{"id":860,"date":"2013-10-16T10:09:27","date_gmt":"2013-10-16T10:09:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.digmandarin.com\/?p=860"},"modified":"2024-12-02T10:45:42","modified_gmt":"2024-12-02T10:45:42","slug":"20-questions-to-get-you-from-zero-chinese-to-basic-fluency-part-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.digmandarin.com\/20-questions-to-get-you-from-zero-chinese-to-basic-fluency-part-2.html","title":{"rendered":"20 Questions to Get You from Zero Chinese to Basic Fluency (Part 2)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=index-37.html>Part 1: Questions 1 ~ 5<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Part 2: Questions 6 ~ 10<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=index-497.html>Part 3: Question 11 ~ 15<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=index-498.html>Part 4: Question 16 ~ 20<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div role=\"navigation\" aria-label=\"Table of Contents\" class=\"simpletoc custom_toc wp-block-simpletoc-toc\"><h2 class=\"simpletoc-title\">Table of Contents<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"simpletoc-list\">\n<li><a href=other/_#6-how-to-ask-what-are-you-doing-in-chinesethe-present-tense\">#6: How to ask What are you doing in Chinese(the present tense)<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=other/_#7-how-to-ask-what-did-you-do-yesterday-in-chinesethe-past-tense\">#7: How to ask What did you do yesterday in Chinese(the past tense)<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=other/_#8-how-to-ask-what-are-you-doing-tomorrow-in-chinesethe-future-tense\">#8: How to ask What are you doing tomorrow in Chinese(the future tense)<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=other/_#9-how-to-ask-where-is-the-bathroom-in-chinese\">#9: How to ask Where is the bathroom in Chinese<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=other/_#10-how-to-ask-what-do-you-want-to-do-in-chinese\">#10: How to ask What do you want to do in Chinese<\/a>\n<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-how-to-ask-what-are-you-doing-in-chinesethe-present-tense\">#6: How to ask What are you doing in Chinese(the present tense)<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Today we are looking at the present tense in Chinese and asking, \u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d Unlike some other aspects of Chinese, using verb tenses is pretty simple. Here is today\u2019s question and answer:<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mp3jWrap_0\" class=\"mjp-s-wrapper s-graphic unsel-mjp \" style=\"font-size:18px;\"><span id=\"playpause_wrap_mp3j_0\" class=\"wrap_inline_mp3j\" style=\"font-weight:700;\"><span class=\"gfxbutton_mp3j play-mjp\" id=\"playpause_mp3j_0\" style=\"font-size:18px;\">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span>&nbsp;<span class=\"group_wrap\"><span class=\"bars_mp3j\"><span class=\"loadB_mp3j\" id=\"load_mp3j_0\"><\/span><span class=\"posbarB_mp3j\" id=\"posbar_mp3j_0\"><\/span><\/span><span style=\"display:none;\" id=\"statusMI_0\"><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><span class=\"s-nosolution\" id=\"mp3j_nosolution_0\" style=\"display:none;\"><\/span><script>\nMP3jPLAYLISTS.inline_0 = [\n\t{ name: \"6\", formats: [\"mp3\"], mp3: \"aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGlnbWFuZGFyaW4uY29tL3dwLWNvbnRlbnQvdXBsb2Fkcy8yMDEzLzEwLzYubXAz\", counterpart:\"\", artist: \"\", image: \"\", imgurl: \"\" }\n];\n<\/script>\n\n<script>MP3jPLAYERS[0] = { list: MP3jPLAYLISTS.inline_0, tr:0, type:'single', lstate:'', loop:false, play_txt:'&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;', pause_txt:'&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;', pp_title:'', autoplay:false, download:false, vol:100, height:'' };<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: \u4f60\u5728\u505a\u4ec0\u4e48\uff1f \uff08N\u01d0 z\u00e0i zu\u00f2 sh\u00e9nme?\uff09<br><\/strong>What are you doing?<br><strong>A: \u6211\u5728\u770b\u7535\u89c6\u3002 \uff08W\u01d2 z\u00e0i k\u00e0n di\u00e0nsh\u00ec.\uff09<br><\/strong>I am watching TV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The word\u2028\u5728 (z\u00e0i) in this context tells you that you are in the present continuous tense, or simpler terms, it acts as the \u201c-ing\u201d that we put on the end of our verbs in English. So in our examples above,\u2028\u5728\u505a (z\u00e0i\u2028zu\u00f2 ) means \u201cdoing\u201d and\u2028\u5728\u770b (z\u00e0i\u2028k\u00e0n ) means \u201cwatching.\u201d Just replace the\u2028\u770b\u7535\u89c6 (di\u00e0n sh\u00ec)in the answer to tell about different actions that you are doing. Here is a list of some common actions that work well in this pattern:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u8d77\u5e8a \uff08q\u01d0 chu\u00e1ng) \u2013 get up<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u505a\u65e9\u996d (zu\u00f2 z\u01ceof\u00e0n) \u2013 make breakfast<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u5403\u65e9\u996d (ch\u012b z\u01ceof\u00e0n) \u2013 eat breakfast<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u770b\u62a5\u7eb8 (k\u00e0n b\u00e0ozh\u01d0) \u2013 read the newspaper<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u559d\u5496\u5561 (h\u0113 k\u0101f\u0113i) \u2013 drink coffee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u559d\u8336 (h\u0113 ch\u00e1) \u2013 drink tea<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u6d17\u7897 (x\u01d0 w\u01cen) \u2013 wash dishes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u4e0a\u697c (sh\u00e0ng l\u00f3u) \u2013 go upstairs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u6d17\u6fa1 (x\u01d0z\u01ceo) \u2013 take a shower<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u522e\u8138 (gu\u0101 li\u01cen) \u2013 shave (face)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u5316\u5986 (hu\u00e0 zhu\u0101ng) \u2013 put on make up<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u68b3\u5934\u53d1 (sh\u016b t\u00f3ufa) \u2013 comb hair<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u4e0a\u5395\u6240 (sh\u00e0ng c\u00e8su\u01d2) \u2013 use(go to) the bathroom<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u5237\u7259 (shu\u0101 y\u00e1) \u2013 brush teeth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u7a7f\u8863\u670d (chu\u0101n y\u012bfu) \u2013 put on clothes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u4e0b\u697c (xi\u00e0 l\u00f3u) \u2013 go downstairs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u5f00\u8f66 (k\u0101ich\u0113) \u2013 drive a car<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u5750\u516c\u5171\u6c7d\u8f66 (zu\u00f2 g\u014dngg\u00f2ng q\u00ecch\u0113) \u2013 on the bus<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u5750\u5730\u94c1 (zu\u00f2 d\u00ecti\u011b) \u2013 on the subway<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u8d70\u8def (z\u01d2ul\u00f9) \u2013 walk<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u9a91\u8f66 (q\u00ed ch\u0113) \u2013 ride a bike<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u8def\u4e0a(l\u00f9sh\u00e0ng) \u2013 on the road\/on the way<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u4e0a\u8bfe (sh\u00e0ngk\u00e8) \u2013 in class<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u4e0a\u73ed (sh\u00e0ngb\u0101n) \u2013 at work<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u73a9 (w\u00e1n) \u2013 play<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u5403\u5348\u996d (ch\u012b w\u01d4f\u00e0n) \u2013 eat lunch<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u4e0b\u8bfe (xi\u00e0k\u00e8) \u2013 get out of school<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u4e0b\u73ed (xi\u00e0b\u0101n) \u2013 get off of work<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u505a\u4f5c\u4e1a (zu\u00f2 zu\u00f2y\u00e8) \u2013 do homework<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u6574\u7406 (zh\u011bngl\u01d0) \u2013 straighten up<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u6d17\u8863\u670d (x\u01d0 y\u012bfu) \u2013 wash clothes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u7761\u5348\u89c9 (shu\u00ec w\u01d4ji\u00e0o) \u2013 take a nap<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u505a\u665a\u996d (zu\u00f2 w\u01cenf\u00e0n) \u2013 make dinner<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u5403\u665a\u996d (ch\u012b w\u01cenf\u00e0n) \u2013 eat dinner<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u4e0a\u7f51 (sh\u00e0ngw\u01ceng) \u2013 go on the internet<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u804a\u5929 (li\u00e1oti\u0101n) \u2013 chat<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u53d6\u94b1 (q\u01d4 qi\u00e1n) \u2013 take out money<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u4e0a\u8857 (sh\u00e0ng ji\u0113) \u2013 go shopping<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u4e70\u83dc (m\u01cei c\u00e0i) \u2013 go grocery shopping<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u770b\u4e66 (k\u00e0n sh\u016b) \u2013 read a book<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u4f11\u606f (xi\u016bxi) \u2013 rest<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u7761\u89c9 (shu\u00ecji\u00e0o) \u2013 sleep<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember, when you add\u2028\u5728 (z\u00e0i) in front of any of these actions, it means you are \u201cdoing\u201d that action &#8211; for example, \u201csleep\u201d will change to, \u201csleeping.\u201d And if you have nothing to do, you might say\u2028\u6ca1\u4e8b\u505a\uff01(M\u00e9i sh\u00ec zu\u00f2!) \u201cThere\u2019s nothing to do!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-how-to-ask-what-did-you-do-yesterday-in-chinesethe-past-tense\">#7: How to ask What did you do yesterday in Chinese(the past tense)<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Today we are looking at the past tense in Chinese and asking, \u201cWhat did you do yesterday?\u201d Unlike some other aspects of Chinese, using verb tenses is pretty simple. Here is today\u2019s question and answer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mp3jWrap_1\" class=\"mjp-s-wrapper s-graphic unsel-mjp \" style=\"font-size:18px;\"><span id=\"playpause_wrap_mp3j_1\" class=\"wrap_inline_mp3j\" style=\"font-weight:700;\"><span class=\"gfxbutton_mp3j play-mjp\" id=\"playpause_mp3j_1\" style=\"font-size:18px;\">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span>&nbsp;<span class=\"group_wrap\"><span class=\"bars_mp3j\"><span class=\"loadB_mp3j\" id=\"load_mp3j_1\"><\/span><span class=\"posbarB_mp3j\" id=\"posbar_mp3j_1\"><\/span><\/span><span style=\"display:none;\" id=\"statusMI_1\"><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><span class=\"s-nosolution\" id=\"mp3j_nosolution_1\" style=\"display:none;\"><\/span><script>\nMP3jPLAYLISTS.inline_1 = [\n\t{ name: \"7\", formats: [\"mp3\"], mp3: \"aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGlnbWFuZGFyaW4uY29tL3dwLWNvbnRlbnQvdXBsb2Fkcy8yMDEzLzEwLzcubXAz\", counterpart:\"\", artist: \"\", image: \"\", imgurl: \"\" }\n];\n<\/script>\n\n<script>MP3jPLAYERS[1] = { list: MP3jPLAYLISTS.inline_1, tr:0, type:'single', lstate:'', loop:false, play_txt:'&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;', pause_txt:'&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;', pp_title:'', autoplay:false, download:false, vol:100, height:'' };<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: \u4f60\u6628\u5929\u505a\u4e86\u4ec0\u4e48\uff1fN\u01d0 zu\u00f3ti\u0101n zu\u00f2 le sh\u00e9nme?<\/strong><br>What did you do yesterday?<br><strong><br>A: \u6211\u6628\u5929\u5403\u4e86\u4e2d\u56fd\u83dc\u3002W\u01d2 zu\u00f3ti\u0101n ch\u012b le zh\u014dnggu\u00f3 c\u00e0i.<\/strong><br>Yesterday I ate Chinese food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Notice that the verb \u5403 doesn&#8217;t change, or get conjugated. Adding\u2028 \u4e86 behind the verb in this context signifies that the action is completed. So \u5403\u4e86\u2028translates to &#8220;ate&#8221; in this sentence. The past tense can be flexible in Chinese, but for now, just follow this pattern:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"custom-featured-snippet\">SUBJECT + TIME MARKER + VERB +\u4e86+ OBJECT<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example: I +yesterday + ate +\u4e86+ Chinese food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Chinese, the subject and the time marker can sometimes be switched, but the meaning stays the same. Here are some examples of both cases :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mp3jWrap_2\" class=\"mjp-s-wrapper s-graphic unsel-mjp \" style=\"font-size:18px;\"><span id=\"playpause_wrap_mp3j_2\" class=\"wrap_inline_mp3j\" style=\"font-weight:700;\"><span class=\"gfxbutton_mp3j play-mjp\" id=\"playpause_mp3j_2\" style=\"font-size:18px;\">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span>&nbsp;<span class=\"group_wrap\"><span class=\"bars_mp3j\"><span class=\"loadB_mp3j\" id=\"load_mp3j_2\"><\/span><span class=\"posbarB_mp3j\" id=\"posbar_mp3j_2\"><\/span><\/span><span style=\"display:none;\" id=\"statusMI_2\"><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><span class=\"s-nosolution\" id=\"mp3j_nosolution_2\" style=\"display:none;\"><\/span><script>\nMP3jPLAYLISTS.inline_2 = [\n\t{ name: \"7-2\", formats: [\"mp3\"], mp3: \"aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGlnbWFuZGFyaW4uY29tL3dwLWNvbnRlbnQvdXBsb2Fkcy8yMDEzLzEwLzctMi5tcDM=\", counterpart:\"\", artist: \"\", image: \"\", imgurl: \"\" }\n];\n<\/script>\n\n<script>MP3jPLAYERS[2] = { list: MP3jPLAYLISTS.inline_2, tr:0, type:'single', lstate:'', loop:false, play_txt:'&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;', pause_txt:'&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;', pp_title:'', autoplay:false, download:false, vol:100, height:'' };<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u6211\u6628\u5929\u770b\u4e86\u4e66\u3002W\u01d2 zu\u00f3ti\u0101n k\u00e0n le sh\u016b.<\/strong><br>Yesterday I read a book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u8fd9\u5468\u672b\u6211\u53bb\u4e86\u516c\u56ed\u3002\u2028Zh\u00e8 zh\u014dum\u00f2 w\u01d2 q\u00f9 le\u2028g\u014dngyu\u00e1n<\/strong>.<br>I went to the park this weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u4eca\u5929\u6211\u559d\u4e86\u4e09\u676f\u5496\u5561\u3002\u2028J\u012bn ti\u0101n w\u01d2 h\u0113le s\u0101n b\u0113i k\u0101f\u0113i.\u2028<\/strong><br>TodayI drank three cups of coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are some instances where\u2028\u4e86 might show up in a different location in the sentence or it may not be used at all. But for now just include a time marker and put the\u2028\u4e86right after the verb (and before the object) in your sentence and you can be pretty sure that you are forming the past tense correctly. (It&#8217;s also worth mentioning that\u2028\u4e86\u2028can sometimes refer to the future, so don&#8217;t assume that\u2028\u4e86\u2028is always used to make something past tense.) Here are some past-tense time markers that you can use in this pattern:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u4eca\u5929 (j\u012bn ti\u0101n) \u2013 today<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u6628\u5929 (zu\u00f3 ti\u0101n) \u2013 yesterday<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u524d\u5929 (qi\u00e1n ti\u0101n) \u2013 the day before yesterday<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u5927\u524d\u5929 (d\u00e0 qi\u00e1nti\u0101n) \u2013 three days ago<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u4ee5\u524d (y\u01d0qi\u00e1n) \u2013 before<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u8fd9\u5468\u672b (zh\u00e8 zh\u014dum\u00f2) \u2013 this weekend<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u8fd9\u4e2a\u661f\u671f (zh\u00e8ge x\u012bngq\u012b) \u2013 this week<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u4e0a\u4e2a\u661f\u671f (sh\u00e0ng g\u00e8 x\u012bngq\u012b )\u2013 last week<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u4e0a\u4e0a\u4e2a\u661f\u671f (sh\u00e0ng sh\u00e0ng g\u00e8 x\u012bngq\u012b )\u2013 week before last<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u8fd9\u4e2a\u6708 (zh\u00e8 g\u00e8 yu\u00e8) \u2013 the month<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u4e0a\u4e2a\u6708 (sh\u00e0ng g\u00e8 yu\u00e8) \u2013 last month<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u4e0a\u4e0a\u4e2a\u6708 (sh\u00e0ng sh\u00e0ng g\u00e8 yu\u00e8) \u2013 the month before last<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u4eca\u5e74 (j\u012bn ni\u00e1n) \u2013 this year<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u53bb\u5e74 (q\u00f9 ni\u00e1n) \u2013 last year<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u524d\u5e74 (qi\u00e1n ni\u00e1n) \u2013 the year before last year<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u5927\u524d\u5e74 (\u00e0 qi\u00e1nni\u00e1n) \u2013 three years ago<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out\u2028 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.digmandarin.com\/20-questions-to-get-you-from-zero-chinese-to-basic-fluency-part-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Question #4<\/a> and Question #6 for lists of verbs with objects that will work well in this pattern.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-how-to-ask-what-are-you-doing-tomorrow-in-chinesethe-future-tense\">#8: How to ask What are you doing tomorrow in Chinese(the future tense)<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Today we are looking at the future tense in Chinese and asking, \u201cWhat are you doing tomorrow?\u201dUnlike some other aspects of Chinese, using verb tenses is pretty simple. Here is today\u2019s question and answer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mp3jWrap_3\" class=\"mjp-s-wrapper s-graphic unsel-mjp \" style=\"font-size:18px;\"><span id=\"playpause_wrap_mp3j_3\" class=\"wrap_inline_mp3j\" style=\"font-weight:700;\"><span class=\"gfxbutton_mp3j play-mjp\" id=\"playpause_mp3j_3\" style=\"font-size:18px;\">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span>&nbsp;<span class=\"group_wrap\"><span class=\"bars_mp3j\"><span class=\"loadB_mp3j\" id=\"load_mp3j_3\"><\/span><span class=\"posbarB_mp3j\" id=\"posbar_mp3j_3\"><\/span><\/span><span style=\"display:none;\" id=\"statusMI_3\"><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><span class=\"s-nosolution\" id=\"mp3j_nosolution_3\" style=\"display:none;\"><\/span><script>\nMP3jPLAYLISTS.inline_3 = [\n\t{ name: \"8\", formats: [\"mp3\"], mp3: \"aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGlnbWFuZGFyaW4uY29tL3dwLWNvbnRlbnQvdXBsb2Fkcy8yMDEzLzEwLzgubXAz\", counterpart:\"\", artist: \"\", image: \"\", imgurl: \"\" }\n];\n<\/script>\n\n<script>MP3jPLAYERS[3] = { list: MP3jPLAYLISTS.inline_3, tr:0, type:'single', lstate:'', loop:false, play_txt:'&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;', pause_txt:'&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;', pp_title:'', autoplay:false, download:false, vol:100, height:'' };<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: \u4f60\u660e\u5929\u8981\u505a\u4ec0\u4e48\uff1fN\u01d0 m\u00edngti\u0101n y\u00e0o zu\u00f2 sh\u00e9nme?<\/strong><br>What do you want to do tomorrow?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A: \u6211\u660e\u5929\u8981\u53bb\u535a\u7269\u9986\u3002\u2028W\u01d2 m\u00edngti\u0101n\u2028 y\u00e0o q\u00f9 b\u00f3w\u00f9gu\u01cen.<\/strong><br>I \u2028want to go to the museum tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just as in the past tense and present tense, the verb in the question,\u2028 \u505a (zu\u00f2), and the verb in the answer,\u2028 \u53bb (q\u00f9), don&#8217;t need to be changed, or conjugated. To form the future tense simply put\u2028 \u8981 (y\u00e0o) in front of the verb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The verb \u2028\u8981 (y\u00e0o) by itself means \u201cwant\u201d but in this context it functions as \u201cwill\u201d or \u201cwant to\u201d or \u201cgoing to.\u201d If you\u2019ve been studying Chinese for a bit you may have also noticed that\u2028 \u4f1a (hu\u00ec) can be used to form the future in the same way. Either one is fine to use to form the future tense, but for now let\u2019s just use\u2028 \u8981 (y\u00e0o) to keep things simple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So you may be asking yourself, \u201cWhat if I don\u2019t want to go to the museum? What if I want to talk about what I\u2019m going to DO (or what I want to DO) tomorrow?\u201d If you want to talk about actions that you will do in the future, you can just replace\u2028\u53bb\u535a\u7269\u9986 (y\u00e0o q\u00f9 b\u00f3w\u00f9gu\u01cen)in the answer above with any action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So&#8230; say you want to see a movie tomorrow, you would say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u6211\u660e\u5929\u8981\u770b\u7535\u5f71\u3002W\u01d2 m\u00edngti\u0101n\u2028 y\u00e0o k\u00e0n di\u00e0ny\u01d0ng.<\/strong><br>If you want to\u2028 GO see a movie tomorrow, you can say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u6211\u660e\u5929\u8981\u53bb\u770b\u7535\u5f71\u3002W\u01d2 m\u00edngti\u0101n\u2028 y\u00e0o\u2028 q\u00f9 k\u00e0n di\u00e0ny\u01d0ng.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out\u2028 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.digmandarin.com\/20-questions-to-get-you-from-zero-chinese-to-basic-fluency-part-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Question #4<\/a> and\u2028 Question #6 for some extensive lists of verbs that will work well in this pattern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is a list of places that you might be going to tomorrow:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u57ce\u5e02 (ch\u00e9ngsh\u00ec) \u2013 the city<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u5e02\u4e2d\u5fc3 (sh\u00ec zh\u014dngx\u012bn) \u2013 downtown<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u5e02\u573a (sh\u00ecch\u01ceng) \u2013 the market<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u5546\u573a (sh\u0101ngch\u01ceng) \u2013 the mall<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u5546\u5e97 (sh\u0101ngdi\u00e0n) \u2013 the store (a shop)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u8d85\u7ea7\u5e02\u573a (ch\u0101oj\u00ed sh\u00ecch\u01ceng) \u2013 grocery market<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u836f\u5e97 (y\u00e0odi\u00e0n) \uff0d the pharmacy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u996d\u5e97 (f\u00e0ndi\u00e0n) \u2013 restaurant<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u9762\u9986 (mi\u00e0ngu\u01cen) \u2013 noodle shop<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u8def\u8fb9\u644a (l\u00f9bi\u0101n t\u0101n) \u2013 street vendor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u5496\u5561\u9986 (k\u0101f\u0113i gu\u01cen) \u2013 the cafe<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u8336\u9986 (ch\u00e1gu\u01cen) \u2013 tea house<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u9152\u5427 (ji\u01d4b\u0101) \u2013 the bar<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u56fe\u4e66\u9986 (t\u00fash\u016b gu\u01cen) \u2013 the library<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u4e66\u5e97 (sh\u016bdi\u00e0n) \u2013 the bookstore<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u516c\u56ed (g\u014dngyu\u00e1n) \u2013 the park<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u535a\u7269\u9986 (b\u00f3w\u00f9gu\u01cen) \u2013 the museum<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u5b66\u6821 (xu\u00e9xi\u00e0o) \u2013 school<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u529e\u516c\u5ba4 (b\u00e0ng\u014dngsh\u00ec) \u2013 the office<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u5de5\u4f5c (g\u014dngzu\u00f2) \u2013 work<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u6559\u5802 (ji\u00e0ot\u00e1ng) \u2013 church<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u94f6\u884c (y\u00ednh\u00e1ng) \u2013 the bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u90ae\u5c40 (y\u00f3uj\u00fa) \u2013 the post office<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u6d77\u8fb9 (h\u01ceibi\u0101n) \u2013 the ocean<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u6e56\u8fb9 (h\u00fa bi\u0101n) \u2013 the lake<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u6cb3\u8fb9 (h\u00e9 bi\u0101n) \u2013 the river<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u5c71 (sh\u0101n) \u2013 the mountains<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u6c99\u6f20 (sh\u0101m\u00f2) \u2013 the desert<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u519c\u573a (n\u00f3ngch\u01ceng) \u2013 the farm<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u5de5\u5382 (g\u014dngch\u01ceng) \u2013 the facotry<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u4f53\u80b2\u9986 (t\u01d0y\u00f9gu\u01cen) \u2013 the gym<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u6e38\u6cf3\u6c60 (y\u00f3uy\u01d2ngch\u00ed) \u2013 the pool<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u7403\u573a (qi\u00fach\u01ceng) \u2013 the (ball) field\/court<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u9ad8\u5c14\u592b\u573a (g\u0101o\u2019\u011brf\u016b ch\u01ceng) \u2013 the golf course<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u81ea\u52a8\u53d6\u6b3e\u673a (z\u00ecd\u00f2ng q\u01d4ku\u01cen j\u012b) \u2013 the ATM<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u673a\u573a (j\u012bch\u01ceng) \u2013 the airport<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-how-to-ask-where-is-the-bathroom-in-chinese\">#9: How to ask Where is the bathroom in Chinese<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Today&#8217;s question, &#8220;Where is the bathroom?&#8221; is probably one of the most important to know in any language. Asking for the location of something in Chinese is wonderfully simple, so let&#8217;s take a look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mp3jWrap_4\" class=\"mjp-s-wrapper s-graphic unsel-mjp \" style=\"font-size:18px;\"><span id=\"playpause_wrap_mp3j_4\" class=\"wrap_inline_mp3j\" style=\"font-weight:700;\"><span class=\"gfxbutton_mp3j play-mjp\" id=\"playpause_mp3j_4\" style=\"font-size:18px;\">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span>&nbsp;<span class=\"group_wrap\"><span class=\"bars_mp3j\"><span class=\"loadB_mp3j\" id=\"load_mp3j_4\"><\/span><span class=\"posbarB_mp3j\" id=\"posbar_mp3j_4\"><\/span><\/span><span style=\"display:none;\" id=\"statusMI_4\"><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><span class=\"s-nosolution\" id=\"mp3j_nosolution_4\" style=\"display:none;\"><\/span><script>\nMP3jPLAYLISTS.inline_4 = [\n\t{ name: \"9\", formats: [\"mp3\"], mp3: \"aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGlnbWFuZGFyaW4uY29tL3dwLWNvbnRlbnQvdXBsb2Fkcy8yMDEzLzEwLzkubXAz\", counterpart:\"\", artist: \"\", image: \"\", imgurl: \"\" }\n];\n<\/script>\n\n<script>MP3jPLAYERS[4] = { list: MP3jPLAYLISTS.inline_4, tr:0, type:'single', lstate:'', loop:false, play_txt:'&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;', pause_txt:'&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;', pp_title:'', autoplay:false, download:false, vol:100, height:'' };<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q:\u5395\u6240\u5728\u54ea\u513f\uff1fC\u00e8s\u01d4o z\u00e0i n\u01ce&#8217;er?<\/strong><br>Where is the bathroom?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A: \u5728\u90a3\u91cc\u3002\u2028Z\u00e0i\u2028 n\u00e0l\u01d0.\u2028<\/strong><br>It&#8217;s\u2028 there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First let&#8217;s check out the question. All you need to do is start out your question with the place you want to know about. In this case,\u2028 \u5395\u6240 (c\u00e8s\u01d4o). Next, the verb\u2028 \u5728(z\u00e0i) means \u201cis.\u201d (*Note: You may remember that \u662f(sh\u00ec) also means \u201cis\u201d as in, \u6211\u662f\u7f8e\u56fd\u4eba(W\u01d2 sh\u00ec m\u011bigu\u00f3 r\u00e9n) \u201cI\u2028am American.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The verb \u5728(z\u00e0i) is used to express\u201cto be\u201d when you want to know where something is. You can&#8217;t use \u662f(sh\u00ec) in this context.) Finally, use\u2028 \u54ea\u513f(n\u01ce\u2019er) which means &#8220;where.&#8221; It\u2019s backward from the English word order but still very easy to understand. The beauty of this pattern is that you use it for people, places, and things so it\u2019s very high frequency and very flexible. The answer is even simpler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To respond you once again use the verb\u2028 \u5728(z\u00e0i). But here you can leave out the place that you asked about in the question. We do the same in English too. Once you\u2019ve established that \u201cthe bathroom\u201d is the topic in question, there is no need to repeat it in the answer. Can you say it again? Sure thing. Place \u5395\u6240 (c\u00e8s\u01d4o) in front of \u5728(z\u00e0i) and you\u2019re good to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The end of the sentence is where you find the information about where the place is. In our answer we have\u2028 \u90a3\u91cc(n\u00e0l\u01d0) which means \u201cthere.\u201d Obviously there could be a lot of information about directions to the place you are asking about so\u2028 \u90a3\u91cc(n\u00e0l\u01d0)is just one of many options. Notice that now the word order matches with the English exactly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>More Info:<\/strong><br>You may have noticed that \u54ea\u513f(n\u01ce\u2019er) in the question and \u90a3\u91cc(n\u00e0l\u01d0) in the answer have a similar pronunciation and that the characters almost look identical. The little \u53e3 in front of \u54ea\u513f(n\u01ce\u2019er) signifies that it is a question and it means \u201cwhich.\u201d If \u53e3 isn\u2019t in there, then it isn\u2019t a question and it means, \u201cthat.\u201d Another important point is that \u513f(er) and \u91cc(l\u01d0) are interchangeable in this context. You can use either one with \u54ea(n\u01ce) and \u90a3(n\u00e0) and be perfectly correct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The list of places above\u00a0 is that you might need to ask about. Just substitute anyone from the list below for \u2028\u5395\u6240 (c\u00e8s\u01d4o)in the question:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong> \u2028Q:\u2028 \u5395\u6240\u5728\u54ea\u513f\uff1f<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding directions in another language is notoriously difficult. Your understanding depends as much on your listening comprehension as it does on the other person\u2019s ability to explain the route clearly (and his honesty about whether or not he actually knows where the place is that you are asking about.) As a beginner in this situation, sometimes the best you can do is find out if the place is close or far, have people point you in the general direction, and then ask someone else further down the road. So the list below is more of a guide for listening than a structure for how to give directions. Listen for these words to show up in the answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u2028A: \u5728\u90a3\u91cc\u3002<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u90a3\u91cc (n\u00e0l\u01d0) \u2013 there<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u8fd9\u91cc (zh\u00e8l\u01d0) \u2013 here<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u540e\u9762 (h\u00f2umi\u00e0n) \u2013 behind<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u524d\u9762 (qi\u00e1nmi\u00e0n) \u2013 in front<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u5bf9\u9762 (du\u00ecmi\u00e0n) \u2013 opposite<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u9644\u8fd1 (f\u00f9j\u00ecn) \u2013 near<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u8fdc (yu\u01cen) \u2013 far<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u65c1\u8fb9 (p\u00e1ngbi\u0101n) \u2013 next to<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u62d0\u89d2 (gu\u01ceiji\u01ceo) \u2013 corner<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u5317 (b\u011bi) \u2013 north<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u5357 (n\u00e1n) -south<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u4e1c (d\u014dng) -east<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u897f (x\u012b) \u2013 west<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u5de6 (zu\u01d2) -left<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u53f3 (y\u00f2u) \u2013 right<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-how-to-ask-what-do-you-want-to-do-in-chinese\">#10: How to ask What do you want to do in Chinese<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Today we are talking about making plans and asking &#8220;What do you want to do?&#8221; This is an easy one for English speakers to wrap their heads around, so let&#8217;s check it out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mp3jWrap_5\" class=\"mjp-s-wrapper s-graphic unsel-mjp \" style=\"font-size:18px;\"><span id=\"playpause_wrap_mp3j_5\" class=\"wrap_inline_mp3j\" style=\"font-weight:700;\"><span class=\"gfxbutton_mp3j play-mjp\" id=\"playpause_mp3j_5\" style=\"font-size:18px;\">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span>&nbsp;<span class=\"group_wrap\"><span class=\"bars_mp3j\"><span class=\"loadB_mp3j\" id=\"load_mp3j_5\"><\/span><span class=\"posbarB_mp3j\" id=\"posbar_mp3j_5\"><\/span><\/span><span style=\"display:none;\" id=\"statusMI_5\"><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><span class=\"s-nosolution\" id=\"mp3j_nosolution_5\" style=\"display:none;\"><\/span><script>\nMP3jPLAYLISTS.inline_5 = [\n\t{ name: \"10\", formats: [\"mp3\"], mp3: \"aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGlnbWFuZGFyaW4uY29tL3dwLWNvbnRlbnQvdXBsb2Fkcy8yMDEzLzEwLzEwLm1wMw==\", counterpart:\"\", artist: \"\", image: \"\", imgurl: \"\" }\n];\n<\/script>\n\n<script>MP3jPLAYERS[5] = { list: MP3jPLAYLISTS.inline_5, tr:0, type:'single', lstate:'', loop:false, play_txt:'&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;', pause_txt:'&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;', pp_title:'', autoplay:false, download:false, vol:100, height:'' };<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q:\u4f60\u60f3\u505a\u4ec0\u4e48\uff1fN\u01d0 xi\u01ceng z\u00f9o sh\u00e9nme?<\/strong><br>What do you want to do?<br><strong><br>A:\u6211\u60f3\u5403\u996d\u3002W\u01d2 xi\u01ceng ch\u012bf\u00e0n.<\/strong><br>I want to have a meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Making plans to do something in Chinese is pretty simple. The nice thing about the structure of this question is that it opens up the door to some other high-frequency questions. We\u2019ll check those out later but right now let\u2019s take a look at the question. The Chinese and the English match up nicely here except for the placement of the question word \u201cwhat.\u201d The English question puts \u201cwhat\u201d at the beginning of the sentence but the Chinese question places\u2028\u4ec0\u4e48(sh\u00e9nme) at the end of the sentence. The Chinese is actually a bit less complicated because it leaves out the \u201cdo\u201d that English uses in this question: \u201cWhat\u2028do you want to do?\u201d As always, there is no verb changing, or conjugation, in any way. So word for word we end up with a literal translation of, &#8220;You want to do what?&#8221; Pretty straightforward, so let\u2019s move on to the answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you can see, the answer is beautifully simple and matches up with the English meaning and word order exactly. The only tricky part of this is that\u2028\u5403\u996d(ch\u012bf\u00e0n)\u2028means &#8220;eat&#8221; but it is two characters. The character\u2028\u5403(ch\u012b) means &#8220;eat&#8221; and\u2028\u996d(f\u00e0n)\u2028means rice. But in this context their combined meaning is simply &#8220;eat&#8221; or to have a meal.\u2028So the literal translation is, &#8220;I want eat.&#8221; But there are some variations of the question and answer that you should know. Let\u2019s move on to them below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>More Info:<\/strong><br>There are some other ways to ask, \u201cWhat do you want to do?\u201d in Chinese. Specifically, \u60f3(xi\u01ceng) and \u505a(z\u00f9o) can be replaced with other words. First, the verb \u8981(y\u00e0o) can replace \u60f3(xi\u01ceng). What\u2019s the difference? In this context they both mean \u201cwant\u201d but \u60f3(xi\u01ceng) softens the question or request. It would be more like saying \u201cI would like\u201d instead of \u201cI want.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Chinese culture it is always better to be a bit too polite instead of being slightly rude or informal, so as a beginner it is better to use \u60f3(xi\u01ceng). That being said, you will definitely hear \u8981(y\u00e0o) replacing \u60f3(xi\u01ceng) in this context and it will be completely appropriate and not rude at all. Just be aware of the difference and use \u60f3(xi\u01ceng) when in doubt. Next, the verb \u505a(z\u00f9o) can be replaced by \u5e72(g\u00e0n). Here there is no real difference. Either one gives you the same meaning in this context so feel free to use them interchangeably here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It should also be noted in this section that \u60f3 (xi\u01ceng) CANNOT be used to say you want something. You can only use \u60f3(xi\u01ceng) to ask and say you want to DO something. In other words, when you use \u60f3 (xi\u01ceng) to mean \u201cwant\u201d it has to be followed by a VERB.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How do you say you want SOMETHING? You use \u8981 (y\u00e0o)! But in Chinese, you will be likely to find yourself in a situation where using \u60f3 (xi\u01ceng) + VERB will be very natural and you won\u2019t have to use \u8981 (y\u00e0o) + THING and chance sounding rude. Let\u2019s look at why this is so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Below are some of the common questions you might be asked using this pattern. Check out the answers and see if you can spot how the Chinese answer differs from the English<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Question and Answer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mp3jWrap_6\" class=\"mjp-s-wrapper s-graphic unsel-mjp \" style=\"font-size:18px;\"><span id=\"playpause_wrap_mp3j_6\" class=\"wrap_inline_mp3j\" style=\"font-weight:700;\"><span class=\"gfxbutton_mp3j play-mjp\" id=\"playpause_mp3j_6\" style=\"font-size:18px;\">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span>&nbsp;<span class=\"group_wrap\"><span class=\"bars_mp3j\"><span class=\"loadB_mp3j\" id=\"load_mp3j_6\"><\/span><span class=\"posbarB_mp3j\" id=\"posbar_mp3j_6\"><\/span><\/span><span style=\"display:none;\" id=\"statusMI_6\"><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><span class=\"s-nosolution\" id=\"mp3j_nosolution_6\" style=\"display:none;\"><\/span><script>\nMP3jPLAYLISTS.inline_6 = [\n\t{ name: \"10-1\", formats: [\"mp3\"], mp3: \"aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGlnbWFuZGFyaW4uY29tL3dwLWNvbnRlbnQvdXBsb2Fkcy8yMDEzLzEwLzEwLTEubXAz\", counterpart:\"\", artist: \"\", image: \"\", imgurl: \"\" }\n];\n<\/script>\n\n<script>MP3jPLAYERS[6] = { list: MP3jPLAYLISTS.inline_6, tr:0, type:'single', lstate:'', loop:false, play_txt:'&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;', pause_txt:'&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;', pp_title:'', autoplay:false, download:false, vol:100, height:'' };<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: \u4f60\u60f3\u505a\u4ec0\u4e48\uff1f N\u01d0 xi\u01ceng z\u00f9o sh\u00e9nme?<\/strong><br>What do you want to do?<br><strong>A: \u6211\u60f3\u5403\u996d\u3002W\u01d2 xi\u01ceng ch\u012bf\u00e0n<\/strong><br>I want to eat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mp3jWrap_7\" class=\"mjp-s-wrapper s-graphic unsel-mjp \" style=\"font-size:18px;\"><span id=\"playpause_wrap_mp3j_7\" class=\"wrap_inline_mp3j\" style=\"font-weight:700;\"><span class=\"gfxbutton_mp3j play-mjp\" id=\"playpause_mp3j_7\" style=\"font-size:18px;\">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span>&nbsp;<span class=\"group_wrap\"><span class=\"bars_mp3j\"><span class=\"loadB_mp3j\" id=\"load_mp3j_7\"><\/span><span class=\"posbarB_mp3j\" id=\"posbar_mp3j_7\"><\/span><\/span><span style=\"display:none;\" id=\"statusMI_7\"><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><span class=\"s-nosolution\" id=\"mp3j_nosolution_7\" style=\"display:none;\"><\/span><script>\nMP3jPLAYLISTS.inline_7 = [\n\t{ name: \"10-2\", formats: [\"mp3\"], mp3: \"aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGlnbWFuZGFyaW4uY29tL3dwLWNvbnRlbnQvdXBsb2Fkcy8yMDEzLzEwLzEwLTIubXAz\", counterpart:\"\", artist: \"\", image: \"\", imgurl: \"\" }\n];\n<\/script>\n\n<script>MP3jPLAYERS[7] = { list: MP3jPLAYLISTS.inline_7, tr:0, type:'single', lstate:'', loop:false, play_txt:'&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;', pause_txt:'&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;', pp_title:'', autoplay:false, download:false, vol:100, height:'' };<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: \u4f60\u60f3\u4e70\u4ec0\u4e48\uff1fN\u01d0 xi\u01ceng m\u01cei sh\u00e9nme? <\/strong><br>What do you want to buy?<br><strong>A:\u6211\u60f3\u4e70\u4e66\u3002W\u01d2 xi\u01ceng m\u01cei sh\u016b.<\/strong><br>I want (to buy) a book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mp3jWrap_8\" class=\"mjp-s-wrapper s-graphic unsel-mjp \" style=\"font-size:18px;\"><span id=\"playpause_wrap_mp3j_8\" class=\"wrap_inline_mp3j\" style=\"font-weight:700;\"><span class=\"gfxbutton_mp3j play-mjp\" id=\"playpause_mp3j_8\" style=\"font-size:18px;\">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span>&nbsp;<span class=\"group_wrap\"><span class=\"bars_mp3j\"><span class=\"loadB_mp3j\" id=\"load_mp3j_8\"><\/span><span class=\"posbarB_mp3j\" id=\"posbar_mp3j_8\"><\/span><\/span><span style=\"display:none;\" id=\"statusMI_8\"><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><span class=\"s-nosolution\" id=\"mp3j_nosolution_8\" style=\"display:none;\"><\/span><script>\nMP3jPLAYLISTS.inline_8 = [\n\t{ name: \"10-3\", formats: [\"mp3\"], mp3: \"aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGlnbWFuZGFyaW4uY29tL3dwLWNvbnRlbnQvdXBsb2Fkcy8yMDEzLzEwLzEwLTMubXAz\", counterpart:\"\", artist: \"\", image: \"\", imgurl: \"\" }\n];\n<\/script>\n\n<script>MP3jPLAYERS[8] = { list: MP3jPLAYLISTS.inline_8, tr:0, type:'single', lstate:'', loop:false, play_txt:'&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;', pause_txt:'&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;', pp_title:'', autoplay:false, download:false, vol:100, height:'' };<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: \u4f60\u60f3\u559d\u4ec0\u4e48\uff1f N\u01d0 xi\u01ceng h\u0113 sh\u00e9nme? <\/strong><br>What do you want to drink?<strong><br>A: \u6211\u60f3\u559d\u6c34\u3002W\u01d2 xi\u01ceng h\u0113 shu\u01d0.<\/strong><br>I want (to drink) water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mp3jWrap_9\" class=\"mjp-s-wrapper s-graphic unsel-mjp \" style=\"font-size:18px;\"><span id=\"playpause_wrap_mp3j_9\" class=\"wrap_inline_mp3j\" style=\"font-weight:700;\"><span class=\"gfxbutton_mp3j play-mjp\" id=\"playpause_mp3j_9\" style=\"font-size:18px;\">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span>&nbsp;<span class=\"group_wrap\"><span class=\"bars_mp3j\"><span class=\"loadB_mp3j\" id=\"load_mp3j_9\"><\/span><span class=\"posbarB_mp3j\" id=\"posbar_mp3j_9\"><\/span><\/span><span style=\"display:none;\" id=\"statusMI_9\"><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><span class=\"s-nosolution\" id=\"mp3j_nosolution_9\" style=\"display:none;\"><\/span><script>\nMP3jPLAYLISTS.inline_9 = [\n\t{ name: \"10-4\", formats: [\"mp3\"], mp3: \"aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGlnbWFuZGFyaW4uY29tL3dwLWNvbnRlbnQvdXBsb2Fkcy8yMDEzLzEwLzEwLTQubXAz\", counterpart:\"\", artist: \"\", image: \"\", imgurl: \"\" }\n];\n<\/script>\n\n<script>MP3jPLAYERS[9] = { list: MP3jPLAYLISTS.inline_9, tr:0, type:'single', lstate:'', loop:false, play_txt:'&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;', pause_txt:'&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;', pp_title:'', autoplay:false, download:false, vol:100, height:'' };<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: \u4f60\u60f3\u5403\u4ec0\u4e48\uff1fN\u01d0 xi\u01ceng ch\u012b sh\u00e9nme?<\/strong><br>What do you want to eat?<br><strong>A: \u6211\u60f3\u5403\u7092\u996d\u3002W\u01d2 xi\u01ceng ch\u012b ch\u01ceo f\u00e0n.<\/strong><br>I want (to eat) fried rice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Did you see it? If someone asks you in English, \u201cWhat do you want to eat?\u201d you are likely to reply, \u201cI want fried rice.\u201d Saying, \u201cI want to EAT fried rice\u201d would sound pretty emphatic, like you haven\u2019t eaten in days and must eat fried rice now!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I can&#8217;t think of a situation in English where I might be inclined to say, &#8220;I want to drink water &#8221; but in Chinese repeating the verb that was asked in the question doesn\u2019t sound strange at all. And for that reason, as a beginner you are still better off using \u60f3(xi\u01ceng) instead of \u8981(y\u00e0o).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Below is another common question that uses the same pattern with a different question word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Question and Answer:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q:\u4f60\u60f3\u53bb\u54ea\u91cc\uff1f N\u01d0 xi\u01ceng q\u00f9 n\u01cel\u01d0?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Where do you want to go?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A: \u6211\u60f3\u53bb\u516c\u56ed\u3002W\u01d2 xi\u01ceng q\u00f9 g\u014dngyu\u00e1n.<\/strong><br>I want to go to the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So let&#8217;s get back to the original question and answer. If are making plans and someone asks you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q:\u4f60\u60f3\u505a\u4ec0\u4e48\uff1fN\u01d0 xi\u01ceng z\u00f9o sh\u00e9nme?<\/strong><br>What do you want to do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can easily tailor your answer by replacing\u2028 \u5403\u996d (ch\u012bf\u00e0n)\u2028with any activity that you want to do. Check it out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A:\u6211\u60f3\u5403\u996d\u3002W\u01d2 xi\u01ceng\u2028 ch\u012bf\u00e0n.<\/strong><br>I want to\u2028 eat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a list of activities to fill in, go to Question #4, \u2028&#8221;What do you like to do in your free time?&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Maybe you would like to tell the person where you would like to go instead of what you would like to do. If that&#8217;s the case then this is the answer for you:<br><strong><br>\u6211\u60f3\u53bb\u516c\u56ed\u3002\u2028W\u01d2 xi\u01ceng q\u00f9 g\u014dngyu\u00e1n. <\/strong><br>I want to go to\u2028 the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a list of places to go, check out Question #9,\u2028 &#8220;Where is the bathroom?&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related Reading<\/strong>:  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.digmandarin.com\/chinese-for-beginners.html\">Comprehensive Guide for Chinese Beginners<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Last time we took a look at how to say, &#8220;How many people are in your family?&#8221; in Chinese. If you missed that discussion, take some time to\u2028 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.digmandarin.com\/20-questions-to-get-you-from-zero-chinese-to-basic-fluency-part-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">go back<\/a> and answer the question in the reply. Today we will learn basic Chinese for Part 2<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[179,1],"tags":[77,80,81,89,84],"post_series":[],"class_list":["post-860","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-expressions","category-learn-mandarin-online","tag-beginner","tag-self-study","tag-speaking","tag-tips-and-suggestions","tag-vocabulary","entry","no-media"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>20 Questions to Get You from Zero Chinese to Basic Fluency (Part 2)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.digmandarin.com\/20-questions-to-get-you-from-zero-chinese-to-basic-fluency-part-2.html\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"20 Questions to Get You from Zero Chinese to Basic Fluency (Part 2)\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Last time we took a look at how to say, &quot;How many people are in your family?&quot; in Chinese. 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