Chinese Level B: Elementary
Getting by: describing your day, comparing, explaining why, complaining politely. The sentences grow longer and the verbs take their complements.
- Looking for a flat Xiaoyu views a flat with an agent. The rent, the floor area, the distance from the metro.
- The security deposit Before signing, Xiaoyu asks the landlord what the deposit is for and what can be held back from it.
- Opening a bank account Xiaoyu opens a bank account. It takes a passport, a form, and knowing how to say you do not understand.
- A late delivery Xiaoyu's parcel was due yesterday. She calls the driver, who is already on the road.
- Returning an item Chen Hao brings back a pair of shoes that are too small. The assistant wants to know whether he has worn them outside.
- At the doctor's Xiaoyu has had a fever for two days. Doctor Zhang examines her and explains how to take the medicine.
- The missed meeting Chen Hao did not turn up yesterday. Xiaoyu waited an hour for him outside the door.
- Comparing two phones Chen Hao cannot choose between two phones. Xiaoyu pushes him towards the cheaper one.
- Moving house Xiaoyu is moving this weekend. Auntie Wang offers to help; Chen Hao has already arranged everything.
- Dinner with friends Xiaoyu and Chen Hao have dinner at Auntie Wang's. They bring fruit, and she refuses to take it.
- Last weekend Monday morning. Xiaoyu went hiking; Chen Hao slept for two days.
- Taking up exercise Auntie Wang has done her taiji in the park for ten years. Chen Hao runs, but never more than three days running.
- Queueing at the ticket window Xiaoyu is queueing for a train ticket. The gentleman in front of her never buys on his phone.
- Losing your wallet Chen Hao has lost his wallet on the bus. Xiaoyu tells him what to do, in order.
- A job interview Xiaoyu introduces herself. The manager wants to know what she has done, why she is leaving, and whether she will work late.
- First day at work Xiaoyu arrives at the office. The manager shows her her desk; Xiao Liu handles the rest.
- Asking for time off Xiaoyu's mother is to have an operation. She asks for two days and puts her work in order before she goes.
- The noisy colleague Xiao Liu talks loudly on the phone. Xiaoyu, who is translating a contract, tells him so without losing her temper.
- Learning to drive Xiaoyu's second driving lesson. The instructor has her drive round the yard before letting her out on the road.
- The annual vehicle test Chen Hao brings his car in for its annual test. The clerk checks the papers and has the boot emptied.
- Stuck in the lift The lift stops between the fifth and sixth floors. Auntie Wang, who has lived there twenty years, has never seen it before.
- Fixing a leak The kitchen pipe has been leaking since the night before. Xiaoyu has turned the water off and is waiting for the plumber.
- A parcel held at customs A parcel sent from France is being held at customs. Xiaoyu calls to find out what she has to provide.
- Booking a flight Two flights, two prices, two getting-up times. Chen Hao has compared them; Xiaoyu decides.
- The hotel is full There are no rooms left. The receptionist points to another hotel and rings to check.
- On a guided tour A guided visit. Chen Hao came two years ago, when the pagoda was still being restored.
- Photographing a monument Xiaoyu wants a photograph in front of the gate. The guard reminds them that flash is forbidden inside.
- Trying a regional dish Chen Hao takes Xiaoyu out for Hunan food. She had only ever known Sichuan cooking.
- Tea or coffee The manager offers tea; Xiaoyu takes coffee. Neither convinces the other.
- A wedding in the country Auntie Wang's nephew is getting married in the village. Twenty tables in the courtyard, and three days of celebration.
- New Year with the family New Year is coming. Xiaoyu is going home, Chen Hao is working; Auntie Wang invites him to her table.
- The right present to bring A first dinner at a colleague's. Auntie Wang explains what is given and what is never given.
- Complaining politely Xiaoyu collects a jacket from the dry cleaner's. A button is missing and a stain has stayed.
- Turning down an invitation Xiao Liu suggests a night out on Saturday. Xiaoyu has to meet her sister at the station.
- Asking a favour Xiaoyu is away for five days on business. She leaves her plants and her post to Chen Hao.