Longan - noun.

A longan, also called a dragon's eye is both the name of a tree and the edible fruit produced by that tree. The trees thrive in mainland China, Vietnam, and Taiwan. The name is derived from lùhng-ngáahn, which literally means "dragon's eye" in Cantonese. Once the fruit is peeled, the inside flesh looks somewhat like an eyeball.


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Zongzi - noun.

Westerners may know them as rice dumplings or sticky rice dumplings, but these handy dinner items have many variations as well as regional names. Originating in China, zongzi, is a ball of glutinous rice stuffed with different fillings such as a variety of meats, and neatly wrapped in bamboo or other flat leaves.


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chinoiserie [sheen-wah-zuh-ree]
noun:
1. A decorative style in Western art, furniture, and architecture, especially in the 18th century, characterized by the use of Chinese motifs and techniques.
1.1. Chinoiserie objects or decorations

Examples:

Recently I planned a small boudoir in a country house that depended on a gay Chinoiserie paper for its ( Read more... )

erhu (är′ho͞o′), noun
A Chinese stringed instrument that has two strings stretched from a soundbox along a long thin neck; it is played with a bow.

More information here.

Etymology:  from Mandarin èrhú, 'two'.

I was able to hear a musician play the erhu at the China Lights lantern display a couple weeks ago.

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鬼佬 (gweilo)

Noun:   Historically a derogatory term, gweilo is a Cantonese slang word that refers to foreigners, especially Caucasians. It literally translates into "ghost man" with gwei (鬼) meaning "ghost" or "demon" and lo (佬) meaning "man."It rose in popularity in the early 1800s, and is still commonly used in Hong Kong, but without any real ( Read more... )

In honor of the famous Chinese New Year parade -- bringing in the Year of the Ram -- taking place in San Francisco this weekend, let us learn words pertaining to that celebration & culture.

ni·an gao [nyan-gow]:
origin: [722-481 BC] Chinese; "nin gou" in Cantonese; similar sound= "year high" (年高), symbolizing higher income/position/success/health. ( Read more... )

wu·xia [ˈwo͝oˈSHyä/]:
origin: (770 BC) Chinese; wŭ= "military" + xiá= "knight errant"

noun or adjective|
Are you a fan of the popular animated show Legend of Korra, or perhaps Hong Kong films, or Korean period dramas? Then perhaps you're already more familiar with this word than you realize. It may also interest people who enjoy fantasy such as ( Read more... )

Language of origin: Chinese

About the Word:

To "kowtow" is to agree too easily or eagerly to do what someone else wants you to do, or to obey someone with power in a way that seems weak.

It comes from the Chinese kòutóu - kòu ("to knock") plus tóu ("head") - and originally referred to kneeling and touching one's head to the ground as a salute or act ( Read more... )

Happy Chinese New Year! Last year I brought you a thorough explanation of Lion Dance, which is as much an art as a survivor of severe religious persecution. This year let's celebrate China's influence on the English language and get "gung ho" about Gong Hey Fat Choy!


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Li·on Dance (ˈlaɪən dɑːns):
origin: unknown; T'ang Dynasty (618-906 A.D.), Chinese word for lion: shi resembles Persian: shir

noun舞狮; wǔshī; Traditional Chinese dance with costumed performers made to look like fanciful lions -- used to ward off evil spirits as well as bring good luck, especially at Chinese New Year. The origin is mysterious, as ( Read more... )