July 5, 2026 · 星期日
Approaching Minor Heat
小暑· to move (i.e. relocate oneself)
Today’s episode with Jason & AmyMinor Heat emphasizes adapting to seasonal changes for health and well-being.
Approaching Minor Heat
小暑xiǎo shǔ
As we approach the Minor Heat, or 小暑, on July 7th, we enter a period that traditionally signifies the onset of the sweltering summer days. This solar term is the 11th in the traditional Chinese lunar calendar and it marks a transition towards the hottest phase of the year[1]. During this time, the temperatures begin to climb, and the air becomes more humid, signaling the full arrival of summer.
In Chinese culture, Minor Heat is not just about the weather; it is also a time for certain customs and activities. People often prepare by adjusting their diets to include cooling foods such as watermelon and tea made from chrysanthemum flowers, which are believed to help balance the body's internal heat[2]. This practice is aligned with traditional Chinese medicine, which emphasizes harmony between the body and the environment.
The word of the day, 搬 (bān), meaning "to move," can take on a special significance during this period. In many places, this is a time when people might relocate to cooler areas or adjust their living arrangements to better cope with the heat. It serves as a reminder of the adaptability and resilience required to thrive during the hottest months of the year.
As we prepare for Minor Heat, we reflect on how this period encourages us to be mindful of our environment and our well-being. Whether it’s through dietary changes or minor adjustments in our daily routines, we are reminded of the natural cycles and how they influence our lives.
Minor Heat emphasizes adapting to seasonal changes for health and well-being.
我们要搬家了。
Wǒmen yào bānjiā le.
We are moving.
- [1] 《二十四节气》 The Twenty-Four Solar Terms
- [2] 《黄帝内经》 The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine
Jason & Amy on 搬
Podcast: Daily Chinese: 搬 — Approaching Minor Heat
Jason & Amy on 搬 and Approaching Minor Heat
New here?
我要搬桌子。
Wǒ yào bān zhuōzi.
I want to move the table.
This simple sentence uses 搬 to mean physically moving an object.
他们搬家了。
Tāmen bānjiā le.
They moved to a new house.
The sentence uses 搬 to describe relocating to a new home.
他想搬到北京。
Tā xiǎng bān dào Běijīng.
He wants to move to Beijing.
搬 is used to indicate the act of moving to a different city.
搬动这些家具需要技巧。
Bāndòng zhèxiē jiājù xūyào jìqiǎo.
Moving these pieces of furniture requires skill.
搬 is used in a more abstract sense, indicating skill in moving.
Using 搬 with Location
搬 + 到 + Location
This pattern indicates moving to a new location. 搬 is used with 到 to express the destination of the move.
Use this pattern when talking about relocating to a specific place.
我搬到上海了。
Wǒ bān dào Shànghǎi le.
I moved to Shanghai.
他们要搬到新家。
Tāmen yào bān dào xīn jiā.
They are moving to a new home.
我们打算搬到海边。
Wǒmen dǎsuàn bān dào hǎibiān.
We plan to move to the seaside.
What does 搬 mean?
How is 搬 pronounced?
How do you write "to move (i.e. relocate oneself)" in Chinese?
Listen. What does the sentence mean?
我们___家了。(We are ___ to a new home.)
我们要搬家了。 — What does this sentence mean?
What food is traditionally consumed during Minor Heat for cooling?
Arrange into a correct sentence
Frequently asked questions about the word 搬
'搬' refers to moving heavy or bulky items, while '移' implies a gentler or more subtle shift, like relocating something small or changing a position.
Yes, '搬' can also refer to shifting ideas or concepts in a casual context, although it's primarily used for physical movement.
'To move house' is '搬家' (bān jiā) in Chinese.
Today's Mandarin word: 搬 (bān) — to move (i.e. relocate oneself).
Learn it on Mandarin Temple's Dragon Daily 🐉