User Comments - JasonSch

Posted on: Renting an Apartment through an Agent, 2

Great to hear that Edwarden. We intentionally discussed our real-life experiences with the teachers when putting this series together. Hope the next few will help out again down the road.

Posted on: Negotiating a Deadline

Hi Zhuimi,

Thanks for pointing out the 国外 mistakes. It should, of course, be 'abroad', not 'America'. I let my identity and experience with the language affect the translation. And no, the irony is not lost on me! ;)

As for 底线, although in some contexts it can translated as 'deadline', it more precisely means 'minimum (standard)', or 'bottom line'. In the sentence, 这是我们的底限，绝对不能再让步了！the speakers are more than likely involved in a sort of negotiation, and therefore 'minimum', or 'bottom line' are arguably the most appropriate translations.

“远在天边， 近在眼前” is a line from the book, 《二十年目睹之怪现状》. The full line is, “原来远在天边，近在眼前！无论如何，你总要代我拉了来的。” and is used to express the something/one you're looking for is right has been right in front of you all along. It's similar to the English, 'right under one's nose'. I left it somewhat literal in an effort to make the meaning more clear. Hope that helps!

Posted on: Help at the ATM

I should also add, that 确认 is used more similarly to the English, 'to make sure of', than 确定. So, if you want to say something like, 'I think the movie starts at 5pm, but let me call and make sure', you would use 确认, not 确定. After all, you're not setting the time, you're simply checking it. I used to make this mistake all the time!

Posted on: Help at the ATM

Hi there,

确认 means to confirm or to affirm, whereas, 确定 means to fix, define, or something like, to make definite.

As an example, to 确定地点 would mean to decide on (concretely) a location, and 确认地点 would mean to confirm that location (presumably after it's been decided upon).

Hope that helps. Let us know if you need a bit more explanation.

Posted on: Express Train or High-speed Train?

Trains are the way to go! If I have the time, I'd much rather take a sleeper cross-country than an airplane. Some of my best memories of traveling are on trains.

Jealous that you've taken the Trans-Siberian, by the way. Always been a dream of mine.

Posted on: Discussing a Thesis Topic with an Advisor

There is actually a temporary housing unit for the workers who are building a hotel on the Cpod office's street (also where I live) that's been up for almost a year now. Walking by it often over the last while, I'd say the most common leisurely activity I see people taking part in is definitely cards. (sometimes very late at night as well) I haven't noticed any gambling, but I wasn't paying a lot of attention. Maybe they're just playing 斗地主, you never know. :)

Posted on: Discussing a Thesis Topic with an Advisor

A friend of a friend of mine did his masters at Harvard doing documentaries mostly focused on China. (His undergrad was in East Asian Studies, and he spent about 5 years in China before doing his post-grad work) His biggest production that I know of is a film that follows the lives of a group of migrant workers (construction workers) from Sichuan. I haven't seen it myself, but I've heard it's quite good and it's been well received. I'll try to find a link, or more info for anyone that's interested. 

Posted on: Which Subway Exit

I'm in NYC right now, and I gotta say, after riding the MTA for the last few days, I have a much deeper appreciation for the Shanghai metro system now. So seamless, and oh so new. 

Posted on: 电影故事一

Glad you like it! I had a blast translating it. It's shorter than the Love Tangle series (for now anyway...), but the story is a ton of fun. Keep at it!

Posted on: Sex Education Class

哈哈！不是故意做的。我发誓！