Sick leave in Chinese is 病假 (bìng jià), and the act of asking for leave is 请假 (qǐng jià). If you wake up feverish in China, one sentence covers it: 我想请一天病假 (wǒ xiǎng qǐng yì tiān bìng jià), “I would like to take one day of sick leave.” This guide gives you the exact words […]
Overtime in Chinese is 加班 (jiā bān): 加 (jiā) means to add and 班 (bān) means a work shift, so the word is literally “add a shift.” The follow-up words you will need just as often: 加班费 (jiā bān fèi, overtime pay), 调休 (tiáo xiū, comp time), and 准时下班 (zhǔn shí xià bān, leaving work […]
Need to know how to say left in Chinese? The word is 左 (zuǒ), a single-character directional term you’ll use constantly when navigating China. Whether you’re giving directions to a taxi driver, following a map, or learning to read street signs, this word is absolutely essential. I still remember my first week in Tianjin, standing […]
How to say discuss in Chinese? The word is 商量 (shāng liang), which literally means “to measure together.” You’ll need this word constantly in China , whether you’re making plans with friends, negotiating at work, or deciding what to eat for dinner. Mastering 商量 is the key to moving from one-sided announcements to real collaborative […]
How to say suggest in Chinese? The word is 建议 (jiàn yì), which literally means “to build upon an idea.” You’ll use this word constantly in China, whether you’re recommending a restaurant to a friend, giving feedback at work, or proposing a weekend plan. Mastering 建议 is essential for anyone who wants to move beyond […]
Wondering how to say opportunity in Chinese? The word is 机会 (jī huì), which literally means “chance meeting” or “opportunity.” After twelve years in Tianjin, I’ve heard this word in job interviews, business meetings, casual conversations, and even street food negotiations. It’s one of those words that opens doors, both literally and figuratively. When I […]
After twelve years in Tianjin, an HSK5 certification, and a Bachelor’s in Intercultural Studies, I’ve learned that some Chinese words carry more weight than their dictionary definitions suggest. How to say experience in Chinese is one of those cases where the word you choose shapes how people understand your story. The most common translation is […]
As someone who has spent twelve years living in Tianjin, passed HSK5, and studied Intercultural Communication, I know that time-related vocabulary is one of the first things you need to master in China. Whether you are booking a train ticket, making a doctor’s appointment, or planning your weekend, knowing how to talk about schedules in […]
After twelve years in Tianjin, an HSK5 certification, and an Intercultural Studies background, I still remember the first time I tried to make a doctor’s appointment in China. I walked into a hospital, pointed at myself, and said “yù yuē” with the wrong tones. The receptionist looked confused. Ten minutes later, a kind nurse helped […]
After twelve years in Tianjin, navigating rental contracts and apartment deposits has become second nature. If you are wondering how to say deposit in Chinese, the word you need is 押金 (yā jīn). Whether you are renting an apartment, checking into a hotel, or signing any kind of contract in China, understanding this term is […]
With twelve years in China, an HSK5 certification, and an Intercultural Studies background, I help people navigate real-life Chinese situations. Today, we are covering a word every expat and traveler in China needs to understand: how to say insurance in Chinese. Whether you are buying health coverage, dealing with a car accident, or signing a […]
With twelve years in China, an HSK5 certification, and an Intercultural Studies background, I help people navigate real-life Chinese situations. Today, we’re covering a word every expat and traveler needs when settling in: how to say rent in Chinese. Whether you’re signing a lease in Shanghai, negotiating monthly payments in Beijing, or just comparing prices […]
