I'm Learning Mandarin

Five Mandarin phrases I've learned navigating daily life in Taiwan


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Links:


My blog: https://imlearningmandarin.com/


Mandarin Retreats: https://imlearningmandarin.com/uk-mandarin-immersion-retreats/


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New vocabulary learned:


  • 1. 甜筒
    Pinyin: tián tǒng
    English: Ice cream cone

    • = sweet

    • = tube/cone (refers to the cone shape)

    • Together, this means an ice cream cone.


  • 2. 中焙 / 中深焙 (used in the context of coffee roasting)

    • 中焙
      Pinyin: zhōng bèi
      English: Medium roast

      • = middle / medium

      • = to roast (especially coffee or tea)

      • This is a medium roast — a balanced roast level often used for drip coffee.


  • 3. 原路折返
    Pinyin: yuán lù zhé fǎn
    English: To return by the original route / retrace one’s steps

    • 原路 = original path / the same road

    • 折返 = to turn back / go back

    • Often used in navigation, or metaphorically in life to mean going back the way you came.


  • 4. 知难而退
    Pinyin: zhī nán ér tuì
    English: To retreat in the face of difficulties / to back off when realizing something is too hard

    • = to know

    • = difficulty

    • = and / yet / but (classical-style connector)

    • 退 = to retreat / withdraw

    • Refers to making a wise decision to step back after recognizing a challenge is too tough to overcome. Sometimes used to describe prudence, sometimes cowardice, depending on context.


  • 5. 隐眼 (shortened form of 隐形眼镜)
    Pinyin: yǐn yǎn
    English: Contact lenses

    • = hidden

    • = eye

    • Short for 隐形眼镜 (yǐn xíng yǎn jìng) = invisible (contact) lenses

    • Colloquial and very commonly used in Taiwan and among young people.

  • ...more
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    I'm Learning MandarinBy Mi Kai

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