http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens Wed, 11 Jan 2012 06:27:41 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en The idiom "纸上谈兵 (zhǐshàngtánbīng) armchair strategy" refers to people who engage in idle talk, but are unable to act on their high minded theories. It is usually used to urge people to combine theories with practical knowledge and not be bookworms. Let's read about the origin of the idiom below. Key ... http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-708.html Key Learning Point (Preview): 如鱼得水 (rúyúdéshuǐ): to feel just like a fish in water 　 Dōnghàn mònián, tiānxià dà luàn.  东汉         末年，   天下    大 乱。 　 In the late Eastern Han Dynasty, the country was in confusion. Liú Bèi wèi tǒngyī tiānxià, tèyì bàifǎng yǐnjū de Zhū Gěliàng xúnqiú bāngzhù. 刘备   为     统一    天下，特意 拜访   隐居 的  诸    葛亮        寻求       ... http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-706.html Key Learning Point (Preview): 隔墙有耳 (géqiángyǒu'ěr): walls have ears 　 Listen to the whole story 　 Cóngqián, yǒu yí ge hàoqíxīn hěn zhòng de rén. 从前，       有 一 个   好奇心    很     重    的   人。 　 Once upon a time, there was a curious man. Tā zǒngshì xǐhuan sìchù dǎting biéren de mìmi. 他     总是     喜欢   四处    打听    别人 的   秘密。 　 He liked to invade ... http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-705.html Key Learning Points (Preview): 回家 (huíjiā): v. to go home 　 然后 (ránhòu): adv. then/after that  　 Listen to the whole story: 　 Wèiguó yǒu gè jiào Yuè Yángzǐ de rén dào yuǎnfāng qù xúnshī qiúxué.  魏 国    有   个   叫  乐   羊 子    的  人  到   远  方       去  寻 师   求 学。 　 There was a man called Le Yangzi in ... http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-703.html Key Learning Points (Preview): 最 (zuì): adv. most 　 哭 (kū): v. to cry 　 Watch the video to listen to the song Míngtiān nǐ shìfǒu huì xiǎngqǐ 明天       你 是否   会   想起 　 Will you recall tomorrow zuótiān nǐ xiě de rìjì? 昨天     你写的日记？ 　 the things you wrote in your diary yesterday? Míngtiān nǐ shìfǒu hái diànjì 明天       你 是否 还 惦记 　 Will you ... http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-702.html Key Learning Points (Preview): 漂亮 (piàoliang) adj. beautiful 　 照片 (zhàopiàn) n. photo  　 Two lovers are talking in a park. Nánhái: Jīntiān wǒ zài jiēshang kànjiàn le yígè měinǚ. 男孩：   今天    我 在    街上       看见   了 一个 美女。 　 Boy: Today I saw a beautiful woman on the street. Nǚhái: Shì ma? 女孩： 是 吗？ 　 Girl: Really? Nánhái: Shì ā, tài piàoliang le! 男孩：  是 ... http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-700.html Learn Mandarin Chinese Idiom: 囫囵吞枣  (húlún tūnzǎo) To eat the date whole (Advanced) 　 In the Chinese idiom "囫囵吞枣 (húlún tūnzǎo)", "囫囵 (húlún)" means "the whole;" "吞 (tūn)" means to "swallow;" "枣 (zǎo)" is "date." This idiom means "to eat the date whole." Key Learning Points (Preview): 吞 (tūn): v. to swallow 　 枣 (zǎo): n. date 　 Learn ... http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-699.html 兔子为什么在生肖中排第四？ (Tùzi wèishénme zài shēngxiāo zhōng pái dì sì?) 　 Key Learning Points (Preview) 生肖 (shēngxiāo): n. Zodiac 　 出发 (chūfā): v. to start off 　 Hěn jiǔ yǐqián, Yùhuángdàdì dǎsuàn zài dòngwù zhōng xuǎn shí’èr gè pái shēngxiāo. 很   久 以前，玉皇大帝          打算      在     动物      中     选    十二     个 排   生肖。 　 Long ago, the Jade Emperor prepared to select twelve animals ... http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-698.html 为什么吃醋？(Wèishénme chīcù?) Why do you eat vinegar? (Intermediate) 　 Why do Chinese lovers "eat vinegar?" This online Chinese lesson will tell you. Zài Zhōngguó, qínglǚ zhī jiān de jìdù jiào "chīcù." Wèishénme shì chīcù ér bú shì 在   中国，       情侣    之 间   的 嫉妒  叫“吃醋”。为什么    是  吃醋   而 不 是 bié de dōngxi? Zhè shì yǒu diǎngù ... http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-696.html Learn Mandarin Chinese Idiom: 守株待兔 (Shǒuzhūdàitù) To Stand by a Tree Stump Waiting for a Hare (Intermediate) 　 Key Learning Point (Preview): 待 (dài): v. to wait/to wait for 　 Cóngqián, yǒu yí gè nóngfū.    从前，    有  一 个   农夫。 　 Once upon a time, there was a farmer. Yì tiān, zài  tā gēngtián de shíhou, hūrán pǎo guò ... http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-689.html Read a Chinese Story: 田忌赛马 (Tián Jì sài mǎ) General Tian Ji in a Horse Race (Intermediate) 　 Key Learning Points (Preview): 输(shū): v. to lose 　 赢(yíng): v. to win 　 Qíguó de dà jiāngjūn Tián Jì hěn xǐhuan sàimǎ.  齐国   的 大    将军     田 忌 很   喜欢     赛马。 　 It is said that Tian Ji, a general from ... http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-687.html // 画蛇添足 (huàshétiānzú) Draw a Snake and Add Feet to it 　 Key Learning Points (Preview): 蛇 (shé): n. snake   画 (huà): v./n. to draw/picture 　 Chǔguó yǒu gè guìzú. 楚国       有    个 贵族。 　 During Chu dynasty, there was an aristocrat. Jì guò zǔzong yǐhòu, tā bǎ yì hú jìjiǔ shǎng gěi bāngmáng de púrén. 祭 过 ... http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-685.html 初生牛犊不怕虎 (chū shēng niúdú bú pà hǔ) New-born Calves are not Afraid of Tigers 　 Key Learning Point (Preview): 怕 (pà): v to fear/ be afraid of 　  Towards the end of Eastern Han Dynasty, “刘备 (Liú Bèi) Liu Bei” captured the city “汉中 (Hànzhōng) Hanzhong” from “曹操 (Cáo Cāo) Cao Cao” and proclaimed himself ... http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-676.html Chinese Conversation (Intermediate) 男生如何邀请女生 (Nánshēng rúhé yāoqĭng nǚshēng) When a Boy Invites a Girl 　         Zuìjìn máng shénme ne? Boy: 最近    忙       什么    呢？  　         What have you been busy doing recently?                         Kuài kăoshì le, mángzhe fùxí  ne!  Zhè jĭ tiān yìzhí mái zài shūduī lĭ  ne! Girl: 快     考试    了， ... http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-674.html 滥竽充数 (Lànyúchōngshù) Fill a Post without Real Qualifications (Beginner) 　 Key Learning Point (Preview): 数 (shǔ/shù): v/n count/number 　 In the Warring States Period of China, a king named Qixuan liked listening to the "合奏 (hézòu) instrumental ensemble" of Yu (an instrument in ancient China). The more bandsmen played it, the happier he would ... http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-671.html 让我们荡起双桨 (Ràng wŏmen dàngqĭ shuāngjiăng) Let's Paddle Together (Intermediate)   Let’s paddle together is a very famous and traditional Chinese song for teens in China. You can definitely practice speaking Chinese while singing it. Learn Chinese through this beautiful Chinese song! Listen to the song Key Learning Points (Preview): 愉快 (yúkuài): adj cheerful   幸福 (xìngfú): ... http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-670.html Chinese Tongue Twister (Beginner) 采蘑菇 (Cǎi mógu) Pick Mushrooms 　 Key Learning Point (Preview): 蘑菇 (mógu): n mushroom 　 Hēitù hé báitù, 黑兔 和 白兔， 　 The black rabbit and the white rabbit, Shàngshān cǎi mógu. 上山             采 蘑菇。 　 Climbed up the mountain to pick mushrooms. Xiǎohóu hé xiǎolù, 小猴       和 小鹿， 　 Little monkey and little deer, Yìqǐ  lái bāngzhù. 一起 来 ... http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-669.html Movie: Alice in Wonderland (Intermediate) Key Learning Points (Preview): 梦游 (mèngyóu): n sleepwalking 　 梦想 (mèngxiǎng): v/n to dream of/dream 　 白日梦 (báirìmèng): n daydream 　 A：Zuìjìn de sānwéi lìtǐ diànyǐng zhēn jīngcǎi!       最近  的   三维 立体 电影      真     精彩！ 　       The recent 3D movies are really wonderful! B：Shì，Bǐrú Àilìsī mèngyóu xiānjìng, ràng wǒ fǎngfú yòu huídào le tóngnián.       是， ... http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-667.html 填字游戏 (Tiánzì yóuxì ) Chinese Crossword Puzzle (Intermediate) 　 You can learn Chinese with fun through Chinese crossword puzzle!                                  Hints: Horizontal: (1) No way (2) Close (3) Contact Vertical: (1) Back door (2) It doesn't matter (3) Unite Please click here to see the answer key. Related links: http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/?p=647 http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/?p=651 Got questions? Take a Free 1-on-1 live online lesson with our ... http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-663.html 你是哪种风格？ (Nǐ shì nǎzhǒng fēnggé?) Which is Your Style? (Intermediate) 　 Key Learning Points (Preview): 帅哥 (shuàigē): n handsome man or cute boy 　 美女 (měinǚ): n beautiful girl 　 假小子 (jiǎxiǎozi): n tomboy 　 For teenagers in China, there are many interesting, funny and popular Chinese words used to describe their styles and tastes. In this article, we ... http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-662.html 绕口令 (ràokǒulìng) Tongue Twister 　 茄子和鞋子 (qiézi hé xiézi) Eggplant and Shoes 　 Listen to the tongue twister 　 Key Learning Points (Preview): 鞋子 (xiézi): n shoe 　 茄子 (qiézi): n eggplant 　 Yígè xiǎo háizi, 一个 小    孩子， 　 There was a little child, Shǒu ná shuāng xiézi. 手      拿    双       鞋子。 　 Who had a pair of shoes in his hand. Kànjiàn dìshàng yǒu qiézi, 看见       地上      有    ... http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-659.html 寄一封慢信给未来 (Jì yìfēng màn xìn gěi wèilái) Deliver A "Slow Letter" to the Future (Beginner)   Key Learning Points (Preview): 熊猫 (xióngmāo): n panda   鼓励 (gǔlì): v to encourage   感激 (gǎnjī): n gratitude   Recently a "特别的 (tèbiéde) special" company, whose primary service is delivering "slow" letters for its customers, appeared in Beijing. Located on a side ... http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-656.html 蜗牛 (wōniú) Snail 　 Listen to the song Key Learning Points (preview): 重 (zhòng): adj heavy and 轻 (qīng): adj light 　 静 (jìng): adj quiet 　 About the singer: This song is sung by 周杰伦 (Zhōu Jiélún) Jay Chou, a very famous pop singer in China. In addition to singing Snail, Jay Chou also composed both the ... http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-655.html 一年之计在于春 (Yì nián zhī jì zàiyú chūn) A Year's Plan Starts with Spring (Beginner) 　 Key Learning Points (Preview): 日 (rì): n day/ date 　 年 (nián): n year 　 早晨 (zǎochen): n early morning 　 "一年之计在于春，一日之计在于晨 (Yì nián zhī jì zàiyú chūn, yí rì zhī jì zàiyú chén) A year's plan starts with spring; a day's plan starts ... http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-653.html   填字游戏 (Tiánzì yóuxì ) Chinese Crossword Puzzle    Hints:   Horizontal: (1) guest (2) weather   Vertical:  (1) you are welcome. (2) sky Please click here to see the answer key.  Got questions? Take a Free 1-on-1 live online lesson with our professional teachers from China. // // http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-651.html 绕口令 (Ràokǒulìng) Tongue Twister (Beginner) 　 会与费 (Huì yǔ fèi)  Can and Cost 　 Listen to the tongue twister 　  Key Learning Points (Preview): 学 (xué): v to learn 　 会 (huì): v can/be able to 　 The Chinese tongue twister below is a very typical one which will help you practice the Chinese Pinyin ... http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-649.html   填字游戏 (Tiánzì yóuxì ) Chinese Crossword Puzzle (Beginner) Hints: Horizontal: (1) to go to school (2) hello  Vertical: (1) good morning (2) you  Please click here to see the answer key.  Got questions? Take a Free 1-on-1 live online lesson with our professional teachers from China. // // http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-647.html 压岁钱的故事 (Yāsuìqián de gùshi) The Story of Pocket Money for Children on Lunar New Year's Day 　 Listen to the story 　 Key Learning Points (Preview): 哭 (kū): v to cry 　 宝贝 (bǎobèi): n/v baby/ take sth/ sb as treasured one 　 告诉 ... http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-645.html 笨鸟先飞 (Bèn niǎo xiān fēi) Clumsy birds have to start flying early 　  Key Learning Points (Preview): 决心 (juéxīn): v to resolve 　 志气 (zhìqì): n aspiration  　 Idiom Story 树上一只鸟妈妈孵出了六只鸟宝宝， 　 Shùshàng yìzhī niǎomāma fū chū le liùzhī niǎobǎobao, A bird hatches six baby birds, 小六又瘦又小，哥哥姐姐们都欺负它； 　 Xiǎoliù yòu shòu yòu xiǎo, gēge jiějie men dōu qīfu ... http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-643.html 健康歌 (jiànkāng gē) Exercise Song  　 This is a Chinese song which became well known since performing on a Chinese Spring Festival Gala on CCTV. With cheerful rhythm, this song will not only be useful for you to learn Chinese, but will also make you want to exercise with the music. Listen ... http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-599.html 去网吧 (Qù wăngbā) Go to an Internet Cafe    Beginner Level 初级 (chūjí)   A：打扰一下，请问 "Internet Cafe" 用汉语怎么说？        Dărăo yí xià, qĭngwèn "Internet Cafe" yòng hànyŭ zěnme shuō?       Excuse me, how to say "Internet Cafe" in Chinese? B：哦，这个呀，我们叫网吧。       Ò, zhège ya, wŏmen jiào wăngbā.       Well, we say "wăngbā." 生词 (shēngcí) Vocabulary:      网吧 (wăngbā): n Internet Cafe   通常 (tōngcháng): ad ... http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-601.html 暑期计划 (shǔqī jìhuà) Summer Travel Plan   Beginner Level 初级 (chūjí)  A: 暑假有什么安排吗？     Shǔjià yǒu shěnme ānpái ma?     Do you have any plans for your summer holiday? B: 暑假我参加中文暑期班学中文。     Shǔjià wǒ cānjiā zhōngwén shǔqībān xué zhōngwén.     I am going to take a summer Chinese program to learn Chinese. 生词 (shēngcí) Vocabulary:   暑假 (shǔjià): n summer holiday  安排 (ānpái): n/v arrange   参加 ... http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-518.html 一千零一个愿望 (Yìqiān líng yígè yuànwàng) One Thousand and One Wishes This is a beautiful and inspiring song, especially among young people in China. Listen to the song Key Learning Points (Preview): 愿望 (yuànwanɡ): n. wish 回答 (huídá): v. answer 明天就像盒子里的巧克力糖。 Míngtiān jiù xiàng hézi lǐ de qiǎokèlì táng. Tomorrow is like a box of ... http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-545.html 狂欢的日子来了 (Kuánghuān de rìzi lái le) Christmas Party    Beginner level 初级 (chūjí)     A: 大家好，圣诞快乐！       Dàjiā hǎo, shèngdàn kuàilè!       Hello, everyone. Merry Christmas! B: 你好，李娜！你也快乐！      Nǐ hǎo, Lǐ nà! Nǐ yě kuài lè!      Hi, Li Na! Same to you. A: 大家都来了吗？       Dàjiā dōu lái le mɑ？       Has everyone come?  B: 是的，都来了，都在等你。      ... http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-477.html 隐形的翅膀 (Yǐnxíng De Chìbǎng ) Invisible Wings   Listen to this song:  Key Learning Points (Preview): 坚强 (jiānqiánɡ): n. strong 希望 (xīwànɡ): n/v. hope/to hope 每一次都在徘徊孤单中坚强， Měi yí cì dōu zài páihuái gūdān zhōng jiānqiáng, Every time in hesitation and loneliness I become stronger, 每一次就算很受伤也不闪泪光， Měi yí cì jiù suàn hěn shòushāng yě bù ... http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-452.html 中国功夫 (Zhōngguó Gōngfu) Chinese Kungfu   Listen to this song:  Key Learning Point (Preview): 松 (sōnɡ): n. pine 卧似一张弓，站似一棵松。 Wò sì yì zhāng gōng, zhàn sì yì kē sōng. Crouching is like a bow, and standing is like a pine. 不动不摇坐如钟，走路一阵风。 Bú dòng bù yáo zuò rú zhōng, zǒulù yí zhèn fēng. Sitting still is ... http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-435.html 童年 (Tóngnián) Childhood    Listen to this song:    Key Learning Points (Preview): 等待 (děnɡdài): v. to wait 老师 (lǎoshī) n. teacher 池塘边的榕树上，知了在声声叫着夏天。 Chítáng biān de róngshù shàng, zhīliao zài shēngshēng jiàozhe xiàtiān. The cicadas in banyan trees near the pool were crying for summer. 操场边的秋千上，只有蝴蝶停在上面。 Cāochǎng biān de qiūqiān shàng, zhǐyǒu húdié tíng zài ... http://resources.echineselearning.com/teens/teens-chinese-410.html