DiscoverI'm Learning MandarinFive Mandarin phrases I've learned navigating daily life in Taiwan
Five Mandarin phrases I've learned navigating daily life in Taiwan

Five Mandarin phrases I've learned navigating daily life in Taiwan

Update: 2025-04-23
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Links:


My blog: https://imlearningmandarin.com/


Mandarin Retreats: https://imlearningmandarin.com/uk-mandarin-immersion-retreats/


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New vocabulary learned:


  • 1. 甜筒
    Pinyin: tián tǒng
    English: Ice cream cone

    • = sweet

    • = tube/cone (refers to the cone shape)

    • Together, this means an ice cream cone.


  • 2. 中焙 / 中深焙 (used in the context of coffee roasting)

    • 中焙
      Pinyin: zhōng bèi
      English: Medium roast

      • = middle / medium

      • = to roast (especially coffee or tea)

      • This is a medium roast — a balanced roast level often used for drip coffee.


  • 3. 原路折返
    Pinyin: yuán lù zhé fǎn
    English: To return by the original route / retrace one’s steps

    • 原路 = original path / the same road

    • 折返 = to turn back / go back

    • Often used in navigation, or metaphorically in life to mean going back the way you came.


  • 4. 知难而退
    Pinyin: zhī nán ér tuì
    English: To retreat in the face of difficulties / to back off when realizing something is too hard

    • = to know

    • = difficulty

    • = and / yet / but (classical-style connector)

    • 退 = to retreat / withdraw

    • Refers to making a wise decision to step back after recognizing a challenge is too tough to overcome. Sometimes used to describe prudence, sometimes cowardice, depending on context.


  • 5. 隐眼 (shortened form of 隐形眼镜)
    Pinyin: yǐn yǎn
    English: Contact lenses

    • = hidden

    • = eye

    • Short for 隐形眼镜 (yǐn xíng yǎn jìng) = invisible (contact) lenses

    • Colloquial and very commonly used in Taiwan and among young people.

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    Five Mandarin phrases I've learned navigating daily life in Taiwan

    Five Mandarin phrases I've learned navigating daily life in Taiwan

    Mi Kai