227 Pretty

Compliments can be a bit complicated in Chinese culture, particularly compliments about one’s appearance! Josh and ShaoLan discuss the word “pretty,” the contexts and situations in which it is appropriate to use it and how to respond in a polite way. They also talk about the difference between something that has enduring beauty, something that is pretty in a particular moment and the ways these different Chinese words can be used well. Finally, learn how to charm girls with a top tip from ShaoLan!

The way to say “pretty” in Chinese is 漂亮. The first character 漂 means “to float,” “elegant” or “polish,” the second character 亮, means “bright” or “light” or “bright light.” So something that is elegant, shining, glowing, is “pretty” 漂亮.