Career Magazine

152: How to Talk About Transportation in Mandarin Chinese

By Learnmandarinnow

Getting around any city in China can be a challenge. Traffic will probably be busy most of the day, especially during the morning and evening rush hours. So, what’s the best way to get around? Ensure you can discuss or suggest some options with your colleagues and friends…

In this Podcast, you will learn:

(i) To talk about different transport options to get to your destination

(ii) How to suggest an alternative mode of transportation

Dialogue:

Two colleagues are on their way to a meeting:

(在路上)

(zài lù shàng)

(on the road)

A:现在都7点了,咱们还有半小时就要迟到了。

Xiàn zài dōu qī diǎn le, zán men hái yǒu bàn xiǎo shí jiù yào chí dào le.

It’s already seven o’clock. We need to be there in half an hour. We are going to

be late.

B:现在正是上班高峰期。咱们最好还是别打车。

Xiàn zài zhèng shì shàng bān gāo fēng qī. Zán men zuì hǎo hái shì bié dǎ chē.

Hmm, now is the rush hour, we’d better not take a taxi.

A:对,最好是坐地铁吧。地铁最快。

Duì, zuì haǒ shì zuò dì tiě ba. Dì tiě zuì kuài.

Right, it’s best to take the Underground. The Underground is the quickest.

B:好那咱们快走吧。

Hǎo nà zán men kuài zǒu ba.

Okay, let’s go then.

Chinese words and phrases mentioned in this Podcast:

咱们:we

半小时:half an hour

迟到:be late for

上班高峰期:rush hour

最好:had better

打车:take a taxi

坐地铁:take the Underground

最快:the quickest

快走:walk fast

Cultural/Grammar note:

The difference between ‘咱们’ and ‘我们’ is that the former refers to you and the person you are talking with, whilst the latter can refer to you and someone else, not including the person you are talking with.

Mandarin Chinese learning resources we recommend:

Italki Logo
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
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.


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