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Chinese Language - "Chinglish"
Mandarin Chinglish is a common language in Beijing practiced by both Chinese and expatriate foreigners alike. Named after the crunching together of the words Chinese and English, it consists not just of basic grammar mistakes, but also from commonly mistranslated words and the many words which have no good translation. Chinglish does offer a much simplified language which maybe we all should learn.
If you are confused when speaking to your tour guide, hotel receptionist or even expatriate friend you can use the handy reference below to help you understand.
Please note: The following examples are for entertainment purposes and are not designed to ridicule the Chinese population's grasp of the English language. Many Beijing residents can speak perfect English.
| Chinglish | Example | English Translation |
| Needn't |
A: Are we going to get a taxi ? B: Needn't. |
We don't need to get a taxi, we can walk from here. |
| Needn't |
A: Do you have a car ? B: Needn't. |
I feel public transport is adequate and see no point in owning a car. |
| Needn't |
A: Will 100 RMB cover the cost ? B: Needn't. |
It won't cost that much. |
| Let (In Chinese, the word let has many many uses which are all different English translations) |
My manager let me write a big report, so I'll be a bit late. | My manager made me write a big report, so I'll be a bit late.
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| Let | I will let my secretary call you tomorrow. | I will have my secretary call you tomorrow. |
| Welcome again (on sign) |
Welcome again ! |
See you next time. or Look forward to your next visit. |
| Please | (pulls out a chair and says ... ) Please ... | You can sit here. or Please take a seat. |
| Please | ( extends hand towards door and says ... ) Please ... | After you. |
| Please | ( gives you a plastic bag or an item and says ... ) Please ... | Here ... or Here you go ... or Here you are ... |
| Connect with | Its been a while since I connected with him.
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Its been a while since I had any contact with him. |
| Connect with | I often connect with him. | We keep in touch. |
| Introduce | These marketing materials can give you some introduction about our company. | These marketing materials will give you an overview of what our company does. |
| Together (In Chinese, the word together must be placed after any two things which are together) |
I went with my mother together to the zoo. | I went with my mother to the zoo. or My mother and I went to the zoo. |
| A Chinese |
A: Are you Korean ? B: No, I'm a Chinese ! |
A: Are you Korean ? B: No, I'm Chinese ! |
| After x days |
A: When do you come back from Shanghai ? B: After 5 days |
A: When do you come back from Shanghai ? B: In 5 days time |
| He/She (In Chinese, the words for he/she are identical when spoken) |
Sarah is a great employee, he always works very hard. |
Sarah is a great employee, she always works very hard. |
| Yes / No (In Chinese, the main way to say yes is to repeat back the verb in the question) |
A: Do you want some coffee ? B: Want
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A: Do you want some coffee ? B: Yes
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| Yes / No |
A: Will you go to the party ? B: Won't go
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A: Will you go to the party ? B: No
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| Lovely (Old text books result in old fashioned terms) |
The girl in the movie was so lovely.
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The girl in that movie was so cute.
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| He / She | |||
| Lovely | Cute | ||
| Painful | Hurts | ||
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Need a Tour ? |
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Need Accommodation ? |
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Bargain/haggle a great price ! |
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