Fun Mandarin Episode 4

Welcome back to Fun Mandarin, where learning Mandarin is fun. I'm Andres G from ICDF Taiwan. In today's episode, we're learning how to talk about public transportation in Mandarin, especially in Taipei, and also introduce the metro in Taipei, the MRT system, as well as the hustling commercial hub in Taipei, Xinyi District, where Taipei 101 is located. Taipei's MRT system is incredibly convenient, and knowing how to navigate it in Mandarin is super helpful. We'll teach you key vocabulary and phrases to make your travels around the city smoother. Let's listen to a short dialogue about how to get to Taipei 101 using public transportation. Vocabulary. Excuse me. Qing means please, and wen means to ask. Together, qingwen is a polite way to start a question or get someone's attention when you want to ask for help or direction, similar to excuse me in English. Zěnme qù How to get to? Zěnme means how and qù means to go. This phrase is used when asking for directions to a specific place. For example, zěnme qù Táiběi 101 means how do I get to Taipei 101? Táiběi 101 Taipei 101 Taipei 101 is a famous skyscraper in Taipei, Taiwan and one of the city's major landmarks. It's a common destination for tourists and can be used as a reference point when asked for directions. Yào need or want Yào is a versatile word in Mandarin. It can mean need, want, or have to depending on the context. For example, yào zěnme qù 101 means how can I get to Taipei 101? Nǐ you Nǐ is the singular pronoun for you. It's used when addressing one person directly. Similar to English. Dā jiéyùn Take the MRT. Dā means to take public transportation and jiéyùn is the term for Taiwan's metro system, the MRT. This phrase is commonly used to refer to taking the subway in Taiwan. Qù go Qù is the verb to go. It's a basic action verb used when indicating movement toward a destination. For example, "Q Taipei 101" means to go to Taipei 101. Zai. At or in. Zai is used to describe the location of something or someone. For example, "Zai jer li" means at here or at this place. Na li. Over there. Na li means there or over there. It is used to point out a location away from the speaker. For example, "Jie yun jan zai na li" means the MRT station is over there. Mai piao. Buy a ticket. Mai means to buy and piao means ticket. This phrase is essential when using public transportation as you'll need to purchase tickets for the MRT or buses. For example, "Wo yao mai piao" means I want to buy a ticket. Zhuan che. Transfer. Zhuan means to transfer or change and che means vehicle or train. This phrase is used when you need to change trains or buses. For example, "Zai jer li zhuan che" means transfer here. Ma. Question particle. Ma is a question particle used at the end of a sentence to turn it into a yes-no question. For example, "Ni yao qu ma" means are you going? Jer li. Here. Jer li means here, referring to a location close to the speaker. For example, woman zai zhe li means we are here. Da'an Senlin Gongyuan Da'an Forest Park Da'an is a district in Taipei, Senlin means forest, and Gongyuan means park. Da'an Forest Park is a popular public park in Taipei and a common place for people to visit and relax. Buyong No need. Bu means no or not, and yong means use or need. Together, buyong means no need or you don't have to. For example, buyong mai piao means no need to buy a ticket. Yilingyishimazhan Taipei 101 World Trade Center Station This is the MRT station named for Taipei 101 and the World Trade Center. Zhan means station. When asking for directions to a station, you can say zema qu yilingyishimazhan. Xiache Xiache, get off. Xia means down or off, and che means vehicle. This phrase is used when disembarking from the bus, train, or subway. For example, wo yao xiache means I want to get off the vehicle. Zoulu Walk. Zou means to walk, and lu means road. Together, zoulu means to walk on foot. For example, 走路 去 公園 means walk to the park. 三分鐘 3 minutes 三 means three and 分鐘 means minute. This phrase refers to a duration of time. For example, 到 101 只要 三分鐘 means it only takes 3 minutes to reach Taipei 101. 就 到了 就 到了 You'll get there in 就 is used to indicate something happening soon or quickly. 到 means to arrive and 樂 marks the completion of the action. Together, 就 到了 means you'll get there in certain minutes. Used often when giving directions to indicate that the destination is near. For example, 三分鐘 就 到了 means you'll get there in just 3 minutes. Getting to know Taiwan, Taiwan's MRT system or 捷運. Taipei's MRT system or 捷運 is one of the most convenient ways to get around the city. It connects almost all major areas. From popular tourist spots like Taipei 101 to local neighborhoods. The MRT is fast, reliable, and clean, making it the preferred choice for daily commuters and visitors alike. >> Yes, and it is also easy to use. Most stations have English signs. And the system is color-coded to help you figure out the routes. You can purchase tickets at machine in the station. Or you can get an easy card. 悠遊卡 which allows for easy type in and type out access. >> By the way, did you know that Taiwan actually has several MRT systems besides Taipei? There are MRT networks in Kaohsiung, Taoyuan. Each city system makes public transportation very efficient. Especially when combined with buses. >> That's true. And the Taipei MRT operate from around 6:00 a.m. to midnight every day. So, it is convenient no matter when you are handing out. There are currently six main MRT line in Taipei. All color coded to make navigation simple. With the MRT and bus working together, you can go to almost everywhere in Taipei. >> Right. Taipei's MRT lines include the red, blue, green, orange, brown, and circular lines, covering both the city and some nearby suburban areas, and it's super easy to transfer between lines if needed. >> Oh, and here's a useful tip. When you are riding the escalator in MRT station, make sure to stand on the right side. The left side is left open for people in a hurry to walk up and walk down. >> Good point. And remember, when you are on the MRT, there are a few other rules to follow. For instance, no eating, no drinking is allowed inside the trains or stations. And make sure to give up your seat to elderly passengers, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. Now that we introduced the MRT system, we're going to introduce two must-visit places in Taipei, Taipei 101 and Daan Forest Park. And we'll also take a look at the Xinyi District, the bustling area where Taipei 101 is located. >> Let's start with the Taipei 101, one of the most iconic landmark in Taiwan. It used to be the tallest building in the world, and it's still one of the tallest today. >> Yes, Taipei 101 stands 508 m tall with 101 floors above ground. It's famous for its unique design, which combines modern architecture with traditional Asian elements. Plus, there's an observatory on the 89th floor, where you can get a panoramic view of Taipei. >> Don't forget the shopping and dining. Taipei 101 has a mall with luxury brands and plenty of restaurants, including Din Tai Fung, one of the best place to try in Taiwan dumpling. >> Speaking of shopping, this bring us the larger Xinyi District, which is the financial and commercial center of Taipei. It's sometimes called the man Manhattan of Taipei because of its modern skyscrapers and business hubs. Besides Taipei 101, the area is filled with luxury malls, cinemas, and world-class restaurants. >> That's right. The Xinyi District is not just about business. It's also a popular destination for nightlife. You'll find rooftop bar, trending cafe, and even outdoor concert happening regular. The whole area come alive, especially at night. >> And the streets are always full of people, whether they are locals heading to work or tourists exploring the city. The MRT makes it super easy to get there with Taipei 101 or City Hall Trade Center Station being one of the major stops on the red line. >> Moving to the Daan Forest Park, which is often called the Central Park of Taipei. It is huge green space in the heart of the city, where locals go to relax, exercise, or enjoy nature. >> It's perfect for a peaceful break from the city's hustles and bustles. The park has walking paths, pounds, and areas for outdoor activities. You'll see people doing tai chi, having picnics, or jogging. >> Da'an Forest Park is also close to the MRT, so it is very convenient to visit after exploring Taipei 101 or Xinyi District. >> Whether you are looking for breathtaking city views, exciting shopping, or a quiet retreat in nature, Taipei 101, Xinyi District, and Da'an Forest Park are must-see spots when you are in Taipei. >> Definitely. You'll get a perfect mix of modern city life and peaceful nature, all within easy reach. >> That's it for today's episode of Fun Mandarin. We hope you now feel more confident using Taipei's MRT system. Thank you for tuning in, and don't forget to review the vocabulary. See you next time on Fun Mandarin. Bye. Zaijian.