〈Two Tigers〉两只老虎

两只（liǎng zhī）

• Explanation: “两（liǎng）” is a numeral meaning “two” in this context. “只（zhī）” is a measure word used for animals like tigers. In Chinese, when we count animals, we usually use measure words. For example, we say “一只猫（yī zhī māo） – one cat” and “三只狗（sān zhī gǒu） – three dogs”

老虎（lǎo hǔ）

• • Explanation: This is the Chinese word for “tiger”. The character “老（lǎo）” doesn’t really mean “old” here. It’s a part of the compound noun and might have some historical or traditional usage in naming the animal. The character “虎（hǔ）” specifically refers to the tiger.

跑得快（pǎo de kuài）

• • Explanation: “跑（pǎo）” means “run”. “得（de）” is a structural particle used to connect the verb “跑” and the complement “快（kuài）”. The complement “快” describes the degree of the action “跑”. In Chinese grammar, this structure “V + 得 + complement” is often used to express how an action is carried out. For example, “走得慢（zǒu de màn） – walk slowly”.

一只没有（yī zhī méi yǒu）

• • Explanation: “一只（yī zhī）” as mentioned before, means “one”. “没有（méi yǒu）” is a negative verb meaning “not have” or “lack”. The structure “没有 + object” is used to express the absence of something. For example, “没有钱（méi yǒu qián） – have no money”.

眼睛（yǎn jīng） and 尾巴（wěi ba）

• • Explanation: “眼睛（yǎn jīng）” is the Chinese word for “eyes”. The character “眼（yǎn）” and “睛（jīng）” both refer to parts related to vision. In modern Chinese, they are combined to mean “eyes”. “尾巴（wěi ba）” means “tail”. The character “尾（wěi）” means “tail” and “巴（ba）” is a kind of suffix, which makes the word sound more natural and colloquial.

真奇怪（zhēn qí guài）

• • Explanation: “真（zhēn）” is an adverb meaning “really” or “truly”. It’s used to emphasize the following adjective. “奇怪（qí guài）” is an adjective meaning “strange” or “peculiar”. The structure “真 + adjective” is a common way to express a strong feeling or degree of the quality described by the adjective. For example, “真美（zhēn měi） – really beautiful”.