Career Magazine

156: How to Talk About Future Career Plans in Mandarin Chinese

By Learnmandarinnow

It’s always hard to work out your future plan as no-one can predict what’s going to happen. But at least you can try and prepare for your career by working on your education. Make sure you know how to talk about your studies and future plans; or ask someone about theirs.

In this Podcast, you will learn:

(i) How ask someone about their future plans

(ii) To discuss your own future plans with a friend or colleague

Dialogue:

Mother is talking to her son about his future:

(妈妈儿子在饭馆)

(mā ma ér zi zài fàn guǎn)

(mother and son at the restaurant)

A:小飞啊,你以后想干什么啊?

Xiǎo fēi a, nǐ yǐ hòu xiǎng gàn shén me ā?

Xiao Fei, what do you want to do in the future?

B:……还没想好。

Hái méi xiǎng hǎo.

Still haven’t decided yet.

A:你喜欢什么?

Nǐ xǐ huān shén me?

What do you like?

B:我也不知道!

Wǒ yě bù zhī dào!

I don’t really know!

A:小飞,大学要考个好专业。

Xiǎo fēi, dà xué yào kǎo gè hǎo zhuān yè.

Xiao Fei, you need to get into a good major at university.

B:我知道。

Wǒ zhī dào.

I know.

A:以后找个好工作。

Yǐ hòu zhǎo gè hǎo gōng zuò.

Find a good job in the future.

B:知道啦!(不耐烦)

Zhī dào la! (bù nài fán)

Got it! (sounds a little annoyed)

Chinese words and phrases mentioned in this Podcast:

儿子:son

以后:after/afterwards/in the future

想好:decide

喜欢:like

找个好工作:find a good job

知道:know/got it

不耐烦:a little annoyed

Cultural/Grammar note:

We usually choose our major before university entrance in China but after the university entrance exam.

Mandarin Chinese learning resources we recommend:

round-italki-logo-3d-01
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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