Everyone knows the story of the poor little bird that didn’t quite fit in – now you can read the classic tale in Chinese.
Tag: Children’s Stories (38)
In this short story, Li Ming finally scores a seat on public transport after a long day at work.
This childhood story – which needs no introduction, and which you no doubt heard growing up – is famous all over the world, including in China.
Today, we’re reading the first chapter of a beloved 1958 children’s novel by 张天翼 (Zhāng Tiānyì), “The Secret of the Magic Gourd”.
In our story today, Wang Ming is on his way to Tiananmen Square, but gets lost with no internet on his phone. He has to ask for help from nice folks along the way.
This story embodies old-school Asian views on filial piety (孝顺), or the virtue of honoring one’s parents. The story focuses on the protagonist Boyu (伯俞), who maintains deep love and respect for his mother, though she physically abuses him on the regular.
In this cute little story, the wind and the sun compete with each other to see whose powers are greater. This is a good article for understanding the use of the character 比, because the character is used in multiple ways in this story.
This short passage about a little bird who learns that diligence and practice trumps natural talent every time. We learn a new way to use the word 了.
Have you ever felt like your home was too small for your dreams? A tiny fish once thought the same thing. But sometimes, the grass isn’t greener on the other side – especially when there’s no grass, only salty waves!.
A young girl puts a smile back on a sad widow’s face.
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Children’s story: 骄傲的月亮 – The proud moon
The moon lets its own vanity get out of control.
A little girl wants to surprise her dad with a birthday treat, but her cooking skills might need some work. Will dad still be happy with her special gift?
Sometimes takes a stranger to remind you of what you’ve been taking for granted all along. This short story follows a teenage girl who storms out after a fight at home and learns, through an unexpected encounter, to appreciate the people who love her the most.
This dialogue between a man and a sailor drives home a quick life lesson: there’s risk in anything you do, so there’s no point in trying to avoid danger entirely. HSK 2-3.
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Children’s Story:《两条彩虹》Two rainbows
In this cutsey-face story intended for kindergarteners, Grandma Bear (熊奶奶 – xióng nǎi nai) comes down with an illness that can only be cured by seeing a rainbow (彩虹 -cǎi hóng), and Uncle Frog (青蛙大叔 – qīng wā dà shū) jumps in to make it happen. HSK 2-3.
A man tries to make his treasured hunting bow (弓 gōng) even more perfect than it already is, but learns an obnoxious life lesson instead. HSK 3-4.
A gentleman named Buzi (卜子) asks his wife (卜妻) to make him a new pair of pants (裤子), but he doesn’t give her very clear instructions. HSK 3-4.
One picky little horse doesn’t appreciate the food he is served, until he sees what everyone else is eating. Upper-beginner, bordering on intermediate, HSK 4.
In this short story, a garden rake (草耙 – cǎo pá) teaches one stuck-up kid a lesson in humility. HSK 3-4.
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Children’s Stories: 《胆小先生》Mr. Coward
Mr. Coward’s home is invaded by mice, but he doesn’t have the gumption to do anything about it. Or does he? This little story will be comfortable at HSK 3-4.