The Chinese you need.
BOOK REVIEW
Way back when I first started to learn Chinese, I was based in Paris, France. I know, a strange place to start learning Chinese. But, that’s a story for another time.
This book was hugely popular and very common among Europeans learning Chinese. I’ve finally got around to reviewing it. Let’s see whether it really does help you learn Chinese with ease?
CHINESE PHRASES
One of the most frequent questions I get from students on my online course speakeverydaychinese.com is “what do I ask in a restaurant or bubble tea shop when I want to know what the server recommends?”
It’s tough when there are so many choices. Decision fatigue is real. It’s even harder when you can’t read half the stuff on the menu and you just want to eat delicious hot food or the most popular bubble tea drink.
Today I’ll teach you (and myself) how to ask what dish or drink the restaurant recommends. Read below to find out how.
USEFUL CHINESE
Last week we learned all about the vocabulary you need to order Bubble Tea here in China. Have you gone outside into the big wide world and used your new-found language? Let me know in the comments below.
This week we’ll be learning how to order takeout food in Chinese, on the phone. This is something that a lot of my students struggle with. And, I can understand why. The person on the phone has no idea you’re not Chinese and therefore speakers super quickly, often in a crazy dialect, sometimes it’s hard to hear them over the phone or you stumble on your words.
Fear not my brave Chinese learners. Let’s get you ready to easily order Chinese takeout on the phone. You’ll never quiver at a phone ringing again, instead, you’ll confidently answer and respond with ease.
BUBBLE TEA
Last week we learned how to order bubble tea. This week we’ll expand on your vocab so you have no issues ordering it just the way you like it.
CHINESE VOCAB
Let’s order bubble tea together!
You can learn the correct vocabulary whilst I order, write down the phrases and go outside to the big wide world and order bubble tea confidentially in Chinese.
What would you like?
你要什么
nǐ yào shén me
I’d like a bubble tea.
来一杯珍珠奶茶
lái yī bēi zhēn zhū nǎi chá
Want it hot or cold?
要凉的还是热的?
yào liáng de hái shì rè de?
Need ice?
需要加冰块吗?
xū yāo jiā bīng kuài ma?
I don’t want ice.*
我不要冰块
wǒ bù yào bīng kuài
*because ice takes up space which means less bubble tea 😋
That’s all you need. Follow this script. Listen and relisten to the video above.
Any questions?
Or other things you’d like to learn? Leave a comment below.
The language that Chinese tutors don’t teach you, everyday phrases and words that actually help you manage day-to-day tasks? Well, my friends, you are in luck.
Welcome to the Elementary Chinese blog! If you’re new here, hello 👋🏾 and welcome. I’m so pleased you’re here. Check out the resources page for all the tools you need to succeed. Need advice about VPNs? Head over to my VPN master guide and if you’re in need of a book to help you along your Chinese language learning journey then read this post.
A quick and important disclosure:
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CHINESE VOCAB
If you’re a foodie, China is one of the best places to be. Choices range from delicious noodles, dumplings, breakfast buns, tea eggs, bubble tea, street snacks, to local specialties. Jellyfish anyone?
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve eaten in China? Comment below.
If you’re been watching my videos for a while, you’ll know that I am 100% a foodie. I often film my journey for tasty snacks and share the vocabulary I use so that you can learn the language you need to fill your belly with all the delicious local foods.
This week we’ll be learning how to say flatbread with accompanying vocabulary so you can use Chinese like a pro.