然而时不时 蹦出的幺蛾子提醒我
“However, from time to time, unexpected problems pop up, reminding me”
THE DIALOGUE REEL
更多的时候 干脆什么也不想 顺着心意而活
“Most of the time, [1987, Senior] I simply don't think about anything and go with my heart. [Finals of the First National College English Competition]”
然而 时不时 蹦出的 幺蛾子 提醒 我
“However, from time to time, unexpected problems pop up, reminding me”
有些事情
“that some things”
Direct spoken expression in this communicative setting.
'幺蛾子' originated in Northern dialect theater and slang to describe unexpected, absurd tricks or disruptions that ruin an otherwise smooth plan.
LEARNING CHUNKS & PARTICLES
bizarre problem, mischievous trick, or eccentric mishap
A highly colloquial Northern expression used with verbs like '出' (produce) or '蹦' (pop up) to describe annoying, unexpected nonsense.
from time to time; every now and then
A handy adverbial chunk indicating recurring but irregular occurrences.
VOCABULARY & EXPRESSIONS
Parallel Spoken Cinema Scenes (语义近邻切片)
“would cause any more trouble.”
“Why are you going back on your word now?”
“what are they up to now?”
“they'll find it eventually.”
“You always appear in the most unexpected ways.”
“you still managed to stir up trouble.”