Traditional Chinese - Lesson 77 of 152: Reactions

1. Reading + Listening Practice

Hear core phrases, repeat aloud.

那一定很辛苦

Nà yídìng hěn xīnkǔ.

That must be hard.

Meaning: 那一定很辛苦 (Nà yídìng hěn xīnkǔ) means “That must be hard.” It shows empathy when someone is dealing with something difficult.

When to use: Use it after someone tells you about stress, tiredness, work pressure, family pressure, or a difficult situation.

Tip: Don’t use this for small neutral facts. It sounds caring, so use it when the other person’s situation really seems tiring or difficult.

你每天都加班，那一定很辛苦。

Nǐ měitiān dōu jiābān, nà yídìng hěn xīnkǔ.

You work overtime every day — that must be hard.

你一個人照顧小孩，那一定很辛苦。

Nǐ yí ge rén zhàogù xiǎohái, nà yídìng hěn xīnkǔ.

You take care of the kids by yourself — that must be hard.

這太糟了

Zhè tài zāo le.

That's awful.

Meaning: 這太糟了 (Zhè tài zāo le) means “That’s awful.” It is a stronger reaction to bad or upsetting news.

When to use: Use it when someone shares something really unfortunate, unfair, or sad.

Tip: Because 太 (tài) makes it strong, don’t use 這太糟了 (Zhè tài zāo le) for mild inconvenience unless you want to sound dramatic.

你的手機不見了？這太糟了。

Nǐ de shǒujī bú jiàn le? Zhè tài zāo le.

Your phone is missing? That’s awful.

他突然被公司裁員，這太糟了。

Tā túrán bèi gōngsī cáiyuán, zhè tài zāo le.

He was suddenly laid off by the company — that’s awful.

這樣我就知道了。

Zhèyàng wǒ jiù zhīdào le.

Good to know.

Meaning: 這樣我就知道了 (Zhèyàng wǒ jiù zhīdào le) means “Good to know.” It shows you understand and will remember useful information.

When to use: Use it after someone explains a rule, gives a helpful tip, or tells you information you can use later.

Tip: This phrase is for useful information, not emotional sympathy. If someone shares a hardship, choose 那一定很辛苦 (Nà yídìng hěn xīnkǔ) instead.

捷運十點以後比較不擠，這樣我就知道了。

Jiéyùn shí diǎn yǐhòu bǐjiào bù jǐ, zhèyàng wǒ jiù zhīdào le.

The MRT is less crowded after ten — good to know.

這家店星期一休息？這樣我就知道了。

Zhè jiā diàn xīngqíyī xiūxí? Zhèyàng wǒ jiù zhīdào le.

This shop is closed on Mondays? Good to know.

這蠻有趣的

Zhè mán yǒuqù de.

That's interesting.

Meaning: 這蠻有趣的 (Zhè mán yǒuqù de) means “That’s interesting.” It sounds natural and conversational in Taiwan.

When to use: Use it when you hear a fun fact, a surprising idea, a cool story, or information that catches your attention.

台南有很多老房子改成咖啡店，這蠻有趣的。

Táinán yǒu hěn duō lǎo fángzi gǎi chéng kāfēi diàn, zhè mán yǒuqù de.

Many old houses in Tainan have been turned into cafés — that’s interesting.

你說台灣有很多夜市文化，這蠻有趣的。

Nǐ shuō Táiwān yǒu hěn duō yèshì wénhuà, zhè mán yǒuqù de.

You said Taiwan has a lot of night market culture — that’s interesting.

Traditional Chinese - Reactions

1. Reading + Listening Practice

2. Conversational Listening Practice

3. Guided Practice

Someone says: “I work overtime every day.” Which response shows empathy?

Someone says: “My phone was stolen.” Which reaction is strongest and most appropriate?

Someone tells you: “This restaurant is closed on Tuesdays.” What can you say to show the information is useful?

Someone shares a fun fact about Taiwan night markets. Which response shows interest?

You take care of your family every day — that must be hard.

Your wallet is missing? That’s awful.

Oh, this bus is faster — good to know.

Match the core phrases

Match the extra phrases

4. Speaking Practice