Chinese Curriculum
HSK 5 Advanced Program

Ninchanese is a comprehensive app to learn Chinese from beginner HSK1 to advanced HSK6.



Ninchanese aims to provide Chinese learners with a structured program with which to discover and progress in Chinese while thoroughly enjoying the process. Made by professional Chinese teachers, meet the latest HSK-related program and more to completely understand and be fluent in Chinese.

Course content overview

Level Objective: The current course framework is based on the HSK level 5. Grammar points follow levels C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.


World 5 – Part I – Lupishu’s coming of age

Unit 1 – Mobile phones

Goal: Learn some words and expression about mobile phones

S01 Vocabulary
My cell phone is out of battery! – Words and expressions related to cellphones and that battery that always seem low.

S02 Grammar
Expressing even with 甚至 – If you want to place emphasis on something in Chinese, perhaps 甚至 is the word you are looking for.

S02 Grammar Lesson
Expressing “even” with 甚至

S03 Dialogue
Borrowing a cell phone charger 借手机充电器 – Lupishu’s cellphone will be soon out of battery, so he decides to ask Nincha for help.


Unit 2 – Current affairs

Goal: Learn political terminology and how to give your opinion on current affairs

S04 Vocabulary
Reading a newspaper – Our Lupishu is fond of reading Chinese newspapers. How about you? Do you follow the news?

S05 Grammar
Using 凭 – 凭 is a diverse preposition you can use with nouns, verbs, and more. Ready to learn it? Let’s go!

S05 Grammar Lesson
Using 凭 to say “on the basis of”

S6 Dialogue
It’s such big news! 这是大新闻 ! – Lupishu and BaiMei exchange their points of view on the big international news.


Unit 3 – Holidays and Festivals

Goal: Learn how to praise someone in Chinese

S07 Vocabulary
Mother’s Day – How do you celebrate Mother’s Day usually?

S08 Grammar
Expressing “both…and” with 既…又… and 既…也…. – Getting tired of using 和 to express “and”? With the help of 既…又… & 既…也…., say “and” in a more elegant way!

S08 Grammar Lesson
Expressing “both…and” with 既…又… and 既…也

S09 Dialogue
I feel proud of my son! 我为我儿子感到骄傲! – Lupishu runs into his neighbor Madam Meow and they are talking about her son is.


Unit 4 – Economic news

Goal: Learn the economic terminology

S10 Vocabulary
Any interesting economic news? – Useful words to help you talk about economic issues in Chinese

S11 Grammar
Indicating contrast with 则 – This little conjunction can help you make a big comparison between two things.

S11 Grammar Lesson
Indicating contrast with 则

S12 Dialogue
I want to watch the economic channel! 我想看经济频道 ! – There is an interview on the economic channel Nincha really wants to watch!


Unit 5 – Art exam in China

S13 Vocabulary
Do you want to be an artist? – Come and learn some useful words about art!

S14 Grammar
Expressing contrariness with 倒 – How do you highlight something is contrary to expectations? Try using this little conjunction 倒

S14 Grammar Lesson
Expressing contrariness with 倒

S15 Dialogue
Art exam in China 中国的艺考 – Want to be a musician or a painter in China? Passing the art exam might be your first step.


Unit 6 – Cultural difference

Goal: Learn how to talk about cultural differences

S16 Vocabulary
At-Choo! At-Choo! At-Choo! – Poor Lupishu has a cold and he can’t help sneezing all the time.

S17 Grammar
Using the particle 呗 – 呗 may always be placed at the end of a sentence but this small particle has a huge power. Check it out!

S17 Grammar Lesson
Using the particle 呗

S18 Dialogue
Sneezing in China and other countries 在中国和外国打喷嚏 – Nincha and Lupishu are discussing sneezing in different countries.


Unit 7 – Violation of traffic rules

Goal: Learn useful words about traffic rules

S19 Vocabulary
Driving on the road – Do you know how to say one-way street and driving license in Chinese? Come and learn some words related to traffic.

S20 Grammar
千万 with “do” and “don’t” – What happens when the big number 千万 is placed before a verb?

S20 Grammar Lesson
千万 with “do” and “don’t”

S21 Dialogue
Nincha comes across a traffic police 遭遇交警 – Nincha is driving and a traffic police officer stops him.


Unit 8 – A part-time job at the airport

Goal: Learn to get a job

S22 Vocabulary
Working a part-time job – Useful vocabulary to help you become a good salesclerk

S23 Grammar
一时vs.一度 – These two little words are easy to confuse as they are both related to time. Let’s learn to tell them apart.

S23 Grammar Lesson
一时vs.一度

S24 Dialogue
A part-time job at the airport 在机场兼职 – Baimei is busy with a part-time job at the airport.


Unit 9 – Contact someone on the phone

Goal: Learn how to make a formal phone call and express your thankfulness to others

S25 Vocabulary
Learning to express your gratitude – Feeling embarrassed? How about making a phone call to say “Thank you”?

S26 Grammar
Expressing “necessary” or “unavoidable” with 少不了 – 少不了 is always used to indicate that if there’s one thing, then there must be another thing along with it.

S26 Grammar Lesson
Expressing “necessary” or “unavoidable” with 少不了

S27 Dialogue
Calling the teacher 给老师打电话 – BaiMei calls her former teacher to say “thank you”.


Unit 10 – Online shopping

Goal: Learn to buy things on a Chinese e-commerce website

S28 Vocabulary
Online shopping – These cats love shopping online. Do you?

S29 Grammar
All about 不如 – 不如 can not only be used for making comparisons. It can also express preferences with other words such as 与其 or 还.

S29 Grammar Lesson
All about 不如

S30 Dialogue
I want to buy a pair of jeans online 我想上网买条牛仔裤 – Nincha is an expert online shopper. What? You don’t believe that? Ask Baimei then!


Unit 11 – Let’s gossip!

Goal: Learn how to express your surprise in different ways

S31 Vocabulary
Let’s gossip! – Are you ready for gossip time?

S32 Grammar
不得不 & 只好 – These two words both mean “have to”, “have no choice but”, let’s learn to use both!

S32 Grammar Lesson
不得不 & 只好

S33 Dialogue
Gossip cats 聊八卦啦! – If there’s one thing Nincha and Faust love, it’s gossip!


Unit 12 – Talking about a technical problem on the computer

Goal: Learn how to ask somebody for help

S34 Vocabulary
A computer expert – Learn useful words related to your computer.

S35 Grammar
Expressing obligation with 非 … 不可 (C1) – What better than double negatives to place emphasis on an obligation? Try 非 … 不可 to insist on something!

S35 Grammar Lesson
Expressing obligation with 非…不可

S36 Dialogue
My computer may have a virus! 我的电脑好像中病毒了 ! – BaiMei ran into a problem on her computer, so she decided to ask someone for help.


Unit 13 – Telling a story in Chinese

Goal: Learn how to tell a story in Chinese

S37 Vocabulary
Chinese fables – Have you heard a Chinese fable before?

S38 Grammar
Expressing “would rather” with 宁可 – When you’re faced with two unpleasant options, but you’re asked to choose the worst option out of the two, 宁可 is the expression you’re going to want to use.

S38 Grammar Lesson
Expressing “would rather” with 宁可

S39 Dialogue
The Old Foolish Man who moved mountains 愚公移山 – Yocha tells Lupishu one of the most well-known Chinese fables


Unit 14 – Chinese classic literature

Goal: Get knowledge over the Chinese classics

S40 Vocabulary
Chinese classical literature – Check out useful words to help you discover ancient China’s literature.

S41 Grammar
一来二来… : Stating two or more reasons with “yī lái…èr lái” – Need to organize your thoughts? You’re going to like the “yī lái…èr lái” sentence pattern then!

S42 Dialogue
Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature 四大名著 – Master Yocha and Lupishu are talking classic Chinese literature because our little dragon is fascinated by Chinese novels.


Unit 15 – In the restaurant

Goal: Learn more expressions working for the passive voice in Chinese

S43 Vocabulary
Chinese food or Western dishes? – A big question for you: do you prefer Chinese food or Western dishes?

S44 Grammar
The passive voice with 受 (B2) – Chinese has several passive markers, and 受 is one of them! Let’s see what you need to know to make a passive sentence with 受!

S44 Grammar Lesson
得很 and 得不得了

S45 Dialogue
Let’s go out to have dinner. 我们出去吃晚餐吧 。 – Nincha and BaiMei are going to have dinner tonight. What will they choose, Chinese food or Western dishes?


Unit 16 – Chinese Prefixes

Goal: Learn to use the Chinese prefixes

S46 Vocabulary
Dealing with prefixes – Getting ready to learn a couple useful prefixes

S47 Grammar
Chinese prefixes – part 1 – Meet 老, 阿, 重, 第 and 本, five characters in Chinese that are often translated as prefixes in English! When you spot them in front of a word in a sentence, they’ll immediately give you a clue as to how to translate that word!

S47 Grammar Lesson
Chinese prefix 老 and 阿


Unit 17 – Animals

Goal: Learn the Chinese name of different animals

S48 Vocabulary
All about animals – Do you know how to say cobra in Chinese? It’s 眼镜蛇 the snake with glasses! Interesting, don’t you think?

S49 Dialogue
At the zoo 在动物园 – Nincha and Lupishu are visiting the zoo. Lupishu is trying to say the Chinese name of the animals he sees.


Unit 18 – Chinese Suffixes

Goal: Learn to use some Chinese suffixes

S50 Vocabulary
Words in ist, isms, -ity, and more – Just like in English, you find all sorts of words with common endings in Chinese. These endings are suffixes! Let’s learn a few

S51 Grammar
Chinese suffixes Part 1 – Meet 化, 性, 家 and 主义: if you see them at the end of a word in Chinese, you’ll automatically know how to end that word in English. Why’s that? Because they are suffixes!

S51 Grammar Lesson
Chinese suffix -化 and -性


Unit 19 – In the hair salon

Goal: Learn words and expressions used in hair salons.

S52 Vocabulary
At the hair salon – What kind of hairstyle would you want?

S53 Dialogue
Hello! I would like to perm my hair 您好 !我想烫头发 – BaiMei wanted to change her hairstyle so she went to a hair salon.


Unit 20 – Migrant workers in China

Goal: Learn how to discuss about a hot topic: migrant worker

S54 Vocabulary
Let’s chat – Want to hold a structured conversation in Chinese? Let’s start with these words

S55 Grammar
Discourse connectors – Review time, part 1 – Organizing your sentence so it makes sense is a skill you always need to work on. Let’s review the transition words you’ve learned so far to move your conversation along!

S56 Vocabulary
City or countryside? – Where do you prefer living? A big city or a small country?

S57 Dialogue
Migrant workers in China – 中国的农民工们 – Nincha, Lupishu and BaiMei are talking about a big issue in China: migrant workers.


Unit 21 – a volunteer job

Goal: Learn how to give instructions and advice to others

S58 Vocabulary
Keep talking – More useful words to know to move along your conversation and make it interesting!

S59 Grammar
More discourse connectors! – Want more ways to link your ideas together? You’ve come to the right place. Let’s keep reviewing.

S60 Vocabulary
Have you ever done volunteer work? – Lupishu really wants to be a volunteer, and Nincha tells him that he should learn some vocabulary about volunteering before he starts.

S61 Dialogue
Doing volunteer work in the countryside 在农村做当志愿者 – Doing volunteer work is not as easy as Lupishu thought, but this amazing dragon is not afraid of anything.


Unit 22 – Social activities after work

Goal: Learn how to explain something clearly and logically.

S62 Vocabulary
Social activities after work – Enjoying a meal or having a drink with colleagues after work sounds like a great idea. Here are some useful words to help you talk about social activities after work.

S63 Grammar
Give a warning with 以免 – Learn to use 以免 to give warnings and express alerts in Chinese, so nothing bad happens to you or your friends!

S63 Grammar Lesson
Expressing warning with 以免

S64 Dialogue
Annual Company Dinner 年末聚餐 – Yocha is invited to Meow Meow Sports Club’s annual company dinner. He wants Nincha to go with him but Nincha senses a trap


Unit 23 – Cultural activities

Goal: Learn how to talk about your interest

S65 Vocabulary
A Photography Exhibit – Do you like photography? Going to the museum? Learn words to talk about your museum-going hobby!

S66 Grammar
Who did it? – Learn to use 由 to indicate the doer

S66 Grammar Lesson
Using 由 to indicate the doer

S67 Dialogue
Visiting a museum – Sundays at the museum? Lupishu’s not sure that’s his thing


Unit 24 – Visit a friend in the hospital

Goal: Learn how to express your concern towards someone and how to respond to others’ kindness

S68 Vocabulary
Are you wounded? – Nincha has broken his leg.

S69 Grammar
得很 and 得不得了 – Want to say “Lupishu is terribly cute!” but don’t know how to say it in Chinese? With the help of two adjectival complements 得很 and 得不得了, you are able to praise someone as much as possible.

S69 Grammar Lesson
得很 and 得不得了

S720Dialogue
Nincha is in the hospital! – Yocha is bringing him some oranges.


Unit 25 – Talking about animals

Goal: Learn how to exchange your opinions with others and how to make a hypothesis

S71 Vocabulary
Having a pet – Keep calm and love your pet!

S72 Grammar
Expressing always with 都/总/一向 – There are three words expressing “always” in Chinese. Come and find out more about them and how they work.

S72 Grammar Lesson
Expressing always with 都/总/一向

S73 Dialogue
Pet café 宠物咖啡厅 – BaiMei wants to invite Nincha and his pet dog to a wonderful pet café.


Unit 26 – Work work work work work

Goal: Learn how to behave in a Chinese company doing a big event  

S74 Vocabulary
Chatting with your colleagues – A few things to discuss when you chat with your colleagues

S75 Grammar
Lesson: Comparing 朝/向/往 – Forward, at, from? How do you say that in Chinese? Three small words to know how to handle and you’ll be able to face forward forever!

S76 Dialogue
An annual meeting of my company 年终大会 – Nincha was absent for the annual meeting of the company. Luckily BaiMei was there.


World 5 – Part II – Nine Suns!

Unit 27 – Sport activities

Goal: Learn words and expressions about sport activities

S77 Vocabulary
Sports – Go Go Meowmeow team!

S78 Grammar
The hypothesis with 假如/假使/要是…就/…的话 – Watson, let’s see our hypothesis.

S79 Dialogue
Amateur Volleyball Tournament – 业余排球赛 – Let’s all cheer for the MeowMeow team!


Unit 28 – Shopping in the furniture city

Goal: Learn how to ask questions in different ways

S80 Vocabulary
Make yourself at home – Buying everyday furniture to feel great.

S81 Grammar
Expressing “on earth” and “in the end” with 到底 & 究竟 – Need to clarify a situation, and getting frustrated because what you’re being told doesn’t make sense? 到底 & 究竟 are going to help you make your point.

S81 Grammar Lesson
Expressing “finally”, “on earth” and “in the end” with 到底 & 究竟

S82 Dialogue
Shopping in furniture city – Time to fancy the house a bit.


Unit 29 – Recommend a book

Goal: Learn how to recommend something to others

S83 Vocabulary
Chinese contemporary literature – Lupishu loves reading Chinese novels.

S84 Vocabulary
Chinese contemporary literature II

S85 Grammar
Expressing “among” with 其中& 当中 – Is there someone?

S85 Grammar Lesson
Expressing “among” with 其中 and 当中

S86 Dialogue
Do you have a book to recommend? Lupishu is exploring Chinese contemporary literature and eager to discover new books to read!


Unit 30 – Gaokao: the College entrance examinations

Goal: Learn how to analyze something from various angles  

S87 Vocabulary
The Gao Kao is the most important diploma in China – Learn how to analyze something from various angles

S88 Grammar
Expressing “no matter” 不管/无论/不论…都/也 – No matter, it will be done!

S89 Dialogue
The GaoKao results are in today – Baimei and Nincha discuss the results of the GaoKao


Unit 31 – Military training

Goal: Know about the military training for Chinese students

S90 Vocabulary
Military training – Have you ever heard about the military training in Chinese schools and universities?

S91 Grammar
Expressing frequency part I 经常&常常 – Do you do that often?

S91 Grammar Lesson
Expressing frequency with 经常 and 常常 – part I

S92 Dialogue
My little brother is going to participate in military training. – Nincha and BaiMei are talking about military training in Chinese universities.


Unit 32 – Part-time job

Goal: Learn how to instruct others

S93 Vocabulary
Like working and coffee? Great! – Learn how to instruct others at your job

S94 Grammar
Expressing frequency part II 平时&平常 – What do you often do?

S94 Grammar Lesson
Expressing frequency with 平时 and 平常 – part II

S95 Dialogue
A part-time job at the coffee shop – Did you know that China is crazy about coffee too?


Unit 33 – Sport activity

Goal: Learn to express your curiosity and your prediction  

S96 Vocabulary
Sport and prediction – Learn to express your curiosity and your prediction

S97 Grammar
Comparing 反而 & 相反 – How to compare things

S97 Grammar Lesson
Comparing 反而 and 相反 to say “on the contrary”

S98 Dialogue
The annual Sports competition in Ninchana – It’s all about a good team spirit!


Unit 34 – Camping

Goal: Learn useful words about camping and how to comfort others

S99 Vocabulary
Let’s go camping! – Surrounding yourself with nature and having a barbecue with your friends

S100 Grammar
Using 跟&对 – With me or to me?

S101 Dialogue
Camping in the forest 在森林里露营 – Nincha, Lupishu and BaiMei are going to have a lovely barbecue party in the forest.


Unit 35 – I want to be an interpreter

Goal: Learn to explain your goal

S102 Vocabulary
Being an interpreter. Not easy! – Want to be an interpreter? Here are some words that might be helpful to you.

S103 Grammar
Comparing 就是/就 – Comparing with even if

S104 Dialogue
I want to be an Interpreter 我想成为一名翻译 – BaiMei is talking about her dream job with Lupishu


Unit 36 – Support your favorite sport team

Goal: Learn how to exchange your opinions with others

S105 Vocabulary
What an amazing football game! – You watched a wonderful football game last night and you can’t wait to talk about it with other football fans.

S106 Grammar
Comparing 对…来说 & 对…而言 – Expressing your point of view

S106 Grammar Lesson
Comparing 就…来说 & 就…而言 to express your opinion

S107 Dialogue
The Chinese football team won! 中国足球队赢啦 ! – Speak about a Soccer match with your friends.


Unit 37 – Going on a diet

Goal: Learn how to do an analysis from various angles

S108 Vocabulary
Going on diet – How do you feel doing a diet?

S109 Grammar
Ways of saying “not only…but also” with 不但 . . . 而且 ; 不仅 . . . 还 ; 不只 . . . 还 – Build your arguments

S109 Grammar Lesson
Different ways of saying “not only…but also.”

S110 Dialogue
Going on a diet – You are not fat at all!


Unit 38 – Sport events

Goal: Learn to give advice to other people

S111 Vocabulary
Sports events – Learn to give advice to other people

S112 Grammar
Comparing 不断 & 不停 – Can’t stop, won’t stop… Soon you’ll know how to say that in Chinese with this grammar point!

S112 Grammar Lesson
Comparing 不断 & 不停 to describe “continuous” and “unceasing”

S113 Dialogue
Enrolling for a marathon – 报名参加马拉松比赛 – What did Nincha get himself into?


Unit 39 – Popular Chinese TV shows

Goal: Learn how to recommend something to others

S114 Vocabulary
Popular Chinese TV shows – Learn how to recommend something to others

S115 Grammar
Expressing “even” with “连…都/也” – When something occurs at the same time or in continuation with a situation

S115 Grammar Lesson
Expressing “even” with “连…都/也.”

S116 Dialogue
Chinese “Running Man” – 中国版“跑男”:奔跑吧兄弟–电视节目


Unit 40 – Luxury products in China

Goal: Learn to talk about your plan and learn how to persuade others

S117 Vocabulary
Luxury products in China – Learn to talk about your plan and learn how to persuade others

S118 Grammar
Different ways of expressing “let alone” with 别说 ; 更不用说 ; 何况 – or expressing “not to mention”

S118 Grammar Lesson
Different ways of expressing “let alone.”

S119 Dialogue
Chengdu, the “third luxury city” – 成都–奢侈品“第三城” – A great city to visit!


Unit 41 – Defending your thesis

Goal: Learn how to present something in a formal situation

S120 Vocabulary
Presentation of your thesis – Words to help you to present your thesis in front of professors and judges

S121 Grammar
Using 一面…一面 & 一方面 … 一方面 – Doing two things at the same time

S121 Grammar Lesson
Using 一面…一面 to express simultaneous tasks

S122 Dialogue
Nincha is going through the thesis defense 论文答辩 – Nincha is ready for his thesis defense. Wish him luck!


Unit 42 – After-sales service

Goal: Learn to apply for an after-sales-service

S123 Vocabulary
Repairing a cell phone – If you want to ask someone to repair your cell phone, here are some words you need to know.

S124 Grammar
Expressing “since…then” – with 既然 + 那 and 既然 + 就

S124 Grammar Lesson
Expressing “since…then”

S125 Dialogue
My cell phone needs to be repaired. 我要修手机 – Lupishu’s cell phone is broken. That’s the reason why he is looking for the after-sales service for help.


Unit 43 – Online terminology

Goal: Learn Chinese online terminologies and use them in sentences

S126 Vocabulary
The online terminology I – Learn Chinese online/web/internet terminologies and use them in sentences

S127 Vocabulary
Online terminology II – Learn Chinese online/web/internet terminologies and use them in sentences

S128 Grammar
Expressing “unless” with 除非 / 除非 . . . 否则 / 除非 . . . 不然 / 除非 . . . 才 – Four close ways to say “unless” … unless they’re not as close as they seem

S128 Grammar Lesson
Expressing “unless” with 除非

S129 Dialogue
Chinese internet & Slang – Nincha explains some internet slangs to Lupishu


Unit 44 – Talking about a social phenomenon

Goal: Learn how to discuss a social phenomenon and give your comment

S130 Vocabulary
A social phenomenon I – Learn how to discuss a social phenomenon and give your comment.

S131 Vocabulary
A social phenomenon II – Learn how to discuss a social phenomenon and give your comment

S132 Grammar
Expressing an action repeatedly – Use V+来+V+去&再三 to talk repeatedly about an action

S132 Grammar Lesson
Expressing “repeatedly” an action

S133 Dialogue
Phubbing – Mobile addict – That’s a real important societal problem.


Unit 45 – Traffic jam

Goal: Learn how to explain a stressful situation

S134 Vocabulary
Traffic jam – If you run into a traffic jam, that’s because God wants to test your patience.

S135 Grammar
Using 住 , 得住 and 不住 with a verb – What is the result?

S135 Grammar Lesson
Using 住 after a verb

S136 Dialogue
I’m stuck in traffic! 我被堵在路上啦 ! – Nincha calls BaiMei to complain about a traffic jam.


Unit 46 – Foreign culture

Goal: Learn how to talk about other countries’ culture in Chinese

S137 Vocabulary
Let’s have a party tonight! – Enjoy yourself at a wonderful party.

S138 Grammar
Giving alternatives with 不是 . . . 就是 & 要么 . . . 要么 & 或者 . . . 或者 – Want to express choices? You can use 不是 . . . 就是 OR 要么 . . . 要么OR 或者 . . . 或者 to do so!

S138 Grammar Lesson
Giving alternatives

S139 Dialogue
Having a party with other foreigners. 和其他外国朋友聚会 – Lupishu spent a wonderful night with many foreign friends and he wants to share this good experience with you!


Unit 47 – Independent travel or tourist group?

Goal: Learn to travel in China

S140 Vocabulary
Before a trip – What should you prepare if you want to have a nice trip next week or next month?

S141 Grammar
是否 (a formal version of 是不是) vs 与否 (whether or not) – Understand when using 是否 or 与否

S142 Dialogue
Independent travel or tourist group? 个人游还是跟团游? – Nincha and Lupishu are going to Taipei and they are asking Master Yocha for some advice.


Unit 48 – Describe your best trip experience

Goal: Learn to describe how your trip to China went

S143 Vocabulary
Describe a wonderful journey. – Words to talk about where you went on vacation

S144 Vocabulary
Describe a wonderful journey. Part II – Words to talk about where you went on vacation

S145 Grammar
兼语句 Pivotal sentences – Express two related aspects in a sentence.

S146 Dialogue
Taipei is a good place! 台北真是个好地方! – Lupishu is describing his wonderful trip to Taipei to BaiMei.


Unit 49 – Why do young people resign from their job?

Goal: Learn to quit your job or not

S147 Vocabulary
Do you like your job? – Useful words to talk about your job and your professional situation…and to complain about your boss

S148 Grammar
连动句 Sentences with serial verbs – Use serial verbs to use verbs together to express related events.

S149 Dialogue
Nincha wants to resign from his job Nincha 想辞职 – Nincha is talking about his current job with Lupishu.


Unit 50 – Writing a formal mail in Chinese

Goal: Learn useful words and expressions about formal writing

S150 Vocabulary
Writing a formal mail in Chinese – Useful words and expressions to help write a formal mail in Chinese

S151 Grammar
双宾语句 Double-object sentence – Related object in Chinese sentences

S152 Dialogue
Writing a business email 写一封商务邮件 – Lupishu needs to find out how to write a business email and as always, Nincha comes to help him.


Unit 51 – Rent an apartment online

Goal: Learn about the procedure of renting a house online in China

S153 Vocabulary
Renting an apartment – These words can help you when you need to look for an apartment

S154 Grammar
陈述句 Declarative sentences – 肯定句 positive &否定句 negative sentences – An overview of how to form positive and negative sentences using the grammar points you’ve learned so far.

S155 Dialogue
Renting an apartment online 网上租房 – BaiMei decided to move from her current apartment, but she hasn’t found a new one, so our wonderful Lupishu is coming to help her!


Unit 52 – Writing a resume in Chinese

Goal: Learn to get a job in China

S156 Vocabulary
Selling yourself in your resume – Some words to know when writing a resume in Chinese

S157 Grammar
疑问句 Interrogative sentences – 一般 general questions、特殊 special interrogatives、选择 alternative questions、正反疑问句 affirmative-negative questions, 反问句 rhetorical questions

S158 Dialogue
How to write a resume in Chinese? 如何写一份中文简历 ? – Lupishu is asking Nincha about how to write a resume.


Unit 53 – Call the police

Goal: Learn how to express your emotion by using imperative sentence and exclamatory sentence

S159 Vocabulary
Calling the police – Need to call the police to ask for some help? Here are some useful words for you.

S160 Grammar
祈使句 Imperative sentences – Use the grammar you’ve learned so far to give orders in Chinese! It’s an order!

S161 Dialogue
Hello? I want to report an Internet fraud 喂? 我要报案 – Lupishu encountered an Internet fraud and he decided to call the police.


Unit 54 – Traditional Chinese medicine

Goal: Learn to speak about the Ancestral Chinese medicine

S162 Vocabulary
Traditional Chinese medicine – Still a newbie in traditional Chinese medicine? Here are some words that can help you to step into this whole new world.

S163 Vocabulary
Traditional Chinese medicine – Part II – Still a newbie in traditional Chinese medicine? Here are some words that can help you to step into this whole new world.

S164 Grammar
感叹句 Exclamatory sentences – All sorts of way to exclaim yourself in Chinese

S165 Dialogue
Have you heard about Wang Wen Wen Qie? 你听说过望闻问切吗? – Curious Lupishu has lots of questions about the traditional Chinese medicine. Luckily, Master Yocha is there!


Unit 55 – Is marriage an obligation for women?

Goal: Learn how to make your speech more logical with the help of conjunction

S166 Vocabulary
Woman and marriage – Trying to give your opinions about the relationship between woman and marriage? Here are some words that can help you talk like a native!

S167 Grammar
感谓语句 Predicate sentences

S168 Dialogue
What do leftover women mean? 剩女是什么意思? – BaiMei doesn’t like the word leftover women and she is explaining the reason to Nincha.


Unit 56 – Looking for a job online

Goal: Learn useful words and expression to find a Chinese job online

S169 Vocabulary
How can I find a job? – After learning these words, perhaps finding a job is not as hard as you think.

S170 Grammar
与其…不如 vs 与其…宁愿 – How do you prefer?

S170 Grammar Lesson
Expressing “would rather” with 与其

S171 Dialogue
Looking for a job online 网上找工作 – Lupishu has finished his resume with the help of Nincha. His next step is looking for a job online.


Unit 57 – Chinese food

Goal: Learn to describe your best Chinese food experience

S172 Vocabulary
Yummy yummy dumplings! – Foodies can’t resist Chinese dumplings, don’t they?

S173 Vocabulary
Yummy yummy dumplings! Part II – Foodies can’t resist Chinese dumplings, don’t they?

S174 Grammar
非要 vs. 非得 – Insist on doing something

S175 Dialogue
Let’s make some Chinese dumplings! 我们来包饺子吧 ! – Two foodies, Nincha and Lupishu, are going to make some Chinese dumplings on their own.


Unit 58 – The first day of work

Goal: Learn to use different expressions in various contexts and communicative situations

S176 Vocabulary
The first day of work – How do you describe your first day of work?

S177 Vocabulary
The first day of work – Part II – How do you describe your first day of work?

S178 Grammar
正式用语 vs 非正式用语 – Formal and informal speech

S179 Dialogue
Lupishu, how did you feel in your first day of work? 第一天上班感觉如何 ? – Yocha asks Lupishu about his first day of work.


Unit 59 – Driving license test

Goal: Learn how to get your driving license in China

S180 Vocabulary
Driver’s license test – Useful vocabulary to know if you want to have the driver’s license test

S181 Grammar
惯用表达 idiomatic expressions 1a – 成语 Idioms

S182 Dialogue
Lupishu is going to have a driver’s license test Lupishu 要考驾照 – Lupishu is talking to Nincha about his coming driver’s license test.


Unit 60 – Professional training

Goal: Learn useful words and expressions about your job

S183 Vocabulary
A young salesman – What are the principles that a young salesman should always keep in mind?

S184 Grammar
惯用表达 idiomatic expressions 1b – 谚语 Proverbs

S185 Dialogue
Sales department’s training session 销售部培训 – Bravo! Lupishu is taking his first step to becoming a professional salesman!

S186 Vocabulary
idiomatic expressions 2 – Idiom words

S187 Grammar
惯用表达 idiomatic expressions 2 – 惯用语 Idiomatic usage


Advanced Chinese Vocabulary Stages

My cell phone is out of battery!
Words and expressions related to cellphones and that battery that always seem low.

Reading a newspaper
Our Lupishu is fond of reading Chinese newspapers. How about you? Do you follow the news?

Mother’s Day
How do you celebrate Mother’s Day usually?

Any interesting economic news?
Useful words to help you talk about economic issues in Chinese

Do you want to be an artist?
Come and learn some useful words about art!

At-Choo! At-Choo! At-Choo!
Poor Lupishu has a cold and he can’t help sneezing all the time.

Driving on the road
Do you know how to say one-way street and driving license in Chinese? Come and learn some words related to traffic.

Working a part-time job
Useful vocabulary to help you become a good salesclerk

Learning to express your gratitude
Feeling embarrassed? How about making a phone call to say “Thank you”?

Online shopping
These cats love shopping online. Do you?

Let’s gossip!
Are you ready for gossip time?

A computer expert
Learn useful words related to your computer.

Chinese fables
Have you heard a Chinese fable before?

Chinese classical literature
Check out useful words to help you discover ancient China’s literature.

Chinese food or Western dishes?
A big question for you: do you prefer Chinese food or Western dishes?

Dealing with prefixes
Getting ready to learn a couple useful prefixes

All about animals
Do you know how to say cobra in Chinese? It’s 眼镜蛇 the snake with glasses! Interesting, don’t you think?

Words in ist, isms, -ity, and more
Just like in English, you find all sorts of words with common endings in Chinese. These endings are suffixes! Let’s learn a few

At the hair salon
What kind of hairstyle would you want?

Let’s chat
Want to hold a structured conversation in Chinese? Let’s start with these words

City or countryside?
Where do you prefer living? A big city or a small country?

Keep talking
More useful words to know to move along your conversation and make it interesting!

Have you ever done volunteer work?
Lupishu really wants to be a volunteer, and Nincha tells him that he should learn some vocabulary about volunteering before he starts.

Social activities after work
Enjoying a meal or having a drink with colleagues after work sounds like a great idea. Here are some useful words to help you talk about social activities after work.

A Photography Exhibit
Do you like photography? Going to the museum? Learn words to talk about your museum-going hobby!

Are you wounded?
Nincha has broken his leg.

Having a pet
Keep calm and love your pet!

Chatting with your colleagues
A few things to discuss when you chat with your colleagues

Sports
Go Go Meowmeow team!

Make yourself at home
Buying everyday furniture to feel great.

Chinese contemporary literature
Lupishu loves reading Chinese novels.

Chinese contemporary literature II

The Gao Kao is the most important diploma in China
Learn how to analyze something from various angles

Military training
Have you ever heard about the military training in Chinese schools and universities?

Like working and coffee? Great!
Learn how to instruct others at your job

Sport and prediction
Learn to express your curiosity and your prediction

Let’s go camping!
Surrounding yourself with nature and having a barbecue with your friends

Being an interpreter. Not easy!
Want to be an interpreter? Here are some words that might be helpful to you.

What an amazing football game!
You watched a wonderful football game last night and you can’t wait to talk about it with other football fans.

Going on diet
How do you feel doing a diet?

Sport events
Learn to give advice to other people

Popular Chinese TV shows
Learn how to recommend something to others

Luxury products in China
Learn to talk about your plan and learn how to persuade others

Presentation of your thesis
Words to help you to present your thesis in front of professors and judges

Repairing a cell phone
If you want to ask someone to repair your cell phone, here are some words you need to know.

Online terminology I
Learn Chinese online/web/internet terminologies and use them in sentences

Online terminology II
Learn Chinese online/web/internet terminologies and use them in sentences

A social phenomenon I
Learn how to discuss a social phenomenon and give your comment.

A social phenomenon II
Learn how to discuss a social phenomenon and give your comment

Traffic jam
If you run into a traffic jam, that’s because god wants to test your patience.

Let’s have a party tonight!
Enjoy yourself in a wonderful party.

Before a trip
What should you prepare if you want to have a nice trip next week or next month?

Describe a wonderful journey.
Words to talk about where you went on vacation

Describe a wonderful journey. Part II
Words to talk about where you went on vacation

Do you like your job?
Useful words to talk about your job and your professional situation…and to complain about your boss

Writing a formal mail in Chinese
Useful words and expressions to help write a formal mail in Chinese

Renting an apartment
These words can help you when you need to look for an apartment

Selling yourself in your resume
Some words to know when writing a resume in Chinese

Calling the police
Need to call the police to ask for some help? Here are some useful words for you.

Traditional Chinese medicine
Still a newbie in traditional Chinese medicine? Here are some words that can help you to step into this whole new world.

Traditional Chinese medicine – Part II
Still a newbie in traditional Chinese medicine? Here are some words that can help you to step into this whole new world.

Woman and marriage
Trying to give your opinions about the relationship between woman and marriage? Here are some words that can help you talk like a native!

How can I find a job?
After learning these words, perhaps finding a job is not as hard as you think.

Yummy yummy dumplings!
Foodies can’t resist Chinese dumplings, don’t they?

Yummy yummy dumplings! Part II
Foodies can’t resist Chinese dumplings, don’t they?

The first day of work
How do you describe your first day of work?

The first day of work – Part II
How do you describe your first day of work?

Driver’s license test
Useful vocabulary to know if you want to have the driver’s license test

A young salesman
What are the principles that a young salesman should always keep in mind?

idiomatic expressions 2
Idiom words


Advanced Chinese Grammar Stages

Expressing even with 甚至
If you want to place emphasis on something in Chinese, perhaps 甚至 is the word you are looking for.

Using 凭
凭 is a diverse preposition you can use with nouns, verbs, and more. Ready to learn it? Let’s go!

Expressing “both…and” with 既…又… and 既…也….
Getting tired of using 和 to express “and”? With the help of 既…又… & 既…也…., say “and” in a more elegant way!

Indicating contrast with 则
This little conjunction can help you make a big comparison between two things.

Expressing contrariness with 倒
How do you highlight something is contrary to expectations? Try using this little conjunction 倒

Using the particle 呗
呗 may always be placed at the end of a sentence but this small particle has a huge power. Check it out!

千万 with “do” and “don’t”
What happens when the big number 千万 is placed before a verb?

一时vs.一度
These two little words are easy to confuse as they are both related to time. Let’s learn to tell them apart.

Expressing “necessary” or “unavoidable” with 少不了
少不了 is always used to indicate that if there’s one thing, then there must be another thing along with it.

All about 不如
不如 can not only be used for making comparisons. It can also express preferences with other words such as 与其 or 还.

不得不 & 只好
These two words both mean “have to”, “have no choice but”, let’s learn to use both!

Expressing obligation with 非 … 不可 (C1)
What better than double negatives to place emphasis on an obligation? Try 非 … 不可 to insist on something!

Expressing “would rather” with 宁可
When you’re faced with two unpleasant options, but you’re asked to choose the least worst option out of the two, 宁可 is the expression you’re going to want to use.

一来二来… : Stating two or more reasons with “yī lái…èr lái”
Need to organize your thoughts? You’re going to like the “yī lái…èr lái” sentence pattern then!

The passive voice with 受 (B2)
Chinese has several passive markers, and 受 is one of them! Let’s see what you need to know to make a passive sentence with 受!

Chinese prefixes – part 1
Meet 老, 阿, 重, 第 and 本, five characters in Chinese that are often translated as prefixes in English! When you spot them in front of a word in a sentence, they’ll immediately give you a clue as to how to translate that word!

Chinese suffixes Part 1
Meet 化, 性, 家 and 主义: if you see them at the end of a word in Chinese, you’ll automatically know how to end that word in English. Why’s that? Because they are suffixes!

Discourse connectors – Review time, part 1
Organizing your sentence so it makes sense is a skill you always need to work on. Let’s review the transition words you’ve learned so far to move your conversation along!

More discourse connectors!
Want more ways to link your ideas together? You’ve come to the right place. Let’s keep reviewing.

Give a warning with 以免
Learn to use 以免 to give warnings and express alerts in Chinese, so nothing bad happens to you or your friends!

Who did it?
Learn to use 由 to indicate the doer

得很 and 得不得了
Want to say “Lupishu is terribly cute!” but don’t know how to say it in Chinese? With the help of two adjectival complements 得很 and 得不得了, you are able to praise someone as much as possible.

Expressing always with 都/总/一向
There are three words expressing “always” in Chinese. Come and find out more about them and how they work.

Comparing 朝/向/往
Forward, at, from? How do you say that in Chinese? Three small words to know how to handle and you’ll be able to face forward forever!

The hypothesis with 假如/假使/要是…就/…的话
Watson, let’s see our hypothesis.

Expressing “on earth” and “in the end” with 到底 & 究竟
Need to clarify a situation, and getting frustrated because what you’re being told doesn’t make sense? 到底 & 究竟 are going to help you make your point.

Expressing “among” with 其中& 当中
Is there someone?

Expressing “no matter” 不管/无论/不论…都/也
No matter, it will be done!

Expressing frequency part I 经常&常常
Do you do that often?

Expressing frequency part II 平时&平常
What do you often do?

Comparing 反而 & 相反
How to compare things

Using 跟&对
With me or to me?

Comparing 就是/就
Comparing with even if

Comparing 对…来说 & 对…而言
Expressing your point of view

Ways of saying “not only…but also” with 不但 . . . 而且 ; 不仅 . . . 还 ; 不只 . . . 还
Build your arguments

Comparing 不断 & 不停
Can’t stop, won’t stop… Soon you’ll know how to say that in Chinese with this grammar point!

Expressing “even” with “连…都/也”
When something occurs at the same time or in continuation with a situation

Different ways of expressing “let alone” with 别说 ; 更不用说 ; 何况
or expressing “not to mention”

Using 一面…一面 & 一方面 … 一方面
Doing two things at the same time

Expressing “since…then”
with 既然 + 那 and 既然 + 就

Expressing “unless” with 除非 / 除非 . . . 否则 / 除非 . . . 不然 / 除非 . . . 才
Four close ways to say “unless” … unless they’re not as close as they seem

Expressing an action repeatedly
Use V+来+V+去&再三 to talk repeatedly about an action

Using 住 , 得住 and 不住 with a verb
What is the result?

Giving alternatives with 不是 . . . 就是 & 要么 . . . 要么 & 或者 . . . 或者
Want to express choices? You can use 不是 . . . 就是 OR 要么 . . . 要么OR 或者 . . . 或者 to do so!

是否 (a formal version of 是不是) vs 与否 (whether or not)
Understand when using 是否 or 与否

兼语句 Pivotal sentences
Express two related aspects in a sentence.

连动句 Sentences with serial verbs
Use serial verbs to use verbs together to express related events.

双宾语句 Double-object sentence
Related object in Chinese sentences

陈述句 Declarative sentences
肯定句 positive &否定句 negative sentences – An overview of how to form positive and negative sentences using the grammar points you’ve learned so far.

疑问句 Interrogative sentences
一般 general questions、特殊 special interrogatives、选择 alternative questions、正反疑问句 affirmative-negative questions, 反问句 rhetorical questions

祈使句 Imperative sentences
Use the grammar you’ve learned so far to give orders in Chinese! It’s an order!

感叹句 Exclamatory sentences
All sorts of way to exclaim yourself in Chinese

感谓语句 Predicate sentences

与其…不如 vs 与其…宁愿
How do you prefer?

非要 vs. 非得
Insist on doing something

正式用语 vs 非正式用语
Formal and informal speech

惯用表达 idiomatic expressions 1a
成语 Idioms

惯用表达 idiomatic expressions 1b
谚语 Proverbs

惯用表达 idiomatic expressions 2
惯用语 Idiomatic usage


Advanced Chinese Grammar Lessons


Advanced Chinese Dialogues

Borrowing a cell phone charger 借手机充电器
Lupishu’s cellphone will be soon out of battery, so he decides to ask Nincha for help.

It’s such big news! 这是大新闻 !
Lupishu and BaiMei exchange their points of view on the big international news.

I feel proud of my son! 我为我儿子感到骄傲!
Lupishu runs into his neighbor Madam Meow and they are talking about her son is.

I want to watch the economic channel! 我想看经济频道 !
There is an interview on the economic channel Nincha really wants to watch!

Art exam in China 中国的艺考
Want to be a musician or a painter in China? Passing the art exam might be your first step.

Sneezing in China and other countries 在中国和外国打喷嚏
Nincha and Lupishu are discussing sneezing in different countries.

Nincha comes across a traffic police 遭遇交警
Nincha is driving and a traffic police officer stops him.

A part-time job at the airport 在机场兼职
Baimei is busy with a part-time job at the airport.

Calling the teacher 给老师打电话
BaiMei calls her former teacher to say “thank you”.

I want to buy a pair of jeans online 我想上网买条牛仔裤
Nincha is an expert online shopper. What? You don’t believe that? Ask Baimei then!

Gossip cats 聊八卦啦!
If there’s one thing Nincha and Faust love, it’s gossip!

My computer may have a virus! 我的电脑好像中病毒了 !
BaiMei ran into a problem on her computer, so she decided to ask someone for help.

The Old Foolish Man who moved mountains 愚公移山
Yocha tells Lupishu one of the most well-known Chinese fables

Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature 四大名著
Master Yocha and Lupishu are talking classic Chinese literature because our little dragon is fascinated by Chinese novels.

Let’s go out to have dinner. 我们出去吃晚餐吧 。
Nincha and BaiMei are going to have dinner tonight. What will they choose, Chinese food or Western dishes?

At the zoo 在动物园
Nincha and Lupishu are visiting the zoo. Lupishu is trying to say the Chinese name of the animals he sees.

Hello! I would like to perm my hair 您好 !我想烫头发
BaiMei wanted to change her hairstyle so she went to a hair salon.

Migrant workers in China – 中国的农民工们
Nincha, Lupishu and BaiMei are talking about a big issue in China: migrant workers.

Doing volunteer work in the countryside 在农村做当志愿者
Doing volunteer work is not as easy as Lupishu thought, but this amazing dragon is not afraid of anything.

Annual Company Dinner 年末聚餐
Yocha is invited to Meow Meow Sports Club’s annual company dinner. He wants Nincha to go with him but Nincha senses a trap

Visiting a museum
Sundays at the museum? Lupishu’s not sure that’s his thing

Nincha is in the hospital!
Yocha is bringing him some oranges.

Pet café 宠物咖啡厅
BaiMei wants to invite Nincha and his pet dog to a wonderful pet café.

An annual meeting of my company 年终大会
Nincha was absent for the annual meeting of the company. Luckily BaiMei was there.

Amateur Volleyball Tournament
业余排球赛 – Let’s all cheer for the MeowMeow team!

Shopping in furniture city
Time to fancy the house a bit.

Do you have a book to recommend?
Lupishu is exploring Chinese contemporary literature and eager to discover new books to read!

The GaoKao results are in today
Baimei and Nincha discuss the results of the GaoKao

My little brother is going to participate in military training.
Nincha and BaiMei are talking about military training in Chinese universities.

A part-time job at the coffee shop
Did you know that China is crazy about coffee too?

The annual Sports competition in Ninchana
It’s all about a good team spirit!

Camping in the forest 在森林里露营
Nincha, Lupishu and BaiMei are going to have a lovely barbecue party in the forest.

I want to be an Interpreter 我想成为一名翻译
BaiMei is talking about her dream job with Lupishu

The Chinese football team won! 中国足球队赢啦 !
Speak about a Soccer match with your friends.

Going on a diet
You are not fat at all!

Enrolling for a marathon – 报名参加马拉松比赛
What did Nincha get himself into?

Chinese “Running Man”
中国版“跑男”:奔跑吧兄弟–电视节目

Chengdu, the “third luxury city” – 成都–奢侈品“第三城”
A great city to visit!

Nincha is going through the thesis defense 论文答辩
Nincha is ready for his thesis defense. Wish him luck!

My cell phone needs to be repaired. 我要修手机
Lupishu’s cell phone is broken. That’s the reason why he is looking for the after-sales service for help.

Chinese internet & Slang
Nincha explains some internet slangs to Lupishu

Phubbing – Mobile addict
That’s a real important societal problem.

I’m stuck in traffic! 我被堵在路上啦 !
Nincha calls BaiMei to complain about a traffic jam.

Having a party with other foreigners. 和其他外国朋友聚会
Lupishu spent a wonderful night with many foreign friends and he wants to share this good experience with you!

Independent travel or tourist group? 个人游还是跟团游?
Nincha and Lupishu are going to Taipei and they are asking Master Yocha for some advice.

Taipei is a good place! 台北真是个好地方!
Lupishu is describing his wonderful trip to Taipei to BaiMei.

Nincha wants to resign from his job Nincha 想辞职
Nincha is talking about his current job with Lupishu.

Writing a business email 写一封商务邮件
Lupishu needs to find out how to write a business email and as always, Nincha comes to help him.

Renting an apartment online 网上租房
BaiMei decided to move from her current apartment, but she hasn’t found a new one, so our wonderful Lupishu is coming to help her!

How to write a resume in Chinese? 如何写一份中文简历 ?
Lupishu is asking Nincha about how to write a resume.

Hello? I want to report an Internet fraud 喂? 我要报案
Lupishu encountered an Internet fraud and he decided to call the police.

Have you heard about Wang Wen Wen Qie? 你听说过望闻问切吗?
Curious Lupishu has lots of questions about the traditional Chinese medicine. Luckily, Master Yocha is there!

What do leftover women mean? 剩女是什么意思?
BaiMei doesn’t like the word leftover women and she is explaining the reason to Nincha.

Looking for a job online 网上找工作
Lupishu has finished his resume with the help of Nincha. His next step is looking for a job online.

Let’s make some Chinese dumplings! 我们来包饺子吧 !
Two foodies, Nincha and Lupishu, are going to make some Chinese dumplings on their own.

Lupishu, how did you feel in your first day of work? 第一天上班感觉如何 ?
Yocha asks Lupishu about his first day of work.

Lupishu is going to have a driver’s license test Lupishu 要考驾照
Lupishu is talking to Nincha about his coming driver’s license test.

Sales department’s training session 销售部培训
Bravo! Lupishu is taking his first step to becoming a professional salesman!

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NinchaneseChinese curriculum – HSK5 – Advanced