The Mimir Magazine_ Apr. 15, 2023_Learn Chinese & Beyond

The Mimir Magazine EASY-TO-READ MANDARIN CHINESE

APR. 15, 2023 | $8.24

你有喜欢的虚拟明星吗？

田忌赛马

飞机身上哪里最重要？

Do You Like Virtual Stars? | 39

TianJi's Horse Racing Story | 18

What Is the Most Important Part of a Plane? | 54

Editor's Note Welcome to the fourth volume of The Mimir Magazine! I’m your editor JK, and I’m very happy to be here! The Mimir Magazine brings you exciting stories and articles in simple to advanced Mandarin so you may gain knowledge and entertainment at the same time. How cool is that? In this volume, you will find eight such stories, and I will be happy to give you a sneak peak to all of them!

Read how the unfruitful effort of an emperor propelled the popularity of a flower in the city of Yangzhou in our first story, A Flower That Doesn't Want to See the Emperor. Next, if horse racing with a twist is your thing, you don’t want to miss reading TianJi's Horse Racing Story. Who knows, you may be inspired to apply the same strategy in your day-to-day life.

Coming right after are two very interesting pieces. When life gives you lemon, you make a lemonade.

And when life compels you to think of a life-saving plan, you make… a tasty pastry? Find out more in Sweet Green Rice Ball. Want to be famous but have cold feet performing in front of an audience? You may just be the candidate they’re looking for. Read all about it in Do You Like Virtual Stars? afterward.

We are now getting to the second half of the volume. With travel restrictions lifting up all across the globe, you may be interested in reading about airplanes in What Is the Most Important Part of a Plane?

And if you ever wonder why giraffes walk the way they walk, you can finally sleep easy tonight after reading Why Do Giraffes Walk Like This?

Moving on to a more serious topic, we have a personal confession of someone who came out to his parents in China. Read his harrowing account in Is It Hard to Come Out of the Closet in China? Last but not the least, we have something for the sport fans in Balls of All Colors.

And that’s a wrap! Stay tuned for our next volume where we bring you even more exciting and educational stories only at The Mimir Magazine. Keep safe and have a great week ahead!

JK English Editor of TMM Vol.04

Apr. 15, 2023

TMM| 01

t e e Mditors E

Our E

It all started with a young girl who loved to wonder and make believe a world inside her mind. Decades later, JK finally braved herself to share parts of that world with clients from all around the globe — offering her skills, insights, and creativity not only as solutions to a problem, but also means to sound the unheard and show the unseen.

JK is available for freelance writing and editing services. She specializes in game narratives, blogs, and editorial pieces.

Hello everyone, I am Teacher Jiaming Li, who have five years of teaching experience.My students come from various industries and age groups. I have the Australian

kindergarten

certificate,

the

teacher

international

qualification

Chinese

teacher

certificate, and the second grade A certificate of Putonghua, experienced in broadcasting, dubbing and hosting. Strong affinity, while being strict, not losing interest. I am good at teaching pinyin, writing and reading. I can make students feel happy and learn knowledge at the same time, also built a good learning habits.

TMM| 02

CONTENT TRENDS

你有喜欢的虚拟明星吗？ Is It Hard to Come Out of the Closet in China? 在中国出柜难吗？ Do You Like Virtual Stars?

FOOD IS EVERYTHING Sweet Green Rice Ball

青团

19 32

06

ASIAN CULTURE The Flower That Doesn't Want to See the Emperor TianJi's Horse Racing Story

田忌赛马

不想见皇帝的花

23 14

LIFE & SCIENCE

飞机身上哪里最重要？ 10 27 Why do Giraffes Walk Like This？为什么长颈鹿是这样走路的？ What Is the Most Important Part of a Plane?

SHORT STORY The Colorful Balls Which I Known

彩色的球

Click here to listen to the audio recording of this issue.

TMM| 03

37

广告 "Looks like we are sharing the same hairdresser..."

Please visit us at www.themimir.com Cos it's a happy brand for Chinese language learners :P

TMM| 04

friends 莉莉

艾米 Amy is a high school exchange student from the U.S. She likes traveling and is curious about ancient cultures. She thinks Dada is very knowledgeable.

Lily is a student in the same high school as Amy. Her mom is Chinese and her Dad is from Ireland. Like her mom, Lily enjoys reading and cooking.

达达

凯文

Dada is a high school straight-A student from China. He loves science, the universe, and everything about aliens.

Kevin is an exchange student from Australia. He likes sports and cars. He thinks Amy is the cutest girl ever.

TMM | 05

SWEET GREEN RICE BALL

FOOD IS EVERYTHING

There’s something comforting and nostalgic about traditional Chinese desserts. I especially love warm ones like qing tang and glutinous rice balls in ginger soup. Speaking of nostalgia, the next story you’re about to read tells the origin of a dessert born from a certain general’s last-minute ditch to survival.

Editor JK

：

Intermediate level 5 Mins

TMM| 06

FOOD IS EVERYTHING

青团

在中国的南方，人们经常在清明节时蒸一个深绿色 的米粉团，这就是青团。 青团的“青”是“绿色”的意思。它是一种软软的有点黏 的米粉团。青团里还有甜甜的红豆。做青团时，要 把绿色的艾草汁放进米粉里。所以青团吃起来有艾 草的味道，很舒服。 关于青团，还有这样一个故事。 在很久以前的一个清明节，有一个将军被其他军队 的士兵追杀。他受伤了，跑到了一个村子里。村子 里的人们想帮他，就把他伪装成村子里的人，追他 的士兵没有找到他。 但是，这些士兵知道他在村子里，没有放弃找他。

：青团是用什么做的？ ：青团为什么是绿色的？

Q1 Q2

士兵们一个一个地检查进出村子里的人，这样村民 就没办法给将军带吃的东西。 回家后，有一个人想应该带什么东西给将军吃。这 个时候，他不小心踩在艾草上滑倒了。他站起来的 时候，发现手上有绿绿的艾草汁。他突然想到一个 办法！他出去找了一些艾草回来，做成青团，然后 把这些青团放在草地里。这些士兵没有发现草地里 的青团。将军吃到了青团，活了下来。后来，将军 的身体慢慢好了起来，他回到了自己的军队。从那 以后，将军让自己的军队学会做青团来保护自己。 清明节吃青团的习俗就这样开始了。 现在，青团已经成了南方人每年清明节都会吃的食 物！ 作者：文萱

TMM| 07

VOCAB!

软

ruǎn soft / flexible

将军

jiāng jūn general / high-ranking military officer

TEACHE'S NOTE

本文介绍了一种常见的美食以及背 后的小故事，尝试用自己的语言转 述这个小故事，说出青团是绿色的 原因。

士兵

shì bīng soldier

This article introduces a common food and the funny story behind it.

Try to retell the story in your own language and tell the reason why Sweet Green RiceBall is green.

踩

cǎi to step on / to tread / to stamp / to press a pedal / to pedal (a bike) / (online) to downvote

汁

zhī juice

村子

cūn zi village

清明节

Qīng míng jié Qingming or Pure Brightness Festival or Tomb Sweeping Day, celebration for the dead (in early April)

虚拟

蒸

xū nǐ to imagine; to make up / fictitious; theoretical; hypothetical / (computing) to emulate / (computing) virtual

zhēng to evaporate / (of cooking) to steam / torch made from hemp stalks or bamboo (old) / finely chopped firewood (old)

TMM| 08

r e m m gra ew br 语法：……就是……

1.Used as "Is Exactly"

：

Structure + Noun

就是

： 这就是我丢的那部手机。This is the phone that I lost. 这就是你要找的书。This is the book you are looking for. 这就是他想看的电影。This is the movie he wants to see.

Examples A. B. C.

2.Used as "Only Because" Here is to emphasize the reasons.

： 你不去聚会，就是不想下班后看到同事。 你这样说，就是在乎我。 她发这么多信息给你，就是担心你。

Examples A. You don't go to parties because you don't want to see your colleagues after get off work.

B. You say that because you care about me.

C. She sent so many messages only because she's worried about you.

：

Editor Jiaming Li

TMM| 09

LIFE & SCIENCE

What Is the Most Important Part of a

PLANE? Intermediate level 4 Mins

SOMETIMES, I GET BORED WAITING FOR MY FLIGHT TO TAKE OFF AND READ THE PASSENGER’S AIRPLANE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS BOOKLET. IN EVERY AIRLINE’S BOOKLET, YOU WILL FIND THE DIAGRAM OF THE PLANE. AS YOU LOOK AT IT, HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHAT THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF A PLANE IS? IF SO, YOU SHOULD READ ON. EDITOR JK

：

TMM| 10

飞机身上哪里 最重要？

LIFE & SCIENCE

：为什么莉莉又开心又害怕？ ：为什么机翼是飞机最重要的地方？

Q1 Q2

这个春天的周末，莉莉的爸爸和妈妈带她去香港玩。他们从上海出 发，选择坐飞机去香港。 莉莉很高兴，但是也有点儿害怕，因为这是她第一次坐飞机。 在飞机上，莉莉看到很多人，他们好像一点儿都不害怕，都很开心地坐在座位 上。莉莉问爸爸：“爸爸，飞机真的不会掉下来吗？” 爸爸笑着告诉她：“不会的，放心吧。虽然是在天上，但其实坐飞机比坐火车和汽车更安全。如果 你不害怕坐汽车，你就更不用害怕坐飞机了。” 爸爸看莉莉点了点头，接着说：“我问你一个问题吧，你猜飞机最重要的地方是哪里？” 莉莉想了想说：“是开飞机的人坐的地方吧！” “其实是机翼。以前有很多研究飞机的专家，他们发现在很多次战争结束后，所有飞回来的飞机的 身体上都是子弹孔，但机翼是好的，没有被打到。” 莉莉说：“所以是开飞机的人开得很好，没有让机翼被打到对吗？” 爸爸接着说：“其实是相反的，因为被子弹打到机翼的飞机都掉下去了，没有飞回去。所以在飞回 去的飞机上，你看不到机翼上有子弹孔。这就是为什么飞机的机翼是最需要保护的。” 莉莉点了点头说：“原来是这样啊！” 作者：Diana TMM| 11

座位

VOCAB!

zuò wèi seat

安全

ān quán safe; secure / safety; security

TEACHE'S NOTE

本文通过莉莉和爸爸的对话我们知道了飞 机最重要的部位在哪？请复述这个小故 事，内容需要包含：莉莉害怕坐飞机的原 因，爸爸是如何安抚她的。

掉

diào to fall / to drop

火车

Through the dialogue between Lily and her father, we know where is the most important part of the plane. Please retell this little story. The content should include: the reason why Lily is afraid of flying, and how her father comforted her.

huǒ chē train

汽车

qì chē car / automobile / bus

研究

yán jiū research / a study

专家

zhuān jiā expert / specialist

机翼

jī yì wing (of an aircraft)

子弹

zǐ dàn bullet

TMM| 12

r e m m gra ew br 语法：因为......所以......

The full pattern

因为……所以…… is used to clearly indicate cause and effect.

This sentence pattern needs to include these two words.

：

Structure

因为 + Cause, 所以 + Effect This expresses that because of cause, therefore there is a result.

： A. 因为下雨了，所以我要带伞。It's raining, so I need to take an umbrella.

B. 因为他出国了，所以他没有来。Since he went abroad, He didn't come.

C .因为我很困，所以想睡觉。I'm very tired, so I want to rest.

Examples

：

Editor Jiaming Li

TMM| 13

ASIAN CULTURE

TIAN JI'S HORSE RACING Have you been in a situation

Intermediate level 5 Mins

where all hope seems lost? That your adversaries looked indestructible and the odds stacked against you? As the story you’re about to read reveals, sometimes you just have to see things from another angle and play your cards to your advantage.

：

Editor JK

STORY TMM| 14

：故事里的田忌为什么赢了很多钱？ Q2：孙膑选马的方法是什么？

ASIAN CULTURE

Q1

多年以前，中国有一个小国家，叫齐国。齐国的国王叫齐威王，他很 喜欢和齐国的大将田忌比谁的马跑得快。 1400

他们会把马按照不同的能力，分成三个等级：上等马、中等马和下等马。他 们每次比三场，每场在三个等级的马里选一匹，不能重复选选过的等级的 马。赢两场或者三场的人，才是最后的赢家。 一个下午，田忌又输给了齐威王，他把这件事情告诉给了好朋友孙膑。 孙膑说:“你和齐威王的马我都看过了。其实，你每个等级的马都没有他那个 等级的马好。你第一场用上等马和他的上等马比，第二场用中等马和他的中 等马比，第三场用下等马和他的下等马比。你用这个顺序和他比赛，一定不 会赢的。下次比赛的时候，我告诉你一个办法。你用我说的办法选马，一定 可以赢。”田忌听了非常高兴，又去找齐威王比赛。 第二天，所有人都到了比赛的地方。比赛前，孙膑把选马的方法告诉了田 忌。 第一场，齐威王用上等马，田忌选了下等马和他的马比，结果田忌输了第一 场。第二场，齐威王用中等马，田忌选了上等马和他的马比。田忌赢了第二 场。第三场，齐威王只有下等马了，田忌用中等马和他的马比。田忌又赢了 第三场。三场比赛中，田忌赢了两场，这是他第一次赢了齐威王。 比赛以前，齐威王说如果自己输了，他会给田忌很多钱，所以田忌这次赢了 很多钱。 作者：一凡

田忌赛马 TMM| 15

VOCAB!

重复

chóng fù

TEACHE'S NOTE

本文描写了齐威王和田忌赛马的故事，如何 取得成功是需要策略的。马有三种等级，需 要先理解：上中下的含义。再采用画图的方 法帮助理解。

to repeat / to duplicate

输

shū to lose / to transport / to donate / to

This article describes the story of the horse race between King Wei of Qi and Tian Ji. How to succeed requires strategies. There are three levels of horses, which need to be understood the meaning of " " first and then use the drawing method to help understand.

enter (a password)

顺序

上，中，下

shùn xù sequence / order

按照

赢

according to / in accordance with / in the

to beat / to win / to profit

yíng

àn zhào light of / on the basis of

结果

等级

jiē guǒ

děng jí

outcome / result / conclusion / in the

grade / rank / status

end / as a result / to kill / to dispatch

TMM| 16

r e m m gra ew br 语法：比....

To say that one thing is more adjective than another. It needs to be placed between two objects for comparison. Pay attention to the order between them, which will affect the use of adjectives later

： Noun 1 + 比 + Noun 2 + Adj. Structure

： A. 蓝色的书比红色的书厚。 The blue book is thicker than the red book.

B. 红色的书比蓝色的书薄。 The red book is thinner than the blue book.

Examples

：

Editor Jiaming Li

TMM| 17

The key to reading in Chinese is to master Pinyin. learn how here TMM| 18

TRENDS

A good voice, check. A great personality, check.

The desire to entertain, check. The confidence to appear on stage… now that’s a problem.

Thankfully, we live in an era where showing our physical selves to the audience is quickly becoming a thing of the past, as you’re about to read in the next story.

Editor JK

：

Do You Like

Virtual Stars?

Intermediate level 5 Mins

TMM| 19

TRENDS

：虚拟明星的表情是从哪里来的？ Q2：为什么人们喜欢虚拟明星？ Q1

你还在看 The Voice 吗？这个节目已经有二十二季了，节目里的许 多人也都成了明星。 最近有了一个新的节目，叫 Alter Ego 。和 The Voice 不一样， Alter Ego 是一个关于虚拟明星的节目。这个节目想要找到新的虚拟 明星。 在这个节目里，每个人都在后台表演，人们在前面看到的是虚拟人 在表演。只有他们失败了、要离开比赛的时候，人们才能看到后台 人们的样子。虚拟人和真人很像，他们可以做出真人的表情。后台 的真人哭的时候，虚拟人也会流泪；后台的真人摸头发的时候，虚 拟人的头发也会跟着动起来。这和玩VR游戏有点像。 听着虚拟人唱歌，我们会觉得真人也长这个样子。可是有时候，虚 拟人的样子会和真人很不一样。一个高高瘦瘦的虚拟人后面，可能 是一个有点胖的人在表演。 人们会选择他们想让别人看到的样子，这和玩游戏的时候选择角色 一样。 在中国，人们也很喜欢虚拟明星。很多中国年轻人喜欢动漫形象， 喜欢Cosplay，可能这些年轻人更能接受虚拟明星，比如很有名的 洛天依。而且，虚拟明星不会有负面新闻，可以一直很完美。 除了电视节目，虚拟明星还会出现在游戏、视频和小说里，有时候 还可以和歌手一起表演。 你有喜欢的虚拟明星吗？ 作者：思昀 TMM| 20

明星

VOCAB! 后台

míng xīng star / celebrity

TEACHE'S NOTE

本文以选秀节目引出了虚拟人物 这个概念，介绍了虚拟人物是怎 样的，和真人相比的相同点和不 同点。 你有喜欢的虚拟明星吗？或者， 你想打造一个属于你的虚拟明星 吗？

hòu tái backstage area / behind-the-scenes supporter / (computing) back-end / background

表演

biǎo yǎn play / show / performance / exhibition / to perform / to act / to demonstrate

节目

jié mù program / item (on a program)

This article uses talent shows to introduce the concept of virtual characters, and introduces what virtual characters are like, and their similarities and differences compared with real people.

表情

Do you have a favorite virtual star? Or, do you want to make a virtual star that belongs to you?

fù miàn negative / the negative side

biǎo qíng (facial) expression / to express one's feelings

负面 新闻

xīn wén news

游戏

yóu xì game

TMM| 21

r e m m gra ew br 语法：除了 1.Used as "Except" Structure ...... Subj. + ......

除了 ，

都

Examples: A. B. C. have gone out.

除了草莓，其他水果我都爱吃。 I like all fruits except strawberries. 除了老师我谁都喜欢。 I like everyone except my teacher. 除了小强，其他同学都出去了。Except Xiaoqiang, all the other students

2.Used as “in Addition” ......, / ...... is used to express ‘in addition.’You can add words or sentences after , and the two parts are all equal.

除了

也还 还

Structure: ...... Subj. +

除了 ， 也 / 还 ......

Examples： A. 饭桌上除了有鱼，还有鸡、鸭等肉类菜肴。 In addition to fish, there are chicken, duck and other meat dishes on the table.

B. 除了我以外，他还需要照料其他人。 He needs to take care of others besides me.

C. 除了化学之外 , 我们还喜欢学习物理。 Besides chemistry, we also like to study physics.

Editor：Jiaming Li TMM| 22

ASIAN CULTURE

The Flower That Doesn't Want to See the Emperor INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 5 MINS

TMM| 23

ASIAN CULTURE

不想见皇帝 的花

：皇帝为什么想去扬州？ Q2：琼花为什么不想看到皇帝？ Q1

中国有一个很漂亮的地方叫扬州，很 多人都喜欢去那里旅游。扬州有一种 非常漂亮的花叫琼花，以前有很多人 去扬州都是为了看琼花。 一千四百年以前，有一天，隋炀帝听 说扬州有一种非常漂亮的花，叫做琼 花。这种花只有扬州才有。而且，琼 花一年只开一次，一次只开二十天。 很多人想去看却总是看不到。如果你 把这些花带回家，它们就不开花了。 但是，如果你再把它们送回扬州，它 们就又开花了。 喜欢好东西的隋炀帝也想去看看，但 是扬州太远了。为了可以和他的妻子 去那里旅游、看花，隋炀帝找了很多 人、花了很多钱，用七年的时间修建 了大运河。

大运河建好以后，隋炀帝和很多人一起 坐船去扬州看花。但没想到的是，他们 来的前一天，下了很大的冰雹，琼花都 被冰雹打没了。第一次没看到，隋炀帝 又来了第二次、第三次，但他每一次都 没有看到琼花。 很多人知道了这个事情，都说是琼花不 想看见隋炀帝。因为琼花知道隋炀帝不 是一个好皇帝，不想开花给他看。大家 都不喜欢隋炀帝，因为他不好好工作、 在玩乐上花了很多钱。他还让很多人去 打仗，每个去打仗的人都不开心。所 以，人们都不希望他做皇帝。很快，隋 炀帝死在了扬州。 这就是隋炀帝去扬州看琼花的故事。因 为琼花的这个故事，慢慢地就有越来越 多人去扬州看琼花了。 作者：Victoria

TMM| 24

VOCAB! 修建

TEACHE'S NOTE

xiū jiàn

这就是隋炀帝去扬州看琼花的故 事。皇帝为了去看花，做了很多的 努力。请说说在看花前皇帝做了什 么样的准备工作。他去看了三次 花，试着说出他每次看花的结果和 人们对他的评价。

to build / to construct

冰雹

bīng báo hail / hailstone

This is the story of Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty who went to Yangzhou to see Qionghua. The emperor made a lot of efforts to see the flowers. Please sum up what preparations the emperor made before seeing the flowers. He went to see the flowers three times, please tell the results of each time and people's evaluation of him.

皇帝

huáng dì emperor

打仗

dǎ zhàng to fight a battle / to go to war

TMM| 25

r e m m gra ew br 语法：为了...... 为了is means “for the sake of;in order to;for the reason that”in English. Generally placed at the beginning of a sentence.

： 为了 ⋯⋯ ，Subj. ⋯⋯ Structure

： A. 为了备课，老师经常到图书室查阅资料。 Examples

In order to prepare for class, the teacher often goes to the library to look up materials.

为了达到我们的目标，我们必须努力工作。

B.

In order to achieve our goal, we must work hard.

他经常为了一点小事就大发脾气。

C.

He often loses his temper over little things.

：

Editor Jiaming Li

TMM| 26

Intermediate level 4 Mins

LIFE & SCIENCE

Why do Giraffes Walk Like This

？

Unlike other hoofed mammals, giraffes actually walk in a rather strange way — swinging both front and back legs on one side together. But do you know why they walk that way?

Well, you’ll finally get your answer in the following story.

：

Editor JK

TMM| 27

LIFE & SCIENCE

：长颈鹿是怎么走路的？ Q2：长颈鹿为什么是这样走路？ Q1

为什么 长颈鹿 是这样走路的？ 今天星期六，天气很好。莉莉和艾米一起去动物园玩儿， 她们看到了很多动物，玩儿得非常高兴。 莉莉：我们去看看长颈鹿怎么样？ 艾米：好呀，我想看长颈鹿吃树上的叶子！ 莉莉：好，让我看看地图，好像向右边走一百米就到了。 她们向右走了两分钟，来到了长颈鹿园。这里有几只长颈 鹿正在吃树叶，有几只在休息。她们走过去一边聊天一边 看长颈鹿。 TMM| 28

艾米：莉莉，你看到它们走路的样子了吗？ 我不知道怎么用中文说，它们homolateral walking.

莉莉：你是说它们前面的一条腿走的时候， 后面同一边的腿也跟着一起走吗？ 艾米：对，就是这个意思。 莉莉：用中文说，这叫顺拐。 艾米：顺拐？为什么它们走路会顺拐呢？ 莉莉：我以前看的一本书里有说过。这是因为它们 脖子很长，走路的时候重心不稳定。 艾米：我还是不太明白，顺拐可以让重心稳定吗？ 莉莉：是的。长颈鹿前面的一条腿走的时候，同一 边后面的腿马上跟着走，就可以和另一边的两条腿 形成一个三角形。这可以让重心稳定。 艾米：原来是这样。我觉得还有一个原因。 莉莉：什么原因？ 艾米：它们的腿太长了，如果交叉走路会摔倒！ 莉莉：这就是腿长的烦恼吗? 哈哈哈，我喜欢这个 原因。 编辑：醒醒 TMM| 29

长颈鹿

VOCAB!

cháng jǐng lù giraffe

聊天

liáo tiān to chat / to gossip

顺拐

shùn guǎi Ipsilateral combination of arm and leg movements

脖子

bó zi neck

TEACHE'S NOTE

这篇文章的主人翁是长颈鹿，请用自己的话总结 出长颈鹿顺拐的两个原因，并且说一说你认为长 颈鹿这样走路的原因。 The main character of this article is giraffe. Please sum up two reasons why giraffe homolateral walking in your own words, and tell why you think giraffe walks like this.

重心

zhòng xīn center of gravity / central core / main part

稳定

wěn dìng steady / stable / stability / to stabilize / to pacify

原因

yuán yīn cause / origin / root cause / reason

三角形

sān jiǎo xíng triangle

烦恼

fán nǎo to be worried / to be distressed / worries

TMM| 30

r e m m gra ew br 语法：一边……一边……

Structure

：

To express that one thing is done while doing something else, can be used in different aspects of the same thing and different actions of the same subject.

Subj. +

一边 + Verb (，) + 一边 + Verb

Examples: A.

不要一边吃东西，一边写作业。 Don't eat while

doing homework.

B.

我喜欢一边洗澡， 一边唱歌 。I like to take a bath

and sing at the same time.

C.

孩子喜欢一边吃饭， 一边玩 。Children like to play

while eating.

：

Editor Jiaming Li

TMM| 31

TRENDS

IS IT HARD TO COME OUT OF THE CLOSET IN CHINA? ADVANCED LEVEL 10 MINS Most of us agree that life in general is hard — but it’s even more so if you’re a member of the LGBTQ2IA+ community in the still-conservative parts of China.

In the next story, we will read Binbin’s retelling of his negative experience coming out to his parents. To our beloved readers in the same situation, our hearts go out to you. Please know that you are not alone and that help is available.

Editor JK

：

TMM| 32

TRENDS

在中国出柜难吗？ 我身边有很多不一样的朋友，斌斌就是其中一个。我们是工作的时候 认识的，他的性格很好，我们总在一起聊天。后来我们都离开了这家 公司，不过我们成了很好的朋友。 认识时间长了以后，他才告诉我他喜欢男生。我后来也惊讶地发现： 性格这么好的他，竟然有性格非常暴躁的父母。 斌斌的爸爸很爱喝酒。在斌斌很小的时候他就下岗了，每次不开心了 就会打他。“在其他家庭，如果爸爸脾气不好，妈妈一般就会是保护 孩子的人。但是我妈不是，她是每次让我爸生气的人。我记得八岁那 年的一个夏天，我考试没有考好。回家以后我妈就一直骂我。骂着骂 着，我爸就突出从屋里出来了，开始用皮带打我。当时把我脸都打肿 了，上学的时候同学们看到了都嘲笑我。我感觉我的自尊在那一天没 有了。” 我十岁那年，我妈跟我说，‘我听别人说，父母要跟孩子做朋友，我 们也做朋友吧。你可以跟我讲讲你不开心的事情。’我就很高兴，我把 同学欺负我的事情跟她说了。过了几天，她因为一件小事骂我的时候 就说，‘你看你就是做什么都不行，连同学都能欺负你。’那一刻真的 对我的伤害特别大。” “

TMM| 33

：斌斌为什么不 相信他妈妈？ Q1

：对斌斌来说， 跟父母出柜是一件 容易的事情吗？ Q2

还有一件事是我上初中以后，同学们都流行 写日记。有一天我写完作业和日记，就跟我 妈说，‘这是我的日记，我放书包里了，你不 要看啊。’她答应了，说肯定不看。结果晚上 十二点多，她用撕了的日记本打我的脸。从 那天开始，我对她的信任就死了。” 他还给我讲了很多类似的故事，我能看到他 是希望爸爸妈妈可以很好地爱他的，但是他 心里又知道这是不可能的。甚至他还自杀过 一次，不过没有成功。那次以后，他决定要 好好活着。 后来，我问他是怎么跟家里人出柜的。 “我刚工作的时候，认识了一个男生，我非常 爱他，我觉得他就是我人生的真爱。我就发 短信给我爸了，然后我爸就告诉我妈了。后 来我妈打电话过来骂我。不过那个时候她骂 我，我是没有什么感觉的。因为他们同意不 同意已经不重要了。我的很多朋友都跟我 说，跟父母出柜好难，但这件事对我来说太 简单了。”他说完无奈地笑了笑。我明白他的 笑有一半的难过，也有一半的庆幸。 斌斌不是我认识的唯一的同性恋。在中国， 对大部分同性恋来说，跟父母出柜都是压力 很大的事情。中国人希望孩子可以按照父母 的想法做事情或者生活。父母也都希望他们 的孩子可以结婚、然后有自己的孩子。这在 中国被认为是一种很好的人生轨迹。孩子们 也都知道父母的这种想法。 你身边有同性恋朋友吗，你看到的他们的生 活是什么样的呢？我也想知道你和你朋友们 的故事。 编辑：豆子 TMM| 34

VOCAB!

伤害

shāng hài to injure / to harm

流行

出柜

liú xíng (of a contagious disease etc) to spread / to propagate / (of a style of clothing, song etc) popular / fashionable

chū guì to come out of the closet / to reveal one's sexual orientation

性格

日记

xìng gé nature / disposition / temperament / character

rì jì diary

肯定

惊讶

kěn dìng to be certain / to be positive / assuredly / definitely / to give recognition / to affirm / affirmative (answer)

jīng yà amazed / astonished / to surprise / amazing / astonishment / awe

竟然

甚至

jìng rán unexpectedly / to one's surprise / in spite of everything / in that crazy way / actually / to go as far as to

shèn zhì even; so much so that

答应

聊天

dā ying to answer; to respond / to answer positively; to agree; to accept; to promise

liáo tiān to chat / to gossip

骂

类似

mà to scold / to abuse / to curse

lèi sì similar / analogous

自尊

信任

zì zūn self-respect / self-esteem / ego / pride

xìn rèn to trust / to have confidence in

欺负

自杀

qī fu to bully

zì shā to kill oneself / to commit suicide / to attempt suicide

TMM| 35

r e m m gra ew br 语法1：连……都……

：

Structure

It is used to emphasize certain surprising pieces of information. You have to remember to use both parts of the pattern.

连 + Subj. + 都 (+ 不 / 没) + Verb ： A. 他连基本的口算题都没做对。He didn't even do basic mental arithmetic correctly.

B. 这条胡同太狭窄，连汽车都开不进去。This alley is too narrow to drive a car. 我吃的好饱啊，连一口水都喝不下了。I'm so full that I can't drink a mouthful of water.

Examples

： Adj. + 死了

语法2：……死了

Structure

This structure is technically a kind of degree complement. None of these sentences actually refers to someone dying.This is an exaggerated way to express. This is not a formal expression.

： A.今天我要累死了。I'm going to be exhausted today.

B.今天真的热死了！ It's really hot today!

C.你今天看起来漂亮死了！You look gorgeous today!

Examples

Editor TMM| 36

：Jiaming Li

SHORT STORY

THE COLORFUL BALLS WHICH I KNOWN Beginner Level 2 Mins

TMM| 37

SHORT STORY

彩色的球 我知道有足球，那有手球吗？ 有。 可能我们叫它篮球。 我知道有篮球，那有绿球吗？ 有。 什么是绿球？ 可能我们叫它网球。 我知道有网球，那有白球吗? 有。 什么是白球？ 可能我们叫它棒球。 我知道有篮球、有网球、有棒球， 那有蓝绿白红黑球吗？ 有。 什么是蓝绿白红黑球。 可能我们叫它台球。 TMM| 38

足球

VOCAB!

zú qiú soccer ball / a football

TEACHE'S NOTE

本文介绍了各种球类的名称和颜色。说一说 足球，篮球，绿球，网球，棒球和台球分别 有什么不一样。例如：篮球是橙色的，可以 拍。 This article introduces the names and colors of various balls. Say something about football, basketball, green ball, tennis, baseball and billiards. For example, basketball is orange and can be shot.

网球

wǎng qiú tennis / tennis ball

棒球

bàng qiú baseball

台球

tái qiú billiards

TMM| 39

r e m m gra ew br 语法：Interrogative Sentence 疑问句 ：

Structure

[affirmative sentence ] +

吗？

：你喜欢看书。You like reading.

Interrogative sentence：你喜欢看书吗？Do you like reading?

Affirmative sentence

： A. 你是明星吗？ Are you a star?

B. 我是第一名吗？Am I number one?

C. 你喜欢跳舞吗？Do you like dancing?

Examples

TMM| 40

There's a happy brand for Mandarin Chinese learners called: The Mimir visit online TMM| 41

TEACHER'S NOTE

The end ...

The end ...

The issue of the magazine has 6 intermediate-

There are also two articles on modern topics

level

1

about virtual characters and coming out in this

beginner-level. You can start from beginner level

issue. At the same time, there is also a story

to advanced level, with intensive reading of

that happened more than 1400 years ago.

beginner and intermediate articles and extensive

After reading it, do you think you will be

reading of advanced articles. Of course, you can

smarter than the ancient people?

articles

and

1

advanced-level

and

also choose a few articles from your favorite topics to begin with.

Finally, In the beginner chapter, it introduced the ball and their colors. Have you paid

Do you know the reason why Sweet Green

attention to the name and color of the ball in

RiceBall is Green? I hope you can retell the funny

real life? Can you make up similar articles or

story behind it. There are some quizzes in this

sentence?

issue, like What is the Most Important Part of a Plane? Why do Giraffes Walk Like This? Also, Do

Editor

you konw why a flower that doesn’t want to see the Emperor? If you read the article with questions, your curiosity will give you interesting answers.

TMM| 42

：Jiaming Li

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

安全 按照 棒球 表情 表演 冰雹 脖子 踩 出柜 村子 答应 打仗 等级 掉 烦恼 负面 后台 皇帝 火车 机翼 将军 节目 结果 惊讶 竟然 肯定 类似 聊天 聊天 流行 骂 明星 欺负 汽车

ān quán

safe; secure / safety; security

àn zhào

according to / in accordance with / in the light of / on the basis of

bàng qiú

baseball

biǎo qíng

(facial) expression / to express one's feelings

biǎo yǎn

play / show / performance / exhibition / to perform / to act / to demonstrate

bīng báo

hail / hailstone

bó zi

neck

cǎi

to step on / to tread / to stamp / to press a pedal / to pedal (a bike) / (online) to downvote

chū guì

to come out of the closet / to reveal one's sexual orientation

cūn zi

village

dā ying

to answer; to respond / to answer positively; to agree; to accept; to promise

dǎ zhàng

to fight a battle / to go to war

děng jí

grade / rank / status

diào

to fall / to drop

fán nǎo

to be worried / to be distressed / worries

fù miàn

negative / the negative side

hòu tái

backstage area / behind-the-scenes supporter / (computing) backend / background

huáng dì

emperor

huǒ chē

train

jī yì

wing (of an aircraft)

jiāng jūn

general / high-ranking military officer

jié mù

program / item (on a program)

jiē guǒ

outcome / result / conclusion / in the end / as a result / to kill / to dispatch

jīng yà

amazed / astonished / to surprise / amazing / astonishment / awe

jìng rán

unexpectedly / to one's surprise / in spite of everything / in that crazy way / actually / to go as far as to

kěn dìng

to be certain / to be positive / assuredly / definitely / to give recognition / to affirm / affirmative (answer)

lèi sì

similar / analogous

liáo tiān

to chat / to gossip

liáo tiān

to chat / to gossip

liú xíng

(of a contagious disease etc) to spread / to propagate / (of a style of clothing, song etc) popular / fashionable

mà

to scold / to abuse / to curse

míng xīng

star / celebrity

qī fu

to bully

qì chē

car / automobile / bus

TMM| 43

Glossary

1

58

蒸

36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56

59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67

汁 重复 重心 专家 自杀 自尊 子弹 足球 座位

Qīng míng jié

Qingming or Pure Brightness Festival or Tomb Sweeping Day, celebration for the dead (in early April)

rì jì

diary

ruǎn

soft / flexible

sān jiǎo xíng

triangle

shāng hài

to injure / to harm

shèn zhì

even; so much so that

shì bīng

soldier

shū

to lose / to transport / to donate / to enter (a password)

shùn guǎi

Ipsilateral combination of arm and leg movements

shùn xù

sequence / order

tái qiú

billiards

wǎng qiú

tennis / tennis ball

wěn dìng

steady / stable / stability / to stabilize / to pacify

xīn wén

news

xìn rèn

to trust / to have confidence in

xìng gé

nature / disposition / temperament / character

xiū jiàn

to build / to construct

xū nǐ

to imagine; to make up / fictitious; theoretical; hypothetical / (computing) to emulate / (computing) virtual

yán jiū

research / a study

yíng

to beat / to win / to profit

yóu xì

game

yuán yīn

cause / origin / root cause / reason

cháng jǐng lù

giraffe

zhēng

to evaporate / (of cooking) to steam / torch made from hemp stalks or bamboo (old) / finely chopped firewood (old)

zhī

juice

chóng fù

to repeat / to duplicate

zhòng xīn

center of gravity / central core / main part

zhuān jiā

expert / specialist

zì shā

to kill oneself / to commit suicide / to attempt suicide

zì zūn

self-respect / self-esteem / ego / pride

zǐ dàn

bullet

zú qiú

soccer ball / a football

zuò wèi

seat

TMM| 44

Glossary

57

清明节 日记 软 三角形 伤害 甚至 士兵 输 顺拐 顺序 台球 网球 稳定 新闻 信任 性格 修建 虚拟 研究 赢 游戏 原因 长颈鹿

35

Coming Next In the next issue, the following questions will be answered: 1. Who pays the bill dining with friends in China?

2. What't the trendy sports for the Chinese?

3. How to make Chinese home cooking: potato with green pepper?

4. Xiaolongbao as breakfast?

5. Who are those people eating watermelons on the side?

6. Live to travel or travel to live?

7. Why yawning is contagious?

8. Why cats can always land on their feet?

The Mimir Magazine Published by Contemporary Education and Technology Yi Chou Hsu Contemporary Education and Technology Chair Mengting Hou Executive Editor Mengjia Xu Managing Editor

ISSN 2835-5970

LEARN & BE CURIOUS www.themimir.com