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01:04

Lots of common English phrases sound weird, formal or unnatural when translated word-for-word into Chinese. Cultural differences make direct translation a huge language trap for new learners.

From "blessing someone" after a sneeze to "bon appetit" at the dinner table, we’re sorting out the most typical translation mix-ups, swapping stiff literal versions for the casual, natural phrases native Chinese speakers would use.

Welcome to Actually Useful Mandarin, where we teach you the Chinese you'll actually use.

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Master everyday Mandarin by ditching literal English translations!