124: How to Express Your Opinion in Mandarin Chinese

Now and then, when we are not totally sure about things, we try to ask or refer to something tentatively to avoid the listener thinking all is definite. It’s quite a skill, especially when speaking a new language, but one that’s very useful to learn!

In this Podcast, you will learn:

(i) To talk about something which may not yet be definite

(ii) How to discuss a topic about which not everything is certain

Dialogue:

A: 嘿嘿，看起来张磊对你有意思呀。Hēihēi, kàn qǐlái zhānglěi duì nǐ yǒuyìsi ya.

Hey, Zhanglei seemed interested in you.

B: 啊？为什么这么说？A? Wèishéme zhème shuō?

Really, why do you say that?

A: 昨晚派对结束的时候，他问我要你的手机号来着。我猜他可能要约你出去呦！Zuó wǎn pàiduì jiéshù de shíhòu, tā wèn wǒ yào nǐ de shǒujī hào láizhe. Wǒ cāi tā kěnéng yāoyuē nǐ chūqù yōu!

Last night when the party was finished, he asked me for your phone number. I guess he wants to ask you out.

Chinese words and phrases mentioned in this Podcast:

看起来：seems

为什么：why

说：say

昨晚：last night

派对：party

结束：finish

问：ask

手机号：mobile phone number

我猜：I guess

可能：maybe

约你出去：ask you out

Mandarin Chinese learning resources we recommend:

Using Italki, a unique system of learning Mandarin Chinese where you interact with real teachers, is widely recognised as an effective way to learn a new language! You’ll make more progress and learn how native Chinese 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.