Sometimes English words seem vague to native Chinese speakers.

Most of you have learned that there is no direct translation for “yes” and “no” in Chinese. Answers to questions are given by using the verbs involved in the question. The word “available” is similar. There is no Chinese equivalent. In fact, my Chinese tutor told me it was challenging for her to understand the English word “available,” because it seems rather vague and is used in ways that don’t seem connected from a Chinese viewpoint.

To read more, including Chinese characters and diagrammed translations, go to:

Available 有空，沒事，有錢，可以用，有賣，空缺 in Chinese