That’s Really Jen and I went live yesterday on her YouTube channel to talk about tips and tricks of learning Chinese and also answering your questions.
Learn Chinese in China
How to Say KFC Chicken Twister in Chinese
CHINESE PHRASES
I’m here in KFC China, and apparently we’ve ordered a Chinese specialty.
A rare and delicious Beijing Chicken Twister.
Maybe this is a new age specialty? 😂
For those of you who are familiar with Elementary Chinese on YouTube you’ll know that I’m all about teaching you the everyday Chinese you need for daily life here in China.
Screw the textbooks and random vocab that gets you absolutely nowhere. We learn about food, taxis, getting your hair cut, the best books to actually learn Chinese, using AliPay, weird and wonderful ways to learn Chinese, all things VPN related, going to the Dentist, the way to order your Bubble Tea just right, and so much more.
Hi! Welcome To Elementary Chinese! 🙌🏾
WELCOME
We’ve had quite a few new visitors here lately so I thought I’d reintroduce myself, Elementary Chinese, and what we do.
We’re all about learning real Chinese, communicating, and having fun.
I’ve lived in China for 11 years. Don’t worry guys, I promise it gets better.
I teach everyday Chinese to foreigners here in China. I’ve been teaching other teachers, and non-Chinese adults here in China, how to speak Chinese for the past three years.
Can You Put These Bananas In A Bag?
CHINESE PHRASES
Do you want to know my all-time secret tips for learning Chinese?
Talk to locals. Ask questions. Be brave enough to fail. No one is going to laugh at you, sometimes your tones might be off and your ego might deflate slightly, but generally, you’ll encounter upbeat locals who are delighted to help you with your Chinese.
Know a word but not a phrase? Deconstruct it to the simplest form and ask them how they’d say it, like a local. Write it down, or better yet, get them to write it down in pinyin and Chinese characters, and revise later. Repeat the same actions and phrases to memories them, and flashcards. Oh yeah, add them to your flashcard deck to sneak in new useful vocab.
Everyday Cash Register Chinese Practice!
CHINESE VOCAB
Today I’m in a supermarket and we’ll go through from start to finish what to say when paying for items at a cash register.
One of my most useful tips is to go to 7/11 or Family Mart and just listen to how the cashier greets other people in the queue. Listen to how they respond. Listen to how they ask for food items and how the cashier asks for money or methods of payment. Listen to the conversation about scanning QR codes, and using AliPay or WeChat. Write it all down in a note in your phone.
Go back to work and ask your colleagues to decipher your notes. Maybe you missed something and they can help you fill in the blanks. The next day go to the supermarket and listen all over again. Go early, during rush hour when everyone is getting their breakfast just before work. That way there will be more people in the queue and you can listen to the dialogue over and over again.
How To Say Rain In Chinese & Make Small Talk!
CHINESE PHRASES
It’s raining outside. Perfect timing for small-talk in Chinese to boost your listening, connect with locals, and practice your language skills.
Not only British people connect over the weather apparently!