Blacklist

This is a column of words or phrases commonly misused by Chinese speakers. If you’re planning to be an English teacher, reporter or employee of a multinational company, then watch out for this page each week.
1. They don’t see media a burden.
Professor Zhu Shida (ZS): Here, for idiomatic sake, I think it is necessary to [...]

Canary in a cage or coal mine?

The other day I was at the bar Xiu with my friends Jack and Larz. “Hey, there is a very beautiful woman looking at us,” Larz said to Jack. “She even pointed us to her friend.”

Insert to Gain Power

Wouldn’t it be great if life were that easy? Insert something – your finger, your hand, your … – and all of a sudden you would be filled with strength! Like Clark Kent ducking into a conveniently-located phone booth, or Peter Parker slipping into his red Spidey suit.

Blacklist

This is a column of words or phrases commonly misused by Chinese speakers. If you’re planning to be an English teacher, reporter or employee of a multinational company, then watch out for this page each week.
1. One tendency we need to pay attention is this obsession with commercialization.
Professor Zhu Shida (ZS): We know there is [...]

Keeping the cat in the bag

Molly is the ex-girlfriend of Tommy, a friend of mine who plays drums. People who do not know her usually consider her a nice young woman – she has good looks, is outgoing and funny. Not surprisingly, it’s easy for her to make friends.

Please Hand Guan Water

This sign is mixed up. This is to allow you a chance to practice your Chinese. The first character in this sign is qing – please. The middle character is shou – hand. And the last character is shui – water. So far, so good.

Blacklist

This is a column of words or phrases commonly misused by Chinese speakers. If you’re planning to be an English teacher, reporter or employee of a multinational company, then watch out for this page each week.
1. Past Saturday
Professor Zhu Shida (ZS): I don’t think it is proper to say “past Saturday.” We idiomatically say “last [...]

Pulling one’s leg but not one’s weight

Teamwork is emphasized in China’s education system, as students are trained in the spirit of cooperation. Many high school courses are team-oriented. This is especially true in science classes that have lab components – specifically chemistry lab.

Keep off the Dog

Instead, we should talk about the etiquette of pet care. Those cute little puppies in the shop need to be walked about every two hours in the beginning, day and night. Poop does not actually freeze the instant it comes out of the dog.

Blacklist

This is a column of words or phrases commonly misused by Chinese speakers. If you’re planning to be an English teacher, reporter or employee of a multinational company, then watch out for this page each week
1. Jet Li’s One Foundation goes public.
Professor Zhu Shida (ZS): This sentence itself is all right. The problem lies in [...]