[2024-05-21] Unlock Chinese Wisdom: Proverbs & New Words!

舌头

shé tóu

The Chinese word for 'tongue' is '舌头' (shétóu). It can be used in a variety of contexts, just like in English, to refer to the muscular organ in the mouth, or metaphorically, such as in the expression 'mother tongue'. However, when translated directly, 'tongue' may not always mean '舌头'. The context always matters in Chinese.

Here's how to use it:

• 他的舌头被烧伤了。
  tā de shétóu bèi shāo shāng le.
• 她的舌头灵活得像一只燕子。
  tā de shétóu línghuó de xiàng yī zhǐ yànzi.
• 舌头是说话的工具。
  shétóu shì shuōhuà de gōngjù.

逃跑

táo pǎo

The Chinese word '逃跑' is used in situations similar to English - such as escaping from a dangerous situation or escaping from school. It is a commonly used term and has the same connotative usage in both languages.

Here's how to use it:

• 他们试图逮捕他，但他逃跑了。
  Tāmen shìtú dàibǔ tā, dàn tā táopǎo le.
• 他用所有力气逃跑。
  Tā yòng suǒyǒu lìqì táopǎo.
• 如果我们不逃跑，我们可能会被抓住。
  Rúguǒ wǒmen bù táopǎo, wǒmen kěnéng huì bèi zhuā zhù.

运气

yùnqì

运气 (Yùnqì) is often used in similar ways to the English word 'luck'. It can be used generally to refer to one's fortune or fate. It's especially used to describe the result of an event that's determined more by chance than by one's control. It's not uncommon to hear someone wishing another person good luck by saying 祝你好运 (Zhù nǐ hǎo yùn) in Chinese.

Here's how to use it:

• 运气实在太糟糕了。
  Yùnqì shízài tài zāogāo le.
• 我盼望着好运气。
  Wǒ pànwàngzhe hǎo yùnqì.
• 运气好坏无可控制。
  Yùnqì hǎo huài wú kě kòngzhì.

暗示

àn shì

The Chinese word '暗示' means 'imply'. It is used similarly to the English term, applying to situations where something isn't directly stated. Instead, it's suggested or hinted at without being explicitly mentioned. This can be utilized in descriptions, narratives, or dialogue, where the speaker wishes to allude to something indirect.

Here's how to use it:

• 他的话不经意地暗示了这个问题的解答。
  tā de huà bù jīng yì dì àn shì le zhè gè wèn tí de jiě dá.
• 他的答案暗示他不满意。
  tā de dá àn àn shì tā bú mǎn yì.
• 这首诗可能暗示他深深的痛苦。
  zhè shǒu shī kě néng àn shì tā shēn shēn de tòng kǔ.

参与

cān yù

The Chinese word '参与' parallels the English word 'engage'. It is usually used in a context where one is taking part in or becoming involved in an activity or event. It can be used in a wide variety of situations, but the primary usage is to explain the act of participating or becoming involved.

Here's how to use it:

• 我希望参与这个项目。
  Wǒ xīwàng cānyù zhège xiàngmù.
• 他们活跃地参与社区活动。
  Tāmen huóyuè de cānyù shèqū huódòng.
• 他对参与政治没有兴趣。
  Tā duì cānyù zhèngzhì méiyǒu xìngqù.

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