Totally Unspiritual Post: Learning Chinese

In anticipation of our move to Shanghai, I have been working hard on making sure I have some basic phrases down, and I thought that I would share some of those with you here. In learning any language, you really want to make sure that you've always got the basics covered - especially since meeting people tends to be comprised of the exact same conversation - something like, "Good to meet you. My name is Chris. I am American. Did you know your squatty potty is overflowing? Yes, that is what smells." There are lots of other useful phrases though, some of which people don't think of. If you only memorize the basics, it can be very limiting in early conversations.

Although many people think Mandarin is very hard to learn, it's really not. In fact, if you memorize the list below, you too can master the basics we have been working on. Don't worry about tones - although they communicate meaning in Mandarin, these phrases would be very difficult for a Chinese person not to understand. Just say them as it feels right, and you should be fine.

"That's not right"
= "Sum Ting Wong"

"Are you harboring a fugitive?"
= "Hu Yu Hai Ding"

"See me ASAP."
= "Kum Hia Nao"

"Small Horse..."
= "Tai Ni PoNi"

"Did you go to the beach?"
= "Wai Yu So Tan"

"I bumped into a coffee table."
= "Ai Bang Mai Dam Ni"

"I think you need a face lift."
= "Chin Tu Fat"

"It's very dark in here."
= "Wai So Dim"

"I thought you were on a diet."
= "Wai Yu Mun Ching"

"This is a tow away zone."
= "No Pah King"

"Our meeting is scheduled for next week."
= "Wai Yu Kum Nao"

"Staying out of sight."
= "Lei Ying Lo"

"He's cleaning his automobile."
= "Wa Shing Ka"

"Your body odor is offensive."
= "Yu Stin Ki Pu"

"Do I speak clearly?"
= "Wai Yu La Fa"

I hope this has been helpful for you. We will be in Shanghai in about 72 hours, and covet your conversations with Dad!