PMW Translation #34: 别的, 其他 or 另外?

🌀 Pearls of Mandarin Worksheet: Translation #34

Hello Mandarin Enthusiasts! 🌟

In this week’s CGG #35 lesson, we explored the nuances of three words that mean “other” in Mandarin. Today, we’ll dive deeper and solidify your understanding with three practical English-to-Mandarin translation exercises.

Recap of CGG #35 lesson

• 别的 (biéde): Use this in casual conversations when referring to “other” things in a general, non-specific way.

• 其他 (qítā): Choose this for a more formal tone, but still when you’re not pointing to anything in particular.

• 另外 (lìngwài): Perfect for when you’re specifying something defined and distinct, like “the other” one.

Today’s Exercises

Translate these English sentences into Mandarin:

1. I don’t want to talk about other things today.

2. Learning other languages can be difficult, but it’s worth it.

3. The other car in the garage belongs to my brother.

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

🌀 Translation #1

I don’t want to talk about other things today.

Let’s break down the sentence step-by-step:

• 我 (wǒ) means “I.”

• 今天 (jīntiān) means “today.”

  • This is the time expression. In Mandarin, time expressions typically appear right after the subject, which is the case here.

• 不想 (bù xiǎng) means “don’t want to.”

  • 想 (xiǎng) means “to want,” “to miss” or “to think.” In this context, it means “to want” or “to feel like doing something.”

  • Read CGG #34 to know more about the 3 meanings of 想, as well as the difference between 想 and 要.

• 谈 (tán) means “to talk” or “to discuss.”

• Now, for “other things,” we have a few options to choose from based on the nuances:

  • 别的 (biéde) is the most casual choice. It implies “other things” in a general and non-specific way. Use this when the speaker is not referring to anything specific and just means any other random topics.

  • 其他 (qítā) is slightly more formal and still refers to “other things” but without pointing to something concrete.

  • 另外 (lìngwài) indicates a specific and defined “other.” It is best used when there are already known topics or items, and you want to avoid discussing those.

• In this sentence, the speaker doesn’t seem to refer to any specific “other things” but rather to any additional topics. Therefore, 别的 or 其他 would be more appropriate. Choosing between these two, I recommend 别的 for a more casual tone.

• 事情 (shìqing) means “things” or “matters.”

  • This noun refers to abstract matters, topics, or situations.

Recap

• 我今天不想谈别的事情。

• 我 / 今天 / 不 / 想 / 谈 / 别的 / 事情 。

• wǒ jīntiān bù xiǎng tán biéde shìqing

• I don’t want to talk about other things today.

• I / today / not / want / talk / other / things.

Let’s practice the sentences with my audio recordings:

Slow speed:

Normal speed:

🌀 Translation #2

Learning other languages can be difficult, but it’s worth it.