User Comments - goulnik

goulnik

Posted on: Something to Do Tomorrow

October 9, 2007 at 11:45 AM

I guess I may have used a word in my previous comment that the filters are having problems with in that almost-anything-goes economy :-(

Posted on: Treating and Foreigners on TV

October 9, 2007 at 10:37 AM

How about Foreigners in shopping centers? I found myself at 兴旺国际服饰城 North of the Suzhou river, where they sell clothes as the name indicates -- 服饰 (fúshì) dress and personal adornment. It's not one of those upmarket shopping malls but one with probably hundreds of little outlets. Problem is I was literally harassed by dozens of tooters and I just couldn't get rid of them, they'd just follow me everywhere. I tried a few things in Chinese to no avail, then completely ignored them as if they didn't exist. But it was utterly frustrating, I had to leave that place as it was a real nuisance. Such a contrast with little shops and markets around town where people are very friendly. Advice?

Posted on: Too Fat

October 9, 2007 at 1:07 AM

artkho, your mnemonic is cute, but just to be clear it's not the actual etymology. 月 is the modern form of 肉 (ròu) 'flesh' indicating characters in relation to the body, and 半 (bàn) is actually the phonetic component (generally ban or pan)...

Posted on: Too Fat

October 9, 2007 at 12:38 AM

I doubt that this 'exercising more by walking and cycling etc.' is by choice, the number of new cars on the road everyday is an indication to the contrary, be it for convenience or as a status symbol. And whether they over eat or not, China has an rapidly increasing weight problem. It's no wonder given the amount of McDonalds 麦当劳 (Màidāngláo), pizza (比萨) bǐsà and other junk food 垃圾食品 (lājī shípǐn) available...

Posted on: Getting Reimbursed

October 8, 2007 at 2:13 PM

that's what often dictionaries impractical in casual settings. on the other hand,.you would be safer "speaking academic-standard-English in the Bronx or at any high school hangout" than the converse...