User Comments - akalovid
akalovid
Posted on: WithstAnding 和，跟，and 与
March 27, 2013 at 1:43 PMThank you, you have added a very useful phrase to my inventory! I am far away from an elementary understanding of "and" in chinese, but I shall try to carve these examples into my brain!
Posted on: Tone Controversies
March 25, 2013 at 2:19 PMIt definetely does depend on the area. One of many examples: While the dictionary says 顆 (mw for hearts, stars) is first tone, numerous Chinese friends will pronounce it as fourth.
I recently used this word among a group of Chinese people, alowing me to be sure that they use differing pronounciations.
Posted on: Tone Controversies
March 25, 2013 at 2:11 PMSeconded that. I would love a Qingwen about some differences between 普通話 and Taiwanese Mandarin!
Posted on: More than 50 kuai!
March 20, 2013 at 3:30 PM我很喜歡這個＂請問＂。我以前沒明白＂一百多塊＂和＂一百塊多＂的意思這麼不同！
But: what if I want to say: "when the number is larger than 30" WITHOUT specifying that it lies below 40? Such situations will often arise, if I ever get to the point where I can speak Chinese to students.
Posted on: Sending Emails
March 8, 2013 at 1:37 PMGood question! Have you found out the answer?
Posted on: A Snake Discovery
March 4, 2013 at 7:28 PMIt seems to me you are much more advanced than I am, but until someone more skilled comes along, I propose:
2. 蟒蛇是世界上最长的蛇。它大约xxx米长。
1. 水蟒是世界上最重的蛇。重达大约xxx公斤。
Posted on: Talking about Mistakes (Part 1)
December 13, 2012 at 1:06 PMOh yes. Too bad I can't dwell on the mistakes of the Greek-learners here. Because of the historical orhography there are sooo many! And the intonation (although easy) is producing jewels :)
Posted on: They're Twins!
December 13, 2012 at 12:49 PMInteresting. Us Greeks always ask the same question!
What I'd also like to know: I think there are certain slight behavioural traits among older siblings and younger siblings. At the risk of being kicked around by my fellow poddies I'd say younger siblings are more care-free and less responsible. I wonder whether that applies to twins. I would be suprised, as it would indicate the reason is different from parental strictness. Obviously one (twin ;)) example wouldn't be conclusive.
Posted on: Talking about Mistakes (Part 1)
December 13, 2012 at 12:36 PMI know that guy probably speaks English a lot better than I speak Chinese, but still, this is so funny I will have to retell it countless times :)
Posted on: Tone Controversies
March 27, 2013 at 2:23 PM多謝你的鼓勵！
Thanks for you encouragement!
我將聽你的建議。
I shall closely listen to your advice.
我最近經常用skype跟中國朋友們一起聊天。
These days I frequently use skype to chat with Chinese friends.
但不能每天都找到中國人為了聊天。
But I can't find one to chat every day.
我以前很少和服務員談為了我擔心太多外國人做這樣。
Up to now I rarely spoke to the waiters, as I was concerned too many foreigners do that.
I am grateful you wrote so much to encourage us!