A Year to Roar
Legend has it that in ancient times, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve came, and Buddha named a year after each one. He announced that the people born in each animal's year would have some of that animal's personality. Those born in tiger years are natural leaders and excel as actors, pilots, writers, and managers. They are authoritative, courageous, emotional, and intense. Demi Moore, Emily Bronte, Tom Cruise, and John Steinbeck were all born in the year of the tiger.
English Words Borrowed from Chinese
English Words Borrowed from Chinese
Words taken completely or in part from another language are known as loanwords. In the English language, there are many loanwords that have been borrowed from Chinese languages and dialects. Here are a few common English words that are borrowed from Chinese.
Coolie: While some claim that this term has its origins in Hindi, it's been argued that it could also have origins in the Chinese term for hard work or 苦力 (kǔ lì) which is literally translated as "bitter labour."Gung Ho: The term has its origins in the Chinese word 工合 (gōng hé) that can either mean to work together, or as an adjective to describe someone that is overly excited or too enthusiastic. The term gong he is a shortened word for industrial cooperatives which were created in China in the 1930s. During that time U.S. Marines adopted the term to mean someone with a can-do attitude.
Chop Chop: This term is said to originate from the Cantonese dialect for the word 快快 (kuài kuài) which is said to urge someone to hurry up. Kuai means hurry in Chinese. "Chop Chop" appeared in English-language newspapers printed in China by foreign settlers as early as the 1800s.
A Few of the Best Chinese Proverbs
- Wife who put husband in doghouse soon find him in cathouse.
- A life with love is happy; a life for love is foolish.
- War doesn't determine who is right, war determines who is left.
- A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song.
- Three humble shoemakers brainstorming make a great statesman.
- Visiting monks give better sermons.
- He who asks is a fool for five minutes, but he who does not ask remains a fool forever.
- An ambitious horse will never return to its old stable.
- A conversation with a wise person is worth of ten years' study of books.
- How To Speak Chinese (Funny)
- I think you need a face lift..................... Chin Tu Fat
- Stupid man.......................................... Dum Gai
- Staying out of sight.............................. Lei Ying Lo
- I thought you were on a diet.................. Wai Yu Mun Ching?
- It's very dark in here............................. Wai So Dim?
With that smile here's wishing all a fun filled new year day spent with family and friends and lots of food and drink and merriment and a new year night to bring a fresh and shiny day ahead.
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