User Comments - jerryrock

Posted on: The Glorious 了(le): Part 2

     A visualization that has helped me, for some uses of le comes from a graphic that I will only describe, because I can’t figure out how to paste a word document into Chinesepod and retain formatting.  Imagine three vertical lines parallel to each other with blank spaces between. If willing, close your eyes, or use a piece of paper to draw and write this out. The left-hand vertical line represents the Past, the middle line the Present, and the right-hand line the future.

   The sentence Wǒ  xué le liǎng nián de zhōngwén (我学了两年的中文) goes from the left-hand vertical line representing the Past, but does not reach the middle line representing the Present. In contrast, the sentence Wǒ  xué le liǎng nián de zhōngwén le (我学了两年的中文了) extends from the left-hand vertical or Past line to the middle or Present vertical line. The first example discusses studying Chinese in the past, without any reference to the present. The second or double le example discusses studying Chinese in the past and continuing up to the present.

   To examine a future completed action, start from the middle or Present vertical line extending toward the Future line. Here the sentence Wǒ  xué le liǎng nián de zhōngwén jiù qù Zhōngguó (我学了两年的中文就去中国) describes what will happen, going to China, when studying Chinese is completed sometime in the future.  Connie will without doubt examine this visualization and hopefully verify it. I hope that she finds it to be correct, and that it is helpful for everyone, as it has been for me. 

Posted on: Cell Phone Connectivity Issues

I also first thought as you do, but then remembered learning in (southern) china the air conditioner (空调) is a true "conditioner" and both can heat, as well as cool. The same is true in my current automobile, an old Saab.

Posted on: Chinese Kung Fu

It works now, so whatever you did seemed to correct the problem. Perhaps check past links since it has occurred previously.

Posted on: Chinese Kung Fu

 Since introduction of the new web pages you cannot simply click on an underlined lesson to go there – you get a message that basically informs you that you must subscribe to access this content, even if you are subscribed. You can access this content by copying and pasting in the search box. Meanwhile, the reference to visiting the Shaolin Temple! This is incorrect. The lesson is an Upper Intermediate one entitled Shaolin Temple.

Posted on: Chinese Kung Fu

Jackie Chan has a compelling story including a biography. His training was arduous, disciplined, and began as a child. In developing his films and the stunts in them, he has suffered numerous physical injuries. He is worthy of admiration.

Posted on: Weighing Yourself on the Street

Shòu shì shòu, dànshì ……..

Posted on: Tables and Chairs

Thanks everyone. I definitely feel freer to speak up after your advice and listening to QW (Lesson ID: QW0004).

Posted on: Tables and Chairs

   I still have some difficulty knowing when to use 对不起 (duìbuqǐ) or 不好意思 (bùhǎo yísi), both of which can mean ‘sorry’. I do see that bùhǎo yísi mostly implies embarrassment, whereas duìbuqǐ implies that you have done something wrong. So, if I bump someone in a crowd or step on their foot, is this a duìbuqǐ or a bùhǎo yísi occasion? This has happened to me without my really knowing how to properly respond.

Posted on: Weighing Yourself on the Street

I calculated BMI (Body Mass Index) for the woman in the dialogue and it comes in at 16. Whether by calculators, or studies that I found, for Western Women or for Chinese Women this turns out to be BMI=16. According to all calculators available this is underweight (and the woman should go home and instantly eat a couple of cheeseburgers). Any comment from those living in China. I have the impression that living in Shanghai may lead one to think too thin is desirable.

Posted on: Tickets Today, Tickets Tomorrow

For the sake of those of us who don't yet know characters (from the website Yellowbridge).

单程 dānchéng

往返 wǎngfǎn