118: How to Talk About Exercises in Mandarin Chinese

By Learnmandarinnow

Getting plenty of exercise and keeping fit is a modern trend and enjoyed by many people throughout China. After all, who doesn’t want to keep toned up and be healthy? Learn to talk about your fitness experiences with friends and colleagues.

In this Podcast, you will learn:

(i) How to discuss what exercises you do and when

(ii) To tell someone about some of the physical exercises you do in your spare time

Dialogue: two female friends are talking about going to the gym and doing exercise:

A: 圆圆,你身材这么好,有什么秘诀么?Yuán yuán, nǐ shēncái zhème hǎo, yǒu shé me mìjué me?

Yuanyuan, you are so fit. What’s your secret?

B: 唉,我有什么秘诀呀?就是运动呗。我每天骑车上下班,而且一周去两到三次健身房。有时候,周末我还去游泳。怎么样,想不想和我一起?

Āi, wǒ yǒu shé me mìjué a? Jiùshì yùndòng bei. Wǒ měitiān qí chē shàng xiàbān, érqiě yīzhōu qù liǎng dào sāncì jiànshēnfáng. Yǒu shíhòu, zhōumò wǒ hái qù yóuyǒng. Zěnme yàng, xiǎng bùxiǎng hé wǒ yīqǐ?

Ai, what secrets do I have? It’s just exercise. I ride a bicycle to and from work every day. Also I go to the gym two or three times per week. Sometimes I go swimming at the weekend. So, what do you think, would you like to join me?

A: 我确实需要一个人督促我。从下周起,我就跟你去!Wǒ quèshí xūyào yīgè rén dūcù wǒ. Cóng xià zhōu qǐ, wǒ jiù gēn nǐ qù!

Well, I definitely need someone to encourage me. From next week, I will go with you.

Chinese words and phrases mentioned in this Podcast:

身材:body

秘诀:secret

我有什么秘诀:What secrets do I have? (implies the speaker has no secrets)

就是运动:just exercise

每天:everyday

骑车:ride a bicycle

上下班:to and from work

一周:a week

两到三次:two or three times a week

有时候:sometimes

周末:weekend

我还去:I also go to

怎么样:What do you think?

想不想和我一起:Do you want to come with me?

确实:indeed

督促:encourage

从下周起:from next week

我就跟你去:I will go with you

Mandarin Chinese learning resources we recommend:

Using Italki, a unique system of learning where you interact with real teachers from around the word, is widely recognised as an effective way to learn a new language! You’ll make more progress and learn how native speakers really speak. Plus, Italki is more affordable than offline tutors, offline schools and software, and is convenient to use at your own pace and place!

Keats Chinese School, which was founded in 2004, is one of the top Mandarin Chinese language schools in China, offering both one-on-one immersion Mandarin courses and small group Chinese classes. Located in Kunming, Keats develops personalised exercises and materials for students to meet their learning goals and requirements and can arrange a student visa for its 16 week course. Why not try one of their highly recommended courses?