When I arrived at the office this morning, everyone was looking out the window. I asked, “What’s going on?” Turns out, it was snowing heavily outside! Let’s learn how to say “what’s going on / what happened” in Chinese.怎么回事 （zěnme huí shì)Hello，大家好，我是Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine.Hello everyone, I’m Janine.今天早上我去公司，Jīntiān zǎoshang wǒ qù gōngsī,This morning, I went to the office.刚进门，就看到大家都在窗边看外面。Gāng jìn mén, jiù kàn dào dàjiā dōu zài chuāngbiān kàn wàimiàn.As soon as I entered, I saw everyone standing by the window, looking outside.我问：“怎么回事？”Wǒ wèn: “Zěnme huí shì?”I asked, “What’s going on?”原来外面下起了大雪。Yuánlái wàimiàn xià qǐ le dà xuěTurns out, it was snowing heavily outside!
The cinema was too crowded, so I thought, “Better go home and watch a movie.” Let’s learn how to say “it’d be better to” in Chinese.不如 （bù rú)Hello，大家好，我是 Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine.今天本来想去看电影。Jīntiān běnlái xiǎng qù kàn diànyǐng.但是电影院人太多了。Dànshì diànyǐngyuàn rén tài duō le.我想了想：“不如回家看一部老电影吧。”Wǒ xiǎng le xiǎng: “Bùrú huí jiā kàn yí bù lǎo diànyǐng ba.”
Sometimes happiness doesn’t need a reason — it’s nothing special. Let’s learn how to say “nothing special / it’s nothing” in Chinese.没什么 （méi shénme)Hello，大家好，我是 Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine.今天一个朋友问我：“你今天为什么看起来这么开心？”Jīntiān yí gè péngyou wèn wǒ: “Nǐ jīntiān wèishénme kàn qǐlái zhème kāixīn?”我笑着说：“没什么，就是天气很好。”Wǒ xiào zhe shuō: “Méi shénme, jiù shì tiānqì hěn hǎo.”有时候，快乐真的没什么特别的原因。Yǒu shíhou, kuàilè zhēnde méi shénme tèbié de yuányīn.
This morning I thought it was a bit cold, so I decided to wear one more layer — but then the sun came out! Let’s learn how to say “a little bit / slightly” in Chinese.稍微 (shāo wēi)Hello，大家好，我是Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine.今天早上我出门的时候，天气有点儿凉。Jīntiān zǎoshang wǒ chūmén de shíhou, tiānqì yǒu diǎnr liáng.This morning when I went out, it felt a bit cool.我想了想，决定稍微多穿一件外套。Wǒ xiǎng le xiǎng, juédìng shāo wēi duō chuān yí jiàn wàitào.I thought for a second and decided to wear one more layer.结果出门走了几步，太阳出来了！Jiéguǒ chūmén zǒu le jǐ bù, tàiyáng chū lái le!But after walking just a few steps, the sun came out!我笑了笑：哎，稍微多穿一点也不错。Wǒ xiào le xiào: āi, shāo wēi duō chuān yì diǎn yě bú cuò.I smiled and thought, “Well, wearing a little extra isn’t so bad.”
I saw someone running toward the subway this morning, talking on the phone — clearly in a hurry to get to work! Let’s learn how to say “in a hurry / rushing to” in Chinese.急着 (jí zhe)Hello，大家好，我是Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine.今天早上我出门的时候，看到楼下有一个人，Jīntiān zǎoshang wǒ chūmén de shíhou, kàn dào lóu xià yǒu yí gè rén,This morning when I left home, I saw someone downstairs,他一边打电话，一边跑着去地铁站。Tā yībiān dǎ diànhuà, yībiān pǎo zhe qù dìtiě zhàn.He was talking on the phone while running toward the subway station.看起来他很急着去上班。Kàn qǐlái tā hěn jí zhe qù shàngbān.He looked like he was in a hurry to get to work.我笑了笑，因为我以前也经常那样。Wǒ xiào le xiào, yīnwèi wǒ yǐqián yě jīngcháng nà yàng.I smiled — because I used to be like that too.
I’ve been ordering from the same restaurant every day, but now I’m really getting tired of it! Let’s learn how to say “tired of / fed up with” in Chinese.腻 (nì)Hello，大家好，我是Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine.最近我每天中午都点同一家餐厅的饭。Zuìjìn wǒ měitiān zhōngwǔ dōu diǎn tóng yì jiā cāntīng de fàn.Recently, I’ve been ordering lunch from the same restaurant every day.一开始觉得特别好吃，Yī kāishǐ juéde tèbié hǎo chī,At first, I thought it was delicious,可吃了一个星期以后，真的有点儿腻了。Kě chī le yí gè xīngqī yǐhòu, zhēnde yǒu diǎnr nì le.but after a week, I’m really getting tired of it.今天中午我准备换一家试试。Jīntiān zhōngwǔ wǒ zhǔnbèi huàn yì jiā shìshi.Today, I’m planning to try a new place.
I wanted to sleep more but also wanted to get to work early —I thought, “Ugh, I’m so conflicted!” Let’s learn how to say “conflicted / to have mixed feelings” in Chinese.矛盾 (máo dùn)Hello，大家好，我是Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine.昨天我加班到很晚，Zuótiān wǒ jiābān dào hěn wǎn,Yesterday I worked overtime until late,今天早上闹钟响的时候，我特别想再睡一会儿。Jīntiān zǎoshang nàozhōng xiǎng de shíhou, wǒ tèbié xiǎng zài shuì yí huìr.and this morning when my alarm went off, I really wanted to sleep longer.可是我又想早点去公司。Kěshì wǒ yòu xiǎng zǎo diǎn qù gōngsī.But at the same time, I wanted to get to work early.我心想：哎，我真矛盾！Wǒ xīn xiǎng: āi, wǒ zhēn máo dùn!I thought, “Ugh, I’m so conflicted!”
My friend asked if I liked working from home. I said, “To be honest, I feel a bit conflicted — it’s nice, but sometimes too quiet.” Let’s learn how to say “to be honest / honestly speaking” in Chinese.说实话 (shuō shí huà)Hello，大家好，我是Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine.昨天朋友问我：Zuótiān péngyou wèn wǒ:Yesterday my friend asked me:“你喜欢在家工作吗？”“Nǐ xǐhuan zài jiā gōngzuò ma?”“Do you like working from home?”我想了想，说实话，我有点儿矛盾。Wǒ xiǎng le xiǎng, shuō shí huà, wǒ yǒu diǎnr máodùn.I thought for a moment and said, “To be honest, I feel a bit conflicted.”在家很舒服，可是有时候也太安静了。Zài jiā hěn shūfu, kěshì yǒu shíhou yě tài ānjìng le.It’s comfortable at home, but sometimes it’s too quiet.
I got up early and left home in a great mood, but just as I reached the subway — it started raining! Let’s learn how to say “just / unfortunately / against expectations” in Chinese.偏偏 (piān piān)Hello，大家好，我是Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine.Hello everyone, I’m Janine.今天早上我起得特别早，想早点出门上班。Jīntiān zǎoshang wǒ qǐ de tèbié zǎo, xiǎng zǎo diǎn chūmén shàngbān.This morning, I got up super early, planning to leave for work ahead of time.出门的时候，太阳很好，我心情也不错。Chūmén de shíhou, tàiyáng hěn hǎo, wǒ xīnqíng yě bú cuò.When I left home, the sun was shining, and I was in a great mood.结果刚走到地铁口，天就偏偏开始下雨了！Jiéguǒ gāng zǒu dào dìtiě kǒu, tiān jiù piānpiān kāishǐ xià yǔ le!But just as I got to the subway entrance, it suddenly started raining — just my luck!我只好又跑回家拿伞。Wǒ zhǐhǎo yòu pǎo huí jiā ná sǎn.So I had to run back home to grab my umbrella.
The subway was so crowded today that I could barely move.I thought, “Oh no, I really can’t stand this anymore!” Let’s learn how to say “can’t stand / can’t take it anymore” in Chinese.受不了 (shòu bù liǎo)Hello，大家好，我是Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine.Hello everyone, I’m Janine.今天地铁上人特别多。Jīntiān dìtiě shàng rén tèbié duō.The subway was super crowded today.大家都挤在一起，我差点儿动不了。Dàjiā dōu jǐ zài yīqǐ, wǒ chàdiǎnr dòng bù liǎo.Everyone was packed together — I could barely move.我心想：天哪，我真的受不了了**！**Wǒ xīn xiǎng: Tiān nà, wǒ zhēnde shòu bù liǎo!I thought, “Oh no, I really can’t stand this anymore!”还好下一站就到了。Hái hǎo xià yí zhàn jiù dào le.Luckily, the next stop came quickly.
On the subway yesterday, someone next to me kept sneezing.I thought, “Oh no, I hope I don’t catch a cold,” and quietly said,“Stay a little farther away from me!” Let’s learn how to say “stay away / back off a bit” in Chinese.离我远点儿 (lí wǒ yuǎn diǎnr)Hello，大家好，我是Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine.Hello everyone, I’m Janine.昨天我在地铁上，旁边有个人一直打喷嚏。Zuótiān wǒ zài dìtiě shàng, pángbiān yǒu gè rén yīzhí dǎ pēntì.Yesterday on the subway, the person next to me kept sneezing.我心想：完了，不会感冒吧？Wǒ xīn xiǎng: wán le, bú huì gǎnmào ba?I thought, “Oh no, I hope I don’t catch a cold.”我小声地说：Wǒ xiǎo shēng de shuō:I quietly said,“啊，离我远点儿！”“À, lí wǒ yuǎn diǎnr!”“Uh… stay a little farther away from me!”说完我们都笑了。Shuō wán wǒmen dōu xiào le.After that, we both laughed.
My colleague looked tired this morning, and when he said he’d worked until 1 a.m., I said, “No wonder you’re so sleepy today!”Let’s learn how to say “no wonder / that explains why” in Chinese.难怪 （nán guài)Hello，大家好，我是Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine.Hello everyone, I’m Janine.今天早上我去公司，发现同事看起来很累。Jīntiān zǎoshang wǒ qù gōngsī, fāxiàn tóngshì kàn qǐlái hěn lèi.This morning at work, I noticed my colleague looked really tired.我问他：“你昨晚没睡好吗？”Wǒ wèn tā: “Nǐ zuó wǎn méi shuì hǎo ma?”I asked him, “Didn’t you sleep well last night?”他说：“我昨天晚上加班到一点。”Tā shuō: “Wǒ zuótiān wǎnshang jiābān dào yī diǎn.”He said, “I worked overtime until 1 a.m.”我笑着说：“难怪你今天这么困！”Wǒ xiào zhe shuō: “Nán guài nǐ jīntiān zhème kùn!”I smiled and said, “No wonder you’re so sleepy today!”
I wanted to go grocery shopping after work, but I thought, “It’s too crowded — it’d be better to order takeout.” Let’s learn how to say “not as good as / it would be better to” in Chinese.不如 （bù rú)Hello，大家好，我是Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine.Hello everyone, I’m Janine.昨天我下班的时候，本来想去超市买菜，Zuótiān wǒ xiàbān de shíhou, běnlái xiǎng qù chāoshì mǎi cài,Yesterday after work, I was planning to go grocery shopping,可是一想到超市那么多人，kě shì yī xiǎng dào chāoshì nàme duō rén,but when I thought about how crowded it would be,我就觉得，算了，今天不如点外卖吧。wǒ jiù juéde, suàn le, jīntiān bù rú diǎn wàimài ba.I thought, “Forget it — it would be better to order takeout today.”结果外卖送来时，还挺香的！Jiéguǒ wàimài sòng lái shí, hái tǐng xiāng de!And when the food arrived, it actually smelled really good!
My friend said that drinking more coffee will definitely make you feel awake, but I said, “Not necessarily — sometimes it makes me sleepier!” Let’s learn how to say “not necessarily / not always true” in Chinese.不见得（ bú jiàn de)Hello，大家好，我是Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine.Hello everyone, I’m Janine.昨天朋友跟我说：Zuótiān péngyou gēn wǒ shuō:Yesterday, my friend told me:“多喝咖啡一定会提神。”“Duō hē kāfēi yídìng huì tí shén.”“Drinking more coffee will definitely make you more awake.”我笑着说：Wǒ xiào zhe shuō:I smiled and said:“也不见得吧，我喝多了反而更困。”“Yě bú jiàn de ba, wǒ hē duō le fǎn’ér gèng kùn.”“Not necessarily — when I drink too much, I actually get sleepier.”
My friend asked if I wanted to go hiking this weekend, but I’ve been so busy lately that I said, “Let’s talk about it later.”Let’s learn how to say “we’ll see / let’s talk about it later” in Chinese.再说吧 （zài shuō ba)Hello，大家好，我是Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine.Hello everyone, I’m Janine.昨天晚上朋友问我：Zuótiān wǎnshang péngyou wèn wǒ:Last night, my friend asked me:“周末要不要去爬山？”“Zhōumò yào bù yào qù páshān?”“Do you want to go hiking this weekend?”我想了想，说：Wǒ xiǎng le xiǎng, shuō:I thought for a moment and said:“这几天工作太忙了，再说吧。”“Zhè jǐ tiān gōngzuò tài máng le, zài shuō ba.”“I’ve been too busy these days — let’s talk about it later.”其实我还没决定去不去。Qíshí wǒ hái méi juédìng qù bú qù.Honestly, I still haven’t decided if I’ll go or not.
On my way to work, I saw a new coffee shop and thought, “If the coffee is good, I’ll come again tomorrow.” And guess what? It really was! Let’s learn how to say “if / suppose” in Chinese.要是 （yào shi)Hello，大家好，我是Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine.Hello everyone, I’m Janine.今天早上我去公司，Jīntiān zǎoshang wǒ qù gōngsī,This morning, I went to the office.路上看到一家新的咖啡店。Lùshang kàn dào yì jiā xīn de kāfēi diàn.On the way, I saw a new coffee shop.我心想：要是咖啡好喝，我明天就再来。Wǒ xīn xiǎng: yào shi kāfēi hǎo hē, wǒ míngtiān jiù zài lái.I thought, “If the coffee is good, I’ll come again tomorrow.”结果真的很好喝！Jiéguǒ zhēn de hěn hǎo hē!And it really was delicious!
Before going out, I looked at the sky and thought, “I’d better take an umbrella — what if it rains?” And sure enough, it did! Let’s learn how to say “in case / what if” in Chinese.万一 （wàn yī)Hello，大家好，我是Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine.Hello everyone, I’m Janine.今天早上出门前，Jīntiān zǎoshang chūmén qián,This morning before going out,我看了看天空，有点儿灰。Wǒ kàn le kàn tiānkōng, yǒu diǎnr huī.I looked at the sky — it was a bit gray.我想了想，说：Wǒ xiǎng le xiǎng, shuō:I thought to myself and said:“还是带把伞吧，万一下雨呢？”“Háishì dài bǎ sǎn ba, wàn yī xià yǔ ne?”“I’d better bring an umbrella — what if it rains?”结果出门不到十分钟，就下雨了！Jiéguǒ chūmén bú dào shí fēnzhōng, jiù xià yǔ le!And guess what? It started raining in less than ten minutes!
My friend called me early this morning, and I said, “Why are you calling me so early?” Let’s learn how to say “what for / why / what are you doing” in Chinese.干嘛 (gàn má)Hello，大家好，我是Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine.Hello everyone, I’m Janine.今天早上我刚起床，Jīntiān zǎoshang wǒ gāng qǐchuáng,This morning, I had just gotten up,我的朋友就给我打电话。wǒ de péngyou jiù gěi wǒ dǎ diànhuà.when my friend suddenly called me.我接起电话说：Wǒ jiē qǐ diànhuà shuō:I picked up and said:“你一大早打电话，干嘛呀？”“Nǐ yí dà zǎo dǎ diànhuà, gàn má ya?”“You’re calling me so early — what for?”她笑着说：“我就是想跟你聊天！”Tā xiào zhe shuō: “Wǒ jiù shì xiǎng gēn nǐ liáotiān!”She laughed and said, “I just wanted to chat with you!”
I was chatting with my friend about countries we want to visit,and I said, “Japan is one of the places I want to go the most.”Let’s learn how to say “one of…” in Chinese.……之一 (zhī yī)Hello，大家好，我是Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine.Hello everyone, I’m Janine.昨天我和朋友聊天，Zuótiān wǒ hé péngyou liáotiān,Yesterday I was chatting with a friend,我们说起最想去的国家。wǒmen shuō qǐ zuì xiǎng qù de guójiā.and we talked about the countries we most want to visit.我说：“日本是我最想去的国家之一**。”**Wǒ shuō: “Rìběn shì wǒ zuì xiǎng qù de guójiā zhī yī.”I said, “Japan is one of the countries I most want to visit.”朋友笑着说：“我也是！”Péngyou xiào zhe shuō: “Wǒ yě shì!”My friend laughed and said, “Me too!”
When I went out this morning, I saw dark clouds and strong wind —it looked like it was going to rain soon. Let’s learn how to say “it seems / looks like” in Chinese.看样子 (kàn yàngzi)Hello，大家好，我是Janine。Hello, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ shì Janine.Hello everyone, I’m Janine.今天早上我出门的时候，Jīntiān zǎoshang wǒ chūmén de shíhou,This morning, when I went out,看到天上有很多黑云。kàn dào tiān shàng yǒu hěn duō hēi yún.I saw lots of dark clouds in the sky.风也越来越大。Fēng yě yuè lái yuè dà.The wind was getting stronger and stronger.我心想：看样子一会儿要下雨了。Wǒ xīn xiǎng: kàn yàngzi yíhuìr yào xià yǔ le.I thought, “It looks like it’s going to rain soon.”