PMT Advanced #80: Doubling Practice

🌀 Pearls of Mandarin: Translation (Advanced) #80

Hello Mandarin Enthusiasts! 🌟

This worksheet you’re reading right now is the 🌳 Advanced version, specifically designed for learners around HSK levels 4–5-6.

If you’re looking for something simpler to practice first, check your inbox for the Easy version or click here!

I’ve decided to experiment with a different approach to my lessons and worksheets. From now on, they’ll show both simplified and traditional characters together. I’ve gotten quite a few requests for this, so I thought I’d give it a go.

I’ve tried to set it up so it works no matter what you’re learning: simplified, traditional, or maybe you’re just curious about both. If you only want simplified characters, the traditional ones shouldn’t get in your way. If you’re working on traditional characters, they’re right there for you. And if you want to see both, you can look at them side by side.

Honestly, I’m not sure I’ve got it right yet. It might feel messy, or maybe it’s actually helpful, I really won’t know until you try it out. So please hit reply and tell me what you think. Does it work for you? Is it too much? Your feedback will help me figure out if this is worth keeping or if I need to change things up.

As for today’s worksheet, after last week’s look at verb reduplication, we’re focusing on how to reduplicate adjectives and measure words to add emphasis and make your Mandarin more vivid and expressive!

Recap of CGG #81 lesson

• Using AA Pattern with Adjectives: Double single-syllable adjectives like 高高 (gāogao) to create vivid, warm descriptions that sound more engaging and affectionate than plain adjectives. Perfect for everyday conversation and storytelling.

• Using AABB Pattern: For two-syllable adjectives, repeat each syllable individually (like 干干净净, gāngānjìngjìng) to create maximum emphasis and convey thoroughness or completeness. Much stronger than the original adjective.

• Using 好好 (hǎohāo): This special reduplicated form has evolved beyond simple adjective doubling to become a set adverb meaning “well,” “properly,” or “thoroughly.” It directly precedes verbs to intensify actions rather than describe things.

• Using Measure Word Reduplication: Double measure words like 家家 (jiājiā), 个个 (gège), or 人人 (rénrén) to emphasize “every single one” with stronger effect than using 每 (měi). Often pairs with 都 (dōu) for extra emphasis.

• Using Numeral + Measure Word Reduplication: Repeat number-measure word combinations like 一天一天 (yī tiān yī tiān) or 两个两个 (liǎng gè liǎng gè) to show things happening step by step, in groups, or gradually over time. Creates vivid images of progression and repetition.

🌳 Today’s Advanced Exercises

Translate these English sentences into Mandarin:

1. The Japanese judo team wins gold medals at every Olympics.

2. The panda at the zoo sleeps quietly all day, completely ignoring the excited tourists.

3. This philosopher’s thoughts are profound, influencing generation after generation.

4. The Silk Road merchants’ camels looked tired and dusty after crossing the desert.

Take your time, and remember: practicing will help you sound more natural and confident in your Mandarin conversations. You’ve got this! 💫

🌳 Translation #1

The Japanese judo team wins gold medals at every Olympics.

This sentence emphasizes the consistency and frequency of success across multiple Olympic games. When you want to express “every single one” with strong emphasis in Mandarin, measure word reduplication is perfect because it creates a much more vivid and emphatic effect than simply using 每 (měi, “every”). Here we’ll use the measure word 届 [屆] (jiè) used for sessions or editions of events, and doubles it to convey that without exception, at every single Olympics, this achievement happens.

📚 Structure: [Subject] + [Reduplicated Measure Word 届届] + [Noun] + 都 + [Verb Phrase]

Let’s break down the translation step by step:

• 日本 (Rìběn) means “Japan.”

• 柔道 (róudào) means “judo.”

  • 柔 (róu) means “soft” or “gentle.”

  • 道 (dào) means “way” or “path.”

• 队 [隊] (duì) means “team.”

• 届届 [屆屆] (jiè jiè) means “every single [event]”

  • 届 [屆] (jiè) is the measure word for sessions, terms, or editions of events.

  • Reduplicating it emphasizes “each and every” without exception.

  • This creates a stronger effect than 每届 [每屆] (měi jiè).

• 奥运会 [奧運會] (Àoyùnhuì) means “Olympics.”

  • 奥运 [奧運] (Àoyùn) means “Olympic.”

  • 会 [會] (huì) here means “meeting.”

• 都 (dōu) means “all” and reinforces the universal meaning.

  • 📖 Learn more about expressing “all” in CGG #57 and CGG #58.

• 有 (yǒu) means “to have.”

• 金牌 (jīnpái) means “gold medal.”

Notes

• Don’t use 每届 [每屆] (měi jiè) here, as the reduplication 届届 [屆屆] (jiè jiè) creates much stronger emphasis.

• The pattern of reduplicated measure words often pairs with 都 (dōu) for maximum emphasis.

• 届 [屆] (jiè) is specifically used for counting sessions, terms, or editions of recurring events like Olympics, conferences, or government terms.

• This reduplication pattern works with other measure words: 人人 (rénrén) for “everyone,” 家家 (jiājiā) for “every household,” 个个 [個個] (gège) for “each and every one.”

Recap

• 日本柔道队届届奥运会都有金牌。

• 日本柔道隊屆屆奧運會都有金牌。

• 日本 / 柔道 / 队 [隊] / 届届 [屆屆] / 奥运会 [奧運會] / 都 / 有 / 金牌。

• Rìběn róudào duì jiè jiè Àoyùnhuì dōu yǒu jīnpái.

• The Japanese judo team wins gold medals at every Olympics.

• Japan / judo / team / every single (event) / Olympics / all / have / gold medal.

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🌳 Translation #2

The panda at the zoo sleeps quietly all day, completely ignoring the excited tourists.