Thoughtful guest room preparation | Learn Chinese in English

About This Lesson

Use Thoughtful guest room preparation to practice Chinese conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

我的表姐要来我们家短住一段时间。

wǒ de biǎojiě yào lái wǒmen jiā duǎnzhù yí duàn shíjiān. My cousin is coming to stay with us for a short visit.

我们应该在她到之前把客房布置得更舒适一些。

wǒmen yīnggāi zài tā dào zhīqián bǎ kèfáng bùzhì de gèng shūshì yìxiē. We should make the spare room more comfortable before she arrives.

我来收拾一下书桌，这样她的笔记本电脑就有地方放了。

wǒ lái shōushi yíxià shūzhuō, zhèyàng tā de bǐjìběn diànnǎo jiù yǒu dìfang fàng le. Let me clear the desk so she has space for her laptop.

把网络使用说明放在她容易找到的地方。

bǎ wǎngluò shǐyòng shuōmíng fàng zài tā róngyì zhǎodào de dìfang. Leave the internet instructions where she can find them easily.

我们应该把备用毛巾放在房间里，还是带她看看柜子？

wǒmen yīnggāi bǎ bèiyòng máojīn fàng zài fángjiān lǐ, háishi dài tā kànkan guìzi? Should we put extra towels in the room, or show her the cupboard?

把毛巾放在房间里吧。这样客人会有更多隐私。

bǎ máojīn fàng zài fángjiān lǐ ba. zhèyàng kèrén huì yǒu gèng duō yǐnsī. Put them in the room. It gives guests more privacy.

我想做一个轻松自在的主人，而不是事事都要解释的人。

wǒ xiǎng zuò yí ge qīngsōng zìzài de zhǔrén, ér bú shì shìshì dōu yào jiěshì de rén. I want to be a relaxed host, not someone who explains every detail.

留一张简短的便条就够了，特别是说明钥匙、灯和早餐的事情。

liú yì zhāng jiǎnduǎn de biàntiáo jiù gòu le, tèbié shì shuōmíng yàoshi, dēng hé zǎocān de shìqing. A short note is enough, especially for keys, lights, and breakfast.

提前准备好，就能避免我们之后手忙脚乱。

tíqián zhǔnbèi hǎo, jiù néng bìmiǎn wǒmen zhīhòu shǒumángjiǎoluàn. Preparing it ahead of time would keep us from rushing later.

这样既能让她感到受欢迎，也不会让这次来访显得太正式。

zhèyàng jì néng ràng tā gǎndào shòu huānyíng, yě bú huì ràng zhè cì láifǎng xiǎnde tài zhèngshì. That will make her feel welcome without making the visit too formal.

Word by Word

我 “我” means “I” here, referring to the speaker. It commonly comes before an action or description, as in “我想做一个轻松自在的主人”, when talking about your own plans or feelings.

的 In “我的表姐”, “的” links “我” with the person related to the speaker and marks possession or association. The pattern “我的+person or thing” is commonly used to identify something connected with you.

表姐 “表姐” means an older female cousin on the speaker’s extended-family side. Here it identifies the female relative who will stay with the family, and it can be used after a possessive expression such as “我的表姐”.

要 “要” means “is going to” or “intends to” here, introducing the cousin’s upcoming arrival. It commonly comes before an action, as in “要来我们家”.

来 “来” means “come” toward the speaker’s home or the relevant place. In “要来我们家”, it describes someone coming to a location, and it commonly appears before the destination.

我们 “我们” means “we” or “us” here and refers to the speaker and the other person in the conversation. In “来我们家”, it identifies whose home is being visited.

家 “家” means “home” or “household” in “我们家”. It is commonly combined with a possessive pronoun to refer to someone’s home, as in “我们家”.

短住 “短住” means “stay for a short time” in this dialogue. It describes the cousin’s temporary stay and commonly comes before a duration such as “一段时间”.

段 “段” is the measure word for a period of time in “一段时间”. It is used between “一” and “时间” when describing one stretch or period.

时间 “时间” means “time” or “period” here, referring to the length of the cousin’s stay. In “一段时间”, it forms a duration expression with the measure word “段”.

应该 “应该” means “should” here and presents preparing the room as the sensible action to take. It commonly comes before a verb phrase, as in “应该在她到之前把客房布置得更舒适一些”.

在 In “在她到之前”, “在” introduces the time point used as the reference for “before”. The pattern “在+event+之前” places an action before a particular event.

她 “她” means “she” or “her” and refers to the female cousin. Here it comes before “到” as the subject of the arrival, and it can commonly come before a verb.

到 “到” means “arrive” here in “她到之前”. It identifies the arrival that must happen after the room preparation, and it commonly appears in time expressions with “之前”.

之前 “之前” means “before” and places the preparation earlier than the cousin’s arrival. It follows the event in “她到之前”, and it commonly appears after a time or event expression.

把 In “把客房布置得更舒适一些”, “把” marks “客房” as the object being deliberately acted on. This construction presents the object first and then describes the action and its result.

客房 “客房” means “guest room” here, the room being prepared for the visiting cousin. It is the object of “布置” in “把客房布置得更舒适一些” and can be used for a room intended for guests.

布置 “布置” means “arrange” or “set up” here, referring to preparing the guest room thoughtfully. It commonly takes a room or other space as its object, as in “布置得更舒适一些”.

得 In “布置得更舒适一些”, “得” links the action “布置” with the degree or result that follows. A common pattern is a verb followed by “得” and a description of how the action turns out.

更 “更” means “more” here and shows that the room should become more comfortable than it is now. It commonly comes before a descriptive word, as in “更舒适一些”.

舒适 “舒适” means “comfortable” and describes the desired condition of the guest room. In “布置得更舒适一些”, it follows “得” as the result or degree of the arranging.

一些 “一些” softens the degree in “更舒适一些”, meaning “a little more comfortable” or “somewhat more comfortable”. It commonly follows a description when the speaker wants to make the change sound moderate.

收拾 “收拾” means “clear up” or “tidy” here, referring to clearing the desk. It commonly takes an area or object as its object, as in “收拾一下书桌”.

一下 “一下” makes “收拾一下” sound brief or less forceful, like “tidy it up a bit”. It commonly follows a verb when suggesting a short or limited action.

书桌 “书桌” means “desk” here, specifically the desk being cleared for the laptop. It is the object of “收拾” in “收拾一下书桌”.

这样 “这样” means “in this way” or “so” and refers to clearing the desk as the means for creating space. In “这样她的笔记本电脑就有地方放了”, it introduces the resulting situation.

笔记本电脑 “笔记本电脑” means “laptop computer” here, the item that needs space on the desk. It is the thing that can be placed in “有地方放了”.

就 In “这样她的笔记本电脑就有地方放了”, “就” links the action with its resulting consequence, meaning that space will then be available. The pattern “这样……就……” commonly introduces a direct or logical result.

有 “有” means “have” or “there is” here, indicating that a place will be available for the laptop. In “有地方放”, it commonly comes before a noun phrase describing what is available.

地方 “地方” means “place” or “space” here, referring to a suitable spot for the laptop. In “有地方放”, it is followed by the action that can be done in that space.

放 “放” means “put” or “place” here, referring to placing the laptop or other items somewhere. The dialogue uses it in both “有地方放了” and “放在房间里”, showing its use for placing an object.

了 At the end of “有地方放了”, “了” marks a newly changed situation: after the desk is cleared, a place is now available. It commonly appears when the speaker highlights that a situation has become true.

网络 “网络” means “internet” or “network” here and identifies the service covered by the instructions. In “网络使用说明”, it modifies “使用说明” to specify what the instructions are for.

使用 “使用” means “use” here and describes using the internet. In “网络使用说明”, it modifies “说明” to mean instructions for use, and it commonly comes before the thing being used.

说明 “说明” means “instructions” here, not the action of explaining, because it is part of “网络使用说明”. It refers to written guidance that the guest can find and consult.

容易 “容易” means “easy” or “easily” here and describes how readily the guest can find the instructions. It comes before “找到” in “容易找到”, a common pattern for describing an action as easy to complete.

找到 “找到” means “find” with the result of locating something, here the internet instructions. It commonly comes after an expression of difficulty or ease, as in “容易找到”.

备用 “备用” means “spare” or “reserved for use when needed” here, describing the towels kept for the guest. It commonly comes before the item being reserved, as in “备用毛巾”.

毛巾 “毛巾” means “towel” here, specifically the spare towels for the guest room. It is the object being placed in “把备用毛巾放在房间里”.

房间 “房间” means “room” here, referring to the guest’s room. In “房间里”, it combines with “里” to specify the inside of the room.

里 “里” means “inside” or “in” here and marks the interior of “房间”. The pattern “place+里”, as in “房间里”, is commonly used for an object’s location.

还是 “还是” means “or” in the alternative question “放在房间里，还是带她看看柜子？”. It introduces the second choice after the first option and commonly connects two alternatives in a question.

带 “带” means “take” or “lead” here, describing leading her to look at the cupboard. In “带她看看柜子”, it comes before the person being led and the action that follows.

看看 “看看” means “take a look” here. The repeated form makes the looking sound brief or casual, as in “带她看看柜子”, and it commonly comes before the thing to be viewed.

柜子 “柜子” means “cupboard” or “cabinet” here, the place where the guest could find towels. It is the object of “看看” in “带她看看柜子”.

吧 At the end of “放在房间里吧”, “吧” softens the suggestion and makes it sound like a friendly recommendation. It commonly follows a proposed action when the speaker is inviting agreement.

客人 “客人” means “guest” here and refers generally to people staying in the home. In “客人会有更多隐私”, it is the subject whose privacy is being considered.

会 “会” means “will” or “is likely to” here, predicting the result of putting the towels in the room. It commonly comes before a verb or description, as in “会有更多隐私”.

更多 “更多” means “more” here and describes an increased amount of privacy for the guests. It commonly comes directly before the noun being compared, as in “更多隐私”.

隐私 “隐私” means “privacy” here, referring to the guest’s ability to manage personal needs without asking the hosts. It is the thing guests have more of in “会有更多隐私”.

想 “想” means “want” or “would like” here and introduces the speaker’s intention about being a host. It commonly comes before an action or role, as in “我想做一个轻松自在的主人”.

做 “做” means “be” or “act as” here, introducing the role the speaker wants to take. In “做一个轻松自在的主人”, it is followed by a role marked with “一个”.

个 “个” is the general measure word used in “一个轻松自在的主人” before the person or role “主人”. It is commonly used with “一” before a person or many ordinary nouns.

轻松 “轻松” means “relaxed” or “easygoing” here and describes the host’s manner. Together with “自在” in “轻松自在的主人”, it presents a host who does not make the visit feel tense.

自在 “自在” means “at ease” or “comfortable” here and adds the idea of freedom from pressure to “轻松”. The expression “轻松自在的主人” describes a host’s relaxed manner in this situation.

主人 “主人” means “host” here, the person receiving and caring for a guest. In “做一个轻松自在的主人”, it names the role the speaker wants to perform.

而 In “而不是事事都要解释的人”, “而” links the desired role with the contrasting role the speaker rejects. The pattern “而不是+alternative” is commonly used to contrast two possibilities.

不 “不” means “not” here and forms the negative expression “不是”. In “而不是事事都要解释的人”, it rejects the description that follows and commonly comes before “是”.

是 “是” means “be” here and identifies the kind of person the speaker does not want to be. In “不是事事都要解释的人”, it links the negative marker with the following description.

事事 “事事” means “every matter” or “everything” here, emphasizing that the person would explain every single detail. It commonly comes before “都” when saying that an action applies to all matters.

都 “都” means “all” here and works with “事事” in “事事都要解释”. It shows that the following action applies to every matter mentioned.

解释 “解释” means “explain” here, referring to explaining every detail to the guest. In “事事都要解释”, it follows “要” and describes an action that the speaker does not want to perform constantly.

人 “人” means “person” here and completes the description “事事都要解释的人”. It refers to someone characterized by explaining every matter, and it commonly follows a clause that describes a person.

留 “留” means “leave” or “put in place” here, referring to leaving a note for the guest. It commonly takes an item as its object, as in “留一张简短的便条”.

张 “张” is the measure word for a flat object in “一张简短的便条”. It is commonly used between a number and a note, sheet, or other flat item.

简短 “简短” means “short” or “concise” here and describes the note’s limited length. It comes before “便条” in “简短的便条” and is useful when emphasizing that only a small amount of information is needed.

便条 “便条” means “note” here, a short written message left for the guest. It is the object of “留” in “留一张简短的便条”.

够 “够” means “be enough” here, saying that a short note provides sufficient information. In “就够了”, it commonly follows the thing that is sufficient and is used to conclude that no more is needed.

特别 “特别” means “especially” here and highlights the information about keys, lights, and breakfast. The pattern “特别是+items” is commonly used to single out particularly important examples.

钥匙 “钥匙” means “key” here and is one of the practical subjects to mention in the note. It appears in the list “钥匙、灯和早餐”.

灯 “灯” means “light” or “lamp” here and is another practical subject for the note. It appears in the list connected by “和” in “钥匙、灯和早餐”.

和 “和” means “and” here and connects the items in the list “钥匙、灯和早餐”. It commonly joins nouns or noun phrases in a series.

早餐 “早餐” means “breakfast” here and is one of the details the guest may need to know. It is the final item in “钥匙、灯和早餐”.

事情 “事情” means “matter” or “thing” here in “说明钥匙、灯和早餐的事情”. It refers broadly to the practical matters covered by the note, rather than to one separate physical object.

提前 “提前” means “ahead of time” or “in advance” here and places the preparation before the later visit. It commonly comes before a verb, as in “提前准备好”.

准备 “准备” means “prepare” here, referring to getting the room and its information ready. In “提前准备好”, it is followed by “好” to show that the preparation reaches a ready state.

好 After “准备” in “提前准备好”, “好” shows that the preparation has been completed properly and is ready for use. The pattern “verb+好” commonly describes an action completed with the desired result.

能 “能” means “can” or “be able to” here and says that preparing early makes it possible to avoid a later rush. In “就能避免”, it commonly follows “就” before the action that becomes possible.

避免 “避免” means “avoid” or “prevent” here, referring to preventing the hosts from becoming flustered later. It commonly takes an unwanted situation or action as its object, as in “避免我们之后手忙脚乱”.

之后 “之后” means “afterwards” or “later” here and places the flustered preparation after the present preparation stage. In “我们之后手忙脚乱”, it marks the later time of the situation.

手忙脚乱 “手忙脚乱” means “be in a fluster” or “rush around in confusion” here. The components describe 手 as hands, 忙 as busy, 脚 as feet, and 乱 as disordered; together they describe hurried, disorganized activity rather than separate literal actions. It is used for situations such as trying to prepare many things at the last minute.

既 “既” introduces the first benefit in “既能让她感到受欢迎，也不会让这次来访显得太正式”. It works with “也” to express two results that are true together, a useful pattern for balancing two points.

让 “让” means “let” or “make” here and presents the preparation as causing the cousin to feel welcome. In “让她感到受欢迎”, it comes before the person affected and the resulting feeling.

感到 “感到” means “feel” here and introduces the cousin’s emotional experience. It commonly comes before a feeling or state, as in “感到受欢迎”.

受欢迎 “受欢迎” means “be welcomed” or “feel welcome” here. “受” presents the person as receiving something, while “欢迎” means welcome; together they describe the state of being welcomed, as in “让她感到受欢迎”. It is commonly used to describe how a person is received by others.

也 “也” means “also” here and introduces the second result paired with “既”. In “既能……也不会……”, it shows that the preparation has another effect in addition to making her feel welcome.

不会 “不会” means “will not” here and predicts that the visit will not become too formal. In “也不会让这次来访显得太正式”, it commonly comes before an action or result that is expected not to happen.

这次 “这次” means “this time” or “this visit” here and points to the particular visit being prepared for. It comes before “来访” in “这次来访” to identify the event.

来访 “来访” means “visit” here and refers to the cousin’s visit to the home. In “这次来访”, it functions as the event being described as not too formal.

显得 “显得” means “appear” or “seem” here, describing how the visit might be perceived. In “显得太正式”, it commonly comes before a description of the impression something gives.

太 “太” means “too” or “overly” here and marks an excessive level of formality. It comes before “正式” in “太正式” and is used when the speaker wants to say that a quality goes beyond the desired degree.

正式 “正式” means “formal” here and describes the impression the visit might give. In “显得太正式”, it is the quality that the hosts want to avoid making excessive.

Grammar Points

提前 + 动词

主人提前布置客房，避免手忙脚乱。

zhǔrén tíqián bùzhì kèfáng, bìmiǎn shǒumángjiǎoluàn.

The host sets up the guest room in advance to avoid being rushed and flustered.

“提前”放在动词前，表示动作在预定时间之前发生。

事事 + 动词

主人事事解释。

zhǔrén shìshì jiěshì.

The host explains everything.

“事事”放在动词前，表示每一件事都如此，语气比“每件事”更概括。

Chinese Vocabulary

备用毛巾 noun

bèiyòng máojīn extra towels

我们应该把备用毛巾放在房间里,还是带她看看柜子?

笔记本电脑 noun

bǐjìběn diànnǎo laptop

我来收拾一下书桌,这样她的笔记本电脑就有地方放了。

表姐 noun

biǎojiě older female cousin

我的表姐要来我们家短住一段时间。

布置 verb

bùzhì arrange; set up

我们应该在她到之前把客房布置得更舒适一些。

短住 verb

duǎnzhù stay for a short time

我的表姐要来我们家短住一段时间。

客房 noun

kèfáng guest room

我们应该在她到之前把客房布置得更舒适一些。

容易 adj

róngyì easy; easily

把网络使用说明放在她容易找到的地方。

收拾 verb

shōushi tidy up; clear

我来收拾一下书桌,这样她的笔记本电脑就有地方放了。

书桌 noun

shūzhuō desk

我来收拾一下书桌,这样她的笔记本电脑就有地方放了。

舒适 adj

shūshì comfortable

我们应该在她到之前把客房布置得更舒适一些。

网络使用说明 noun

wǎngluò shǐyòng shuōmíng internet instructions

把网络使用说明放在她容易找到的地方。

一段时间 phrase

yí duàn shíjiān a period of time

我的表姐要来我们家短住一段时间。

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

laptop

Show Answer

笔记本电脑

a period of time

Show Answer

一段时间

extra towels

Show Answer

备用毛巾

internet instructions

Show Answer

网络使用说明