Northern Chinese colloquialisms, also known as the North China dialects (华北), are the backbone of modern Standard Mandarin. Whether you are a student using Routledge's Colloquial Series or just exploring regional flavors, these phrases will help you sound more like a native speaker.
Nǐ gà há qù? (你嘎哈去?) — Open your mouth wide and emphasize the "há" to sound authentic. "Have you eaten?" Colloquial Chinese (Northern)
Used everywhere, but deeply rooted in northern animal-based metaphors. shá The northern equivalent of shénme (什么). 二 èr Silly/Goofy Used affectionately (or not) for someone acting foolish. 溜 liù Smooth/Skilled Northern Chinese colloquialisms, also known as the North