Chinese in Plain English, Second Edition

by De Mente, Boye

• ISBN13: 9780071482950
• ISBN10: 0071482954
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-03-06
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education

Summary

Next time someone asks if you know how to speak Chinese, you can sayWo zhidao(Waw jr-dow).* WithChinese in Plain English, you can speak Chinese in no time! Its easy-to-use pronunciation system and straightforward presentation of the basics of the language--with plenty of useful sentences--help you break the language barrier quickly and confidently. How? All the words and phrases in this book are written in Roman script--in plain English--in a form you can use immediately and in the right context. Instantly you'll know the basics of Chinese, from polite pleasantries to the latest technological jargon. Start on the right foot and speak Chinese with ease: Good morning!Zaoshang hao!(Zow-shahng how) Thank you!Xiexie!(She-eh-she-eh) Please call the doctor.Qing jiao yiwei yisheng.(Cheeng jee-ow ee-way ee-shuung) Another round, please.Qing zai lai yi-ge.(Cheeng zigh lie ee-guh) Is Beijing hot during the summertime?Beijing-de xiatian re ma?(Bay-jeeng-duh shee-ah-tee-in run mah) I will be here for about two weeks.Wo meiyou yao baoguan-de dongxi.(Waw may-yoe yow bow-gwahn-duh doong-she) *I know!

Author Biography

Boyé Lafayette De Mente, a former cryptographer for the U.S. Navy, has written prolifically on Asian languages and culture.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. v
Breaking the Language Barrier	p. 1
Some Facts About China	p. 2
Chinese Pronunciation	p. 4
	p. 8
	p. 10
	p. 12
	p. 16
	p. 18
Making Yourself at Home in China	p. 22
The Chinese Connection	p. 22
Foreign Nationalities	p. 25
China's Provinces	p. 27
Autonomous Regions of China	p. 28
Major Cities in China	p. 29
Beijing Landmarks	p. 32
Beijing Vicinity	p. 35
Department Stores in Beijing	p. 35
Shopping Districts in Beijing	p. 36
Beijing's Main Streets	p. 36
Guangzhou Landmarks	p. 38
Shopping Districts in Guangzhou	p. 41
Guangzhou's Main Streets	p. 41
Landmarks in Shanghai	p. 43
Special Clubs	p. 45
Shopping Districts in Shanghai	p. 45
Shanghai's Main Streets	p. 45
Communicating in Chinese	p. 49
Common Expressions	p. 50
Key Words and Example Sentences	p. 56
Useful Adjectives	p. 78
Numbers and Counting	p. 81
Time	p. 91
Days	p. 98
Weeks	p. 102
Months	p. 104
Years	p. 108
Money Matters	p. 111
Immigration and Customs	p. 116
Transportation	p. 119
Hotel Matters	p. 134
Introductions	p. 142
Seasons and Weather	p. 147
Eating and Drinking	p. 152
Telephone and Fax	p. 179
Shopping	p. 183
Business Matters	p. 189
At the Post Office	p. 194
Health Matters	p. 197
Housing Matters	p. 201
Visiting a Home	p. 202
Entertainment and Recreation	p. 204
Emergency Situations	p. 212
At the Barber Shop/Beauty Parlor	p. 214
Signs in China	p. 216
Colors	p. 221
Measurements	p. 222
Making up Your Own Sentences	p. 223
Public Holidays and Festivals	p. 232
General Vocabulary	p. 235
21st-Century China	p. 333
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