In this edition: the earthquake in Myanmar, Cycling around Qinghai Lake, AI in China, iShowSpeed’s China tour, Chinese slang words and we look back on China’s Cultural Revolution with French sinologist Marie Holzman.
The day after the Myanmar – Thailand earthquake
This video gives a first hand account by Eileen who happened to be in Bangkok when the earthquake (地震 – dìzhèn) happened. The day after, she decided to visit the site of the collapsed building that was under construction where about 80 people were trapped inside, their fates unknown.
Difficulty level: HSK 5
| Chinese | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 非常的吓人 | fēicháng de xiàrén | Very frightening |
| 往楼下冲 | wǎng lóuxià chōng | Rush downstairs |
| 地震 | dìzhèn | Earthquake |
| 晃动 | huǎngdòng | Shaking, swaying |
| 困在里面 | kùn zài lǐmiàn | Trapped inside |
| 我的心在扑通扑通地跳 | wǒ de xīn zài pūtōng pūtōng de tiào | My heart was pounding |
| 正在修建的大楼 | zhèngzài xiūjiàn de dàlóu | A building under construction |
| 在几秒内完全坍塌 | zài jǐ miǎo nèi wánquán tāntā | Completely collapsed within seconds |
| 成为一堆废墟 | chéngwéi yì duī fèixū | Became a pile of rubble |
| 生死未卜 | shēngsǐ wèibǔ | Life or death unknown |
| 无法停止思考 | wúfǎ tíngzhǐ sīkǎo | Unable to stop thinking |
| 我的情绪几乎崩溃 | wǒ de qíngxù jīhū bēngkuì | My emotions almost collapsed / I nearly broke down |
Chinese summary: 这段视频向观众讲述了泰国地震带来的严重灾情。视频制作者亲自前往地震现场，拍摄了坍塌的高楼，并采访了参与救援的紧急人员以及现场的目击者。一些建筑工人仍然被困在废墟中，情况十分危险，生死未卜，令人揪心。与此同时，当地天气酷热，给救援工作带来了极大的困难和挑战。视频不仅记录了灾难现场的真实画面，也表达了对受害者的关心与对救援人员的敬意。
Cycling around Qinghai Lake
Spoiler alert: it turns out you can’t cycle around Qinghai Lake (青海湖 – Qīnghǎi Hú), the “eye” of the map’s rabbit-shaped province. Most roads are closed off and monitored by cameras, but you can camp by the lakeside if you’re willing to brave the loneliness and cold like this Chinese YouTuber did. Also, hats off to the beautiful drone (无人机 – wúrénjī) footage of this giant lake on the Chinese highlands.
Difficulty level: HSK 4-5
| Chinese | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 青海湖 | Qīnghǎi Hú | Qinghai Lake |
| 骑行 | qíxíng | Cycling |
| 防晒帽子 | fángshài màozi | Sun-protection hat |
| 无人机 | wúrénjī | Drone |
| 野生动物 | yěshēng dòngwù | Wild animals |
| 真的是一分价钱一分货 | zhēn de shì yì fēn jiàqián yì fēn huò | You get what you pay for (lit. one price for one quality) |
| 补充能量 | bǔchōng néngliàng | Replenish energy |
| 春暖花开了 | chūnnuǎn huākāi le | Spring has arrived (lit. warm spring, flowers bloom) |
| 不起作用 | bù qǐ zuòyòng | Doesn’t work / ineffective |
| 露营 | lùyíng | Camping |
Chinese summary: 一位中国旅行视频博主戴着防晒帽，在青海湖边骑行。他一边骑车，一边用无人机拍摄野生动物，画面非常美。不过很可惜，他原本想走的一些路线被堵住了，只能临时改变计划。虽然晚上天气很冷，他还是在湖边搭帐篷露营，感受大自然的安静和美丽。在视频中，他也分享了旅途中遇到的困难和自己的感受。
Socializing for Chinese people
Reading between the lines is a well-known expression (听话听音 – tīng huà tīng yīn – is a Chinese expression with a similar meaning). And no matter how much you have read about Chinese etiquette and manners, it can still happen time and again that you miss crucial signals and think you are being invited to dinner when in fact they mean the opposite (“我改天请你吃饭”). This video is about exactly that. It reassures me somewhat that the Chinese themselves do not always interpret everything correctly and actually find it a lot of hassle – the politeness and maintaining a huge network of ‘guanxi’ (关系) with all the informal obligations that entails.
Difficulty level: HSK 5
| Chinese | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 我改天请你吃饭 | wǒ gǎitiān qǐng nǐ chīfàn | I’ll treat you to a meal another day |
| 社交的礼仪 | shèjiāo de lǐyí | Social etiquette |
| 找关系 | zhǎo guānxi | Look for connections (to get help/favors) |
| 托关系 | tuō guānxi | Pull strings / use connections |
| 做手术 | zuò shǒushù | Have surgery |
| 杀熟 | shā shoú | Take advantage of someone you know |
| 含蓄地拒绝别人 | hánxù de jùjué biérén | Subtly reject someone |
| 以后再说吧 | yǐhòu zài shuō ba | Let’s talk about it later (often a polite decline) |
| 听话听音 | tīng huà tīng yīn | Read between the lines |
| 我再考虑考虑 | wǒ zài kǎolǜ kǎolǜ | I’ll think it over some more |
| 你有过这样的误会吗？ | nǐ yǒu guò zhèyàng de wùhuì ma? | Have you ever had this kind of misunderstanding? |
| 很委婉 | hěn wěiwǎn | Very tactful / euphemistic |
| 无效社交 | wúxiào shèjiāo | Ineffective social interaction |
| 交浅言深 | jiāo qiǎn yán shēn | Speaking too deeply in a shallow relationship (too much too soon) |
Chinese summary: 在这段视频中，两位中文老师讨论了与中国人交往时应注意的社交礼仪。他们特别强调了一个重要的沟通原则——“听话听音”。意思是，在与中国人交流时，不能只听对方字面上的话，而要注意话背后的真实意思。因为在中国文化中，人们往往说话比较含蓄、委婉，不会直接表达拒绝或不满。因此，理解语气、语境和潜台词非常重要。视频中还举了一些具体例子，帮助观众理解如何在实际交流中正确“听懂”中国人的真正意思。
Do The Chinese Fear AI? | Street Interview
You thought the Chinese are scared of AI? Absolutely not – they’re early adapters. At least, that’s true for most people interviewed by Asian Boss in this video. I wouldn’t be surprised that developments around AI in China are going much faster than here in Europe. It will certainly be interesting to watch this video again in a few years and see where we stand then.
Difficulty level: HSK 5/6
| Chinese | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 非常的火爆 | fēicháng de huǒbào | Extremely popular / trending |
| 支持收银收入 | zhīchí shōuyín shōurù | Supports cashier revenue / helps increase earnings |
| 我基本上每天都会用 | wǒ jīběn shàng měitiān doūhuì yòng | I basically use it every day |
| 有利也有弊 | yǒulì yě yǒu bì | There are pros and cons |
| 有好有坏 | yǒu hǎo yǒu huài | There are pros and cons |
| 用AI的频率很多 | yòng AI de pínlǜ hěn duō | AI is used very frequently |
| 有一定的了解 | yǒu yídìng de liǎojiě | Have a certain level of understanding |
| 深度学习 | shēndù xuéxí | Deep learning |
| 算法 | suànfǎ | Algorithm |
| AI的革命 | AI de gémìng | The AI revolution |
| 高脑力的工作 | gāo nǎolì de gōngzuò | High-cognitive (mental) work |
Chinese summary: 这段视频的主题是中国人对人工智能（AI）的看法。大部分受访者表示，他们经常使用AI，不太担心AI会取代自己的工作。不过，大多数人也承认，人工智能确实正在对各行各业带来明显的变化，尤其在工作流程、岗位要求以及技能结构方面，影响越来越大。
We were so broke teaching Chinese
Extremely interesting to hear from two Chinese teachers what they earned at the beginning of their careers. It was very little. I know it all too well as a former freelance German teacher. Two hours commuting for one hour of teaching, students who don’t show up, little money for much preparation etc. Yet you notice that both ladies are not dissatisfied with their work and life situation. After all, teaching offers a lot of creative space, freedom and also meaning through supporting others.
Difficulty level: HSK 4-5
| Chinese | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 乱花钱 | luàn huā qián | Spend money recklessly |
| 那个时候你有多穷 | nàge shíhou nǐ yǒu duō qióng | How poor were you at that time? |
| 住过最差的地方 | zhù guò zuì chà de dìfāng | Lived in the worst place |
| 接受这样的条件 | jiēshòu zhèyàng de tiáojiàn | Accept such conditions |
| 厕所不能冲水 | cèsuǒ bù néng chōng shuǐ | The toilet couldn’t flush |
| 每天浪费很多时间在路上 | měitiān làngfèi hěn duō shíjiān zài lùshàng | Waste a lot of time commuting every day |
| 当中文老师必须要经历的 | dāng Zhōngwén lǎoshī bìxū yào jīnglì de | Something Chinese teachers must go through |
| 房间不透气 | fángjiān bù tòuqì | The room is not ventilated |
| 硬币 | yìngbì | Coin |
| 我也有差不多的经历 | wǒ yě yǒu chàbuduō de jīnglì | I had a similar experience |
| 遇到不尊重你的人 | yùdào bù zūnzhòng nǐ de rén | Encounter people who don’t respect you |
| 对老师很苛刻 | duì lǎoshī hěn kēkè | Very harsh toward teachers |
| 理想主义 | lǐxiǎng zhǔyì | Idealism |
| 自己开心比赚很多钱更重要 | zìjǐ kāixīn bǐ zhuàn hěn duō qián gèng zhòngyào | Being happy is more important than making lots of money |
| 疯狂买东西 | fēngkuáng mǎi dōngxī | Go on a shopping spree / shop like crazy |
| 让你充实的工作 | ràng nǐ chōngshí de gōngzuò | Work that makes you feel fulfilled |
Chinese summary: 这段视频里，两位中文老师聊了聊他们刚开始教中文时候的生活情况。他们说那时候经济挺紧张的，住的地方也比较简单，赚钱也不多，勉强够自己生活。虽然教中文的收入不是很高，也没有特别好的经济前景，但他们还是不想换工作。他们觉得当老师挺有意义的，喜欢和学生交流的感觉，所以就一直坚持下来了。
iShowSpeed in China explained (by Wang Zhi An)
Chinese Journalist in exile 王志安 recaps iShowSpeed’s much-watched China tour and gives his take on the matter. Was this extended visit possible without top-level approval? Were the livestreams staged? For 王志安, there is no doubt about it. In fact, Chinese newspapers are full of praise for the American influencer’s arrival in China (and that’s usually a sign). Finally, the world can behold the “unfiltered China”, the big Chinese newspapers titled. 王志安 and his team dig even deeper (from minute 30) and show that Chinese “communication experts” (to avoid the word ‘propaganda’) have published extensively on the use of foreign influencers to improve the image of China abroad.
Difficulty level: HSK 6
| Chinese | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 甲亢哥 | jiǎkàng gē | “Hyperthyroid Brother” (nickname for someone overly energetic or intense, often used online) |
| 表情非常夸张 | biǎoqíng fēicháng kuāzhāng | Exaggerated facial expressions |
| 反反复复唱 | fǎn fǎn fù fù chàng | Sing repeatedly / over and over |
| 阳光彩虹小白马 | yángguāng cǎihóng xiǎo báimǎ | Sunshine Rainbow Little White Horse (a meme/viral song title with overly sweet vibes) |
| 少林寺 | Shàolínsì | Shaolin Temple |
| 传统文化 | chuántǒng wénhuà | Traditional culture |
| 没有滤镜的真实中国 | méiyǒu lǜjìng de zhēnshí Zhōngguó | The real China without filters |
| 抹黑中国 | mǒhēi Zhōngguó | Slander China / Paint China in a bad light |
Chinese summary: 中国记者王志安在这段视频里聊到了YouTuber“甲亢哥”来中国访问的事情。他讨论的重点是：甲亢哥的直播算不算是在帮中国做宣传？也就是说，中国政府有没有在利用他，把中国包装得更好看。王志安在视频里分析得挺深入，不但观点清楚，还拿出了一些具体的例子和事实来说明。他的看法也引发了大家对媒体、公关手法和中外舆论传播的一些思考。
18 Chinese Slang words You Need TO KNOW
Looking for some Chinese slang words to pretend you’re native? I think this video covers some pretty interesting ones. My personal favorites, although not included in the video:
1. 狗肉包子
- Pinyin: gǒuròu bāozi
- Literally: “a steamed bun stuffed with dog meat”
- Meaning/usage: Something or someone whose true nature or quality is hidden beneath a pleasant exterior or deceptive appearances; “a wolf in sheep’s clothing.” (My son has been called this, because he was acting very brave, but when push came to shove, he was actually afraid.)
- Example: 他这个人就是个狗肉包子，看着和气，其实心狠得很。
Tā zhège rén jiùshì ge gǒuròu bāozi, kànzhe héqì, qíshí xīnhěn de hěn.
“This person looks friendly but is actually ruthless—a classic example of deceptive appearances.”
2. 软桃子
- Pinyin: ruǎn táozi
- Literally: “soft peach”
- Meaning/usage: An easy target; someone who’s easy to bully or take advantage of; someone who does not resist or fight back.
- Example: 别以为我是软桃子，想欺负我可没那么容易！
Bié yǐwéi wǒ shì ruǎn táozi, xiǎng qīfu wǒ kě méi nàme róngyì!
“Don’t assume I’m an easy target – it’s not that easy to bully me!”
3. 老油条
- Pinyin: lǎo yóutiáo
- Literally: “old fried dough stick”
- Meaning/usage: A slick, worldly-wise, and cunning person, experienced at navigating complicated situations, often with negative connotations of cunning or craftiness. (If you’ve eaten 油条, especially not freshly fried ones, you probably get the meaning)
- Example: 他是职场上的老油条了，什么场面都见过。
Tā shì zhíchǎng shàng de lǎo yóutiáo le, shénme chǎngmiàn dōu jiànguò.
“He’s an old hand in the workplace; he’s seen it all.”
Difficulty level: HSK 4-5
| Chinese | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 一帆风顺 | yī fān fēng shùn | Smooth sailing, everything goes well |
| 吃瓜群众 | chī guā qúnzhòng | Onlookers (internet slang for people who watch gossip) |
| 996 | jiǔ jiǔ liù | 996 work schedule (9 AM to 9 PM, 6 days a week) |
| 自由职业者 | zìyóu zhíyè zhě | Freelancer |
| 吃土 | chī tǔ | “Eating dirt” (broke, out of money) |
| 喝西北风 | hē xīběifēng | “Drink the northwest wind” (poor, no food/money) |
| 放羊 | fàng yáng | Herding sheep (literally) / Letting things go (figuratively) |
| 装逼 | zhuāng bī | Pretentious, showing off (vulgar slang) |
| 土豪 | tǔháo | Rich but uncultured person (“nouveau riche”) |
| 二逼 | èr bī | Idiot, fool (vulgar slang) |
| 蠢蛋 | chǔndàn | Fool, idiot |
| 斗争到底 | dòuzhēng dàodǐ | Fight to the end, struggle to the finish |
| 吃饱了没事干 | chī bǎo le méi shì gàn | Nothing better to do (sarcastic remark) |
| 不管三七二十一 | bùguǎn sān qī èr shí yī | Regardless of consequences, act recklessly |
| 病急乱投医 | bìng jí luàn tóu yī | Desperate times call for desperate measures |
| 临时抱佛脚 | línshí bào fójiǎo | Last-minute cramming, seeking help in desperation |
| 宅男 | zháinán | Homebody guy, nerd |
| 宅女 | zháinǚ | Homebody girl, nerd |
Chinese summary: 这段视频给中文学习者介绍了一些很常用的中文俚语，比如“装逼”和“喝西北风”。视频里不仅解释了这些词是什么意思，还举了例子教大家在什么情况下可以用。像“装逼”就是形容一个人爱炫耀、喜欢表现自己；“喝西北风”则是说一个人没钱、过得很苦，连饭都快吃不上了。这些词虽然有点口语，但在日常对话里经常能听到，学会了会让中文听起来更地道。
Interview: China’s Cultural Revolution through the eyes of an international student
Marie Holzman is a French sinologist. To my shame I must admit that I did not know her, but this interview with 王志安 has changed that. In the conversation she talks about her time in Beijing after the death of Mao (the Beijing Spring) and how she later became the voice abroad for Chinese political activists, among other things as a translator and author.
Difficulty level: HSK 4/5
| Chinese | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 太残酷 | tài cánkù | Too cruel |
| 富裕 | fùyù | Wealthy, affluent |
| 游行 | yóuxíng | Parade, protest march |
| 恐惧 | kǒngjù | Fear |
| 监督 | jiāndū | Supervise, monitor |
| 看腻了 | kàn nì le | Tired of seeing it |
| 一遍又一遍 | yí biàn yòu yí biàn | Over and over again |
| 贴大字报 | tiē dàzìbào | Post big-character posters (propaganda/slogans) |
| 刺激 | cìjī | Stimulate; provoke |
| 审判 | shěnpàn | Trial, judgment |
| 法院 | fǎyuàn | Court |
| 录音机 | lùyīnjī | Tape recorder |
| 翻译文章 | fānyì wénzhāng | Translate articles |
| 呼吁释放 | hūyù shìfàng | Call for release |
| 拍马屁 | pāi mǎpì | Flatter, suck up |
| 被判刑 | bèi pànxíng | Be sentenced |
| 人才的浪费 | réncái de làngfèi | Waste of talent |
| 谈话喝茶 | tánhuà hē chá | “Have a talk over tea” (euphemism for interrogation by authorities) |
| 叛徒 | pàntú | Traitor |
| 国家机密 | guójiā jīmì | State secret |
| 坐牢 | zuòláo | Go to prison; serve a prison sentence |
Chinese summary: 这段视频里，中国记者王志安采访了法国的汉学家玛丽·侯斯曼（Marie Holzman）。她是在毛泽东去世后去北京上大学的，那时候开始学中文，也对中国文化特别感兴趣。后来，她关注到中国的一些民主运动，还支持了一些相关的活动人士。在采访中，她分享了自己在中国的经历，以及她怎么看中国社会的发展和变化。整个对话内容挺深入的，也让人思考很多问题。
I hope you enjoyed this April edition. I’ll be back with more Chinese vocabulary notes in the next month!
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