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Useful Chinese phrases and what they really mean — pronunciation, usage, and cultural context.

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社死 (shè sǐ): Meaning and Mandarin Pronunciation

社死 (shè sǐ): Meaning and Mandarin Pronunciation

社死 (shè sǐ) means to die of embarrassment, figuratively (slang).

什么时候 (shén me shí hou): Meaning and Mandarin Pronunciation

什么时候 (shén me shí hou): Meaning and Mandarin Pronunciation

什么时候 (shén me shí hou) means when; at what time.

生气 (shēng qì): Meaning and Mandarin Pronunciation

生气 (shēng qì): Meaning and Mandarin Pronunciation

生气 (shēng qì) means to get angry; also vitality or liveliness.

是的 (shì de): Meaning and Mandarin Pronunciation

是的 (shì de): Meaning and Mandarin Pronunciation

是的 (shì de) means yes, that is right.

试试 (shì shi): Meaning in English

试试 (shì shi): Meaning in English

试试 (shì shi) means “Give it a try”.

是字句 (shì zì jù): Mandarin Grammar Example

是字句 (shì zì jù): Mandarin Grammar Example

是 links a subject to an identity or category.

水 (shuǐ): Meaning and Mandarin Pronunciation

水 (shuǐ): Meaning and Mandarin Pronunciation

水 (shuǐ) means water.

思念 (sī niàn): Meaning and Mandarin Pronunciation

思念 (sī niàn): Meaning and Mandarin Pronunciation

思念 (sī niàn) means to miss; to long for; to think of.

算了 (suàn le): Meaning and Mandarin Pronunciation

算了 (suàn le): Meaning and Mandarin Pronunciation

算了 (suàn le) means let it be; forget about it.

随便 (suí biàn): Meaning and Mandarin Pronunciation

随便 (suí biàn): Meaning and Mandarin Pronunciation

随便 (suí biàn) means as one wishes; at random; casual or negligent.

虽然……但是…… (suī rán … dàn shì …): Mandarin Grammar Example

虽然……但是…… (suī rán … dàn shì …): Mandarin Grammar Example

虽然……但是…… connects a concession with a contrasting point.

谈判 (tán pàn): Meaning and Mandarin Pronunciation

谈判 (tán pàn): Meaning and Mandarin Pronunciation

谈判 (tán pàn) means to negotiate; negotiations.