Learn Chinese: the rain – Chinese Characters and Nature
November 5, 2013
The ancient Chinese incorporated their observations and awareness of nature into the shapes of Chinese characters. Learn Chinese: 雨(yu, rain) The character for “雨” offers a clear depiction of rainfall. The horizontal line on top..
Learn MoreStudy Chinese: “自” (zì) and “耳”(ěr)
November 5, 2013
Below the eyes is the nose. The ancient character for “自” just look like a nose. The original meaning of this character was “nose”. Today, the character “鼻” (bí, “the nose”) still has the character..
Learn MoreStudy Chinese: (1) Chinese characters and food
November 5, 2013
The Chinese people are very particular about eating. There is an old saying that says “food is the paramount necessity of the people”. This concept is also reflected in Chinese characters. Study Chinese with Keats..
Learn MoreThe Intelligence in Dumplings
November 5, 2013
Dumplings feature in many Chinese sayings, one being, “Dumplings are better than delicious food, lying down in better than simple comfort.” Other sayings with similar references are, “Dumplings as you leave, noodles when you return,”..
Learn MoreAre you married?
November 5, 2013
When you contact with a Chinese, if it comes to marriage and questions about children, these sorts of inquiries are mainly used for getting to know people better. For Chinese people, being able to talk..
Learn MoreChinese Characters and Sacrificial Worship (Ⅱ)
November 5, 2013
神(shén) In ancient times, people were limited in terms of both productivity and their cognitive abilities. At all times, nature threatened people’s survival. People were thus afraid of this kind of mystical power, and believed..
Learn MoreNanjing: the most mournful city
November 5, 2013
A magazine ran a column on the special characteristics of different cities, and Nanjing earned a peculiar superlative as the most mournful city in China. They believed that Nanjing had suffered a painful story, and..
Learn MoreShouldering rice for about 100 li
November 4, 2013
Zhongyou, with Zilu or Jilu his literary name, was one of the favorite disciples of Confucius and came from the State of Lu in the Spring and Autumn Period. He ws straightforward, brave and filial…
Learn MoreThe Tu Nationality: Eating
November 4, 2013
The Tu people mainly feed on highland barley, wheat and potato and make a dozen kinds of vegetables like radish, Chinese cabbage and lettuce. In their daily life, they have Chinese sauerkraut, with meat as..
Learn MoreChinese wedding preparations: The lucky southeast direction
November 4, 2013
Before sending the dowries to the bridegroom’s home, the bride’s family would display all the dowries in the courtyard or on the empty ground. After the display, the trousseaux would be loaded onto the dowry..
Learn More