[2024-03-01] Embark on a Chinese Learning Journey: Proverbs, Gingerbread & More!

高度

gāo dù

The Chinese word for height is '高度'. It refers to the size or measurement from the base to the top of something. It is commonly used in contexts such as describing the height of a person, a mountain, or a building. Just like in English, it can also be used metaphorically to describe the peak or zenith of something.

Here's how to use it:

• 他是一个高度敬业的人。
  tā shì yī gè gāo dù jìng yè de rén.
• 这种态度真的让人感到高度的不安。
  zhè zhǒng tài dù zhēn de ràng rén gǎn dào gāo dù de bù ān.
• 我对他的才能表示高度的钦佩。
  wǒ duì tā de cái néng biǎo shì gāo dù de qīn pèi.

姜饼

jiang1 bing3

In the Chinese language, '姜饼' is used to refer to the sweet, spiced baked treat often associated with the Christmas season, similar to the way 'gingerbread' is used in English. It can be found in many forms such as gingerbread houses, cookies and more. It is a direct translation, with '姜' meaning 'ginger' and '饼' meaning 'bread' or 'cake'.

Here's how to use it:

• 我喜欢吃姜饼。
  wǒ xǐ huān chī jiāng bǐng.
• 她用姜饼装饰了圣诞树。
  tā yòng jiāng bǐng zhuāng shì le shèng dàn shù.
• 我第一次尝试烘焙姜饼。
  wǒ dì yī cì cháng shì hōng bèi jiāng bǐng.

双

shuāng

The Chinese word '双' is used as an adjective and noun equivalent to English 'double'. It is used primarily to indicate a pair or a twosome. Its context of usage varies across sentences according to the terms it is paired with.

Here's how to use it:

• 他们是一双新人。
  Tāmen shì yī shuāng xīnrén.
• 请给我一双杯子。
  Qǐng gěi wǒ yī shuāng bēizi.
• 我有一双好朋友。
  Wǒ yǒu yī shuāng hǎo péngyǒu.

国外

guó wài

The Chinese word '国外' is the literal translation of the English word 'abroad'. This phrase is often used in sentences when referring to countries outside of China. Like in English, it can refer to simply being out of the country or going overseas for a trip or for studying.

Here's how to use it:

• 我在国外生活了五年。
  Wǒ zài guówài shēnghuóle wǔ nián.
• 他国外的朋友很多。
  Tā guówài de péngyǒu hěnduō.
• 我国外有一所房子。
  Wǒ guówài yǒu yīsuǒ fángzi.

犹豫

yóuyù

The Chinese word '犹豫' closely translates to 'hesitate' in English. In the Chinese language, it is frequently used to denote indecision or uncertainty, much like the English word 'hesitate'. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as when someone is unsure about making a choice, taking an action, or expressing an opinion.

Here's how to use it:

• 他犹豫了一下，然后决定去。
  tā yóuyù le yīxià, ránhòu juédìng qù.
• 他对这个问题感到很犹豫。
  tā duì zhège wèntí gǎndào hěn yóuyù.
• 在购买时，我犹豫了很久。
  zài gòumǎi shí, wǒ yóuyù le hěn jiǔ.

宁为玉碎，不为瓦全

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