25 Chinglish Fixes: Why 'Very Like' and 'I'm Boring' Are Wrong
The most common direct-translation habits, each paired with the natural version — swap them once and for all.
✗ very like
I really like this neighborhood.
✗ play the phone
Sorry, I was on my phone — what did you say?
✗ How to say ... ?
How do you say this word in English?
✗ I'm boring（我很无趣）
I'm bored — let's go out and do something.
✗ I'm exciting
I'm so excited about the concert tonight!
✗ It's very funny（那是「搞笑」）
Kayaking is really fun — you should try it.
✗ How to call this?
What do you call this in English?
✗ sleep late（更像「晚睡」）
It's Saturday — I'm sleeping in tomorrow.
✗ My phone has no electricity
Can I borrow a charger? My phone is dead.
✗ All listen to you
Pizza or sushi? It's up to you.
✗ I have no ideas
I have no idea where we are on this map.
Long story short, we missed the connection.
✗ No relationship
— I'm five minutes late. — It doesn't matter.
✗ I ate full
No more for me, thanks — I'm full.
✗ The price is expensive
The price is a bit high for such a small room.
✗ There are many people（能懂但平）
The night market is crowded on weekends.
✗ I'm going!（方向反了）
— Dinner's ready! — I'm coming!
✗ Could you borrow me your pen?
Could I borrow your pen for a second?
✗ I can borrow you my umbrella
Sure, I can lend you my umbrella.
✗ I forgot it at home
I left my wallet at home — could you cover me?
✗ I didn't listen to you（那是「没听你的话」）
Sorry, I didn't hear you — the music is loud.
✗ see TV / look TV
We stayed in and watched TV all evening.
✗ Welcome you to Chengdu
Welcome to Chengdu! First time here?
✗ I can't.（生硬）
I'm afraid I can't make it on Friday.
✗ Sorry（开场搭话时）
Excuse me, is this seat taken?