Phrases useful when speaking to Grandparents

[TheLacemaker]

Hi, though my parents are Chinese, from Qingdao, I was born and raised in New Zealand. I'm going back with my family this year, on the 17th November, to visit our family who are still living in China, especially because my grandparents are deteriorating in health. I've not seen them since 2005, and I am really looking forward to seeing them again.

However, I have to admit that my Chinese is getting worse and worse. I can understand Mandarin well, my trouble is speaking. I haven't had much practice over the years so I'm getting worse at fluent speech. I love my grandparents dearly and understand the importance of being respectful to elders. It is very difficult though to communicate with them because of language barriers. I know it's late and we're leaving very soon in 3 weeks, but I really want to be able to speak to my grandparents well in China. I was hoping if people know important phrases and such when speaking to elders. Things like 'shen ti jian kang ma?' I'm also often asked how my studies are going over the phone, and I can't think of any responses other than 'hen hao', 'ting hao', and so on. Is anyone able to help me? I hope in the future to work harder at my Chinese, maybe take up a local class, try speaking it more at home and learning more at this forum so that I don't let the language die in me. Thank you very much!

[skylee]

Could your parents help you?

I think it would be easier if you tell us ( in English ) what you want to say to your grandparents so we can give you the Chinese and pinyin versions.

[Scoobyqueen]

I am wondering if you would still just answer those types of questions the same way in English or if you elaborate eg "my studies are going well, particularly xyz which I enjoy. However, I am working hard to improve xyz as my grades werent great but I blame it on the teacher."

[aprilz]

Chinese grandparents will be very happy when their grandchildren are around. If grandchildren are polite and know their manners, they will be happier. In general these phrases are helpful:

爷爷,奶奶 (姥姥, 姥爷), 您多吃点菜。

我给您倒碗茶。

天晚了，您早点休息吧。

您当年是怎么....来着？

[Christina99]

Hi, don't need worry.

I'm sure when your grandparents see you, they must be well content. There is a Chinese saying '一切尽在不言中‘yiqie jin zai bu yan zhong. Sometimes language won't work in certain circumstances. You just listen to their words and be understanding, you can be the best granddaughter ever.

[Hofmann]

You can use some more respectful honorifics. Look.