Sunday, June 24, 2007

computer neophilia

新电脑什么时候到达

xīn diànnǎo shénme shíhou dàodá


verbatim translation: computer what day arrive
conversation: when the new computer will arrive?" / "what day the new computer will arrive?"

literati:
电脑 = diàn + nǎo = electronic + brain = "computer"
到达 = dào + dá = to + reach = "arrive"

let's go shopping

你想要和我们什么地方一起去买东西吗

nǐ xiǎngyāo hé wǒmen shénme dìfang yìqǐ qù mǎi dōngxī ma


verbatim translation:you want with us what place together go buy something ?
conversation: where do you want us to go shopping?

literati:
东西 = dōng xī = east + west = "something"