[00:00:00] Speaker A: Foreign.
Hello everyone.
Welcome to our Honey Chinese School podcast. I'm Melanie, your old friend and joining me today is our old friend, amazing Vicky. Vicky Nihama.
I'm also good. Thank you.
[00:00:39] Speaker B: Okay, I'm so excited about today's episode because we are going to dive into an incredible useful grammar point which is the word.
This is a grade one. Want to help us to talk about how many times something has happened or will happen?
[00:01:04] Speaker A: No. Yes, it is. So whether you're talking about your third trip to China or how many times you've been to the gym is going to be your go to word. We'll also show you how to use it in different contexts like past, present and future actions.
[00:01:25] Speaker B: Yes, and also we are not just stopping at the grammar today. We also got a very cool cultural insight about why Chinese are obsessed with numbers. Trust me, it will really help you to understand our language.
[00:01:44] Speaker A: So let's get started and master together.
Let us see it. So before we start, you are listening to the Hanyu Chinese School podcast. If you're learning Chinese and want to take your skills to the next level, you're going to love this episode. And if you like to learn with us, you can try on. You can try a free one on one class through our platform. We have a courses Starting just from €39 with live classes, recorded lessons and full access to our online campus. So you can learn at your own pace. Welcome to visit our website and choose your path.
Okay, so let's start as usual with our dialogue. So the setting is Melanie and Vicky are talking about Vicky's upcoming trip to China.
Okay, I will start.
Hi Vicky, how many times have you been to China?
[00:03:17] Speaker B: I've been to China three times and this is my fourth time going to China for fun.
[00:04:03] Speaker A: Okay, now let's dive into today's grammar point.
This is a measure word used to talk about how many times an action has occurred or will occur. You can use it to count actions like visiting a place, doing something or experiencing an event multiple times.
So the structure is subject verb.
This structure is used to express how many times an action has been completed or will happen.
[00:04:40] Speaker B: Let's start with a simple example.
I've been to the Great Wall three times.
Here tell us how many times the speaker has been to the Great Wall. Notice the verb which is used for completed action in the past.
[00:05:04] Speaker A: Exactly.
So comes after the verb to show how many times something has been done. Now let's look at another example with a different action.
Here. I played basketball twice. So here is used with play basketball to Count the number of times this action has been done.
Now let's see how we can use for future actions. The structure stays the same, but now we're talking about something that will happen in the future.
[00:05:51] Speaker B: For example, if you plan on going to a place or doing something multiple times, you can use for future occasion. For example, next time I go to China, I'll go to the Great Wall. Here refers to the next time the action will happen.
Right.
[00:06:19] Speaker A: You can also say this time or next time to refer to a specific occasion in the future.
[00:06:31] Speaker B: Now let's talk about how to use when the action has already happened in the past. Often combined with eating already to emphasize that the action is already completed. For example, I've already been there three times. Here is used to emphasize that the action of going has already been completed three times in the past.
[00:07:04] Speaker A: Yes, and helps us count how many times the action was down. It's a great way to express your experience with an action.
So we got another example.
I've eaten this dish three times already.
Here we use already with to show the action has been completed. And we also specify the number of times.
[00:07:39] Speaker B: Lastly, let's see how we can use with other time related words to emphasize when the action is happening.
The first time I went to China, I fell in love with this city. Here refers to the first time the action happened.
[00:08:08] Speaker A: Yes. So you can also use with time markers like first time, second time, next time to clarify which time you're talking about.
So here are the key takeaways. First is used to express how many times an action happens or will happen.
Two, it's commonly used in past actions with already and in future actions with time related words.
Third helps to make comparisons about how often you do something, whether it's in the past, present or future.
And fourth, you can combine with other words like first time, next time, and already to add emphasis and provide clarity.
[00:09:06] Speaker B: That is for today's grammar explanation. Hopefully you feel more confident using in your next conversation.
[00:09:20] Speaker A: Okay, now it's your turn. Let's practice using C in a real life sentence. Here's the question for you. How would you say I've been to China twice, but I haven't been to the Great Wall yet? In Chinese, Think about it and drop.
[00:09:37] Speaker B: Your answer in the comments below. We'll check them and give you feedback. And don't worry if you are not sure. We're still practicing and learning step by step. Step.
[00:09:48] Speaker A: We are excited to see your answers.
So take your time and have fun with it. Have a try.
[00:09:56] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:10:00] Speaker A: Okay, now let's Go back to review our dialogue again and please notice the grammar point in this dialogue. Okay, I'll start as usual.
Vicky.
Vicky, you're going to travel to China again?
[00:10:27] Speaker B: Yes, I'm leaving the next day after tomorrow.
[00:10:35] Speaker A: How many times have you been to China?
[00:10:47] Speaker B: I've been to China three times and this is my fourth time going to China for fun.
[00:10:54] Speaker A: Wow. Really?
Why have you been there so many times?
[00:11:17] Speaker B: The first time and second time were for work.
The third time I went by myself for travel and this time I want to take my family with me.
[00:11:34] Speaker A: That's so awesome. This time will be really meaningful.
[00:11:41] Speaker B: Yes, I'm really looking forward to it.
[00:11:47] Speaker A: Okay. Did you notice that we use in this dialogue?
[00:11:53] Speaker B: Yeah. And if you're enjoying this episode with our classes, you can make even more progress.
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[00:13:18] Speaker A: Okay, let's move to our culture segment.
So there is a really fun cultural topic. Why are trans people so obsessed with numbers? Actually before in previous episodes we already talked about this topic a little bit. Do you remember the number four which sounds to death and eight which. Yeah. Which sounds similar to wealth.
And you might have noticed that in Chinese culture certain numbers have special meanings. And I don't mean just for counting.
[00:13:57] Speaker B: Exactly.
Numbers are huge in Chinese culture. And as you say, numbers have a symbolic meaning based on their pronunciation.
So these meanings can range from romantic expression to unlucky numbers.
[00:14:16] Speaker A: Yeah. So let's start with number 5, 2, 0.
You might see people posting Wu Erling 520 on social media and you might think, what does that mean? Well, in Chinese, 520 sounds like which means I love you.
[00:14:39] Speaker B: Yeah, that's a very interesting thing. Right?
So 520 has become like a symbol of love in China. Especially around May 20, people will send Messages to their loved ones saying who are lean as a way of expressing their feelings. Especially if they can't say I love you in person. So it's like a secret code for love, right?
[00:15:11] Speaker A: Yes, it is.
And it doesn't stop there. Another popular number is Yao 5 to 1, which is very similar. It's also used as a way to express love or affection. But sometimes 5 to 0 is seen as more romantic because of its strong connection to I love you.
[00:15:37] Speaker B: Wow, that's very interesting.
Well, I have another interesting one which is the 555. It seems random at first, but 555 actually represent crying in Chinese Internet language. Here's why.
5 is pronounced like o.
When you repeat it, it sounds like which mimics the sound of someone crying. Right. So if you see someone typing ooh online, they likely saying they're crying or feeling sad.
[00:16:12] Speaker A: That's right.
It's funny how these numbers take on entirely different meanings. Almost like emojis. In the west, for example, this is how do we do sign language in Chinese, Liu number six is another commonly used number. But instead of anything sad, it actually means something awesome. Li Liu Liu 6 sound like, which is the way to say cool or awesome.
You will say it a lot in gaming when someone does something really impressive.
[00:16:53] Speaker B: Yeah.
Well, don't forget about the number 1314.
This is also a romantic one. 1314 is used to represent the phrase which means forever or for a lifetime. It's a popular number for couples who wants to show their commitments and express that they love each other forever.
[00:17:18] Speaker A: Yes. Shi da. So numbers like 520-555-little-little-little6, 66 and 1314 are just a few examples of how Chinese people have given special meaning to numbers. It's a fun part of the language that shows how creatively Chinese culture can play with words and sounds.
[00:17:46] Speaker B: Yes. And the love for number isn't just limited to the Internet either. In Chinese society, numbers can also be connected to luck. For example, as Melanie said before, eight is considered one of the luckiest number, especially because it sounds like fa, which means to get rich or wealth. Yeah. So that's why people go crazy over getting phone numbers or license plated like eight in them. Because it's like, oh, I'm getting rich, I'm manifestating like wealth, Right?
[00:18:21] Speaker A: That is true.
Okay, so it's fascinating how numbers are woven into daily life in China. So from phone numbers to wedding dates and even business transactions.
So next time you see someone typing Wu Arling 520 or 555 WUWU. You will know exactly what they mean.
Okay, let's go back to the question we asked earlier. So how would you say I've been to China twice but I haven't been to the Great Wall yet in Chinese?
[00:19:09] Speaker B: So the correct answer is that means I've been to China twice but I haven't been to the Great Wall yet.
[00:19:27] Speaker A: Well done if you got that. If not, don't worry.
Keep practicing and you will get it next time.
Yes.
[00:19:38] Speaker B: Now it's your turn to practice.
Use to make a sentence.
[00:19:45] Speaker A: Yes. So please drop your answers in the comments below. We can't wait to see how you use in your sentences.
Go ahead and give it try.
Okay everyone, thanks for staying with us until the end. If you want to truly learn Chinese with real teachers and a clear method, welcome to Visit our website hanychineschool.com and book your free class. We have courses Starting from just €39, live classes, recordings and a complete platform to help you progress step by step.
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Okay, so today we learned how to use for talking about how many times something happens or will happen.
And we explored the cultural significance of numbers in Chinese like 520, love and 555.
Yes.
[00:21:18] Speaker B: So next time we are learning a new grammar point which is may, which means every. We'll explore how to talk each time something happened and how to express regular occurrences like every day or every week.
So you won't miss.
You won't miss it.
[00:21:41] Speaker A: So make sure to subscribe to the podcast, give the episode a thumbs up and share this episode with your friends or family members who are also learning Chinese. And if you want to practice with native teachers, head to hanyuchineschool.com and book a free trial class today.
[00:22:02] Speaker B: Yes. So that's all for today's episode. So let's say goodbye to everyone. See you next time.
[00:22:32] Speaker A: Sam.
