Grammar, Vocabulary and Expressions

Focuses on building Chinese grammar, vocabulary, and useful expressions for everyday communication.

20 videos · Total duration: 02:26:37

6 ways to say Mandarin Chinese

Intermediate

6 ways to say Mandarin ChineseThe video explains the different ways to say "Chinese" in Mandarin, highlighting the cultural and historical significance behind each term. It also emphasizes the importance of understanding and being consistent with word choices in language use.Crazie Laoshi

Basic Principles of Chinese Tenses

Intermediate

Basic Principles of Chinese TensesThis video explains the different ways to express tenses in Chinese, using time phrases, aspect markers, and a combination of both. It also discusses how to use negative forms of tenses with action and non-action verbs.Crazie Laoshi

How to use 建立

Intermediate

How to use 建立 The video discusses the foundation of love in relationships, emphasizing that love should be built on respect, similar worldviews, and shared goals in both romantic relationships and marriage. It highlights the importance of mutual respect, understanding, communication, and common values in maintaining a healthy relationship.Unconventional Chinese

Wanted to record the video in the park, but the reality hit me hard

Intermediate

Wanted to record the video in the park, but the reality hit me hardThe video discusses popular internet slang terms in Chinese, such as "YYDS" meaning "greatest of all time," "MSDD" meaning "you're right," and "xswl" meaning "laughing out loud." It also explains terms like "PLGG" and "PLJJ" for addressing someone as handsome or beautiful, and ends with the term "处对象" for dating or being in a relationship.Speak Your Chinese

还是 vs 或者

Intermediate

还是 vs 或者 In this video, the speaker explains the difference between "还是" and "或者" in Chinese. "还是" is used in questions to present options, while "或者" is used to indicate that either option is acceptable.Speak Your Chinese

How to use 迁就，选择，分辨

Intermediate

How to use 迁就，选择，分辨The video showcases a light-hearted conversation between two individuals discussing relationship dynamics, physical attributes, and cultural perceptions in a humorous manner.Unconventional Chinese

Two Chinese buzzwords

Intermediate

Two Chinese buzzwordsThe video discusses two Chinese phrases, "宝物" (treasure) and "打卡" (check-in), and explains their meanings in both traditional and modern contexts. "宝物" refers to something worth collecting, while "打卡" now means experiencing popular online trends in real life, such as visiting a fashionable spot in Shanghai.Chinese at Dawn

How to give positive reactions in Chinese

Intermediate

How to give positive reactions in ChineseThis comprehensible video discusses the importance of polite and respectful responses when communicating in Chinese. It emphasizes the use of phrases like "好的" (okay), "我知道了" (I understand), and "谢谢你" (thank you) to show acknowledgement and appreciation in conversations.Chinese at Dawn

The most complete guide of the use of “请”

Intermediate

The most complete guide of the use of “请” The video discusses the meaning and usage of the word "qing" in Chinese verbal communication. It explains how "qing" can mean both "please" and "invite," and how its usage can convey politeness or irony in different contexts.Chinese at Dawn

How to use 避免

Intermediate

How to use 避免 Unconventional Chinese

Animal names

Intermediate

Animal namesIn this video, Yang Ling teaches a Chinese class on how to say different animals in Chinese. She emphasizes the use of repetitive words and phrases to help students understand and interact with her without speaking much English.Crazie Laoshi

How to use 打交道

Intermediate

How to use 打交道The video is a Chinese language class where the hosts discuss the meaning of the phrase "打交道" (deal with) and its literal translation. They also talk about the importance of communication and connecting with others in daily life.Unconventional Chinese

How to use 敢

Intermediate

How to use 敢The video is about learning Chinese vocabulary related to daring to do something. The hosts discuss various scenarios where one may or may not dare to do certain actions.Unconventional Chinese

How to use 打算

Intermediate

How to use 打算The video is a Chinese language class where the teacher, Ke Ren, teaches the word "打算" (dǎsuàn) which means "plan" or "intend" in English. The conversation revolves around making plans for activities like eating out, playing games, and attending concerts in a hypothetical scenario without the COVID-19 pandemic.Unconventional Chinese

Hearing things through hearsay

Intermediate

Hearing things through hearsay The video discusses the Chinese idiom "道听途说" (hearsay), using a story from ancient China to illustrate how false information can spread without real evidence. It emphasizes the importance of not easily believing things that have not been confirmed.Comprehensible Mandarin

Breaking up with a friend

Intermediate

Breaking up with a friendThe video discusses the story of "Separating on the Mat with a Dagger," illustrating the concept of cutting ties between two individuals by physically cutting a mat in half. The story highlights the importance of focusing on similar goals and values in relationships to avoid parting ways.Comprehensible Mandarin

Chinese sayings about the weather

Intermediate

Chinese sayings about the weatherThe video introduces various weather-related vocabulary in Chinese, such as clouds, rain, the moon, the sun, and wind. It also explains cultural associations, like referring to the moon as "sister moon" and the sun as "grandfather sun."Comprehensible Mandarin

Numbers, counting, & dates

Intermediate

Numbers, counting, & datesThe video teaches how to express numbers in Chinese, including from 1 to 10, beyond 10, and up to 1000, as well as how to express dates and days of the week. It also encourages viewers to review the lesson and practice after class.Comprehensible Mandarin

Expressions around meals & eating in Chinese

Intermediate

Expressions around meals & eating in ChineseThe video discusses common greetings in Chinese culture when meeting people, focusing on questions about eating habits. It emphasizes the importance of asking "Have you eaten?" as a friendly greeting and also touches on inquiring about the person's overall wellbeing.Comprehensible Mandarin

Big & small, tall & short

Intermediate

Big & small, tall & short In this video, the teacher teaches about opposites such as big and small, more and less, tall and short using examples like apples. Students learn how to compare and identify the differences in size and quantity.Comprehensible Mandarin