Making Out in Chinese: Revised Edition (Mandarin Chinese Phrasebook)

Well, the book certainly provides what the title promises. I was not disappointed! Now to "try it out" in the world! Recommend this even for the purposes of getting a more "real" and useful vocabulary addition.

This is a nice little book that contains many commonly used phrases in Chinese speaking countries. It has phrases that common folks use, not obsolete text book phrases only foreigners use. So if you want to do a better job of being understood by the locals, this book could help. I wish I had it when I went to China, but I'll definitely bring it with me the next time I go.

This is a very small phrase book. As far as phrase books go, it contains much less information than any regular sized phrase book. As such, it may be most suitable for someone who knows no Chinese and would like to learn just a few expressions. On the other hand, this booklet does include few slang expressions, some insults, dating and sex-related language which you won't find in a regular phrase book. All words / expressions are written in English, in Chinese simplified characters, and in pinyin.

I first encountered this book on a plane to the mainland. A group of people were passing it around and laughing almost to the point of tears. They were reading the books contents and making a lot of jokes in Chinese. Later, in China, I encountered the infamous romanization system that they use there and could hardly make out a single pronounciation. Later, I bought a copy of Making Out in Chinese and was so relieved that the author did not write the pronounciations using the inane romanization system. I could actually say what I wanted to say in Chinese and be understood. I would highly recommend the book to those who hate the ping-yin system. I would also recommend the book to those who want to learn Chinese that is not taught in the classroom. A big thumbs up for Making Out in Chinese!