Note:
The spoken Chinese Mandarin language has 4
spoken tones. We have attempted to re-create
those below where after each syllable we tell
you (1), (2), (3), or (4) as they correspond
to each of the 4 tones. We encourage you to
complement your Xianzai.com Emergency Chinese
newsletter with a good offline study program.
Buying
Furniture
mai(3) jia(1) ju(4)
NEW
WORDS
(1) Bed:
chuang(2)
(2) Wardrobe: yi(1) gui(4)
(3) Table: zhuo(1) zi(3)
(4) Chair: yi(3) zi(1)
(5) Deliver: yun(4) song(4)
LESSON
- Can
you show me some beds?
ni(3) neng(2) dai(4) wo(3) kan(4) yi(1)
xie(1) chuang(2) ma?
- What
are the measurements of the wardrobe?
zhe(4) ge(4) yi(1) gui(4) de chi(3) cun(4)
shi(4) duo(1) shao(3)?
- How
much for a table and chair set?
yi(1) tao(4) zhuo(1) zi(3) he(2) yi(3) zi(1)
duo(1) shao(3) qian(2)?
-
The bed is too expensive!
chuang(2) tai(4) gui(4) le!
- Can
you deliver to my home?
ni(3) men ke(2) yi(3) song(4) dao(4) wo(3)
jia(1) ma?
* Tip: For most people coming to China,
buying furniture is something you won't have
to worry about (unless you looking for some
antique Tang or Ming dynasty chairs). For anyone
staying longer than a few months, however, buying
furniture becomes another challenge to be hurdled.
The majority of apartments
for foreigners in China's large cities are
furnished. But if you will be spending sometime
in one place it can be a good idea to buy
your own stuff to make life a little more
comfortable.
Chain-stores like Ikea and
Carrefour have sprung up all over China and
sell the type of furniture that you find everywhere
else in the world. For a more 'authentic'
feel to your China apartment, try some of
the street markets that sell furniture from
all ages of China's history.
Chinese antiques are a fundamental
part of Chinese culture and history. If you
do buy something of even minor importance
to Chinese culture don't take it home with
you. Sell it before you leave so that all
Chinese have the chance to see their own culture
after you have gone.
