[2024-08-07] Unlock Chinese Wisdom & Words: Newsletter #1

正式

zhèngshì

The word '正式' in Chinese is used similarly to the English word 'formal'. It is used to describe something that is done in accordance with rules or standards, such as in formal language, formal dress, formal occasion. It is also used in context of official matters. Example: 正式的服装 means formal attire.

Here's how to use it:

• 我已经正式递交了辞呈
  Wǒ yǐjīng zhèngshì dìjiāo le cíchéng
• 他们正在安排一个正式的会议
  Tāmen zhèngzài ānpái yīgè zhèngshì de huìyì
• 他正式宣布他的竞选计划
  Tā zhèngshì xuānbù tā de jǐngxuǎn jìhuà

刀

dāo

The Chinese word for knife, '刀', is usually used in the context of cutlery or tools for cutting. It can be used in compound words to denote specific types of knives, such as 餐刀 - 'meal knife' or a 'table knife'. Like other Chinese nouns, it can be combined with numbers and measure words to indicate quantity.

Here's how to use it:

• 他拿着一把刀。
  Tā ná zhe yī bǎ dāo.
• 厨房里有很多刀。
  Chúfáng lǐ yǒu hěnduō dāo.
• 刀很锋利。
  Dāo hěn fēnglì.

搜索

sōusuǒ

The Chinese word '搜索' is widely used in various contexts, similar to the English word 'search'. It can be used to explain the act of finding information in files, databases, or other digital sources, or searching for a person or thing in the real world. It is common in both conversational and written Chinese, making it a useful word for students to learn.

Here's how to use it:

• 你可以搜索我在书上的笔记。
  Nǐ kěyǐ sōusuǒ wǒ zài shū shàng de bǐjì.
• 今晚我们可以搜索一个新的电影看。
  Jīnwǎn wǒmen kěyǐ sōusuǒ yīgè xīn de diànyǐng kàn.
• 搜索这个主题会得到很多信息。
  Sōusuǒ zhège zhǔtí huì dédào hěnduō xìnxī.

挖

wā

The Chinese word '挖' is used similarly as the English word 'dig'. It represents the action of removing soil or other substances from the ground in order to create a hole or for another purpose such as finding something hidden or buried. Just like in English, it can also be used metaphorically in phrases expressing scrutiny or investigation.

Here's how to use it:

• 他喜欢挖苦别人。
  tā xǐhuān wā kǔ biérén
• 他在海边挖贝壳。
  tā zài hǎibiān wā bèiké
• 他挖了个洞藏起来。
  tā wā le gè dòng cáng qǐlái

原本

yuán běn

The Chinese word '原本' is used to indicate something that exists from the beginning or in the initial stage. In general, it can be used similarly to 'originally' in English, emphasizing the initial condition or situation. It's also commonly used to discuss the original version or form of something.

Here's how to use it:

• 这本书原本属于我。
  zhè běn shū yuánběn shǔyú wǒ
• 我们原本打算去游泳。
  wǒmen yuánběn dǎsuàn qù yóuyǒng
• 原本我以为你不会来。
  yuánběn wǒ yǐwéi nǐ bù huì lái

学如逆水行舟，不进则退

Xué rú nì shuǐ xíng zhōu, bù jìn zé tuì