1. Is there a Starbucks close by?这儿附近有星巴克吗？Zhè'er fùjìn yǒu xīngbākè ma?”Let’s start with the most important. There’s nothing like a hot coffee to warm your hands and your heart, so here’s a phrase that should prove to be very useful. | |
2. I want 3 tanghulu.我要三个糖葫芦. Wǒ yào sān gè tánghúluTanghulu (candied fruit on bamboo skewers) is a popular traditional Chinese winter snack that can be found on the streets of most major cities. | |
3. My whole body is frozen.我冻透了. Wǒ dòng tòu le.A phrase perfect for exaggerating just how cold you’re feeling. | |
4. Can you turn on the heater?你能开暖气吗? Nǐ néng kāi nuǎnqì ma?Because there are going to be lots of days where you’ll just want to stay inside. | |
5. I’ve caught a cold. Do you have medicine?我感冒了. 您有药吗? Wǒ gǎnmào le. Nín yǒu yào ma?When you catch that inevitable winter cold, you’re going to want to find some medicine as soon as possible so you can get back to enjoying the winter. Walk into any pharmacy and use this phrase and you’ll get rid of that nasty cold in no time. | |
6. Don’t forget your hat and gloves!别忘了带你的帽子和手套! Bié wàng le dài nǐ de màozi hé shǒutào!We’ve all left the house before and underestimated the cold, but it’s often too late to turn back and grab your hat and gloves. | |
7. The ground is slippery today, so take care.今天马路上很滑, 小心一点。 Jīntiān mǎ lù shàng hěn huá, xiǎoxīn yīdiǎn.As much as we love the snowy weather, slipping on icy ground can be an embarrassing (and painful) experience. | |
8. Drinking hot porridge will make you comfortable.喝点热粥，就舒服了. Hē diǎn rè zhōu, jiù shūfúle.Hot porridge is a favourite amongst Chinese during winter. For only a few kuai you can pick it up at street stalls on the way to work or school. Be sure to try the famous xiǎo mǐ zhōu 小米粥 (Millet Porridge). | |
9. Please shut the window.请关窗户. Qǐng guān chuānghù.To avoid catching a cold, this should become one of your most common phrases. | |
10. Let’s build a snowman together!让我们一起堆雪人吧? Ràng wǒmen yīqǐ duī xuěrén ba?Because let’s be honest, this is the best part of winter! |
By
May McMaster