Tag Archives: Meg Vs. Mandarin
Biang Biang
We ‘re adding a special expansion card to Takeout as an SDCC exclusive. (I can’t believe that’s an actual sentence I just typed.) I’ve been considering adding either Taiwanese pineapple cake or Xian pulled noodles, both really stylish, specific foods … Continue reading
Essential Chinese: No Cilantro 不要香菜
I’ve been confusing 香菜 and 香草 since 2007, so I’m always worried that I’m asking for a cilantro latte or extra vanilla on my cool noodles. The other day, a Chinese student asked me in Mandarin how to say No … Continue reading
Essential Chinese: He Has Already Paid
I’ve started working a couple days a week at a Chinese restaurant near my house. Now, I’ve complained a great deal about how freaking slow everything is in the south, but that’s working in my favor as I earn endless praise for being mildly efficient … Continue reading
Essential Chinese: Frappuccino
I recently learned that xing bing le is Chinese for Starbucks’ frappuccino. This is pretty exciting because I recognize each character from another context, so I feel like I actually understand the whole, as language and branding, not just as sounds … Continue reading
Key Words
I’m really lucky that when I’m at a bit of a career crossroads, and I decide to spend a few months back in China, I can easily do it. I try to keep this constantly in mind, as if by being more aware of it, I … Continue reading
Beginning Chinese
Just finished my Chinese class! I took the beginning Chinese class from 北京大学 through Coursera, and now I can do basic things in Chinese, like say the days of the week or ask about favorite television shows, instead of just ordering food. I … Continue reading
Grass Mud Horse
I picked up a basic Chinese language CD from the library, and started listening to it in the car on the way home. The CD promised to cover basic phrases and words, and I expected to brush up on my … Continue reading
Iron Man Vs. Mandarin
Can not stop laughing at this. (Hey, Mandarin is my superpower, too! I’m going to save the world!) Poor Tony is going to be extra pissed when he realizes that he’s studying Traditional and not Simplified. Awesome picture via irenydrawsdeadpeople … Continue reading
Secret Superpowers
My recent travels have taught me about real in-room wifi, and on this trip, after my much-dreaded presentation, I alao learned that “close to the airport” is secret code for “on a highway between Hooters and a strip club.” My … Continue reading
