My Experience With Taking A Shower In Chinese
When I first moved to China, one of the biggest challenges I faced was taking a shower. It sounds simple, but the language barrier made it quite difficult. I remember standing in the bathroom, staring at the controls on the shower wall, feeling completely lost. I had no idea what any of the Chinese characters meant, and I didn’t know how to turn the water on, let alone adjust the temperature.
Over time, I learned how to navigate the shower controls, and I even picked up some useful Chinese vocabulary along the way. In this article, I’ll share some tips and tricks for taking a shower in Chinese, as well as some pros and cons of this experience.
What is “Take a Shower in Chinese”?
“Take a shower in Chinese” refers to the experience of showering in China when you don’t speak the language. This can be challenging, as the shower controls are often labeled in Chinese characters and the water pressure and temperature settings may be different from what you’re used to.
Step-by-Step Guide for Taking a Shower in Chinese
Here is a step-by-step guide for how to take a shower in China:
- Turn on the water. Look for the character “开” (kāi) which means “open”.
- Adjust the water pressure. Look for the characters “强” (qiáng) which means “strong” or “弱” (ruò) which means “weak”.
- Adjust the water temperature. Look for the characters “热” (rè) which means “hot” or “冷” (lěng) which means “cold”.
- Shower as usual.
- Turn off the water. Look for the character “关” (guān) which means “close”.
Top 10 Tips for Taking a Shower in Chinese
Here are some tips to help make your showering experience in China a little easier:
- Learn some basic Chinese vocabulary related to showering, such as “hot”, “cold”, “strong”, “weak”, “shampoo”, “soap”, and “towel”.
- Take a picture of the shower controls and show it to a Chinese friend or colleague, who can explain the meaning of the characters.
- Use a translation app on your phone to translate the characters on the shower controls.
- Bring your own shampoo, soap, and towel, as these may not be provided in some Chinese hotels or apartments.
- Check the water pressure and temperature before stepping into the shower, as they may be different from what you’re used to.
- Be patient and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
- Try to shower at off-peak times to avoid competing with other residents for hot water.
- Consider investing in a water filter or shower head with a built-in filter, as the water quality in some parts of China may be poor.
- Use a shower cap to protect your hair from hard water and mineral buildup.
- Remember to turn off the water when you’re done!
Pros and Cons of Taking a Shower in Chinese
Here are some pros and cons to consider when taking a shower in China:
Pros:
- You’ll learn some useful Chinese vocabulary related to showering.
- You’ll gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and daily life.
- You’ll develop problem-solving and adaptability skills.
Cons:
- The language barrier can be frustrating and time-consuming.
- You may not be able to adjust the water pressure and temperature to your liking.
- The water quality may be poor in some parts of China.
FAQs
Q: Is it safe to shower in China?
A: Yes, it is safe to shower in China. However, you may want to invest in a water filter or shower head with a built-in filter to improve the water quality.
Q: Do I need to bring my own towel and toiletries?
A: It depends on where you’re staying. Some Chinese hotels and apartments provide towels and toiletries, but others do not. It’s always a good idea to bring your own, just in case.
Q: What should I do if I can’t figure out the shower controls?
A: Try to find someone who speaks Chinese to help you, or use a translation app on your phone to translate the characters on the controls.
My Personal Review and Suggestion
Overall, I found the experience of taking a shower in Chinese to be challenging but rewarding. It forced me to step outside of my comfort zone and learn some new vocabulary, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for Chinese culture. That being said, it can be frustrating and time-consuming, especially if you’re in a hurry or if the water pressure and temperature are not to your liking. My suggestion would be to come prepared with your own towel and toiletries, and to be patient and persistent when trying to figure out the shower controls. And don’t forget to turn off the water when you’re done!