ChinaAdvanced
Teaching a friend mahjong in English (advanced)
Advanced English for teaching a friend mahjong. Key line: “Hey, want me to walk you through mahjong before we deal you in?”
Full script
Lin
Hey, want me to walk you through mahjong before we deal you in?
Them
Honestly, yes. I keep hearing it's fun, but the tiles look mildly threatening.
Lin
No worries, I'll start with the basics; nobody's losing rent money today.
Them
Great, because my poker face falls apart the second I don't understand something.
Lin
First, build sets and a pair; think of it like organized chaos.
Them
Organized chaos is basically my personality, so weirdly, that helps.
Lin
And if you draw the perfect tile, try not to gloat too early.
Them
Too late. I've known these tiles six minutes, and we're already in a relationship.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
go through
✓ walk you throughguide you step by step
More than show: explain as you go
count you in
✓ deal you ininclude you; let you join
Common in card games
can't hide it
✓ my poker face falls apartI can't hide my reaction
Also for feelings showing on your face
don't gloat
✓ gloat too earlyshow off too soon
Often used with too early
Quick answers
go through: what to say in English
Say “walk you through” — guide you step by step. More than show: explain as you go.
count you in: what to say in English
Say “deal you in” — include you; let you join. Common in card games.
can't hide it: what to say in English
Say “my poker face falls apart” — i can't hide my reaction. Also for feelings showing on your face.
don't gloat: what to say in English
Say “gloat too early” — show off too soon. Often used with too early.