About This Lesson
Use Politely discussing a dry fish dish to practice Chinese conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.
Dialogue
A
不好意思，我可以问一下这道鱼吗？鱼肉有点干。
bù hǎo yìsi, wǒ kěyǐ wèn yíxià zhè dào yú ma? yú ròu yǒu diǎn gān. Excuse me, could I ask about the fish? It is a bit dry.
B
很抱歉。我去问一下厨房。
hěn bàoqiàn. wǒ qù wèn yíxià chúfáng. I'm sorry about that. I'll check with the kitchen.
A
味道不错，但口感和我预想的不一样。
wèidào búcuò, dàn kǒugǎn hé wǒ yùxiǎng de bù yíyàng. The flavor is nice, but the texture is not what I expected.
B
另外放一点酱汁也许会有帮助。
lìngwài fàng yìdiǎn jiàngzhī yěxǔ huì yǒu bāngzhù. A little sauce on the side might help.
B
您需要我拿一些来吗？
nín xūyào wǒ ná yìxiē lái ma? Would you like me to bring some?
A
那会有帮助，只要酱汁不要太浓就好。
nà huì yǒu bāngzhù, zhǐyào jiàngzhī bú yào tài nóng jiù hǎo. That would help, as long as it is not too heavy.
B
我可以拿一小碟酱汁来，也会告诉厨房。
wǒ kěyǐ ná yì xiǎo dié jiàngzhī lái, yě huì gàosu chúfáng. I can bring a small dish of sauce and let the kitchen know.
A
我想在再多吃一些之前先告诉您。
wǒ xiǎng zài zài duō chī yìxiē zhīqián xiān gàosu nín. I wanted to mention it before I ate more of it.
B
您试过酱汁后，如果鱼肉还是干，请告诉我。
nín shìguo jiàngzhī hòu, rúguǒ yúròu háishi gān, qǐng gàosu wǒ. Please tell me if it is still dry after you try the sauce.
B
我们可以想别的办法。
wǒmen kěyǐ xiǎng bié de bànfǎ. We can find another solution.Word by Word
不好意思
“不好意思” is a polite opener meaning “excuse me” here, used before asking the server about the fish. In this expression, “不” contributes negation, “好” contributes the idea of being good, and “意思” refers to feeling or meaning; together they form a conventional polite apology or request opener. Use “不好意思” when politely interrupting or starting a request.
我
“我” means “I” or “me” and identifies the customer as the person asking and reporting the problem. It appears before the action in “我可以问一下” and “我想”. Use “我” before an action or description about yourself.
可以
“可以” means “can” or “may” in “我可以问一下这道鱼吗？”, asking whether the customer is allowed to ask about the dish. It comes before the action word “问”. Use “可以” before a verb to ask for permission or describe possibility.
问
“问” means “ask” in the request “问一下这道鱼”. It introduces the information the customer wants to ask about, with “这道鱼” following it. Use “问” before a person, topic, or question you want to ask about.
一下
“一下” in “问一下” softens the request and makes the action sound brief or less demanding. Here “一” and “下” combine in a common softening expression rather than emphasizing a literal count. Use a verb plus “一下” for a polite, light request, such as “看一下” or “等一下” in a new example.
这
“这” means “this” and points to the fish dish being discussed in “这道鱼”. It comes before the measure word “道” and the noun “鱼”. Use “这” before a noun or measure-word phrase for something nearby or already identified.
道
“道” is the measure word used in “这道鱼” for a prepared dish. It connects “这” with “鱼” to identify this particular fish dish. Use “道” before the name of a dish when ordering, describing, or discussing food.
鱼
“鱼” means “fish” in “这道鱼”, referring to the dish, and in “鱼肉”, referring specifically to the fish meat. In “这道鱼”, it follows the measure word “道”. Use “鱼” for fish as food or as an animal when the context makes that clear.
吗
“吗” is the question particle at the end of “我可以问一下这道鱼吗？”. It turns the preceding statement into a yes-or-no question without changing the word order. Put “吗” at the end of a question when asking whether something is possible or true.
鱼肉
“鱼肉” means “fish meat” and identifies the part of the dish whose texture is being criticized in “鱼肉有点干”. It is the subject before the description “有点干”. Use “鱼肉” when discussing the edible meat of a fish rather than the whole dish.
有点
“有点” means “a little” or “somewhat” in “鱼肉有点干”, expressing a mild negative degree. The combination of “有” and “点” makes the criticism less direct than simply saying the fish is very dry. Use “有点” before an adjective when describing a small but noticeable problem, such as “有点冷” in a new example.
干
“干” means “dry” in “鱼肉有点干”, describing the texture of the fish meat. It follows “有点”, which limits the degree of the description. Use “干” for food or other things that lack moisture, such as “面包很干” in a new example.
很
“很” means “very” or “quite”, but in this dialogue it appears in the polite apology “很抱歉”. It strengthens the apology rather than describing the degree of the fish problem. Use “很” before an adjective or adjective-like expression when you want to give it a stronger degree.
抱歉
“抱歉” means “sorry” in “很抱歉”, the server’s apology for the disappointing dish. It commonly follows “很” in this polite expression. Use “抱歉” when acknowledging inconvenience, a mistake, or a problem caused to someone.
去
“去” means “go” in “我去问一下厨房”, indicating that the server will go to the kitchen to ask. It comes before the action “问一下厨房” and shows movement toward carrying out that action. Use “去” before a place or action when someone goes somewhere to do something.
厨房
“厨房” means “kitchen” in “问一下厨房”, referring to the restaurant staff or kitchen area the server will consult. It follows “问一下” as the party being asked. Use “厨房” when talking about the place where food is prepared or the staff working there.
味道
“味道” means “flavor” or “taste” in “味道不错”. It is the subject of the positive evaluation, contrasted with the later problem about texture. Use “味道” before an adjective such as “不错” when evaluating how food tastes.
不错
“不错” means “nice” or “not bad” in “味道不错”, giving a positive evaluation of the flavor. It follows “味道” and helps the customer make a balanced complaint. Use “不错” after a noun or subject to say that something is good or satisfactory.
但
“但” means “but” and introduces the contrast in “但口感和我预想的不一样”. It separates the positive comment about flavor from the negative comment about texture. Use “但” between two contrasting statements.
口感
“口感” means “texture” or “mouthfeel” in “口感和我预想的不一样”. It refers to how the food feels when eaten, rather than how it tastes. Use “口感” when evaluating whether food feels soft, firm, dry, or otherwise different in the mouth.
和
“和” means “with” or “and” in “口感和我预想的不一样”, linking the texture with what the customer expected. In this pattern, it connects two things that are being compared. Use “A和B不一样” to say that A is different from B.
预想
“预想” means “expect” or “anticipate” in “我预想的”, referring to what the customer had expected before eating the dish. Here it appears before “的” to connect the expectation with the comparison. Use “预想” when describing an outcome or condition imagined in advance.
的
“的” links “我预想” to the expected content in “我预想的”, making it the thing the customer had expected. It helps form the comparison “和我预想的不一样”. Use “的” after a description or action phrase when it modifies a following noun or understood thing.
不
“不” means “not” in “不一样”, making the comparison negative. It comes directly before “一样” to say that the texture and the expectation are different. Use “不” before a description or verb when negating a present or general situation.
一样
“一样” means “the same” or “alike” in “和我预想的不一样”. With “不”, the full expression says that the texture is not the same as what was expected. Use “和……一样” for similarity and “和……不一样” for difference, keeping the comparison after “和”.
另外
“另外” means “additionally” or “on the side” in “另外放一点酱汁”, indicating that the sauce should be provided separately from the fish. It modifies the action “放”. Use “另外” when adding something separately or mentioning an additional option.
放
“放” means “put” or “place” in “放一点酱汁”, describing placing a small amount of sauce separately. It comes before the amount and object “一点酱汁”. Use “放” before an object to say where something should be placed or served.
一点
“一点” means “a little” in “放一点酱汁”, specifying a small amount of sauce. It comes before the noun “酱汁” as the amount being placed. Use “一点” before a noun when requesting or describing a small quantity.
酱汁
“酱汁” means “sauce” in “放一点酱汁” and “试过酱汁”. It is the additional food item offered to improve the dry texture. Use “酱汁” when discussing a liquid or semi-liquid accompaniment served with food.
也许
“也许” means “maybe” in “也许会有帮助”, marking the suggestion as possible rather than certain. It comes before “会” and the result “有帮助”. Use “也许” before a statement when making a cautious suggestion or prediction.
会
“会” means “might” in “也许会有帮助”, expressing a possible result of adding sauce. Together with “也许”, it makes the suggestion cautious. Use “会” before a verb or description to discuss a possible future result.
有
“有” contributes the idea of having or providing something in “有帮助”, which as a whole means “be helpful”. It follows “会” and is completed by “帮助”. Use “有帮助” to say that an action, object, or suggestion is useful.
帮助
“帮助” means “help” in “有帮助”, referring to the sauce improving the situation. The full expression “有帮助” means that it will be useful; “帮助” is not being used alone as the whole prediction. Use “帮助” in expressions such as “对你有帮助” in a new example.
您
“您” means “you” in the polite form used by the server when addressing the customer. It appears in “您需要我拿一些来吗？” and “您试过酱汁后”. Use “您” when addressing someone respectfully, especially a customer or unfamiliar adult.
需要
“需要” means “need” in “您需要我拿一些来吗？”, asking whether the customer wants the server to bring some sauce. It comes before the action phrase “我拿一些来”. Use “需要” before a noun or action when asking about someone’s need.
拿
“拿” means “take” or “bring” in “拿一些来” and “拿一小碟酱汁来”. It describes carrying the sauce toward the customer, with “来” showing the direction. Use “拿” before an object and add “来” when bringing it toward the speaker or the current place.
一些
“一些” means “some” or “some amount” in “拿一些来”, referring to an unspecified amount of sauce. It comes before “来” as part of the action phrase. Use “一些” before a countable or uncountable item when the exact amount is not important.
来
“来” means “come” and marks movement toward the current place in “拿一些来” and “拿一小碟酱汁来”. It follows the object of “拿” and shows that the sauce will be brought over. Use “verb + object + 来” when something is moved toward the speaker or the place of conversation.
那
“那” means “then” or “in that case” in “那会有帮助”, referring to the proposed sauce from the previous question. It connects the customer’s acceptance of the suggestion with its expected benefit. Use “那” at the start of a response when drawing a conclusion from what was just said.
只要
“只要” means “as long as” in “只要酱汁不要太浓就好”, setting the condition under which the sauce is acceptable. It introduces the condition before the result “就好”. Use “只要……就……” to state a sufficient condition.
不要
“不要” means “not be” in “酱汁不要太浓”, stating that the sauce must not be too strong. Here it sets a condition inside “只要……就好” rather than functioning as a separate command. Use “不要” before a verb or description when saying that something should not happen or should not have a certain quality.
太
“太” means “too” in “太浓”, indicating that the sauce should not exceed an acceptable strength. It comes directly before the adjective “浓”. Use “太” before a description when the degree is more than desired.
浓
“浓” means “strong” or “thick” in flavor in “酱汁不要太浓”, describing the sauce as overly intense if its degree is too high. It follows “太” to express the customer’s limit. Use “浓” for the strength of a flavor, drink, or sauce.
就好
“就好” means “will be fine” or “that is enough” in “只要酱汁不要太浓就好”. The “就” marks the result of meeting the condition, and “好” expresses that the result is acceptable. Use “……就好” after a condition or requirement to say that meeting it is sufficient.
小
“小” means “small” in “一小碟酱汁”, specifying the size of the dish of sauce. It comes before the measure word “碟”. Use “小” before a noun or measure-word phrase when requesting or describing a small size.
碟
“碟” refers to a small dish or plate in “一小碟酱汁”, the container holding the sauce. It follows the number and size word “一小” and comes before “酱汁”. Use “碟” for a small dish or plate used to serve food or sauce.
也
“也” means “also” in “也会告诉厨房”, adding the server’s second action to bringing the sauce. It appears before “会” and the verb phrase. Use “也” before an action or description to add another thing that is true or will happen.
告诉
“告诉” means “tell” or “let someone know” in “告诉厨房”, where the server will inform the kitchen about the problem. It comes before the recipient “厨房”. Use “告诉 + person or group + information” when passing information to someone.
想
“想” has two related uses in this dialogue: “我想在再多吃一些之前先告诉您” means “I wanted to mention it”, while “想别的办法” means “think of another solution”. In the first pattern it introduces an intended action, and in the second it comes before the object “别的办法”. Use “想 + action” for an intention and “想 + 办法” when considering a solution.
在
“在” marks the time setting in “在再多吃一些之前”, meaning that the action happens before eating more. It comes before the time phrase and is paired with “之前”. Use “在……之前” to place an action before another event.
再
“再” means “more” in “再多吃一些”, referring to additional eating after the customer has already eaten some of the dish. It comes before “多吃一些”. Use “再” before an action when it happens again or continues with an additional amount.
多
“多” means “more” in “多吃一些”, indicating an amount greater than what has already been eaten. It modifies the action “吃”. Use “多” before a verb or amount expression when describing an increased quantity.
吃
“吃” means “eat” in “再多吃一些”, referring to eating more of the fish. It comes before “一些”, which specifies the additional amount. Use “吃” before a food item or amount when talking about eating it.
之前
“之前” means “before” in “再多吃一些之前”, placing the decision to mention the problem before eating more. It follows the event that must happen later. Use “verb phrase + 之前” to say that something happens before that event.
先
“先” means “first” in “先告诉您”, showing that the customer wants to tell the server before eating more. It comes before the action “告诉您”. Use “先” before an action when it should happen before another action.
试
“试” means “try” in “试过酱汁”, referring to tasting or using the sauce to see whether it helps. It comes before the object “酱汁” and the experience marker “过”. Use “试 + object” when trying food, a drink, or a method.
过
“过” in “试过酱汁” indicates that the customer has tried the sauce. It follows “试” and presents the action as a completed experience relevant to the condition. Use “verb + 过” to say that someone has had an experience of doing something.
后
“后” means “after” in “试过酱汁后”, placing the request to report the result after the customer has tried the sauce. It follows the completed action phrase. Use “verb phrase + 后” to say that something happens after an event.
如果
“如果” means “if” in “如果鱼肉还是干”, introducing the condition that the fish remains dry. It comes before the condition and is followed by the request “请告诉我”. Use “如果……，……” to connect a possible condition with its result or response.
还是
“还是” means “still” in “还是干”, showing that the fish may remain dry even after the sauce is tried. It comes before the adjective “干”. Use “还是” before a description when a condition continues despite an intervening action or change.
请
“请” means “please” in “请告诉我”, making the server’s request polite. It comes before the verb “告诉”. Use “请 + verb” to give a respectful request or instruction.
我们
“我们” means “we” or “us” in “我们可以想别的办法”, referring to the server and restaurant team together with the customer. It comes before “可以” and the proposed action. Use “我们” before an action when including yourself and at least one other person.
别的
“别的” means “other” or “another” in “别的办法”, referring to a solution different from adding the sauce. It comes before the noun “办法”. Use “别的” before a noun when referring to an alternative item, person, or option.
办法
“办法” means “solution” or “way” in “想别的办法”, referring to another way to address the dry fish. It follows “别的” and is the object of “想”. Use “想办法” when considering or finding a way to solve a problem.
Grammar Points
有点 + 形容词
有点干。
yǒu diǎn gān.It is a little dry.
有点 comes before an adjective to soften a description, often for a slightly negative impression.
只要……
只要酱汁浓。
zhǐyào jiàngzhī nóng.As long as the sauce is rich.
只要 introduces a condition and means “as long as” or “provided that.”
Chinese Vocabulary
不错
adj
búcuò
good; not bad
味道不错。
不好意思
phrase
bù hǎo yìsi
excuse me; sorry
不好意思,我可以问一下这道鱼吗?
厨房
noun
chúfáng
kitchen
我去问一下厨房。
干
adj
gān
dry
鱼肉有点干。
很抱歉
phrase
hěn bàoqiàn
I am very sorry
很抱歉。我去问一下厨房。
口感
noun
kǒugǎn
texture; mouthfeel
但口感和我预想的不一样。
味道
noun
wèidào
flavor; taste
味道不错,但口感和我预想的不一样。
问一下
phrase
wèn yíxià
ask; inquire
我可以问一下这道鱼吗?
有点
adv
yǒu diǎn
a little; somewhat
鱼肉有点干。
鱼肉
noun
yú ròu
fish meat; fish
鱼肉有点干。
预想
verb
yùxiǎng
expect; anticipate
口感和我预想的不一样。
这道鱼
noun
zhè dào yú
this fish dish
我可以问一下这道鱼吗?
Quiz
Spelling
Tap the letters to spell the word.
excuse me; sorry
Show Answer
不好意思I am very sorry
Show Answer
很抱歉kitchen
Show Answer
厨房ask; inquire