[2024-06-15] Discover Chinese Culture and Language in Our Newsletter!

临时

lín shí

The Chinese word '临时' is used to describe something that is not permanent, or only lasts for a short period of time. Similar to English word 'temporary', it is used in various contexts including work, living arrangements, or events.

Here's how to use it:

• 这是临时的。
  zhè shì línshí de.
• 我们可以找到一个临时住所。
  wǒmen kěyǐ zhǎodào yīgè línshí zhùsuǒ.
• 他们需要一个临时的教室。
  tāmen xūyào yīgè línshí de jiàoshì.

雪橇

xuě qiāo

雪橇 (snow sled or sleigh) is used in Chinese to refer to the vehicle that is typically drawn by horses or reindeer, especially in snowy conditions. It is often used in contexts relating to winter sports or travel, or to refer to the traditional depiction of Santa Claus's vehicle.

Here's how to use it:

• 雪橇上的橡胶把手提供良好的握感。
  Xuě qiāo shàng de xiàngjiāo bǎshǒu tígōng liánghǎo de wògǎn.
• 雪橇是滑雪的一种刺激方式。
  Xuě qiāo shì huáxuě de yī zhǒng cìjī fāngshì.
• 雪橇对于某些极地探险者来说是必不可少的。
  Xuě qiāo duìyú mǒu xiē jí dì tànxiǎn zhě lái shuō shì bì bù kě shǎo de.

马达

mǎ dá

In Chinese, '马达' is used to refer to a machine that supplies motive power for a vehicle or for some other device with moving parts. Similar to English, this word can be used in various contexts from mechanical to electrical engineering.

Here's how to use it:

• 马达出现故障。
  Mǎdá chūxiàn gùzhàng.
• 他的车有一个大马达。
  Tā de chē yǒu yīgè dà mǎdá.
• 马达耗电量大。
  Mǎdá hào diànliàng dà.

估计

gū jì

The Chinese word '估计' is used in the same context as 'estimate' in English. It's commonly used in scenarios where one is calculating or judging the value, number, quantity, or extent of something based on a rough approximation or on the limited information available.

Here's how to use it:

• 我估计他大约三十岁。
  Wǒ gūjì tā dàyuē sānshí suì.
• 估计这个项目需要两年完成。
  Gūjì zhège xiàngmù xūyào liǎng nián wánchéng.
• 我们估计这里有五千人。
  Wǒmen gūjì zhèlǐ yǒu wǔqiān rén.

交通

jiāo tōng

In Chinese, ‘交通’ refers to the means of transport or the system of transport. It is a common word used in conversations about travel. It can also refer to the process of transport or to traffic when used in the context of moving goods, people, or vehicles.

Here's how to use it:

• 城市的交通拥堵状况也愈来愈严重。
  chéng shì de jiāo tōng yōng dǔ zhuàng kuàng yě yù lái yù yán zhòng.
• 有时候交通事故是无法避免的。
  yǒu shí hòu jiāo tōng shì gù shì wú fǎ bì miǎn de.
• 交通堵塞使我迟到了。
  jiāo tōng dǔ sè shǐ wǒ chí dào le.

有其父必有其子

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