Chinese Short Dialogue | 听中文会话 | 中国語リスニング

小刚 explains to 小宝 why the Year of the Snake in 2025 has 384 days and the differences between the Gregorian calendar and the lunar calendar.

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《English Translation》

小宝: Brother 小刚, I heard from my dad that this year's Year of the Snake has 384 days, which is many more days than last year! Why is that?
小刚: 小宝, this has to do with the lunar calendar. The Gregorian calendar we use usually has 365 days in a year, but the lunar calendar is based on the changes in the moon's phases. Sometimes it adds an extra month, called an intercalary month.
小宝: Intercalary month? Does that mean there's an extra month, so there's more time to play?
小刚: You could say that, but the main reason is that a lunar year is about 11 days shorter than a Gregorian year, so an extra month is added every few years to better align the time with the four seasons. This year, the lunar calendar has an extra intercalary sixth month, so the Year of the Snake has 384 days!
小宝: Wow, is the lunar calendar more interesting than the Gregorian calendar? Why are there two types of calendars?
小刚: The Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar, mainly based on the sun's movement, such as the four seasons. The lunar calendar is a lunisolar calendar, which considers both the changes in the moon's phases and the four seasons. The lunar calendar is also closely related to our traditional festivals and agricultural activities, and it's a part of Chinese culture!
小宝: Oh, I understand! The lunar calendar has intercalary months, and the Gregorian calendar has leap years. Both calendars are very useful, right?
小刚: Yes, 小宝, you're very smart! The wisdom of the lunar calendar reflects our Chinese people's observation and respect for nature, and it's also a part of our culture.

陈智高 and 王明月 discuss the origin and significance of the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches (天干地支), as well as the cultural connotations of the Year of the Snake and 乙巳 Year in 2025.

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《English Translation》

王明月: Master, 2025 is the Year of the Snake, also known as 乙巳 Year. I'm curious, why did the ancients use the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches to record years?
陈智高: That's a good question. The origin of the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches dates back over 4,000 years. The ancients observed celestial phenomena and the movements of the sun and moon, summarizing a system of ten Heavenly Stems and twelve Earthly Branches to record time and natural laws.
王明月: How do the ten Heavenly Stems and twelve Earthly Branches combine?
陈智高: The Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches are paired in sequence, such as 甲子, 乙丑, 丙寅, all the way to 癸亥, forming a total of sixty combinations known as the sixty-year cycle, or 六十甲子. 乙巳 Year is the 42nd year in this cycle.
王明月: Why does the Earthly Branch '巳' correspond to the snake? Does it have anything to do with the Five Elements?
陈智高: In the twelve Earthly Branches, 巳 represents the snake and is associated with yin fire in the Five Elements. According to the Five Elements theory, 巳 Snake symbolizes rising and transformation, indicating the accumulation and release of energy. These symbols are closely related to the concept of yin-yang balance.
王明月: It sounds like the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches are not just tools for recording time but also carry ancient philosophical ideas?
陈智高: Exactly. The Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches reflect the ancients' understanding of nature and time. They are not only a way of recording years but also incorporate the philosophy of yin-yang and the Five Elements. For example, the cyclical nature of the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches represents the growth, transformation, and decline of all things.
王明月: In modern society, how should we view this ancient system? Does it still have practical significance?
陈智高: While we primarily use the Gregorian calendar today, the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches are still widely used in the lunar calendar, traditional festivals, agriculture, and feng shui. At the same time, it is a part of Chinese culture that reminds us to respect natural laws and revere the heavens and the earth. Understanding these traditions can help us better connect with our cultural roots.
王明月: Master, I understand now. The Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches are not just a method for recording time, but also a bridge connecting the past and the present, nature and humanity.
陈智高: Well said! The wisdom of the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches lies in their universality and philosophical depth. I hope you can continue to study deeply, combining tradition with modernity, and uncover more cultural insights.

小刚 explains to 小宝 in a simple way why 2025 is the Year of the Snake and introduces the basic concept of the Chinese Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches (干支).

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《English Translation》

小宝: Brother, Dad said this year is the Year of the Snake. Why is it the Year of the Snake?
小刚: Because China has a special way of counting years called the 'Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches' system (干支纪年). Each year is represented by an animal, and this year is the 'Year of the Snake'!
小宝: 'Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches'? That sounds so complicated!
小刚: Actually, it's not hard! The 'Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches' system marks years using Stems and Branches. Although there are twelve animals, the exact combination repeats only every 60 years. For example, this year is the year of 乙巳, and '巳' corresponds to the snake.
小宝: Oh! Why is the snake chosen?
小刚: This was invented by the Chinese people a long time ago. They selected twelve animals, like the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, and snake, with one animal representing each year. It forms a cycle of twelve years.
小宝: I get it! So twelve years from now, it will be the Year of the Snake again, right?
小刚: That's right! You're so smart, 小宝. Now you know why this year is the Year of the Snake, don't you?
小宝: I know now! Thank you, brother!

小刚 explains various customs of the Spring Festival to 小宝, including the New Year's Eve dinner, red envelopes, and more. 小宝 listens attentively.

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《English Translation》

小刚: 小宝, do you know what the Spring Festival is?
小宝: Spring Festival? Is it Chinese New Year? You can set off firecrackers and eat lots of delicious food!
小刚: That's right! Spring Festival is the most important holiday in China. There are many traditional customs, like having New Year's Eve dinner on the night of the 30th, where the whole family gathers together. It's so lively!
小宝: New Year's Eve dinner? Does it include lots of delicious food?
小刚: Of course! There's fish, symbolizing surplus year after year; chicken, symbolizing good fortune and happiness; and dumplings, symbolizing family unity... Every dish has a wonderful meaning!
小宝: Wow, that sounds amazing! What other customs are there for the New Year?
小刚: During the New Year, elders also give red envelopes to children, wishing them good health and academic progress!
小宝: Red envelopes? Does that mean there's a lot of money?
小刚: Haha, the amount of money in the red envelope doesn't matter. What matters is the elders' blessings. During the New Year, we also put up spring couplets, set off firecrackers, and decorate everywhere with lanterns. It's so festive!
小宝: That's awesome! I can't wait for the New Year!

黄刚 and 陈花 discuss the changes in traditional and modern ways of celebrating the Spring Festival, sharing their feelings about the festive atmosphere.

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《English Translation》

黄刚: 小花, the Spring Festival is approaching. Have you noticed that the festive atmosphere of the Spring Festival during our childhood feels a bit different now?
陈花: Yes, I have. I remember when I was a kid, every household would put up Spring Festival couplets and hang '福' characters, creating a strong festive atmosphere. Nowadays, it seems like more people choose to travel during the holiday.
黄刚: Exactly, modern lifestyles have changed. For example, in our workplace, many colleagues go abroad during the Spring Festival and even skip preparing New Year's Eve dinners. Honestly, I still miss the lively scenes of family gatherings during childhood.
陈花: Me too. As a child, I used to look forward to setting off firecrackers. Hearing the 'crackling' sound of firecrackers really made me feel like the New Year had arrived. But now, for the sake of the environment and safety, many places have banned setting off firecrackers.
黄刚: That's true. But now there are also new festive elements, like watching the Spring Festival Gala or sending WeChat red envelopes. These modern ways may not be as traditional, but they make celebrating the New Year more convenient and contemporary.
陈花: Speaking of WeChat red envelopes, my students in class love grabbing red envelopes in group chats these days. They're so fast at it! I guess that’s also a form of New Year fun.
黄刚: Haha, grabbing red envelopes is indeed exciting. By the way, how are we celebrating this year? Should we try taking our parents to temple fairs or watching dragon and lion dance performances? These traditional activities are pretty interesting.
陈花: Great idea! I used to love watching dragon and lion dances as a child. The lively atmosphere was full of the festive spirit. I also want to make dumplings at home and chat with my parents about the New Year celebrations from when we were kids.
黄刚: Then it's decided. This year we'll combine traditional and modern ways of celebrating. We'll enjoy family time together and also experience traditional folk activities. Hopefully, it’ll create a special Spring Festival memory for both our parents and the kids!
陈花: Exactly, the Spring Festival is all about being happy and reuniting with family, no matter how it’s celebrated!

During a Chinese lesson before the Spring Festival, 刘娜 gives 大卫 a brief introduction to the customs and symbolic meanings of the festival.

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《English Translation》

刘娜: 大卫, do you know when the Spring Festival is?
大卫: Yes, it’s the Lunar New Year, right?
刘娜: Correct! The Spring Festival is the most important holiday in China.
大卫: What do people usually do during the Spring Festival?
刘娜: We have a New Year’s Eve dinner, pay New Year’s visits, and give children red envelopes.
大卫: What’s special about the New Year’s Eve dinner?
刘娜: The New Year’s Eve dinner is very special! It always includes dumplings and fish.
大卫: Why dumplings and fish?
刘娜: Dumplings look like 'yuanbao' (ancient Chinese currency), symbolizing wealth. Fish means 'surplus every year,' representing good fortune.
大卫: I see! It sounds delicious and meaningful.
刘娜: Yes, the New Year’s Eve dinner is a time for family reunions. It’s very lively!
大卫: I hope I can celebrate the Spring Festival with Chinese people in the future!
刘娜: You will definitely enjoy it! The Spring Festival is truly special.
大卫: Thank you, Teacher! Wish you a happy Spring Festival!
刘娜: Thank you! Happy New Year!

小刚 tells 小宝 about a news story where a man was punished for refusing military service, explaining the importance of military service and the consequences of refusing it.

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《English Translation》

小刚: 小宝, did you know? Today I saw news about a young man who didn't want to join the army and was punished as a result.
小宝: Join the army? Is it to defend our country?
小刚: Yes, joining the army can defend our country, and it's a very honorable thing to do. But that young man signed up and then didn't want to go, so he was punished.
小宝: What kind of punishment did he receive?
小刚: He won't be able to do many things in the future, such as working for prestigious companies or traveling abroad, and he will also be fined.
小宝: Wow, isn't that very serious?
小刚: Yes, it's very serious. Because defending the country is a very important thing, everyone should do their part.
小宝: I understand now. Joining the army is an honorable thing, and we can't just say we don't want to go.

During lunch break, 刘娜 and 大卫 are discussing what to eat in the school cafeteria.

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《English Translation》

刘娜: 大卫, what are you eating for lunch?
大卫: I don't know. 刘老师, what do you suggest?
刘娜: The cafeteria has rice, noodles, and steamed buns. What do you like?
大卫: I like rice. What dishes come with rice?
刘娜: There are eggs, fish, and vegetables.
大卫: I'll have eggs and fish. Is the fish tasty?
刘娜: It's very tasty!
大卫: Alright, I'll give it a try. Thank you, 刘老师!
刘娜: You're welcome! Let's go.

刘娜 and 大卫 are chatting in the morning about what to eat for breakfast.

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《English Translation》

刘娜: 大卫, good morning! What did you have for breakfast today?
大卫: Good morning, 刘老师! I haven't eaten yet. What about you?
刘娜: I had an egg and drank a glass of milk. What about you? What do you feel like eating?
大卫: I want to eat some bread and have a glass of milk. Is that okay?
刘娜: Of course! There's a bakery right next to the school. We can check it out later.
大卫: That's great! Thank you, 刘老师.

小刚 tells 小宝 a story about a birth certificate, illustrating the importance of a child's birth certificate.

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《English Translation》

小刚: 小宝, today I saw a news story about a child who couldn't go to kindergarten because he didn't have a birth certificate.
小宝: What's a birth certificate?
小刚: A birth certificate is like your ID card. It says when you were born and who your parents are. With it, you can go to school and see a doctor.
小宝: Then why didn't the child have a birth certificate?
小刚: Because his parents separated, and his mother took the birth certificate. But she wouldn't give it to the child and wouldn't help the child get a new one. The child couldn't go to kindergarten without this certificate.
小宝: Why didn't the mother give the child the birth certificate if she took it?
小刚: Because the mother and father had a fight, and there were unhappy things between them. But the court said that parents can't prevent their child from going to kindergarten because of their own fights. So the court ordered the mother to return the birth certificate to the child.
小宝: Oh, I understand. A child must have a birth certificate.