Local Lingo

Language is the road map of a culture. In this column, we will invite expats to introduce their favorite Chinese words, phrases, idioms, poems and more in a one-minute video. We hope this column will be a window through which you can better understand Chinese culture, mindset and wit. Have something to share? Please contact juliezhu@shanghaidaily.com.

Language is the road map of a culture. In this column, we will invite expats to introduce their favorite Chinese words, phrases, idioms, poems and more in a one-minute video. We hope this column will be a window through which you can better understand Chinese culture, mindset and wit. Have something to share? Please contact juliezhu@shanghaidaily.com.

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 104: 三人行必有我师 (sān rén xíng bì yǒu wǒ shī‌‌‌‌) - Art & Culture in China

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 104: 三人行必有我师 (sān rén xíng bì yǒu wǒ shī‌‌‌‌)

This phrase not only represents a thirst for knowledge but also reflects the admirable quality of humbly learning from others.

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 103:来日方长(lai ri fang chang‌‌‌‌) - Art & Culture in China

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 103:来日方长(lai ri fang chang‌‌‌‌)

Singaporean student Maureen believes that this Chinese proverb carries multiple meanings and is highly versatile.

2025-03-17 21:31 0

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 102: 班味 (ban wei) - Art & Culture in China

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 102: 班味 (ban wei)

When Chinese friends introduced Jamie from Singapore to this self-deprecatingly humorous expression, she felt a deep resonance.

2025-03-11 17:38 0

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 101: 不经冬寒,不知春暖 (bu jing dong han, bu zhi chun nuan‌‌) - Art & Culture in China

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 101: 不经冬寒,不知春暖 (bu jing dong han, bu zhi chun nuan‌‌)

For Singaporean youth Isaac Teo, this Chinese phrase best captures the essence of this seasonal transition.

2025-03-03 17:01 0

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 100: 绝绝子 (jue jue zi) - Art & Culture in China

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 100: 绝绝子 (jue jue zi)

Singaporean student Jerad wanted to compliment his new classmate's outfit. In response, his classmate taught him this fun Chinese buzzword.

2025-02-24 22:27 0

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 99: 情人眼里出西施 (qing ren yan li chu xi shi) - Art & Culture in China

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 99: 情人眼里出西施 (qing ren yan li chu xi shi)

This proverb helped Marina, a Ukrainian, realize that beauty is subjective, and it inspired her to adopt a more open and peaceful outlook.

2025-02-08 18:12 0

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 98: 愿新年,胜旧年 (yuàn xīn nián , shèng jiù nián) - Art & Culture in China

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 98: 愿新年,胜旧年 (yuàn xīn nián , shèng jiù nián)

Nan Zhuhyung, a Korean student studying at Fudan University, expressed her New Year's wishes with the phrase.

2025-01-26 12:25 0

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 97: 水滴石穿 (shui di shi chuan) - Art & Culture in China

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 97: 水滴石穿 (shui di shi chuan)

This idiom not only motivates Jennie in learning Chinese culture, but also inspires her to encourage others to stay focused and make steady progress towards their goals.

2025-01-21 14:27 0

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 96: 我喝茶 (wǒ hē chá) - Art & Culture in China

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 96: 我喝茶 (wǒ hē chá)

Magalie, from New York, is a tea enthusiast. She loves spending hours in teahouses around the city, enjoying the pleasure of drinking tea and chatting with friends.

2025-01-12 22:54 0

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 95: 开卷有益 (kāi juàn yǒu yì) - Art & Culture in China

'Local lingo: Express yourself!' Episode 95: 开卷有益 (kāi juàn yǒu yì)

Fiorella, an Ecuadorian girl, has a deep love for reading. Every time she reads an article or a book, she learns a lot, which fuels her curiosity to further explore her interests.

2025-01-03 14:26 0