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(2) 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.

Chainstores 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.