About This Lesson
Use Hotel heating problem and room change request to practice Chinese conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.
Dialogue
A
我从房间打来电话，因为暖气坏了。
wǒ cóng fángjiān dǎ lái diànhuà, yīnwèi nuǎnqì huài le I am calling from my room because the heating is not working.
B
很抱歉。您到达后房间一直很冷吗？
hěn bàoqiàn. nín dàodá hòu fángjiān yìzhí hěn lěng ma I am sorry about that. Has the room been cold since you arrived?
A
我今天下午入住后，房间就一直很冷。
wǒ jīntiān xiàwǔ rùzhù hòu, fángjiān jiù yìzhí hěn lěng It has been cold since I checked in this afternoon.
B
我可以马上派维修人员去检查。
wǒ kěyǐ mǎshàng pài wéixiū rényuán qù jiǎnchá I can send maintenance to inspect it right away.
A
如果今晚修不好，还有别的房间吗？
rúguǒ jīnwǎn xiū bù hǎo, hái yǒu bié de fángjiān ma If it cannot be fixed tonight, is another room available?
B
我会查看房间情况，如果有类似的房间，就为您保留一间。
wǒ huì chákàn fángjiān qíngkuàng, rúguǒ yǒu lèisì de fángjiān, jiù wèi nín bǎoliú yì jiān I will check availability and hold a similar room if we have one.
A
我不需要升级房间，只要一间睡觉时暖和的房间。
wǒ bù xūyào shēngjí fángjiān, zhǐ yào yì jiān shuìjiào shí nuǎnhuo de fángjiān I do not need an upgrade, just a warm room for sleeping.
B
我们会先尝试维修，如果需要，也会准备好另一间房。
wǒmen huì xiān chángshì wéixiū, rúguǒ xūyào, yě huì zhǔnbèi hǎo lìng yì jiān fáng We will try the repair first and keep another room ready if needed.
A
维修人员上楼前，请先给我打电话。
wéixiū rényuán shànglóu qián, qǐng xiān gěi wǒ dǎ diànhuà Please call before maintenance comes up.
B
他们上楼前我会给您打电话，有了最新消息后也会再打给您。
tāmen shànglóu qián wǒ huì gěi nín dǎ diànhuà, yǒu le zuìxīn xiāoxi hòu yě huì zài dǎ gěi nín I will call you before they come up and again when I have an update.Word by Word
我
“我” refers to the speaker as I or me; here the guest uses it for themself. It appears before actions such as “我从房间打来电话” and “我会查看房间情况”. Use it when describing your own problem or request to hotel staff.
从
“从” means from and marks the starting place in “我从房间打来电话”. It comes before the place and the action. Use it when telling someone where a call, movement, or action begins.
房间
“房间” means room; here it is the guest’s hotel room. In “从房间打来电话”, it follows “从” to identify where the call is made. Use it to specify a hotel room when reporting a problem or asking for help.
打
In “打来电话”, “打” contributes the meaning of making a phone call. It is used together with “电话”, while “来” indicates that the call comes toward the listener. Use “打电话” when saying that you call someone.
来
In “打来电话”, “来” shows that the phone call comes toward the person being contacted. It follows “打” and comes before “电话” in this expression. Use “打来电话” when describing a call made to the current listener or place.
电话
“电话” means telephone or phone call; in “打来电话”, it is the call being made. It follows “打” in the common expression “打电话”. Use it when making, receiving, or discussing a call.
因为
“因为” means because and introduces the reason for the call: “因为暖气坏了”. It comes before the reason clause. Use it to explain why you are calling or making a request.
暖气
“暖气” means heating or the heating system; here it is the hotel room’s heating. In “暖气坏了”, it is the thing that has stopped working. Use it when reporting a heating problem in a room or building.
坏
“坏” means broken or not working in “暖气坏了”. It describes the condition of the heating, and “了” marks the changed situation. Use it to report that equipment is broken.
了
In “暖气坏了”, “了” marks the new situation that the heating is now broken. It follows the description of the heating’s condition. Use this form when reporting a change or newly recognized problem.
很
In “很抱歉”, “很” adds emphasis to the apology and helps form the expression “very sorry”. It comes directly before “抱歉”. Use it in an apology when responding politely to someone’s inconvenience.
抱歉
“抱歉” means sorry in the hotel staff member’s apology “很抱歉”. It expresses regret about the guest’s problem. Use “很抱歉” when acknowledging that someone has experienced inconvenience.
您
“您” means you in a polite form; the hotel staff uses it for the guest. It appears in “您到达后” and later as the recipient in “给您打电话”. Use it when addressing a guest or another person respectfully.
到达
“到达” means arrive; in “您到达后”, it refers to the guest arriving at the hotel. It is followed by “后” to set the time for what happens next. Use it when describing arrival before explaining a later situation.
后
“后” means after in “您到达后” and “入住后”. It follows an action or event and places the next situation afterward. Use an event followed by “后” to describe what happens after it.
一直
“一直” means continuously or all along; here the room has remained cold from check-in until the conversation. It appears before “很冷” in “一直很冷”. Use it to show that a condition continues without interruption.
冷
“冷” means cold; here it describes the room’s temperature. In “房间一直很冷”, it follows “很” and describes the continuing condition. Use it when telling hotel staff that a room or place is too cold.
吗
“吗” is placed at the end of “房间一直很冷吗？” to turn the statement into a yes-or-no question. It does not add the main meaning of the question. Use it at the end when asking whether a situation is true.
今天
“今天” means today; in “今天下午”, it identifies the day of the check-in. It comes before the time period “下午”. Use it to locate an event on the current day.
下午
“下午” means afternoon; here it specifies when the guest checked in. It follows “今天” in “今天下午”. Use it after a day expression to identify an afternoon time.
入住
“入住” means check in or begin staying in a hotel; here it refers to the guest checking in. In “入住后”, it is followed by “后” to show that the room became cold after check-in. Use it when discussing the start of a hotel stay.
就
In “入住后，房间就一直很冷”, “就” shows that the room was already cold from that point onward. It links the earlier event with the continuing result. Use it to emphasize that a situation began immediately after a stated event.
可以
“可以” means can or be able to; here the staff member says they can send maintenance. It comes before “马上派” in “可以马上派维修人员”. Use it before an action when offering or confirming that something can be done.
马上
“马上” means right away or immediately. In “马上派维修人员”, it comes before the action to show that the dispatch will happen without delay. Use it before an action when promising a quick response.
派
“派” means send or dispatch; here the front desk will dispatch maintenance staff to the room. The dialogue uses it in “派维修人员去检查”. Use it before a person or group when arranging for them to perform an action.
维修人员
“维修人员” means maintenance staff; here these are the people sent to inspect the broken heating. It appears as the person being dispatched in “派维修人员去检查”. Use it when referring to staff who repair or inspect hotel equipment.
去
In “去检查”, “去” means go and connects the maintenance staff with the inspection they will perform. It comes before the action “检查”. Use “去” before an action when someone goes somewhere in order to do it.
检查
“检查” means inspect or check; here the maintenance staff will inspect the heating problem. It follows “去” in “去检查”. Use it when examining equipment or a situation to find out what is wrong.
如果
“如果” means if and introduces the condition “如果今晚修不好”. It tells the listener what may happen if the repair does not succeed tonight. Use it to introduce a possible condition before discussing the result.
今晚
“今晚” means tonight; here it limits the possible repair time in “今晚修不好”. It comes before the repair result. Use it before an action or condition that concerns the coming night.
修
“修” means repair or fix; in “修不好”, it refers to fixing the broken heating. It is followed by “不”和“好” to describe an unsuccessful repair result. Use it when discussing repair work on equipment or a room problem.
不
In “修不好”, “不” indicates that the repair does not achieve the desired result. It appears between “修” and “好” in this exact expression. Use it in this pattern when explaining that an action cannot be completed successfully.
好
In “修不好”, “好” contributes the result of being properly or successfully fixed, rather than simply meaning good. Together with “修不”, it describes a repair that does not succeed. Use this exact expression when discussing a problem that may remain unrepaired.
还
In “还有别的房间吗？”, “还” adds the meaning of additionally or still being available. It appears before “有” when the guest asks about another room. Use it when asking whether an additional option exists.
有
“有” means have or there is; here it asks whether another room exists and later whether a similar room is available. It appears in “还有别的房间” and “有类似的房间”. Use it when asking about or confirming the existence or availability of something.
别的
“别的” means other or another and modifies “房间” in “别的房间”. It shows that the guest is asking about a room different from the current one. Use it before a noun when requesting an alternative.
会
“会” marks a future plan or expected action in “我会查看房间情况” and “也会准备好另一间房”. It comes before the action. Use it when promising or describing what someone will do later.
查看
“查看” means check or look over; here the staff will check the room situation and availability. It appears before the object in “查看房间情况”. Use it when examining information or availability before giving an answer.
情况
“情况” means situation or status; in “房间情况”, it refers to the current room availability. It follows “房间” to specify what situation is being checked. Use it when asking staff to review the status of something.
类似
“类似” means similar; here it describes a room comparable to the guest’s current room. In “类似的房间”, it comes before “的” and the noun. Use it before “的” when identifying an option with similar features.
的
In “类似的房间”, “的” connects the description “类似” to the noun “房间”. It shows that “类似” describes the room. Use this structure when placing a description before a noun.
为
In “为您保留一间”, “为” marks the person who benefits from the reservation: the guest. It appears before “您” and the action “保留”. Use “为+person+action” when arranging something for someone.
保留
“保留” means hold or reserve; here the staff will hold a similar room for the guest if one is available. It appears in “为您保留一间”. Use it when keeping a room or other option available for a person.
间
“间” is the classifier used with rooms in “一间” and “另一间”. It counts the rooms being held or prepared. Use it in expressions such as “一间房” when referring to one room.
需要
“需要” means need; in “不需要升级房间”, the guest says an upgrade is not necessary. It comes before the thing that is or is not needed. Use it when stating a practical requirement or saying that something is unnecessary.
升级
“升级” means upgrade; here it refers to moving to a better hotel room. It appears in “不需要升级房间”. Use it when discussing a room upgrade or another improvement to the current arrangement.
只
“只” means only or just and narrows the guest’s request in “只要一间睡觉时暖和的房间”. It appears before “要” to show that a basic warm room is sufficient. Use it when emphasizing a limited or simple requirement.
要
In “只要一间睡觉时暖和的房间”, “要” means want or require. Together with “只”, it expresses that the guest only wants a warm room for sleeping. Use “只要” before the thing that is sufficient for the speaker.
睡觉
“睡觉” means sleep; in “睡觉时”, it identifies the time when the room needs to be warm. It comes before “时”. Use it to describe a sleeping situation or the time during which someone sleeps.
时
In “睡觉时”, “时” means when or during and turns “睡觉” into a time expression. It follows the activity whose timing is being specified. Use an activity followed by “时” to say what happens during that activity.
暖和
“暖和” means warm; here it describes the room the guest wants for sleeping. In “暖和的房间”, it comes before “的房间”. Use it to describe a comfortably warm room or place.
我们
“我们” means we or us; here it refers to the hotel staff speaking for the hotel. It appears before future actions in “我们会先尝试维修”. Use it when describing what your team or organization will do.
先
“先” means first and sets the order in “先尝试维修”. It shows that the repair will be attempted before another room is used. Use it before an action when explaining the first step in a plan.
尝试
“尝试” means try or attempt; here the staff will attempt the repair first. It appears before “维修” in “尝试维修”. Use it before an action when saying that someone will make an attempt.
维修
“维修” means repair or maintenance; in “尝试维修”, it is the repair work the staff will attempt. The same form also appears in “维修人员” for the maintenance staff. Use it when discussing repair work or maintenance service.
也
“也” means also or too; here it adds a backup action in “也会准备好另一间房”. It comes before “会” and shows that preparing another room is an additional plan. Use it when adding another action or option.
准备
“准备” means prepare or get ready; here the staff will prepare another room if necessary. It appears in “准备好另一间房”, where the room is made ready. Use it before an object when arranging something for possible use.
另一间
“另一间” means another room and identifies a second room as a backup. It appears in “另一间房” and refers to a room different from the current one. Use it when offering an alternative room.
房
“房” means room in “另一间房”. It follows the classifier “间” to name the room being prepared. Use “一间房” or “另一间房” when referring to a hotel room.
上楼
“上楼” means go or come upstairs; here it refers to maintenance staff coming up to the guest’s room. It appears in “维修人员上楼前” and “他们上楼前”. Use it when someone moves upstairs in a building.
前
“前” means before in “上楼前”. It follows the action “上楼” and sets the time when the call should happen. Use an action followed by “前” to say that something happens before that action.
请
“请” means please and makes the request polite in “请先给我打电话”. It comes before the requested action. Use it when asking hotel staff or another person to do something politely.
给
“给” marks the recipient of a call in “给我打电话” and “给您打电话”. It comes before the person who receives the call. Use the pattern “给+person+打电话” when saying whom to call.
他们
“他们” means they or them; here it refers back to the maintenance staff. In “他们上楼前”, it is the people who will come upstairs. Use it to refer to the previously mentioned staff members when coordinating their visit.
最新
“最新” means latest or most recent; in “最新消息”, it describes the newest information about the repair or room. It comes before “消息”. Use it before a noun when referring to the most recent information.
消息
“消息” means news or an update; here it is the information the staff will give the guest after checking the situation. It appears in “有了最新消息”. Use it when promising to share new information about a problem or arrangement.
再
“再” means again in “再打给您”. It shows that the staff will make another call after the earlier call before maintenance comes upstairs. Use it before an action when saying that it will happen one more time.
Grammar Points
V + 不 + 结果补语
暖气修不好。
nuǎnqì xiū bù hǎoThe heating cannot be fixed successfully.
“不好”作结果补语，表示尝试后不能达到预期结果。
Chinese Vocabulary
别的
det
bié de
another; other
打来电话
phrase
dǎ lái diànhuà
to call from somewhere
到达
verb
dàodá
to arrive
很抱歉
phrase
hěn bàoqiàn
I am very sorry
坏了
phrase
huài le
to be broken
检查
verb
jiǎnchá
to inspect; to check
马上
adv
mǎshàng
right away; immediately
暖气
noun
nuǎnqì
heating
入住
verb
rùzhù
to check in
维修人员
noun
wéixiū rényuán
maintenance worker
下午
noun
xiàwǔ
afternoon
修不好
phrase
xiū bù hǎo
cannot be fixed successfully
Quiz
Spelling
Tap the letters to spell the word.
maintenance worker
Show Answer
维修人员to call from somewhere
Show Answer
打来电话to check in
Show Answer
入住another; other