Chapter I: Part 1

USEFUL PHRASES
IN THE
SHANGHAI DIALECT

----------
WITH INDEX-VOCABULARY AND OTHER HELPS
----------

Compiled by Gilbert McIntosh

----------
Second Edition
----------

SHANGHAI
AMERICAN PRESBYTERIAN MISSION PRESS
KELLY AND WALSH, LTD.
BREWER AND CO., LTD., AND MAX NÖSSLER AND CO.
1908

CONTENTS

Page.
Introduction ....................................... i
Description of the Shanghai Romanised .............. iii
Salutations ........................................ 1
On the Street ...................................... 8
The Merchant ....................................... 12
Going Up-country ................................... 22
The Cook ........................................... 27
Houseboy and Coolie ................................ 36
Amah ............................................... 49
The Gentlemen’s Tailor ............................. 53
The Ladies’ Tailor ................................. 57
The Washerman ...................................... 61
The Mafoo .......................................... 64
Purchasing ......................................... 70
The Chinese Teacher ................................ 73
Numerals ........................................... 77
Classifiers ........................................ 79
Pronouns ........................................... 90
Adjectives, Adverbs, and Conjunctions .............. 91
Directions ......................................... 92
Titles or Designations ............................. 95
Weather ............................................ 97
House Vocabulary ................................... 98
Time ............................................... 101
Index-Vocabulary ................................... 103

INTRODUCTION
----------

The compilation of these phrases was suggested by the frequent requests on the part of busy residents or transient visitors for a handbook containing easily-learned every-day words and phrases. The compiler is well aware that there is no royal road or short cut to learning, and would recommend to those who have the time for the more thorough study of the colloquial a careful study of Dr. Hawks Pott’s “Lessons in the Shanghai Dialect” (or Dr. Yates’ First Lessons in Chinese), and a constant use of the Shanghai Vocabulary, as well as the excellent Chinese-English Dictionary prepared by Messrs. Silsby and Davis.

We trust that these phrases will not only be of immediate use to the busy house-wife and merchant, or inquiring tourist, but will be of effective assistance to the student in the acquisition of a knowledge of the idiom. The Chinese mode of thought and method of speech differs so largely from our own that the acquirement of a fluent and familiar use of colloquial Chinese seems only possible by committing to memory, or carefully studying, such sentences as are collected in the following pages. A useful practice would be to rewrite the English word by word, according to the order in the vernacular, so as to perceive the construction of sentences and the peculiar use of verbs, adverbs, prepositions, connective and terminal particles, etc. To aid in the recognition of the English equivalents of the Chinese character or romanised we have added an index and vocabulary of the words used in this book. This will require to be used cautiously, as the meanings given in many cases are not the primary ones, but rather those used in certain phrases. It ought also to be mentioned that the grammatical and topical groups at the end of the book are not complete, but are added for convenience of reference and in the hope that they will tempt to a fuller study through the medium of the more elaborate works.

The description of the romanised system used is reproduced, by kind permission, from the material supplied by Rev. J. A. Silsby to accompany the romanised translation of the Police Regulations published by the Shanghai Municipal Council. This system of romanisation was adopted by the Shanghai Vernacular Society in 1899, and has many merits, not the least being the absence of diacritical marks.

Grateful thanks are accorded to friends who have helped with advice, particularly to Rev. G. F. Fitch, D.D., Rev. J. A. Silsby, and Mr. Kau Voong-dz (高鳳池). Such help was very necessary from the manner in which various native teachers differed as to pronunciation and idiom.

In spite of all the pains taken in the preparation of these sentences and in the revision for this second edition it is possible that errors still remain; the compiler, therefore, will be grateful for corrections, which will be duly noted in prospect of a possible future edition.

G. M.

Shanghai, 23rd March, 1908.

----------

Description of the Shanghai Romanised System.

Nearly all the syllables are represented by the combination of an initial and a final, a system which has been found to be well adapted to the Chinese language.

Initials.

The Upper Series are—_p_, _’m_, _’v_, _t_, _ts_, _s_, _’l_, _’ny_,
_’ng_, _k_, _ky_, _kw_, _i_ and _’w_. These initials are
pronounced in most cases much the same as in English, but without
aspiration, higher in pitch and with very little vibration of the
larynx. The apostrophe before a letter indicates that the letter
belongs to the “higher series.” Pure vowel initials also belong to
this series.

_’ny_ has a sound similar to that of _ni_ in spa_ni_el.

_ky_ ＝ _ch_ in _ch_uk with all aspiration eliminated.

_i_ as an initial has the sound of _i_ in dahlia.

The ASPIRATES are—_ph_, _f_, _th_, _tsh_, _kh_, _ch_, _khw_, _h_,
_hy_, and _hw_ (_th_ as in _Th_omson—not as in _th_ing).

_ch_ ＝ _ch_ in _ch_urch.

_hy_ is nearly like _ti_ in Por_ti_a.

The other aspirates are like the corresponding initials of the
higher series with the addition of a strong aspiration (indicated
by _h_).

The Lower Series are—_b_, _m_, _v_, _d_, _dz_, _z_, _l_, _n_, _ny_,
_ng_, _g_, _j_, _gw_, _y_, and _w_. Their pronunciation is much
the same as in English. They are lower in pitch than
corresponding initials of the “higher series,” and have more
“voice,” being pronounced with more decided vibration of the
larynx. The lower vowel initials, indicated by an inverted comma
(‘) and attended with a slight aspiration, belong to this series.

Finals.

1. The Vowel Endings are—_a_, _e_, _i_, _au_, _o_, _oo_, _oe_,
_eu_, _u_, _ui_, _ia_, _iau_, _ieu_, and _ie_.

2. The Nasal Endings are—(_a_) _an_, _en_, _ien_ and _oen_, in
which the _n_ is not sounded, but lengthens out and imparts a
nasal quality to the preceding vowel; (_b_) _ang_, _aung_, _oong_,
(or _ong_), _ung_ and _iang_, in which _ng_ has the value of _ng_
in so_ng_, but is often nearer the French _n_ in _bon_; (_c_)
_uin_, in which _n_ is sonant and has a value varying between _n_
and _ng_.

3. The Abrupt Vowel Endings are—_ak_, _ah_, _eh_, _ih_, _auh_,
_ok_, _oeh_, _uh_, and _iak_, in which _h_ and _k_ are the signs
of the _zeh-sung_ (入聲), and the vowel is pronounced in a short,
abrupt manner.

The sounds of the vowels are—

_a_ as in f_a_r, except when followed by _n_ or _h_, when it
has the sound of _a_ in m_a_n or m_a_t.

_e_ as in pr_e_y; before _h_ it has the sound of _e_ as in m_e_t.

_i_ „ capr_i_ce; before _h_ or _ng_ it is shortened to _i_ as
in m_i_t or s_i_ng.

_au_ as in _Au_gust.

_o_ or _oo_ as _ou_ in th_ou_gh or in thr_ou_gh. It is really
a combination of these two sounds, and is modified by its
environment.

_oe_ as in G_oe_the (German ö).

_eu_ „ French Monsi_eu_r.

_u_ „ oo in f_oo_t (always preceded by an _s_ sound).

_ui_ „ in fr_ui_t (or rather French ü).

In _ia_, _iau_, _ieu_ and _ie_, we have short _i_ followed closely
by _a_, _au_, _eu_, and _e_, as described above.

Of course it is understood that the Chinese sounds in a majority of cases vary somewhat from the English sounds which are given as the nearest equivalent.

The Dok-yoong Z-moo—“Initials _used alone_” i.e., without vowels, are—_ts_, _tsh_, _dz_, _s_, _z_, _an_, _ng_, and _r_. The first five are followed by the vowel sound in the second syllable of _able_—prolonged. Mateer and Bailer use ï for this sound and the new Mandarin Romanized uses _i_[C0]. It is not written, but understood in the Shanghai system. _m_ has the sound of _m_ in chas_m_ and _ng_ the sound of _ng_ in ha_ng_er; _r_ is a sound between final _r_ and _l_.

_Tone Marks_.—As in Ningpo and other Woo dialects, tone marks are unnecessary in ordinary letter-press, and are omitted in this book.

=_SALUTATIONS_.=
----------

Good morning.
早呀 _Tsau-’a_, 儂早 _Noong tsau_.

How are you? (are you well?)
好拉否
_Hau la va?_

Sir, may I ask your name? [to a gentleman, equal, or superior].
貴姓 or 尊姓 _Kwe-sing?_ (or) _Tsung-sing?_

What is your name? (surname) [to workmen, coolies, etc.]
儂姓啥
_Noong sing sa?_

My humble name [polite form] is Gold.
敝姓金
_Bi sing Kyung_.

My name is Gold, [ordinary].
我姓金
_Ngoo sing Kyung_.

What is your “given” name? [polite form].
大號是啥
_Da-‘au z sa?_

What is your “given” name? [ordinary].
儂个名頭呌啥
_Noong-kuh ming-deu kyau sa?_

My “given” name is John [polite form].
賤號的翰
_Dzien ‘au Iak-‘oen_.

My “given” name is John. [ordinary].
我个名頭呌約翰
_Ngoo-kuh ming-deu kyau Iak-‘oen_.

Sir, may I ask your age? [polite].
先生貴庚
_Sien-sang kwe-kang?_

How old are you? [ordinary].
儂幾歲
_Noong kyi soe?_

I am thirty years old [polite form].
虛度三十歲
_Hyui doo san-seh soe_.

I am thirty years old. [ordinary].
我三十歲
_Ngoo san-seh soe_.

To-day is cold.
今朝是冷
_Kyung-tsau z lang_.

To-day is very warm.
今朝蠻暖熱
_Kyung-tsau ’man noen-nyih_.

To-day is hot.
今朝頂熱
_Kyung-tsau ting nyih_.

There is much wind to-day.
今朝風大
_Kyung-tsau foong doo_.

It is raining to-day.
今朝落雨
_Kyung-tsau lauh-yui_.

It is beautiful weather to-day.
今朝天氣蠻好
_Kyung-tsau thien-chi ’man-hau_.

Recently we have had too much rain.
近來雨水忒多
_Jung-le yui-s thuh-too_.

It has been too dry.
近來天氣忒旱 _Jung-le thien-chi thuh ’oen_.

What have you come for?
儂來啥尊幹 (or) 儂來啥事體
_Noong le sa tsung-koen,_ (or) _noong le sa z-thi_.

Come again in two days.
等兩日再來
_Tung liang nyih tse-le_.

Take a cup of tea.
請用一杯茶
_Tshing yoong ih-pe dzo_.

Thank you.
謝謝
_Zia-zia_.

Do you smoke?
濃吃烟否
_Noong chuh-ien va?_

No, thank you, I do not smoke.
謝謝, 我勿吃
_Zia-zia, ngoo ’veh chuh_.

Is business good?
儂个生意好否
_Noong-kuh sang-i hau va?_

It is bad.
勿好
_’Veh hau_.

It is fairly good.
還好
_Wan hau_.

It is very good.
蠻好
_’Man-hau_.

Is your friend well?
儂个朋友好拉否
_Noong-kuh bang-yeu hau la va?_

He is sick.
伊垃拉生病
_Yi leh-la sang-bing_.

Good-bye (said by person leaving).
少陪儂
_Sau be noong_.

Good-bye (said to person leaving).
慢去
_Man chi_ or _man man chi_ (lit., go slowly).

Good-bye (expecting to meet later on).
晏歇會
_An hyih we_.

Good-bye (we meet to-morrow).
明朝會
_Ming-tsau we_.

Good-bye (we meet again).
再會
_Tse we_.

Good-bye (we meet after some days).
間 (or 隔) 日會
_Kan_ (or _kak_) _nyih we_.

----------

_The following anticipate ordinary queries from a Chinese visitor:—_

What is your honorable country?
貴國是那裡一國
_Kwe kok z ‘a-li ih kok?_

My humble country is England.
敝國是英國
_Bi kok z Iung-kok_.

----------

_The following are more colloquial in style:—_

I am an Englishman.
我是英國人
_Ngoo z Iung-kok nyung_.

I am an American.
我是美國人 (or 花旗人)
_Ngoo z ’Me-kok nyung_ (or _Hwo-ji nyung_).

I am a German.
我是德國人
_Ngoo z Tuh-kok nyung_.

I am a Frenchman.
我是法國人
_Ngoo z Fah-kok nyung_.

When did you come to China?
幾時到中國个
_Kyi-z tau Tsoong-kok kuh?_

I came fifteen years ago.
我 (已經) 來之十五年哉
_Ngoo (i-kyung) le-ts so-ng nyien tse_.

Upon what business did you come to China?
儂到中國來做啥
_Noong tau Tsoong-kok le tsoo sa?_

I am a merchant.
我是生意人
_Ngoo z sang-i-nyung_.

I am a doctor.
我是醫生
_Ngoo z i-sang_.

I am a missionary.
我是傳道个
_Ngoo z dzen-dau kuh_.

I am merely visiting.
我來是遊歴个
_Ngoo le z yeu-lih kuh_.

I am a commercial traveller.
我來是兜生意个
_Ngoo le z teu sang-i kuh_.

I am a ship’s officer.
我拉輪船上辦事个
_Ngoo la lung-zen laung ban z kuh_.

Have you a wife?
儂已經成親否 (or) 儂有娘子否
_Noong i-kyung dzung-tshing va?_ (or) _noong yeu nyang-ts va?_

Yes, she is in England.
我有个,伊現在拉英國
_Ngoo yeu kuh; yi yien-dze la Iung-kok_.

Yes, she is coming soon.
伊就要來快哉
_Yi zieu iau le khwa tse_.

Have you any children?
儂有啥小囝否
_Noong yeu sa siau noen va?_

Three sons and two daughters.
我有三个兒子咾兩个囝
_Ngoo yeu san-kuh nyi-ts lau liang-kuh noen_.

What age are they?
伊拉幾歲哉
_Yi-la kyi soe tse?_

The oldest is 20 years old.
頂大个是念歲
_Ting doo kuh z nyan soe_.

The youngest is 12 years old.
頂小个是十二歲
_Ting-siau-kuh z zeh-nyi soe_.

Give my greetings to your family,
望望儂个一家門
_Maung-maung noong-kuh ih ka-mung_.

=_ON THE STREET_.=
----------

Ricksha, come!
東洋車 (or) 東洋車來
_Toong-yang-tsho_ (or) _toong-yang-tsho le!_

Go ahead.
朝前 (or) 走上去
_Dzau-zien_ (or) _tseu-zaung chi_.

Go to the right.
到右邊去
_Tau yeu-pien chi_.

Go to the left.
到左邊去
_Tau tsi-pien chi_.

Go back.
回轉去
_We-tsen chi_.

Wait here.
等拉 (or) 等拉第頭
_Tung la_ (or) _tung la di-deu_.

I want to go to the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank.
我要到滙豐銀行去
_Ngoo iau tau We-foong nyung-‘aung chi_.

I want to go to the German Bank.
我要到德華銀行去
_Ngoo iau tau Tuh-wo nyung-‘aung chi_.

I want to go to the Imperial Customs.
我要到新關去
_Ngoo iau tau Sing-kwan chi_.

I want to go to the Astor House.
我要到禮査去
_Ngoo iau tau Li-dzo chi_.

I want to go to the Club.
我要到總會去
_Ngoo iau tau Tsoong-we chi_.

I want to go to the Railway Station.
我要到火車站去
_Ngoo iau tau hoo-tsho dzan chi_.

I want to go to the Steamer Jetty.
我要到輪船碼頭去
_Ngoo iau tau lung-zen mo-deu chi_.

I do not know the way; take me to the Police Office.
我勿認得路; 儂車我到巡捕房去
_Ngoo ’veh nyung-tuh loo; noong tsho ngoo tau Dzing-boo-vaung chi_.

[I have paid] enough.
有哉 (or) 毅哉
_Yeu-tse_ (or) _Keu-tse_.

[What I have paid you is] not too little.
勿少拉哉
_’Veh sau la tse_.

I have already paid you according to custom.
我巳經照規矩付儂
_Ngoo i-kyung tsau kwe-kyui foo noong_.

Go quicker.
跑來快點.
_Bau-le khwa-tien_.

Go slower.
跑來慢點
_Bau-le man-tien_.

Stop.
停 (or) 停下來
_Ding_ (or) _Ding-‘au-le_.

Stop for a little while.
停一停
_Ding-ih-ding_.

[Because of rain] put up the hood.
[爲之落雨] 篷布撑起來
[_We-ts lauh-yui_] _boong-poo tshang-chi-le_.

Put the hood back.
蓬布放下去
_Boong-poo faung-‘au-chi_.

Have you a waterproof apron?
油布有否
_Yeu-poo yeu va?_

Please tell me where the bank is?
請告訴我銀行拉那裡
_Tshing kau-soo ngoo nyung-‘aung la ‘a-li?_

Please tell me where Chinese books can be bought.
請告訴我那裡可以買中國書
_Tshing kau-soo ngoo ‘a-li khau-i ma Tsoong-kok su_.

Please tell me where Foreign books can be bought.
請告訴我外國書那裡好買
_Tshing kau-soo ngoo nga-kok su ‘a-li hau ma?_

Please tell me where foreign clothes can be bought.
請告訴我外國衣裳那裡好買
_Tshing kau-soo ngoo nga-kok i-zaung ‘a-li hau ma?_

Please tell me where there is an eating house or (hotel).
請告訴我那裡有外國飯店 (or 客寓)
_Tshing kau-soo ngoo ‘a-li yeu nga-kok van-tien_ (or _khak-nyui_).

Take me to the British Consulate.
車我到大英公館去
_Tsho ngoo tau Da-Iung koong-kwen chi_.

Take me to the American Consulate.
車我到花旗公館去
_Tsho ngoo tau Hwo-ji koong-kwen chi_.

Take me to the Cathedral.
車我到紅禮拜堂去
_Tsho ngoo tau ‘Oong-li-pa-daung chi_.

Take me to Union Church.
車我到蘇州河禮拜堂去
_Tsho ngoo tau Soo-tseu-‘oo li-pa-daung chi_.

Still another (ricksha) is wanted.
還要一部
_wan iau ih boo_.

Can this parcel go into the ricksha?
第个包子車子上擺得落否
_Di-kuh pau-ts tsho-ts laung pa-tuh-lauh va?_

For other useful directions see section on “Direction.”

=_THE MERCHANT_.=
----------

Have you any business to-day?
今朝儂有啥事體否
_Kyung-tsau noong yeu sa z-thi va?_

Do you wish to order anything to-day?
今朝儂要定啥貨色否
_Kyung-tsau noong iau ding* sa hoo-suh va?_

Yes, I want to order.*
我要定个
_Ngoo iau ding kuh_.

*Ding (定) and Ta (帶) are commonly used in Shanghai as equivalents
for “order.” Ding actually contains the idea of contract and
money paid; Ta actually contains the idea of bringing the goods
with you; but they each have a wider significance.

I do not want to order.
我勿要定啥貨
_Ngoo ’veh iau ding sa hoo_.

I want to purchase.
我要買
_Ngoo iau ma_.

I want to sell.
我要賣脫
_Ngoo iau ma-theh_.

It cannot be bought (i.e., Can not sell at that price).
買勿動
_Ma ’veh doong_.

It can be bought (i.e., Can sell at that price).
買得動 (or 可以買)
_Ma tuh-doong_ (or _Khau-i ma_).

What do you want to buy?
儂要買啥物事
_Noong iau ma sa meh-z?_

Will you sell?
儂要賣脫否
_Noong iau ma-theh va?_

What is the price of this?
第个啥價錢
_Di-kuh sa ka-dien?_

[This] price is too dear.
價錢忒貴
_Ka-dien thuh kyui_.

When will the goods come?
貨色幾時到
_Hoo-suh kyi-z tau?_

If too late I cannot use them.
若是忒慢我用勿著
_Zak-z thuh man, ngoo yoong-’veh-dzak_.

These goods are worse than last time.
第回个貨色比上次恘 (or 退班)
_Di-we kuh hoo-suh pi zaung ths cheu (or the-pan)_.

To-day I have goods to be imported.
今朝我有貨色進口
_Kyung-tsau ngoo yeu hoo-suh tsing-kheu_.

To-day I have goods to export.
今朝我有貨色出口
_Kyung-tsau ngoo yeu hoo-suh tsheh-kheu_.

To-day I have goods to tranship.
今朝我有貨色過船
_Kyung-tsau ngoo yeu hoo-suh koo-zen_.

To-day I have goods to re-export.
今朝我有貨色轉口
_Kyung-tsau ngoo yeu hoo-suh tsen-kheu_.

How much duty on these goods?
第个貨色要完幾化稅
_Di-kuh hoo-suh iau wen kyi-hau soe?_

Has the Duty Memo come?
稅單有來否
_Soe-tan yeu le va?_

Have you received the Duty Memo?
稅單儂收着末 _Soe-tan noong seu-dzak meh?_

[Duty Memo] has not come yet.
[稅單]還勿曾到
_Wan ’veh-zung tau_.

Duty has been paid.
稅已經完拉哉
_Soe i-kyung wen la tse_.

Duty has not been paid.
稅勿曾完過
_Soe ’veh-zung wen-koo_.

Please pay your duty.
請完儂个稅
_Tshing wen noong-kuh soe_.

Make out the Import application.
要預備進口單
_Iau yui-be tsing-kheu-tan_.

Make out the Export application.
要預備出口單
_Iau yui-be tsheh-kheu-tan_.

Take delivery of the goods at once.
貨色就要提轉來
_Hoo-suh zieu iau di-tsen-le_.

Put these goods in the godown.
貨色可以寄拉棧房裡
_Hoo-suh khau-i kyi la dzan-vaung-li_.

When one’s own godown is meant, 上 _zaung_ is used in place of 寄
_kyi_.

Is there any storage?
要啥棧租否
_Iau sa dzan-tsoo va?_

How much storage is there?
要幾化棧租
_Iau kyi-hau dzan-tsoo?_

Among them, four bales are damaged by water; I cannot receive them.
內中四件有水濕个, 我勿能收
_Ne-tsong-s-jien yeu s sah-kuh; ngoo ’veh-nung seu_.

You brought the delivery order too late, therefore I cannot pay
storage.
儂提單送來忒晏, 所以我勿能付棧租
_Noong di-tan soong le thuh-an, soo-i ngoo ’veh-nung foo dzan-tsoo_.

The goods are now at Pootung.
貨色現在拉浦東
_Hoo-suh yien-dze la Phoo-toong_.

Do you want a Customs Pass?
儂要派司否
_Noong iau pha-s va?_

Yes, I want one.
要个
_Iau-kuh_.

No, I do not want any.
勿要
_’Veh iau_.

How many passes do you want?
儂要幾張派司
_Noong iau kyi tsang pha-s?_

I want one pass.
我要一張派司
_Ngoo iau ih-tsang pha-s_.

I want two passes.
我要兩張派司
_Ngoo iau liang-tsang pha-s_.

Please put my goods through the Customs quickly.
我个貨色請儂快點報關
_Ngoo-kuh hoo-suh tshing noong khwa-tien pau kwan_.

Has the steamer arrived?
輪船到末
_Lung-zen tau meh?_

When will the steamer arrive?
輪船幾時到
_Lung-zen kyi-z tau?_

What is the name of the steamer?
輪船个名頭呌啥
_Lung-zen-kuh ming-deu kyau sa?_

To what Company does the steamer belong?
啥人家行裡个輪船
_Sa-nyung-ka ‘aung-li-kuh lung-zen?_

At what wharf is she discharging?
拉那裏一个碼頭缷貨
_La ‘a-li ih-kuh mo-deu sia-hoo?_

At Hongkew (Jardine’s) Wharf.
拉虹口怡和碼頭
_La ‘Oong-kheu Yi-woo Mo-deu_.

At Pootung Wharf.
拉浦東碼頭
_La Phoo-toong Mo-deu_.

At China Merchants’ Lower Wharf.
拉招商局北棧碼頭
_La Tsau-saung jok Pok-dzan Mo-deu_.

At Yangtze Wharf.
拉揚子碼頭
_La Yang-ts Mo-deu_.

At Old Ningpo Wharf.
拉老甯波碼頭
_La Lau Nyung-poo Mo-deu_.

What are your shipping marks?
㑚个記號 [or 墨頭] 是啥
_Na-kuh kyi-‘au_ [or _muh-deu_] _z sa?_

To-day exchange (shilling) is good.
今朝先令行情蠻好
_Kyung-tsau sien-ling ‘aung-dzing ’man-hau_.

To-day exchange is rising.
今朝先令行情漲者
_Kyung-tsau sien-ling ‘aung-dzing tsang-tse_.

How is exchange (native) to-day?
今朝个釐頭是那能
_Kyung-tsau kuh li-deu z na-nung?_

Exchange has gone up.
釐頭漲哉
_Li-deu tsang-tse_.

Exchange has gone down.
釐頭跌哉
_Li-deu tih tse_.

Silver is strong to-day.
今朝个銀根寬
_Kyung-tsau-kuh nyung-kung khwen_.

Silver is weak to-day.
今朝个銀根緊
_Kyung-tsau-kuh nyung-kung kyung_.

What is your opinion of exchange?
儂个意思釐頭那能
_Noong-kuh i-s li-deu na-nung?_

I cannot say.
我勿能話
_Ngoo ’veh nung wo_.

I think it will go up.
我想要漲點
_Ngoo siang iau tsang-tien_.

I think it will go down.
双想要跌點
_Ngoo siang iau tih-tien_.

How is business to-day?
今朝个生意那能
_Kyung-tsau-kuh sang-i na-nung?_

Is your business good?
儂个生意好否
_Noong-kuh sang-i hau va?_

Is there any improvement?
有啥起色否
_Yeu sa chi-suh va?_

No, about the same.
差勿多
_Tsho-’veh-too_.

How is the market?
市面那能
_Z-mien na-nung?_

The market is steady.
市面是穩當个
_Z-mien z ’wung-taung-kuh_.

Prices are high to-day.
今朝个價錢貴哉
_Kyung tsau-kuh ka-dien kyui-tse_.

Prices are low to-day.
今朝个價錢[C1]哉
Kyung-tsau-kuh ka-dien jang tse.

The market is much stronger.
市面寬子多化哉
_Z-mien khwen-ts too-hau tse_.

The market is much weaker.
市面緊子多化哉
_Z-mien kyung-ts too-hau tse_.

How is the cotton market to-day?
今朝棉花市面那能
_Kyung-tsau mien-hwo z-mien na-nung?_

This year’s tea business is better than last year’s.
今年茶葉市面此舊年好點
_Kyung-nien dzo-yih z-mien pi jeu-nien hau-tien_.

At present trade in foreign goods is not very remunerative.
近來做洋貨生意勿能賺銅錢个
Jung-le tsoo yang-hoo sang-i veh-nung dzan doong-dien-kuh.

Call the compradore.
請賬房 (or 買辦) 來
_Tshing tsang-vaung_ (or _’ma-ban_) _le_.

Call the shroff.
呌收賬个 (or 式老夫) 來
_Kyau seu-tsang-kuh_ (or _seh-lau-fu_) _le_.

Call the coolie.
呌出店 (or 小工) 來
_Kyau tsheh-tien_ (or _siau-koong_) _le_.

Take this letter to the Chinese Post office.
第个信送到郵政局去
_Di-kuh sing soong tau Yeu-tsung-jok chi_.

British Post Office.
大英書新館
_Da-iung Su-sing-kwen_.

United States Post Office.
花旗書信館
_Hwo-ji Su-sing-kwen_.

German Post Office.
德國書信館
_Tuk-kok Su-sing-kwen_.

French Post Office
法國書信館
_Fah-kok Su-sing-kwen_.

Japanese Post Office.
東洋書信館
_Toong-yang Su-sing-kwen_.

Russian Post Office.
俄國書信館
_Ngoo-kok Su-sing-kwen_.

Just now I am very busy; come again.
現在我忙來死,後首再來
_Yien-dze ngoo maung-le-si; ‘eu-seu tse le_.

Come back to-morrow.
明朝再來
_Ming-tsau tse le_.

Come back this afternoon.
下半日再來
‘Au-pen-nyih tse le_.

=_GOING UP-COUNTRY_.=
----------

Call a native boat.
呌一隻本地船
_Kyau ih-tsak pung-di zen_.

I want to go to the hills.*
我要到山上去
_Ngoo iau tau San-laung chi_.

*To many Shanghai people “the hills” mean: 茶山, _Dzo San_.

I want to go to Soochow.
我要到蘇州去
_Ngoo iau tau Soo-tseu chi_.

I want to go to the Great Lake.
我要到太湖去
_Ngoo iau tau Tha-‘oo chi_.

I want to go to Hangchow.
我要到杭州去
_Ngoo iau tau ‘Aung-tseu chi_.

Laudah, how many men are required for this boat?
老大第隻船上用幾个人
_Lau-da, di-tsak zen-laung yoong kyi-kuh nyung?_

I require four men.
我必要用四个人
_Ngoo pih-iau yoong s-kuh nyung_.

What is the total outlay each day for this boat?
第隻船每日要幾化費用
_Di-tsak zen ’me-nyih iau kyi-hau fi-yoong?_

You must arrange for a tow.
儂要預備拖个小火輪船
_Noong iau yui-be thoo-kuh siau hoo-lung-zen_.

What is the cost of the tow to Soochow?
到蘇州小火輪个拖錢耍幾化
_Tau Soo-tseu siau hoo-lung-zen-kuh thoo-dien iau kyi-hau?_

What is the cost of the tow to Hangchow?
到杭州小火輪个拖錢要幾化
_Tau ‘Aung-tseu siau hoo-lung-zen-kuh thoo-dien iau kyi-hau?_

The boat must be made clean.
船要收作來乾淨
_Zen iau seu-tsauh-le koen-zing_.

When does the tide ebb?
潮水幾時退 (or 落).
_Dzau-s kyi-z the_ (or _lauh_)?

When does the tide flow?
潮水幾時漲 (or 來)
_Dzau-s kyi-z tsang_ (or _le_)?

Now the tide is contrary.
現在是逆水
_Yien-dze z nyuh-s_.

Now the tide is favorable.
現在是順水
_Yien-dze z zung-s_.

To-night the boat must stop here.
今夜船要停拉此地
_Kyung-ya zen iau ding la tsh-di_.

Shut the windows.
要關窗
_Iau kwan tshaung_.

Open the windows.
要開窗
_Iau khe tshaung_.

Bring some hot water.
拿點熱水來
_Nau tien nyih-s le_.

Bring some cold water.
拿點冷水來
_Nau tien lang-s le_.

We start at one o’clock.
伲要一點鐘開船
_Nyi iau ih tien-tsoong khe zen_.

We go back to Shanghai.
伲要回到上海去
_Nyi iau we tau Zaung-he chi_.

You must yulo (scull) more quickly.
搖來快點
_Yau-le khwa-tien_.

Now the wind is favorable.
現在是順風
_Yien-dze z zung-foong_.

Raise the sail.
可以扯蓬
_Khau-i tsha boong_.

Lower the sail.
可以落蓬
_Khau-i lauh boong_.

Tow the boat.
要拖縴
_Iau thoo-chien_.

When will our boat arrive?
伲个船幾時到
_Nyi-kuh zen kyi-z tau?_

Roll up the bedding.
舖蓋打去來
_Phoo-ke tang-chi-le_.

Call coolies.
呌小工來
_Kyau siau-koong le_.

Call two sedan chairs.
呌兩頂轎子來
_Kyau liang-ting jau-ts le_.

Take the bedding and luggage to my house.
舖蓋咾行李送到我个屋裡
_Phoo-ke lau ‘ang-li soong tau ngoo-kuh ok-li_.

Do not forget the things.
物事勿要忘記
_Meh-z ’veh iau maung-kyi_.

When does the railway train start from Shanghai for Soochow?
火車從上海到蘇州幾點鐘開車
_Hoo-tsho dzoong Zaung-he tau Soo-tseu kyi tien-tsoong khe tsho?_

In the morning it starts at 8.45;* arriving at Soochow at 10.47 a.m.*
早晨八點三刻開車, 十點三刻過二分到蘇州
_Tsau zung pah-tien san-khuh khe tsho, zeh-tien san-khuh koo nyi fung
tau Soo-tseu_.

The first class fare from Shanghai to Soochow is $3.15.*
上海到蘇州頭等客位三塊一角五分
_Zaung-he tau Soo-tseu deu-tung khak-we san khwe ih kauh ng fung_.

The second class is $1.60; the third class is 85 cents.*
二等客位一塊六角, 三等客位八角五分
_Nyi-tung khak-we ih khwe loh kauh; San-tung khak-we pah kauh ng
fung_.

Each passenger can take .... packages, weighing 60 lbs.*
每人可以帶〇件行李, 重六十磅
Me nyung khau-i ta .... jien ‘ang-li, dzoong lok-seh paung.

*These times and fares were correct at date of printing; but
as alterations are inevitable these must not be taken as a guide.

When you come to the station, call a chair to go into the city.
儂到之車站可以呌一頂轎子進城
Noong tau-ts tsho-dzan khau-i kyau ih-ting jau-ts tsing dzung.

=_THE COOK_ (大司務).=
----------

To cook.
燒
_Sau_.

To boil.
煠 or 燉
_Zah_ (or _tung_).

To roast, bake or toast.
烘
_Hoong_.

To fry.
煎
_Tsien_.

To broil.
燻 or 烤
_Hyuin_, or _khau_ (not much used).

To steam.
蒸
_Tsung_.

To stew.*
燉 or 熓 or 𤒘
_Tung_, or _’oo_ or _tok_.

*No exact term in Shanghai colloquial; cooks in imitation of the
English sound say “S-thoo” 水拖.

Boil water for tea.
燉茶
_Tung dzo_.

Make tea (by pouring boiling water on the leaves).
𣶐 (or 泡) 茶
_Phau dzo_.

Boiled (_or_ boiling) water.
開-水 _Khe s_, 滾水 _Kwung-s_.

Go and buy (literally cook) some hot (boiled) water.
去𣶐點開水來
_Chi phau tien khe-s le_.

Buy some hot water.
買點熱水
_Ma tien nyik-s_.

Buy some hot (_i.e_., boiled) water (for drinking).
買點開水
_Ma tien khe-s_.

Make chicken soup.
要做雞湯
_Iau tsoo kyi-thaung_.

Make chicken jelly.
要做雞絲凍
_Iau tsoo kyi s-toong_.

Make calves’ foot jelly.
要做小牛脚凍
_Iau tsoo siau-nyeu kyak-toong_.

Go to the market and buy (1) Meat, (2) Fish, (3) Vegetables,
(4) Chicken, (5) Hen’s Eggs, (6) Pheasant, (7) Ducks, (8) Wild
Goose, (9) Goose, (10) Turkey, (11) Snipe, (12) Small Water Duck,
(13) Oranges, (14) Pumelo, (15) Apples, (16) Peaches, (17) Apricots,
(18) Biboes, (19) Strawberries, (20) Lichees, (21) Pineapple,
(22) Grapes, (23) Beans, (24) String Beans, (25) Cabbage,
(26) Spinach, (27) Cauliflower, (28) Turnips, (29) Carrots,
(30) Shoulder of Mutton, (31) Leg of Mutton, (32) Mutton Chops,
(33) Roast Beef, (34) Steak, (35) Bread, (36) Biscuits, (37) Milk,
(38) Butter, (39) Tea, (40) Sugar, (41) Coffee, (42) Rice, (43) Flour,
(44) Oatmeal, (45) Salt, (46) Matches, (47) Kerosene Oil, (48) Coals,
(49) Charcoal, (50) Firewood.

到街上去買 (1) 肉, (2) 魚, (3) 蔬菜, (4) 雞, (5) 雞蛋, (6) 野雞, (7) 鴨
(8) 野鵝, (9) 鵝, (10) 火雞, (11) 竹雞, (12) 小水鴨, (13) 橘子, (14) 文旦,
(15) 蘋果, (16) 桃子, (17) 杏子, (18) 枇杷, (19) 外國楊梅, (20) 茘枝,
(21) 婆羅蜜, (22) 葡萄, (23) 荳, (24) 刀荳, (25) 捲心菜, (26) 菠菜,
(27) 花菜, (28) 蘿蔔, (29) 紅蘿蔔, (30) 羊个前腿 or 後腿, (31) 羊个後背,
(32) 腰窩, (33) 燒肉坯, (34) 牛肉排, (35) 饅頭, (36) 𩝣餅, (37) 牛奶,
(38) 奶油, (39) 茶葉, (40) 糖, (41) 茄菲, (42) 米, (43) 米粉, (44) 大麥粉,
(45) 鹽, (46) 自來火, (47) 火油, (48) 煤, (49) 炭, (50) 柴.

_Tau ka-laung chi ma_ (1) _nyok_, (2) _ng_, (3) _soo-tshe_, (4) _kyi_,
(5) _kyi-dan_, (6) _ya-kyi_, (7) _ah_, (8) _ya-ngoo_, (9) _ngoo_,
(10) _hoo-kyi_, (11) _tsok-kyi_, (12) _siau-s-ah_, (13) _kyoeh-ts_,
(14) _vung-tan_, (15) _bing-koo_, (16) _dau-ts_, (17) _‘ang-ts_,
(18) _bih-bo_, (19) _Nga-kok yang-me_, (20) _li-ts_,
(21) _poo-loo-mih_, (22) _beh-dau_, (23) _deu_, (24) _tau-deu_,
(25) _kyoen-sing-tshe_, (26) _poo-tshe_, (27) _hwo-tshe_,
(28) _Lau-bok_, (29) _‘oong lau-bok_, (30) _yang-kuh dzien-the_
(or _‘eu-the_), (31) _yang-kuh ‘eu-pe_, (32) _iau-oo_,
(33) _sau-nyok-phe_, (34) _nyeu-nyok-ba_, (35) _men-deu_,
(36) _thah-ping_, (37) _nyeu-na_, (38) _na-yeu_, (39) _dzo-yik_,
(40) _daung_, (41) _kha-fi_, (42) _mi_, (43) _mi-fung_,
(44) _da-mak-fung_, (45) _yien_, (46) _z-le-hoo_, (47) _hoo-yeu_,
(48) _me_, (49) _than_, (50) _za_.

Don’t use pork fat to fry.
勿要用猪油煎
_’Veh iau yoong ts-yeu tsien_.

Use beef fat to fry.
要用牛油煎
_Iau yoong nyeu-yeu tsien_.

Is it ready?
好末 or 好哉否
_Hau meh_ (or _hau tse va?_)

Keep this; we can use to-morrow.
要擺拉, 明朝再用
_Iau pa-la; ming-tsau tse yoong_.

This is too salt.
第个忒鹹
_Di-kuh thuk ‘an_.

This is too fresh (has not enough salt).
第个忒淡
_Di-kuh thuh dan_.

This is under-cooked.
燒來忒生
_Sau le thuh sang_.

This is cooked too long.
燒來忒熟
_Sau le thuh zok_.

This needs a hot fire.
要旺火燒
_Iau yaung-hoo sau_.

This wants a slow fire.
要文火燒
_Iau vung-hoo sau_.

Warm this meat.
熱熱第个肉
_Nyih-nyih di-kuh nyok_.

Get it ready presently.
就要燒
_Zieu iau sau_.

Get it ready quickly.
快點燒
_Khwa-tieu sau_.

All meals must be ready on time.
吃飯要有一定个時候
_Chuh-van iau yeu ih-ding-kuh z-‘eu_.

This cooking stove is broken; have it repaired.
鐵灶有毛病要修
_Thih-tsau yeu mau-bing; iau sieu_.

The flue (or chimney) is choked; have it cleaned.
煙囱塞沒, 要通
_Ien-tshoong suh-meh, iau thoong_.

Black the stove.
鐵灶要刷黑
_Thih-tsau iau seh huk_.

This is not the stove brush; exchange for another.
第个勿是鐵灶个刷帚,要換別个
_Di-kuh ’veh-z thih-tsau-kuh seh-tseu; iau wen bih-kuh_.

This brush is broken; buy a new one.
第个刷巳經壞脫,要買新个
_Di-kuh seh i-kyung wa-theh; iau ma sing-kuh_.

I have no black lead.
我勿有黑煤 or 黑鉛
_Ngoo ’veh yeu huh-me_ (or _huh khan_).

This pot leaks; have it mended.
第个壺漏者, 要修 (or 要銲)
_Di-kuh ‘oo leu tse; iau sieu_ (or _iau ‘oen_—solder.)

This pot is cracked and can’t be mended.
第个壺迸開, 勿能再修
_Di-kuh ‘oo pang-khe, ’veh nung tse sieu_.

I want to buy a new kettle.
我要買一把新个水壺
_Ngoo iau ma ih-po sing-kuh s-‘oo_.

I want to buy a large covered jar.
我要買一个有蓋个缽頭
_Ngoo iau ma ih-kuh yeu-ke-kuh peh-deu_.

I want to buy a small kong.
我要買一隻小缸
_Ngoo iau ma ih-tsak siau-kaung_.

Buy a ton of soft coal and half a ton of hard coal.
買一噸煙煤咾半噸白煤
_Ma ih-tung ien-me lau pen-tung bak-me_.

Buy a basket of charcoal.
買一蔞炭
_Ma ih-leu than_.

Have you bought the firewood?
生火个柴買哉否
_Sang-hoo-kuh za ma tse ’va?_

[I] want [you] to buy ice.
要買點氷
_Iau ma tien ping_.

Put this in the ice-box.
第个物事要擺拉氷箱裡
_Di-kuh meh-z iau pa la ping-siang li_.

[I want you to] clean out the ice-box.
氷箱要弄乾淨
_Ping-siang iau loong koen-zing_.

The ice-box is leaking; have it mended.
氷箱有漏, 要修好
_Ping-siang yeu leu; iau sieu-hau_.

Bring some boiling water.
担滾水 (or 開水) 來
_Tan kwung-s_ (or _khe-s le_.)

Make a bowl of arrowroot.
冲一碗藕粉來
_Tsoong ih-’wen ngeu-fung le_.

Make it thicker than yesterday.
要比昨日厚點
_Iau pi zauh-nyih ‘eu-tien_.

I am going out; you look after the house.
我要出去, 儂要當心房子
_Ngoo iau tsheh-chi; noong iau taung-sing vaung-ts_.

A friend has asked me to go out to dinner; you don’t need to prepare.
有朋友請我吃夜飯, 儂勿要預備哉
_Yeu bang-yeu tshing ngoo chuh ya-van; noong ’veh iau yui-be tse_.

To-day get supper ready half an hour earlier.
今朝夜飯要早半點鐘
_Kyung-tsau ya-van iau tsau pe-tien-tsoong_.

Call me at 6 o’clock to-morrow morning.
明朝早晨六點鐘要呌我
_Ming-tsau tsau-zung lok tien-tsoong iau kyau ngoo_.

Go to the market early to-morrow morning.
明朝要早點到街上去
_Ming-tsau iau tsau-tien tau ka-laung chi_.

I want to take the accounts now.
現在要算賬
_Yien-dze iau soen-tsang_.

Your account is all right.
儂个賬勿錯 or 對个
_Noong-kuh tsang ’veh tsho_ (or _te kuh_).

Your account has a mistake.
儂个賬勿對 or 有錯
_Noong-kuh tsang ’veh te_ (or _yeu tsho_).

Your account is more than mine.
儂个賬比我多
_Noong-kuh tsang pi ngoo too_.

Your account is less than mine.
儂个賬此我少
_Noong-kuh tsang pi ngoo sau_.

I have already paid this.
第个賬我已經付拉哉
_Di-kuh tsang ngoo i-kyung foo-la-tse_.

I will pay you to-morrow.
明朝付儂
_Ming-tsau foo noong_.

Next week I will pay you.
下禮拜付儂
_‘Au li-pa foo noong_.

=_HOUSE BOY_ (西崽) _and COOLIE_ (出點).=
----------

Light the lamp.
要點燈
_Iau tien tung_.

Call the cook.
呌大司務來
Kyau da-s-voo le.

Call the coolie.
呌出店來 (or 苦力)
_Kyau tsheh-tien le_ (or _Khoo-lih_).
(小工 _Siau koong_ is frequently used for “coolie,” especially for
coolie for outside work).

Call a ricksha.
呌一部東洋車來
_Kyau ih-boo toong-yang-tsho le_.

Set the table.
要擺檯子 (or 要預備檯子)
_Iau ba de-ts_ (or _Iau yui-be de-ts_).

There are guests coming to-day for tiffin.
今朝有客人來吃中飯
_Kyung-tsau yeu khak-nyung le chuh tsoong van_.

To-day four guests come to dinner (evening meal).
今朝有四个客人來吃夜飯
_Kyung-tsau yeu s-kuh khak-nyung le chuh ya-van_.

Call an extra boy to help [you.]
要另外呌一个西崽來相帮
_Iau ling-nga kyau ih-kuh si-tse le siang-paung_.

Clean this room.
第間房子要收作乾淨
_Di-kan vaung-ts iau seu-tsauh koen-zing_.

Wash this floor.
第个地板要淨
_Di-kuh di-pan iau zing_.

Sweep this floor.
第个地板要掃
_Di-kuh di-pan iau sau_.

The door, windows, and base-board of this room I want
you to wash.
第間房子裡个門窗咾跌脚板全要淨
_Di-kan vaung-ts-li kuh mung, tshaung, lau tih-kyak-pan zen iau zing_.

This is not clean; do it again.
第頭勿曾乾淨, 要再做
_Di-deu ’veh-zung koen-zing, iau tse tsoo_.

Use soap and brush it.
要用肥皂來刷
_Iau yoong bi-zau le seh_.

Don’t use a brush here.
第頭勿要用板刷
_Di-deu ’veh iau yoong pan-seh_.

You must scour the table.
檯子要擦
_De-ts iau tshah_.

Wipe the table.
檯子要揩
_De-ts iau kha_.

Bring a feather brush.
担雞毛撢帚來
_Tan kyi-mau-toen-tseu le_.

Dust the pictures.
晝圖要撢乾淨
_Wo-doo iau toen koen-zing_.

Use a cloth to dust the room.
第間房子要用布揩乾淨
_Di-kan vaung-ts iau yoong poo kha koen-zing_.

This cloth is dirty; you must wash it.
第个揩布齷齪, 要淨
_Di-kuh kha-poo auh-tshauh, iau zing_.

Dust (or clean) all things in this room.
第間房子裡个物事, 全要揩乾淨
_Di-kan vaung-ts-li kuh meh-z, zen iau kha koen-zing_.

Clean the windows.
玻璃窗要揩乾淨
_Poo-li-tshaung iau kha koen-zing_.

These curtains are dirty, change to clean ones.
第个窗帘齷齪, 要換乾淨个
_Di-kuh tshaung-lien auh-tshauh, iau wen koen-zing-kuh_.

Brush this table cover.
第个檯布要刷
_Di-kuh de-poo iau seh_.

Put these books in order.
第个書要擺好
_Di-kuh su iau pa-hau_.

Put these things in their proper place.
各樣物事, 要擺拉應該个地方
_Kauh-yang meh-z iau pa la iung-ke-kuh di-faung_.

Please come and help me.
請儂來相帮我
_Tshing noong le siang-paung ngoo_.

This box (trunk) I want taken over there.
第隻箱子要搬到伊頭去
_Di-tsah siang-ts iau-pen tau i-deu chi_.

Where are you?
儂拉那裡
_Noong la ‘a-li?_

If you want to go out, first tell me.
儂要出去, 先告訴我
_Noong iau tsheh-chi, sien kau-soo ngoo_.

Why are you so idle?
爲啥實蓋懶惰
_We-sa zeh-ke lan-doo?_

At the end of the month you can go.
做到月底儂可以停 (or 可以去)
_Tsoo tau nyoeh-ti, noong khau-i ding_ (or _khau-i chi_).

If you go home, you must get me a substitute.
若是儂歸去, 要呌替工
_Zak-z noong kyiu-chi, iau kyau thi-koong_.

[We] want to use another boy.
再要用一个西崽
_Tse iau yoong ih-kuh si-tse_.

Can you get me a coolie?
儂可以尋 (or 呌) 一个苦力否
_Noong khau-i zing_ (or _kyau_) _ih-kuh khoo-lih va?_

If you want to go (stop work) you must wait till the end of the month.
若是儂要停, 要做到月底
_Zak-z noong iau ding, iau tsoo tau nyoeh-ti_.

[If] you want to go (_or_ stop work), you must wait till I find new
man.
儂要停, 等我尋著新个人
_Noong iau ding, tung ngoo zing-dzak sing-kuh nyung_.

If you go now it is not convenient to pay your wages.
現在停, 勿便付儂工錢
_Yien-dze ding, ’veh bien foo noong koong-dien_.

[I] will pay at the end of the month.
到月底咾付儂
_Tau nyoeh-ti lau foo noong_.

[If you] go now I will cut your wages.
現在停, 我要齾儂工錢
_Yien-dze ding, ngoo iau ngah noong koong-dien_.

This cook is not a very good one.
第个大司務勿大好
_Di-kuh da-s-voo ’veh da hau_.

This coolie is also very lazy.
第个苦力也是懶惰
_Di-kuh khoo-lih ‘a-z lan-doo_.

I want to put up the stove for this room at once.
第間个火爐就裝起來
_Di-kan kuh hoo-loo zieu tsaung-chi-le_.

You must first brush it.
先要刷乾淨
_Sien iau seh-koen-zing_.

Brush these shoes.
第雙鞋子要刷
_Di-saung ‘a-ts iau seh_.

Brush these clothes and hang in the sun.
衣裳刷之咾晒拉日頭裡
_I-zaung seh-ts lau so la nyih-deu li_.

Be careful the wind does not blow them away.
當心勿要撥風吹脫
_Taung-sing ’veh iau peh foong ths-theh_.

Take this out and shake it [clean].
担出去抖抖乾淨
_Tan tsheh-chi teu-teu koen-zing_.

Open this bundle.
第个包要解開
_Di-kuh pau iau ka-khe_.

Wrap it up.
要包起來
_Iau pau-chi-le_.

Use a rope to tie this.
用繩梱起來
_Yoong zung khwung-chi-le_.

Buy some strong rope.
要買牢个繩
_Iau ma lau-kuh zung_.

Buy a basket (with string net on top).
賈一隻網籃
_Ma ih-tsak maung-lan_.

Put all the food into this basket.
吃个物事全擺拉第隻籃裡
_Chuh-kuh meh-z zen pa-la di-tsak lan-li_.

Buy me a foot-stove and some charcoal (balls).
買一隻脚爐咾幾个炭團
_Ma ih-tsak kyak-loo lau kyi-kuh than-doen_.

Roll up my bedding.
舖蓋打起來
_Phoo-ke tang-chi-le_.

Take this letter to...........
第封信送到...........
_Di-foong sing soong tau........_.

An answer is wanted.
要回信个
_Iau we-sing kuh_.

Go to the Chinese Imperial Post Office.
到郵政局去
_Tau Yeu-tsung-jok chi_.

Go to the Post Office for the mail.
到書信舘去担信來
_Tau su-sing-kwen chi tan sing le_.

Take this parcel to the Post Office.
第个包送到書信舘去
_Di-kuh pau, soong tau su-sing-kwen chi_.

Call a wheelbarrow and take these things to the steamer.
呌小車送第个物事到船上去
_Kyau siau-tsho soong di-kuh meh-z tau zen laung chi_.

Put camphor with the clothes.
衣裳裡要放樟腦
_I-zaung-li iau faung tsaung-nau_.

The answer says there are two books; why is there only one here?
回信話有兩本書, 現在只有一本, 啥緣故
_We-sing wo yeu liang-pung su; yien-dze tsuh-yeu ih-pung, sa
yoen-koo?_

The chit book says there is an answer; where is it?
送信簿上寫明有回信, 拉那裡
_Soong-sing-boo laung sia-ming yeu we-sing, la ‘a-li?_

This letter is not mine; have you any other?
第封信勿是我个, 還有別个否
_Di-fong sing ’veh-z ngoo-kuh; wan yeu bih-kuh va?_

This is for the next house.
第个物事是隔壁人家个.
_Di-kuh meh-z z kah-pih nyung-ka-kuh_.

Call a man to put a new cover on this chair.
第隻椅子呌人來換新个裿布
_Di-tsak iui-ts, kyau nyung le wen sing-kuh iui poo_.

Get a new glass for this broken window.
窗上个碎玻璃要配新个
_Tshaung-laung-kuh se poo-li iau phe sing-kuh_.

Take this pass-book to the store and bring the things.
担第本簿子到店裏去, 拿物事來
_Tan di-pung boo-ts tau tien-li chi, nau meh-z le_.

Go and buy some bread tickets.
去買饅頭票子來
_Chi ma men-deu phiau-ts le_.

Take these tickets and exchange for bread.
担第个票子去換饅頭
_Tan di-kuh phiau-ts chi wen men-deu_.

Go and buy biscuits.
去買點餅乾來
_Chi ma tien ping-koen le_.

I want a ricksha to go to the French Concession.
要一部東洋車到法租界去
_Iau ih-boo toong-yang-tsho tau Fah-tsoo-ka chi_.

I want a carriage for half a day.
我要一部馬車用半日
_Ngoo iau ih-boo mo-tsho yoong pen-nyih_.

I want it again to-morrow.
明朝我再要
_Ming-tsau ngoo tse iau_.

He asks too much money.
伊討个價錢忒大
_Yi thau-kuh ka-dien thuh doo_.

Three Dollars are enough.
三塊洋錢彀者
_San-khwe yang-dien keu-tse_.

This carriage is not good; get another.
第部馬車勿好, 要換好个
_Di-boo mo-tsho ’veh-hau; iau wen hau-kuh_.

I am not very well to-day (_or_ am ill).
今朝我勿大爽快 (or 有毛病)
_Kyung-tsau ngoo ’veh da saung-khwa_ (or _yeu mau-bing_).

What is the matter?
啥个毛病
_Sa-kuh mau-bing?_

I don’t know what it is.
我勿曉得是啥毛病
_Ngoo ’veh hyau-tuh z sa mau-bing_.

I’ve got fever and ague.
我有瘧子 (or 瘧疾)
_Ngoo yeu ngauh-ts_ (or _nyak-dzih_).

I’ve got fever.
我有寒熱
_Ngoo yeu ‘oen-nyih_.

I’ll give you a dose of medicine.
我撥儂點藥
_Ngoo peh noong tien yak_.

You had better see the doctor.
儂要請醫生生看
_Noong iau tshing i-sang khoen_.

I must go to the hospital.
我要住拉醫院裡
_Ngoo iau dzu-la i-yoen-li_.

I want to go home.
我要歸去 or 到屋裡去
_Ngoo iau kyui-chi_ (or _tau ok-li chi_).

You can return home for a short time.
儂暫時可以歸去
_Noong dzan-z khau-i kyui-chi_.

You are still not fit for work.
儂現在還勿能做生活
_Noong yien-dze wan ’veh nung tsoo sang-weh_.

Come again when you are stronger.
儂好點咾再來
_Noong hau-tien lau tse le_.

Cook is sick and can’t get up.
大司務拉生病, 勿能起來
_Da-s-voo la sang-bing, ’veh-nung chi-le_.

Why do you work so very slowly?
儂做生活爲啥慢來死
_Noong tsoo sang-weh we-sa man-le-si?_

Because I am tired.
爲之我弛陀
_We-ts ngoo sa-doo_.

Perhaps you go out too much at night.
恐怕儂夜頭出去忒多
_Khoong-pho noong ya-deu tsheh-chi thuh too_.

I think you smoke opium (_or_ drink wine.)
我想儂吃雅片煙 (or 吃酒)
_Ngoo siang noong chuh ia-phien-ien_ (or _chuh tsieu_).

Your clothes and hat are untidy.
儂个衣帽勿整齊
_Noong-kuh i-mau ’veh tsung-zi_.

Don’t have your shoes down at the heel.
儂勿要拖鞋皮
_Noong ’veh iau thoo ‘a-bi_.

Have you not combed your hair to-day?
儂今朝勿曾梳頭否
_Noong kyung-tsau ’veh-zung s-deu va?_

This is not proper (respectful.)
第个是無規矩个
_Di-kuh z m kwe-kyui-kuh_.

Call amah to come.
呌阿媽來
Kyau A-ma le.

=_AMAH_ (阿媽).=
----------

Take baby out.
領小囝到外頭去
_Ling siau-noen tau nga-deu chi_.

Go to the Gardens.
領小囝到花園裡去
_Ling siau-noen tau hwo-yoen-li chi_.

If it is too cold, come home.
若是忒冷, 就轉來
_Zak-z thuh lang, zieu tsen-le_.

Don’t sit in the wind.
勿要坐拉風裡
_’Veh iau zoo la foong-li_.

Don’t get in the sun.
勿要到日頭裡去
_’Veh iau tau nyih-deu-li chi_.

Baby’s clothes you can wash.
小囝个衣裳要儂淨
_Siau-noen-kuh i-zaung iau noong zing_.

[You can] also iron them.
也要燙
_‘A iau thaung_.

This you can give to the washerman.
第个可以撥汏衣裳个人淨
_Di-kuh khau-i peh da-i-zaung-kuh nyung zing_.

Use hot water to wash flannel.
𠵽㘓絨用熱水淨
_Fah-lan-nyoong yoong nyih-s zing_.

This water is too cold.
第个水忒冷
_Di-kuh s thuh lang_.

Wring dry.
要絞來乾點
_Iau kau le koen tien_.

Hang them up (as on a line to dry or air).
要晾起來
_Iau laung-chi-le_.

Shake well and hang up in the sun.
要抖抖咾晒拉日頭裏
_Iau teu-teu lau so la nyih-deu-li_.

[When] ironing clothes, do not have them too dry.
衣裳要燙, 勿要忒乾
_I-zaung iau thaung, ’veh iau thuh koen_.

Mend this.
第个要補
_Di-kuh iau poo_.

Mend these stockings.
第雙襪要補
_Di-saung mah iau poo_.

[I] want you to knit stockings.
要儂結一雙襪
_Iau noong kyih ih-saung mah_.

I want you to sew this.
我要儂做 (or 縫) 第个
_Ngoo iau noong tsoo_ (or _voong_) _di-kuh_.

I cannot sew.
我縫勿來个
_Ngoo voong-’veh-le-kuh_.

Then you must learn.
蓋末儂要學
_Keh-meh noong iau ‘auh_.

My children are not very small; so, therefore, I want you to sew and
knit and help me (_lit_., help in hand work).
我个小囝勿算頂小, 所以要儂相帮我做手裡生活
_Ngoo-kuh siau-noen ’veh soen ting siau, soo-i iau noong siang-paung
ngoo tsoo seu-li sang-weh_.

Put on (baby’s) outdoor clothes and take him out.
著之外罩衣裳咾領伊到外頭去
_Tsak-ts nga-tsau-i-zaung lau ling yi tau nga-deu chi_.

Don’t buy anything and give her to eat.
勿要買啥物事撥伊吃
_’Veh iau ma sa meh-z peh yi chuh_.

Don’t give him anything to eat unless I say so.
若是我勿告訴儂末, 儂勿要撥啥伊吃
_Zak-z ngoo ’veh kau-soo noong meh, noong ’veh iau peh sa yi chuh_.

Because she is sick she cannot eat this.
爲之伊有毛病, 所以勿能吃第个
_We-ts yi yeu mau-bing, soo-i ’veh nung chuh di-kuh_.

My wages are too small, please increase them.
我个工錢勿彀, 請儂加點
_Ngoo-kuh koong-dien ’veh keu, tshing noong ka-tien_.

Just now I cannot increase; afterwards I will give you more.
現在我勿能加, 後首咾加儂
_Yien-dze ngoo ’veh nung ka, ‘eu-seu lau ka noong_.

If you cannot give more now, I must leave you.
若是儂現在勿能加, 我只得停 (or 離開儂)
_Zah-z noong yien-dze ’veh nung ka, ngoo tsuh-tuh ding_ (or _li-khe
noong_).

Beginning with next month I promise to increase one dollar; next year
I will again raise you one dollar.
下个月起頭我應許加儂一塊, 到開年我再加儂一塊
_‘Au-kuh-nyoeh chi-deu ngoo iung-hyui ka noong ih-khwe, tau khe-nien
ngoo tse ka noong ih-khwe_.

=_THE GENTLEMEN’S TAILOR_ (栽縫).=
----------

Tailor 裁縫 _Ze-voong_.
Jacket 馬褂 _Mo-kwo_.
Vest 背心 _Pe-sing_.
Overcoat 大衣 (or 外罩衣) _Doo-i_ (or _Nga tsau-i_.)
Trousers 褲子 _Khoo-ts_.
Tie 結子 _Kyih-ts_.
Collar 領頭 _Ling-deu_.
Stockings 襪 _Mah_.
Singlet 襯衫 _Tshung-san_.

[For morning coat, and such articles of apparel as are not used by
the Chinese, there is no proper Chinese equivalent.]

I want you to make a suit of clothes.
我要儂做一套衣裳
_Ngoo iau noong tsoo ih-thau i-zaung_.

Make me a pair of trousers.
做一條褲子
_Tsoo ih-diau khoo-ts_.

Have you got your patterns with you?
儂有樣子否
_Noong yeu yang-ts va?_

Can you recommend this cloth?
儂想第个布好用否
_Noong siang di-kuh poo hau-yoong va?_

This colour is too dark;
第个顏色忒黑
_Di-kuh ngan-suh thuh huh_.

I want a lighter cloth for summer wear.
我要薄點个布, 爲之夏天咾用
_Ngoo iau bok-tien kuh poo, we-ts ‘au-thien lau yoong_.

What will the cost be?
啥價錢
_Sa ka-dien?_

I want a good fit.
我要儂做來配身 (or 合式个)
_Ngoo iau noong tsoo-le phe-sung_ (or _’eh-suh kuh_.)

The lining must be good.
夾裡要用好个料作
_Kah-li iau yoong hau-kuh liau-tsok_.

How long will it take to finish? [How much labour is there?]
要幾化工夫
_Iau kyi-hau koong-foo?_

When will it be ready to try on?
幾時可以拿來試試看 (or 演演看)
_Kyi-z khau-i nau-le s-s-khoen_ (or _ien-ien-khoen_).

The sleeves are too long.
袖子忒長
_Zieu-ts thuh dzang_.

The legs are too short.
褲脚忒短
_Khoo-kyak thuh toen_.

This jacket does not fit.
第个馬褂勿配身
_Di-kuh mo-kwo ’veh phe-sung_.

This overcoat is tight across the shoulders.
第件大衣个肩膀忒緊
_Di-jien doo-i kuh kyien-paung thuh kyung_.

The vest is too loose across the chest.
背心个胸膛忒寬
_Pe-sing kuh hyoong-daung thuh-khwen_.

The collar is too high.
領頭忒高
_Ling-deu thuh kau_.

I want a pocket inside.
裡向也要有袋
_Li-hyang ’a iau yeu de_.

The trousers must have side pockets.
褲子兩傍應該有袋
_Khoo-ts liang-baung iung-ke yeu de_.

I want you to mend these trousers.
第條褲子要儂修
_Di diau khoo-ts iau noong sieu_.

Put more buttons on.
鈕子要多點
_Nyeu-ts iau too-tien_.

Put new cuffs on these shirts.
汗衫上要換新个袖頭
_‘Oen-san-laung iau wen sing-kuh zieu-deu_.

[This] shirt front is frayed; I want a new one.
汗衫个前面壞者, 要換新个
_‘Oen-san kuh zien-mien wa-tse, iau wen sing-kuh_.

The material is mine, how much for making only?
料作我自辦, 不過做工要幾錢
_Liau-tsauk ngoo z-ban, peh-koo tsoo-koong iau kyi-dien?_

=_THE LADIES’ TAILOR_.=
----------

Call a tailor.
呌一个裁縫來
_Kyau ih-kuh ze-voong le_.

I want you to make a dress.
我要儂做一套衣裳*
_Ngoo iau noong tsoo ih-thau i-zaung_.*

*This is the same expression that is used for a suit of clothes.

I want you to make a skirt.
我要儂做一條裙
_Ngoo iau noong tsoo ih-diau juin_.

I want you to make a bodice.
我要儂做一个肚兜
_Ngoo iau noong tsoo ih-kuh doo-teu_.

I want you to make a jacket.
我要儂做一件馬褂
_Ngoo iau noong tsoo ih-jien mo-kwo_.

I want you to make a cloak.
我要儂做一件外罩个袍褂
_Ngoo iau noong tsoo ih-jien nga-tsau-kuh bau-kwo_.

This sleeve is too long; make it shorter.
第个袖子忒長; 要做來短點
_Di-kuh zieu-ts thuh dzang; iau tsoo-le toen-tien_.

This garment is too tight; make it easier.
第件衣裳身胚忒緊,要做來寬點
_Di-jien i-zaung sung-phe thuh kyung; iau tsoo-le khwen tien_.

This is too wide (or loose); make tighter.
第件衣裳身胚忒寬, 要做來緊點
_Di-jien i-zaung sung-phe thuh khwen; iau tsoo-le kyung tien_.

Make like this pattern.
照第个樣式咾做
_Tsau di-kuh yang-suh lau tsoo_.

Please bring me samples of native cloth (to let me see).
請儂擔點本地布个樣子撥我看看
_Tshing noong tan tien pung-di poo-kuh yang-ts, peh-ngoo khoen-khoen_.

Please bring me samples of foreign cloth (to let me see).
請儂擔點外國布个樣子撥我看看
Tshing noong tan tien nga-kok poo-kuh yang-ts, peh ngoo khoen-khoen.

Have you samples of grass cloth?
儂有夏布个樣子否
_Noong yeu ‘au-poo kuh yang-ts va?_

What you have of broad and narrow cloth, bring and let me see.
所有闊咾狹个布, 全擔來讓我看看
_Soo yeu khweh lau ‘ah kuh poo, zen tan-le nyang ngoo khoen-khoen_.

When can you finish it?
幾時可以做好 (or 做得好)
_Kyi-z khau-i tsoo-hau?_ (or _tsoo-tuh-hau_).

I want you to do it quicker.
我要儂快點做
_Ngoo iau noong khwa-tien tsoo_.

Can you finish it this week?
拉第个禮拜裏, 做得好否
_La di-kuh li-pa li, tsoo-tuh hau va?_

This week it is impossible to finish.
拉第个禮拜裏, 來勿及做好
_La di-kuh li-pa li, le-’veh-ji tsoo-hau_.

Then next week certainly must finish.
蓋末下个禮拜, 一定要做好
_Keh-meh ‘au-kuh li-pa, ih-ding iau tsoo-hau_.

How much will it cost to make these clothes?
第件衣裳做工啥價錢
_Di-jien i-zaung tsoo-koong sa ka-dien?_

You ask too big a price.
儂討个價錢忒貴.
_Noong thau-kuh ka-dien thuh kyui_.

Yes (_or_ all right), I can pay you this price.
好个, 我可以撥儂第个價錢
_Hau-kuh, ngoo khau-i peh noong di-kuh ka-dieh_.

Why have you not done as I told you?
爲啥勿照我告訴儂个様子咾做
_We-sa ’veh tsau ngoo kau-soo noong-kuh yang-ts lau tsoo?_

You have done very well. When I have more work I shall want you to do
it (_lit_., and another time I will want you to do work.)
儂做來蠻好, 下回我還要儂做
Noong tsoo-le ’man-hau; ‘au-we ngoo wan iau
noong tsoo.

=_THE WASHERMAN_ (淨衣裳个人).=
----------

Take these clothes and wash them.
第个衣裳擔去淨 (or 汏)
_Di-kuh i-zaung tan-chi zing_ (or _da_).

Be careful in washing this; and do not tear it.
要當心淨; 勿要淨破
_Iau taung-sing zing; ’veh iau zing-phoo_.

This garment wants starch, but do not make it too stiff.
第件衣裳要用點䊢, 但是勿要忒硬
_Di-jien i-zaung iau yoong tien tsiang, dan-z ’veh iau thuh ngang_.

Do not starch this garment.
第件衣裳勿要䊢
_Di-jien i-zaung, ’veh iau tsiang_.

See, you have torn this garment.
諾, 看看, 第件衣裳撥儂弄壞者
_Nau! khoen-khoen! di-jien i-zaung peh noong loong-wa-tse_.

See, this window curtain has been spoiled by you.
儂看, 第个窗帘撥儂弄壞者
_Noong khoen, di-kuh tshaung-lien peh noong loong-wa-tse_.

It is dirty, wash again.
弄齷齪者, 要再淨
_Loong auh tshauh tse; iau tse zing_.

One piece is still missing, why?
還缺少一件, 啥緣故
_Wan choeh-sau ih-jien; sa yoen-koo?_

It is lost; I will try to find it.
失脫者, 我再要尋尋看
_Seh-theh tse; ngoo tse iau zing-zing-khoen_.

If you cannot find it, you must pay for it.
若是尋勿著, 要儂賠个
_Zah-z zing-’veh-dzak, iau noong be kuh_.

What is the price for washing one piece?
淨一件啥價錢
_Zing ih-jien sa ka-dien?_

Three cents a piece.
三分洋錢一件
_San-fung yang-dien i-jien_.

Bring these clothes back in two or three days.
第件衣裳兩三日就要擔來
_Di-jien i-zaung liang san nyih zieu iau tan-le_.

I am going away (_or_ leaving Shanghai) presently.
我就要出門 (or 我就要離開上海)
_Ngoo zieu iau tsheh-mung_ (or _ngoo zieu iau li-khe Zaung-he_).

So you must bring back my clothes at once.
所以我个衣裳就擔來
_Soo-i ngoo-kuh i-zaung zieu tan-le_.

These clothes are not ironed properly; iron them again.
第件衣裳燙來勿好, 要再燙
_Di-jien i-zaung thaung-le ’veh hau; iau tse thaung_.

These clothes are not washed properly, wash them again.
第件衣裳淨來勿乾淨, 要再淨
_Di-jien i-zaung zing le ’veh koen-zing, iau tse zing_.

Don’t put any soda in the water.
水裡勿要放鹻
_S-li ’veh iau faung kan_.

As it easily takes out the colour.
爲之容易退顏色
_We-ts yoong-yi the ngan-suh_.

How many pieces have you washed this month?
第个月裡淨之幾件衣裳
_Di-kuh nyoeh-li zing-ts kyi-jien i-zaung?_

=_THE MAFOO_ (馬夫).=
----------

=I. Riding.=

Saddle the horse.
裝好馬
_Tsaung-hau mo_.

The girths are too loose.
馬肚帶忒寬
_Mo-doo-ta thuh khwen_.

Tighten up the girths.
馬肚帶要收緊
_Mo-doo-ta iau seu kyung_.

Lengthen (or lower) the stirrup.
馬踏櫈要放下點
_Mo-dah-tung iau faung ’au-tien_.

Those stirrup irons are not bright (or not clean).
馬踏櫈个鐵擦來勿亮 or 勿乾淨
_Mo-dah-tung-kuh thih tshah le ’veh liang_ (or _veh koen-zing_).

Loosen the curb (chain.)
馬嚼鐵放寬點
_Mo-ziak-thih faung khwen tien_.

Have you put on the saddle-cloth?
馬鞍子个布櫬拉末
_Mo-oen-ts-kuh-poo tshung la meh?_

Don’t take off the rug.
毯子勿要擔脫
_Than-ts veh iau tan-theh_.

Take off the rug.
毯子要擔去
_Than-ts iau tan-chi_.

When did you feed the pony?
儂幾時喂个馬料
_Noong kyi-z iui-kuh mo-liau?_

Give him a good feed.
要撥好个馬料伊吃
_Iau peh hau-kuh mo-liau yi chuh_.

Has he had a drink?
有吃過水否
_Yeu chuh-koo s va?_

That saddle does not fit properly.
馬鞍子裝來勿好 (or 勿妥帖)
_Mo-oen-ts tsaung le ’veh hau_ (or _veh thoo thih_).

Walk him round a bit.
牽之讓伊走走
_Chien-ts nyang yi tseu-tseu_.

Don’t feed him now.
現在勿要撥啥伊吃
_Yien-dze ’veh iau peh sa yi chuh_.

He is very hot.
伊是頂熱 (or 伊是熱得極拉)
_Yi z ting nyih_ (or _Yi z nyih tuh-juh la_).

Don’t give him any water.
勿要撥水伊吃
_’Veh iau peh s yi chuh_.

That pony is sick.
伊隻馬有病
_I-tsak mo yeu bing_.

Go and get the veterinary surgeon.
去喊馬醫來
_Chi lian mo-i le_.

Hold him until I get on.
儂牽牢拉讓我騎上去
_Noong chien-lau-la, nyang ngoo ji-zaung-chi_.

Put more straw in his stall (or box.)
馬棚裏多放點稻柴
_Mo-bang-li too faung tien dau-za_.

The pony is very dirty; give him a good rub-down.
馬齷齪來; 要刷乾淨
_Mo auh-thsauh le; iau seh koen-zing_.

=II. Driving.=

Get the carriage ready.
馬車裝起來
_Mo-tsho tsaung-chi-le_.

Bring the carriage round.
馬車牽過來
_Mo-tsho chien-koo-le_.

The carriage is not clean.
馬車勿乾淨
_Mo-tsho ’veh koen-zing_.

The lamps are dirty.
燈是齷齪个
_Tung z auh-tshauh kuh_.

Are there candles in the lamps?
燈裡有蠟燭否
_Tung-li yeu lah-tsok va?_

The collar doesn’t fit.
軛頭裝來勿伏帖
_Ah-deu tsaung le veh vok-thih_.

It will hurt the horse’s shoulder.
要擦傷馬頸骨个
_Iau tshah-saung mo-kyung-kweh-kuh_.

Keep the harness clean and in good order.
馬傢生要乾淨咾合式个
_Mo ka-sang iau koen-zing lau ’eh-suh kuh_.

Don’t go (drive) too quickly.
勿要忒快
_’Veh iau thuh khwa_.

(Drive) more quickly.
要快點
_Iau khwa-tien_.

Stay here until I come back.
停拉此地等我轉來
_Ding la tsh-di, tung ngoo tsen-le_.

At ten o’clock come back.
十點鐘再來
_Zeh tien-tsoong tse le_.

I want the carriage at nine o’clock.
九點鐘我要馬車
_Kyeu tien-tsoong ngoo iau mo-tsho_.

(Those) wheels are loose.
輪盤鬆者
_Lung-ben soong tse_.

Put new washers on.
要換新个拈墊
_Iau wen sing-kuh nyien-dien_.

I want a two-horse carriage.
我要雙馬車
_Ngoo iau saung mo-tsho_.

Be careful with that horse.
當心伊隻馬
_Taung-sing i-tsak mo_.

He may run away.
伊要逃走 or 跑開
_Yi iau dau-tseu_ (or _bau-khe_.)

=_PURCHASING_.=
----------

I want to buy china.
我要買磁器
_Ngoo iau ma dz-chi_.

Silk.
絲綢
_S-dzeu_.

Embroidery.
顧繡
_Koo-sieu_.

Furs.
皮貨
_Bi-hoo_.

Old curios.
古董
_Koo-toong_.

Cloisonné ware.
珐藍个物事
_Fah-lan kuh meh-z_.

A blue bowl with cover.
淡描蓋碗
_Dan-miau ke-’wen_.

An incense burner.
香爐
_Hyang-loo_.

Knife cash.
刀錢
_Tau-dzien_.

Ancient cash.
古錢
_Koo-dzien_.

Wood Carvings.
木刻玩器
_Mok-khuh wan-chi_.

Carvings.
刻作
_Khuh-tsauh_.

Silver ware.
銀器
_Nyung-chi_.

Boxes of puzzles.
七巧板
_Tshih-chau-pan_.

Teapots.
茶壺
_Dzo-‘oo_.

Please show me your wares.
儂个貨色請儂撥我看看
_Noong-kuh hoo-suh tshing noong peh ngoo khoen-khoen_.

What is the price of this?
第个啥價錢
_Di-kuh sa ka-dien?_

This is too dear.
第个價錢忒貴
_Di-kuh ka-dien thuh kyui_.

Can you make it cheaper?
可以[C1]點否
_Khau-i jang-tien va?_

This is imitation.
第个是翻做个
_Di-kuh z fan-tsoo-kuh_.

This is not real.
第个勿是眞个
_Di-kuh ’veh-z tsung-kuh_.

Can you use these dollars?
第个洋錢好用否
_Di-kuh yang-dien hau yoong va?_

What discount on Hongkong dollars?
每塊香港洋錢齾脫幾化
_’Me-khwe Hyang-kaung yang-dien ngah-theh kyi-hau?_

What is the value of Japanese yen?
每塊日本洋錢申幾化
_Me-khwe Zeh-pung yang-dien sung kyi-hau?_

How many Mexican dollars will an English sovereign bring?
每磅金洋値英洋幾化
_Me paung kyung-yang dzuk Iung-yang kyi-hau?_

What is the value of American dollars?
每塊花旗洋錢値幾化
_’Me khwe Hwo-ji yang-dien dzuh kyi-hau?_

=_THE CHINESE TEACHER_ (先生).=
----------

I want a (Chinese) teacher.
我要請一位先生
_Ngoo iau tshing ih-we sien-sang_.

I want to learn Mandarin.
我要學官話
_Ngoo iau ’auh Kwen-wo_.

I want to learn the Shanghai dialect.
我要學上海土白
_Ngoo iau ’auh Zaung-he thoo-bak_.

Good morning, teacher.
先生早呀
_Sien-sang tsau ’a_.

My Chinese words are few.
我个中國說話勿多
_Ngoo-kuh Tsoong-kok seh-wo ’veh-too_.

I want to study in the morning.
我要拉早晨讀書
_Ngoo iau la tsau-zung dok-su_.

What hour in the morning to begin?
早晨幾點鐘起頭
_Tsau-zung kyi tien-tsoong chi-deu?_

From seven to eight o’clock.
七點鐘到八點鐘
_Tshih tien-tsoong tau pah tien-tsoong_.

Can you come earlier?
儂能彀早點來否
_Noong nung-keu tsau-tien le va?_

What hour is most convenient?
啥時候頂便當
_Sa z-’eu ting bien-taung_.

How much a month do you wish?
每月儂要幾化薪水
_’Me nyoeh noong iau kyi-kau sing-soe?_

If each day [we] study one hour [I] want eight dollars.
若是每日讀一點鐘要八塊洋錢
_Zak-z ’me nyih dok ih tien-tsoong iau pah-khwe yang-dien_.

What book do you think I should study?
儂想讀啥个書
_Noong siang dok sa-kuh su?_

To aspirate is important.
出風是要緊个
_Tsheh-foong z iau-kyung kuh_.

Read it over again.
再讀一遍
_Tse dok ih-pien_.

[To teacher] Should I learn to write the characters?
儂想我要學寫中國字否
_Noong siang ngoo iau ’auh sia Tsoong-kok z va?_

[To teacher] Do I speak correctly?
我話來對否
_Ngoo wo le te va?_

[To student] You do not speak distinctly.
儂話來勿淸爽
_Noong wo le ’veh tshing-saung_.

Speak more quickly.
話來快點
_Wo-le khwa-tien_.

Speak more slowly.
話來慢點
_Wo-le man-tien_.

You speak too quick.
儂話來忒决
_Noong wo le thuh-khwa_.

To listen to other people’s idiom is important.
聼別人个話法是要緊个
_Thing bih-nyung-kuh wo-fah z iau-kyung-kuh_.

[We have] finished the study of this book; may [we] study Yates’
Lessons?*
第本書讀完之,可以讀中國譯語妙法否
Di pung su dok-wen-ts, khau-i dok Tsoong-kok Yuk Nyui Miau Fah va?

* Since writing these Sentences new Lessons on the Shanghai Dialect
have been prepared by Rev. L. Hawks Pott, D.D.(卜先生)

Sir, please write a letter for me.
先生請儂替我寫一封信
_Sien-sang, tshing noong thi ngoo sia ih foong sing_.

[To teacher] To-morrow I have matters [to attend to] and will not be
able to study.
明朝我有事體, 勿能讀書
_Ming-tsau ngoo yeu z-thi, ’veh nung dok-su_.

[To student] The day after to-morrow I go from home and cannot come to
teach.
後日我要出門, 勿能來敎書
_‘Eu-nyih ngoo iau tsheh-mung, ’veh nung le kau su_.