[跩] Learning Chinese from real conversations
I learned a cool new word yesterday while chatting with a friend in Chinese:
跩 (zhuǎi)
It's a slang term that is used to describe someone who is acting arrogant or showing off.
This term can be applied to various situations where a person is perceived as trying to impress others or behaving in a conceited way.
It's kind of similar to 骄傲 (jiāo'ào), 自以为是 (zì yǐ wéi shì), or 居高临下 (jū gāo lín xià).
My friend told me it's a commonly used word.
I couldn't believe I had never heard it before!
But this is another reminder to myself why I love learning from real conversations and situations because I would never see words like this or other common colloquial sayings in a textbook.
And that's not all. Because I learned this word in real life, within a real conversation, it sticks so much more vividly in my memory.
I will think back to that moment every time I hear this word used or try to use it in the future.
Unfortunately, the traditional approach is to learn isolated words first from an endless vocabulary list and then try to imagine them being used in situations.
I've tried this many times. The result?
It's easy to forget because there is no context. Nothing is anchoring this vocabulary down in your memory.
“Learn” vocabulary → Try to use (awkward and hard)
See vocabulary used in action → Learn vocabulary (easier to use and remember)
This is how I was able to learn one word/phrase a day deeply which helped me hold better conversations in Chinese.
This is the system we use in Chinese Speakers to help learners speak Mandarin with confidence.
Chinese Speakers closed today.
But if you'd like I can add you to the waitlist. Waitlist members get notified 24 hours before the rest.
That way you can take your spot next time before it’s taken.
Reply "waitlist" and I'll add you for the next time.
加油，
Danyo
PS Here are some ways I can help you now:
Speaking Course: The step-by-step system I used to hold conversations with native Chinese speakers.
The Language Learner OS: An all-in-one study space to organize your language notes, track vocabulary, review flashcards and more.