Carol’s China Glossary: Chapter One

(Learned in the first two weeks)

Expat – Short for expatriate, someone who resides in a different country for an extended length of time with permission of the host government but keeps their citizenship to their home country.

Compound – Enclosed neighborhood, condominiums, apartments, detached houses that cater to expats and local well-to-do families.  Therefore several different countries and languages are represented.

Western – Anything from the US culture and references  restaurants, clothing, or people.

Asian – Broad description of Chinese, Japanese, Taiwanese, Thai.  (see above)

Whitie – derogatory term for a Caucasian person.

Villa – Known in the states as a condominium.

Metro – Underground transportation

Fappio (FAH-pee-oh) – A receipt for purchased goods, taxi rides, etc. 

Ayi (EYE-ee) – literally “Auntie”- a domestic helper to hire for shopping, cooking, cleaning, laundry or babysitting.  Rarely speak any English and arrive on foot, bicycle, bus, or motor scooter.

Driver – Hired driver of a lease vehicle assigned to us.  We are not allowed to drive, so careful planning is the only way to get anywhere.  They rarely speak English. Think of the show “Taxi” with charades.

A proper business card exchange

Business Card – You’re nobody without one.  Having your home address written in Chinese is helpful for taxi rides, etc.  Collect one wherever you go, so you can get back there.  They are presented with both hands.  

Non-smoking – These areas do not exist.  Smoking in public, restaurants and private homes is the norm. Not in my home, though!

ABC – an American Born Chinese person.

KFC – Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants are everywhere!  The Chinese love their chicken, especially the dark meat.  The restaurants are not looked down upon but are held in reverence to the good old 

USA. Some even have tablecloths.

Xièxièxiè  (SHAY-shay-eh) – Thank-you!