[2024-07-17] Unlock Chinese Wisdom: Water Drops Carving Stones!

意图

yì tú

The Chinese word for 'intention' is '意图'. It is often used to refer to a person's plan or objective. For example, '他的意图是什么?' translates to 'What is his intention?'. It is used contextually in the same way as the English word 'intention' and is common in both spoken and written Chinese.

Here's how to use it:

• 这是你的意图吗?
  zhè shì nǐ de yìtú ma?
• 你不能误解我的意图。
  nǐ bùnéng wùjiě wǒ de yìtú.
• 意图好的人不一定做出好事。
  yìtú hǎo de rén bù yídìng zuò chū hǎo shì.

最初

zuì chū

The Chinese word '最初' is similar to the English word 'initially'. It is often used in the beginning of a sentence to indicate the initial or starting point of an event or action. E.g. 最初，我不喜欢这部电影. (Initially, I did not like this movie.)

Here's how to use it:

• 我最初从音乐开始。
  Wǒ zuìchū cóng yīnyuè kāishǐ.
• 我最初学习中文的原因是为了工作。
  Wǒ zuìchū xuéxí zhōngwén de yuányīn shì wèile gōngzuò.
• 最初，这个城市只有一千多人。
  Zuìchū, zhège chéngshì zhǐyǒu yīqiān duō rén.

油

yóu

In Chinese, the word for oil is '油'. It is used in similar contexts as in English, such as cooking oil ('食用油'), motor oil ('机油') or oily ('油腻'). Chinese cuisine typically makes use of various types of oils for frying, sautéing, and other cooking methods.

Here's how to use it:

• 你需要更多的油吗？
  Nǐ xūyào gèng duō de yóu ma?
• 汽车需要换油。
  Qìchē xūyào huàn yóu.
• 今年油价上涨了。
  Jīnnián yóujià shàngzhǎngle.

尝试

chángshì

The Chinese word '尝试' translates directly to 'attempt' in English. It is typically used in contexts where one is trying to do or achieve something, often something new or challenging.

Here's how to use it:

• 我不应该尝试改变他
  wǒ bù yīnggāi chángshì gǎibiàn tā
• 她喜欢尝试新事物
  tā xǐhuān chángshì xīn shìwù
• 你应该尝试更健康的食物
  nǐ yīnggāi chángshì gèng jiànkāng de shíwù

鼻子

bí zi

The Chinese word for 'nose' is 鼻子. It is a common word used in everyday conversation, similar to its use in English. For example, '我的鼻子很大' means 'My nose is very big'.

Here's how to use it:

• 她鼻子上有一个疤痕。
  Tā bízi shàng yǒu yīgè bāhén.
• 这是我鼻子的照片。
  Zhè shì wǒ bízi de zhàopiàn.
• 我的鼻子很痛。
  Wǒ de bízi hěn tòng.

水滴石穿

shǔi dī shí chuān