起 qǐ

Learn the fascinating story behind the Chinese idiom '东山再起' (Dongshan Zaiji), which means to make a comeback. Discover its historical roots and modern usage.

• “ 东山再起 ”这个成语的本意是一个人失败以后或从高的地位落到低的地位以后，重新回到成功的位置。

• 但谢安不想做官，多次拒绝了朝廷的邀请，就住在会稽的东山（今天的浙江省会稽山），和朋友 一起 游玩。

• 这就是“ 东山再起 ”的由来。

• 现在，我们用“ 东山再起 ”来形容一个人失败或退出后，通过努力又重新获得成功。

• 比如，一个公司破产了，老板又重新创业赚钱，我们就可以说“他 东山再起 了”。

• 当年乔布斯被踢出苹果公司，十年后，他又重回苹果，这件事也可以说“乔布斯 东山再起 了。”

• 东山再起 是褒义词，而“死灰复燃”就是它的反义词，是一个贬义词。

Why would a millionaire leave a table of lobster and wagyu untouched? This story explores the hidden rules of business dining and the true cost of staying alert.

• 旁边的人都在给他敬酒，他每次都 端起来 酒杯，嘴唇沾沾杯沿就放下。

• 旁边他公司的一位副总赶紧 抓起 公筷，夹了一块儿和牛放到他碟子里。

• 他没接话， 端起 茶杯喝了一口。

• 我坐他对面，看见他把那块肉 夹起来 ，放到了骨碟边沿，跟那根早就夹过来，但其实没吃的青菜并排摆着，整整齐齐。

Follow Xiao Li as he copes with the effects of forest fires near his home in the US and reflects on environmental changes. A thoughtful story for HSK 4 learners.

• 小李 想起 自己的老家。

• 不过，好在没有听说有 起火 的地方。

Step through a full day—from morning routines to bedtime—and pick up practical phrases for telling time and talking about your own schedule with a typical Chinese rhyme.

• 早上六点半， 起床 吃早饭。

In this HSK 1 story, two old friends from Britain and China share a meal with their girlfriends. A simple question about who pays leads to a clever and funny solution.

• 昨天，我们四个人 一起 吃饭。

In this dialogue, two people chat while waiting outside a cinema. You'll hear common phrases for talking about hobbies, sports, and movie preferences.

• 对不起 ，我们要走了。

This simple HSK 2 story introduces a warm family of six. Follow Little Bao and his British wife as they raise their two green-eyed children, each with their own personality.

• 她最喜欢画自己的家人，但是她不喜欢和弟弟 一起 画画儿。

Meet Gao Youpeng, a friendly Beijing coworker who welcomes the narrator with local dishes and a simple language-exchange plan. This warm HSK 2 story is perfect for first readings about work and friendship.

• 高友朋的英语不好，我想我可以和他 一起 学习。

Before you start learning Chinese, master the most important phrases: greetings. This short dialogue shows you how to say hello and goodbye, and how to respond politely.

• 对不起 对没关系！

This playful HSK 1 poem twists words you already know and asks how an hour can be small. Read it aloud and laugh; a fun way to practice Chinese.

• 高兴高不高，不对 对不起 。

Discover how a simple letter from a cookie seller led to an unexpected friendship with a famous scholar. This heartwarming story explores kindness and connection across social divides.

• 胡之适接过饼干，微笑着 拿起 一个便吃，脸上现出近几年来很少见的欢愉。

Follow a day from waking at six-thirty to coming home at eight, then leap across days, months, and years. This simple story helps you practice speaking about routines and life changes with clear time words.

• 早上六点半 起床 。