都上高中了 学习又不太行 让他用会儿功
“He's in high school, but his grades aren't great. So I keep an eye on his studies.”
THE DIALOGUE REEL
你儿子很刻苦啊
“Your son is working hard.”
都上高中 了 学习 又 不太行 让他 用会儿功
“He's in high school, but his grades aren't great. So I keep an eye on his studies.”
“Recite it again. "Song of a Pipa Player, by Bai Juyi.”
“He has to work hard because high school is competitive and he cannot afford to slack off.”
Chinese parents often deflect compliments about their children's achievements or effort by highlighting weaknesses, preventing arrogance and maintaining humility.
High school is universally viewed as a critical period of intense studying to prepare for the college entrance examination.
LEARNING CHUNKS & PARTICLES
not very good / mediocre
A polite, indirect euphemism used in spoken Chinese to criticize performance or abilities without sounding too harsh.
study hard / apply oneself academically
Commonly used by older generations to praise or demand focused academic effort.
Marks an updated situation or milestone, emphasizing that the child is already in high school.
VOCABULARY & EXPRESSIONS
Parallel Spoken Cinema Scenes (语义近邻切片)
“I almost didn't get into high school because of him.”
“We weren't in the same class back in high school.”
“and face whatever comes after you pass the exam?”
“so high and mighty? People like you should suffer a bit.”
“Mr. Gao is here to help. Why are you upset?”
“I'm hoping to get things settled before he starts high school.”