User Comments - John
John
Posted on: Calling Roll
June 12, 2007 at 2:51 AMwwxxgg, I can assure that native speakers do indeed say 在 (zài) as well as 到 (dào). Chinese people write and edit our dialogues.
Posted on: Lili and Zhang Liang 16: It's Over
June 12, 2007 at 2:46 AMkitty, To be honest, I never liked the Lili character much. Zhang Liang can do much better (once he stops being such a wuss). That's a withered, dried up flower in the picture.
Posted on: Lesson
June 12, 2007 at 2:08 AMf1b1, In Mandarin the "please" goes at the beginning of the sentence rather than at the end. You would have to change the sentence to something like this: 请给我面。 (Qǐng gěi wǒ miàn) The sentence in the podcast dialogue is more natural for ordering noodles, though.
Posted on: Giving an Example
May 31, 2007 at 6:41 AMalexzye, I don't think I understand your question. What do you mean by "show an example?"
Posted on: I can't buy my size
May 31, 2007 at 4:18 AMYes, the Grammar Guide is still very much in the works. In fact, I'm working on it right now...
Posted on: I can't buy my size
May 29, 2007 at 7:43 AM(Just in case you don't know, Connie is a member of the Academic Team.) To sum up Connie's reply: 1. 尺码 (chǐmǎ) and 大小 (dàxiǎo) both mean "size," but they are used in different ways. 尺码 (chǐmǎ) in normally used for shoes and clothes, referring to a specific size number. 大小 (dàxiǎo) can be used for anything 2. 没的卖 (méi de mài) is correct. *没得卖 (méi de mài) is incorrect. The pattern is: 有的 / 没的＋动词 (yǒu de / méi de + dòngcí) have sth. to V / not have sth. to V.
Posted on: I can't buy my size
May 29, 2007 at 4:06 AMThis lesson is very close to my heart. I confess: I am the inspiration. (shoe size 13)
Posted on: Lili and Zhang Liang 15: Uncomfortable Encounter in a Bar
May 28, 2007 at 2:16 AMTim, Yeah, it was good meeting you too! I very rarely get "recognized," so it's always a surprise. Don't worry, we'll keep on truckin'...
Posted on: Playing the Stock Market
May 28, 2007 at 1:30 AMconrad, I often translate 废话 into something like "no sh*t, sherlock!" in my head. It frequently has that tone.
Posted on: Lili and Zhang Liang 16: It's Over
June 12, 2007 at 3:06 AMchangye, Thanks. It is one of the joys of my job to be able to find pictures of dried flowers that look like fried pigeons.