Chinese: Vocabulary & Idiomatic Expressions Flashcards

What does the Chinese expression '入乡随俗' (rù xiāng suí sú) mean?

Answer: When in Rome, do as the Romans do

'入乡随俗' literally means 'enter village, follow customs,' conveying the idea of adapting to local customs when in a new place.

Which character combination means 'technology' in Mandarin Chinese?

Answer: 技术 (jìshù)

技术 (jìshù) means 'technology/technique/skill' and is the standard term used for technology in modern Chinese.

The chengyu '马到成功' (mǎ dào chéng gōng) is typically used to express:

Answer: Wishing someone immediate success

'马到成功' literally means 'the horse arrives and success follows,' used as a blessing to wish someone swift success.

What does '环境保护' (huánjìng bǎohù) mean?

Answer: Environmental protection

环境 means 'environment' and 保护 means 'to protect,' so 环境保护 means 'environmental protection.'

The expression '一石二鸟' (yī shí èr niǎo) is equivalent to which English idiom?

Answer: Kill two birds with one stone

一石二鸟 literally means 'one stone, two birds' and is the direct Chinese equivalent of 'kill two birds with one stone.'

Which word correctly translates 'volunteer' (a person who volunteers) in Chinese?

Answer: 义工 (yìgōng) or 志愿者 (zhìyuànzhě)

Both 义工 and 志愿者 are accepted terms for 'volunteer,' with 义工 common in southern China and Taiwan and 志愿者 prevalent in mainland China.

What is the meaning of '经济发展' (jīngjì fāzhǎn)?

Answer: Economic development

经济 means 'economy/economics' and 发展 means 'development,' so 经济发展 means 'economic development.'