Countdown to Beijing

Ever wondered how it would be like to visit China during the Olympics? What are some Chinese delicacies? Where is the Great Wall? How does one say “swimming” in Chinese? Come join Meimei and Laowai as they leave the United States to begin their adventures exploring Beijing!

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Bargaining [讨价还价]  

Many people are aware that when shopping in the markets of China, it is common to find consumers bargaining with vendors for a cheaper price. Start practicing your Chinese now, so you can get a better deal when bargaining in Beijing!

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Teach Your Friends!
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Dialogue Text:

【Dialog】(repeat twice and slowly)
老外: 这条围巾多少钱?
小贩:50块。
老外: 太贵了,能不能便宜点儿?
小贩:30块怎么样?                                                  
老外: 好吧,我要一条。
 
【Explanation】
Meimei: When you bargain with venders, you can say "太贵了,能不能便宜点儿?" to ask a discount. When you have got a discount, but you want to get more, you can say "能不能再便宜点儿?" it means "can you make it lower than that?"
Laowai: 能不能再便宜点儿?If I want know the lowest price, how can I say that Chinese?
Meimei: You can say "最少多少钱?" "最少" means "at least". Sometimes, the venders may say "最少40块。" "the bottom price is 40 yuan."
Laowai: Can I give the venders a price when bargaining?
Meimei: Of course, you can. You can say "30块怎么样", "how about 30 yuan?"
Laowai: Meimei, how about 30 yuan for a scarf? 贵吗?
Meimei: 一条围巾30块。I think it is fine with me.
Laowai: I will buy it at 30 yuan. Thank you for teaching me so much.
Meimei: 不客气。

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