Dora's First Phrase

If simplified (Mandarin) Chinese characters do not appear below, you will need to change the "view" section on your internet browser. (Firefox users: Go to view, character encoding, auto detect, simplified Chinese)

Dora says "I am called Dora!"

I = wo = 我
called (for names) = jiao = 叫
Dora = duo la = 朵拉

我叫朵拉

Then she asks, "What are you called?"

you = ni = 你
called = jiao = 叫
what = shen me = 什么
name = ming zi = 名字

The easiest way to learn Mandarin is to work with translations that are direct. Many books and teachers translate things roughly instead of using the precise translation. If you translate each word with precision, so you know exactly what it means, it will give you a strong base going forward.

Have you figured out the Chinese word for back pack? If not, we'll be back online tomorrow with some answers:)

Note: As soon as we get the tone mark software up, we'll edit this with the tones. But, just watch the show with your child, and follow along. Children naturally pick up the tones as they listen. Once you're grown up, it's harder, but very possible.