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?_