[2024-01-30] Learn fascinating Chinese phrases and words in our new Issue!

链

liàn

The Chinese word for 'chain' is '链'. This can refer to a series of metal rings or links fitted into one another to make a flexible ligament, or a sequence of items of the same type forming a line. It is used in much the same way as the English word 'chain', such as in phrases like 'bicycle chain' (自行车链) or 'chain reaction' (链式反应).

Here's how to use it:

• 这是一条价值连城的金链。
  Zhe shi yi tiao jiazhi liancheng de jinlian.
• 他中国链子戴在脖子上。
  Ta zhongguo lianzi dai zai bozi shang.
• 他们之间有一条友谊的链。
  Tamen zhijian you yi tiao youyi de lian.

跳舞

tiào wǔ

The Chinese word for dance is '跳舞'. In context, it conveys the act or skill of dancing. It can be used in various contexts just like in English. For instance, 我爱跳舞 (Wǒ ài tiàowǔ) translates to 'I love to dance'.

Here's how to use it:

• 跳舞是我的爱好。
  Tiàowǔ shì wǒ de àihào.
• 你能跳舞吗？
  Nǐ néng tiàowǔ ma?
• 他的跳舞技术真好！
  Tā de tiàowǔ jìshù zhēn hǎo!

年龄

nián líng

In Chinese, the word for 'age' is '年龄'. It is used to denote how old someone or something is. For example, to say 'My age is 20', you would say '我的年龄是20'. It can be used in a variety of contexts, exactly like how we use 'age' in English.

Here's how to use it:

• 他的年龄比你大两岁。
  Tā de niánlíng bǐ nǐ dà liǎng suì.
• 年龄是不是问题。
  Niánlíng shì bùshì wèntí.
• 不要因为年龄放弃你的梦想。
  Bùyào yīnwèi niánlíng fàngqì nǐ de mèngxiǎng.

日程

rì chéng

In Chinese, '日程' is used to describe an arranged plan or timetable for work or activities. Similar to English, this word can be used in various contexts including personal, educational, or professional.

Here's how to use it:

• 我今天的日程很忙。
  wǒ jīntiān de rìchéng hěn máng.
• 我需要看一下我的日程。
  wǒ xūyào kàn yīxià wǒ de rìchéng.
• 日程有些混乱。
  rìchéng yǒuxiē hùnluàn.

功能

gōngnéng

In Chinese, the word 'function' translates to '功能'. This term is used similarly to English, describing the role or purpose that something is designed to fulfill. For example, it can be used while talking about the functions of a certain device or the functions within a program or algorithm.

Here's how to use it:

• 你知道这个机器的功能吗？
  Nǐ zhīdào zhè gè jīqì de gōngnéng ma?
• 这个功能需要更长的时间来完成。
  Zhè gè gōngnéng xūyào gèng cháng de shíjiān lái wánchéng.
• 这个新的功能是如何使用的？
  Zhè gè xīn de gōngnéng shì rúhé shǐyòng de?

家有千口，主事一人

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