
    2. I've already given it too many times. 
  13. 阿明：是哦... 買禮物真的很不簡單！
    1. shì o... Mǎi lǐwù zhēn de hěn bù jiǎndān! 
    2. Oh... buying presents really isn't easy! 
  14. 小李：你看我買的貼紙！
    1. Nǐ kàn wǒ mǎi de tiēzhǐ!
    2. Look at the stickers I bought!
  15. 阿明：狗狗的貼紙好可愛！
    1. Gǒu gǒu de tiēzhǐ hǎo kě'ài!
    2. The dog stickers are so cute! 
  16. 小李：還有這個貼紙
    1. Hái yǒu zhège tiēzhǐ
    2. There's also this sticker. 
  17. 阿明：禁止吸煙？
    1. jìnzhǐ xīyān?
    2. Smoking prohibited?

Thanks for listening! 


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> After listening to S02 Episode 03, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking two minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the dialogue. Repetition makes progress!

If you want to practice reading along in Chinese, here is the dialogue written out in Chinese characters only (you can find the translation and pinyin below that):

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only): 

  1. 阿明：你現在要去哪？
  2. 小李：我要去買禮物
  3. 阿明：送給女朋友嗎？
  4. 小李：不是，要送給我的家人
  5. 阿明：是哦！你要買什麼？
  6. 小李：我還不知道，現在很多店都關了！
  7. 阿明：線上買呢？
  8. 小李：可是我覺得我要看到、摸到才能確定
  9. 阿明：也是... 送茶葉呢？ 
  10. 小李：他們不太懂喝茶 
  11. 阿明：那... 鳳梨酥呢？
  12. 小李：已經送過太多次了
  13. 阿明：是哦... 買禮物真的很不簡單！
  14. 小李：你看我買的貼紙！
  15. 阿明：狗狗的貼紙好可愛！
  16. 小李：還有這個貼紙
  17. 阿明：禁止吸煙？

Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  1. 阿明：你現在要去哪？
    1. Nǐ xiànzài yào qù nǎ?
    2. Where are you going now?
  2. 小李：我要去買禮物
    1. Wǒ yào qù mǎi lǐwù
    2. I'm going to buy presents. 
  3. 阿明：送給女朋友嗎？
    1. sòng gěi nǚ péngyǒu ma?
    2. To give to your girlfriend? 
  4. 小李：不是，要送給我的家人
    1. Búshì, yào sòng gěi wǒ de jiārén
    2. No, to give to my family. 
  5. 阿明：是哦！你要買什麼？
    1. shì o! Nǐ yào mǎi shénme?
    2. Oh! What are you going to buy? 
  6. 小李：我還不知道，現在很多店都關了！
    1. Wǒ hái bù zhīdào, xiànzài hěnduō diàn dōu guānle!
    2. I don't know yet, a lot of shops are closed now. 
  7. 阿明：線上買呢？
    1. Xiànshàng mǎi ne?
    2. What about buying online? 
  8. 小李：可是我覺得我要看到、摸到才能確定
    1. Kěshì wǒ juéde wǒ yào kàn dào, mō dào cáinéng quèdìng
    2. But I think I have to see and feel (them) to be sure. 
  9. 阿明：也是... 送茶葉呢？
    1. yěshì... Sòng cháyè ne?
    2. True... what about giving tea? 
  10. 小李：他們不太懂喝茶
    1. Tāmen bú tài dǒng hē chá
    2. They don't really appreciate tea (lit. don't understand how to drink tea). 
  11. 阿明：那... 鳳梨酥呢？
    1. nà... Fènglí sū ne?
    2. Then... how about pineapple cake?
  12. 小李：已經送過太多次了
    1. Yǐjīng sòngguò tài duō cìle
    2. I've already given it too many times. 
  13. 阿明：是哦... 買禮物真的很不簡單！
    1. shì o... Mǎi lǐwù zhēn de hěn bù jiǎndān! 
    2. Oh... buying presents really isn't easy! 
  14. 小李：你看我買的貼紙！
    1. Nǐ kàn wǒ mǎi de tiēzhǐ!
    2. Look at the stickers I bought!
  15. 阿明：狗狗的貼紙好可愛！
    1. Gǒu gǒu de tiēzhǐ hǎo kě'ài!
    2. The dog stickers are so cute! 
  16. 小李：還有這個貼紙
    1. Hái yǒu zhège tiēzhǐ
    2. There's also this sticker. 
  17. 阿明：禁止吸煙？
    1. jìnzhǐ xīyān?
    2. Smoking prohibited?

Thanks for listening! 


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Mon, 23 Aug 2021 08:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 168 After listening to S02 Episode 03, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking two minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the dialogue. Repetition makes progress!

If you want to practice reading along in Chinese, here is the dialogue written out in Chinese characters only (you can find the translation and pinyin below that):

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only): 

  1. 阿明：你現在要去哪？
  2. 小李：我要去買禮物
  3. 阿明：送給女朋友嗎？
  4. 小李：不是，要送給我的家人
  5. 阿明：是哦！你要買什麼？
  6. 小李：我還不知道，現在很多店都關了！
  7. 阿明：線上買呢？
  8. 小李：可是我覺得我要看到、摸到才能確定
  9. 阿明：也是... 送茶葉呢？ 
  10. 小李：他們不太懂喝茶 
  11. 阿明：那... 鳳梨酥呢？
  12. 小李：已經送過太多次了
  13. 阿明：是哦... 買禮物真的很不簡單！
  14. 小李：你看我買的貼紙！
  15. 阿明：狗狗的貼紙好可愛！
  16. 小李：還有這個貼紙
  17. 阿明：禁止吸煙？

Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  1. 阿明：你現在要去哪？
    1. Nǐ xiànzài yào qù nǎ?
    2. Where are you going now?
  2. 小李：我要去買禮物
    1. Wǒ yào qù mǎi lǐwù
    2. I'm going to buy presents. 
  3. 阿明：送給女朋友嗎？
    1. sòng gěi nǚ péngyǒu ma?
    2. To give to your girlfriend? 
  4. 小李：不是，要送給我的家人
    1. Búshì, yào sòng gěi wǒ de jiārén
    2. No, to give to my family. 
  5. 阿明：是哦！你要買什麼？
    1. shì o! Nǐ yào mǎi shénme?
    2. Oh! What are you going to buy? 
  6. 小李：我還不知道，現在很多店都關了！
    1. Wǒ hái bù zhīdào, xiànzài hěnduō diàn dōu guānle!
    2. I don't know yet, a lot of shops are closed now. 
  7. 阿明：線上買呢？
    1. Xiànshàng mǎi ne?
    2. What about buying online? 
  8. 小李：可是我覺得我要看到、摸到才能確定
    1. Kěshì wǒ juéde wǒ yào kàn dào, mō dào cáinéng quèdìng
    2. But I think I have to see and feel (them) to be sure. 
  9. 阿明：也是... 送茶葉呢？
    1. yěshì... Sòng cháyè ne?
    2. True... what about giving tea? 
  10. 小李：他們不太懂喝茶
    1. Tāmen bú tài dǒng hē chá
    2. They don't really appreciate tea (lit. don't understand how to drink tea). 
  11. 阿明：那... 鳳梨酥呢？
    1. nà... Fènglí sū ne?
    2. Then... how about pineapple cake?
  12. 小李：已經送過太多次了
    1. Yǐjīng sòngguò tài duō cìle
    2. I've already given it too many times. 
  13. 阿明：是哦... 買禮物真的很不簡單！
    1. shì o... Mǎi lǐwù zhēn de hěn bù jiǎndān! 
    2. Oh... buying presents really isn't easy! 
  14. 小李：你看我買的貼紙！
    1. Nǐ kàn wǒ mǎi de tiēzhǐ!
    2. Look at the stickers I bought!
  15. 阿明：狗狗的貼紙好可愛！
    1. Gǒu gǒu de tiēzhǐ hǎo kě'ài!
    2. The dog stickers are so cute! 
  16. 小李：還有這個貼紙
    1. Hái yǒu zhège tiēzhǐ
    2. There's also this sticker. 
  17. 阿明：禁止吸煙？
    1. jìnzhǐ xīyān?
    2. Smoking prohibited?

Thanks for listening! 


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]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No S2 ~ 04 ~ 怎麼辦？+ Finding Your Language Parents 2 2 S2 ~ 04 ~ 怎麼辦？+ Finding Your Language Parents full cee89b17-8575-4c72-8919-266997b20c87 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ba0dd7ee What makes a good language parent, and how do you find one? In this episode I share some tips based on my own language learning experience. In the dialogue, 小李 is finally home after a long absence, and 阿明 notices that he seems a little nervous.

Q: Who are the best language teachers in the world?
A: Parents.

Whether they do it consciously or not, parents (and parental figures) are the people who teach us how to speak our first language, from the time we're born, until we start going to school, and beyond. All parents have their failings (some more than others), but passing their language on to their children seems to be one thing that almost every parent succeeds at with flying colors.

We may not be able to revert to childhood in order to learn another language, but nor do we have to. The same quality of language learning experience is available to adults too, and with only a fraction of the tears. That's what finding your "language parent" is all about. In the introduction of this episode, I talk about what makes an effective language parent, and then give you a few tips about how to find one so that you can start your "Mandarin childhood."

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:20] What makes a good language parent?
  2. [06:00] Finding your language parents
  3. [08:03] Introduction to the dialogue
  4. [08:55] Dialogue (normal speed)
  5. [09:41] Slow version (and repeat)
  6. [11:42] Useful vocabulary and phrases from the dialogue
  7. [15:24] Dialogue again (normal speed) 
  8. [16:26] Slow version again (and repeat)


Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (Chinese characters only):

  1. 緊張 
    1.  我好緊張  
    2.  你為什麼緊張？
    3.  你在緊張什麼？ 
  2.  擔心 
    1. 我很擔心  
    2. 我很愛擔心   
    3. 不要擔心 
  3. 乾淨 
    1.  我的家很乾淨  
    2.  我很愛乾淨  
    3.  這是乾淨的嗎？
  4. 應該 
    1.  應該是吧  
    2. 這應該是乾淨的  
    3.  你不應該這樣說 
  5. 先  
    1.  我先走了！ 
    2.  你先吃吧！
    3. 那我先回家  
  6. 拿 
    1.  我拿，好不好？
    2.  這個給你拿 
    3.  不要拿走  
  7. 麻煩你了 
  8. 怎麼了？  
  9. 怎麼辦？


Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (w/ pinyin and translation):

  1. 緊張 / jǐnzhāng / Nervous
    1.  我好緊張 / wǒ hǎo jǐnzhāng / I’m so nervous. 
    2.  你為什麼緊張？/ nǐ wèishéme jǐnzhāng? / Why are you nervous?
    3.  你在緊張什麼？/ nǐ zài jǐnzhāng shénme? / What are you nervous about? 
  2.  擔心 / dānxīn / To worry, worried.
    1. 我很擔心 / wǒ hěn dānxīn / I’m really worried. 
    2. 我很愛擔心 / wǒ hěn ài dānxīn / I’m a person who loves to worry.  
    3. 不要擔心 / búyào dānxīn / Don’t worry. 
  3. 乾淨 / gānjìng / Clean
    1.  我的家很乾淨 / wǒ de jiā hěn gānjìng / My home is really clean. 
    2.  我很愛乾淨 / wǒ hěn ài gānjìng / I love cleanliness, or I’m a neat freak. 
    3.  這是乾淨的嗎？/ zhè shì gānjìng de ma? / Is this clean? 
  4. 應該 / yīnggāi / Should
    1.  應該是吧 / yīnggāi shì ba / That should be, that should be the case. 
    2. 這應該是乾淨的 / zhè yīnggāi shì gānjìng de / This should be clean. 
    3.  你不應該這樣說 / nǐ bù yìng gāi zhèyàng shuō / You shouldn’t say that. 
  5. 先 / xiān / First, or often “right away” (“I’m gonna go do this thing right now…”) 
    1.  我先走了！/ wǒ xiān zǒule! / I’m leaving now. 
    2.  你先吃吧！/ nǐ xiān chī ba! / You start eating!
    3. 那我先回家 / nà wǒ xiān huí jiā / Then I’ll go home now. 
  6. 拿 / ná / To hold, to pick up
    1.  我拿，好不好？/ wǒ ná, hǎobù hǎo? / I’ll hold it, OK?
    2.  這個給你拿 / zhège gěi nǐ ná / You hold this. 
    3.  不要拿走 / búyào ná zǒu / Don’t take this away. 
  7. 麻煩你了 / Máfan nǐle / Sorry to trouble you
  8. 怎麼了？ / zěnmele? / What’s wrong? 
  9. 怎麼辦？/ Zěnme bàn? / What should we do? 

Thanks for listening! 


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> What makes a good language parent, and how do you find one? In this episode I share some tips based on my own language learning experience. In the dialogue, 小李 is finally home after a long absence, and 阿明 notices that he seems a little nervous.

Q: Who are the best language teachers in the world?
A: Parents.

Whether they do it consciously or not, parents (and parental figures) are the people who teach us how to speak our first language, from the time we're born, until we start going to school, and beyond. All parents have their failings (some more than others), but passing their language on to their children seems to be one thing that almost every parent succeeds at with flying colors.

We may not be able to revert to childhood in order to learn another language, but nor do we have to. The same quality of language learning experience is available to adults too, and with only a fraction of the tears. That's what finding your "language parent" is all about. In the introduction of this episode, I talk about what makes an effective language parent, and then give you a few tips about how to find one so that you can start your "Mandarin childhood."

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:20] What makes a good language parent?
  2. [06:00] Finding your language parents
  3. [08:03] Introduction to the dialogue
  4. [08:55] Dialogue (normal speed)
  5. [09:41] Slow version (and repeat)
  6. [11:42] Useful vocabulary and phrases from the dialogue
  7. [15:24] Dialogue again (normal speed) 
  8. [16:26] Slow version again (and repeat)


Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (Chinese characters only):

  1. 緊張 
    1.  我好緊張  
    2.  你為什麼緊張？
    3.  你在緊張什麼？ 
  2.  擔心 
    1. 我很擔心  
    2. 我很愛擔心   
    3. 不要擔心 
  3. 乾淨 
    1.  我的家很乾淨  
    2.  我很愛乾淨  
    3.  這是乾淨的嗎？
  4. 應該 
    1.  應該是吧  
    2. 這應該是乾淨的  
    3.  你不應該這樣說 
  5. 先  
    1.  我先走了！ 
    2.  你先吃吧！
    3. 那我先回家  
  6. 拿 
    1.  我拿，好不好？
    2.  這個給你拿 
    3.  不要拿走  
  7. 麻煩你了 
  8. 怎麼了？  
  9. 怎麼辦？


Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (w/ pinyin and translation):

  1. 緊張 / jǐnzhāng / Nervous
    1.  我好緊張 / wǒ hǎo jǐnzhāng / I’m so nervous. 
    2.  你為什麼緊張？/ nǐ wèishéme jǐnzhāng? / Why are you nervous?
    3.  你在緊張什麼？/ nǐ zài jǐnzhāng shénme? / What are you nervous about? 
  2.  擔心 / dānxīn / To worry, worried.
    1. 我很擔心 / wǒ hěn dānxīn / I’m really worried. 
    2. 我很愛擔心 / wǒ hěn ài dānxīn / I’m a person who loves to worry.  
    3. 不要擔心 / búyào dānxīn / Don’t worry. 
  3. 乾淨 / gānjìng / Clean
    1.  我的家很乾淨 / wǒ de jiā hěn gānjìng / My home is really clean. 
    2.  我很愛乾淨 / wǒ hěn ài gānjìng / I love cleanliness, or I’m a neat freak. 
    3.  這是乾淨的嗎？/ zhè shì gānjìng de ma? / Is this clean? 
  4. 應該 / yīnggāi / Should
    1.  應該是吧 / yīnggāi shì ba / That should be, that should be the case. 
    2. 這應該是乾淨的 / zhè yīnggāi shì gānjìng de / This should be clean. 
    3.  你不應該這樣說 / nǐ bù yìng gāi zhèyàng shuō / You shouldn’t say that. 
  5. 先 / xiān / First, or often “right away” (“I’m gonna go do this thing right now…”) 
    1.  我先走了！/ wǒ xiān zǒule! / I’m leaving now. 
    2.  你先吃吧！/ nǐ xiān chī ba! / You start eating!
    3. 那我先回家 / nà wǒ xiān huí jiā / Then I’ll go home now. 
  6. 拿 / ná / To hold, to pick up
    1.  我拿，好不好？/ wǒ ná, hǎobù hǎo? / I’ll hold it, OK?
    2.  這個給你拿 / zhège gěi nǐ ná / You hold this. 
    3.  不要拿走 / búyào ná zǒu / Don’t take this away. 
  7. 麻煩你了 / Máfan nǐle / Sorry to trouble you
  8. 怎麼了？ / zěnmele? / What’s wrong? 
  9. 怎麼辦？/ Zěnme bàn? / What should we do? 

Thanks for listening! 


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Fri, 10 Sep 2021 22:30:17 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 1155 What makes a good language parent, and how do you find one? In this episode I share some tips based on my own language learning experience. In the dialogue, 小李 is finally home after a long absence, and 阿明 notices that he seems a little nervous.

Q: Who are the best language teachers in the world?
A: Parents.

Whether they do it consciously or not, parents (and parental figures) are the people who teach us how to speak our first language, from the time we're born, until we start going to school, and beyond. All parents have their failings (some more than others), but passing their language on to their children seems to be one thing that almost every parent succeeds at with flying colors.

We may not be able to revert to childhood in order to learn another language, but nor do we have to. The same quality of language learning experience is available to adults too, and with only a fraction of the tears. That's what finding your "language parent" is all about. In the introduction of this episode, I talk about what makes an effective language parent, and then give you a few tips about how to find one so that you can start your "Mandarin childhood."

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:20] What makes a good language parent?
  2. [06:00] Finding your language parents
  3. [08:03] Introduction to the dialogue
  4. [08:55] Dialogue (normal speed)
  5. [09:41] Slow version (and repeat)
  6. [11:42] Useful vocabulary and phrases from the dialogue
  7. [15:24] Dialogue again (normal speed) 
  8. [16:26] Slow version again (and repeat)


Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (Chinese characters only):

  1. 緊張 
    1.  我好緊張  
    2.  你為什麼緊張？
    3.  你在緊張什麼？ 
  2.  擔心 
    1. 我很擔心  
    2. 我很愛擔心   
    3. 不要擔心 
  3. 乾淨 
    1.  我的家很乾淨  
    2.  我很愛乾淨  
    3.  這是乾淨的嗎？
  4. 應該 
    1.  應該是吧  
    2. 這應該是乾淨的  
    3.  你不應該這樣說 
  5. 先  
    1.  我先走了！ 
    2.  你先吃吧！
    3. 那我先回家  
  6. 拿 
    1.  我拿，好不好？
    2.  這個給你拿 
    3.  不要拿走  
  7. 麻煩你了 
  8. 怎麼了？  
  9. 怎麼辦？


Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (w/ pinyin and translation):

  1. 緊張 / jǐnzhāng / Nervous
    1.  我好緊張 / wǒ hǎo jǐnzhāng / I’m so nervous. 
    2.  你為什麼緊張？/ nǐ wèishéme jǐnzhāng? / Why are you nervous?
    3.  你在緊張什麼？/ nǐ zài jǐnzhāng shénme? / What are you nervous about? 
  2.  擔心 / dānxīn / To worry, worried.
    1. 我很擔心 / wǒ hěn dānxīn / I’m really worried. 
    2. 我很愛擔心 / wǒ hěn ài dānxīn / I’m a person who loves to worry.  
    3. 不要擔心 / búyào dānxīn / Don’t worry. 
  3. 乾淨 / gānjìng / Clean
    1.  我的家很乾淨 / wǒ de jiā hěn gānjìng / My home is really clean. 
    2.  我很愛乾淨 / wǒ hěn ài gānjìng / I love cleanliness, or I’m a neat freak. 
    3.  這是乾淨的嗎？/ zhè shì gānjìng de ma? / Is this clean? 
  4. 應該 / yīnggāi / Should
    1.  應該是吧 / yīnggāi shì ba / That should be, that should be the case. 
    2. 這應該是乾淨的 / zhè yīnggāi shì gānjìng de / This should be clean. 
    3.  你不應該這樣說 / nǐ bù yìng gāi zhèyàng shuō / You shouldn’t say that. 
  5. 先 / xiān / First, or often “right away” (“I’m gonna go do this thing right now…”) 
    1.  我先走了！/ wǒ xiān zǒule! / I’m leaving now. 
    2.  你先吃吧！/ nǐ xiān chī ba! / You start eating!
    3. 那我先回家 / nà wǒ xiān huí jiā / Then I’ll go home now. 
  6. 拿 / ná / To hold, to pick up
    1.  我拿，好不好？/ wǒ ná, hǎobù hǎo? / I’ll hold it, OK?
    2.  這個給你拿 / zhège gěi nǐ ná / You hold this. 
    3.  不要拿走 / búyào ná zǒu / Don’t take this away. 
  7. 麻煩你了 / Máfan nǐle / Sorry to trouble you
  8. 怎麼了？ / zěnmele? / What’s wrong? 
  9. 怎麼辦？/ Zěnme bàn? / What should we do? 

Thanks for listening! 


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No Daily Practice Session - S2 - Lesson 04 2 2 Daily Practice Session - S2 - Lesson 04 bonus 913f0cda-883b-42c1-a873-be40629bb74f https://share.transistor.fm/s/e71a910a README: How to use this recording

You'll hear the dialogue from Episode 4 twice.

The first time, there will be a short pause after each line. During the pause, try to repeat aloud exactly what you hear.

Repeating aloud is important, partly because you'll be training your speech muscles to make the sounds of Mandarin, and partly because you'll be getting feedback about how you sound (if you're listening with earbuds, I recommend practicing with one earbud out and one in, or else with both partially in, so that you can hear yourself better).

The second time, there won't be any pauses -- try to "shadow" the sounds simultaneously as they are spoken, again aloud.

This will help you practice stringing the sounds together and further reinforce the muscle memory speech patterns of Mandarin. If it feels way too fast, you can try shadowing only one of the two characters (A-Ming or Xiao-Li) each time you listen. However, even then, don't expect to be able to keep up with everything at first.  It takes regular daily practice to start training your ears to have a more nuanced perception of the sounds, and to train your speech muscles to speak at natural speed.


A transcript of the dialogue is available below. First, it is written out in only Chinese characters for those who are learning characters and want to practice reading along. Then it is written out with the translation and pinyin.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only): 

  • 阿明：我們到了！
  • 小李：我真的好久沒有回家 
  • 阿明：你會緊張嗎？
  • 小李：有一點
  • 阿明：你在擔心什麼？
  • 小李：我擔心我家裡有很多蟑螂！
  • 阿明：是哦。。。你家不是很乾淨嗎？ 
  • 小李：是啊，蠻乾淨的，可是。。。
  • 阿明：那應該沒問題吧 
  • 小李：也是，可是。。。
  • 阿明：那我們先進去吧，我幫你拿行李 
  • 小李：好，麻煩你了
  • 阿明：不會，你先去開門 
  • 小李：天哪！
  • 阿明：怎麼了？
  • 小李：好多蟑螂！怎麼辦？


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • 阿明：我們到了！
    • Wǒmen dàole!
    • We’ve arrived!
  • 小李：我真的好久沒有回家。
    • Wǒ zhēn de hǎojiǔ méiyǒu huí jiā.
    • I really haven’t been home in a long time. 
  • 阿明：你會緊張嗎？
    • Nǐ huì jǐnzhāng ma?
    • Are you nervous? 
  • 小李：有一點
    • Yǒu yīdiǎn
    • A little. 
  • 阿明：你在擔心什麼？
    • nǐ zài dānxīn shénme? 
    • What are you worried about? 
  • 小李：我擔心我家裡有很多蟑螂！
    • Wǒ dānxīn wǒ jiālǐ yǒu hěnduō zhāngláng!
    • I’m worried my home has a lot of cockroaches! 
  • 阿明：是哦。。。你家不是很乾淨嗎？
    • Shì ó... Nǐ jiā bùshì hěn gānjìng ma?
    • Oh… isn’t your house really clean? 
  • 小李：是啊，蠻乾淨的，可是。。。
    • Shì a, mán gānjìng de, kěshì...
    • It is, it’s pretty clean, but...
  • 阿明：那應該沒問題吧
    • Nà yīnggāi méi wèntí ba
    • Then it shouldn’t be a problem. 
  • 小李：也是，可是。。。
    • yěshì, kěshì...
    • That’s true, but… 
  • 阿明：那我們先進去吧，我幫你拿行李 
    • Nà wǒmen xiān jìnqù ba, wǒ bāng nǐ ná xínglǐ 
    • Well let’s go in first, I’ll help you carry your luggage. 
  • 小李：好，麻煩你了
    • hǎo, máfan nǐle
    • Ok, sorry to trouble you. 
  • 阿明：不會，你先去開門 
    • bù huì, nǐ xiān qù kāimén
    • No problem, go open the door first. 
  • 小李：天哪！
    • tiān nǎ! 
    • Oh God! 
  • 阿明：怎麼了？
    • Zěnmele?
    • What’s wrong? 
  • 小李：好多蟑螂！怎麼辦？
    • Hǎoduō zhāngláng! Zěnme bàn?
    • So many cockroaches! What are we gonna do?

Thanks for listening! 


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> README: How to use this recording

You'll hear the dialogue from Episode 4 twice.

The first time, there will be a short pause after each line. During the pause, try to repeat aloud exactly what you hear.

Repeating aloud is important, partly because you'll be training your speech muscles to make the sounds of Mandarin, and partly because you'll be getting feedback about how you sound (if you're listening with earbuds, I recommend practicing with one earbud out and one in, or else with both partially in, so that you can hear yourself better).

The second time, there won't be any pauses -- try to "shadow" the sounds simultaneously as they are spoken, again aloud.

This will help you practice stringing the sounds together and further reinforce the muscle memory speech patterns of Mandarin. If it feels way too fast, you can try shadowing only one of the two characters (A-Ming or Xiao-Li) each time you listen. However, even then, don't expect to be able to keep up with everything at first.  It takes regular daily practice to start training your ears to have a more nuanced perception of the sounds, and to train your speech muscles to speak at natural speed.


A transcript of the dialogue is available below. First, it is written out in only Chinese characters for those who are learning characters and want to practice reading along. Then it is written out with the translation and pinyin.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only): 

  • 阿明：我們到了！
  • 小李：我真的好久沒有回家 
  • 阿明：你會緊張嗎？
  • 小李：有一點
  • 阿明：你在擔心什麼？
  • 小李：我擔心我家裡有很多蟑螂！
  • 阿明：是哦。。。你家不是很乾淨嗎？ 
  • 小李：是啊，蠻乾淨的，可是。。。
  • 阿明：那應該沒問題吧 
  • 小李：也是，可是。。。
  • 阿明：那我們先進去吧，我幫你拿行李 
  • 小李：好，麻煩你了
  • 阿明：不會，你先去開門 
  • 小李：天哪！
  • 阿明：怎麼了？
  • 小李：好多蟑螂！怎麼辦？


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • 阿明：我們到了！
    • Wǒmen dàole!
    • We’ve arrived!
  • 小李：我真的好久沒有回家。
    • Wǒ zhēn de hǎojiǔ méiyǒu huí jiā.
    • I really haven’t been home in a long time. 
  • 阿明：你會緊張嗎？
    • Nǐ huì jǐnzhāng ma?
    • Are you nervous? 
  • 小李：有一點
    • Yǒu yīdiǎn
    • A little. 
  • 阿明：你在擔心什麼？
    • nǐ zài dānxīn shénme? 
    • What are you worried about? 
  • 小李：我擔心我家裡有很多蟑螂！
    • Wǒ dānxīn wǒ jiālǐ yǒu hěnduō zhāngláng!
    • I’m worried my home has a lot of cockroaches! 
  • 阿明：是哦。。。你家不是很乾淨嗎？
    • Shì ó... Nǐ jiā bùshì hěn gānjìng ma?
    • Oh… isn’t your house really clean? 
  • 小李：是啊，蠻乾淨的，可是。。。
    • Shì a, mán gānjìng de, kěshì...
    • It is, it’s pretty clean, but...
  • 阿明：那應該沒問題吧
    • Nà yīnggāi méi wèntí ba
    • Then it shouldn’t be a problem. 
  • 小李：也是，可是。。。
    • yěshì, kěshì...
    • That’s true, but… 
  • 阿明：那我們先進去吧，我幫你拿行李 
    • Nà wǒmen xiān jìnqù ba, wǒ bāng nǐ ná xínglǐ 
    • Well let’s go in first, I’ll help you carry your luggage. 
  • 小李：好，麻煩你了
    • hǎo, máfan nǐle
    • Ok, sorry to trouble you. 
  • 阿明：不會，你先去開門 
    • bù huì, nǐ xiān qù kāimén
    • No problem, go open the door first. 
  • 小李：天哪！
    • tiān nǎ! 
    • Oh God! 
  • 阿明：怎麼了？
    • Zěnmele?
    • What’s wrong? 
  • 小李：好多蟑螂！怎麼辦？
    • Hǎoduō zhāngláng! Zěnme bàn?
    • So many cockroaches! What are we gonna do?

Thanks for listening! 


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Sat, 11 Sep 2021 18:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 135 README: How to use this recording

You'll hear the dialogue from Episode 4 twice.

The first time, there will be a short pause after each line. During the pause, try to repeat aloud exactly what you hear.

Repeating aloud is important, partly because you'll be training your speech muscles to make the sounds of Mandarin, and partly because you'll be getting feedback about how you sound (if you're listening with earbuds, I recommend practicing with one earbud out and one in, or else with both partially in, so that you can hear yourself better).

The second time, there won't be any pauses -- try to "shadow" the sounds simultaneously as they are spoken, again aloud.

This will help you practice stringing the sounds together and further reinforce the muscle memory speech patterns of Mandarin. If it feels way too fast, you can try shadowing only one of the two characters (A-Ming or Xiao-Li) each time you listen. However, even then, don't expect to be able to keep up with everything at first.  It takes regular daily practice to start training your ears to have a more nuanced perception of the sounds, and to train your speech muscles to speak at natural speed.


A transcript of the dialogue is available below. First, it is written out in only Chinese characters for those who are learning characters and want to practice reading along. Then it is written out with the translation and pinyin.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only): 

  • 阿明：我們到了！
  • 小李：我真的好久沒有回家 
  • 阿明：你會緊張嗎？
  • 小李：有一點
  • 阿明：你在擔心什麼？
  • 小李：我擔心我家裡有很多蟑螂！
  • 阿明：是哦。。。你家不是很乾淨嗎？ 
  • 小李：是啊，蠻乾淨的，可是。。。
  • 阿明：那應該沒問題吧 
  • 小李：也是，可是。。。
  • 阿明：那我們先進去吧，我幫你拿行李 
  • 小李：好，麻煩你了
  • 阿明：不會，你先去開門 
  • 小李：天哪！
  • 阿明：怎麼了？
  • 小李：好多蟑螂！怎麼辦？


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • 阿明：我們到了！
    • Wǒmen dàole!
    • We’ve arrived!
  • 小李：我真的好久沒有回家。
    • Wǒ zhēn de hǎojiǔ méiyǒu huí jiā.
    • I really haven’t been home in a long time. 
  • 阿明：你會緊張嗎？
    • Nǐ huì jǐnzhāng ma?
    • Are you nervous? 
  • 小李：有一點
    • Yǒu yīdiǎn
    • A little. 
  • 阿明：你在擔心什麼？
    • nǐ zài dānxīn shénme? 
    • What are you worried about? 
  • 小李：我擔心我家裡有很多蟑螂！
    • Wǒ dānxīn wǒ jiālǐ yǒu hěnduō zhāngláng!
    • I’m worried my home has a lot of cockroaches! 
  • 阿明：是哦。。。你家不是很乾淨嗎？
    • Shì ó... Nǐ jiā bùshì hěn gānjìng ma?
    • Oh… isn’t your house really clean? 
  • 小李：是啊，蠻乾淨的，可是。。。
    • Shì a, mán gānjìng de, kěshì...
    • It is, it’s pretty clean, but...
  • 阿明：那應該沒問題吧
    • Nà yīnggāi méi wèntí ba
    • Then it shouldn’t be a problem. 
  • 小李：也是，可是。。。
    • yěshì, kěshì...
    • That’s true, but… 
  • 阿明：那我們先進去吧，我幫你拿行李 
    • Nà wǒmen xiān jìnqù ba, wǒ bāng nǐ ná xínglǐ 
    • Well let’s go in first, I’ll help you carry your luggage. 
  • 小李：好，麻煩你了
    • hǎo, máfan nǐle
    • Ok, sorry to trouble you. 
  • 阿明：不會，你先去開門 
    • bù huì, nǐ xiān qù kāimén
    • No problem, go open the door first. 
  • 小李：天哪！
    • tiān nǎ! 
    • Oh God! 
  • 阿明：怎麼了？
    • Zěnmele?
    • What’s wrong? 
  • 小李：好多蟑螂！怎麼辦？
    • Hǎoduō zhāngláng! Zěnme bàn?
    • So many cockroaches! What are we gonna do?

Thanks for listening! 


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No S2 ~ 05 ~ 怎麼辦？Part 2 + Interviewing in Mandarin 2 2 S2 ~ 05 ~ 怎麼辦？Part 2 + Interviewing in Mandarin full 88906106-5ea8-44c0-9081-c98ae658b10b https://www.mftgu.com/episodes/s02-e05 One fun, engaging way you can give your Mandarin learning a boost is by conducting interviews with your Mandarin-speaking language parents, friends, or teachers. In this lesson, I offer some advice about how to turn the interview into a powerful language-learning tool. Then, we'll hear a line-by-line translation of the dialogue from Lesson 04.

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] How do you conduct an interview in Mandarin? 
  2. [03:49] The three biggest reasons to do an interview in Mandarin
  3. [07:00] Dialogue (normal speed)
  4. [07:45] Complete translation
  5. [10:37] Dialogue with pauses for echoing (normal speed)


Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only): 

  • 阿明：我們到了！
  • 小李：我真的好久沒有回家。
  • 你會緊張嗎？
  • 有一點
  • 你在擔心什麼？
  • 我擔心我家裡有很多蟑螂！
  • 是哦。。。你家不是很乾淨嗎？
  • 是啊，蠻乾淨的，可是。。。
  • 那應該沒問題吧
  • 也是，可是。。。
  • 那我們先進去吧，我幫你拿行李 
  • 好，麻煩你了
  • 不會，你先去開門 
  • 天哪！
  • 怎麼了？
  • 好多蟑螂！怎麼辦？


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • 阿明：我們到了！
    • Wǒmen dàole!
    • We’ve arrived!
  • 小李：我真的好久沒有回家。
    • Wǒ zhēn de hǎojiǔ méiyǒu huí jiā.
    • I really haven’t been home in a long time. 
  • 你會緊張嗎？
    • Nǐ huì jǐnzhāng ma?
    • Are you nervous? 
  • 有一點
    • Yǒu yīdiǎn
    • A little. 
  • 你在擔心什麼？
    • nǐ zài dānxīn shénme? 
    • What are you worried about? 
  • 我擔心我家裡有很多蟑螂！
    • Wǒ dānxīn wǒ jiālǐ yǒu hěnduō zhāngláng!
    • I’m worried my home has a lot of cockroaches! 
  • 是哦。。。你家不是很乾淨嗎？
    • Shì ó... Nǐ jiā bùshì hěn gānjìng ma?
    • Oh… isn’t your house really clean? 
  • 是啊，蠻乾淨的，可是。。。
    • Shì a, mán gānjìng de, kěshì...
    • It is, it’s pretty clean, but...
  • 那應該沒問題吧
    • Nà yīnggāi méi wèntí ba
    • Then it shouldn’t be a problem. 
  • 也是，可是。。。
    • yěshì, kěshì...
    • That’s true, but… 
  • 那我們先進去吧，我幫你拿行李 
    • Nà wǒmen xiān jìnqù ba, wǒ bāng nǐ ná xínglǐ 
    • Well let’s go in first, I’ll help you carry your luggage. 
  • 好，麻煩你了
    • hǎo, máfan nǐle
    • Ok, sorry to trouble you. 
  • 不會，你先去開門 
    • bù huì, nǐ xiān qù kāimén
    • No problem, go open the door first. 
  • 天哪！
    • tiān nǎ! 
    • Oh God! 
  • 怎麼了？
    • Zěnmele?
    • What’s wrong? 
  • 好多蟑螂！怎麼辦？
    • Hǎoduō zhāngláng! Zěnme bàn?
    • So many cockroaches! What are we gonna do? 

Thanks for listening! 


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★


]]> One fun, engaging way you can give your Mandarin learning a boost is by conducting interviews with your Mandarin-speaking language parents, friends, or teachers. In this lesson, I offer some advice about how to turn the interview into a powerful language-learning tool. Then, we'll hear a line-by-line translation of the dialogue from Lesson 04.

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] How do you conduct an interview in Mandarin? 
  2. [03:49] The three biggest reasons to do an interview in Mandarin
  3. [07:00] Dialogue (normal speed)
  4. [07:45] Complete translation
  5. [10:37] Dialogue with pauses for echoing (normal speed)


Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only): 

  • 阿明：我們到了！
  • 小李：我真的好久沒有回家。
  • 你會緊張嗎？
  • 有一點
  • 你在擔心什麼？
  • 我擔心我家裡有很多蟑螂！
  • 是哦。。。你家不是很乾淨嗎？
  • 是啊，蠻乾淨的，可是。。。
  • 那應該沒問題吧
  • 也是，可是。。。
  • 那我們先進去吧，我幫你拿行李 
  • 好，麻煩你了
  • 不會，你先去開門 
  • 天哪！
  • 怎麼了？
  • 好多蟑螂！怎麼辦？


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • 阿明：我們到了！
    • Wǒmen dàole!
    • We’ve arrived!
  • 小李：我真的好久沒有回家。
    • Wǒ zhēn de hǎojiǔ méiyǒu huí jiā.
    • I really haven’t been home in a long time. 
  • 你會緊張嗎？
    • Nǐ huì jǐnzhāng ma?
    • Are you nervous? 
  • 有一點
    • Yǒu yīdiǎn
    • A little. 
  • 你在擔心什麼？
    • nǐ zài dānxīn shénme? 
    • What are you worried about? 
  • 我擔心我家裡有很多蟑螂！
    • Wǒ dānxīn wǒ jiālǐ yǒu hěnduō zhāngláng!
    • I’m worried my home has a lot of cockroaches! 
  • 是哦。。。你家不是很乾淨嗎？
    • Shì ó... Nǐ jiā bùshì hěn gānjìng ma?
    • Oh… isn’t your house really clean? 
  • 是啊，蠻乾淨的，可是。。。
    • Shì a, mán gānjìng de, kěshì...
    • It is, it’s pretty clean, but...
  • 那應該沒問題吧
    • Nà yīnggāi méi wèntí ba
    • Then it shouldn’t be a problem. 
  • 也是，可是。。。
    • yěshì, kěshì...
    • That’s true, but… 
  • 那我們先進去吧，我幫你拿行李 
    • Nà wǒmen xiān jìnqù ba, wǒ bāng nǐ ná xínglǐ 
    • Well let’s go in first, I’ll help you carry your luggage. 
  • 好，麻煩你了
    • hǎo, máfan nǐle
    • Ok, sorry to trouble you. 
  • 不會，你先去開門 
    • bù huì, nǐ xiān qù kāimén
    • No problem, go open the door first. 
  • 天哪！
    • tiān nǎ! 
    • Oh God! 
  • 怎麼了？
    • Zěnmele?
    • What’s wrong? 
  • 好多蟑螂！怎麼辦？
    • Hǎoduō zhāngláng! Zěnme bàn?
    • So many cockroaches! What are we gonna do? 

Thanks for listening! 


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★


]]> Sat, 25 Sep 2021 06:41:03 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 763 One fun, engaging way you can give your Mandarin learning a boost is by conducting interviews with your Mandarin-speaking language parents, friends, or teachers. In this lesson, I offer some advice about how to turn the interview into a powerful language-learning tool. Then, we'll hear a line-by-line translation of the dialogue from Lesson 04.

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] How do you conduct an interview in Mandarin? 
  2. [03:49] The three biggest reasons to do an interview in Mandarin
  3. [07:00] Dialogue (normal speed)
  4. [07:45] Complete translation
  5. [10:37] Dialogue with pauses for echoing (normal speed)


Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only): 

  • 阿明：我們到了！
  • 小李：我真的好久沒有回家。
  • 你會緊張嗎？
  • 有一點
  • 你在擔心什麼？
  • 我擔心我家裡有很多蟑螂！
  • 是哦。。。你家不是很乾淨嗎？
  • 是啊，蠻乾淨的，可是。。。
  • 那應該沒問題吧
  • 也是，可是。。。
  • 那我們先進去吧，我幫你拿行李 
  • 好，麻煩你了
  • 不會，你先去開門 
  • 天哪！
  • 怎麼了？
  • 好多蟑螂！怎麼辦？


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • 阿明：我們到了！
    • Wǒmen dàole!
    • We’ve arrived!
  • 小李：我真的好久沒有回家。
    • Wǒ zhēn de hǎojiǔ méiyǒu huí jiā.
    • I really haven’t been home in a long time. 
  • 你會緊張嗎？
    • Nǐ huì jǐnzhāng ma?
    • Are you nervous? 
  • 有一點
    • Yǒu yīdiǎn
    • A little. 
  • 你在擔心什麼？
    • nǐ zài dānxīn shénme? 
    • What are you worried about? 
  • 我擔心我家裡有很多蟑螂！
    • Wǒ dānxīn wǒ jiālǐ yǒu hěnduō zhāngláng!
    • I’m worried my home has a lot of cockroaches! 
  • 是哦。。。你家不是很乾淨嗎？
    • Shì ó... Nǐ jiā bùshì hěn gānjìng ma?
    • Oh… isn’t your house really clean? 
  • 是啊，蠻乾淨的，可是。。。
    • Shì a, mán gānjìng de, kěshì...
    • It is, it’s pretty clean, but...
  • 那應該沒問題吧
    • Nà yīnggāi méi wèntí ba
    • Then it shouldn’t be a problem. 
  • 也是，可是。。。
    • yěshì, kěshì...
    • That’s true, but… 
  • 那我們先進去吧，我幫你拿行李 
    • Nà wǒmen xiān jìnqù ba, wǒ bāng nǐ ná xínglǐ 
    • Well let’s go in first, I’ll help you carry your luggage. 
  • 好，麻煩你了
    • hǎo, máfan nǐle
    • Ok, sorry to trouble you. 
  • 不會，你先去開門 
    • bù huì, nǐ xiān qù kāimén
    • No problem, go open the door first. 
  • 天哪！
    • tiān nǎ! 
    • Oh God! 
  • 怎麼了？
    • Zěnmele?
    • What’s wrong? 
  • 好多蟑螂！怎麼辦？
    • Hǎoduō zhāngláng! Zěnme bàn?
    • So many cockroaches! What are we gonna do? 

Thanks for listening! 


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★


]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No S2 ~ 06 ~ 冰箱是空的！+ Letting Yourself Explore 2 2 S2 ~ 06 ~ 冰箱是空的！+ Letting Yourself Explore full 9abd71d2-d2d5-4513-bcfd-53a330ffbd54 https://www.mftgu.com/episodes/s02-e06 Learning a new language can become a gateway to exploring an undiscovered side of yourself. Find out how in this lesson. In the dialogue, Xiao-Li (小李) and A-Ming (阿明) realize there's nothing to drink in Xiao-Li's apartment.

Whether we like it or not, a lot of things happen in life just by accident. Some talents, skills, or passions may lie dormant, just because we never had the opportunity to uncover them. Learning a new language can be a second chance to explore what intrigues you, and to do so from an entirely different angle -- and in an entirely different language! 

In this episode, I talk about how learning Mandarin broadened my taste in music, and taught me the joy of singing. 

Here are a couple of my favorite 王菲 songs:


Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] How can learning Mandarin help you explore an undiscovered new side of yourself? 
  2. [07:17] Introduction to the dialogue
  3. [07:45] Dialogue (normal speed)
  4. [08:47] Slow version (and repeat)
  5. [11:37] Useful vocabulary and phrases from the dialogue
  6. [18:03] Dialogue again (normal speed) 


Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (中文 only):

  1. 終於
    1. 終於到了！
    2. 終於看到你了！
    3. 你終於來了！
  2. 整理 
    1. 我要整理行李 
    2. 麻煩你整理一下
    3. 你可以幫我整理嗎？
  3. 而且 
    1. 這家餐廳很好吃，而且很便宜！
    2. 今天下雨，而且很冷 
    3. 美國的火車很貴，而且很慢！
  4. 出汗
    1. 我出了很多汗 
    2. 我很愛出汗 
  5. 記得
    1. 記得多喝水哦！
    2. 記得練習中文！
    3. 你要記得我！
    4. 我不記得了 
  6. 其實 
    1. 其實，我不知道 
    2. 其實，我覺得還不錯 
    3. 其實，我都可以 
  7. 常、常常、很常 
    1. 台北常常下雨 
    2. 你常常遲到 
    3. 你常常問我這個問題 
  8. 剛剛 
    1. 我剛剛在想... 
    2. 我剛剛看到他！
    3. 你剛剛說什麼？
  9. 而已 
    1. 一百塊而已！很便宜！
    2. 你剛剛來而已！
    3. 其實，我要你記得我，這樣而已 
  10. 一瓶 
    1. 一瓶水 
    2. 一瓶冰水 
    3. 一瓶冰茶 
    4. 兩瓶冰水 
    5. 四瓶咖啡 
  11. 關掉 
    1. 電視要關掉 
    2. 記得關燈 
    3. 音樂可以關掉 


Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (w/ pinyin and translation):

  1. 終於 / zhōngyú / finally
    1. 終於到了！/ zhōngyú dàole! / (We've) finally arrived!
    2. 終於看到你了！/ zhōngyú kàn dào nǐle! / I finally saw you / found you!
    3. 你終於來了！/ nǐ zhōngyú láile! / You finally came!
  2. 整理 / zhěnglǐ / to organize, to pack, to tidy up
    1. 我要整理行李 / wǒ yào zhěnglǐ háng lǐ / I want to organize my luggage
    2. 麻煩你整理一下 / máfan nǐ zhěnglǐ yīxià / Please tidy up a bit
    3. 你可以幫我整理嗎？/ nǐ kěyǐ bāng wǒ zhěnglǐ ma? / Can you help me tidy up?
  3. 而且 / érqiě / moreover, but also
    1. 這家餐廳很好吃，而且很便宜！/ zhè jiā cāntīng hěn hào chī, érqiě hěn piányí! / This restaurant isn't just delicious, it's also cheap!
    2. 今天下雨，而且很冷 / jīntiān xià yǔ, érqiě hěn lěng / It didn't just rain today, it's also really cold.
    3. 美國的火車很貴，而且很慢！/ měiguó de huǒchē hěn guì, érqiě hěn màn! / American trains aren't just expensive, they're also slow!
  4. 出汗 / chū hàn / to sweat
    1. 我出了很多汗 / wǒ chūle hěnduō hàn / I sweat a lot (at a specific time)
    2. 我很愛出汗 / wǒ hěn ài chū hàn / I sweat a lot (in general)
  5. 記得 / jìdé / to remember
    1. 記得多喝水哦！/ jìdé duō hē shuǐ ó! / Remember to drink lots of water!
    2. 記得練習中文！/ jìdé liànxí zhōngwén! / Remember to practice Chinese!
    3. 你要記得我！/ Nǐ yào jìdé wǒ! / You must remember me!
    4. 我不記得了 / Wǒ bù jìdéle / I don't remember
  6. 其實 / qíshí / actually
    1. 其實，我不知道 / qíshí, wǒ bù zhīdào / Actually, I don't know
    2. 其實，我覺得還不錯 / qíshí, wǒ juédé hái bùcuò / Actually, I feel it's not bad
    3. 其實，我都可以 / qíshí, wǒ dū kěyǐ / Actually, I'm OK with whatever
  7. 常、常常、很常 / cháng, chángcháng, hěn cháng / often
    1. 台北常常下雨 / táiběi chángcháng xià yǔ / Taipei often rains
    2. 你常常遲到 / nǐ chángcháng chídào / You often arrive late
    3. 你常常問我這個問題 / nǐ chángcháng wèn wǒ zhège wèntí / You often ask me this question
  8. 剛剛 / gānggāng / just now
    1. 我剛剛在想... / wǒ gānggāng zài xiǎng... / I was just thinking...
    2. 我剛剛看到他！/ wǒ gānggāng kàn dào tā! / I just saw him!
    3. 你剛剛說什麼？/ Nǐ gānggāng shuō shénme? / What did you just say?
  9. 而已 / éryǐ / only, merely
    1. 一百塊而已！很便宜！/ yībǎi kuài éryǐ! Hěn piányí! / Only 100 dollars! So cheap!
    2. 你剛剛來而已！/ nǐ gānggāng lái éryǐ! / You just got here!
    3. 其實，我要你記得我，這樣而已 / qíshí, wǒ yào nǐ jìdé wǒ, zhèyàng éryǐ / Actually, I want you to remember me, that's all.
  10. 一瓶 / yī píng / one bottle (measure word)
    1. 一瓶水 / yī píng shuǐ / One bottle of water
    2. 一瓶冰水 / yī píng bīng shuǐ / A bottle of ice water
    3. 一瓶冰茶 / yī píng bīng chá / A bottle of iced tea
    4. 兩瓶冰水 / liǎng píng bīng shuǐ / Two bottles of ice water
    5. 四瓶咖啡 / sì píng kāfēi / Four bottles of coffee
  11. 關掉 / guān diào / To close, to turn off
    1. 電視要關掉 / diànshì yào guān diào / Turn off the TV
    2. 記得關燈 / jìdé guān dēng / Remember to turn off the light
    3. 音樂可以關掉 / yīnyuè kěyǐ guān diào / You can turn off the music


Thanks for listening! 


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Learning a new language can become a gateway to exploring an undiscovered side of yourself. Find out how in this lesson. In the dialogue, Xiao-Li (小李) and A-Ming (阿明) realize there's nothing to drink in Xiao-Li's apartment.

Whether we like it or not, a lot of things happen in life just by accident. Some talents, skills, or passions may lie dormant, just because we never had the opportunity to uncover them. Learning a new language can be a second chance to explore what intrigues you, and to do so from an entirely different angle -- and in an entirely different language! 

In this episode, I talk about how learning Mandarin broadened my taste in music, and taught me the joy of singing. 

Here are a couple of my favorite 王菲 songs:


Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] How can learning Mandarin help you explore an undiscovered new side of yourself? 
  2. [07:17] Introduction to the dialogue
  3. [07:45] Dialogue (normal speed)
  4. [08:47] Slow version (and repeat)
  5. [11:37] Useful vocabulary and phrases from the dialogue
  6. [18:03] Dialogue again (normal speed) 


Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (中文 only):

  1. 終於
    1. 終於到了！
    2. 終於看到你了！
    3. 你終於來了！
  2. 整理 
    1. 我要整理行李 
    2. 麻煩你整理一下
    3. 你可以幫我整理嗎？
  3. 而且 
    1. 這家餐廳很好吃，而且很便宜！
    2. 今天下雨，而且很冷 
    3. 美國的火車很貴，而且很慢！
  4. 出汗
    1. 我出了很多汗 
    2. 我很愛出汗 
  5. 記得
    1. 記得多喝水哦！
    2. 記得練習中文！
    3. 你要記得我！
    4. 我不記得了 
  6. 其實 
    1. 其實，我不知道 
    2. 其實，我覺得還不錯 
    3. 其實，我都可以 
  7. 常、常常、很常 
    1. 台北常常下雨 
    2. 你常常遲到 
    3. 你常常問我這個問題 
  8. 剛剛 
    1. 我剛剛在想... 
    2. 我剛剛看到他！
    3. 你剛剛說什麼？
  9. 而已 
    1. 一百塊而已！很便宜！
    2. 你剛剛來而已！
    3. 其實，我要你記得我，這樣而已 
  10. 一瓶 
    1. 一瓶水 
    2. 一瓶冰水 
    3. 一瓶冰茶 
    4. 兩瓶冰水 
    5. 四瓶咖啡 
  11. 關掉 
    1. 電視要關掉 
    2. 記得關燈 
    3. 音樂可以關掉 


Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (w/ pinyin and translation):

  1. 終於 / zhōngyú / finally
    1. 終於到了！/ zhōngyú dàole! / (We've) finally arrived!
    2. 終於看到你了！/ zhōngyú kàn dào nǐle! / I finally saw you / found you!
    3. 你終於來了！/ nǐ zhōngyú láile! / You finally came!
  2. 整理 / zhěnglǐ / to organize, to pack, to tidy up
    1. 我要整理行李 / wǒ yào zhěnglǐ háng lǐ / I want to organize my luggage
    2. 麻煩你整理一下 / máfan nǐ zhěnglǐ yīxià / Please tidy up a bit
    3. 你可以幫我整理嗎？/ nǐ kěyǐ bāng wǒ zhěnglǐ ma? / Can you help me tidy up?
  3. 而且 / érqiě / moreover, but also
    1. 這家餐廳很好吃，而且很便宜！/ zhè jiā cāntīng hěn hào chī, érqiě hěn piányí! / This restaurant isn't just delicious, it's also cheap!
    2. 今天下雨，而且很冷 / jīntiān xià yǔ, érqiě hěn lěng / It didn't just rain today, it's also really cold.
    3. 美國的火車很貴，而且很慢！/ měiguó de huǒchē hěn guì, érqiě hěn màn! / American trains aren't just expensive, they're also slow!
  4. 出汗 / chū hàn / to sweat
    1. 我出了很多汗 / wǒ chūle hěnduō hàn / I sweat a lot (at a specific time)
    2. 我很愛出汗 / wǒ hěn ài chū hàn / I sweat a lot (in general)
  5. 記得 / jìdé / to remember
    1. 記得多喝水哦！/ jìdé duō hē shuǐ ó! / Remember to drink lots of water!
    2. 記得練習中文！/ jìdé liànxí zhōngwén! / Remember to practice Chinese!
    3. 你要記得我！/ Nǐ yào jìdé wǒ! / You must remember me!
    4. 我不記得了 / Wǒ bù jìdéle / I don't remember
  6. 其實 / qíshí / actually
    1. 其實，我不知道 / qíshí, wǒ bù zhīdào / Actually, I don't know
    2. 其實，我覺得還不錯 / qíshí, wǒ juédé hái bùcuò / Actually, I feel it's not bad
    3. 其實，我都可以 / qíshí, wǒ dū kěyǐ / Actually, I'm OK with whatever
  7. 常、常常、很常 / cháng, chángcháng, hěn cháng / often
    1. 台北常常下雨 / táiběi chángcháng xià yǔ / Taipei often rains
    2. 你常常遲到 / nǐ chángcháng chídào / You often arrive late
    3. 你常常問我這個問題 / nǐ chángcháng wèn wǒ zhège wèntí / You often ask me this question
  8. 剛剛 / gānggāng / just now
    1. 我剛剛在想... / wǒ gānggāng zài xiǎng... / I was just thinking...
    2. 我剛剛看到他！/ wǒ gānggāng kàn dào tā! / I just saw him!
    3. 你剛剛說什麼？/ Nǐ gānggāng shuō shénme? / What did you just say?
  9. 而已 / éryǐ / only, merely
    1. 一百塊而已！很便宜！/ yībǎi kuài éryǐ! Hěn piányí! / Only 100 dollars! So cheap!
    2. 你剛剛來而已！/ nǐ gānggāng lái éryǐ! / You just got here!
    3. 其實，我要你記得我，這樣而已 / qíshí, wǒ yào nǐ jìdé wǒ, zhèyàng éryǐ / Actually, I want you to remember me, that's all.
  10. 一瓶 / yī píng / one bottle (measure word)
    1. 一瓶水 / yī píng shuǐ / One bottle of water
    2. 一瓶冰水 / yī píng bīng shuǐ / A bottle of ice water
    3. 一瓶冰茶 / yī píng bīng chá / A bottle of iced tea
    4. 兩瓶冰水 / liǎng píng bīng shuǐ / Two bottles of ice water
    5. 四瓶咖啡 / sì píng kāfēi / Four bottles of coffee
  11. 關掉 / guān diào / To close, to turn off
    1. 電視要關掉 / diànshì yào guān diào / Turn off the TV
    2. 記得關燈 / jìdé guān dēng / Remember to turn off the light
    3. 音樂可以關掉 / yīnyuè kěyǐ guān diào / You can turn off the music


Thanks for listening! 


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Mon, 11 Oct 2021 09:44:23 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 1176 Learning a new language can become a gateway to exploring an undiscovered side of yourself. Find out how in this lesson. In the dialogue, Xiao-Li (小李) and A-Ming (阿明) realize there's nothing to drink in Xiao-Li's apartment.

Whether we like it or not, a lot of things happen in life just by accident. Some talents, skills, or passions may lie dormant, just because we never had the opportunity to uncover them. Learning a new language can be a second chance to explore what intrigues you, and to do so from an entirely different angle -- and in an entirely different language! 

In this episode, I talk about how learning Mandarin broadened my taste in music, and taught me the joy of singing. 

Here are a couple of my favorite 王菲 songs:


Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] How can learning Mandarin help you explore an undiscovered new side of yourself? 
  2. [07:17] Introduction to the dialogue
  3. [07:45] Dialogue (normal speed)
  4. [08:47] Slow version (and repeat)
  5. [11:37] Useful vocabulary and phrases from the dialogue
  6. [18:03] Dialogue again (normal speed) 


Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (中文 only):

  1. 終於
    1. 終於到了！
    2. 終於看到你了！
    3. 你終於來了！
  2. 整理 
    1. 我要整理行李 
    2. 麻煩你整理一下
    3. 你可以幫我整理嗎？
  3. 而且 
    1. 這家餐廳很好吃，而且很便宜！
    2. 今天下雨，而且很冷 
    3. 美國的火車很貴，而且很慢！
  4. 出汗
    1. 我出了很多汗 
    2. 我很愛出汗 
  5. 記得
    1. 記得多喝水哦！
    2. 記得練習中文！
    3. 你要記得我！
    4. 我不記得了 
  6. 其實 
    1. 其實，我不知道 
    2. 其實，我覺得還不錯 
    3. 其實，我都可以 
  7. 常、常常、很常 
    1. 台北常常下雨 
    2. 你常常遲到 
    3. 你常常問我這個問題 
  8. 剛剛 
    1. 我剛剛在想... 
    2. 我剛剛看到他！
    3. 你剛剛說什麼？
  9. 而已 
    1. 一百塊而已！很便宜！
    2. 你剛剛來而已！
    3. 其實，我要你記得我，這樣而已 
  10. 一瓶 
    1. 一瓶水 
    2. 一瓶冰水 
    3. 一瓶冰茶 
    4. 兩瓶冰水 
    5. 四瓶咖啡 
  11. 關掉 
    1. 電視要關掉 
    2. 記得關燈 
    3. 音樂可以關掉 


Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (w/ pinyin and translation):

  1. 終於 / zhōngyú / finally
    1. 終於到了！/ zhōngyú dàole! / (We've) finally arrived!
    2. 終於看到你了！/ zhōngyú kàn dào nǐle! / I finally saw you / found you!
    3. 你終於來了！/ nǐ zhōngyú láile! / You finally came!
  2. 整理 / zhěnglǐ / to organize, to pack, to tidy up
    1. 我要整理行李 / wǒ yào zhěnglǐ háng lǐ / I want to organize my luggage
    2. 麻煩你整理一下 / máfan nǐ zhěnglǐ yīxià / Please tidy up a bit
    3. 你可以幫我整理嗎？/ nǐ kěyǐ bāng wǒ zhěnglǐ ma? / Can you help me tidy up?
  3. 而且 / érqiě / moreover, but also
    1. 這家餐廳很好吃，而且很便宜！/ zhè jiā cāntīng hěn hào chī, érqiě hěn piányí! / This restaurant isn't just delicious, it's also cheap!
    2. 今天下雨，而且很冷 / jīntiān xià yǔ, érqiě hěn lěng / It didn't just rain today, it's also really cold.
    3. 美國的火車很貴，而且很慢！/ měiguó de huǒchē hěn guì, érqiě hěn màn! / American trains aren't just expensive, they're also slow!
  4. 出汗 / chū hàn / to sweat
    1. 我出了很多汗 / wǒ chūle hěnduō hàn / I sweat a lot (at a specific time)
    2. 我很愛出汗 / wǒ hěn ài chū hàn / I sweat a lot (in general)
  5. 記得 / jìdé / to remember
    1. 記得多喝水哦！/ jìdé duō hē shuǐ ó! / Remember to drink lots of water!
    2. 記得練習中文！/ jìdé liànxí zhōngwén! / Remember to practice Chinese!
    3. 你要記得我！/ Nǐ yào jìdé wǒ! / You must remember me!
    4. 我不記得了 / Wǒ bù jìdéle / I don't remember
  6. 其實 / qíshí / actually
    1. 其實，我不知道 / qíshí, wǒ bù zhīdào / Actually, I don't know
    2. 其實，我覺得還不錯 / qíshí, wǒ juédé hái bùcuò / Actually, I feel it's not bad
    3. 其實，我都可以 / qíshí, wǒ dū kěyǐ / Actually, I'm OK with whatever
  7. 常、常常、很常 / cháng, chángcháng, hěn cháng / often
    1. 台北常常下雨 / táiběi chángcháng xià yǔ / Taipei often rains
    2. 你常常遲到 / nǐ chángcháng chídào / You often arrive late
    3. 你常常問我這個問題 / nǐ chángcháng wèn wǒ zhège wèntí / You often ask me this question
  8. 剛剛 / gānggāng / just now
    1. 我剛剛在想... / wǒ gānggāng zài xiǎng... / I was just thinking...
    2. 我剛剛看到他！/ wǒ gānggāng kàn dào tā! / I just saw him!
    3. 你剛剛說什麼？/ Nǐ gānggāng shuō shénme? / What did you just say?
  9. 而已 / éryǐ / only, merely
    1. 一百塊而已！很便宜！/ yībǎi kuài éryǐ! Hěn piányí! / Only 100 dollars! So cheap!
    2. 你剛剛來而已！/ nǐ gānggāng lái éryǐ! / You just got here!
    3. 其實，我要你記得我，這樣而已 / qíshí, wǒ yào nǐ jìdé wǒ, zhèyàng éryǐ / Actually, I want you to remember me, that's all.
  10. 一瓶 / yī píng / one bottle (measure word)
    1. 一瓶水 / yī píng shuǐ / One bottle of water
    2. 一瓶冰水 / yī píng bīng shuǐ / A bottle of ice water
    3. 一瓶冰茶 / yī píng bīng chá / A bottle of iced tea
    4. 兩瓶冰水 / liǎng píng bīng shuǐ / Two bottles of ice water
    5. 四瓶咖啡 / sì píng kāfēi / Four bottles of coffee
  11. 關掉 / guān diào / To close, to turn off
    1. 電視要關掉 / diànshì yào guān diào / Turn off the TV
    2. 記得關燈 / jìdé guān dēng / Remember to turn off the light
    3. 音樂可以關掉 / yīnyuè kěyǐ guān diào / You can turn off the music


Thanks for listening! 


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No Daily Practice Session - S2 - Lesson 06 2 2 Daily Practice Session - S2 - Lesson 06 bonus f43357ff-c0bd-4382-b2fa-08269d6095a4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d03750b5 After listening to S02 Lesson 6, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking three minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the dialogue. Repetition makes progress!

README: How to use this recording

You'll hear the dialogue from Lesson 06 twice.

The first time, there will be a short pause after each line. During the pause, try to repeat aloud exactly what you hear.

Repeating aloud is important, partly because you'll be training your speech muscles to make the sounds of Mandarin, and partly because you'll be getting feedback about how you sound (if you're listening with earbuds, I recommend practicing with one earbud out and one in, or else with both partially in, so that you can hear yourself better).

The second time, there won't be any pauses -- try to "shadow" the sounds simultaneously as they are spoken, again aloud.

This will help you practice stringing the sounds together and further reinforce the muscle memory speech patterns of Mandarin. If it feels way too fast, you can try shadowing only one of the two characters each time you listen. However, even then, don't expect to be able to keep up with everything at first.  It takes regular daily practice to start training your ears to have a more nuanced perception of the sounds, and to train your speech muscles to speak at natural speed.


A transcript of the dialogue is available below. First, it is written out in only Chinese characters for those who are learning characters and want to practice reading along. Then it is written out with the translation and pinyin.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only): 

  • 阿明：終於把行李都整理好了 
  • 小李：對，我好累，而且我出了很多汗
  • 阿明：你要記得喝水哦
  • 小李：這裡好熱！
  • 阿明：哈哈！這就是台灣！很熱吧。
  • 小李：我都忘記台灣夏天有這麼熱 
  • 阿明：那你怎麼不開冷氣呢？ 
  • 小李：哦對耶！我都忘記有冷氣了！這樣好多了！
  • 阿明：美國沒有冷氣嗎？
  • 小李：我住的地方沒有，只有暖氣 
  • 阿明：哇！那邊一定很冷！
  • 小李：其實還好，只是很常下雨。欸？冰箱是空的！
  • 阿明：當然是空的啊！你才剛剛回來而已！
  • 小李：對耶，我真的太渴了，沒辦法思考 
  • 阿明：那，我們趕快去便利商店買一瓶冰水吧！
  • 小李：好，那我把冷氣關掉


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • 阿明：終於把行李都整理好了
    • Zhōngyú bǎ xínglǐ dōu zhěnglǐ hǎole
    • We finally finished unpacking all the luggage! 
  • 小李：對，我好累，而且我出了很多汗
    • Duì, wǒ hǎo lèi, érqiě wǒ chūle hěnduō hàn 
    • Yeah, I'm so tired. And I sweat a lot! 
  • 阿明：你要記得喝水哦
    • Nǐ yào jìdé hē shuǐ ó 
    • You gotta remember to drink water. 
  • 小李：這裡好熱！
    • Zhèlǐ hǎo rè! 
    • It's so hot here! 
  • 阿明：哈哈！這就是台灣！很熱吧。
    • Hāhā! Zhè jiùshì táiwān! Hěn rè ba. 
    • Haha! This is Taiwan! It's hot, huh?
  • 小李：我都忘記台灣夏天有這麼熱
    • Wǒ dū wàngjì táiwān xiàtiān yǒu zhème rè
    • I totally forgot Taiwan's summers were so hot. 
  • 阿明：那你怎麼不開冷氣呢？
    • Nà nǐ zěnme bù kāi lěngqì ne?
    • So why don't you turn on the AC? 
  • 小李：哦對耶！我都忘記有冷氣了！這樣好多了！
    • Ó duì yé! Wǒ dū wàngjì yǒu lěngqìle! Zhèyàng hǎoduōle! 
    • Oh right! I totally forgot there's AC! This is much better. 
  • 阿明：美國沒有冷氣嗎？
    • Měiguó méiyǒu lěngqì ma? 
    • The US doesn't have AC? 
  • 小李：我住的地方沒有，只有暖氣
    • Wǒ zhù dì dìfāng méiyǒu, zhǐyǒu nuǎnqì 
    • Where I live there isn't, there's only heating. 
  • 阿明：哇！那邊一定很冷！
    • Wa! Nà biān yīdìng hěn lěng! 
    • Wow! It must be so cold there! 
  • 小李：其實還好，只是很常下雨。欸？冰箱是空的！
    • Qíshí hái hǎo, zhǐshì hěn cháng xià yǔ. Āi? Bīngxiāng shì kōng de! 
    • Actually not really, it just rains a lot. Huh? The fridge is empty! 
  • 阿明：當然是空的啊！你才剛剛回來而已！
    • Dāngrán shì kōng de a! Nǐ cái gānggāng huílái éryǐ! 
    • Of course it's empty! You only just got back! 
  • 小李：對耶，我真的太渴了，沒辦法思考
    • Duì yé, wǒ zhēn de tài kěle, méi bànfǎ sīkǎo 
    • Oh right, I'm really too thirsty. I can't think. 
  • 阿明：那，我們趕快去便利商店買一瓶冰水吧！
    • Nà, wǒmen gǎnkuài qù biànlì shāngdiàn mǎi yī píng bīng shuǐ ba! 
    • Then, let's hurry up and go to a convenience store to buy a bottle of ice water. 
  • 小李：好，那我把冷氣關掉
    • Hǎo, nà wǒ bǎ lěngqì guān diào
    • Ok, then I'll turn off the AC.


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> After listening to S02 Lesson 6, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking three minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the dialogue. Repetition makes progress!

README: How to use this recording

You'll hear the dialogue from Lesson 06 twice.

The first time, there will be a short pause after each line. During the pause, try to repeat aloud exactly what you hear.

Repeating aloud is important, partly because you'll be training your speech muscles to make the sounds of Mandarin, and partly because you'll be getting feedback about how you sound (if you're listening with earbuds, I recommend practicing with one earbud out and one in, or else with both partially in, so that you can hear yourself better).

The second time, there won't be any pauses -- try to "shadow" the sounds simultaneously as they are spoken, again aloud.

This will help you practice stringing the sounds together and further reinforce the muscle memory speech patterns of Mandarin. If it feels way too fast, you can try shadowing only one of the two characters each time you listen. However, even then, don't expect to be able to keep up with everything at first.  It takes regular daily practice to start training your ears to have a more nuanced perception of the sounds, and to train your speech muscles to speak at natural speed.


A transcript of the dialogue is available below. First, it is written out in only Chinese characters for those who are learning characters and want to practice reading along. Then it is written out with the translation and pinyin.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only): 

  • 阿明：終於把行李都整理好了 
  • 小李：對，我好累，而且我出了很多汗
  • 阿明：你要記得喝水哦
  • 小李：這裡好熱！
  • 阿明：哈哈！這就是台灣！很熱吧。
  • 小李：我都忘記台灣夏天有這麼熱 
  • 阿明：那你怎麼不開冷氣呢？ 
  • 小李：哦對耶！我都忘記有冷氣了！這樣好多了！
  • 阿明：美國沒有冷氣嗎？
  • 小李：我住的地方沒有，只有暖氣 
  • 阿明：哇！那邊一定很冷！
  • 小李：其實還好，只是很常下雨。欸？冰箱是空的！
  • 阿明：當然是空的啊！你才剛剛回來而已！
  • 小李：對耶，我真的太渴了，沒辦法思考 
  • 阿明：那，我們趕快去便利商店買一瓶冰水吧！
  • 小李：好，那我把冷氣關掉


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • 阿明：終於把行李都整理好了
    • Zhōngyú bǎ xínglǐ dōu zhěnglǐ hǎole
    • We finally finished unpacking all the luggage! 
  • 小李：對，我好累，而且我出了很多汗
    • Duì, wǒ hǎo lèi, érqiě wǒ chūle hěnduō hàn 
    • Yeah, I'm so tired. And I sweat a lot! 
  • 阿明：你要記得喝水哦
    • Nǐ yào jìdé hē shuǐ ó 
    • You gotta remember to drink water. 
  • 小李：這裡好熱！
    • Zhèlǐ hǎo rè! 
    • It's so hot here! 
  • 阿明：哈哈！這就是台灣！很熱吧。
    • Hāhā! Zhè jiùshì táiwān! Hěn rè ba. 
    • Haha! This is Taiwan! It's hot, huh?
  • 小李：我都忘記台灣夏天有這麼熱
    • Wǒ dū wàngjì táiwān xiàtiān yǒu zhème rè
    • I totally forgot Taiwan's summers were so hot. 
  • 阿明：那你怎麼不開冷氣呢？
    • Nà nǐ zěnme bù kāi lěngqì ne?
    • So why don't you turn on the AC? 
  • 小李：哦對耶！我都忘記有冷氣了！這樣好多了！
    • Ó duì yé! Wǒ dū wàngjì yǒu lěngqìle! Zhèyàng hǎoduōle! 
    • Oh right! I totally forgot there's AC! This is much better. 
  • 阿明：美國沒有冷氣嗎？
    • Měiguó méiyǒu lěngqì ma? 
    • The US doesn't have AC? 
  • 小李：我住的地方沒有，只有暖氣
    • Wǒ zhù dì dìfāng méiyǒu, zhǐyǒu nuǎnqì 
    • Where I live there isn't, there's only heating. 
  • 阿明：哇！那邊一定很冷！
    • Wa! Nà biān yīdìng hěn lěng! 
    • Wow! It must be so cold there! 
  • 小李：其實還好，只是很常下雨。欸？冰箱是空的！
    • Qíshí hái hǎo, zhǐshì hěn cháng xià yǔ. Āi? Bīngxiāng shì kōng de! 
    • Actually not really, it just rains a lot. Huh? The fridge is empty! 
  • 阿明：當然是空的啊！你才剛剛回來而已！
    • Dāngrán shì kōng de a! Nǐ cái gānggāng huílái éryǐ! 
    • Of course it's empty! You only just got back! 
  • 小李：對耶，我真的太渴了，沒辦法思考
    • Duì yé, wǒ zhēn de tài kěle, méi bànfǎ sīkǎo 
    • Oh right, I'm really too thirsty. I can't think. 
  • 阿明：那，我們趕快去便利商店買一瓶冰水吧！
    • Nà, wǒmen gǎnkuài qù biànlì shāngdiàn mǎi yī píng bīng shuǐ ba! 
    • Then, let's hurry up and go to a convenience store to buy a bottle of ice water. 
  • 小李：好，那我把冷氣關掉
    • Hǎo, nà wǒ bǎ lěngqì guān diào
    • Ok, then I'll turn off the AC.


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> Tue, 12 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 168 After listening to S02 Lesson 6, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking three minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the dialogue. Repetition makes progress!

README: How to use this recording

You'll hear the dialogue from Lesson 06 twice.

The first time, there will be a short pause after each line. During the pause, try to repeat aloud exactly what you hear.

Repeating aloud is important, partly because you'll be training your speech muscles to make the sounds of Mandarin, and partly because you'll be getting feedback about how you sound (if you're listening with earbuds, I recommend practicing with one earbud out and one in, or else with both partially in, so that you can hear yourself better).

The second time, there won't be any pauses -- try to "shadow" the sounds simultaneously as they are spoken, again aloud.

This will help you practice stringing the sounds together and further reinforce the muscle memory speech patterns of Mandarin. If it feels way too fast, you can try shadowing only one of the two characters each time you listen. However, even then, don't expect to be able to keep up with everything at first.  It takes regular daily practice to start training your ears to have a more nuanced perception of the sounds, and to train your speech muscles to speak at natural speed.


A transcript of the dialogue is available below. First, it is written out in only Chinese characters for those who are learning characters and want to practice reading along. Then it is written out with the translation and pinyin.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only): 

  • 阿明：終於把行李都整理好了 
  • 小李：對，我好累，而且我出了很多汗
  • 阿明：你要記得喝水哦
  • 小李：這裡好熱！
  • 阿明：哈哈！這就是台灣！很熱吧。
  • 小李：我都忘記台灣夏天有這麼熱 
  • 阿明：那你怎麼不開冷氣呢？ 
  • 小李：哦對耶！我都忘記有冷氣了！這樣好多了！
  • 阿明：美國沒有冷氣嗎？
  • 小李：我住的地方沒有，只有暖氣 
  • 阿明：哇！那邊一定很冷！
  • 小李：其實還好，只是很常下雨。欸？冰箱是空的！
  • 阿明：當然是空的啊！你才剛剛回來而已！
  • 小李：對耶，我真的太渴了，沒辦法思考 
  • 阿明：那，我們趕快去便利商店買一瓶冰水吧！
  • 小李：好，那我把冷氣關掉


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • 阿明：終於把行李都整理好了
    • Zhōngyú bǎ xínglǐ dōu zhěnglǐ hǎole
    • We finally finished unpacking all the luggage! 
  • 小李：對，我好累，而且我出了很多汗
    • Duì, wǒ hǎo lèi, érqiě wǒ chūle hěnduō hàn 
    • Yeah, I'm so tired. And I sweat a lot! 
  • 阿明：你要記得喝水哦
    • Nǐ yào jìdé hē shuǐ ó 
    • You gotta remember to drink water. 
  • 小李：這裡好熱！
    • Zhèlǐ hǎo rè! 
    • It's so hot here! 
  • 阿明：哈哈！這就是台灣！很熱吧。
    • Hāhā! Zhè jiùshì táiwān! Hěn rè ba. 
    • Haha! This is Taiwan! It's hot, huh?
  • 小李：我都忘記台灣夏天有這麼熱
    • Wǒ dū wàngjì táiwān xiàtiān yǒu zhème rè
    • I totally forgot Taiwan's summers were so hot. 
  • 阿明：那你怎麼不開冷氣呢？
    • Nà nǐ zěnme bù kāi lěngqì ne?
    • So why don't you turn on the AC? 
  • 小李：哦對耶！我都忘記有冷氣了！這樣好多了！
    • Ó duì yé! Wǒ dū wàngjì yǒu lěngqìle! Zhèyàng hǎoduōle! 
    • Oh right! I totally forgot there's AC! This is much better. 
  • 阿明：美國沒有冷氣嗎？
    • Měiguó méiyǒu lěngqì ma? 
    • The US doesn't have AC? 
  • 小李：我住的地方沒有，只有暖氣
    • Wǒ zhù dì dìfāng méiyǒu, zhǐyǒu nuǎnqì 
    • Where I live there isn't, there's only heating. 
  • 阿明：哇！那邊一定很冷！
    • Wa! Nà biān yīdìng hěn lěng! 
    • Wow! It must be so cold there! 
  • 小李：其實還好，只是很常下雨。欸？冰箱是空的！
    • Qíshí hái hǎo, zhǐshì hěn cháng xià yǔ. Āi? Bīngxiāng shì kōng de! 
    • Actually not really, it just rains a lot. Huh? The fridge is empty! 
  • 阿明：當然是空的啊！你才剛剛回來而已！
    • Dāngrán shì kōng de a! Nǐ cái gānggāng huílái éryǐ! 
    • Of course it's empty! You only just got back! 
  • 小李：對耶，我真的太渴了，沒辦法思考
    • Duì yé, wǒ zhēn de tài kěle, méi bànfǎ sīkǎo 
    • Oh right, I'm really too thirsty. I can't think. 
  • 阿明：那，我們趕快去便利商店買一瓶冰水吧！
    • Nà, wǒmen gǎnkuài qù biànlì shāngdiàn mǎi yī píng bīng shuǐ ba! 
    • Then, let's hurry up and go to a convenience store to buy a bottle of ice water. 
  • 小李：好，那我把冷氣關掉
    • Hǎo, nà wǒ bǎ lěngqì guān diào
    • Ok, then I'll turn off the AC.


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No S2 ~ 07 ~ 冰箱是空的！Part 2 + Questions 2 2 S2 ~ 07 ~ 冰箱是空的！Part 2 + Questions full 8f05b6e7-8fb5-457b-8b67-ab39ac58380f https://share.transistor.fm/s/368a1913 We'll hear the line-by-line translation of the dialogue from S02 Episode 06, and then we'll further reinforce the vocabulary and practice answering some questions with a mock interview.

Lesson Outline:

  1. [01:19] Dialogue (normal speed) 
  2. [02:21] Complete translation
  3. [07:05] Dialogue again (normal speed)
  4. [08:08] Mock interview (reinforcement and speaking practice)
  5. [11:06] Reference interview with Xiao-Li (小李) 


Complete dialogue & translation (中文 only): 

  • 阿明：終於把行李都整理好了
  • 小李：對，我好累，而且我出了很多汗
  • 阿明：你要記得喝水哦
  • 小李：這裡好熱！
  • 阿明：哈哈！這就是台灣！很熱吧。
  • 小李：我都忘記台灣夏天有這麼熱 
  • 阿明：那你怎麼不開冷氣呢？
  • 小李：哦對耶！我都忘記有冷氣了！這樣好多了！
  • 阿明：美國沒有冷氣嗎？
  • 小李：我住的地方沒有，只有暖氣
  • 阿明：哇！那邊一定很冷！
  • 小李：其實還好，只是很常下雨。欸？冰箱是空的！
  • 阿明：當然是空的啊！你才剛剛回來而已！
  • 小李：對耶，我真的太渴了，沒辦法思考
  • 阿明：那，我們趕快去便利商店買一瓶冰水吧！
  • 小李：好，那我把冷氣關掉


Complete dialogue & translation (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • 阿明：終於把行李都整理好了
    • Zhōngyú bǎ xínglǐ dōu zhěnglǐ hǎole
    • We finally finished unpacking all the luggage! 
  • 小李：對，我好累，而且我出了很多汗
    • Duì, wǒ hǎo lèi, érqiě wǒ chūle hěnduō hàn 
    • Yeah, I'm so tired. And I sweat a lot! 
  • 阿明：你要記得喝水哦
    • Nǐ yào jìdé hē shuǐ ó 
    • You gotta remember to drink water. 
  • 小李：這裡好熱！
    • Zhèlǐ hǎo rè! 
    • It's so hot here! 
  • 阿明：哈哈！這就是台灣！很熱吧。
    • Hāhā! Zhè jiùshì táiwān! Hěn rè ba. 
    • Haha! This is Taiwan! It's hot, huh?
  • 小李：我都忘記台灣夏天有這麼熱
    • Wǒ dū wàngjì táiwān xiàtiān yǒu zhème rè
    • I totally forgot Taiwan's summers were so hot. 
  • 阿明：那你怎麼不開冷氣呢？
    • Nà nǐ zěnme bù kāi lěngqì ne?
    • So why don't you turn on the AC? 
  • 小李：哦對耶！我都忘記有冷氣了！這樣好多了！
    • Ó duì yé! Wǒ dū wàngjì yǒu lěngqìle! Zhèyàng hǎoduōle! 
    • Oh right! I totally forgot there's AC! This is much better. 
  • 阿明：美國沒有冷氣嗎？
    • Měiguó méiyǒu lěngqì ma? 
    • The US doesn't have AC? 
  • 小李：我住的地方沒有，只有暖氣
    • Wǒ zhù dì dìfāng méiyǒu, zhǐyǒu nuǎnqì 
    • Where I live there isn't, there's only heating. 
  • 阿明：哇！那邊一定很冷！
    • Wa! Nà biān yīdìng hěn lěng! 
    • Wow! It must be so cold there! 
  • 小李：其實還好，只是很常下雨。欸？冰箱是空的！
    • Qíshí hái hǎo, zhǐshì hěn cháng xià yǔ. Āi? Bīngxiāng shì kōng de! 
    • Actually not really, it just rains a lot. Huh? The fridge is empty! 
  • 阿明：當然是空的啊！你才剛剛回來而已！
    • Dāngrán shì kōng de a! Nǐ cái gānggāng huílái éryǐ! 
    • Of course it's empty! You only just got back! 
  • 小李：對耶，我真的太渴了，沒辦法思考
    • Duì yé, wǒ zhēn de tài kěle, méi bànfǎ sīkǎo 
    • Oh right, I'm really too thirsty. I can't think. 
  • 阿明：那，我們趕快去便利商店買一瓶冰水吧！
    • Nà, wǒmen gǎnkuài qù biànlì shāngdiàn mǎi yī píng bīng shuǐ ba! 
    • Then, let's hurry up and go to a convenience store to buy a bottle of ice water. 
  • 小李：好，那我把冷氣關掉
    • Hǎo, nà wǒ bǎ lěngqì guān diào
    • Ok, then I'll turn off the AC.

Interview with Xiao-Li (小李)：

  • Q：你的家在哪裡？
    • Nǐ de jiā zài nǎlǐ?
    • Where is your home?
  • 小李：我的家在西雅圖，但我現在住在台北
    • Wǒ de jiā zài xīyǎtú, dàn wǒ xiànzài zhù zài táiběi
    • My home is in Seattle, but now I live in Taipei. 
  • Q：西雅圖很熱嗎？
    • Xīyǎtú hěn rè ma?
    • Is Seattle very hot? 
  • 小李：不會，不會很熱
    • Bù huì, bù huì hěn rè
    • It's not, it's not very hot. 
  • Q：你的家有冷氣嗎？
    • Nǐ de jiā yǒu lěngqì ma?
    • Does your home have AC? 
  • 小李：沒有冷氣！西雅圖不熱，所以不需要冷氣！
    • Méiyǒu lěngqì! Xīyǎtú bù rè, suǒyǐ bù xūyào lěngqì!
    • There's no AC! Seattle isn't hot, so there's no need for AC. 
  • Q：你住的地方有暖氣嗎？
    • Nǐ zhù dì dìfāng yǒu nuǎnqì ma?
    • Does where you live have heating? 
  • 小李：有！冬天很冷，所以我的家有暖氣
    • Yǒu! Dōngtiān hěn lěng, suǒyǐ wǒ de jiā yǒu nuǎnqì
    • It does! The winter is very cold, so my home has heating. 
  • Q：那邊很常下雨嗎？
    • Nà biān hěn cháng xià yǔ ma?
    • Does it rain often over there? 
  • 小李：對啊！每天都下雨！
    • Duì a! Měitiān dū xià yǔ!
    • Yes! Every day it rains. 
  • Q：你很渴的時候，你喜歡喝什麼？
    • Nǐ hěn kě de shíhòu, nǐ xǐhuān hē shénme?
    • When you're really thirsty, what do you like to drink? 
  • 小李：我喜歡喝水啊，但我也喜歡喝茶
    • Wǒ xǐhuān hē shuǐ a, dàn wǒ yě xǐhuān hē chá
    • I like to drink water, but I also like to drink tea. 
  • Q：你家有冰箱嗎？
    • Nǐ jiā yǒu bīngxiāng ma?
    • Does your home have a refrigerator? 
  • 小李：有啊！
    • Yǒu a!
    • Sure!
  • Q：你的冰箱是空的嗎？
    • Nǐ de bīngxiāng shì kōng de ma?
    • Is your refrigerator empty? 
  • 小李：對啊，是空的！我剛剛回來！
    • Duì a, shì kōng de! Wǒ gānggāng huílái!
    • Yeah, it's empty. I just got back!
  • Q：你的冰箱裡面有什麼？
    • Nǐ de bīngxiāng lǐmiàn yǒu shé me?
    • What's in your refrigerator? 
  • 小李：我剛剛跟你說，是空的！裡面沒有東西啊！
    • Wǒ gānggāng gēn nǐ shuō, shì kōng de! Lǐmiàn méiyǒu dōngxī a!
    • I just told you, it's empty! There's nothing inside! 


Thanks for listening! 


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> We'll hear the line-by-line translation of the dialogue from S02 Episode 06, and then we'll further reinforce the vocabulary and practice answering some questions with a mock interview.

Lesson Outline:

  1. [01:19] Dialogue (normal speed) 
  2. [02:21] Complete translation
  3. [07:05] Dialogue again (normal speed)
  4. [08:08] Mock interview (reinforcement and speaking practice)
  5. [11:06] Reference interview with Xiao-Li (小李) 


Complete dialogue & translation (中文 only): 

  • 阿明：終於把行李都整理好了
  • 小李：對，我好累，而且我出了很多汗
  • 阿明：你要記得喝水哦
  • 小李：這裡好熱！
  • 阿明：哈哈！這就是台灣！很熱吧。
  • 小李：我都忘記台灣夏天有這麼熱 
  • 阿明：那你怎麼不開冷氣呢？
  • 小李：哦對耶！我都忘記有冷氣了！這樣好多了！
  • 阿明：美國沒有冷氣嗎？
  • 小李：我住的地方沒有，只有暖氣
  • 阿明：哇！那邊一定很冷！
  • 小李：其實還好，只是很常下雨。欸？冰箱是空的！
  • 阿明：當然是空的啊！你才剛剛回來而已！
  • 小李：對耶，我真的太渴了，沒辦法思考
  • 阿明：那，我們趕快去便利商店買一瓶冰水吧！
  • 小李：好，那我把冷氣關掉


Complete dialogue & translation (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • 阿明：終於把行李都整理好了
    • Zhōngyú bǎ xínglǐ dōu zhěnglǐ hǎole
    • We finally finished unpacking all the luggage! 
  • 小李：對，我好累，而且我出了很多汗
    • Duì, wǒ hǎo lèi, érqiě wǒ chūle hěnduō hàn 
    • Yeah, I'm so tired. And I sweat a lot! 
  • 阿明：你要記得喝水哦
    • Nǐ yào jìdé hē shuǐ ó 
    • You gotta remember to drink water. 
  • 小李：這裡好熱！
    • Zhèlǐ hǎo rè! 
    • It's so hot here! 
  • 阿明：哈哈！這就是台灣！很熱吧。
    • Hāhā! Zhè jiùshì táiwān! Hěn rè ba. 
    • Haha! This is Taiwan! It's hot, huh?
  • 小李：我都忘記台灣夏天有這麼熱
    • Wǒ dū wàngjì táiwān xiàtiān yǒu zhème rè
    • I totally forgot Taiwan's summers were so hot. 
  • 阿明：那你怎麼不開冷氣呢？
    • Nà nǐ zěnme bù kāi lěngqì ne?
    • So why don't you turn on the AC? 
  • 小李：哦對耶！我都忘記有冷氣了！這樣好多了！
    • Ó duì yé! Wǒ dū wàngjì yǒu lěngqìle! Zhèyàng hǎoduōle! 
    • Oh right! I totally forgot there's AC! This is much better. 
  • 阿明：美國沒有冷氣嗎？
    • Měiguó méiyǒu lěngqì ma? 
    • The US doesn't have AC? 
  • 小李：我住的地方沒有，只有暖氣
    • Wǒ zhù dì dìfāng méiyǒu, zhǐyǒu nuǎnqì 
    • Where I live there isn't, there's only heating. 
  • 阿明：哇！那邊一定很冷！
    • Wa! Nà biān yīdìng hěn lěng! 
    • Wow! It must be so cold there! 
  • 小李：其實還好，只是很常下雨。欸？冰箱是空的！
    • Qíshí hái hǎo, zhǐshì hěn cháng xià yǔ. Āi? Bīngxiāng shì kōng de! 
    • Actually not really, it just rains a lot. Huh? The fridge is empty! 
  • 阿明：當然是空的啊！你才剛剛回來而已！
    • Dāngrán shì kōng de a! Nǐ cái gānggāng huílái éryǐ! 
    • Of course it's empty! You only just got back! 
  • 小李：對耶，我真的太渴了，沒辦法思考
    • Duì yé, wǒ zhēn de tài kěle, méi bànfǎ sīkǎo 
    • Oh right, I'm really too thirsty. I can't think. 
  • 阿明：那，我們趕快去便利商店買一瓶冰水吧！
    • Nà, wǒmen gǎnkuài qù biànlì shāngdiàn mǎi yī píng bīng shuǐ ba! 
    • Then, let's hurry up and go to a convenience store to buy a bottle of ice water. 
  • 小李：好，那我把冷氣關掉
    • Hǎo, nà wǒ bǎ lěngqì guān diào
    • Ok, then I'll turn off the AC.

Interview with Xiao-Li (小李)：

  • Q：你的家在哪裡？
    • Nǐ de jiā zài nǎlǐ?
    • Where is your home?
  • 小李：我的家在西雅圖，但我現在住在台北
    • Wǒ de jiā zài xīyǎtú, dàn wǒ xiànzài zhù zài táiběi
    • My home is in Seattle, but now I live in Taipei. 
  • Q：西雅圖很熱嗎？
    • Xīyǎtú hěn rè ma?
    • Is Seattle very hot? 
  • 小李：不會，不會很熱
    • Bù huì, bù huì hěn rè
    • It's not, it's not very hot. 
  • Q：你的家有冷氣嗎？
    • Nǐ de jiā yǒu lěngqì ma?
    • Does your home have AC? 
  • 小李：沒有冷氣！西雅圖不熱，所以不需要冷氣！
    • Méiyǒu lěngqì! Xīyǎtú bù rè, suǒyǐ bù xūyào lěngqì!
    • There's no AC! Seattle isn't hot, so there's no need for AC. 
  • Q：你住的地方有暖氣嗎？
    • Nǐ zhù dì dìfāng yǒu nuǎnqì ma?
    • Does where you live have heating? 
  • 小李：有！冬天很冷，所以我的家有暖氣
    • Yǒu! Dōngtiān hěn lěng, suǒyǐ wǒ de jiā yǒu nuǎnqì
    • It does! The winter is very cold, so my home has heating. 
  • Q：那邊很常下雨嗎？
    • Nà biān hěn cháng xià yǔ ma?
    • Does it rain often over there? 
  • 小李：對啊！每天都下雨！
    • Duì a! Měitiān dū xià yǔ!
    • Yes! Every day it rains. 
  • Q：你很渴的時候，你喜歡喝什麼？
    • Nǐ hěn kě de shíhòu, nǐ xǐhuān hē shénme?
    • When you're really thirsty, what do you like to drink? 
  • 小李：我喜歡喝水啊，但我也喜歡喝茶
    • Wǒ xǐhuān hē shuǐ a, dàn wǒ yě xǐhuān hē chá
    • I like to drink water, but I also like to drink tea. 
  • Q：你家有冰箱嗎？
    • Nǐ jiā yǒu bīngxiāng ma?
    • Does your home have a refrigerator? 
  • 小李：有啊！
    • Yǒu a!
    • Sure!
  • Q：你的冰箱是空的嗎？
    • Nǐ de bīngxiāng shì kōng de ma?
    • Is your refrigerator empty? 
  • 小李：對啊，是空的！我剛剛回來！
    • Duì a, shì kōng de! Wǒ gānggāng huílái!
    • Yeah, it's empty. I just got back!
  • Q：你的冰箱裡面有什麼？
    • Nǐ de bīngxiāng lǐmiàn yǒu shé me?
    • What's in your refrigerator? 
  • 小李：我剛剛跟你說，是空的！裡面沒有東西啊！
    • Wǒ gānggāng gēn nǐ shuō, shì kōng de! Lǐmiàn méiyǒu dōngxī a!
    • I just told you, it's empty! There's nothing inside! 


Thanks for listening! 


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Thu, 04 Nov 2021 03:36:22 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 779 We'll hear the line-by-line translation of the dialogue from S02 Episode 06, and then we'll further reinforce the vocabulary and practice answering some questions with a mock interview.

Lesson Outline:

  1. [01:19] Dialogue (normal speed) 
  2. [02:21] Complete translation
  3. [07:05] Dialogue again (normal speed)
  4. [08:08] Mock interview (reinforcement and speaking practice)
  5. [11:06] Reference interview with Xiao-Li (小李) 


Complete dialogue & translation (中文 only): 

  • 阿明：終於把行李都整理好了
  • 小李：對，我好累，而且我出了很多汗
  • 阿明：你要記得喝水哦
  • 小李：這裡好熱！
  • 阿明：哈哈！這就是台灣！很熱吧。
  • 小李：我都忘記台灣夏天有這麼熱 
  • 阿明：那你怎麼不開冷氣呢？
  • 小李：哦對耶！我都忘記有冷氣了！這樣好多了！
  • 阿明：美國沒有冷氣嗎？
  • 小李：我住的地方沒有，只有暖氣
  • 阿明：哇！那邊一定很冷！
  • 小李：其實還好，只是很常下雨。欸？冰箱是空的！
  • 阿明：當然是空的啊！你才剛剛回來而已！
  • 小李：對耶，我真的太渴了，沒辦法思考
  • 阿明：那，我們趕快去便利商店買一瓶冰水吧！
  • 小李：好，那我把冷氣關掉


Complete dialogue & translation (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • 阿明：終於把行李都整理好了
    • Zhōngyú bǎ xínglǐ dōu zhěnglǐ hǎole
    • We finally finished unpacking all the luggage! 
  • 小李：對，我好累，而且我出了很多汗
    • Duì, wǒ hǎo lèi, érqiě wǒ chūle hěnduō hàn 
    • Yeah, I'm so tired. And I sweat a lot! 
  • 阿明：你要記得喝水哦
    • Nǐ yào jìdé hē shuǐ ó 
    • You gotta remember to drink water. 
  • 小李：這裡好熱！
    • Zhèlǐ hǎo rè! 
    • It's so hot here! 
  • 阿明：哈哈！這就是台灣！很熱吧。
    • Hāhā! Zhè jiùshì táiwān! Hěn rè ba. 
    • Haha! This is Taiwan! It's hot, huh?
  • 小李：我都忘記台灣夏天有這麼熱
    • Wǒ dū wàngjì táiwān xiàtiān yǒu zhème rè
    • I totally forgot Taiwan's summers were so hot. 
  • 阿明：那你怎麼不開冷氣呢？
    • Nà nǐ zěnme bù kāi lěngqì ne?
    • So why don't you turn on the AC? 
  • 小李：哦對耶！我都忘記有冷氣了！這樣好多了！
    • Ó duì yé! Wǒ dū wàngjì yǒu lěngqìle! Zhèyàng hǎoduōle! 
    • Oh right! I totally forgot there's AC! This is much better. 
  • 阿明：美國沒有冷氣嗎？
    • Měiguó méiyǒu lěngqì ma? 
    • The US doesn't have AC? 
  • 小李：我住的地方沒有，只有暖氣
    • Wǒ zhù dì dìfāng méiyǒu, zhǐyǒu nuǎnqì 
    • Where I live there isn't, there's only heating. 
  • 阿明：哇！那邊一定很冷！
    • Wa! Nà biān yīdìng hěn lěng! 
    • Wow! It must be so cold there! 
  • 小李：其實還好，只是很常下雨。欸？冰箱是空的！
    • Qíshí hái hǎo, zhǐshì hěn cháng xià yǔ. Āi? Bīngxiāng shì kōng de! 
    • Actually not really, it just rains a lot. Huh? The fridge is empty! 
  • 阿明：當然是空的啊！你才剛剛回來而已！
    • Dāngrán shì kōng de a! Nǐ cái gānggāng huílái éryǐ! 
    • Of course it's empty! You only just got back! 
  • 小李：對耶，我真的太渴了，沒辦法思考
    • Duì yé, wǒ zhēn de tài kěle, méi bànfǎ sīkǎo 
    • Oh right, I'm really too thirsty. I can't think. 
  • 阿明：那，我們趕快去便利商店買一瓶冰水吧！
    • Nà, wǒmen gǎnkuài qù biànlì shāngdiàn mǎi yī píng bīng shuǐ ba! 
    • Then, let's hurry up and go to a convenience store to buy a bottle of ice water. 
  • 小李：好，那我把冷氣關掉
    • Hǎo, nà wǒ bǎ lěngqì guān diào
    • Ok, then I'll turn off the AC.

Interview with Xiao-Li (小李)：

  • Q：你的家在哪裡？
    • Nǐ de jiā zài nǎlǐ?
    • Where is your home?
  • 小李：我的家在西雅圖，但我現在住在台北
    • Wǒ de jiā zài xīyǎtú, dàn wǒ xiànzài zhù zài táiběi
    • My home is in Seattle, but now I live in Taipei. 
  • Q：西雅圖很熱嗎？
    • Xīyǎtú hěn rè ma?
    • Is Seattle very hot? 
  • 小李：不會，不會很熱
    • Bù huì, bù huì hěn rè
    • It's not, it's not very hot. 
  • Q：你的家有冷氣嗎？
    • Nǐ de jiā yǒu lěngqì ma?
    • Does your home have AC? 
  • 小李：沒有冷氣！西雅圖不熱，所以不需要冷氣！
    • Méiyǒu lěngqì! Xīyǎtú bù rè, suǒyǐ bù xūyào lěngqì!
    • There's no AC! Seattle isn't hot, so there's no need for AC. 
  • Q：你住的地方有暖氣嗎？
    • Nǐ zhù dì dìfāng yǒu nuǎnqì ma?
    • Does where you live have heating? 
  • 小李：有！冬天很冷，所以我的家有暖氣
    • Yǒu! Dōngtiān hěn lěng, suǒyǐ wǒ de jiā yǒu nuǎnqì
    • It does! The winter is very cold, so my home has heating. 
  • Q：那邊很常下雨嗎？
    • Nà biān hěn cháng xià yǔ ma?
    • Does it rain often over there? 
  • 小李：對啊！每天都下雨！
    • Duì a! Měitiān dū xià yǔ!
    • Yes! Every day it rains. 
  • Q：你很渴的時候，你喜歡喝什麼？
    • Nǐ hěn kě de shíhòu, nǐ xǐhuān hē shénme?
    • When you're really thirsty, what do you like to drink? 
  • 小李：我喜歡喝水啊，但我也喜歡喝茶
    • Wǒ xǐhuān hē shuǐ a, dàn wǒ yě xǐhuān hē chá
    • I like to drink water, but I also like to drink tea. 
  • Q：你家有冰箱嗎？
    • Nǐ jiā yǒu bīngxiāng ma?
    • Does your home have a refrigerator? 
  • 小李：有啊！
    • Yǒu a!
    • Sure!
  • Q：你的冰箱是空的嗎？
    • Nǐ de bīngxiāng shì kōng de ma?
    • Is your refrigerator empty? 
  • 小李：對啊，是空的！我剛剛回來！
    • Duì a, shì kōng de! Wǒ gānggāng huílái!
    • Yeah, it's empty. I just got back!
  • Q：你的冰箱裡面有什麼？
    • Nǐ de bīngxiāng lǐmiàn yǒu shé me?
    • What's in your refrigerator? 
  • 小李：我剛剛跟你說，是空的！裡面沒有東西啊！
    • Wǒ gānggāng gēn nǐ shuō, shì kōng de! Lǐmiàn méiyǒu dōngxī a!
    • I just told you, it's empty! There's nothing inside! 


Thanks for listening! 


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No S2 ~ 08 ~ 趕快進來坐！Come on in! 2 2 S2 ~ 08 ~ 趕快進來坐！Come on in! full 926dbde4-584f-4afb-b3aa-7b8a18e9a0cb https://share.transistor.fm/s/d1be4abc Xiao-Li (小李) and A-Ming (阿明) are on the way to the convenience store when they run into an unexpected obstacle. 

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction to the dialogue
  2. [01:35] Dialogue (normal speed)
  3. [03:12] Slow version (and repeat)
  4. [07:40] Useful vocabulary and phrases from the dialogue
  5. [14:12] Dialogue again (normal speed) 


Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (Chinese characters only):

  1. 路口
    1. 這是什麼路口？
    2. 到路口左轉 
    3. 你去前面路口等我 
  2. 分鐘 
    1. 等我五分鐘！
    2. 十分鐘就好！
    3. 可以給我五分鐘嗎？
  3. 差不多 
    1. 差不多五分鐘 
    2. 我差不多要走了
    3. 差不多了 
  4. 正要
    1. 我正要走 
    2. 我正要吃飯 
    3. 我們正要開始吃了 
  5. 對面 
    1. 這裡不能走，你要去對面 
    2. 你看對面的樹 
    3. 我想坐在你對面 
  6. 場 
    1. 停車場 
    2. 機場 
    3. 廣場 
    4. 市場 
  7. 一杯 
    1. 一杯茶 
    2. 一杯綠茶 
    3. 兩杯咖啡 
    4. 七杯冰水 
  8. 進來 
    1. 趕快進來！
    2. 我在忙，不要進來！


Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (w/ pinyin and translation):

  1. 路口 / lùkǒu / intersection
    1. 這是什麼路口？/ zhè shì shénme lùkǒu? / What intersection is this?
    2. 到路口左轉 / Dào lùkǒu zuǒ zhuǎn / At the intersection, turn left.
    3. 你去前面路口等我 / Nǐ qù qiánmiàn lùkǒu děng wǒ / Go to the intersection up ahead and wait for me.
  2. 分鐘 / fēnzhōng / minutes
    1. 等我五分鐘！/ děng wǒ wǔ fēnzhōng! / Wait for me for five minutes!
    2. 十分鐘就好！/ Shí fēnzhōng jiù hǎo! / It'll just be ten minutes!
    3. 可以給我五分鐘嗎？/ Kěyǐ gěi wǒ wǔ fēnzhōng ma? / Could you give me five minutes?
  3. 差不多 / chàbùduō / more or less
    1. 差不多五分鐘 / chàbùduō wǔ fēnzhōng / Five minutes, more or less.
    2. 我差不多要走了 / Wǒ chàbùduō yào zǒule / I'm about ready to leave.
    3. 差不多了 / chàbùduōle / Just about finished.
  4. 正要 / zhèng yào / Just about to
    1. 我正要走 / wǒ zhèng yào zǒu / I'm just about to leave.
    2. 我正要吃飯 / Wǒ zhèng yào chīfàn / I'm just about to eat.
    3. 我們正要開始吃了 / Wǒmen zhèng yào kāishǐ chīle / We're just about to start eating.
  5. 對面 / duìmiàn / Across, opposite
    1. 這裡不能走，你要去對面 / zhèlǐ bùnéng zǒu, nǐ yào qù duìmiàn / You can't walk here, you have to go to the other side.
    2. 你看對面的樹 / Nǐ kàn duìmiàn de shù / Look at the tree across (from here).
    3. 我想坐在你對面 / wǒ xiǎng zuò zài nǐ duìmiàn / I want to sit across from you.
  6. 場 / chǎng / A character that shows up in a lot of words involving wide spaces.
    1. 停車場 / tíngchēchǎng / parking lot
    2. 機場 / jīchǎng / airport
    3. 廣場 / guǎngchǎng / plaza, square
    4. 市場 / shìchǎng / market
  7. 一杯 / yībēi / A measure word for cups
    1. 一杯茶 / Yībēi chá / A cup of tea.
    2. 一杯綠茶 / Yībēi lǜchá / A cup of green tea.
    3. 兩杯咖啡 / Liǎng bēi kāfēi / Two cups of coffee.
    4. 七杯冰水 / Qī bēi bīng shuǐ / Seven cups of ice water.
  8. 進來 / jìnlái / come in
    1. 趕快進來！/ Gǎnkuài jìnlái! / Hurry up and come inside!
    2. 我在忙，不要進來！/ Wǒ zài máng, bùyào jìnlái! / I'm busy, don't come in!

Thanks for listening! 


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]]> Xiao-Li (小李) and A-Ming (阿明) are on the way to the convenience store when they run into an unexpected obstacle. 

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction to the dialogue
  2. [01:35] Dialogue (normal speed)
  3. [03:12] Slow version (and repeat)
  4. [07:40] Useful vocabulary and phrases from the dialogue
  5. [14:12] Dialogue again (normal speed) 


Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (Chinese characters only):

  1. 路口
    1. 這是什麼路口？
    2. 到路口左轉 
    3. 你去前面路口等我 
  2. 分鐘 
    1. 等我五分鐘！
    2. 十分鐘就好！
    3. 可以給我五分鐘嗎？
  3. 差不多 
    1. 差不多五分鐘 
    2. 我差不多要走了
    3. 差不多了 
  4. 正要
    1. 我正要走 
    2. 我正要吃飯 
    3. 我們正要開始吃了 
  5. 對面 
    1. 這裡不能走，你要去對面 
    2. 你看對面的樹 
    3. 我想坐在你對面 
  6. 場 
    1. 停車場 
    2. 機場 
    3. 廣場 
    4. 市場 
  7. 一杯 
    1. 一杯茶 
    2. 一杯綠茶 
    3. 兩杯咖啡 
    4. 七杯冰水 
  8. 進來 
    1. 趕快進來！
    2. 我在忙，不要進來！


Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (w/ pinyin and translation):

  1. 路口 / lùkǒu / intersection
    1. 這是什麼路口？/ zhè shì shénme lùkǒu? / What intersection is this?
    2. 到路口左轉 / Dào lùkǒu zuǒ zhuǎn / At the intersection, turn left.
    3. 你去前面路口等我 / Nǐ qù qiánmiàn lùkǒu děng wǒ / Go to the intersection up ahead and wait for me.
  2. 分鐘 / fēnzhōng / minutes
    1. 等我五分鐘！/ děng wǒ wǔ fēnzhōng! / Wait for me for five minutes!
    2. 十分鐘就好！/ Shí fēnzhōng jiù hǎo! / It'll just be ten minutes!
    3. 可以給我五分鐘嗎？/ Kěyǐ gěi wǒ wǔ fēnzhōng ma? / Could you give me five minutes?
  3. 差不多 / chàbùduō / more or less
    1. 差不多五分鐘 / chàbùduō wǔ fēnzhōng / Five minutes, more or less.
    2. 我差不多要走了 / Wǒ chàbùduō yào zǒule / I'm about ready to leave.
    3. 差不多了 / chàbùduōle / Just about finished.
  4. 正要 / zhèng yào / Just about to
    1. 我正要走 / wǒ zhèng yào zǒu / I'm just about to leave.
    2. 我正要吃飯 / Wǒ zhèng yào chīfàn / I'm just about to eat.
    3. 我們正要開始吃了 / Wǒmen zhèng yào kāishǐ chīle / We're just about to start eating.
  5. 對面 / duìmiàn / Across, opposite
    1. 這裡不能走，你要去對面 / zhèlǐ bùnéng zǒu, nǐ yào qù duìmiàn / You can't walk here, you have to go to the other side.
    2. 你看對面的樹 / Nǐ kàn duìmiàn de shù / Look at the tree across (from here).
    3. 我想坐在你對面 / wǒ xiǎng zuò zài nǐ duìmiàn / I want to sit across from you.
  6. 場 / chǎng / A character that shows up in a lot of words involving wide spaces.
    1. 停車場 / tíngchēchǎng / parking lot
    2. 機場 / jīchǎng / airport
    3. 廣場 / guǎngchǎng / plaza, square
    4. 市場 / shìchǎng / market
  7. 一杯 / yībēi / A measure word for cups
    1. 一杯茶 / Yībēi chá / A cup of tea.
    2. 一杯綠茶 / Yībēi lǜchá / A cup of green tea.
    3. 兩杯咖啡 / Liǎng bēi kāfēi / Two cups of coffee.
    4. 七杯冰水 / Qī bēi bīng shuǐ / Seven cups of ice water.
  8. 進來 / jìnlái / come in
    1. 趕快進來！/ Gǎnkuài jìnlái! / Hurry up and come inside!
    2. 我在忙，不要進來！/ Wǒ zài máng, bùyào jìnlái! / I'm busy, don't come in!

Thanks for listening! 


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Fri, 19 Nov 2021 09:15:02 -0800 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 982 Xiao-Li (小李) and A-Ming (阿明) are on the way to the convenience store when they run into an unexpected obstacle. 

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction to the dialogue
  2. [01:35] Dialogue (normal speed)
  3. [03:12] Slow version (and repeat)
  4. [07:40] Useful vocabulary and phrases from the dialogue
  5. [14:12] Dialogue again (normal speed) 


Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (Chinese characters only):

  1. 路口
    1. 這是什麼路口？
    2. 到路口左轉 
    3. 你去前面路口等我 
  2. 分鐘 
    1. 等我五分鐘！
    2. 十分鐘就好！
    3. 可以給我五分鐘嗎？
  3. 差不多 
    1. 差不多五分鐘 
    2. 我差不多要走了
    3. 差不多了 
  4. 正要
    1. 我正要走 
    2. 我正要吃飯 
    3. 我們正要開始吃了 
  5. 對面 
    1. 這裡不能走，你要去對面 
    2. 你看對面的樹 
    3. 我想坐在你對面 
  6. 場 
    1. 停車場 
    2. 機場 
    3. 廣場 
    4. 市場 
  7. 一杯 
    1. 一杯茶 
    2. 一杯綠茶 
    3. 兩杯咖啡 
    4. 七杯冰水 
  8. 進來 
    1. 趕快進來！
    2. 我在忙，不要進來！


Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (w/ pinyin and translation):

  1. 路口 / lùkǒu / intersection
    1. 這是什麼路口？/ zhè shì shénme lùkǒu? / What intersection is this?
    2. 到路口左轉 / Dào lùkǒu zuǒ zhuǎn / At the intersection, turn left.
    3. 你去前面路口等我 / Nǐ qù qiánmiàn lùkǒu děng wǒ / Go to the intersection up ahead and wait for me.
  2. 分鐘 / fēnzhōng / minutes
    1. 等我五分鐘！/ děng wǒ wǔ fēnzhōng! / Wait for me for five minutes!
    2. 十分鐘就好！/ Shí fēnzhōng jiù hǎo! / It'll just be ten minutes!
    3. 可以給我五分鐘嗎？/ Kěyǐ gěi wǒ wǔ fēnzhōng ma? / Could you give me five minutes?
  3. 差不多 / chàbùduō / more or less
    1. 差不多五分鐘 / chàbùduō wǔ fēnzhōng / Five minutes, more or less.
    2. 我差不多要走了 / Wǒ chàbùduō yào zǒule / I'm about ready to leave.
    3. 差不多了 / chàbùduōle / Just about finished.
  4. 正要 / zhèng yào / Just about to
    1. 我正要走 / wǒ zhèng yào zǒu / I'm just about to leave.
    2. 我正要吃飯 / Wǒ zhèng yào chīfàn / I'm just about to eat.
    3. 我們正要開始吃了 / Wǒmen zhèng yào kāishǐ chīle / We're just about to start eating.
  5. 對面 / duìmiàn / Across, opposite
    1. 這裡不能走，你要去對面 / zhèlǐ bùnéng zǒu, nǐ yào qù duìmiàn / You can't walk here, you have to go to the other side.
    2. 你看對面的樹 / Nǐ kàn duìmiàn de shù / Look at the tree across (from here).
    3. 我想坐在你對面 / wǒ xiǎng zuò zài nǐ duìmiàn / I want to sit across from you.
  6. 場 / chǎng / A character that shows up in a lot of words involving wide spaces.
    1. 停車場 / tíngchēchǎng / parking lot
    2. 機場 / jīchǎng / airport
    3. 廣場 / guǎngchǎng / plaza, square
    4. 市場 / shìchǎng / market
  7. 一杯 / yībēi / A measure word for cups
    1. 一杯茶 / Yībēi chá / A cup of tea.
    2. 一杯綠茶 / Yībēi lǜchá / A cup of green tea.
    3. 兩杯咖啡 / Liǎng bēi kāfēi / Two cups of coffee.
    4. 七杯冰水 / Qī bēi bīng shuǐ / Seven cups of ice water.
  8. 進來 / jìnlái / come in
    1. 趕快進來！/ Gǎnkuài jìnlái! / Hurry up and come inside!
    2. 我在忙，不要進來！/ Wǒ zài máng, bùyào jìnlái! / I'm busy, don't come in!

Thanks for listening! 


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No Daily Practice Session - S2 - Lesson 08 2 2 Daily Practice Session - S2 - Lesson 08 bonus d4709209-97a8-4c9a-8019-10868dd8a556 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c8bc0b41 After listening to S02 Lesson 08, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking four minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the dialogue. Repetition makes progress!

README: How to use this recording

You'll hear the dialogue from Lesson 08 twice.

The first time, there will be a short pause after each line. During the pause, try to repeat aloud exactly what you hear.

Repeating aloud is important, partly because you'll be training your speech muscles to make the sounds of Mandarin, and partly because you'll be getting feedback about how you sound (if you're listening with earbuds, I recommend practicing with one earbud out and one in, or else with both partially in, so that you can hear yourself better).

The second time, there won't be any pauses -- try to "shadow" the sounds simultaneously as they are spoken, again aloud.

This will help you practice stringing the sounds together and further reinforce the muscle memory speech patterns of Mandarin. If it feels way too fast, you can try shadowing only one of the characters each time you listen. However, even then, don't expect to be able to keep up with everything at first.  It takes regular daily practice to start training your ears to have a more nuanced perception of the sounds, and to train your speech muscles to speak at natural speed.


A transcript of the dialogue is available below. First, it is written out in only Chinese characters for those who are learning characters and want to practice reading along. Then it is written out with the translation and pinyin.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only): 

  • 小李：便利商店在哪裡？
  • 阿明：那裡的路口有一家，我帶你去
  • 小李：好，要走多久？我快熱死了！
  • 阿明：差不多五分鐘，很近！
  • 小李：好，走吧！
  • 康太太：不好意思，不好意思
  • 阿明：欸？我們嗎？
  • 康太太：不好意思，我是你的鄰居！我姓康。
  • 阿明：康太太你好，我叫阿明，這個是小李，小李才是你的鄰居
  • 康太太：啊你是他的朋友！
  • 阿明：對
  • 康太太：這麼好！
  • 阿明：對，然後我們正要去...
  • 康太太：你知道嗎齁*，這裡不能停車！
  • 阿明：是喔...
  • 康太太：是的！你要趕快開去對面的停車場才對
  • 阿明：可是我們正要去買一點東西，然後我就要走了，很快，十分鐘就好！
  • 康太太：不行，這裡常常會有警察來看
  • 小李：阿明，怎麼辦？
  • 阿明：那... 請問，康太太，我如果把車子先開到對面去，你可以給小李一杯冰水喝嗎？他覺得很熱！
  • 康太太：沒問題，來我們家坐一下！
  • 阿明：太感謝了！
  • 小李：真的嗎？謝謝你！
  • 康太太：不客氣，趕快進來坐！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • 小李：便利商店在哪裡？
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Biànlì shāngdiàn zài nǎlǐ?
    • Where’s the convenience store?
  • 阿明：那裡的路口有一家，我帶你去
    • Ā míng: Nàlǐ de lùkǒu yǒu yījiā, wǒ dài nǐ qù
    • The intersection over there has one, I’ll take you there.
  • 小李：好，要走多久？我快熱死了！
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Hǎo, yào zǒu duōjiǔ? Wǒ kuài rè sǐle!
    • Okay, how long of a walk is it? This heat is killing me!
  • 阿明：差不多五分鐘，很近！
    • Ā míng: Chàbùduō wǔ fēnzhōng, hěn jìn!
    • Around five minutes, it’s close!
  • 小李：好，走吧！
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Hǎo, zǒu ba!
    • Okay, let’s go!
  • 康太太：不好意思，不好意思
    • Kāng tàitài: Bù hǎoyìsi, bù hǎoyìsi
    • Excuse me, sorry...
  • 阿明：欸？我們嗎？
    • Ā míng: Éi? Wǒmen ma?
    • Huh? You mean us?
  • 康太太：不好意思，我是你的鄰居！我姓康。
    • Kāng tàitài: Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ shì nǐ de línjū! Wǒ xìng kāng.
    • Excuse me, I’m your neighbor! My last name is Kang.
  • 阿明：康太太你好，我叫阿明，這個是小李，小李才是你的鄰居
    • Ā míng: Kāng tàitài nǐ hǎo, wǒ jiào ā míng, zhège shì xiǎo lǐ, xiǎo lǐ cái shì nǐ de línjū
    • Hello Mrs. Kang, I’m A-Ming, and this is Xiao-Li, Xiao-Li is actually your neighbor.
  • 康太太：啊你是他的朋友！
    • Kāng tàitài: A nǐ shì tā de péngyǒu!
    • Oh you’re his friend!
  • 阿明：對
    • Ā míng: Duì
    • Right.
  • 康太太：這麼好！
    • kāng tàitài: Zhème hǎo!
    • That’s so great!
  • 阿明：對，然後我們正要去...
    • Ā míng: Duì, ránhòu wǒmen zhèng yào qù... 
    • Right, and we’re just about to go...
  • 康太太：你知道嗎齁*，這裡不能停車！
    • Kāng tàitài: Nǐ zhīdào ma hou, zhèlǐ bùnéng tíngchē!
    • You know, you can’t park here!
  • 阿明：是喔...
    • Ā míng: Shì ō... 
    • Oh really...
  • 康太太：是的！你要趕快開去對面的停車場才對
    • Kāng tàitài: Shì de! Nǐ yào gǎnkuài kāi qù duìmiàn de tíngchēchǎng cái duì
    • Really! You’ve gotta hurry up and drive across to the parking lot!
  • 阿明：可是我們正要去買一點東西，然後我就要走了，很快，十分鐘就好！
    • Ā míng: Kěshì wǒmen zhèng yào qù mǎi yīdiǎn dōngxī, ránhòu wǒ jiù yào zǒule, hěn kuài, shí fēnzhōng jiù hǎo!
    • But we’re just about to go buy something, and then I’m going to leave, it’ll be fast, just ten minutes!
  • 康太太：不行，這裡常常會有警察來看
    • Kāng tàitài: Bùxíng, zhèlǐ chángcháng huì yǒu jǐngchá lái kàn
    • No way, police often come by here to check.
  • 小李：阿明，怎麼辦？
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Ā míng, zěnme bàn?
    • A-Ming, what are we going to do?
  • 阿明：那... 請問，康太太，我如果把車子先開到對面去，你可以給小李一杯冰水喝嗎？他覺得很熱！
    • Ā míng: Nà... Qǐngwèn, kāng tàitài, wǒ rúguǒ bǎ chēzi xiān kāi dào duìmiàn qù, nǐ kěyǐ gěi xiǎo lǐ yībēi bīng shuǐ hē ma? Tā juédé hěn rè!
    • Well then... excuse me, Mrs. Kang, if I take my car across the way right now, can you give Xiao-Li a cup of ice water to drink? He feels really hot!
  • 康太太：沒問題，來我們家坐一下！
    • Kāng tàitài: Méi wèntí, lái wǒmen jiā zuò yīxià!
    • No problem, come inside and sit down for a bit!
  • 阿明：太感謝了！
    • Ā míng: Tài gǎnxièle!
    • Thank you so much!
  • 小李：真的嗎？謝謝你！
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Zhēn de ma? Xièxiè nǐ!
    • Really? Thank you!
  • 康太太：不客氣，趕快進來坐！
    • Kāng tàitài: Bù kèqì, gǎnkuài jìnlái zuò!
    • Don’t mention it, hurry up and come inside!

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> After listening to S02 Lesson 08, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking four minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the dialogue. Repetition makes progress!

README: How to use this recording

You'll hear the dialogue from Lesson 08 twice.

The first time, there will be a short pause after each line. During the pause, try to repeat aloud exactly what you hear.

Repeating aloud is important, partly because you'll be training your speech muscles to make the sounds of Mandarin, and partly because you'll be getting feedback about how you sound (if you're listening with earbuds, I recommend practicing with one earbud out and one in, or else with both partially in, so that you can hear yourself better).

The second time, there won't be any pauses -- try to "shadow" the sounds simultaneously as they are spoken, again aloud.

This will help you practice stringing the sounds together and further reinforce the muscle memory speech patterns of Mandarin. If it feels way too fast, you can try shadowing only one of the characters each time you listen. However, even then, don't expect to be able to keep up with everything at first.  It takes regular daily practice to start training your ears to have a more nuanced perception of the sounds, and to train your speech muscles to speak at natural speed.


A transcript of the dialogue is available below. First, it is written out in only Chinese characters for those who are learning characters and want to practice reading along. Then it is written out with the translation and pinyin.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only): 

  • 小李：便利商店在哪裡？
  • 阿明：那裡的路口有一家，我帶你去
  • 小李：好，要走多久？我快熱死了！
  • 阿明：差不多五分鐘，很近！
  • 小李：好，走吧！
  • 康太太：不好意思，不好意思
  • 阿明：欸？我們嗎？
  • 康太太：不好意思，我是你的鄰居！我姓康。
  • 阿明：康太太你好，我叫阿明，這個是小李，小李才是你的鄰居
  • 康太太：啊你是他的朋友！
  • 阿明：對
  • 康太太：這麼好！
  • 阿明：對，然後我們正要去...
  • 康太太：你知道嗎齁*，這裡不能停車！
  • 阿明：是喔...
  • 康太太：是的！你要趕快開去對面的停車場才對
  • 阿明：可是我們正要去買一點東西，然後我就要走了，很快，十分鐘就好！
  • 康太太：不行，這裡常常會有警察來看
  • 小李：阿明，怎麼辦？
  • 阿明：那... 請問，康太太，我如果把車子先開到對面去，你可以給小李一杯冰水喝嗎？他覺得很熱！
  • 康太太：沒問題，來我們家坐一下！
  • 阿明：太感謝了！
  • 小李：真的嗎？謝謝你！
  • 康太太：不客氣，趕快進來坐！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • 小李：便利商店在哪裡？
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Biànlì shāngdiàn zài nǎlǐ?
    • Where’s the convenience store?
  • 阿明：那裡的路口有一家，我帶你去
    • Ā míng: Nàlǐ de lùkǒu yǒu yījiā, wǒ dài nǐ qù
    • The intersection over there has one, I’ll take you there.
  • 小李：好，要走多久？我快熱死了！
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Hǎo, yào zǒu duōjiǔ? Wǒ kuài rè sǐle!
    • Okay, how long of a walk is it? This heat is killing me!
  • 阿明：差不多五分鐘，很近！
    • Ā míng: Chàbùduō wǔ fēnzhōng, hěn jìn!
    • Around five minutes, it’s close!
  • 小李：好，走吧！
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Hǎo, zǒu ba!
    • Okay, let’s go!
  • 康太太：不好意思，不好意思
    • Kāng tàitài: Bù hǎoyìsi, bù hǎoyìsi
    • Excuse me, sorry...
  • 阿明：欸？我們嗎？
    • Ā míng: Éi? Wǒmen ma?
    • Huh? You mean us?
  • 康太太：不好意思，我是你的鄰居！我姓康。
    • Kāng tàitài: Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ shì nǐ de línjū! Wǒ xìng kāng.
    • Excuse me, I’m your neighbor! My last name is Kang.
  • 阿明：康太太你好，我叫阿明，這個是小李，小李才是你的鄰居
    • Ā míng: Kāng tàitài nǐ hǎo, wǒ jiào ā míng, zhège shì xiǎo lǐ, xiǎo lǐ cái shì nǐ de línjū
    • Hello Mrs. Kang, I’m A-Ming, and this is Xiao-Li, Xiao-Li is actually your neighbor.
  • 康太太：啊你是他的朋友！
    • Kāng tàitài: A nǐ shì tā de péngyǒu!
    • Oh you’re his friend!
  • 阿明：對
    • Ā míng: Duì
    • Right.
  • 康太太：這麼好！
    • kāng tàitài: Zhème hǎo!
    • That’s so great!
  • 阿明：對，然後我們正要去...
    • Ā míng: Duì, ránhòu wǒmen zhèng yào qù... 
    • Right, and we’re just about to go...
  • 康太太：你知道嗎齁*，這裡不能停車！
    • Kāng tàitài: Nǐ zhīdào ma hou, zhèlǐ bùnéng tíngchē!
    • You know, you can’t park here!
  • 阿明：是喔...
    • Ā míng: Shì ō... 
    • Oh really...
  • 康太太：是的！你要趕快開去對面的停車場才對
    • Kāng tàitài: Shì de! Nǐ yào gǎnkuài kāi qù duìmiàn de tíngchēchǎng cái duì
    • Really! You’ve gotta hurry up and drive across to the parking lot!
  • 阿明：可是我們正要去買一點東西，然後我就要走了，很快，十分鐘就好！
    • Ā míng: Kěshì wǒmen zhèng yào qù mǎi yīdiǎn dōngxī, ránhòu wǒ jiù yào zǒule, hěn kuài, shí fēnzhōng jiù hǎo!
    • But we’re just about to go buy something, and then I’m going to leave, it’ll be fast, just ten minutes!
  • 康太太：不行，這裡常常會有警察來看
    • Kāng tàitài: Bùxíng, zhèlǐ chángcháng huì yǒu jǐngchá lái kàn
    • No way, police often come by here to check.
  • 小李：阿明，怎麼辦？
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Ā míng, zěnme bàn?
    • A-Ming, what are we going to do?
  • 阿明：那... 請問，康太太，我如果把車子先開到對面去，你可以給小李一杯冰水喝嗎？他覺得很熱！
    • Ā míng: Nà... Qǐngwèn, kāng tàitài, wǒ rúguǒ bǎ chēzi xiān kāi dào duìmiàn qù, nǐ kěyǐ gěi xiǎo lǐ yībēi bīng shuǐ hē ma? Tā juédé hěn rè!
    • Well then... excuse me, Mrs. Kang, if I take my car across the way right now, can you give Xiao-Li a cup of ice water to drink? He feels really hot!
  • 康太太：沒問題，來我們家坐一下！
    • Kāng tàitài: Méi wèntí, lái wǒmen jiā zuò yīxià!
    • No problem, come inside and sit down for a bit!
  • 阿明：太感謝了！
    • Ā míng: Tài gǎnxièle!
    • Thank you so much!
  • 小李：真的嗎？謝謝你！
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Zhēn de ma? Xièxiè nǐ!
    • Really? Thank you!
  • 康太太：不客氣，趕快進來坐！
    • Kāng tàitài: Bù kèqì, gǎnkuài jìnlái zuò!
    • Don’t mention it, hurry up and come inside!

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Thanks for listening! 

]]> Sat, 20 Nov 2021 09:00:00 -0800 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 249 After listening to S02 Lesson 08, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking four minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the dialogue. Repetition makes progress!

README: How to use this recording

You'll hear the dialogue from Lesson 08 twice.

The first time, there will be a short pause after each line. During the pause, try to repeat aloud exactly what you hear.

Repeating aloud is important, partly because you'll be training your speech muscles to make the sounds of Mandarin, and partly because you'll be getting feedback about how you sound (if you're listening with earbuds, I recommend practicing with one earbud out and one in, or else with both partially in, so that you can hear yourself better).

The second time, there won't be any pauses -- try to "shadow" the sounds simultaneously as they are spoken, again aloud.

This will help you practice stringing the sounds together and further reinforce the muscle memory speech patterns of Mandarin. If it feels way too fast, you can try shadowing only one of the characters each time you listen. However, even then, don't expect to be able to keep up with everything at first.  It takes regular daily practice to start training your ears to have a more nuanced perception of the sounds, and to train your speech muscles to speak at natural speed.


A transcript of the dialogue is available below. First, it is written out in only Chinese characters for those who are learning characters and want to practice reading along. Then it is written out with the translation and pinyin.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only): 

  • 小李：便利商店在哪裡？
  • 阿明：那裡的路口有一家，我帶你去
  • 小李：好，要走多久？我快熱死了！
  • 阿明：差不多五分鐘，很近！
  • 小李：好，走吧！
  • 康太太：不好意思，不好意思
  • 阿明：欸？我們嗎？
  • 康太太：不好意思，我是你的鄰居！我姓康。
  • 阿明：康太太你好，我叫阿明，這個是小李，小李才是你的鄰居
  • 康太太：啊你是他的朋友！
  • 阿明：對
  • 康太太：這麼好！
  • 阿明：對，然後我們正要去...
  • 康太太：你知道嗎齁*，這裡不能停車！
  • 阿明：是喔...
  • 康太太：是的！你要趕快開去對面的停車場才對
  • 阿明：可是我們正要去買一點東西，然後我就要走了，很快，十分鐘就好！
  • 康太太：不行，這裡常常會有警察來看
  • 小李：阿明，怎麼辦？
  • 阿明：那... 請問，康太太，我如果把車子先開到對面去，你可以給小李一杯冰水喝嗎？他覺得很熱！
  • 康太太：沒問題，來我們家坐一下！
  • 阿明：太感謝了！
  • 小李：真的嗎？謝謝你！
  • 康太太：不客氣，趕快進來坐！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • 小李：便利商店在哪裡？
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Biànlì shāngdiàn zài nǎlǐ?
    • Where’s the convenience store?
  • 阿明：那裡的路口有一家，我帶你去
    • Ā míng: Nàlǐ de lùkǒu yǒu yījiā, wǒ dài nǐ qù
    • The intersection over there has one, I’ll take you there.
  • 小李：好，要走多久？我快熱死了！
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Hǎo, yào zǒu duōjiǔ? Wǒ kuài rè sǐle!
    • Okay, how long of a walk is it? This heat is killing me!
  • 阿明：差不多五分鐘，很近！
    • Ā míng: Chàbùduō wǔ fēnzhōng, hěn jìn!
    • Around five minutes, it’s close!
  • 小李：好，走吧！
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Hǎo, zǒu ba!
    • Okay, let’s go!
  • 康太太：不好意思，不好意思
    • Kāng tàitài: Bù hǎoyìsi, bù hǎoyìsi
    • Excuse me, sorry...
  • 阿明：欸？我們嗎？
    • Ā míng: Éi? Wǒmen ma?
    • Huh? You mean us?
  • 康太太：不好意思，我是你的鄰居！我姓康。
    • Kāng tàitài: Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ shì nǐ de línjū! Wǒ xìng kāng.
    • Excuse me, I’m your neighbor! My last name is Kang.
  • 阿明：康太太你好，我叫阿明，這個是小李，小李才是你的鄰居
    • Ā míng: Kāng tàitài nǐ hǎo, wǒ jiào ā míng, zhège shì xiǎo lǐ, xiǎo lǐ cái shì nǐ de línjū
    • Hello Mrs. Kang, I’m A-Ming, and this is Xiao-Li, Xiao-Li is actually your neighbor.
  • 康太太：啊你是他的朋友！
    • Kāng tàitài: A nǐ shì tā de péngyǒu!
    • Oh you’re his friend!
  • 阿明：對
    • Ā míng: Duì
    • Right.
  • 康太太：這麼好！
    • kāng tàitài: Zhème hǎo!
    • That’s so great!
  • 阿明：對，然後我們正要去...
    • Ā míng: Duì, ránhòu wǒmen zhèng yào qù... 
    • Right, and we’re just about to go...
  • 康太太：你知道嗎齁*，這裡不能停車！
    • Kāng tàitài: Nǐ zhīdào ma hou, zhèlǐ bùnéng tíngchē!
    • You know, you can’t park here!
  • 阿明：是喔...
    • Ā míng: Shì ō... 
    • Oh really...
  • 康太太：是的！你要趕快開去對面的停車場才對
    • Kāng tàitài: Shì de! Nǐ yào gǎnkuài kāi qù duìmiàn de tíngchēchǎng cái duì
    • Really! You’ve gotta hurry up and drive across to the parking lot!
  • 阿明：可是我們正要去買一點東西，然後我就要走了，很快，十分鐘就好！
    • Ā míng: Kěshì wǒmen zhèng yào qù mǎi yīdiǎn dōngxī, ránhòu wǒ jiù yào zǒule, hěn kuài, shí fēnzhōng jiù hǎo!
    • But we’re just about to go buy something, and then I’m going to leave, it’ll be fast, just ten minutes!
  • 康太太：不行，這裡常常會有警察來看
    • Kāng tàitài: Bùxíng, zhèlǐ chángcháng huì yǒu jǐngchá lái kàn
    • No way, police often come by here to check.
  • 小李：阿明，怎麼辦？
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Ā míng, zěnme bàn?
    • A-Ming, what are we going to do?
  • 阿明：那... 請問，康太太，我如果把車子先開到對面去，你可以給小李一杯冰水喝嗎？他覺得很熱！
    • Ā míng: Nà... Qǐngwèn, kāng tàitài, wǒ rúguǒ bǎ chēzi xiān kāi dào duìmiàn qù, nǐ kěyǐ gěi xiǎo lǐ yībēi bīng shuǐ hē ma? Tā juédé hěn rè!
    • Well then... excuse me, Mrs. Kang, if I take my car across the way right now, can you give Xiao-Li a cup of ice water to drink? He feels really hot!
  • 康太太：沒問題，來我們家坐一下！
    • Kāng tàitài: Méi wèntí, lái wǒmen jiā zuò yīxià!
    • No problem, come inside and sit down for a bit!
  • 阿明：太感謝了！
    • Ā míng: Tài gǎnxièle!
    • Thank you so much!
  • 小李：真的嗎？謝謝你！
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Zhēn de ma? Xièxiè nǐ!
    • Really? Thank you!
  • 康太太：不客氣，趕快進來坐！
    • Kāng tàitài: Bù kèqì, gǎnkuài jìnlái zuò!
    • Don’t mention it, hurry up and come inside!

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No S2 ~ 09 ~ 趕快進來坐！Part 2 + Questions 2 2 S2 ~ 09 ~ 趕快進來坐！Part 2 + Questions full bdb727dd-80a6-4879-a349-f2ad0e8fe3d5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/fb0b6c77 We'll hear the line-by-line translation of the dialogue from S02 Episode 8, and then we'll further reinforce the vocabulary and practice answering some questions with a mock interview. 

Lesson Outline:

  1. [01:53] Dialogue (normal speed) 
  2. [03:19] Complete translation
  3. [10:00] Explanation of 才對 and 我如果把車子先開到對面去
  4. [12:35] Mock interview (reinforcement and speaking practice)
  5. [14:40] Reference interview with A-Ming (阿明) 

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only):

  • 小李：便利商店在哪裡？
  • 阿明：那裡的路口有一家，我帶你去
  • 小李：好，要走多久？我快熱死了！
  • 阿明：差不多五分鐘，很近！
  • 小李：好，走吧！
  • 康太太：不好意思，不好意思
  • 阿明：欸？我們嗎？
  • 康太太：不好意思，我是你的鄰居！我姓康。
  • 阿明：康太太你好，我叫阿明，這個是小李，小李才是你的鄰居
  • 康太太：啊你是他的朋友！
  • 阿明：對
  • 康太太：這麼好！
  • 阿明：對，然後我們正要去...
  • 康太太：你知道嗎齁，這裡不能停車！
  • 阿明：是喔...
  • 康太太：是的！你要趕快開去對面的停車場才對
  • 阿明：可是我們正要去買一點東西，然後我就要走了，很快，十分鐘就好！
  • 康太太：不行，這裡常常會有警察來看
  • 小李：阿明，怎麼辦？
  • 阿明：那... 請問，康太太，我如果把車子先開到對面去，你可以給小李一杯冰水喝嗎？他覺得很熱！
  • 康太太：沒問題，來我們家坐一下！
  • 阿明：太感謝了！
  • 小李：真的嗎？謝謝你！
  • 康太太：不客氣，趕快進來坐！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation):

  • 小李：便利商店在哪裡？
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Biànlì shāngdiàn zài nǎlǐ?
    • Where’s the convenience store?
  • 阿明：那裡的路口有一家，我帶你去
    • Ā míng: Nàlǐ de lùkǒu yǒu yījiā, wǒ dài nǐ qù
    • The intersection over there has one, I’ll take you there.
  • 小李：好，要走多久？我快熱死了！
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Hǎo, yào zǒu duōjiǔ? Wǒ kuài rè sǐle!
    • Okay, how long of a walk is it? This heat is killing me!
  • 阿明：差不多五分鐘，很近！
    • Ā míng: Chàbùduō wǔ fēnzhōng, hěn jìn!
    • Around five minutes, it’s close!
  • 小李：好，走吧！
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Hǎo, zǒu ba!
    • Okay, let’s go!
  • 康太太：不好意思，不好意思
    • Kāng tàitài: Bù hǎoyìsi, bù hǎoyìsi
    • Excuse me, sorry...
  • 阿明：欸？我們嗎？
    • Ā míng: Éi? Wǒmen ma?
    • Huh? You mean us?
  • 康太太：不好意思，我是你的鄰居！我姓康。
    • Kāng tàitài: Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ shì nǐ de línjū! Wǒ xìng kāng.
    • Excuse me, I’m your neighbor! My last name is Kang.
  • 阿明：康太太你好，我叫阿明，這個是小李，小李才是你的鄰居
    • Ā míng: Kāng tàitài nǐ hǎo, wǒ jiào ā míng, zhège shì xiǎo lǐ, xiǎo lǐ cái shì nǐ de línjū
    • Hello Mrs. Kang, I’m A-Ming, and this is Xiao-Li, Xiao-Li is actually your neighbor.
  • 康太太：啊你是他的朋友！
    • Kāng tàitài: A nǐ shì tā de péngyǒu!
    • Oh you’re his friend!
  • 阿明：對
    • Ā míng: Duì
    • Right.
  • 康太太：這麼好！
    • kāng tàitài: Zhème hǎo!
    • That’s so great!
  • 阿明：對，然後我們正要去...
    • Ā míng: Duì, ránhòu wǒmen zhèng yào qù... 
    • Right, and we’re just about to go...
  • 康太太：你知道嗎齁*，這裡不能停車！
    • Kāng tàitài: Nǐ zhīdào ma hou, zhèlǐ bùnéng tíngchē!
    • You know, you can’t park here!
  • 阿明：是喔...
    • Ā míng: Shì ō... 
    • Oh really...
  • 康太太：是的！你要趕快開去對面的停車場才對
    • Kāng tàitài: Shì de! Nǐ yào gǎnkuài kāi qù duìmiàn de tíngchēchǎng cái duì
    • Really! You’ve gotta hurry up and drive across to the parking lot!
  • 阿明：可是我們正要去買一點東西，然後我就要走了，很快，十分鐘就好！
    • Ā míng: Kěshì wǒmen zhèng yào qù mǎi yīdiǎn dōngxī, ránhòu wǒ jiù yào zǒule, hěn kuài, shí fēnzhōng jiù hǎo!
    • But we’re just about to go buy something, and then I’m going to leave, it’ll be fast, just ten minutes!
  • 康太太：不行，這裡常常會有警察來看
    • Kāng tàitài: Bùxíng, zhèlǐ chángcháng huì yǒu jǐngchá lái kàn
    • No way, police often come by here to check.
  • 小李：阿明，怎麼辦？
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Ā míng, zěnme bàn?
    • A-Ming, what are we going to do?
  • 阿明：那... 請問，康太太，我如果把車子先開到對面去，你可以給小李一杯冰水喝嗎？他覺得很熱！
    • Ā míng: Nà... Qǐngwèn, kāng tàitài, wǒ rúguǒ bǎ chēzi xiān kāi dào duìmiàn qù, nǐ kěyǐ gěi xiǎo lǐ yībēi bīng shuǐ hē ma? Tā juédé hěn rè!
    • Well then... excuse me, Mrs. Kang, if I take my car across the way right now, can you give Xiao-Li a cup of ice water to drink? He feels really hot!
  • 康太太：沒問題，來我們家坐一下！
    • Kāng tàitài: Méi wèntí, lái wǒmen jiā zuò yīxià!
    • No problem, come inside and sit down for a bit!
  • 阿明：太感謝了！
    • Ā míng: Tài gǎnxièle!
    • Thank you so much!
  • 小李：真的嗎？謝謝你！
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Zhēn de ma? Xièxiè nǐ!
    • Really? Thank you!
  • 康太太：不客氣，趕快進來坐！
    • Kāng tàitài: Bù kèqì, gǎnkuài jìnlái zuò!
    • Don’t mention it, hurry up and come inside!

* 齁 (hou) is a particularly Taiwanese auxiliary word, said with a nasal sound. In this case when Mrs. Kang uses it, it's sort of to emphasize or reaffirm the feeling of "you know, right?"

Interview with A-Ming (阿明)：

  • Q：你家住在什麼路口？
    • Q: Nǐ jiā zhù zài shénme lùkǒu?
    • What intersection do you live at? 
  • 阿明：我住在中山北路跟民族東路附近。
    • Ā míng: Wǒ zhù zài zhōngshān běi lù gēn mínzú dōnglù fùjìn.
    • I live near Zhongshan North Road and Minzu East Road. 
  • Q：你很常去便利商店嗎？
    • Q: Nǐ hěn cháng qù biànlì shāngdiàn ma?
    • Do you often go to convenience stores? 
  • 阿明：對，幾乎每天都會去。
    • Ā míng: Duì, jīhū měitiān dūhuì qù. 
    • Yeah, I go almost every day. 
  • Q：你去便利商店你會買什麼？
    • Q: Nǐ qù biànlì shāngdiàn nǐ huì mǎi shénme?
    • When you go to a convenience store, what do you buy? 
  • 阿明：有時候買水，有時候買咖啡，有時候也會買啤酒。
    • Ā míng: Yǒu shíhòu mǎi shuǐ, yǒu shíhòu mǎi kāfēi, yǒu shíhòu yě huì mǎi píjiǔ.
    • Sometimes I buy water, sometimes I buy coffee, and sometimes I buy beer. 
  • Q：你比較怕熱嗎？還是比較怕冷？
    • Q: Nǐ bǐjiào pà rè ma? Háishì bǐjiào pà lěng?
    • Are you relatively afraid of heat? Or relatively afraid of the cold? 
  • 阿明：我比較怕冷！我不太會怕熱。
    • Ā míng: Wǒ bǐjiào pà lěng! Wǒ bù tài huì pà rè.
    • I'm more afraid of the cold! I don't really mind heat. 
  • Q：你夏天都喝什麼？
    • Q: Nǐ xiàtiān dū hē shénme?
    • What do you drink in the summer? 
  • 阿明：我夏天最喜歡喝冰拿鐵。
    • Ā míng: Wǒ xiàtiān zuì xǐhuān hē bīng ná tiě.
    • In the summer I most like drinking iced lattes. 
  • Q：你會開車嗎？你喜歡停車嗎？
    • Q: Nǐ huì kāichē ma? Nǐ xǐhuān tíngchē ma?
    • Can you drive? Do you like parking? 
  • 阿明：我會開車啊！但我覺得停車很麻煩。
    • Ā míng: Wǒ huì kāichē a! Dàn wǒ juédé tíngchē hěn máfan.
    • I can drive! But I feel that parking is a nuisance. 
  • Q：你有認識警察嗎？
    • Q: Nǐ yǒu rènshí jǐngchá ma? 
    • Do you know any police? 
  • 阿明：有！我姊姊就是警察！
    • Ā míng: Yǒu! Wǒ jiě jie jiùshì jǐngchá!
    • I do! My older sister is a police!
  • Q：你認識你的鄰居嗎？
    • Q: Nǐ rènshí nǐ de línjū ma?
    • Do you know your neighbors? 
  • 阿明：我認識他們啊，我家對面的鄰居人都很好。
    • Ā míng: Wǒ rènshí tāmen a, wǒjiā duìmiàn de línjū rén dōu hěn hǎo.
    • I know them. The neighbors across from my home are all really nice. 
  • Q：你的鄰居來過你家嗎？
    • Q: Nǐ de línjū láiguò nǐ jiā ma?
    • Have your neighbors come over to your house before? 
  • 阿明：他們好像沒有來過欸～
    • Ā míng: Tāmen hǎoxiàng méiyǒu láiguò āi ~
    • It seems they haven't been over before!
  • Q：你去過鄰居的家嗎？
    • Q: Nǐ qùguò línjū de jiā ma?
    • Have you been to your neighbors' house before?
  • 阿明：我去過幾次，上個月我去他們家唱歌！
    • Ā míng: Wǒ qùguò jǐ cì, shàng gè yuè wǒ qù tāmen jiā chànggē!
    • I've been several times. Last month I went there to sing karaoke! 


Thanks for listening! 


Wan...

]]> We'll hear the line-by-line translation of the dialogue from S02 Episode 8, and then we'll further reinforce the vocabulary and practice answering some questions with a mock interview. 

Lesson Outline:

  1. [01:53] Dialogue (normal speed) 
  2. [03:19] Complete translation
  3. [10:00] Explanation of 才對 and 我如果把車子先開到對面去
  4. [12:35] Mock interview (reinforcement and speaking practice)
  5. [14:40] Reference interview with A-Ming (阿明) 

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only):

  • 小李：便利商店在哪裡？
  • 阿明：那裡的路口有一家，我帶你去
  • 小李：好，要走多久？我快熱死了！
  • 阿明：差不多五分鐘，很近！
  • 小李：好，走吧！
  • 康太太：不好意思，不好意思
  • 阿明：欸？我們嗎？
  • 康太太：不好意思，我是你的鄰居！我姓康。
  • 阿明：康太太你好，我叫阿明，這個是小李，小李才是你的鄰居
  • 康太太：啊你是他的朋友！
  • 阿明：對
  • 康太太：這麼好！
  • 阿明：對，然後我們正要去...
  • 康太太：你知道嗎齁，這裡不能停車！
  • 阿明：是喔...
  • 康太太：是的！你要趕快開去對面的停車場才對
  • 阿明：可是我們正要去買一點東西，然後我就要走了，很快，十分鐘就好！
  • 康太太：不行，這裡常常會有警察來看
  • 小李：阿明，怎麼辦？
  • 阿明：那... 請問，康太太，我如果把車子先開到對面去，你可以給小李一杯冰水喝嗎？他覺得很熱！
  • 康太太：沒問題，來我們家坐一下！
  • 阿明：太感謝了！
  • 小李：真的嗎？謝謝你！
  • 康太太：不客氣，趕快進來坐！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation):

  • 小李：便利商店在哪裡？
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Biànlì shāngdiàn zài nǎlǐ?
    • Where’s the convenience store?
  • 阿明：那裡的路口有一家，我帶你去
    • Ā míng: Nàlǐ de lùkǒu yǒu yījiā, wǒ dài nǐ qù
    • The intersection over there has one, I’ll take you there.
  • 小李：好，要走多久？我快熱死了！
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Hǎo, yào zǒu duōjiǔ? Wǒ kuài rè sǐle!
    • Okay, how long of a walk is it? This heat is killing me!
  • 阿明：差不多五分鐘，很近！
    • Ā míng: Chàbùduō wǔ fēnzhōng, hěn jìn!
    • Around five minutes, it’s close!
  • 小李：好，走吧！
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Hǎo, zǒu ba!
    • Okay, let’s go!
  • 康太太：不好意思，不好意思
    • Kāng tàitài: Bù hǎoyìsi, bù hǎoyìsi
    • Excuse me, sorry...
  • 阿明：欸？我們嗎？
    • Ā míng: Éi? Wǒmen ma?
    • Huh? You mean us?
  • 康太太：不好意思，我是你的鄰居！我姓康。
    • Kāng tàitài: Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ shì nǐ de línjū! Wǒ xìng kāng.
    • Excuse me, I’m your neighbor! My last name is Kang.
  • 阿明：康太太你好，我叫阿明，這個是小李，小李才是你的鄰居
    • Ā míng: Kāng tàitài nǐ hǎo, wǒ jiào ā míng, zhège shì xiǎo lǐ, xiǎo lǐ cái shì nǐ de línjū
    • Hello Mrs. Kang, I’m A-Ming, and this is Xiao-Li, Xiao-Li is actually your neighbor.
  • 康太太：啊你是他的朋友！
    • Kāng tàitài: A nǐ shì tā de péngyǒu!
    • Oh you’re his friend!
  • 阿明：對
    • Ā míng: Duì
    • Right.
  • 康太太：這麼好！
    • kāng tàitài: Zhème hǎo!
    • That’s so great!
  • 阿明：對，然後我們正要去...
    • Ā míng: Duì, ránhòu wǒmen zhèng yào qù... 
    • Right, and we’re just about to go...
  • 康太太：你知道嗎齁*，這裡不能停車！
    • Kāng tàitài: Nǐ zhīdào ma hou, zhèlǐ bùnéng tíngchē!
    • You know, you can’t park here!
  • 阿明：是喔...
    • Ā míng: Shì ō... 
    • Oh really...
  • 康太太：是的！你要趕快開去對面的停車場才對
    • Kāng tàitài: Shì de! Nǐ yào gǎnkuài kāi qù duìmiàn de tíngchēchǎng cái duì
    • Really! You’ve gotta hurry up and drive across to the parking lot!
  • 阿明：可是我們正要去買一點東西，然後我就要走了，很快，十分鐘就好！
    • Ā míng: Kěshì wǒmen zhèng yào qù mǎi yīdiǎn dōngxī, ránhòu wǒ jiù yào zǒule, hěn kuài, shí fēnzhōng jiù hǎo!
    • But we’re just about to go buy something, and then I’m going to leave, it’ll be fast, just ten minutes!
  • 康太太：不行，這裡常常會有警察來看
    • Kāng tàitài: Bùxíng, zhèlǐ chángcháng huì yǒu jǐngchá lái kàn
    • No way, police often come by here to check.
  • 小李：阿明，怎麼辦？
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Ā míng, zěnme bàn?
    • A-Ming, what are we going to do?
  • 阿明：那... 請問，康太太，我如果把車子先開到對面去，你可以給小李一杯冰水喝嗎？他覺得很熱！
    • Ā míng: Nà... Qǐngwèn, kāng tàitài, wǒ rúguǒ bǎ chēzi xiān kāi dào duìmiàn qù, nǐ kěyǐ gěi xiǎo lǐ yībēi bīng shuǐ hē ma? Tā juédé hěn rè!
    • Well then... excuse me, Mrs. Kang, if I take my car across the way right now, can you give Xiao-Li a cup of ice water to drink? He feels really hot!
  • 康太太：沒問題，來我們家坐一下！
    • Kāng tàitài: Méi wèntí, lái wǒmen jiā zuò yīxià!
    • No problem, come inside and sit down for a bit!
  • 阿明：太感謝了！
    • Ā míng: Tài gǎnxièle!
    • Thank you so much!
  • 小李：真的嗎？謝謝你！
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Zhēn de ma? Xièxiè nǐ!
    • Really? Thank you!
  • 康太太：不客氣，趕快進來坐！
    • Kāng tàitài: Bù kèqì, gǎnkuài jìnlái zuò!
    • Don’t mention it, hurry up and come inside!

* 齁 (hou) is a particularly Taiwanese auxiliary word, said with a nasal sound. In this case when Mrs. Kang uses it, it's sort of to emphasize or reaffirm the feeling of "you know, right?"

Interview with A-Ming (阿明)：

  • Q：你家住在什麼路口？
    • Q: Nǐ jiā zhù zài shénme lùkǒu?
    • What intersection do you live at? 
  • 阿明：我住在中山北路跟民族東路附近。
    • Ā míng: Wǒ zhù zài zhōngshān běi lù gēn mínzú dōnglù fùjìn.
    • I live near Zhongshan North Road and Minzu East Road. 
  • Q：你很常去便利商店嗎？
    • Q: Nǐ hěn cháng qù biànlì shāngdiàn ma?
    • Do you often go to convenience stores? 
  • 阿明：對，幾乎每天都會去。
    • Ā míng: Duì, jīhū měitiān dūhuì qù. 
    • Yeah, I go almost every day. 
  • Q：你去便利商店你會買什麼？
    • Q: Nǐ qù biànlì shāngdiàn nǐ huì mǎi shénme?
    • When you go to a convenience store, what do you buy? 
  • 阿明：有時候買水，有時候買咖啡，有時候也會買啤酒。
    • Ā míng: Yǒu shíhòu mǎi shuǐ, yǒu shíhòu mǎi kāfēi, yǒu shíhòu yě huì mǎi píjiǔ.
    • Sometimes I buy water, sometimes I buy coffee, and sometimes I buy beer. 
  • Q：你比較怕熱嗎？還是比較怕冷？
    • Q: Nǐ bǐjiào pà rè ma? Háishì bǐjiào pà lěng?
    • Are you relatively afraid of heat? Or relatively afraid of the cold? 
  • 阿明：我比較怕冷！我不太會怕熱。
    • Ā míng: Wǒ bǐjiào pà lěng! Wǒ bù tài huì pà rè.
    • I'm more afraid of the cold! I don't really mind heat. 
  • Q：你夏天都喝什麼？
    • Q: Nǐ xiàtiān dū hē shénme?
    • What do you drink in the summer? 
  • 阿明：我夏天最喜歡喝冰拿鐵。
    • Ā míng: Wǒ xiàtiān zuì xǐhuān hē bīng ná tiě.
    • In the summer I most like drinking iced lattes. 
  • Q：你會開車嗎？你喜歡停車嗎？
    • Q: Nǐ huì kāichē ma? Nǐ xǐhuān tíngchē ma?
    • Can you drive? Do you like parking? 
  • 阿明：我會開車啊！但我覺得停車很麻煩。
    • Ā míng: Wǒ huì kāichē a! Dàn wǒ juédé tíngchē hěn máfan.
    • I can drive! But I feel that parking is a nuisance. 
  • Q：你有認識警察嗎？
    • Q: Nǐ yǒu rènshí jǐngchá ma? 
    • Do you know any police? 
  • 阿明：有！我姊姊就是警察！
    • Ā míng: Yǒu! Wǒ jiě jie jiùshì jǐngchá!
    • I do! My older sister is a police!
  • Q：你認識你的鄰居嗎？
    • Q: Nǐ rènshí nǐ de línjū ma?
    • Do you know your neighbors? 
  • 阿明：我認識他們啊，我家對面的鄰居人都很好。
    • Ā míng: Wǒ rènshí tāmen a, wǒjiā duìmiàn de línjū rén dōu hěn hǎo.
    • I know them. The neighbors across from my home are all really nice. 
  • Q：你的鄰居來過你家嗎？
    • Q: Nǐ de línjū láiguò nǐ jiā ma?
    • Have your neighbors come over to your house before? 
  • 阿明：他們好像沒有來過欸～
    • Ā míng: Tāmen hǎoxiàng méiyǒu láiguò āi ~
    • It seems they haven't been over before!
  • Q：你去過鄰居的家嗎？
    • Q: Nǐ qùguò línjū de jiā ma?
    • Have you been to your neighbors' house before?
  • 阿明：我去過幾次，上個月我去他們家唱歌！
    • Ā míng: Wǒ qùguò jǐ cì, shàng gè yuè wǒ qù tāmen jiā chànggē!
    • I've been several times. Last month I went there to sing karaoke! 


Thanks for listening! 


Wan...

]]> Fri, 07 Jan 2022 09:26:12 -0800 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 1006 We'll hear the line-by-line translation of the dialogue from S02 Episode 8, and then we'll further reinforce the vocabulary and practice answering some questions with a mock interview. 

Lesson Outline:

  1. [01:53] Dialogue (normal speed) 
  2. [03:19] Complete translation
  3. [10:00] Explanation of 才對 and 我如果把車子先開到對面去
  4. [12:35] Mock interview (reinforcement and speaking practice)
  5. [14:40] Reference interview with A-Ming (阿明) 

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only):

  • 小李：便利商店在哪裡？
  • 阿明：那裡的路口有一家，我帶你去
  • 小李：好，要走多久？我快熱死了！
  • 阿明：差不多五分鐘，很近！
  • 小李：好，走吧！
  • 康太太：不好意思，不好意思
  • 阿明：欸？我們嗎？
  • 康太太：不好意思，我是你的鄰居！我姓康。
  • 阿明：康太太你好，我叫阿明，這個是小李，小李才是你的鄰居
  • 康太太：啊你是他的朋友！
  • 阿明：對
  • 康太太：這麼好！
  • 阿明：對，然後我們正要去...
  • 康太太：你知道嗎齁，這裡不能停車！
  • 阿明：是喔...
  • 康太太：是的！你要趕快開去對面的停車場才對
  • 阿明：可是我們正要去買一點東西，然後我就要走了，很快，十分鐘就好！
  • 康太太：不行，這裡常常會有警察來看
  • 小李：阿明，怎麼辦？
  • 阿明：那... 請問，康太太，我如果把車子先開到對面去，你可以給小李一杯冰水喝嗎？他覺得很熱！
  • 康太太：沒問題，來我們家坐一下！
  • 阿明：太感謝了！
  • 小李：真的嗎？謝謝你！
  • 康太太：不客氣，趕快進來坐！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation):

  • 小李：便利商店在哪裡？
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Biànlì shāngdiàn zài nǎlǐ?
    • Where’s the convenience store?
  • 阿明：那裡的路口有一家，我帶你去
    • Ā míng: Nàlǐ de lùkǒu yǒu yījiā, wǒ dài nǐ qù
    • The intersection over there has one, I’ll take you there.
  • 小李：好，要走多久？我快熱死了！
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Hǎo, yào zǒu duōjiǔ? Wǒ kuài rè sǐle!
    • Okay, how long of a walk is it? This heat is killing me!
  • 阿明：差不多五分鐘，很近！
    • Ā míng: Chàbùduō wǔ fēnzhōng, hěn jìn!
    • Around five minutes, it’s close!
  • 小李：好，走吧！
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Hǎo, zǒu ba!
    • Okay, let’s go!
  • 康太太：不好意思，不好意思
    • Kāng tàitài: Bù hǎoyìsi, bù hǎoyìsi
    • Excuse me, sorry...
  • 阿明：欸？我們嗎？
    • Ā míng: Éi? Wǒmen ma?
    • Huh? You mean us?
  • 康太太：不好意思，我是你的鄰居！我姓康。
    • Kāng tàitài: Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ shì nǐ de línjū! Wǒ xìng kāng.
    • Excuse me, I’m your neighbor! My last name is Kang.
  • 阿明：康太太你好，我叫阿明，這個是小李，小李才是你的鄰居
    • Ā míng: Kāng tàitài nǐ hǎo, wǒ jiào ā míng, zhège shì xiǎo lǐ, xiǎo lǐ cái shì nǐ de línjū
    • Hello Mrs. Kang, I’m A-Ming, and this is Xiao-Li, Xiao-Li is actually your neighbor.
  • 康太太：啊你是他的朋友！
    • Kāng tàitài: A nǐ shì tā de péngyǒu!
    • Oh you’re his friend!
  • 阿明：對
    • Ā míng: Duì
    • Right.
  • 康太太：這麼好！
    • kāng tàitài: Zhème hǎo!
    • That’s so great!
  • 阿明：對，然後我們正要去...
    • Ā míng: Duì, ránhòu wǒmen zhèng yào qù... 
    • Right, and we’re just about to go...
  • 康太太：你知道嗎齁*，這裡不能停車！
    • Kāng tàitài: Nǐ zhīdào ma hou, zhèlǐ bùnéng tíngchē!
    • You know, you can’t park here!
  • 阿明：是喔...
    • Ā míng: Shì ō... 
    • Oh really...
  • 康太太：是的！你要趕快開去對面的停車場才對
    • Kāng tàitài: Shì de! Nǐ yào gǎnkuài kāi qù duìmiàn de tíngchēchǎng cái duì
    • Really! You’ve gotta hurry up and drive across to the parking lot!
  • 阿明：可是我們正要去買一點東西，然後我就要走了，很快，十分鐘就好！
    • Ā míng: Kěshì wǒmen zhèng yào qù mǎi yīdiǎn dōngxī, ránhòu wǒ jiù yào zǒule, hěn kuài, shí fēnzhōng jiù hǎo!
    • But we’re just about to go buy something, and then I’m going to leave, it’ll be fast, just ten minutes!
  • 康太太：不行，這裡常常會有警察來看
    • Kāng tàitài: Bùxíng, zhèlǐ chángcháng huì yǒu jǐngchá lái kàn
    • No way, police often come by here to check.
  • 小李：阿明，怎麼辦？
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Ā míng, zěnme bàn?
    • A-Ming, what are we going to do?
  • 阿明：那... 請問，康太太，我如果把車子先開到對面去，你可以給小李一杯冰水喝嗎？他覺得很熱！
    • Ā míng: Nà... Qǐngwèn, kāng tàitài, wǒ rúguǒ bǎ chēzi xiān kāi dào duìmiàn qù, nǐ kěyǐ gěi xiǎo lǐ yībēi bīng shuǐ hē ma? Tā juédé hěn rè!
    • Well then... excuse me, Mrs. Kang, if I take my car across the way right now, can you give Xiao-Li a cup of ice water to drink? He feels really hot!
  • 康太太：沒問題，來我們家坐一下！
    • Kāng tàitài: Méi wèntí, lái wǒmen jiā zuò yīxià!
    • No problem, come inside and sit down for a bit!
  • 阿明：太感謝了！
    • Ā míng: Tài gǎnxièle!
    • Thank you so much!
  • 小李：真的嗎？謝謝你！
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Zhēn de ma? Xièxiè nǐ!
    • Really? Thank you!
  • 康太太：不客氣，趕快進來坐！
    • Kāng tàitài: Bù kèqì, gǎnkuài jìnlái zuò!
    • Don’t mention it, hurry up and come inside!

* 齁 (hou) is a particularly Taiwanese auxiliary word, said with a nasal sound. In this case when Mrs. Kang uses it, it's sort of to emphasize or reaffirm the feeling of "you know, right?"

Interview with A-Ming (阿明)：

  • Q：你家住在什麼路口？
    • Q: Nǐ jiā zhù zài shénme lùkǒu?
    • What intersection do you live at? 
  • 阿明：我住在中山北路跟民族東路附近。
    • Ā míng: Wǒ zhù zài zhōngshān běi lù gēn mínzú dōnglù fùjìn.
    • I live near Zhongshan North Road and Minzu East Road. 
  • Q：你很常去便利商店嗎？
    • Q: Nǐ hěn cháng qù biànlì shāngdiàn ma?
    • Do you often go to convenience stores? 
  • 阿明：對，幾乎每天都會去。
    • Ā míng: Duì, jīhū měitiān dūhuì qù. 
    • Yeah, I go almost every day. 
  • Q：你去便利商店你會買什麼？
    • Q: Nǐ qù biànlì shāngdiàn nǐ huì mǎi shénme?
    • When you go to a convenience store, what do you buy? 
  • 阿明：有時候買水，有時候買咖啡，有時候也會買啤酒。
    • Ā míng: Yǒu shíhòu mǎi shuǐ, yǒu shíhòu mǎi kāfēi, yǒu shíhòu yě huì mǎi píjiǔ.
    • Sometimes I buy water, sometimes I buy coffee, and sometimes I buy beer. 
  • Q：你比較怕熱嗎？還是比較怕冷？
    • Q: Nǐ bǐjiào pà rè ma? Háishì bǐjiào pà lěng?
    • Are you relatively afraid of heat? Or relatively afraid of the cold? 
  • 阿明：我比較怕冷！我不太會怕熱。
    • Ā míng: Wǒ bǐjiào pà lěng! Wǒ bù tài huì pà rè.
    • I'm more afraid of the cold! I don't really mind heat. 
  • Q：你夏天都喝什麼？
    • Q: Nǐ xiàtiān dū hē shénme?
    • What do you drink in the summer? 
  • 阿明：我夏天最喜歡喝冰拿鐵。
    • Ā míng: Wǒ xiàtiān zuì xǐhuān hē bīng ná tiě.
    • In the summer I most like drinking iced lattes. 
  • Q：你會開車嗎？你喜歡停車嗎？
    • Q: Nǐ huì kāichē ma? Nǐ xǐhuān tíngchē ma?
    • Can you drive? Do you like parking? 
  • 阿明：我會開車啊！但我覺得停車很麻煩。
    • Ā míng: Wǒ huì kāichē a! Dàn wǒ juédé tíngchē hěn máfan.
    • I can drive! But I feel that parking is a nuisance. 
  • Q：你有認識警察嗎？
    • Q: Nǐ yǒu rènshí jǐngchá ma? 
    • Do you know any police? 
  • 阿明：有！我姊姊就是警察！
    • Ā míng: Yǒu! Wǒ jiě jie jiùshì jǐngchá!
    • I do! My older sister is a police!
  • Q：你認識你的鄰居嗎？
    • Q: Nǐ rènshí nǐ de línjū ma?
    • Do you know your neighbors? 
  • 阿明：我認識他們啊，我家對面的鄰居人都很好。
    • Ā míng: Wǒ rènshí tāmen a, wǒjiā duìmiàn de línjū rén dōu hěn hǎo.
    • I know them. The neighbors across from my home are all really nice. 
  • Q：你的鄰居來過你家嗎？
    • Q: Nǐ de línjū láiguò nǐ jiā ma?
    • Have your neighbors come over to your house before? 
  • 阿明：他們好像沒有來過欸～
    • Ā míng: Tāmen hǎoxiàng méiyǒu láiguò āi ~
    • It seems they haven't been over before!
  • Q：你去過鄰居的家嗎？
    • Q: Nǐ qùguò línjū de jiā ma?
    • Have you been to your neighbors' house before?
  • 阿明：我去過幾次，上個月我去他們家唱歌！
    • Ā míng: Wǒ qùguò jǐ cì, shàng gè yuè wǒ qù tāmen jiā chànggē!
    • I've been several times. Last month I went there to sing karaoke! 


Thanks for listening! 


Wan...

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No S2 ~ 10 ~ 你要提醒我啦！You've got to remind me! 2 2 S2 ~ 10 ~ 你要提醒我啦！You've got to remind me! full 7a811dca-5038-4801-a08b-86882c78fcc3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/06a495c7 Xiao-Li (小李) goes to get some water at Mrs. Kang's (康太太) house, but it seems that something else is on her mind...

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction to the dialogue
  2. [00:53] Dialogue (normal speed)
  3. [03:46] Slow version
  4. [06:30] Useful vocabulary and phrases from the dialogue

Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (Chinese characters only):

  1. 孩子, 小朋友
    1. 我有三個孩子
    2. 我不喜歡孩子 
    3. 小朋友好可愛
  2. 孫子, 孫女
    1. 這是你的孫女嗎？ 
    2. 你有孫子孫女嗎？
    3. 你的孫子幾歲？ 
  3. 結婚 
    1. 你結婚了嗎？
    2. 我們五月要結婚  
    3. 你結婚多久了？
  4. 男朋友, 女朋友 
    1. 你有男朋友嗎？
    2. 這是我的男朋友  
    3. 你的女朋友在哪？
  5. 找 
    1. 去找女朋友 
    2. 我找不到
    3. 找到了！終於找到了！
  6. 介紹 
    1. 讓我介紹一下 
    2. 讓我來自我介紹 
    3. 我想把我的朋友介紹給你 
  7. 聊天
    1. 跟你聊天好開心  
    2. 你們聊好久！
    3. 你要不要跟我聊天？
  8. 遠
    1. 要走很遠嗎？ 
    2. 還好，不會太遠 
    3. 我家離我辦公室很遠  
  9. 馬上 
    1. 馬上好！
    2. 你的晚餐馬上來了！
    3. 好，我馬上過去 
  10. 提醒 
    1. 謝謝你提醒我！
    2. 我常常要提醒他  
    3. 如果我忘記，你可以提醒我嗎 


Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (w/ pinyin and translation):

  1. 孩子, 小朋友 / háizi, xiǎopéngyǒu / child or children
    1. 我有三個孩子 / wǒ yǒusān gè háizi / I have three kids.
    2. 我不喜歡孩子 / wǒ bù xǐhuān háizi / I don't like kids. 
    3. 小朋友好可愛 / xiǎopéngyǒu hǎo kě'ài / (The) little kid (or kids) is so cute!
  2. 孫子, 孫女 / sūnzi, sūnnǚ / grandson, granddaughter
    1. 這是你的孫女嗎？/ zhè shì nǐ de sūnnǚ ma? / Is this your granddaughter? 
    2. 你有孫子孫女嗎？/ nǐ yǒu sūn zǐ sūnnǚ ma? / Do you have any grandchildren?
    3. 你的孫子幾歲？/ nǐ de sūnzi jǐ suì? / How old is your grandson? 
  3. 結婚 / jiéhūn / to marry, to get married
    1. 你結婚了嗎？/ nǐ jiéhūnle ma? / Are you married?
    2. 我們五月要結婚 / wǒmen wǔ yuè yào jiéhūn / We're getting married in May. 
    3. 你結婚多久了？/ nǐ jiéhūn duōjiǔle? / How long have you been married?
  4. 男朋友, 女朋友 / nán péngyǒu, nǚ péngyǒu / boyfriend, girlfriend
    1. 你有男朋友嗎？/ nǐ yǒu nán péngyǒu ma? / Do you have a boyfriend?
    2. 這是我的男朋友 / zhè shì wǒ de nán péngyǒu / This is my boyfriend. 
    3. 你的女朋友在哪？/ nǐ de nǚ péngyǒu zài nǎ? / Where's your girlfriend?
  5. 找 / zhǎo / to search, to look for
    1. 去找女朋友 / qù zhǎo nǚ péngyǒu / Go find a girlfriend. 
    2. 我找不到 / wǒ zhǎo bù dào / I can't find (it)!
    3. 找到了！終於找到了！/ zhǎodàole! zhōngyú zhǎodàole! / I found (it)! I finally found (it)! 
  6. 介紹 / jièshào / to introduce
    1. 讓我介紹一下 / ràng wǒ jièshào yīxià / Let me introduce (it/them) for a second.
    2. 讓我來自我介紹 / ràng wǒ láizì wǒ jièshào / Let me introduce myself. 
    3. 我想把我的朋友介紹給你 / wǒ xiǎng bǎ wǒ de péngyǒu jièshào gěi nǐ / I want to introduce my friend to you. 
  7. 聊天 / liáotiān / to chat
    1. 跟你聊天好開心 / gēn nǐ liáotiān hǎo kāixīn / I'm so happy chatting with you. 
    2. 你們聊好久！/ nǐmen liáo hǎojiǔ! / You guys are chatting for such a long time!
    3. 你要不要跟我聊天？/ nǐ yào bùyào gēn wǒ liáotiān? / Do you want to talk with me? 
  8. 遠 / yuǎn / far
    1. 要走很遠嗎？/ yào zǒu hěn yuǎn ma? / Do we need to walk far? 
    2. 還好，不會太遠 / hái hǎo, bù huì tài yuǎn / Not really, it's not too far. 
    3. 我家離我辦公室很遠 / wǒjiā lí wǒ bàngōngshì hěn yuǎn / My home is far away from my office. 
  9. 馬上 / mǎshàng / right away (lit. "on a horse") 
    1. 馬上好！/ mǎshàng hǎo! / (it will be ready) right away!
    2. 你的晚餐馬上來了！/ nǐ de wǎncān mǎshàng láile! / Your dinner is coming right away!
    3. 好，我馬上過去 / hǎo, wǒ mǎshàng guòqù / Okay, I'll go there right away. 
  10. 提醒 / tíxǐng / to remind
    1. 謝謝你提醒我！/ xièxiè nǐ tíxǐng wǒ! / Thanks for reminding me!
    2. 我常常要提醒他 / wǒ chángcháng yào tíxǐng tā / I often have to remind him. 
    3. 如果我忘記，你可以提醒我嗎 / rúguǒ wǒ wàngjì, nǐ kěyǐ tíxǐng wǒ ma / If I forget, can you remind me? 


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Thanks for listening! 

]]> Xiao-Li (小李) goes to get some water at Mrs. Kang's (康太太) house, but it seems that something else is on her mind...

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction to the dialogue
  2. [00:53] Dialogue (normal speed)
  3. [03:46] Slow version
  4. [06:30] Useful vocabulary and phrases from the dialogue

Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (Chinese characters only):

  1. 孩子, 小朋友
    1. 我有三個孩子
    2. 我不喜歡孩子 
    3. 小朋友好可愛
  2. 孫子, 孫女
    1. 這是你的孫女嗎？ 
    2. 你有孫子孫女嗎？
    3. 你的孫子幾歲？ 
  3. 結婚 
    1. 你結婚了嗎？
    2. 我們五月要結婚  
    3. 你結婚多久了？
  4. 男朋友, 女朋友 
    1. 你有男朋友嗎？
    2. 這是我的男朋友  
    3. 你的女朋友在哪？
  5. 找 
    1. 去找女朋友 
    2. 我找不到
    3. 找到了！終於找到了！
  6. 介紹 
    1. 讓我介紹一下 
    2. 讓我來自我介紹 
    3. 我想把我的朋友介紹給你 
  7. 聊天
    1. 跟你聊天好開心  
    2. 你們聊好久！
    3. 你要不要跟我聊天？
  8. 遠
    1. 要走很遠嗎？ 
    2. 還好，不會太遠 
    3. 我家離我辦公室很遠  
  9. 馬上 
    1. 馬上好！
    2. 你的晚餐馬上來了！
    3. 好，我馬上過去 
  10. 提醒 
    1. 謝謝你提醒我！
    2. 我常常要提醒他  
    3. 如果我忘記，你可以提醒我嗎 


Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (w/ pinyin and translation):

  1. 孩子, 小朋友 / háizi, xiǎopéngyǒu / child or children
    1. 我有三個孩子 / wǒ yǒusān gè háizi / I have three kids.
    2. 我不喜歡孩子 / wǒ bù xǐhuān háizi / I don't like kids. 
    3. 小朋友好可愛 / xiǎopéngyǒu hǎo kě'ài / (The) little kid (or kids) is so cute!
  2. 孫子, 孫女 / sūnzi, sūnnǚ / grandson, granddaughter
    1. 這是你的孫女嗎？/ zhè shì nǐ de sūnnǚ ma? / Is this your granddaughter? 
    2. 你有孫子孫女嗎？/ nǐ yǒu sūn zǐ sūnnǚ ma? / Do you have any grandchildren?
    3. 你的孫子幾歲？/ nǐ de sūnzi jǐ suì? / How old is your grandson? 
  3. 結婚 / jiéhūn / to marry, to get married
    1. 你結婚了嗎？/ nǐ jiéhūnle ma? / Are you married?
    2. 我們五月要結婚 / wǒmen wǔ yuè yào jiéhūn / We're getting married in May. 
    3. 你結婚多久了？/ nǐ jiéhūn duōjiǔle? / How long have you been married?
  4. 男朋友, 女朋友 / nán péngyǒu, nǚ péngyǒu / boyfriend, girlfriend
    1. 你有男朋友嗎？/ nǐ yǒu nán péngyǒu ma? / Do you have a boyfriend?
    2. 這是我的男朋友 / zhè shì wǒ de nán péngyǒu / This is my boyfriend. 
    3. 你的女朋友在哪？/ nǐ de nǚ péngyǒu zài nǎ? / Where's your girlfriend?
  5. 找 / zhǎo / to search, to look for
    1. 去找女朋友 / qù zhǎo nǚ péngyǒu / Go find a girlfriend. 
    2. 我找不到 / wǒ zhǎo bù dào / I can't find (it)!
    3. 找到了！終於找到了！/ zhǎodàole! zhōngyú zhǎodàole! / I found (it)! I finally found (it)! 
  6. 介紹 / jièshào / to introduce
    1. 讓我介紹一下 / ràng wǒ jièshào yīxià / Let me introduce (it/them) for a second.
    2. 讓我來自我介紹 / ràng wǒ láizì wǒ jièshào / Let me introduce myself. 
    3. 我想把我的朋友介紹給你 / wǒ xiǎng bǎ wǒ de péngyǒu jièshào gěi nǐ / I want to introduce my friend to you. 
  7. 聊天 / liáotiān / to chat
    1. 跟你聊天好開心 / gēn nǐ liáotiān hǎo kāixīn / I'm so happy chatting with you. 
    2. 你們聊好久！/ nǐmen liáo hǎojiǔ! / You guys are chatting for such a long time!
    3. 你要不要跟我聊天？/ nǐ yào bùyào gēn wǒ liáotiān? / Do you want to talk with me? 
  8. 遠 / yuǎn / far
    1. 要走很遠嗎？/ yào zǒu hěn yuǎn ma? / Do we need to walk far? 
    2. 還好，不會太遠 / hái hǎo, bù huì tài yuǎn / Not really, it's not too far. 
    3. 我家離我辦公室很遠 / wǒjiā lí wǒ bàngōngshì hěn yuǎn / My home is far away from my office. 
  9. 馬上 / mǎshàng / right away (lit. "on a horse") 
    1. 馬上好！/ mǎshàng hǎo! / (it will be ready) right away!
    2. 你的晚餐馬上來了！/ nǐ de wǎncān mǎshàng láile! / Your dinner is coming right away!
    3. 好，我馬上過去 / hǎo, wǒ mǎshàng guòqù / Okay, I'll go there right away. 
  10. 提醒 / tíxǐng / to remind
    1. 謝謝你提醒我！/ xièxiè nǐ tíxǐng wǒ! / Thanks for reminding me!
    2. 我常常要提醒他 / wǒ chángcháng yào tíxǐng tā / I often have to remind him. 
    3. 如果我忘記，你可以提醒我嗎 / rúguǒ wǒ wàngjì, nǐ kěyǐ tíxǐng wǒ ma / If I forget, can you remind me? 


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Thanks for listening! 

]]> Fri, 21 Jan 2022 04:23:12 -0800 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 901 Xiao-Li (小李) goes to get some water at Mrs. Kang's (康太太) house, but it seems that something else is on her mind...

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction to the dialogue
  2. [00:53] Dialogue (normal speed)
  3. [03:46] Slow version
  4. [06:30] Useful vocabulary and phrases from the dialogue

Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (Chinese characters only):

  1. 孩子, 小朋友
    1. 我有三個孩子
    2. 我不喜歡孩子 
    3. 小朋友好可愛
  2. 孫子, 孫女
    1. 這是你的孫女嗎？ 
    2. 你有孫子孫女嗎？
    3. 你的孫子幾歲？ 
  3. 結婚 
    1. 你結婚了嗎？
    2. 我們五月要結婚  
    3. 你結婚多久了？
  4. 男朋友, 女朋友 
    1. 你有男朋友嗎？
    2. 這是我的男朋友  
    3. 你的女朋友在哪？
  5. 找 
    1. 去找女朋友 
    2. 我找不到
    3. 找到了！終於找到了！
  6. 介紹 
    1. 讓我介紹一下 
    2. 讓我來自我介紹 
    3. 我想把我的朋友介紹給你 
  7. 聊天
    1. 跟你聊天好開心  
    2. 你們聊好久！
    3. 你要不要跟我聊天？
  8. 遠
    1. 要走很遠嗎？ 
    2. 還好，不會太遠 
    3. 我家離我辦公室很遠  
  9. 馬上 
    1. 馬上好！
    2. 你的晚餐馬上來了！
    3. 好，我馬上過去 
  10. 提醒 
    1. 謝謝你提醒我！
    2. 我常常要提醒他  
    3. 如果我忘記，你可以提醒我嗎 


Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (w/ pinyin and translation):

  1. 孩子, 小朋友 / háizi, xiǎopéngyǒu / child or children
    1. 我有三個孩子 / wǒ yǒusān gè háizi / I have three kids.
    2. 我不喜歡孩子 / wǒ bù xǐhuān háizi / I don't like kids. 
    3. 小朋友好可愛 / xiǎopéngyǒu hǎo kě'ài / (The) little kid (or kids) is so cute!
  2. 孫子, 孫女 / sūnzi, sūnnǚ / grandson, granddaughter
    1. 這是你的孫女嗎？/ zhè shì nǐ de sūnnǚ ma? / Is this your granddaughter? 
    2. 你有孫子孫女嗎？/ nǐ yǒu sūn zǐ sūnnǚ ma? / Do you have any grandchildren?
    3. 你的孫子幾歲？/ nǐ de sūnzi jǐ suì? / How old is your grandson? 
  3. 結婚 / jiéhūn / to marry, to get married
    1. 你結婚了嗎？/ nǐ jiéhūnle ma? / Are you married?
    2. 我們五月要結婚 / wǒmen wǔ yuè yào jiéhūn / We're getting married in May. 
    3. 你結婚多久了？/ nǐ jiéhūn duōjiǔle? / How long have you been married?
  4. 男朋友, 女朋友 / nán péngyǒu, nǚ péngyǒu / boyfriend, girlfriend
    1. 你有男朋友嗎？/ nǐ yǒu nán péngyǒu ma? / Do you have a boyfriend?
    2. 這是我的男朋友 / zhè shì wǒ de nán péngyǒu / This is my boyfriend. 
    3. 你的女朋友在哪？/ nǐ de nǚ péngyǒu zài nǎ? / Where's your girlfriend?
  5. 找 / zhǎo / to search, to look for
    1. 去找女朋友 / qù zhǎo nǚ péngyǒu / Go find a girlfriend. 
    2. 我找不到 / wǒ zhǎo bù dào / I can't find (it)!
    3. 找到了！終於找到了！/ zhǎodàole! zhōngyú zhǎodàole! / I found (it)! I finally found (it)! 
  6. 介紹 / jièshào / to introduce
    1. 讓我介紹一下 / ràng wǒ jièshào yīxià / Let me introduce (it/them) for a second.
    2. 讓我來自我介紹 / ràng wǒ láizì wǒ jièshào / Let me introduce myself. 
    3. 我想把我的朋友介紹給你 / wǒ xiǎng bǎ wǒ de péngyǒu jièshào gěi nǐ / I want to introduce my friend to you. 
  7. 聊天 / liáotiān / to chat
    1. 跟你聊天好開心 / gēn nǐ liáotiān hǎo kāixīn / I'm so happy chatting with you. 
    2. 你們聊好久！/ nǐmen liáo hǎojiǔ! / You guys are chatting for such a long time!
    3. 你要不要跟我聊天？/ nǐ yào bùyào gēn wǒ liáotiān? / Do you want to talk with me? 
  8. 遠 / yuǎn / far
    1. 要走很遠嗎？/ yào zǒu hěn yuǎn ma? / Do we need to walk far? 
    2. 還好，不會太遠 / hái hǎo, bù huì tài yuǎn / Not really, it's not too far. 
    3. 我家離我辦公室很遠 / wǒjiā lí wǒ bàngōngshì hěn yuǎn / My home is far away from my office. 
  9. 馬上 / mǎshàng / right away (lit. "on a horse") 
    1. 馬上好！/ mǎshàng hǎo! / (it will be ready) right away!
    2. 你的晚餐馬上來了！/ nǐ de wǎncān mǎshàng láile! / Your dinner is coming right away!
    3. 好，我馬上過去 / hǎo, wǒ mǎshàng guòqù / Okay, I'll go there right away. 
  10. 提醒 / tíxǐng / to remind
    1. 謝謝你提醒我！/ xièxiè nǐ tíxǐng wǒ! / Thanks for reminding me!
    2. 我常常要提醒他 / wǒ chángcháng yào tíxǐng tā / I often have to remind him. 
    3. 如果我忘記，你可以提醒我嗎 / rúguǒ wǒ wàngjì, nǐ kěyǐ tíxǐng wǒ ma / If I forget, can you remind me? 


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Thanks for listening! 

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No Daily Practice Session - S2 - Lesson 10 2 2 Daily Practice Session - S2 - Lesson 10 bonus abfde2c9-5aa0-40f7-a0b3-a85b0d209d86 https://share.transistor.fm/s/402421d3 After listening to S02 Lesson 10, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the dialogue. Repetition makes it stick.

README: How to use this recording

You'll hear the dialogue from Lesson 10 twice.

The first time, there will be a short pause after each line. During the pause, try to repeat aloud exactly what you hear.

Repeating aloud is important, partly because you'll be training your speech muscles to make the sounds of Mandarin, and partly because you'll be getting feedback about how you sound (if you're listening with earbuds, I recommend practicing with one earbud out and one in, or else with both partially in, so that you can hear yourself better).

The second time, there won't be any pauses -- try to "shadow" the sounds simultaneously as they are spoken, again aloud.

This will help you practice stringing the sounds together and further reinforce the muscle memory speech patterns of Mandarin. If it feels way too fast, you can try shadowing only one of the characters each time you listen. However, even then, don't expect to be able to keep up with everything at first.  It takes regular daily practice to start training your ears to have a more nuanced perception of the sounds, and to train your speech muscles to speak at natural speed.


A transcript of the dialogue is available below. First, it is written out in only Chinese characters for those who are learning characters and want to practice reading along. Then it is written out with the translation and pinyin.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only): 

  • 康太太：這個是我兒子，他去年帶我去日本玩！
  • 小李：是哦... 你有幾個孩子？
  • 康太太：兩個，一個兒子一個女兒
  • 小李：那...這個小朋友是誰呢？
  • 康太太：這是我的孫子，他每天都來我這裡吃晚餐，很乖！
  • 小李：很乖？
  • 康太太：對啊，很乖！他每天吃三碗白飯！啊你結婚了嗎？
  • 小李：還沒，我才27歲
  • 康太太：27歲差不多了，你趕快去找個女朋友！不然我介紹我女兒給你，她才大你幾歲而已
  • 小李：哦，好啊...
  • 阿明：哈囉，我車子停好了，小李在嗎？
  • 康太太：我們在這裡
  • 阿明：小李，你喝到水了嗎？
  • 小李：還沒
  • 康太太：啊我都忘了！你要提醒我啦！我們一直在聊天！聊得太開心！哈哈！
  • 阿明：沒關係，小李，我們還是去便利商店買吧，比較快
  • 康太太：不用啦，便利商店很遠
  • 阿明：也還好吧...
  • 康太太：你等一下！冰水馬上來！
  • 阿明：那，好吧... 欸？小李，你在看什麼？
  • 小李：哦，沒有，只是，這個是... 康太太的女兒
  • 阿明：是喔！很可愛。


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • 康太太：這個是我兒子，他去年帶我去日本玩！
    • Kāng tàitài: Zhège shì wǒ érzi, tā qùnián dài wǒ qù rìběn wán! 
    • Mrs. Kang: This is my son. Last year he took me to Japan (lit. 玩 wán = to play)!
  • 小李：是哦... 你有幾個孩子？
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Shì ó... Nǐ yǒu jǐ gè háizi?
    • Xiao-Li: Oh... How many kids do you have? 
  • 康太太：兩個，一個兒子一個女兒
    • Kāng tàitài: Liǎng gè, yīgè érzi yīgè nǚ'ér
    • Mrs. Kang: Two, one son and one daughter. 
  • 小李：那...這個小朋友是誰呢？
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Nà... Zhège xiǎopéngyǒu shì sheí ne?
    • Xiao-Li: Then... who’s this little kid? 
  • 康太太：這是我的孫子，他每天都來我這裡吃晚餐，很乖！
    • Kāng tàitài: Zhè shì wǒ de sūnzi, tā měitiān dōu lái wǒ zhèlǐ chī wǎncān, hěn guāi!
    • Mrs. Kang: This is my grandson, every day he comes to my place for dinner, he’s very 乖! 
  • 小李：很乖？
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Hěn guāi?
    • Xiao-Li: Very 乖? 
  • 康太太：對啊，很乖！他每天吃三碗白飯！啊你結婚了嗎？
    • Kāng tàitài: Duì a, hěn guāi! Tā měitiān chī sān wǎn báifàn! A nǐ jié hūnle ma?
    • Mrs. Kang: Yeah, very 乖！ Every day he eats three bowls of rice! So are you married? 
  • 小李：還沒，我才27歲
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Hái méi, wǒ cái èrshíqī suì
    • Xiao-Li: Not yet, I’m only 27 years old. 
  • 康太太：27歲差不多了，你趕快去找個女朋友！不然我介紹我女兒給你，她才大你幾歲而已
    • Kāng tàitài: Èrshíqī suì chā bù duō le, nǐ gǎnkuài qù zhǎo gè nǚ péngyǒu! Bùrán wǒ jièshào wǒ nǚ'ér gěi nǐ, tā cái dà nǐ jǐ suì éryǐ
    • Mrs. Kang: 27 is about right, hurry up and find a girlfriend! Or else I can introduce my daughter to you, she’s only a few years older than you. 
  • 小李：哦，好啊...
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Ó, hǎo a... 
    • Xiao-Li: Oh, okay... 
  • 阿明：哈囉，我車子停好了，小李在嗎？
    • Ā míng: Hā luō, wǒ chēzi tíng hǎole, xiǎo lǐ zài ma?
    • A-Ming: Hello, my car is parked, is Xiao-Li here? 
  • 康太太：我們在這裡
    • Kāng tàitài: Wǒmen zài zhèlǐ
    • Mrs. Kang: We’re over here!
  • 阿明：小李，你喝到水了嗎？
    • Ā míng: Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ hē dào shuǐle ma?
    • A-Ming: Xiao-Li, did you drink some water? 
  • 小李：還沒
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Hái méi 
    • Xiao-Li: Not yet. 
  • 康太太：啊我都忘了！你要提醒我啦！我們一直在聊天！聊得太開心！哈哈！
    • Kāng tàitài: A wǒ dōu wàngle! Nǐ yào tíxǐng wǒ la! Wǒmen yīzhí zài liáotiān! Liáo dé tài kāixīn! Hāhā!
    • Mrs. Kang: Oh I totally forgot! You have to remind me! We were chatting all this time, chatting was too much fun. Haha!
  • 阿明：沒關係，小李，我們還是去便利商店買吧，比較快
    • Ā míng: Méiguānxì, xiǎo lǐ, wǒmen háishì qù biànlì shāngdiàn mǎi ba, bǐjiào kuài
    • A-Ming: Never mind, Xiao-Li, let’s go to the convenience store after all, it’s faster. 
  • 康太太：不用啦，便利商店很遠
    • Kāng tàitài: Bùyòng la, biànlì shāngdiàn hěn yuǎn
    • Mrs. Kang: Don’t bother! The convenience store is so far away. 
  • 阿明：也還好吧...
    • Ā míng: Yě hái hǎo ba...
    • A-Ming: It’s not so bad... 
  • 康太太：你等一下！冰水馬上來！
    • Kāng tàitài: Nǐ děng yīxià! Bīng shuǐ mǎshàng lái!
    • Mrs. Kang: You wait a second! The ice water is coming right up. 
  • 阿明：那，好吧... 欸？小李，你在看什麼？
    • Ā míng: Nà, hǎo ba... Ēi? Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ zài kàn shénme?
    • A-Ming: Alright then... huh? Xiao-Li, what are you looking at? 
  • 小李：哦，沒有，只是，這個是... 康太太的女兒
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Ó, méiyǒu, zhǐshì, zhège shì... Kāng tàitài de nǚ'ér
    • Xiao-Li: Oh, nothing, just... this is... Mrs. Kang’s daughter. 
  • 阿明：是喔！很可愛。
    • Ā míng: Shì ō! Hěn kě'ài.
    • A-Ming: Oh! She’s cute!

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> After listening to S02 Lesson 10, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the dialogue. Repetition makes it stick.

README: How to use this recording

You'll hear the dialogue from Lesson 10 twice.

The first time, there will be a short pause after each line. During the pause, try to repeat aloud exactly what you hear.

Repeating aloud is important, partly because you'll be training your speech muscles to make the sounds of Mandarin, and partly because you'll be getting feedback about how you sound (if you're listening with earbuds, I recommend practicing with one earbud out and one in, or else with both partially in, so that you can hear yourself better).

The second time, there won't be any pauses -- try to "shadow" the sounds simultaneously as they are spoken, again aloud.

This will help you practice stringing the sounds together and further reinforce the muscle memory speech patterns of Mandarin. If it feels way too fast, you can try shadowing only one of the characters each time you listen. However, even then, don't expect to be able to keep up with everything at first.  It takes regular daily practice to start training your ears to have a more nuanced perception of the sounds, and to train your speech muscles to speak at natural speed.


A transcript of the dialogue is available below. First, it is written out in only Chinese characters for those who are learning characters and want to practice reading along. Then it is written out with the translation and pinyin.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only): 

  • 康太太：這個是我兒子，他去年帶我去日本玩！
  • 小李：是哦... 你有幾個孩子？
  • 康太太：兩個，一個兒子一個女兒
  • 小李：那...這個小朋友是誰呢？
  • 康太太：這是我的孫子，他每天都來我這裡吃晚餐，很乖！
  • 小李：很乖？
  • 康太太：對啊，很乖！他每天吃三碗白飯！啊你結婚了嗎？
  • 小李：還沒，我才27歲
  • 康太太：27歲差不多了，你趕快去找個女朋友！不然我介紹我女兒給你，她才大你幾歲而已
  • 小李：哦，好啊...
  • 阿明：哈囉，我車子停好了，小李在嗎？
  • 康太太：我們在這裡
  • 阿明：小李，你喝到水了嗎？
  • 小李：還沒
  • 康太太：啊我都忘了！你要提醒我啦！我們一直在聊天！聊得太開心！哈哈！
  • 阿明：沒關係，小李，我們還是去便利商店買吧，比較快
  • 康太太：不用啦，便利商店很遠
  • 阿明：也還好吧...
  • 康太太：你等一下！冰水馬上來！
  • 阿明：那，好吧... 欸？小李，你在看什麼？
  • 小李：哦，沒有，只是，這個是... 康太太的女兒
  • 阿明：是喔！很可愛。


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • 康太太：這個是我兒子，他去年帶我去日本玩！
    • Kāng tàitài: Zhège shì wǒ érzi, tā qùnián dài wǒ qù rìběn wán! 
    • Mrs. Kang: This is my son. Last year he took me to Japan (lit. 玩 wán = to play)!
  • 小李：是哦... 你有幾個孩子？
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Shì ó... Nǐ yǒu jǐ gè háizi?
    • Xiao-Li: Oh... How many kids do you have? 
  • 康太太：兩個，一個兒子一個女兒
    • Kāng tàitài: Liǎng gè, yīgè érzi yīgè nǚ'ér
    • Mrs. Kang: Two, one son and one daughter. 
  • 小李：那...這個小朋友是誰呢？
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Nà... Zhège xiǎopéngyǒu shì sheí ne?
    • Xiao-Li: Then... who’s this little kid? 
  • 康太太：這是我的孫子，他每天都來我這裡吃晚餐，很乖！
    • Kāng tàitài: Zhè shì wǒ de sūnzi, tā měitiān dōu lái wǒ zhèlǐ chī wǎncān, hěn guāi!
    • Mrs. Kang: This is my grandson, every day he comes to my place for dinner, he’s very 乖! 
  • 小李：很乖？
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Hěn guāi?
    • Xiao-Li: Very 乖? 
  • 康太太：對啊，很乖！他每天吃三碗白飯！啊你結婚了嗎？
    • Kāng tàitài: Duì a, hěn guāi! Tā měitiān chī sān wǎn báifàn! A nǐ jié hūnle ma?
    • Mrs. Kang: Yeah, very 乖！ Every day he eats three bowls of rice! So are you married? 
  • 小李：還沒，我才27歲
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Hái méi, wǒ cái èrshíqī suì
    • Xiao-Li: Not yet, I’m only 27 years old. 
  • 康太太：27歲差不多了，你趕快去找個女朋友！不然我介紹我女兒給你，她才大你幾歲而已
    • Kāng tàitài: Èrshíqī suì chā bù duō le, nǐ gǎnkuài qù zhǎo gè nǚ péngyǒu! Bùrán wǒ jièshào wǒ nǚ'ér gěi nǐ, tā cái dà nǐ jǐ suì éryǐ
    • Mrs. Kang: 27 is about right, hurry up and find a girlfriend! Or else I can introduce my daughter to you, she’s only a few years older than you. 
  • 小李：哦，好啊...
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Ó, hǎo a... 
    • Xiao-Li: Oh, okay... 
  • 阿明：哈囉，我車子停好了，小李在嗎？
    • Ā míng: Hā luō, wǒ chēzi tíng hǎole, xiǎo lǐ zài ma?
    • A-Ming: Hello, my car is parked, is Xiao-Li here? 
  • 康太太：我們在這裡
    • Kāng tàitài: Wǒmen zài zhèlǐ
    • Mrs. Kang: We’re over here!
  • 阿明：小李，你喝到水了嗎？
    • Ā míng: Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ hē dào shuǐle ma?
    • A-Ming: Xiao-Li, did you drink some water? 
  • 小李：還沒
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Hái méi 
    • Xiao-Li: Not yet. 
  • 康太太：啊我都忘了！你要提醒我啦！我們一直在聊天！聊得太開心！哈哈！
    • Kāng tàitài: A wǒ dōu wàngle! Nǐ yào tíxǐng wǒ la! Wǒmen yīzhí zài liáotiān! Liáo dé tài kāixīn! Hāhā!
    • Mrs. Kang: Oh I totally forgot! You have to remind me! We were chatting all this time, chatting was too much fun. Haha!
  • 阿明：沒關係，小李，我們還是去便利商店買吧，比較快
    • Ā míng: Méiguānxì, xiǎo lǐ, wǒmen háishì qù biànlì shāngdiàn mǎi ba, bǐjiào kuài
    • A-Ming: Never mind, Xiao-Li, let’s go to the convenience store after all, it’s faster. 
  • 康太太：不用啦，便利商店很遠
    • Kāng tàitài: Bùyòng la, biànlì shāngdiàn hěn yuǎn
    • Mrs. Kang: Don’t bother! The convenience store is so far away. 
  • 阿明：也還好吧...
    • Ā míng: Yě hái hǎo ba...
    • A-Ming: It’s not so bad... 
  • 康太太：你等一下！冰水馬上來！
    • Kāng tàitài: Nǐ děng yīxià! Bīng shuǐ mǎshàng lái!
    • Mrs. Kang: You wait a second! The ice water is coming right up. 
  • 阿明：那，好吧... 欸？小李，你在看什麼？
    • Ā míng: Nà, hǎo ba... Ēi? Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ zài kàn shénme?
    • A-Ming: Alright then... huh? Xiao-Li, what are you looking at? 
  • 小李：哦，沒有，只是，這個是... 康太太的女兒
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Ó, méiyǒu, zhǐshì, zhège shì... Kāng tàitài de nǚ'ér
    • Xiao-Li: Oh, nothing, just... this is... Mrs. Kang’s daughter. 
  • 阿明：是喔！很可愛。
    • Ā míng: Shì ō! Hěn kě'ài.
    • A-Ming: Oh! She’s cute!

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> Sat, 22 Jan 2022 07:00:00 -0800 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 276 After listening to S02 Lesson 10, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the dialogue. Repetition makes it stick.

README: How to use this recording

You'll hear the dialogue from Lesson 10 twice.

The first time, there will be a short pause after each line. During the pause, try to repeat aloud exactly what you hear.

Repeating aloud is important, partly because you'll be training your speech muscles to make the sounds of Mandarin, and partly because you'll be getting feedback about how you sound (if you're listening with earbuds, I recommend practicing with one earbud out and one in, or else with both partially in, so that you can hear yourself better).

The second time, there won't be any pauses -- try to "shadow" the sounds simultaneously as they are spoken, again aloud.

This will help you practice stringing the sounds together and further reinforce the muscle memory speech patterns of Mandarin. If it feels way too fast, you can try shadowing only one of the characters each time you listen. However, even then, don't expect to be able to keep up with everything at first.  It takes regular daily practice to start training your ears to have a more nuanced perception of the sounds, and to train your speech muscles to speak at natural speed.


A transcript of the dialogue is available below. First, it is written out in only Chinese characters for those who are learning characters and want to practice reading along. Then it is written out with the translation and pinyin.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only): 

  • 康太太：這個是我兒子，他去年帶我去日本玩！
  • 小李：是哦... 你有幾個孩子？
  • 康太太：兩個，一個兒子一個女兒
  • 小李：那...這個小朋友是誰呢？
  • 康太太：這是我的孫子，他每天都來我這裡吃晚餐，很乖！
  • 小李：很乖？
  • 康太太：對啊，很乖！他每天吃三碗白飯！啊你結婚了嗎？
  • 小李：還沒，我才27歲
  • 康太太：27歲差不多了，你趕快去找個女朋友！不然我介紹我女兒給你，她才大你幾歲而已
  • 小李：哦，好啊...
  • 阿明：哈囉，我車子停好了，小李在嗎？
  • 康太太：我們在這裡
  • 阿明：小李，你喝到水了嗎？
  • 小李：還沒
  • 康太太：啊我都忘了！你要提醒我啦！我們一直在聊天！聊得太開心！哈哈！
  • 阿明：沒關係，小李，我們還是去便利商店買吧，比較快
  • 康太太：不用啦，便利商店很遠
  • 阿明：也還好吧...
  • 康太太：你等一下！冰水馬上來！
  • 阿明：那，好吧... 欸？小李，你在看什麼？
  • 小李：哦，沒有，只是，這個是... 康太太的女兒
  • 阿明：是喔！很可愛。


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • 康太太：這個是我兒子，他去年帶我去日本玩！
    • Kāng tàitài: Zhège shì wǒ érzi, tā qùnián dài wǒ qù rìběn wán! 
    • Mrs. Kang: This is my son. Last year he took me to Japan (lit. 玩 wán = to play)!
  • 小李：是哦... 你有幾個孩子？
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Shì ó... Nǐ yǒu jǐ gè háizi?
    • Xiao-Li: Oh... How many kids do you have? 
  • 康太太：兩個，一個兒子一個女兒
    • Kāng tàitài: Liǎng gè, yīgè érzi yīgè nǚ'ér
    • Mrs. Kang: Two, one son and one daughter. 
  • 小李：那...這個小朋友是誰呢？
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Nà... Zhège xiǎopéngyǒu shì sheí ne?
    • Xiao-Li: Then... who’s this little kid? 
  • 康太太：這是我的孫子，他每天都來我這裡吃晚餐，很乖！
    • Kāng tàitài: Zhè shì wǒ de sūnzi, tā měitiān dōu lái wǒ zhèlǐ chī wǎncān, hěn guāi!
    • Mrs. Kang: This is my grandson, every day he comes to my place for dinner, he’s very 乖! 
  • 小李：很乖？
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Hěn guāi?
    • Xiao-Li: Very 乖? 
  • 康太太：對啊，很乖！他每天吃三碗白飯！啊你結婚了嗎？
    • Kāng tàitài: Duì a, hěn guāi! Tā měitiān chī sān wǎn báifàn! A nǐ jié hūnle ma?
    • Mrs. Kang: Yeah, very 乖！ Every day he eats three bowls of rice! So are you married? 
  • 小李：還沒，我才27歲
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Hái méi, wǒ cái èrshíqī suì
    • Xiao-Li: Not yet, I’m only 27 years old. 
  • 康太太：27歲差不多了，你趕快去找個女朋友！不然我介紹我女兒給你，她才大你幾歲而已
    • Kāng tàitài: Èrshíqī suì chā bù duō le, nǐ gǎnkuài qù zhǎo gè nǚ péngyǒu! Bùrán wǒ jièshào wǒ nǚ'ér gěi nǐ, tā cái dà nǐ jǐ suì éryǐ
    • Mrs. Kang: 27 is about right, hurry up and find a girlfriend! Or else I can introduce my daughter to you, she’s only a few years older than you. 
  • 小李：哦，好啊...
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Ó, hǎo a... 
    • Xiao-Li: Oh, okay... 
  • 阿明：哈囉，我車子停好了，小李在嗎？
    • Ā míng: Hā luō, wǒ chēzi tíng hǎole, xiǎo lǐ zài ma?
    • A-Ming: Hello, my car is parked, is Xiao-Li here? 
  • 康太太：我們在這裡
    • Kāng tàitài: Wǒmen zài zhèlǐ
    • Mrs. Kang: We’re over here!
  • 阿明：小李，你喝到水了嗎？
    • Ā míng: Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ hē dào shuǐle ma?
    • A-Ming: Xiao-Li, did you drink some water? 
  • 小李：還沒
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Hái méi 
    • Xiao-Li: Not yet. 
  • 康太太：啊我都忘了！你要提醒我啦！我們一直在聊天！聊得太開心！哈哈！
    • Kāng tàitài: A wǒ dōu wàngle! Nǐ yào tíxǐng wǒ la! Wǒmen yīzhí zài liáotiān! Liáo dé tài kāixīn! Hāhā!
    • Mrs. Kang: Oh I totally forgot! You have to remind me! We were chatting all this time, chatting was too much fun. Haha!
  • 阿明：沒關係，小李，我們還是去便利商店買吧，比較快
    • Ā míng: Méiguānxì, xiǎo lǐ, wǒmen háishì qù biànlì shāngdiàn mǎi ba, bǐjiào kuài
    • A-Ming: Never mind, Xiao-Li, let’s go to the convenience store after all, it’s faster. 
  • 康太太：不用啦，便利商店很遠
    • Kāng tàitài: Bùyòng la, biànlì shāngdiàn hěn yuǎn
    • Mrs. Kang: Don’t bother! The convenience store is so far away. 
  • 阿明：也還好吧...
    • Ā míng: Yě hái hǎo ba...
    • A-Ming: It’s not so bad... 
  • 康太太：你等一下！冰水馬上來！
    • Kāng tàitài: Nǐ děng yīxià! Bīng shuǐ mǎshàng lái!
    • Mrs. Kang: You wait a second! The ice water is coming right up. 
  • 阿明：那，好吧... 欸？小李，你在看什麼？
    • Ā míng: Nà, hǎo ba... Ēi? Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ zài kàn shénme?
    • A-Ming: Alright then... huh? Xiao-Li, what are you looking at? 
  • 小李：哦，沒有，只是，這個是... 康太太的女兒
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Ó, méiyǒu, zhǐshì, zhège shì... Kāng tàitài de nǚ'ér
    • Xiao-Li: Oh, nothing, just... this is... Mrs. Kang’s daughter. 
  • 阿明：是喔！很可愛。
    • Ā míng: Shì ō! Hěn kě'ài.
    • A-Ming: Oh! She’s cute!

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Thanks for listening! 

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No S2 ~ 11 ~ 你要提醒我啦！Part 2 + Curiosity 2 2 S2 ~ 11 ~ 你要提醒我啦！Part 2 + Curiosity full 6958e857-0e2b-4f20-a81e-62aaca4bab9f https://share.transistor.fm/s/3db1cd00 I talk about the importance of curiosity as fuel, and then we'll hear the line-by-line translation of the dialogue from Lesson 10.

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Talking about curiosity
  2. [04:52] Dialogue (normal speed) 
  3. [06:28] Complete translation
  4. [12:56] Explanation of the word 乖 (guāi)
  5. [14:07] Repeat the dialogue 


Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only):

  • 康太太：這個是我兒子，他去年帶我去日本玩！
  • 小李：是哦... 你有幾個孩子？
  • 康太太：兩個，一個兒子一個女兒
  • 小李：那...這個小朋友是誰呢？
  • 康太太：這是我的孫子，他每天都來我這裡吃晚餐，很乖！
  • 小李：很乖？
  • 康太太：對啊，很乖！他每天吃三碗白飯！啊你結婚了嗎？
  • 小李：還沒，我才27歲
  • 康太太：27歲差不多了，你趕快去找個女朋友！不然我介紹我女兒給你，她才大你幾歲而已
  • 小李：哦，好啊... 
  • 阿明：哈囉，我車子停好了，小李在嗎？
  • 康太太：我們在這裡
  • 阿明：小李，你喝到水了嗎？
  • 小李：還沒
  • 康太太：啊我都忘了！你要提醒我啦！我們一直在聊天！聊得太開心！哈哈！
  • 阿明：沒關係，小李，我們還是去便利商店買吧，比較快
  • 康太太：不用啦，便利商店很遠
  • 阿明：也還好吧...
  • 康太太：你等一下！冰水馬上來！ 
  • 阿明：那，好吧... 欸？小李，你在看什麼？
  • 小李：哦，沒有，只是，這個是... 康太太的女兒
  • 阿明：是喔！很可愛。


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • 康太太：這個是我兒子，他去年帶我去日本玩！
    • Kāng tàitài: Zhège shì wǒ érzi, tā qùnián dài wǒ qù rìběn wán! 
    • Mrs. Kang: This is my son. Last year he took me to Japan (lit. 玩 wán = to play)!
  • 小李：是哦... 你有幾個孩子？
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Shì ó... Nǐ yǒu jǐ gè háizi?
    • Xiao-Li: Oh... How many kids do you have? 
  • 康太太：兩個，一個兒子一個女兒
    • Kāng tàitài: Liǎng gè, yīgè érzi yīgè nǚ'ér
    • Mrs. Kang: Two, one son and one daughter. 
  • 小李：那...這個小朋友是誰呢？
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Nà... Zhège xiǎopéngyǒu shì sheí ne?
    • Xiao-Li: Then... who’s this little kid? 
  • 康太太：這是我的孫子，他每天都來我這裡吃晚餐，很乖！
    • Kāng tàitài: Zhè shì wǒ de sūnzi, tā měitiān dōu lái wǒ zhèlǐ chī wǎncān, hěn guāi!
    • Mrs. Kang: This is my grandson, every day he comes to my place for dinner, he’s very 乖! 
  • 小李：很乖？
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Hěn guāi?
    • Xiao-Li: Very 乖? 
  • 康太太：對啊，很乖！他每天吃三碗白飯！啊你結婚了嗎？
    • Kāng tàitài: Duì a, hěn guāi! Tā měitiān chī sān wǎn báifàn! A nǐ jié hūnle ma?
    • Mrs. Kang: Yeah, very 乖！ Every day he eats three bowls of rice! So are you married? 
  • 小李：還沒，我才27歲
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Hái méi, wǒ cái èrshíqī suì
    • Xiao-Li: Not yet, I’m only 27 years old. 
  • 康太太：27歲差不多了，你趕快去找個女朋友！不然我介紹我女兒給你，她才大你幾歲而已
    • Kāng tàitài: Èrshíqī suì chā bù duō le, nǐ gǎnkuài qù zhǎo gè nǚ péngyǒu! Bùrán wǒ jièshào wǒ nǚ'ér gěi nǐ, tā cái dà nǐ jǐ suì éryǐ
    • Mrs. Kang: 27 is about right, hurry up and find a girlfriend! Or else I can introduce my daughter to you, she’s only a few years older than you. 
  • 小李：哦，好啊...
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Ó, hǎo a... 
    • Xiao-Li: Oh, okay... 
  • 阿明：哈囉，我車子停好了，小李在嗎？
    • Ā míng: Hā luō, wǒ chēzi tíng hǎole, xiǎo lǐ zài ma?
    • A-Ming: Hello, my car is parked, is Xiao-Li here? 
  • 康太太：我們在這裡
    • Kāng tàitài: Wǒmen zài zhèlǐ
    • Mrs. Kang: We’re over here!
  • 阿明：小李，你喝到水了嗎？
    • Ā míng: Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ hē dào shuǐle ma?
    • A-Ming: Xiao-Li, did you drink some water? 
  • 小李：還沒
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Hái méi 
    • Xiao-Li: Not yet. 
  • 康太太：啊我都忘了！你要提醒我啦！我們一直在聊天！聊得太開心！哈哈！
    • Kāng tàitài: A wǒ dōu wàngle! Nǐ yào tíxǐng wǒ la! Wǒmen yīzhí zài liáotiān! Liáo dé tài kāixīn! Hāhā!
    • Mrs. Kang: Oh I totally forgot! You have to remind me! We were chatting all this time, chatting was too much fun. Haha!
  • 阿明：沒關係，小李，我們還是去便利商店買吧，比較快
    • Ā míng: Méiguānxì, xiǎo lǐ, wǒmen háishì qù biànlì shāngdiàn mǎi ba, bǐjiào kuài
    • A-Ming: Never mind, Xiao-Li, let’s go to the convenience store after all, it’s faster. 
  • 康太太：不用啦，便利商店很遠
    • Kāng tàitài: Bùyòng la, biànlì shāngdiàn hěn yuǎn
    • Mrs. Kang: Don’t bother! The convenience store is so far away. 
  • 阿明：也還好吧...
    • Ā míng: Yě hái hǎo ba...
    • A-Ming: It’s not so bad... 
  • 康太太：你等一下！冰水馬上來！
    • Kāng tàitài: Nǐ děng yīxià! Bīng shuǐ mǎshàng lái!
    • Mrs. Kang: You wait a second! The ice water is coming right up. 
  • 阿明：那，好吧... 欸？小李，你在看什麼？
    • Ā míng: Nà, hǎo ba... Ēi? Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ zài kàn shénme?
    • A-Ming: Alright then... huh? Xiao-Li, what are you looking at? 
  • 小李：哦，沒有，只是，這個是... 康太太的女兒
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Ó, méiyǒu, zhǐshì, zhège shì... Kāng tàitài de nǚ'ér
    • Xiao-Li: Oh, nothing, just... this is... Mrs. Kang’s daughter. 
  • 阿明：是喔！很可愛。
    • Ā míng: Shì ō! Hěn kě'ài.
    • A-Ming: Oh! She’s cute!


Thanks for listening! 


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> I talk about the importance of curiosity as fuel, and then we'll hear the line-by-line translation of the dialogue from Lesson 10.

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Talking about curiosity
  2. [04:52] Dialogue (normal speed) 
  3. [06:28] Complete translation
  4. [12:56] Explanation of the word 乖 (guāi)
  5. [14:07] Repeat the dialogue 


Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only):

  • 康太太：這個是我兒子，他去年帶我去日本玩！
  • 小李：是哦... 你有幾個孩子？
  • 康太太：兩個，一個兒子一個女兒
  • 小李：那...這個小朋友是誰呢？
  • 康太太：這是我的孫子，他每天都來我這裡吃晚餐，很乖！
  • 小李：很乖？
  • 康太太：對啊，很乖！他每天吃三碗白飯！啊你結婚了嗎？
  • 小李：還沒，我才27歲
  • 康太太：27歲差不多了，你趕快去找個女朋友！不然我介紹我女兒給你，她才大你幾歲而已
  • 小李：哦，好啊... 
  • 阿明：哈囉，我車子停好了，小李在嗎？
  • 康太太：我們在這裡
  • 阿明：小李，你喝到水了嗎？
  • 小李：還沒
  • 康太太：啊我都忘了！你要提醒我啦！我們一直在聊天！聊得太開心！哈哈！
  • 阿明：沒關係，小李，我們還是去便利商店買吧，比較快
  • 康太太：不用啦，便利商店很遠
  • 阿明：也還好吧...
  • 康太太：你等一下！冰水馬上來！ 
  • 阿明：那，好吧... 欸？小李，你在看什麼？
  • 小李：哦，沒有，只是，這個是... 康太太的女兒
  • 阿明：是喔！很可愛。


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • 康太太：這個是我兒子，他去年帶我去日本玩！
    • Kāng tàitài: Zhège shì wǒ érzi, tā qùnián dài wǒ qù rìběn wán! 
    • Mrs. Kang: This is my son. Last year he took me to Japan (lit. 玩 wán = to play)!
  • 小李：是哦... 你有幾個孩子？
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Shì ó... Nǐ yǒu jǐ gè háizi?
    • Xiao-Li: Oh... How many kids do you have? 
  • 康太太：兩個，一個兒子一個女兒
    • Kāng tàitài: Liǎng gè, yīgè érzi yīgè nǚ'ér
    • Mrs. Kang: Two, one son and one daughter. 
  • 小李：那...這個小朋友是誰呢？
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Nà... Zhège xiǎopéngyǒu shì sheí ne?
    • Xiao-Li: Then... who’s this little kid? 
  • 康太太：這是我的孫子，他每天都來我這裡吃晚餐，很乖！
    • Kāng tàitài: Zhè shì wǒ de sūnzi, tā měitiān dōu lái wǒ zhèlǐ chī wǎncān, hěn guāi!
    • Mrs. Kang: This is my grandson, every day he comes to my place for dinner, he’s very 乖! 
  • 小李：很乖？
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Hěn guāi?
    • Xiao-Li: Very 乖? 
  • 康太太：對啊，很乖！他每天吃三碗白飯！啊你結婚了嗎？
    • Kāng tàitài: Duì a, hěn guāi! Tā měitiān chī sān wǎn báifàn! A nǐ jié hūnle ma?
    • Mrs. Kang: Yeah, very 乖！ Every day he eats three bowls of rice! So are you married? 
  • 小李：還沒，我才27歲
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Hái méi, wǒ cái èrshíqī suì
    • Xiao-Li: Not yet, I’m only 27 years old. 
  • 康太太：27歲差不多了，你趕快去找個女朋友！不然我介紹我女兒給你，她才大你幾歲而已
    • Kāng tàitài: Èrshíqī suì chā bù duō le, nǐ gǎnkuài qù zhǎo gè nǚ péngyǒu! Bùrán wǒ jièshào wǒ nǚ'ér gěi nǐ, tā cái dà nǐ jǐ suì éryǐ
    • Mrs. Kang: 27 is about right, hurry up and find a girlfriend! Or else I can introduce my daughter to you, she’s only a few years older than you. 
  • 小李：哦，好啊...
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Ó, hǎo a... 
    • Xiao-Li: Oh, okay... 
  • 阿明：哈囉，我車子停好了，小李在嗎？
    • Ā míng: Hā luō, wǒ chēzi tíng hǎole, xiǎo lǐ zài ma?
    • A-Ming: Hello, my car is parked, is Xiao-Li here? 
  • 康太太：我們在這裡
    • Kāng tàitài: Wǒmen zài zhèlǐ
    • Mrs. Kang: We’re over here!
  • 阿明：小李，你喝到水了嗎？
    • Ā míng: Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ hē dào shuǐle ma?
    • A-Ming: Xiao-Li, did you drink some water? 
  • 小李：還沒
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Hái méi 
    • Xiao-Li: Not yet. 
  • 康太太：啊我都忘了！你要提醒我啦！我們一直在聊天！聊得太開心！哈哈！
    • Kāng tàitài: A wǒ dōu wàngle! Nǐ yào tíxǐng wǒ la! Wǒmen yīzhí zài liáotiān! Liáo dé tài kāixīn! Hāhā!
    • Mrs. Kang: Oh I totally forgot! You have to remind me! We were chatting all this time, chatting was too much fun. Haha!
  • 阿明：沒關係，小李，我們還是去便利商店買吧，比較快
    • Ā míng: Méiguānxì, xiǎo lǐ, wǒmen háishì qù biànlì shāngdiàn mǎi ba, bǐjiào kuài
    • A-Ming: Never mind, Xiao-Li, let’s go to the convenience store after all, it’s faster. 
  • 康太太：不用啦，便利商店很遠
    • Kāng tàitài: Bùyòng la, biànlì shāngdiàn hěn yuǎn
    • Mrs. Kang: Don’t bother! The convenience store is so far away. 
  • 阿明：也還好吧...
    • Ā míng: Yě hái hǎo ba...
    • A-Ming: It’s not so bad... 
  • 康太太：你等一下！冰水馬上來！
    • Kāng tàitài: Nǐ děng yīxià! Bīng shuǐ mǎshàng lái!
    • Mrs. Kang: You wait a second! The ice water is coming right up. 
  • 阿明：那，好吧... 欸？小李，你在看什麼？
    • Ā míng: Nà, hǎo ba... Ēi? Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ zài kàn shénme?
    • A-Ming: Alright then... huh? Xiao-Li, what are you looking at? 
  • 小李：哦，沒有，只是，這個是... 康太太的女兒
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Ó, méiyǒu, zhǐshì, zhège shì... Kāng tàitài de nǚ'ér
    • Xiao-Li: Oh, nothing, just... this is... Mrs. Kang’s daughter. 
  • 阿明：是喔！很可愛。
    • Ā míng: Shì ō! Hěn kě'ài.
    • A-Ming: Oh! She’s cute!


Thanks for listening! 


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Sat, 12 Feb 2022 22:14:42 -0800 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 979 I talk about the importance of curiosity as fuel, and then we'll hear the line-by-line translation of the dialogue from Lesson 10.

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Talking about curiosity
  2. [04:52] Dialogue (normal speed) 
  3. [06:28] Complete translation
  4. [12:56] Explanation of the word 乖 (guāi)
  5. [14:07] Repeat the dialogue 


Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only):

  • 康太太：這個是我兒子，他去年帶我去日本玩！
  • 小李：是哦... 你有幾個孩子？
  • 康太太：兩個，一個兒子一個女兒
  • 小李：那...這個小朋友是誰呢？
  • 康太太：這是我的孫子，他每天都來我這裡吃晚餐，很乖！
  • 小李：很乖？
  • 康太太：對啊，很乖！他每天吃三碗白飯！啊你結婚了嗎？
  • 小李：還沒，我才27歲
  • 康太太：27歲差不多了，你趕快去找個女朋友！不然我介紹我女兒給你，她才大你幾歲而已
  • 小李：哦，好啊... 
  • 阿明：哈囉，我車子停好了，小李在嗎？
  • 康太太：我們在這裡
  • 阿明：小李，你喝到水了嗎？
  • 小李：還沒
  • 康太太：啊我都忘了！你要提醒我啦！我們一直在聊天！聊得太開心！哈哈！
  • 阿明：沒關係，小李，我們還是去便利商店買吧，比較快
  • 康太太：不用啦，便利商店很遠
  • 阿明：也還好吧...
  • 康太太：你等一下！冰水馬上來！ 
  • 阿明：那，好吧... 欸？小李，你在看什麼？
  • 小李：哦，沒有，只是，這個是... 康太太的女兒
  • 阿明：是喔！很可愛。


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • 康太太：這個是我兒子，他去年帶我去日本玩！
    • Kāng tàitài: Zhège shì wǒ érzi, tā qùnián dài wǒ qù rìběn wán! 
    • Mrs. Kang: This is my son. Last year he took me to Japan (lit. 玩 wán = to play)!
  • 小李：是哦... 你有幾個孩子？
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Shì ó... Nǐ yǒu jǐ gè háizi?
    • Xiao-Li: Oh... How many kids do you have? 
  • 康太太：兩個，一個兒子一個女兒
    • Kāng tàitài: Liǎng gè, yīgè érzi yīgè nǚ'ér
    • Mrs. Kang: Two, one son and one daughter. 
  • 小李：那...這個小朋友是誰呢？
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Nà... Zhège xiǎopéngyǒu shì sheí ne?
    • Xiao-Li: Then... who’s this little kid? 
  • 康太太：這是我的孫子，他每天都來我這裡吃晚餐，很乖！
    • Kāng tàitài: Zhè shì wǒ de sūnzi, tā měitiān dōu lái wǒ zhèlǐ chī wǎncān, hěn guāi!
    • Mrs. Kang: This is my grandson, every day he comes to my place for dinner, he’s very 乖! 
  • 小李：很乖？
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Hěn guāi?
    • Xiao-Li: Very 乖? 
  • 康太太：對啊，很乖！他每天吃三碗白飯！啊你結婚了嗎？
    • Kāng tàitài: Duì a, hěn guāi! Tā měitiān chī sān wǎn báifàn! A nǐ jié hūnle ma?
    • Mrs. Kang: Yeah, very 乖！ Every day he eats three bowls of rice! So are you married? 
  • 小李：還沒，我才27歲
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Hái méi, wǒ cái èrshíqī suì
    • Xiao-Li: Not yet, I’m only 27 years old. 
  • 康太太：27歲差不多了，你趕快去找個女朋友！不然我介紹我女兒給你，她才大你幾歲而已
    • Kāng tàitài: Èrshíqī suì chā bù duō le, nǐ gǎnkuài qù zhǎo gè nǚ péngyǒu! Bùrán wǒ jièshào wǒ nǚ'ér gěi nǐ, tā cái dà nǐ jǐ suì éryǐ
    • Mrs. Kang: 27 is about right, hurry up and find a girlfriend! Or else I can introduce my daughter to you, she’s only a few years older than you. 
  • 小李：哦，好啊...
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Ó, hǎo a... 
    • Xiao-Li: Oh, okay... 
  • 阿明：哈囉，我車子停好了，小李在嗎？
    • Ā míng: Hā luō, wǒ chēzi tíng hǎole, xiǎo lǐ zài ma?
    • A-Ming: Hello, my car is parked, is Xiao-Li here? 
  • 康太太：我們在這裡
    • Kāng tàitài: Wǒmen zài zhèlǐ
    • Mrs. Kang: We’re over here!
  • 阿明：小李，你喝到水了嗎？
    • Ā míng: Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ hē dào shuǐle ma?
    • A-Ming: Xiao-Li, did you drink some water? 
  • 小李：還沒
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Hái méi 
    • Xiao-Li: Not yet. 
  • 康太太：啊我都忘了！你要提醒我啦！我們一直在聊天！聊得太開心！哈哈！
    • Kāng tàitài: A wǒ dōu wàngle! Nǐ yào tíxǐng wǒ la! Wǒmen yīzhí zài liáotiān! Liáo dé tài kāixīn! Hāhā!
    • Mrs. Kang: Oh I totally forgot! You have to remind me! We were chatting all this time, chatting was too much fun. Haha!
  • 阿明：沒關係，小李，我們還是去便利商店買吧，比較快
    • Ā míng: Méiguānxì, xiǎo lǐ, wǒmen háishì qù biànlì shāngdiàn mǎi ba, bǐjiào kuài
    • A-Ming: Never mind, Xiao-Li, let’s go to the convenience store after all, it’s faster. 
  • 康太太：不用啦，便利商店很遠
    • Kāng tàitài: Bùyòng la, biànlì shāngdiàn hěn yuǎn
    • Mrs. Kang: Don’t bother! The convenience store is so far away. 
  • 阿明：也還好吧...
    • Ā míng: Yě hái hǎo ba...
    • A-Ming: It’s not so bad... 
  • 康太太：你等一下！冰水馬上來！
    • Kāng tàitài: Nǐ děng yīxià! Bīng shuǐ mǎshàng lái!
    • Mrs. Kang: You wait a second! The ice water is coming right up. 
  • 阿明：那，好吧... 欸？小李，你在看什麼？
    • Ā míng: Nà, hǎo ba... Ēi? Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ zài kàn shénme?
    • A-Ming: Alright then... huh? Xiao-Li, what are you looking at? 
  • 小李：哦，沒有，只是，這個是... 康太太的女兒
    • Xiǎo lǐ: Ó, méiyǒu, zhǐshì, zhège shì... Kāng tàitài de nǚ'ér
    • Xiao-Li: Oh, nothing, just... this is... Mrs. Kang’s daughter. 
  • 阿明：是喔！很可愛。
    • Ā míng: Shì ō! Hěn kě'ài.
    • A-Ming: Oh! She’s cute!


Thanks for listening! 


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]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No S2 ~ 12 ~ 不要被嚇到！Don't be scared! 2 2 S2 ~ 12 ~ 不要被嚇到！Don't be scared! full 44008402-6677-4261-b63e-57fe0881552b https://share.transistor.fm/s/eee349ef In this new dialogue, Mrs. Kang (康太太) arrives with the water and something else that Xiao-Li (小李) hasn't seen before. And she receives a surprise phone call... 

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction
  2. [01:14] Dialogue (normal speed)
  3. [03:55] Useful vocabulary and phrases from the dialogue
  4. [15:45] Dialogue again (normal speed)

Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (Chinese characters only):

  1. 自己 
    1. 沒關係，我自己來！
    2. 這是我自己做的 
    3. 你自己看吧 
  2. 小心 
    1. 開車要小心！
    2. 小心不要吃太多 
    3. 路上小心 
  3. 變，變成 or 變得 
    1. 今天變熱了  
    2. 他看到你變得很開心！ 
    3. 他太累了，變成我開車 
  4. 被 
    1. 咖啡被我喝了！
    2. 餅乾都被吃掉  
    3. 貓咪被你嚇到  
  5. 外 
    1. 外國 
    2. 外面 
    3. 外帶 
  6. 本來 
    1. 我本來以為你是他的妹妹！
    2. 我本來還想吃蛋糕，可是蛋糕已經沒了  
    3. 你本來想說什麼？
  7. 需要 
    1. 我需要一點時間 
    2. 你需要什麼嗎？
    3. 我需要你的幫忙！
  8. 上班 
    1. 上班好累！ 
    2. 你幾點上班？ 
    3. 我明天需要上班  
  9. 下班 
    1. 下班了！回家了！
    2. 我今天需要早一點下班  
    3. 你下班要做什麼？
  10. 幾點 
    1. 現在幾點？ 
    2. 你都幾點睡覺？ 
    3. 你要坐幾點的車？ 
  11. 忙 
    1. 我今天很忙 
    2. 我先去忙  
    3. 我現在有一點忙  
  12. 完 
    1. 我還沒用完！ 
    2. 書你看完了嗎？ 
    3. 趕快把東西吃完！


Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (w/ pinyin and translation):

  1. 自己 / zìjǐ / self
    1. 沒關係，我自己來！/ méiguānxì, wǒ zìjǐ lái! / It's okay, I'll do it myself!
    2. 這是我自己做的 / zhè shì wǒ zìjǐ zuò de / I made this myself. 
    3. 你自己看吧 / nǐ zìjǐ kàn ba / See for yourself. 
  2. 小心 / xiǎoxīn / careful
    1. 開車要小心！/ kāichē yào xiǎoxīn! / Drive carefully!
    2. 小心不要吃太多 / xiǎoxīn bùyào chī tài duō / Careful not to eat too much.
    3. 路上小心 / lùshàng xiǎoxīn / Careful on the road (said when someone is leaving).
  3. 變，變成 or 變得 / biàn, biànchéng or biànde / to become, to change into
    1. 今天變熱了 / jīntiān biàn rèle / It got hot today. 
    2. 他看到你變得很開心！/ tā kàn dào nǐ biàn dé hěn kāixīn! / He became so happy when he saw you! 
    3. 他太累了，變成我開車 / tā tài lèile, biànchéng wǒ kāichē / He was too tired, so it became that I drove. 
  4. 被 / bèi / (indicates passive voice)
    1. 咖啡被我喝了！/ kāfēi bèi wǒ hēle! / The coffee was drunk by me!
    2. 餅乾都被吃掉 / bǐnggān dōu bèi chī diào / The cookies were all eaten. 
    3. 貓咪被你嚇到 / māomī bèi nǐ xià dào / The cat was scared by you. 
  5. 外 / wài / outer, exterior, foreign
    1. 外國 / wàiguó / foreign country
    2. 外面 / wàimiàn / outside, exterior of something
    3. 外帶 / wàidài / "to go" or takeout (i.e., food)
  6. 本來 / běnlái / originally, at first
    1. 我本來以為你是他的妹妹！/ wǒ běnlái yǐwéi nǐ shì tā de mèimei! / I originally thought you were her younger sister! 
    2. 我本來還想吃蛋糕，可是蛋糕已經沒了 / Wǒ běnlái hái xiǎng chī dàngāo, kěshì dàngāo yǐjīng méi le / I originally still wanted to eat cake, but the cake is already gone. 
    3. 你本來想說什麼？/ nǐ běnlái xiǎng shuō shénme? / What were you going to say? 
  7. 需要 / xūyào / to need
    1. 我需要一點時間 / wǒ xūyào yīdiǎn shíjiān / I need a little time.
    2. 你需要什麼嗎？/ nǐ xūyào shénme ma? / Do you need something? 
    3. 我需要你的幫忙！/ wǒ xūyào nǐ de bāngmáng! / I need your help!
  8. 上班 / shàngbān / to go to work
    1. 上班好累！/ shàngbān hǎo lèi! / Work is so tiring! 
    2. 你幾點上班？/ nǐ jǐ diǎn shàngbān? / What time do you go to work? 
    3. 我明天需要上班 / wǒ míngtiān xūyào shàngbān / I need to go to work tomorrow. 
  9. 下班 / xiàbān / to get off work, to leave work
    1. 下班了！回家了！/ xiàbānle! huí jiāle! / Work's over! Go home!
    2. 我今天需要早一點下班 / wǒ jīntiān xūyào zǎo yīdiǎn xiàbān / Today I need to leave work a little early. 
    3. 你下班要做什麼？/ nǐ xiàbān yào zuò shénme? / What are you going to do after work? 
  10. 幾點 / jǐ diǎn / what time?
    1. 現在幾點？/ xiànzài jǐ diǎn? / What time is it now? 
    2. 你都幾點睡覺？/ nǐ dōu jǐ diǎn shuìjiào? / What time do you usually go to sleep? 
    3. 你要坐幾點的車？/ nǐ yào zuò jǐ diǎn de chē? / What time is your "car" (bus, train, etc.)? 
  11. 忙 / máng / busy, to busy oneself
    1. 我今天很忙 / wǒ jīntiān hěn máng / I'm really busy today. 
    2. 我先去忙 / wǒ xiān qù máng / I'll go busy myself (with something) now. 
    3. 我現在有一點忙 / wǒ xiànzài yǒu yīdiǎn máng / I'm a little busy right now. 
  12. 完 / wán / complete, completion
    1. 我還沒用完！/ wǒ hái méi yòng wán! / I'm not finished ("using") yet! 
    2. 書你看完了嗎？/ shū nǐ kàn wán le ma? / Did you finish reading the book yet? 
    3. 趕快把東西吃完！/ gǎnkuài bǎ dōngxī chī wán! / Hurry up and eat everything!

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Thanks for listening! 

]]> In this new dialogue, Mrs. Kang (康太太) arrives with the water and something else that Xiao-Li (小李) hasn't seen before. And she receives a surprise phone call... 

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction
  2. [01:14] Dialogue (normal speed)
  3. [03:55] Useful vocabulary and phrases from the dialogue
  4. [15:45] Dialogue again (normal speed)

Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (Chinese characters only):

  1. 自己 
    1. 沒關係，我自己來！
    2. 這是我自己做的 
    3. 你自己看吧 
  2. 小心 
    1. 開車要小心！
    2. 小心不要吃太多 
    3. 路上小心 
  3. 變，變成 or 變得 
    1. 今天變熱了  
    2. 他看到你變得很開心！ 
    3. 他太累了，變成我開車 
  4. 被 
    1. 咖啡被我喝了！
    2. 餅乾都被吃掉  
    3. 貓咪被你嚇到  
  5. 外 
    1. 外國 
    2. 外面 
    3. 外帶 
  6. 本來 
    1. 我本來以為你是他的妹妹！
    2. 我本來還想吃蛋糕，可是蛋糕已經沒了  
    3. 你本來想說什麼？
  7. 需要 
    1. 我需要一點時間 
    2. 你需要什麼嗎？
    3. 我需要你的幫忙！
  8. 上班 
    1. 上班好累！ 
    2. 你幾點上班？ 
    3. 我明天需要上班  
  9. 下班 
    1. 下班了！回家了！
    2. 我今天需要早一點下班  
    3. 你下班要做什麼？
  10. 幾點 
    1. 現在幾點？ 
    2. 你都幾點睡覺？ 
    3. 你要坐幾點的車？ 
  11. 忙 
    1. 我今天很忙 
    2. 我先去忙  
    3. 我現在有一點忙  
  12. 完 
    1. 我還沒用完！ 
    2. 書你看完了嗎？ 
    3. 趕快把東西吃完！


Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (w/ pinyin and translation):

  1. 自己 / zìjǐ / self
    1. 沒關係，我自己來！/ méiguānxì, wǒ zìjǐ lái! / It's okay, I'll do it myself!
    2. 這是我自己做的 / zhè shì wǒ zìjǐ zuò de / I made this myself. 
    3. 你自己看吧 / nǐ zìjǐ kàn ba / See for yourself. 
  2. 小心 / xiǎoxīn / careful
    1. 開車要小心！/ kāichē yào xiǎoxīn! / Drive carefully!
    2. 小心不要吃太多 / xiǎoxīn bùyào chī tài duō / Careful not to eat too much.
    3. 路上小心 / lùshàng xiǎoxīn / Careful on the road (said when someone is leaving).
  3. 變，變成 or 變得 / biàn, biànchéng or biànde / to become, to change into
    1. 今天變熱了 / jīntiān biàn rèle / It got hot today. 
    2. 他看到你變得很開心！/ tā kàn dào nǐ biàn dé hěn kāixīn! / He became so happy when he saw you! 
    3. 他太累了，變成我開車 / tā tài lèile, biànchéng wǒ kāichē / He was too tired, so it became that I drove. 
  4. 被 / bèi / (indicates passive voice)
    1. 咖啡被我喝了！/ kāfēi bèi wǒ hēle! / The coffee was drunk by me!
    2. 餅乾都被吃掉 / bǐnggān dōu bèi chī diào / The cookies were all eaten. 
    3. 貓咪被你嚇到 / māomī bèi nǐ xià dào / The cat was scared by you. 
  5. 外 / wài / outer, exterior, foreign
    1. 外國 / wàiguó / foreign country
    2. 外面 / wàimiàn / outside, exterior of something
    3. 外帶 / wàidài / "to go" or takeout (i.e., food)
  6. 本來 / běnlái / originally, at first
    1. 我本來以為你是他的妹妹！/ wǒ běnlái yǐwéi nǐ shì tā de mèimei! / I originally thought you were her younger sister! 
    2. 我本來還想吃蛋糕，可是蛋糕已經沒了 / Wǒ běnlái hái xiǎng chī dàngāo, kěshì dàngāo yǐjīng méi le / I originally still wanted to eat cake, but the cake is already gone. 
    3. 你本來想說什麼？/ nǐ běnlái xiǎng shuō shénme? / What were you going to say? 
  7. 需要 / xūyào / to need
    1. 我需要一點時間 / wǒ xūyào yīdiǎn shíjiān / I need a little time.
    2. 你需要什麼嗎？/ nǐ xūyào shénme ma? / Do you need something? 
    3. 我需要你的幫忙！/ wǒ xūyào nǐ de bāngmáng! / I need your help!
  8. 上班 / shàngbān / to go to work
    1. 上班好累！/ shàngbān hǎo lèi! / Work is so tiring! 
    2. 你幾點上班？/ nǐ jǐ diǎn shàngbān? / What time do you go to work? 
    3. 我明天需要上班 / wǒ míngtiān xūyào shàngbān / I need to go to work tomorrow. 
  9. 下班 / xiàbān / to get off work, to leave work
    1. 下班了！回家了！/ xiàbānle! huí jiāle! / Work's over! Go home!
    2. 我今天需要早一點下班 / wǒ jīntiān xūyào zǎo yīdiǎn xiàbān / Today I need to leave work a little early. 
    3. 你下班要做什麼？/ nǐ xiàbān yào zuò shénme? / What are you going to do after work? 
  10. 幾點 / jǐ diǎn / what time?
    1. 現在幾點？/ xiànzài jǐ diǎn? / What time is it now? 
    2. 你都幾點睡覺？/ nǐ dōu jǐ diǎn shuìjiào? / What time do you usually go to sleep? 
    3. 你要坐幾點的車？/ nǐ yào zuò jǐ diǎn de chē? / What time is your "car" (bus, train, etc.)? 
  11. 忙 / máng / busy, to busy oneself
    1. 我今天很忙 / wǒ jīntiān hěn máng / I'm really busy today. 
    2. 我先去忙 / wǒ xiān qù máng / I'll go busy myself (with something) now. 
    3. 我現在有一點忙 / wǒ xiànzài yǒu yīdiǎn máng / I'm a little busy right now. 
  12. 完 / wán / complete, completion
    1. 我還沒用完！/ wǒ hái méi yòng wán! / I'm not finished ("using") yet! 
    2. 書你看完了嗎？/ shū nǐ kàn wán le ma? / Did you finish reading the book yet? 
    3. 趕快把東西吃完！/ gǎnkuài bǎ dōngxī chī wán! / Hurry up and eat everything!

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Thanks for listening! 

]]> Sat, 05 Mar 2022 23:48:22 -0800 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 1124 In this new dialogue, Mrs. Kang (康太太) arrives with the water and something else that Xiao-Li (小李) hasn't seen before. And she receives a surprise phone call... 

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction
  2. [01:14] Dialogue (normal speed)
  3. [03:55] Useful vocabulary and phrases from the dialogue
  4. [15:45] Dialogue again (normal speed)

Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (Chinese characters only):

  1. 自己 
    1. 沒關係，我自己來！
    2. 這是我自己做的 
    3. 你自己看吧 
  2. 小心 
    1. 開車要小心！
    2. 小心不要吃太多 
    3. 路上小心 
  3. 變，變成 or 變得 
    1. 今天變熱了  
    2. 他看到你變得很開心！ 
    3. 他太累了，變成我開車 
  4. 被 
    1. 咖啡被我喝了！
    2. 餅乾都被吃掉  
    3. 貓咪被你嚇到  
  5. 外 
    1. 外國 
    2. 外面 
    3. 外帶 
  6. 本來 
    1. 我本來以為你是他的妹妹！
    2. 我本來還想吃蛋糕，可是蛋糕已經沒了  
    3. 你本來想說什麼？
  7. 需要 
    1. 我需要一點時間 
    2. 你需要什麼嗎？
    3. 我需要你的幫忙！
  8. 上班 
    1. 上班好累！ 
    2. 你幾點上班？ 
    3. 我明天需要上班  
  9. 下班 
    1. 下班了！回家了！
    2. 我今天需要早一點下班  
    3. 你下班要做什麼？
  10. 幾點 
    1. 現在幾點？ 
    2. 你都幾點睡覺？ 
    3. 你要坐幾點的車？ 
  11. 忙 
    1. 我今天很忙 
    2. 我先去忙  
    3. 我現在有一點忙  
  12. 完 
    1. 我還沒用完！ 
    2. 書你看完了嗎？ 
    3. 趕快把東西吃完！


Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (w/ pinyin and translation):

  1. 自己 / zìjǐ / self
    1. 沒關係，我自己來！/ méiguānxì, wǒ zìjǐ lái! / It's okay, I'll do it myself!
    2. 這是我自己做的 / zhè shì wǒ zìjǐ zuò de / I made this myself. 
    3. 你自己看吧 / nǐ zìjǐ kàn ba / See for yourself. 
  2. 小心 / xiǎoxīn / careful
    1. 開車要小心！/ kāichē yào xiǎoxīn! / Drive carefully!
    2. 小心不要吃太多 / xiǎoxīn bùyào chī tài duō / Careful not to eat too much.
    3. 路上小心 / lùshàng xiǎoxīn / Careful on the road (said when someone is leaving).
  3. 變，變成 or 變得 / biàn, biànchéng or biànde / to become, to change into
    1. 今天變熱了 / jīntiān biàn rèle / It got hot today. 
    2. 他看到你變得很開心！/ tā kàn dào nǐ biàn dé hěn kāixīn! / He became so happy when he saw you! 
    3. 他太累了，變成我開車 / tā tài lèile, biànchéng wǒ kāichē / He was too tired, so it became that I drove. 
  4. 被 / bèi / (indicates passive voice)
    1. 咖啡被我喝了！/ kāfēi bèi wǒ hēle! / The coffee was drunk by me!
    2. 餅乾都被吃掉 / bǐnggān dōu bèi chī diào / The cookies were all eaten. 
    3. 貓咪被你嚇到 / māomī bèi nǐ xià dào / The cat was scared by you. 
  5. 外 / wài / outer, exterior, foreign
    1. 外國 / wàiguó / foreign country
    2. 外面 / wàimiàn / outside, exterior of something
    3. 外帶 / wàidài / "to go" or takeout (i.e., food)
  6. 本來 / běnlái / originally, at first
    1. 我本來以為你是他的妹妹！/ wǒ běnlái yǐwéi nǐ shì tā de mèimei! / I originally thought you were her younger sister! 
    2. 我本來還想吃蛋糕，可是蛋糕已經沒了 / Wǒ běnlái hái xiǎng chī dàngāo, kěshì dàngāo yǐjīng méi le / I originally still wanted to eat cake, but the cake is already gone. 
    3. 你本來想說什麼？/ nǐ běnlái xiǎng shuō shénme? / What were you going to say? 
  7. 需要 / xūyào / to need
    1. 我需要一點時間 / wǒ xūyào yīdiǎn shíjiān / I need a little time.
    2. 你需要什麼嗎？/ nǐ xūyào shénme ma? / Do you need something? 
    3. 我需要你的幫忙！/ wǒ xūyào nǐ de bāngmáng! / I need your help!
  8. 上班 / shàngbān / to go to work
    1. 上班好累！/ shàngbān hǎo lèi! / Work is so tiring! 
    2. 你幾點上班？/ nǐ jǐ diǎn shàngbān? / What time do you go to work? 
    3. 我明天需要上班 / wǒ míngtiān xūyào shàngbān / I need to go to work tomorrow. 
  9. 下班 / xiàbān / to get off work, to leave work
    1. 下班了！回家了！/ xiàbānle! huí jiāle! / Work's over! Go home!
    2. 我今天需要早一點下班 / wǒ jīntiān xūyào zǎo yīdiǎn xiàbān / Today I need to leave work a little early. 
    3. 你下班要做什麼？/ nǐ xiàbān yào zuò shénme? / What are you going to do after work? 
  10. 幾點 / jǐ diǎn / what time?
    1. 現在幾點？/ xiànzài jǐ diǎn? / What time is it now? 
    2. 你都幾點睡覺？/ nǐ dōu jǐ diǎn shuìjiào? / What time do you usually go to sleep? 
    3. 你要坐幾點的車？/ nǐ yào zuò jǐ diǎn de chē? / What time is your "car" (bus, train, etc.)? 
  11. 忙 / máng / busy, to busy oneself
    1. 我今天很忙 / wǒ jīntiān hěn máng / I'm really busy today. 
    2. 我先去忙 / wǒ xiān qù máng / I'll go busy myself (with something) now. 
    3. 我現在有一點忙 / wǒ xiànzài yǒu yīdiǎn máng / I'm a little busy right now. 
  12. 完 / wán / complete, completion
    1. 我還沒用完！/ wǒ hái méi yòng wán! / I'm not finished ("using") yet! 
    2. 書你看完了嗎？/ shū nǐ kàn wán le ma? / Did you finish reading the book yet? 
    3. 趕快把東西吃完！/ gǎnkuài bǎ dōngxī chī wán! / Hurry up and eat everything!

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Thanks for listening! 

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No Daily Practice Session - S2 - Lesson 12 2 2 Daily Practice Session - S2 - Lesson 12 bonus cfc5c034-3142-49ba-a99d-fc3b9c91dc85 https://share.transistor.fm/s/071c7426 After listening to S02 Lesson 12, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the dialogue. Repetition makes it stick.

README: How to use this recording

You'll hear the dialogue from Lesson 12 twice.

The first time, there will be a short pause after each line. During the pause, try to repeat aloud exactly what you hear.

Repeating aloud is important, partly because you'll be training your speech muscles to make the sounds of Mandarin, and partly because you'll be getting feedback about how you sound (if you're listening with earbuds, I recommend practicing with one earbud out and one in, or else with both partially in, so that you can hear yourself better).

The second time, there won't be any pauses -- try to "shadow" the sounds simultaneously as they are spoken, again aloud.

This will help you practice stringing the sounds together and further reinforce the muscle memory speech patterns of Mandarin. If it feels way too fast, you can try shadowing only one of the characters each time you listen. However, even then, don't expect to be able to keep up with everything at first.  It takes regular daily practice to start training your ears to have a more nuanced perception of the sounds, and to train your speech muscles to speak at natural speed.


A transcript of the dialogue is available below. First, it is written out in only Chinese characters for those who are learning characters and want to practice reading along. Then it is written out with the translation and pinyin.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only): 

  • K：讓你們久等了！來，你的水。
  • L：謝謝你！感謝。 
  • K：還有這個！
  • L：這是什麼？
  • K：這個是火龍果啊
  • M：小李，你吃過火龍果嗎？
  • L：沒有欸！
  • K：來，吃看看
  • L：很甜！很好吃！
  • K：對啊，我們自己種的！你多吃一點
  • L：好！
  • K：可是你要小心，你的尿尿會變成紅色的！不要被嚇到。
  • L：尿尿會變紅色... 
  • K：等一下！喂？哦！女兒，你今天要來吃飯齁！太好了！我要介紹一個外國朋友給你。嗯嗯... 你來就知道了！
  • M：剛剛是你女兒嗎？
  • K：對啊！你們今天要不要在我們家吃飯？
  • M：太不好意思了... 
  • K：不要這麼客氣，兩個帥哥來我們當然很開心。
  • M：那... 小李，你覺得呢？
  • L：不知道欸，我明天需要上班，今天本來要先整理一下房間。現在幾點？
  • M：現在... 四點半
  • K：啊我女兒都比較晚下班，不然你們先去忙，七點回來吃就可以！
  • M：好像不錯... 小李你OK嗎？
  • L：應該可以欸，太感謝你了，康太太！
  • K：你們都太客氣了！
  • M：那我們先走了
  • K：等一下！火龍果還沒吃完吶！

Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation):

  • K：讓你們久等了！來，你的水。
    • Ràng nǐmen jiǔ děngle! Lái, nǐ de shuǐ.
    • Sorry to keep you waiting. Here, your water. 
  • L：謝謝你！感謝。
    • Xièxiè nǐ! Gǎnxiè.
    • Thank you! Thanks. 
  • K：還有這個！
    • Hái yǒu zhège!
    • Also, this! 
  • L：這是什麼？
    • Zhè shì shénme?
    • What’s this? 
  • K：這個是火龍果啊
    • Zhège shì huǒlóng guǒ a
    • This is dragon fruit! 
  • M：小李，你吃過火龍果嗎？
    • Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ chīguò huǒlóng guǒ ma?
    • Xiao Li, have you ever eaten dragon fruit? 
  • L：沒有欸！
    • Méiyǒu ēi!
    • I haven’t!
  • K：來，吃看看
    • Lái, chī kàn kàn
    • Come on, try it. 
  • L：很甜！很好吃！
    • Hěn tián! Hěn hǎo chī!
    • It’s sweet! It’s really good!
  • K：對啊，我們自己種的！你多吃一點
    • Duì a, wǒmen zìjǐ zhòng de! Nǐ duō chī yīdiǎn
    • Yeah, we grew it ourselves. Eat a lot of it!
  • L：好！
    • hǎo!
    • Ok!
  • K：可是你要小心，你的尿尿會變成紅色的！不要被嚇到。
    • Kěshì nǐ yào xiǎoxīn, nǐ de niào niào huì biànchéng hóngsè de! Bùyào bèi xià dào.
    • But be careful. Your urine will turn red. Don’t be frightened. 
  • L：尿尿會變紅色... 
    • Niào niào huì biàn hóngsè... 
    • Urine will turn red… ?
  • K：等一下！喂？哦！女兒，你今天要來吃飯齁！太好了！我要介紹一個外國朋友給你。嗯嗯... 你來就知道了！
    • Děng yīxià! Wéi? O! Nǚ'ér, nǐ jīntiān yào lái chīfàn hōu! Tài hǎole! Wǒ yào jièshào yīgè wàiguó péngyǒu gěi nǐ. Ń ń... Nǐ lái jiù zhīdàole!
    • Just a sec! Hello? Oh, daughter! You’re coming over to eat today! Great! I want to introduce you to a foreign friend. Uh huh… you’ll find out when you come. 
  • M：剛剛是你女兒嗎？
    • Gānggāng shì nǐ nǚ'ér ma?
    • Just now, was that your daughter? 
  • K：對啊！你們今天要不要在我們家吃飯？
    • Duì a! Nǐmen jīntiān yào bùyào zài wǒmen jiā chīfàn?
    • Yeah! Do you guys want to eat at our place today? 
  • M：太不好意思了... 
    • Tài bùhǎoyìsile...
    • Oh, we couldn’t possibly… 
  • K：不要這麼客氣，兩個帥哥來我們當然很開心。
    • Bùyào zhème kèqì, liǎng gè shuàigē lái wǒmen dāngrán hěn kāixīn
    • Don’t be so polite, two handsome guys coming over, of course we’d be happy. 
  • M：那... 小李，你覺得呢？
    • Nà... Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ juédé ne?
    • Well… Xiao Li, what do you think? 
  • L：不知道欸，我明天需要上班，今天本來要先整理一下房間。現在幾點？
    • Bù zhīdào ēi, wǒ míngtiān xūyào shàngbān, jīntiān běnlái yào xiān zhěnglǐ yīxià fángjiān. Xiànzài jǐ diǎn?
    • I don’t know, I have to go to work tomorrow. Today I was going to organize my room. What time is it now? 
  • M：現在... 四點半
    • Xiànzài... Sì diǎn bàn
    • Now it’s… four-thirty. 
  • K：啊我女兒都比較晚下班，不然你們先去忙，七點回來吃就可以！
    • A wǒ nǚ'ér dōu bǐjiào wǎn xiàbān, bùrán nǐmen xiān qù máng, qī diǎn huílái chī jiù kěyǐ!
    • My daughter always gets off work late, how about you guys go do your thing now, and then just come back at seven. 
  • M：好像不錯... 小李你OK嗎？
    • Hǎoxiàng bùcuò... Xiǎo lǐ nǐ OK ma?
    • That doesn’t sound too bad… Xiao Li, are you OK with that? 
  • L：應該可以欸，太感謝你了，康太太！
    • Yīnggāi kěyǐ ēi, tài gǎnxiè nǐle, kāng tàitài!
    • That should be alright. Thank you so much, Mrs. Kang!
  • K：你們都太客氣了！
    • Nǐmen dōu tài kèqìle!
    • You guys are too polite!
  • M：那我們先走了
    • Nà wǒmen xiān zǒule
    • Well then, we’ll head out now… 
  • K：等一下！火龍果還沒吃完吶！
    • Děng yīxià! Huǒlóng guǒ hái méi chī wán nèi!
    • Wait a sec! You haven’t finished the dragon fruit yet!

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> After listening to S02 Lesson 12, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the dialogue. Repetition makes it stick.

README: How to use this recording

You'll hear the dialogue from Lesson 12 twice.

The first time, there will be a short pause after each line. During the pause, try to repeat aloud exactly what you hear.

Repeating aloud is important, partly because you'll be training your speech muscles to make the sounds of Mandarin, and partly because you'll be getting feedback about how you sound (if you're listening with earbuds, I recommend practicing with one earbud out and one in, or else with both partially in, so that you can hear yourself better).

The second time, there won't be any pauses -- try to "shadow" the sounds simultaneously as they are spoken, again aloud.

This will help you practice stringing the sounds together and further reinforce the muscle memory speech patterns of Mandarin. If it feels way too fast, you can try shadowing only one of the characters each time you listen. However, even then, don't expect to be able to keep up with everything at first.  It takes regular daily practice to start training your ears to have a more nuanced perception of the sounds, and to train your speech muscles to speak at natural speed.


A transcript of the dialogue is available below. First, it is written out in only Chinese characters for those who are learning characters and want to practice reading along. Then it is written out with the translation and pinyin.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only): 

  • K：讓你們久等了！來，你的水。
  • L：謝謝你！感謝。 
  • K：還有這個！
  • L：這是什麼？
  • K：這個是火龍果啊
  • M：小李，你吃過火龍果嗎？
  • L：沒有欸！
  • K：來，吃看看
  • L：很甜！很好吃！
  • K：對啊，我們自己種的！你多吃一點
  • L：好！
  • K：可是你要小心，你的尿尿會變成紅色的！不要被嚇到。
  • L：尿尿會變紅色... 
  • K：等一下！喂？哦！女兒，你今天要來吃飯齁！太好了！我要介紹一個外國朋友給你。嗯嗯... 你來就知道了！
  • M：剛剛是你女兒嗎？
  • K：對啊！你們今天要不要在我們家吃飯？
  • M：太不好意思了... 
  • K：不要這麼客氣，兩個帥哥來我們當然很開心。
  • M：那... 小李，你覺得呢？
  • L：不知道欸，我明天需要上班，今天本來要先整理一下房間。現在幾點？
  • M：現在... 四點半
  • K：啊我女兒都比較晚下班，不然你們先去忙，七點回來吃就可以！
  • M：好像不錯... 小李你OK嗎？
  • L：應該可以欸，太感謝你了，康太太！
  • K：你們都太客氣了！
  • M：那我們先走了
  • K：等一下！火龍果還沒吃完吶！

Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation):

  • K：讓你們久等了！來，你的水。
    • Ràng nǐmen jiǔ děngle! Lái, nǐ de shuǐ.
    • Sorry to keep you waiting. Here, your water. 
  • L：謝謝你！感謝。
    • Xièxiè nǐ! Gǎnxiè.
    • Thank you! Thanks. 
  • K：還有這個！
    • Hái yǒu zhège!
    • Also, this! 
  • L：這是什麼？
    • Zhè shì shénme?
    • What’s this? 
  • K：這個是火龍果啊
    • Zhège shì huǒlóng guǒ a
    • This is dragon fruit! 
  • M：小李，你吃過火龍果嗎？
    • Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ chīguò huǒlóng guǒ ma?
    • Xiao Li, have you ever eaten dragon fruit? 
  • L：沒有欸！
    • Méiyǒu ēi!
    • I haven’t!
  • K：來，吃看看
    • Lái, chī kàn kàn
    • Come on, try it. 
  • L：很甜！很好吃！
    • Hěn tián! Hěn hǎo chī!
    • It’s sweet! It’s really good!
  • K：對啊，我們自己種的！你多吃一點
    • Duì a, wǒmen zìjǐ zhòng de! Nǐ duō chī yīdiǎn
    • Yeah, we grew it ourselves. Eat a lot of it!
  • L：好！
    • hǎo!
    • Ok!
  • K：可是你要小心，你的尿尿會變成紅色的！不要被嚇到。
    • Kěshì nǐ yào xiǎoxīn, nǐ de niào niào huì biànchéng hóngsè de! Bùyào bèi xià dào.
    • But be careful. Your urine will turn red. Don’t be frightened. 
  • L：尿尿會變紅色... 
    • Niào niào huì biàn hóngsè... 
    • Urine will turn red… ?
  • K：等一下！喂？哦！女兒，你今天要來吃飯齁！太好了！我要介紹一個外國朋友給你。嗯嗯... 你來就知道了！
    • Děng yīxià! Wéi? O! Nǚ'ér, nǐ jīntiān yào lái chīfàn hōu! Tài hǎole! Wǒ yào jièshào yīgè wàiguó péngyǒu gěi nǐ. Ń ń... Nǐ lái jiù zhīdàole!
    • Just a sec! Hello? Oh, daughter! You’re coming over to eat today! Great! I want to introduce you to a foreign friend. Uh huh… you’ll find out when you come. 
  • M：剛剛是你女兒嗎？
    • Gānggāng shì nǐ nǚ'ér ma?
    • Just now, was that your daughter? 
  • K：對啊！你們今天要不要在我們家吃飯？
    • Duì a! Nǐmen jīntiān yào bùyào zài wǒmen jiā chīfàn?
    • Yeah! Do you guys want to eat at our place today? 
  • M：太不好意思了... 
    • Tài bùhǎoyìsile...
    • Oh, we couldn’t possibly… 
  • K：不要這麼客氣，兩個帥哥來我們當然很開心。
    • Bùyào zhème kèqì, liǎng gè shuàigē lái wǒmen dāngrán hěn kāixīn
    • Don’t be so polite, two handsome guys coming over, of course we’d be happy. 
  • M：那... 小李，你覺得呢？
    • Nà... Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ juédé ne?
    • Well… Xiao Li, what do you think? 
  • L：不知道欸，我明天需要上班，今天本來要先整理一下房間。現在幾點？
    • Bù zhīdào ēi, wǒ míngtiān xūyào shàngbān, jīntiān běnlái yào xiān zhěnglǐ yīxià fángjiān. Xiànzài jǐ diǎn?
    • I don’t know, I have to go to work tomorrow. Today I was going to organize my room. What time is it now? 
  • M：現在... 四點半
    • Xiànzài... Sì diǎn bàn
    • Now it’s… four-thirty. 
  • K：啊我女兒都比較晚下班，不然你們先去忙，七點回來吃就可以！
    • A wǒ nǚ'ér dōu bǐjiào wǎn xiàbān, bùrán nǐmen xiān qù máng, qī diǎn huílái chī jiù kěyǐ!
    • My daughter always gets off work late, how about you guys go do your thing now, and then just come back at seven. 
  • M：好像不錯... 小李你OK嗎？
    • Hǎoxiàng bùcuò... Xiǎo lǐ nǐ OK ma?
    • That doesn’t sound too bad… Xiao Li, are you OK with that? 
  • L：應該可以欸，太感謝你了，康太太！
    • Yīnggāi kěyǐ ēi, tài gǎnxiè nǐle, kāng tàitài!
    • That should be alright. Thank you so much, Mrs. Kang!
  • K：你們都太客氣了！
    • Nǐmen dōu tài kèqìle!
    • You guys are too polite!
  • M：那我們先走了
    • Nà wǒmen xiān zǒule
    • Well then, we’ll head out now… 
  • K：等一下！火龍果還沒吃完吶！
    • Děng yīxià! Huǒlóng guǒ hái méi chī wán nèi!
    • Wait a sec! You haven’t finished the dragon fruit yet!

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> Mon, 07 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0800 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 304 After listening to S02 Lesson 12, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the dialogue. Repetition makes it stick.

README: How to use this recording

You'll hear the dialogue from Lesson 12 twice.

The first time, there will be a short pause after each line. During the pause, try to repeat aloud exactly what you hear.

Repeating aloud is important, partly because you'll be training your speech muscles to make the sounds of Mandarin, and partly because you'll be getting feedback about how you sound (if you're listening with earbuds, I recommend practicing with one earbud out and one in, or else with both partially in, so that you can hear yourself better).

The second time, there won't be any pauses -- try to "shadow" the sounds simultaneously as they are spoken, again aloud.

This will help you practice stringing the sounds together and further reinforce the muscle memory speech patterns of Mandarin. If it feels way too fast, you can try shadowing only one of the characters each time you listen. However, even then, don't expect to be able to keep up with everything at first.  It takes regular daily practice to start training your ears to have a more nuanced perception of the sounds, and to train your speech muscles to speak at natural speed.


A transcript of the dialogue is available below. First, it is written out in only Chinese characters for those who are learning characters and want to practice reading along. Then it is written out with the translation and pinyin.

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only): 

  • K：讓你們久等了！來，你的水。
  • L：謝謝你！感謝。 
  • K：還有這個！
  • L：這是什麼？
  • K：這個是火龍果啊
  • M：小李，你吃過火龍果嗎？
  • L：沒有欸！
  • K：來，吃看看
  • L：很甜！很好吃！
  • K：對啊，我們自己種的！你多吃一點
  • L：好！
  • K：可是你要小心，你的尿尿會變成紅色的！不要被嚇到。
  • L：尿尿會變紅色... 
  • K：等一下！喂？哦！女兒，你今天要來吃飯齁！太好了！我要介紹一個外國朋友給你。嗯嗯... 你來就知道了！
  • M：剛剛是你女兒嗎？
  • K：對啊！你們今天要不要在我們家吃飯？
  • M：太不好意思了... 
  • K：不要這麼客氣，兩個帥哥來我們當然很開心。
  • M：那... 小李，你覺得呢？
  • L：不知道欸，我明天需要上班，今天本來要先整理一下房間。現在幾點？
  • M：現在... 四點半
  • K：啊我女兒都比較晚下班，不然你們先去忙，七點回來吃就可以！
  • M：好像不錯... 小李你OK嗎？
  • L：應該可以欸，太感謝你了，康太太！
  • K：你們都太客氣了！
  • M：那我們先走了
  • K：等一下！火龍果還沒吃完吶！

Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation):

  • K：讓你們久等了！來，你的水。
    • Ràng nǐmen jiǔ děngle! Lái, nǐ de shuǐ.
    • Sorry to keep you waiting. Here, your water. 
  • L：謝謝你！感謝。
    • Xièxiè nǐ! Gǎnxiè.
    • Thank you! Thanks. 
  • K：還有這個！
    • Hái yǒu zhège!
    • Also, this! 
  • L：這是什麼？
    • Zhè shì shénme?
    • What’s this? 
  • K：這個是火龍果啊
    • Zhège shì huǒlóng guǒ a
    • This is dragon fruit! 
  • M：小李，你吃過火龍果嗎？
    • Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ chīguò huǒlóng guǒ ma?
    • Xiao Li, have you ever eaten dragon fruit? 
  • L：沒有欸！
    • Méiyǒu ēi!
    • I haven’t!
  • K：來，吃看看
    • Lái, chī kàn kàn
    • Come on, try it. 
  • L：很甜！很好吃！
    • Hěn tián! Hěn hǎo chī!
    • It’s sweet! It’s really good!
  • K：對啊，我們自己種的！你多吃一點
    • Duì a, wǒmen zìjǐ zhòng de! Nǐ duō chī yīdiǎn
    • Yeah, we grew it ourselves. Eat a lot of it!
  • L：好！
    • hǎo!
    • Ok!
  • K：可是你要小心，你的尿尿會變成紅色的！不要被嚇到。
    • Kěshì nǐ yào xiǎoxīn, nǐ de niào niào huì biànchéng hóngsè de! Bùyào bèi xià dào.
    • But be careful. Your urine will turn red. Don’t be frightened. 
  • L：尿尿會變紅色... 
    • Niào niào huì biàn hóngsè... 
    • Urine will turn red… ?
  • K：等一下！喂？哦！女兒，你今天要來吃飯齁！太好了！我要介紹一個外國朋友給你。嗯嗯... 你來就知道了！
    • Děng yīxià! Wéi? O! Nǚ'ér, nǐ jīntiān yào lái chīfàn hōu! Tài hǎole! Wǒ yào jièshào yīgè wàiguó péngyǒu gěi nǐ. Ń ń... Nǐ lái jiù zhīdàole!
    • Just a sec! Hello? Oh, daughter! You’re coming over to eat today! Great! I want to introduce you to a foreign friend. Uh huh… you’ll find out when you come. 
  • M：剛剛是你女兒嗎？
    • Gānggāng shì nǐ nǚ'ér ma?
    • Just now, was that your daughter? 
  • K：對啊！你們今天要不要在我們家吃飯？
    • Duì a! Nǐmen jīntiān yào bùyào zài wǒmen jiā chīfàn?
    • Yeah! Do you guys want to eat at our place today? 
  • M：太不好意思了... 
    • Tài bùhǎoyìsile...
    • Oh, we couldn’t possibly… 
  • K：不要這麼客氣，兩個帥哥來我們當然很開心。
    • Bùyào zhème kèqì, liǎng gè shuàigē lái wǒmen dāngrán hěn kāixīn
    • Don’t be so polite, two handsome guys coming over, of course we’d be happy. 
  • M：那... 小李，你覺得呢？
    • Nà... Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ juédé ne?
    • Well… Xiao Li, what do you think? 
  • L：不知道欸，我明天需要上班，今天本來要先整理一下房間。現在幾點？
    • Bù zhīdào ēi, wǒ míngtiān xūyào shàngbān, jīntiān běnlái yào xiān zhěnglǐ yīxià fángjiān. Xiànzài jǐ diǎn?
    • I don’t know, I have to go to work tomorrow. Today I was going to organize my room. What time is it now? 
  • M：現在... 四點半
    • Xiànzài... Sì diǎn bàn
    • Now it’s… four-thirty. 
  • K：啊我女兒都比較晚下班，不然你們先去忙，七點回來吃就可以！
    • A wǒ nǚ'ér dōu bǐjiào wǎn xiàbān, bùrán nǐmen xiān qù máng, qī diǎn huílái chī jiù kěyǐ!
    • My daughter always gets off work late, how about you guys go do your thing now, and then just come back at seven. 
  • M：好像不錯... 小李你OK嗎？
    • Hǎoxiàng bùcuò... Xiǎo lǐ nǐ OK ma?
    • That doesn’t sound too bad… Xiao Li, are you OK with that? 
  • L：應該可以欸，太感謝你了，康太太！
    • Yīnggāi kěyǐ ēi, tài gǎnxiè nǐle, kāng tàitài!
    • That should be alright. Thank you so much, Mrs. Kang!
  • K：你們都太客氣了！
    • Nǐmen dōu tài kèqìle!
    • You guys are too polite!
  • M：那我們先走了
    • Nà wǒmen xiān zǒule
    • Well then, we’ll head out now… 
  • K：等一下！火龍果還沒吃完吶！
    • Děng yīxià! Huǒlóng guǒ hái méi chī wán nèi!
    • Wait a sec! You haven’t finished the dragon fruit yet!

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No S2 ~ 13 ~ 不要被嚇到！Part 2 2 2 S2 ~ 13 ~ 不要被嚇到！Part 2 full 2da40b4e-aefd-4371-9efc-51b76d9beaf1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a9b4cb87 Welcome back! After a long, unplanned break, we're back to finish out Season 2 once and for all. Let's finally find out what happens to Xiao Li (L) and A-Ming (M) during their impromptu visit to Mrs. Kang's (K) house. 

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction
  2. [02:34] Dialogue (normal speed)
  3. [04:20] Line-by-line translation
  4. [14:17] Talking about 就 vs. 才 and auxiliary particles
  5. [19:45] Dialogue again (normal speed)

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only):

  • K：讓你們久等了！來，你的水。
  • L：謝謝你！感謝。
  • K：還有這個！
  • L：這是什麼？
  • K：這個是火龍果啊
  • M：小李，你吃過火龍果嗎？
  • L：沒有欸！
  • K：來，吃看看
  • L：很甜！很好吃！
  • K：對啊，我們自己種的！你多吃一點
  • L：好！
  • K：可是你要小心，你的尿尿會變成紅色的！不要被嚇到。 
  • L：尿尿會變紅色... 
  • K：等一下！喂？哦！女兒，你今天要來吃飯齁！太好了！我要介紹一個外國朋友給你。嗯嗯... 你來就知道了！
  • M：剛剛是你女兒嗎？
  • K：對啊！你們今天要不要在我們家吃飯？
  • M：太不好意思了... 
  • K：不要這麼客氣，兩個帥哥來我們當然很開心。 
  • M：那... 小李，你覺得呢？
  • L：不知道欸，我明天需要上班，今天本來要先整理一下房間。現在幾點？
  • M：現在... 四點半
  • K：啊我女兒都比較晚下班，不然你們先去忙，七點回來吃就可以！
  • M：好像不錯... 小李你OK嗎？
  • L：應該可以欸，太感謝你了，康太太！
  • K：你們都太客氣了！
  • M：那我們先走了
  • K：等一下！火龍果還沒吃完吶！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • K：讓你們久等了！來，你的水。
    • Ràng nǐmen jiǔ děngle! Lái, nǐ de shuǐ.
    • Sorry to keep you waiting. Here, your water. 
  • L：謝謝你！感謝。
    • Xièxiè nǐ! Gǎnxiè.
    • Thank you! Thanks. 
  • K：還有這個！
    • Hái yǒu zhège!
    • Also, this! 
  • L：這是什麼？
    • Zhè shì shénme?
    • What’s this? 
  • K：這個是火龍果啊
    • Zhège shì huǒlóng guǒ a
    • This is dragon fruit! 
  • M：小李，你吃過火龍果嗎？
    • Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ chīguò huǒlóng guǒ ma?
    • Xiao Li, have you ever eaten dragon fruit? 
  • L：沒有欸！
    • Méiyǒu ēi!
    • I haven’t!
  • K：來，吃看看
    • Lái, chī kàn kàn
    • Come on, try it. 
  • L：很甜！很好吃！
    • Hěn tián! Hěn hǎo chī!
    • It’s sweet! It’s really good!
  • K：對啊，我們自己種的！你多吃一點
    • Duì a, wǒmen zìjǐ zhòng de! Nǐ duō chī yīdiǎn
    • Yeah, we grew it ourselves. Eat a lot of it!
  • L：好！
    • hǎo!
    • Ok!
  • K：可是你要小心，你的尿尿會變成紅色的！不要被嚇到。
    • Kěshì nǐ yào xiǎoxīn, nǐ de niào niào huì biànchéng hóngsè de! Bùyào bèi xià dào.
    • But be careful. Your urine will turn red. Don’t be frightened. 
  • L：尿尿會變紅色... 
    • Niào niào huì biàn hóngsè... 
    • Urine will turn red… ?
  • K：等一下！喂？哦！女兒，你今天要來吃飯齁！太好了！我要介紹一個外國朋友給你。嗯嗯... 你來就知道了！
    • Děng yīxià! Wéi? O! Nǚ'ér, nǐ jīntiān yào lái chīfàn hōu! Tài hǎole! Wǒ yào jièshào yīgè wàiguó péngyǒu gěi nǐ. Ń ń... Nǐ lái jiù zhīdàole!
    • Just a sec! Hello? Oh, daughter! You’re coming over to eat today! Great! I want to introduce you to a foreign friend. Uh huh… you’ll find out when you come. 
  • M：剛剛是你女兒嗎？
    • Gānggāng shì nǐ nǚ'ér ma?
    • Just now, was that your daughter? 
  • K：對啊！你們今天要不要在我們家吃飯？
    • Duì a! Nǐmen jīntiān yào bùyào zài wǒmen jiā chīfàn?
    • Yeah! Do you guys want to eat at our place today? 
  • M：太不好意思了... 
    • Tài bùhǎoyìsile...
    • Oh, we couldn’t possibly… 
  • K：不要這麼客氣，兩個帥哥來我們當然很開心。
    • Bùyào zhème kèqì, liǎng gè shuàigē lái wǒmen dāngrán hěn kāixīn
    • Don’t be so polite, two handsome guys coming over, of course we’d be happy. 
  • M：那... 小李，你覺得呢？
    • Nà... Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ juédé ne?
    • Well… Xiao Li, what do you think? 
  • L：不知道欸，我明天需要上班，今天本來要先整理一下房間。現在幾點？
    • Bù zhīdào ēi, wǒ míngtiān xūyào shàngbān, jīntiān běnlái yào xiān zhěnglǐ yīxià fángjiān. Xiànzài jǐ diǎn?
    • I don’t know, I have to go to work tomorrow. Today I was going to organize my room. What time is it now? 
  • M：現在... 四點半
    • Xiànzài... Sì diǎn bàn
    • Now it’s… four-thirty. 
  • K：啊我女兒都比較晚下班，不然你們先去忙，七點回來吃就可以！
    • A wǒ nǚ'ér dōu bǐjiào wǎn xiàbān, bùrán nǐmen xiān qù máng, qī diǎn huílái chī jiù kěyǐ!
    • My daughter always gets off work late, how about you guys go do your thing now, and then just come back at seven. 
  • M：好像不錯... 小李你OK嗎？
    • Hǎoxiàng bùcuò... Xiǎo lǐ nǐ OK ma?
    • That doesn’t sound too bad… Xiao Li, are you OK with that? 
  • L：應該可以欸，太感謝你了，康太太！
    • Yīnggāi kěyǐ ēi, tài gǎnxiè nǐle, kāng tàitài!
    • That should be alright. Thank you so much, Mrs. Kang!
  • K：你們都太客氣了！
    • Nǐmen dōu tài kèqìle!
    • You guys are too polite!
  • M：那我們先走了
    • Nà wǒmen xiān zǒule
    • Well then, we’ll head out now… 
  • K：等一下！火龍果還沒吃完吶！
    • Děng yīxià! Huǒlóng guǒ hái méi chī wán nèi!
    • Wait a sec! You haven’t finished the dragon fruit yet!

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> Welcome back! After a long, unplanned break, we're back to finish out Season 2 once and for all. Let's finally find out what happens to Xiao Li (L) and A-Ming (M) during their impromptu visit to Mrs. Kang's (K) house. 

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction
  2. [02:34] Dialogue (normal speed)
  3. [04:20] Line-by-line translation
  4. [14:17] Talking about 就 vs. 才 and auxiliary particles
  5. [19:45] Dialogue again (normal speed)

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only):

  • K：讓你們久等了！來，你的水。
  • L：謝謝你！感謝。
  • K：還有這個！
  • L：這是什麼？
  • K：這個是火龍果啊
  • M：小李，你吃過火龍果嗎？
  • L：沒有欸！
  • K：來，吃看看
  • L：很甜！很好吃！
  • K：對啊，我們自己種的！你多吃一點
  • L：好！
  • K：可是你要小心，你的尿尿會變成紅色的！不要被嚇到。 
  • L：尿尿會變紅色... 
  • K：等一下！喂？哦！女兒，你今天要來吃飯齁！太好了！我要介紹一個外國朋友給你。嗯嗯... 你來就知道了！
  • M：剛剛是你女兒嗎？
  • K：對啊！你們今天要不要在我們家吃飯？
  • M：太不好意思了... 
  • K：不要這麼客氣，兩個帥哥來我們當然很開心。 
  • M：那... 小李，你覺得呢？
  • L：不知道欸，我明天需要上班，今天本來要先整理一下房間。現在幾點？
  • M：現在... 四點半
  • K：啊我女兒都比較晚下班，不然你們先去忙，七點回來吃就可以！
  • M：好像不錯... 小李你OK嗎？
  • L：應該可以欸，太感謝你了，康太太！
  • K：你們都太客氣了！
  • M：那我們先走了
  • K：等一下！火龍果還沒吃完吶！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • K：讓你們久等了！來，你的水。
    • Ràng nǐmen jiǔ děngle! Lái, nǐ de shuǐ.
    • Sorry to keep you waiting. Here, your water. 
  • L：謝謝你！感謝。
    • Xièxiè nǐ! Gǎnxiè.
    • Thank you! Thanks. 
  • K：還有這個！
    • Hái yǒu zhège!
    • Also, this! 
  • L：這是什麼？
    • Zhè shì shénme?
    • What’s this? 
  • K：這個是火龍果啊
    • Zhège shì huǒlóng guǒ a
    • This is dragon fruit! 
  • M：小李，你吃過火龍果嗎？
    • Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ chīguò huǒlóng guǒ ma?
    • Xiao Li, have you ever eaten dragon fruit? 
  • L：沒有欸！
    • Méiyǒu ēi!
    • I haven’t!
  • K：來，吃看看
    • Lái, chī kàn kàn
    • Come on, try it. 
  • L：很甜！很好吃！
    • Hěn tián! Hěn hǎo chī!
    • It’s sweet! It’s really good!
  • K：對啊，我們自己種的！你多吃一點
    • Duì a, wǒmen zìjǐ zhòng de! Nǐ duō chī yīdiǎn
    • Yeah, we grew it ourselves. Eat a lot of it!
  • L：好！
    • hǎo!
    • Ok!
  • K：可是你要小心，你的尿尿會變成紅色的！不要被嚇到。
    • Kěshì nǐ yào xiǎoxīn, nǐ de niào niào huì biànchéng hóngsè de! Bùyào bèi xià dào.
    • But be careful. Your urine will turn red. Don’t be frightened. 
  • L：尿尿會變紅色... 
    • Niào niào huì biàn hóngsè... 
    • Urine will turn red… ?
  • K：等一下！喂？哦！女兒，你今天要來吃飯齁！太好了！我要介紹一個外國朋友給你。嗯嗯... 你來就知道了！
    • Děng yīxià! Wéi? O! Nǚ'ér, nǐ jīntiān yào lái chīfàn hōu! Tài hǎole! Wǒ yào jièshào yīgè wàiguó péngyǒu gěi nǐ. Ń ń... Nǐ lái jiù zhīdàole!
    • Just a sec! Hello? Oh, daughter! You’re coming over to eat today! Great! I want to introduce you to a foreign friend. Uh huh… you’ll find out when you come. 
  • M：剛剛是你女兒嗎？
    • Gānggāng shì nǐ nǚ'ér ma?
    • Just now, was that your daughter? 
  • K：對啊！你們今天要不要在我們家吃飯？
    • Duì a! Nǐmen jīntiān yào bùyào zài wǒmen jiā chīfàn?
    • Yeah! Do you guys want to eat at our place today? 
  • M：太不好意思了... 
    • Tài bùhǎoyìsile...
    • Oh, we couldn’t possibly… 
  • K：不要這麼客氣，兩個帥哥來我們當然很開心。
    • Bùyào zhème kèqì, liǎng gè shuàigē lái wǒmen dāngrán hěn kāixīn
    • Don’t be so polite, two handsome guys coming over, of course we’d be happy. 
  • M：那... 小李，你覺得呢？
    • Nà... Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ juédé ne?
    • Well… Xiao Li, what do you think? 
  • L：不知道欸，我明天需要上班，今天本來要先整理一下房間。現在幾點？
    • Bù zhīdào ēi, wǒ míngtiān xūyào shàngbān, jīntiān běnlái yào xiān zhěnglǐ yīxià fángjiān. Xiànzài jǐ diǎn?
    • I don’t know, I have to go to work tomorrow. Today I was going to organize my room. What time is it now? 
  • M：現在... 四點半
    • Xiànzài... Sì diǎn bàn
    • Now it’s… four-thirty. 
  • K：啊我女兒都比較晚下班，不然你們先去忙，七點回來吃就可以！
    • A wǒ nǚ'ér dōu bǐjiào wǎn xiàbān, bùrán nǐmen xiān qù máng, qī diǎn huílái chī jiù kěyǐ!
    • My daughter always gets off work late, how about you guys go do your thing now, and then just come back at seven. 
  • M：好像不錯... 小李你OK嗎？
    • Hǎoxiàng bùcuò... Xiǎo lǐ nǐ OK ma?
    • That doesn’t sound too bad… Xiao Li, are you OK with that? 
  • L：應該可以欸，太感謝你了，康太太！
    • Yīnggāi kěyǐ ēi, tài gǎnxiè nǐle, kāng tàitài!
    • That should be alright. Thank you so much, Mrs. Kang!
  • K：你們都太客氣了！
    • Nǐmen dōu tài kèqìle!
    • You guys are too polite!
  • M：那我們先走了
    • Nà wǒmen xiān zǒule
    • Well then, we’ll head out now… 
  • K：等一下！火龍果還沒吃完吶！
    • Děng yīxià! Huǒlóng guǒ hái méi chī wán nèi!
    • Wait a sec! You haven’t finished the dragon fruit yet!

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Thanks for listening! 

]]> Mon, 09 Jan 2023 19:53:24 -0800 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 1314 Welcome back! After a long, unplanned break, we're back to finish out Season 2 once and for all. Let's finally find out what happens to Xiao Li (L) and A-Ming (M) during their impromptu visit to Mrs. Kang's (K) house. 

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction
  2. [02:34] Dialogue (normal speed)
  3. [04:20] Line-by-line translation
  4. [14:17] Talking about 就 vs. 才 and auxiliary particles
  5. [19:45] Dialogue again (normal speed)

Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only):

  • K：讓你們久等了！來，你的水。
  • L：謝謝你！感謝。
  • K：還有這個！
  • L：這是什麼？
  • K：這個是火龍果啊
  • M：小李，你吃過火龍果嗎？
  • L：沒有欸！
  • K：來，吃看看
  • L：很甜！很好吃！
  • K：對啊，我們自己種的！你多吃一點
  • L：好！
  • K：可是你要小心，你的尿尿會變成紅色的！不要被嚇到。 
  • L：尿尿會變紅色... 
  • K：等一下！喂？哦！女兒，你今天要來吃飯齁！太好了！我要介紹一個外國朋友給你。嗯嗯... 你來就知道了！
  • M：剛剛是你女兒嗎？
  • K：對啊！你們今天要不要在我們家吃飯？
  • M：太不好意思了... 
  • K：不要這麼客氣，兩個帥哥來我們當然很開心。 
  • M：那... 小李，你覺得呢？
  • L：不知道欸，我明天需要上班，今天本來要先整理一下房間。現在幾點？
  • M：現在... 四點半
  • K：啊我女兒都比較晚下班，不然你們先去忙，七點回來吃就可以！
  • M：好像不錯... 小李你OK嗎？
  • L：應該可以欸，太感謝你了，康太太！
  • K：你們都太客氣了！
  • M：那我們先走了
  • K：等一下！火龍果還沒吃完吶！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • K：讓你們久等了！來，你的水。
    • Ràng nǐmen jiǔ děngle! Lái, nǐ de shuǐ.
    • Sorry to keep you waiting. Here, your water. 
  • L：謝謝你！感謝。
    • Xièxiè nǐ! Gǎnxiè.
    • Thank you! Thanks. 
  • K：還有這個！
    • Hái yǒu zhège!
    • Also, this! 
  • L：這是什麼？
    • Zhè shì shénme?
    • What’s this? 
  • K：這個是火龍果啊
    • Zhège shì huǒlóng guǒ a
    • This is dragon fruit! 
  • M：小李，你吃過火龍果嗎？
    • Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ chīguò huǒlóng guǒ ma?
    • Xiao Li, have you ever eaten dragon fruit? 
  • L：沒有欸！
    • Méiyǒu ēi!
    • I haven’t!
  • K：來，吃看看
    • Lái, chī kàn kàn
    • Come on, try it. 
  • L：很甜！很好吃！
    • Hěn tián! Hěn hǎo chī!
    • It’s sweet! It’s really good!
  • K：對啊，我們自己種的！你多吃一點
    • Duì a, wǒmen zìjǐ zhòng de! Nǐ duō chī yīdiǎn
    • Yeah, we grew it ourselves. Eat a lot of it!
  • L：好！
    • hǎo!
    • Ok!
  • K：可是你要小心，你的尿尿會變成紅色的！不要被嚇到。
    • Kěshì nǐ yào xiǎoxīn, nǐ de niào niào huì biànchéng hóngsè de! Bùyào bèi xià dào.
    • But be careful. Your urine will turn red. Don’t be frightened. 
  • L：尿尿會變紅色... 
    • Niào niào huì biàn hóngsè... 
    • Urine will turn red… ?
  • K：等一下！喂？哦！女兒，你今天要來吃飯齁！太好了！我要介紹一個外國朋友給你。嗯嗯... 你來就知道了！
    • Děng yīxià! Wéi? O! Nǚ'ér, nǐ jīntiān yào lái chīfàn hōu! Tài hǎole! Wǒ yào jièshào yīgè wàiguó péngyǒu gěi nǐ. Ń ń... Nǐ lái jiù zhīdàole!
    • Just a sec! Hello? Oh, daughter! You’re coming over to eat today! Great! I want to introduce you to a foreign friend. Uh huh… you’ll find out when you come. 
  • M：剛剛是你女兒嗎？
    • Gānggāng shì nǐ nǚ'ér ma?
    • Just now, was that your daughter? 
  • K：對啊！你們今天要不要在我們家吃飯？
    • Duì a! Nǐmen jīntiān yào bùyào zài wǒmen jiā chīfàn?
    • Yeah! Do you guys want to eat at our place today? 
  • M：太不好意思了... 
    • Tài bùhǎoyìsile...
    • Oh, we couldn’t possibly… 
  • K：不要這麼客氣，兩個帥哥來我們當然很開心。
    • Bùyào zhème kèqì, liǎng gè shuàigē lái wǒmen dāngrán hěn kāixīn
    • Don’t be so polite, two handsome guys coming over, of course we’d be happy. 
  • M：那... 小李，你覺得呢？
    • Nà... Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ juédé ne?
    • Well… Xiao Li, what do you think? 
  • L：不知道欸，我明天需要上班，今天本來要先整理一下房間。現在幾點？
    • Bù zhīdào ēi, wǒ míngtiān xūyào shàngbān, jīntiān běnlái yào xiān zhěnglǐ yīxià fángjiān. Xiànzài jǐ diǎn?
    • I don’t know, I have to go to work tomorrow. Today I was going to organize my room. What time is it now? 
  • M：現在... 四點半
    • Xiànzài... Sì diǎn bàn
    • Now it’s… four-thirty. 
  • K：啊我女兒都比較晚下班，不然你們先去忙，七點回來吃就可以！
    • A wǒ nǚ'ér dōu bǐjiào wǎn xiàbān, bùrán nǐmen xiān qù máng, qī diǎn huílái chī jiù kěyǐ!
    • My daughter always gets off work late, how about you guys go do your thing now, and then just come back at seven. 
  • M：好像不錯... 小李你OK嗎？
    • Hǎoxiàng bùcuò... Xiǎo lǐ nǐ OK ma?
    • That doesn’t sound too bad… Xiao Li, are you OK with that? 
  • L：應該可以欸，太感謝你了，康太太！
    • Yīnggāi kěyǐ ēi, tài gǎnxiè nǐle, kāng tàitài!
    • That should be alright. Thank you so much, Mrs. Kang!
  • K：你們都太客氣了！
    • Nǐmen dōu tài kèqìle!
    • You guys are too polite!
  • M：那我們先走了
    • Nà wǒmen xiān zǒule
    • Well then, we’ll head out now… 
  • K：等一下！火龍果還沒吃完吶！
    • Děng yīxià! Huǒlóng guǒ hái méi chī wán nèi!
    • Wait a sec! You haven’t finished the dragon fruit yet!

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No S2 ~ 14 ~ 你這樣太辛苦了！You're working too hard! 2 2 S2 ~ 14 ~ 你這樣太辛苦了！You're working too hard! full 37996c9d-9383-402b-b1f6-700b55443849 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ee49c8e5 新年快樂！Happy Lunar New Year! In honor of the new year, this dialogue involves lots and lots and lots of food, prepared by Mrs. Kang (康太太). Can you guess what else is happening?

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction
  2. [01:26] Dialogue
  3. [03:08] Useful vocabulary and phrases from the dialogue
  4. [14:28] Dialogue again

Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (Chinese characters only):
(scroll down for pinyin and the translation)

  1. 計程車 
    1. 那裡有計程車！
    2. 你要不要坐計程車？
    3. 因為我找不到計程車，所以我遲到了 
  2. 隔壁 
    1. 我住在隔壁
    2. 隔壁有一間餐廳
    3. 不要吵到隔壁的人！
  3. 約會（約） 
    1. 不好意思，今天我有約
    2. 你的約會怎麼樣？
    3. 我們太久沒有約會了！
  4. 講話 
    1. 你會講中文嗎？
    2. 我妹妹不想跟你講話
  5. 亂講（亂） 
    1. 不要亂講！
    2. 我弟弟很愛亂講
    3. 不好意思，我家很亂
    4. 講話不能亂講！ 
  6. 直接  
    1. 你講話太直接
    2. 我現在要直接去了
    3. 我今天不跟你約，我要直接回家
  7. 辛苦  
    1. 謝謝！辛苦了！
    2. 下班了！辛苦了大家！
    3. 我的工作太辛苦
    4. 跟這個人講話好辛苦
  8. 煮 
    1. 煮飯
    2. 你喜歡煮飯嗎？
    3. 煮水
    4. 煮湯
  9. 邀請（請） 
    1. 今天我請你！
    2. 謝謝你的邀請
    3. 我想請你來我家
  10. 準備  
    1. 你準備好了嗎？
    2. 趕快準備！
    3. 等一下，我還沒準備好！


Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (w/ pinyin and translation):

  1. 計程車 :: jìchéngchē :: taxi 
    1. 那裡有計程車！
      1. nàlǐ yǒu jìchéngchē
      2. There’s a taxi over there!
    2. 你要不要坐計程車？
      1. nǐ yào bùyào zuò jìchéngchē? 
      2. Do you want to take a taxi?
    3. 因為我找不到計程車，所以我遲到了 
      1. yīnwèi wǒ zhǎo bù dào jìchéngchē, suǒyǐ wǒ chídàole
      2. Because I couldn’t find a taxi, so I arrived late.
  2. 隔壁 :: gébì :: next door / neighbor 
    1. 我住在隔壁
      1. wǒ zhù zài gébì
      2. I live next door.
    2. 隔壁有一間餐廳
      1. gébì yǒuyī jiàn cāntīng
      2. Next door there’s a restaurant.
    3. 不要吵到隔壁的人！
      1. bùyào chǎo dào gébì de rén
      2. Don’t disturb the people next to you!
  3. 約會（約）:: yuēhuì (yuē) :: to date, to go on a date 
    1. 不好意思，今天我有約
      1. bù hǎoyìsi, jīntiān wǒ yǒu yuē
      2. Sorry, today I have plans
    2. 你的約會怎麼樣？
      1. nǐ de yuēhuì zěnme yàng?
      2. How was your date?
    3. 我們太久沒有約會了！
      1. wǒmen tài jiǔ méiyǒu yuēhuìle!
      2. We haven’t been on a date in too long!
  4. 講話 :: jiǎnghuà :: to talk, to speak 
    1. 你會講中文嗎？
      1. nǐ huì jiǎng zhōngwén ma
      2. Do you speak Chinese?
    2. 我妹妹不想跟你講話
      1. wǒ mèimei bù xiǎng gēn nǐ jiǎnghuà
      2. My little sister doesn’t want to talk to you.
  5. 亂講（亂）:: luàn jiǎng (luàn) :: nonsense, to talk nonsense 
    1. 不要亂講！
      1. bùyào luàn jiǎng!
      2. Don’t talk nonsense!
    2. 我弟弟很愛亂講
      1. wǒ dìdì hěn ài luàn jiǎng
      2. My little brother loves to talk nonsense.
    3. 不好意思，我家很亂
      1. bù hǎoyìsi, wǒjiā hěn luàn
      2. Sorry, my home is a mess.
    4. 講話不能亂講！ 
      1. jiǎnghuà bùnéng luàn jiǎng!
      2. Don’t talk nonsense!
  6. 直接 :: zhíjiē :: direct, directly, immediate 
    1. 你講話太直接
      1. nǐ jiǎnghuà tài zhíjiē
      2. You speak too directly.
    2. 我現在要直接去了
      1. wǒ xiànzài yào zhíjiē qùle
      2. Now I’m going there directly.
    3. 我今天不跟你約，我要直接回家
      1. wǒ jīntiān bù gēn nǐ yuē, wǒ yào zhíjiē huí jiā
      2. I can’t meet you today, I have to go home directly.
  7. 辛苦 :: xīnkǔ :: exhausting, arduous, to go to a lot of trouble 
    1. 謝謝！辛苦了！
      1. xièxiè! xīnkǔle!
      2. Thank you, you worked hard!
    2. 下班了！辛苦了大家！
      1. xiàbānle! xīnkǔle dàjiā!
      2. Work is over, everybody worked hard! 
    3. 我的工作太辛苦
      1. wǒ de gōngzuò tài xīnkǔ
      2. My work is too hard.
    4. 跟這個人講話好辛苦
      1. gēn zhège rén jiǎnghuà hǎo xīnkǔ
      2. It’s exhausting just talking to this person.
  8. 煮 :: zhǔ :: to boil, or to cook in general 
    1. 煮飯
      1. zhǔ fàn
      2. to cook rice, or just to cook
    2. 你喜歡煮飯嗎？
      1. nǐ xǐhuān zhǔ fàn ma?
      2. Do you like to cook?
    3. 煮水
      1. zhǔ shuǐ
      2. To boil water
    4. 煮湯
      1. zhǔ tāng
      2. To make soup
  9. 邀請（請）:: yāoqǐng (qǐng) :: to invite, or an invitation 
    1. 今天我請你！
      1. jīntiān wǒ qǐng nǐ! 
      2. Today it’s my treat!
    2. 謝謝你的邀請
      1. xièxiè nǐ de yāoqǐng
      2. Thank you for inviting me.
    3. 我想請你來我家
      1. wǒ xiǎng qǐng nǐ lái wǒjiā
      2. I want to invite you to my home.
  10. 準備 :: zhǔnbèi :: to prepare, to get ready, preparation 
    1. 你準備好了嗎？
      1. nǐ zhǔnbèi hǎole ma?
      2. Are you ready?
    2. 趕快準備！
      1. gǎnkuài zhǔnbèi!
      2. Hurry up and get ready!
    3. 等一下，我還沒準備好！
      1. děng yīxià, wǒ hái méi zhǔnbèi hǎo!
      2. Wait a sec, I’m not ready yet!

Thanks for listening! 

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> 新年快樂！Happy Lunar New Year! In honor of the new year, this dialogue involves lots and lots and lots of food, prepared by Mrs. Kang (康太太). Can you guess what else is happening?

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction
  2. [01:26] Dialogue
  3. [03:08] Useful vocabulary and phrases from the dialogue
  4. [14:28] Dialogue again

Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (Chinese characters only):
(scroll down for pinyin and the translation)

  1. 計程車 
    1. 那裡有計程車！
    2. 你要不要坐計程車？
    3. 因為我找不到計程車，所以我遲到了 
  2. 隔壁 
    1. 我住在隔壁
    2. 隔壁有一間餐廳
    3. 不要吵到隔壁的人！
  3. 約會（約） 
    1. 不好意思，今天我有約
    2. 你的約會怎麼樣？
    3. 我們太久沒有約會了！
  4. 講話 
    1. 你會講中文嗎？
    2. 我妹妹不想跟你講話
  5. 亂講（亂） 
    1. 不要亂講！
    2. 我弟弟很愛亂講
    3. 不好意思，我家很亂
    4. 講話不能亂講！ 
  6. 直接  
    1. 你講話太直接
    2. 我現在要直接去了
    3. 我今天不跟你約，我要直接回家
  7. 辛苦  
    1. 謝謝！辛苦了！
    2. 下班了！辛苦了大家！
    3. 我的工作太辛苦
    4. 跟這個人講話好辛苦
  8. 煮 
    1. 煮飯
    2. 你喜歡煮飯嗎？
    3. 煮水
    4. 煮湯
  9. 邀請（請） 
    1. 今天我請你！
    2. 謝謝你的邀請
    3. 我想請你來我家
  10. 準備  
    1. 你準備好了嗎？
    2. 趕快準備！
    3. 等一下，我還沒準備好！


Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (w/ pinyin and translation):

  1. 計程車 :: jìchéngchē :: taxi 
    1. 那裡有計程車！
      1. nàlǐ yǒu jìchéngchē
      2. There’s a taxi over there!
    2. 你要不要坐計程車？
      1. nǐ yào bùyào zuò jìchéngchē? 
      2. Do you want to take a taxi?
    3. 因為我找不到計程車，所以我遲到了 
      1. yīnwèi wǒ zhǎo bù dào jìchéngchē, suǒyǐ wǒ chídàole
      2. Because I couldn’t find a taxi, so I arrived late.
  2. 隔壁 :: gébì :: next door / neighbor 
    1. 我住在隔壁
      1. wǒ zhù zài gébì
      2. I live next door.
    2. 隔壁有一間餐廳
      1. gébì yǒuyī jiàn cāntīng
      2. Next door there’s a restaurant.
    3. 不要吵到隔壁的人！
      1. bùyào chǎo dào gébì de rén
      2. Don’t disturb the people next to you!
  3. 約會（約）:: yuēhuì (yuē) :: to date, to go on a date 
    1. 不好意思，今天我有約
      1. bù hǎoyìsi, jīntiān wǒ yǒu yuē
      2. Sorry, today I have plans
    2. 你的約會怎麼樣？
      1. nǐ de yuēhuì zěnme yàng?
      2. How was your date?
    3. 我們太久沒有約會了！
      1. wǒmen tài jiǔ méiyǒu yuēhuìle!
      2. We haven’t been on a date in too long!
  4. 講話 :: jiǎnghuà :: to talk, to speak 
    1. 你會講中文嗎？
      1. nǐ huì jiǎng zhōngwén ma
      2. Do you speak Chinese?
    2. 我妹妹不想跟你講話
      1. wǒ mèimei bù xiǎng gēn nǐ jiǎnghuà
      2. My little sister doesn’t want to talk to you.
  5. 亂講（亂）:: luàn jiǎng (luàn) :: nonsense, to talk nonsense 
    1. 不要亂講！
      1. bùyào luàn jiǎng!
      2. Don’t talk nonsense!
    2. 我弟弟很愛亂講
      1. wǒ dìdì hěn ài luàn jiǎng
      2. My little brother loves to talk nonsense.
    3. 不好意思，我家很亂
      1. bù hǎoyìsi, wǒjiā hěn luàn
      2. Sorry, my home is a mess.
    4. 講話不能亂講！ 
      1. jiǎnghuà bùnéng luàn jiǎng!
      2. Don’t talk nonsense!
  6. 直接 :: zhíjiē :: direct, directly, immediate 
    1. 你講話太直接
      1. nǐ jiǎnghuà tài zhíjiē
      2. You speak too directly.
    2. 我現在要直接去了
      1. wǒ xiànzài yào zhíjiē qùle
      2. Now I’m going there directly.
    3. 我今天不跟你約，我要直接回家
      1. wǒ jīntiān bù gēn nǐ yuē, wǒ yào zhíjiē huí jiā
      2. I can’t meet you today, I have to go home directly.
  7. 辛苦 :: xīnkǔ :: exhausting, arduous, to go to a lot of trouble 
    1. 謝謝！辛苦了！
      1. xièxiè! xīnkǔle!
      2. Thank you, you worked hard!
    2. 下班了！辛苦了大家！
      1. xiàbānle! xīnkǔle dàjiā!
      2. Work is over, everybody worked hard! 
    3. 我的工作太辛苦
      1. wǒ de gōngzuò tài xīnkǔ
      2. My work is too hard.
    4. 跟這個人講話好辛苦
      1. gēn zhège rén jiǎnghuà hǎo xīnkǔ
      2. It’s exhausting just talking to this person.
  8. 煮 :: zhǔ :: to boil, or to cook in general 
    1. 煮飯
      1. zhǔ fàn
      2. to cook rice, or just to cook
    2. 你喜歡煮飯嗎？
      1. nǐ xǐhuān zhǔ fàn ma?
      2. Do you like to cook?
    3. 煮水
      1. zhǔ shuǐ
      2. To boil water
    4. 煮湯
      1. zhǔ tāng
      2. To make soup
  9. 邀請（請）:: yāoqǐng (qǐng) :: to invite, or an invitation 
    1. 今天我請你！
      1. jīntiān wǒ qǐng nǐ! 
      2. Today it’s my treat!
    2. 謝謝你的邀請
      1. xièxiè nǐ de yāoqǐng
      2. Thank you for inviting me.
    3. 我想請你來我家
      1. wǒ xiǎng qǐng nǐ lái wǒjiā
      2. I want to invite you to my home.
  10. 準備 :: zhǔnbèi :: to prepare, to get ready, preparation 
    1. 你準備好了嗎？
      1. nǐ zhǔnbèi hǎole ma?
      2. Are you ready?
    2. 趕快準備！
      1. gǎnkuài zhǔnbèi!
      2. Hurry up and get ready!
    3. 等一下，我還沒準備好！
      1. děng yīxià, wǒ hái méi zhǔnbèi hǎo!
      2. Wait a sec, I’m not ready yet!

Thanks for listening! 

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Sat, 21 Jan 2023 06:00:00 -0800 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 1023 新年快樂！Happy Lunar New Year! In honor of the new year, this dialogue involves lots and lots and lots of food, prepared by Mrs. Kang (康太太). Can you guess what else is happening?

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction
  2. [01:26] Dialogue
  3. [03:08] Useful vocabulary and phrases from the dialogue
  4. [14:28] Dialogue again

Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (Chinese characters only):
(scroll down for pinyin and the translation)

  1. 計程車 
    1. 那裡有計程車！
    2. 你要不要坐計程車？
    3. 因為我找不到計程車，所以我遲到了 
  2. 隔壁 
    1. 我住在隔壁
    2. 隔壁有一間餐廳
    3. 不要吵到隔壁的人！
  3. 約會（約） 
    1. 不好意思，今天我有約
    2. 你的約會怎麼樣？
    3. 我們太久沒有約會了！
  4. 講話 
    1. 你會講中文嗎？
    2. 我妹妹不想跟你講話
  5. 亂講（亂） 
    1. 不要亂講！
    2. 我弟弟很愛亂講
    3. 不好意思，我家很亂
    4. 講話不能亂講！ 
  6. 直接  
    1. 你講話太直接
    2. 我現在要直接去了
    3. 我今天不跟你約，我要直接回家
  7. 辛苦  
    1. 謝謝！辛苦了！
    2. 下班了！辛苦了大家！
    3. 我的工作太辛苦
    4. 跟這個人講話好辛苦
  8. 煮 
    1. 煮飯
    2. 你喜歡煮飯嗎？
    3. 煮水
    4. 煮湯
  9. 邀請（請） 
    1. 今天我請你！
    2. 謝謝你的邀請
    3. 我想請你來我家
  10. 準備  
    1. 你準備好了嗎？
    2. 趕快準備！
    3. 等一下，我還沒準備好！


Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (w/ pinyin and translation):

  1. 計程車 :: jìchéngchē :: taxi 
    1. 那裡有計程車！
      1. nàlǐ yǒu jìchéngchē
      2. There’s a taxi over there!
    2. 你要不要坐計程車？
      1. nǐ yào bùyào zuò jìchéngchē? 
      2. Do you want to take a taxi?
    3. 因為我找不到計程車，所以我遲到了 
      1. yīnwèi wǒ zhǎo bù dào jìchéngchē, suǒyǐ wǒ chídàole
      2. Because I couldn’t find a taxi, so I arrived late.
  2. 隔壁 :: gébì :: next door / neighbor 
    1. 我住在隔壁
      1. wǒ zhù zài gébì
      2. I live next door.
    2. 隔壁有一間餐廳
      1. gébì yǒuyī jiàn cāntīng
      2. Next door there’s a restaurant.
    3. 不要吵到隔壁的人！
      1. bùyào chǎo dào gébì de rén
      2. Don’t disturb the people next to you!
  3. 約會（約）:: yuēhuì (yuē) :: to date, to go on a date 
    1. 不好意思，今天我有約
      1. bù hǎoyìsi, jīntiān wǒ yǒu yuē
      2. Sorry, today I have plans
    2. 你的約會怎麼樣？
      1. nǐ de yuēhuì zěnme yàng?
      2. How was your date?
    3. 我們太久沒有約會了！
      1. wǒmen tài jiǔ méiyǒu yuēhuìle!
      2. We haven’t been on a date in too long!
  4. 講話 :: jiǎnghuà :: to talk, to speak 
    1. 你會講中文嗎？
      1. nǐ huì jiǎng zhōngwén ma
      2. Do you speak Chinese?
    2. 我妹妹不想跟你講話
      1. wǒ mèimei bù xiǎng gēn nǐ jiǎnghuà
      2. My little sister doesn’t want to talk to you.
  5. 亂講（亂）:: luàn jiǎng (luàn) :: nonsense, to talk nonsense 
    1. 不要亂講！
      1. bùyào luàn jiǎng!
      2. Don’t talk nonsense!
    2. 我弟弟很愛亂講
      1. wǒ dìdì hěn ài luàn jiǎng
      2. My little brother loves to talk nonsense.
    3. 不好意思，我家很亂
      1. bù hǎoyìsi, wǒjiā hěn luàn
      2. Sorry, my home is a mess.
    4. 講話不能亂講！ 
      1. jiǎnghuà bùnéng luàn jiǎng!
      2. Don’t talk nonsense!
  6. 直接 :: zhíjiē :: direct, directly, immediate 
    1. 你講話太直接
      1. nǐ jiǎnghuà tài zhíjiē
      2. You speak too directly.
    2. 我現在要直接去了
      1. wǒ xiànzài yào zhíjiē qùle
      2. Now I’m going there directly.
    3. 我今天不跟你約，我要直接回家
      1. wǒ jīntiān bù gēn nǐ yuē, wǒ yào zhíjiē huí jiā
      2. I can’t meet you today, I have to go home directly.
  7. 辛苦 :: xīnkǔ :: exhausting, arduous, to go to a lot of trouble 
    1. 謝謝！辛苦了！
      1. xièxiè! xīnkǔle!
      2. Thank you, you worked hard!
    2. 下班了！辛苦了大家！
      1. xiàbānle! xīnkǔle dàjiā!
      2. Work is over, everybody worked hard! 
    3. 我的工作太辛苦
      1. wǒ de gōngzuò tài xīnkǔ
      2. My work is too hard.
    4. 跟這個人講話好辛苦
      1. gēn zhège rén jiǎnghuà hǎo xīnkǔ
      2. It’s exhausting just talking to this person.
  8. 煮 :: zhǔ :: to boil, or to cook in general 
    1. 煮飯
      1. zhǔ fàn
      2. to cook rice, or just to cook
    2. 你喜歡煮飯嗎？
      1. nǐ xǐhuān zhǔ fàn ma?
      2. Do you like to cook?
    3. 煮水
      1. zhǔ shuǐ
      2. To boil water
    4. 煮湯
      1. zhǔ tāng
      2. To make soup
  9. 邀請（請）:: yāoqǐng (qǐng) :: to invite, or an invitation 
    1. 今天我請你！
      1. jīntiān wǒ qǐng nǐ! 
      2. Today it’s my treat!
    2. 謝謝你的邀請
      1. xièxiè nǐ de yāoqǐng
      2. Thank you for inviting me.
    3. 我想請你來我家
      1. wǒ xiǎng qǐng nǐ lái wǒjiā
      2. I want to invite you to my home.
  10. 準備 :: zhǔnbèi :: to prepare, to get ready, preparation 
    1. 你準備好了嗎？
      1. nǐ zhǔnbèi hǎole ma?
      2. Are you ready?
    2. 趕快準備！
      1. gǎnkuài zhǔnbèi!
      2. Hurry up and get ready!
    3. 等一下，我還沒準備好！
      1. děng yīxià, wǒ hái méi zhǔnbèi hǎo!
      2. Wait a sec, I’m not ready yet!

Thanks for listening! 

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No Daily Practice Session - S2 - Lesson 14 2 2 Daily Practice Session - S2 - Lesson 14 bonus d17d237f-a66b-4d0e-af3b-ffd5070fe1ee https://share.transistor.fm/s/b7bba918 After listening to Season 2, Lesson 14, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening to and imitating the dialogue. Repetition makes it stick.

README: How to use this recording

You'll hear the dialogue from Lesson 14 twice.

The first time, there will be a short pause after each line. During the pause, try to repeat aloud exactly what you just heard.

Repeating aloud is important, partly because you'll be training your speech muscles to make the sounds of Mandarin, and partly because you'll be getting feedback about how you sound (if you're listening with earbuds, I recommend practicing with one earbud out and one in, or else with both partially in, so that you can hear yourself better).

The second time, there won't be any pauses. Try to "shadow" the sounds simultaneously as they are spoken, also aloud.

This will help you practice stringing the sounds together and further reinforce the muscle memory speech patterns of Mandarin. If it feels way too fast, you can try shadowing only one of the characters each time you listen. However, even then, don't expect to be able to keep up with everything at first.  It takes regular daily practice to start training your ears to have a more nuanced perception of the sounds, and to train your speech muscles to speak at natural speed.


Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only):

  • 阿明：哈囉！有人嗎？
  • 康太太：喔，這麼早就回來！
  • 小李：現在不是七點嗎？
  • 康太太：可是我女兒還沒下班呢！
  • 莉莉：媽媽，我在這裡！
  • 康太太：嚇死我了！莉莉！你什麼時候進來我都不知道！
  • 莉莉：我今天坐計程車回家，比較快。
  • 康太太：是喔，我都沒聽到你進來的聲音。
  • 莉莉：所以這個是你說的那個外國朋友嗎？你好。
  • 康太太：啊對！欸你叫什麼名字？我不記得了！
  • 小李：你好，我叫小李，我住在隔壁。這個是我朋友阿明。
  • 阿明：你好。
  • 莉莉：你好，你好。
  • 康太太：啊這個小李還沒結婚！你要不要跟他約會？
  • 莉莉：媽！不要亂講！不好意思，她年紀大了，講話比較直接。
  • 小李：沒事，沒事。謝謝你邀請我們來你家。好香！
  • 康太太：沒有！我做得很簡單。炒蘑菇、竹筍、青菜、雞湯、清蒸魚、豬腳、白飯，就這樣而已！
  • 阿明：這麼多！
  • 康太太：還好啦！
  • 莉莉：媽，你這樣太辛苦了！你不用煮這麼多！
  • 康太太：還好啦！有客人，當然要準備多一點啊！來，請坐。東西快好了。

Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • 阿明：哈囉！有人嗎？
    • Hello! Is anyone here?
    • Hā luō! Yǒurén ma?
  • 康太太：喔，這麼早就回來！
    • Oh! You’re back so early!
    • Ō, zhème zǎo jiù huílái!
  • 小李：現在不是七點嗎？
    • Isn’t it seven o’clock now?
    • Xiànzài bùshì qī diǎn ma?
  • 康太太：可是我女兒還沒下班呢！
    • But my daughter hasn’t gotten off work yet!
    • Kěshì wǒ nǚ'ér hái méi xiàbān ne!
  • 莉莉：媽媽，我在這裡！
    • Mom, I’m here!
    • Māmā, wǒ zài zhèlǐ!
  • 康太太：嚇死我了！莉莉！你什麼時候進來我都不知道！
    • You scared me to death! Lili! I don’t even know when you came in!
    • Xià sǐ wǒle! Lìlì! Nǐ shénme shíhòu jìnlái wǒ dōu bù zhīdào!
  • 莉莉：我今天坐計程車回家，比較快。
    • I took a taxi home today, it’s faster.
    • Wǒ jīntiān zuò jìchéngchē huí jiā, bǐjiào kuài.
  • 康太太：是喔，我都沒聽到你進來的聲音。
    • Oh. I didn’t even hear you come in.
    • Shì ō, wǒ dōu méi tīngdào nǐ jìnlái de shēngyīn.
  • 莉莉：所以這個是你說的那個外國朋友嗎？你好。
    • So, is this the foreign friend you mentioned? Hi.
    • Suǒyǐ zhège shì nǐ shuō de nàgè wàiguó péngyǒu ma? Nǐ hǎo. 
  • 康太太：啊對！欸你叫什麼名字？我不記得了！
    • Oh right! Hey, what’s your name? I don’t remember!
    • A duì! Ēi nǐ jiào shénme míngzì? Wǒ bù jìdéle!
  • 小李：你好，我叫小李，我住在隔壁。這個是我朋友阿明。
    • Hi, I’m Xiao Li. I live next door. This is my friend, A-Ming.
    • Nǐ hǎo, wǒ jiào xiǎo lǐ, wǒ zhù zài gébì. Zhège shì wǒ péngyǒu ā míng.
  • 阿明：你好。
    • Hi.
    • Nǐ hǎo.
  • 莉莉：你好，你好。
    • Hi. Hi.
    • Nǐ hǎo, nǐ hǎo.
  • 康太太：啊這個小李還沒結婚！你要不要跟他約會？
    • Oh this Xiao Li isn’t married yet! Why don’t you go on a date with him?
    • A zhège xiǎo lǐ hái méi jiéhūn! Nǐ yào bùyào gēn tā yuēhuì?
  • 莉莉：媽！不要亂講！不好意思，她年紀大了，講話比較直接。
    • Mom! Don’t talk nonsense. Sorry, she’s old, she speaks a little directly.
    • Mā! Bùyào luàn jiǎng! Bù hǎoyìsi, tā niánjì dàle, jiǎnghuà bǐjiào zhíjiē.
  • 小李：沒事，沒事。謝謝你邀請我們來你家。好香！
    • No worries, no worries. Thanks for inviting us to your house. It smells great!
    • Méishì, méishì. Xièxiè nǐ yāoqǐng wǒmen lái nǐ jiā. Hǎo xiāng!
  • 康太太：沒有！我做得很簡單。炒蘑菇、竹筍、青菜、雞湯、清蒸魚、豬腳、白飯，就這樣而已！
    • No it doesn’t! I made it very simply. Stir-fried mushrooms, bamboo shoots, green vegetables, chicken soup, steamed fish, pig’s feet, white rice, that’s all!
    • Méiyǒu! Wǒ zuò de hěn jiǎndān. Chǎo mógū, zhúsǔn, qīngcài, jītāng, qīngzhēng yú, zhū jiǎo, báifàn, jiù zhèyàng éryǐ!
  • 阿明：這麼多！
    • So much!
    • Zhème duō!
  • 康太太：還好啦！
    • Nah…
    • Hái hǎo la!
  • 莉莉：媽，你這樣太辛苦了！你不用煮這麼多！
    • Mom, you’re working too hard! You don’t have to cook so much!
    • Mā, nǐ zhèyàng tài xīnkǔle! Nǐ bùyòng zhǔ zhème duō!
  • 康太太：還好啦！有客人，當然要準備多一點啊！來，請坐。東西快好了。
    • Nah… when there are guests, of course you should prepare a little more! Come, please sit. It’s almost ready.
    • Hái hǎo la! Yǒu kèrén, dāngrán yào zhǔnbèi duō yīdiǎn a! Lái, qǐng zuò. Dōngxī kuài hǎole.


Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★



Thanks for listening! 

]]> After listening to Season 2, Lesson 14, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening to and imitating the dialogue. Repetition makes it stick.

README: How to use this recording

You'll hear the dialogue from Lesson 14 twice.

The first time, there will be a short pause after each line. During the pause, try to repeat aloud exactly what you just heard.

Repeating aloud is important, partly because you'll be training your speech muscles to make the sounds of Mandarin, and partly because you'll be getting feedback about how you sound (if you're listening with earbuds, I recommend practicing with one earbud out and one in, or else with both partially in, so that you can hear yourself better).

The second time, there won't be any pauses. Try to "shadow" the sounds simultaneously as they are spoken, also aloud.

This will help you practice stringing the sounds together and further reinforce the muscle memory speech patterns of Mandarin. If it feels way too fast, you can try shadowing only one of the characters each time you listen. However, even then, don't expect to be able to keep up with everything at first.  It takes regular daily practice to start training your ears to have a more nuanced perception of the sounds, and to train your speech muscles to speak at natural speed.


Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only):

  • 阿明：哈囉！有人嗎？
  • 康太太：喔，這麼早就回來！
  • 小李：現在不是七點嗎？
  • 康太太：可是我女兒還沒下班呢！
  • 莉莉：媽媽，我在這裡！
  • 康太太：嚇死我了！莉莉！你什麼時候進來我都不知道！
  • 莉莉：我今天坐計程車回家，比較快。
  • 康太太：是喔，我都沒聽到你進來的聲音。
  • 莉莉：所以這個是你說的那個外國朋友嗎？你好。
  • 康太太：啊對！欸你叫什麼名字？我不記得了！
  • 小李：你好，我叫小李，我住在隔壁。這個是我朋友阿明。
  • 阿明：你好。
  • 莉莉：你好，你好。
  • 康太太：啊這個小李還沒結婚！你要不要跟他約會？
  • 莉莉：媽！不要亂講！不好意思，她年紀大了，講話比較直接。
  • 小李：沒事，沒事。謝謝你邀請我們來你家。好香！
  • 康太太：沒有！我做得很簡單。炒蘑菇、竹筍、青菜、雞湯、清蒸魚、豬腳、白飯，就這樣而已！
  • 阿明：這麼多！
  • 康太太：還好啦！
  • 莉莉：媽，你這樣太辛苦了！你不用煮這麼多！
  • 康太太：還好啦！有客人，當然要準備多一點啊！來，請坐。東西快好了。

Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • 阿明：哈囉！有人嗎？
    • Hello! Is anyone here?
    • Hā luō! Yǒurén ma?
  • 康太太：喔，這麼早就回來！
    • Oh! You’re back so early!
    • Ō, zhème zǎo jiù huílái!
  • 小李：現在不是七點嗎？
    • Isn’t it seven o’clock now?
    • Xiànzài bùshì qī diǎn ma?
  • 康太太：可是我女兒還沒下班呢！
    • But my daughter hasn’t gotten off work yet!
    • Kěshì wǒ nǚ'ér hái méi xiàbān ne!
  • 莉莉：媽媽，我在這裡！
    • Mom, I’m here!
    • Māmā, wǒ zài zhèlǐ!
  • 康太太：嚇死我了！莉莉！你什麼時候進來我都不知道！
    • You scared me to death! Lili! I don’t even know when you came in!
    • Xià sǐ wǒle! Lìlì! Nǐ shénme shíhòu jìnlái wǒ dōu bù zhīdào!
  • 莉莉：我今天坐計程車回家，比較快。
    • I took a taxi home today, it’s faster.
    • Wǒ jīntiān zuò jìchéngchē huí jiā, bǐjiào kuài.
  • 康太太：是喔，我都沒聽到你進來的聲音。
    • Oh. I didn’t even hear you come in.
    • Shì ō, wǒ dōu méi tīngdào nǐ jìnlái de shēngyīn.
  • 莉莉：所以這個是你說的那個外國朋友嗎？你好。
    • So, is this the foreign friend you mentioned? Hi.
    • Suǒyǐ zhège shì nǐ shuō de nàgè wàiguó péngyǒu ma? Nǐ hǎo. 
  • 康太太：啊對！欸你叫什麼名字？我不記得了！
    • Oh right! Hey, what’s your name? I don’t remember!
    • A duì! Ēi nǐ jiào shénme míngzì? Wǒ bù jìdéle!
  • 小李：你好，我叫小李，我住在隔壁。這個是我朋友阿明。
    • Hi, I’m Xiao Li. I live next door. This is my friend, A-Ming.
    • Nǐ hǎo, wǒ jiào xiǎo lǐ, wǒ zhù zài gébì. Zhège shì wǒ péngyǒu ā míng.
  • 阿明：你好。
    • Hi.
    • Nǐ hǎo.
  • 莉莉：你好，你好。
    • Hi. Hi.
    • Nǐ hǎo, nǐ hǎo.
  • 康太太：啊這個小李還沒結婚！你要不要跟他約會？
    • Oh this Xiao Li isn’t married yet! Why don’t you go on a date with him?
    • A zhège xiǎo lǐ hái méi jiéhūn! Nǐ yào bùyào gēn tā yuēhuì?
  • 莉莉：媽！不要亂講！不好意思，她年紀大了，講話比較直接。
    • Mom! Don’t talk nonsense. Sorry, she’s old, she speaks a little directly.
    • Mā! Bùyào luàn jiǎng! Bù hǎoyìsi, tā niánjì dàle, jiǎnghuà bǐjiào zhíjiē.
  • 小李：沒事，沒事。謝謝你邀請我們來你家。好香！
    • No worries, no worries. Thanks for inviting us to your house. It smells great!
    • Méishì, méishì. Xièxiè nǐ yāoqǐng wǒmen lái nǐ jiā. Hǎo xiāng!
  • 康太太：沒有！我做得很簡單。炒蘑菇、竹筍、青菜、雞湯、清蒸魚、豬腳、白飯，就這樣而已！
    • No it doesn’t! I made it very simply. Stir-fried mushrooms, bamboo shoots, green vegetables, chicken soup, steamed fish, pig’s feet, white rice, that’s all!
    • Méiyǒu! Wǒ zuò de hěn jiǎndān. Chǎo mógū, zhúsǔn, qīngcài, jītāng, qīngzhēng yú, zhū jiǎo, báifàn, jiù zhèyàng éryǐ!
  • 阿明：這麼多！
    • So much!
    • Zhème duō!
  • 康太太：還好啦！
    • Nah…
    • Hái hǎo la!
  • 莉莉：媽，你這樣太辛苦了！你不用煮這麼多！
    • Mom, you’re working too hard! You don’t have to cook so much!
    • Mā, nǐ zhèyàng tài xīnkǔle! Nǐ bùyòng zhǔ zhème duō!
  • 康太太：還好啦！有客人，當然要準備多一點啊！來，請坐。東西快好了。
    • Nah… when there are guests, of course you should prepare a little more! Come, please sit. It’s almost ready.
    • Hái hǎo la! Yǒu kèrén, dāngrán yào zhǔnbèi duō yīdiǎn a! Lái, qǐng zuò. Dōngxī kuài hǎole.


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Thanks for listening! 

]]> Sun, 22 Jan 2023 06:00:00 -0800 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 293 After listening to Season 2, Lesson 14, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening to and imitating the dialogue. Repetition makes it stick.

README: How to use this recording

You'll hear the dialogue from Lesson 14 twice.

The first time, there will be a short pause after each line. During the pause, try to repeat aloud exactly what you just heard.

Repeating aloud is important, partly because you'll be training your speech muscles to make the sounds of Mandarin, and partly because you'll be getting feedback about how you sound (if you're listening with earbuds, I recommend practicing with one earbud out and one in, or else with both partially in, so that you can hear yourself better).

The second time, there won't be any pauses. Try to "shadow" the sounds simultaneously as they are spoken, also aloud.

This will help you practice stringing the sounds together and further reinforce the muscle memory speech patterns of Mandarin. If it feels way too fast, you can try shadowing only one of the characters each time you listen. However, even then, don't expect to be able to keep up with everything at first.  It takes regular daily practice to start training your ears to have a more nuanced perception of the sounds, and to train your speech muscles to speak at natural speed.


Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only):

  • 阿明：哈囉！有人嗎？
  • 康太太：喔，這麼早就回來！
  • 小李：現在不是七點嗎？
  • 康太太：可是我女兒還沒下班呢！
  • 莉莉：媽媽，我在這裡！
  • 康太太：嚇死我了！莉莉！你什麼時候進來我都不知道！
  • 莉莉：我今天坐計程車回家，比較快。
  • 康太太：是喔，我都沒聽到你進來的聲音。
  • 莉莉：所以這個是你說的那個外國朋友嗎？你好。
  • 康太太：啊對！欸你叫什麼名字？我不記得了！
  • 小李：你好，我叫小李，我住在隔壁。這個是我朋友阿明。
  • 阿明：你好。
  • 莉莉：你好，你好。
  • 康太太：啊這個小李還沒結婚！你要不要跟他約會？
  • 莉莉：媽！不要亂講！不好意思，她年紀大了，講話比較直接。
  • 小李：沒事，沒事。謝謝你邀請我們來你家。好香！
  • 康太太：沒有！我做得很簡單。炒蘑菇、竹筍、青菜、雞湯、清蒸魚、豬腳、白飯，就這樣而已！
  • 阿明：這麼多！
  • 康太太：還好啦！
  • 莉莉：媽，你這樣太辛苦了！你不用煮這麼多！
  • 康太太：還好啦！有客人，當然要準備多一點啊！來，請坐。東西快好了。

Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • 阿明：哈囉！有人嗎？
    • Hello! Is anyone here?
    • Hā luō! Yǒurén ma?
  • 康太太：喔，這麼早就回來！
    • Oh! You’re back so early!
    • Ō, zhème zǎo jiù huílái!
  • 小李：現在不是七點嗎？
    • Isn’t it seven o’clock now?
    • Xiànzài bùshì qī diǎn ma?
  • 康太太：可是我女兒還沒下班呢！
    • But my daughter hasn’t gotten off work yet!
    • Kěshì wǒ nǚ'ér hái méi xiàbān ne!
  • 莉莉：媽媽，我在這裡！
    • Mom, I’m here!
    • Māmā, wǒ zài zhèlǐ!
  • 康太太：嚇死我了！莉莉！你什麼時候進來我都不知道！
    • You scared me to death! Lili! I don’t even know when you came in!
    • Xià sǐ wǒle! Lìlì! Nǐ shénme shíhòu jìnlái wǒ dōu bù zhīdào!
  • 莉莉：我今天坐計程車回家，比較快。
    • I took a taxi home today, it’s faster.
    • Wǒ jīntiān zuò jìchéngchē huí jiā, bǐjiào kuài.
  • 康太太：是喔，我都沒聽到你進來的聲音。
    • Oh. I didn’t even hear you come in.
    • Shì ō, wǒ dōu méi tīngdào nǐ jìnlái de shēngyīn.
  • 莉莉：所以這個是你說的那個外國朋友嗎？你好。
    • So, is this the foreign friend you mentioned? Hi.
    • Suǒyǐ zhège shì nǐ shuō de nàgè wàiguó péngyǒu ma? Nǐ hǎo. 
  • 康太太：啊對！欸你叫什麼名字？我不記得了！
    • Oh right! Hey, what’s your name? I don’t remember!
    • A duì! Ēi nǐ jiào shénme míngzì? Wǒ bù jìdéle!
  • 小李：你好，我叫小李，我住在隔壁。這個是我朋友阿明。
    • Hi, I’m Xiao Li. I live next door. This is my friend, A-Ming.
    • Nǐ hǎo, wǒ jiào xiǎo lǐ, wǒ zhù zài gébì. Zhège shì wǒ péngyǒu ā míng.
  • 阿明：你好。
    • Hi.
    • Nǐ hǎo.
  • 莉莉：你好，你好。
    • Hi. Hi.
    • Nǐ hǎo, nǐ hǎo.
  • 康太太：啊這個小李還沒結婚！你要不要跟他約會？
    • Oh this Xiao Li isn’t married yet! Why don’t you go on a date with him?
    • A zhège xiǎo lǐ hái méi jiéhūn! Nǐ yào bùyào gēn tā yuēhuì?
  • 莉莉：媽！不要亂講！不好意思，她年紀大了，講話比較直接。
    • Mom! Don’t talk nonsense. Sorry, she’s old, she speaks a little directly.
    • Mā! Bùyào luàn jiǎng! Bù hǎoyìsi, tā niánjì dàle, jiǎnghuà bǐjiào zhíjiē.
  • 小李：沒事，沒事。謝謝你邀請我們來你家。好香！
    • No worries, no worries. Thanks for inviting us to your house. It smells great!
    • Méishì, méishì. Xièxiè nǐ yāoqǐng wǒmen lái nǐ jiā. Hǎo xiāng!
  • 康太太：沒有！我做得很簡單。炒蘑菇、竹筍、青菜、雞湯、清蒸魚、豬腳、白飯，就這樣而已！
    • No it doesn’t! I made it very simply. Stir-fried mushrooms, bamboo shoots, green vegetables, chicken soup, steamed fish, pig’s feet, white rice, that’s all!
    • Méiyǒu! Wǒ zuò de hěn jiǎndān. Chǎo mógū, zhúsǔn, qīngcài, jītāng, qīngzhēng yú, zhū jiǎo, báifàn, jiù zhèyàng éryǐ!
  • 阿明：這麼多！
    • So much!
    • Zhème duō!
  • 康太太：還好啦！
    • Nah…
    • Hái hǎo la!
  • 莉莉：媽，你這樣太辛苦了！你不用煮這麼多！
    • Mom, you’re working too hard! You don’t have to cook so much!
    • Mā, nǐ zhèyàng tài xīnkǔle! Nǐ bùyòng zhǔ zhème duō!
  • 康太太：還好啦！有客人，當然要準備多一點啊！來，請坐。東西快好了。
    • Nah… when there are guests, of course you should prepare a little more! Come, please sit. It’s almost ready.
    • Hái hǎo la! Yǒu kèrén, dāngrán yào zhǔnbèi duō yīdiǎn a! Lái, qǐng zuò. Dōngxī kuài hǎole.


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Thanks for listening! 

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No S2 ~ 15 ~ 你這樣太辛苦了！Part 2 + Questions 2 2 S2 ~ 15 ~ 你這樣太辛苦了！Part 2 + Questions full 03b03cf1-0ec3-4bda-862a-e113c0df22fe https://share.transistor.fm/s/a6a538ae Let's hear a line-by-line translation of the dialogue from lesson 14, and then practice with a Q&A.

At the end of the lesson, I suggest that you can practice answering the questions yourself, and can even send me your answers -- either written (pinyin or Chinese characters) or, better yet, as a recording of yourself speaking! Don't be afraid of making mistakes, and if you want to copy part or even all of A-Ming's answers as your own, that is fine! When learning a language, imitation is golden.

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction
  2. [01:46] Translation of the dialogue
  3. [10:17] Questions and answers with A-Ming

Scroll down for: 

  • Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters)
  • Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)
  • Questions and answers (Chinese characters)
  • Questions and answers (w/ pinyin and translation)


Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only):

  • 阿明：哈囉！有人嗎？
  • 康太太：喔，這麼早就回來！
  • 小李：現在不是七點嗎？
  • 康太太：可是我女兒還沒下班呢！
  • 莉莉：媽媽，我在這裡！
  • 康太太：嚇死我了！莉莉！你什麼時候進來我都不知道！
  • 莉莉：我今天坐計程車回家，比較快。
  • 康太太：是喔，我都沒聽到你進來的聲音。
  • 莉莉：所以這個是你說的那個外國朋友嗎？你好。
  • 康太太：啊對！欸你叫什麼名字？我不記得了！
  • 小李：你好，我叫小李，我住在隔壁。這個是我朋友阿明。
  • 阿明：你好。
  • 莉莉：你好，你好。
  • 康太太：啊這個小李還沒結婚！你要不要跟他約會？
  • 莉莉：媽！不要亂講！不好意思，她年紀大了，講話比較直接。
  • 小李：沒事，沒事。謝謝你邀請我們來你家。好香！
  • 康太太：沒有！我做得很簡單。炒蘑菇、竹筍、青菜、雞湯、清蒸魚、豬腳、白飯，就這樣而已！
  • 阿明：這麼多！
  • 康太太：還好啦！
  • 莉莉：媽，你這樣太辛苦了！你不用煮這麼多！
  • 康太太：還好啦！有客人，當然要準備多一點啊！來，請坐。東西快好了。

Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • 阿明：哈囉！有人嗎？
    • Hello! Is anyone here?
    • Hā luō! Yǒurén ma?
  • 康太太：喔，這麼早就回來！
    • Oh! You’re back so early!
    • Ō, zhème zǎo jiù huílái!
  • 小李：現在不是七點嗎？
    • Isn’t it seven o’clock now?
    • Xiànzài bùshì qī diǎn ma?
  • 康太太：可是我女兒還沒下班呢！
    • But my daughter hasn’t gotten off work yet!
    • Kěshì wǒ nǚ'ér hái méi xiàbān ne!
  • 莉莉：媽媽，我在這裡！
    • Mom, I’m here!
    • Māmā, wǒ zài zhèlǐ!
  • 康太太：嚇死我了！莉莉！你什麼時候進來我都不知道！
    • You scared me to death! Lili! I don’t even know when you came in!
    • Xià sǐ wǒle! Lìlì! Nǐ shénme shíhòu jìnlái wǒ dōu bù zhīdào!
  • 莉莉：我今天坐計程車回家，比較快。
    • I took a taxi home today, it’s faster.
    • Wǒ jīntiān zuò jìchéngchē huí jiā, bǐjiào kuài.
  • 康太太：是喔，我都沒聽到你進來的聲音。
    • Oh. I didn’t even hear you come in.
    • Shì ō, wǒ dōu méi tīngdào nǐ jìnlái de shēngyīn.
  • 莉莉：所以這個是你說的那個外國朋友嗎？你好。
    • So, is this the foreign friend you mentioned? Hi.
    • Suǒyǐ zhège shì nǐ shuō de nàgè wàiguó péngyǒu ma? Nǐ hǎo. 
  • 康太太：啊對！欸你叫什麼名字？我不記得了！
    • Oh right! Hey, what’s your name? I don’t remember!
    • A duì! Ēi nǐ jiào shénme míngzì? Wǒ bù jìdéle!
  • 小李：你好，我叫小李，我住在隔壁。這個是我朋友阿明。
    • Hi, I’m Xiao Li. I live next door. This is my friend, A-Ming.
    • Nǐ hǎo, wǒ jiào xiǎo lǐ, wǒ zhù zài gébì. Zhège shì wǒ péngyǒu ā míng.
  • 阿明：你好。
    • Hi.
    • Nǐ hǎo.
  • 莉莉：你好，你好。
    • Hi. Hi.
    • Nǐ hǎo, nǐ hǎo.
  • 康太太：啊這個小李還沒結婚！你要不要跟他約會？
    • Oh this Xiao Li isn’t married yet! Why don’t you go on a date with him?
    • A zhège xiǎo lǐ hái méi jiéhūn! Nǐ yào bùyào gēn tā yuēhuì?
  • 莉莉：媽！不要亂講！不好意思，她年紀大了，講話比較直接。
    • Mom! Don’t talk nonsense. Sorry, she’s old, she speaks a little directly.
    • Mā! Bùyào luàn jiǎng! Bù hǎoyìsi, tā niánjì dàle, jiǎnghuà bǐjiào zhíjiē.
  • 小李：沒事，沒事。謝謝你邀請我們來你家。好香！
    • No worries, no worries. Thanks for inviting us to your house. It smells great!
    • Méishì, méishì. Xièxiè nǐ yāoqǐng wǒmen lái nǐ jiā. Hǎo xiāng!
  • 康太太：沒有！我做得很簡單。炒蘑菇、竹筍、青菜、雞湯、清蒸魚、豬腳、白飯，就這樣而已！
    • No it doesn’t! I made it very simply. Stir-fried mushrooms, bamboo shoots, green vegetables, chicken soup, steamed fish, pig’s feet, white rice, that’s all!
    • Méiyǒu! Wǒ zuò de hěn jiǎndān. Chǎo mógū, zhúsǔn, qīngcài, jītāng, qīngzhēng yú, zhū jiǎo, báifàn, jiù zhèyàng éryǐ!
  • 阿明：這麼多！
    • So much!
    • Zhème duō!
  • 康太太：還好啦！
    • Nah…
    • Hái hǎo la!
  • 莉莉：媽，你這樣太辛苦了！你不用煮這麼多！
    • Mom, you’re working too hard! You don’t have to cook so much!
    • Mā, nǐ zhèyàng tài xīnkǔle! Nǐ bùyòng zhǔ zhème duō!
  • 康太太：還好啦！有客人，當然要準備多一點啊！來，請坐。東西快好了。
    • Nah… when there are guests, of course you should prepare a little more! Come, please sit. It’s almost ready.
    • Hái hǎo la! Yǒu kèrén, dāngrán yào zhǔnbèi duō yīdiǎn a! Lái, qǐng zuò. Dōngxī kuài hǎole.


Questions and answers (Chinese characters only):

  • (Q1) 問題：在你的國家，坐計程車很貴嗎？
  • (A1) 阿明：還好，在台北剛上車要七十塊。從A到B，要差不多一到兩百塊吧。
  • (Q2) 問題：你結婚了嗎？
  • (A2) 阿明：呵呵… 還沒。為什麼這樣問？
  • (Q3) 問題：你上次約會的時候，你去了哪裡？
  • (A3) 阿明：我上次約會… 我們去山上騎腳踏車！
  • (Q4) 問題：在你的國家，學生很辛苦嗎？
  • (A4) 阿明：非常辛苦！我小時候每一天八點就要上課，下午五點才下課，晚上還要去補習班！
  • (Q5) 問題：你會煮飯嗎？你最會煮什麼？
  • (A5) 阿明：呃… 我會煮泡麵！
  • (Q6) 問題：你會邀請朋友來你家吃飯嗎？
  • (A6) 阿明：來我家吃泡麵嗎？去外面吃比較好吧。


Questions and answers (w/ pinyin and translation):

  • (Q1) 問題：在你的國家，坐計程車很貴嗎？
    • Zài nǐ de guójiā, zuò jìchéngchē hěn guì ma?
    • In your country, is taking a taxi expensive? 
  • (A1) 阿明：還好，在台北剛上車要七十塊。從A到B，要差不多一到兩百塊吧。
    • Hái hǎo, zài táiběi gāng shàng chē yào qīshí kuài. Cóng A dào B, yào chàbùduō yī dào liǎng bǎi kuài ba.
    • Not really, in Taipei just after getting in the car it's 70 kuai. From A to B, it's around one to two hundred, I guess. 
  • (Q2) 問題：你結婚了嗎？
    • Nǐ jiéhūnle ma?
    • Are you married? 
  • (A2) 阿明：呵呵… 還沒。為什麼這樣問？
    • Hēhē… hái méi. Wèishéme zhèyàng wèn?
    • Heh heh... not yet. Why do you ask? 
  • (Q3) 問題：你上次約會的時候，你去了哪裡？
    • Nǐ shàng cì yuēhuì de shíhòu, nǐ qùle nǎlǐ?
    • Last time you had a date, where did you go? 
  • (A3) 阿明：我上次約會… 我們去山上騎腳踏車！
    • Wǒ shàng cì yuēhuì… wǒmen qù shānshàng qí jiǎotàchē!
    • Last time I had a date... we went to the mountains to ride bikes!
  • (Q4) 問題：在你的國家，學生很辛苦嗎？
    • Zài nǐ de guójiā, xuéshēng hěn xīnkǔ ma?
    • In your country, are students xīnkǔ (exhausted / arduous / tired / working hard)? 
  • (A4) 阿明：非常辛苦！我小時候每一天八點就要上課，下午五點才下課，晚上還要去補習班！
    • Fēicháng xīnkǔ! Wǒ xiǎoshíhòu měi yītiān bā diǎn jiù yào shàngkè, xiàwǔ wǔ diǎn cái xiàkè, wǎnshàng hái yào qù bǔxí bān!
    • Extremely xīnkǔ! When I was a kid, I had to start class every day at eight, and only got out of class at five in the afternoon. In the evening I also had to go to cram school! 
  • (Q5) 問題：你會煮飯嗎？你最會煮什麼？
    • Nǐ huì zhǔ fàn ma? Nǐ zuì huì zhǔ shénme?
    • Can you cook? What are you best at making? 
  • (A5) 阿明：呃… 我會煮泡麵！
    • È… wǒ huì zhǔ pào miàn! 
    • Uh... I can make instant noodles! 
  • (Q6) 問題：你會邀請朋友來你家吃飯嗎？
    • Nǐ huì yāoqǐng péngyǒu lái nǐ jiā chīfàn ma?
    • Do you ever invite friends to come to your house to eat? 
  • (A6) 阿明：來我家吃泡麵嗎？去外面吃比較好吧。
    • Lái wǒjiā chī pào miàn ma? Qù wàimiàn chī bǐjiào hǎo ba.
    • Come to my house to eat instant noodles? Going outside to eat is better, I think. 


Thanks for listening? 

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Let's hear a line-by-line translation of the dialogue from lesson 14, and then practice with a Q&A.

At the end of the lesson, I suggest that you can practice answering the questions yourself, and can even send me your answers -- either written (pinyin or Chinese characters) or, better yet, as a recording of yourself speaking! Don't be afraid of making mistakes, and if you want to copy part or even all of A-Ming's answers as your own, that is fine! When learning a language, imitation is golden.

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction
  2. [01:46] Translation of the dialogue
  3. [10:17] Questions and answers with A-Ming

Scroll down for: 

  • Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters)
  • Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)
  • Questions and answers (Chinese characters)
  • Questions and answers (w/ pinyin and translation)


Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only):

  • 阿明：哈囉！有人嗎？
  • 康太太：喔，這麼早就回來！
  • 小李：現在不是七點嗎？
  • 康太太：可是我女兒還沒下班呢！
  • 莉莉：媽媽，我在這裡！
  • 康太太：嚇死我了！莉莉！你什麼時候進來我都不知道！
  • 莉莉：我今天坐計程車回家，比較快。
  • 康太太：是喔，我都沒聽到你進來的聲音。
  • 莉莉：所以這個是你說的那個外國朋友嗎？你好。
  • 康太太：啊對！欸你叫什麼名字？我不記得了！
  • 小李：你好，我叫小李，我住在隔壁。這個是我朋友阿明。
  • 阿明：你好。
  • 莉莉：你好，你好。
  • 康太太：啊這個小李還沒結婚！你要不要跟他約會？
  • 莉莉：媽！不要亂講！不好意思，她年紀大了，講話比較直接。
  • 小李：沒事，沒事。謝謝你邀請我們來你家。好香！
  • 康太太：沒有！我做得很簡單。炒蘑菇、竹筍、青菜、雞湯、清蒸魚、豬腳、白飯，就這樣而已！
  • 阿明：這麼多！
  • 康太太：還好啦！
  • 莉莉：媽，你這樣太辛苦了！你不用煮這麼多！
  • 康太太：還好啦！有客人，當然要準備多一點啊！來，請坐。東西快好了。

Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • 阿明：哈囉！有人嗎？
    • Hello! Is anyone here?
    • Hā luō! Yǒurén ma?
  • 康太太：喔，這麼早就回來！
    • Oh! You’re back so early!
    • Ō, zhème zǎo jiù huílái!
  • 小李：現在不是七點嗎？
    • Isn’t it seven o’clock now?
    • Xiànzài bùshì qī diǎn ma?
  • 康太太：可是我女兒還沒下班呢！
    • But my daughter hasn’t gotten off work yet!
    • Kěshì wǒ nǚ'ér hái méi xiàbān ne!
  • 莉莉：媽媽，我在這裡！
    • Mom, I’m here!
    • Māmā, wǒ zài zhèlǐ!
  • 康太太：嚇死我了！莉莉！你什麼時候進來我都不知道！
    • You scared me to death! Lili! I don’t even know when you came in!
    • Xià sǐ wǒle! Lìlì! Nǐ shénme shíhòu jìnlái wǒ dōu bù zhīdào!
  • 莉莉：我今天坐計程車回家，比較快。
    • I took a taxi home today, it’s faster.
    • Wǒ jīntiān zuò jìchéngchē huí jiā, bǐjiào kuài.
  • 康太太：是喔，我都沒聽到你進來的聲音。
    • Oh. I didn’t even hear you come in.
    • Shì ō, wǒ dōu méi tīngdào nǐ jìnlái de shēngyīn.
  • 莉莉：所以這個是你說的那個外國朋友嗎？你好。
    • So, is this the foreign friend you mentioned? Hi.
    • Suǒyǐ zhège shì nǐ shuō de nàgè wàiguó péngyǒu ma? Nǐ hǎo. 
  • 康太太：啊對！欸你叫什麼名字？我不記得了！
    • Oh right! Hey, what’s your name? I don’t remember!
    • A duì! Ēi nǐ jiào shénme míngzì? Wǒ bù jìdéle!
  • 小李：你好，我叫小李，我住在隔壁。這個是我朋友阿明。
    • Hi, I’m Xiao Li. I live next door. This is my friend, A-Ming.
    • Nǐ hǎo, wǒ jiào xiǎo lǐ, wǒ zhù zài gébì. Zhège shì wǒ péngyǒu ā míng.
  • 阿明：你好。
    • Hi.
    • Nǐ hǎo.
  • 莉莉：你好，你好。
    • Hi. Hi.
    • Nǐ hǎo, nǐ hǎo.
  • 康太太：啊這個小李還沒結婚！你要不要跟他約會？
    • Oh this Xiao Li isn’t married yet! Why don’t you go on a date with him?
    • A zhège xiǎo lǐ hái méi jiéhūn! Nǐ yào bùyào gēn tā yuēhuì?
  • 莉莉：媽！不要亂講！不好意思，她年紀大了，講話比較直接。
    • Mom! Don’t talk nonsense. Sorry, she’s old, she speaks a little directly.
    • Mā! Bùyào luàn jiǎng! Bù hǎoyìsi, tā niánjì dàle, jiǎnghuà bǐjiào zhíjiē.
  • 小李：沒事，沒事。謝謝你邀請我們來你家。好香！
    • No worries, no worries. Thanks for inviting us to your house. It smells great!
    • Méishì, méishì. Xièxiè nǐ yāoqǐng wǒmen lái nǐ jiā. Hǎo xiāng!
  • 康太太：沒有！我做得很簡單。炒蘑菇、竹筍、青菜、雞湯、清蒸魚、豬腳、白飯，就這樣而已！
    • No it doesn’t! I made it very simply. Stir-fried mushrooms, bamboo shoots, green vegetables, chicken soup, steamed fish, pig’s feet, white rice, that’s all!
    • Méiyǒu! Wǒ zuò de hěn jiǎndān. Chǎo mógū, zhúsǔn, qīngcài, jītāng, qīngzhēng yú, zhū jiǎo, báifàn, jiù zhèyàng éryǐ!
  • 阿明：這麼多！
    • So much!
    • Zhème duō!
  • 康太太：還好啦！
    • Nah…
    • Hái hǎo la!
  • 莉莉：媽，你這樣太辛苦了！你不用煮這麼多！
    • Mom, you’re working too hard! You don’t have to cook so much!
    • Mā, nǐ zhèyàng tài xīnkǔle! Nǐ bùyòng zhǔ zhème duō!
  • 康太太：還好啦！有客人，當然要準備多一點啊！來，請坐。東西快好了。
    • Nah… when there are guests, of course you should prepare a little more! Come, please sit. It’s almost ready.
    • Hái hǎo la! Yǒu kèrén, dāngrán yào zhǔnbèi duō yīdiǎn a! Lái, qǐng zuò. Dōngxī kuài hǎole.


Questions and answers (Chinese characters only):

  • (Q1) 問題：在你的國家，坐計程車很貴嗎？
  • (A1) 阿明：還好，在台北剛上車要七十塊。從A到B，要差不多一到兩百塊吧。
  • (Q2) 問題：你結婚了嗎？
  • (A2) 阿明：呵呵… 還沒。為什麼這樣問？
  • (Q3) 問題：你上次約會的時候，你去了哪裡？
  • (A3) 阿明：我上次約會… 我們去山上騎腳踏車！
  • (Q4) 問題：在你的國家，學生很辛苦嗎？
  • (A4) 阿明：非常辛苦！我小時候每一天八點就要上課，下午五點才下課，晚上還要去補習班！
  • (Q5) 問題：你會煮飯嗎？你最會煮什麼？
  • (A5) 阿明：呃… 我會煮泡麵！
  • (Q6) 問題：你會邀請朋友來你家吃飯嗎？
  • (A6) 阿明：來我家吃泡麵嗎？去外面吃比較好吧。


Questions and answers (w/ pinyin and translation):

  • (Q1) 問題：在你的國家，坐計程車很貴嗎？
    • Zài nǐ de guójiā, zuò jìchéngchē hěn guì ma?
    • In your country, is taking a taxi expensive? 
  • (A1) 阿明：還好，在台北剛上車要七十塊。從A到B，要差不多一到兩百塊吧。
    • Hái hǎo, zài táiběi gāng shàng chē yào qīshí kuài. Cóng A dào B, yào chàbùduō yī dào liǎng bǎi kuài ba.
    • Not really, in Taipei just after getting in the car it's 70 kuai. From A to B, it's around one to two hundred, I guess. 
  • (Q2) 問題：你結婚了嗎？
    • Nǐ jiéhūnle ma?
    • Are you married? 
  • (A2) 阿明：呵呵… 還沒。為什麼這樣問？
    • Hēhē… hái méi. Wèishéme zhèyàng wèn?
    • Heh heh... not yet. Why do you ask? 
  • (Q3) 問題：你上次約會的時候，你去了哪裡？
    • Nǐ shàng cì yuēhuì de shíhòu, nǐ qùle nǎlǐ?
    • Last time you had a date, where did you go? 
  • (A3) 阿明：我上次約會… 我們去山上騎腳踏車！
    • Wǒ shàng cì yuēhuì… wǒmen qù shānshàng qí jiǎotàchē!
    • Last time I had a date... we went to the mountains to ride bikes!
  • (Q4) 問題：在你的國家，學生很辛苦嗎？
    • Zài nǐ de guójiā, xuéshēng hěn xīnkǔ ma?
    • In your country, are students xīnkǔ (exhausted / arduous / tired / working hard)? 
  • (A4) 阿明：非常辛苦！我小時候每一天八點就要上課，下午五點才下課，晚上還要去補習班！
    • Fēicháng xīnkǔ! Wǒ xiǎoshíhòu měi yītiān bā diǎn jiù yào shàngkè, xiàwǔ wǔ diǎn cái xiàkè, wǎnshàng hái yào qù bǔxí bān!
    • Extremely xīnkǔ! When I was a kid, I had to start class every day at eight, and only got out of class at five in the afternoon. In the evening I also had to go to cram school! 
  • (Q5) 問題：你會煮飯嗎？你最會煮什麼？
    • Nǐ huì zhǔ fàn ma? Nǐ zuì huì zhǔ shénme?
    • Can you cook? What are you best at making? 
  • (A5) 阿明：呃… 我會煮泡麵！
    • È… wǒ huì zhǔ pào miàn! 
    • Uh... I can make instant noodles! 
  • (Q6) 問題：你會邀請朋友來你家吃飯嗎？
    • Nǐ huì yāoqǐng péngyǒu lái nǐ jiā chīfàn ma?
    • Do you ever invite friends to come to your house to eat? 
  • (A6) 阿明：來我家吃泡麵嗎？去外面吃比較好吧。
    • Lái wǒjiā chī pào miàn ma? Qù wàimiàn chī bǐjiào hǎo ba.
    • Come to my house to eat instant noodles? Going outside to eat is better, I think. 


Thanks for listening? 

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Fri, 03 Feb 2023 07:00:00 -0800 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 825 Let's hear a line-by-line translation of the dialogue from lesson 14, and then practice with a Q&A.

At the end of the lesson, I suggest that you can practice answering the questions yourself, and can even send me your answers -- either written (pinyin or Chinese characters) or, better yet, as a recording of yourself speaking! Don't be afraid of making mistakes, and if you want to copy part or even all of A-Ming's answers as your own, that is fine! When learning a language, imitation is golden.

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction
  2. [01:46] Translation of the dialogue
  3. [10:17] Questions and answers with A-Ming

Scroll down for: 

  • Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters)
  • Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation)
  • Questions and answers (Chinese characters)
  • Questions and answers (w/ pinyin and translation)


Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only):

  • 阿明：哈囉！有人嗎？
  • 康太太：喔，這麼早就回來！
  • 小李：現在不是七點嗎？
  • 康太太：可是我女兒還沒下班呢！
  • 莉莉：媽媽，我在這裡！
  • 康太太：嚇死我了！莉莉！你什麼時候進來我都不知道！
  • 莉莉：我今天坐計程車回家，比較快。
  • 康太太：是喔，我都沒聽到你進來的聲音。
  • 莉莉：所以這個是你說的那個外國朋友嗎？你好。
  • 康太太：啊對！欸你叫什麼名字？我不記得了！
  • 小李：你好，我叫小李，我住在隔壁。這個是我朋友阿明。
  • 阿明：你好。
  • 莉莉：你好，你好。
  • 康太太：啊這個小李還沒結婚！你要不要跟他約會？
  • 莉莉：媽！不要亂講！不好意思，她年紀大了，講話比較直接。
  • 小李：沒事，沒事。謝謝你邀請我們來你家。好香！
  • 康太太：沒有！我做得很簡單。炒蘑菇、竹筍、青菜、雞湯、清蒸魚、豬腳、白飯，就這樣而已！
  • 阿明：這麼多！
  • 康太太：還好啦！
  • 莉莉：媽，你這樣太辛苦了！你不用煮這麼多！
  • 康太太：還好啦！有客人，當然要準備多一點啊！來，請坐。東西快好了。

Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • 阿明：哈囉！有人嗎？
    • Hello! Is anyone here?
    • Hā luō! Yǒurén ma?
  • 康太太：喔，這麼早就回來！
    • Oh! You’re back so early!
    • Ō, zhème zǎo jiù huílái!
  • 小李：現在不是七點嗎？
    • Isn’t it seven o’clock now?
    • Xiànzài bùshì qī diǎn ma?
  • 康太太：可是我女兒還沒下班呢！
    • But my daughter hasn’t gotten off work yet!
    • Kěshì wǒ nǚ'ér hái méi xiàbān ne!
  • 莉莉：媽媽，我在這裡！
    • Mom, I’m here!
    • Māmā, wǒ zài zhèlǐ!
  • 康太太：嚇死我了！莉莉！你什麼時候進來我都不知道！
    • You scared me to death! Lili! I don’t even know when you came in!
    • Xià sǐ wǒle! Lìlì! Nǐ shénme shíhòu jìnlái wǒ dōu bù zhīdào!
  • 莉莉：我今天坐計程車回家，比較快。
    • I took a taxi home today, it’s faster.
    • Wǒ jīntiān zuò jìchéngchē huí jiā, bǐjiào kuài.
  • 康太太：是喔，我都沒聽到你進來的聲音。
    • Oh. I didn’t even hear you come in.
    • Shì ō, wǒ dōu méi tīngdào nǐ jìnlái de shēngyīn.
  • 莉莉：所以這個是你說的那個外國朋友嗎？你好。
    • So, is this the foreign friend you mentioned? Hi.
    • Suǒyǐ zhège shì nǐ shuō de nàgè wàiguó péngyǒu ma? Nǐ hǎo. 
  • 康太太：啊對！欸你叫什麼名字？我不記得了！
    • Oh right! Hey, what’s your name? I don’t remember!
    • A duì! Ēi nǐ jiào shénme míngzì? Wǒ bù jìdéle!
  • 小李：你好，我叫小李，我住在隔壁。這個是我朋友阿明。
    • Hi, I’m Xiao Li. I live next door. This is my friend, A-Ming.
    • Nǐ hǎo, wǒ jiào xiǎo lǐ, wǒ zhù zài gébì. Zhège shì wǒ péngyǒu ā míng.
  • 阿明：你好。
    • Hi.
    • Nǐ hǎo.
  • 莉莉：你好，你好。
    • Hi. Hi.
    • Nǐ hǎo, nǐ hǎo.
  • 康太太：啊這個小李還沒結婚！你要不要跟他約會？
    • Oh this Xiao Li isn’t married yet! Why don’t you go on a date with him?
    • A zhège xiǎo lǐ hái méi jiéhūn! Nǐ yào bùyào gēn tā yuēhuì?
  • 莉莉：媽！不要亂講！不好意思，她年紀大了，講話比較直接。
    • Mom! Don’t talk nonsense. Sorry, she’s old, she speaks a little directly.
    • Mā! Bùyào luàn jiǎng! Bù hǎoyìsi, tā niánjì dàle, jiǎnghuà bǐjiào zhíjiē.
  • 小李：沒事，沒事。謝謝你邀請我們來你家。好香！
    • No worries, no worries. Thanks for inviting us to your house. It smells great!
    • Méishì, méishì. Xièxiè nǐ yāoqǐng wǒmen lái nǐ jiā. Hǎo xiāng!
  • 康太太：沒有！我做得很簡單。炒蘑菇、竹筍、青菜、雞湯、清蒸魚、豬腳、白飯，就這樣而已！
    • No it doesn’t! I made it very simply. Stir-fried mushrooms, bamboo shoots, green vegetables, chicken soup, steamed fish, pig’s feet, white rice, that’s all!
    • Méiyǒu! Wǒ zuò de hěn jiǎndān. Chǎo mógū, zhúsǔn, qīngcài, jītāng, qīngzhēng yú, zhū jiǎo, báifàn, jiù zhèyàng éryǐ!
  • 阿明：這麼多！
    • So much!
    • Zhème duō!
  • 康太太：還好啦！
    • Nah…
    • Hái hǎo la!
  • 莉莉：媽，你這樣太辛苦了！你不用煮這麼多！
    • Mom, you’re working too hard! You don’t have to cook so much!
    • Mā, nǐ zhèyàng tài xīnkǔle! Nǐ bùyòng zhǔ zhème duō!
  • 康太太：還好啦！有客人，當然要準備多一點啊！來，請坐。東西快好了。
    • Nah… when there are guests, of course you should prepare a little more! Come, please sit. It’s almost ready.
    • Hái hǎo la! Yǒu kèrén, dāngrán yào zhǔnbèi duō yīdiǎn a! Lái, qǐng zuò. Dōngxī kuài hǎole.


Questions and answers (Chinese characters only):

  • (Q1) 問題：在你的國家，坐計程車很貴嗎？
  • (A1) 阿明：還好，在台北剛上車要七十塊。從A到B，要差不多一到兩百塊吧。
  • (Q2) 問題：你結婚了嗎？
  • (A2) 阿明：呵呵… 還沒。為什麼這樣問？
  • (Q3) 問題：你上次約會的時候，你去了哪裡？
  • (A3) 阿明：我上次約會… 我們去山上騎腳踏車！
  • (Q4) 問題：在你的國家，學生很辛苦嗎？
  • (A4) 阿明：非常辛苦！我小時候每一天八點就要上課，下午五點才下課，晚上還要去補習班！
  • (Q5) 問題：你會煮飯嗎？你最會煮什麼？
  • (A5) 阿明：呃… 我會煮泡麵！
  • (Q6) 問題：你會邀請朋友來你家吃飯嗎？
  • (A6) 阿明：來我家吃泡麵嗎？去外面吃比較好吧。


Questions and answers (w/ pinyin and translation):

  • (Q1) 問題：在你的國家，坐計程車很貴嗎？
    • Zài nǐ de guójiā, zuò jìchéngchē hěn guì ma?
    • In your country, is taking a taxi expensive? 
  • (A1) 阿明：還好，在台北剛上車要七十塊。從A到B，要差不多一到兩百塊吧。
    • Hái hǎo, zài táiběi gāng shàng chē yào qīshí kuài. Cóng A dào B, yào chàbùduō yī dào liǎng bǎi kuài ba.
    • Not really, in Taipei just after getting in the car it's 70 kuai. From A to B, it's around one to two hundred, I guess. 
  • (Q2) 問題：你結婚了嗎？
    • Nǐ jiéhūnle ma?
    • Are you married? 
  • (A2) 阿明：呵呵… 還沒。為什麼這樣問？
    • Hēhē… hái méi. Wèishéme zhèyàng wèn?
    • Heh heh... not yet. Why do you ask? 
  • (Q3) 問題：你上次約會的時候，你去了哪裡？
    • Nǐ shàng cì yuēhuì de shíhòu, nǐ qùle nǎlǐ?
    • Last time you had a date, where did you go? 
  • (A3) 阿明：我上次約會… 我們去山上騎腳踏車！
    • Wǒ shàng cì yuēhuì… wǒmen qù shānshàng qí jiǎotàchē!
    • Last time I had a date... we went to the mountains to ride bikes!
  • (Q4) 問題：在你的國家，學生很辛苦嗎？
    • Zài nǐ de guójiā, xuéshēng hěn xīnkǔ ma?
    • In your country, are students xīnkǔ (exhausted / arduous / tired / working hard)? 
  • (A4) 阿明：非常辛苦！我小時候每一天八點就要上課，下午五點才下課，晚上還要去補習班！
    • Fēicháng xīnkǔ! Wǒ xiǎoshíhòu měi yītiān bā diǎn jiù yào shàngkè, xiàwǔ wǔ diǎn cái xiàkè, wǎnshàng hái yào qù bǔxí bān!
    • Extremely xīnkǔ! When I was a kid, I had to start class every day at eight, and only got out of class at five in the afternoon. In the evening I also had to go to cram school! 
  • (Q5) 問題：你會煮飯嗎？你最會煮什麼？
    • Nǐ huì zhǔ fàn ma? Nǐ zuì huì zhǔ shénme?
    • Can you cook? What are you best at making? 
  • (A5) 阿明：呃… 我會煮泡麵！
    • È… wǒ huì zhǔ pào miàn! 
    • Uh... I can make instant noodles! 
  • (Q6) 問題：你會邀請朋友來你家吃飯嗎？
    • Nǐ huì yāoqǐng péngyǒu lái nǐ jiā chīfàn ma?
    • Do you ever invite friends to come to your house to eat? 
  • (A6) 阿明：來我家吃泡麵嗎？去外面吃比較好吧。
    • Lái wǒjiā chī pào miàn ma? Qù wàimiàn chī bǐjiào hǎo ba.
    • Come to my house to eat instant noodles? Going outside to eat is better, I think. 


Thanks for listening? 

Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No S2 ~ 16 ~ 你人真好！You're so kind. 2 2 S2 ~ 16 ~ 你人真好！You're so kind. full 487c87e3-27bc-468c-8421-e342e60206b8 https://www.mftgu.com/episodes/s02-e16 In this lesson, we get to hear the last dialogue in Season 2! Mrs. Kang (康太太) goes to get dinner ready, leaving Xiao Li, A-Ming, and Lili to talk. What do they talk about? 

Request for support
I started this podcast three years ago to share my passion for learning languages. I wanted to share the ways that I found most effective for learning a difficult language like Mandarin, and to talk about the challenges that I faced and how I got through them. 

MFTGU has been totally self-funded since Day One. Which made total sense when I was starting out. Now, however, the podcast has grown. We are about to complete a second season of lessons. The show is reaching more and more listeners. And this presents me with an opportunity to finally put more of my time and energy into developing this project. 

To do this, I need your support. Your contribution will enable me to:

  • Afford the rising costs of podcast hosting (which go up as listener counts increase).
  • Continue to dedicate the hours of work each day necessary to make the tools and resources to help you on your Mandarin journey. 
  • Build an improved blog and website, plus afford better equipment and help with recording and editing. 
  • Create more innovative lesson types. 

In short, your contribution will help ensure that Mandarin From the Ground Up not only continues, but keeps getting better and better!

To become a supporter, you can click here and select monthly. Choose any amount you could feel good about contributing to this project. If everyone pitches in even a small amount, the future of Mandarin From the Ground Up will be secured. 


Thank you for being a part of this project.

- Isaac

Lesson Notes:

  • In the introduction, I mention the Echo Method, a technique designed by my friend, NTU Professor Karen Chung, to help students train their listening and pronunciation skills. I have benefited from this technique personally, and have seen it help students become more sensitive to the sounds of foreign language. If you would like to know more about this technique, I highly recommend Professor Chung's TEDx Talk on the Echo Method.  
  • When we first start learning a new language, we literally can't hear some of the sounds -- the ones that don't exist in our native language. Actually, it would be more precise to say we can't distinguish the sounds. Of course we can physically hear them, we just can't tell them apart because our brains automatically interpret them as being the same. A famous example of this is most Japanese speakers' inability to distinguish between the \l\ and \r\ sounds in English, but this phenomenon is universal and applies to speakers of any language. 


Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:22] Introduction: Request for support
  2. [01:50] Preview of future lessons, tools, and resources
  3. [06:44] Dialogue
  4. [08:19] Useful vocabulary and phrases from the dialogue
  5. [15:50] Dialogue (repeat)


Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (Chinese characters only):
(scroll down for pinyin and the translation)

  1. 租（租房）
    1. 租房 
    2. 我需要租車 
    3. 這個房子是我租的 
  2. 陪
    1. 你可以陪我嗎？ 
    2. 謝謝你陪我去看她。 
    3. 你不用陪我，我自己去 
  3. 畢業 
    1. 你什麼時候畢業？ 
    2. 你有大學畢業嗎？ 
    3. 恭喜你畢業了！ 
  4. 留 
    1. 我留在這 
    2. 你要留著嗎？ 
    3. 你為什麼留下來？
  5. 部落格 
    1. 你有部落格嗎？
  6. 酷 
    1. 哇！這個很酷！
  7. 拍照 
    1. 我可以拍照嗎？ 
    2. 這裡不能拍照 
    3. 你可以幫我拍照嗎？ 
  8. 寫 
    1. 你會寫中文嗎？ 
    2. 我寫很慢 
    3. 記得寫給我！ 
  9. 採訪 
    1. 我喜歡聽採訪 
    2. 記者採訪了他 
    3. 我要採訪我的老師 
  10. 負責 
    1. 你負責拍照 
    2. 我今天負責開車 
    3. 他一定會負責 


Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (w/ pinyin and translation):

  1. 租 :: zū :: to rent 
    1. 租房 
      1. To rent a house or room
      2. zūfáng
    2. 我需要租車 
      1. I need to rent a car.
      2. wǒ xūyào zūchē
    3. 這個房子是我租的 
      1. This house is rented (by me). I rented this room.
      2. zhège fángzi shì wǒ zū de
  2. 陪 :: péi :: to accompany, to keep someone company. 
    1. 你可以陪我嗎？ 
      1. Can you keep me company?
      2. nǐ kěyǐ péi wǒ ma?
    2. 謝謝你陪我去看她。 
      1. Thank you for accompanying me to go see her.
      2. xièxiè nǐ péi wǒ qù kàn tā
    3. 你不用陪我，我自己去 
      1. You don’t have to accompany me, I’ll go myself.
      2. nǐ bùyòng péi wǒ, wǒ zìjǐ qù
  3. 畢業 :: bìyè :: to graduate, graduation 
    1. 你什麼時候畢業？ 
      1. When are you graduating? (Or: When did you graduate?)
      2. nǐ shénme shíhòu bìyè?
    2. 你有大學畢業嗎？ 
      1. Did you graduate from college?
      2. nǐ yǒu dàxué bìyè ma?
    3. 恭喜你畢業了！ 
      1. Congratulations on graduating!
      2. gōngxǐ nǐ bìyèle!
  4. 留 :: liú :: to stay, to remain 
    1. 我留在這 
      1. I’m staying here.
      2. wǒ liú zài zhè
    2. 你要留著嗎？ 
      1. Do you want to keep it?
      2. nǐ yào liúzhe ma?
      3. Note: This 著 (zhe) character indicates an action in progress. If it's new to you, don't worry about using it just yet. Just know that that's what it's doing in this phrase. 
    3. 你為什麼留下來？ 
      1. Why are you staying?
      2. nǐ wèishéme liú xiàlái?
  5. 部落格 :: bùluò gé :: blog
    1. 你有部落格嗎？
      1. Do you have a blog?
      2. nǐ yǒu bùluò gé ma?
  6. 酷 :: kù :: cool 
    1. 哇！這個很酷！
      1. Wow! This is really cool! 
      2. wa! zhège hěn kù!
  7. 拍照 :: pāizhào :: to take a picture 
    1. 我可以拍照嗎？ 
      1. Can I take a photo?
      2. wǒ kěyǐ pāizhào ma?
    2. 這裡不能拍照 
      1. You can’t take pictures here.
      2. zhèlǐ bùnéng pāizhào
    3. 你可以幫我拍照嗎？ 
      1. Can you take a picture for me?
      2. nǐ kěyǐ bāng wǒ pāizhào ma?
  8. 寫 :: xiě :: to write 
    1. 你會寫中文嗎？ 
      1. Can you write Chinese?
      2. nǐ huì xiě zhōngwén ma?
    2. 我寫很慢 
      1. I write really slowly.
      2. wǒ xiě hěn màn
    3. 記得寫給我！ 
      1. Remember to write to me!
      2. jìdé xiě gěi wǒ!
  9. 採訪 :: cǎifǎng :: to interview 
    1. 我喜歡聽採訪 
      1. I like to listen to interviews.
      2. wǒ xǐhuān tīng cǎifǎng
    2. 記者採訪了他 
      1. Journalists interviewed him.
      2. jìzhě cǎifǎngle tā
    3. 我要採訪我的老師 
      1. I’m going to interview my teacher.
      2. wǒ yào cǎifǎng wǒ de lǎoshī
  10. 負責 :: fùzé :: to be in charge of, to take responsibility for 
    1. 你負責拍照 
      1. You’re in charge of taking pictures.
      2. nǐ fùzé pāizhào
    2. 我今天負責開車 
      1. Today I’m responsible for driving.
      2. wǒ jīntiān fùzé kāichē
    3. 他一定會負責 
      1. He will definitely take responsibility.
      2. tā yīdìng huì fùzé

Thanks for listening! 

Enjoying this podcast? Become a member, get extra content, and keep it going!
★ Support this podcast ★

]]> In this lesson, we get to hear the last dialogue in Season 2! Mrs. Kang (康太太) goes to get dinner ready, leaving Xiao Li, A-Ming, and Lili to talk. What do they talk about? 

Request for support
I started this podcast three years ago to share my passion for learning languages. I wanted to share the ways that I found most effective for learning a difficult language like Mandarin, and to talk about the challenges that I faced and how I got through them. 

MFTGU has been totally self-funded since Day One. Which made total sense when I was starting out. Now, however, the podcast has grown. We are about to complete a second season of lessons. The show is reaching more and more listeners. And this presents me with an opportunity to finally put more of my time and energy into developing this project. 

To do this, I need your support. Your contribution will enable me to:

  • Afford the rising costs of podcast hosting (which go up as listener counts increase).
  • Continue to dedicate the hours of work each day necessary to make the tools and resources to help you on your Mandarin journey. 
  • Build an improved blog and website, plus afford better equipment and help with recording and editing. 
  • Create more innovative lesson types. 

In short, your contribution will help ensure that Mandarin From the Ground Up not only continues, but keeps getting better and better!

To become a supporter, you can click here and select monthly. Choose any amount you could feel good about contributing to this project. If everyone pitches in even a small amount, the future of Mandarin From the Ground Up will be secured. 


Thank you for being a part of this project.

- Isaac

Lesson Notes:

  • In the introduction, I mention the Echo Method, a technique designed by my friend, NTU Professor Karen Chung, to help students train their listening and pronunciation skills. I have benefited from this technique personally, and have seen it help students become more sensitive to the sounds of foreign language. If you would like to know more about this technique, I highly recommend Professor Chung's TEDx Talk on the Echo Method.  
  • When we first start learning a new language, we literally can't hear some of the sounds -- the ones that don't exist in our native language. Actually, it would be more precise to say we can't distinguish the sounds. Of course we can physically hear them, we just can't tell them apart because our brains automatically interpret them as being the same. A famous example of this is most Japanese speakers' inability to distinguish between the \l\ and \r\ sounds in English, but this phenomenon is universal and applies to speakers of any language. 


Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:22] Introduction: Request for support
  2. [01:50] Preview of future lessons, tools, and resources
  3. [06:44] Dialogue
  4. [08:19] Useful vocabulary and phrases from the dialogue
  5. [15:50] Dialogue (repeat)


Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (Chinese characters only):
(scroll down for pinyin and the translation)

  1. 租（租房）
    1. 租房 
    2. 我需要租車 
    3. 這個房子是我租的 
  2. 陪
    1. 你可以陪我嗎？ 
    2. 謝謝你陪我去看她。 
    3. 你不用陪我，我自己去 
  3. 畢業 
    1. 你什麼時候畢業？ 
    2. 你有大學畢業嗎？ 
    3. 恭喜你畢業了！ 
  4. 留 
    1. 我留在這 
    2. 你要留著嗎？ 
    3. 你為什麼留下來？
  5. 部落格 
    1. 你有部落格嗎？
  6. 酷 
    1. 哇！這個很酷！
  7. 拍照 
    1. 我可以拍照嗎？ 
    2. 這裡不能拍照 
    3. 你可以幫我拍照嗎？ 
  8. 寫 
    1. 你會寫中文嗎？ 
    2. 我寫很慢 
    3. 記得寫給我！ 
  9. 採訪 
    1. 我喜歡聽採訪 
    2. 記者採訪了他 
    3. 我要採訪我的老師 
  10. 負責 
    1. 你負責拍照 
    2. 我今天負責開車 
    3. 他一定會負責 


Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (w/ pinyin and translation):

  1. 租 :: zū :: to rent 
    1. 租房 
      1. To rent a house or room
      2. zūfáng
    2. 我需要租車 
      1. I need to rent a car.
      2. wǒ xūyào zūchē
    3. 這個房子是我租的 
      1. This house is rented (by me). I rented this room.
      2. zhège fángzi shì wǒ zū de
  2. 陪 :: péi :: to accompany, to keep someone company. 
    1. 你可以陪我嗎？ 
      1. Can you keep me company?
      2. nǐ kěyǐ péi wǒ ma?
    2. 謝謝你陪我去看她。 
      1. Thank you for accompanying me to go see her.
      2. xièxiè nǐ péi wǒ qù kàn tā
    3. 你不用陪我，我自己去 
      1. You don’t have to accompany me, I’ll go myself.
      2. nǐ bùyòng péi wǒ, wǒ zìjǐ qù
  3. 畢業 :: bìyè :: to graduate, graduation 
    1. 你什麼時候畢業？ 
      1. When are you graduating? (Or: When did you graduate?)
      2. nǐ shénme shíhòu bìyè?
    2. 你有大學畢業嗎？ 
      1. Did you graduate from college?
      2. nǐ yǒu dàxué bìyè ma?
    3. 恭喜你畢業了！ 
      1. Congratulations on graduating!
      2. gōngxǐ nǐ bìyèle!
  4. 留 :: liú :: to stay, to remain 
    1. 我留在這 
      1. I’m staying here.
      2. wǒ liú zài zhè
    2. 你要留著嗎？ 
      1. Do you want to keep it?
      2. nǐ yào liúzhe ma?
      3. Note: This 著 (zhe) character indicates an action in progress. If it's new to you, don't worry about using it just yet. Just know that that's what it's doing in this phrase. 
    3. 你為什麼留下來？ 
      1. Why are you staying?
      2. nǐ wèishéme liú xiàlái?
  5. 部落格 :: bùluò gé :: blog
    1. 你有部落格嗎？
      1. Do you have a blog?
      2. nǐ yǒu bùluò gé ma?
  6. 酷 :: kù :: cool 
    1. 哇！這個很酷！
      1. Wow! This is really cool! 
      2. wa! zhège hěn kù!
  7. 拍照 :: pāizhào :: to take a picture 
    1. 我可以拍照嗎？ 
      1. Can I take a photo?
      2. wǒ kěyǐ pāizhào ma?
    2. 這裡不能拍照 
      1. You can’t take pictures here.
      2. zhèlǐ bùnéng pāizhào
    3. 你可以幫我拍照嗎？ 
      1. Can you take a picture for me?
      2. nǐ kěyǐ bāng wǒ pāizhào ma?
  8. 寫 :: xiě :: to write 
    1. 你會寫中文嗎？ 
      1. Can you write Chinese?
      2. nǐ huì xiě zhōngwén ma?
    2. 我寫很慢 
      1. I write really slowly.
      2. wǒ xiě hěn màn
    3. 記得寫給我！ 
      1. Remember to write to me!
      2. jìdé xiě gěi wǒ!
  9. 採訪 :: cǎifǎng :: to interview 
    1. 我喜歡聽採訪 
      1. I like to listen to interviews.
      2. wǒ xǐhuān tīng cǎifǎng
    2. 記者採訪了他 
      1. Journalists interviewed him.
      2. jìzhě cǎifǎngle tā
    3. 我要採訪我的老師 
      1. I’m going to interview my teacher.
      2. wǒ yào cǎifǎng wǒ de lǎoshī
  10. 負責 :: fùzé :: to be in charge of, to take responsibility for 
    1. 你負責拍照 
      1. You’re in charge of taking pictures.
      2. nǐ fùzé pāizhào
    2. 我今天負責開車 
      1. Today I’m responsible for driving.
      2. wǒ jīntiān fùzé kāichē
    3. 他一定會負責 
      1. He will definitely take responsibility.
      2. tā yīdìng huì fùzé

Thanks for listening! 

Enjoying this podcast? Become a member, get extra content, and keep it going!
★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Wed, 15 Feb 2023 07:00:00 -0800 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 1119 In this lesson, we get to hear the last dialogue in Season 2! Mrs. Kang (康太太) goes to get dinner ready, leaving Xiao Li, A-Ming, and Lili to talk. What do they talk about? 

Request for support
I started this podcast three years ago to share my passion for learning languages. I wanted to share the ways that I found most effective for learning a difficult language like Mandarin, and to talk about the challenges that I faced and how I got through them. 

MFTGU has been totally self-funded since Day One. Which made total sense when I was starting out. Now, however, the podcast has grown. We are about to complete a second season of lessons. The show is reaching more and more listeners. And this presents me with an opportunity to finally put more of my time and energy into developing this project. 

To do this, I need your support. Your contribution will enable me to:

  • Afford the rising costs of podcast hosting (which go up as listener counts increase).
  • Continue to dedicate the hours of work each day necessary to make the tools and resources to help you on your Mandarin journey. 
  • Build an improved blog and website, plus afford better equipment and help with recording and editing. 
  • Create more innovative lesson types. 

In short, your contribution will help ensure that Mandarin From the Ground Up not only continues, but keeps getting better and better!

To become a supporter, you can click here and select monthly. Choose any amount you could feel good about contributing to this project. If everyone pitches in even a small amount, the future of Mandarin From the Ground Up will be secured. 


Thank you for being a part of this project.

- Isaac

Lesson Notes:

  • In the introduction, I mention the Echo Method, a technique designed by my friend, NTU Professor Karen Chung, to help students train their listening and pronunciation skills. I have benefited from this technique personally, and have seen it help students become more sensitive to the sounds of foreign language. If you would like to know more about this technique, I highly recommend Professor Chung's TEDx Talk on the Echo Method.  
  • When we first start learning a new language, we literally can't hear some of the sounds -- the ones that don't exist in our native language. Actually, it would be more precise to say we can't distinguish the sounds. Of course we can physically hear them, we just can't tell them apart because our brains automatically interpret them as being the same. A famous example of this is most Japanese speakers' inability to distinguish between the \l\ and \r\ sounds in English, but this phenomenon is universal and applies to speakers of any language. 


Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:22] Introduction: Request for support
  2. [01:50] Preview of future lessons, tools, and resources
  3. [06:44] Dialogue
  4. [08:19] Useful vocabulary and phrases from the dialogue
  5. [15:50] Dialogue (repeat)


Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (Chinese characters only):
(scroll down for pinyin and the translation)

  1. 租（租房）
    1. 租房 
    2. 我需要租車 
    3. 這個房子是我租的 
  2. 陪
    1. 你可以陪我嗎？ 
    2. 謝謝你陪我去看她。 
    3. 你不用陪我，我自己去 
  3. 畢業 
    1. 你什麼時候畢業？ 
    2. 你有大學畢業嗎？ 
    3. 恭喜你畢業了！ 
  4. 留 
    1. 我留在這 
    2. 你要留著嗎？ 
    3. 你為什麼留下來？
  5. 部落格 
    1. 你有部落格嗎？
  6. 酷 
    1. 哇！這個很酷！
  7. 拍照 
    1. 我可以拍照嗎？ 
    2. 這裡不能拍照 
    3. 你可以幫我拍照嗎？ 
  8. 寫 
    1. 你會寫中文嗎？ 
    2. 我寫很慢 
    3. 記得寫給我！ 
  9. 採訪 
    1. 我喜歡聽採訪 
    2. 記者採訪了他 
    3. 我要採訪我的老師 
  10. 負責 
    1. 你負責拍照 
    2. 我今天負責開車 
    3. 他一定會負責 


Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (w/ pinyin and translation):

  1. 租 :: zū :: to rent 
    1. 租房 
      1. To rent a house or room
      2. zūfáng
    2. 我需要租車 
      1. I need to rent a car.
      2. wǒ xūyào zūchē
    3. 這個房子是我租的 
      1. This house is rented (by me). I rented this room.
      2. zhège fángzi shì wǒ zū de
  2. 陪 :: péi :: to accompany, to keep someone company. 
    1. 你可以陪我嗎？ 
      1. Can you keep me company?
      2. nǐ kěyǐ péi wǒ ma?
    2. 謝謝你陪我去看她。 
      1. Thank you for accompanying me to go see her.
      2. xièxiè nǐ péi wǒ qù kàn tā
    3. 你不用陪我，我自己去 
      1. You don’t have to accompany me, I’ll go myself.
      2. nǐ bùyòng péi wǒ, wǒ zìjǐ qù
  3. 畢業 :: bìyè :: to graduate, graduation 
    1. 你什麼時候畢業？ 
      1. When are you graduating? (Or: When did you graduate?)
      2. nǐ shénme shíhòu bìyè?
    2. 你有大學畢業嗎？ 
      1. Did you graduate from college?
      2. nǐ yǒu dàxué bìyè ma?
    3. 恭喜你畢業了！ 
      1. Congratulations on graduating!
      2. gōngxǐ nǐ bìyèle!
  4. 留 :: liú :: to stay, to remain 
    1. 我留在這 
      1. I’m staying here.
      2. wǒ liú zài zhè
    2. 你要留著嗎？ 
      1. Do you want to keep it?
      2. nǐ yào liúzhe ma?
      3. Note: This 著 (zhe) character indicates an action in progress. If it's new to you, don't worry about using it just yet. Just know that that's what it's doing in this phrase. 
    3. 你為什麼留下來？ 
      1. Why are you staying?
      2. nǐ wèishéme liú xiàlái?
  5. 部落格 :: bùluò gé :: blog
    1. 你有部落格嗎？
      1. Do you have a blog?
      2. nǐ yǒu bùluò gé ma?
  6. 酷 :: kù :: cool 
    1. 哇！這個很酷！
      1. Wow! This is really cool! 
      2. wa! zhège hěn kù!
  7. 拍照 :: pāizhào :: to take a picture 
    1. 我可以拍照嗎？ 
      1. Can I take a photo?
      2. wǒ kěyǐ pāizhào ma?
    2. 這裡不能拍照 
      1. You can’t take pictures here.
      2. zhèlǐ bùnéng pāizhào
    3. 你可以幫我拍照嗎？ 
      1. Can you take a picture for me?
      2. nǐ kěyǐ bāng wǒ pāizhào ma?
  8. 寫 :: xiě :: to write 
    1. 你會寫中文嗎？ 
      1. Can you write Chinese?
      2. nǐ huì xiě zhōngwén ma?
    2. 我寫很慢 
      1. I write really slowly.
      2. wǒ xiě hěn màn
    3. 記得寫給我！ 
      1. Remember to write to me!
      2. jìdé xiě gěi wǒ!
  9. 採訪 :: cǎifǎng :: to interview 
    1. 我喜歡聽採訪 
      1. I like to listen to interviews.
      2. wǒ xǐhuān tīng cǎifǎng
    2. 記者採訪了他 
      1. Journalists interviewed him.
      2. jìzhě cǎifǎngle tā
    3. 我要採訪我的老師 
      1. I’m going to interview my teacher.
      2. wǒ yào cǎifǎng wǒ de lǎoshī
  10. 負責 :: fùzé :: to be in charge of, to take responsibility for 
    1. 你負責拍照 
      1. You’re in charge of taking pictures.
      2. nǐ fùzé pāizhào
    2. 我今天負責開車 
      1. Today I’m responsible for driving.
      2. wǒ jīntiān fùzé kāichē
    3. 他一定會負責 
      1. He will definitely take responsibility.
      2. tā yīdìng huì fùzé

Thanks for listening! 

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★ Support this podcast ★

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No Daily Practice Session - S2 - Lesson 16 2 2 Daily Practice Session - S2 - Lesson 16 bonus 65c2c1d1-4d2c-4510-89c9-1c369a1d401d https://share.transistor.fm/s/f4340b1d After listening to Season 2, Lesson 16, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening to and imitating the dialogue. Repetition makes it stick.

README: How to use this recording

You'll hear the dialogue from Lesson 16 twice.

The first time, there will be a short pause after each line. During the pause, try to repeat aloud exactly what you just heard.

Repeating aloud is important, partly because you'll be training your speech muscles to make the sounds of Mandarin, and partly because you'll be getting feedback about how you sound (if you're listening with earbuds, I recommend practicing with one earbud out and one in, or else with both partially in, so that you can hear yourself better).

The second time, there won't be any pauses. Try to "shadow" the sounds simultaneously as they are spoken, also aloud.

This will help you practice stringing the sounds together and further reinforce the muscle memory speech patterns of Mandarin. If it feels way too fast, you can try shadowing only one of the characters each time you listen. However, even then, don't expect to be able to keep up with everything at first.  It takes regular daily practice to start training your ears to have a more nuanced perception of the sounds, and to train your speech muscles to speak at natural speed.


Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only):

  • 莉莉：不好意思，我媽一直都這樣。
  • 小李：沒事！她人超好。
  • 阿明：你也住在這裡嗎？
  • 莉莉：沒有，我在外面租房。但是，因為媽媽現在一個人，所以我常常回家陪她吃飯。
  • 阿明：你人真好！
  • 莉莉：應該的。你們會喝酒嗎？
  • 小李：這是什麼？
  • 阿明：小李，你沒有喝過高粱？
  • 小李：好辣！
  • 阿明：慢慢喝。
  • 莉莉：我很好奇。你怎麼會來到台灣呢？
  • 小李：喔，我一開始來學中文。畢業後我就留在這裡工作。
  • 莉莉：哦！你做什麼工作？
  • 阿明：小李是記者！
  • 小李：啊，對啦，可以這樣說。我在寫部落格。
  • 莉莉：部落格？什麼樣的部落格？
  • 小李：就是我去很多地方，然後問那裡的人很多問題。
  • 莉莉：聽起來很酷！
  • 小李：阿明也會幫我。他是攝影師。
  • 阿明：小李負責採訪，我負責拍照。
  • 莉莉：那你的中文已經超好的！
  • 小李：還好，還好。
  • 阿明：小李很謙虛。
  • 莉莉：那你… 要不要採訪我？
  • 阿明：小李，你慢慢喝！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • 莉莉：不好意思，我媽一直都這樣。
    • Sorry, my mom is always like this.
    • Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ mā yīzhí dōu zhèyàng.
  • 小李：沒事！她人超好。
    • No problem. She’s super nice.
    • Méishì! Tā rén chāo hǎo
  • 阿明：你也住在這裡嗎？
    • Do you also live here?
    • Nǐ yě zhù zài zhèlǐ ma?
  • 莉莉：沒有，我在外面租房。但是，因為媽媽現在一個人，所以我常常回家陪她吃飯。
    • No, I rent a place. But since my mom is alone now, I come home often to eat with her.
    • Méiyǒu, wǒ zài wàimiàn zūfáng. Dànshì, yīnwèi māmā xiànzài yīgèrén, suǒyǐ wǒ chángcháng huí jiā péi tā chīfàn
  • 阿明：你人真好！
    • You’re so kind!
    • Nǐ rén zhēn hǎo!
  • 莉莉：應該的。你們會喝酒嗎？
    • It’s the right thing to do. Do you drink alcohol?
    • Yīnggāi de. Nǐmen huì hējiǔ ma?
  • 小李：這是什麼？
    • What’s this?
    • Zhè shì shénme?
  • 阿明：小李，你沒有喝過高粱？
    • Xiao Li, you’ve never tried Kaoliang?
    • Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ méiyǒu hēguò gāoliang?
  • 小李：好辣！
    • It’s so strong! (lit. spicy)
    • Hǎo là!
  • 阿明：慢慢喝。
    • Drink slowly.
    • Màn man hē.
  • 莉莉：我很好奇。你怎麼會來到台灣呢？
    • I’m curious. How did you end up coming to Taiwan?
    • Wǒ hěn hàoqí. Nǐ zěnme huì lái dào táiwān ne?
  • 小李：喔，我一開始來學中文。畢業後我就留在這裡工作。
    • Oh, at first I came to study Chinese. After graduating, I stayed here to work.
    • Ō, wǒ yī kāishǐ lái xué zhōngwén. Bìyè hòu wǒ jiù liú zài zhèlǐ gōngzuò.
  • 莉莉：哦！你做什麼工作？
    • Oh! What work do you do?
    • Ó! Nǐ zuò shénme gōngzuò?
  • 阿明：小李是記者！
    • Xiao Li is a journalist!
    • Xiǎo lǐ shì jìzhě!
  • 小李：啊，對啦，可以這樣說。我在寫部落格。
    • Ah, yeah, you could say that. I’m writing a blog.
    • A, duì la, kěyǐ zhèyàng shuō. Wǒ zài xiě bùluògé.
  • 莉莉：部落格？什麼樣的部落格？
    • A blog? What kind of blog?
    • Bùluògé? Shénme yàng de bùluògé?
  • 小李：就是我去很多地方，然後問那裡的人很多問題。
    • It’s just like, I go to a lot of places, and then I ask the people there a lot of questions.
    • Jiùshì wǒ qù hěnduō dìfāng, ránhòu wèn nàlǐ de rén hěnduō wèntí.
  • 莉莉：聽起來很酷！
    • Sounds cool!
    • Tīng qǐlái hěn kù!
  • 小李：阿明也會幫我。他是攝影師。
    • A-Ming also helps me. He’s a photographer.
    • Ā míng yě huì bāng wǒ. Tā shì shèyǐng shī. 
  • 阿明：小李負責採訪，我負責拍照。
    • Xiao Li takes care of the interviewing. I’m in charge of taking pictures.
    • Xiǎo lǐ fùzé cǎifǎng, wǒ fùzé pāizhào. 
  • 莉莉：那你的中文已經超好的！
    • Then your Chinese is already super great!
    • Nà nǐ de zhōngwén yǐjīng chāo hǎo de!
  • 小李：還好，還好。
    • It’s alright, it’s alright.
    • Hái hǎo, hái hǎo.
  • 阿明：小李很謙虛。
    • Xiao Li is really modest.
    • Xiǎo lǐ hěn qiānxū.
  • 莉莉：那你… 要不要採訪我？
    • Well then… do you want to interview me?
    • Nà nǐ… yào bùyào cǎifǎng wǒ?
  • 阿明：小李，你慢慢喝！
    • Xiao Li, drink slowly!
    • Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ màn man hē!

Enjoying the podcast? Help keep it alive:
  ★ Support this podcast ★


Thanks for listening! 

]]> After listening to Season 2, Lesson 16, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening to and imitating the dialogue. Repetition makes it stick.

README: How to use this recording

You'll hear the dialogue from Lesson 16 twice.

The first time, there will be a short pause after each line. During the pause, try to repeat aloud exactly what you just heard.

Repeating aloud is important, partly because you'll be training your speech muscles to make the sounds of Mandarin, and partly because you'll be getting feedback about how you sound (if you're listening with earbuds, I recommend practicing with one earbud out and one in, or else with both partially in, so that you can hear yourself better).

The second time, there won't be any pauses. Try to "shadow" the sounds simultaneously as they are spoken, also aloud.

This will help you practice stringing the sounds together and further reinforce the muscle memory speech patterns of Mandarin. If it feels way too fast, you can try shadowing only one of the characters each time you listen. However, even then, don't expect to be able to keep up with everything at first.  It takes regular daily practice to start training your ears to have a more nuanced perception of the sounds, and to train your speech muscles to speak at natural speed.


Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only):

  • 莉莉：不好意思，我媽一直都這樣。
  • 小李：沒事！她人超好。
  • 阿明：你也住在這裡嗎？
  • 莉莉：沒有，我在外面租房。但是，因為媽媽現在一個人，所以我常常回家陪她吃飯。
  • 阿明：你人真好！
  • 莉莉：應該的。你們會喝酒嗎？
  • 小李：這是什麼？
  • 阿明：小李，你沒有喝過高粱？
  • 小李：好辣！
  • 阿明：慢慢喝。
  • 莉莉：我很好奇。你怎麼會來到台灣呢？
  • 小李：喔，我一開始來學中文。畢業後我就留在這裡工作。
  • 莉莉：哦！你做什麼工作？
  • 阿明：小李是記者！
  • 小李：啊，對啦，可以這樣說。我在寫部落格。
  • 莉莉：部落格？什麼樣的部落格？
  • 小李：就是我去很多地方，然後問那裡的人很多問題。
  • 莉莉：聽起來很酷！
  • 小李：阿明也會幫我。他是攝影師。
  • 阿明：小李負責採訪，我負責拍照。
  • 莉莉：那你的中文已經超好的！
  • 小李：還好，還好。
  • 阿明：小李很謙虛。
  • 莉莉：那你… 要不要採訪我？
  • 阿明：小李，你慢慢喝！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • 莉莉：不好意思，我媽一直都這樣。
    • Sorry, my mom is always like this.
    • Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ mā yīzhí dōu zhèyàng.
  • 小李：沒事！她人超好。
    • No problem. She’s super nice.
    • Méishì! Tā rén chāo hǎo
  • 阿明：你也住在這裡嗎？
    • Do you also live here?
    • Nǐ yě zhù zài zhèlǐ ma?
  • 莉莉：沒有，我在外面租房。但是，因為媽媽現在一個人，所以我常常回家陪她吃飯。
    • No, I rent a place. But since my mom is alone now, I come home often to eat with her.
    • Méiyǒu, wǒ zài wàimiàn zūfáng. Dànshì, yīnwèi māmā xiànzài yīgèrén, suǒyǐ wǒ chángcháng huí jiā péi tā chīfàn
  • 阿明：你人真好！
    • You’re so kind!
    • Nǐ rén zhēn hǎo!
  • 莉莉：應該的。你們會喝酒嗎？
    • It’s the right thing to do. Do you drink alcohol?
    • Yīnggāi de. Nǐmen huì hējiǔ ma?
  • 小李：這是什麼？
    • What’s this?
    • Zhè shì shénme?
  • 阿明：小李，你沒有喝過高粱？
    • Xiao Li, you’ve never tried Kaoliang?
    • Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ méiyǒu hēguò gāoliang?
  • 小李：好辣！
    • It’s so strong! (lit. spicy)
    • Hǎo là!
  • 阿明：慢慢喝。
    • Drink slowly.
    • Màn man hē.
  • 莉莉：我很好奇。你怎麼會來到台灣呢？
    • I’m curious. How did you end up coming to Taiwan?
    • Wǒ hěn hàoqí. Nǐ zěnme huì lái dào táiwān ne?
  • 小李：喔，我一開始來學中文。畢業後我就留在這裡工作。
    • Oh, at first I came to study Chinese. After graduating, I stayed here to work.
    • Ō, wǒ yī kāishǐ lái xué zhōngwén. Bìyè hòu wǒ jiù liú zài zhèlǐ gōngzuò.
  • 莉莉：哦！你做什麼工作？
    • Oh! What work do you do?
    • Ó! Nǐ zuò shénme gōngzuò?
  • 阿明：小李是記者！
    • Xiao Li is a journalist!
    • Xiǎo lǐ shì jìzhě!
  • 小李：啊，對啦，可以這樣說。我在寫部落格。
    • Ah, yeah, you could say that. I’m writing a blog.
    • A, duì la, kěyǐ zhèyàng shuō. Wǒ zài xiě bùluògé.
  • 莉莉：部落格？什麼樣的部落格？
    • A blog? What kind of blog?
    • Bùluògé? Shénme yàng de bùluògé?
  • 小李：就是我去很多地方，然後問那裡的人很多問題。
    • It’s just like, I go to a lot of places, and then I ask the people there a lot of questions.
    • Jiùshì wǒ qù hěnduō dìfāng, ránhòu wèn nàlǐ de rén hěnduō wèntí.
  • 莉莉：聽起來很酷！
    • Sounds cool!
    • Tīng qǐlái hěn kù!
  • 小李：阿明也會幫我。他是攝影師。
    • A-Ming also helps me. He’s a photographer.
    • Ā míng yě huì bāng wǒ. Tā shì shèyǐng shī. 
  • 阿明：小李負責採訪，我負責拍照。
    • Xiao Li takes care of the interviewing. I’m in charge of taking pictures.
    • Xiǎo lǐ fùzé cǎifǎng, wǒ fùzé pāizhào. 
  • 莉莉：那你的中文已經超好的！
    • Then your Chinese is already super great!
    • Nà nǐ de zhōngwén yǐjīng chāo hǎo de!
  • 小李：還好，還好。
    • It’s alright, it’s alright.
    • Hái hǎo, hái hǎo.
  • 阿明：小李很謙虛。
    • Xiao Li is really modest.
    • Xiǎo lǐ hěn qiānxū.
  • 莉莉：那你… 要不要採訪我？
    • Well then… do you want to interview me?
    • Nà nǐ… yào bùyào cǎifǎng wǒ?
  • 阿明：小李，你慢慢喝！
    • Xiao Li, drink slowly!
    • Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ màn man hē!

Enjoying the podcast? Help keep it alive:
  ★ Support this podcast ★


Thanks for listening! 

]]> Thu, 16 Feb 2023 07:00:00 -0800 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 245 After listening to Season 2, Lesson 16, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening to and imitating the dialogue. Repetition makes it stick.

README: How to use this recording

You'll hear the dialogue from Lesson 16 twice.

The first time, there will be a short pause after each line. During the pause, try to repeat aloud exactly what you just heard.

Repeating aloud is important, partly because you'll be training your speech muscles to make the sounds of Mandarin, and partly because you'll be getting feedback about how you sound (if you're listening with earbuds, I recommend practicing with one earbud out and one in, or else with both partially in, so that you can hear yourself better).

The second time, there won't be any pauses. Try to "shadow" the sounds simultaneously as they are spoken, also aloud.

This will help you practice stringing the sounds together and further reinforce the muscle memory speech patterns of Mandarin. If it feels way too fast, you can try shadowing only one of the characters each time you listen. However, even then, don't expect to be able to keep up with everything at first.  It takes regular daily practice to start training your ears to have a more nuanced perception of the sounds, and to train your speech muscles to speak at natural speed.


Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only):

  • 莉莉：不好意思，我媽一直都這樣。
  • 小李：沒事！她人超好。
  • 阿明：你也住在這裡嗎？
  • 莉莉：沒有，我在外面租房。但是，因為媽媽現在一個人，所以我常常回家陪她吃飯。
  • 阿明：你人真好！
  • 莉莉：應該的。你們會喝酒嗎？
  • 小李：這是什麼？
  • 阿明：小李，你沒有喝過高粱？
  • 小李：好辣！
  • 阿明：慢慢喝。
  • 莉莉：我很好奇。你怎麼會來到台灣呢？
  • 小李：喔，我一開始來學中文。畢業後我就留在這裡工作。
  • 莉莉：哦！你做什麼工作？
  • 阿明：小李是記者！
  • 小李：啊，對啦，可以這樣說。我在寫部落格。
  • 莉莉：部落格？什麼樣的部落格？
  • 小李：就是我去很多地方，然後問那裡的人很多問題。
  • 莉莉：聽起來很酷！
  • 小李：阿明也會幫我。他是攝影師。
  • 阿明：小李負責採訪，我負責拍照。
  • 莉莉：那你的中文已經超好的！
  • 小李：還好，還好。
  • 阿明：小李很謙虛。
  • 莉莉：那你… 要不要採訪我？
  • 阿明：小李，你慢慢喝！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • 莉莉：不好意思，我媽一直都這樣。
    • Sorry, my mom is always like this.
    • Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ mā yīzhí dōu zhèyàng.
  • 小李：沒事！她人超好。
    • No problem. She’s super nice.
    • Méishì! Tā rén chāo hǎo
  • 阿明：你也住在這裡嗎？
    • Do you also live here?
    • Nǐ yě zhù zài zhèlǐ ma?
  • 莉莉：沒有，我在外面租房。但是，因為媽媽現在一個人，所以我常常回家陪她吃飯。
    • No, I rent a place. But since my mom is alone now, I come home often to eat with her.
    • Méiyǒu, wǒ zài wàimiàn zūfáng. Dànshì, yīnwèi māmā xiànzài yīgèrén, suǒyǐ wǒ chángcháng huí jiā péi tā chīfàn
  • 阿明：你人真好！
    • You’re so kind!
    • Nǐ rén zhēn hǎo!
  • 莉莉：應該的。你們會喝酒嗎？
    • It’s the right thing to do. Do you drink alcohol?
    • Yīnggāi de. Nǐmen huì hējiǔ ma?
  • 小李：這是什麼？
    • What’s this?
    • Zhè shì shénme?
  • 阿明：小李，你沒有喝過高粱？
    • Xiao Li, you’ve never tried Kaoliang?
    • Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ méiyǒu hēguò gāoliang?
  • 小李：好辣！
    • It’s so strong! (lit. spicy)
    • Hǎo là!
  • 阿明：慢慢喝。
    • Drink slowly.
    • Màn man hē.
  • 莉莉：我很好奇。你怎麼會來到台灣呢？
    • I’m curious. How did you end up coming to Taiwan?
    • Wǒ hěn hàoqí. Nǐ zěnme huì lái dào táiwān ne?
  • 小李：喔，我一開始來學中文。畢業後我就留在這裡工作。
    • Oh, at first I came to study Chinese. After graduating, I stayed here to work.
    • Ō, wǒ yī kāishǐ lái xué zhōngwén. Bìyè hòu wǒ jiù liú zài zhèlǐ gōngzuò.
  • 莉莉：哦！你做什麼工作？
    • Oh! What work do you do?
    • Ó! Nǐ zuò shénme gōngzuò?
  • 阿明：小李是記者！
    • Xiao Li is a journalist!
    • Xiǎo lǐ shì jìzhě!
  • 小李：啊，對啦，可以這樣說。我在寫部落格。
    • Ah, yeah, you could say that. I’m writing a blog.
    • A, duì la, kěyǐ zhèyàng shuō. Wǒ zài xiě bùluògé.
  • 莉莉：部落格？什麼樣的部落格？
    • A blog? What kind of blog?
    • Bùluògé? Shénme yàng de bùluògé?
  • 小李：就是我去很多地方，然後問那裡的人很多問題。
    • It’s just like, I go to a lot of places, and then I ask the people there a lot of questions.
    • Jiùshì wǒ qù hěnduō dìfāng, ránhòu wèn nàlǐ de rén hěnduō wèntí.
  • 莉莉：聽起來很酷！
    • Sounds cool!
    • Tīng qǐlái hěn kù!
  • 小李：阿明也會幫我。他是攝影師。
    • A-Ming also helps me. He’s a photographer.
    • Ā míng yě huì bāng wǒ. Tā shì shèyǐng shī. 
  • 阿明：小李負責採訪，我負責拍照。
    • Xiao Li takes care of the interviewing. I’m in charge of taking pictures.
    • Xiǎo lǐ fùzé cǎifǎng, wǒ fùzé pāizhào. 
  • 莉莉：那你的中文已經超好的！
    • Then your Chinese is already super great!
    • Nà nǐ de zhōngwén yǐjīng chāo hǎo de!
  • 小李：還好，還好。
    • It’s alright, it’s alright.
    • Hái hǎo, hái hǎo.
  • 阿明：小李很謙虛。
    • Xiao Li is really modest.
    • Xiǎo lǐ hěn qiānxū.
  • 莉莉：那你… 要不要採訪我？
    • Well then… do you want to interview me?
    • Nà nǐ… yào bùyào cǎifǎng wǒ?
  • 阿明：小李，你慢慢喝！
    • Xiao Li, drink slowly!
    • Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ màn man hē!

Enjoying the podcast? Help keep it alive:
  ★ Support this podcast ★


Thanks for listening! 

]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No S2 ~ 17 ~ 你人真好！Part 2 + Season Finale! 2 2 S2 ~ 17 ~ 你人真好！Part 2 + Season Finale! full 43f96f84-43a5-48b6-9386-e80e344151bc https://www.mftgu.com/episodes/s02-e17 Let's hear a line-by-line translation of the dialogue from lesson 16.

This is the final lesson of Season 2 -- a milestone for both of us. Congratulations! Every minute you spent listening is a minute you invested in yourself and your Mandarin learning. Learning a language is challenging, it takes time, and there are bound to have been moments when you felt frustrated or felt that you had hit a plateau. Whenever this happens, I find it helpful to zoom out and consider how far I've come in the past months or years. I encourage you to do the same. And remember that often it's those very moments of doubt that signal a breakthrough is about to happen.

Send me your feedback!
I would like to invite you to give me your feedback on the lessons so far. Here are some questions I'm particularly curious about: 

  • Did you listen to the whole series, or just part of it? If just part, how did you choose which lessons to listen to?
  • How helpful have you found the Daily Practice Sessions? Is there anything that made them hard to use?
  • How was the step up in difficulty between Season 1 and Season 2?
  • In Season 2, we spread one dialogue over two lessons, hearing the translation in the second part. What was that like for you? 
  • Anything else you'd like to share about your experience with the podcast, or with learning Mandarin. 

Thank you for taking a few minutes to answer these questions. Your feedback will influence the design of Season 3 and beyond. You can send me your answers by email, or via my new MFTGU Facebook page. Whether you're reading this roughly now-ish, or months or years after this lesson was published, I would love to hear from you. 

Become a supporting member
Consider becoming a supporting member today. Your support will enable me to keep paying the costs of hosting the podcast and this website. And if enough people join, I will even be able to put more time into making a wider variety of materials for you. 

I have lots of ideas, including a series specifically designed to help you master the tones, another series on pronunciation, a video series about “Mandarin Power Tools,” more fun dialogues, and much beyond that. 

It’s up to you, and it doesn’t take a lot. Even if everyone pitches in a small amount, it will make all the difference. And as a member, you will be among the first to know about this new material. 

Support this podcast in just a few clicks.

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction
  2. [01:42] Dialogue
  3. [03:12] Translation
  4. [10:07] Dialogue (full picture)
  5. [11:35] Questions for you, the listener!


Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only):

  • 莉莉：不好意思，我媽一直都這樣。
  • 小李：沒事！她人超好。
  • 阿明：你也住在這裡嗎？
  • 莉莉：沒有，我在外面租房。但是，因為媽媽現在一個人，所以我常常回家陪她吃飯。
  • 阿明：你人真好！
  • 莉莉：應該的。你們會喝酒嗎？
  • 小李：這是什麼？
  • 阿明：小李，你沒有喝過高粱？
  • 小李：好辣！
  • 阿明：慢慢喝。
  • 莉莉：我很好奇。你怎麼會來到台灣呢？
  • 小李：喔，我一開始來學中文。畢業後我就留在這裡工作。
  • 莉莉：哦！你做什麼工作？
  • 阿明：小李是記者！
  • 小李：啊，對啦，可以這樣說。我在寫部落格。
  • 莉莉：部落格？什麼樣的部落格？
  • 小李：就是我去很多地方，然後問那裡的人很多問題。
  • 莉莉：聽起來很酷！
  • 小李：阿明也會幫我。他是攝影師。
  • 阿明：小李負責採訪，我負責拍照。
  • 莉莉：那你的中文已經超好的！
  • 小李：還好，還好。
  • 阿明：小李很謙虛。
  • 莉莉：那你… 要不要採訪我？
  • 阿明：小李，你慢慢喝！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • 莉莉：不好意思，我媽一直都這樣。
    • Sorry, my mom is always like this.
    • Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ mā yīzhí dōu zhèyàng.
  • 小李：沒事！她人超好。
    • No problem. She’s super nice.
    • Méishì! Tā rén chāo hǎo
  • 阿明：你也住在這裡嗎？
    • Do you also live here?
    • Nǐ yě zhù zài zhèlǐ ma?
  • 莉莉：沒有，我在外面租房。但是，因為媽媽現在一個人，所以我常常回家陪她吃飯。
    • No, I rent a place. But since my mom is alone now, I come home often to eat with her.
    • Méiyǒu, wǒ zài wàimiàn zūfáng. Dànshì, yīnwèi māmā xiànzài yīgèrén, suǒyǐ wǒ chángcháng huí jiā péi tā chīfàn
  • 阿明：你人真好！
    • You’re so kind!
    • Nǐ rén zhēn hǎo!
  • 莉莉：應該的。你們會喝酒嗎？
    • It’s the right thing to do. Do you drink alcohol?
    • Yīnggāi de. Nǐmen huì hējiǔ ma?
  • 小李：這是什麼？
    • What’s this?
    • Zhè shì shénme?
  • 阿明：小李，你沒有喝過高粱？
    • Xiao Li, you’ve never tried Kaoliang?
    • Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ méiyǒu hēguò gāoliang?
  • 小李：好辣！
    • It’s so strong! (lit. spicy)
    • Hǎo là!
  • 阿明：慢慢喝。
    • Drink slowly.
    • Màn man hē.
  • 莉莉：我很好奇。你怎麼會來到台灣呢？
    • I’m curious. How did you end up coming to Taiwan?
    • Wǒ hěn hàoqí. Nǐ zěnme huì lái dào táiwān ne?
  • 小李：喔，我一開始來學中文。畢業後我就留在這裡工作。
    • Oh, at first I came to study Chinese. After graduating, I stayed here to work.
    • Ō, wǒ yī kāishǐ lái xué zhōngwén. Bìyè hòu wǒ jiù liú zài zhèlǐ gōngzuò.
  • 莉莉：哦！你做什麼工作？
    • Oh! What work do you do?
    • Ó! Nǐ zuò shénme gōngzuò?
  • 阿明：小李是記者！
    • Xiao Li is a journalist!
    • Xiǎo lǐ shì jìzhě!
  • 小李：啊，對啦，可以這樣說。我在寫部落格。
    • Ah, yeah, you could say that. I’m writing a blog.
    • A, duì la, kěyǐ zhèyàng shuō. Wǒ zài xiě bùluògé.
  • 莉莉：部落格？什麼樣的部落格？
    • A blog? What kind of blog?
    • Bùluògé? Shénme yàng de bùluògé?
  • 小李：就是我去很多地方，然後問那裡的人很多問題。
    • It’s just like, I go to a lot of places, and then I ask the people there a lot of questions.
    • Jiùshì wǒ qù hěnduō dìfāng, ránhòu wèn nàlǐ de rén hěnduō wèntí.
  • 莉莉：聽起來很酷！
    • Sounds cool!
    • Tīng qǐlái hěn kù!
  • 小李：阿明也會幫我。他是攝影師。
    • A-Ming also helps me. He’s a photographer.
    • Ā míng yě huì bāng wǒ. Tā shì shèyǐng shī. 
  • 阿明：小李負責採訪，我負責拍照。
    • Xiao Li takes care of the interviewing. I’m in charge of taking pictures.
    • Xiǎo lǐ fùzé cǎifǎng, wǒ fùzé pāizhào. 
  • 莉莉：那你的中文已經超好的！
    • Then your Chinese is already super great!
    • Nà nǐ de zhōngwén yǐjīng chāo hǎo de!
  • 小李：還好，還好。
    • It’s alright, it’s alright.
    • Hái hǎo, hái hǎo.
  • 阿明：小李很謙虛。
    • Xiao Li is really modest.
    • Xiǎo lǐ hěn qiānxū.
  • 莉莉：那你… 要不要採訪我？
    • Well then… do you want to interview me?
    • Nà nǐ… yào bùyào cǎifǎng wǒ?
  • 阿明：小李，你慢慢喝！
    • Xiao Li, drink slowly!
    • Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ màn man hē!


Thanks for listening!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Let's hear a line-by-line translation of the dialogue from lesson 16.

This is the final lesson of Season 2 -- a milestone for both of us. Congratulations! Every minute you spent listening is a minute you invested in yourself and your Mandarin learning. Learning a language is challenging, it takes time, and there are bound to have been moments when you felt frustrated or felt that you had hit a plateau. Whenever this happens, I find it helpful to zoom out and consider how far I've come in the past months or years. I encourage you to do the same. And remember that often it's those very moments of doubt that signal a breakthrough is about to happen.

Send me your feedback!
I would like to invite you to give me your feedback on the lessons so far. Here are some questions I'm particularly curious about: 

  • Did you listen to the whole series, or just part of it? If just part, how did you choose which lessons to listen to?
  • How helpful have you found the Daily Practice Sessions? Is there anything that made them hard to use?
  • How was the step up in difficulty between Season 1 and Season 2?
  • In Season 2, we spread one dialogue over two lessons, hearing the translation in the second part. What was that like for you? 
  • Anything else you'd like to share about your experience with the podcast, or with learning Mandarin. 

Thank you for taking a few minutes to answer these questions. Your feedback will influence the design of Season 3 and beyond. You can send me your answers by email, or via my new MFTGU Facebook page. Whether you're reading this roughly now-ish, or months or years after this lesson was published, I would love to hear from you. 

Become a supporting member
Consider becoming a supporting member today. Your support will enable me to keep paying the costs of hosting the podcast and this website. And if enough people join, I will even be able to put more time into making a wider variety of materials for you. 

I have lots of ideas, including a series specifically designed to help you master the tones, another series on pronunciation, a video series about “Mandarin Power Tools,” more fun dialogues, and much beyond that. 

It’s up to you, and it doesn’t take a lot. Even if everyone pitches in a small amount, it will make all the difference. And as a member, you will be among the first to know about this new material. 

Support this podcast in just a few clicks.

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction
  2. [01:42] Dialogue
  3. [03:12] Translation
  4. [10:07] Dialogue (full picture)
  5. [11:35] Questions for you, the listener!


Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only):

  • 莉莉：不好意思，我媽一直都這樣。
  • 小李：沒事！她人超好。
  • 阿明：你也住在這裡嗎？
  • 莉莉：沒有，我在外面租房。但是，因為媽媽現在一個人，所以我常常回家陪她吃飯。
  • 阿明：你人真好！
  • 莉莉：應該的。你們會喝酒嗎？
  • 小李：這是什麼？
  • 阿明：小李，你沒有喝過高粱？
  • 小李：好辣！
  • 阿明：慢慢喝。
  • 莉莉：我很好奇。你怎麼會來到台灣呢？
  • 小李：喔，我一開始來學中文。畢業後我就留在這裡工作。
  • 莉莉：哦！你做什麼工作？
  • 阿明：小李是記者！
  • 小李：啊，對啦，可以這樣說。我在寫部落格。
  • 莉莉：部落格？什麼樣的部落格？
  • 小李：就是我去很多地方，然後問那裡的人很多問題。
  • 莉莉：聽起來很酷！
  • 小李：阿明也會幫我。他是攝影師。
  • 阿明：小李負責採訪，我負責拍照。
  • 莉莉：那你的中文已經超好的！
  • 小李：還好，還好。
  • 阿明：小李很謙虛。
  • 莉莉：那你… 要不要採訪我？
  • 阿明：小李，你慢慢喝！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • 莉莉：不好意思，我媽一直都這樣。
    • Sorry, my mom is always like this.
    • Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ mā yīzhí dōu zhèyàng.
  • 小李：沒事！她人超好。
    • No problem. She’s super nice.
    • Méishì! Tā rén chāo hǎo
  • 阿明：你也住在這裡嗎？
    • Do you also live here?
    • Nǐ yě zhù zài zhèlǐ ma?
  • 莉莉：沒有，我在外面租房。但是，因為媽媽現在一個人，所以我常常回家陪她吃飯。
    • No, I rent a place. But since my mom is alone now, I come home often to eat with her.
    • Méiyǒu, wǒ zài wàimiàn zūfáng. Dànshì, yīnwèi māmā xiànzài yīgèrén, suǒyǐ wǒ chángcháng huí jiā péi tā chīfàn
  • 阿明：你人真好！
    • You’re so kind!
    • Nǐ rén zhēn hǎo!
  • 莉莉：應該的。你們會喝酒嗎？
    • It’s the right thing to do. Do you drink alcohol?
    • Yīnggāi de. Nǐmen huì hējiǔ ma?
  • 小李：這是什麼？
    • What’s this?
    • Zhè shì shénme?
  • 阿明：小李，你沒有喝過高粱？
    • Xiao Li, you’ve never tried Kaoliang?
    • Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ méiyǒu hēguò gāoliang?
  • 小李：好辣！
    • It’s so strong! (lit. spicy)
    • Hǎo là!
  • 阿明：慢慢喝。
    • Drink slowly.
    • Màn man hē.
  • 莉莉：我很好奇。你怎麼會來到台灣呢？
    • I’m curious. How did you end up coming to Taiwan?
    • Wǒ hěn hàoqí. Nǐ zěnme huì lái dào táiwān ne?
  • 小李：喔，我一開始來學中文。畢業後我就留在這裡工作。
    • Oh, at first I came to study Chinese. After graduating, I stayed here to work.
    • Ō, wǒ yī kāishǐ lái xué zhōngwén. Bìyè hòu wǒ jiù liú zài zhèlǐ gōngzuò.
  • 莉莉：哦！你做什麼工作？
    • Oh! What work do you do?
    • Ó! Nǐ zuò shénme gōngzuò?
  • 阿明：小李是記者！
    • Xiao Li is a journalist!
    • Xiǎo lǐ shì jìzhě!
  • 小李：啊，對啦，可以這樣說。我在寫部落格。
    • Ah, yeah, you could say that. I’m writing a blog.
    • A, duì la, kěyǐ zhèyàng shuō. Wǒ zài xiě bùluògé.
  • 莉莉：部落格？什麼樣的部落格？
    • A blog? What kind of blog?
    • Bùluògé? Shénme yàng de bùluògé?
  • 小李：就是我去很多地方，然後問那裡的人很多問題。
    • It’s just like, I go to a lot of places, and then I ask the people there a lot of questions.
    • Jiùshì wǒ qù hěnduō dìfāng, ránhòu wèn nàlǐ de rén hěnduō wèntí.
  • 莉莉：聽起來很酷！
    • Sounds cool!
    • Tīng qǐlái hěn kù!
  • 小李：阿明也會幫我。他是攝影師。
    • A-Ming also helps me. He’s a photographer.
    • Ā míng yě huì bāng wǒ. Tā shì shèyǐng shī. 
  • 阿明：小李負責採訪，我負責拍照。
    • Xiao Li takes care of the interviewing. I’m in charge of taking pictures.
    • Xiǎo lǐ fùzé cǎifǎng, wǒ fùzé pāizhào. 
  • 莉莉：那你的中文已經超好的！
    • Then your Chinese is already super great!
    • Nà nǐ de zhōngwén yǐjīng chāo hǎo de!
  • 小李：還好，還好。
    • It’s alright, it’s alright.
    • Hái hǎo, hái hǎo.
  • 阿明：小李很謙虛。
    • Xiao Li is really modest.
    • Xiǎo lǐ hěn qiānxū.
  • 莉莉：那你… 要不要採訪我？
    • Well then… do you want to interview me?
    • Nà nǐ… yào bùyào cǎifǎng wǒ?
  • 阿明：小李，你慢慢喝！
    • Xiao Li, drink slowly!
    • Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ màn man hē!


Thanks for listening!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Tue, 28 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -0800 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 1001 Let's hear a line-by-line translation of the dialogue from lesson 16.

This is the final lesson of Season 2 -- a milestone for both of us. Congratulations! Every minute you spent listening is a minute you invested in yourself and your Mandarin learning. Learning a language is challenging, it takes time, and there are bound to have been moments when you felt frustrated or felt that you had hit a plateau. Whenever this happens, I find it helpful to zoom out and consider how far I've come in the past months or years. I encourage you to do the same. And remember that often it's those very moments of doubt that signal a breakthrough is about to happen.

Send me your feedback!
I would like to invite you to give me your feedback on the lessons so far. Here are some questions I'm particularly curious about: 

  • Did you listen to the whole series, or just part of it? If just part, how did you choose which lessons to listen to?
  • How helpful have you found the Daily Practice Sessions? Is there anything that made them hard to use?
  • How was the step up in difficulty between Season 1 and Season 2?
  • In Season 2, we spread one dialogue over two lessons, hearing the translation in the second part. What was that like for you? 
  • Anything else you'd like to share about your experience with the podcast, or with learning Mandarin. 

Thank you for taking a few minutes to answer these questions. Your feedback will influence the design of Season 3 and beyond. You can send me your answers by email, or via my new MFTGU Facebook page. Whether you're reading this roughly now-ish, or months or years after this lesson was published, I would love to hear from you. 

Become a supporting member
Consider becoming a supporting member today. Your support will enable me to keep paying the costs of hosting the podcast and this website. And if enough people join, I will even be able to put more time into making a wider variety of materials for you. 

I have lots of ideas, including a series specifically designed to help you master the tones, another series on pronunciation, a video series about “Mandarin Power Tools,” more fun dialogues, and much beyond that. 

It’s up to you, and it doesn’t take a lot. Even if everyone pitches in a small amount, it will make all the difference. And as a member, you will be among the first to know about this new material. 

Support this podcast in just a few clicks.

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction
  2. [01:42] Dialogue
  3. [03:12] Translation
  4. [10:07] Dialogue (full picture)
  5. [11:35] Questions for you, the listener!


Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only):

  • 莉莉：不好意思，我媽一直都這樣。
  • 小李：沒事！她人超好。
  • 阿明：你也住在這裡嗎？
  • 莉莉：沒有，我在外面租房。但是，因為媽媽現在一個人，所以我常常回家陪她吃飯。
  • 阿明：你人真好！
  • 莉莉：應該的。你們會喝酒嗎？
  • 小李：這是什麼？
  • 阿明：小李，你沒有喝過高粱？
  • 小李：好辣！
  • 阿明：慢慢喝。
  • 莉莉：我很好奇。你怎麼會來到台灣呢？
  • 小李：喔，我一開始來學中文。畢業後我就留在這裡工作。
  • 莉莉：哦！你做什麼工作？
  • 阿明：小李是記者！
  • 小李：啊，對啦，可以這樣說。我在寫部落格。
  • 莉莉：部落格？什麼樣的部落格？
  • 小李：就是我去很多地方，然後問那裡的人很多問題。
  • 莉莉：聽起來很酷！
  • 小李：阿明也會幫我。他是攝影師。
  • 阿明：小李負責採訪，我負責拍照。
  • 莉莉：那你的中文已經超好的！
  • 小李：還好，還好。
  • 阿明：小李很謙虛。
  • 莉莉：那你… 要不要採訪我？
  • 阿明：小李，你慢慢喝！


Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 

  • 莉莉：不好意思，我媽一直都這樣。
    • Sorry, my mom is always like this.
    • Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ mā yīzhí dōu zhèyàng.
  • 小李：沒事！她人超好。
    • No problem. She’s super nice.
    • Méishì! Tā rén chāo hǎo
  • 阿明：你也住在這裡嗎？
    • Do you also live here?
    • Nǐ yě zhù zài zhèlǐ ma?
  • 莉莉：沒有，我在外面租房。但是，因為媽媽現在一個人，所以我常常回家陪她吃飯。
    • No, I rent a place. But since my mom is alone now, I come home often to eat with her.
    • Méiyǒu, wǒ zài wàimiàn zūfáng. Dànshì, yīnwèi māmā xiànzài yīgèrén, suǒyǐ wǒ chángcháng huí jiā péi tā chīfàn
  • 阿明：你人真好！
    • You’re so kind!
    • Nǐ rén zhēn hǎo!
  • 莉莉：應該的。你們會喝酒嗎？
    • It’s the right thing to do. Do you drink alcohol?
    • Yīnggāi de. Nǐmen huì hējiǔ ma?
  • 小李：這是什麼？
    • What’s this?
    • Zhè shì shénme?
  • 阿明：小李，你沒有喝過高粱？
    • Xiao Li, you’ve never tried Kaoliang?
    • Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ méiyǒu hēguò gāoliang?
  • 小李：好辣！
    • It’s so strong! (lit. spicy)
    • Hǎo là!
  • 阿明：慢慢喝。
    • Drink slowly.
    • Màn man hē.
  • 莉莉：我很好奇。你怎麼會來到台灣呢？
    • I’m curious. How did you end up coming to Taiwan?
    • Wǒ hěn hàoqí. Nǐ zěnme huì lái dào táiwān ne?
  • 小李：喔，我一開始來學中文。畢業後我就留在這裡工作。
    • Oh, at first I came to study Chinese. After graduating, I stayed here to work.
    • Ō, wǒ yī kāishǐ lái xué zhōngwén. Bìyè hòu wǒ jiù liú zài zhèlǐ gōngzuò.
  • 莉莉：哦！你做什麼工作？
    • Oh! What work do you do?
    • Ó! Nǐ zuò shénme gōngzuò?
  • 阿明：小李是記者！
    • Xiao Li is a journalist!
    • Xiǎo lǐ shì jìzhě!
  • 小李：啊，對啦，可以這樣說。我在寫部落格。
    • Ah, yeah, you could say that. I’m writing a blog.
    • A, duì la, kěyǐ zhèyàng shuō. Wǒ zài xiě bùluògé.
  • 莉莉：部落格？什麼樣的部落格？
    • A blog? What kind of blog?
    • Bùluògé? Shénme yàng de bùluògé?
  • 小李：就是我去很多地方，然後問那裡的人很多問題。
    • It’s just like, I go to a lot of places, and then I ask the people there a lot of questions.
    • Jiùshì wǒ qù hěnduō dìfāng, ránhòu wèn nàlǐ de rén hěnduō wèntí.
  • 莉莉：聽起來很酷！
    • Sounds cool!
    • Tīng qǐlái hěn kù!
  • 小李：阿明也會幫我。他是攝影師。
    • A-Ming also helps me. He’s a photographer.
    • Ā míng yě huì bāng wǒ. Tā shì shèyǐng shī. 
  • 阿明：小李負責採訪，我負責拍照。
    • Xiao Li takes care of the interviewing. I’m in charge of taking pictures.
    • Xiǎo lǐ fùzé cǎifǎng, wǒ fùzé pāizhào. 
  • 莉莉：那你的中文已經超好的！
    • Then your Chinese is already super great!
    • Nà nǐ de zhōngwén yǐjīng chāo hǎo de!
  • 小李：還好，還好。
    • It’s alright, it’s alright.
    • Hái hǎo, hái hǎo.
  • 阿明：小李很謙虛。
    • Xiao Li is really modest.
    • Xiǎo lǐ hěn qiānxū.
  • 莉莉：那你… 要不要採訪我？
    • Well then… do you want to interview me?
    • Nà nǐ… yào bùyào cǎifǎng wǒ?
  • 阿明：小李，你慢慢喝！
    • Xiao Li, drink slowly!
    • Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ màn man hē!


Thanks for listening!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No S3 ~ 01 ~ American strawberries on sale 美國草莓打折！ 3 3 S3 ~ 01 ~ American strawberries on sale 美國草莓打折！ full d7ada2cf-db2f-4705-ac3e-9c8314a060ca https://www.mftgu.com/episodes/s03-e01 Welcome back for Season 3! In this series, we are going to do a deep dive on the tones in Mandarin.

We covered tones briefly in Season 1, Episode 07, but there is still a lot more to talk about. Tones are one of those subjects that some people love and many people hate... or at least find unpleasant, and possibly somewhat frightening. It's my mission in Season 3 to dispel all your fears about tones. By the end of this season, my hope is that tones will be second nature for you.

Even if you already have a good grasp of the tones, I think you'll still get something from these lessons. They are full of stories and dialogues which, aside from exhibiting each particular tone pair, are also full of useful words and phrases, and are designed to evoke silly or even absurd mental images that will make them more memorable.

In this episode, I spend some time explaining the importance of tones, the significance and usefulness of tone pairs, and reviewing the basic tones with a new mnemonic device based on movement. Then we jump right in and start learning the first of 16 unique tone pairs.

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction to Season 3
  2. [00:54] Why do we need to focus so much on tones? 
  3. [04:17] Review of the four basic tones
  4. [06:34] What are tone pairs?
  5. [10:58] How these lessons work
  6. [11:43] Lesson part 1 - Magic Phrase 
  7. [15:35] Practice repeating the Magic Phrase
  8. [16:53] Lesson part 2 - Tone Pair Safari
  9. [19:39] Thanks to supporters <3


Magic Phrase (3-2)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 3-2 tone pair. In this lesson, we use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

導遊本來以為美國草莓打折！
Dǎoyóu běnlái yǐwéi měiguó cǎoméi dǎzhé!

Tone Pair Safari (3-2)
Once we are familiar with the 3-2 tone pair, we listen to a short story that is filled with more words that use this tone pair. In doing so, we sharpen our listening skills by practicing paying attention to the tones we hear. We also start to learn a bunch of useful words and phrases.

Transcript of the story
我朋友是警察。他以前很想要減肥。可是他感覺很難！因為他女兒每次旅行都會買奶油餅乾。警察請求他女兒不要再買，女兒說不行，餅乾很有名，吃餅乾讓她感覺很滿足！我覺得警察很可憐！最後，警察的老婆解決了問題。她去賭博。賭博很快就沒錢。然後女兒不能去旅行。雖然減肥的問題解決了，但是警察還是很倒霉。

Line by line, with pinyin
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

我朋友是警察。
Wǒ péngyǒu shì jǐngchá.

他以前很想要減肥。
Tā yǐqián hěn xiǎng yào jiǎnféi.

可是他感覺很難！
Kěshì tā gǎnjué hěn nán! 

因為他女兒每次旅行都會買奶油餅乾。
Yīnwèi tā nǚ'ér měi cì lǚxíng dōu huì mǎi nǎiyóu bǐnggān.

警察請求他女兒不要再買，
Jǐngchá qǐngqiú tā nǚ'ér bùyào zài mǎi,

女兒說不行，
nǚ'ér shuō bu xíng,

餅乾很有名，
bǐnggān hěn yǒumíng,

吃餅乾讓她感覺很滿足！
chī bǐnggān ràng tā gǎnjué hěn mǎnzú!

我覺得警察很可憐！
Wǒ juédé jǐngchá hěn kělián!

最後，警察的老婆解決了問題。
Zuìhòu, jǐngchá de lǎopó jiějué le wèntí.

她去賭博。賭博很快就沒錢。
Tā qù dǔbó. Dǔbó hěn kuài jiù méi qián.

然後女兒不能去旅行。
Ránhòu nǚ'ér bùnéng qù lǚxíng. 

雖然減肥的問題解決了，但是警察還是很倒霉。
Suīrán jiǎnféi de wèntí jiějuéle, dànshì jǐngchá háishì hěn dǎoméi.


Translation of the story
I'd like to encourage you to listen through the whole lesson at least once before you look at the translation. Then you can decide if and when to look, depending on your level. Especially if your Mandarin comprehension is already good enough that you understood 20% or more of the story just by listening, then it might be valuable for you to continue listening repeatedly in the days to come, observing how your comprehension improves with each listen. Once you are familiar with the sounds, you can look at the translation to fill in any missing pieces. 

That said, there is no one correct way to do this. If you feel a strong desire to read the passage and understand it all before you continue with the listening practice, that's still valid. 

  1. 我朋友是警察。
    1. Wǒ péngyǒu shì jǐngchá.
    2. My friend is a police officer. 
  2. 他以前很想要減肥。
    1. Tā yǐqián hěn xiǎng yào jiǎnféi.
    2. Before, he really wanted to lose weight. 
  3. 可是他感覺很難！
    1. Kěshì tā gǎnjué hěn nán!
    2. But he felt it was very difficult! 
  4. 因為他女兒每次旅行都會買奶油餅乾。
    1. Yīnwèi tā nǚ'ér měi cì lǚxíng dōu huì mǎi nǎiyóu bǐnggān.
    2. Because his daughter, every time she went traveling, she would buy butter cookies. 
  5. 警察請求他女兒不要再買，
    1. Jǐngchá qǐngqiú tā nǚ'ér bùyào zài mǎi,
    2. The police officer asked (his) daughter not to buy (them) again, 
  6. 女兒說不行，
    1. nǚ'ér shuō bu xíng,
    2. (His) daughter said it's impossible, 
  7. 餅乾很有名，
    1. bǐnggān hěn yǒumíng,
    2. The cookies are very famous, 
  8. 吃餅乾讓她感覺很滿足！
    1. chī bǐnggān ràng tā gǎnjué hěn mǎnzú!
    2. Eating the cookies makes her feel very satisfied! 
  9. 我覺得警察很可憐！
    1. Wǒ juédé jǐngchá hěn kělián!
    2. I feel the police officer is so pitiful (I take pity on him). 
  10. 最後，警察的老婆解決了問題。
    1. Zuìhòu, jǐngchá de lǎopó jiějué le wèntí.
    2. At last, the police officer's wife solved the problem. 
  11. 她去賭博。賭博很快就沒錢。
    1. Tā qù dǔbó. Dǔbó hěn kuài jiù méi qián.
    2. She went gambling. After gambling, very quickly there was no more money. 
  12. 然後女兒不能去旅行。
    1. Ránhòu nǚ'ér bùnéng qù lǚxíng.
    2. Then (their) daughter couldn't go traveling. 
  13. 雖然減肥的問題解決了，但是警察還是很倒霉。
    1. Suīrán jiǎnféi de wèntí jiějuéle, dànshì jǐngchá háishì hěn dǎoméi.
    2. Even though the weight loss problem was solved, but the police officer is still very unlucky. 

Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast, who enable this podcast to continue!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Welcome back for Season 3! In this series, we are going to do a deep dive on the tones in Mandarin.

We covered tones briefly in Season 1, Episode 07, but there is still a lot more to talk about. Tones are one of those subjects that some people love and many people hate... or at least find unpleasant, and possibly somewhat frightening. It's my mission in Season 3 to dispel all your fears about tones. By the end of this season, my hope is that tones will be second nature for you.

Even if you already have a good grasp of the tones, I think you'll still get something from these lessons. They are full of stories and dialogues which, aside from exhibiting each particular tone pair, are also full of useful words and phrases, and are designed to evoke silly or even absurd mental images that will make them more memorable.

In this episode, I spend some time explaining the importance of tones, the significance and usefulness of tone pairs, and reviewing the basic tones with a new mnemonic device based on movement. Then we jump right in and start learning the first of 16 unique tone pairs.

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction to Season 3
  2. [00:54] Why do we need to focus so much on tones? 
  3. [04:17] Review of the four basic tones
  4. [06:34] What are tone pairs?
  5. [10:58] How these lessons work
  6. [11:43] Lesson part 1 - Magic Phrase 
  7. [15:35] Practice repeating the Magic Phrase
  8. [16:53] Lesson part 2 - Tone Pair Safari
  9. [19:39] Thanks to supporters <3


Magic Phrase (3-2)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 3-2 tone pair. In this lesson, we use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

導遊本來以為美國草莓打折！
Dǎoyóu běnlái yǐwéi měiguó cǎoméi dǎzhé!

Tone Pair Safari (3-2)
Once we are familiar with the 3-2 tone pair, we listen to a short story that is filled with more words that use this tone pair. In doing so, we sharpen our listening skills by practicing paying attention to the tones we hear. We also start to learn a bunch of useful words and phrases.

Transcript of the story
我朋友是警察。他以前很想要減肥。可是他感覺很難！因為他女兒每次旅行都會買奶油餅乾。警察請求他女兒不要再買，女兒說不行，餅乾很有名，吃餅乾讓她感覺很滿足！我覺得警察很可憐！最後，警察的老婆解決了問題。她去賭博。賭博很快就沒錢。然後女兒不能去旅行。雖然減肥的問題解決了，但是警察還是很倒霉。

Line by line, with pinyin
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

我朋友是警察。
Wǒ péngyǒu shì jǐngchá.

他以前很想要減肥。
Tā yǐqián hěn xiǎng yào jiǎnféi.

可是他感覺很難！
Kěshì tā gǎnjué hěn nán! 

因為他女兒每次旅行都會買奶油餅乾。
Yīnwèi tā nǚ'ér měi cì lǚxíng dōu huì mǎi nǎiyóu bǐnggān.

警察請求他女兒不要再買，
Jǐngchá qǐngqiú tā nǚ'ér bùyào zài mǎi,

女兒說不行，
nǚ'ér shuō bu xíng,

餅乾很有名，
bǐnggān hěn yǒumíng,

吃餅乾讓她感覺很滿足！
chī bǐnggān ràng tā gǎnjué hěn mǎnzú!

我覺得警察很可憐！
Wǒ juédé jǐngchá hěn kělián!

最後，警察的老婆解決了問題。
Zuìhòu, jǐngchá de lǎopó jiějué le wèntí.

她去賭博。賭博很快就沒錢。
Tā qù dǔbó. Dǔbó hěn kuài jiù méi qián.

然後女兒不能去旅行。
Ránhòu nǚ'ér bùnéng qù lǚxíng. 

雖然減肥的問題解決了，但是警察還是很倒霉。
Suīrán jiǎnféi de wèntí jiějuéle, dànshì jǐngchá háishì hěn dǎoméi.


Translation of the story
I'd like to encourage you to listen through the whole lesson at least once before you look at the translation. Then you can decide if and when to look, depending on your level. Especially if your Mandarin comprehension is already good enough that you understood 20% or more of the story just by listening, then it might be valuable for you to continue listening repeatedly in the days to come, observing how your comprehension improves with each listen. Once you are familiar with the sounds, you can look at the translation to fill in any missing pieces. 

That said, there is no one correct way to do this. If you feel a strong desire to read the passage and understand it all before you continue with the listening practice, that's still valid. 

  1. 我朋友是警察。
    1. Wǒ péngyǒu shì jǐngchá.
    2. My friend is a police officer. 
  2. 他以前很想要減肥。
    1. Tā yǐqián hěn xiǎng yào jiǎnféi.
    2. Before, he really wanted to lose weight. 
  3. 可是他感覺很難！
    1. Kěshì tā gǎnjué hěn nán!
    2. But he felt it was very difficult! 
  4. 因為他女兒每次旅行都會買奶油餅乾。
    1. Yīnwèi tā nǚ'ér měi cì lǚxíng dōu huì mǎi nǎiyóu bǐnggān.
    2. Because his daughter, every time she went traveling, she would buy butter cookies. 
  5. 警察請求他女兒不要再買，
    1. Jǐngchá qǐngqiú tā nǚ'ér bùyào zài mǎi,
    2. The police officer asked (his) daughter not to buy (them) again, 
  6. 女兒說不行，
    1. nǚ'ér shuō bu xíng,
    2. (His) daughter said it's impossible, 
  7. 餅乾很有名，
    1. bǐnggān hěn yǒumíng,
    2. The cookies are very famous, 
  8. 吃餅乾讓她感覺很滿足！
    1. chī bǐnggān ràng tā gǎnjué hěn mǎnzú!
    2. Eating the cookies makes her feel very satisfied! 
  9. 我覺得警察很可憐！
    1. Wǒ juédé jǐngchá hěn kělián!
    2. I feel the police officer is so pitiful (I take pity on him). 
  10. 最後，警察的老婆解決了問題。
    1. Zuìhòu, jǐngchá de lǎopó jiějué le wèntí.
    2. At last, the police officer's wife solved the problem. 
  11. 她去賭博。賭博很快就沒錢。
    1. Tā qù dǔbó. Dǔbó hěn kuài jiù méi qián.
    2. She went gambling. After gambling, very quickly there was no more money. 
  12. 然後女兒不能去旅行。
    1. Ránhòu nǚ'ér bùnéng qù lǚxíng.
    2. Then (their) daughter couldn't go traveling. 
  13. 雖然減肥的問題解決了，但是警察還是很倒霉。
    1. Suīrán jiǎnféi de wèntí jiějuéle, dànshì jǐngchá háishì hěn dǎoméi.
    2. Even though the weight loss problem was solved, but the police officer is still very unlucky. 

Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast, who enable this podcast to continue!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Sun, 30 Apr 2023 22:12:03 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 1270 Welcome back for Season 3! In this series, we are going to do a deep dive on the tones in Mandarin.

We covered tones briefly in Season 1, Episode 07, but there is still a lot more to talk about. Tones are one of those subjects that some people love and many people hate... or at least find unpleasant, and possibly somewhat frightening. It's my mission in Season 3 to dispel all your fears about tones. By the end of this season, my hope is that tones will be second nature for you.

Even if you already have a good grasp of the tones, I think you'll still get something from these lessons. They are full of stories and dialogues which, aside from exhibiting each particular tone pair, are also full of useful words and phrases, and are designed to evoke silly or even absurd mental images that will make them more memorable.

In this episode, I spend some time explaining the importance of tones, the significance and usefulness of tone pairs, and reviewing the basic tones with a new mnemonic device based on movement. Then we jump right in and start learning the first of 16 unique tone pairs.

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction to Season 3
  2. [00:54] Why do we need to focus so much on tones? 
  3. [04:17] Review of the four basic tones
  4. [06:34] What are tone pairs?
  5. [10:58] How these lessons work
  6. [11:43] Lesson part 1 - Magic Phrase 
  7. [15:35] Practice repeating the Magic Phrase
  8. [16:53] Lesson part 2 - Tone Pair Safari
  9. [19:39] Thanks to supporters <3


Magic Phrase (3-2)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 3-2 tone pair. In this lesson, we use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

導遊本來以為美國草莓打折！
Dǎoyóu běnlái yǐwéi měiguó cǎoméi dǎzhé!

Tone Pair Safari (3-2)
Once we are familiar with the 3-2 tone pair, we listen to a short story that is filled with more words that use this tone pair. In doing so, we sharpen our listening skills by practicing paying attention to the tones we hear. We also start to learn a bunch of useful words and phrases.

Transcript of the story
我朋友是警察。他以前很想要減肥。可是他感覺很難！因為他女兒每次旅行都會買奶油餅乾。警察請求他女兒不要再買，女兒說不行，餅乾很有名，吃餅乾讓她感覺很滿足！我覺得警察很可憐！最後，警察的老婆解決了問題。她去賭博。賭博很快就沒錢。然後女兒不能去旅行。雖然減肥的問題解決了，但是警察還是很倒霉。

Line by line, with pinyin
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

我朋友是警察。
Wǒ péngyǒu shì jǐngchá.

他以前很想要減肥。
Tā yǐqián hěn xiǎng yào jiǎnféi.

可是他感覺很難！
Kěshì tā gǎnjué hěn nán! 

因為他女兒每次旅行都會買奶油餅乾。
Yīnwèi tā nǚ'ér měi cì lǚxíng dōu huì mǎi nǎiyóu bǐnggān.

警察請求他女兒不要再買，
Jǐngchá qǐngqiú tā nǚ'ér bùyào zài mǎi,

女兒說不行，
nǚ'ér shuō bu xíng,

餅乾很有名，
bǐnggān hěn yǒumíng,

吃餅乾讓她感覺很滿足！
chī bǐnggān ràng tā gǎnjué hěn mǎnzú!

我覺得警察很可憐！
Wǒ juédé jǐngchá hěn kělián!

最後，警察的老婆解決了問題。
Zuìhòu, jǐngchá de lǎopó jiějué le wèntí.

她去賭博。賭博很快就沒錢。
Tā qù dǔbó. Dǔbó hěn kuài jiù méi qián.

然後女兒不能去旅行。
Ránhòu nǚ'ér bùnéng qù lǚxíng. 

雖然減肥的問題解決了，但是警察還是很倒霉。
Suīrán jiǎnféi de wèntí jiějuéle, dànshì jǐngchá háishì hěn dǎoméi.


Translation of the story
I'd like to encourage you to listen through the whole lesson at least once before you look at the translation. Then you can decide if and when to look, depending on your level. Especially if your Mandarin comprehension is already good enough that you understood 20% or more of the story just by listening, then it might be valuable for you to continue listening repeatedly in the days to come, observing how your comprehension improves with each listen. Once you are familiar with the sounds, you can look at the translation to fill in any missing pieces. 

That said, there is no one correct way to do this. If you feel a strong desire to read the passage and understand it all before you continue with the listening practice, that's still valid. 

  1. 我朋友是警察。
    1. Wǒ péngyǒu shì jǐngchá.
    2. My friend is a police officer. 
  2. 他以前很想要減肥。
    1. Tā yǐqián hěn xiǎng yào jiǎnféi.
    2. Before, he really wanted to lose weight. 
  3. 可是他感覺很難！
    1. Kěshì tā gǎnjué hěn nán!
    2. But he felt it was very difficult! 
  4. 因為他女兒每次旅行都會買奶油餅乾。
    1. Yīnwèi tā nǚ'ér měi cì lǚxíng dōu huì mǎi nǎiyóu bǐnggān.
    2. Because his daughter, every time she went traveling, she would buy butter cookies. 
  5. 警察請求他女兒不要再買，
    1. Jǐngchá qǐngqiú tā nǚ'ér bùyào zài mǎi,
    2. The police officer asked (his) daughter not to buy (them) again, 
  6. 女兒說不行，
    1. nǚ'ér shuō bu xíng,
    2. (His) daughter said it's impossible, 
  7. 餅乾很有名，
    1. bǐnggān hěn yǒumíng,
    2. The cookies are very famous, 
  8. 吃餅乾讓她感覺很滿足！
    1. chī bǐnggān ràng tā gǎnjué hěn mǎnzú!
    2. Eating the cookies makes her feel very satisfied! 
  9. 我覺得警察很可憐！
    1. Wǒ juédé jǐngchá hěn kělián!
    2. I feel the police officer is so pitiful (I take pity on him). 
  10. 最後，警察的老婆解決了問題。
    1. Zuìhòu, jǐngchá de lǎopó jiějué le wèntí.
    2. At last, the police officer's wife solved the problem. 
  11. 她去賭博。賭博很快就沒錢。
    1. Tā qù dǔbó. Dǔbó hěn kuài jiù méi qián.
    2. She went gambling. After gambling, very quickly there was no more money. 
  12. 然後女兒不能去旅行。
    1. Ránhòu nǚ'ér bùnéng qù lǚxíng.
    2. Then (their) daughter couldn't go traveling. 
  13. 雖然減肥的問題解決了，但是警察還是很倒霉。
    1. Suīrán jiǎnféi de wèntí jiějuéle, dànshì jǐngchá háishì hěn dǎoméi.
    2. Even though the weight loss problem was solved, but the police officer is still very unlucky. 

Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast, who enable this podcast to continue!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan, tones, tone pairs No Daily Practice Session - S3 - Lesson 01 3 3 Daily Practice Session - S3 - Lesson 01 bonus c4a40554-0857-4e5a-bf43-deb8bc1bbb99 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b58633c5 After listening to Season 3, Lesson 01, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes it stick.


Part 1: Magic Phrase (3-2)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 3-2 tone pair. In this lesson, we use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

導遊本來以為美國草莓打折！
Dǎoyóu běnlái yǐwéi měiguó cǎoméi dǎzhé!

Part 2: Tone Pair Safari (3-2)
Once we are familiar with the 3-2 tone pair, we listen to a short story that is filled with more words that use this tone pair. In doing so, we sharpen our listening skills by practicing paying attention to the tones we hear. We also start to learn a bunch of useful words and phrases.

Transcript of the story
我朋友是警察。他以前很想要減肥。可是他感覺很難！因為他女兒每次旅行都會買奶油餅乾。警察請求他女兒不要再買，女兒說不行，餅乾很有名，吃餅乾讓她感覺很滿足！我覺得警察很可憐！最後，警察的老婆解決了問題。她去賭博。賭博很快就沒錢。然後女兒不能去旅行。雖然減肥的問題解決了，但是警察還是很倒霉。

Line by line, with pinyin
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

我朋友是警察。
Wǒ péngyǒu shì jǐngchá.

他以前很想要減肥。
Tā yǐqián hěn xiǎng yào jiǎnféi.

可是他感覺很難！
Kěshì tā gǎnjué hěn nán! 

因為他女兒每次旅行都會買奶油餅乾。
Yīnwèi tā nǚ'ér měi cì lǚxíng dōu huì mǎi nǎiyóu bǐnggān.

警察請求他女兒不要再買，
Jǐngchá qǐngqiú tā nǚ'ér bùyào zài mǎi,

女兒說不行，
nǚ'ér shuō bu xíng,

餅乾很有名，
bǐnggān hěn yǒumíng,

吃餅乾讓她感覺很滿足！
chī bǐnggān ràng tā gǎnjué hěn mǎnzú!

我覺得警察很可憐！
Wǒ juédé jǐngchá hěn kělián!

最後，警察的老婆解決了問題。
Zuìhòu, jǐngchá de lǎopó jiějué le wèntí.

她去賭博。賭博很快就沒錢。
Tā qù dǔbó. Dǔbó hěn kuài jiù méi qián.

然後女兒不能去旅行。
Ránhòu nǚ'ér bùnéng qù lǚxíng. 

雖然減肥的問題解決了，但是警察還是很倒霉。
Suīrán jiǎnféi de wèntí jiějuéle, dànshì jǐngchá háishì hěn dǎoméi.


Translation of the story
I'd like to encourage you to listen through the whole lesson at least once before you look at the translation. Then you can decide if and when to look, depending on your level. Especially if your Mandarin comprehension is already good enough that you understood 20% or more of the story just by listening, then it might be valuable for you to continue listening repeatedly in the days to come, observing how your comprehension improves with each listen. Once you are familiar with the sounds, you can look at the translation to fill in any missing pieces. 

That said, there is no one correct way to do this. If you feel a strong desire to read the passage and understand it all before you continue with the listening practice, that's still valid. 

  1. 我朋友是警察。
    1. Wǒ péngyǒu shì jǐngchá.
    2. My friend is a police officer. 
  2. 他以前很想要減肥。
    1. Tā yǐqián hěn xiǎng yào jiǎnféi.
    2. Before, he really wanted to lose weight. 
  3. 可是他感覺很難！
    1. Kěshì tā gǎnjué hěn nán!
    2. But he felt it was very difficult! 
  4. 因為他女兒每次旅行都會買奶油餅乾。
    1. Yīnwèi tā nǚ'ér měi cì lǚxíng dōu huì mǎi nǎiyóu bǐnggān.
    2. Because his daughter, every time she went traveling, she would buy butter cookies. 
  5. 警察請求他女兒不要再買，
    1. Jǐngchá qǐngqiú tā nǚ'ér bùyào zài mǎi,
    2. The police officer asked (his) daughter not to buy (them) again, 
  6. 女兒說不行，
    1. nǚ'ér shuō bu xíng,
    2. (His) daughter said it's impossible, 
  7. 餅乾很有名，
    1. bǐnggān hěn yǒumíng,
    2. The cookies are very famous, 
  8. 吃餅乾讓她感覺很滿足！
    1. chī bǐnggān ràng tā gǎnjué hěn mǎnzú!
    2. Eating the cookies makes her feel very satisfied! 
  9. 我覺得警察很可憐！
    1. Wǒ juédé jǐngchá hěn kělián!
    2. I feel the police officer is so pitiful (I take pity on him). 
  10. 最後，警察的老婆解決了問題。
    1. Zuìhòu, jǐngchá de lǎopó jiějué le wèntí.
    2. At last, the police officer's wife solved the problem. 
  11. 她去賭博。賭博很快就沒錢。
    1. Tā qù dǔbó. Dǔbó hěn kuài jiù méi qián.
    2. She went gambling. After gambling, very quickly there was no more money. 
  12. 然後女兒不能去旅行。
    1. Ránhòu nǚ'ér bùnéng qù lǚxíng.
    2. Then (their) daughter couldn't go traveling. 
  13. 雖然減肥的問題解決了，但是警察還是很倒霉。
    1. Suīrán jiǎnféi de wèntí jiějuéle, dànshì jǐngchá háishì hěn dǎoméi.
    2. Even though the weight loss problem was solved, but the police officer is still very unlucky. 

Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast, who enable this podcast to continue!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> After listening to Season 3, Lesson 01, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes it stick.


Part 1: Magic Phrase (3-2)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 3-2 tone pair. In this lesson, we use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

導遊本來以為美國草莓打折！
Dǎoyóu běnlái yǐwéi měiguó cǎoméi dǎzhé!

Part 2: Tone Pair Safari (3-2)
Once we are familiar with the 3-2 tone pair, we listen to a short story that is filled with more words that use this tone pair. In doing so, we sharpen our listening skills by practicing paying attention to the tones we hear. We also start to learn a bunch of useful words and phrases.

Transcript of the story
我朋友是警察。他以前很想要減肥。可是他感覺很難！因為他女兒每次旅行都會買奶油餅乾。警察請求他女兒不要再買，女兒說不行，餅乾很有名，吃餅乾讓她感覺很滿足！我覺得警察很可憐！最後，警察的老婆解決了問題。她去賭博。賭博很快就沒錢。然後女兒不能去旅行。雖然減肥的問題解決了，但是警察還是很倒霉。

Line by line, with pinyin
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

我朋友是警察。
Wǒ péngyǒu shì jǐngchá.

他以前很想要減肥。
Tā yǐqián hěn xiǎng yào jiǎnféi.

可是他感覺很難！
Kěshì tā gǎnjué hěn nán! 

因為他女兒每次旅行都會買奶油餅乾。
Yīnwèi tā nǚ'ér měi cì lǚxíng dōu huì mǎi nǎiyóu bǐnggān.

警察請求他女兒不要再買，
Jǐngchá qǐngqiú tā nǚ'ér bùyào zài mǎi,

女兒說不行，
nǚ'ér shuō bu xíng,

餅乾很有名，
bǐnggān hěn yǒumíng,

吃餅乾讓她感覺很滿足！
chī bǐnggān ràng tā gǎnjué hěn mǎnzú!

我覺得警察很可憐！
Wǒ juédé jǐngchá hěn kělián!

最後，警察的老婆解決了問題。
Zuìhòu, jǐngchá de lǎopó jiějué le wèntí.

她去賭博。賭博很快就沒錢。
Tā qù dǔbó. Dǔbó hěn kuài jiù méi qián.

然後女兒不能去旅行。
Ránhòu nǚ'ér bùnéng qù lǚxíng. 

雖然減肥的問題解決了，但是警察還是很倒霉。
Suīrán jiǎnféi de wèntí jiějuéle, dànshì jǐngchá háishì hěn dǎoméi.


Translation of the story
I'd like to encourage you to listen through the whole lesson at least once before you look at the translation. Then you can decide if and when to look, depending on your level. Especially if your Mandarin comprehension is already good enough that you understood 20% or more of the story just by listening, then it might be valuable for you to continue listening repeatedly in the days to come, observing how your comprehension improves with each listen. Once you are familiar with the sounds, you can look at the translation to fill in any missing pieces. 

That said, there is no one correct way to do this. If you feel a strong desire to read the passage and understand it all before you continue with the listening practice, that's still valid. 

  1. 我朋友是警察。
    1. Wǒ péngyǒu shì jǐngchá.
    2. My friend is a police officer. 
  2. 他以前很想要減肥。
    1. Tā yǐqián hěn xiǎng yào jiǎnféi.
    2. Before, he really wanted to lose weight. 
  3. 可是他感覺很難！
    1. Kěshì tā gǎnjué hěn nán!
    2. But he felt it was very difficult! 
  4. 因為他女兒每次旅行都會買奶油餅乾。
    1. Yīnwèi tā nǚ'ér měi cì lǚxíng dōu huì mǎi nǎiyóu bǐnggān.
    2. Because his daughter, every time she went traveling, she would buy butter cookies. 
  5. 警察請求他女兒不要再買，
    1. Jǐngchá qǐngqiú tā nǚ'ér bùyào zài mǎi,
    2. The police officer asked (his) daughter not to buy (them) again, 
  6. 女兒說不行，
    1. nǚ'ér shuō bu xíng,
    2. (His) daughter said it's impossible, 
  7. 餅乾很有名，
    1. bǐnggān hěn yǒumíng,
    2. The cookies are very famous, 
  8. 吃餅乾讓她感覺很滿足！
    1. chī bǐnggān ràng tā gǎnjué hěn mǎnzú!
    2. Eating the cookies makes her feel very satisfied! 
  9. 我覺得警察很可憐！
    1. Wǒ juédé jǐngchá hěn kělián!
    2. I feel the police officer is so pitiful (I take pity on him). 
  10. 最後，警察的老婆解決了問題。
    1. Zuìhòu, jǐngchá de lǎopó jiějué le wèntí.
    2. At last, the police officer's wife solved the problem. 
  11. 她去賭博。賭博很快就沒錢。
    1. Tā qù dǔbó. Dǔbó hěn kuài jiù méi qián.
    2. She went gambling. After gambling, very quickly there was no more money. 
  12. 然後女兒不能去旅行。
    1. Ránhòu nǚ'ér bùnéng qù lǚxíng.
    2. Then (their) daughter couldn't go traveling. 
  13. 雖然減肥的問題解決了，但是警察還是很倒霉。
    1. Suīrán jiǎnféi de wèntí jiějuéle, dànshì jǐngchá háishì hěn dǎoméi.
    2. Even though the weight loss problem was solved, but the police officer is still very unlucky. 

Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast, who enable this podcast to continue!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Mon, 01 May 2023 20:59:53 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 317 After listening to Season 3, Lesson 01, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes it stick.


Part 1: Magic Phrase (3-2)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 3-2 tone pair. In this lesson, we use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

導遊本來以為美國草莓打折！
Dǎoyóu běnlái yǐwéi měiguó cǎoméi dǎzhé!

Part 2: Tone Pair Safari (3-2)
Once we are familiar with the 3-2 tone pair, we listen to a short story that is filled with more words that use this tone pair. In doing so, we sharpen our listening skills by practicing paying attention to the tones we hear. We also start to learn a bunch of useful words and phrases.

Transcript of the story
我朋友是警察。他以前很想要減肥。可是他感覺很難！因為他女兒每次旅行都會買奶油餅乾。警察請求他女兒不要再買，女兒說不行，餅乾很有名，吃餅乾讓她感覺很滿足！我覺得警察很可憐！最後，警察的老婆解決了問題。她去賭博。賭博很快就沒錢。然後女兒不能去旅行。雖然減肥的問題解決了，但是警察還是很倒霉。

Line by line, with pinyin
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

我朋友是警察。
Wǒ péngyǒu shì jǐngchá.

他以前很想要減肥。
Tā yǐqián hěn xiǎng yào jiǎnféi.

可是他感覺很難！
Kěshì tā gǎnjué hěn nán! 

因為他女兒每次旅行都會買奶油餅乾。
Yīnwèi tā nǚ'ér měi cì lǚxíng dōu huì mǎi nǎiyóu bǐnggān.

警察請求他女兒不要再買，
Jǐngchá qǐngqiú tā nǚ'ér bùyào zài mǎi,

女兒說不行，
nǚ'ér shuō bu xíng,

餅乾很有名，
bǐnggān hěn yǒumíng,

吃餅乾讓她感覺很滿足！
chī bǐnggān ràng tā gǎnjué hěn mǎnzú!

我覺得警察很可憐！
Wǒ juédé jǐngchá hěn kělián!

最後，警察的老婆解決了問題。
Zuìhòu, jǐngchá de lǎopó jiějué le wèntí.

她去賭博。賭博很快就沒錢。
Tā qù dǔbó. Dǔbó hěn kuài jiù méi qián.

然後女兒不能去旅行。
Ránhòu nǚ'ér bùnéng qù lǚxíng. 

雖然減肥的問題解決了，但是警察還是很倒霉。
Suīrán jiǎnféi de wèntí jiějuéle, dànshì jǐngchá háishì hěn dǎoméi.


Translation of the story
I'd like to encourage you to listen through the whole lesson at least once before you look at the translation. Then you can decide if and when to look, depending on your level. Especially if your Mandarin comprehension is already good enough that you understood 20% or more of the story just by listening, then it might be valuable for you to continue listening repeatedly in the days to come, observing how your comprehension improves with each listen. Once you are familiar with the sounds, you can look at the translation to fill in any missing pieces. 

That said, there is no one correct way to do this. If you feel a strong desire to read the passage and understand it all before you continue with the listening practice, that's still valid. 

  1. 我朋友是警察。
    1. Wǒ péngyǒu shì jǐngchá.
    2. My friend is a police officer. 
  2. 他以前很想要減肥。
    1. Tā yǐqián hěn xiǎng yào jiǎnféi.
    2. Before, he really wanted to lose weight. 
  3. 可是他感覺很難！
    1. Kěshì tā gǎnjué hěn nán!
    2. But he felt it was very difficult! 
  4. 因為他女兒每次旅行都會買奶油餅乾。
    1. Yīnwèi tā nǚ'ér měi cì lǚxíng dōu huì mǎi nǎiyóu bǐnggān.
    2. Because his daughter, every time she went traveling, she would buy butter cookies. 
  5. 警察請求他女兒不要再買，
    1. Jǐngchá qǐngqiú tā nǚ'ér bùyào zài mǎi,
    2. The police officer asked (his) daughter not to buy (them) again, 
  6. 女兒說不行，
    1. nǚ'ér shuō bu xíng,
    2. (His) daughter said it's impossible, 
  7. 餅乾很有名，
    1. bǐnggān hěn yǒumíng,
    2. The cookies are very famous, 
  8. 吃餅乾讓她感覺很滿足！
    1. chī bǐnggān ràng tā gǎnjué hěn mǎnzú!
    2. Eating the cookies makes her feel very satisfied! 
  9. 我覺得警察很可憐！
    1. Wǒ juédé jǐngchá hěn kělián!
    2. I feel the police officer is so pitiful (I take pity on him). 
  10. 最後，警察的老婆解決了問題。
    1. Zuìhòu, jǐngchá de lǎopó jiějué le wèntí.
    2. At last, the police officer's wife solved the problem. 
  11. 她去賭博。賭博很快就沒錢。
    1. Tā qù dǔbó. Dǔbó hěn kuài jiù méi qián.
    2. She went gambling. After gambling, very quickly there was no more money. 
  12. 然後女兒不能去旅行。
    1. Ránhòu nǚ'ér bùnéng qù lǚxíng.
    2. Then (their) daughter couldn't go traveling. 
  13. 雖然減肥的問題解決了，但是警察還是很倒霉。
    1. Suīrán jiǎnféi de wèntí jiějuéle, dànshì jǐngchá háishì hěn dǎoméi.
    2. Even though the weight loss problem was solved, but the police officer is still very unlucky. 

Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast, who enable this podcast to continue!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan, tones, tone pairs No S3 ~ 02 ~ Supermarkets need music 超市需要音樂！ 3 3 S3 ~ 02 ~ Supermarkets need music 超市需要音樂！ full f0c47547-f51c-4beb-b0ce-d2b2e32a6a68 https://www.mftgu.com/episodes/s03-e02 Let's learn another tone pair! Can you hear which one it is?

Learning the pronunciation of a foreign language can sometimes feel strange, even scary. Pronunciation is such a personal thing -- it's part of who we are, and how we express ourselves. When we start to imitate another language, it's easy to start feeling like "this isn't me."

If you find yourself feeling that way, try to just observe the feeling without judging either yourself or the language. You might even take it as a good sign, because it means you're going outside your own comfort zone!

Learning a new pronunciation system -- a new way of expressing yourself through sound -- is an opportunity to expand your sense of yourself. But don't expect it to happen all at once. Our ears are specially tuned to the sounds of our own native language(s), and at first, we won't be able to hear or pronounce the sounds of another language nearly so precisely.

So ease yourself into the new language. Let yourself have fun. Exaggerate the sounds as you imitate them -- especially the tones! More than likely, what sounds like exaggeration to you is actually just the normal pronunciation of an unfamiliar language.

About today's lesson

We start by hearing another silly phrase composed entirely of today's tone pair. You'll probably never need to say this particular phrase, but that's also not the point. By practicing listening to and imitating exactly what we hear, we are strengthening our Mandarin listening and speaking muscles, and simultaneously sensitizing our ears to this tone pattern.

Next, we will hear a natural dialogue with a lot of words that use the same tone pair, giving our ears a chance to practice recognizing it in natural speech. And of course we'll get to learn a lot of new useful words and phrases in the bargain. Ready? 

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction
  2. [00:49] Magic Phrase
  3. [03:31] Practice repeating the Magic Phrase
  4. [05:45] Tone Pair Safari: Dialogue
  5. [07:55] Translation of the dialogue
  6. [11:55] Hear the dialogue one more time


Magic Phrase (1-4)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 1-4 tone pair. In this lesson, we use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

超市需要音樂，醫院需要安靜！
Chāoshì xūyào yīnyuè, yīyuàn xūyào ānjìng!

Tone Pair Safari (1-4)
Once we are familiar with the 1-4 tone pair, we listen to a new dialogue that is filled with more words that use this tone pair. In doing so, we sharpen our listening skills by practicing paying attention to the tones we hear.

Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

L：生日快樂！欸？你不高興？
M：我生病了！
L：你生日你就生病！是不是因為天氣。我把窗戶關閉。
M：不是，是工作壓力啦。
L：你需要去醫院嗎？
M：我不相信醫院會幫助我。
L：因為醫生不專業？還是因為醫院裡的空氣不好？
M：我發現醫院不太乾淨。
L：是哦。好，我尊重你。
M：【嘆氣】 … 這裡好安靜。
L：你看！我剛剛經過了超市，我買了雞蛋。
M：你要做蛋糕給我？！
L：不是啊，我要煎蛋給你。
M：生日雞蛋？
L：你要聽音樂嗎？祝你生日快樂，祝你生日快樂…
M：你好幽默。



Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • L：生日快樂！欸？你不高興？
    • Shēngrì kuàilè! Āi? Nǐ bù gāoxìng?
    • Happy birthday! Huh? You’re unhappy?
  • M：我生病了！
    • Wǒ shēngbìngle!
    • I’m sick!
  • L：你生日你就生病！是不是因為天氣。我把窗戶關閉。
    • Nǐ shēngrì nǐ jiù shēngbìng! Shì bùshì yīn wéi tiānqì. Wǒ bǎ chuānghù guānbì.
    • You got sick on your birthday! It’s because of the weather, isn’t it. I’ll close the window.
  • M：不是，是工作壓力啦。
    • Bùshì, shì gōngzuò yālì la.
    • It’s not that, it’s pressure from work.
  • L：你需要去醫院嗎？
    • Nǐ xūyào qù yīyuàn ma?
    • Do you need to go to the hospital?
  • M：我不相信醫院會幫助我。
    • Wǒ bù xiāngxìn yīyuàn huì bāngzhù wǒ.
    • I don’t believe the hospital will help me.
  • L：因為醫生不專業？還是因為醫院裡的空氣不好？
    • Yīnwèi yīshēng bù zhuānyè? Háishì yīnwèi yīyuàn lǐ de kōngqì bù hǎo?
    • Because the doctors are unprofessional? Or because the hospital has bad air?
  • M：我發現醫院不太乾淨。
    • Wǒ fāxiàn yīyuàn bù tài gānjìng.
    • I realized the hospital isn’t very clean.
  • L：是哦。好，我尊重你。
    • Shì ó. Hǎo, wǒ zūnzhòng nǐ.
    • Oh. Ok. I respect you. (implies: I respect your decision.)
  • M：【嘆氣】 … 這裡好安靜。
    • [Tànqì]… zhèlǐ hǎo ānjìng.
    • Sigh... It’s so quiet here.
  • L：嘿！你看！我剛剛經過了超市，我買了雞蛋。
    • Hēi！Nǐ kàn! Wǒ gānggāng jīngguòle chāoshì, wǒ mǎile jīdàn.
    • Hey, look! I just passed by a supermarket. I bought eggs.
  • M：你要做生日蛋糕給我？！
    • Nǐ yào zuò dàngāo gěi wǒ?!
    • You’re going to make a birthday cake for me?!
  • L：不是啊，我要煎蛋給你。
    • Bùshì a, wǒ yào jiān dàn gěi nǐ.
    • No, I’m going to fry eggs for you.
  • M：生日雞蛋？
    • Shēngrì jīdàn?
    • Birthday eggs?
  • L：你要聽音樂嗎？祝你生日快樂，祝你生日快樂…
    • Nǐ yào tīng yīnyuè ma? Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè, zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè…
    • Do you want to listen to music? Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you…
  • M：你好幽默。
    • Nǐ hǎo yōumò.
    • You’re so humorous.


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast, who enable this podcast to continue!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Let's learn another tone pair! Can you hear which one it is?

Learning the pronunciation of a foreign language can sometimes feel strange, even scary. Pronunciation is such a personal thing -- it's part of who we are, and how we express ourselves. When we start to imitate another language, it's easy to start feeling like "this isn't me."

If you find yourself feeling that way, try to just observe the feeling without judging either yourself or the language. You might even take it as a good sign, because it means you're going outside your own comfort zone!

Learning a new pronunciation system -- a new way of expressing yourself through sound -- is an opportunity to expand your sense of yourself. But don't expect it to happen all at once. Our ears are specially tuned to the sounds of our own native language(s), and at first, we won't be able to hear or pronounce the sounds of another language nearly so precisely.

So ease yourself into the new language. Let yourself have fun. Exaggerate the sounds as you imitate them -- especially the tones! More than likely, what sounds like exaggeration to you is actually just the normal pronunciation of an unfamiliar language.

About today's lesson

We start by hearing another silly phrase composed entirely of today's tone pair. You'll probably never need to say this particular phrase, but that's also not the point. By practicing listening to and imitating exactly what we hear, we are strengthening our Mandarin listening and speaking muscles, and simultaneously sensitizing our ears to this tone pattern.

Next, we will hear a natural dialogue with a lot of words that use the same tone pair, giving our ears a chance to practice recognizing it in natural speech. And of course we'll get to learn a lot of new useful words and phrases in the bargain. Ready? 

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction
  2. [00:49] Magic Phrase
  3. [03:31] Practice repeating the Magic Phrase
  4. [05:45] Tone Pair Safari: Dialogue
  5. [07:55] Translation of the dialogue
  6. [11:55] Hear the dialogue one more time


Magic Phrase (1-4)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 1-4 tone pair. In this lesson, we use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

超市需要音樂，醫院需要安靜！
Chāoshì xūyào yīnyuè, yīyuàn xūyào ānjìng!

Tone Pair Safari (1-4)
Once we are familiar with the 1-4 tone pair, we listen to a new dialogue that is filled with more words that use this tone pair. In doing so, we sharpen our listening skills by practicing paying attention to the tones we hear.

Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

L：生日快樂！欸？你不高興？
M：我生病了！
L：你生日你就生病！是不是因為天氣。我把窗戶關閉。
M：不是，是工作壓力啦。
L：你需要去醫院嗎？
M：我不相信醫院會幫助我。
L：因為醫生不專業？還是因為醫院裡的空氣不好？
M：我發現醫院不太乾淨。
L：是哦。好，我尊重你。
M：【嘆氣】 … 這裡好安靜。
L：你看！我剛剛經過了超市，我買了雞蛋。
M：你要做蛋糕給我？！
L：不是啊，我要煎蛋給你。
M：生日雞蛋？
L：你要聽音樂嗎？祝你生日快樂，祝你生日快樂…
M：你好幽默。



Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • L：生日快樂！欸？你不高興？
    • Shēngrì kuàilè! Āi? Nǐ bù gāoxìng?
    • Happy birthday! Huh? You’re unhappy?
  • M：我生病了！
    • Wǒ shēngbìngle!
    • I’m sick!
  • L：你生日你就生病！是不是因為天氣。我把窗戶關閉。
    • Nǐ shēngrì nǐ jiù shēngbìng! Shì bùshì yīn wéi tiānqì. Wǒ bǎ chuānghù guānbì.
    • You got sick on your birthday! It’s because of the weather, isn’t it. I’ll close the window.
  • M：不是，是工作壓力啦。
    • Bùshì, shì gōngzuò yālì la.
    • It’s not that, it’s pressure from work.
  • L：你需要去醫院嗎？
    • Nǐ xūyào qù yīyuàn ma?
    • Do you need to go to the hospital?
  • M：我不相信醫院會幫助我。
    • Wǒ bù xiāngxìn yīyuàn huì bāngzhù wǒ.
    • I don’t believe the hospital will help me.
  • L：因為醫生不專業？還是因為醫院裡的空氣不好？
    • Yīnwèi yīshēng bù zhuānyè? Háishì yīnwèi yīyuàn lǐ de kōngqì bù hǎo?
    • Because the doctors are unprofessional? Or because the hospital has bad air?
  • M：我發現醫院不太乾淨。
    • Wǒ fāxiàn yīyuàn bù tài gānjìng.
    • I realized the hospital isn’t very clean.
  • L：是哦。好，我尊重你。
    • Shì ó. Hǎo, wǒ zūnzhòng nǐ.
    • Oh. Ok. I respect you. (implies: I respect your decision.)
  • M：【嘆氣】 … 這裡好安靜。
    • [Tànqì]… zhèlǐ hǎo ānjìng.
    • Sigh... It’s so quiet here.
  • L：嘿！你看！我剛剛經過了超市，我買了雞蛋。
    • Hēi！Nǐ kàn! Wǒ gānggāng jīngguòle chāoshì, wǒ mǎile jīdàn.
    • Hey, look! I just passed by a supermarket. I bought eggs.
  • M：你要做生日蛋糕給我？！
    • Nǐ yào zuò dàngāo gěi wǒ?!
    • You’re going to make a birthday cake for me?!
  • L：不是啊，我要煎蛋給你。
    • Bùshì a, wǒ yào jiān dàn gěi nǐ.
    • No, I’m going to fry eggs for you.
  • M：生日雞蛋？
    • Shēngrì jīdàn?
    • Birthday eggs?
  • L：你要聽音樂嗎？祝你生日快樂，祝你生日快樂…
    • Nǐ yào tīng yīnyuè ma? Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè, zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè…
    • Do you want to listen to music? Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you…
  • M：你好幽默。
    • Nǐ hǎo yōumò.
    • You’re so humorous.


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast, who enable this podcast to continue!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Wed, 10 May 2023 07:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 870 Let's learn another tone pair! Can you hear which one it is?

Learning the pronunciation of a foreign language can sometimes feel strange, even scary. Pronunciation is such a personal thing -- it's part of who we are, and how we express ourselves. When we start to imitate another language, it's easy to start feeling like "this isn't me."

If you find yourself feeling that way, try to just observe the feeling without judging either yourself or the language. You might even take it as a good sign, because it means you're going outside your own comfort zone!

Learning a new pronunciation system -- a new way of expressing yourself through sound -- is an opportunity to expand your sense of yourself. But don't expect it to happen all at once. Our ears are specially tuned to the sounds of our own native language(s), and at first, we won't be able to hear or pronounce the sounds of another language nearly so precisely.

So ease yourself into the new language. Let yourself have fun. Exaggerate the sounds as you imitate them -- especially the tones! More than likely, what sounds like exaggeration to you is actually just the normal pronunciation of an unfamiliar language.

About today's lesson

We start by hearing another silly phrase composed entirely of today's tone pair. You'll probably never need to say this particular phrase, but that's also not the point. By practicing listening to and imitating exactly what we hear, we are strengthening our Mandarin listening and speaking muscles, and simultaneously sensitizing our ears to this tone pattern.

Next, we will hear a natural dialogue with a lot of words that use the same tone pair, giving our ears a chance to practice recognizing it in natural speech. And of course we'll get to learn a lot of new useful words and phrases in the bargain. Ready? 

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction
  2. [00:49] Magic Phrase
  3. [03:31] Practice repeating the Magic Phrase
  4. [05:45] Tone Pair Safari: Dialogue
  5. [07:55] Translation of the dialogue
  6. [11:55] Hear the dialogue one more time


Magic Phrase (1-4)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 1-4 tone pair. In this lesson, we use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

超市需要音樂，醫院需要安靜！
Chāoshì xūyào yīnyuè, yīyuàn xūyào ānjìng!

Tone Pair Safari (1-4)
Once we are familiar with the 1-4 tone pair, we listen to a new dialogue that is filled with more words that use this tone pair. In doing so, we sharpen our listening skills by practicing paying attention to the tones we hear.

Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

L：生日快樂！欸？你不高興？
M：我生病了！
L：你生日你就生病！是不是因為天氣。我把窗戶關閉。
M：不是，是工作壓力啦。
L：你需要去醫院嗎？
M：我不相信醫院會幫助我。
L：因為醫生不專業？還是因為醫院裡的空氣不好？
M：我發現醫院不太乾淨。
L：是哦。好，我尊重你。
M：【嘆氣】 … 這裡好安靜。
L：你看！我剛剛經過了超市，我買了雞蛋。
M：你要做蛋糕給我？！
L：不是啊，我要煎蛋給你。
M：生日雞蛋？
L：你要聽音樂嗎？祝你生日快樂，祝你生日快樂…
M：你好幽默。



Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • L：生日快樂！欸？你不高興？
    • Shēngrì kuàilè! Āi? Nǐ bù gāoxìng?
    • Happy birthday! Huh? You’re unhappy?
  • M：我生病了！
    • Wǒ shēngbìngle!
    • I’m sick!
  • L：你生日你就生病！是不是因為天氣。我把窗戶關閉。
    • Nǐ shēngrì nǐ jiù shēngbìng! Shì bùshì yīn wéi tiānqì. Wǒ bǎ chuānghù guānbì.
    • You got sick on your birthday! It’s because of the weather, isn’t it. I’ll close the window.
  • M：不是，是工作壓力啦。
    • Bùshì, shì gōngzuò yālì la.
    • It’s not that, it’s pressure from work.
  • L：你需要去醫院嗎？
    • Nǐ xūyào qù yīyuàn ma?
    • Do you need to go to the hospital?
  • M：我不相信醫院會幫助我。
    • Wǒ bù xiāngxìn yīyuàn huì bāngzhù wǒ.
    • I don’t believe the hospital will help me.
  • L：因為醫生不專業？還是因為醫院裡的空氣不好？
    • Yīnwèi yīshēng bù zhuānyè? Háishì yīnwèi yīyuàn lǐ de kōngqì bù hǎo?
    • Because the doctors are unprofessional? Or because the hospital has bad air?
  • M：我發現醫院不太乾淨。
    • Wǒ fāxiàn yīyuàn bù tài gānjìng.
    • I realized the hospital isn’t very clean.
  • L：是哦。好，我尊重你。
    • Shì ó. Hǎo, wǒ zūnzhòng nǐ.
    • Oh. Ok. I respect you. (implies: I respect your decision.)
  • M：【嘆氣】 … 這裡好安靜。
    • [Tànqì]… zhèlǐ hǎo ānjìng.
    • Sigh... It’s so quiet here.
  • L：嘿！你看！我剛剛經過了超市，我買了雞蛋。
    • Hēi！Nǐ kàn! Wǒ gānggāng jīngguòle chāoshì, wǒ mǎile jīdàn.
    • Hey, look! I just passed by a supermarket. I bought eggs.
  • M：你要做生日蛋糕給我？！
    • Nǐ yào zuò dàngāo gěi wǒ?!
    • You’re going to make a birthday cake for me?!
  • L：不是啊，我要煎蛋給你。
    • Bùshì a, wǒ yào jiān dàn gěi nǐ.
    • No, I’m going to fry eggs for you.
  • M：生日雞蛋？
    • Shēngrì jīdàn?
    • Birthday eggs?
  • L：你要聽音樂嗎？祝你生日快樂，祝你生日快樂…
    • Nǐ yào tīng yīnyuè ma? Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè, zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè…
    • Do you want to listen to music? Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you…
  • M：你好幽默。
    • Nǐ hǎo yōumò.
    • You’re so humorous.


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast, who enable this podcast to continue!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No Daily Practice Session - S3 - Lesson 02 3 3 Daily Practice Session - S3 - Lesson 02 bonus 2fc8ec49-71b5-4609-a6ab-2966d46f33ca https://share.transistor.fm/s/43850d5a After listening to Season 3, Lesson 02, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.


Magic Phrase (1-4)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 1-4 tone pair. In this lesson, we use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

超市需要音樂，醫院需要安靜！
Chāoshì xūyào yīnyuè, yīyuàn xūyào ānjìng!

Tone Pair Safari (1-4)
Once we are familiar with the 1-4 tone pair, we listen to a new dialogue that is filled with more words that use this tone pair. In doing so, we sharpen our listening skills by practicing paying attention to the tones we hear.

Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

L：生日快樂！欸？你不高興？
M：我生病了！
L：你生日你就生病！是不是因為天氣。我把窗戶關閉。
M：不是，是工作壓力啦。
L：你需要去醫院嗎？
M：我不相信醫院會幫助我。
L：因為醫生不專業？還是因為醫院裡的空氣不好？
M：我發現醫院不太乾淨。
L：是哦。好，我尊重你。
M：【嘆氣】 … 這裡好安靜。
L：你看！我剛剛經過了超市，我買了雞蛋。
M：你要做蛋糕給我？！
L：不是啊，我要煎蛋給你。
M：生日雞蛋？
L：你要聽音樂嗎？祝你生日快樂，祝你生日快樂…
M：你好幽默。



Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone identification. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • L：生日快樂！欸？你不高興？
    • Shēngrì kuàilè! Āi? Nǐ bù gāoxìng?
    • Happy birthday! Huh? You’re unhappy?
  • M：我生病了！
    • Wǒ shēngbìngle!
    • I’m sick!
  • L：你生日你就生病！是不是因為天氣。我把窗戶關閉。
    • Nǐ shēngrì nǐ jiù shēngbìng! Shì bùshì yīn wéi tiānqì. Wǒ bǎ chuānghù guānbì.
    • You got sick on your birthday! It’s because of the weather, isn’t it. I’ll close the window.
  • M：不是，是工作壓力啦。
    • Bùshì, shì gōngzuò yālì la.
    • It’s not that, it’s pressure from work.
  • L：你需要去醫院嗎？
    • Nǐ xūyào qù yīyuàn ma?
    • Do you need to go to the hospital?
  • M：我不相信醫院會幫助我。
    • Wǒ bù xiāngxìn yīyuàn huì bāngzhù wǒ.
    • I don’t believe the hospital will help me.
  • L：因為醫生不專業？還是因為醫院裡的空氣不好？
    • Yīnwèi yīshēng bù zhuānyè? Háishì yīnwèi yīyuàn lǐ de kōngqì bù hǎo?
    • Because the doctors are unprofessional? Or because the hospital has bad air?
  • M：我發現醫院不太乾淨。
    • Wǒ fāxiàn yīyuàn bù tài gānjìng.
    • I realized the hospital isn’t very clean.
  • L：是哦。好，我尊重你。
    • Shì ó. Hǎo, wǒ zūnzhòng nǐ.
    • Oh. Ok. I respect you. (implies: I respect your decision.)
  • M：【嘆氣】 … 這裡好安靜。
    • [Tànqì]… zhèlǐ hǎo ānjìng.
    • Sigh... It’s so quiet here.
  • L：嘿！你看！我剛剛經過了超市，我買了雞蛋。
    • Hēi！Nǐ kàn! Wǒ gānggāng jīngguòle chāoshì, wǒ mǎile jīdàn.
    • Hey, look! I just passed by a supermarket. I bought eggs.
  • M：你要做生日蛋糕給我？！
    • Nǐ yào zuò dàngāo gěi wǒ?!
    • You’re going to make a birthday cake for me?!
  • L：不是啊，我要煎蛋給你。
    • Bùshì a, wǒ yào jiān dàn gěi nǐ.
    • No, I’m going to fry eggs for you.
  • M：生日雞蛋？
    • Shēngrì jīdàn?
    • Birthday eggs?
  • L：你要聽音樂嗎？祝你生日快樂，祝你生日快樂…
    • Nǐ yào tīng yīnyuè ma? Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè, zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè…
    • Do you want to listen to music? Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you…
  • M：你好幽默。
    • Nǐ hǎo yōumò.
    • You’re so humorous.


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast, who enable this podcast to continue!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> After listening to Season 3, Lesson 02, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.


Magic Phrase (1-4)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 1-4 tone pair. In this lesson, we use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

超市需要音樂，醫院需要安靜！
Chāoshì xūyào yīnyuè, yīyuàn xūyào ānjìng!

Tone Pair Safari (1-4)
Once we are familiar with the 1-4 tone pair, we listen to a new dialogue that is filled with more words that use this tone pair. In doing so, we sharpen our listening skills by practicing paying attention to the tones we hear.

Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

L：生日快樂！欸？你不高興？
M：我生病了！
L：你生日你就生病！是不是因為天氣。我把窗戶關閉。
M：不是，是工作壓力啦。
L：你需要去醫院嗎？
M：我不相信醫院會幫助我。
L：因為醫生不專業？還是因為醫院裡的空氣不好？
M：我發現醫院不太乾淨。
L：是哦。好，我尊重你。
M：【嘆氣】 … 這裡好安靜。
L：你看！我剛剛經過了超市，我買了雞蛋。
M：你要做蛋糕給我？！
L：不是啊，我要煎蛋給你。
M：生日雞蛋？
L：你要聽音樂嗎？祝你生日快樂，祝你生日快樂…
M：你好幽默。



Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone identification. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • L：生日快樂！欸？你不高興？
    • Shēngrì kuàilè! Āi? Nǐ bù gāoxìng?
    • Happy birthday! Huh? You’re unhappy?
  • M：我生病了！
    • Wǒ shēngbìngle!
    • I’m sick!
  • L：你生日你就生病！是不是因為天氣。我把窗戶關閉。
    • Nǐ shēngrì nǐ jiù shēngbìng! Shì bùshì yīn wéi tiānqì. Wǒ bǎ chuānghù guānbì.
    • You got sick on your birthday! It’s because of the weather, isn’t it. I’ll close the window.
  • M：不是，是工作壓力啦。
    • Bùshì, shì gōngzuò yālì la.
    • It’s not that, it’s pressure from work.
  • L：你需要去醫院嗎？
    • Nǐ xūyào qù yīyuàn ma?
    • Do you need to go to the hospital?
  • M：我不相信醫院會幫助我。
    • Wǒ bù xiāngxìn yīyuàn huì bāngzhù wǒ.
    • I don’t believe the hospital will help me.
  • L：因為醫生不專業？還是因為醫院裡的空氣不好？
    • Yīnwèi yīshēng bù zhuānyè? Háishì yīnwèi yīyuàn lǐ de kōngqì bù hǎo?
    • Because the doctors are unprofessional? Or because the hospital has bad air?
  • M：我發現醫院不太乾淨。
    • Wǒ fāxiàn yīyuàn bù tài gānjìng.
    • I realized the hospital isn’t very clean.
  • L：是哦。好，我尊重你。
    • Shì ó. Hǎo, wǒ zūnzhòng nǐ.
    • Oh. Ok. I respect you. (implies: I respect your decision.)
  • M：【嘆氣】 … 這裡好安靜。
    • [Tànqì]… zhèlǐ hǎo ānjìng.
    • Sigh... It’s so quiet here.
  • L：嘿！你看！我剛剛經過了超市，我買了雞蛋。
    • Hēi！Nǐ kàn! Wǒ gānggāng jīngguòle chāoshì, wǒ mǎile jīdàn.
    • Hey, look! I just passed by a supermarket. I bought eggs.
  • M：你要做生日蛋糕給我？！
    • Nǐ yào zuò dàngāo gěi wǒ?!
    • You’re going to make a birthday cake for me?!
  • L：不是啊，我要煎蛋給你。
    • Bùshì a, wǒ yào jiān dàn gěi nǐ.
    • No, I’m going to fry eggs for you.
  • M：生日雞蛋？
    • Shēngrì jīdàn?
    • Birthday eggs?
  • L：你要聽音樂嗎？祝你生日快樂，祝你生日快樂…
    • Nǐ yào tīng yīnyuè ma? Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè, zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè…
    • Do you want to listen to music? Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you…
  • M：你好幽默。
    • Nǐ hǎo yōumò.
    • You’re so humorous.


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast, who enable this podcast to continue!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Wed, 10 May 2023 21:27:18 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 305 After listening to Season 3, Lesson 02, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.


Magic Phrase (1-4)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 1-4 tone pair. In this lesson, we use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

超市需要音樂，醫院需要安靜！
Chāoshì xūyào yīnyuè, yīyuàn xūyào ānjìng!

Tone Pair Safari (1-4)
Once we are familiar with the 1-4 tone pair, we listen to a new dialogue that is filled with more words that use this tone pair. In doing so, we sharpen our listening skills by practicing paying attention to the tones we hear.

Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

L：生日快樂！欸？你不高興？
M：我生病了！
L：你生日你就生病！是不是因為天氣。我把窗戶關閉。
M：不是，是工作壓力啦。
L：你需要去醫院嗎？
M：我不相信醫院會幫助我。
L：因為醫生不專業？還是因為醫院裡的空氣不好？
M：我發現醫院不太乾淨。
L：是哦。好，我尊重你。
M：【嘆氣】 … 這裡好安靜。
L：你看！我剛剛經過了超市，我買了雞蛋。
M：你要做蛋糕給我？！
L：不是啊，我要煎蛋給你。
M：生日雞蛋？
L：你要聽音樂嗎？祝你生日快樂，祝你生日快樂…
M：你好幽默。



Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone identification. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • L：生日快樂！欸？你不高興？
    • Shēngrì kuàilè! Āi? Nǐ bù gāoxìng?
    • Happy birthday! Huh? You’re unhappy?
  • M：我生病了！
    • Wǒ shēngbìngle!
    • I’m sick!
  • L：你生日你就生病！是不是因為天氣。我把窗戶關閉。
    • Nǐ shēngrì nǐ jiù shēngbìng! Shì bùshì yīn wéi tiānqì. Wǒ bǎ chuānghù guānbì.
    • You got sick on your birthday! It’s because of the weather, isn’t it. I’ll close the window.
  • M：不是，是工作壓力啦。
    • Bùshì, shì gōngzuò yālì la.
    • It’s not that, it’s pressure from work.
  • L：你需要去醫院嗎？
    • Nǐ xūyào qù yīyuàn ma?
    • Do you need to go to the hospital?
  • M：我不相信醫院會幫助我。
    • Wǒ bù xiāngxìn yīyuàn huì bāngzhù wǒ.
    • I don’t believe the hospital will help me.
  • L：因為醫生不專業？還是因為醫院裡的空氣不好？
    • Yīnwèi yīshēng bù zhuānyè? Háishì yīnwèi yīyuàn lǐ de kōngqì bù hǎo?
    • Because the doctors are unprofessional? Or because the hospital has bad air?
  • M：我發現醫院不太乾淨。
    • Wǒ fāxiàn yīyuàn bù tài gānjìng.
    • I realized the hospital isn’t very clean.
  • L：是哦。好，我尊重你。
    • Shì ó. Hǎo, wǒ zūnzhòng nǐ.
    • Oh. Ok. I respect you. (implies: I respect your decision.)
  • M：【嘆氣】 … 這裡好安靜。
    • [Tànqì]… zhèlǐ hǎo ānjìng.
    • Sigh... It’s so quiet here.
  • L：嘿！你看！我剛剛經過了超市，我買了雞蛋。
    • Hēi！Nǐ kàn! Wǒ gānggāng jīngguòle chāoshì, wǒ mǎile jīdàn.
    • Hey, look! I just passed by a supermarket. I bought eggs.
  • M：你要做生日蛋糕給我？！
    • Nǐ yào zuò dàngāo gěi wǒ?!
    • You’re going to make a birthday cake for me?!
  • L：不是啊，我要煎蛋給你。
    • Bùshì a, wǒ yào jiān dàn gěi nǐ.
    • No, I’m going to fry eggs for you.
  • M：生日雞蛋？
    • Shēngrì jīdàn?
    • Birthday eggs?
  • L：你要聽音樂嗎？祝你生日快樂，祝你生日快樂…
    • Nǐ yào tīng yīnyuè ma? Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè, zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè…
    • Do you want to listen to music? Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you…
  • M：你好幽默。
    • Nǐ hǎo yōumò.
    • You’re so humorous.


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast, who enable this podcast to continue!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No S3 ~ 03 ~ Dangerous horse riding 拿起啤酒騎馬危險！ 3 3 S3 ~ 03 ~ Dangerous horse riding 拿起啤酒騎馬危險！ full e28eca08-938b-46bf-a905-2517eb1b965d https://www.mftgu.com/episodes/s03-e03 Today's tone pair, 2-3, is easily confused with the one we learned in episode one, 3-2. Today we'll spend some time practicing differentiating between them. Then we'll hear another fun (slightly absurd) dialogue to practice our listening skills, and absorb some new words. 

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Magic Phrase
  2. [04:27] Practice repeating the Magic Phrase
  3. [05:43] Practice phrases using tone pairs we've learned so far
  4. [08:42] Tone Pair Safari: Dialogue
  5. [09:54] Translation of the dialogue
  6. [15:16] Hear the dialogue again


Magic Phrase (2-3)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 2-3 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

還好男友沒有拿起啤酒騎馬，危險！
Háihǎo nányǒu méiyǒu náqǐ píjiǔ qímǎ, wéixiǎn!


Comparative Phrases
Here are some phrases that combine the tone pairs we've learned so far in lessons one to three. 

  • 女兒游泳
    • Nǚ'ér yóuyǒng
    • (The) daughter swims
  • 王子很驕傲
    • wángzǐ hěn jiāo'ào
    • (The) prince is very proud / arrogant. 
  • 如果失敗，有機會成長
    • rúguǒ shībài, yǒu jīhuì chéngzhǎng
    • If (you) fail, there is an opportunity to grow / mature.


Tone Pair Safari (2-3)
Once we are familiar with the 2-3 tone pair, we listen to a new dialogue that is filled with more words that use this tone pair. In doing so, we sharpen our listening skills by practicing paying attention to the tones we hear.

Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

M：你還好嗎？
K：我兒子怎麼這麼殘忍？
M：怎麼了？
K：他被罰款了！
M：為什麼被罰款？
K：我是一個傳統的媽媽，可是他讓我很煩惱。
M：你很愛你的兒子。
K：我讓他每天吃蘋果，很營養。
M：很合理！
K：而且他的牙齒很完整！
M：...是嗎？
K：結果，他去游泳池賣牛奶，就被罰款！
M：所以... 
K：我太愚蠢。一定是那個搖滾音樂讓他變成了魔鬼！
M：賣牛奶還好吧。
K：不合法！
M：沒有人是完美的。
K：很明顯，他在模仿他的爸爸。


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • M：你還好嗎？
    • Nǐ hái hǎo ma?
    • Are you okay? 
  • K：我兒子怎麼這麼殘忍？
    • Wǒ érzi zěnme zhème cánrěn?
    • How could my son be so cruel? 
  • M：怎麼了？
    • Zěnmele?
    • What's wrong? / What's up? / What happened? 
  • K：他被罰款了！
    • Tā bèi fákuǎnle!
    • He received a fine! / He was fined (monetary)!
  • M：為什麼被罰款？
    • Wèishéme bèi fákuǎn?
    • Why was he fined? 
  • K：我是一個傳統的媽媽，可是他讓我很煩惱。
    • Wǒ shì yīgè chuántǒng de māmā, kěshì tā ràng wǒ hěn fánnǎo.
    • I'm a traditional mother, but he makes me worry a lot / gives me a lot of trouble.  
  • M：你很愛你的兒子。
    • Nǐ hěn ài nǐ de érzi.
    • You really love your son. 
  • K：我讓他每天吃蘋果，很營養。
    • Wǒ ràng tā měitiān chī píngguǒ, hěn yíngyǎng.
    • I make / let him eat an apple every day, it's very nutritious. 
  • M：很合理！
    • Hěn hélǐ!
    • That makes sense! / Very sensible! 
  • K：而且他的牙齒很完整！
    • Érqiě tā de yáchǐ hěn wánzhěng!
    • Furthermore, his teeth are all intact / very complete! 
  • M：...是嗎？
    • ... Shì ma?
    • Yeah? / Really? 
  • K：結果，他去游泳池賣牛奶，就被罰款！
    • Jiéguǒ, tā qù yóuyǒngchí mài niúnǎi, jiù bèi fákuǎn!
    • After all that / as a result / in the end, he goes to the swimming pool and sells milk, and receives a fine! 
  • M：所以... 
    • Suǒyǐ...
    • So... 
  • K：我太愚蠢。一定是那個搖滾音樂讓他變成了魔鬼！
    • Wǒ tài yúchǔn. Yīdìng shì nàgè yáogǔn yīnyuè ràng tā biànchéngle móguǐ! 
    • I'm so stupid. It must be that rock music, it made him turn into a devil / demon / monster! 
  • M：賣牛奶還好吧。
    • Mài niúnǎi hái hǎo ba.
    • Selling milk isn't so bad, right? 
  • K：不合法！
    • Bù héfǎ! 
    • It's illegal / not legal! 
  • M：沒有人是完美的。
    • Méiyǒu rén shì wánměi de.
    • Nobody is perfect. 
  • K：很明顯，他在模仿他的爸爸。
    • Hěn míngxiǎn, tā zài mófǎng tā de bàba.
    • It's obvious, he's imitating his father. 


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast, who enable this podcast to continue!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Today's tone pair, 2-3, is easily confused with the one we learned in episode one, 3-2. Today we'll spend some time practicing differentiating between them. Then we'll hear another fun (slightly absurd) dialogue to practice our listening skills, and absorb some new words. 

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Magic Phrase
  2. [04:27] Practice repeating the Magic Phrase
  3. [05:43] Practice phrases using tone pairs we've learned so far
  4. [08:42] Tone Pair Safari: Dialogue
  5. [09:54] Translation of the dialogue
  6. [15:16] Hear the dialogue again


Magic Phrase (2-3)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 2-3 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

還好男友沒有拿起啤酒騎馬，危險！
Háihǎo nányǒu méiyǒu náqǐ píjiǔ qímǎ, wéixiǎn!


Comparative Phrases
Here are some phrases that combine the tone pairs we've learned so far in lessons one to three. 

  • 女兒游泳
    • Nǚ'ér yóuyǒng
    • (The) daughter swims
  • 王子很驕傲
    • wángzǐ hěn jiāo'ào
    • (The) prince is very proud / arrogant. 
  • 如果失敗，有機會成長
    • rúguǒ shībài, yǒu jīhuì chéngzhǎng
    • If (you) fail, there is an opportunity to grow / mature.


Tone Pair Safari (2-3)
Once we are familiar with the 2-3 tone pair, we listen to a new dialogue that is filled with more words that use this tone pair. In doing so, we sharpen our listening skills by practicing paying attention to the tones we hear.

Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

M：你還好嗎？
K：我兒子怎麼這麼殘忍？
M：怎麼了？
K：他被罰款了！
M：為什麼被罰款？
K：我是一個傳統的媽媽，可是他讓我很煩惱。
M：你很愛你的兒子。
K：我讓他每天吃蘋果，很營養。
M：很合理！
K：而且他的牙齒很完整！
M：...是嗎？
K：結果，他去游泳池賣牛奶，就被罰款！
M：所以... 
K：我太愚蠢。一定是那個搖滾音樂讓他變成了魔鬼！
M：賣牛奶還好吧。
K：不合法！
M：沒有人是完美的。
K：很明顯，他在模仿他的爸爸。


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • M：你還好嗎？
    • Nǐ hái hǎo ma?
    • Are you okay? 
  • K：我兒子怎麼這麼殘忍？
    • Wǒ érzi zěnme zhème cánrěn?
    • How could my son be so cruel? 
  • M：怎麼了？
    • Zěnmele?
    • What's wrong? / What's up? / What happened? 
  • K：他被罰款了！
    • Tā bèi fákuǎnle!
    • He received a fine! / He was fined (monetary)!
  • M：為什麼被罰款？
    • Wèishéme bèi fákuǎn?
    • Why was he fined? 
  • K：我是一個傳統的媽媽，可是他讓我很煩惱。
    • Wǒ shì yīgè chuántǒng de māmā, kěshì tā ràng wǒ hěn fánnǎo.
    • I'm a traditional mother, but he makes me worry a lot / gives me a lot of trouble.  
  • M：你很愛你的兒子。
    • Nǐ hěn ài nǐ de érzi.
    • You really love your son. 
  • K：我讓他每天吃蘋果，很營養。
    • Wǒ ràng tā měitiān chī píngguǒ, hěn yíngyǎng.
    • I make / let him eat an apple every day, it's very nutritious. 
  • M：很合理！
    • Hěn hélǐ!
    • That makes sense! / Very sensible! 
  • K：而且他的牙齒很完整！
    • Érqiě tā de yáchǐ hěn wánzhěng!
    • Furthermore, his teeth are all intact / very complete! 
  • M：...是嗎？
    • ... Shì ma?
    • Yeah? / Really? 
  • K：結果，他去游泳池賣牛奶，就被罰款！
    • Jiéguǒ, tā qù yóuyǒngchí mài niúnǎi, jiù bèi fákuǎn!
    • After all that / as a result / in the end, he goes to the swimming pool and sells milk, and receives a fine! 
  • M：所以... 
    • Suǒyǐ...
    • So... 
  • K：我太愚蠢。一定是那個搖滾音樂讓他變成了魔鬼！
    • Wǒ tài yúchǔn. Yīdìng shì nàgè yáogǔn yīnyuè ràng tā biànchéngle móguǐ! 
    • I'm so stupid. It must be that rock music, it made him turn into a devil / demon / monster! 
  • M：賣牛奶還好吧。
    • Mài niúnǎi hái hǎo ba.
    • Selling milk isn't so bad, right? 
  • K：不合法！
    • Bù héfǎ! 
    • It's illegal / not legal! 
  • M：沒有人是完美的。
    • Méiyǒu rén shì wánměi de.
    • Nobody is perfect. 
  • K：很明顯，他在模仿他的爸爸。
    • Hěn míngxiǎn, tā zài mófǎng tā de bàba.
    • It's obvious, he's imitating his father. 


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast, who enable this podcast to continue!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Wed, 24 May 2023 05:28:09 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 1026 Today's tone pair, 2-3, is easily confused with the one we learned in episode one, 3-2. Today we'll spend some time practicing differentiating between them. Then we'll hear another fun (slightly absurd) dialogue to practice our listening skills, and absorb some new words. 

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Magic Phrase
  2. [04:27] Practice repeating the Magic Phrase
  3. [05:43] Practice phrases using tone pairs we've learned so far
  4. [08:42] Tone Pair Safari: Dialogue
  5. [09:54] Translation of the dialogue
  6. [15:16] Hear the dialogue again


Magic Phrase (2-3)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 2-3 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

還好男友沒有拿起啤酒騎馬，危險！
Háihǎo nányǒu méiyǒu náqǐ píjiǔ qímǎ, wéixiǎn!


Comparative Phrases
Here are some phrases that combine the tone pairs we've learned so far in lessons one to three. 

  • 女兒游泳
    • Nǚ'ér yóuyǒng
    • (The) daughter swims
  • 王子很驕傲
    • wángzǐ hěn jiāo'ào
    • (The) prince is very proud / arrogant. 
  • 如果失敗，有機會成長
    • rúguǒ shībài, yǒu jīhuì chéngzhǎng
    • If (you) fail, there is an opportunity to grow / mature.


Tone Pair Safari (2-3)
Once we are familiar with the 2-3 tone pair, we listen to a new dialogue that is filled with more words that use this tone pair. In doing so, we sharpen our listening skills by practicing paying attention to the tones we hear.

Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

M：你還好嗎？
K：我兒子怎麼這麼殘忍？
M：怎麼了？
K：他被罰款了！
M：為什麼被罰款？
K：我是一個傳統的媽媽，可是他讓我很煩惱。
M：你很愛你的兒子。
K：我讓他每天吃蘋果，很營養。
M：很合理！
K：而且他的牙齒很完整！
M：...是嗎？
K：結果，他去游泳池賣牛奶，就被罰款！
M：所以... 
K：我太愚蠢。一定是那個搖滾音樂讓他變成了魔鬼！
M：賣牛奶還好吧。
K：不合法！
M：沒有人是完美的。
K：很明顯，他在模仿他的爸爸。


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • M：你還好嗎？
    • Nǐ hái hǎo ma?
    • Are you okay? 
  • K：我兒子怎麼這麼殘忍？
    • Wǒ érzi zěnme zhème cánrěn?
    • How could my son be so cruel? 
  • M：怎麼了？
    • Zěnmele?
    • What's wrong? / What's up? / What happened? 
  • K：他被罰款了！
    • Tā bèi fákuǎnle!
    • He received a fine! / He was fined (monetary)!
  • M：為什麼被罰款？
    • Wèishéme bèi fákuǎn?
    • Why was he fined? 
  • K：我是一個傳統的媽媽，可是他讓我很煩惱。
    • Wǒ shì yīgè chuántǒng de māmā, kěshì tā ràng wǒ hěn fánnǎo.
    • I'm a traditional mother, but he makes me worry a lot / gives me a lot of trouble.  
  • M：你很愛你的兒子。
    • Nǐ hěn ài nǐ de érzi.
    • You really love your son. 
  • K：我讓他每天吃蘋果，很營養。
    • Wǒ ràng tā měitiān chī píngguǒ, hěn yíngyǎng.
    • I make / let him eat an apple every day, it's very nutritious. 
  • M：很合理！
    • Hěn hélǐ!
    • That makes sense! / Very sensible! 
  • K：而且他的牙齒很完整！
    • Érqiě tā de yáchǐ hěn wánzhěng!
    • Furthermore, his teeth are all intact / very complete! 
  • M：...是嗎？
    • ... Shì ma?
    • Yeah? / Really? 
  • K：結果，他去游泳池賣牛奶，就被罰款！
    • Jiéguǒ, tā qù yóuyǒngchí mài niúnǎi, jiù bèi fákuǎn!
    • After all that / as a result / in the end, he goes to the swimming pool and sells milk, and receives a fine! 
  • M：所以... 
    • Suǒyǐ...
    • So... 
  • K：我太愚蠢。一定是那個搖滾音樂讓他變成了魔鬼！
    • Wǒ tài yúchǔn. Yīdìng shì nàgè yáogǔn yīnyuè ràng tā biànchéngle móguǐ! 
    • I'm so stupid. It must be that rock music, it made him turn into a devil / demon / monster! 
  • M：賣牛奶還好吧。
    • Mài niúnǎi hái hǎo ba.
    • Selling milk isn't so bad, right? 
  • K：不合法！
    • Bù héfǎ! 
    • It's illegal / not legal! 
  • M：沒有人是完美的。
    • Méiyǒu rén shì wánměi de.
    • Nobody is perfect. 
  • K：很明顯，他在模仿他的爸爸。
    • Hěn míngxiǎn, tā zài mófǎng tā de bàba.
    • It's obvious, he's imitating his father. 


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast, who enable this podcast to continue!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No Daily Practice Session - S3 - Lesson 03 3 3 Daily Practice Session - S3 - Lesson 03 bonus d264de2a-6260-46d6-9be9-c52e80ccbd76 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8d40f012 After listening to Season 3, Lesson 03, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.

Magic Phrase (2-3)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 2-3 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context.

還好男友沒有拿起啤酒騎馬，危險！
Háihǎo nányǒu méiyǒu náqǐ píjiǔ qímǎ, wéixiǎn!

Tone Pair Safari (2-3)
Once we are familiar with the 2-3 tone pair, we listen to a new dialogue that is filled with more words that use this tone pair. In doing so, we sharpen our listening skills by practicing paying attention to the tones we hear.

Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

M：你還好嗎？
K：我兒子怎麼這麼殘忍？
M：怎麼了？
K：他被罰款了！
M：為什麼被罰款？
K：我是一個傳統的媽媽，可是他讓我很煩惱。
M：你很愛你的兒子。
K：我讓他每天吃蘋果，很營養。
M：很合理！
K：而且他的牙齒很完整！
M：...是嗎？
K：結果，他去游泳池賣牛奶，就被罰款！
M：所以... 
K：我太愚蠢。一定是那個搖滾音樂讓他變成了魔鬼！
M：賣牛奶還好吧。
K：不合法！
M：沒有人是完美的。
K：很明顯，他在模仿他的爸爸。


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • M：你還好嗎？
    • Nǐ hái hǎo ma?
    • Are you okay? 
  • K：我兒子怎麼這麼殘忍？
    • Wǒ érzi zěnme zhème cánrěn?
    • How could my son be so cruel? 
  • M：怎麼了？
    • Zěnmele?
    • What's wrong? / What's up? / What happened? 
  • K：他被罰款了！
    • Tā bèi fákuǎnle!
    • He received a fine! / He was fined (monetary)!
  • M：為什麼被罰款？
    • Wèishéme bèi fákuǎn?
    • Why was he fined? 
  • K：我是一個傳統的媽媽，可是他讓我很煩惱。
    • Wǒ shì yīgè chuántǒng de māmā, kěshì tā ràng wǒ hěn fánnǎo.
    • I'm a traditional mother, but he makes me worry a lot / gives me a lot of trouble.  
  • M：你很愛你的兒子。
    • Nǐ hěn ài nǐ de érzi.
    • You really love your son. 
  • K：我讓他每天吃蘋果，很營養。
    • Wǒ ràng tā měitiān chī píngguǒ, hěn yíngyǎng.
    • I make / let him eat an apple every day, it's very nutritious. 
  • M：很合理！
    • Hěn hélǐ!
    • That makes sense! / Very sensible! 
  • K：而且他的牙齒很完整！
    • Érqiě tā de yáchǐ hěn wánzhěng!
    • Furthermore, his teeth are all intact / very complete! 
  • M：...是嗎？
    • ... Shì ma?
    • Yeah? / Really? 
  • K：結果，他去游泳池賣牛奶，就被罰款！
    • Jiéguǒ, tā qù yóuyǒngchí mài niúnǎi, jiù bèi fákuǎn!
    • After all that / as a result / in the end, he goes to the swimming pool and sells milk, and receives a fine! 
  • M：所以... 
    • Suǒyǐ...
    • So... 
  • K：我太愚蠢。一定是那個搖滾音樂讓他變成了魔鬼！
    • Wǒ tài yúchǔn. Yīdìng shì nàgè yáogǔn yīnyuè ràng tā biànchéngle móguǐ! 
    • I'm so stupid. It must be that rock music, it made him turn into a devil / demon / monster! 
  • M：賣牛奶還好吧。
    • Mài niúnǎi hái hǎo ba.
    • Selling milk isn't so bad, right? 
  • K：不合法！
    • Bù héfǎ! 
    • It's illegal / not legal! 
  • M：沒有人是完美的。
    • Méiyǒu rén shì wánměi de.
    • Nobody is perfect. 
  • K：很明顯，他在模仿他的爸爸。
    • Hěn míngxiǎn, tā zài mófǎng tā de bàba.
    • It's obvious, he's imitating his father. 


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast, who enable this podcast to continue!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> After listening to Season 3, Lesson 03, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.

Magic Phrase (2-3)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 2-3 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context.

還好男友沒有拿起啤酒騎馬，危險！
Háihǎo nányǒu méiyǒu náqǐ píjiǔ qímǎ, wéixiǎn!

Tone Pair Safari (2-3)
Once we are familiar with the 2-3 tone pair, we listen to a new dialogue that is filled with more words that use this tone pair. In doing so, we sharpen our listening skills by practicing paying attention to the tones we hear.

Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

M：你還好嗎？
K：我兒子怎麼這麼殘忍？
M：怎麼了？
K：他被罰款了！
M：為什麼被罰款？
K：我是一個傳統的媽媽，可是他讓我很煩惱。
M：你很愛你的兒子。
K：我讓他每天吃蘋果，很營養。
M：很合理！
K：而且他的牙齒很完整！
M：...是嗎？
K：結果，他去游泳池賣牛奶，就被罰款！
M：所以... 
K：我太愚蠢。一定是那個搖滾音樂讓他變成了魔鬼！
M：賣牛奶還好吧。
K：不合法！
M：沒有人是完美的。
K：很明顯，他在模仿他的爸爸。


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • M：你還好嗎？
    • Nǐ hái hǎo ma?
    • Are you okay? 
  • K：我兒子怎麼這麼殘忍？
    • Wǒ érzi zěnme zhème cánrěn?
    • How could my son be so cruel? 
  • M：怎麼了？
    • Zěnmele?
    • What's wrong? / What's up? / What happened? 
  • K：他被罰款了！
    • Tā bèi fákuǎnle!
    • He received a fine! / He was fined (monetary)!
  • M：為什麼被罰款？
    • Wèishéme bèi fákuǎn?
    • Why was he fined? 
  • K：我是一個傳統的媽媽，可是他讓我很煩惱。
    • Wǒ shì yīgè chuántǒng de māmā, kěshì tā ràng wǒ hěn fánnǎo.
    • I'm a traditional mother, but he makes me worry a lot / gives me a lot of trouble.  
  • M：你很愛你的兒子。
    • Nǐ hěn ài nǐ de érzi.
    • You really love your son. 
  • K：我讓他每天吃蘋果，很營養。
    • Wǒ ràng tā měitiān chī píngguǒ, hěn yíngyǎng.
    • I make / let him eat an apple every day, it's very nutritious. 
  • M：很合理！
    • Hěn hélǐ!
    • That makes sense! / Very sensible! 
  • K：而且他的牙齒很完整！
    • Érqiě tā de yáchǐ hěn wánzhěng!
    • Furthermore, his teeth are all intact / very complete! 
  • M：...是嗎？
    • ... Shì ma?
    • Yeah? / Really? 
  • K：結果，他去游泳池賣牛奶，就被罰款！
    • Jiéguǒ, tā qù yóuyǒngchí mài niúnǎi, jiù bèi fákuǎn!
    • After all that / as a result / in the end, he goes to the swimming pool and sells milk, and receives a fine! 
  • M：所以... 
    • Suǒyǐ...
    • So... 
  • K：我太愚蠢。一定是那個搖滾音樂讓他變成了魔鬼！
    • Wǒ tài yúchǔn. Yīdìng shì nàgè yáogǔn yīnyuè ràng tā biànchéngle móguǐ! 
    • I'm so stupid. It must be that rock music, it made him turn into a devil / demon / monster! 
  • M：賣牛奶還好吧。
    • Mài niúnǎi hái hǎo ba.
    • Selling milk isn't so bad, right? 
  • K：不合法！
    • Bù héfǎ! 
    • It's illegal / not legal! 
  • M：沒有人是完美的。
    • Méiyǒu rén shì wánměi de.
    • Nobody is perfect. 
  • K：很明顯，他在模仿他的爸爸。
    • Hěn míngxiǎn, tā zài mófǎng tā de bàba.
    • It's obvious, he's imitating his father. 


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast, who enable this podcast to continue!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Thu, 25 May 2023 06:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 211 After listening to Season 3, Lesson 03, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.

Magic Phrase (2-3)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 2-3 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context.

還好男友沒有拿起啤酒騎馬，危險！
Háihǎo nányǒu méiyǒu náqǐ píjiǔ qímǎ, wéixiǎn!

Tone Pair Safari (2-3)
Once we are familiar with the 2-3 tone pair, we listen to a new dialogue that is filled with more words that use this tone pair. In doing so, we sharpen our listening skills by practicing paying attention to the tones we hear.

Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

M：你還好嗎？
K：我兒子怎麼這麼殘忍？
M：怎麼了？
K：他被罰款了！
M：為什麼被罰款？
K：我是一個傳統的媽媽，可是他讓我很煩惱。
M：你很愛你的兒子。
K：我讓他每天吃蘋果，很營養。
M：很合理！
K：而且他的牙齒很完整！
M：...是嗎？
K：結果，他去游泳池賣牛奶，就被罰款！
M：所以... 
K：我太愚蠢。一定是那個搖滾音樂讓他變成了魔鬼！
M：賣牛奶還好吧。
K：不合法！
M：沒有人是完美的。
K：很明顯，他在模仿他的爸爸。


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • M：你還好嗎？
    • Nǐ hái hǎo ma?
    • Are you okay? 
  • K：我兒子怎麼這麼殘忍？
    • Wǒ érzi zěnme zhème cánrěn?
    • How could my son be so cruel? 
  • M：怎麼了？
    • Zěnmele?
    • What's wrong? / What's up? / What happened? 
  • K：他被罰款了！
    • Tā bèi fákuǎnle!
    • He received a fine! / He was fined (monetary)!
  • M：為什麼被罰款？
    • Wèishéme bèi fákuǎn?
    • Why was he fined? 
  • K：我是一個傳統的媽媽，可是他讓我很煩惱。
    • Wǒ shì yīgè chuántǒng de māmā, kěshì tā ràng wǒ hěn fánnǎo.
    • I'm a traditional mother, but he makes me worry a lot / gives me a lot of trouble.  
  • M：你很愛你的兒子。
    • Nǐ hěn ài nǐ de érzi.
    • You really love your son. 
  • K：我讓他每天吃蘋果，很營養。
    • Wǒ ràng tā měitiān chī píngguǒ, hěn yíngyǎng.
    • I make / let him eat an apple every day, it's very nutritious. 
  • M：很合理！
    • Hěn hélǐ!
    • That makes sense! / Very sensible! 
  • K：而且他的牙齒很完整！
    • Érqiě tā de yáchǐ hěn wánzhěng!
    • Furthermore, his teeth are all intact / very complete! 
  • M：...是嗎？
    • ... Shì ma?
    • Yeah? / Really? 
  • K：結果，他去游泳池賣牛奶，就被罰款！
    • Jiéguǒ, tā qù yóuyǒngchí mài niúnǎi, jiù bèi fákuǎn!
    • After all that / as a result / in the end, he goes to the swimming pool and sells milk, and receives a fine! 
  • M：所以... 
    • Suǒyǐ...
    • So... 
  • K：我太愚蠢。一定是那個搖滾音樂讓他變成了魔鬼！
    • Wǒ tài yúchǔn. Yīdìng shì nàgè yáogǔn yīnyuè ràng tā biànchéngle móguǐ! 
    • I'm so stupid. It must be that rock music, it made him turn into a devil / demon / monster! 
  • M：賣牛奶還好吧。
    • Mài niúnǎi hái hǎo ba.
    • Selling milk isn't so bad, right? 
  • K：不合法！
    • Bù héfǎ! 
    • It's illegal / not legal! 
  • M：沒有人是完美的。
    • Méiyǒu rén shì wánměi de.
    • Nobody is perfect. 
  • K：很明顯，他在模仿他的爸爸。
    • Hěn míngxiǎn, tā zài mófǎng tā de bàba.
    • It's obvious, he's imitating his father. 


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast, who enable this podcast to continue!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No S3 ~ 04 ~ The park is extremely safe 公園非常安全 3 3 S3 ~ 04 ~ The park is extremely safe 公園非常安全 full 0c9b372c-32e8-4ab2-8df7-c85a8844e631 https://www.mftgu.com/episodes/s03-e04 Be mindful of how you're feeling when you practice these lessons. Are you feeling excited and energized? Tired and doubtful? Distracted? Focused? Without passing any judgment on how you feel, observing your feelings or state of mind can offer clues about how and whether you might want to adjust your practice.

For example, about a month ago I noticed that my language practice was starting to bore me a little. This was after many months of smooth sailing, during which I had been feeling motivated and everything had seemed interesting. Suddenly, I found myself getting distracted more and more easily, and even skipping days of practice.

Instead of heaping on the self-judgment, as I might have done in the past, this time I decided to listen to what this feeling was telling me. After some introspection, I realized I had been starting to get burned out. At first I had been ignoring this feeling, because I felt so much pressure to keep improving. Recognizing and accepting the source my of waning motivation was a huge relief. I wound up deciding to take a short break, and then continue practicing but with an emphasis, for the time being, on just speaking with real people, which I personally have always found the greatest motivator for learning another language. 

As with life, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to learning a language, which is why tuning into your internal state now and then can be such a helpful source of guidance. 

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction
  2. [01:55] Introduction part 2: Slowing down the magic phrase practice
  3. [02:50] Magic Phrase
  4. [04:16] Break down and practice the Magic Phrase
  5. [11:55] Tone Pair Safari: Dialogue
  6. [13:59] Translation of the Dialogue
  7. [19:56] Dialogue, Slow Version


Magic Phrase (1-2)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 1-2 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

雖然公園非常安全，阿姨居然失眠！
Suīrán gōngyuán fēicháng ānquán, āyí jūrán shīmián!


雖然 / suīrán / although, even though
公園 / gōngyuán / park ("public garden") 
非常 / fēicháng / extremely ("not common, not normal")
安全 / ānquán / safe
阿姨 / āyí / aunt, auntie, a woman approximately the age of one's parents
居然 / jūrán / unexpectedly, surprisingly 
失眠 / shīmián / to suffer from insomnia ("lose sleep") 

Tone Pair Safari (1-2)
Once we are familiar with the 1-2 tone pair, we listen to a new dialogue that is filled with more words that use this tone pair. In doing so, we sharpen our listening skills by practicing paying attention to the tones we hear.

Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

S：歡迎光臨我的空調商店，我專門賣空調！你需要什麼嗎？
K：你終於開門了！
S：你有什麼需求嗎？
K：我要抓狂了！
S：你的精神看起來不太好。
K：當然啊！
S：怎麼了？
K：我的兒子。
S：你的兒子怎麼了？
K：他要出國了！
S：是嗎？
K：他說不要我干涉他的私人生活！
S：你有在干涉嗎？
K：沒有！我只是跟他說，刷牙要堅持！
S：然後呢？
K：他不聽話！我的兒子糟透了！
S：你要不要試著不要批評他，對他溫柔一點。
K：可是生活有規則啊！
S：你需要跟他溝通。
K：我不行！你要幫我！
S：… 你要買空調嗎？
K：沒關係啦，我試著跟他溝通好了。謝謝你。
S：謝謝光臨！


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • S：歡迎光臨我的空調商店，我專門賣空調！你需要什麼嗎？
    • Huānyíng guānglín wǒ de kōngtiáo shāngdiàn, wǒ zhuānmén mài kōngtiáo! Nǐ xūyào shénme ma?
    • Welcome to my air conditioner shop! I specialize in selling air conditioners. Do you need something?
      • (Note: in one version of the dialogue, the speaker elides the 門 (mén) in 專門 (zhuānmén). This is another way to express the same idea. 專門 (zhuānmén) means to specialize or be a specialist in something, so 專門賣 (zhuānmén mài) means to specialize in selling a particular thing. 專賣 (zhuānmài) is simply a shortening of this. 
  • K：你終於開門了！
    • Nǐ zhōngyú kāimén le!
    • You finally opened! 
  • S：你有什麼需求嗎？
    • Nǐ yǒu shé me xūqiú ma?
    • Do you need something? (lit. do you have a requirement?)
  • K：我要抓狂了！
    • Wǒ yào zhuākuáng le!
    • I’m about to go mad!
  • S：你的精神看起來不太好。
    • Nǐ de jīngshén kàn qǐlái bu tài hǎo.
    • Your spirit / energy / mental state doesn’t look very good.
  • K：當然啊！
    • Dāngrán a!
    • Of course!
  • S：怎麼了？
    • Zěnmele?
    • What’s wrong?
  • K：我的兒子。
    • Wǒ de érzi.
    • My son.
  • S：你的兒子怎麼了？
    • Nǐ de érzi zěnmeliǎo?
    • What’s wrong with your son?
  • K：他要出國了！
    • Tā yào chūguó le! 
    • He’s leaving the country!
  • S：是嗎？
    • Shì ma?
    • Oh?
  • K：他說不要我干涉他的私人生活！
    • Tā shuō bu yào wǒ gānshè tā de sīrén shēnghuó!
    • He says he doesn’t want me to interfere with his personal life.
  • S：你有在干涉嗎？
    • Nǐ yǒu zài gānshè ma?
    • Are you interfering?
  • K：沒有！我只是跟他說，刷牙要堅持！
    • Méiyǒu! Wǒ zhǐshì gēn tā shuō, shuāyá yào jiānchí!
    • I’m not! I only said to him, you need to persist with brushing your teeth!
  • S：然後呢？
    • Ránhòu ne?
    • And then?
  • K：他不聽話！我的兒子糟透了！
    • Tā bù tīnghuà! Wǒ de érzi zāotòule!
    • He doesn’t listen! He’s a terrible son!
  • S：你要不要試著不要批評他，對他溫柔一點。
    • Nǐ yào búyào shìzhe búyào pīpíng tā, duì tā wēnróu yīdiǎn.
    • Why don’t you try not criticizing him? Be gentler towards him.
  • K：可是生活有規則啊！
    • Kěshì shēnghuó yǒu guīzé a!
    • But life has rules!
  • S：你需要跟他溝通。
    • Nǐ xūyào gēn tā gōutōng.
    • You need to communicate with him.
  • K：我不行！你要幫我！
    • Wǒ bùxíng! Nǐ yào bāng wǒ!
    • I can’t do it! You have to help me!
  • S：… 你要買空調嗎？
    • … Nǐ yāomǎi kōngtiáo ma?
    • …Do you want to buy an air conditioner?
  • K：沒關係啦，我試著跟他溝通好了。謝謝你。
    • Méiguānxì la, wǒ shìzhe gēn tā gōutōng hǎole. Xièxiè nǐ. 
    • Never mind, I guess I’ll try communicating. Thanks.
  • S：謝謝光臨！
    • Xièxiè guānglín!
    • Thank you for coming! 


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Be mindful of how you're feeling when you practice these lessons. Are you feeling excited and energized? Tired and doubtful? Distracted? Focused? Without passing any judgment on how you feel, observing your feelings or state of mind can offer clues about how and whether you might want to adjust your practice.

For example, about a month ago I noticed that my language practice was starting to bore me a little. This was after many months of smooth sailing, during which I had been feeling motivated and everything had seemed interesting. Suddenly, I found myself getting distracted more and more easily, and even skipping days of practice.

Instead of heaping on the self-judgment, as I might have done in the past, this time I decided to listen to what this feeling was telling me. After some introspection, I realized I had been starting to get burned out. At first I had been ignoring this feeling, because I felt so much pressure to keep improving. Recognizing and accepting the source my of waning motivation was a huge relief. I wound up deciding to take a short break, and then continue practicing but with an emphasis, for the time being, on just speaking with real people, which I personally have always found the greatest motivator for learning another language. 

As with life, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to learning a language, which is why tuning into your internal state now and then can be such a helpful source of guidance. 

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction
  2. [01:55] Introduction part 2: Slowing down the magic phrase practice
  3. [02:50] Magic Phrase
  4. [04:16] Break down and practice the Magic Phrase
  5. [11:55] Tone Pair Safari: Dialogue
  6. [13:59] Translation of the Dialogue
  7. [19:56] Dialogue, Slow Version


Magic Phrase (1-2)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 1-2 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

雖然公園非常安全，阿姨居然失眠！
Suīrán gōngyuán fēicháng ānquán, āyí jūrán shīmián!


雖然 / suīrán / although, even though
公園 / gōngyuán / park ("public garden") 
非常 / fēicháng / extremely ("not common, not normal")
安全 / ānquán / safe
阿姨 / āyí / aunt, auntie, a woman approximately the age of one's parents
居然 / jūrán / unexpectedly, surprisingly 
失眠 / shīmián / to suffer from insomnia ("lose sleep") 

Tone Pair Safari (1-2)
Once we are familiar with the 1-2 tone pair, we listen to a new dialogue that is filled with more words that use this tone pair. In doing so, we sharpen our listening skills by practicing paying attention to the tones we hear.

Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

S：歡迎光臨我的空調商店，我專門賣空調！你需要什麼嗎？
K：你終於開門了！
S：你有什麼需求嗎？
K：我要抓狂了！
S：你的精神看起來不太好。
K：當然啊！
S：怎麼了？
K：我的兒子。
S：你的兒子怎麼了？
K：他要出國了！
S：是嗎？
K：他說不要我干涉他的私人生活！
S：你有在干涉嗎？
K：沒有！我只是跟他說，刷牙要堅持！
S：然後呢？
K：他不聽話！我的兒子糟透了！
S：你要不要試著不要批評他，對他溫柔一點。
K：可是生活有規則啊！
S：你需要跟他溝通。
K：我不行！你要幫我！
S：… 你要買空調嗎？
K：沒關係啦，我試著跟他溝通好了。謝謝你。
S：謝謝光臨！


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • S：歡迎光臨我的空調商店，我專門賣空調！你需要什麼嗎？
    • Huānyíng guānglín wǒ de kōngtiáo shāngdiàn, wǒ zhuānmén mài kōngtiáo! Nǐ xūyào shénme ma?
    • Welcome to my air conditioner shop! I specialize in selling air conditioners. Do you need something?
      • (Note: in one version of the dialogue, the speaker elides the 門 (mén) in 專門 (zhuānmén). This is another way to express the same idea. 專門 (zhuānmén) means to specialize or be a specialist in something, so 專門賣 (zhuānmén mài) means to specialize in selling a particular thing. 專賣 (zhuānmài) is simply a shortening of this. 
  • K：你終於開門了！
    • Nǐ zhōngyú kāimén le!
    • You finally opened! 
  • S：你有什麼需求嗎？
    • Nǐ yǒu shé me xūqiú ma?
    • Do you need something? (lit. do you have a requirement?)
  • K：我要抓狂了！
    • Wǒ yào zhuākuáng le!
    • I’m about to go mad!
  • S：你的精神看起來不太好。
    • Nǐ de jīngshén kàn qǐlái bu tài hǎo.
    • Your spirit / energy / mental state doesn’t look very good.
  • K：當然啊！
    • Dāngrán a!
    • Of course!
  • S：怎麼了？
    • Zěnmele?
    • What’s wrong?
  • K：我的兒子。
    • Wǒ de érzi.
    • My son.
  • S：你的兒子怎麼了？
    • Nǐ de érzi zěnmeliǎo?
    • What’s wrong with your son?
  • K：他要出國了！
    • Tā yào chūguó le! 
    • He’s leaving the country!
  • S：是嗎？
    • Shì ma?
    • Oh?
  • K：他說不要我干涉他的私人生活！
    • Tā shuō bu yào wǒ gānshè tā de sīrén shēnghuó!
    • He says he doesn’t want me to interfere with his personal life.
  • S：你有在干涉嗎？
    • Nǐ yǒu zài gānshè ma?
    • Are you interfering?
  • K：沒有！我只是跟他說，刷牙要堅持！
    • Méiyǒu! Wǒ zhǐshì gēn tā shuō, shuāyá yào jiānchí!
    • I’m not! I only said to him, you need to persist with brushing your teeth!
  • S：然後呢？
    • Ránhòu ne?
    • And then?
  • K：他不聽話！我的兒子糟透了！
    • Tā bù tīnghuà! Wǒ de érzi zāotòule!
    • He doesn’t listen! He’s a terrible son!
  • S：你要不要試著不要批評他，對他溫柔一點。
    • Nǐ yào búyào shìzhe búyào pīpíng tā, duì tā wēnróu yīdiǎn.
    • Why don’t you try not criticizing him? Be gentler towards him.
  • K：可是生活有規則啊！
    • Kěshì shēnghuó yǒu guīzé a!
    • But life has rules!
  • S：你需要跟他溝通。
    • Nǐ xūyào gēn tā gōutōng.
    • You need to communicate with him.
  • K：我不行！你要幫我！
    • Wǒ bùxíng! Nǐ yào bāng wǒ!
    • I can’t do it! You have to help me!
  • S：… 你要買空調嗎？
    • … Nǐ yāomǎi kōngtiáo ma?
    • …Do you want to buy an air conditioner?
  • K：沒關係啦，我試著跟他溝通好了。謝謝你。
    • Méiguānxì la, wǒ shìzhe gēn tā gōutōng hǎole. Xièxiè nǐ. 
    • Never mind, I guess I’ll try communicating. Thanks.
  • S：謝謝光臨！
    • Xièxiè guānglín!
    • Thank you for coming! 


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Thu, 15 Jun 2023 23:37:48 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 1355 Be mindful of how you're feeling when you practice these lessons. Are you feeling excited and energized? Tired and doubtful? Distracted? Focused? Without passing any judgment on how you feel, observing your feelings or state of mind can offer clues about how and whether you might want to adjust your practice.

For example, about a month ago I noticed that my language practice was starting to bore me a little. This was after many months of smooth sailing, during which I had been feeling motivated and everything had seemed interesting. Suddenly, I found myself getting distracted more and more easily, and even skipping days of practice.

Instead of heaping on the self-judgment, as I might have done in the past, this time I decided to listen to what this feeling was telling me. After some introspection, I realized I had been starting to get burned out. At first I had been ignoring this feeling, because I felt so much pressure to keep improving. Recognizing and accepting the source my of waning motivation was a huge relief. I wound up deciding to take a short break, and then continue practicing but with an emphasis, for the time being, on just speaking with real people, which I personally have always found the greatest motivator for learning another language. 

As with life, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to learning a language, which is why tuning into your internal state now and then can be such a helpful source of guidance. 

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction
  2. [01:55] Introduction part 2: Slowing down the magic phrase practice
  3. [02:50] Magic Phrase
  4. [04:16] Break down and practice the Magic Phrase
  5. [11:55] Tone Pair Safari: Dialogue
  6. [13:59] Translation of the Dialogue
  7. [19:56] Dialogue, Slow Version


Magic Phrase (1-2)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 1-2 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

雖然公園非常安全，阿姨居然失眠！
Suīrán gōngyuán fēicháng ānquán, āyí jūrán shīmián!


雖然 / suīrán / although, even though
公園 / gōngyuán / park ("public garden") 
非常 / fēicháng / extremely ("not common, not normal")
安全 / ānquán / safe
阿姨 / āyí / aunt, auntie, a woman approximately the age of one's parents
居然 / jūrán / unexpectedly, surprisingly 
失眠 / shīmián / to suffer from insomnia ("lose sleep") 

Tone Pair Safari (1-2)
Once we are familiar with the 1-2 tone pair, we listen to a new dialogue that is filled with more words that use this tone pair. In doing so, we sharpen our listening skills by practicing paying attention to the tones we hear.

Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

S：歡迎光臨我的空調商店，我專門賣空調！你需要什麼嗎？
K：你終於開門了！
S：你有什麼需求嗎？
K：我要抓狂了！
S：你的精神看起來不太好。
K：當然啊！
S：怎麼了？
K：我的兒子。
S：你的兒子怎麼了？
K：他要出國了！
S：是嗎？
K：他說不要我干涉他的私人生活！
S：你有在干涉嗎？
K：沒有！我只是跟他說，刷牙要堅持！
S：然後呢？
K：他不聽話！我的兒子糟透了！
S：你要不要試著不要批評他，對他溫柔一點。
K：可是生活有規則啊！
S：你需要跟他溝通。
K：我不行！你要幫我！
S：… 你要買空調嗎？
K：沒關係啦，我試著跟他溝通好了。謝謝你。
S：謝謝光臨！


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • S：歡迎光臨我的空調商店，我專門賣空調！你需要什麼嗎？
    • Huānyíng guānglín wǒ de kōngtiáo shāngdiàn, wǒ zhuānmén mài kōngtiáo! Nǐ xūyào shénme ma?
    • Welcome to my air conditioner shop! I specialize in selling air conditioners. Do you need something?
      • (Note: in one version of the dialogue, the speaker elides the 門 (mén) in 專門 (zhuānmén). This is another way to express the same idea. 專門 (zhuānmén) means to specialize or be a specialist in something, so 專門賣 (zhuānmén mài) means to specialize in selling a particular thing. 專賣 (zhuānmài) is simply a shortening of this. 
  • K：你終於開門了！
    • Nǐ zhōngyú kāimén le!
    • You finally opened! 
  • S：你有什麼需求嗎？
    • Nǐ yǒu shé me xūqiú ma?
    • Do you need something? (lit. do you have a requirement?)
  • K：我要抓狂了！
    • Wǒ yào zhuākuáng le!
    • I’m about to go mad!
  • S：你的精神看起來不太好。
    • Nǐ de jīngshén kàn qǐlái bu tài hǎo.
    • Your spirit / energy / mental state doesn’t look very good.
  • K：當然啊！
    • Dāngrán a!
    • Of course!
  • S：怎麼了？
    • Zěnmele?
    • What’s wrong?
  • K：我的兒子。
    • Wǒ de érzi.
    • My son.
  • S：你的兒子怎麼了？
    • Nǐ de érzi zěnmeliǎo?
    • What’s wrong with your son?
  • K：他要出國了！
    • Tā yào chūguó le! 
    • He’s leaving the country!
  • S：是嗎？
    • Shì ma?
    • Oh?
  • K：他說不要我干涉他的私人生活！
    • Tā shuō bu yào wǒ gānshè tā de sīrén shēnghuó!
    • He says he doesn’t want me to interfere with his personal life.
  • S：你有在干涉嗎？
    • Nǐ yǒu zài gānshè ma?
    • Are you interfering?
  • K：沒有！我只是跟他說，刷牙要堅持！
    • Méiyǒu! Wǒ zhǐshì gēn tā shuō, shuāyá yào jiānchí!
    • I’m not! I only said to him, you need to persist with brushing your teeth!
  • S：然後呢？
    • Ránhòu ne?
    • And then?
  • K：他不聽話！我的兒子糟透了！
    • Tā bù tīnghuà! Wǒ de érzi zāotòule!
    • He doesn’t listen! He’s a terrible son!
  • S：你要不要試著不要批評他，對他溫柔一點。
    • Nǐ yào búyào shìzhe búyào pīpíng tā, duì tā wēnróu yīdiǎn.
    • Why don’t you try not criticizing him? Be gentler towards him.
  • K：可是生活有規則啊！
    • Kěshì shēnghuó yǒu guīzé a!
    • But life has rules!
  • S：你需要跟他溝通。
    • Nǐ xūyào gēn tā gōutōng.
    • You need to communicate with him.
  • K：我不行！你要幫我！
    • Wǒ bùxíng! Nǐ yào bāng wǒ!
    • I can’t do it! You have to help me!
  • S：… 你要買空調嗎？
    • … Nǐ yāomǎi kōngtiáo ma?
    • …Do you want to buy an air conditioner?
  • K：沒關係啦，我試著跟他溝通好了。謝謝你。
    • Méiguānxì la, wǒ shìzhe gēn tā gōutōng hǎole. Xièxiè nǐ. 
    • Never mind, I guess I’ll try communicating. Thanks.
  • S：謝謝光臨！
    • Xièxiè guānglín!
    • Thank you for coming! 


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No Daily Practice (Normal Speed) - S3 - Lesson 04 3 3 Daily Practice (Normal Speed) - S3 - Lesson 04 bonus aa21d5cb-b011-4777-a136-331768878eb2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4fb113dc After listening to Season 3, Lesson 04, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.

Magic Phrase (1-2)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 1-2 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

雖然公園非常安全，阿姨居然失眠！
Suīrán gōngyuán fēicháng ānquán, āyí jūrán shīmián!


雖然 / suīrán / although, even though
公園 / gōngyuán / park ("public garden") 
非常 / fēicháng / extremely ("not common, not normal")
安全 / ānquán / safe
阿姨 / āyí / aunt, auntie, a woman approximately the age of one's parents
居然 / jūrán / unexpectedly, surprisingly 
失眠 / shīmián / to suffer from insomnia ("lose sleep") 


Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

S：歡迎光臨我的空調商店，我專門賣空調！你需要什麼嗎？
K：你終於開門了！
S：你有什麼需求嗎？
K：我要抓狂了！
S：你的精神看起來不太好。
K：當然啊！
S：怎麼了？
K：我的兒子。
S：你的兒子怎麼了？
K：他要出國了！
S：是嗎？
K：他說不要我干涉他的私人生活！
S：你有在干涉嗎？
K：沒有！我只是跟他說，刷牙要堅持！
S：然後呢？
K：他不聽話！我的兒子糟透了！
S：你要不要試著不要批評他，對他溫柔一點。
K：可是生活有規則啊！
S：你需要跟他溝通。
K：我不行！你要幫我！
S：… 你要買空調嗎？
K：沒關係啦，我試著跟他溝通好了。謝謝你。
S：謝謝光臨！


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • S：歡迎光臨我的空調商店，我專門賣空調！你需要什麼嗎？
    • Huānyíng guānglín wǒ de kōngtiáo shāngdiàn, wǒ zhuānmén mài kōngtiáo! Nǐ xūyào shénme ma?
    • Welcome to my air conditioner shop! I specialize in selling air conditioners. Do you need something?
      • (Note: in one version of the dialogue, the speaker elides the 門 (mén) in 專門 (zhuānmén). This is another way to express the same idea. 專門 (zhuānmén) means to specialize or be a specialist in something, so 專門賣 (zhuānmén mài) means to specialize in selling a particular thing. 專賣 (zhuānmài) is simply a shortening of this. 
  • K：你終於開門了！
    • Nǐ zhōngyú kāimén le!
    • You finally opened! 
  • S：你有什麼需求嗎？
    • Nǐ yǒu shé me xūqiú ma?
    • Do you need something? (lit. do you have a requirement?)
  • K：我要抓狂了！
    • Wǒ yào zhuākuáng le!
    • I’m about to go mad!
  • S：你的精神看起來不太好。
    • Nǐ de jīngshén kàn qǐlái bu tài hǎo.
    • Your spirit / energy / mental state doesn’t look very good.
  • K：當然啊！
    • Dāngrán a!
    • Of course!
  • S：怎麼了？
    • Zěnmele?
    • What’s wrong?
  • K：我的兒子。
    • Wǒ de érzi.
    • My son.
  • S：你的兒子怎麼了？
    • Nǐ de érzi zěnmeliǎo?
    • What’s wrong with your son?
  • K：他要出國了！
    • Tā yào chūguó le! 
    • He’s leaving the country!
  • S：是嗎？
    • Shì ma?
    • Oh?
  • K：他說不要我干涉他的私人生活！
    • Tā shuō bu yào wǒ gānshè tā de sīrén shēnghuó!
    • He says he doesn’t want me to interfere with his personal life.
  • S：你有在干涉嗎？
    • Nǐ yǒu zài gānshè ma?
    • Are you interfering?
  • K：沒有！我只是跟他說，刷牙要堅持！
    • Méiyǒu! Wǒ zhǐshì gēn tā shuō, shuāyá yào jiānchí!
    • I’m not! I only said to him, you need to persist with brushing your teeth!
  • S：然後呢？
    • Ránhòu ne?
    • And then?
  • K：他不聽話！我的兒子糟透了！
    • Tā bù tīnghuà! Wǒ de érzi zāotòule!
    • He doesn’t listen! He’s a terrible son!
  • S：你要不要試著不要批評他，對他溫柔一點。
    • Nǐ yào búyào shìzhe búyào pīpíng tā, duì tā wēnróu yīdiǎn.
    • Why don’t you try not criticizing him? Be gentler towards him.
  • K：可是生活有規則啊！
    • Kěshì shēnghuó yǒu guīzé a!
    • But life has rules!
  • S：你需要跟他溝通。
    • Nǐ xūyào gēn tā gōutōng.
    • You need to communicate with him.
  • K：我不行！你要幫我！
    • Wǒ bùxíng! Nǐ yào bāng wǒ!
    • I can’t do it! You have to help me!
  • S：… 你要買空調嗎？
    • … Nǐ yāomǎi kōngtiáo ma?
    • …Do you want to buy an air conditioner?
  • K：沒關係啦，我試著跟他溝通好了。謝謝你。
    • Méiguānxì la, wǒ shìzhe gēn tā gōutōng hǎole. Xièxiè nǐ. 
    • Never mind, I guess I’ll try communicating. Thanks.
  • S：謝謝光臨！
    • Xièxiè guānglín!
    • Thank you for coming! 


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> After listening to Season 3, Lesson 04, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.

Magic Phrase (1-2)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 1-2 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

雖然公園非常安全，阿姨居然失眠！
Suīrán gōngyuán fēicháng ānquán, āyí jūrán shīmián!


雖然 / suīrán / although, even though
公園 / gōngyuán / park ("public garden") 
非常 / fēicháng / extremely ("not common, not normal")
安全 / ānquán / safe
阿姨 / āyí / aunt, auntie, a woman approximately the age of one's parents
居然 / jūrán / unexpectedly, surprisingly 
失眠 / shīmián / to suffer from insomnia ("lose sleep") 


Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

S：歡迎光臨我的空調商店，我專門賣空調！你需要什麼嗎？
K：你終於開門了！
S：你有什麼需求嗎？
K：我要抓狂了！
S：你的精神看起來不太好。
K：當然啊！
S：怎麼了？
K：我的兒子。
S：你的兒子怎麼了？
K：他要出國了！
S：是嗎？
K：他說不要我干涉他的私人生活！
S：你有在干涉嗎？
K：沒有！我只是跟他說，刷牙要堅持！
S：然後呢？
K：他不聽話！我的兒子糟透了！
S：你要不要試著不要批評他，對他溫柔一點。
K：可是生活有規則啊！
S：你需要跟他溝通。
K：我不行！你要幫我！
S：… 你要買空調嗎？
K：沒關係啦，我試著跟他溝通好了。謝謝你。
S：謝謝光臨！


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • S：歡迎光臨我的空調商店，我專門賣空調！你需要什麼嗎？
    • Huānyíng guānglín wǒ de kōngtiáo shāngdiàn, wǒ zhuānmén mài kōngtiáo! Nǐ xūyào shénme ma?
    • Welcome to my air conditioner shop! I specialize in selling air conditioners. Do you need something?
      • (Note: in one version of the dialogue, the speaker elides the 門 (mén) in 專門 (zhuānmén). This is another way to express the same idea. 專門 (zhuānmén) means to specialize or be a specialist in something, so 專門賣 (zhuānmén mài) means to specialize in selling a particular thing. 專賣 (zhuānmài) is simply a shortening of this. 
  • K：你終於開門了！
    • Nǐ zhōngyú kāimén le!
    • You finally opened! 
  • S：你有什麼需求嗎？
    • Nǐ yǒu shé me xūqiú ma?
    • Do you need something? (lit. do you have a requirement?)
  • K：我要抓狂了！
    • Wǒ yào zhuākuáng le!
    • I’m about to go mad!
  • S：你的精神看起來不太好。
    • Nǐ de jīngshén kàn qǐlái bu tài hǎo.
    • Your spirit / energy / mental state doesn’t look very good.
  • K：當然啊！
    • Dāngrán a!
    • Of course!
  • S：怎麼了？
    • Zěnmele?
    • What’s wrong?
  • K：我的兒子。
    • Wǒ de érzi.
    • My son.
  • S：你的兒子怎麼了？
    • Nǐ de érzi zěnmeliǎo?
    • What’s wrong with your son?
  • K：他要出國了！
    • Tā yào chūguó le! 
    • He’s leaving the country!
  • S：是嗎？
    • Shì ma?
    • Oh?
  • K：他說不要我干涉他的私人生活！
    • Tā shuō bu yào wǒ gānshè tā de sīrén shēnghuó!
    • He says he doesn’t want me to interfere with his personal life.
  • S：你有在干涉嗎？
    • Nǐ yǒu zài gānshè ma?
    • Are you interfering?
  • K：沒有！我只是跟他說，刷牙要堅持！
    • Méiyǒu! Wǒ zhǐshì gēn tā shuō, shuāyá yào jiānchí!
    • I’m not! I only said to him, you need to persist with brushing your teeth!
  • S：然後呢？
    • Ránhòu ne?
    • And then?
  • K：他不聽話！我的兒子糟透了！
    • Tā bù tīnghuà! Wǒ de érzi zāotòule!
    • He doesn’t listen! He’s a terrible son!
  • S：你要不要試著不要批評他，對他溫柔一點。
    • Nǐ yào búyào shìzhe búyào pīpíng tā, duì tā wēnróu yīdiǎn.
    • Why don’t you try not criticizing him? Be gentler towards him.
  • K：可是生活有規則啊！
    • Kěshì shēnghuó yǒu guīzé a!
    • But life has rules!
  • S：你需要跟他溝通。
    • Nǐ xūyào gēn tā gōutōng.
    • You need to communicate with him.
  • K：我不行！你要幫我！
    • Wǒ bùxíng! Nǐ yào bāng wǒ!
    • I can’t do it! You have to help me!
  • S：… 你要買空調嗎？
    • … Nǐ yāomǎi kōngtiáo ma?
    • …Do you want to buy an air conditioner?
  • K：沒關係啦，我試著跟他溝通好了。謝謝你。
    • Méiguānxì la, wǒ shìzhe gēn tā gōutōng hǎole. Xièxiè nǐ. 
    • Never mind, I guess I’ll try communicating. Thanks.
  • S：謝謝光臨！
    • Xièxiè guānglín!
    • Thank you for coming! 


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Fri, 16 Jun 2023 22:01:25 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 297 After listening to Season 3, Lesson 04, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.

Magic Phrase (1-2)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 1-2 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

雖然公園非常安全，阿姨居然失眠！
Suīrán gōngyuán fēicháng ānquán, āyí jūrán shīmián!


雖然 / suīrán / although, even though
公園 / gōngyuán / park ("public garden") 
非常 / fēicháng / extremely ("not common, not normal")
安全 / ānquán / safe
阿姨 / āyí / aunt, auntie, a woman approximately the age of one's parents
居然 / jūrán / unexpectedly, surprisingly 
失眠 / shīmián / to suffer from insomnia ("lose sleep") 


Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

S：歡迎光臨我的空調商店，我專門賣空調！你需要什麼嗎？
K：你終於開門了！
S：你有什麼需求嗎？
K：我要抓狂了！
S：你的精神看起來不太好。
K：當然啊！
S：怎麼了？
K：我的兒子。
S：你的兒子怎麼了？
K：他要出國了！
S：是嗎？
K：他說不要我干涉他的私人生活！
S：你有在干涉嗎？
K：沒有！我只是跟他說，刷牙要堅持！
S：然後呢？
K：他不聽話！我的兒子糟透了！
S：你要不要試著不要批評他，對他溫柔一點。
K：可是生活有規則啊！
S：你需要跟他溝通。
K：我不行！你要幫我！
S：… 你要買空調嗎？
K：沒關係啦，我試著跟他溝通好了。謝謝你。
S：謝謝光臨！


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • S：歡迎光臨我的空調商店，我專門賣空調！你需要什麼嗎？
    • Huānyíng guānglín wǒ de kōngtiáo shāngdiàn, wǒ zhuānmén mài kōngtiáo! Nǐ xūyào shénme ma?
    • Welcome to my air conditioner shop! I specialize in selling air conditioners. Do you need something?
      • (Note: in one version of the dialogue, the speaker elides the 門 (mén) in 專門 (zhuānmén). This is another way to express the same idea. 專門 (zhuānmén) means to specialize or be a specialist in something, so 專門賣 (zhuānmén mài) means to specialize in selling a particular thing. 專賣 (zhuānmài) is simply a shortening of this. 
  • K：你終於開門了！
    • Nǐ zhōngyú kāimén le!
    • You finally opened! 
  • S：你有什麼需求嗎？
    • Nǐ yǒu shé me xūqiú ma?
    • Do you need something? (lit. do you have a requirement?)
  • K：我要抓狂了！
    • Wǒ yào zhuākuáng le!
    • I’m about to go mad!
  • S：你的精神看起來不太好。
    • Nǐ de jīngshén kàn qǐlái bu tài hǎo.
    • Your spirit / energy / mental state doesn’t look very good.
  • K：當然啊！
    • Dāngrán a!
    • Of course!
  • S：怎麼了？
    • Zěnmele?
    • What’s wrong?
  • K：我的兒子。
    • Wǒ de érzi.
    • My son.
  • S：你的兒子怎麼了？
    • Nǐ de érzi zěnmeliǎo?
    • What’s wrong with your son?
  • K：他要出國了！
    • Tā yào chūguó le! 
    • He’s leaving the country!
  • S：是嗎？
    • Shì ma?
    • Oh?
  • K：他說不要我干涉他的私人生活！
    • Tā shuō bu yào wǒ gānshè tā de sīrén shēnghuó!
    • He says he doesn’t want me to interfere with his personal life.
  • S：你有在干涉嗎？
    • Nǐ yǒu zài gānshè ma?
    • Are you interfering?
  • K：沒有！我只是跟他說，刷牙要堅持！
    • Méiyǒu! Wǒ zhǐshì gēn tā shuō, shuāyá yào jiānchí!
    • I’m not! I only said to him, you need to persist with brushing your teeth!
  • S：然後呢？
    • Ránhòu ne?
    • And then?
  • K：他不聽話！我的兒子糟透了！
    • Tā bù tīnghuà! Wǒ de érzi zāotòule!
    • He doesn’t listen! He’s a terrible son!
  • S：你要不要試著不要批評他，對他溫柔一點。
    • Nǐ yào búyào shìzhe búyào pīpíng tā, duì tā wēnróu yīdiǎn.
    • Why don’t you try not criticizing him? Be gentler towards him.
  • K：可是生活有規則啊！
    • Kěshì shēnghuó yǒu guīzé a!
    • But life has rules!
  • S：你需要跟他溝通。
    • Nǐ xūyào gēn tā gōutōng.
    • You need to communicate with him.
  • K：我不行！你要幫我！
    • Wǒ bùxíng! Nǐ yào bāng wǒ!
    • I can’t do it! You have to help me!
  • S：… 你要買空調嗎？
    • … Nǐ yāomǎi kōngtiáo ma?
    • …Do you want to buy an air conditioner?
  • K：沒關係啦，我試著跟他溝通好了。謝謝你。
    • Méiguānxì la, wǒ shìzhe gēn tā gōutōng hǎole. Xièxiè nǐ. 
    • Never mind, I guess I’ll try communicating. Thanks.
  • S：謝謝光臨！
    • Xièxiè guānglín!
    • Thank you for coming! 


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No Daily Practice (Slow Speed) - S3 - Lesson 04 3 3 Daily Practice (Slow Speed) - S3 - Lesson 04 bonus 18fa51d0-f085-4710-ad92-81458c1e37fd https://share.transistor.fm/s/09166de6 After listening to Season 3, Lesson 04, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking a few minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.

Magic Phrase (1-2)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 1-2 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

雖然公園非常安全，阿姨居然失眠！
Suīrán gōngyuán fēicháng ānquán, āyí jūrán shīmián!


雖然 / suīrán / although, even though
公園 / gōngyuán / park ("public garden") 
非常 / fēicháng / extremely ("not common, not normal")
安全 / ānquán / safe
阿姨 / āyí / aunt, auntie, a woman approximately the age of one's parents
居然 / jūrán / unexpectedly, surprisingly 
失眠 / shīmián / to suffer from insomnia ("lose sleep") 


Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

S：歡迎光臨我的空調商店，我專門賣空調！你需要什麼嗎？
K：你終於開門了！
S：你有什麼需求嗎？
K：我要抓狂了！
S：你的精神看起來不太好。
K：當然啊！
S：怎麼了？
K：我的兒子。
S：你的兒子怎麼了？
K：他要出國了！
S：是嗎？
K：他說不要我干涉他的私人生活！
S：你有在干涉嗎？
K：沒有！我只是跟他說，刷牙要堅持！
S：然後呢？
K：他不聽話！我的兒子糟透了！
S：你要不要試著不要批評他，對他溫柔一點。
K：可是生活有規則啊！
S：你需要跟他溝通。
K：我不行！你要幫我！
S：… 你要買空調嗎？
K：沒關係啦，我試著跟他溝通好了。謝謝你。
S：謝謝光臨！


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • S：歡迎光臨我的空調商店，我專門賣空調！你需要什麼嗎？
    • Huānyíng guānglín wǒ de kōngtiáo shāngdiàn, wǒ zhuānmén mài kōngtiáo! Nǐ xūyào shénme ma?
    • Welcome to my air conditioner shop! I specialize in selling air conditioners. Do you need something?
      • (Note: in one version of the dialogue, the speaker elides the 門 (mén) in 專門 (zhuānmén). This is another way to express the same idea. 專門 (zhuānmén) means to specialize or be a specialist in something, so 專門賣 (zhuānmén mài) means to specialize in selling a particular thing. 專賣 (zhuānmài) is simply a shortening of this. 
  • K：你終於開門了！
    • Nǐ zhōngyú kāimén le!
    • You finally opened! 
  • S：你有什麼需求嗎？
    • Nǐ yǒu shé me xūqiú ma?
    • Do you need something? (lit. do you have a requirement?)
  • K：我要抓狂了！
    • Wǒ yào zhuākuáng le!
    • I’m about to go mad!
  • S：你的精神看起來不太好。
    • Nǐ de jīngshén kàn qǐlái bu tài hǎo.
    • Your spirit / energy / mental state doesn’t look very good.
  • K：當然啊！
    • Dāngrán a!
    • Of course!
  • S：怎麼了？
    • Zěnmele?
    • What’s wrong?
  • K：我的兒子。
    • Wǒ de érzi.
    • My son.
  • S：你的兒子怎麼了？
    • Nǐ de érzi zěnmeliǎo?
    • What’s wrong with your son?
  • K：他要出國了！
    • Tā yào chūguó le! 
    • He’s leaving the country!
  • S：是嗎？
    • Shì ma?
    • Oh?
  • K：他說不要我干涉他的私人生活！
    • Tā shuō bu yào wǒ gānshè tā de sīrén shēnghuó!
    • He says he doesn’t want me to interfere with his personal life.
  • S：你有在干涉嗎？
    • Nǐ yǒu zài gānshè ma?
    • Are you interfering?
  • K：沒有！我只是跟他說，刷牙要堅持！
    • Méiyǒu! Wǒ zhǐshì gēn tā shuō, shuāyá yào jiānchí!
    • I’m not! I only said to him, you need to persist with brushing your teeth!
  • S：然後呢？
    • Ránhòu ne?
    • And then?
  • K：他不聽話！我的兒子糟透了！
    • Tā bù tīnghuà! Wǒ de érzi zāotòule!
    • He doesn’t listen! He’s a terrible son!
  • S：你要不要試著不要批評他，對他溫柔一點。
    • Nǐ yào búyào shìzhe búyào pīpíng tā, duì tā wēnróu yīdiǎn.
    • Why don’t you try not criticizing him? Be gentler towards him.
  • K：可是生活有規則啊！
    • Kěshì shēnghuó yǒu guīzé a!
    • But life has rules!
  • S：你需要跟他溝通。
    • Nǐ xūyào gēn tā gōutōng.
    • You need to communicate with him.
  • K：我不行！你要幫我！
    • Wǒ bùxíng! Nǐ yào bāng wǒ!
    • I can’t do it! You have to help me!
  • S：… 你要買空調嗎？
    • … Nǐ yāomǎi kōngtiáo ma?
    • …Do you want to buy an air conditioner?
  • K：沒關係啦，我試著跟他溝通好了。謝謝你。
    • Méiguānxì la, wǒ shìzhe gēn tā gōutōng hǎole. Xièxiè nǐ. 
    • Never mind, I guess I’ll try communicating. Thanks.
  • S：謝謝光臨！
    • Xièxiè guānglín!
    • Thank you for coming! 


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> After listening to Season 3, Lesson 04, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking a few minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.

Magic Phrase (1-2)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 1-2 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

雖然公園非常安全，阿姨居然失眠！
Suīrán gōngyuán fēicháng ānquán, āyí jūrán shīmián!


雖然 / suīrán / although, even though
公園 / gōngyuán / park ("public garden") 
非常 / fēicháng / extremely ("not common, not normal")
安全 / ānquán / safe
阿姨 / āyí / aunt, auntie, a woman approximately the age of one's parents
居然 / jūrán / unexpectedly, surprisingly 
失眠 / shīmián / to suffer from insomnia ("lose sleep") 


Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

S：歡迎光臨我的空調商店，我專門賣空調！你需要什麼嗎？
K：你終於開門了！
S：你有什麼需求嗎？
K：我要抓狂了！
S：你的精神看起來不太好。
K：當然啊！
S：怎麼了？
K：我的兒子。
S：你的兒子怎麼了？
K：他要出國了！
S：是嗎？
K：他說不要我干涉他的私人生活！
S：你有在干涉嗎？
K：沒有！我只是跟他說，刷牙要堅持！
S：然後呢？
K：他不聽話！我的兒子糟透了！
S：你要不要試著不要批評他，對他溫柔一點。
K：可是生活有規則啊！
S：你需要跟他溝通。
K：我不行！你要幫我！
S：… 你要買空調嗎？
K：沒關係啦，我試著跟他溝通好了。謝謝你。
S：謝謝光臨！


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • S：歡迎光臨我的空調商店，我專門賣空調！你需要什麼嗎？
    • Huānyíng guānglín wǒ de kōngtiáo shāngdiàn, wǒ zhuānmén mài kōngtiáo! Nǐ xūyào shénme ma?
    • Welcome to my air conditioner shop! I specialize in selling air conditioners. Do you need something?
      • (Note: in one version of the dialogue, the speaker elides the 門 (mén) in 專門 (zhuānmén). This is another way to express the same idea. 專門 (zhuānmén) means to specialize or be a specialist in something, so 專門賣 (zhuānmén mài) means to specialize in selling a particular thing. 專賣 (zhuānmài) is simply a shortening of this. 
  • K：你終於開門了！
    • Nǐ zhōngyú kāimén le!
    • You finally opened! 
  • S：你有什麼需求嗎？
    • Nǐ yǒu shé me xūqiú ma?
    • Do you need something? (lit. do you have a requirement?)
  • K：我要抓狂了！
    • Wǒ yào zhuākuáng le!
    • I’m about to go mad!
  • S：你的精神看起來不太好。
    • Nǐ de jīngshén kàn qǐlái bu tài hǎo.
    • Your spirit / energy / mental state doesn’t look very good.
  • K：當然啊！
    • Dāngrán a!
    • Of course!
  • S：怎麼了？
    • Zěnmele?
    • What’s wrong?
  • K：我的兒子。
    • Wǒ de érzi.
    • My son.
  • S：你的兒子怎麼了？
    • Nǐ de érzi zěnmeliǎo?
    • What’s wrong with your son?
  • K：他要出國了！
    • Tā yào chūguó le! 
    • He’s leaving the country!
  • S：是嗎？
    • Shì ma?
    • Oh?
  • K：他說不要我干涉他的私人生活！
    • Tā shuō bu yào wǒ gānshè tā de sīrén shēnghuó!
    • He says he doesn’t want me to interfere with his personal life.
  • S：你有在干涉嗎？
    • Nǐ yǒu zài gānshè ma?
    • Are you interfering?
  • K：沒有！我只是跟他說，刷牙要堅持！
    • Méiyǒu! Wǒ zhǐshì gēn tā shuō, shuāyá yào jiānchí!
    • I’m not! I only said to him, you need to persist with brushing your teeth!
  • S：然後呢？
    • Ránhòu ne?
    • And then?
  • K：他不聽話！我的兒子糟透了！
    • Tā bù tīnghuà! Wǒ de érzi zāotòule!
    • He doesn’t listen! He’s a terrible son!
  • S：你要不要試著不要批評他，對他溫柔一點。
    • Nǐ yào búyào shìzhe búyào pīpíng tā, duì tā wēnróu yīdiǎn.
    • Why don’t you try not criticizing him? Be gentler towards him.
  • K：可是生活有規則啊！
    • Kěshì shēnghuó yǒu guīzé a!
    • But life has rules!
  • S：你需要跟他溝通。
    • Nǐ xūyào gēn tā gōutōng.
    • You need to communicate with him.
  • K：我不行！你要幫我！
    • Wǒ bùxíng! Nǐ yào bāng wǒ!
    • I can’t do it! You have to help me!
  • S：… 你要買空調嗎？
    • … Nǐ yāomǎi kōngtiáo ma?
    • …Do you want to buy an air conditioner?
  • K：沒關係啦，我試著跟他溝通好了。謝謝你。
    • Méiguānxì la, wǒ shìzhe gēn tā gōutōng hǎole. Xièxiè nǐ. 
    • Never mind, I guess I’ll try communicating. Thanks.
  • S：謝謝光臨！
    • Xièxiè guānglín!
    • Thank you for coming! 


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Fri, 16 Jun 2023 22:02:24 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 424 After listening to Season 3, Lesson 04, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking a few minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.

Magic Phrase (1-2)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 1-2 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

雖然公園非常安全，阿姨居然失眠！
Suīrán gōngyuán fēicháng ānquán, āyí jūrán shīmián!


雖然 / suīrán / although, even though
公園 / gōngyuán / park ("public garden") 
非常 / fēicháng / extremely ("not common, not normal")
安全 / ānquán / safe
阿姨 / āyí / aunt, auntie, a woman approximately the age of one's parents
居然 / jūrán / unexpectedly, surprisingly 
失眠 / shīmián / to suffer from insomnia ("lose sleep") 


Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

S：歡迎光臨我的空調商店，我專門賣空調！你需要什麼嗎？
K：你終於開門了！
S：你有什麼需求嗎？
K：我要抓狂了！
S：你的精神看起來不太好。
K：當然啊！
S：怎麼了？
K：我的兒子。
S：你的兒子怎麼了？
K：他要出國了！
S：是嗎？
K：他說不要我干涉他的私人生活！
S：你有在干涉嗎？
K：沒有！我只是跟他說，刷牙要堅持！
S：然後呢？
K：他不聽話！我的兒子糟透了！
S：你要不要試著不要批評他，對他溫柔一點。
K：可是生活有規則啊！
S：你需要跟他溝通。
K：我不行！你要幫我！
S：… 你要買空調嗎？
K：沒關係啦，我試著跟他溝通好了。謝謝你。
S：謝謝光臨！


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • S：歡迎光臨我的空調商店，我專門賣空調！你需要什麼嗎？
    • Huānyíng guānglín wǒ de kōngtiáo shāngdiàn, wǒ zhuānmén mài kōngtiáo! Nǐ xūyào shénme ma?
    • Welcome to my air conditioner shop! I specialize in selling air conditioners. Do you need something?
      • (Note: in one version of the dialogue, the speaker elides the 門 (mén) in 專門 (zhuānmén). This is another way to express the same idea. 專門 (zhuānmén) means to specialize or be a specialist in something, so 專門賣 (zhuānmén mài) means to specialize in selling a particular thing. 專賣 (zhuānmài) is simply a shortening of this. 
  • K：你終於開門了！
    • Nǐ zhōngyú kāimén le!
    • You finally opened! 
  • S：你有什麼需求嗎？
    • Nǐ yǒu shé me xūqiú ma?
    • Do you need something? (lit. do you have a requirement?)
  • K：我要抓狂了！
    • Wǒ yào zhuākuáng le!
    • I’m about to go mad!
  • S：你的精神看起來不太好。
    • Nǐ de jīngshén kàn qǐlái bu tài hǎo.
    • Your spirit / energy / mental state doesn’t look very good.
  • K：當然啊！
    • Dāngrán a!
    • Of course!
  • S：怎麼了？
    • Zěnmele?
    • What’s wrong?
  • K：我的兒子。
    • Wǒ de érzi.
    • My son.
  • S：你的兒子怎麼了？
    • Nǐ de érzi zěnmeliǎo?
    • What’s wrong with your son?
  • K：他要出國了！
    • Tā yào chūguó le! 
    • He’s leaving the country!
  • S：是嗎？
    • Shì ma?
    • Oh?
  • K：他說不要我干涉他的私人生活！
    • Tā shuō bu yào wǒ gānshè tā de sīrén shēnghuó!
    • He says he doesn’t want me to interfere with his personal life.
  • S：你有在干涉嗎？
    • Nǐ yǒu zài gānshè ma?
    • Are you interfering?
  • K：沒有！我只是跟他說，刷牙要堅持！
    • Méiyǒu! Wǒ zhǐshì gēn tā shuō, shuāyá yào jiānchí!
    • I’m not! I only said to him, you need to persist with brushing your teeth!
  • S：然後呢？
    • Ránhòu ne?
    • And then?
  • K：他不聽話！我的兒子糟透了！
    • Tā bù tīnghuà! Wǒ de érzi zāotòule!
    • He doesn’t listen! He’s a terrible son!
  • S：你要不要試著不要批評他，對他溫柔一點。
    • Nǐ yào búyào shìzhe búyào pīpíng tā, duì tā wēnróu yīdiǎn.
    • Why don’t you try not criticizing him? Be gentler towards him.
  • K：可是生活有規則啊！
    • Kěshì shēnghuó yǒu guīzé a!
    • But life has rules!
  • S：你需要跟他溝通。
    • Nǐ xūyào gēn tā gōutōng.
    • You need to communicate with him.
  • K：我不行！你要幫我！
    • Wǒ bùxíng! Nǐ yào bāng wǒ!
    • I can’t do it! You have to help me!
  • S：… 你要買空調嗎？
    • … Nǐ yāomǎi kōngtiáo ma?
    • …Do you want to buy an air conditioner?
  • K：沒關係啦，我試著跟他溝通好了。謝謝你。
    • Méiguānxì la, wǒ shìzhe gēn tā gōutōng hǎole. Xièxiè nǐ. 
    • Never mind, I guess I’ll try communicating. Thanks.
  • S：謝謝光臨！
    • Xièxiè guānglín!
    • Thank you for coming! 


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No S3 ~ 05 ~ Forget the past 忘記過去 3 3 S3 ~ 05 ~ Forget the past 忘記過去 full 68b41537-6de5-4075-a3fd-ae4c96a45112 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c1dc1a04 We can't understand a language outside the context of the people who live it and speak it. A human language cannot be contained in an artifact like a dictionary or even a database, because it is a living thing, which exists through the people who live by it.

From the standpoint of learning a language, this point is essential. Not incidentally, rare cases notwithstanding, the human brain is not particularly good at memorizing facts or data. Consider how many things you learned in school that you've already forgotten.

The kind of information that we do tend to remember, indeed that we may absorb and retain permanently without even trying, is how things make us feel. Feelings are how we make meaning from experience. 

This makes all the difference, because if we view a language as a collection of symbols that have no personal meaning for us, then learning it becomes an almost impossible task. But if, during the learning process, we allow the language to move us, to make us feel something, to change us personally, then we start to tap into the source of our language genius.
 
When learning a language, pay attention to how what you are learning makes you feel, and seek out resources and people that make you feel something... anything! 

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction
  2. [03:36] Magic Phrase
  3. [04:22] Break down and practice the Magic Phrase
  4. [09:55] Dialogue
  5. [12:23] Translation of the Dialogue
  6. [20:52] Dialogue, Slow Version


Magic Phrase (4-4)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 4-4 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

忘記過去，注意現在
Wàngjì guòqù, zhùyì xiànzài


忘記 / wàngjì / to forget
過去 / guòqù / the past, passed, over, finished 
注意 / zhùyì / to pay attention to, to be careful of
現在 / xiànzài / now

Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

阿明，你在幹嘛？
我在看電視。
不要浪費時間！我們要去上課了！
我不去了。
什麼意思？當然要去啊！你的作業做好了嗎？
我忘記了。
你忘記了！這很重要欸！教授說今天你要上台報告！
你先去吧，我要睡覺。再見。
阿明，這樣你要怎麼畢業？
抱歉，小李。
阿明，你怎麼了？
你看！
看什麼？
你看見了嗎？電視上的報導。
我沒看到。
它說這個社會…
這個社會怎麼了？
變化的速度太快。一定是世界末日！
就算是，你還是要繼續活下去啊！不能放棄！阿明，你多久沒去外面？
戶外嗎？
我們去附近散步，好不好？你要運動一下。
但是，我害怕遇到教授。
那我們不要往教室的方向，我們就去… 動物園吧。我們去看大象，好不好？你最愛的大象！
你確定這樣OK嗎？
可以啦！我也來翹課。
謝謝小李。
不客氣，阿明。
我好鬱悶！
會過去的。來，你先穿你的外套。


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • 阿明，你在幹嘛？
    • Ā míng, nǐ zài gàn ma?
    • A-Ming, what are you doing?
  • 我在看電視。
    • Wǒ zài kàn diànshì.
    • I’m watching TV.
  • 不要浪費時間！我們要去上課了！
    • Búyào làngfèi shíjiān! Wǒmen yào qù shàngkèle! 
    • Don’t waste time! We need to go to class!
  • 我不去了。
    • Wǒ bú qùle.
    • I’m not going.
  • 什麼意思？當然要去啊！你的作業做好了嗎？
    • Shénme yìsi? Dāngrán yào qù a! Nǐ de zuòyè zuò hǎole ma?
    • What do you mean? Of course you’re going! Did you finish your homework?
  • 我忘記了。
    • Wǒ wàngjìle.
    • I forgot.
  • 你忘記了！這很重要欸！教授說今天你要上台報告！
    • Nǐ wàngjìle! Zhè hěn zhòngyào ēi! Jiàoshòu shuō jīntiān nǐ yào shàngtái bàogào!
    • You forgot! This is really important! Professor said today you need to present your report!
    • Note: 上台 (shàngtái) literally means "to get on stage."
  • 你先去吧，我要睡覺。再見。
    • Nǐ xiān qù ba, wǒ yào shuìjiào. Zàijiàn. 
    • You go first, I’m going to sleep. Goodbye.
  • 阿明，這樣你要怎麼畢業？
    • Ā míng, zhèyàng nǐ yào zěnme bìyè?
    • A-Ming, how are you going to graduate?
  • 抱歉，小李。
    • Bàoqiàn, xiǎo lǐ.
    • I’m sorry, Xiao Li.
  • 阿明，你怎麼了？
    • Ā míng, nǐ zěnmele?
    • A-Ming, what’s wrong with you?
  • 你看！
    • Nǐ kàn! 
    • Look!
  • 看什麼？
    • Kàn shénme? 
    • See what?
  • 電視上的報導。你看見了嗎？
    • Diànshì shàng de bàodǎo. Nǐ kànjiànle ma? 
    • The report on TV. Did you see it?
    • Note: Pay special attention to 報導 (bàodǎo), which means "report." Can you hear how the 4-3 tone pair differs from the 4-4 pair? 
  • 我沒看到。
    • Wǒ méi kàn dào. 
    • I didn’t see it.
  • 它說這個社會…
    • Tā shuō zhège shèhuì… 
    • It said, this society…
  • 這個社會怎麼了？
    • Zhège shèhuì zěnmele? 
    • What’s wrong with this society?
  • 變化的速度太快。一定是世界末日！
    • Biànhuà de sùdù tài kuài. Yīdìng shì shìjiè mòrì!
    • The speed of change is too fast. It’s definitely the end of the world.
  • 就算是，你還是要繼續活下去啊！不能放棄！阿明，你多久沒去外面？
    • Jiùsuàn shì, nǐ háishì yào jìxù huó xiàqù a! Bùnéng fàngqì! Ā míng, nǐ duōjiǔ méi qù wàimiàn? 
    • Even if it is, you still have to keep on living! You can’t give up. A-Ming, how long have you not been outside?
  • 戶外嗎？
    • Hùwài ma? 
    • ...Outdoors?
  • 我們去附近散步，好不好？你要運動一下。
    • Wǒmen qù fùjìn sànbù, hǎobù hǎo? Nǐ yào yùndòng yīxià.
    • Let’s go for a walk nearby, ok? You need to get some exercise.
  • 但是，我害怕遇到教授。
    • Dànshì, wǒ hàipà yù dào jiàoshòu. 
    • But I’m afraid of running into the professor.
  • 那我們不要往教室的方向，我們就去… 動物園吧。我們去看大象，好不好？你最愛的大象！
    • Nà wǒmen bùyào wǎng jiàoshì de fāngxiàng, wǒmen jiù qù… dòngwùyuán ba. Wǒmen qù kàn dà xiàng, hǎobù hǎo? Nǐ zuì'ài de dà xiàng!
    • Then let’s not go in the direction of the classroom. Let’s go… to the zoo! Let’s go see the elephants, ok? Your favorite elephants!
    • Note: Pay special attention to 方向 (fāngxiàng), which means "direction." Can you hear how the 1-4 tone pair differs from the 4-4 pair?  
  • 你確定這樣OK嗎？
    • Nǐ quèdìng zhèyàng OK ma? 
    • Are you sure that’s OK?
  • 可以啦！我也來翹課。
    • Kěyǐ la! Wǒ yě lái qiào kè. 
    • It’s fine! I’ll skip class too.
  • 謝謝小李。
    • Xièxie xiǎo lǐ. 
    • Thank you, Xiao Li.
  • 不客氣，阿明。
    • Bú kèqì, ā míng. 
    • Don’t mention it, A-Ming.
  • 我好鬱悶！
    • Wǒ hǎo yùmèn! 
    • I’m so gloomy.
  • 會過去的。來，你先穿你的外套。
    • Huì guòqù de. Lái, nǐ xiān chuān nǐ de wàitào.
    • It’ll pass. Come on, first put on your coat. 


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> We can't understand a language outside the context of the people who live it and speak it. A human language cannot be contained in an artifact like a dictionary or even a database, because it is a living thing, which exists through the people who live by it.

From the standpoint of learning a language, this point is essential. Not incidentally, rare cases notwithstanding, the human brain is not particularly good at memorizing facts or data. Consider how many things you learned in school that you've already forgotten.

The kind of information that we do tend to remember, indeed that we may absorb and retain permanently without even trying, is how things make us feel. Feelings are how we make meaning from experience. 

This makes all the difference, because if we view a language as a collection of symbols that have no personal meaning for us, then learning it becomes an almost impossible task. But if, during the learning process, we allow the language to move us, to make us feel something, to change us personally, then we start to tap into the source of our language genius.
 
When learning a language, pay attention to how what you are learning makes you feel, and seek out resources and people that make you feel something... anything! 

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction
  2. [03:36] Magic Phrase
  3. [04:22] Break down and practice the Magic Phrase
  4. [09:55] Dialogue
  5. [12:23] Translation of the Dialogue
  6. [20:52] Dialogue, Slow Version


Magic Phrase (4-4)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 4-4 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

忘記過去，注意現在
Wàngjì guòqù, zhùyì xiànzài


忘記 / wàngjì / to forget
過去 / guòqù / the past, passed, over, finished 
注意 / zhùyì / to pay attention to, to be careful of
現在 / xiànzài / now

Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

阿明，你在幹嘛？
我在看電視。
不要浪費時間！我們要去上課了！
我不去了。
什麼意思？當然要去啊！你的作業做好了嗎？
我忘記了。
你忘記了！這很重要欸！教授說今天你要上台報告！
你先去吧，我要睡覺。再見。
阿明，這樣你要怎麼畢業？
抱歉，小李。
阿明，你怎麼了？
你看！
看什麼？
你看見了嗎？電視上的報導。
我沒看到。
它說這個社會…
這個社會怎麼了？
變化的速度太快。一定是世界末日！
就算是，你還是要繼續活下去啊！不能放棄！阿明，你多久沒去外面？
戶外嗎？
我們去附近散步，好不好？你要運動一下。
但是，我害怕遇到教授。
那我們不要往教室的方向，我們就去… 動物園吧。我們去看大象，好不好？你最愛的大象！
你確定這樣OK嗎？
可以啦！我也來翹課。
謝謝小李。
不客氣，阿明。
我好鬱悶！
會過去的。來，你先穿你的外套。


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • 阿明，你在幹嘛？
    • Ā míng, nǐ zài gàn ma?
    • A-Ming, what are you doing?
  • 我在看電視。
    • Wǒ zài kàn diànshì.
    • I’m watching TV.
  • 不要浪費時間！我們要去上課了！
    • Búyào làngfèi shíjiān! Wǒmen yào qù shàngkèle! 
    • Don’t waste time! We need to go to class!
  • 我不去了。
    • Wǒ bú qùle.
    • I’m not going.
  • 什麼意思？當然要去啊！你的作業做好了嗎？
    • Shénme yìsi? Dāngrán yào qù a! Nǐ de zuòyè zuò hǎole ma?
    • What do you mean? Of course you’re going! Did you finish your homework?
  • 我忘記了。
    • Wǒ wàngjìle.
    • I forgot.
  • 你忘記了！這很重要欸！教授說今天你要上台報告！
    • Nǐ wàngjìle! Zhè hěn zhòngyào ēi! Jiàoshòu shuō jīntiān nǐ yào shàngtái bàogào!
    • You forgot! This is really important! Professor said today you need to present your report!
    • Note: 上台 (shàngtái) literally means "to get on stage."
  • 你先去吧，我要睡覺。再見。
    • Nǐ xiān qù ba, wǒ yào shuìjiào. Zàijiàn. 
    • You go first, I’m going to sleep. Goodbye.
  • 阿明，這樣你要怎麼畢業？
    • Ā míng, zhèyàng nǐ yào zěnme bìyè?
    • A-Ming, how are you going to graduate?
  • 抱歉，小李。
    • Bàoqiàn, xiǎo lǐ.
    • I’m sorry, Xiao Li.
  • 阿明，你怎麼了？
    • Ā míng, nǐ zěnmele?
    • A-Ming, what’s wrong with you?
  • 你看！
    • Nǐ kàn! 
    • Look!
  • 看什麼？
    • Kàn shénme? 
    • See what?
  • 電視上的報導。你看見了嗎？
    • Diànshì shàng de bàodǎo. Nǐ kànjiànle ma? 
    • The report on TV. Did you see it?
    • Note: Pay special attention to 報導 (bàodǎo), which means "report." Can you hear how the 4-3 tone pair differs from the 4-4 pair? 
  • 我沒看到。
    • Wǒ méi kàn dào. 
    • I didn’t see it.
  • 它說這個社會…
    • Tā shuō zhège shèhuì… 
    • It said, this society…
  • 這個社會怎麼了？
    • Zhège shèhuì zěnmele? 
    • What’s wrong with this society?
  • 變化的速度太快。一定是世界末日！
    • Biànhuà de sùdù tài kuài. Yīdìng shì shìjiè mòrì!
    • The speed of change is too fast. It’s definitely the end of the world.
  • 就算是，你還是要繼續活下去啊！不能放棄！阿明，你多久沒去外面？
    • Jiùsuàn shì, nǐ háishì yào jìxù huó xiàqù a! Bùnéng fàngqì! Ā míng, nǐ duōjiǔ méi qù wàimiàn? 
    • Even if it is, you still have to keep on living! You can’t give up. A-Ming, how long have you not been outside?
  • 戶外嗎？
    • Hùwài ma? 
    • ...Outdoors?
  • 我們去附近散步，好不好？你要運動一下。
    • Wǒmen qù fùjìn sànbù, hǎobù hǎo? Nǐ yào yùndòng yīxià.
    • Let’s go for a walk nearby, ok? You need to get some exercise.
  • 但是，我害怕遇到教授。
    • Dànshì, wǒ hàipà yù dào jiàoshòu. 
    • But I’m afraid of running into the professor.
  • 那我們不要往教室的方向，我們就去… 動物園吧。我們去看大象，好不好？你最愛的大象！
    • Nà wǒmen bùyào wǎng jiàoshì de fāngxiàng, wǒmen jiù qù… dòngwùyuán ba. Wǒmen qù kàn dà xiàng, hǎobù hǎo? Nǐ zuì'ài de dà xiàng!
    • Then let’s not go in the direction of the classroom. Let’s go… to the zoo! Let’s go see the elephants, ok? Your favorite elephants!
    • Note: Pay special attention to 方向 (fāngxiàng), which means "direction." Can you hear how the 1-4 tone pair differs from the 4-4 pair?  
  • 你確定這樣OK嗎？
    • Nǐ quèdìng zhèyàng OK ma? 
    • Are you sure that’s OK?
  • 可以啦！我也來翹課。
    • Kěyǐ la! Wǒ yě lái qiào kè. 
    • It’s fine! I’ll skip class too.
  • 謝謝小李。
    • Xièxie xiǎo lǐ. 
    • Thank you, Xiao Li.
  • 不客氣，阿明。
    • Bú kèqì, ā míng. 
    • Don’t mention it, A-Ming.
  • 我好鬱悶！
    • Wǒ hǎo yùmèn! 
    • I’m so gloomy.
  • 會過去的。來，你先穿你的外套。
    • Huì guòqù de. Lái, nǐ xiān chuān nǐ de wàitào.
    • It’ll pass. Come on, first put on your coat. 


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Tue, 04 Jul 2023 02:14:32 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 1486 We can't understand a language outside the context of the people who live it and speak it. A human language cannot be contained in an artifact like a dictionary or even a database, because it is a living thing, which exists through the people who live by it.

From the standpoint of learning a language, this point is essential. Not incidentally, rare cases notwithstanding, the human brain is not particularly good at memorizing facts or data. Consider how many things you learned in school that you've already forgotten.

The kind of information that we do tend to remember, indeed that we may absorb and retain permanently without even trying, is how things make us feel. Feelings are how we make meaning from experience. 

This makes all the difference, because if we view a language as a collection of symbols that have no personal meaning for us, then learning it becomes an almost impossible task. But if, during the learning process, we allow the language to move us, to make us feel something, to change us personally, then we start to tap into the source of our language genius.
 
When learning a language, pay attention to how what you are learning makes you feel, and seek out resources and people that make you feel something... anything! 

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction
  2. [03:36] Magic Phrase
  3. [04:22] Break down and practice the Magic Phrase
  4. [09:55] Dialogue
  5. [12:23] Translation of the Dialogue
  6. [20:52] Dialogue, Slow Version


Magic Phrase (4-4)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 4-4 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

忘記過去，注意現在
Wàngjì guòqù, zhùyì xiànzài


忘記 / wàngjì / to forget
過去 / guòqù / the past, passed, over, finished 
注意 / zhùyì / to pay attention to, to be careful of
現在 / xiànzài / now

Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

阿明，你在幹嘛？
我在看電視。
不要浪費時間！我們要去上課了！
我不去了。
什麼意思？當然要去啊！你的作業做好了嗎？
我忘記了。
你忘記了！這很重要欸！教授說今天你要上台報告！
你先去吧，我要睡覺。再見。
阿明，這樣你要怎麼畢業？
抱歉，小李。
阿明，你怎麼了？
你看！
看什麼？
你看見了嗎？電視上的報導。
我沒看到。
它說這個社會…
這個社會怎麼了？
變化的速度太快。一定是世界末日！
就算是，你還是要繼續活下去啊！不能放棄！阿明，你多久沒去外面？
戶外嗎？
我們去附近散步，好不好？你要運動一下。
但是，我害怕遇到教授。
那我們不要往教室的方向，我們就去… 動物園吧。我們去看大象，好不好？你最愛的大象！
你確定這樣OK嗎？
可以啦！我也來翹課。
謝謝小李。
不客氣，阿明。
我好鬱悶！
會過去的。來，你先穿你的外套。


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • 阿明，你在幹嘛？
    • Ā míng, nǐ zài gàn ma?
    • A-Ming, what are you doing?
  • 我在看電視。
    • Wǒ zài kàn diànshì.
    • I’m watching TV.
  • 不要浪費時間！我們要去上課了！
    • Búyào làngfèi shíjiān! Wǒmen yào qù shàngkèle! 
    • Don’t waste time! We need to go to class!
  • 我不去了。
    • Wǒ bú qùle.
    • I’m not going.
  • 什麼意思？當然要去啊！你的作業做好了嗎？
    • Shénme yìsi? Dāngrán yào qù a! Nǐ de zuòyè zuò hǎole ma?
    • What do you mean? Of course you’re going! Did you finish your homework?
  • 我忘記了。
    • Wǒ wàngjìle.
    • I forgot.
  • 你忘記了！這很重要欸！教授說今天你要上台報告！
    • Nǐ wàngjìle! Zhè hěn zhòngyào ēi! Jiàoshòu shuō jīntiān nǐ yào shàngtái bàogào!
    • You forgot! This is really important! Professor said today you need to present your report!
    • Note: 上台 (shàngtái) literally means "to get on stage."
  • 你先去吧，我要睡覺。再見。
    • Nǐ xiān qù ba, wǒ yào shuìjiào. Zàijiàn. 
    • You go first, I’m going to sleep. Goodbye.
  • 阿明，這樣你要怎麼畢業？
    • Ā míng, zhèyàng nǐ yào zěnme bìyè?
    • A-Ming, how are you going to graduate?
  • 抱歉，小李。
    • Bàoqiàn, xiǎo lǐ.
    • I’m sorry, Xiao Li.
  • 阿明，你怎麼了？
    • Ā míng, nǐ zěnmele?
    • A-Ming, what’s wrong with you?
  • 你看！
    • Nǐ kàn! 
    • Look!
  • 看什麼？
    • Kàn shénme? 
    • See what?
  • 電視上的報導。你看見了嗎？
    • Diànshì shàng de bàodǎo. Nǐ kànjiànle ma? 
    • The report on TV. Did you see it?
    • Note: Pay special attention to 報導 (bàodǎo), which means "report." Can you hear how the 4-3 tone pair differs from the 4-4 pair? 
  • 我沒看到。
    • Wǒ méi kàn dào. 
    • I didn’t see it.
  • 它說這個社會…
    • Tā shuō zhège shèhuì… 
    • It said, this society…
  • 這個社會怎麼了？
    • Zhège shèhuì zěnmele? 
    • What’s wrong with this society?
  • 變化的速度太快。一定是世界末日！
    • Biànhuà de sùdù tài kuài. Yīdìng shì shìjiè mòrì!
    • The speed of change is too fast. It’s definitely the end of the world.
  • 就算是，你還是要繼續活下去啊！不能放棄！阿明，你多久沒去外面？
    • Jiùsuàn shì, nǐ háishì yào jìxù huó xiàqù a! Bùnéng fàngqì! Ā míng, nǐ duōjiǔ méi qù wàimiàn? 
    • Even if it is, you still have to keep on living! You can’t give up. A-Ming, how long have you not been outside?
  • 戶外嗎？
    • Hùwài ma? 
    • ...Outdoors?
  • 我們去附近散步，好不好？你要運動一下。
    • Wǒmen qù fùjìn sànbù, hǎobù hǎo? Nǐ yào yùndòng yīxià.
    • Let’s go for a walk nearby, ok? You need to get some exercise.
  • 但是，我害怕遇到教授。
    • Dànshì, wǒ hàipà yù dào jiàoshòu. 
    • But I’m afraid of running into the professor.
  • 那我們不要往教室的方向，我們就去… 動物園吧。我們去看大象，好不好？你最愛的大象！
    • Nà wǒmen bùyào wǎng jiàoshì de fāngxiàng, wǒmen jiù qù… dòngwùyuán ba. Wǒmen qù kàn dà xiàng, hǎobù hǎo? Nǐ zuì'ài de dà xiàng!
    • Then let’s not go in the direction of the classroom. Let’s go… to the zoo! Let’s go see the elephants, ok? Your favorite elephants!
    • Note: Pay special attention to 方向 (fāngxiàng), which means "direction." Can you hear how the 1-4 tone pair differs from the 4-4 pair?  
  • 你確定這樣OK嗎？
    • Nǐ quèdìng zhèyàng OK ma? 
    • Are you sure that’s OK?
  • 可以啦！我也來翹課。
    • Kěyǐ la! Wǒ yě lái qiào kè. 
    • It’s fine! I’ll skip class too.
  • 謝謝小李。
    • Xièxie xiǎo lǐ. 
    • Thank you, Xiao Li.
  • 不客氣，阿明。
    • Bú kèqì, ā míng. 
    • Don’t mention it, A-Ming.
  • 我好鬱悶！
    • Wǒ hǎo yùmèn! 
    • I’m so gloomy.
  • 會過去的。來，你先穿你的外套。
    • Huì guòqù de. Lái, nǐ xiān chuān nǐ de wàitào.
    • It’ll pass. Come on, first put on your coat. 


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No Daily Practice (Normal Speed) - S3 - Lesson 05 3 3 Daily Practice (Normal Speed) - S3 - Lesson 05 bonus 8dff97a4-13c4-4343-bac2-bc0ec154dd99 https://share.transistor.fm/s/fa29e862 After listening to Season 3, Lesson 05, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.

How to practice
This episode's daily practice session doesn't include spoken instructions, but the process is the same as previous episodes of this season:

In the first part, you'll hear a short snippet of the dialogue, followed by a pause of 2-4 seconds. During the pause, try to echo aloud exactly what you heard. In the second part, the dialogue plays again without pauses. Try to shadow the dialogue by repeating it aloud simultaneously with the recording.

Note that in both parts, speaking aloud is important, as this practice helps you gain confidence making the sounds of Mandarin, increasing your speaking fluency over time. It also gives you invaluable feedback, as you hear the sounds coming out of your mouth, and can compare them to the sounds you just heard. If only done once or twice, this might not seem to have much effect; repeated on a daily basis, however, this is a powerful mechanism for bootstrapping your pronunciation and speaking ability.

Magic Phrase (4-4)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 4-4 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

忘記過去，注意現在
Wàngjì guòqù, zhùyì xiànzài


忘記 / wàngjì / to forget
過去 / guòqù / the past, passed, over, finished 
注意 / zhùyì / to pay attention to, to be careful of
現在 / xiànzài / now

Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

阿明，你在幹嘛？
我在看電視。
不要浪費時間！我們要去上課了！
我不去了。
什麼意思？當然要去啊！你的作業做好了嗎？
我忘記了。
你忘記了！這很重要欸！教授說今天你要上台報告！
你先去吧，我要睡覺。再見。
阿明，這樣你要怎麼畢業？
抱歉，小李。
阿明，你怎麼了？
你看！
看什麼？
你看見了嗎？電視上的報導。
我沒看到。
它說這個社會…
這個社會怎麼了？
變化的速度太快。一定是世界末日！
就算是，你還是要繼續活下去啊！不能放棄！阿明，你多久沒去外面？
戶外嗎？
我們去附近散步，好不好？你要運動一下。
但是，我害怕遇到教授。
那我們不要往教室的方向，我們就去… 動物園吧。我們去看大象，好不好？你最愛的大象！
你確定這樣OK嗎？
可以啦！我也來翹課。
謝謝小李。
不客氣，阿明。
我好鬱悶！
會過去的。來，你先穿你的外套。


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • 阿明，你在幹嘛？
    • Ā míng, nǐ zài gàn ma?
    • A-Ming, what are you doing?
  • 我在看電視。
    • Wǒ zài kàn diànshì.
    • I’m watching TV.
  • 不要浪費時間！我們要去上課了！
    • Búyào làngfèi shíjiān! Wǒmen yào qù shàngkèle! 
    • Don’t waste time! We need to go to class!
  • 我不去了。
    • Wǒ bú qùle.
    • I’m not going.
  • 什麼意思？當然要去啊！你的作業做好了嗎？
    • Shénme yìsi? Dāngrán yào qù a! Nǐ de zuòyè zuò hǎole ma?
    • What do you mean? Of course you’re going! Did you finish your homework?
  • 我忘記了。
    • Wǒ wàngjìle.
    • I forgot.
  • 你忘記了！這很重要欸！教授說今天你要上台報告！
    • Nǐ wàngjìle! Zhè hěn zhòngyào ēi! Jiàoshòu shuō jīntiān nǐ yào shàngtái bàogào!
    • You forgot! This is really important! Professor said today you need to present your report!
    • Note: 上台 (shàngtái) literally means "to get on stage."
  • 你先去吧，我要睡覺。再見。
    • Nǐ xiān qù ba, wǒ yào shuìjiào. Zàijiàn. 
    • You go first, I’m going to sleep. Goodbye.
  • 阿明，這樣你要怎麼畢業？
    • Ā míng, zhèyàng nǐ yào zěnme bìyè?
    • A-Ming, how are you going to graduate?
  • 抱歉，小李。
    • Bàoqiàn, xiǎo lǐ.
    • I’m sorry, Xiao Li.
  • 阿明，你怎麼了？
    • Ā míng, nǐ zěnmele?
    • A-Ming, what’s wrong with you?
  • 你看！
    • Nǐ kàn! 
    • Look!
  • 看什麼？
    • Kàn shénme? 
    • See what?
  • 電視上的報導。你看見了嗎？
    • Diànshì shàng de bàodǎo. Nǐ kànjiànle ma? 
    • The report on TV. Did you see it?
    • Note: Pay special attention to 報導 (bàodǎo), which means "report." Can you hear how the 4-3 tone pair differs from the 4-4 pair? 
  • 我沒看到。
    • Wǒ méi kàn dào. 
    • I didn’t see it.
  • 它說這個社會…
    • Tā shuō zhège shèhuì… 
    • It said, this society…
  • 這個社會怎麼了？
    • Zhège shèhuì zěnmele? 
    • What’s wrong with this society?
  • 變化的速度太快。一定是世界末日！
    • Biànhuà de sùdù tài kuài. Yīdìng shì shìjiè mòrì!
    • The speed of change is too fast. It’s definitely the end of the world.
  • 就算是，你還是要繼續活下去啊！不能放棄！阿明，你多久沒去外面？
    • Jiùsuàn shì, nǐ háishì yào jìxù huó xiàqù a! Bùnéng fàngqì! Ā míng, nǐ duōjiǔ méi qù wàimiàn? 
    • Even if it is, you still have to keep on living! You can’t give up. A-Ming, how long have you not been outside?
  • 戶外嗎？
    • Hùwài ma? 
    • ...Outdoors?
  • 我們去附近散步，好不好？你要運動一下。
    • Wǒmen qù fùjìn sànbù, hǎobù hǎo? Nǐ yào yùndòng yīxià.
    • Let’s go for a walk nearby, ok? You need to get some exercise.
  • 但是，我害怕遇到教授。
    • Dànshì, wǒ hàipà yù dào jiàoshòu. 
    • But I’m afraid of running into the professor.
  • 那我們不要往教室的方向，我們就去… 動物園吧。我們去看大象，好不好？你最愛的大象！
    • Nà wǒmen bùyào wǎng jiàoshì de fāngxiàng, wǒmen jiù qù… dòngwùyuán ba. Wǒmen qù kàn dà xiàng, hǎobù hǎo? Nǐ zuì'ài de dà xiàng!
    • Then let’s not go in the direction of the classroom. Let’s go… to the zoo! Let’s go see the elephants, ok? Your favorite elephants!
    • Note: Pay special attention to 方向 (fāngxiàng), which means "direction." Can you hear how the 1-4 tone pair differs from the 4-4 pair?  
  • 你確定這樣OK嗎？
    • Nǐ quèdìng zhèyàng OK ma? 
    • Are you sure that’s OK?
  • 可以啦！我也來翹課。
    • Kěyǐ la! Wǒ yě lái qiào kè. 
    • It’s fine! I’ll skip class too.
  • 謝謝小李。
    • Xièxie xiǎo lǐ. 
    • Thank you, Xiao Li.
  • 不客氣，阿明。
    • Bú kèqì, ā míng. 
    • Don’t mention it, A-Ming.
  • 我好鬱悶！
    • Wǒ hǎo yùmèn! 
    • I’m so gloomy.
  • 會過去的。來，你先穿你的外套。
    • Huì guòqù de. Lái, nǐ xiān chuān nǐ de wàitào.
    • It’ll pass. Come on, first put on your coat. 


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> After listening to Season 3, Lesson 05, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.

How to practice
This episode's daily practice session doesn't include spoken instructions, but the process is the same as previous episodes of this season:

In the first part, you'll hear a short snippet of the dialogue, followed by a pause of 2-4 seconds. During the pause, try to echo aloud exactly what you heard. In the second part, the dialogue plays again without pauses. Try to shadow the dialogue by repeating it aloud simultaneously with the recording.

Note that in both parts, speaking aloud is important, as this practice helps you gain confidence making the sounds of Mandarin, increasing your speaking fluency over time. It also gives you invaluable feedback, as you hear the sounds coming out of your mouth, and can compare them to the sounds you just heard. If only done once or twice, this might not seem to have much effect; repeated on a daily basis, however, this is a powerful mechanism for bootstrapping your pronunciation and speaking ability.

Magic Phrase (4-4)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 4-4 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

忘記過去，注意現在
Wàngjì guòqù, zhùyì xiànzài


忘記 / wàngjì / to forget
過去 / guòqù / the past, passed, over, finished 
注意 / zhùyì / to pay attention to, to be careful of
現在 / xiànzài / now

Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

阿明，你在幹嘛？
我在看電視。
不要浪費時間！我們要去上課了！
我不去了。
什麼意思？當然要去啊！你的作業做好了嗎？
我忘記了。
你忘記了！這很重要欸！教授說今天你要上台報告！
你先去吧，我要睡覺。再見。
阿明，這樣你要怎麼畢業？
抱歉，小李。
阿明，你怎麼了？
你看！
看什麼？
你看見了嗎？電視上的報導。
我沒看到。
它說這個社會…
這個社會怎麼了？
變化的速度太快。一定是世界末日！
就算是，你還是要繼續活下去啊！不能放棄！阿明，你多久沒去外面？
戶外嗎？
我們去附近散步，好不好？你要運動一下。
但是，我害怕遇到教授。
那我們不要往教室的方向，我們就去… 動物園吧。我們去看大象，好不好？你最愛的大象！
你確定這樣OK嗎？
可以啦！我也來翹課。
謝謝小李。
不客氣，阿明。
我好鬱悶！
會過去的。來，你先穿你的外套。


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • 阿明，你在幹嘛？
    • Ā míng, nǐ zài gàn ma?
    • A-Ming, what are you doing?
  • 我在看電視。
    • Wǒ zài kàn diànshì.
    • I’m watching TV.
  • 不要浪費時間！我們要去上課了！
    • Búyào làngfèi shíjiān! Wǒmen yào qù shàngkèle! 
    • Don’t waste time! We need to go to class!
  • 我不去了。
    • Wǒ bú qùle.
    • I’m not going.
  • 什麼意思？當然要去啊！你的作業做好了嗎？
    • Shénme yìsi? Dāngrán yào qù a! Nǐ de zuòyè zuò hǎole ma?
    • What do you mean? Of course you’re going! Did you finish your homework?
  • 我忘記了。
    • Wǒ wàngjìle.
    • I forgot.
  • 你忘記了！這很重要欸！教授說今天你要上台報告！
    • Nǐ wàngjìle! Zhè hěn zhòngyào ēi! Jiàoshòu shuō jīntiān nǐ yào shàngtái bàogào!
    • You forgot! This is really important! Professor said today you need to present your report!
    • Note: 上台 (shàngtái) literally means "to get on stage."
  • 你先去吧，我要睡覺。再見。
    • Nǐ xiān qù ba, wǒ yào shuìjiào. Zàijiàn. 
    • You go first, I’m going to sleep. Goodbye.
  • 阿明，這樣你要怎麼畢業？
    • Ā míng, zhèyàng nǐ yào zěnme bìyè?
    • A-Ming, how are you going to graduate?
  • 抱歉，小李。
    • Bàoqiàn, xiǎo lǐ.
    • I’m sorry, Xiao Li.
  • 阿明，你怎麼了？
    • Ā míng, nǐ zěnmele?
    • A-Ming, what’s wrong with you?
  • 你看！
    • Nǐ kàn! 
    • Look!
  • 看什麼？
    • Kàn shénme? 
    • See what?
  • 電視上的報導。你看見了嗎？
    • Diànshì shàng de bàodǎo. Nǐ kànjiànle ma? 
    • The report on TV. Did you see it?
    • Note: Pay special attention to 報導 (bàodǎo), which means "report." Can you hear how the 4-3 tone pair differs from the 4-4 pair? 
  • 我沒看到。
    • Wǒ méi kàn dào. 
    • I didn’t see it.
  • 它說這個社會…
    • Tā shuō zhège shèhuì… 
    • It said, this society…
  • 這個社會怎麼了？
    • Zhège shèhuì zěnmele? 
    • What’s wrong with this society?
  • 變化的速度太快。一定是世界末日！
    • Biànhuà de sùdù tài kuài. Yīdìng shì shìjiè mòrì!
    • The speed of change is too fast. It’s definitely the end of the world.
  • 就算是，你還是要繼續活下去啊！不能放棄！阿明，你多久沒去外面？
    • Jiùsuàn shì, nǐ háishì yào jìxù huó xiàqù a! Bùnéng fàngqì! Ā míng, nǐ duōjiǔ méi qù wàimiàn? 
    • Even if it is, you still have to keep on living! You can’t give up. A-Ming, how long have you not been outside?
  • 戶外嗎？
    • Hùwài ma? 
    • ...Outdoors?
  • 我們去附近散步，好不好？你要運動一下。
    • Wǒmen qù fùjìn sànbù, hǎobù hǎo? Nǐ yào yùndòng yīxià.
    • Let’s go for a walk nearby, ok? You need to get some exercise.
  • 但是，我害怕遇到教授。
    • Dànshì, wǒ hàipà yù dào jiàoshòu. 
    • But I’m afraid of running into the professor.
  • 那我們不要往教室的方向，我們就去… 動物園吧。我們去看大象，好不好？你最愛的大象！
    • Nà wǒmen bùyào wǎng jiàoshì de fāngxiàng, wǒmen jiù qù… dòngwùyuán ba. Wǒmen qù kàn dà xiàng, hǎobù hǎo? Nǐ zuì'ài de dà xiàng!
    • Then let’s not go in the direction of the classroom. Let’s go… to the zoo! Let’s go see the elephants, ok? Your favorite elephants!
    • Note: Pay special attention to 方向 (fāngxiàng), which means "direction." Can you hear how the 1-4 tone pair differs from the 4-4 pair?  
  • 你確定這樣OK嗎？
    • Nǐ quèdìng zhèyàng OK ma? 
    • Are you sure that’s OK?
  • 可以啦！我也來翹課。
    • Kěyǐ la! Wǒ yě lái qiào kè. 
    • It’s fine! I’ll skip class too.
  • 謝謝小李。
    • Xièxie xiǎo lǐ. 
    • Thank you, Xiao Li.
  • 不客氣，阿明。
    • Bú kèqì, ā míng. 
    • Don’t mention it, A-Ming.
  • 我好鬱悶！
    • Wǒ hǎo yùmèn! 
    • I’m so gloomy.
  • 會過去的。來，你先穿你的外套。
    • Huì guòqù de. Lái, nǐ xiān chuān nǐ de wàitào.
    • It’ll pass. Come on, first put on your coat. 


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Wed, 05 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 360 After listening to Season 3, Lesson 05, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.

How to practice
This episode's daily practice session doesn't include spoken instructions, but the process is the same as previous episodes of this season:

In the first part, you'll hear a short snippet of the dialogue, followed by a pause of 2-4 seconds. During the pause, try to echo aloud exactly what you heard. In the second part, the dialogue plays again without pauses. Try to shadow the dialogue by repeating it aloud simultaneously with the recording.

Note that in both parts, speaking aloud is important, as this practice helps you gain confidence making the sounds of Mandarin, increasing your speaking fluency over time. It also gives you invaluable feedback, as you hear the sounds coming out of your mouth, and can compare them to the sounds you just heard. If only done once or twice, this might not seem to have much effect; repeated on a daily basis, however, this is a powerful mechanism for bootstrapping your pronunciation and speaking ability.

Magic Phrase (4-4)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 4-4 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

忘記過去，注意現在
Wàngjì guòqù, zhùyì xiànzài


忘記 / wàngjì / to forget
過去 / guòqù / the past, passed, over, finished 
注意 / zhùyì / to pay attention to, to be careful of
現在 / xiànzài / now

Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

阿明，你在幹嘛？
我在看電視。
不要浪費時間！我們要去上課了！
我不去了。
什麼意思？當然要去啊！你的作業做好了嗎？
我忘記了。
你忘記了！這很重要欸！教授說今天你要上台報告！
你先去吧，我要睡覺。再見。
阿明，這樣你要怎麼畢業？
抱歉，小李。
阿明，你怎麼了？
你看！
看什麼？
你看見了嗎？電視上的報導。
我沒看到。
它說這個社會…
這個社會怎麼了？
變化的速度太快。一定是世界末日！
就算是，你還是要繼續活下去啊！不能放棄！阿明，你多久沒去外面？
戶外嗎？
我們去附近散步，好不好？你要運動一下。
但是，我害怕遇到教授。
那我們不要往教室的方向，我們就去… 動物園吧。我們去看大象，好不好？你最愛的大象！
你確定這樣OK嗎？
可以啦！我也來翹課。
謝謝小李。
不客氣，阿明。
我好鬱悶！
會過去的。來，你先穿你的外套。


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • 阿明，你在幹嘛？
    • Ā míng, nǐ zài gàn ma?
    • A-Ming, what are you doing?
  • 我在看電視。
    • Wǒ zài kàn diànshì.
    • I’m watching TV.
  • 不要浪費時間！我們要去上課了！
    • Búyào làngfèi shíjiān! Wǒmen yào qù shàngkèle! 
    • Don’t waste time! We need to go to class!
  • 我不去了。
    • Wǒ bú qùle.
    • I’m not going.
  • 什麼意思？當然要去啊！你的作業做好了嗎？
    • Shénme yìsi? Dāngrán yào qù a! Nǐ de zuòyè zuò hǎole ma?
    • What do you mean? Of course you’re going! Did you finish your homework?
  • 我忘記了。
    • Wǒ wàngjìle.
    • I forgot.
  • 你忘記了！這很重要欸！教授說今天你要上台報告！
    • Nǐ wàngjìle! Zhè hěn zhòngyào ēi! Jiàoshòu shuō jīntiān nǐ yào shàngtái bàogào!
    • You forgot! This is really important! Professor said today you need to present your report!
    • Note: 上台 (shàngtái) literally means "to get on stage."
  • 你先去吧，我要睡覺。再見。
    • Nǐ xiān qù ba, wǒ yào shuìjiào. Zàijiàn. 
    • You go first, I’m going to sleep. Goodbye.
  • 阿明，這樣你要怎麼畢業？
    • Ā míng, zhèyàng nǐ yào zěnme bìyè?
    • A-Ming, how are you going to graduate?
  • 抱歉，小李。
    • Bàoqiàn, xiǎo lǐ.
    • I’m sorry, Xiao Li.
  • 阿明，你怎麼了？
    • Ā míng, nǐ zěnmele?
    • A-Ming, what’s wrong with you?
  • 你看！
    • Nǐ kàn! 
    • Look!
  • 看什麼？
    • Kàn shénme? 
    • See what?
  • 電視上的報導。你看見了嗎？
    • Diànshì shàng de bàodǎo. Nǐ kànjiànle ma? 
    • The report on TV. Did you see it?
    • Note: Pay special attention to 報導 (bàodǎo), which means "report." Can you hear how the 4-3 tone pair differs from the 4-4 pair? 
  • 我沒看到。
    • Wǒ méi kàn dào. 
    • I didn’t see it.
  • 它說這個社會…
    • Tā shuō zhège shèhuì… 
    • It said, this society…
  • 這個社會怎麼了？
    • Zhège shèhuì zěnmele? 
    • What’s wrong with this society?
  • 變化的速度太快。一定是世界末日！
    • Biànhuà de sùdù tài kuài. Yīdìng shì shìjiè mòrì!
    • The speed of change is too fast. It’s definitely the end of the world.
  • 就算是，你還是要繼續活下去啊！不能放棄！阿明，你多久沒去外面？
    • Jiùsuàn shì, nǐ háishì yào jìxù huó xiàqù a! Bùnéng fàngqì! Ā míng, nǐ duōjiǔ méi qù wàimiàn? 
    • Even if it is, you still have to keep on living! You can’t give up. A-Ming, how long have you not been outside?
  • 戶外嗎？
    • Hùwài ma? 
    • ...Outdoors?
  • 我們去附近散步，好不好？你要運動一下。
    • Wǒmen qù fùjìn sànbù, hǎobù hǎo? Nǐ yào yùndòng yīxià.
    • Let’s go for a walk nearby, ok? You need to get some exercise.
  • 但是，我害怕遇到教授。
    • Dànshì, wǒ hàipà yù dào jiàoshòu. 
    • But I’m afraid of running into the professor.
  • 那我們不要往教室的方向，我們就去… 動物園吧。我們去看大象，好不好？你最愛的大象！
    • Nà wǒmen bùyào wǎng jiàoshì de fāngxiàng, wǒmen jiù qù… dòngwùyuán ba. Wǒmen qù kàn dà xiàng, hǎobù hǎo? Nǐ zuì'ài de dà xiàng!
    • Then let’s not go in the direction of the classroom. Let’s go… to the zoo! Let’s go see the elephants, ok? Your favorite elephants!
    • Note: Pay special attention to 方向 (fāngxiàng), which means "direction." Can you hear how the 1-4 tone pair differs from the 4-4 pair?  
  • 你確定這樣OK嗎？
    • Nǐ quèdìng zhèyàng OK ma? 
    • Are you sure that’s OK?
  • 可以啦！我也來翹課。
    • Kěyǐ la! Wǒ yě lái qiào kè. 
    • It’s fine! I’ll skip class too.
  • 謝謝小李。
    • Xièxie xiǎo lǐ. 
    • Thank you, Xiao Li.
  • 不客氣，阿明。
    • Bú kèqì, ā míng. 
    • Don’t mention it, A-Ming.
  • 我好鬱悶！
    • Wǒ hǎo yùmèn! 
    • I’m so gloomy.
  • 會過去的。來，你先穿你的外套。
    • Huì guòqù de. Lái, nǐ xiān chuān nǐ de wàitào.
    • It’ll pass. Come on, first put on your coat. 


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No Daily Practice (Slow Speed) - S3 - Lesson 05 3 3 Daily Practice (Slow Speed) - S3 - Lesson 05 bonus 324aa75c-51a7-44c2-9ab4-4823516481e8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/81374bfe SLOW VERSION

After listening to Season 3, Lesson 05, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking eight minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.

How to practice
This episode's daily practice session doesn't include spoken instructions, but the process is the same as previous episodes of this season:

In the first part, you'll hear a short snippet of the dialogue, followed by a pause of 2-4 seconds. During the pause, try to echo aloud exactly what you heard. In the second part, the dialogue plays again without pauses. Try to shadow the dialogue by repeating it aloud simultaneously with the recording.

Note that in both parts, speaking aloud is important, as this practice helps you gain confidence making the sounds of Mandarin, increasing your speaking fluency over time. It also gives you invaluable feedback, as you hear the sounds coming out of your mouth, and can compare them to the sounds you just heard. If only done once or twice, this might not seem to have much effect; repeated on a daily basis, however, this is a powerful mechanism for bootstrapping your pronunciation and speaking ability.

Magic Phrase (4-4)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 4-4 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

忘記過去，注意現在
Wàngjì guòqù, zhùyì xiànzài


忘記 / wàngjì / to forget
過去 / guòqù / the past, passed, over, finished 
注意 / zhùyì / to pay attention to, to be careful of
現在 / xiànzài / now

Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

阿明，你在幹嘛？
我在看電視。
不要浪費時間！我們要去上課了！
我不去了。
什麼意思？當然要去啊！你的作業做好了嗎？
我忘記了。
你忘記了！這很重要欸！教授說今天你要上台報告！
你先去吧，我要睡覺。再見。
阿明，這樣你要怎麼畢業？
抱歉，小李。
阿明，你怎麼了？
你看！
看什麼？
你看見了嗎？電視上的報導。
我沒看到。
它說這個社會…
這個社會怎麼了？
變化的速度太快。一定是世界末日！
就算是，你還是要繼續活下去啊！不能放棄！阿明，你多久沒去外面？
戶外嗎？
我們去附近散步，好不好？你要運動一下。
但是，我害怕遇到教授。
那我們不要往教室的方向，我們就去… 動物園吧。我們去看大象，好不好？你最愛的大象！
你確定這樣OK嗎？
可以啦！我也來翹課。
謝謝小李。
不客氣，阿明。
我好鬱悶！
會過去的。來，你先穿你的外套。


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • 阿明，你在幹嘛？
    • Ā míng, nǐ zài gàn ma?
    • A-Ming, what are you doing?
  • 我在看電視。
    • Wǒ zài kàn diànshì.
    • I’m watching TV.
  • 不要浪費時間！我們要去上課了！
    • Búyào làngfèi shíjiān! Wǒmen yào qù shàngkèle! 
    • Don’t waste time! We need to go to class!
  • 我不去了。
    • Wǒ bú qùle.
    • I’m not going.
  • 什麼意思？當然要去啊！你的作業做好了嗎？
    • Shénme yìsi? Dāngrán yào qù a! Nǐ de zuòyè zuò hǎole ma?
    • What do you mean? Of course you’re going! Did you finish your homework?
  • 我忘記了。
    • Wǒ wàngjìle.
    • I forgot.
  • 你忘記了！這很重要欸！教授說今天你要上台報告！
    • Nǐ wàngjìle! Zhè hěn zhòngyào ēi! Jiàoshòu shuō jīntiān nǐ yào shàngtái bàogào!
    • You forgot! This is really important! Professor said today you need to present your report!
    • Note: 上台 (shàngtái) literally means "to get on stage."
  • 你先去吧，我要睡覺。再見。
    • Nǐ xiān qù ba, wǒ yào shuìjiào. Zàijiàn. 
    • You go first, I’m going to sleep. Goodbye.
  • 阿明，這樣你要怎麼畢業？
    • Ā míng, zhèyàng nǐ yào zěnme bìyè?
    • A-Ming, how are you going to graduate?
  • 抱歉，小李。
    • Bàoqiàn, xiǎo lǐ.
    • I’m sorry, Xiao Li.
  • 阿明，你怎麼了？
    • Ā míng, nǐ zěnmele?
    • A-Ming, what’s wrong with you?
  • 你看！
    • Nǐ kàn! 
    • Look!
  • 看什麼？
    • Kàn shénme? 
    • See what?
  • 電視上的報導。你看見了嗎？
    • Diànshì shàng de bàodǎo. Nǐ kànjiànle ma? 
    • The report on TV. Did you see it?
    • Note: Pay special attention to 報導 (bàodǎo), which means "report." Can you hear how the 4-3 tone pair differs from the 4-4 pair? 
  • 我沒看到。
    • Wǒ méi kàn dào. 
    • I didn’t see it.
  • 它說這個社會…
    • Tā shuō zhège shèhuì… 
    • It said, this society…
  • 這個社會怎麼了？
    • Zhège shèhuì zěnmele? 
    • What’s wrong with this society?
  • 變化的速度太快。一定是世界末日！
    • Biànhuà de sùdù tài kuài. Yīdìng shì shìjiè mòrì!
    • The speed of change is too fast. It’s definitely the end of the world.
  • 就算是，你還是要繼續活下去啊！不能放棄！阿明，你多久沒去外面？
    • Jiùsuàn shì, nǐ háishì yào jìxù huó xiàqù a! Bùnéng fàngqì! Ā míng, nǐ duōjiǔ méi qù wàimiàn? 
    • Even if it is, you still have to keep on living! You can’t give up. A-Ming, how long have you not been outside?
  • 戶外嗎？
    • Hùwài ma? 
    • ...Outdoors?
  • 我們去附近散步，好不好？你要運動一下。
    • Wǒmen qù fùjìn sànbù, hǎobù hǎo? Nǐ yào yùndòng yīxià.
    • Let’s go for a walk nearby, ok? You need to get some exercise.
  • 但是，我害怕遇到教授。
    • Dànshì, wǒ hàipà yù dào jiàoshòu. 
    • But I’m afraid of running into the professor.
  • 那我們不要往教室的方向，我們就去… 動物園吧。我們去看大象，好不好？你最愛的大象！
    • Nà wǒmen bùyào wǎng jiàoshì de fāngxiàng, wǒmen jiù qù… dòngwùyuán ba. Wǒmen qù kàn dà xiàng, hǎobù hǎo? Nǐ zuì'ài de dà xiàng!
    • Then let’s not go in the direction of the classroom. Let’s go… to the zoo! Let’s go see the elephants, ok? Your favorite elephants!
    • Note: Pay special attention to 方向 (fāngxiàng), which means "direction." Can you hear how the 1-4 tone pair differs from the 4-4 pair?  
  • 你確定這樣OK嗎？
    • Nǐ quèdìng zhèyàng OK ma? 
    • Are you sure that’s OK?
  • 可以啦！我也來翹課。
    • Kěyǐ la! Wǒ yě lái qiào kè. 
    • It’s fine! I’ll skip class too.
  • 謝謝小李。
    • Xièxie xiǎo lǐ. 
    • Thank you, Xiao Li.
  • 不客氣，阿明。
    • Bú kèqì, ā míng. 
    • Don’t mention it, A-Ming.
  • 我好鬱悶！
    • Wǒ hǎo yùmèn! 
    • I’m so gloomy.
  • 會過去的。來，你先穿你的外套。
    • Huì guòqù de. Lái, nǐ xiān chuān nǐ de wàitào.
    • It’ll pass. Come on, first put on your coat. 


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> SLOW VERSION

After listening to Season 3, Lesson 05, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking eight minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.

How to practice
This episode's daily practice session doesn't include spoken instructions, but the process is the same as previous episodes of this season:

In the first part, you'll hear a short snippet of the dialogue, followed by a pause of 2-4 seconds. During the pause, try to echo aloud exactly what you heard. In the second part, the dialogue plays again without pauses. Try to shadow the dialogue by repeating it aloud simultaneously with the recording.

Note that in both parts, speaking aloud is important, as this practice helps you gain confidence making the sounds of Mandarin, increasing your speaking fluency over time. It also gives you invaluable feedback, as you hear the sounds coming out of your mouth, and can compare them to the sounds you just heard. If only done once or twice, this might not seem to have much effect; repeated on a daily basis, however, this is a powerful mechanism for bootstrapping your pronunciation and speaking ability.

Magic Phrase (4-4)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 4-4 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

忘記過去，注意現在
Wàngjì guòqù, zhùyì xiànzài


忘記 / wàngjì / to forget
過去 / guòqù / the past, passed, over, finished 
注意 / zhùyì / to pay attention to, to be careful of
現在 / xiànzài / now

Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

阿明，你在幹嘛？
我在看電視。
不要浪費時間！我們要去上課了！
我不去了。
什麼意思？當然要去啊！你的作業做好了嗎？
我忘記了。
你忘記了！這很重要欸！教授說今天你要上台報告！
你先去吧，我要睡覺。再見。
阿明，這樣你要怎麼畢業？
抱歉，小李。
阿明，你怎麼了？
你看！
看什麼？
你看見了嗎？電視上的報導。
我沒看到。
它說這個社會…
這個社會怎麼了？
變化的速度太快。一定是世界末日！
就算是，你還是要繼續活下去啊！不能放棄！阿明，你多久沒去外面？
戶外嗎？
我們去附近散步，好不好？你要運動一下。
但是，我害怕遇到教授。
那我們不要往教室的方向，我們就去… 動物園吧。我們去看大象，好不好？你最愛的大象！
你確定這樣OK嗎？
可以啦！我也來翹課。
謝謝小李。
不客氣，阿明。
我好鬱悶！
會過去的。來，你先穿你的外套。


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • 阿明，你在幹嘛？
    • Ā míng, nǐ zài gàn ma?
    • A-Ming, what are you doing?
  • 我在看電視。
    • Wǒ zài kàn diànshì.
    • I’m watching TV.
  • 不要浪費時間！我們要去上課了！
    • Búyào làngfèi shíjiān! Wǒmen yào qù shàngkèle! 
    • Don’t waste time! We need to go to class!
  • 我不去了。
    • Wǒ bú qùle.
    • I’m not going.
  • 什麼意思？當然要去啊！你的作業做好了嗎？
    • Shénme yìsi? Dāngrán yào qù a! Nǐ de zuòyè zuò hǎole ma?
    • What do you mean? Of course you’re going! Did you finish your homework?
  • 我忘記了。
    • Wǒ wàngjìle.
    • I forgot.
  • 你忘記了！這很重要欸！教授說今天你要上台報告！
    • Nǐ wàngjìle! Zhè hěn zhòngyào ēi! Jiàoshòu shuō jīntiān nǐ yào shàngtái bàogào!
    • You forgot! This is really important! Professor said today you need to present your report!
    • Note: 上台 (shàngtái) literally means "to get on stage."
  • 你先去吧，我要睡覺。再見。
    • Nǐ xiān qù ba, wǒ yào shuìjiào. Zàijiàn. 
    • You go first, I’m going to sleep. Goodbye.
  • 阿明，這樣你要怎麼畢業？
    • Ā míng, zhèyàng nǐ yào zěnme bìyè?
    • A-Ming, how are you going to graduate?
  • 抱歉，小李。
    • Bàoqiàn, xiǎo lǐ.
    • I’m sorry, Xiao Li.
  • 阿明，你怎麼了？
    • Ā míng, nǐ zěnmele?
    • A-Ming, what’s wrong with you?
  • 你看！
    • Nǐ kàn! 
    • Look!
  • 看什麼？
    • Kàn shénme? 
    • See what?
  • 電視上的報導。你看見了嗎？
    • Diànshì shàng de bàodǎo. Nǐ kànjiànle ma? 
    • The report on TV. Did you see it?
    • Note: Pay special attention to 報導 (bàodǎo), which means "report." Can you hear how the 4-3 tone pair differs from the 4-4 pair? 
  • 我沒看到。
    • Wǒ méi kàn dào. 
    • I didn’t see it.
  • 它說這個社會…
    • Tā shuō zhège shèhuì… 
    • It said, this society…
  • 這個社會怎麼了？
    • Zhège shèhuì zěnmele? 
    • What’s wrong with this society?
  • 變化的速度太快。一定是世界末日！
    • Biànhuà de sùdù tài kuài. Yīdìng shì shìjiè mòrì!
    • The speed of change is too fast. It’s definitely the end of the world.
  • 就算是，你還是要繼續活下去啊！不能放棄！阿明，你多久沒去外面？
    • Jiùsuàn shì, nǐ háishì yào jìxù huó xiàqù a! Bùnéng fàngqì! Ā míng, nǐ duōjiǔ méi qù wàimiàn? 
    • Even if it is, you still have to keep on living! You can’t give up. A-Ming, how long have you not been outside?
  • 戶外嗎？
    • Hùwài ma? 
    • ...Outdoors?
  • 我們去附近散步，好不好？你要運動一下。
    • Wǒmen qù fùjìn sànbù, hǎobù hǎo? Nǐ yào yùndòng yīxià.
    • Let’s go for a walk nearby, ok? You need to get some exercise.
  • 但是，我害怕遇到教授。
    • Dànshì, wǒ hàipà yù dào jiàoshòu. 
    • But I’m afraid of running into the professor.
  • 那我們不要往教室的方向，我們就去… 動物園吧。我們去看大象，好不好？你最愛的大象！
    • Nà wǒmen bùyào wǎng jiàoshì de fāngxiàng, wǒmen jiù qù… dòngwùyuán ba. Wǒmen qù kàn dà xiàng, hǎobù hǎo? Nǐ zuì'ài de dà xiàng!
    • Then let’s not go in the direction of the classroom. Let’s go… to the zoo! Let’s go see the elephants, ok? Your favorite elephants!
    • Note: Pay special attention to 方向 (fāngxiàng), which means "direction." Can you hear how the 1-4 tone pair differs from the 4-4 pair?  
  • 你確定這樣OK嗎？
    • Nǐ quèdìng zhèyàng OK ma? 
    • Are you sure that’s OK?
  • 可以啦！我也來翹課。
    • Kěyǐ la! Wǒ yě lái qiào kè. 
    • It’s fine! I’ll skip class too.
  • 謝謝小李。
    • Xièxie xiǎo lǐ. 
    • Thank you, Xiao Li.
  • 不客氣，阿明。
    • Bú kèqì, ā míng. 
    • Don’t mention it, A-Ming.
  • 我好鬱悶！
    • Wǒ hǎo yùmèn! 
    • I’m so gloomy.
  • 會過去的。來，你先穿你的外套。
    • Huì guòqù de. Lái, nǐ xiān chuān nǐ de wàitào.
    • It’ll pass. Come on, first put on your coat. 


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Wed, 05 Jul 2023 06:01:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 508 SLOW VERSION

After listening to Season 3, Lesson 05, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking eight minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.

How to practice
This episode's daily practice session doesn't include spoken instructions, but the process is the same as previous episodes of this season:

In the first part, you'll hear a short snippet of the dialogue, followed by a pause of 2-4 seconds. During the pause, try to echo aloud exactly what you heard. In the second part, the dialogue plays again without pauses. Try to shadow the dialogue by repeating it aloud simultaneously with the recording.

Note that in both parts, speaking aloud is important, as this practice helps you gain confidence making the sounds of Mandarin, increasing your speaking fluency over time. It also gives you invaluable feedback, as you hear the sounds coming out of your mouth, and can compare them to the sounds you just heard. If only done once or twice, this might not seem to have much effect; repeated on a daily basis, however, this is a powerful mechanism for bootstrapping your pronunciation and speaking ability.

Magic Phrase (4-4)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 4-4 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

忘記過去，注意現在
Wàngjì guòqù, zhùyì xiànzài


忘記 / wàngjì / to forget
過去 / guòqù / the past, passed, over, finished 
注意 / zhùyì / to pay attention to, to be careful of
現在 / xiànzài / now

Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

阿明，你在幹嘛？
我在看電視。
不要浪費時間！我們要去上課了！
我不去了。
什麼意思？當然要去啊！你的作業做好了嗎？
我忘記了。
你忘記了！這很重要欸！教授說今天你要上台報告！
你先去吧，我要睡覺。再見。
阿明，這樣你要怎麼畢業？
抱歉，小李。
阿明，你怎麼了？
你看！
看什麼？
你看見了嗎？電視上的報導。
我沒看到。
它說這個社會…
這個社會怎麼了？
變化的速度太快。一定是世界末日！
就算是，你還是要繼續活下去啊！不能放棄！阿明，你多久沒去外面？
戶外嗎？
我們去附近散步，好不好？你要運動一下。
但是，我害怕遇到教授。
那我們不要往教室的方向，我們就去… 動物園吧。我們去看大象，好不好？你最愛的大象！
你確定這樣OK嗎？
可以啦！我也來翹課。
謝謝小李。
不客氣，阿明。
我好鬱悶！
會過去的。來，你先穿你的外套。


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • 阿明，你在幹嘛？
    • Ā míng, nǐ zài gàn ma?
    • A-Ming, what are you doing?
  • 我在看電視。
    • Wǒ zài kàn diànshì.
    • I’m watching TV.
  • 不要浪費時間！我們要去上課了！
    • Búyào làngfèi shíjiān! Wǒmen yào qù shàngkèle! 
    • Don’t waste time! We need to go to class!
  • 我不去了。
    • Wǒ bú qùle.
    • I’m not going.
  • 什麼意思？當然要去啊！你的作業做好了嗎？
    • Shénme yìsi? Dāngrán yào qù a! Nǐ de zuòyè zuò hǎole ma?
    • What do you mean? Of course you’re going! Did you finish your homework?
  • 我忘記了。
    • Wǒ wàngjìle.
    • I forgot.
  • 你忘記了！這很重要欸！教授說今天你要上台報告！
    • Nǐ wàngjìle! Zhè hěn zhòngyào ēi! Jiàoshòu shuō jīntiān nǐ yào shàngtái bàogào!
    • You forgot! This is really important! Professor said today you need to present your report!
    • Note: 上台 (shàngtái) literally means "to get on stage."
  • 你先去吧，我要睡覺。再見。
    • Nǐ xiān qù ba, wǒ yào shuìjiào. Zàijiàn. 
    • You go first, I’m going to sleep. Goodbye.
  • 阿明，這樣你要怎麼畢業？
    • Ā míng, zhèyàng nǐ yào zěnme bìyè?
    • A-Ming, how are you going to graduate?
  • 抱歉，小李。
    • Bàoqiàn, xiǎo lǐ.
    • I’m sorry, Xiao Li.
  • 阿明，你怎麼了？
    • Ā míng, nǐ zěnmele?
    • A-Ming, what’s wrong with you?
  • 你看！
    • Nǐ kàn! 
    • Look!
  • 看什麼？
    • Kàn shénme? 
    • See what?
  • 電視上的報導。你看見了嗎？
    • Diànshì shàng de bàodǎo. Nǐ kànjiànle ma? 
    • The report on TV. Did you see it?
    • Note: Pay special attention to 報導 (bàodǎo), which means "report." Can you hear how the 4-3 tone pair differs from the 4-4 pair? 
  • 我沒看到。
    • Wǒ méi kàn dào. 
    • I didn’t see it.
  • 它說這個社會…
    • Tā shuō zhège shèhuì… 
    • It said, this society…
  • 這個社會怎麼了？
    • Zhège shèhuì zěnmele? 
    • What’s wrong with this society?
  • 變化的速度太快。一定是世界末日！
    • Biànhuà de sùdù tài kuài. Yīdìng shì shìjiè mòrì!
    • The speed of change is too fast. It’s definitely the end of the world.
  • 就算是，你還是要繼續活下去啊！不能放棄！阿明，你多久沒去外面？
    • Jiùsuàn shì, nǐ háishì yào jìxù huó xiàqù a! Bùnéng fàngqì! Ā míng, nǐ duōjiǔ méi qù wàimiàn? 
    • Even if it is, you still have to keep on living! You can’t give up. A-Ming, how long have you not been outside?
  • 戶外嗎？
    • Hùwài ma? 
    • ...Outdoors?
  • 我們去附近散步，好不好？你要運動一下。
    • Wǒmen qù fùjìn sànbù, hǎobù hǎo? Nǐ yào yùndòng yīxià.
    • Let’s go for a walk nearby, ok? You need to get some exercise.
  • 但是，我害怕遇到教授。
    • Dànshì, wǒ hàipà yù dào jiàoshòu. 
    • But I’m afraid of running into the professor.
  • 那我們不要往教室的方向，我們就去… 動物園吧。我們去看大象，好不好？你最愛的大象！
    • Nà wǒmen bùyào wǎng jiàoshì de fāngxiàng, wǒmen jiù qù… dòngwùyuán ba. Wǒmen qù kàn dà xiàng, hǎobù hǎo? Nǐ zuì'ài de dà xiàng!
    • Then let’s not go in the direction of the classroom. Let’s go… to the zoo! Let’s go see the elephants, ok? Your favorite elephants!
    • Note: Pay special attention to 方向 (fāngxiàng), which means "direction." Can you hear how the 1-4 tone pair differs from the 4-4 pair?  
  • 你確定這樣OK嗎？
    • Nǐ quèdìng zhèyàng OK ma? 
    • Are you sure that’s OK?
  • 可以啦！我也來翹課。
    • Kěyǐ la! Wǒ yě lái qiào kè. 
    • It’s fine! I’ll skip class too.
  • 謝謝小李。
    • Xièxie xiǎo lǐ. 
    • Thank you, Xiao Li.
  • 不客氣，阿明。
    • Bú kèqì, ā míng. 
    • Don’t mention it, A-Ming.
  • 我好鬱悶！
    • Wǒ hǎo yùmèn! 
    • I’m so gloomy.
  • 會過去的。來，你先穿你的外套。
    • Huì guòqù de. Lái, nǐ xiān chuān nǐ de wàitào.
    • It’ll pass. Come on, first put on your coat. 


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No S3 ~ 06 ~ The subway is leaking! 地鐵漏水！ 3 3 S3 ~ 06 ~ The subway is leaking! 地鐵漏水！ full 32e3b8c4-94d1-431b-ad15-883967ab7b65 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b0cb668a The long-awaited episode 06 is finally here! This lesson's dialogue is longer than usual, so let's get right to it. 

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction
  2. [04:21] Magic Phrase: 下午下雨，地鐵漏水！
  3. [07:22] Dialogue
  4. [11:00] Translation
  5. [25:09] Dialogue, slowed down


Magic Phrase (4-3)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 4-3 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

下午下雨，地鐵漏水
Xiàwǔ xiàyǔ, dìtiě lòushuǐ


下午 / xiàwǔ / afternoon
下雨 / xiàyǔ / to rain
地鐵 / dìtiě / subway, subway system
漏水 / lòushuǐ / to leak water


Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

小李：好，我們開始。可以錄影嗎？
麗麗：可以。
小李：謝謝。阿明，你準備好了嗎？
阿明：可以了！
小李：好。可以先講一下你的背景嗎？你小時候喜歡做什麼？
麗麗：我從小就很愛看電影。我的夢想是寫電影的劇本。
小李：很酷的夢想！
麗麗：對啊。但我媽媽禁止我念電影系，她說太冒險。
小李：所以你念了什麼系？
麗麗：我念電腦科學。畢業後我在大公司上班。我們買賣進口的電腦系統。
小李：聽起來很有趣！
麗麗：很無聊！我賺了很多錢，但每天都覺得很痛苦。不知道到底活著是為了什麼。而且身體還出了一些狀況。因為沒有胃口，所以變得很瘦。
小李：好可憐！
麗麗：當時我很後悔放棄自己的夢想，但我也沒有勇氣改變。
小李：那然後呢？
麗麗：後來我發現了，害怕失敗只是一個藉口。或許寫劇本只是一個幻想啊，但至少要試試看才知道。
小李：沒錯！
麗麗：我現在的看法是，不管怎麼樣，自己的人生要自己負責。
小李：有道理。
麗麗：所以我離職了。
小李：哇！那你媽媽有支持你了嗎？
麗麗：沒有。她很憤怒，她說我會後悔，還說最好不要再看到我了。
小李：你一定很難過。
麗麗：讓媽媽生氣是不可避免的啊！重點是，我現在的工作是寫劇本。我成功了！
小李：恭喜！那你媽媽呢？
麗麗：她早就忘記了。
康太太：哈囉，你們在說我的壞話嗎？
小李：呃，沒有，我們在，呃，採訪…
阿明：麗麗在跟我們說她現在的工作。
康太太：哦！對，我女兒很厲害！她寫電影的劇本！很厲害吧！
小李：真的。真的很厲害。


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • 小李：好，我們開始。可以錄影嗎？
    • Ok, let’s start. Can we take a video?
    • Hǎo, wǒmen kāishǐ. Kěyǐ lùyǐng ma?
  • 麗麗：可以。
    • Sure.
    • Kěyǐ.
  • 小李：謝謝。阿明，你準備好了嗎？
    • Thanks. A-Ming, are you ready?
    • Xièxie. Ā míng, nǐ zhǔnbèi hǎole ma?
  • 阿明：可以了！
    • Ready!
    • Kěyǐle!
  • 小李：好。可以先講一下你的背景嗎？你小時候喜歡做什麼？
    • Ok. Can you first talk a little about your background? What did you like to do when you were a kid?
    • Hǎo. Kěyǐ xiān jiǎng yīxià nǐ de bèijǐng ma? Nǐ xiǎoshíhòu xǐhuān zuò shénme?
  • 麗麗：我從小就很愛看電影。我的夢想是寫電影的劇本。
    • I’ve loved watching movies since I was small. My dream was to write screenplays.
    • Wǒ cóngxiǎo jiù hěn ài kàn diànyǐng. Wǒ de mèngxiǎng shì xiě diànyǐng de jùběn.
  • 小李：很酷的夢想！
    • That’s a really cool dream!
    • Hěn kù de mèngxiǎng!
  • 麗麗：對啊。但我媽媽禁止我念電影系，她說太冒險。
    • Yeah. But my mom forbade me from studying film. She said it was too risky.
    • Duì a. Dàn wǒ māmā jìnzhǐ wǒ niàn diànyǐng xì, tā shuō tài màoxiǎn.
  • 小李：所以你念了什麼系？
    • So what did you major in?
    • Suǒyǐ nǐ niànle shénme xì?
  • 麗麗：我念電腦科學。畢業後我在大公司上班。我們買賣進口的電腦系統。
    • I majored in computer science. After graduating, I worked at a big company. We were buying and selling imported computer systems.
    • Wǒ niàn diànnǎo kēxué. Bìyè hòu wǒ zài dà gōngsī shàngbān. Wǒmen mǎimài jìnkǒu de diànnǎo xìtǒng.
  • 小李：聽起來很有趣！
    • That sounds really interesting!
    • Tīng qǐlái hěn yǒuqù!
  • 麗麗：很無聊！我賺了很多錢，但每天都覺得很痛苦。不知道到底活著是為了什麼。而且身體還出了一些狀況。因為沒有胃口，所以變得很瘦。
    • It was so boring! I made a lot of money, but every day was suffering. I didn’t know what I was even living for. And my body even started having problems. Because I didn’t have any appetite, I became really thin.
    • Hěn wúliáo! Wǒ zhuànle hěnduō qián, dàn měitiān dū juédé hěn tòngkǔ. Bù zhīdào dàodǐ huózhe shì wèile shénme. Érqiě shēntǐ hái chūle yīxiē zhuàngkuàng. Yīnwèi méiyǒu wèikǒu, suǒyǐ biàn dé hěn shòu.
  • 小李：好可憐！
    • That’s so sad! (lit. poor, pathetic, pitiful)
    • Hǎo kělián!
  • 麗麗：當時我很後悔放棄自己的夢想，但我也沒有勇氣改變。
    • At the time I really regretted giving up on my own dreams, but I didn’t have the courage to change.
    • Dāngshí wǒ hěn hòuhuǐ fàngqì zìjǐ de mèngxiǎng, dàn wǒ yě méiyǒu yǒngqì gǎibiàn.
  • 小李：那然後呢？
    • And then?
    • Nà ránhòu ne?
  • 麗麗：後來我發現了，害怕失敗只是一個藉口。或許寫劇本只是一個幻想啊，但至少要試試看才知道。
    • Later I realized, fear of failure was just an excuse. Maybe writing scripts was only a fantasy, but you have to at least try it to know for sure.
    • Hòulái wǒ fāxiànle, hàipà shībài zhǐshì yīgè jíkǒu. Huòxǔ xiě jùběn zhǐshì yīgè huànxiǎng a, dàn zhìshǎo yào shìshìkàn cái zhīdào.
  • 小李：沒錯！
    • That’s right!
    • Méicuò!
  • 麗麗：我現在的看法是，不管怎麼樣，自己的人生要自己負責。
    • Now my view is, no matter what, you have to take responsibility for your own life.
    • Wǒ xiànzài de kànfǎ shì, bùguǎn zěnme yàng, zìjǐ de rénshēng yào zìjǐ fùzé.
  • 小李：有道理。
    • That makes sense.
    • Yǒu dàolǐ.
  • 麗麗：所以我離職了。
    • So I quit my job.
    • Suǒyǐ wǒ lízhíle.
  • 小李：哇！那你媽媽有支持你了嗎？
    • Wow! Did your mom support you?
    • Wa! Nà nǐ māmā yǒu zhīchí nǐle ma?
  • 麗麗：沒有。她很憤怒，她說我會後悔，還說最好不要再看到我了。
    • No. She was furious, she said I would regret it. She even said it would be better if she never saw me again.
    • Méiyǒu. Tā hěn fènnù, tā shuō wǒ huì hòuhuǐ, hái shuō zuìhǎo bùyào zài kàn dào wǒle. 
  • 小李：你一定很難過。
    • You must have been really upset.
    • Nǐ yīdìng hěn nánguò.
  • 麗麗：讓媽媽生氣是不可避免的啊！重點是，我現在的工作是寫劇本。我成功了！
    • Making mom angry was unavoidable! The main point is, now my job is writing screenplays. I succeeded!
    • Ràng māmā shēngqì shì bùkě bìmiǎn de a! Zhòngdiǎn shì, wǒ xiànzài de gōngzuò shì xiě jùběn. Wǒ chénggōngle!
  • 小李：恭喜！那你媽媽呢？
    • Congratulations! And… what about your mother?
    • Gōngxǐ! Nà nǐ māmā ne?
  • 麗麗：她早就忘記了。
    • She forgot a long time ago.
    • Tā zǎo jiù wàngjìle.
  • 康太太：哈囉，你們在說我的壞話嗎？
    • Hello, are you saying something bad about me?
    • Hā luō, nǐmen zài shuō wǒ de huàihuà ma?
  • 小李：呃，沒有，我們在，呃，採訪…
    • Uh, no, we’re uh… interviewing…
    • E, méiyǒu, wǒmen zài, e, cǎifǎng…
  • 阿明：麗麗在跟我們說她現在的工作。
    • Lili is telling us about her current work!
    • Lìlì zài gēn wǒmen shuō tā xiànzài de gōngzuò.
  • 康太太：哦！對，我女兒很厲害！她寫電影的劇本！很厲害吧！
    • Oh! Yeah, my daughter is amazing! She writes screenplays. Awesome, right?
    • O! Duì, wǒ nǚ'ér hěn lìhài! Tā xiě diànyǐng de jùběn! Hěn lìhài ba!
  • 小李：真的。真的很厲害。
    • Truly. Truly awesome.
    • Zhēn de. Zhēn de hěn lìhài.


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> The long-awaited episode 06 is finally here! This lesson's dialogue is longer than usual, so let's get right to it. 

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction
  2. [04:21] Magic Phrase: 下午下雨，地鐵漏水！
  3. [07:22] Dialogue
  4. [11:00] Translation
  5. [25:09] Dialogue, slowed down


Magic Phrase (4-3)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 4-3 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

下午下雨，地鐵漏水
Xiàwǔ xiàyǔ, dìtiě lòushuǐ


下午 / xiàwǔ / afternoon
下雨 / xiàyǔ / to rain
地鐵 / dìtiě / subway, subway system
漏水 / lòushuǐ / to leak water


Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

小李：好，我們開始。可以錄影嗎？
麗麗：可以。
小李：謝謝。阿明，你準備好了嗎？
阿明：可以了！
小李：好。可以先講一下你的背景嗎？你小時候喜歡做什麼？
麗麗：我從小就很愛看電影。我的夢想是寫電影的劇本。
小李：很酷的夢想！
麗麗：對啊。但我媽媽禁止我念電影系，她說太冒險。
小李：所以你念了什麼系？
麗麗：我念電腦科學。畢業後我在大公司上班。我們買賣進口的電腦系統。
小李：聽起來很有趣！
麗麗：很無聊！我賺了很多錢，但每天都覺得很痛苦。不知道到底活著是為了什麼。而且身體還出了一些狀況。因為沒有胃口，所以變得很瘦。
小李：好可憐！
麗麗：當時我很後悔放棄自己的夢想，但我也沒有勇氣改變。
小李：那然後呢？
麗麗：後來我發現了，害怕失敗只是一個藉口。或許寫劇本只是一個幻想啊，但至少要試試看才知道。
小李：沒錯！
麗麗：我現在的看法是，不管怎麼樣，自己的人生要自己負責。
小李：有道理。
麗麗：所以我離職了。
小李：哇！那你媽媽有支持你了嗎？
麗麗：沒有。她很憤怒，她說我會後悔，還說最好不要再看到我了。
小李：你一定很難過。
麗麗：讓媽媽生氣是不可避免的啊！重點是，我現在的工作是寫劇本。我成功了！
小李：恭喜！那你媽媽呢？
麗麗：她早就忘記了。
康太太：哈囉，你們在說我的壞話嗎？
小李：呃，沒有，我們在，呃，採訪…
阿明：麗麗在跟我們說她現在的工作。
康太太：哦！對，我女兒很厲害！她寫電影的劇本！很厲害吧！
小李：真的。真的很厲害。


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • 小李：好，我們開始。可以錄影嗎？
    • Ok, let’s start. Can we take a video?
    • Hǎo, wǒmen kāishǐ. Kěyǐ lùyǐng ma?
  • 麗麗：可以。
    • Sure.
    • Kěyǐ.
  • 小李：謝謝。阿明，你準備好了嗎？
    • Thanks. A-Ming, are you ready?
    • Xièxie. Ā míng, nǐ zhǔnbèi hǎole ma?
  • 阿明：可以了！
    • Ready!
    • Kěyǐle!
  • 小李：好。可以先講一下你的背景嗎？你小時候喜歡做什麼？
    • Ok. Can you first talk a little about your background? What did you like to do when you were a kid?
    • Hǎo. Kěyǐ xiān jiǎng yīxià nǐ de bèijǐng ma? Nǐ xiǎoshíhòu xǐhuān zuò shénme?
  • 麗麗：我從小就很愛看電影。我的夢想是寫電影的劇本。
    • I’ve loved watching movies since I was small. My dream was to write screenplays.
    • Wǒ cóngxiǎo jiù hěn ài kàn diànyǐng. Wǒ de mèngxiǎng shì xiě diànyǐng de jùběn.
  • 小李：很酷的夢想！
    • That’s a really cool dream!
    • Hěn kù de mèngxiǎng!
  • 麗麗：對啊。但我媽媽禁止我念電影系，她說太冒險。
    • Yeah. But my mom forbade me from studying film. She said it was too risky.
    • Duì a. Dàn wǒ māmā jìnzhǐ wǒ niàn diànyǐng xì, tā shuō tài màoxiǎn.
  • 小李：所以你念了什麼系？
    • So what did you major in?
    • Suǒyǐ nǐ niànle shénme xì?
  • 麗麗：我念電腦科學。畢業後我在大公司上班。我們買賣進口的電腦系統。
    • I majored in computer science. After graduating, I worked at a big company. We were buying and selling imported computer systems.
    • Wǒ niàn diànnǎo kēxué. Bìyè hòu wǒ zài dà gōngsī shàngbān. Wǒmen mǎimài jìnkǒu de diànnǎo xìtǒng.
  • 小李：聽起來很有趣！
    • That sounds really interesting!
    • Tīng qǐlái hěn yǒuqù!
  • 麗麗：很無聊！我賺了很多錢，但每天都覺得很痛苦。不知道到底活著是為了什麼。而且身體還出了一些狀況。因為沒有胃口，所以變得很瘦。
    • It was so boring! I made a lot of money, but every day was suffering. I didn’t know what I was even living for. And my body even started having problems. Because I didn’t have any appetite, I became really thin.
    • Hěn wúliáo! Wǒ zhuànle hěnduō qián, dàn měitiān dū juédé hěn tòngkǔ. Bù zhīdào dàodǐ huózhe shì wèile shénme. Érqiě shēntǐ hái chūle yīxiē zhuàngkuàng. Yīnwèi méiyǒu wèikǒu, suǒyǐ biàn dé hěn shòu.
  • 小李：好可憐！
    • That’s so sad! (lit. poor, pathetic, pitiful)
    • Hǎo kělián!
  • 麗麗：當時我很後悔放棄自己的夢想，但我也沒有勇氣改變。
    • At the time I really regretted giving up on my own dreams, but I didn’t have the courage to change.
    • Dāngshí wǒ hěn hòuhuǐ fàngqì zìjǐ de mèngxiǎng, dàn wǒ yě méiyǒu yǒngqì gǎibiàn.
  • 小李：那然後呢？
    • And then?
    • Nà ránhòu ne?
  • 麗麗：後來我發現了，害怕失敗只是一個藉口。或許寫劇本只是一個幻想啊，但至少要試試看才知道。
    • Later I realized, fear of failure was just an excuse. Maybe writing scripts was only a fantasy, but you have to at least try it to know for sure.
    • Hòulái wǒ fāxiànle, hàipà shībài zhǐshì yīgè jíkǒu. Huòxǔ xiě jùběn zhǐshì yīgè huànxiǎng a, dàn zhìshǎo yào shìshìkàn cái zhīdào.
  • 小李：沒錯！
    • That’s right!
    • Méicuò!
  • 麗麗：我現在的看法是，不管怎麼樣，自己的人生要自己負責。
    • Now my view is, no matter what, you have to take responsibility for your own life.
    • Wǒ xiànzài de kànfǎ shì, bùguǎn zěnme yàng, zìjǐ de rénshēng yào zìjǐ fùzé.
  • 小李：有道理。
    • That makes sense.
    • Yǒu dàolǐ.
  • 麗麗：所以我離職了。
    • So I quit my job.
    • Suǒyǐ wǒ lízhíle.
  • 小李：哇！那你媽媽有支持你了嗎？
    • Wow! Did your mom support you?
    • Wa! Nà nǐ māmā yǒu zhīchí nǐle ma?
  • 麗麗：沒有。她很憤怒，她說我會後悔，還說最好不要再看到我了。
    • No. She was furious, she said I would regret it. She even said it would be better if she never saw me again.
    • Méiyǒu. Tā hěn fènnù, tā shuō wǒ huì hòuhuǐ, hái shuō zuìhǎo bùyào zài kàn dào wǒle. 
  • 小李：你一定很難過。
    • You must have been really upset.
    • Nǐ yīdìng hěn nánguò.
  • 麗麗：讓媽媽生氣是不可避免的啊！重點是，我現在的工作是寫劇本。我成功了！
    • Making mom angry was unavoidable! The main point is, now my job is writing screenplays. I succeeded!
    • Ràng māmā shēngqì shì bùkě bìmiǎn de a! Zhòngdiǎn shì, wǒ xiànzài de gōngzuò shì xiě jùběn. Wǒ chénggōngle!
  • 小李：恭喜！那你媽媽呢？
    • Congratulations! And… what about your mother?
    • Gōngxǐ! Nà nǐ māmā ne?
  • 麗麗：她早就忘記了。
    • She forgot a long time ago.
    • Tā zǎo jiù wàngjìle.
  • 康太太：哈囉，你們在說我的壞話嗎？
    • Hello, are you saying something bad about me?
    • Hā luō, nǐmen zài shuō wǒ de huàihuà ma?
  • 小李：呃，沒有，我們在，呃，採訪…
    • Uh, no, we’re uh… interviewing…
    • E, méiyǒu, wǒmen zài, e, cǎifǎng…
  • 阿明：麗麗在跟我們說她現在的工作。
    • Lili is telling us about her current work!
    • Lìlì zài gēn wǒmen shuō tā xiànzài de gōngzuò.
  • 康太太：哦！對，我女兒很厲害！她寫電影的劇本！很厲害吧！
    • Oh! Yeah, my daughter is amazing! She writes screenplays. Awesome, right?
    • O! Duì, wǒ nǚ'ér hěn lìhài! Tā xiě diànyǐng de jùběn! Hěn lìhài ba!
  • 小李：真的。真的很厲害。
    • Truly. Truly awesome.
    • Zhēn de. Zhēn de hěn lìhài.


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Tue, 12 Sep 2023 00:01:32 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 1824 The long-awaited episode 06 is finally here! This lesson's dialogue is longer than usual, so let's get right to it. 

Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Introduction
  2. [04:21] Magic Phrase: 下午下雨，地鐵漏水！
  3. [07:22] Dialogue
  4. [11:00] Translation
  5. [25:09] Dialogue, slowed down


Magic Phrase (4-3)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 4-3 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

下午下雨，地鐵漏水
Xiàwǔ xiàyǔ, dìtiě lòushuǐ


下午 / xiàwǔ / afternoon
下雨 / xiàyǔ / to rain
地鐵 / dìtiě / subway, subway system
漏水 / lòushuǐ / to leak water


Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

小李：好，我們開始。可以錄影嗎？
麗麗：可以。
小李：謝謝。阿明，你準備好了嗎？
阿明：可以了！
小李：好。可以先講一下你的背景嗎？你小時候喜歡做什麼？
麗麗：我從小就很愛看電影。我的夢想是寫電影的劇本。
小李：很酷的夢想！
麗麗：對啊。但我媽媽禁止我念電影系，她說太冒險。
小李：所以你念了什麼系？
麗麗：我念電腦科學。畢業後我在大公司上班。我們買賣進口的電腦系統。
小李：聽起來很有趣！
麗麗：很無聊！我賺了很多錢，但每天都覺得很痛苦。不知道到底活著是為了什麼。而且身體還出了一些狀況。因為沒有胃口，所以變得很瘦。
小李：好可憐！
麗麗：當時我很後悔放棄自己的夢想，但我也沒有勇氣改變。
小李：那然後呢？
麗麗：後來我發現了，害怕失敗只是一個藉口。或許寫劇本只是一個幻想啊，但至少要試試看才知道。
小李：沒錯！
麗麗：我現在的看法是，不管怎麼樣，自己的人生要自己負責。
小李：有道理。
麗麗：所以我離職了。
小李：哇！那你媽媽有支持你了嗎？
麗麗：沒有。她很憤怒，她說我會後悔，還說最好不要再看到我了。
小李：你一定很難過。
麗麗：讓媽媽生氣是不可避免的啊！重點是，我現在的工作是寫劇本。我成功了！
小李：恭喜！那你媽媽呢？
麗麗：她早就忘記了。
康太太：哈囉，你們在說我的壞話嗎？
小李：呃，沒有，我們在，呃，採訪…
阿明：麗麗在跟我們說她現在的工作。
康太太：哦！對，我女兒很厲害！她寫電影的劇本！很厲害吧！
小李：真的。真的很厲害。


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • 小李：好，我們開始。可以錄影嗎？
    • Ok, let’s start. Can we take a video?
    • Hǎo, wǒmen kāishǐ. Kěyǐ lùyǐng ma?
  • 麗麗：可以。
    • Sure.
    • Kěyǐ.
  • 小李：謝謝。阿明，你準備好了嗎？
    • Thanks. A-Ming, are you ready?
    • Xièxie. Ā míng, nǐ zhǔnbèi hǎole ma?
  • 阿明：可以了！
    • Ready!
    • Kěyǐle!
  • 小李：好。可以先講一下你的背景嗎？你小時候喜歡做什麼？
    • Ok. Can you first talk a little about your background? What did you like to do when you were a kid?
    • Hǎo. Kěyǐ xiān jiǎng yīxià nǐ de bèijǐng ma? Nǐ xiǎoshíhòu xǐhuān zuò shénme?
  • 麗麗：我從小就很愛看電影。我的夢想是寫電影的劇本。
    • I’ve loved watching movies since I was small. My dream was to write screenplays.
    • Wǒ cóngxiǎo jiù hěn ài kàn diànyǐng. Wǒ de mèngxiǎng shì xiě diànyǐng de jùběn.
  • 小李：很酷的夢想！
    • That’s a really cool dream!
    • Hěn kù de mèngxiǎng!
  • 麗麗：對啊。但我媽媽禁止我念電影系，她說太冒險。
    • Yeah. But my mom forbade me from studying film. She said it was too risky.
    • Duì a. Dàn wǒ māmā jìnzhǐ wǒ niàn diànyǐng xì, tā shuō tài màoxiǎn.
  • 小李：所以你念了什麼系？
    • So what did you major in?
    • Suǒyǐ nǐ niànle shénme xì?
  • 麗麗：我念電腦科學。畢業後我在大公司上班。我們買賣進口的電腦系統。
    • I majored in computer science. After graduating, I worked at a big company. We were buying and selling imported computer systems.
    • Wǒ niàn diànnǎo kēxué. Bìyè hòu wǒ zài dà gōngsī shàngbān. Wǒmen mǎimài jìnkǒu de diànnǎo xìtǒng.
  • 小李：聽起來很有趣！
    • That sounds really interesting!
    • Tīng qǐlái hěn yǒuqù!
  • 麗麗：很無聊！我賺了很多錢，但每天都覺得很痛苦。不知道到底活著是為了什麼。而且身體還出了一些狀況。因為沒有胃口，所以變得很瘦。
    • It was so boring! I made a lot of money, but every day was suffering. I didn’t know what I was even living for. And my body even started having problems. Because I didn’t have any appetite, I became really thin.
    • Hěn wúliáo! Wǒ zhuànle hěnduō qián, dàn měitiān dū juédé hěn tòngkǔ. Bù zhīdào dàodǐ huózhe shì wèile shénme. Érqiě shēntǐ hái chūle yīxiē zhuàngkuàng. Yīnwèi méiyǒu wèikǒu, suǒyǐ biàn dé hěn shòu.
  • 小李：好可憐！
    • That’s so sad! (lit. poor, pathetic, pitiful)
    • Hǎo kělián!
  • 麗麗：當時我很後悔放棄自己的夢想，但我也沒有勇氣改變。
    • At the time I really regretted giving up on my own dreams, but I didn’t have the courage to change.
    • Dāngshí wǒ hěn hòuhuǐ fàngqì zìjǐ de mèngxiǎng, dàn wǒ yě méiyǒu yǒngqì gǎibiàn.
  • 小李：那然後呢？
    • And then?
    • Nà ránhòu ne?
  • 麗麗：後來我發現了，害怕失敗只是一個藉口。或許寫劇本只是一個幻想啊，但至少要試試看才知道。
    • Later I realized, fear of failure was just an excuse. Maybe writing scripts was only a fantasy, but you have to at least try it to know for sure.
    • Hòulái wǒ fāxiànle, hàipà shībài zhǐshì yīgè jíkǒu. Huòxǔ xiě jùběn zhǐshì yīgè huànxiǎng a, dàn zhìshǎo yào shìshìkàn cái zhīdào.
  • 小李：沒錯！
    • That’s right!
    • Méicuò!
  • 麗麗：我現在的看法是，不管怎麼樣，自己的人生要自己負責。
    • Now my view is, no matter what, you have to take responsibility for your own life.
    • Wǒ xiànzài de kànfǎ shì, bùguǎn zěnme yàng, zìjǐ de rénshēng yào zìjǐ fùzé.
  • 小李：有道理。
    • That makes sense.
    • Yǒu dàolǐ.
  • 麗麗：所以我離職了。
    • So I quit my job.
    • Suǒyǐ wǒ lízhíle.
  • 小李：哇！那你媽媽有支持你了嗎？
    • Wow! Did your mom support you?
    • Wa! Nà nǐ māmā yǒu zhīchí nǐle ma?
  • 麗麗：沒有。她很憤怒，她說我會後悔，還說最好不要再看到我了。
    • No. She was furious, she said I would regret it. She even said it would be better if she never saw me again.
    • Méiyǒu. Tā hěn fènnù, tā shuō wǒ huì hòuhuǐ, hái shuō zuìhǎo bùyào zài kàn dào wǒle. 
  • 小李：你一定很難過。
    • You must have been really upset.
    • Nǐ yīdìng hěn nánguò.
  • 麗麗：讓媽媽生氣是不可避免的啊！重點是，我現在的工作是寫劇本。我成功了！
    • Making mom angry was unavoidable! The main point is, now my job is writing screenplays. I succeeded!
    • Ràng māmā shēngqì shì bùkě bìmiǎn de a! Zhòngdiǎn shì, wǒ xiànzài de gōngzuò shì xiě jùběn. Wǒ chénggōngle!
  • 小李：恭喜！那你媽媽呢？
    • Congratulations! And… what about your mother?
    • Gōngxǐ! Nà nǐ māmā ne?
  • 麗麗：她早就忘記了。
    • She forgot a long time ago.
    • Tā zǎo jiù wàngjìle.
  • 康太太：哈囉，你們在說我的壞話嗎？
    • Hello, are you saying something bad about me?
    • Hā luō, nǐmen zài shuō wǒ de huàihuà ma?
  • 小李：呃，沒有，我們在，呃，採訪…
    • Uh, no, we’re uh… interviewing…
    • E, méiyǒu, wǒmen zài, e, cǎifǎng…
  • 阿明：麗麗在跟我們說她現在的工作。
    • Lili is telling us about her current work!
    • Lìlì zài gēn wǒmen shuō tā xiànzài de gōngzuò.
  • 康太太：哦！對，我女兒很厲害！她寫電影的劇本！很厲害吧！
    • Oh! Yeah, my daughter is amazing! She writes screenplays. Awesome, right?
    • O! Duì, wǒ nǚ'ér hěn lìhài! Tā xiě diànyǐng de jùběn! Hěn lìhài ba!
  • 小李：真的。真的很厲害。
    • Truly. Truly awesome.
    • Zhēn de. Zhēn de hěn lìhài.


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No Daily Practice (Normal Speed) - S3 - Lesson 06 3 3 Daily Practice (Normal Speed) - S3 - Lesson 06 bonus 18296d81-de3d-463a-a96d-3fc96df2c188 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e00c32f3 After listening to Season 3, Lesson 06, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking ten minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.

How to practice
This episode's daily practice session doesn't include spoken instructions, but the process is the same as previous episodes of this season:

In the first part, you'll hear a short snippet of the dialogue, followed by a pause of 2-4 seconds. During the pause, try to echo aloud exactly what you heard. In the second part, the dialogue plays again without pauses. Try to shadow the dialogue by repeating it aloud simultaneously with the recording.

Note that in both parts, speaking aloud is important, as this practice helps you gain confidence making the sounds of Mandarin, increasing your speaking fluency over time. It also gives you invaluable feedback, as you hear the sounds coming out of your mouth, and can compare them to the sounds you just heard. If only done once or twice, this might not seem to have much effect; repeated on a daily basis, however, this is a powerful mechanism for bootstrapping your pronunciation and speaking ability.

Magic Phrase (4-3)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 4-3 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

下午下雨，地鐵漏水
Xiàwǔ xiàyǔ, dìtiě lòushuǐ


下午 / xiàwǔ / afternoon
下雨 / xiàyǔ / to rain
地鐵 / dìtiě / subway, subway system
漏水 / lòushuǐ / to leak water


Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

小李：好，我們開始。可以錄影嗎？
麗麗：可以。
小李：謝謝。阿明，你準備好了嗎？
阿明：可以了！
小李：好。可以先講一下你的背景嗎？你小時候喜歡做什麼？
麗麗：我從小就很愛看電影。我的夢想是寫電影的劇本。
小李：很酷的夢想！
麗麗：對啊。但我媽媽禁止我念電影系，她說太冒險。
小李：所以你念了什麼系？
麗麗：我念電腦科學。畢業後我在大公司上班。我們買賣進口的電腦系統。
小李：聽起來很有趣！
麗麗：很無聊！我賺了很多錢，但每天都覺得很痛苦。不知道到底活著是為了什麼。而且身體還出了一些狀況。因為沒有胃口，所以變得很瘦。
小李：好可憐！
麗麗：當時我很後悔放棄自己的夢想，但我也沒有勇氣改變。
小李：那然後呢？
麗麗：後來我發現了，害怕失敗只是一個藉口。或許寫劇本只是一個幻想啊，但至少要試試看才知道。
小李：沒錯！
麗麗：我現在的看法是，不管怎麼樣，自己的人生要自己負責。
小李：有道理。
麗麗：所以我離職了。
小李：哇！那你媽媽有支持你了嗎？
麗麗：沒有。她很憤怒，她說我會後悔，還說最好不要再看到我了。
小李：你一定很難過。
麗麗：讓媽媽生氣是不可避免的啊！重點是，我現在的工作是寫劇本。我成功了！
小李：恭喜！那你媽媽呢？
麗麗：她早就忘記了。
康太太：哈囉，你們在說我的壞話嗎？
小李：呃，沒有，我們在，呃，採訪…
阿明：麗麗在跟我們說她現在的工作。
康太太：哦！對，我女兒很厲害！她寫電影的劇本！很厲害吧！
小李：真的。真的很厲害。


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • 小李：好，我們開始。可以錄影嗎？
    • Ok, let’s start. Can we take a video?
    • Hǎo, wǒmen kāishǐ. Kěyǐ lùyǐng ma?
  • 麗麗：可以。
    • Sure.
    • Kěyǐ.
  • 小李：謝謝。阿明，你準備好了嗎？
    • Thanks. A-Ming, are you ready?
    • Xièxie. Ā míng, nǐ zhǔnbèi hǎole ma?
  • 阿明：可以了！
    • Ready!
    • Kěyǐle!
  • 小李：好。可以先講一下你的背景嗎？你小時候喜歡做什麼？
    • Ok. Can you first talk a little about your background? What did you like to do when you were a kid?
    • Hǎo. Kěyǐ xiān jiǎng yīxià nǐ de bèijǐng ma? Nǐ xiǎoshíhòu xǐhuān zuò shénme?
  • 麗麗：我從小就很愛看電影。我的夢想是寫電影的劇本。
    • I’ve loved watching movies since I was small. My dream was to write screenplays.
    • Wǒ cóngxiǎo jiù hěn ài kàn diànyǐng. Wǒ de mèngxiǎng shì xiě diànyǐng de jùběn.
  • 小李：很酷的夢想！
    • That’s a really cool dream!
    • Hěn kù de mèngxiǎng!
  • 麗麗：對啊。但我媽媽禁止我念電影系，她說太冒險。
    • Yeah. But my mom forbade me from studying film. She said it was too risky.
    • Duì a. Dàn wǒ māmā jìnzhǐ wǒ niàn diànyǐng xì, tā shuō tài màoxiǎn.
  • 小李：所以你念了什麼系？
    • So what did you major in?
    • Suǒyǐ nǐ niànle shénme xì?
  • 麗麗：我念電腦科學。畢業後我在大公司上班。我們買賣進口的電腦系統。
    • I majored in computer science. After graduating, I worked at a big company. We were buying and selling imported computer systems.
    • Wǒ niàn diànnǎo kēxué. Bìyè hòu wǒ zài dà gōngsī shàngbān. Wǒmen mǎimài jìnkǒu de diànnǎo xìtǒng.
  • 小李：聽起來很有趣！
    • That sounds really interesting!
    • Tīng qǐlái hěn yǒuqù!
  • 麗麗：很無聊！我賺了很多錢，但每天都覺得很痛苦。不知道到底活著是為了什麼。而且身體還出了一些狀況。因為沒有胃口，所以變得很瘦。
    • It was so boring! I made a lot of money, but every day was suffering. I didn’t know what I was even living for. And my body even started having problems. Because I didn’t have any appetite, I became really thin.
    • Hěn wúliáo! Wǒ zhuànle hěnduō qián, dàn měitiān dū juédé hěn tòngkǔ. Bù zhīdào dàodǐ huózhe shì wèile shénme. Érqiě shēntǐ hái chūle yīxiē zhuàngkuàng. Yīnwèi méiyǒu wèikǒu, suǒyǐ biàn dé hěn shòu.
  • 小李：好可憐！
    • That’s so sad! (lit. poor, pathetic, pitiful)
    • Hǎo kělián!
  • 麗麗：當時我很後悔放棄自己的夢想，但我也沒有勇氣改變。
    • At the time I really regretted giving up on my own dreams, but I didn’t have the courage to change.
    • Dāngshí wǒ hěn hòuhuǐ fàngqì zìjǐ de mèngxiǎng, dàn wǒ yě méiyǒu yǒngqì gǎibiàn.
  • 小李：那然後呢？
    • And then?
    • Nà ránhòu ne?
  • 麗麗：後來我發現了，害怕失敗只是一個藉口。或許寫劇本只是一個幻想啊，但至少要試試看才知道。
    • Later I realized, fear of failure was just an excuse. Maybe writing scripts was only a fantasy, but you have to at least try it to know for sure.
    • Hòulái wǒ fāxiànle, hàipà shībài zhǐshì yīgè jíkǒu. Huòxǔ xiě jùběn zhǐshì yīgè huànxiǎng a, dàn zhìshǎo yào shìshìkàn cái zhīdào.
  • 小李：沒錯！
    • That’s right!
    • Méicuò!
  • 麗麗：我現在的看法是，不管怎麼樣，自己的人生要自己負責。
    • Now my view is, no matter what, you have to take responsibility for your own life.
    • Wǒ xiànzài de kànfǎ shì, bùguǎn zěnme yàng, zìjǐ de rénshēng yào zìjǐ fùzé.
  • 小李：有道理。
    • That makes sense.
    • Yǒu dàolǐ.
  • 麗麗：所以我離職了。
    • So I quit my job.
    • Suǒyǐ wǒ lízhíle.
  • 小李：哇！那你媽媽有支持你了嗎？
    • Wow! Did your mom support you?
    • Wa! Nà nǐ māmā yǒu zhīchí nǐle ma?
  • 麗麗：沒有。她很憤怒，她說我會後悔，還說最好不要再看到我了。
    • No. She was furious, she said I would regret it. She even said it would be better if she never saw me again.
    • Méiyǒu. Tā hěn fènnù, tā shuō wǒ huì hòuhuǐ, hái shuō zuìhǎo bùyào zài kàn dào wǒle. 
  • 小李：你一定很難過。
    • You must have been really upset.
    • Nǐ yīdìng hěn nánguò.
  • 麗麗：讓媽媽生氣是不可避免的啊！重點是，我現在的工作是寫劇本。我成功了！
    • Making mom angry was unavoidable! The main point is, now my job is writing screenplays. I succeeded!
    • Ràng māmā shēngqì shì bùkě bìmiǎn de a! Zhòngdiǎn shì, wǒ xiànzài de gōngzuò shì xiě jùběn. Wǒ chénggōngle!
  • 小李：恭喜！那你媽媽呢？
    • Congratulations! And… what about your mother?
    • Gōngxǐ! Nà nǐ māmā ne?
  • 麗麗：她早就忘記了。
    • She forgot a long time ago.
    • Tā zǎo jiù wàngjìle.
  • 康太太：哈囉，你們在說我的壞話嗎？
    • Hello, are you saying something bad about me?
    • Hā luō, nǐmen zài shuō wǒ de huàihuà ma?
  • 小李：呃，沒有，我們在，呃，採訪…
    • Uh, no, we’re uh… interviewing…
    • E, méiyǒu, wǒmen zài, e, cǎifǎng…
  • 阿明：麗麗在跟我們說她現在的工作。
    • Lili is telling us about her current work!
    • Lìlì zài gēn wǒmen shuō tā xiànzài de gōngzuò.
  • 康太太：哦！對，我女兒很厲害！她寫電影的劇本！很厲害吧！
    • Oh! Yeah, my daughter is amazing! She writes screenplays. Awesome, right?
    • O! Duì, wǒ nǚ'ér hěn lìhài! Tā xiě diànyǐng de jùběn! Hěn lìhài ba!
  • 小李：真的。真的很厲害。
    • Truly. Truly awesome.
    • Zhēn de. Zhēn de hěn lìhài.


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> After listening to Season 3, Lesson 06, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking ten minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.

How to practice
This episode's daily practice session doesn't include spoken instructions, but the process is the same as previous episodes of this season:

In the first part, you'll hear a short snippet of the dialogue, followed by a pause of 2-4 seconds. During the pause, try to echo aloud exactly what you heard. In the second part, the dialogue plays again without pauses. Try to shadow the dialogue by repeating it aloud simultaneously with the recording.

Note that in both parts, speaking aloud is important, as this practice helps you gain confidence making the sounds of Mandarin, increasing your speaking fluency over time. It also gives you invaluable feedback, as you hear the sounds coming out of your mouth, and can compare them to the sounds you just heard. If only done once or twice, this might not seem to have much effect; repeated on a daily basis, however, this is a powerful mechanism for bootstrapping your pronunciation and speaking ability.

Magic Phrase (4-3)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 4-3 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

下午下雨，地鐵漏水
Xiàwǔ xiàyǔ, dìtiě lòushuǐ


下午 / xiàwǔ / afternoon
下雨 / xiàyǔ / to rain
地鐵 / dìtiě / subway, subway system
漏水 / lòushuǐ / to leak water


Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

小李：好，我們開始。可以錄影嗎？
麗麗：可以。
小李：謝謝。阿明，你準備好了嗎？
阿明：可以了！
小李：好。可以先講一下你的背景嗎？你小時候喜歡做什麼？
麗麗：我從小就很愛看電影。我的夢想是寫電影的劇本。
小李：很酷的夢想！
麗麗：對啊。但我媽媽禁止我念電影系，她說太冒險。
小李：所以你念了什麼系？
麗麗：我念電腦科學。畢業後我在大公司上班。我們買賣進口的電腦系統。
小李：聽起來很有趣！
麗麗：很無聊！我賺了很多錢，但每天都覺得很痛苦。不知道到底活著是為了什麼。而且身體還出了一些狀況。因為沒有胃口，所以變得很瘦。
小李：好可憐！
麗麗：當時我很後悔放棄自己的夢想，但我也沒有勇氣改變。
小李：那然後呢？
麗麗：後來我發現了，害怕失敗只是一個藉口。或許寫劇本只是一個幻想啊，但至少要試試看才知道。
小李：沒錯！
麗麗：我現在的看法是，不管怎麼樣，自己的人生要自己負責。
小李：有道理。
麗麗：所以我離職了。
小李：哇！那你媽媽有支持你了嗎？
麗麗：沒有。她很憤怒，她說我會後悔，還說最好不要再看到我了。
小李：你一定很難過。
麗麗：讓媽媽生氣是不可避免的啊！重點是，我現在的工作是寫劇本。我成功了！
小李：恭喜！那你媽媽呢？
麗麗：她早就忘記了。
康太太：哈囉，你們在說我的壞話嗎？
小李：呃，沒有，我們在，呃，採訪…
阿明：麗麗在跟我們說她現在的工作。
康太太：哦！對，我女兒很厲害！她寫電影的劇本！很厲害吧！
小李：真的。真的很厲害。


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • 小李：好，我們開始。可以錄影嗎？
    • Ok, let’s start. Can we take a video?
    • Hǎo, wǒmen kāishǐ. Kěyǐ lùyǐng ma?
  • 麗麗：可以。
    • Sure.
    • Kěyǐ.
  • 小李：謝謝。阿明，你準備好了嗎？
    • Thanks. A-Ming, are you ready?
    • Xièxie. Ā míng, nǐ zhǔnbèi hǎole ma?
  • 阿明：可以了！
    • Ready!
    • Kěyǐle!
  • 小李：好。可以先講一下你的背景嗎？你小時候喜歡做什麼？
    • Ok. Can you first talk a little about your background? What did you like to do when you were a kid?
    • Hǎo. Kěyǐ xiān jiǎng yīxià nǐ de bèijǐng ma? Nǐ xiǎoshíhòu xǐhuān zuò shénme?
  • 麗麗：我從小就很愛看電影。我的夢想是寫電影的劇本。
    • I’ve loved watching movies since I was small. My dream was to write screenplays.
    • Wǒ cóngxiǎo jiù hěn ài kàn diànyǐng. Wǒ de mèngxiǎng shì xiě diànyǐng de jùběn.
  • 小李：很酷的夢想！
    • That’s a really cool dream!
    • Hěn kù de mèngxiǎng!
  • 麗麗：對啊。但我媽媽禁止我念電影系，她說太冒險。
    • Yeah. But my mom forbade me from studying film. She said it was too risky.
    • Duì a. Dàn wǒ māmā jìnzhǐ wǒ niàn diànyǐng xì, tā shuō tài màoxiǎn.
  • 小李：所以你念了什麼系？
    • So what did you major in?
    • Suǒyǐ nǐ niànle shénme xì?
  • 麗麗：我念電腦科學。畢業後我在大公司上班。我們買賣進口的電腦系統。
    • I majored in computer science. After graduating, I worked at a big company. We were buying and selling imported computer systems.
    • Wǒ niàn diànnǎo kēxué. Bìyè hòu wǒ zài dà gōngsī shàngbān. Wǒmen mǎimài jìnkǒu de diànnǎo xìtǒng.
  • 小李：聽起來很有趣！
    • That sounds really interesting!
    • Tīng qǐlái hěn yǒuqù!
  • 麗麗：很無聊！我賺了很多錢，但每天都覺得很痛苦。不知道到底活著是為了什麼。而且身體還出了一些狀況。因為沒有胃口，所以變得很瘦。
    • It was so boring! I made a lot of money, but every day was suffering. I didn’t know what I was even living for. And my body even started having problems. Because I didn’t have any appetite, I became really thin.
    • Hěn wúliáo! Wǒ zhuànle hěnduō qián, dàn měitiān dū juédé hěn tòngkǔ. Bù zhīdào dàodǐ huózhe shì wèile shénme. Érqiě shēntǐ hái chūle yīxiē zhuàngkuàng. Yīnwèi méiyǒu wèikǒu, suǒyǐ biàn dé hěn shòu.
  • 小李：好可憐！
    • That’s so sad! (lit. poor, pathetic, pitiful)
    • Hǎo kělián!
  • 麗麗：當時我很後悔放棄自己的夢想，但我也沒有勇氣改變。
    • At the time I really regretted giving up on my own dreams, but I didn’t have the courage to change.
    • Dāngshí wǒ hěn hòuhuǐ fàngqì zìjǐ de mèngxiǎng, dàn wǒ yě méiyǒu yǒngqì gǎibiàn.
  • 小李：那然後呢？
    • And then?
    • Nà ránhòu ne?
  • 麗麗：後來我發現了，害怕失敗只是一個藉口。或許寫劇本只是一個幻想啊，但至少要試試看才知道。
    • Later I realized, fear of failure was just an excuse. Maybe writing scripts was only a fantasy, but you have to at least try it to know for sure.
    • Hòulái wǒ fāxiànle, hàipà shībài zhǐshì yīgè jíkǒu. Huòxǔ xiě jùběn zhǐshì yīgè huànxiǎng a, dàn zhìshǎo yào shìshìkàn cái zhīdào.
  • 小李：沒錯！
    • That’s right!
    • Méicuò!
  • 麗麗：我現在的看法是，不管怎麼樣，自己的人生要自己負責。
    • Now my view is, no matter what, you have to take responsibility for your own life.
    • Wǒ xiànzài de kànfǎ shì, bùguǎn zěnme yàng, zìjǐ de rénshēng yào zìjǐ fùzé.
  • 小李：有道理。
    • That makes sense.
    • Yǒu dàolǐ.
  • 麗麗：所以我離職了。
    • So I quit my job.
    • Suǒyǐ wǒ lízhíle.
  • 小李：哇！那你媽媽有支持你了嗎？
    • Wow! Did your mom support you?
    • Wa! Nà nǐ māmā yǒu zhīchí nǐle ma?
  • 麗麗：沒有。她很憤怒，她說我會後悔，還說最好不要再看到我了。
    • No. She was furious, she said I would regret it. She even said it would be better if she never saw me again.
    • Méiyǒu. Tā hěn fènnù, tā shuō wǒ huì hòuhuǐ, hái shuō zuìhǎo bùyào zài kàn dào wǒle. 
  • 小李：你一定很難過。
    • You must have been really upset.
    • Nǐ yīdìng hěn nánguò.
  • 麗麗：讓媽媽生氣是不可避免的啊！重點是，我現在的工作是寫劇本。我成功了！
    • Making mom angry was unavoidable! The main point is, now my job is writing screenplays. I succeeded!
    • Ràng māmā shēngqì shì bùkě bìmiǎn de a! Zhòngdiǎn shì, wǒ xiànzài de gōngzuò shì xiě jùběn. Wǒ chénggōngle!
  • 小李：恭喜！那你媽媽呢？
    • Congratulations! And… what about your mother?
    • Gōngxǐ! Nà nǐ māmā ne?
  • 麗麗：她早就忘記了。
    • She forgot a long time ago.
    • Tā zǎo jiù wàngjìle.
  • 康太太：哈囉，你們在說我的壞話嗎？
    • Hello, are you saying something bad about me?
    • Hā luō, nǐmen zài shuō wǒ de huàihuà ma?
  • 小李：呃，沒有，我們在，呃，採訪…
    • Uh, no, we’re uh… interviewing…
    • E, méiyǒu, wǒmen zài, e, cǎifǎng…
  • 阿明：麗麗在跟我們說她現在的工作。
    • Lili is telling us about her current work!
    • Lìlì zài gēn wǒmen shuō tā xiànzài de gōngzuò.
  • 康太太：哦！對，我女兒很厲害！她寫電影的劇本！很厲害吧！
    • Oh! Yeah, my daughter is amazing! She writes screenplays. Awesome, right?
    • O! Duì, wǒ nǚ'ér hěn lìhài! Tā xiě diànyǐng de jùběn! Hěn lìhài ba!
  • 小李：真的。真的很厲害。
    • Truly. Truly awesome.
    • Zhēn de. Zhēn de hěn lìhài.


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Wed, 13 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 456 After listening to Season 3, Lesson 06, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking ten minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.

How to practice
This episode's daily practice session doesn't include spoken instructions, but the process is the same as previous episodes of this season:

In the first part, you'll hear a short snippet of the dialogue, followed by a pause of 2-4 seconds. During the pause, try to echo aloud exactly what you heard. In the second part, the dialogue plays again without pauses. Try to shadow the dialogue by repeating it aloud simultaneously with the recording.

Note that in both parts, speaking aloud is important, as this practice helps you gain confidence making the sounds of Mandarin, increasing your speaking fluency over time. It also gives you invaluable feedback, as you hear the sounds coming out of your mouth, and can compare them to the sounds you just heard. If only done once or twice, this might not seem to have much effect; repeated on a daily basis, however, this is a powerful mechanism for bootstrapping your pronunciation and speaking ability.

Magic Phrase (4-3)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 4-3 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

下午下雨，地鐵漏水
Xiàwǔ xiàyǔ, dìtiě lòushuǐ


下午 / xiàwǔ / afternoon
下雨 / xiàyǔ / to rain
地鐵 / dìtiě / subway, subway system
漏水 / lòushuǐ / to leak water


Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

小李：好，我們開始。可以錄影嗎？
麗麗：可以。
小李：謝謝。阿明，你準備好了嗎？
阿明：可以了！
小李：好。可以先講一下你的背景嗎？你小時候喜歡做什麼？
麗麗：我從小就很愛看電影。我的夢想是寫電影的劇本。
小李：很酷的夢想！
麗麗：對啊。但我媽媽禁止我念電影系，她說太冒險。
小李：所以你念了什麼系？
麗麗：我念電腦科學。畢業後我在大公司上班。我們買賣進口的電腦系統。
小李：聽起來很有趣！
麗麗：很無聊！我賺了很多錢，但每天都覺得很痛苦。不知道到底活著是為了什麼。而且身體還出了一些狀況。因為沒有胃口，所以變得很瘦。
小李：好可憐！
麗麗：當時我很後悔放棄自己的夢想，但我也沒有勇氣改變。
小李：那然後呢？
麗麗：後來我發現了，害怕失敗只是一個藉口。或許寫劇本只是一個幻想啊，但至少要試試看才知道。
小李：沒錯！
麗麗：我現在的看法是，不管怎麼樣，自己的人生要自己負責。
小李：有道理。
麗麗：所以我離職了。
小李：哇！那你媽媽有支持你了嗎？
麗麗：沒有。她很憤怒，她說我會後悔，還說最好不要再看到我了。
小李：你一定很難過。
麗麗：讓媽媽生氣是不可避免的啊！重點是，我現在的工作是寫劇本。我成功了！
小李：恭喜！那你媽媽呢？
麗麗：她早就忘記了。
康太太：哈囉，你們在說我的壞話嗎？
小李：呃，沒有，我們在，呃，採訪…
阿明：麗麗在跟我們說她現在的工作。
康太太：哦！對，我女兒很厲害！她寫電影的劇本！很厲害吧！
小李：真的。真的很厲害。


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • 小李：好，我們開始。可以錄影嗎？
    • Ok, let’s start. Can we take a video?
    • Hǎo, wǒmen kāishǐ. Kěyǐ lùyǐng ma?
  • 麗麗：可以。
    • Sure.
    • Kěyǐ.
  • 小李：謝謝。阿明，你準備好了嗎？
    • Thanks. A-Ming, are you ready?
    • Xièxie. Ā míng, nǐ zhǔnbèi hǎole ma?
  • 阿明：可以了！
    • Ready!
    • Kěyǐle!
  • 小李：好。可以先講一下你的背景嗎？你小時候喜歡做什麼？
    • Ok. Can you first talk a little about your background? What did you like to do when you were a kid?
    • Hǎo. Kěyǐ xiān jiǎng yīxià nǐ de bèijǐng ma? Nǐ xiǎoshíhòu xǐhuān zuò shénme?
  • 麗麗：我從小就很愛看電影。我的夢想是寫電影的劇本。
    • I’ve loved watching movies since I was small. My dream was to write screenplays.
    • Wǒ cóngxiǎo jiù hěn ài kàn diànyǐng. Wǒ de mèngxiǎng shì xiě diànyǐng de jùběn.
  • 小李：很酷的夢想！
    • That’s a really cool dream!
    • Hěn kù de mèngxiǎng!
  • 麗麗：對啊。但我媽媽禁止我念電影系，她說太冒險。
    • Yeah. But my mom forbade me from studying film. She said it was too risky.
    • Duì a. Dàn wǒ māmā jìnzhǐ wǒ niàn diànyǐng xì, tā shuō tài màoxiǎn.
  • 小李：所以你念了什麼系？
    • So what did you major in?
    • Suǒyǐ nǐ niànle shénme xì?
  • 麗麗：我念電腦科學。畢業後我在大公司上班。我們買賣進口的電腦系統。
    • I majored in computer science. After graduating, I worked at a big company. We were buying and selling imported computer systems.
    • Wǒ niàn diànnǎo kēxué. Bìyè hòu wǒ zài dà gōngsī shàngbān. Wǒmen mǎimài jìnkǒu de diànnǎo xìtǒng.
  • 小李：聽起來很有趣！
    • That sounds really interesting!
    • Tīng qǐlái hěn yǒuqù!
  • 麗麗：很無聊！我賺了很多錢，但每天都覺得很痛苦。不知道到底活著是為了什麼。而且身體還出了一些狀況。因為沒有胃口，所以變得很瘦。
    • It was so boring! I made a lot of money, but every day was suffering. I didn’t know what I was even living for. And my body even started having problems. Because I didn’t have any appetite, I became really thin.
    • Hěn wúliáo! Wǒ zhuànle hěnduō qián, dàn měitiān dū juédé hěn tòngkǔ. Bù zhīdào dàodǐ huózhe shì wèile shénme. Érqiě shēntǐ hái chūle yīxiē zhuàngkuàng. Yīnwèi méiyǒu wèikǒu, suǒyǐ biàn dé hěn shòu.
  • 小李：好可憐！
    • That’s so sad! (lit. poor, pathetic, pitiful)
    • Hǎo kělián!
  • 麗麗：當時我很後悔放棄自己的夢想，但我也沒有勇氣改變。
    • At the time I really regretted giving up on my own dreams, but I didn’t have the courage to change.
    • Dāngshí wǒ hěn hòuhuǐ fàngqì zìjǐ de mèngxiǎng, dàn wǒ yě méiyǒu yǒngqì gǎibiàn.
  • 小李：那然後呢？
    • And then?
    • Nà ránhòu ne?
  • 麗麗：後來我發現了，害怕失敗只是一個藉口。或許寫劇本只是一個幻想啊，但至少要試試看才知道。
    • Later I realized, fear of failure was just an excuse. Maybe writing scripts was only a fantasy, but you have to at least try it to know for sure.
    • Hòulái wǒ fāxiànle, hàipà shībài zhǐshì yīgè jíkǒu. Huòxǔ xiě jùběn zhǐshì yīgè huànxiǎng a, dàn zhìshǎo yào shìshìkàn cái zhīdào.
  • 小李：沒錯！
    • That’s right!
    • Méicuò!
  • 麗麗：我現在的看法是，不管怎麼樣，自己的人生要自己負責。
    • Now my view is, no matter what, you have to take responsibility for your own life.
    • Wǒ xiànzài de kànfǎ shì, bùguǎn zěnme yàng, zìjǐ de rénshēng yào zìjǐ fùzé.
  • 小李：有道理。
    • That makes sense.
    • Yǒu dàolǐ.
  • 麗麗：所以我離職了。
    • So I quit my job.
    • Suǒyǐ wǒ lízhíle.
  • 小李：哇！那你媽媽有支持你了嗎？
    • Wow! Did your mom support you?
    • Wa! Nà nǐ māmā yǒu zhīchí nǐle ma?
  • 麗麗：沒有。她很憤怒，她說我會後悔，還說最好不要再看到我了。
    • No. She was furious, she said I would regret it. She even said it would be better if she never saw me again.
    • Méiyǒu. Tā hěn fènnù, tā shuō wǒ huì hòuhuǐ, hái shuō zuìhǎo bùyào zài kàn dào wǒle. 
  • 小李：你一定很難過。
    • You must have been really upset.
    • Nǐ yīdìng hěn nánguò.
  • 麗麗：讓媽媽生氣是不可避免的啊！重點是，我現在的工作是寫劇本。我成功了！
    • Making mom angry was unavoidable! The main point is, now my job is writing screenplays. I succeeded!
    • Ràng māmā shēngqì shì bùkě bìmiǎn de a! Zhòngdiǎn shì, wǒ xiànzài de gōngzuò shì xiě jùběn. Wǒ chénggōngle!
  • 小李：恭喜！那你媽媽呢？
    • Congratulations! And… what about your mother?
    • Gōngxǐ! Nà nǐ māmā ne?
  • 麗麗：她早就忘記了。
    • She forgot a long time ago.
    • Tā zǎo jiù wàngjìle.
  • 康太太：哈囉，你們在說我的壞話嗎？
    • Hello, are you saying something bad about me?
    • Hā luō, nǐmen zài shuō wǒ de huàihuà ma?
  • 小李：呃，沒有，我們在，呃，採訪…
    • Uh, no, we’re uh… interviewing…
    • E, méiyǒu, wǒmen zài, e, cǎifǎng…
  • 阿明：麗麗在跟我們說她現在的工作。
    • Lili is telling us about her current work!
    • Lìlì zài gēn wǒmen shuō tā xiànzài de gōngzuò.
  • 康太太：哦！對，我女兒很厲害！她寫電影的劇本！很厲害吧！
    • Oh! Yeah, my daughter is amazing! She writes screenplays. Awesome, right?
    • O! Duì, wǒ nǚ'ér hěn lìhài! Tā xiě diànyǐng de jùběn! Hěn lìhài ba!
  • 小李：真的。真的很厲害。
    • Truly. Truly awesome.
    • Zhēn de. Zhēn de hěn lìhài.


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No Daily Practice (Slow Speed) - S3 - Lesson 06 3 3 Daily Practice (Slow Speed) - S3 - Lesson 06 bonus b59cb138-efb5-401f-bb0a-9fb2eb6a854e https://share.transistor.fm/s/2280f3a2 SLOW SPEED VERSION

After listening to Season 3, Lesson 06, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking ten minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.

How to practice
This episode's daily practice session doesn't include spoken instructions, but the process is the same as previous episodes of this season:

In the first part, you'll hear a short snippet of the dialogue, followed by a pause of 2-4 seconds. During the pause, try to echo aloud exactly what you heard. In the second part, the dialogue plays again without pauses. Try to shadow the dialogue by repeating it aloud simultaneously with the recording.

Note that in both parts, speaking aloud is important, as this practice helps you gain confidence making the sounds of Mandarin, increasing your speaking fluency over time. It also gives you invaluable feedback, as you hear the sounds coming out of your mouth, and can compare them to the sounds you just heard. If only done once or twice, this might not seem to have much effect; repeated on a daily basis, however, this is a powerful mechanism for bootstrapping your pronunciation and speaking ability.

Magic Phrase (4-3)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 4-3 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

下午下雨，地鐵漏水
Xiàwǔ xiàyǔ, dìtiě lòushuǐ


下午 / xiàwǔ / afternoon
下雨 / xiàyǔ / to rain
地鐵 / dìtiě / subway, subway system
漏水 / lòushuǐ / to leak water


Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

小李：好，我們開始。可以錄影嗎？
麗麗：可以。
小李：謝謝。阿明，你準備好了嗎？
阿明：可以了！
小李：好。可以先講一下你的背景嗎？你小時候喜歡做什麼？
麗麗：我從小就很愛看電影。我的夢想是寫電影的劇本。
小李：很酷的夢想！
麗麗：對啊。但我媽媽禁止我念電影系，她說太冒險。
小李：所以你念了什麼系？
麗麗：我念電腦科學。畢業後我在大公司上班。我們買賣進口的電腦系統。
小李：聽起來很有趣！
麗麗：很無聊！我賺了很多錢，但每天都覺得很痛苦。不知道到底活著是為了什麼。而且身體還出了一些狀況。因為沒有胃口，所以變得很瘦。
小李：好可憐！
麗麗：當時我很後悔放棄自己的夢想，但我也沒有勇氣改變。
小李：那然後呢？
麗麗：後來我發現了，害怕失敗只是一個藉口。或許寫劇本只是一個幻想啊，但至少要試試看才知道。
小李：沒錯！
麗麗：我現在的看法是，不管怎麼樣，自己的人生要自己負責。
小李：有道理。
麗麗：所以我離職了。
小李：哇！那你媽媽有支持你了嗎？
麗麗：沒有。她很憤怒，她說我會後悔，還說最好不要再看到我了。
小李：你一定很難過。
麗麗：讓媽媽生氣是不可避免的啊！重點是，我現在的工作是寫劇本。我成功了！
小李：恭喜！那你媽媽呢？
麗麗：她早就忘記了。
康太太：哈囉，你們在說我的壞話嗎？
小李：呃，沒有，我們在，呃，採訪…
阿明：麗麗在跟我們說她現在的工作。
康太太：哦！對，我女兒很厲害！她寫電影的劇本！很厲害吧！
小李：真的。真的很厲害。


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • 小李：好，我們開始。可以錄影嗎？
    • Ok, let’s start. Can we take a video?
    • Hǎo, wǒmen kāishǐ. Kěyǐ lùyǐng ma?
  • 麗麗：可以。
    • Sure.
    • Kěyǐ.
  • 小李：謝謝。阿明，你準備好了嗎？
    • Thanks. A-Ming, are you ready?
    • Xièxie. Ā míng, nǐ zhǔnbèi hǎole ma?
  • 阿明：可以了！
    • Ready!
    • Kěyǐle!
  • 小李：好。可以先講一下你的背景嗎？你小時候喜歡做什麼？
    • Ok. Can you first talk a little about your background? What did you like to do when you were a kid?
    • Hǎo. Kěyǐ xiān jiǎng yīxià nǐ de bèijǐng ma? Nǐ xiǎoshíhòu xǐhuān zuò shénme?
  • 麗麗：我從小就很愛看電影。我的夢想是寫電影的劇本。
    • I’ve loved watching movies since I was small. My dream was to write screenplays.
    • Wǒ cóngxiǎo jiù hěn ài kàn diànyǐng. Wǒ de mèngxiǎng shì xiě diànyǐng de jùběn.
  • 小李：很酷的夢想！
    • That’s a really cool dream!
    • Hěn kù de mèngxiǎng!
  • 麗麗：對啊。但我媽媽禁止我念電影系，她說太冒險。
    • Yeah. But my mom forbade me from studying film. She said it was too risky.
    • Duì a. Dàn wǒ māmā jìnzhǐ wǒ niàn diànyǐng xì, tā shuō tài màoxiǎn.
  • 小李：所以你念了什麼系？
    • So what did you major in?
    • Suǒyǐ nǐ niànle shénme xì?
  • 麗麗：我念電腦科學。畢業後我在大公司上班。我們買賣進口的電腦系統。
    • I majored in computer science. After graduating, I worked at a big company. We were buying and selling imported computer systems.
    • Wǒ niàn diànnǎo kēxué. Bìyè hòu wǒ zài dà gōngsī shàngbān. Wǒmen mǎimài jìnkǒu de diànnǎo xìtǒng.
  • 小李：聽起來很有趣！
    • That sounds really interesting!
    • Tīng qǐlái hěn yǒuqù!
  • 麗麗：很無聊！我賺了很多錢，但每天都覺得很痛苦。不知道到底活著是為了什麼。而且身體還出了一些狀況。因為沒有胃口，所以變得很瘦。
    • It was so boring! I made a lot of money, but every day was suffering. I didn’t know what I was even living for. And my body even started having problems. Because I didn’t have any appetite, I became really thin.
    • Hěn wúliáo! Wǒ zhuànle hěnduō qián, dàn měitiān dū juédé hěn tòngkǔ. Bù zhīdào dàodǐ huózhe shì wèile shénme. Érqiě shēntǐ hái chūle yīxiē zhuàngkuàng. Yīnwèi méiyǒu wèikǒu, suǒyǐ biàn dé hěn shòu.
  • 小李：好可憐！
    • That’s so sad! (lit. poor, pathetic, pitiful)
    • Hǎo kělián!
  • 麗麗：當時我很後悔放棄自己的夢想，但我也沒有勇氣改變。
    • At the time I really regretted giving up on my own dreams, but I didn’t have the courage to change.
    • Dāngshí wǒ hěn hòuhuǐ fàngqì zìjǐ de mèngxiǎng, dàn wǒ yě méiyǒu yǒngqì gǎibiàn.
  • 小李：那然後呢？
    • And then?
    • Nà ránhòu ne?
  • 麗麗：後來我發現了，害怕失敗只是一個藉口。或許寫劇本只是一個幻想啊，但至少要試試看才知道。
    • Later I realized, fear of failure was just an excuse. Maybe writing scripts was only a fantasy, but you have to at least try it to know for sure.
    • Hòulái wǒ fāxiànle, hàipà shībài zhǐshì yīgè jíkǒu. Huòxǔ xiě jùběn zhǐshì yīgè huànxiǎng a, dàn zhìshǎo yào shìshìkàn cái zhīdào.
  • 小李：沒錯！
    • That’s right!
    • Méicuò!
  • 麗麗：我現在的看法是，不管怎麼樣，自己的人生要自己負責。
    • Now my view is, no matter what, you have to take responsibility for your own life.
    • Wǒ xiànzài de kànfǎ shì, bùguǎn zěnme yàng, zìjǐ de rénshēng yào zìjǐ fùzé.
  • 小李：有道理。
    • That makes sense.
    • Yǒu dàolǐ.
  • 麗麗：所以我離職了。
    • So I quit my job.
    • Suǒyǐ wǒ lízhíle.
  • 小李：哇！那你媽媽有支持你了嗎？
    • Wow! Did your mom support you?
    • Wa! Nà nǐ māmā yǒu zhīchí nǐle ma?
  • 麗麗：沒有。她很憤怒，她說我會後悔，還說最好不要再看到我了。
    • No. She was furious, she said I would regret it. She even said it would be better if she never saw me again.
    • Méiyǒu. Tā hěn fènnù, tā shuō wǒ huì hòuhuǐ, hái shuō zuìhǎo bùyào zài kàn dào wǒle. 
  • 小李：你一定很難過。
    • You must have been really upset.
    • Nǐ yīdìng hěn nánguò.
  • 麗麗：讓媽媽生氣是不可避免的啊！重點是，我現在的工作是寫劇本。我成功了！
    • Making mom angry was unavoidable! The main point is, now my job is writing screenplays. I succeeded!
    • Ràng māmā shēngqì shì bùkě bìmiǎn de a! Zhòngdiǎn shì, wǒ xiànzài de gōngzuò shì xiě jùběn. Wǒ chénggōngle!
  • 小李：恭喜！那你媽媽呢？
    • Congratulations! And… what about your mother?
    • Gōngxǐ! Nà nǐ māmā ne?
  • 麗麗：她早就忘記了。
    • She forgot a long time ago.
    • Tā zǎo jiù wàngjìle.
  • 康太太：哈囉，你們在說我的壞話嗎？
    • Hello, are you saying something bad about me?
    • Hā luō, nǐmen zài shuō wǒ de huàihuà ma?
  • 小李：呃，沒有，我們在，呃，採訪…
    • Uh, no, we’re uh… interviewing…
    • E, méiyǒu, wǒmen zài, e, cǎifǎng…
  • 阿明：麗麗在跟我們說她現在的工作。
    • Lili is telling us about her current work!
    • Lìlì zài gēn wǒmen shuō tā xiànzài de gōngzuò.
  • 康太太：哦！對，我女兒很厲害！她寫電影的劇本！很厲害吧！
    • Oh! Yeah, my daughter is amazing! She writes screenplays. Awesome, right?
    • O! Duì, wǒ nǚ'ér hěn lìhài! Tā xiě diànyǐng de jùběn! Hěn lìhài ba!
  • 小李：真的。真的很厲害。
    • Truly. Truly awesome.
    • Zhēn de. Zhēn de hěn lìhài.


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast!

★ Support this...]]> SLOW SPEED VERSION

After listening to Season 3, Lesson 06, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking ten minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.

How to practice
This episode's daily practice session doesn't include spoken instructions, but the process is the same as previous episodes of this season:

In the first part, you'll hear a short snippet of the dialogue, followed by a pause of 2-4 seconds. During the pause, try to echo aloud exactly what you heard. In the second part, the dialogue plays again without pauses. Try to shadow the dialogue by repeating it aloud simultaneously with the recording.

Note that in both parts, speaking aloud is important, as this practice helps you gain confidence making the sounds of Mandarin, increasing your speaking fluency over time. It also gives you invaluable feedback, as you hear the sounds coming out of your mouth, and can compare them to the sounds you just heard. If only done once or twice, this might not seem to have much effect; repeated on a daily basis, however, this is a powerful mechanism for bootstrapping your pronunciation and speaking ability.

Magic Phrase (4-3)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 4-3 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

下午下雨，地鐵漏水
Xiàwǔ xiàyǔ, dìtiě lòushuǐ


下午 / xiàwǔ / afternoon
下雨 / xiàyǔ / to rain
地鐵 / dìtiě / subway, subway system
漏水 / lòushuǐ / to leak water


Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

小李：好，我們開始。可以錄影嗎？
麗麗：可以。
小李：謝謝。阿明，你準備好了嗎？
阿明：可以了！
小李：好。可以先講一下你的背景嗎？你小時候喜歡做什麼？
麗麗：我從小就很愛看電影。我的夢想是寫電影的劇本。
小李：很酷的夢想！
麗麗：對啊。但我媽媽禁止我念電影系，她說太冒險。
小李：所以你念了什麼系？
麗麗：我念電腦科學。畢業後我在大公司上班。我們買賣進口的電腦系統。
小李：聽起來很有趣！
麗麗：很無聊！我賺了很多錢，但每天都覺得很痛苦。不知道到底活著是為了什麼。而且身體還出了一些狀況。因為沒有胃口，所以變得很瘦。
小李：好可憐！
麗麗：當時我很後悔放棄自己的夢想，但我也沒有勇氣改變。
小李：那然後呢？
麗麗：後來我發現了，害怕失敗只是一個藉口。或許寫劇本只是一個幻想啊，但至少要試試看才知道。
小李：沒錯！
麗麗：我現在的看法是，不管怎麼樣，自己的人生要自己負責。
小李：有道理。
麗麗：所以我離職了。
小李：哇！那你媽媽有支持你了嗎？
麗麗：沒有。她很憤怒，她說我會後悔，還說最好不要再看到我了。
小李：你一定很難過。
麗麗：讓媽媽生氣是不可避免的啊！重點是，我現在的工作是寫劇本。我成功了！
小李：恭喜！那你媽媽呢？
麗麗：她早就忘記了。
康太太：哈囉，你們在說我的壞話嗎？
小李：呃，沒有，我們在，呃，採訪…
阿明：麗麗在跟我們說她現在的工作。
康太太：哦！對，我女兒很厲害！她寫電影的劇本！很厲害吧！
小李：真的。真的很厲害。


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • 小李：好，我們開始。可以錄影嗎？
    • Ok, let’s start. Can we take a video?
    • Hǎo, wǒmen kāishǐ. Kěyǐ lùyǐng ma?
  • 麗麗：可以。
    • Sure.
    • Kěyǐ.
  • 小李：謝謝。阿明，你準備好了嗎？
    • Thanks. A-Ming, are you ready?
    • Xièxie. Ā míng, nǐ zhǔnbèi hǎole ma?
  • 阿明：可以了！
    • Ready!
    • Kěyǐle!
  • 小李：好。可以先講一下你的背景嗎？你小時候喜歡做什麼？
    • Ok. Can you first talk a little about your background? What did you like to do when you were a kid?
    • Hǎo. Kěyǐ xiān jiǎng yīxià nǐ de bèijǐng ma? Nǐ xiǎoshíhòu xǐhuān zuò shénme?
  • 麗麗：我從小就很愛看電影。我的夢想是寫電影的劇本。
    • I’ve loved watching movies since I was small. My dream was to write screenplays.
    • Wǒ cóngxiǎo jiù hěn ài kàn diànyǐng. Wǒ de mèngxiǎng shì xiě diànyǐng de jùběn.
  • 小李：很酷的夢想！
    • That’s a really cool dream!
    • Hěn kù de mèngxiǎng!
  • 麗麗：對啊。但我媽媽禁止我念電影系，她說太冒險。
    • Yeah. But my mom forbade me from studying film. She said it was too risky.
    • Duì a. Dàn wǒ māmā jìnzhǐ wǒ niàn diànyǐng xì, tā shuō tài màoxiǎn.
  • 小李：所以你念了什麼系？
    • So what did you major in?
    • Suǒyǐ nǐ niànle shénme xì?
  • 麗麗：我念電腦科學。畢業後我在大公司上班。我們買賣進口的電腦系統。
    • I majored in computer science. After graduating, I worked at a big company. We were buying and selling imported computer systems.
    • Wǒ niàn diànnǎo kēxué. Bìyè hòu wǒ zài dà gōngsī shàngbān. Wǒmen mǎimài jìnkǒu de diànnǎo xìtǒng.
  • 小李：聽起來很有趣！
    • That sounds really interesting!
    • Tīng qǐlái hěn yǒuqù!
  • 麗麗：很無聊！我賺了很多錢，但每天都覺得很痛苦。不知道到底活著是為了什麼。而且身體還出了一些狀況。因為沒有胃口，所以變得很瘦。
    • It was so boring! I made a lot of money, but every day was suffering. I didn’t know what I was even living for. And my body even started having problems. Because I didn’t have any appetite, I became really thin.
    • Hěn wúliáo! Wǒ zhuànle hěnduō qián, dàn měitiān dū juédé hěn tòngkǔ. Bù zhīdào dàodǐ huózhe shì wèile shénme. Érqiě shēntǐ hái chūle yīxiē zhuàngkuàng. Yīnwèi méiyǒu wèikǒu, suǒyǐ biàn dé hěn shòu.
  • 小李：好可憐！
    • That’s so sad! (lit. poor, pathetic, pitiful)
    • Hǎo kělián!
  • 麗麗：當時我很後悔放棄自己的夢想，但我也沒有勇氣改變。
    • At the time I really regretted giving up on my own dreams, but I didn’t have the courage to change.
    • Dāngshí wǒ hěn hòuhuǐ fàngqì zìjǐ de mèngxiǎng, dàn wǒ yě méiyǒu yǒngqì gǎibiàn.
  • 小李：那然後呢？
    • And then?
    • Nà ránhòu ne?
  • 麗麗：後來我發現了，害怕失敗只是一個藉口。或許寫劇本只是一個幻想啊，但至少要試試看才知道。
    • Later I realized, fear of failure was just an excuse. Maybe writing scripts was only a fantasy, but you have to at least try it to know for sure.
    • Hòulái wǒ fāxiànle, hàipà shībài zhǐshì yīgè jíkǒu. Huòxǔ xiě jùběn zhǐshì yīgè huànxiǎng a, dàn zhìshǎo yào shìshìkàn cái zhīdào.
  • 小李：沒錯！
    • That’s right!
    • Méicuò!
  • 麗麗：我現在的看法是，不管怎麼樣，自己的人生要自己負責。
    • Now my view is, no matter what, you have to take responsibility for your own life.
    • Wǒ xiànzài de kànfǎ shì, bùguǎn zěnme yàng, zìjǐ de rénshēng yào zìjǐ fùzé.
  • 小李：有道理。
    • That makes sense.
    • Yǒu dàolǐ.
  • 麗麗：所以我離職了。
    • So I quit my job.
    • Suǒyǐ wǒ lízhíle.
  • 小李：哇！那你媽媽有支持你了嗎？
    • Wow! Did your mom support you?
    • Wa! Nà nǐ māmā yǒu zhīchí nǐle ma?
  • 麗麗：沒有。她很憤怒，她說我會後悔，還說最好不要再看到我了。
    • No. She was furious, she said I would regret it. She even said it would be better if she never saw me again.
    • Méiyǒu. Tā hěn fènnù, tā shuō wǒ huì hòuhuǐ, hái shuō zuìhǎo bùyào zài kàn dào wǒle. 
  • 小李：你一定很難過。
    • You must have been really upset.
    • Nǐ yīdìng hěn nánguò.
  • 麗麗：讓媽媽生氣是不可避免的啊！重點是，我現在的工作是寫劇本。我成功了！
    • Making mom angry was unavoidable! The main point is, now my job is writing screenplays. I succeeded!
    • Ràng māmā shēngqì shì bùkě bìmiǎn de a! Zhòngdiǎn shì, wǒ xiànzài de gōngzuò shì xiě jùběn. Wǒ chénggōngle!
  • 小李：恭喜！那你媽媽呢？
    • Congratulations! And… what about your mother?
    • Gōngxǐ! Nà nǐ māmā ne?
  • 麗麗：她早就忘記了。
    • She forgot a long time ago.
    • Tā zǎo jiù wàngjìle.
  • 康太太：哈囉，你們在說我的壞話嗎？
    • Hello, are you saying something bad about me?
    • Hā luō, nǐmen zài shuō wǒ de huàihuà ma?
  • 小李：呃，沒有，我們在，呃，採訪…
    • Uh, no, we’re uh… interviewing…
    • E, méiyǒu, wǒmen zài, e, cǎifǎng…
  • 阿明：麗麗在跟我們說她現在的工作。
    • Lili is telling us about her current work!
    • Lìlì zài gēn wǒmen shuō tā xiànzài de gōngzuò.
  • 康太太：哦！對，我女兒很厲害！她寫電影的劇本！很厲害吧！
    • Oh! Yeah, my daughter is amazing! She writes screenplays. Awesome, right?
    • O! Duì, wǒ nǚ'ér hěn lìhài! Tā xiě diànyǐng de jùběn! Hěn lìhài ba!
  • 小李：真的。真的很厲害。
    • Truly. Truly awesome.
    • Zhēn de. Zhēn de hěn lìhài.


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast!

★ Support this...]]> Wed, 13 Sep 2023 00:30:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 748 SLOW SPEED VERSION

After listening to Season 3, Lesson 06, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking ten minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.

How to practice
This episode's daily practice session doesn't include spoken instructions, but the process is the same as previous episodes of this season:

In the first part, you'll hear a short snippet of the dialogue, followed by a pause of 2-4 seconds. During the pause, try to echo aloud exactly what you heard. In the second part, the dialogue plays again without pauses. Try to shadow the dialogue by repeating it aloud simultaneously with the recording.

Note that in both parts, speaking aloud is important, as this practice helps you gain confidence making the sounds of Mandarin, increasing your speaking fluency over time. It also gives you invaluable feedback, as you hear the sounds coming out of your mouth, and can compare them to the sounds you just heard. If only done once or twice, this might not seem to have much effect; repeated on a daily basis, however, this is a powerful mechanism for bootstrapping your pronunciation and speaking ability.

Magic Phrase (4-3)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 4-3 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

下午下雨，地鐵漏水
Xiàwǔ xiàyǔ, dìtiě lòushuǐ


下午 / xiàwǔ / afternoon
下雨 / xiàyǔ / to rain
地鐵 / dìtiě / subway, subway system
漏水 / lòushuǐ / to leak water


Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

小李：好，我們開始。可以錄影嗎？
麗麗：可以。
小李：謝謝。阿明，你準備好了嗎？
阿明：可以了！
小李：好。可以先講一下你的背景嗎？你小時候喜歡做什麼？
麗麗：我從小就很愛看電影。我的夢想是寫電影的劇本。
小李：很酷的夢想！
麗麗：對啊。但我媽媽禁止我念電影系，她說太冒險。
小李：所以你念了什麼系？
麗麗：我念電腦科學。畢業後我在大公司上班。我們買賣進口的電腦系統。
小李：聽起來很有趣！
麗麗：很無聊！我賺了很多錢，但每天都覺得很痛苦。不知道到底活著是為了什麼。而且身體還出了一些狀況。因為沒有胃口，所以變得很瘦。
小李：好可憐！
麗麗：當時我很後悔放棄自己的夢想，但我也沒有勇氣改變。
小李：那然後呢？
麗麗：後來我發現了，害怕失敗只是一個藉口。或許寫劇本只是一個幻想啊，但至少要試試看才知道。
小李：沒錯！
麗麗：我現在的看法是，不管怎麼樣，自己的人生要自己負責。
小李：有道理。
麗麗：所以我離職了。
小李：哇！那你媽媽有支持你了嗎？
麗麗：沒有。她很憤怒，她說我會後悔，還說最好不要再看到我了。
小李：你一定很難過。
麗麗：讓媽媽生氣是不可避免的啊！重點是，我現在的工作是寫劇本。我成功了！
小李：恭喜！那你媽媽呢？
麗麗：她早就忘記了。
康太太：哈囉，你們在說我的壞話嗎？
小李：呃，沒有，我們在，呃，採訪…
阿明：麗麗在跟我們說她現在的工作。
康太太：哦！對，我女兒很厲害！她寫電影的劇本！很厲害吧！
小李：真的。真的很厲害。


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • 小李：好，我們開始。可以錄影嗎？
    • Ok, let’s start. Can we take a video?
    • Hǎo, wǒmen kāishǐ. Kěyǐ lùyǐng ma?
  • 麗麗：可以。
    • Sure.
    • Kěyǐ.
  • 小李：謝謝。阿明，你準備好了嗎？
    • Thanks. A-Ming, are you ready?
    • Xièxie. Ā míng, nǐ zhǔnbèi hǎole ma?
  • 阿明：可以了！
    • Ready!
    • Kěyǐle!
  • 小李：好。可以先講一下你的背景嗎？你小時候喜歡做什麼？
    • Ok. Can you first talk a little about your background? What did you like to do when you were a kid?
    • Hǎo. Kěyǐ xiān jiǎng yīxià nǐ de bèijǐng ma? Nǐ xiǎoshíhòu xǐhuān zuò shénme?
  • 麗麗：我從小就很愛看電影。我的夢想是寫電影的劇本。
    • I’ve loved watching movies since I was small. My dream was to write screenplays.
    • Wǒ cóngxiǎo jiù hěn ài kàn diànyǐng. Wǒ de mèngxiǎng shì xiě diànyǐng de jùběn.
  • 小李：很酷的夢想！
    • That’s a really cool dream!
    • Hěn kù de mèngxiǎng!
  • 麗麗：對啊。但我媽媽禁止我念電影系，她說太冒險。
    • Yeah. But my mom forbade me from studying film. She said it was too risky.
    • Duì a. Dàn wǒ māmā jìnzhǐ wǒ niàn diànyǐng xì, tā shuō tài màoxiǎn.
  • 小李：所以你念了什麼系？
    • So what did you major in?
    • Suǒyǐ nǐ niànle shénme xì?
  • 麗麗：我念電腦科學。畢業後我在大公司上班。我們買賣進口的電腦系統。
    • I majored in computer science. After graduating, I worked at a big company. We were buying and selling imported computer systems.
    • Wǒ niàn diànnǎo kēxué. Bìyè hòu wǒ zài dà gōngsī shàngbān. Wǒmen mǎimài jìnkǒu de diànnǎo xìtǒng.
  • 小李：聽起來很有趣！
    • That sounds really interesting!
    • Tīng qǐlái hěn yǒuqù!
  • 麗麗：很無聊！我賺了很多錢，但每天都覺得很痛苦。不知道到底活著是為了什麼。而且身體還出了一些狀況。因為沒有胃口，所以變得很瘦。
    • It was so boring! I made a lot of money, but every day was suffering. I didn’t know what I was even living for. And my body even started having problems. Because I didn’t have any appetite, I became really thin.
    • Hěn wúliáo! Wǒ zhuànle hěnduō qián, dàn měitiān dū juédé hěn tòngkǔ. Bù zhīdào dàodǐ huózhe shì wèile shénme. Érqiě shēntǐ hái chūle yīxiē zhuàngkuàng. Yīnwèi méiyǒu wèikǒu, suǒyǐ biàn dé hěn shòu.
  • 小李：好可憐！
    • That’s so sad! (lit. poor, pathetic, pitiful)
    • Hǎo kělián!
  • 麗麗：當時我很後悔放棄自己的夢想，但我也沒有勇氣改變。
    • At the time I really regretted giving up on my own dreams, but I didn’t have the courage to change.
    • Dāngshí wǒ hěn hòuhuǐ fàngqì zìjǐ de mèngxiǎng, dàn wǒ yě méiyǒu yǒngqì gǎibiàn.
  • 小李：那然後呢？
    • And then?
    • Nà ránhòu ne?
  • 麗麗：後來我發現了，害怕失敗只是一個藉口。或許寫劇本只是一個幻想啊，但至少要試試看才知道。
    • Later I realized, fear of failure was just an excuse. Maybe writing scripts was only a fantasy, but you have to at least try it to know for sure.
    • Hòulái wǒ fāxiànle, hàipà shībài zhǐshì yīgè jíkǒu. Huòxǔ xiě jùběn zhǐshì yīgè huànxiǎng a, dàn zhìshǎo yào shìshìkàn cái zhīdào.
  • 小李：沒錯！
    • That’s right!
    • Méicuò!
  • 麗麗：我現在的看法是，不管怎麼樣，自己的人生要自己負責。
    • Now my view is, no matter what, you have to take responsibility for your own life.
    • Wǒ xiànzài de kànfǎ shì, bùguǎn zěnme yàng, zìjǐ de rénshēng yào zìjǐ fùzé.
  • 小李：有道理。
    • That makes sense.
    • Yǒu dàolǐ.
  • 麗麗：所以我離職了。
    • So I quit my job.
    • Suǒyǐ wǒ lízhíle.
  • 小李：哇！那你媽媽有支持你了嗎？
    • Wow! Did your mom support you?
    • Wa! Nà nǐ māmā yǒu zhīchí nǐle ma?
  • 麗麗：沒有。她很憤怒，她說我會後悔，還說最好不要再看到我了。
    • No. She was furious, she said I would regret it. She even said it would be better if she never saw me again.
    • Méiyǒu. Tā hěn fènnù, tā shuō wǒ huì hòuhuǐ, hái shuō zuìhǎo bùyào zài kàn dào wǒle. 
  • 小李：你一定很難過。
    • You must have been really upset.
    • Nǐ yīdìng hěn nánguò.
  • 麗麗：讓媽媽生氣是不可避免的啊！重點是，我現在的工作是寫劇本。我成功了！
    • Making mom angry was unavoidable! The main point is, now my job is writing screenplays. I succeeded!
    • Ràng māmā shēngqì shì bùkě bìmiǎn de a! Zhòngdiǎn shì, wǒ xiànzài de gōngzuò shì xiě jùběn. Wǒ chénggōngle!
  • 小李：恭喜！那你媽媽呢？
    • Congratulations! And… what about your mother?
    • Gōngxǐ! Nà nǐ māmā ne?
  • 麗麗：她早就忘記了。
    • She forgot a long time ago.
    • Tā zǎo jiù wàngjìle.
  • 康太太：哈囉，你們在說我的壞話嗎？
    • Hello, are you saying something bad about me?
    • Hā luō, nǐmen zài shuō wǒ de huàihuà ma?
  • 小李：呃，沒有，我們在，呃，採訪…
    • Uh, no, we’re uh… interviewing…
    • E, méiyǒu, wǒmen zài, e, cǎifǎng…
  • 阿明：麗麗在跟我們說她現在的工作。
    • Lili is telling us about her current work!
    • Lìlì zài gēn wǒmen shuō tā xiànzài de gōngzuò.
  • 康太太：哦！對，我女兒很厲害！她寫電影的劇本！很厲害吧！
    • Oh! Yeah, my daughter is amazing! She writes screenplays. Awesome, right?
    • O! Duì, wǒ nǚ'ér hěn lìhài! Tā xiě diànyǐng de jùběn! Hěn lìhài ba!
  • 小李：真的。真的很厲害。
    • Truly. Truly awesome.
    • Zhēn de. Zhēn de hěn lìhài.


Thanks for listening! And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast!

★ Support this...]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No S3 ~ 07 ~ Handsome brother goes to work 帥哥上班 3 3 S3 ~ 07 ~ Handsome brother goes to work 帥哥上班 full 5ffcb06b-a13a-4fa3-8f04-93ec6009e40c https://share.transistor.fm/s/6fa9f8cd Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Review of tone pairs from lessons one through six. 
  2. [02:30] Magic Phrase: 帥哥上班，外公退休
  3. [08:20] Dialogue
  4. [11:40] Translation
  5. [23:07] Dialogue, one more time at normal speed


Magic Phrase (4-1)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 4-1 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

帥哥上班，外公退休
Shuàigē shàngbān, wàigōng tuìxiū


帥哥 / shuàigē / handsome man
上班 / shàngbān / to go to work
外公 / wàigōng / maternal grandfather
退休 / tuìxiū / retired, to retire



Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

M：阿芬！你來了！
F：嘿！不好意思遲到了。我剛剛才下班。
M：沒事！趕快進來坐！
F：謝謝。
M：你看起來好喘！
F：唉，爬樓梯真的好喘！
M：對，我們沒有電梯。只好讓你運動一下。
F：我好久沒運動。
M：沒關係，現在可以放鬆。小李，這是我的朋友，慧芬，她是律師。
L：你好。
F：嗨。
M：來，慧芬，要不要吃麵包？小李做的！
F：好厲害！
M：你可以放心，他的麵包很健康！
F：好好吃！你開麵包店嗎？
L：沒有，其實，就是，呃… 我是一個… 呃… 作家。
M：小李很害羞，可是他是一個很認真的作家。
F：你寫小說嗎？
L：沒有。但那是我的目標。
M：來，我們先坐。正好要開始唱歌！
F：我最愛唱歌！
M：小李，你還沒點歌，對吧。
L：我不用了。
F：你真的很害羞。
M：小李，拜託，唱一首給大家聽。然後我就放過你。
L：可是，在很多陌生人的面前…
M：什麼陌生人？我們都是朋友，你放心！
L：還是我先去吃蛋糕…
M：你不要逃避了啦！不唱歌，你要吃辣椒！
L：什麼？
M：我家的規定。
L：OK，OK，好啦。我唱。
F：你要唱什麼？我幫你點。
L：呃… 夢中人？好嗎？
F：王菲的還是蔡琴的？
L：哦… 蔡琴的。
M：老靈魂。
L：哈哈，對啊。
F：好，點好了。
L：這麼快！好，請大家要有耐心…
M：不要害羞！
L：不能錄音哦。
M：沒有人會錄音！


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • M：阿芬！你來了！
    • Ā fēn! Nǐ láile!
    • A-Fen, you’re here!
  • F：嘿！不好意思遲到了。我剛剛才下班。
    • Hēi! Bù hǎoyìsi chídàole. Wǒ gānggāng cái xiàbān. 
    • Hey! Sorry, I’m late. I just got off work.
  • M：沒事！趕快進來坐！
    • Méishì! Gǎnkuài jìnlái zuò!
    • No worries! Hurry up and come in!
  • F：謝謝。
    • Xièxie.
    • Thank you.
  • M：你看起來很喘。
    • Nǐ kàn qǐlái hǎo chuǎn!
    • You look really out of breath.
  • F：唉，爬樓梯好喘！
    • Yeah, climbing the stairs is really tiring (makes one out of breath)!
    • Āi, pá lóutī zhēn de hěn chuǎn!
  • M：對，我們沒有電梯。只好讓你運動一下。
    •  Duì, wǒmen méiyǒu diàntī. Zhǐhǎo ràng nǐ yùndòng yīxià.
    • Yeah, we don’t have an elevator. No other choice but to make you exercise a bit.
  • F：我好久沒運動。
    • Wǒ hǎojiǔ méi yùndòng.
    • I haven’t exercised in a long time.
  • M：沒關係，這裡可以放鬆。小李，這是我的朋友，慧芬，她是律師。
    • Méiguānxì, xiànzài kěyǐ fàngsōng. Xiǎo lǐ, zhè shì wǒ de péngyǒu, huì fēn, tā shì lǜshī.
    • It’s ok, you can relax here. Xiao Li, this is my friend, Hui Fen. She’s a lawyer.
  • L：你好。
    • Nǐ hǎo.
    • Hi.
  • F：嗨。
    • Hāi.
    • Hi.
  • M：來，慧芬，要不要吃**麵包？**小李做的！
    • Lái, huì fēn, yào bùyào chī miànbāo? Xiǎo lǐ zuò de!
    • Here, Hui-Fen, do you want to eat some bread? Xiao Li made it!
  • F：好厲害！
    • Hǎo lìhài!
    • That’s amazing!
  • M：你可以放心，他的麵包很健康！
    • Nǐ kěyǐ fàngxīn, tā de miànbāo hěn jiànkāng!
    • You don’t have to worry, his bread is really healthy.
  • F：好好吃！你開麵包店嗎？
    • Hǎohǎo chī! Nǐ kāi miànbāo diàn ma?
    • It's so good! Do you have a bakery?
  • L：沒有，其實，就是，呃… 我是一個… 呃… 作家。
    • Méiyǒu, qíshí, jiùshì, è… wǒ shì yīgè… è… zuòjiā.
    • No, actually, I mean, uh, I’m a, uh… writer.
  • M：小李很害羞，可是他是一個很認真的作家。
    • Xiǎo lǐ hěn hàixiū, kěshì tā shì yīgè hěn rènzhēn de zuòjiā.
    • Xiao Li is really shy, but he’s a very serious writer.
  • F：你寫小說嗎？
    • Nǐ xiě xiǎoshuō ma?
    • Do you write novels?
  • L：沒有，但那是我的目標。
    • Méiyǒu. Dàn nà shì wǒ de mùbiāo.
    • No, but that’s my goal.
  • M：來，我們先坐。正好要開始唱歌！
    • Lái, wǒmen xiān zuò. Zhènghǎo yào kāishǐ chànggē!
    • Come one, let's sit down first. We’re just about to start singing!
  • F：我最愛唱歌！
    • Wǒ zuì'ài chànggē!
    • I love singing!
  • M：小李，你還沒點歌，對吧。
    • Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ hái méi diǎn gē, duì ba.
    • Xiao Li, you haven’t ordered yet.
  • L：我不用了。
    • Wǒ bùyòngle.
    • I’m alright. (No need.)
  • F：你真的很害羞。
    • Nǐ zhēn de hěn hàixiū.
    • You're really shy.
  • M：小李，拜託，唱一首給大家聽。然後我就放過你。
    • Xiǎo lǐ, bàituō, chàng yī shǒu gěi dàjiā tīng. Ránhòu wǒ jiù fàngguò nǐ.
    • Xiao Li, please, sing one song for everyone, then I’ll let you off the hook.
  • L：可是，在很多陌生人的面前…
    • Kěshì, zài hěnduō mòshēng rén de miànqián…
    • But, in front of strangers…
  • M：什麼陌生人？我們都是朋友，你放心！
    • Shénme mòshēng rén? Wǒmen dōu shì péngyǒu, nǐ fàngxīn!
    • What strangers? We’re all friends! Don’t worry!
  • L：還是我先去吃蛋糕…
    • Háishì wǒ xiān qù chī dàngāo…
    • Or maybe I’ll go have some cake first…
  • M：你不要逃避啦！不唱歌，你要吃辣椒！
    • Nǐ bùyào táobìle la! Bù chànggē, nǐ yào chī làjiāo!
    • Don’t run away! If you don’t sing, you have to eat chili peppers.
  • L：什麼？
    • Shénme?
    • What?
  • M：我家的規定。
    • Wǒjiā de guīdìng.
    • House rules.
  • L：OK，OK，好啦。我唱。
    • OK,OK, hǎo la. Wǒ chàng.
    • Ok, ok, fine. I’ll sing.
  • F：你要唱什麼？我幫你點。
    • Nǐ yào chàng shénme? Wǒ bāng nǐ diǎn.
    • What do you want to sing? I’ll help you order.
  • L：呃… 夢中人？好嗎？
    • È… mèngzhōngrén? Hǎo ma?
    • Uh… dream lover? Ok?
  • F：王菲的還是蔡琴的？
    • Wángfēi de háishì càiqín de?
    • Wang Fei’s or Cai Qin’s? (Referring to two songs with the same title)
  • L：哦… 蔡琴的。
    • Ó… càiqín de.
    • Oh, Cai Qin’s.
  • M：老靈魂。
    • Lǎo línghún.
    • Old soul.
  • L：哈哈，對啊。
    • Hāhā, duì a.
    • Haha, yeah.
  • F：好，點好了。
    • Hǎo, diǎn hǎole.
    • Ok, it’s already ordered.
  • L：這麼快！好，請大家要有耐心…
    • Zhème kuài! Hǎo, qǐng dàjiā yào yǒu nàixīn…
    • So fast! Ok, everyone, be patient with me…
  • M：不要害羞！
    • M: Bùyào hàixiū!
    • Don’t be shy!
  • L：不能錄音哦。
    • Bùnéng lùyīn ó.
    • No recording.
  • M：沒有人要錄音！
    • Nobody’s going to record!
    • Méiyǒu rén huì lùyīn! 


Notes:

  • The song in this episode is 夢中人 by 蔡琴. 
  • Thanks to Vicky Sun for being the voice of 慧芬 Hùi fēn. 
]]> Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Review of tone pairs from lessons one through six. 
  2. [02:30] Magic Phrase: 帥哥上班，外公退休
  3. [08:20] Dialogue
  4. [11:40] Translation
  5. [23:07] Dialogue, one more time at normal speed


Magic Phrase (4-1)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 4-1 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

帥哥上班，外公退休
Shuàigē shàngbān, wàigōng tuìxiū


帥哥 / shuàigē / handsome man
上班 / shàngbān / to go to work
外公 / wàigōng / maternal grandfather
退休 / tuìxiū / retired, to retire



Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

M：阿芬！你來了！
F：嘿！不好意思遲到了。我剛剛才下班。
M：沒事！趕快進來坐！
F：謝謝。
M：你看起來好喘！
F：唉，爬樓梯真的好喘！
M：對，我們沒有電梯。只好讓你運動一下。
F：我好久沒運動。
M：沒關係，現在可以放鬆。小李，這是我的朋友，慧芬，她是律師。
L：你好。
F：嗨。
M：來，慧芬，要不要吃麵包？小李做的！
F：好厲害！
M：你可以放心，他的麵包很健康！
F：好好吃！你開麵包店嗎？
L：沒有，其實，就是，呃… 我是一個… 呃… 作家。
M：小李很害羞，可是他是一個很認真的作家。
F：你寫小說嗎？
L：沒有。但那是我的目標。
M：來，我們先坐。正好要開始唱歌！
F：我最愛唱歌！
M：小李，你還沒點歌，對吧。
L：我不用了。
F：你真的很害羞。
M：小李，拜託，唱一首給大家聽。然後我就放過你。
L：可是，在很多陌生人的面前…
M：什麼陌生人？我們都是朋友，你放心！
L：還是我先去吃蛋糕…
M：你不要逃避了啦！不唱歌，你要吃辣椒！
L：什麼？
M：我家的規定。
L：OK，OK，好啦。我唱。
F：你要唱什麼？我幫你點。
L：呃… 夢中人？好嗎？
F：王菲的還是蔡琴的？
L：哦… 蔡琴的。
M：老靈魂。
L：哈哈，對啊。
F：好，點好了。
L：這麼快！好，請大家要有耐心…
M：不要害羞！
L：不能錄音哦。
M：沒有人會錄音！


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • M：阿芬！你來了！
    • Ā fēn! Nǐ láile!
    • A-Fen, you’re here!
  • F：嘿！不好意思遲到了。我剛剛才下班。
    • Hēi! Bù hǎoyìsi chídàole. Wǒ gānggāng cái xiàbān. 
    • Hey! Sorry, I’m late. I just got off work.
  • M：沒事！趕快進來坐！
    • Méishì! Gǎnkuài jìnlái zuò!
    • No worries! Hurry up and come in!
  • F：謝謝。
    • Xièxie.
    • Thank you.
  • M：你看起來很喘。
    • Nǐ kàn qǐlái hǎo chuǎn!
    • You look really out of breath.
  • F：唉，爬樓梯好喘！
    • Yeah, climbing the stairs is really tiring (makes one out of breath)!
    • Āi, pá lóutī zhēn de hěn chuǎn!
  • M：對，我們沒有電梯。只好讓你運動一下。
    •  Duì, wǒmen méiyǒu diàntī. Zhǐhǎo ràng nǐ yùndòng yīxià.
    • Yeah, we don’t have an elevator. No other choice but to make you exercise a bit.
  • F：我好久沒運動。
    • Wǒ hǎojiǔ méi yùndòng.
    • I haven’t exercised in a long time.
  • M：沒關係，這裡可以放鬆。小李，這是我的朋友，慧芬，她是律師。
    • Méiguānxì, xiànzài kěyǐ fàngsōng. Xiǎo lǐ, zhè shì wǒ de péngyǒu, huì fēn, tā shì lǜshī.
    • It’s ok, you can relax here. Xiao Li, this is my friend, Hui Fen. She’s a lawyer.
  • L：你好。
    • Nǐ hǎo.
    • Hi.
  • F：嗨。
    • Hāi.
    • Hi.
  • M：來，慧芬，要不要吃**麵包？**小李做的！
    • Lái, huì fēn, yào bùyào chī miànbāo? Xiǎo lǐ zuò de!
    • Here, Hui-Fen, do you want to eat some bread? Xiao Li made it!
  • F：好厲害！
    • Hǎo lìhài!
    • That’s amazing!
  • M：你可以放心，他的麵包很健康！
    • Nǐ kěyǐ fàngxīn, tā de miànbāo hěn jiànkāng!
    • You don’t have to worry, his bread is really healthy.
  • F：好好吃！你開麵包店嗎？
    • Hǎohǎo chī! Nǐ kāi miànbāo diàn ma?
    • It's so good! Do you have a bakery?
  • L：沒有，其實，就是，呃… 我是一個… 呃… 作家。
    • Méiyǒu, qíshí, jiùshì, è… wǒ shì yīgè… è… zuòjiā.
    • No, actually, I mean, uh, I’m a, uh… writer.
  • M：小李很害羞，可是他是一個很認真的作家。
    • Xiǎo lǐ hěn hàixiū, kěshì tā shì yīgè hěn rènzhēn de zuòjiā.
    • Xiao Li is really shy, but he’s a very serious writer.
  • F：你寫小說嗎？
    • Nǐ xiě xiǎoshuō ma?
    • Do you write novels?
  • L：沒有，但那是我的目標。
    • Méiyǒu. Dàn nà shì wǒ de mùbiāo.
    • No, but that’s my goal.
  • M：來，我們先坐。正好要開始唱歌！
    • Lái, wǒmen xiān zuò. Zhènghǎo yào kāishǐ chànggē!
    • Come one, let's sit down first. We’re just about to start singing!
  • F：我最愛唱歌！
    • Wǒ zuì'ài chànggē!
    • I love singing!
  • M：小李，你還沒點歌，對吧。
    • Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ hái méi diǎn gē, duì ba.
    • Xiao Li, you haven’t ordered yet.
  • L：我不用了。
    • Wǒ bùyòngle.
    • I’m alright. (No need.)
  • F：你真的很害羞。
    • Nǐ zhēn de hěn hàixiū.
    • You're really shy.
  • M：小李，拜託，唱一首給大家聽。然後我就放過你。
    • Xiǎo lǐ, bàituō, chàng yī shǒu gěi dàjiā tīng. Ránhòu wǒ jiù fàngguò nǐ.
    • Xiao Li, please, sing one song for everyone, then I’ll let you off the hook.
  • L：可是，在很多陌生人的面前…
    • Kěshì, zài hěnduō mòshēng rén de miànqián…
    • But, in front of strangers…
  • M：什麼陌生人？我們都是朋友，你放心！
    • Shénme mòshēng rén? Wǒmen dōu shì péngyǒu, nǐ fàngxīn!
    • What strangers? We’re all friends! Don’t worry!
  • L：還是我先去吃蛋糕…
    • Háishì wǒ xiān qù chī dàngāo…
    • Or maybe I’ll go have some cake first…
  • M：你不要逃避啦！不唱歌，你要吃辣椒！
    • Nǐ bùyào táobìle la! Bù chànggē, nǐ yào chī làjiāo!
    • Don’t run away! If you don’t sing, you have to eat chili peppers.
  • L：什麼？
    • Shénme?
    • What?
  • M：我家的規定。
    • Wǒjiā de guīdìng.
    • House rules.
  • L：OK，OK，好啦。我唱。
    • OK,OK, hǎo la. Wǒ chàng.
    • Ok, ok, fine. I’ll sing.
  • F：你要唱什麼？我幫你點。
    • Nǐ yào chàng shénme? Wǒ bāng nǐ diǎn.
    • What do you want to sing? I’ll help you order.
  • L：呃… 夢中人？好嗎？
    • È… mèngzhōngrén? Hǎo ma?
    • Uh… dream lover? Ok?
  • F：王菲的還是蔡琴的？
    • Wángfēi de háishì càiqín de?
    • Wang Fei’s or Cai Qin’s? (Referring to two songs with the same title)
  • L：哦… 蔡琴的。
    • Ó… càiqín de.
    • Oh, Cai Qin’s.
  • M：老靈魂。
    • Lǎo línghún.
    • Old soul.
  • L：哈哈，對啊。
    • Hāhā, duì a.
    • Haha, yeah.
  • F：好，點好了。
    • Hǎo, diǎn hǎole.
    • Ok, it’s already ordered.
  • L：這麼快！好，請大家要有耐心…
    • Zhème kuài! Hǎo, qǐng dàjiā yào yǒu nàixīn…
    • So fast! Ok, everyone, be patient with me…
  • M：不要害羞！
    • M: Bùyào hàixiū!
    • Don’t be shy!
  • L：不能錄音哦。
    • Bùnéng lùyīn ó.
    • No recording.
  • M：沒有人要錄音！
    • Nobody’s going to record!
    • Méiyǒu rén huì lùyīn! 


Notes:

  • The song in this episode is 夢中人 by 蔡琴. 
  • Thanks to Vicky Sun for being the voice of 慧芬 Hùi fēn. 
]]> Mon, 30 Oct 2023 22:00:17 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 1645 Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Review of tone pairs from lessons one through six. 
  2. [02:30] Magic Phrase: 帥哥上班，外公退休
  3. [08:20] Dialogue
  4. [11:40] Translation
  5. [23:07] Dialogue, one more time at normal speed


Magic Phrase (4-1)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 4-1 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

帥哥上班，外公退休
Shuàigē shàngbān, wàigōng tuìxiū


帥哥 / shuàigē / handsome man
上班 / shàngbān / to go to work
外公 / wàigōng / maternal grandfather
退休 / tuìxiū / retired, to retire



Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

M：阿芬！你來了！
F：嘿！不好意思遲到了。我剛剛才下班。
M：沒事！趕快進來坐！
F：謝謝。
M：你看起來好喘！
F：唉，爬樓梯真的好喘！
M：對，我們沒有電梯。只好讓你運動一下。
F：我好久沒運動。
M：沒關係，現在可以放鬆。小李，這是我的朋友，慧芬，她是律師。
L：你好。
F：嗨。
M：來，慧芬，要不要吃麵包？小李做的！
F：好厲害！
M：你可以放心，他的麵包很健康！
F：好好吃！你開麵包店嗎？
L：沒有，其實，就是，呃… 我是一個… 呃… 作家。
M：小李很害羞，可是他是一個很認真的作家。
F：你寫小說嗎？
L：沒有。但那是我的目標。
M：來，我們先坐。正好要開始唱歌！
F：我最愛唱歌！
M：小李，你還沒點歌，對吧。
L：我不用了。
F：你真的很害羞。
M：小李，拜託，唱一首給大家聽。然後我就放過你。
L：可是，在很多陌生人的面前…
M：什麼陌生人？我們都是朋友，你放心！
L：還是我先去吃蛋糕…
M：你不要逃避了啦！不唱歌，你要吃辣椒！
L：什麼？
M：我家的規定。
L：OK，OK，好啦。我唱。
F：你要唱什麼？我幫你點。
L：呃… 夢中人？好嗎？
F：王菲的還是蔡琴的？
L：哦… 蔡琴的。
M：老靈魂。
L：哈哈，對啊。
F：好，點好了。
L：這麼快！好，請大家要有耐心…
M：不要害羞！
L：不能錄音哦。
M：沒有人會錄音！


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • M：阿芬！你來了！
    • Ā fēn! Nǐ láile!
    • A-Fen, you’re here!
  • F：嘿！不好意思遲到了。我剛剛才下班。
    • Hēi! Bù hǎoyìsi chídàole. Wǒ gānggāng cái xiàbān. 
    • Hey! Sorry, I’m late. I just got off work.
  • M：沒事！趕快進來坐！
    • Méishì! Gǎnkuài jìnlái zuò!
    • No worries! Hurry up and come in!
  • F：謝謝。
    • Xièxie.
    • Thank you.
  • M：你看起來很喘。
    • Nǐ kàn qǐlái hǎo chuǎn!
    • You look really out of breath.
  • F：唉，爬樓梯好喘！
    • Yeah, climbing the stairs is really tiring (makes one out of breath)!
    • Āi, pá lóutī zhēn de hěn chuǎn!
  • M：對，我們沒有電梯。只好讓你運動一下。
    •  Duì, wǒmen méiyǒu diàntī. Zhǐhǎo ràng nǐ yùndòng yīxià.
    • Yeah, we don’t have an elevator. No other choice but to make you exercise a bit.
  • F：我好久沒運動。
    • Wǒ hǎojiǔ méi yùndòng.
    • I haven’t exercised in a long time.
  • M：沒關係，這裡可以放鬆。小李，這是我的朋友，慧芬，她是律師。
    • Méiguānxì, xiànzài kěyǐ fàngsōng. Xiǎo lǐ, zhè shì wǒ de péngyǒu, huì fēn, tā shì lǜshī.
    • It’s ok, you can relax here. Xiao Li, this is my friend, Hui Fen. She’s a lawyer.
  • L：你好。
    • Nǐ hǎo.
    • Hi.
  • F：嗨。
    • Hāi.
    • Hi.
  • M：來，慧芬，要不要吃**麵包？**小李做的！
    • Lái, huì fēn, yào bùyào chī miànbāo? Xiǎo lǐ zuò de!
    • Here, Hui-Fen, do you want to eat some bread? Xiao Li made it!
  • F：好厲害！
    • Hǎo lìhài!
    • That’s amazing!
  • M：你可以放心，他的麵包很健康！
    • Nǐ kěyǐ fàngxīn, tā de miànbāo hěn jiànkāng!
    • You don’t have to worry, his bread is really healthy.
  • F：好好吃！你開麵包店嗎？
    • Hǎohǎo chī! Nǐ kāi miànbāo diàn ma?
    • It's so good! Do you have a bakery?
  • L：沒有，其實，就是，呃… 我是一個… 呃… 作家。
    • Méiyǒu, qíshí, jiùshì, è… wǒ shì yīgè… è… zuòjiā.
    • No, actually, I mean, uh, I’m a, uh… writer.
  • M：小李很害羞，可是他是一個很認真的作家。
    • Xiǎo lǐ hěn hàixiū, kěshì tā shì yīgè hěn rènzhēn de zuòjiā.
    • Xiao Li is really shy, but he’s a very serious writer.
  • F：你寫小說嗎？
    • Nǐ xiě xiǎoshuō ma?
    • Do you write novels?
  • L：沒有，但那是我的目標。
    • Méiyǒu. Dàn nà shì wǒ de mùbiāo.
    • No, but that’s my goal.
  • M：來，我們先坐。正好要開始唱歌！
    • Lái, wǒmen xiān zuò. Zhènghǎo yào kāishǐ chànggē!
    • Come one, let's sit down first. We’re just about to start singing!
  • F：我最愛唱歌！
    • Wǒ zuì'ài chànggē!
    • I love singing!
  • M：小李，你還沒點歌，對吧。
    • Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ hái méi diǎn gē, duì ba.
    • Xiao Li, you haven’t ordered yet.
  • L：我不用了。
    • Wǒ bùyòngle.
    • I’m alright. (No need.)
  • F：你真的很害羞。
    • Nǐ zhēn de hěn hàixiū.
    • You're really shy.
  • M：小李，拜託，唱一首給大家聽。然後我就放過你。
    • Xiǎo lǐ, bàituō, chàng yī shǒu gěi dàjiā tīng. Ránhòu wǒ jiù fàngguò nǐ.
    • Xiao Li, please, sing one song for everyone, then I’ll let you off the hook.
  • L：可是，在很多陌生人的面前…
    • Kěshì, zài hěnduō mòshēng rén de miànqián…
    • But, in front of strangers…
  • M：什麼陌生人？我們都是朋友，你放心！
    • Shénme mòshēng rén? Wǒmen dōu shì péngyǒu, nǐ fàngxīn!
    • What strangers? We’re all friends! Don’t worry!
  • L：還是我先去吃蛋糕…
    • Háishì wǒ xiān qù chī dàngāo…
    • Or maybe I’ll go have some cake first…
  • M：你不要逃避啦！不唱歌，你要吃辣椒！
    • Nǐ bùyào táobìle la! Bù chànggē, nǐ yào chī làjiāo!
    • Don’t run away! If you don’t sing, you have to eat chili peppers.
  • L：什麼？
    • Shénme?
    • What?
  • M：我家的規定。
    • Wǒjiā de guīdìng.
    • House rules.
  • L：OK，OK，好啦。我唱。
    • OK,OK, hǎo la. Wǒ chàng.
    • Ok, ok, fine. I’ll sing.
  • F：你要唱什麼？我幫你點。
    • Nǐ yào chàng shénme? Wǒ bāng nǐ diǎn.
    • What do you want to sing? I’ll help you order.
  • L：呃… 夢中人？好嗎？
    • È… mèngzhōngrén? Hǎo ma?
    • Uh… dream lover? Ok?
  • F：王菲的還是蔡琴的？
    • Wángfēi de háishì càiqín de?
    • Wang Fei’s or Cai Qin’s? (Referring to two songs with the same title)
  • L：哦… 蔡琴的。
    • Ó… càiqín de.
    • Oh, Cai Qin’s.
  • M：老靈魂。
    • Lǎo línghún.
    • Old soul.
  • L：哈哈，對啊。
    • Hāhā, duì a.
    • Haha, yeah.
  • F：好，點好了。
    • Hǎo, diǎn hǎole.
    • Ok, it’s already ordered.
  • L：這麼快！好，請大家要有耐心…
    • Zhème kuài! Hǎo, qǐng dàjiā yào yǒu nàixīn…
    • So fast! Ok, everyone, be patient with me…
  • M：不要害羞！
    • M: Bùyào hàixiū!
    • Don’t be shy!
  • L：不能錄音哦。
    • Bùnéng lùyīn ó.
    • No recording.
  • M：沒有人要錄音！
    • Nobody’s going to record!
    • Méiyǒu rén huì lùyīn! 


Notes:

  • The song in this episode is 夢中人 by 蔡琴. 
  • Thanks to Vicky Sun for being the voice of 慧芬 Hùi fēn. 
]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No Daily Practice (Normal Speed) - S3 - Lesson 07 3 3 Daily Practice (Normal Speed) - S3 - Lesson 07 bonus dbac70f3-dec5-4f28-85a8-ce2130e00694 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3cf6ebf4 After listening to Season 3, Lesson 07, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking six minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.

How to practice
This episode's daily practice session doesn't include spoken instructions, but the process is the same as previous episodes of this season:

In the first part, you'll hear a short snippet of the dialogue, followed by a pause of 2-4 seconds. During the pause, try to echo aloud exactly what you heard. In the second part, the dialogue plays again without pauses. Try to shadow the dialogue by repeating it aloud simultaneously with the recording.

Note that in both parts, speaking aloud is important, as this practice helps you gain confidence making the sounds of Mandarin, increasing your speaking fluency over time. It also gives you invaluable feedback, as you hear the sounds coming out of your mouth, and can compare them to the sounds you just heard. If only done once or twice, this might not seem to have much effect; repeated on a daily basis, however, this is a powerful mechanism for bootstrapping your pronunciation and speaking ability.

Magic Phrase (4-1)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 4-1 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

帥哥上班，外公退休
Shuàigē shàngbān, wàigōng tuìxiū


帥哥 / shuàigē / handsome man
上班 / shàngbān / to go to work
外公 / wàigōng / maternal grandfather
退休 / tuìxiū / retired, to retire



Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

M：阿芬！你來了！
F：嘿！不好意思遲到了。我剛剛才下班。
M：沒事！趕快進來坐！
F：謝謝。
M：你看起來好喘！
F：唉，爬樓梯真的好喘！
M：對，我們沒有電梯。只好讓你運動一下。
F：我好久沒運動。
M：沒關係，現在可以放鬆。小李，這是我的朋友，慧芬，她是律師。
L：你好。
F：嗨。
M：來，慧芬，要不要吃麵包？小李做的！
F：好厲害！
M：你可以放心，他的麵包很健康！
F：好好吃！你開麵包店嗎？
L：沒有，其實，就是，呃… 我是一個… 呃… 作家。
M：小李很害羞，可是他是一個很認真的作家。
F：你寫小說嗎？
L：沒有。但那是我的目標。
M：來，我們先坐。正好要開始唱歌！
F：我最愛唱歌！
M：小李，你還沒點歌，對吧。
L：我不用了。
F：你真的很害羞。
M：小李，拜託，唱一首給大家聽。然後我就放過你。
L：可是，在很多陌生人的面前…
M：什麼陌生人？我們都是朋友，你放心！
L：還是我先去吃蛋糕…
M：你不要逃避了啦！不唱歌，你要吃辣椒！
L：什麼？
M：我家的規定。
L：OK，OK，好啦。我唱。
F：你要唱什麼？我幫你點。
L：呃… 夢中人？好嗎？
F：王菲的還是蔡琴的？
L：哦… 蔡琴的。
M：老靈魂。
L：哈哈，對啊。
F：好，點好了。
L：這麼快！好，請大家要有耐心…
M：不要害羞！
L：不能錄音哦。
M：沒有人會錄音！


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • M：阿芬！你來了！
    • Ā fēn! Nǐ láile!
    • A-Fen, you’re here!
  • F：嘿！不好意思遲到了。我剛剛才下班。
    • Hēi! Bù hǎoyìsi chídàole. Wǒ gānggāng cái xiàbān. 
    • Hey! Sorry, I’m late. I just got off work.
  • M：沒事！趕快進來坐！
    • Méishì! Gǎnkuài jìnlái zuò!
    • No worries! Hurry up and come in!
  • F：謝謝。
    • Xièxie.
    • Thank you.
  • M：你看起來很喘。
    • Nǐ kàn qǐlái hǎo chuǎn!
    • You look really out of breath.
  • F：唉，爬樓梯好喘！
    • Yeah, climbing the stairs is really tiring (makes one out of breath)!
    • Āi, pá lóutī zhēn de hěn chuǎn!
  • M：對，我們沒有電梯。只好讓你運動一下。
    •  Duì, wǒmen méiyǒu diàntī. Zhǐhǎo ràng nǐ yùndòng yīxià.
    • Yeah, we don’t have an elevator. No other choice but to make you exercise a bit.
  • F：我好久沒運動。
    • Wǒ hǎojiǔ méi yùndòng.
    • I haven’t exercised in a long time.
  • M：沒關係，這裡可以放鬆。小李，這是我的朋友，慧芬，她是律師。
    • Méiguānxì, xiànzài kěyǐ fàngsōng. Xiǎo lǐ, zhè shì wǒ de péngyǒu, huì fēn, tā shì lǜshī.
    • It’s ok, you can relax here. Xiao Li, this is my friend, Hui Fen. She’s a lawyer.
  • L：你好。
    • Nǐ hǎo.
    • Hi.
  • F：嗨。
    • Hāi.
    • Hi.
  • M：來，慧芬，要不要吃**麵包？**小李做的！
    • Lái, huì fēn, yào bùyào chī miànbāo? Xiǎo lǐ zuò de!
    • Here, Hui-Fen, do you want to eat some bread? Xiao Li made it!
  • F：好厲害！
    • Hǎo lìhài!
    • That’s amazing!
  • M：你可以放心，他的麵包很健康！
    • Nǐ kěyǐ fàngxīn, tā de miànbāo hěn jiànkāng!
    • You don’t have to worry, his bread is really healthy.
  • F：好好吃！你開麵包店嗎？
    • Hǎohǎo chī! Nǐ kāi miànbāo diàn ma?
    • It's so good! Do you have a bakery?
  • L：沒有，其實，就是，呃… 我是一個… 呃… 作家。
    • Méiyǒu, qíshí, jiùshì, è… wǒ shì yīgè… è… zuòjiā.
    • No, actually, I mean, uh, I’m a, uh… writer.
  • M：小李很害羞，可是他是一個很認真的作家。
    • Xiǎo lǐ hěn hàixiū, kěshì tā shì yīgè hěn rènzhēn de zuòjiā.
    • Xiao Li is really shy, but he’s a very serious writer.
  • F：你寫小說嗎？
    • Nǐ xiě xiǎoshuō ma?
    • Do you write novels?
  • L：沒有，但那是我的目標。
    • Méiyǒu. Dàn nà shì wǒ de mùbiāo.
    • No, but that’s my goal.
  • M：來，我們先坐。正好要開始唱歌！
    • Lái, wǒmen xiān zuò. Zhènghǎo yào kāishǐ chànggē!
    • Come one, let's sit down first. We’re just about to start singing!
  • F：我最愛唱歌！
    • Wǒ zuì'ài chànggē!
    • I love singing!
  • M：小李，你還沒點歌，對吧。
    • Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ hái méi diǎn gē, duì ba.
    • Xiao Li, you haven’t ordered yet.
  • L：我不用了。
    • Wǒ bùyòngle.
    • I’m alright. (No need.)
  • F：你真的很害羞。
    • Nǐ zhēn de hěn hàixiū.
    • You're really shy.
  • M：小李，拜託，唱一首給大家聽。然後我就放過你。
    • Xiǎo lǐ, bàituō, chàng yī shǒu gěi dàjiā tīng. Ránhòu wǒ jiù fàngguò nǐ.
    • Xiao Li, please, sing one song for everyone, then I’ll let you off the hook.
  • L：可是，在很多陌生人的面前…
    • Kěshì, zài hěnduō mòshēng rén de miànqián…
    • But, in front of strangers…
  • M：什麼陌生人？我們都是朋友，你放心！
    • Shénme mòshēng rén? Wǒmen dōu shì péngyǒu, nǐ fàngxīn!
    • What strangers? We’re all friends! Don’t worry!
  • L：還是我先去吃蛋糕…
    • Háishì wǒ xiān qù chī dàngāo…
    • Or maybe I’ll go have some cake first…
  • M：你不要逃避啦！不唱歌，你要吃辣椒！
    • Nǐ bùyào táobìle la! Bù chànggē, nǐ yào chī làjiāo!
    • Don’t run away! If you don’t sing, you have to eat chili peppers.
  • L：什麼？
    • Shénme?
    • What?
  • M：我家的規定。
    • Wǒjiā de guīdìng.
    • House rules.
  • L：OK，OK，好啦。我唱。
    • OK,OK, hǎo la. Wǒ chàng.
    • Ok, ok, fine. I’ll sing.
  • F：你要唱什麼？我幫你點。
    • Nǐ yào chàng shénme? Wǒ bāng nǐ diǎn.
    • What do you want to sing? I’ll help you order.
  • L：呃… 夢中人？好嗎？
    • È… mèngzhōngrén? Hǎo ma?
    • Uh… dream lover? Ok?
  • F：王菲的還是蔡琴的？
    • Wángfēi de háishì càiqín de?
    • Wang Fei’s or Cai Qin’s? (Referring to two songs with the same title)
  • L：哦… 蔡琴的。
    • Ó… càiqín de.
    • Oh, Cai Qin’s...
]]> After listening to Season 3, Lesson 07, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking six minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.

How to practice
This episode's daily practice session doesn't include spoken instructions, but the process is the same as previous episodes of this season:

In the first part, you'll hear a short snippet of the dialogue, followed by a pause of 2-4 seconds. During the pause, try to echo aloud exactly what you heard. In the second part, the dialogue plays again without pauses. Try to shadow the dialogue by repeating it aloud simultaneously with the recording.

Note that in both parts, speaking aloud is important, as this practice helps you gain confidence making the sounds of Mandarin, increasing your speaking fluency over time. It also gives you invaluable feedback, as you hear the sounds coming out of your mouth, and can compare them to the sounds you just heard. If only done once or twice, this might not seem to have much effect; repeated on a daily basis, however, this is a powerful mechanism for bootstrapping your pronunciation and speaking ability.

Magic Phrase (4-1)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 4-1 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

帥哥上班，外公退休
Shuàigē shàngbān, wàigōng tuìxiū


帥哥 / shuàigē / handsome man
上班 / shàngbān / to go to work
外公 / wàigōng / maternal grandfather
退休 / tuìxiū / retired, to retire



Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

M：阿芬！你來了！
F：嘿！不好意思遲到了。我剛剛才下班。
M：沒事！趕快進來坐！
F：謝謝。
M：你看起來好喘！
F：唉，爬樓梯真的好喘！
M：對，我們沒有電梯。只好讓你運動一下。
F：我好久沒運動。
M：沒關係，現在可以放鬆。小李，這是我的朋友，慧芬，她是律師。
L：你好。
F：嗨。
M：來，慧芬，要不要吃麵包？小李做的！
F：好厲害！
M：你可以放心，他的麵包很健康！
F：好好吃！你開麵包店嗎？
L：沒有，其實，就是，呃… 我是一個… 呃… 作家。
M：小李很害羞，可是他是一個很認真的作家。
F：你寫小說嗎？
L：沒有。但那是我的目標。
M：來，我們先坐。正好要開始唱歌！
F：我最愛唱歌！
M：小李，你還沒點歌，對吧。
L：我不用了。
F：你真的很害羞。
M：小李，拜託，唱一首給大家聽。然後我就放過你。
L：可是，在很多陌生人的面前…
M：什麼陌生人？我們都是朋友，你放心！
L：還是我先去吃蛋糕…
M：你不要逃避了啦！不唱歌，你要吃辣椒！
L：什麼？
M：我家的規定。
L：OK，OK，好啦。我唱。
F：你要唱什麼？我幫你點。
L：呃… 夢中人？好嗎？
F：王菲的還是蔡琴的？
L：哦… 蔡琴的。
M：老靈魂。
L：哈哈，對啊。
F：好，點好了。
L：這麼快！好，請大家要有耐心…
M：不要害羞！
L：不能錄音哦。
M：沒有人會錄音！


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • M：阿芬！你來了！
    • Ā fēn! Nǐ láile!
    • A-Fen, you’re here!
  • F：嘿！不好意思遲到了。我剛剛才下班。
    • Hēi! Bù hǎoyìsi chídàole. Wǒ gānggāng cái xiàbān. 
    • Hey! Sorry, I’m late. I just got off work.
  • M：沒事！趕快進來坐！
    • Méishì! Gǎnkuài jìnlái zuò!
    • No worries! Hurry up and come in!
  • F：謝謝。
    • Xièxie.
    • Thank you.
  • M：你看起來很喘。
    • Nǐ kàn qǐlái hǎo chuǎn!
    • You look really out of breath.
  • F：唉，爬樓梯好喘！
    • Yeah, climbing the stairs is really tiring (makes one out of breath)!
    • Āi, pá lóutī zhēn de hěn chuǎn!
  • M：對，我們沒有電梯。只好讓你運動一下。
    •  Duì, wǒmen méiyǒu diàntī. Zhǐhǎo ràng nǐ yùndòng yīxià.
    • Yeah, we don’t have an elevator. No other choice but to make you exercise a bit.
  • F：我好久沒運動。
    • Wǒ hǎojiǔ méi yùndòng.
    • I haven’t exercised in a long time.
  • M：沒關係，這裡可以放鬆。小李，這是我的朋友，慧芬，她是律師。
    • Méiguānxì, xiànzài kěyǐ fàngsōng. Xiǎo lǐ, zhè shì wǒ de péngyǒu, huì fēn, tā shì lǜshī.
    • It’s ok, you can relax here. Xiao Li, this is my friend, Hui Fen. She’s a lawyer.
  • L：你好。
    • Nǐ hǎo.
    • Hi.
  • F：嗨。
    • Hāi.
    • Hi.
  • M：來，慧芬，要不要吃**麵包？**小李做的！
    • Lái, huì fēn, yào bùyào chī miànbāo? Xiǎo lǐ zuò de!
    • Here, Hui-Fen, do you want to eat some bread? Xiao Li made it!
  • F：好厲害！
    • Hǎo lìhài!
    • That’s amazing!
  • M：你可以放心，他的麵包很健康！
    • Nǐ kěyǐ fàngxīn, tā de miànbāo hěn jiànkāng!
    • You don’t have to worry, his bread is really healthy.
  • F：好好吃！你開麵包店嗎？
    • Hǎohǎo chī! Nǐ kāi miànbāo diàn ma?
    • It's so good! Do you have a bakery?
  • L：沒有，其實，就是，呃… 我是一個… 呃… 作家。
    • Méiyǒu, qíshí, jiùshì, è… wǒ shì yīgè… è… zuòjiā.
    • No, actually, I mean, uh, I’m a, uh… writer.
  • M：小李很害羞，可是他是一個很認真的作家。
    • Xiǎo lǐ hěn hàixiū, kěshì tā shì yīgè hěn rènzhēn de zuòjiā.
    • Xiao Li is really shy, but he’s a very serious writer.
  • F：你寫小說嗎？
    • Nǐ xiě xiǎoshuō ma?
    • Do you write novels?
  • L：沒有，但那是我的目標。
    • Méiyǒu. Dàn nà shì wǒ de mùbiāo.
    • No, but that’s my goal.
  • M：來，我們先坐。正好要開始唱歌！
    • Lái, wǒmen xiān zuò. Zhènghǎo yào kāishǐ chànggē!
    • Come one, let's sit down first. We’re just about to start singing!
  • F：我最愛唱歌！
    • Wǒ zuì'ài chànggē!
    • I love singing!
  • M：小李，你還沒點歌，對吧。
    • Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ hái méi diǎn gē, duì ba.
    • Xiao Li, you haven’t ordered yet.
  • L：我不用了。
    • Wǒ bùyòngle.
    • I’m alright. (No need.)
  • F：你真的很害羞。
    • Nǐ zhēn de hěn hàixiū.
    • You're really shy.
  • M：小李，拜託，唱一首給大家聽。然後我就放過你。
    • Xiǎo lǐ, bàituō, chàng yī shǒu gěi dàjiā tīng. Ránhòu wǒ jiù fàngguò nǐ.
    • Xiao Li, please, sing one song for everyone, then I’ll let you off the hook.
  • L：可是，在很多陌生人的面前…
    • Kěshì, zài hěnduō mòshēng rén de miànqián…
    • But, in front of strangers…
  • M：什麼陌生人？我們都是朋友，你放心！
    • Shénme mòshēng rén? Wǒmen dōu shì péngyǒu, nǐ fàngxīn!
    • What strangers? We’re all friends! Don’t worry!
  • L：還是我先去吃蛋糕…
    • Háishì wǒ xiān qù chī dàngāo…
    • Or maybe I’ll go have some cake first…
  • M：你不要逃避啦！不唱歌，你要吃辣椒！
    • Nǐ bùyào táobìle la! Bù chànggē, nǐ yào chī làjiāo!
    • Don’t run away! If you don’t sing, you have to eat chili peppers.
  • L：什麼？
    • Shénme?
    • What?
  • M：我家的規定。
    • Wǒjiā de guīdìng.
    • House rules.
  • L：OK，OK，好啦。我唱。
    • OK,OK, hǎo la. Wǒ chàng.
    • Ok, ok, fine. I’ll sing.
  • F：你要唱什麼？我幫你點。
    • Nǐ yào chàng shénme? Wǒ bāng nǐ diǎn.
    • What do you want to sing? I’ll help you order.
  • L：呃… 夢中人？好嗎？
    • È… mèngzhōngrén? Hǎo ma?
    • Uh… dream lover? Ok?
  • F：王菲的還是蔡琴的？
    • Wángfēi de háishì càiqín de?
    • Wang Fei’s or Cai Qin’s? (Referring to two songs with the same title)
  • L：哦… 蔡琴的。
    • Ó… càiqín de.
    • Oh, Cai Qin’s...
]]> Tue, 31 Oct 2023 22:00:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 380 After listening to Season 3, Lesson 07, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking six minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.

How to practice
This episode's daily practice session doesn't include spoken instructions, but the process is the same as previous episodes of this season:

In the first part, you'll hear a short snippet of the dialogue, followed by a pause of 2-4 seconds. During the pause, try to echo aloud exactly what you heard. In the second part, the dialogue plays again without pauses. Try to shadow the dialogue by repeating it aloud simultaneously with the recording.

Note that in both parts, speaking aloud is important, as this practice helps you gain confidence making the sounds of Mandarin, increasing your speaking fluency over time. It also gives you invaluable feedback, as you hear the sounds coming out of your mouth, and can compare them to the sounds you just heard. If only done once or twice, this might not seem to have much effect; repeated on a daily basis, however, this is a powerful mechanism for bootstrapping your pronunciation and speaking ability.

Magic Phrase (4-1)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 4-1 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

帥哥上班，外公退休
Shuàigē shàngbān, wàigōng tuìxiū


帥哥 / shuàigē / handsome man
上班 / shàngbān / to go to work
外公 / wàigōng / maternal grandfather
退休 / tuìxiū / retired, to retire



Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

M：阿芬！你來了！
F：嘿！不好意思遲到了。我剛剛才下班。
M：沒事！趕快進來坐！
F：謝謝。
M：你看起來好喘！
F：唉，爬樓梯真的好喘！
M：對，我們沒有電梯。只好讓你運動一下。
F：我好久沒運動。
M：沒關係，現在可以放鬆。小李，這是我的朋友，慧芬，她是律師。
L：你好。
F：嗨。
M：來，慧芬，要不要吃麵包？小李做的！
F：好厲害！
M：你可以放心，他的麵包很健康！
F：好好吃！你開麵包店嗎？
L：沒有，其實，就是，呃… 我是一個… 呃… 作家。
M：小李很害羞，可是他是一個很認真的作家。
F：你寫小說嗎？
L：沒有。但那是我的目標。
M：來，我們先坐。正好要開始唱歌！
F：我最愛唱歌！
M：小李，你還沒點歌，對吧。
L：我不用了。
F：你真的很害羞。
M：小李，拜託，唱一首給大家聽。然後我就放過你。
L：可是，在很多陌生人的面前…
M：什麼陌生人？我們都是朋友，你放心！
L：還是我先去吃蛋糕…
M：你不要逃避了啦！不唱歌，你要吃辣椒！
L：什麼？
M：我家的規定。
L：OK，OK，好啦。我唱。
F：你要唱什麼？我幫你點。
L：呃… 夢中人？好嗎？
F：王菲的還是蔡琴的？
L：哦… 蔡琴的。
M：老靈魂。
L：哈哈，對啊。
F：好，點好了。
L：這麼快！好，請大家要有耐心…
M：不要害羞！
L：不能錄音哦。
M：沒有人會錄音！


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • M：阿芬！你來了！
    • Ā fēn! Nǐ láile!
    • A-Fen, you’re here!
  • F：嘿！不好意思遲到了。我剛剛才下班。
    • Hēi! Bù hǎoyìsi chídàole. Wǒ gānggāng cái xiàbān. 
    • Hey! Sorry, I’m late. I just got off work.
  • M：沒事！趕快進來坐！
    • Méishì! Gǎnkuài jìnlái zuò!
    • No worries! Hurry up and come in!
  • F：謝謝。
    • Xièxie.
    • Thank you.
  • M：你看起來很喘。
    • Nǐ kàn qǐlái hǎo chuǎn!
    • You look really out of breath.
  • F：唉，爬樓梯好喘！
    • Yeah, climbing the stairs is really tiring (makes one out of breath)!
    • Āi, pá lóutī zhēn de hěn chuǎn!
  • M：對，我們沒有電梯。只好讓你運動一下。
    •  Duì, wǒmen méiyǒu diàntī. Zhǐhǎo ràng nǐ yùndòng yīxià.
    • Yeah, we don’t have an elevator. No other choice but to make you exercise a bit.
  • F：我好久沒運動。
    • Wǒ hǎojiǔ méi yùndòng.
    • I haven’t exercised in a long time.
  • M：沒關係，這裡可以放鬆。小李，這是我的朋友，慧芬，她是律師。
    • Méiguānxì, xiànzài kěyǐ fàngsōng. Xiǎo lǐ, zhè shì wǒ de péngyǒu, huì fēn, tā shì lǜshī.
    • It’s ok, you can relax here. Xiao Li, this is my friend, Hui Fen. She’s a lawyer.
  • L：你好。
    • Nǐ hǎo.
    • Hi.
  • F：嗨。
    • Hāi.
    • Hi.
  • M：來，慧芬，要不要吃**麵包？**小李做的！
    • Lái, huì fēn, yào bùyào chī miànbāo? Xiǎo lǐ zuò de!
    • Here, Hui-Fen, do you want to eat some bread? Xiao Li made it!
  • F：好厲害！
    • Hǎo lìhài!
    • That’s amazing!
  • M：你可以放心，他的麵包很健康！
    • Nǐ kěyǐ fàngxīn, tā de miànbāo hěn jiànkāng!
    • You don’t have to worry, his bread is really healthy.
  • F：好好吃！你開麵包店嗎？
    • Hǎohǎo chī! Nǐ kāi miànbāo diàn ma?
    • It's so good! Do you have a bakery?
  • L：沒有，其實，就是，呃… 我是一個… 呃… 作家。
    • Méiyǒu, qíshí, jiùshì, è… wǒ shì yīgè… è… zuòjiā.
    • No, actually, I mean, uh, I’m a, uh… writer.
  • M：小李很害羞，可是他是一個很認真的作家。
    • Xiǎo lǐ hěn hàixiū, kěshì tā shì yīgè hěn rènzhēn de zuòjiā.
    • Xiao Li is really shy, but he’s a very serious writer.
  • F：你寫小說嗎？
    • Nǐ xiě xiǎoshuō ma?
    • Do you write novels?
  • L：沒有，但那是我的目標。
    • Méiyǒu. Dàn nà shì wǒ de mùbiāo.
    • No, but that’s my goal.
  • M：來，我們先坐。正好要開始唱歌！
    • Lái, wǒmen xiān zuò. Zhènghǎo yào kāishǐ chànggē!
    • Come one, let's sit down first. We’re just about to start singing!
  • F：我最愛唱歌！
    • Wǒ zuì'ài chànggē!
    • I love singing!
  • M：小李，你還沒點歌，對吧。
    • Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ hái méi diǎn gē, duì ba.
    • Xiao Li, you haven’t ordered yet.
  • L：我不用了。
    • Wǒ bùyòngle.
    • I’m alright. (No need.)
  • F：你真的很害羞。
    • Nǐ zhēn de hěn hàixiū.
    • You're really shy.
  • M：小李，拜託，唱一首給大家聽。然後我就放過你。
    • Xiǎo lǐ, bàituō, chàng yī shǒu gěi dàjiā tīng. Ránhòu wǒ jiù fàngguò nǐ.
    • Xiao Li, please, sing one song for everyone, then I’ll let you off the hook.
  • L：可是，在很多陌生人的面前…
    • Kěshì, zài hěnduō mòshēng rén de miànqián…
    • But, in front of strangers…
  • M：什麼陌生人？我們都是朋友，你放心！
    • Shénme mòshēng rén? Wǒmen dōu shì péngyǒu, nǐ fàngxīn!
    • What strangers? We’re all friends! Don’t worry!
  • L：還是我先去吃蛋糕…
    • Háishì wǒ xiān qù chī dàngāo…
    • Or maybe I’ll go have some cake first…
  • M：你不要逃避啦！不唱歌，你要吃辣椒！
    • Nǐ bùyào táobìle la! Bù chànggē, nǐ yào chī làjiāo!
    • Don’t run away! If you don’t sing, you have to eat chili peppers.
  • L：什麼？
    • Shénme?
    • What?
  • M：我家的規定。
    • Wǒjiā de guīdìng.
    • House rules.
  • L：OK，OK，好啦。我唱。
    • OK,OK, hǎo la. Wǒ chàng.
    • Ok, ok, fine. I’ll sing.
  • F：你要唱什麼？我幫你點。
    • Nǐ yào chàng shénme? Wǒ bāng nǐ diǎn.
    • What do you want to sing? I’ll help you order.
  • L：呃… 夢中人？好嗎？
    • È… mèngzhōngrén? Hǎo ma?
    • Uh… dream lover? Ok?
  • F：王菲的還是蔡琴的？
    • Wángfēi de háishì càiqín de?
    • Wang Fei’s or Cai Qin’s? (Referring to two songs with the same title)
  • L：哦… 蔡琴的。
    • Ó… càiqín de.
    • Oh, Cai Qin’s...
]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No S3 ~ 08 ~ The front desk is responsible 櫃台負責配合客人！ 3 3 S3 ~ 08 ~ The front desk is responsible 櫃台負責配合客人！ full 795b303f-8003-409c-b6c1-8859034fef09 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8ebd25ec Show notes:


Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Intro / updates / announcements 
  2. [03:53] Magic Phrase: 櫃台負責配合客人
  3. [05:56] A ramble on tones, context, and imitation
  4. [11:52] Dialogue
  5. [14:43] Translation


Magic Phrase (4-2)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 4-2 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

櫃台負責配合客人
Guìtái fùzé pèihé kèrén


櫃台 / guìtái / reception, front desk
負責 / fùzé / to be responsible for, to take responsibility for
配合 / pèihé / to cooperate with
客人 / kèrén / customers, guests



Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

L：嘿，教授，你叫我過來？
P：小李，你進來。我要談談你的論文。
L：我的論文內容，你看完了嗎？
P：我看完了，你的論文主題很… 特別：「地球鳳梨種植的範圍跟價格」…
L：我知道，我知道，你好奇我的調查是怎麼進行的。
P：其實… 這麼說不如說…
L：我去年去印尼做調查，我發現印尼竟然沒有任何鳳梨！
P：不過，真正的問題更大…
L：我知道了！是數學的問題，例如鳳梨在不同季節的價格不正常。
P：不是這個…
L：這些數學問題確實很複雜，而且你知道我不太擅長數學。
P：所以我…
L：但我認為這是一個過程。我一定會克服！我會練習數學…
P：好了！夠了！問題不是數學，問題是… 鳳梨。
L：問題是鳳梨？
P：對，鳳梨這個話題，不適合作為論文題目！
L：不適合？
P：對！所以，很抱歉，我只能拒絕你目前的論文。
L：不會吧！
P：很遺憾。
L：不如…. 我就換個主題重寫！
P：你有時間嗎？怕時間不足，你的論文快到期了。
L：我可以的！我證明給你看！
P：好，那你要換什麼主題？
L：我來寫… 酪梨！「酪梨的價格地圖」… 你覺得怎麼樣？


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • L：嘿，教授，你叫我過來？
    • Hēi, jiàoshòu, nǐ jiào wǒ guòlái?
    • Hey, professor, you called me over?
  • P：小李，你進來。我要談談你的論文。
    • Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ jìnlái. Wǒ yào tán tán nǐ dì lùnwén.
    • Xiao Li, come in. I want to discuss your thesis.
  • L：我的論文內容，你看完了嗎？
    • Wǒ dì lùnwén nèiróng, nǐ kàn wán le ma?
    • The contents of my thesis, you finished reading it?
  • P：我看完了。你的論文主題很… 特別：「地球鳳梨種植的範圍跟價格」
    • Wǒ kàn wán le, nǐ dì lùnwén zhǔtí hěn… tèbié: 「Dìqiú fènglí zhòngzhí de fànwéi gēn jiàgé」
    • I finished reading it. The topic of your thesis is very… special: 「Earth’s pineapple growing regions: range, and prices」
  • L：我知道，我知道。你好奇我的調查是怎麼進行的。
    • Wǒ zhīdào, wǒ zhīdào. nǐ hàoqí wǒ de diàochá shì zěnme jìnxíng de.
    • I know, I know. You’re curious how I undertook my survey.
  • P：其實… 這麼說，不如說…
    • Qíshí… zhème shuō bù rú shuō
    • Actually, it would be better to say…
  • L：我去年去印尼做調查，我發現印尼竟然沒有任何鳳梨！
    • Wǒ qùnián qù yìnní zuò diàochá, wǒ fāxiàn yìnní jìngrán méiyǒu rènhé fènglí!
    • Last year I went to Indonesia to do a survey, I realized Indonesia doesn’t have any pineapples at all!
  • P：不過，真正的問題更大…
    • Bùguò, zhēnzhèng de wèntí gèng dà...
    • But, the real problem is bigger…
  • L：我知道了！是數學的問題，例如鳳梨在不同季節的價格不正常。
    • Wǒ zhīdàole! Shì shùxué de wèntí, lìrú fènglí zài bùtóng jìjié de jiàgé bù zhèngcháng.
    • I know! It’s the math problems. For example, pineapples in different seasons have abnormal prices.
  • P：不是這個…
    • Bùshì zhège…
    • It’s not this…
  • L：這些數學問題確實很複雜，而且你知道我不太擅長數學。
    • Zhèxiē shùxué wèntí quèshí hěn fùzá, érqiě nǐ zhīdào wǒ bù tài shàncháng shùxué
    • These math problems are indeed very complicated, and you know I’m not too good at math.
  • P：所以我…
    • Suǒyǐ wǒ…
    • So I…
  • L：但我認為這是一個過程。我一定會克服！我會練習數學…
    • Dàn wǒ rènwéi zhè shì yīgè guòchéng. Wǒ yīdìng huì kèfú! Wǒ huì liànxí shùxué…
    • But I believe this is a process. I will definitely overcome it! I will practice math…
  • P：好了！夠了！問題不是數學，問題是… 鳳梨。
    • Hǎole! Gòule! Wèntí bùshì shùxué, wèntí shì… fènglí.
    • Ok! Enough! The problem isn’t math, the problem is… pineapples.
  • L：問題是鳳梨？
    • Wèntí shì fènglí? 
    • The problem is pineapples?
  • P：對，鳳梨這個話題，不適合作為論文題目！
    • Duì, fènglí zhège huàtí, bùshìhé zuòwéi lùnwén tímù!
    • Yes, pineapples, this topic, it’s not suitable to be taken as a thesis topic!
  • L：不適合？
    • Bùshìhé?
    • Not suitable?
  • P：對！所以，很抱歉，我只能拒絕你目前的論文。
    • Duì! Suǒyǐ, hěn bàoqiàn, wǒ zhǐ néng jùjué nǐ mùqián dì lùnwén.
    • That’s right! So, I’m sorry, I can only reject your current thesis.
  • L：不會吧！
    • Bù huì ba! 
    • No way!
  • P：很遺憾。
    • Hěn yíhàn. 
    • It’s a pity.
  • L：不如…. 我就換個主題重寫！
    • Bùrú…. Wǒ jiù huàn gè zhǔtí chóng xiě! 
    • How about… I just change my topic and rewrite it!
  • P：你有時間嗎？怕時間不足，你的論文快到期了。
    • Nǐ yǒu shíjiān ma? Pà shíjiān bùzú, nǐ dì lùnwén kuài dào qí le.
    • Do you have time? I’m afraid there’s not enough time. Your thesis is almost due.
  • L：我可以的！我證明給你看！
    • Wǒ kěyǐ de! Wǒ zhèngmíng gěi nǐ kàn!
    • I can do it! I’ll prove it to you!
  • P：好，那你要換什麼主題？
    • Hǎo, nà nǐ yào huàn shénme zhǔtí?
    • Okay, so what thesis topic will you change to?
  • L：我來寫… 酪梨！「酪梨的價格地圖」…
    • Wǒ lái xiě… lùo lí! 「Lùo lí de jiàgé dìtú」
    • I will write about… avocados! 「Avocados, a map of prices.」


Thanks for listening. And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Show notes:


Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Intro / updates / announcements 
  2. [03:53] Magic Phrase: 櫃台負責配合客人
  3. [05:56] A ramble on tones, context, and imitation
  4. [11:52] Dialogue
  5. [14:43] Translation


Magic Phrase (4-2)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 4-2 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

櫃台負責配合客人
Guìtái fùzé pèihé kèrén


櫃台 / guìtái / reception, front desk
負責 / fùzé / to be responsible for, to take responsibility for
配合 / pèihé / to cooperate with
客人 / kèrén / customers, guests



Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

L：嘿，教授，你叫我過來？
P：小李，你進來。我要談談你的論文。
L：我的論文內容，你看完了嗎？
P：我看完了，你的論文主題很… 特別：「地球鳳梨種植的範圍跟價格」…
L：我知道，我知道，你好奇我的調查是怎麼進行的。
P：其實… 這麼說不如說…
L：我去年去印尼做調查，我發現印尼竟然沒有任何鳳梨！
P：不過，真正的問題更大…
L：我知道了！是數學的問題，例如鳳梨在不同季節的價格不正常。
P：不是這個…
L：這些數學問題確實很複雜，而且你知道我不太擅長數學。
P：所以我…
L：但我認為這是一個過程。我一定會克服！我會練習數學…
P：好了！夠了！問題不是數學，問題是… 鳳梨。
L：問題是鳳梨？
P：對，鳳梨這個話題，不適合作為論文題目！
L：不適合？
P：對！所以，很抱歉，我只能拒絕你目前的論文。
L：不會吧！
P：很遺憾。
L：不如…. 我就換個主題重寫！
P：你有時間嗎？怕時間不足，你的論文快到期了。
L：我可以的！我證明給你看！
P：好，那你要換什麼主題？
L：我來寫… 酪梨！「酪梨的價格地圖」… 你覺得怎麼樣？


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • L：嘿，教授，你叫我過來？
    • Hēi, jiàoshòu, nǐ jiào wǒ guòlái?
    • Hey, professor, you called me over?
  • P：小李，你進來。我要談談你的論文。
    • Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ jìnlái. Wǒ yào tán tán nǐ dì lùnwén.
    • Xiao Li, come in. I want to discuss your thesis.
  • L：我的論文內容，你看完了嗎？
    • Wǒ dì lùnwén nèiróng, nǐ kàn wán le ma?
    • The contents of my thesis, you finished reading it?
  • P：我看完了。你的論文主題很… 特別：「地球鳳梨種植的範圍跟價格」
    • Wǒ kàn wán le, nǐ dì lùnwén zhǔtí hěn… tèbié: 「Dìqiú fènglí zhòngzhí de fànwéi gēn jiàgé」
    • I finished reading it. The topic of your thesis is very… special: 「Earth’s pineapple growing regions: range, and prices」
  • L：我知道，我知道。你好奇我的調查是怎麼進行的。
    • Wǒ zhīdào, wǒ zhīdào. nǐ hàoqí wǒ de diàochá shì zěnme jìnxíng de.
    • I know, I know. You’re curious how I undertook my survey.
  • P：其實… 這麼說，不如說…
    • Qíshí… zhème shuō bù rú shuō
    • Actually, it would be better to say…
  • L：我去年去印尼做調查，我發現印尼竟然沒有任何鳳梨！
    • Wǒ qùnián qù yìnní zuò diàochá, wǒ fāxiàn yìnní jìngrán méiyǒu rènhé fènglí!
    • Last year I went to Indonesia to do a survey, I realized Indonesia doesn’t have any pineapples at all!
  • P：不過，真正的問題更大…
    • Bùguò, zhēnzhèng de wèntí gèng dà...
    • But, the real problem is bigger…
  • L：我知道了！是數學的問題，例如鳳梨在不同季節的價格不正常。
    • Wǒ zhīdàole! Shì shùxué de wèntí, lìrú fènglí zài bùtóng jìjié de jiàgé bù zhèngcháng.
    • I know! It’s the math problems. For example, pineapples in different seasons have abnormal prices.
  • P：不是這個…
    • Bùshì zhège…
    • It’s not this…
  • L：這些數學問題確實很複雜，而且你知道我不太擅長數學。
    • Zhèxiē shùxué wèntí quèshí hěn fùzá, érqiě nǐ zhīdào wǒ bù tài shàncháng shùxué
    • These math problems are indeed very complicated, and you know I’m not too good at math.
  • P：所以我…
    • Suǒyǐ wǒ…
    • So I…
  • L：但我認為這是一個過程。我一定會克服！我會練習數學…
    • Dàn wǒ rènwéi zhè shì yīgè guòchéng. Wǒ yīdìng huì kèfú! Wǒ huì liànxí shùxué…
    • But I believe this is a process. I will definitely overcome it! I will practice math…
  • P：好了！夠了！問題不是數學，問題是… 鳳梨。
    • Hǎole! Gòule! Wèntí bùshì shùxué, wèntí shì… fènglí.
    • Ok! Enough! The problem isn’t math, the problem is… pineapples.
  • L：問題是鳳梨？
    • Wèntí shì fènglí? 
    • The problem is pineapples?
  • P：對，鳳梨這個話題，不適合作為論文題目！
    • Duì, fènglí zhège huàtí, bùshìhé zuòwéi lùnwén tímù!
    • Yes, pineapples, this topic, it’s not suitable to be taken as a thesis topic!
  • L：不適合？
    • Bùshìhé?
    • Not suitable?
  • P：對！所以，很抱歉，我只能拒絕你目前的論文。
    • Duì! Suǒyǐ, hěn bàoqiàn, wǒ zhǐ néng jùjué nǐ mùqián dì lùnwén.
    • That’s right! So, I’m sorry, I can only reject your current thesis.
  • L：不會吧！
    • Bù huì ba! 
    • No way!
  • P：很遺憾。
    • Hěn yíhàn. 
    • It’s a pity.
  • L：不如…. 我就換個主題重寫！
    • Bùrú…. Wǒ jiù huàn gè zhǔtí chóng xiě! 
    • How about… I just change my topic and rewrite it!
  • P：你有時間嗎？怕時間不足，你的論文快到期了。
    • Nǐ yǒu shíjiān ma? Pà shíjiān bùzú, nǐ dì lùnwén kuài dào qí le.
    • Do you have time? I’m afraid there’s not enough time. Your thesis is almost due.
  • L：我可以的！我證明給你看！
    • Wǒ kěyǐ de! Wǒ zhèngmíng gěi nǐ kàn!
    • I can do it! I’ll prove it to you!
  • P：好，那你要換什麼主題？
    • Hǎo, nà nǐ yào huàn shénme zhǔtí?
    • Okay, so what thesis topic will you change to?
  • L：我來寫… 酪梨！「酪梨的價格地圖」…
    • Wǒ lái xiě… lùo lí! 「Lùo lí de jiàgé dìtú」
    • I will write about… avocados! 「Avocados, a map of prices.」


Thanks for listening. And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Mon, 24 Jun 2024 06:20:12 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 1555 Show notes:


Lesson Outline:

  1. [00:21] Intro / updates / announcements 
  2. [03:53] Magic Phrase: 櫃台負責配合客人
  3. [05:56] A ramble on tones, context, and imitation
  4. [11:52] Dialogue
  5. [14:43] Translation


Magic Phrase (4-2)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 4-2 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

櫃台負責配合客人
Guìtái fùzé pèihé kèrén


櫃台 / guìtái / reception, front desk
負責 / fùzé / to be responsible for, to take responsibility for
配合 / pèihé / to cooperate with
客人 / kèrén / customers, guests



Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

L：嘿，教授，你叫我過來？
P：小李，你進來。我要談談你的論文。
L：我的論文內容，你看完了嗎？
P：我看完了，你的論文主題很… 特別：「地球鳳梨種植的範圍跟價格」…
L：我知道，我知道，你好奇我的調查是怎麼進行的。
P：其實… 這麼說不如說…
L：我去年去印尼做調查，我發現印尼竟然沒有任何鳳梨！
P：不過，真正的問題更大…
L：我知道了！是數學的問題，例如鳳梨在不同季節的價格不正常。
P：不是這個…
L：這些數學問題確實很複雜，而且你知道我不太擅長數學。
P：所以我…
L：但我認為這是一個過程。我一定會克服！我會練習數學…
P：好了！夠了！問題不是數學，問題是… 鳳梨。
L：問題是鳳梨？
P：對，鳳梨這個話題，不適合作為論文題目！
L：不適合？
P：對！所以，很抱歉，我只能拒絕你目前的論文。
L：不會吧！
P：很遺憾。
L：不如…. 我就換個主題重寫！
P：你有時間嗎？怕時間不足，你的論文快到期了。
L：我可以的！我證明給你看！
P：好，那你要換什麼主題？
L：我來寫… 酪梨！「酪梨的價格地圖」… 你覺得怎麼樣？


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • L：嘿，教授，你叫我過來？
    • Hēi, jiàoshòu, nǐ jiào wǒ guòlái?
    • Hey, professor, you called me over?
  • P：小李，你進來。我要談談你的論文。
    • Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ jìnlái. Wǒ yào tán tán nǐ dì lùnwén.
    • Xiao Li, come in. I want to discuss your thesis.
  • L：我的論文內容，你看完了嗎？
    • Wǒ dì lùnwén nèiróng, nǐ kàn wán le ma?
    • The contents of my thesis, you finished reading it?
  • P：我看完了。你的論文主題很… 特別：「地球鳳梨種植的範圍跟價格」
    • Wǒ kàn wán le, nǐ dì lùnwén zhǔtí hěn… tèbié: 「Dìqiú fènglí zhòngzhí de fànwéi gēn jiàgé」
    • I finished reading it. The topic of your thesis is very… special: 「Earth’s pineapple growing regions: range, and prices」
  • L：我知道，我知道。你好奇我的調查是怎麼進行的。
    • Wǒ zhīdào, wǒ zhīdào. nǐ hàoqí wǒ de diàochá shì zěnme jìnxíng de.
    • I know, I know. You’re curious how I undertook my survey.
  • P：其實… 這麼說，不如說…
    • Qíshí… zhème shuō bù rú shuō
    • Actually, it would be better to say…
  • L：我去年去印尼做調查，我發現印尼竟然沒有任何鳳梨！
    • Wǒ qùnián qù yìnní zuò diàochá, wǒ fāxiàn yìnní jìngrán méiyǒu rènhé fènglí!
    • Last year I went to Indonesia to do a survey, I realized Indonesia doesn’t have any pineapples at all!
  • P：不過，真正的問題更大…
    • Bùguò, zhēnzhèng de wèntí gèng dà...
    • But, the real problem is bigger…
  • L：我知道了！是數學的問題，例如鳳梨在不同季節的價格不正常。
    • Wǒ zhīdàole! Shì shùxué de wèntí, lìrú fènglí zài bùtóng jìjié de jiàgé bù zhèngcháng.
    • I know! It’s the math problems. For example, pineapples in different seasons have abnormal prices.
  • P：不是這個…
    • Bùshì zhège…
    • It’s not this…
  • L：這些數學問題確實很複雜，而且你知道我不太擅長數學。
    • Zhèxiē shùxué wèntí quèshí hěn fùzá, érqiě nǐ zhīdào wǒ bù tài shàncháng shùxué
    • These math problems are indeed very complicated, and you know I’m not too good at math.
  • P：所以我…
    • Suǒyǐ wǒ…
    • So I…
  • L：但我認為這是一個過程。我一定會克服！我會練習數學…
    • Dàn wǒ rènwéi zhè shì yīgè guòchéng. Wǒ yīdìng huì kèfú! Wǒ huì liànxí shùxué…
    • But I believe this is a process. I will definitely overcome it! I will practice math…
  • P：好了！夠了！問題不是數學，問題是… 鳳梨。
    • Hǎole! Gòule! Wèntí bùshì shùxué, wèntí shì… fènglí.
    • Ok! Enough! The problem isn’t math, the problem is… pineapples.
  • L：問題是鳳梨？
    • Wèntí shì fènglí? 
    • The problem is pineapples?
  • P：對，鳳梨這個話題，不適合作為論文題目！
    • Duì, fènglí zhège huàtí, bùshìhé zuòwéi lùnwén tímù!
    • Yes, pineapples, this topic, it’s not suitable to be taken as a thesis topic!
  • L：不適合？
    • Bùshìhé?
    • Not suitable?
  • P：對！所以，很抱歉，我只能拒絕你目前的論文。
    • Duì! Suǒyǐ, hěn bàoqiàn, wǒ zhǐ néng jùjué nǐ mùqián dì lùnwén.
    • That’s right! So, I’m sorry, I can only reject your current thesis.
  • L：不會吧！
    • Bù huì ba! 
    • No way!
  • P：很遺憾。
    • Hěn yíhàn. 
    • It’s a pity.
  • L：不如…. 我就換個主題重寫！
    • Bùrú…. Wǒ jiù huàn gè zhǔtí chóng xiě! 
    • How about… I just change my topic and rewrite it!
  • P：你有時間嗎？怕時間不足，你的論文快到期了。
    • Nǐ yǒu shíjiān ma? Pà shíjiān bùzú, nǐ dì lùnwén kuài dào qí le.
    • Do you have time? I’m afraid there’s not enough time. Your thesis is almost due.
  • L：我可以的！我證明給你看！
    • Wǒ kěyǐ de! Wǒ zhèngmíng gěi nǐ kàn!
    • I can do it! I’ll prove it to you!
  • P：好，那你要換什麼主題？
    • Hǎo, nà nǐ yào huàn shénme zhǔtí?
    • Okay, so what thesis topic will you change to?
  • L：我來寫… 酪梨！「酪梨的價格地圖」…
    • Wǒ lái xiě… lùo lí! 「Lùo lí de jiàgé dìtú」
    • I will write about… avocados! 「Avocados, a map of prices.」


Thanks for listening. And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No Daily Practice (Normal Speed) - S3 - Lesson 08 3 3 Daily Practice (Normal Speed) - S3 - Lesson 08 bonus 2648b22c-2d7c-4caf-b03e-13df405d1fd3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c73d8e7c After listening to Season 3, Lesson 08, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking six minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.

How to practice
This episode's daily practice session doesn't include spoken instructions, but the process is the same as previous episodes of this season:

In the first part, you'll hear a short snippet of the dialogue, followed by a pause of 2-4 seconds. During the pause, try to echo aloud exactly what you heard. In the second part, the dialogue plays again without pauses. Try to shadow the dialogue by repeating it aloud simultaneously with the recording.

Note that in both parts, speaking aloud is important, as this practice helps you gain confidence making the sounds of Mandarin, increasing your speaking fluency over time. It also gives you invaluable feedback, as you hear the sounds coming out of your mouth, and can compare them to the sounds you just heard. If only done once or twice, this might not seem to have much effect; repeated on a daily basis, however, this is a powerful mechanism for bootstrapping your pronunciation and speaking ability.

Magic Phrase (4-2)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 4-2 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

櫃台負責配合客人
Guìtái fùzé pèihé kèrén


櫃台 / guìtái / reception, front desk
負責 / fùzé / to be responsible for, to take responsibility for
配合 / pèihé / to cooperate with
客人 / kèrén / customers, guests



Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

L：嘿，教授，你叫我過來？
P：小李，你進來。我要談談你的論文。
L：我的論文內容，你看完了嗎？
P：我看完了，你的論文主題很… 特別：「地球鳳梨種植的範圍跟價格」…
L：我知道，我知道，你好奇我的調查是怎麼進行的。
P：其實… 這麼說不如說…
L：我去年去印尼做調查，我發現印尼竟然沒有任何鳳梨！
P：不過，真正的問題更大…
L：我知道了！是數學的問題，例如鳳梨在不同季節的價格不正常。
P：不是這個…
L：這些數學問題確實很複雜，而且你知道我不太擅長數學。
P：所以我…
L：但我認為這是一個過程。我一定會克服！我會練習數學…
P：好了！夠了！問題不是數學，問題是… 鳳梨。
L：問題是鳳梨？
P：對，鳳梨這個話題，不適合作為論文題目！
L：不適合？
P：對！所以，很抱歉，我只能拒絕你目前的論文。
L：不會吧！
P：很遺憾。
L：不如…. 我就換個主題重寫！
P：你有時間嗎？怕時間不足，你的論文快到期了。
L：我可以的！我證明給你看！
P：好，那你要換什麼主題？
L：我來寫… 酪梨！「酪梨的價格地圖」… 你覺得怎麼樣？


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • L：嘿，教授，你叫我過來？
    • Hēi, jiàoshòu, nǐ jiào wǒ guòlái?
    • Hey, professor, you called me over?
  • P：小李，你進來。我要談談你的論文。
    • Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ jìnlái. Wǒ yào tán tán nǐ dì lùnwén.
    • Xiao Li, come in. I want to discuss your thesis.
  • L：我的論文內容，你看完了嗎？
    • Wǒ dì lùnwén nèiróng, nǐ kàn wán le ma?
    • The contents of my thesis, you finished reading it?
  • P：我看完了。你的論文主題很… 特別：「地球鳳梨種植的範圍跟價格」
    • Wǒ kàn wán le, nǐ dì lùnwén zhǔtí hěn… tèbié: 「Dìqiú fènglí zhòngzhí de fànwéi gēn jiàgé」
    • I finished reading it. The topic of your thesis is very… special: 「Earth’s pineapple growing regions: range, and prices」
  • L：我知道，我知道。你好奇我的調查是怎麼進行的。
    • Wǒ zhīdào, wǒ zhīdào. nǐ hàoqí wǒ de diàochá shì zěnme jìnxíng de.
    • I know, I know. You’re curious how I undertook my survey.
  • P：其實… 這麼說，不如說…
    • Qíshí… zhème shuō bù rú shuō
    • Actually, it would be better to say…
  • L：我去年去印尼做調查，我發現印尼竟然沒有任何鳳梨！
    • Wǒ qùnián qù yìnní zuò diàochá, wǒ fāxiàn yìnní jìngrán méiyǒu rènhé fènglí!
    • Last year I went to Indonesia to do a survey, I realized Indonesia doesn’t have any pineapples at all!
  • P：不過，真正的問題更大…
    • Bùguò, zhēnzhèng de wèntí gèng dà...
    • But, the real problem is bigger…
  • L：我知道了！是數學的問題，例如鳳梨在不同季節的價格不正常。
    • Wǒ zhīdàole! Shì shùxué de wèntí, lìrú fènglí zài bùtóng jìjié de jiàgé bù zhèngcháng.
    • I know! It’s the math problems. For example, pineapples in different seasons have abnormal prices.
  • P：不是這個…
    • Bùshì zhège…
    • It’s not this…
  • L：這些數學問題確實很複雜，而且你知道我不太擅長數學。
    • Zhèxiē shùxué wèntí quèshí hěn fùzá, érqiě nǐ zhīdào wǒ bù tài shàncháng shùxué
    • These math problems are indeed very complicated, and you know I’m not too good at math.
  • P：所以我…
    • Suǒyǐ wǒ…
    • So I…
  • L：但我認為這是一個過程。我一定會克服！我會練習數學…
    • Dàn wǒ rènwéi zhè shì yīgè guòchéng. Wǒ yīdìng huì kèfú! Wǒ huì liànxí shùxué…
    • But I believe this is a process. I will definitely overcome it! I will practice math…
  • P：好了！夠了！問題不是數學，問題是… 鳳梨。
    • Hǎole! Gòule! Wèntí bùshì shùxué, wèntí shì… fènglí.
    • Ok! Enough! The problem isn’t math, the problem is… pineapples.
  • L：問題是鳳梨？
    • Wèntí shì fènglí? 
    • The problem is pineapples?
  • P：對，鳳梨這個話題，不適合作為論文題目！
    • Duì, fènglí zhège huàtí, bùshìhé zuòwéi lùnwén tímù!
    • Yes, pineapples, this topic, it’s not suitable to be taken as a thesis topic!
  • L：不適合？
    • Bùshìhé?
    • Not suitable?
  • P：對！所以，很抱歉，我只能拒絕你目前的論文。
    • Duì! Suǒyǐ, hěn bàoqiàn, wǒ zhǐ néng jùjué nǐ mùqián dì lùnwén.
    • That’s right! So, I’m sorry, I can only reject your current thesis.
  • L：不會吧！
    • Bù huì ba! 
    • No way!
  • P：很遺憾。
    • Hěn yíhàn. 
    • It’s a pity.
  • L：不如…. 我就換個主題重寫！
    • Bùrú…. Wǒ jiù huàn gè zhǔtí chóng xiě! 
    • How about… I just change my topic and rewrite it!
  • P：你有時間嗎？怕時間不足，你的論文快到期了。
    • Nǐ yǒu shíjiān ma? Pà shíjiān bùzú, nǐ dì lùnwén kuài dào qí le.
    • Do you have time? I’m afraid there’s not enough time. Your thesis is almost due.
  • L：我可以的！我證明給你看！
    • Wǒ kěyǐ de! Wǒ zhèngmíng gěi nǐ kàn!
    • I can do it! I’ll prove it to you!
  • P：好，那你要換什麼主題？
    • Hǎo, nà nǐ yào huàn shénme zhǔtí?
    • Okay, so what thesis topic will you change to?
  • L：我來寫… 酪梨！「酪梨的價格地圖」…
    • Wǒ lái xiě… lùo lí! 「Lùo lí de jiàgé dìtú」
    • I will write about… avocados! 「Avocados, a map of prices.」


Thanks for listening. And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> After listening to Season 3, Lesson 08, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking six minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.

How to practice
This episode's daily practice session doesn't include spoken instructions, but the process is the same as previous episodes of this season:

In the first part, you'll hear a short snippet of the dialogue, followed by a pause of 2-4 seconds. During the pause, try to echo aloud exactly what you heard. In the second part, the dialogue plays again without pauses. Try to shadow the dialogue by repeating it aloud simultaneously with the recording.

Note that in both parts, speaking aloud is important, as this practice helps you gain confidence making the sounds of Mandarin, increasing your speaking fluency over time. It also gives you invaluable feedback, as you hear the sounds coming out of your mouth, and can compare them to the sounds you just heard. If only done once or twice, this might not seem to have much effect; repeated on a daily basis, however, this is a powerful mechanism for bootstrapping your pronunciation and speaking ability.

Magic Phrase (4-2)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 4-2 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

櫃台負責配合客人
Guìtái fùzé pèihé kèrén


櫃台 / guìtái / reception, front desk
負責 / fùzé / to be responsible for, to take responsibility for
配合 / pèihé / to cooperate with
客人 / kèrén / customers, guests



Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

L：嘿，教授，你叫我過來？
P：小李，你進來。我要談談你的論文。
L：我的論文內容，你看完了嗎？
P：我看完了，你的論文主題很… 特別：「地球鳳梨種植的範圍跟價格」…
L：我知道，我知道，你好奇我的調查是怎麼進行的。
P：其實… 這麼說不如說…
L：我去年去印尼做調查，我發現印尼竟然沒有任何鳳梨！
P：不過，真正的問題更大…
L：我知道了！是數學的問題，例如鳳梨在不同季節的價格不正常。
P：不是這個…
L：這些數學問題確實很複雜，而且你知道我不太擅長數學。
P：所以我…
L：但我認為這是一個過程。我一定會克服！我會練習數學…
P：好了！夠了！問題不是數學，問題是… 鳳梨。
L：問題是鳳梨？
P：對，鳳梨這個話題，不適合作為論文題目！
L：不適合？
P：對！所以，很抱歉，我只能拒絕你目前的論文。
L：不會吧！
P：很遺憾。
L：不如…. 我就換個主題重寫！
P：你有時間嗎？怕時間不足，你的論文快到期了。
L：我可以的！我證明給你看！
P：好，那你要換什麼主題？
L：我來寫… 酪梨！「酪梨的價格地圖」… 你覺得怎麼樣？


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • L：嘿，教授，你叫我過來？
    • Hēi, jiàoshòu, nǐ jiào wǒ guòlái?
    • Hey, professor, you called me over?
  • P：小李，你進來。我要談談你的論文。
    • Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ jìnlái. Wǒ yào tán tán nǐ dì lùnwén.
    • Xiao Li, come in. I want to discuss your thesis.
  • L：我的論文內容，你看完了嗎？
    • Wǒ dì lùnwén nèiróng, nǐ kàn wán le ma?
    • The contents of my thesis, you finished reading it?
  • P：我看完了。你的論文主題很… 特別：「地球鳳梨種植的範圍跟價格」
    • Wǒ kàn wán le, nǐ dì lùnwén zhǔtí hěn… tèbié: 「Dìqiú fènglí zhòngzhí de fànwéi gēn jiàgé」
    • I finished reading it. The topic of your thesis is very… special: 「Earth’s pineapple growing regions: range, and prices」
  • L：我知道，我知道。你好奇我的調查是怎麼進行的。
    • Wǒ zhīdào, wǒ zhīdào. nǐ hàoqí wǒ de diàochá shì zěnme jìnxíng de.
    • I know, I know. You’re curious how I undertook my survey.
  • P：其實… 這麼說，不如說…
    • Qíshí… zhème shuō bù rú shuō
    • Actually, it would be better to say…
  • L：我去年去印尼做調查，我發現印尼竟然沒有任何鳳梨！
    • Wǒ qùnián qù yìnní zuò diàochá, wǒ fāxiàn yìnní jìngrán méiyǒu rènhé fènglí!
    • Last year I went to Indonesia to do a survey, I realized Indonesia doesn’t have any pineapples at all!
  • P：不過，真正的問題更大…
    • Bùguò, zhēnzhèng de wèntí gèng dà...
    • But, the real problem is bigger…
  • L：我知道了！是數學的問題，例如鳳梨在不同季節的價格不正常。
    • Wǒ zhīdàole! Shì shùxué de wèntí, lìrú fènglí zài bùtóng jìjié de jiàgé bù zhèngcháng.
    • I know! It’s the math problems. For example, pineapples in different seasons have abnormal prices.
  • P：不是這個…
    • Bùshì zhège…
    • It’s not this…
  • L：這些數學問題確實很複雜，而且你知道我不太擅長數學。
    • Zhèxiē shùxué wèntí quèshí hěn fùzá, érqiě nǐ zhīdào wǒ bù tài shàncháng shùxué
    • These math problems are indeed very complicated, and you know I’m not too good at math.
  • P：所以我…
    • Suǒyǐ wǒ…
    • So I…
  • L：但我認為這是一個過程。我一定會克服！我會練習數學…
    • Dàn wǒ rènwéi zhè shì yīgè guòchéng. Wǒ yīdìng huì kèfú! Wǒ huì liànxí shùxué…
    • But I believe this is a process. I will definitely overcome it! I will practice math…
  • P：好了！夠了！問題不是數學，問題是… 鳳梨。
    • Hǎole! Gòule! Wèntí bùshì shùxué, wèntí shì… fènglí.
    • Ok! Enough! The problem isn’t math, the problem is… pineapples.
  • L：問題是鳳梨？
    • Wèntí shì fènglí? 
    • The problem is pineapples?
  • P：對，鳳梨這個話題，不適合作為論文題目！
    • Duì, fènglí zhège huàtí, bùshìhé zuòwéi lùnwén tímù!
    • Yes, pineapples, this topic, it’s not suitable to be taken as a thesis topic!
  • L：不適合？
    • Bùshìhé?
    • Not suitable?
  • P：對！所以，很抱歉，我只能拒絕你目前的論文。
    • Duì! Suǒyǐ, hěn bàoqiàn, wǒ zhǐ néng jùjué nǐ mùqián dì lùnwén.
    • That’s right! So, I’m sorry, I can only reject your current thesis.
  • L：不會吧！
    • Bù huì ba! 
    • No way!
  • P：很遺憾。
    • Hěn yíhàn. 
    • It’s a pity.
  • L：不如…. 我就換個主題重寫！
    • Bùrú…. Wǒ jiù huàn gè zhǔtí chóng xiě! 
    • How about… I just change my topic and rewrite it!
  • P：你有時間嗎？怕時間不足，你的論文快到期了。
    • Nǐ yǒu shíjiān ma? Pà shíjiān bùzú, nǐ dì lùnwén kuài dào qí le.
    • Do you have time? I’m afraid there’s not enough time. Your thesis is almost due.
  • L：我可以的！我證明給你看！
    • Wǒ kěyǐ de! Wǒ zhèngmíng gěi nǐ kàn!
    • I can do it! I’ll prove it to you!
  • P：好，那你要換什麼主題？
    • Hǎo, nà nǐ yào huàn shénme zhǔtí?
    • Okay, so what thesis topic will you change to?
  • L：我來寫… 酪梨！「酪梨的價格地圖」…
    • Wǒ lái xiě… lùo lí! 「Lùo lí de jiàgé dìtú」
    • I will write about… avocados! 「Avocados, a map of prices.」


Thanks for listening. And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Tue, 25 Jun 2024 06:30:00 -0700 Isaac Myers Isaac Myers 324 After listening to Season 3, Lesson 08, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking six minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.

How to practice
This episode's daily practice session doesn't include spoken instructions, but the process is the same as previous episodes of this season:

In the first part, you'll hear a short snippet of the dialogue, followed by a pause of 2-4 seconds. During the pause, try to echo aloud exactly what you heard. In the second part, the dialogue plays again without pauses. Try to shadow the dialogue by repeating it aloud simultaneously with the recording.

Note that in both parts, speaking aloud is important, as this practice helps you gain confidence making the sounds of Mandarin, increasing your speaking fluency over time. It also gives you invaluable feedback, as you hear the sounds coming out of your mouth, and can compare them to the sounds you just heard. If only done once or twice, this might not seem to have much effect; repeated on a daily basis, however, this is a powerful mechanism for bootstrapping your pronunciation and speaking ability.

Magic Phrase (4-2)
This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 4-2 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 

櫃台負責配合客人
Guìtái fùzé pèihé kèrén


櫃台 / guìtái / reception, front desk
負責 / fùzé / to be responsible for, to take responsibility for
配合 / pèihé / to cooperate with
客人 / kèrén / customers, guests



Transcript of the dialogue (Chinese characters only)

L：嘿，教授，你叫我過來？
P：小李，你進來。我要談談你的論文。
L：我的論文內容，你看完了嗎？
P：我看完了，你的論文主題很… 特別：「地球鳳梨種植的範圍跟價格」…
L：我知道，我知道，你好奇我的調查是怎麼進行的。
P：其實… 這麼說不如說…
L：我去年去印尼做調查，我發現印尼竟然沒有任何鳳梨！
P：不過，真正的問題更大…
L：我知道了！是數學的問題，例如鳳梨在不同季節的價格不正常。
P：不是這個…
L：這些數學問題確實很複雜，而且你知道我不太擅長數學。
P：所以我…
L：但我認為這是一個過程。我一定會克服！我會練習數學…
P：好了！夠了！問題不是數學，問題是… 鳳梨。
L：問題是鳳梨？
P：對，鳳梨這個話題，不適合作為論文題目！
L：不適合？
P：對！所以，很抱歉，我只能拒絕你目前的論文。
L：不會吧！
P：很遺憾。
L：不如…. 我就換個主題重寫！
P：你有時間嗎？怕時間不足，你的論文快到期了。
L：我可以的！我證明給你看！
P：好，那你要換什麼主題？
L：我來寫… 酪梨！「酪梨的價格地圖」… 你覺得怎麼樣？


Transcript of the dialogue (w/ pinyin and translation)
Use this as a visual listening guide, or if you want to check your tone comprehension. Tones are indicated by marks above the letters in the pinyin transliteration, as follows: (1)  ā  (2)  á  (3)  ǎ  (4)  à

  • L：嘿，教授，你叫我過來？
    • Hēi, jiàoshòu, nǐ jiào wǒ guòlái?
    • Hey, professor, you called me over?
  • P：小李，你進來。我要談談你的論文。
    • Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ jìnlái. Wǒ yào tán tán nǐ dì lùnwén.
    • Xiao Li, come in. I want to discuss your thesis.
  • L：我的論文內容，你看完了嗎？
    • Wǒ dì lùnwén nèiróng, nǐ kàn wán le ma?
    • The contents of my thesis, you finished reading it?
  • P：我看完了。你的論文主題很… 特別：「地球鳳梨種植的範圍跟價格」
    • Wǒ kàn wán le, nǐ dì lùnwén zhǔtí hěn… tèbié: 「Dìqiú fènglí zhòngzhí de fànwéi gēn jiàgé」
    • I finished reading it. The topic of your thesis is very… special: 「Earth’s pineapple growing regions: range, and prices」
  • L：我知道，我知道。你好奇我的調查是怎麼進行的。
    • Wǒ zhīdào, wǒ zhīdào. nǐ hàoqí wǒ de diàochá shì zěnme jìnxíng de.
    • I know, I know. You’re curious how I undertook my survey.
  • P：其實… 這麼說，不如說…
    • Qíshí… zhème shuō bù rú shuō
    • Actually, it would be better to say…
  • L：我去年去印尼做調查，我發現印尼竟然沒有任何鳳梨！
    • Wǒ qùnián qù yìnní zuò diàochá, wǒ fāxiàn yìnní jìngrán méiyǒu rènhé fènglí!
    • Last year I went to Indonesia to do a survey, I realized Indonesia doesn’t have any pineapples at all!
  • P：不過，真正的問題更大…
    • Bùguò, zhēnzhèng de wèntí gèng dà...
    • But, the real problem is bigger…
  • L：我知道了！是數學的問題，例如鳳梨在不同季節的價格不正常。
    • Wǒ zhīdàole! Shì shùxué de wèntí, lìrú fènglí zài bùtóng jìjié de jiàgé bù zhèngcháng.
    • I know! It’s the math problems. For example, pineapples in different seasons have abnormal prices.
  • P：不是這個…
    • Bùshì zhège…
    • It’s not this…
  • L：這些數學問題確實很複雜，而且你知道我不太擅長數學。
    • Zhèxiē shùxué wèntí quèshí hěn fùzá, érqiě nǐ zhīdào wǒ bù tài shàncháng shùxué
    • These math problems are indeed very complicated, and you know I’m not too good at math.
  • P：所以我…
    • Suǒyǐ wǒ…
    • So I…
  • L：但我認為這是一個過程。我一定會克服！我會練習數學…
    • Dàn wǒ rènwéi zhè shì yīgè guòchéng. Wǒ yīdìng huì kèfú! Wǒ huì liànxí shùxué…
    • But I believe this is a process. I will definitely overcome it! I will practice math…
  • P：好了！夠了！問題不是數學，問題是… 鳳梨。
    • Hǎole! Gòule! Wèntí bùshì shùxué, wèntí shì… fènglí.
    • Ok! Enough! The problem isn’t math, the problem is… pineapples.
  • L：問題是鳳梨？
    • Wèntí shì fènglí? 
    • The problem is pineapples?
  • P：對，鳳梨這個話題，不適合作為論文題目！
    • Duì, fènglí zhège huàtí, bùshìhé zuòwéi lùnwén tímù!
    • Yes, pineapples, this topic, it’s not suitable to be taken as a thesis topic!
  • L：不適合？
    • Bùshìhé?
    • Not suitable?
  • P：對！所以，很抱歉，我只能拒絕你目前的論文。
    • Duì! Suǒyǐ, hěn bàoqiàn, wǒ zhǐ néng jùjué nǐ mùqián dì lùnwén.
    • That’s right! So, I’m sorry, I can only reject your current thesis.
  • L：不會吧！
    • Bù huì ba! 
    • No way!
  • P：很遺憾。
    • Hěn yíhàn. 
    • It’s a pity.
  • L：不如…. 我就換個主題重寫！
    • Bùrú…. Wǒ jiù huàn gè zhǔtí chóng xiě! 
    • How about… I just change my topic and rewrite it!
  • P：你有時間嗎？怕時間不足，你的論文快到期了。
    • Nǐ yǒu shíjiān ma? Pà shíjiān bùzú, nǐ dì lùnwén kuài dào qí le.
    • Do you have time? I’m afraid there’s not enough time. Your thesis is almost due.
  • L：我可以的！我證明給你看！
    • Wǒ kěyǐ de! Wǒ zhèngmíng gěi nǐ kàn!
    • I can do it! I’ll prove it to you!
  • P：好，那你要換什麼主題？
    • Hǎo, nà nǐ yào huàn shénme zhǔtí?
    • Okay, so what thesis topic will you change to?
  • L：我來寫… 酪梨！「酪梨的價格地圖」…
    • Wǒ lái xiě… lùo lí! 「Lùo lí de jiàgé dìtú」
    • I will write about… avocados! 「Avocados, a map of prices.」


Thanks for listening. And thank you so much to the monthly supporters of this podcast!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Chinese, Mandarin, languages, Taiwan No