تدريب Shadowing: HSK 1-2｜用中文介绍自己！Self-introduction in Chinese for Beginners - تعلم التحدث بالإنجليزية عبر الفيديو

Li Ming, I'm so happy today!

I made a new friend!

Oh? Really? You sound very happy. Where did you meet them?

In the park.

I went to the park to read this afternoon, and a very sweet girl came over and asked if she could sit next to me.

And then? Then we started chatting! Her name is Xiao Yue, she's a university student, and just like me, she loves reading books and listening to music.

We talked for a long time, and it felt like we had known each other for years.

That's great. You always make new friends so easily.

Well, that's because making new friends is a very interesting thing to do!

But, to be honest, Li Ming, I've found that many people, especially foreign friends who are learning Chinese, feel that "introducing yourself" and "meeting new friends" are the most difficult and nerve-racking parts of learning Chinese.

I totally understand.

Even though I'm Chinese, sometimes in an environment full of strangers, if I have to introduce myself, I also get a little nervous.

I don't know what to say or how to say it.

Yes! That's exactly the feeling.

So I thought, why don't we talk about this topic today?

How to naturally introduce yourself in Chinese and start a new friendship.

That's a great idea. For beginners, this might be what they need and want to know the most.

We can share some of our own experiences and methods.

Okay! Let's start from the very beginning. When you meet a stranger, what do you think the first sentence should be?

Hmm... I think the simplest and safest is "nǐ hǎo" (hello).

Exactly! A smile, plus a "nǐ hǎo," is the universal signal for "I want to get to know you." Yes. Sometimes, we overcomplicate things.

We're always thinking, what advanced words should I use?

Is my pronunciation standard? What will the other person think of me?

In reality, the other person is probably thinking the same thing.

That's so true! I remember on my first day of university, I didn't know a single classmate.

I sat in my seat, feeling very nervous.

Then the girl next to me smiled at me and said, "Hello, my name is Wang Yu." Wait a minute, her name is Wang Yu? The same name as you?

Haha, no, I was the one who spoke to her first! I worked up the courage, smiled at her, and said, "Hello, my name is Wang Yu." Ah, so you took the initiative. That's very much your style.

Right. And then the girl immediately smiled back and said, "Hello! My name is Chen Xue. Nice to meet you." See, it's that simple! Starting with a "nǐ hǎo," we later became the best of friends.

So, the key is the first step. Say "nǐ hǎo," then say your name. For example, "Hello, my name is Li Ming." Right. Or you can be a bit more polite, "Hello, my name is Wang Yu, nice to meet you." The phrase "hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ" (nice to meet you) is very useful.

Yes, it expresses a friendly feeling. When the other person hears it, they'll usually be very happy and will also say, "Nice to meet you too." Here's a common problem I've noticed. Many friends learning Chinese are afraid of mispronouncing their Chinese name.

For example, a friend named Michael has the Chinese name "Mǎkě." He's always worried his pronunciation isn't standard and people won't understand him.

Mmm, that's a very real concern.

I think for beginners, they might be nervous saying their own name because it's the most important piece of information about "me." If the other person doesn't understand this information, it can feel a bit sad and awkward.

Yes! That's the feeling. Do you have any suggestions?

My suggestion is, don't worry.

First, speak slowly and clearly.

Second, if the other person doesn't catch it, you can repeat it.

If that still doesn't work, you can write your name on your phone or on a piece of paper to show them.

It's totally fine. What matters is your willingness to communicate.

That's an excellent method! Write it down. Everyone has a phone now, so it's very convenient.

Plus, when you type your name on your phone, it creates a small interactive moment in itself.

Exactly. So, to summarize the first part: a smile, a "nǐ hǎo," then tell them your name, "Wǒ jiào..." (My name is...), and finally add "hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ" (Nice to meet you). That's a perfect opening.

Okay, we've met and we know each other's names.

What do we talk about next?

Next, you usually exchange some basic information.

For example, "Where are you from?" "What do you do?" Right. For instance, I would say: "Hello, my name is Wang Yu. I'm Chinese. I'm a Chinese teacher." That's a very clear introduction. It includes your name, nationality, and profession.

For me, I might say: "Hello, my name is Li Ming. I'm from Beijing. I work at a company." Mmm, "Wǒ láizì Běijīng" (I'm from Beijing) and "Wǒ shì Běijīng rén" (I am a Beijinger) mean roughly the same thing.

For friends learning Chinese, they can say, "I am American/British/Vietnamese..." or "I am from America/Britain/Vietnam..." Yes. And then profession. You can say "I am a student," or "I am a doctor," "I am an engineer." If your job is a bit complex and hard to explain, you can simplify it, like "I work at a bank," or as I just said, "I work at a company." work." Exactly, simplicity is key. I find that most of the time, we're not taking a test, we're just making friends.

You don't need to be so precise. For example, I have a friend whose job is "User Experience Designer." That term is a bit difficult.

So when he introduces himself to Chinese people, he just says: "My work is related to computers." That's a smart way to do it.

Give a general idea first, and if the other person is interested, they'll ask more.

That way, the conversation flows naturally.

Speaking of which, that reminds me of an interesting cultural point.

In China, sometimes when people meet, especially older people, they might ask some rather personal questions.

Yes, like "How old are you?" "Are you married?" "Do you have children?" Right. Some of my foreign friends find this strange, or even a bit rude.

They might think, we just met, why are you asking me this?

I understand this cultural difference.

In China, especially in the eyes of elders, asking these questions is sometimes a way of showing they care.

They feel it's a way to understand your life situation and get closer to you.

Yes, they don't mean any harm. But, as a suggestion, I usually tell my students that when making friends with young Chinese people, it's best not to ask these questions at the beginning.

I agree. We can start with safer, more interesting topics.

Like hobbies.

Yes! Hobbies are my favorite! It's the best way to get to know someone.

You can add a sentence about your hobbies when you introduce yourself.

For example, "Hello, my name is Wang Yu, I'm a teacher. I like watching movies and traveling." That's excellent. Because "hobbies" is an open-ended topic.

If I also like watching movies, I can immediately ask you: "Really?

What kind of movies do you like?" And then we can talk for a long time! That way, the atmosphere changes from a "formal self-introduction" to "two friends chatting." That reminds me of a metaphor. I think making a new friend is like opening a book.

First, you see the title of the book, which is the person's name.

Then you look at the cover, which is the first impression. Then you read the summary to learn their nationality and job.

But to really know if the book is good, you must read the story inside, which is their hobbies and their thoughts.

Wow, that's a wonderful metaphor! "Making friends is like reading a book." I love it!

So, sharing your hobbies is like inviting others to read your interesting book.

Yes. You can say: "I like sports." "I like listening to music." "I like to cook." "I like learning Chinese." These are all very good starters.

Li Ming, we just talked about what to say, but we forgot a very important point.

Introducing yourself isn't a one-person speech; it's a two-person interaction.

You're absolutely right. You can't be the only one talking.

After sharing your information, you have to "toss" the question back to the other person.

How do you "toss" it?

It's simple. Use the particle "ne." For example, after I say "My name is Li Ming," I can immediately ask: "Nǐ ne? Nǐ jiào shénme míngzì?" (And you? What's your name?) Ah, this "ne" particle is so useful! I can say: "I am Chinese. Nǐ ne?" (And you?) Or "I like to read. Nǐ ne?" (And you?) Exactly. This "ne" particle is like playing ping-pong. I hit the ball to you, and now it's your turn.

This is how the conversation keeps going.

Besides "ne," we can also use complete questions.

For example?

For example, to ask for a name: "Nǐ jiào shénme míngzì?" (What's your name?) To ask for nationality: "Nǐ shì nǎ guó rén?" (Which country are you from?) To ask about work: "Nǐ zuò shénme gōngzuò?" (What do you do for work?) To ask about hobbies: "Nǐ yǒu shéme àihào?" (What hobbies do you have?) or "Nǐ xǐhuān zuò shénme?" (What do you like to do?) These are the most basic and important questions. Everyone must remember them.

Also, when you ask a question, be sure to listen to the other person's answer. This is a sign of respect and also the key to finding common ground.

For example, if the other person says they like sports, you can't just nod and say "Oh." Right, you should ask more!

"Really? What sports do you like? Running or swimming?" Or, "Great, I like sports too! I often go play basketball. Nǐ ne?" (And you?) This way, you've found your common ground.

Let me play the role of a shy learner who doesn't know how to continue the conversation. You help me.

Let's start!

Okay. (A bit nervously) Uh... hello. My name is Xiao Yu. I... am a student. I like... listening to music.

Hello Xiao Yu, my name is Li Ming.

Nice to meet you. I also really like listening to music.

Whose songs do you like to listen to?

Umm... I like Jay Chou.

Jay Chou? What a coincidence! I'm also a fan of his! He has a concert in Beijing next month, did you know?

Really? I didn't know! Wow!

See, isn't that much better?

Based on the information you gave me, "listening to music," I just asked one more question, "Whose songs do you like to listen to?" and our conversation became much more specific and lively.

Yes! I get it. The key is to show genuine curiosity and interest in what the other person says. Don't be afraid to ask "Why?", "What?", "How?" Exactly. Real communication comes from genuine curiosity.

100

We've talked about a lot of theory, how about we do something practical?

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Let's role-play two scenarios, how about that?

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Great idea. What are the scenarios?

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First, in a Chinese class, we're classmates meeting for the first time.

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Second, at a friend's birthday party.

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Okay. First scenario, in the classroom. You start.

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(As a new student, to Li Ming sitting next to her) Classmate, hello.

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(As another student) Hello.

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My name is Wang Yu. What's your name?

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My name is Li Ming. Nice to meet you.

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Is this your first time in this class?

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Yes. I just started this semester. And you?

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I was here last semester.

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Our teacher is Teacher Zhang, he's a very good teacher.

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That's great! I'm still a little nervous.

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By the way, Li Ming, where are you from? Your Chinese is so good.

116

Haha, I'm Chinese. And you?

117

I'm American. My Chinese isn't very good, please help me out in the future.

118

No problem, we can study together.

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See, that was very natural.

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We exchanged names and also chatted about the class.

121

Yes. Next, the second scenario, a friend's birthday party.

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The environment might be a bit noisy. I'll play a shy guest, and you play the enthusiastic host who introduces me to another friend.

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Okay, no problem. (Walks over to Li Ming) Li Ming, why are you standing here all by yourself?

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Come, let me introduce you to a new friend.

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(A bit embarrassed) Ah, okay.

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(To the air, pretending someone else is there) Xiao Yue, come, this is my friend, Li Ming.

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Li Ming, this is Xiao Yue, she's my university classmate.

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(To "Xiao Yue") Hello, Xiao Yue.

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My name is Li Ming. Nice to meet you.

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(As Xiao Yue) Hello, Li Ming! Nice to meet you too. You are Wang Yu's...?

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I'm her colleague. We work together.

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(Continuing as Xiao Yue) Oh, so you're colleagues! Where do you work?

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Is your work interesting?

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See, at a party, being introduced by a mutual friend is also a very good way. It can reduce a lot of awkwardness.

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Exactly. So, if your Chinese friend takes you to a party, don't be afraid.

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It's an excellent opportunity to meet new friends!

137

Time flies, it seems we've talked a lot about the topic of "meeting new friends." Yes! From the first "nǐ hǎo" to how to continue the conversation, we've covered it all.

138

I hope this is helpful to the friends listening to our podcast.

139

Let's briefly summarize the key words and sentences we talked about today.

140

First is greeting and introducing yourself: "Nǐ hǎo," "Wǒ jiào...," "Hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ." Then is exchanging basic information: "Wǒ shì nǎ guó rén," "Wǒ zuò shénme gōngzuò," or "Wǒ xǐhuān zuò shénme." And don't forget the most important questions! "Nǐ jiào shénme míngzì?", "Nǐ ne?", "Nǐ xǐhuān shénme?".

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These are the keys to keeping the conversation going.

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Yes. Remember, don't be afraid to make mistakes.

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Being brave enough to say the first sentence is the most important thing.

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That's right! So, dear listeners, we want to ask you a question: The first time you introduced yourself in Chinese, what did it feel like? Were you nervous, or excited?

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How did you meet your first Chinese friend?

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We really, really want to hear your stories.

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You can leave a comment on our channel to tell us.

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We look forward to seeing your shares.

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Okay, that's all for today's "Everyday Chinese." Thanks for listening, and we'll see you next time!

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Goodbye.

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التظليل الصوتي (Shadowing) تقنية تعلم لغة مدعومة علمياً، طُورت أصلاً لتدريب المترجمين الفوريين المحترفين. الطريقة بسيطة لكنها قوية: تستمع لصوت إنجليزي أصلي وتكرره فوراً بصوت عالٍ — كظل يتبع المتحدث بتأخير 1-2 ثانية. تُظهر الأبحاث تحسناً كبيراً في دقة النطق والتنغيم والإيقاع وربط الأصوات والاستماع والطلاقة.

تدريب Shadowing: HSK 1-2｜用中文介绍自己！Self-introduction in Chinese for Beginners - تعلم التحدث بالإنجليزية عبر الفيديو

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