🥢Beginning to Intermediate Chinese Course🐉: Vocabulary Learning🧧
SAT Score Range
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9 sessions
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BA
FF
WS
+4
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🔥 5 spots left!
About
In this course, we’ll learn a wide range of useful Mandarin vocabulary! If you already know some basic Chinese but don’t have enough vocabulary to communicate comfortably with others, this course is for you. Want to have simple conversations with native Chinese speakers? We’ll also practice real-life dialogues in class!
No previous Chinese-learning experience? That’s okay — starting with vocabulary is a great first step! And also there's many ither beginners in this series, so no pressure, learn while having fun!
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Feel free to come whenever you have time!
SESSION 7
28
Feb
SESSION 7
Language Learning
Language Learning
Sat 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM UTCFeb 28, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM UTC
We will go over more the textbook information, and take up the February EOM activity. Because it's a short month, the End Of Month activity will be simple—just discussing your zodiac animal. 🐎
SESSION 8
4
Mar
SESSION 8
Language Learning
Language Learning
Wed 11:00 PM - Thu, 12:00 AM UTCMar 4, 11:00 PM - Mar 5, 12:00 AM UTC
Lesson Plan: Learning Chinese Through Songs — "热爱 105°C 的你" (Super Idol)
1. Lesson Overview and Objectives
This lesson serves as a pedagogical bridge between contemporary internet culture and foundational Mandarin Chinese. By utilizing the viral hit "热爱 105°C 的你" (Rè'ài 105°C de nǐ), absolute beginners are introduced to the phonetics, essential vocabulary, and comparative structures of the language through the lens of a global "meme" phenomenon.
* Target Audience: Absolute beginners in Mandarin Chinese.
* Lesson Duration: 60–90 minutes.
* Learning Objectives:
* Identify and pronounce 15 key vocabulary words related to personality, emotions, and physical states.
* Synthesize the cultural trajectory of the "Super Idol" meme from a commercial advertisement to a global "soft power" instrument.
* Analyze and apply the "都没... [Adjective]" comparative structure.
* Perform the chorus of the song using accurate Pinyin pronunciation and rhythmic phrasing.
2. Cultural Context & Background
The Commercial Origin
"热爱 105°C 的你" was originally composed and performed by Chinese indie-pop artist 阿肆 (Asi) in 2019. It was commissioned as a promotional theme for Watsons Distilled Water. The marketing slogan—"105°C high-temperature distillation, pure and easy to absorb" (105°C 高温蒸馏, 好纯好吸收)—is the direct inspiration for the song's titular temperature.
Decoding "105°C"
A common misconception in Western meme communities is that 105°C refers to geographic longitude. In reality, it refers to the Celsius temperature used in the Watsons distillation process. The song equates the purity of the water to the "purity" and "sparkle" of a loved one's spirit.
The Meme Trajectory (2021)
The song entered the global zeitgeist in 2021 via Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok). User Zmcmtianyiming (Tian Yiming) posted a video singing the track with an exaggeratedly "greasy" and polished aesthetic, ending with him splashing a bottle of water toward the camera. In Western digital spaces, this became the "Super Idol" meme, often used as a "Rick Roll" style earworm.
Social Impact and Soft Power
The song’s ubiquity led to its inclusion in the People's Daily's Top 10 BGM of 2021. Beyond its catchy melody, the song has been analyzed as a tool of "Soft Power," where Chinese cultural products influence global audiences through appeal and attraction. In meme culture, it is also frequently associated with the "Social Credit" satire, showcasing the complex ways Chinese pop culture is reinterpreted abroad.
3. Core Vocabulary & Essential Phrases
Pedagogical Note: For absolute beginners, several of these terms (e.g., "persistence") are HSK 4/5 level. Focus primarily on the sounds and rhythms first; character recognition will follow as secondary exposure.
Verb Phrases
* 跌倒 (diēdǎo): To fall down. (Example: "Every time you fall, you just get up giggling.")
* 更改 (gēnggǎi): To change or modify. (Example: "Never changed your insistence on your dream.")
* 追求 (zhuīqiú): To chase or pursue. (Example: "He went to Beijing to pursue his dream.")
States of Being
* 活力全开 (huólì quán kāi): Fully recharged / Energy full-on.
* 最佳状态 (zuìjiā zhuàngtài): Best state / Optimal condition.
* 独一无二 (dúyīwúèr): Unique / One of a kind.
4. Comprehensive Lyrics Study
Thematic Segments
Segment 1: The "Super Idol" Comparison
* Super idol 的笑容
* Super idol de xiàoróng
* Super idol’s smile
* 都没你的甜
* dōu méi nǐ de tián
* is not even as sweet as yours
* 八月正午的阳光
* Bā yuè zhèngwǔ de yángguāng
* The sun at noon in August
* 都没你耀眼
* dōu méi nǐ yàoyǎn
* is not even as dazzling as you
* 热爱 105°C 的你
* Rè'ài yì bǎi líng wǔ dù de nǐ
* How I love you who is at 105 degrees
* 滴滴清纯的蒸馏水
* dīdī qīngchún de zhēngliú shuǐ
* every droplet of pure distilled water
Segment 2: Resilience and Dreams
* 你不知道你有多可爱
* Nǐ bù zhīdào nǐ yǒu duō kě'ài
* You have no idea how cute you are
* 跌倒后会傻笑着再站起来
* diēdǎo hòu huì shǎxiào zhe zài zhàn qǐlai
* Every time you fall, you just get up giggling
* 你从来都不轻言失败
* Nǐ cónglái dōu bù qīngyán shībài
* Never have you resigned easily
Segment 3: Support and Determination
* 不怕有我在
* bú pà yǒu wǒ zài
* No worries. Here I am.
* 放着让我来
* fàng zhe ràng wǒ lái
* Let it go and I will handle it
* 属于我的时代
* shǔyú wǒ de shídài
* that belongs to me
English Cover Analysis (Shaun Gibson Version)
Refining artistic vs. literal interpretation:
* Shaun Gibson Lyric: "Super idol's biggest smiles nothing next to you..."
* Pedagogical Comparison: Gibson prioritizes the rhythm of the English language over literal accuracy. In Mandarin, the focus is specifically on the Super Idol's smile (笑容 xiàoróng), whereas Gibson generalizes it to "biggest smiles." This illustrates how artistic translations often sacrifice specific nouns to maintain the "earworm" quality of the melody.
5. Grammar & Syntax Spotlight
1. The Comparative Pattern: 都没... [Adjective]
This structure is used to say "is not even as [Adjective] as..."
* The "都" (dōu) Intensifier: Note that "都" here acts as an intensifier, emphasizing the total superiority of the second subject.
* Example: 都没你耀眼 (Not even as dazzling as you).
2. The "Never" Adverb: 从来 (cónglái)
This is used to indicate a state that has been consistent since the beginning.
* Usage: It is almost always paired with a negative like 不 (bù) or 没 (méi).
* Example: 你从来都不轻言失败 (You have never resigned easily).
3. Possession and Belonging: 属于 (shǔyú)
This verb identifies which category or person something belongs to.
* Example: 属于我的时代 (The era that belongs to me).
* Introvert Tip: He is an introvert — 他属于内向的人 (Tā shǔyú nèixiàng de rén).
6. Classroom Activities & Methodology
Activity 1: Listening Identification
The instructor plays the original 阿肆 version. Students must circle the following "Target Words" on their worksheet as they hear them:
* 甜 (tián)
* 阳光 (yángguāng)
* 可爱 (kě'ài)
Activity 2: Meme Analysis & Social Context
The class compares the original 2019 Watsons commercial with the 2021 Tian Yiming video.
* Discussion Prompt: Why did Tian Yiming's version become a "meme" while the original remained an ad?
* Cultural Extension: Identify the "Social Credit" satirical association often found in Western parodies of this video. What does this suggest about how internet culture perceives China?
Activity 3: Back-Translation Challenge
Using the Core Vocabulary Table, students must translate the following SyS Mandarin sample sentences back into Chinese:
1. This cake is too sweet.
2. He never smokes and drinks.
3. Each of us is unique.
Activity 4: Group Sing-Along (The "Droplet" Rhythm)
Students practice the rhythmic chorus.
* Linguistic Tip: Focus on the "di-di" (滴滴 dīdī) sound. Explain to students that this literally means "droplets," serving as a sonic bridge to the product (distilled water) the song was written to sell.
7. Student Handout: "Super Idol" Cheat Sheet
Vocabulary Quick-Reference (Top 10)
1. 甜 (tián) – Sweet
2. 可爱 (kě'ài) – Cute
3. 阳光 (yángguāng) – Sunlight
4. 失败 (shībài) – Failure
5. 梦想 (mèngxiǎng) – Dream
6. 属于 (shǔyú) – To belong to
7. 状态 (zhuàngtài) – State / Condition
8. 耀眼 (yàoyǎn) – Dazzling
9. 清纯 (qīngchún) – Pure
10. 追求 (zhuī) – To pursue / chase
Lyrics for Practice (Side-by-Side)
Chinese Characters Only Pinyin Only
Super Idol 的笑容 Super idol de xiàoróng
都没你的甜 dōu méi nǐ de tián
八月正午的阳光 Bāyuè zhèngwǔ de yángguāng
都没你耀眼 dōu méi nǐ yàoyǎn
热爱 105°C 的你 Rè'ài yì bǎi líng wǔ dù de nǐ
滴滴清纯的蒸馏水 dīdī qīngchún de zhēngliú shuǐ
你不知道你有多可爱 Nǐ bù zhīdào nǐ yǒu duō kě'ài
跌倒后会傻笑着再站起来 diēdǎo hòu huì shǎxiào zhe zài zhàn qǐlai
你从来都不轻言失败 Nǐ cónglái dōu bù qīngyán shībài
对梦想的执着一直不曾更改 Duì mèngxiǎng de zhízhuó yìzhí bù céng gēnggǎi
Specialist Pronunciation Tip
The "ri" sound (Retroflex): To pronounce the "ri" in Pinyin correctly (as in Rè'ài), your tongue must be curled back (retroflexed) toward the roof of your mouth without touching it. Say the English word "run" in slow motion; the vibrating sound your tongue makes right at the beginning of the "r" is almost identical to the Chinese "ri."
❤️We will also go over the textbook pages and introduce the EOM activity! Come join the fun session!
SESSION 9
30
Jun
SESSION 9
Language Learning
Language Learning
Tue 1:00 AM - 2:00 AM UTCJun 30, 1:00 AM - 2:00 AM UTC
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