The Mimir Magazine_ Mar 15, 2023_Learn Chinese & Beyond

MAR. 15, 2023 | $8.24

THE MIMIR EASY-TO-READ MANDARIN CHINESE

这样旅游，省钱又环保 Let’s Travel with WWOOF!

超简单！10分钟做出一盘 好吃的蛋炒饭 Making Egg-fried Rice in 10 Minutes

狗不喜欢的八件事 Eight Things Dogs Don’t Like

Editor's Note In this issue you will learn about Chinese culture and how they perceive weight. You’ll also learn about delicious foods, such as egg-fried rice and walnut cookies. You’ll learn about what dogs like and dislike, and you’ll also read about traveling made easy with WWOOF, which sounds a lot like a dog named it. WWOOF is doggone amazing, allowing you to get the most out of your adventure without taking the most out of your bank account. Traveling and experiencing new cultures is very important, and you’re likely to learn a little bit about how to do exactly that.

In Chinese culture, food is important, and not the food that you would typically see in your local Chinese restaurant, even if that food is good too. However, the Chinese also take great pride in their appearance, and their weight as well. While society is changing the way that we view our relationship with the word fat and the concept of fat, many people still rightfully worry about and opt to change their weight. Learn about the misconception of Chinese weight management and get the skinny on China and weight loss with “Why Do Chinese People Love to Lose Weight?”

As mentioned above, the relationship that you have with your food is very important, and the Chinese are well-aware of this. Their culture goes back many centuries and is rich, diverse, and often food-centric. This celebrated culture also includes many more standard dishes, including egg-fried rice. Learn about egg-fried rice and how to prepare it with “Making Egg-fried Rice in 10 Minutes.” After that, you’ll be taken to a sweet moment with a sweet treat, featuring grandma’s walnut cookies. Feel the warmth of grandma’s kitchen, with the easy-to-read “Walnut Cookie.”

Thereafter, you’ll read about amazing travel options and opportunities with “Let’s Travel with WWOOF!” Traveling is something that everyone should prioritize at some point in their lives, and this short story gives you an idea of how you can travel to amazing places on a budget. You’ll also learn about the world’s greatest travel companion, the dog. Learn some more about your dog’s boundaries with “Eight Things Dogs Don’t Like.” These stories both require extra skill to get through, so you may want to save them for when you’re open for an extra challenge.

TMM | 01

For an even greater challenge, read “What Can You Do If You Can’t Fall Asleep in an Unfamiliar Environment” and “Gas Up On the Highway” which are intermediate and advanced level stories. Finish the magazine off with a goofy watermelon prose, which is easy to read and even fun to read out loud.

This issue provides a lot of different interesting topics, while also giving the reader multiple different levels to pick. Take your time as you work through the stories, and come back to them later if you’re having trouble getting through them. Learning a language is a journey, and much like traveling, it should be fun, even if you may run into hiccup here or there. As a learner, it’s always a good idea to dissect each sentence if you need to. When I’m struggling to get through a certain piece, I sometimes read the piece out of order, and then come back to try the story again in the right order. It’s also fun to read the stories out loud, practicing your Chinese as you do. If you have a friend who can help, try and read the story with them. You both may find the practice fun, and the content provides a lot of good conversation starter material.

Most importantly, while reading the stories included in this issue, take the time to reflect on how you feel about them, and always have fun when reading and learning new things in Chinese and about the Chinese culture!

Ted Wilson Ted Wilson English Editor of TMM Mar. 15, 2023

TMM | 02

t e e Mditors

d E r u O

Ted Wilson is a writer, marketing specialist, and squirrel feeder with over 14 years of experience. When he’s not working or writing, he enjoys playing tennis, creating art, working out, and looking at raccoons. He currently lives in Michigan with his fiancée, two spiders, and a fish. He hopes to relocate to Washington State soon. He is a language lover, currently speaking English, German, some Polish, and is also learning Chinese.

Hi! I’m Sophia Zhou, a professional Mandarin teacher. My teaching career started from 2012, and have led and taken part in many Mandarin teaching projects. I have been teaching

for

over

10,000

hours.

I’m

experienced with teaching people from many countries with different levels from beginner to

advanced,

covering

beginner

course,

regular course, oral conversation course, business course, customized course, and HSK&HSKK test course, etc. I’m good at adjusting teaching method according to the student, and making every student their own perfect Mandarin learning plan. I’m funny and outgoing. You will feel interesting and joyful while mastering the Mandarin with me.

TMM | 03

content Let’s Travel with WWOOF!

TRENDS

这样旅游，省钱又环保 Gas Up on the Highway

FOOD IS EVERYTHING

07

在高速公路上加油

33

Making Egg-fried Rice in 10 Minutes 10

超简单！ 分钟做出一盘好吃的蛋炒饭

12

Walnut Cookie

核桃酥

27

ASIAN CULTURE

Why do Chinese People Love to Lose Weight?

为什么中国人爱减肥？

23

LIFE & SCIENCE

Eight Things Dogs Don’t Like

狗不喜欢的八件事

18

What Can You Do If You Can’t Fall Asleep in an Unfamiliar Environment?

40

去陌生环境里睡不好怎么办？ SHORT STORY

What do Watermelons Like and Dislike?

西瓜喜欢和不喜欢什么？

Click here to listen to audio recordings of this issue on YouTube

TMM | 04

44

"THIS IS MY SECRET WORLD!"

LEARN CHINESE UNLOCK A SECRET WORLD www.themimir.com TMM | 05

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 | 06

TRENDS

LET’S TRAVEL WITH WWOOF!

这样旅游，省钱又环保

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL READING TIME

：5 MINS

Everyone should travel in their life.It’s important and exciting to experience new cultures and learn new things.

WWOOF makes it easy and interesting, allowing you to work your way through your trip.

While this may not be the ideal way of traveling for some, it’s definitely a great option if you don’t have the biggest budget.

There are similar trips set up for those looking to visit Washington State, where you’re able to work in a field, or on a farm for a place to camp, or even a room to stay.

Often,

this style of trip even includes meals! Doing so in a different country would only add to the adventure of it all.

Read more about this travel arrangement below. Would you utilize WWOOF? This piece is somewhat easy to read, and is a great piece for those looking to help their Chinese flow, especially with certain phrases and words.

As a reader, you may wish to read this story when you’re looking for a light read.

Editor TMM | 07

：Ted Wilson

TRENDS

的中文名是什么？ Q2: 参加WWOOF有什么好处？ Q1: WWOOF

到中国种茶，到意大利摘水果，到新 西兰挤牛奶……这些是你想做的事吗？ 如果你喜欢旅游，又喜欢在农场生 活，你会很喜欢WWOOF。 WWOOF 的中文名是 “ 世界有机农场 组织 ” 。如果你参加 WWOOF ，你可 以到世界其他国家的有机农场旅游。 那么，参加WWOOF有什么好处呢？ 第一，它可以帮你少花钱。 我们出去旅游的时候，会在飞机、出 租车、公共汽车等交通工具上花钱。 而且，我们还要在住的地方和吃的东 西上花钱。 但是，在WWOOF的农场里，吃和住 是不用花钱的。你只需要每天帮助农 场做一些工作就可以了。

第二，你可以保护环境。 WWOOF 的农场都认为保护环境是 最重要的。它们不会用对环境不好的 东西。所以，在那里你吃的东西都非 常健康。 第三，你可以体验那个地方的生活。 在 WWOOF 的农场，你可以半天工 作，半天做自己想做的事。种菜、种 茶、摘水果、挤牛奶、钓鱼……在农 场里，你可以做很多在城市里很难做 到的事。 世界很大，我们生活的地方很小。旅 游可以让我们走到其他地方，见到那 里的人，过他们的生活。现在，有了 WWOOF，旅游变得更好玩了!

TMM | 08

作者：阿雪

VOCAB! 摘

zhāi to take / to borrow / to pick (flowers, fruit etc) / to pluck / to select / to remove / to take off (glasses, hat etc)

挤

jǐ to crowd in / to cram in / to force others aside / to press / to squeeze / to find (time in one's busy schedule)

农场

nóng chǎng farm

参加

cān jiā to participate / to take part / to join

好处

hǎo chǔ easy to get along with

交通

jiāo tōng to be connected / traffic / transportation / communications / liaison

工具

gōng jù tool / instrument / utensil / means (to achieve a goal etc)

组织

保护

zǔ zhī to organize / organization / (biology) tissue

bǎo hù to protect / to defend / to safeguard / protection

环境

huán jìng environment / circumstances / surroundings

重要

zhòng yào important / significant / major

体验

tǐ yàn to experience for oneself

钓鱼

diào yú to fish (with line and hook) / to dupe

TMM | 09

r e m m gra ew br 语法：对 介词“对”可以表示人和人、人和事物、事物和事物之间的对待关系。常用的结构有以下几个： The preposition “ 对 ”can indicate a subject-target relation between people or things. The following few structures are the often used ones: Structure1: …… sb./sth. + / Examples a.

Running is good for health. b.

Watching TV for too long is bad for eyes.

对 好 不好 ： 跑步对身体好。 看电视时间太长对眼睛不好。

Structure2: …… sb./sth. + / Examples a.

Smoking harms health. b.

This material is harmless to the environment.

对 有害 无害 ： 吸烟有害健康。 这种材料对环境无害。

Structure3: …… sb./sth. + / Examples a.

Reading newspapers is helpful for learning Chinese. b.

His words didn't help solve the problem.

对 有帮助 没有帮助 ： 看报纸对学习中文有帮助。 他的话对解决问题没有帮助。

TMM | 10

r e m m gra ew br 语法：对 Structure4: …… sb./sth. + / / Examples a.

I am very interested in music. b.

I am not interested in this activity

对 有兴趣 感兴趣 没有兴趣 / 不感兴趣 ： 我对音乐非常感兴趣。 我对这次的活动没有兴趣。

TEACHER'S NOTE

本文向我们介绍了一种新的旅游方式，那就是参加 “WWOOF” 。文章首先解释了什么 是“WWOOF”，然后分了三个部分分别说明了参加“WWOOF”的好处。读完这些好处，我们 可以从每一部分中找出几个关键词，如“第一、少花钱、交通工具、住、吃、农场”，然后尝 试用汉语复述出来。 This article introduces us to a new way of travel --Travel with WWOOF. The article first explains what "WWOOF" is, and then tells the advantages of travel with WWOOF in three parts. After reading these advantages, we can try write down a few key words from each part, such as "First-less money / transportation / accommodation / eat / farm ", and then try to retell the advantages in Chinese.

：

Editor Sophia Zhou

TMM | 11

FOOD IS EVERYTHING

Making Egg-fried Rice in 10 Minutes 超简单！10分钟做出一盘 好吃的蛋炒饭 ：

delicious

Intermediate level Reading Time 6 mins

TMM | 12

FOOD IS EVERYTHING

Egg-fried Rice Egg-fried rice is a delicious dish that is relatively easy to make. It also allows for a lot of customization, which is fantastic. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also a somewhat healthier alternative, permitting you don’t eat the whole pan in one sitting.

This dish pairs nicely with duck, roast chicken, or even a braised fish with a dash of rice vinegar. Read the story below to learn how to make this popular rice dish. If you’re looking for a relaxing, easy to grasp story, this is a great place to start. Consider practicing your Chinese by acting out the story with your friends! Also consider making the dish as you read the story.

Do you like egg-fried rice, if so, how do you make yours? What do you think you would add to your rice?

Editor Ted Wilson

：

FOOD MATERIAL

SEASONING

TIME

5

3

10 MINS

TMM | 13

FOOD IS EVERYTHING

达达给凯文的纸上写了什么？ 为什么要给他这张纸？ Q2: 怎么做蛋炒饭？ Q1:

一天，凯文给达达打电话。 凯文：达达，《阿凡达》又上映了！你是不是以前没在电影院看过？我刚 买了两张电影票，要不要一起去看？ 达达：真的吗？太好了！ 凯文：电影是在下午三点，我两点到你家接你。 达达：或者你中午来我家吃午餐吧，我给你做蛋炒饭。 凯文：好呀，那我马上去找你。我想跟你学做蛋炒饭，你可以教我吗？ 达达：没问题。 凯文到了达达家。 达达：你看，这些是需要的东西，我都准备好了。我把也把它们写在一张 纸上了，你可以拿走。你想做的时候，就可以看这张纸去买东西。 凯文：这太好了，谢谢你！ 凯文看到纸上写着： 准备什么？ 熟米饭cooked rice 400g 两个鸡蛋2 eggs 葱 chives 20g 胡萝卜carrot 50g 火腿 ham 70g 盐 salt 5g 胡椒粉 pepper 5g 芝麻油 sesame oil 5g TMM | 14

FOOD IS EVERYTHING

凯文：接下来要怎么做呢？ 达达： 第一步，把火腿和胡萝卜切成小块。 第二步，把油放进锅里。 第三步，把火打开，开成小火就可以。把胡萝卜丁、火腿放进锅里炒1分钟。然后，把米饭放 进锅里。第四步，用叉子搅拌鸡蛋，然后把鸡蛋放进锅里一起炒。 最后，把盐、胡椒粉和芝麻油也放进去，再炒1到2分钟，关火就可以了。这样，一碗好吃的蛋 炒饭就做好啦！你也加你喜欢的东西进去炒，比如黄瓜。我们来吃饭吧！ 凯文吃了一口蛋炒饭。 凯文：这真的太好吃了！我喜欢蛋炒饭！ 达达：你喜欢吃我很开心。 凯文：明天我也要做一次试试！

作者：思昀

TMM | 15

VOCAB!

上映

shàng yìng to show (a movie) / to screen

或者

huò zhě or / possibly / maybe / perhaps

马上 TEACHER'S NOTE

这篇文章向我们介绍了“蛋炒饭”的做法。文 章中主要运用了“把”字结构，和很多做菜时 常用的动词短语，比如“切成小块”、“开成小 火”、“放进锅里炒”、“用叉子搅拌”等。读完 文章后，可以尝试把需要的食材抄在纸上， 然后用画图的方式把制作过程的每个步骤画 出来，然后对照着自己做的食谱，试着一边 用汉语复述一边给自己做一道蛋炒饭吧。 This article introduces how to cook the " Fried rice with eggs ". The article mainly uses the " " structure and many verb phrases commonly used in cooking Chinese dish, such as " cut into small pieces ", " turn into a low heat ", " put into the pot and stir-fry", " stir with a fork ", etc. After reading the article, you can try to copy the ingredients on paper, and then draw each step of the recipe down on the pape. Then it’s time you cook yourself a “ ” while repeating the steps in Chinese.

蛋炒饭（

把

）

切成 ） 开成小 ） 放进锅里 用叉 ）

小块（ 火（ 炒（ 子搅拌（

蛋炒饭

mǎ shàng at once / right away / immediately / on horseback (i.e. by military force)

需要

xū yào to need / to want / to demand / to require / requirement / need

接下来

jiē xià lái to accept / to take / next / following

切

qiē to cut / to slice / tangent (math)

锅

guō pot; pan; wok; cauldron / pot-shaped thing

炒

chǎo to sauté / to stir-fry / to speculate / to hype / to fire (sb)

搅拌

jiǎo bàn to stir / to agitate

试

shì to test / to try / experiment / examination / test

TMM | 16

r e m m gra ew br 语法：把 把B + ……”是汉语中非常重要的一个结构，表示对确定的人或者确定的事物做出相应的处 置，使其发生位置上的变化或者产生某种结果。注意：A为动作的发出者；B为动作设计的对 象，一般为特指或说话双方已知的。 “A把B+……”is a very important structure in Chinese. It can be used to indicate a certain action which is done on a definite person or thing ， and has brought a result to or has changed the “A

position of the person or thing. It is noteworthy that A is the agent of the action, and B is the patient which should be specific or known to both the speaker and the listener.

： （没 不要 不能/不想…）把 B +V了 （没 不要 不能/不想…）把 B +V 到/在 + place （没 不要 不能/不想…）把 B +V 给+sb （没 不要 不能/不想…）把 B +V 成+result （没 不要 不能/不想…）把 B +V + Complement of Result / Direction Examples： a. 儿子已经把药吃了。 My son has taken the medicine. b. 你把牛奶放到/放在冰箱里吧。 Put the milk into the refrigerator. c. 请把作业交给老师。 Please hand in your homework to the teacher. d. 你可以把这句话翻译成中文吗？ Can you translate this sentence into Chinese? e. 你可以把空调打开吗？ Can you turn on the air conditioner? f. 我们把桌子搬出去吧。 Structure / / / / / / / / / /

Let's move the table out.

：

Editor Sophia Zhou TMM | 17

LIFE & SCIENCE

ADVANCED LEVEL

Dogs are viewed as man’s best friend, and while plenty of animals could also take this moniker, dogs do a very good job at upholding it. Dogs are both simplistic yet complicated, and not every dog is created equal.

Much like people, dogs tend to have their own likes and dislikes, some of which are typical, while some are personal. For instance, most dogs enjoy eating meat, but not every dog will dislike when you touch their paws.

There is often a bad stereotype when it comes to dogs and Chinese people. We’ve all heard the bad jokes about what type of meat is served at Chinese restaurants. The reality is that most provinces in China also now view dogs as pets, and not a source of food.

READING TIME

： 7 MINS

This article will help you better understand what dogs dislike, though keep in mind that not all dogs will be the same.

This story is great for those who understand some more complicated sentences and words. This story features language that is somewhat more advanced, making it a great piece to practice your Chinese with! What type of dog is your favorite breed? Do you currently own any dogs? Discuss your favorites with your friends, and do so in Chinese if you’re up for the challenge.

TMM | 18

：

Editor Ted Wilson

LIFE & SCIENCE

狗摇尾巴一定表示开心吗？ Q2: 狗为什么不喜欢用香皂洗澡？ Q1:

有人说，狗摇尾巴表示开心。但其实，狗咬人的时候也在摇尾巴。所 以，狗摇尾巴不一定就是开心。大部分时候，我们不可以简单地认为狗喜 欢这些、不喜欢那些。狗有自己的想法和语言。那么一般来说，它们不喜 欢哪些事呢？ 不熟悉的人摸它 如果狗不熟悉一个人，这个人又俯身用力摸它的头、或贴着它的头亲它， 它会很紧张。因为狗会觉得这个人在攻击它。 2. 有人靠近自己的领地 狗很喜欢保护自己的领地。所以如果你不是它的主人或者它的朋友，又靠 近了它的领地，它就会对你大叫，让你离开。 3. 太吵的环境 狗的耳朵比人的耳朵敏感太多了。所以，狗可以听到很远处非常小的声 音。如果有很大的声音，比如警车、烟火、争吵，狗会很不喜欢。它们的 耳朵还可能会受伤。 4. 打断它们吃饭 狗喜欢自己吃饭，而且不喜欢被打断。如果你给狗吃的东西，请一次给 完。如果一点儿一点儿加到它们的碗里，它们就不得不停下来。它们虽然 不生气，但其实心里很不喜欢你打断它们吃饭。 5. 用香皂给它们洗澡 狗对气味很敏感，它们也喜欢自己身体独特的气味。如果你给狗洗澡时， 加了很多香味，狗会非常不舒服。它们不喜欢不是它们自己的气味。 6. 给它们穿衣服 它们希望你爱它，是因为它自己本身，而不是穿上衣服以后的它们。 7. 很紧的狗链 如果你带狗出门，不要把狗链弄得太紧。如果狗链很紧，它们会觉得你很 紧张，它们不能放松地玩。 8. 忽视它们 狗是喜欢跟人交流的动物。如果你把它们放在家里太久，没有人跟它们交 流；或者如果你有了自己的孩子，不再陪它们玩，它们会非常伤心。 1.

作者：凯西 TMM | 19

攻击

VOCAB!

靠近

kào jìn near / to approach

领地

熟悉

lǐng dì territory / domain / estate / (old) fief

shú xī to be familiar with / to know well

敏感

俯身

fǔ shēn to lean over / to bend over / to stoop / to bow

在这篇文章中，作者列举了八件 狗不喜欢的事情，并且解释了原 因。阅读完全文后你可以选择其 中的3-4件重点读几遍。然后你 可以把它们的标题写下来，再用 中文解释一下原因。你可以用文 章中的句子，也可以用自己的句 子。

In this article, the author lists eight things that dogs don't like

，and explains the reasons. After reading the article, you can

select 3-4 of them and read a few times. Then you can write down their sub-titles, and try explain the reasons in Chinese. You can either use the sentences from article,

expressions.

or

your

mǐn gǎn sensitive / susceptible

争吵

zhēng chǎo to quarrel / dispute

TEACHER'S NOTE

the

gōng jī to attack / to accuse / to charge / an attack (terrorist or military)

own

打断

dǎ duàn to interrupt / to break off / to break (a bone)

香皂

xiāng zào perfumed soap / toilet soap

气味

qì wèi odor / scent

独特

dú tè unique / distinct / having special characteristics

狗链 gǒu dog

放松

fàng sōng to loosen / to relax

忽视

hū shì to neglect / to ignore

交流

jiāo liú to exchange / exchange / communication / interaction / to have social contact (with sb)

TMM | 20

r e m m gra ew br 语法：一般来说 在中文里，人们在说一个比较普遍的事物之前，会用到“一般来说”，相当于“generally speaking”。 In Chinese, people usually use “ 一般来说 ”before saying something very common or something that applies to most situations. The way to use “ 一般来说 ”is quite similar to “generally speaking”or “in general”.

Structure:

一般来说，+ a sentence that discribes something common or in general Examples： a. 一般来说，早上7点到9点是交通高峰期 。 Generally speaking, 7 am to 9 am is the rush hour. b. 一般来说，在中国北方人过年的时候吃饺子，而南方人吃汤圆。

Generally speaking, people in northern China eat dumplings during the Spring Festival, while people in southern China eat rice balls. c.

Generally speaking, kindergarten teachers are quite lively and outgoing.

一般来说，幼儿园的老师性格都比较活泼。

TMM | 21

r e m m a gr ew br 语法：而

而”在汉语中常用作连词，用于连接两个动词、形容词或词组、分句等。它的意思也有很 多，可以表示并列关系、承接关系、递进关系、对比关系、转折关系、假设关系、因果关 系等。 “ 而 ”is often used as a conjunction in Chinese to connect two verbs, adjectives or “

phrases, clauses, etc. It can indicate a coordinating relation, continuous relation, progressive relation, contrast relation, adversative relation, suppositional relation, causal relation, etc.

Structure:

而 而

V1 V2 Adj1 Adj2 Phrase1 Phrase2 Sentence1 Sentence2

而

而 Examples： a. 这个城市发展得很快，曾经的农田都消失了，取而代之的是一座座高楼 。（承接）

The city has developed rapidly. The farmland has disappeared and replaced by tall buildings. (continuous relation) b.

He is tall and strong. ( coordinating relation) c.

他的身材高大而结实。（并列） 男人回家后不喜欢谈论工作上的事，而女人回家后更愿意跟丈夫聊聊工作上的事。（对 比） Men don't like to talk about work when they go home, while women prefer to talk about work with their husbands when they go home. (contrast relation) d.

He worked hard every day, but failed to pass the exam. (adversative relation)

他每天都很努力学习，而最终却没能通过考试。（转折）

：

Editor Sophia Zhou TMM | 22

ASIAN CULTURE

WHY DO CHINESE PEOPLE LOVE TO LOSE WEIGHT?

为什么中国人爱减肥？ INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

READING TIME

： 5 MINS

The way each culture views weight is largely fascinating.

The way that weight is seen in China is different than elsewhere, such as Greece. In Greece and many cultures, it was once common to view those who were overweight as more attractive, weight was viewed as a symbol of wealth and health.

Nowadays, many people are spoilt for choice, which can easily lead to obesity. It’s very important to have a relationship with your food, as long as it’s not a toxic one.

Losing weight is a journey, and it starts with a single decision to do better and feel better. There are many changes you can make to lose weight, whether you’re doing it to catch the eye of your new Chinese friend, L or for yourself.

Here you’ll learn about how Chinese people view weight loss, and a little bit about the opinion of weight gain historically in China. This segment is an interesting read, and as a learner, features some good concepts to learn linguistically. This piece is a great point to start.

Editor TMM | 23

：Ted Wilson

ASIAN CULTURE

为什么中国人爱减肥？ 什么是“富贵病”？ Q2: 在唐朝，人们觉得什么样的女人最美？ Q1:

在很多外国人眼里，中国人都比较 瘦。那么，中国人也需要减肥吗？ 是的。 现在的中国人吃得越来越好，也都 比以前胖了。在几十年以前的中国，吃 的东西不多。人们很少能吃到肉，油和 糖也很少。如果你找到中国以前的黑白 照片，你会看到上面的人都很瘦。在那 时，胖的人很少。如果你长得胖，人们 会觉得你很有钱。但是现在，很多中国 人变胖了，每三个人就有一个人是超重 的！

*1

人们胖了以后，就会容易生病。虽然 太瘦的人可能身体弱一些，但是太胖的时 候确实更容易生病。还有一些病被叫 做 “ 富 贵 病 ”* 。 如 果 一 个 人 因 为 吃 得 太 好，然后变胖了，又因为胖了所以得了一 些病，这些病就是 “ 富贵病 ” 。 最后，很多中国人觉得，体重正常或 者长得瘦一些的人更好看，尤其是女生。 不过，中国人的审美也是在变的。唐朝 时，人们觉得胖一些的女人是最美的。你 看唐朝宫里的画，画上的人都是胖一些 的。最近几年，人们开始觉得瘦也不是最 美的。人们开始喜欢更健康的样子，觉得 健康的身体才是最美的。所以，越来越多 胖的人会选择去健身房健身了。 其实，不管是胖还是瘦，我们最后都 会发现：健康快乐的人最漂亮。 作者：阿雪

富贵病：This is not a disease, but a general term for some diseases. It refers to the disease that people get when their lives get better, because they eat too

much food, which leads to overnutrition, and at the same time, the amount of activity is also reduced. For example, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, and high blood fat are all diseases of the rich.

TMM | 24

VOCAB! TEACHER'S NOTE

本文谈了关于中国人需不需要减肥的问 题。第二、三段介绍了中国人从过去到 现在的身材变化，以及太胖的危害--“富 贵病”；第五段则以唐朝为例介绍了中国 人对胖瘦的审美变化。 通过阅读，读者应了解关于“富贵病”和 唐朝美女的特点，并能尝试用中文向别 人简单介绍。 This article talks about whether Chinese people need to lose weight. The 2nd and 3rd paragraphs introduce the changes of Chinese people on body figure through decades, and also the harm of being overweight - "disease of affluence"; while he 5th paragraph takes the Tang Dynasty as an example to introduce the aesthetic standard changes of Chinese people on body figure.

Through reading, readers should understand the "disease of affluence" and the aesthetic of women in Tang Dynasty, and try to introduce them to others in Chinese.

减肥

jiǎn féi to lose weight

超重

chāo zhòng overweight (baggage, freight)

弱

ruò weak / feeble / young / inferior / (following a decimal or fraction) slightly less than

确实

què shí indeed / really / reliable / real / true

富贵

fù guì riches and honor

正常

zhèng cháng regular / normal / ordinary

尤其

yóu qí especially / particularly

审美

shěn měi esthetics / appreciating the arts / taste

健身

jiàn shēn to exercise / to keep fit / to work out / physical exercise

不管

bù guǎn not to be concerned / regardless of / no matter

TMM | 25

r e m m gra ew br

语法：不管……都…… “不管A都B”是一个常见的句型，用来说明在各种情况下，结果或者决定都不 会发生变化。A处需要是是一个表示疑问的句子，而B处则是一个表示结果 或决定的句子。 不管A都B”means no matter A，it will still B. It is a common used structure

“

in Chinese, which indicates that the result or decision will not change

under various circumstances. Part A needs to be a sentence expressing questions, while Part B needs to be a sentence expressing results or decisions.

：

Structure

不管 + question sentence，（subject）都 + sentence（result / decision） ： a. 不管明天天气怎么样，我都要去上班。 Examples

No matter what the weather is tomorrow, I will go to work, b.

不管你是中国人还是外国人，都会喜欢这道菜的。

No matter you are Chinese or foreign, you will like this dish. c.

不管他想不想知道，我都会告诉他真相。

No matter if he wants to know or not, I will tell him the truth.

TMM | 26

：

Editor Sophia Zhou

FOOD IS EVERYTHING

Walnut Cookie

核桃酥

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL READING TIME 5 MINS

：

Walnuts are a certifiable super food! They provide a great source of non-saturated fat, helping to lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol, lowering your risk of heart disease, and also lowers inflammation. Frequent consumption of walnuts can also help decrease your chance of blood clots, and are overall just a good food to add to your weekly meal plans. Not only are they good for you, but they taste good as well!

Whether you eat them plain, or throw them in a dish like the cookie mentioned below.

Walnut cookies are a tasty way to get in your daily dose of walnuts. Read this charming account of walnut cookies and warm memories of grandma and China. This story should be read somewhere after you’ve warmed up, as it may be slightly more challenging. However, it’s a feel-good story and definitely worth reading.

What food did you enjoy as a child? Did you have a special dish that you cooked with your own grandma?

：

Editor Ted Wilson TMM | 27

FOOD IS EVERYTHING

核桃酥吃起来怎么样？ Q2: 你可以在哪里买到核桃酥？ Q1:

我很喜欢吃核桃。核桃的样子像大脑，人们说，吃了核桃以 后可以变聪明。其实,核桃是一种果子的核，人们会把核桃晒干以 后再吃。 在中国，有很多吃的东西里都有核桃，比如用核桃做的粥， 用核桃做的蛋糕。但我最喜欢的，还是用核桃做的一种又香又酥 的点心：核桃酥。 它是用烤箱烤的，它里面有核桃、面、鸡蛋、糖和油。以前，大部分中国人家都没有烤 箱，所以人们不会自己做，都是去外面买来吃。核桃酥吃起来很酥，也有核桃的味道。核桃酥 有甜的也有咸的，每种都很好吃。 我奶奶也很喜欢吃核桃酥，但她每次都不会吃太多。她说她年轻的时候人们都很穷，没有 钱吃好的东西。那个时候，大米都很少很贵。如果有鸡蛋，人们也不会拿来做点心。很多年以 后，人们的生活才慢慢好起来。她现在每天早上都会吃一块核桃酥，这是让她很高兴的事情。 我每次去看她，都会给她买核桃酥，她每次看到核桃酥都很高兴。 大部分中国人都吃过核桃酥，大家也都喜欢吃。你可以在超市里买到核桃酥，也可以去点 心店买。我给你推荐一个卖核桃酥的地方：北京稻香村。除了核桃酥，他们家其他的点心也很 好吃。如果你来中国玩，可以去买一些尝尝！ 作者：思昀

TMM | 28

VOCAB!

样子

yàng zi appearance / manner / pattern / model

聪明

cōng ming intelligent / clever / bright / smart / acute (of sight and hearing)

粥

zhōu congee / gruel / porridge

酥

sū flaky pastry / crunchy / limp / soft / silky

烤箱

kǎo xiāng oven

大部分

dà bù fen in large part / the greater part / the majority

味道

wèi dao flavor / smell / hint of

点心

diǎn xin light refreshments / pastry / dim sum (in Cantonese cooking) / dessert

推荐

tuī jiàn to recommend / recommendation

尝

cháng to taste / to try / to experience / already / ever / once / to taste / to experience

TMM |29

r e m m gra ew br 语法：除了……（以外） ： 除了 （以外）， 都 除了 ， 都 表示在一个范围内，排除掉 这一部分，其他的人或事物都有相 同的情况，即只有 不一样。经常和 别的 、 其他 、 大家 等一起使用。 （ ） ， 别的 其他 大家 Examples： a. 除了苹果，别的水果我都喜欢吃。（只有苹果不喜欢吃。） I like to eat all fruits except apples. (It is only the apples that I don't like to eat.) b. 除了我，其他人都不会说中文。（只有我会说中文。）

Structure1 A …… …… “ …… …… ……”

A A “ ” “ ” “ ” This structure indicates that except the part being mentioned A , all the others in a specific scope are the same in a certain way. In another word it is only A that is different from others.“ ”“ ”“ ”are often used with the structure.

Nobody but me can speak Chinese. (I am the only one that can speak Chinese.)

： 除了 （以外）， 也 除了 （以外）， 也 除了 ， 也 表示不只 这一部分，其他的人或事物也都有相同的情况，即 和 是一样的。 Structure2 A B ……

A …… B “ …… …… ……”

A A B This structure indicates that there are still others besides the part being mentioned (A), In another word, A and B share the same situation.

TMM | 30

r e m m gra ew br 语法：除了……（以外） ： 除了 （以外）， 也 除了 （以外）， 也 除了 ， 也 表示不只 这一部分，其他的人或事物也都有相同的情况，即 和 是一样的。 Structure2 A B ……

A …… B “ …… …… ……”

A A B This structure indicates that there are still others besides the part being mentioned (A), In another word, A and B share the same situation.

TEACHER'S NOTE

本文向我们介绍了一个中国的点心--核桃酥。文中说到了核桃酥的做法、口感、味 道，以及人们可以去哪里买到核桃酥。另外，作者还讲了一个家人和核桃酥的小故 事。你们国家有什么你喜欢的小吃或者点心呢？可以试着仿照本文的结构和内容用中 文介绍一下它。 This article introduces us to a Chinese snack - walnut cookie. The article talks about the the recipe, textur and flavor of walnut cookie, and where people can buy it. In addition, the author also told a small story about walnut cookie that happened to a family member. What local snacks or food do you like in your country? You can try to introduce it in Chinese by following the structure and content of this article.

：

Editor Sophia Zhou

TMM | 31

THE MIMIR MAGAZINE

看！那个橙子刚刚变成了一只怪兽鸟！“

”

”……“

Even if you have excellent language skills, you don't have to answer when you don't know how.

TMM | 32

TRENDS

在高速公路上加油 GAS UP ON THE HIGHWAY

The world is made up of all types. There are those who prepare heavily, those who jump before thinking, and those who do a bit of both.

There are people of all colors, sizes, shapes, and attitudes. We all must find a way to exist on the highway of life.

It’s important to try and be kind to one another, as you never know exactly what the next person is dealing with. It’s also important to try and keep your judgements to yourself, and to try not to judge someone based on their socioeconomic status, the way they look, the way they talk, the way they dress, or anything else. It’s important to reserve your judgements for the way someone acts and treats others.

Judge someone by their character, not by the color of their hair.

This story is a perfect example of what can happen when you’re kind and you don’t let stereotypes or judgements get in the way. Read this story and reflect on the situation, how would you have acted in this situation? Discuss with your friends in Chinese about the stereotypes that could have gotten in the way with this story.

For extra fun and practice, act out the scenes yourself with your friends!

This story is intermediate, but could be read at anytime. It flows easy enough to grasp, even if you need a little extra help.

Editor

TMM | 33

：Ted Wilson

TRENDS

刘成和孙雯的车为什么越来越慢？ Q2: 在故事的最后，孙雯为什么很感动？

分钟以后，一个胖胖的男人开着 一辆皮卡车过来了，停在了刘成的车后 面。 “ 车没油了是吗？我来帮你们了！ ” 男 人跳下车，过来跟他们讲话。他是一个 白人，四十岁左右，有胡子和大大的肚 子。 “ 太谢谢你了。我们真的很担心。 ” 刘 成说。 30

Q1:

孙雯和她的男朋友刘成去美国洛杉 矶旅游。 一天，一个在美国的朋友给孙雯打 电话，说她们在太浩湖租了一个房子， 让孙雯和刘成一起到太浩湖滑雪。 刘成很喜欢滑雪，所以孙雯觉得这 是一个好主意。 刘成也很开心，他说： “ 咱们租一辆 车吧，开车从洛杉矶过去。 ” 孙雯说： “ 好啊，路上我们还可以到 其他城市看看。 ” 刘成开车上了高速公路，他们开心 地聊天、听音乐。 在高速公路上，因为速度很快，他 们开车在最左边，右边都是慢一些的 车。 突然，他们想，车为什么越来越慢 呢？ 刘成把车慢慢地从最左边开车到了 最右边，最后停下来。 原来，车没油了！ 孙雯和刘成在高速公路旁边，周围 什么都没有。 刘成打电话给 911. 告诉他们发生了 什么，还有他们在哪里。 911 找到了附近 的一家公司，说他们会来帮刘成。他们 在车里等着，旁边的车都开得飞快，周 围没有人，他们很害怕。 “ 会不会有人来抢劫我们？为什么还 是没人来帮我们？他们会不会找不到我 们在哪儿？ ” 孙雯担心地问。 “ 再等等，别担心。 ” 刘成说着，但自 己心里也很担心。

TMM | 34

TRENDS

It’s important to try and be kind to one another

胖胖的男人笑着给刘成的车加油。 加好以后，他说：“现在车已经有油 了，我会跟着你们开车到最近的加油 站，看你们安全到那里加油。 ” “ 真的谢谢你，请问多少钱？ ” 刘成 问。 “40 美元。 ” 男人说。 刘成给了他 50 美元。男人在他的 衣服里到处找，终于找到了 10 美元， 给了刘成。 刘成说： “ 您留着吧！ ” 男人说： “ 不用。 40 美元就是 40 美 元，我给你写一个收据。 ” 男人笨笨地拿出笔，把车头当桌 子，写下了收据，给了刘成。 “ 你们从哪里来？ ” 男人问。 “ 中国。 ” 孙雯说。 “ 那么远！我还没有离开过我自己 的城市，不过希望有一天我也可以去 中国看看。 ” 男人笑着上了他的车，看 着刘成和孙雯把车开走。男人的车跟 在后面，直到刘成安全地来到最近的 加油站才离开。 孙雯看着他离开，突然很感动。 这样一个普通的男人，在高速公路旁 边，帮了两个陌生人，诚实地做着他 普通的工作，但得到了刘成和孙雯最 高的尊重。

作者：凯西

TMM | 35

公路

gōng lù highway / road

加油

VOCAB! TEACHER'S NOTE

本文中，作者记述了在旅行中发生的一 次难忘的经历。文章大概可以分为5个 部分：起因--发生问题--寻找解决办法 解决--等待--问题解决。在整个故事的 发展过程中，作者运用了动作描写、外 貌描写、语言描写、心理描写，使这个 故事变得非常生动。在旅行中你有没有 过难忘的经历？请试着用上动作描写、 外貌描写、语言描写、心理描写，把这 个故事写出来吧。 In this article, the author wrote an unforgettable experience during a trip.

The article can be roughly divided into 5 parts: causes - problem occurs - find solutions - waiting - problem solved.

During the development of the whole story, the author used action description, appearance description, language description and psychological description to make the story very vivid. Have you had any unforgettable experience during your trip? Please try to write down the story with action description, appearance description, language description and psychological description.

jiā yóu to add oil / to top up with gas / to refuel / to accelerate / to step on the gas / (fig.) to make an extra effort / to cheer sb on

租

zū to hire / to rent / to charter / to rent out / to lease out / rent / land tax

滑雪

huá xuě to ski / skiing

速度

sù dù speed / rate / velocity / (music) tempo

周围

zhōu wéi surroundings / environment / to encompass

发生

fā shēng to happen / to occur / to take place / to break out

附近

fù jìn (in the) vicinity / nearby / neighboring / next to

抢劫

qiǎng jié to rob / looting

收据

shōu jù receipt

感动

gǎn dòng to move (sb) / to touch (sb emotionally) / moving

普通

pǔ tōng common / ordinary / general / average

诚实

chéng shí honest / honesty / honorable / truthful

尊重

zūn zhòng to esteem / to respect / to honor / to value / eminent / serious / proper TMM | 36

r e m m gra ew br 语法：原来

原来”做副词可以表示“突然发现了以前不知道的情况”或“突然明白了以前一直困惑的事情 原因”，常与“怪不得”、“还以为”一起使用。主语可以放在“原来”前面，也可以放在“原来”后 面。 “ 原来 ”can be used as an adverb to mean "suddenly discover something that you didn't know before" or "suddenly understand the reason of a case or situation which you have been confused before". It is often used with " 怪不得（ no wonder ） " and " 还以为 （ thought before in a way with turn out to be different or wrong ） ".The subject can be placed before before or after “原来”.

Structrure： 原来 + sentence Examples： a. 昨天我给他打电话他一直没接，原来是我记错了电话号码。 “

Yesterday I called him and he didn't answer. It turned out that I remembered the wrong number b.

It turns out that his mother is Chinese. No wonder he speaks Chinese so well. c.

3 I thought she was a college student. She turns out to have worked for three years. She looks so young!

原来他妈妈是中国人，怪不得他的汉语说得这么好。 我还以为她是大学生，原来她都已经工作 年了。她看起来真年轻。

原来”可以表示“开始的时候、从前”或“以前某一时期”，后面接的分句或句子所描述的情况 跟以前的情况不同。主语可以放在“原来”前面，也可以放在“原来”后面。 “ 原来 ” can be used to indicate the meaning of “the beginning, the past”or “a certain period in the past”. The situation described in the clause or sentence following it is different from that in the past. The subject can be put before or after “原来”. “

TMM | 37

r e m m gra ew br 语法：原来

： ，原来 。 / 原来 + sentence1，……。 Examples： a. 坐火车从北京到上海原来最快需要12小时，但是现在坐高铁5个小时就能到。 Structrure …… + sentence

It used to take 12 hours by train from Beijing to Shanghai, but now it takes 5 hours by high-speed railway. b.

Before, I didn't speak a word of Chinese. Now I can chat with Chinese people. c.

She used to be a teacher, and later became a lawyer.

原来我一句汉语也不会说，现在我可以跟中国人简单聊天了。 她原来是一名老师，后来去做了律师

原来的 可以做形容词，表示 以前的、没有改变的 。用来修饰名词。 原来的 ， ，

“ ” “ ” “ ”can be used as an adjective to express "previous unchanged original", which is used to modify nouns.

：

Structrure + noun

原来的

： 按照原来的计划，我们今天就该完成任务了。 原来的自行车坏了，我又买了一辆新的。

Examples a.

According to the original plan, we should finish the task today. b.

My old bike broke down. So I bought a new one.

TMM | 38

r e m m gra ew br 语法：什么+都 在汉语中，可以用“什么”、“哪个”、“谁”、“怎么”、“哪儿”等疑问代词代替某个范围内的每 一个对象，它们都有相同的额情况。没有例外。 In Chinese, interrogative pronoun such as “ 什么 ”,“ 哪个 ”,“ 谁 ”,“ 怎么 ”and“ 哪儿 ” can be

used to refer to every member in a certain scope, indicating all of them are the same in a certain way without exception.

Structure1: / /

什么 哪个 谁 / 怎么 / 哪儿+都+ the situation share in common Examples： a. 她生病了，没有胃口，什么都不想吃。 She is sick, and has no appetite. She doesn't want to eat anything. b. 我最近工作不太忙，哪天都可以去帮你。 I'm not that busy with my work recently. I can go help you any day. c. 小丽非常热心，总是帮助别人，谁都喜欢她。 Xiao Li is very warm-hearted and always helps others. Everyone likes her. d. 下午3点路上车不太多，怎么去都可以。

There are not many cars runing on the road at 3:00 pm. You can go by anyway you want. e.

I am so interested in China. If I have the opportunity to go to China, I would like to go and visit all citys.

我对中国特别感兴趣，如果有机会去中国，我哪儿都想去看看。

：

Editor Sophia Zhou

TMM | 39

LIFE & SCIENCE

WHAT CAN YOU DO IF YOU CAN’T FALL ASLEEP IN AN UNFAMILIAR ENVIRONMENT INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

T

he way you sleep is an interesting subject.

While we’ve adapted how we find shelter as we sleep, we’re still learning about the human body and how we react to our sleeping environment and schedule.

Our chronotype dictates what type of sleeper we are, which is why we have people who are more awake at night (night owls) and those who function best in the morning (early birds.) Whether you’re a night owl or early bird depends on your chronotype.

Many centuries ago, it was important for people to have different chronotypes. Think of it like this, some people needed to be awake to protect the village at night, while others faired better in the morning hours, collecting necessities for the community.

READING TIME

：5 MINS

Some early humans hunted better in the night, while others did better in the day.

Evolutionally, it makes sense that society has more than one type.

Unfortunately, this doesn’t translate well into the modern era, where all people are expected to adapt to one type. It fights biology, and causes sleeping troubles. But what if your trouble with sleeping isn’t because of your chronotype, but rather because you’re in an unfamiliar place?

This story below can help you find how to get comfortable when everything seems out of place. This piece should be read if you’re feeling steady in your Chinese capabilities, as it does offer some intermediate structure and language. Try reading this piece after a good night’s sleep, or before, depending on if you need the advice sooner than later.

Editor

TMM | 40

：Ted Wilson

LIFE & SCIENCE

去陌生环境里睡不好怎么办？

如果担心在旅馆睡得不舒服，我们可以带什么？ Q2: 如果想快一点睡觉，可以喝什么？ Q1:

很久以前，人们没有房子，只能住在野外。晚上，他们看 不到旁边的东西，害怕有危险的动物过来。所以，他们不能好 好地睡觉，只要有声音他们就马上醒来。 对以前的人们来说，睡不好是为了保护自己。虽然现在人 们已经不担心晚上有危险了，但是这种保护自己的想法还是留 到了现在。所以，去陌生环境睡不好, 是很多人的一个烦恼。 有什么方法可以解决这个问题呢？我有三个小方法，你可以 试一试。 第一，带上自己经常用的枕头。 到了其他地方，我们会睡得不舒服，觉得床太软或者太硬、 枕头太低或者太高。这个时候，我们可以带上自己经常用的枕 头，这样可以减少陌生的感觉。 第二，选择和家里环境比较像的旅馆。 如果我们很了解睡觉的环境，我们的担心也会更 少。在选择旅馆的时候，我们可以上网去看它的照片。 可以看看房间里面是什么样的，还可以看看旅馆旁边的 环境是什么样的。 第三，不喝让人兴奋的饮料。 喝茶或者咖啡容易让人觉得兴奋，晚上容易睡不 着。如果想快一点睡觉，喝牛奶或蜂蜜水是更好的选 择。 在陌生的环境里，人们会更小心，害怕睡着后有危 险。所以如果你睡不好，是很正常的。现在，希望你可 以用上面的方法，在陌生的环境睡一个好觉。 作者：阿雪 TMM | 41

VOCAB!

野外

yě wài countryside / areas outside the city

危险

wēi xiǎn danger / dangerous

担心 TEACHER'S NOTE

你有睡不好的烦恼吗？本文的作者给我 们介绍了3个解决的好方法。其中有两条 是住旅馆时可以借鉴的方法--带自己的 枕头和选择与家里环境相似的旅馆。你 在旅行时一般会带什么东西呢？在选择 旅馆的时候喜欢选择什么样的房间，有 什么要求？可以试试用汉语来说一说。 Do you have trouble sleeping well? The author of this article introduced three good solutions. And two out of the three solutions are the ones we can use for reference when staying in a hotel -bring your own pillow, and choose a hotel that is similar to your home environment. What do you usually bring with you when you are on a trip?

What kind of room do you prefer when choosing a hotel? What are your requirements? Try to talk about them in Chinese.

dān xīn anxious / worried / uneasy / to worry / to be anxious

陌生

mò shēng strange / unfamiliar

烦恼

fán nǎo to be worried / to be distressed / worries

解决

jiě jué to settle (a dispute) / to resolve / to solve / to dispose of / to dispatch

枕头

zhěn tou pillow

选择

xuǎn zé to select / to pick / choice / option / alternative

了解

liǎo jiě to understand / to realize / to find out

兴奋

xīng fèn excited / excitement / (physiology) excitation

蜂蜜

fēng mì honey

TMM | 42

r e m m gra ew br 语法：只要……就…… 只要……就……”连接的是一个条件复句。“只要”后面是必要条件，“就”后边是其结果。主 语可以放在“只要”前。也可以放在“只要”后。如果有第二个主语，要放在“就”的前边。 “ 只要 …… 就 ……”is used to connect the two clauses of a conditional complex sentence, with “ 只要 ”introducing a necessary condition and “ 就 ”followed by the consequent result.

The subject can be put before or after “ 只 要 ”. If there is a second subject in the sentence, it is put right before “就”. “

Structure: + necessary condition, (subject 2)

只要

就 + consequent result

： 只要我有时间，就一定跟你去旅游。 只要多练习，你的中文就会越来越好。 只要孩子们玩儿得开心，爸爸妈妈就开心。

Examples a.

As long as I have time, I will go travel with you. b.

As long as you practice more, your Chinese will become better and better. c.

As long as the children have fun, the parents will be happy.

：

Editor Sophia Zhou

TMM | 43

SHORT STORY

What do Watermelons Like and Dislike?

BEGINNER LEVEL

READING TIME

： 2 MINS

I think watermelon is delicious, and one of my favorite ways to eat watermelon is in Italian lemonade/ice. In Chicago, there are two of my favorite Italian lemonade places that sell delicious watermelon flavors with real watermelon chunks inside. The first place is called Mario’s Italian Lemonade, and the other is called Carmine’s. Both have been there for a very long time. I think it’s fascinating how many ways there are to eat and prepare watermelon. Some vegans will even use watermelon as a meat substitute! Unfortunately, I can’t eat too much of it, as watermelon is full of sugar and empty calories, even if tastes great.

How do you like to eat your watermelon? Read this short funny story below to enjoy watermelon in a new way. This story is simple to read and is a great warm-up, it’s almost like a tongue twister. Practice your Chinese with this story by reading it outloud. It’s even funner to read it when you read it outloud. This story can be read at any point with no troubles.

Editor Ted Wilson

：

TMM | 44

SHORT STORY

contents

1

3

西瓜不喜欢水果。 为什么？ 因为西瓜是绿色的，它觉得它是一种菜。 西瓜喜欢羊。 为什么？ 因为在新疆*，有很多西瓜和羊，它们是好 朋友。

2

4

西瓜也不喜欢莉莉的爸爸。 为什么？ 因为莉莉的爸爸每次买西瓜，都会“打”西瓜*。 西瓜不喜欢冬瓜。 为什么？ 因为它们一个是在“西”，一个在“东“。 作者：豆子

打 西瓜： 新疆：

*1“ ” When Chinese people buy watermelons, they like to tap the watermelon with their hands, and judge whether the watermelon is ripe or not by the sound of tapping. From the perspective of watermelon, it was beaten. *2 It's a province in northwest China. The fruit there is very sweet because of the big temperature difference and the long sunshine. People there also like to eat mutton very much.

TMM | 45

VOCAB! TEACHER'S NOTE

这是一篇非常有趣的短文。 作者从西瓜的视角出发，结合西 瓜的样子--绿色，经常遭遇的事 情--在被挑选时“挨打”，产地--新 疆，以及名字--西瓜，写了西瓜 喜欢什么，不喜欢什么，以及喜 欢和不喜欢的原因，非常生动可 爱。你喜欢什么，不喜欢什么？ 为什么？请试试写一篇这样可爱 的小短文吧。

新疆

Xīn jiāng Xinjiang / Uighur Autonomous Region

冬瓜

dōng guā wax gourd (Cucurbitaceae, Benincasa hispida) / white gourd / white hairy melon / Chinese squash

This is a very interesting short story. From the perspective of watermelon, the author writes a very vivid story about what watermelon likes, dislikes, and the reasons, combining the appearance of watermelon -green, the things often suffers -“beaten”by people when being selected, the origin -- Xinjiang, and the name -- the”west”melon (which is another explanation by the name “ ”in Chinese).

What do you like and dislike?

Why? Please try to write a lovely short story like this.

西瓜

TMM | 46

r e m m gra ew br 语法：因为 因为 ” 是 “because” 的意思，用来表示原因，常跟表示结果的 “ 所以 （so）”一起用。来表示因果关系。使用时可以成对出现，也可以省略其中 一个。 “因为”means “because”in Chinese，which is used to indicate the reason.

It is often used together with "所以" ，which indicates the result, to “

connect a causative relation. To express causation. You can use both or either of them in a sentence.

Structure: + reason

因为

，所以+ result

： 因为所天她生病了，所以没去学校。 我想学习汉语，因为我很喜欢中国。 下雨了，所以我迟到了。

Examples a.

She didn't go to school because she was sick the other day. b.

I want to learn some Chinese because I like China very much. c.

It's raining, so I'm late.

：

Editor Sophia Zhou TMM | 47

STANDARD MANDARIN WEEKLY

J O I N O U R C O M M U N I T Y

LEARN & PRACTICE "I'm learning Chinese, and I won't give up!" www.themandarinweekly.com

TMM | 48

The end ...

This issue has 1 beginner-level article, 5 intermediate-level articles, and 2 advanced-level article3. You can start from beginner level to advanced level, with an intensive reading of beginner and intermediate articles and extensive reading of advanced articles. Of course, you can also choose a few articles from your favorite topics, to begin with.

After reading this issue, I hope you got some opinions about how Chinese people think of the aesthetic standard of body figures or losing weight. However, being healthy is the most important. Then may you need to have a healthy diet. You can try to cook yourself a "

蛋炒饭（Fried rice with eggs）". If you enjoy

Chinese food, you can also try the Chinese snack - a walnut cookie. And I’m sure you now know where to buy it. To tell if you like or dislike it, you can say “

因为……所以……”

with “

What are your “likes” and “dislikes”? If it’s a “

喜欢” or “不喜欢”, and you can explain the reasons

喜欢” for traveling to you, it might be a good idea to travel

with the WWOOF. There might be a sleeping problem as you are in an unfamiliar environment. Find some suggestions here from the passage in this issue. It will be sweet of you to share them with others, too. And please write down and share your unforgettable experiences during the trip.

What about dogs? Do you remember what dogs like and dislike? Do you know the “likes” and ”dislikes” of other animals?

：

Editor Sophia Zhou

TMM | 49

14

冬瓜

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

独特 发生 烦恼 放松 蜂蜜 俯身 附近 富贵 感动 工具 公路 攻击 狗链 锅 好处 忽视

bǎo hù

to protect / to defend / to safeguard / protection

bù guǎn

not to be concerned / regardless of / no matter

cān jiā

to participate / to take part / to join

cháng

to taste / to try / to experience / already / ever / once / to taste / to experience

chāo zhòng

overweight (baggage, freight)

chǎo

to sauté / to stir-fry / to speculate / to hype / to fire (sb)

chéng shí

honest / honesty / honorable / truthful

cōng ming

intelligent / clever / bright / smart / acute (of sight and hearing)

dǎ duàn

to interrupt / to break off / to break (a bone)

dà bù fen

in large part / the greater part / the majority

dān xīn

anxious / worried / uneasy / to worry / to be anxious

diǎn xin

light refreshments / pastry / dim sum (in Cantonese cooking) / dessert

diào yú

to fish (with line and hook) / to dupe

dōng guā

wax gourd (Cucurbitaceae, Benincasa hispida) / white gourd / white hairy melon / Chinese squash

dú tè

unique / distinct / having special characteristics

fā shēng

to happen / to occur / to take place / to break out

fán nǎo

to be worried / to be distressed / worries

fàng sōng

to loosen / to relax

fēng mì

honey

fǔ shēn

to lean over / to bend over / to stoop / to bow

fù jìn

(in the) vicinity / nearby / neighboring / next to

fù guì

riches and honor

gǎn dòng

to move (sb) / to touch (sb emotionally) / moving

gōng jù

tool / instrument / utensil / means (to achieve a goal etc)

gōng lù

highway / road

gōng jī

to attack / to accuse / to charge / an attack (terrorist or military)

gǒu

dog

guō

pot; pan; wok; cauldron / pot-shaped thing

hǎo chǔ

easy to get along with

hū shì

to neglect / to ignore

TMM | 50

Glossary

13

保护 不管 参加 尝 超重 炒 诚实 聪明 打断 大部分 担心 点心 钓鱼

1

to ski / skiing

huán jìng

environment / circumstances / surroundings /ambient

huò zhě

or / possibly / maybe / perhaps

34

挤

jǐ

to crowd in / to cram in / to force others aside / to press / to squeeze / to find (time in one's busy schedule)

35

加油

jiā yóu

to add oil / to top up with gas / to refuel / to accelerate / to step on the gas / (fig.) to make an extra effort / to cheer sb on

32

jiǎn féi

to lose weight

37

减肥 健身

jiàn shēn

to exercise / to keep fit / to work out / physical exercise

38

交流

jiāo liú

to exchange / exchange / communication / interaction / to have social contact (with sb)

jiāo tōng

to be connected / traffic / transportation / communications / liaison

jiǎo bàn

to stir / to agitate

jiē xià lái

to accept / to take / next / following

jiě jué

to settle (a dispute) / to resolve / to solve / to dispose of / to dispatch

kǎo xiāng

oven

kào jìn

near / to approach

liǎo jiě

to understand / to realize / to find out

lǐng dì

territory / domain / estate / (old) fief

mǎ shàng

at once / right away / immediately / on horseback (i.e. by military force)

mǐn gǎn

sensitive / susceptible

mò shēng

strange / unfamiliar

nóng chǎng

farm

pǔ tōng

common / ordinary / general / average

qì wèi

odor / scent

qiǎng jié

to rob / looting

qiē

to cut / to slice / tangent (math)

què shí

indeed / really / reliable / real / true

ruò

weak / feeble / young / inferior / (following a decimal or fraction) slightly less than

shàng yìng

to show (a movie) / to screen

36

39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57

交通 搅拌 接下来 解决 烤箱 靠近 了解 领地 马上 敏感 陌生 农场 普通 气味 抢劫 切 确实 弱 上映

TMM | 51

Glossary

huá xuě

33

滑雪 环境 或者

31

76

摘

59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74

shěn měi

esthetics / appreciating the arts / taste

shì

to test / to try / experiment / examination / test

shōu jù

receipt

shú xī

to be familiar with / to know well

sū

flaky pastry / crunchy / limp / soft / silky

sù dù

speed / rate / velocity / (music) tempo

tǐ yàn

to experience for oneself

tuī jiàn

to recommend / recommendation

wēi xiǎn

danger / dangerous

wèi dao

flavor / smell / hint of

xiāng zào

perfumed soap / toilet soap

Xīn jiāng

Xinjiang / Uighur Autonomous Region

xīng fèn

excited / excitement / (physiology) excitation

xū yào

to need / to want / to demand / to require / requirement / need

xuǎn zé

to select / to pick / choice / option / alternative

yàng zi

appearance / manner / pattern / model

yě wài

countryside / areas outside the city

yóu qí

especially / particularly

zhāi

to take / to borrow / to pick (flowers, fruit etc) / to pluck / to select / to remove / to take off (glasses, hat etc)

zhěn tou

pillow

zhēng chǎo

to quarrel / dispute

83

枕头 争吵 正常 重要 周围 粥 租

84

组织

zǔ zhī

to organize / organization / (biology) tissue / (textiles) weave

85

尊重

zūn zhòng

to esteem / to respect / to honor / to value / eminent / serious / proper

77 78 79 80 81 82

zhèng cháng

regular / normal / ordinary

zhòng yào

important / significant / major

zhōu wéi

surroundings / environment / to encompass

zhōu

congee / gruel / porridge

zū

to hire / to rent / to charter / to rent out / to lease out / rent / land tax

TMM | 52

Glossary

75

审美 试 收据 熟悉 酥 速度 体验 推荐 危险 味道 香皂 新疆 兴奋 需要 选择 样子 野外 尤其

58

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

2. What are 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?

LEARN & BE CURIOUS ISSN 2835-5970

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