User Comments - calkins
calkins
Posted on: Why, why, why??
February 23, 2008 at 7:21 PMI have a question about sentence structure for the words 为什么 (wèishénme) and 因为 (Yīnwèi). In this example from the dialog, 因为 (Yīnwèi) precedes the subject noun: 因为我们要休息啊。 Yīnwèi wǒmen yào xiūxi a. Because we need to rest. In this example from the dialog, 为什么 (wèishénme) follows the subject noun: 我们为什么要休息？ Wǒmen wèishénme yào xiūxi? Why do we need to rest? Can 为什么 (wèishénme) also precede the subject, like below? 为什么我们要休息？ Wèishénme wǒmen yào xiūxi? I hope this makes sense. I just don't understand why 因为 (Yīnwèi) would precede the subject but 为什么 (wèishénme) would follow it.
Posted on: Long Distance and Cultural Mysteries
February 23, 2008 at 3:51 PMAnother inexpensive way to keep in touch is a land line using VoIP (voice over IP). I have Vonage here in the states and call Taiwan for 6 cents per minute. The sound quality is as good as a regular land line. Calls from the states to Shanghai are 1 cent per minute!
Posted on: Equestrian
February 23, 2008 at 3:16 PMbjnewer, I too love horses! I was in North Carolina last week and went horseback riding for the first time in almost 10 years. They are amazing animals. I hope the 馬術比賽 will be televised in the states.
Posted on: Time for Class
February 23, 2008 at 3:01 PMThanks John and Bababoo for your help on "打开" and "开".
Posted on: Time for Class
February 23, 2008 at 2:41 AMAnother good lesson Jenny & John! John, are you transitioning into Ken's hosting spot? I'm assuming he may be busy with the other Praxis ventures... Is there a difference between 打开 (dǎkāi) and 开 (kāi)?
Posted on: Chinese Money Denominations
February 22, 2008 at 11:33 PMWould someone please explain the use of 个 (ge) in the following sentence: 我问你个问题。 wǒ wèn nǐ ge wèntí. I want to ask you a question. Why is there no classifier here for "one" 一个 (yīge) question?
Posted on: Equestrian
February 22, 2008 at 8:18 PMEverett, ChinesePera-kun says: 拍马屁 = bootlick verb: To support slavishly every opinion or suggestion of a superior: flatter, grovel, kowtow. Slang: suck up. 马屁精 = bootlicker Good words!
Posted on: I Have Class
February 21, 2008 at 2:36 AMNicolas, I thought the same thing when I did the exercises. This question needed a 3rd choice...all of the above. I'm no expert, but I'm pretty sure they're both correct. The only difference is that 昨天我九点睡觉 emphasizes the time..."昨天" (yesterday).
Posted on: Valentine's Day
February 14, 2008 at 11:47 PMBazza, I think it's because your love is in 上海 !
Posted on: Bank Hours
February 24, 2008 at 2:49 AMI like the new "Listen & Type" exercise, but the mp3's don't work. Good lesson btw. For some reason 銀行 yínháng has always been one of those words I could never remember. Mental block...and I love money!