Elaine Sally

When you pick up the phone in Chinese you say 喂 (wéi). It works like “hello” at the start of a call and is not used for greeting people face to face.

The Chinese phrase for “I wonder” is 我想知道. 我想知道 is used to express a desire to find out or know more about something.

The English phrase ‘nominate’ can be translated into Chinese as 提名. The verb 提名 is used to name someone for a particular role or position.

The English word “plumber” is translated into Chinese as 水管工. 水管工 is the most common and direct way to refer to a plumber in everyday conversation.

In Chinese, ‘toes’ is expressed as 脚趾. The term refers to the five digits at the end of each foot.

The English name “benji” can be translated into Chinese as 本吉. 本吉 is a proper name used for a person or a pet.

The English phrase “want to be friends” is translated into Chinese as 想做朋友. The phrase is used to express a desire to start a friendship with someone.

The English word rooster is translated into Chinese as 雄雞 / 雄鸡 or 公雞 / 公鸡. Both terms refer to a male chicken or a male gallinaceous bird.

The Mandarin word for “healthy” is 健康. 健康 is an adjective meaning enjoying good health.

To say ‘come over here’ in Chinese, the default form is 到这里来.