In Singapore a bilingual English and Chinese speaking friend said three words in Chinese to the girl sitting beside me.
He used the words for the English question, 'Did you enjoy the food?'
The three Chinese words stood for: good food really?
I already knew the word for good because the Chinese for how are you is
Ni hao? = You good?
You - ni prounded like knee
good - sounds like 'how'
This phrase can be extended with the question word, ma.
ma - question word, which I translate as 'really?'
If you don't have a teacher, you will find lots of free first lessons on line.
My favourite video, is on YoyoChinese because the lady speaker is attractive and speaks good English as well as making Chinese simple.
From the video you will learn to say I love you and you love me.
Wo = I ... you = ni
'You love me' is : ni ... wo.
In Google translate I can find the word for love.
Add ma to ask, 'Do you love me?'
Love is written is ai or hai. Ask a Chinese speaking friend to say it and repeat it to them. Or listen to the translateGoogle.com translation.
我爱你
你爱我
你爱我吗
Wǒ ài nǐ nǐ ài wǒ nǐ ài wǒ ma
The Chinese and Japanese written language use the same symbols.
Useful Websites
Language learning video free introductory lesson
YoyoChinese.com
Also
Free online basic course multiple choice simple pictures, words and sentences.
Duolingo
duolingo.com
Free online learning basic course with your memory aids saved for yourself to re-use later or to share.
Memrise
memrise.com
Travel
Singapore Airlines
singaporeair.com
About the Author
Angela Lansbury is a travel writer and photographer, author and speaker.
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