A Race in London | Fluentide RadioElementaryHSK 27:22 伦敦的一场赛跑
A Race in London
Key Vocabulary
词汇bǐsàicompetition; matchHSK 2 noun and verb. 一场比赛 (one match — measure word 场), 比赛开始了 (the match has begun). Often paired with 参加 (to take part).
yùndòngyuánathleteHSK 2. 运动 = sports/exercise; the suffix 员 marks a person who does the activity. Compare 服务员 (waitstaff), 演员 (actor).
kāishǐto start; to beginHSK 2 verb. 开始跑 = start running. Often takes a verb as object: 开始 + V. 开始 with a noun: 比赛开始了 (the match has started).
chéngjìresult; performance; scoreHSK 2. Used for race times, test scores, work results. 跑出成绩 = post a time. The previous 成绩 here is 'previous (best) time'.
liànxíto practice; practiceHSK 2. 每天练习 = practice every day. Both verb and noun. Pair: 做练习 (do exercises), 练习汉语 (practice Chinese).
gōnglǐkilometerHSK 2 measure of distance = 1000 meters (米). 一公里 = one km. The 公 prefix marks 'metric public unit' (cf. 公斤 kg).
Grammar Points
语法X 就是 Y (definition)
The workhorse pattern in Fluentide-style explanation. Used to gloss any new term inline. Translates as 'X is exactly/just Y' or 'X means Y'.
公里就是一千米。
运动员就是工作就是做体育的人。
条件就是周围的情况。
因为...所以... (because...therefore...)
Two-clause cause-effect. 因为 introduces the cause, 所以 the result. Either half can be omitted, but using both is the textbook pattern.
因为他们想看一件事情。
所以他们才能这么快。
所以条件好。
虽然...但是... (although...still...)
Concessive structure. 虽然 sets up an expectation, 但是 negates it. Both halves are usually present in this register.
虽然超过了两个小时，但是还是比基普图姆以前的成绩快。
比 comparison
A 比 B + adj/verb-phrase. To say 'by how much,' add a measure phrase after the adjective: 比她以前快了九秒 = nine seconds faster than before.
比她以前快了九秒。
比萨维慢一点。
比基普图姆以前的成绩快。
越来越 + Adj
'More and more X.' Indicates a progressive increase. Although here you'll mostly see 越 used in episode-internal phrasing 'X 越...越...' as well.
Proper Nouns
专有名词萨维Sà WéiSabbé (Sebastian Sabbé)基普图姆JīpǔtúmǔKiptum (Kelvin Kiptum)科杰尔查Kē jié ěr cháKojelcha基普里莫JīpǔlǐmòKiplimo阿塞法ĀsàifǎAsefa (Tigist Asefa)肯尼亚KěnníyàKenya埃塞俄比亚Āisài'ébǐyàEthiopia乌干达WūgāndáUganda伦敦LúndūnLondon英国
chéngshìcityHSK 2. 一个大城市 = a big city. London = 伦敦, 一个城市. Often contrasted with 农村 (countryside).
qítāother; the othersHSK 2. 其他人 = other people, the others. 其他的 used as a stand-alone pronoun for 'the others'.
jiéshùto end; to finishHSK 2. 比赛结束 = the match ends. Opposite of 开始. The 终点 (finish line) is literally where the race 结束.
zhòngyàoimportantHSK 2. 这件事很重要 = this matter is very important. Often follows 很/非常. The 重 here means 'heavy, weighty', as in 'matters of weight'.
shǒudūcapital (of a country)HSK 3. 首 = head/first; 都 = metropolis. 中国的首都是北京 = China's capital is Beijing.
mǎlāsōngmarathonLoanword. 42.195 km foot race. Outside sport, used metaphorically: 马拉松式的会议 = a 'marathon' meeting.
zhōngdiǎnfinish line; end point终 = end/final; 点 = point. The opposite is 起点 (starting point). In context: 跑到终点 = reach the finish line.
jīdòngexcited; thrilled; movedHSK 4. Mix of excitement and emotion. 我很激动 = I'm thrilled. Often used when watching sports, weddings, concerts.
bù kěnéngimpossible可能 = possible. 不可能 = impossible. Used as adjective and standalone exclamation: 不可能！ = No way!
dǎpòto break (a record, a window)Literal: hit-break. Used for breaking records, breaking silence, breaking glass. 打破纪录 is the standard collocation.
shìjiè jìlùworld record世界 = world, 纪录 = record (of an achievement; note: not 记录 which is a written record). Always 打破 (break) or 保持 (hold) 世界纪录.
jíxiànlimit; extremeHSK 5. 人的极限 = the limits of human ability. 极 = extreme/utmost, 限 = limit. The verb is 突破极限 (break through the limit).
Verb + 完 / 到 (resultative)
These complements mark completion (完) or arrival/achievement (到). 跑完 = finish running, 跑到 = run to (a place), 做到了 = managed to do it.
把 sentence (BA construction)
把 fronts the object so the verb can carry a result/disposal. 'Took A and did Y to it.' Common with verbs of placement, change, removal.
Yīngguó
the UK
美国Měiguóthe United States
芝加哥ZhījiāgēChicago
非洲FēizhōuAfrica
