Chinese Level A: Beginner
The first situations: greeting someone, buying something, asking a price, telling the time. Short sentences, the first hundred words, and a voice that takes its time.
- At the morning market Xiaoyu is buying apples from her usual stallholder. Chen Hao, her neighbour, turns up at the same stall.
- Asking the way Chen Hao is looking for the metro station. He stops a passer-by.
- Ordering in a restaurant Xiaoyu and Chen Hao are having lunch out. The waiter takes the order; Xiaoyu does not eat spicy food.
- Introducing yourself The first class of the year. Zhang laoshi welcomes Xiaoyu; Chen Hao arrives late.
- What time is it? Xiaoyu has a class at eight and cannot find her watch. Chen Hao reassures her, then suggests dinner.
- A phone number Auntie Wang wants to be able to reach Chen Hao. She takes down his number, then rings him so that he has hers.
- Buying a metro ticket Xiaoyu is taking the metro for the first time in this city. A member of staff explains the line and the fare.
- How much is it? Xiaoyu is haggling over a cup in a small shop. Chen Hao wants one too, which brings the price down.
- Taking a taxi Xiaoyu is off to the West station. Chen Hao, who is catching the same train, shares the ride.
- At the bakery Xiaoyu is choosing bread, Chen Hao a cake and some milk. The assistant lets them help themselves from the fridge.
- Talking about the weather Auntie Wang and Xiaoyu are enjoying a fine morning in the courtyard. Rain is forecast for tomorrow.
- My family Chen Hao comes across a family photograph at Xiaoyu's. They compare their families, one large and one not.
- Where do you live? Zhang laoshi and Xiaoyu compare their journeys. She lives beside the school, he is forty minutes away by metro.
- The days of the week Zhang laoshi announces the week's classes. Chen Hao has to miss a Friday; Xiaoyu is already thinking about Sunday.
- At the cash machine Xiaoyu is taking out money at this machine for the first time. A bank clerk talks her through it, step by step.
- Paying by phone Chen Hao pays Auntie Wang with his phone. She accepts, but still has a soft spot for banknotes.
- Looking for the toilets In a shopping centre, Xiaoyu asks a security guard where the toilets are. The ones on this floor are closed.
- Booking a table Xiaoyu rings a Sichuan restaurant for four people the following evening, and warns them they may be late.
- Making an appointment Xiaoyu is trying to find a time to see Zhang laoshi. They compare their classes and settle on four o'clock the next day.
- At the hairdresser's Chen Hao is having his hair cut. He says what he wants, has the water cooled down, and pays.
- Buying a coat Xiaoyu is looking for a coat for her father. The black one looks too old; the day's discount settles it.
- Trying a size Chen Hao tries on a shirt that is too small, asks for a bigger one, and settles for blue since there is no white.
- Collecting a parcel Xiaoyu picks up two parcels at the collection point. Chen Hao helps her carry the heavier one.
- Saying goodbye Xiaoyu is leaving Auntie Wang's dinner. Chen Hao wants to see her out; she says no, it is cold outside.
- Wishing a happy birthday It is Chen Hao's birthday. Auntie Wang has made longevity noodles, and Xiaoyu brings a scarf.
- The neighbour's cat Auntie Wang's cat has got out onto Xiaoyu's balcony again. Chen Hao goes up to fetch him.
- Asking for the wifi In a café, Xiaoyu is looking for the wifi password, cannot get connected, and then manages it.
- Breakfast At a street stall, Chen Hao orders steamed buns and Xiaoyu soya milk. They take it all away with them.
- Taking the bus Xiaoyu is looking for the bus to the library. A passenger tells her which one, then gives her the only free seat.
- A cold Xiaoyu sees a doctor about a cold that has dragged on for two days. He prescribes medicine and rest.
- Joining a gym Chen Hao comes in to sign up for three months. Xiaoyu joins with him, which brings the price down.
- At the library Xiaoyu borrows some books; the one she was after is already out. Chen Hao waits for her in the quiet, upstairs.
- The seven o'clock train Xiaoyu wants the first train to Shanghai. It is full; she takes the next one, and Chen Hao comes with her.
- Asking someone to repeat Zhang laoshi gives out the room and time of the exam. Xiaoyu writes it down; Chen Hao heard nothing.
- Saying you do not understand A notice has gone up at the door of the building. Xiaoyu is stuck on a word and Chen Hao on a character; Auntie Wang explains.