Greetings! If you’re interested in learning how to say “twenty” in Chinese, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll delve into both formal and informal ways of expressing the number “twenty” in Mandarin Chinese. We’ll also touch upon a few regional variations, if necessary. So, let’s get started!
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Formal Ways to Say “Twenty” in Chinese
In formal situations, such as when you’re engaging in business, official communications, or using polite language with strangers, it’s essential to utilize the proper terms. In Mandarin Chinese, there are a few ways to express the number “twenty” formally. The key terms are:
- Èrshí (二十): This is the most common and standard way to say “twenty” in Chinese. The term comprises two characters: “èr” meaning “two” and “shí” meaning “ten”. When pronounced, it sounds like “er-shr” with a slight emphasis on the “shr” sound.
- Liǎngshí (两十): While “èrshí” is more widely used, “liǎngshí” serves the same purpose. “Liǎng” means two or a couple and “shí” means ten. It is pronounced as “lyahng-shr”. Although “èrshí” is generally preferred for clarity, “liǎngshí” is perfectly acceptable.
These formal terms are suitable for most situations, especially when conversing with colleagues, superiors, or individuals you don’t know very well. Now, let’s move on to the informal ways of saying “twenty” in Chinese.
Informal Ways to Say “Twenty” in Chinese
Informal language is commonly used among friends, family, and casual acquaintances. In Mandarin Chinese, there are a few colloquial ways to express the number “twenty”. Here are a couple of examples:
- Erba (二八): This informal term originated from the combination of the characters “er” (two) and “ba” (eight). It is pronounced as “er-ba”. This playful expression is often used among close friends, acknowledging the similarity between the shapes of the characters “2” and “8”.
- Xiao Er (小二): Another informal way to say “twenty” is to use the term “xiao er”, which literally means “little two”. In Chinese, “xiao” means “little” or “young”, implying a lesser value than the standard “twenty”. It is pronounced as “shao er”.
These informal expressions should be used with caution and only within appropriate social circles. Now that we’ve covered both formal and informal ways to say “twenty” in Chinese, let’s look at a few examples to provide some context.
Examples Using “Twenty” in Chinese
Example 1:
Formal: Wǒ yǒu èrshí yī dāng lǎoshī. (我有二十一当老师。)
Informal: Wǒ yǒu erba yī dāng lǎoshī. (我有二八一当老师。)English Translation: I have twenty-one as a teacher.
Example 2:
Formal: Nàgè shūjià hěn cháng, yǒu sānshí èr tiān. (那个假期很长，有三十二天。)
Informal: Nàgè shūjià hěn cháng, yǒu sanba èr tiān. (那个假期很长，有三八二天。)English Translation: That vacation is very long, it lasts thirty-two days.
As you can see from the examples above, formal and informal ways of expressing “twenty” can be interchanged, but it is important to consider the context and level of formality in the conversation.
Regional Variations
In most regions of mainland China, the formal term “èrshí” is widely used. However, it’s worth mentioning that there are a few variations across different Chinese-speaking regions. For instance:
- In some parts of southern China, particularly in the Guangdong province and Hong Kong, the term “yaht” is often used instead of “èrshí”.
While regional variations exist, it’s recommended to stick with the standard “èrshí” or “liǎngshí” to ensure understanding, regardless of the region you are in.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully explored how to say “twenty” in Chinese, both formally and informally. Remember, “èrshí” and “liǎngshí” are the most common formal expressions, while “erba” and “xiao er” are informal variations. Pay attention to the context and level of formality when using these terms. Additionally, be aware of regional variations that might exist, although they are not commonly used.
Keep practicing and expanding your Mandarin vocabulary, and you’ll soon be impressing others with your language skills. Best of luck on your journey to learning Chinese!
