How to make small talk in English?

Haha, you should try the tomato or mushroom broth next time — those are mild. In China, we usually order both a spicy and a mild pot. It's called yuanyang pot.

哈哈，下次你可以试番茄锅或菌汤锅——那些不辣。在中国我们一般点一个辣锅一个清汤锅。叫鸳鸯锅。

💡 鸳鸯锅（half-and-half pot）是火锅店最常见的搭配，适合口味不同的人一起吃。

Yes, sharing is a big part of Chinese dining culture. We order several dishes and everyone shares. It's about togetherness. But after COVID, more restaurants offer individual portions now.

是的，分享是中国饮食文化的重要部分。我们点好几个菜大家一起吃。这代表一种团聚感。不过疫情后，更多餐厅也提供分餐了。

💡 中国传统合餐制（family-style dining）在西方也越来越常见，但公筷（serving chopsticks）的概念外国朋友可能不太熟悉。

Right, tipping isn't a thing in China. The price you see is what you pay. But here in the US, I've learned that 18 to 20 percent is expected. I was so confused the first time!

对，中国没有小费文化。看到的价格就是你付的价格。但在美国我了解到要给18%到20%。我第一次也很困惑！

The portion sizes! Everything is so huge here. In China, dishes are smaller but we order more variety. Here, one plate is enough for two people sometimes.

份量大小！这里的东西都好大份。在中国菜量小但我们点更多种类。这里有时候一盘够两个人吃。

In China, taking food home isn't embarrassing at all — we call it "dabao." It's actually considered responsible to not waste food.

在中国打包一点都不丢人——我们叫「打包」。不浪费食物其实是负责任的表现。

💡 中国近年推行「光盘行动」（Clean Plate Campaign），提倡不浪费食物。在国外打包也很正常，说 "Can I get a to-go box?" 即可。

Thanksgiving is coming up. What does your family usually do?

感恩节快到了。你家一般怎么过？

The closest one would be Mid-Autumn Festival. We eat mooncakes and admire the full moon with family. And of course, Chinese New Year is the biggest — everyone goes back to their hometown.

最接近的应该是中秋节。我们吃月饼，和家人一起赏月。当然，春节是最大的——所有人都回老家。

💡 春节的「春运」（Spring Festival travel rush）是世界上最大规模的年度人口迁移。

Very strong, especially from parents. In Chinese culture, family gatherings during New Year are almost mandatory. If you don't go home, your parents would be really disappointed.

压力很大，特别是来自父母。在中国文化里，过年团聚几乎是必须的。如果不回家，父母会很失望。

It depends on the city, but many do, especially with housing prices being so high. It's not considered embarrassing — actually, it's seen as being close to your family. Parents often help with childcare too.

看城市，但很多人确实和父母住，尤其房价这么高。这不算丢人——实际上被认为是和家人亲近。父母也经常帮忙带孩子。

Exactly. I think that's what makes cross-cultural friendships so interesting — we can learn from each other's perspectives.

确实。我觉得这就是跨文化友谊有趣的地方——我们可以互相学习不同的视角。