Hello, everyone! I’m Shesuqili, from Japan. It’s been eight months since I began studying Chinese here in China. Today, I’d like to share with you something interesting I experienced in China.

One day, I studied with one of my Chinese friends at a cafe. When we met each other, he asked: “Have you had a meal?” And I was thinking that he must feel hungry and want to dine with me. So, I answered: “I haven’t eaten yet, let’s eat together?” But interestingly, he responded: “Oh sorry, I have already had a meal.” I felt confused why he asked me that question since he had already eaten before. Later, I came to realize that people didn’t really mean it or intend to dine with you when they asked you that question. It’s just a way to greet people with care. I was greatly enlightened when I learned this cultural information.

I really think it’s a quite useful phrase. For example, each time when I come across some people that I am not very familiar with in the elevator, I don’t know how to strike up a conversation, maybe it’s ok to say hello to them. But it’s a bit dull. Now I can say: “Have you had your meal yet?” It makes me feel that we are closer to each other and it’s also easier for us to begin to talk. I really think that the more Chinese phrases I learn, the better I could communicate with others.

Now I am adapting quite well to life in China. I like spicy hot pot, enjoy watching Douyin, an app for watching short videos, and learning about other popular things in China. If my friends catch a cold, I guess I would also tell them to drink more warm water. I love Chinese culture. I feel I am so lucky to have the chance to learn Chinese as it is the most beautiful language I can think of in the world. And my goal is to connect China and Japan as a bridge. To deliver it, I will work harder. Thank you all!