Chinese children's game: Hacky Sack-tī jiàn zi

Monday, April 22, 2024

In the bustling streets of cities, there are always hidden gems of unique fun and surprises. Among these is the ancient and vibrant activity known as hacky sack, a street game originating from traditional Chinese culture. Today, let's delve into this entertaining and energetic urban pursuit.

What is Hacky Sack

Hacky sack is a traditional street game typically played by a small group of friends or strangers. The objective of the game is simple: kick a small wooden block (known as the "sack") with your foot 脚 ( jiǎo), causing it to bounce off the ground, and then swiftly catch it with the same foot. While the rules are straightforward, hacky sack requires skill and coordination, presenting a challenge to players' physical agility and reflexes.

脚 ( jiǎo), noun, foot

Examples:

  1. I hurt my foot while playing soccer.
    我踢足球时伤到了脚。
    wǒ tī zúqiú shí shāng dào le jiǎo.
  2. She measured the room with her foot.
    她用脚测量了房间。
    tā yòng jiǎo cèliángle fángjiān.

How to Play

Playing hacky sack is incredibly straightforward, requiring only a small wooden block and a willing group of participants. First, find a flat surface, preferably with some bounce, such as concrete or a basketball court. Then, toss the block onto the ground, kick it with your foot to make it bounce, and quickly catch it with the same foot. Successfully kicking踢 (tī) and catching the block consecutively constitutes a successful hacky sack.

踢 (tī), verb, kicking

Examples:

  1. He is kicking the ball.
    他正在踢足球。 
    tā zhèngzài tī zúqiú.
  2. Puppy like kicking the ball.
    小狗喜欢踢球。 
    xiǎo gǒu xǐhuān tī qiú.

Why is Hacky Sack Fun

Despite its apparent simplicity, hacky sack is filled with challenges and enjoyment. Firstly, it serves as a social activity, fostering interaction and communication among players. Whether it's casual banter between friends or bonding among strangers, hacky sack brings people closer together, enhancing camaraderie.

Secondly, hacky sack is an excellent way to exercise coordination and reflexes. Through continuous kicking and catching of the block, players can improve their reaction speed and agility, enhancing physical coordination and promoting overall health.

Key Sentences:

  1. We had a lot of fun playing hacky sack in the park.
    我们在公园里玩踢毽子，非常开心。 
    Wǒmen zài gōngyuán lǐ wán tī jiànzi, fēicháng kāixīn.
  2. Yesterday, my friends and I practiced hacky sack together.
    昨天我和朋友们一起练习踢毽子。 
    Zuótiān wǒ hé péngyǒumen yīqǐ liànxí tī jiànzi.
  3. The children played hacky sack games on the school playground.
    孩子们在学校操场上玩踢毽子游戏。 
    Háizimen zài xuéxiào cāochǎng shàng wán tī jiànzi yóuxì.

Sign up for a free trial now!

FAQ / Tips

Our instructors are highly skilled and experienced experts in Chinese language teaching, with proficiency in multiple languages. They hold at least a bachelor's degree in teaching Chinese as a foreign language, and possess extensive teaching experience and knowledge. Through a rigorous selection process and ongoing training, our instructors are equipped to provide students with authentic pronunciation, accurate language usage, and cultural background knowledge, all of which are essential for achieving mastery of the Chinese language.
Before starting any Chinese language course, the teacher will assess your Chinese language proficiency level through a placement test.This helps to determine your current level of understanding and ability in Chinese, and allows the teacher to tailor the course materials and teaching methods to your specific needs and goals. The placement test may include assessments of your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.Based on the results of the test, the teacher will be able to recommend an appropriate course of study for you.
We offer highly flexible class schedules that cater to your needs, with lessons available from 7am to 10pm Beijing time, seven days a week.This allows you to conveniently take lessons at any time and from any location that suits your schedule.
We offer a referral program that rewards both you and your friend with free classes.To participate, simply refer a friend to our program and once they successfully enroll, both you and your friend will receive free classes.We appreciate your support and look forward to helping you and your friend achieve your language learning goals.
We provide a wealth of Chinese teaching materials and learning resources, including but not limited to textbooks, workbooks, listening materials, reading materials, video courses, and online courses.Our teaching materials and resources are carefully selected and designed to meet the learning needs and goals of different learners. At the same time, our teachers will provide personalized teaching and guidance based on the learning characteristics and needs of students to ensure that students can learn and master Chinese language efficiently.
Thank you for choosing Chinese Learning for your language learning needs.If you need to cancel or reschedule a lesson, please do so at least 4 hours ahead of time. To request a cancellation, please send an email to ivy.wang @chineselearning.com or service @chineselearning.com.We appreciate your cooperation and understanding, and we look forward to providing you with the best learning experience possible."