It is often the harsh reality that English speakers have a hard time understanding Chinese humor. These sentences and expressions almost never translate directly in English (word for word). Because Chinese people are very extroverted and witty, we recommend that you have at least a rudimentary understanding of Chinese humor under your belt. Thus, for anyone who yearns to comprehend these comical idioms and sentences, KEEP ON READING!
1. 钱不是问题，问题是有没有钱。(Qián bùshì wèntí, wèntí shì yǒu méiyǒu qián)
This is an expression we can all relate too. The belief that money is the root of all dilemmas is so flawed and idealistic that it makes the perfect target for humor. This expression perfectly sums up my views about money (钱 qián): Money is not the issue; the issue is having no money!
2. If you leave something to the last minute, you “grab the Buddha’s foot” (抱佛脚).
The thought of grabbing the Buddha’s foot might not evoke the thought of procrastination. Nevertheless, it means just that! Grabbing the Buddha’s foot is a perfect metaphor for reaching out to someone in a time of need—tugging on them, asking for assistance. If your friends have not started a project or assignment until the last day, tell them they 抱佛脚!
3. If something has nothing to do with you, you say you’re just here “to buy soy sauce” (打酱油).
This one is interesting! Say you are standing around your friends and they start fighting. The phrase, 打酱油, used after “I’m just here,” connotes that you have nothing to do with the fight and are just trying to avoid getting tangled up in that mess. So, next time crazy activity is occurring around you (your friends are fighting, something unusual happens while you are walking down the street, etc.), just repeat this expression to anyone near: I’m just here to buy soy sauce, or I’m just here 打酱油.
Well…it has been fun!
再见!