While in China, I learnt a couple of new terms. It’s interesting how things are known by different names in different countries. Here are some terms I learnt:
\nChina<\/u> — S’pore<\/u>
\n1) 计程车 — 德士
\nIn China they call the taxi a “car that calculates distance” (a very crude literal translation) whereas in Singapore we call it “de shi” which sounds phonetically like “taxi”.
\n2) 计算机 — 电脑
\nWhat is known as a computer in China would be the term used for a calculator in Singapore. Imagine my confusion when everyone was talking about a 计算机 when what they were really referring to was a computer!
\n3) 空调 — 冷气机
\nThis is an interesting one. In China, an air-conditioner is known as an air regulator. Whereas in Singapore we call it a “cold air machine” (a crude literal translation). I say it’s interesting because the terminology has been dictated by the climate. Because of its temperate climate, the air-conditioner in Beijing spews out hot air in winter while there’s cold air in summer. In Singapore, all that ever comes out of the aircon is cold air because of our tropical climate. Hence we just know it as a 冷气机 .
\nI was wondering what a 空调 was when the company driver asked me if I wanted it to be switch on. But I managed to figure it out after pondering for a minute.
\nAnother thing I noticed is that taxis in Beijing don’t usually turn on the aircon, presumably to save on fuel I suppose. However, as the air in Beijing is so bad and the roads are always so congested, I reckon it’s best to hop into one whose driver has decided to have the aircon turned on. To do so, all one has to do is to look out for a taxi whose windows are up.
\nUnfortunately, those were few and far between. I had no choice but to hop into ones with their windows down. And when making my request to have the aircon turned on, they pretended not to hear me! Or just plain ignored me! Horrible!
\n4) 饭店 — 酒店 A different terminlogy for a hotel
\n饭 = rice 酒 = alcohol 店 = shop\/accommodation
\nSo you see, it’s all about food & lodging for us Chinese! That’s most important to us! haha!
\n5) 自行车 – 脚踏车 A different terminology for a bicycle
\nLiterally translated, in China they call it a “vehicle you ride on your own” while in Singapore it’s a “vehicle ridden with your legs”.
\n6) 发表 — what to say when you want to get a receipt to claim for service tax or claim from the company for travel expenses!
\nSo that was my pathetic Chinese education in the few days in Beijing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
While in China, I learnt a couple of new terms. It’s interesting how things are known by different names in different countries. Here are some terms I learnt: China — S’pore 1) 计程车 — 德士 In China they call the … Continue reading