1. talking
1.1 greeting
For stranger:
-How are you doing?
-Fine, not bad.
-Very well, thanks./Pretty good.
-I’m hanging in there. :So tired.
-I’ve been better. : not the best statement.
For friends:
-What’s up?/ What’s new?/What’s happening?
-Nothing much.
-Oh! Just the usual.
-Oh, gosh. All kinds of stuff. (You will have lot of work to do)
1.2 asking for informations
-May I have your name?
-May I have your facebook account?
1.3 hometown
What Is your nationality/citizenship/ethnicity?
-What’s your nationality?
-I am Chinese.
-What’s your ethnicity?
-I’m han.
-Where in China are you from?
-…
-Where were you born?
-Where’s your hometown?
-I’m originally from …. Now I am in ….
-What is your hometown like?
-What brought you to Beijing?
-What’s the purpose/nature of your visit?
-I’m here for traveling.
-I’m here for business.
1.4 education
-What’s your academic background?
-I’m studying in new oriental school.
-I graduate from..
-I major in …
-My major is …
1.5 occupation
-What do you do for living?
-What’s your occupation?
-Which company are you working for?
-Which company are you with? (better)
-How long have you been woking in this company?
-How long have you been in this line of work?
-When didi you start your career/business/company?
People from all walks of life.
1.6 hobbies
-What would you like to do in your spare time?
-I like movie very much.
-I would like ..
-I’m a big fan of …
-I’m a hardcore fan of …
1.7 weather
Aqi: air quality index
Smog: smoke + fog.
-The smog can be going on for ages.
Red alarm
The alarm goes off.
1.8 sign
-What’s your sign? 星座
-I’m a …
-I was born under the sign of …
Horoscope:星座运城
Astrology: 占星术
I don’t believe in astrology.
Fortune teller
Superstitious 迷信
I think astrology is blind faith.
Capricorn kaiprikon：摩羯座
Virgo:处女座
1.9 Taboos
(It will make people feel embarrassed)
Money.
Religion.
Marriage. Are you single?….
Sexual orientation.