Episode Transcript
[00:00:00] Speaker A: Foreign.
And welcome Back to our HSK2 Master Class podcast by Hanyu Chinese School. I'm Melanie, your old friend, Lao Pengyou. And today I'm with our another old friend, Emily. Emily Nihama.
[00:00:32] Speaker B: Melanie. Hi, everyone.
So we're so happy to be back here today with you guys and of course with another exciting episode today.
[00:00:47] Speaker A: Yes, today we are focusing on a word you will use all the time. In Chinese, it means really or truly. But it's more than just that. It's a way to add emphasis, support and sincerity that you're saying.
[00:01:05] Speaker B: That's right. So it's used to express feelings and emphasizing how amazing something is. It's one of the more those small words that makes a Chinese sound more. More naturally.
[00:01:21] Speaker A: Exactly. So today we're going to show you how to use it and to express emotions, describing things, and even confirm the truth. We'll also look at how to sound enthusiastic and fluent when you use zhen.
[00:01:39] Speaker B: And don't worry, we will give you plenty of examples to help you start using it right away.
So let's get started.
[00:01:48] Speaker A: Yes. So first, as you wrote, we will start with a dialogue. The setting is Melanie and Emmeline are at a park on a sunny afternoon, enjoying the good weather and chatting about what they see. So I will start.
Okay, now let's brush break down. The use of in this conversation, as you can see, is used to emphasize how much something is whether it's about the weather, the beauty of the flowers, or confirming the truth.
[00:03:04] Speaker B: Exactly. So means really or truly. And it helps us to add emphasize to objective or verbs. It makes your sentence stronger and express how much you feel about something.
[00:03:20] Speaker A: For example, when you say really hot, really beautiful, really cute, we are emphasizing the intensity of the heat, beauty and cuteness. Without the sentence would still make sense, but it wouldn't carry that strong emotion.
[00:03:48] Speaker B: So that's right. Zhen helps you express your feeling and make your speech sound more natural. And it's great for conversation when you're reacting to something that you find impressive or emotional.
[00:04:03] Speaker A: And another key use is to confirm the truth of something. For example, when we say this is really true, we are emphasizing that something is genuine, not fake or imitated.
[00:04:25] Speaker B: So we can see when you say means something is true or something is wrong real.
So in this case give you the sentence a sense of atmospheric system and in a way to say I'm serious or this is the truth. It's often used in situation where you want to affirm the truth of what you're saying.
So another sentence we have Here is this watch is written real.
[00:05:02] Speaker A: This word is real. It's not a fake one.
Okay, now let's talk about how to use to express surprise or disbelief. This is one of the most fun ways to use the word. When you're surprised by something you can use with the question really as in are you serious?
[00:05:29] Speaker B: So when you say this sentence, you're showing the surprisement or wanting to confirm something like say are you for real? Really? In English.
[00:05:42] Speaker A: Is also used in positive exclamations to show excitement or admiration for something first. For example, really awesome.
Really great.
That's really great.
[00:06:02] Speaker B: So exactly. This is a great way to express a positive feedback in a fun, casual way.
[00:06:11] Speaker A: So in summary, first means really or truly to emphasize adjectives or verbs. So with an adverb can be really like so some verbs with our emotion. And second, it helps you to confirm the truth of something, making your statement more authentic.
And third, it can express surprise or disbelief like really, are you serious? And number four can be used in positive exclamations to show excitement or admiration.
[00:06:55] Speaker B: So now you have got a great grade on using how to use in conversation.
So keep practicing with these examples and soon you'll be able to use it naturally in your daily conversation in Chinese.
[00:07:12] Speaker A: Let's move on.
So now it's your turn. How would you say this book is really interesting in Chinese?
[00:07:23] Speaker B: So write your sentence in the comment section down below and we will check it for you.
[00:07:30] Speaker A: Okay, let's move back to our dialogue.
So please pay attention to the use of wow, it's really hot today.
[00:07:54] Speaker B: Yeah, it's so hot I can hardly stand it.
[00:08:06] Speaker A: Look, the flowers today are really beautiful.
[00:08:14] Speaker B: These flowers are really beautiful.
[00:08:21] Speaker A: Is this really true or are these real flowers?
[00:08:32] Speaker B: Yes, these are real flowers, not fake ones.
[00:08:39] Speaker A: Really? They are so beautiful.
[00:08:47] Speaker B: I also think that they are really special.
[00:08:52] Speaker A: Very good. So as you can see, there are four ways to use so have a try to make your own sentences and let's move on to our culture for today. Oh, so first, if you like our podcast, what should you do?
[00:09:15] Speaker B: So please, if you're enjoying today podcast, don't forget to hit the like button and subscribe to our podcast so you can stay updated with all our latest, latest lessons.
[00:09:29] Speaker A: And if you want to take your Chinese learning to the next level, Visit our website hanyuchineschool.com to book your free trial class with one of our amazing native Chinese teachers.
[00:09:44] Speaker B: Also, share this episode to all your friends who want to improve their Chinese. We have our podcast in all different kinds of platforms on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and so on.
So you can use whatever platform that suits you.
And let's grow our community together by sharing it out with everyone, with your friends and family.
[00:10:09] Speaker A: Welcome Huan Ying Dajia.
Okay, now let's move to our cultural part.
So today we gonna talk about the most fundamental aspects of Chinese culture. Family.
Family is at the heart of almost everything in Chinese society and it plays a central role in shaping people's lives and decisions.
[00:10:35] Speaker B: That's right. So in China, family is considered the cornerstone of the society. This concept of filter penti, that means it's deeply inside, like really inside the culture.
Meaning children are expected to show deep respect and care for their parents, especially as they grow older.
[00:11:05] Speaker A: Absolutely. This respect for elders is reflected in everyday interactions. For example, it's common for Chinese families to live together in in multi generational households. Grandparents, parents, children and sometimes even great grandparents. Can you imagine that? All live under one roof. Wow, what a big family.
Maintaining close relationships across generations.
[00:11:36] Speaker B: So that's why many, many western countries where independence is often prioritize. But in China there is a really strong culture expectation that children will look after the elder parents. Like for example your parents or your great parents.
And this sense of duty shapes many aspects of family lives.
[00:12:06] Speaker A: In fact, children are raised with the understanding that their parents well being is their responsibility.
Maybe that sounds a bit strange to Westerners, especially in their later years of the parents.
This is part of the deep respect for elders. It's not just about providing financially, but about ensuring that parents feel valued, loved and cared for.
[00:12:39] Speaker B: So it may sound like a responsibility but also it's really a lot of chance to show love and caring to all the family members, not just to the elders, also to the kids, the cousins. Everyone should be really united together like be really close back family. Right Melanie?
[00:13:06] Speaker A: Yeah, exactly. So Chinese family members relationship normally are really close.
And family ties often influence major life decisions such as career choices, marriage and even education.
It's very common for children to follow career path that align with their parents wishes or family traditions.
[00:13:35] Speaker B: In fact, career choices and marriage are often seen as family decisions more than individual ones.
There is a say in Chinese saying that when you get married it's not just about two people, it's about two families getting together.
So you have to consider a lot of people, not just YouTube being happy together, you have to consider your parents, consider the cousins or grandparents, so and so on.
So a lot of times when we make big decisions, we often consult with our parents as well.
[00:14:23] Speaker A: Yeah, very good point. So maybe it sounds a bit horrible or stressful to some different cultures.
And even in modern China, these traditions are still very much alive.
Very strange, right? But the balance between tradition and modernity is often seen in the way young people approach, approach these decisions. On one hand, there's a push for individual freedom and personal choice, but on the other, the strong pool of family expectations can't be ignored.
[00:15:03] Speaker B: Absolutely.
This is a balance that many young people in China are facing today.
They are, they do want independence, dependence in one way, but while still maintaining a sense of responsibility and duty in their family.
So when it comes to a lot of decisions, big or small, whatever, but you have to consider a lot with your family, what do your family member thinks or what expectation they have for you?
So that is why a lot of. A lot of people in China, when they come to career, deciding they would consider a parent's expectation. It's a big part of our decisions.
[00:15:55] Speaker A: Wow.
Even though we're native speakers, we, we grew up in Chinese background, but sometimes we still feel a bit heavy.
Can you understand that? Because of all those like two close relationship and too much influence from the family.
And we see that reflected also in education as well. It's hard to imagine. Parents often invest heavily in their children's education, seeing it as an important way to ensure the family future success. Wow. How big goal? So the pressure to succeed academically can be intense, but it's all tied to the desire to bring honor to the family name.
[00:16:51] Speaker B: So of course it sounds really, really harsh for some of the people, but still they are always good downside. But there's always still good sides of it. You can always seek wise stem from the elders.
Family members are close together. They are.
It's not easy to draw apart. As we grow up, some of the family will be like, I know some of the families in the Western culture, they will be like, oh, we don't keep in touch with some of the cousins that often.
But in Chinese culture, as you can see in the photo, normally we have the concept of family reunions, especially during the major holidays like Chinese New Year or other kinds of festival.
So it's common for family members to travel far away and then come together for a huge family meal.
I would say it's kind of like Christmas. As for Western culture.
[00:18:01] Speaker A: Exactly.
And don't think that Chinese people is that foodie. So the reunion dinner at Chinese New Year is not just about food, but about honoring ancestors, maintaining connections and creating lasting memories, and is a symbol of togetherness and unity, which are at core of Chinese Family life.
[00:18:30] Speaker B: So to wrap up. Family is the heart of Chinese society, influencing everything from the way people live to careers to marriages and relationships.
So shaoshun, it's a family thing for respect for elders and create a strong tense of connection that ties individuals together.
[00:18:57] Speaker A: Yeah. So, yeah, this filial piety, xiaoshun, is one of the key things that makes Chinese culture so unique and beautiful. That sense of responsibility, loyalty, and love that runs through the generations.
[00:19:17] Speaker B: Exactly. And as you continue to learn Chinese, understanding these family dynamics will give you a deeper insight into the culture and help you connect more meaningfully with Chinese speakers.
[00:19:34] Speaker A: Okay, now let's move on.
So back to the question from earlier. How would you say this book is really interesting in Chinese?
[00:19:49] Speaker B: So the correct answer is.
[00:19:56] Speaker A: Great job.
Very good. Great job if you got it right. If not, don't worry. Just keep practicing and you will get better with this time.
[00:20:16] Speaker B: Okay, so now it is your turn to practice.
Write a sentence using the word in the comments. You can describe anything that's really amazing or emphasizing something you truly believe in.
[00:20:32] Speaker A: It could be about a place, place, a feeling, or anything you find truly exciting. We can't wait to read your sentences and help you out.
Okay, today we covered and learned how it means really or truly to emphasize things you feel strongly about, whether it's something amazing, beautiful, or true.
[00:21:05] Speaker B: We also discuss family in Chinese society and how Shaoshun is a part of the Chinese culture and affecting everything from small choices to big decisions.
[00:21:21] Speaker A: Very good. And in the next episode, we'll be learning about a very important construction that talks about completed actions or something that has already happened. It's a crucial structure for expressing past actions and changes. So don't miss it and make sure.
[00:21:42] Speaker B: To subscribe, like and share this episode with anyone who is learning Chinese. And remember, if you want to you want to more personalizing help, head over to our hanichineschool.com and book your first free class with a native teacher.
[00:22:02] Speaker A: Thank you for listening today. We will see you in next episode.
Sa.
