ChinaPulse.com

Note: The spoken Chinese Mandarin language has 4 spoken tones. We have attempted to re-create those below where after each syllable we tell you (1), (2), (3), or (4) as they correspond to each of the 4 tones. We encourage you to complement your Xianzai.com Emergency Chinese newsletter with a good offline study program.

NEW WORDS:
(1) Doctor: dai(4) fu(1)
(2) Diarrhoea: la(1) du(4) zi(3)
(3) Vomit: ou(3) tu(4)
(4) Stomach ache: du(4) zi(3) teng(2)
(5) Fever: fa(1) shao(1)
(6) Please help: qing(3) bang(1) mang(2)

LESSON:

• Doctor, I have diarrhoea.
  dai(4) fu(1), wo(3) la(1) du(4) zi(3).
• I have been vomiting all night.
  wo(3) tu(4) le yi(1) wan(3) shang(4).
• Doctor, my stomach ache is getting worse.
  dai(4) fu(1), wo(3) de du(4) zi(3) yue(4) lai(2) yue(4) teng(2) le.
• Can you give me something for a fever?
  ni(2) neng(2) gei(3) wo(3) yi(4) xie(2) zhi(4) fa(1) shao(1) de yao(4) ma?

* Tip: China has some of the greatest culinary experiences on earth, but like anywhere, being cautious about hygiene and cleanliness are important to ensure that you enjoy your time in China and not just see the inside of a bathroom!

Just because food has been cooked with lots of chili or salt does not mean that the harmful bacteria have been killed - it will just taste better! China does not have potable tap water, even in most hotels, so stick to bottled waters and avoid ice.

If you do feel unwell with diarrhoea or vomiting, get yourself to a doctor or hospital quickly. Dehydration can occur very quickly and can be fatal if not treated.