Want an Easy Life in China? Understand 人情 (rénqíng)

Something students learning Chinese should know is that learning just the language isn't enough—one must also study Chinese culture. Every culture has its own morals and societal frameworks that the citizens find very important to uphold. If a Chinese student misses these, then living in China—even knowing Chinese—can present some problems. A place to start this cultural journey is by understanding 人情 (rénqíng), which can help students understand and be a part of life in China. So what is 人情 (rénqíng)?

In my personal experience living in China, I always noticed these little niceties my coworkers and friends would do in Chinese. Bringing fruit to the office and giving everyone a piece, or the way they would introduce a person. Yet, I never fully understood why they were doing it or how I was supposed to participate. This is where 人情 (rénqíng) comes in.

人情 (rénqíng) - human feelings; human relationship; favor; gift.

This concept plays an important part in Chinese society. It points to displays of affection and emotion, people's sense, worldly affairs, friendly sentiments and sensitivity to other's feelings. In a more practical usage, it points to the benefits and connections that come from person-to-person interaction.

So how do Chinese people display 人情 (rénqíng)? Read more

Learn more about Chinese culture:
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As a Mandarin Chinese teacher, I've noticed that many of my foreign students use Chinese in conversation as much as possible, but by instinct they will usually use English or other non-Chinese expressions such as "oh my god!", "just a minute" or "thank goodness!" when they suddenly need them to express their feelings. It's instinct, but I've tried to change it!

Therefore, one of the first common, daily expressions that I teach is: "谢天谢地! (xiè tiān xiè dì!)"

"谢天谢地! (xiè tiān xiè dì!)" can be used in the same way my students would use "thank God!", "thank goodness!" and "thank heavens!". Just as these expressions are used heavily in daily language in English-speaking countries, "谢天谢地! (xiè tiān xiè dì!)" can be used very frequently in Chinese for situations in which you avoided something bad happening, feel relief, know that a problem has been solved or are suddenly getting lucky or fortunate: 谢天谢地! (xiè tiān xiè dì!).

It's not just my students who are now using "谢天谢地! (xiè tiān xiè dì!)" on a daily basis. Just this morning I couldn't find my keys to lock up my room. Panicking and almost late for class, I tore my room apart. I thought to open the door and there they were, hanging on the doorknob from last night: 谢天谢地! (xiè tiān xiè dì!).

Language points:
谢 (xiè): thank; decline.
天 (tiān): day; God; Heaven.
地 (dì): earth; ground; region.

Situations when you can use "谢天谢地! (xiè tiān xiè dì!)" include…Read more

Quiz:

A. You forgot to take your umbrella with you when it rained yesterday
B. You are preparing for a job interview
C. Something terrible happened
D. You fell down the stairs but didn't get hurt
See Answer