Why does Mandarin so often use phrases like "maybe", "let’s see" or "we’ll decide later"? In this episode, we explore the flexibility of everyday Mandarin through a conversation set during a trip to Beijing. Sometimes, not speaking too directly is actually a form of politeness.
SBS Simple Mandarin helps you understand everyday Chinese in Australia, speak Mandarin with more confidence, and better connect with Chinese culture. Click to view all episodes.
China has introduced visa-free travel for Australians.
For many, travelling to China - and the wider Chinese-speaking world - has become much more spontaneous.
Whether it’s visiting the Bund in Shanghai, exploring Beijing’s hutongs, or trying local specialties in Xi’an, more young Australians are reconnecting with the Mandarin-speaking world through travel.
But many quickly realise that even though everyone is speaking Mandarin, the way people communicate can feel very different from Australia.
In this episode, we begin with a conversation on the Beijing metro to explore the art of leaving things unsaid in Mandarin.
View the original Chinese version for more:
