User Comments - amber
amber
Posted on: Sweet Watermelon
June 18, 2007 at 2:27 AMjlsweberg, That's right, all the same 草 (cǎo)... that's what I love about Chinese, it keeps building on itself, the longer you learn: 草莓 (cǎoméi) strawberry 香草 (xiāngcǎo) vanilla 草地 (cǎodì) lawn, meadow
Posted on: Reduplication of Verbs
June 18, 2007 at 2:23 AMfoleadu, Good question, and I think you've wrapped your head around it. Here are a few further details about which verbs take on which reduplication pattern: Here are some examples of verbs that only reduplicate the first word (AAB pattern): 聊聊天 (liáoliáotiān) to have a chat 睡睡觉 (shuìshuìjiao) to go to sleep 游游泳 (yóuyóuyǒng) to go for a swim Generally, the verbs that are reduplicated in this way (AAB) are those in which the first character can also be used on its own, retaining its same meaning. For example, 聊聊天 (liáoliáotian), you could also just say 聊 (liáo), and it still has the meaning of "to chat", as you mentioned. However, in the following examples, you cannot use the first character by itself--the meaning wouldn't be clear (ABAB pattern). 检查检查 (jiǎnchá jiǎnchá) to inspect, to examine 打扫打扫 (dǎsǎo dǎsǎo) to do some cleaning 讨论讨论 (tǎolùn tǎolùn) to discuss a bit 研究研究 (yánjiū yánjiū) to do some research As mentioned, this is a general rule, but not a blanket rule, because of course with: 学习学习 (xuéxí xuéxí), the 学 (xué) can be used on its own, and the meaning is clear. Hopefully that helps to clarify a little. I think that the best way to know which verbs take the ABAB pattern and which take the AAB pattern is by listening to spoken Chinese. Then, it will come naturally to you with time. :)
Posted on: Reduplication of Verbs
June 18, 2007 at 2:19 AMHi TaiPan, When adverbs reduplicate, it's a little different. A lot of the time, they are just set phrases, that you will pick up very easily and naturally. In some cases, reduplicating the adverb also intensifies the feeling. Here are a few examples of other adverbs that reduplicate: 紧紧(地)抓住 (jǐnjǐn (de) zhuāzhù) hold on tightly 慢慢(地)来 (mànmàn (de) lái) come slowly (or take your time) 深深(地)吸了一口气 (shēnshēn (de) xī le yīkǒuqì) took a deep breath Another case where we often see a word reduplicated in Chinese is for nicknames, like the examples LanTian mentioned, where one of the characters is reduplicated. It sounds really cute: 玲玲 (Línglíng) 宝宝 (Bǎobǎo) 清清 (Qīngqīng) So, maybe your nickname can be "PanPan."
Posted on: Reduplication of Verbs
June 17, 2007 at 8:42 AMorkelm, RoninDC, yes, no doobt aboot it. I'm honoured to be the bringer of the Canadian accent to all the poddies! :) Everyone has great questions! and ideas. Thanks for that. Wei1xiao4, funny you ask, but ba3 will be covered... one day! One of the many fun parts of the Chinese language to tackle. Looking forward to it. TaiPan and foleadu, Great questions, will give you some examples & answers as soon as get in the factory on Monday :)
Posted on: Using 看 (kàn) and 看起来 (kàn qilai)
June 15, 2007 at 5:00 PMOh Man2Toe, Sorry about that! When I showed one of our teachers, she said she had never heard of that word, so I substituted 照片. But, seeing as I didn't even know the word "avatar" in English myself until very recently, heheh, it's possible it's just a new word, and coming into use. Will check on that and find out for you :)
Posted on: Reduplication of Verbs
June 15, 2007 at 2:22 PMhey, who said that? No way! I think what you heard was that Ken that was 24 ;)
Posted on: Two Little Tigers Song
June 15, 2007 at 7:51 AMhi wenjong, I'm not 100% what you mean. The sentences read: 他跑得快吗？ Tā pǎo de kuài ma？ (Does he run quickly?) 弟弟跑得很慢。 Dìdi pǎo de hěn màn. (My younger brother runs really slowly.) The translation seems correct to me. Maybe take a second look.
Posted on: 健康饮食
June 15, 2007 at 7:40 AMhi pascal & LostinAsia, 转基因食品 (zhuǎn jīyīn shípǐn) GMO food product 非转基因食品 (fēi zhuǎn jīyīn shípǐn) non-GMO food product 有机 (yǒujī) organic
Posted on: Exchanging Money
June 15, 2007 at 7:36 AMHi beaver, Generally, if the amount is known to be a smaller number, for example, 10 or less, we use 几 (jǐ). For larger numbers than that, use 多少 (duōshao). There are some exceptions, however, for example, we ask someone's age by saying: 你几岁? Nǐ jǐ suì? even if they are older than 10.
Posted on: 酒鬼
June 18, 2007 at 2:47 AMAZERDocMom, 上瘾 (shàngyǐn) to be addicted 我对ChinesePod上瘾了. (Wǒ duì ChinesePod shàngyǐn le.) You can use this for addictions to drugs, alcohol, etc., as well: 他对毒品上瘾了. (Tā duì dúpǐn shàngyǐn le.) Some addictions are better than others!