“Ni wen wo ai ni you duo shen…”
If there is one Mandarin song that everyone in the world knows, it is “The Moon Represents My Heart” (Yue Liang Dai Biao Wo De Xin). Originally sung by the legendary Teresa Teng, this song is the “Happy Birthday” of Chinese love songs—everyone knows it.
For Mandarin learners, this is the holy grail. The tempo is slow, the tones are soft, and the vocabulary is simple.
Official Video: Teresa Teng
Pronunciation Guide: Pinyin vs Phonetics
Standard Pinyin (like Qing, Xie) can be confusing for English speakers.
- “Q” sounds like ‘Ch’ in “Cheek”.
- “X” sounds like ‘Sh’ in “She”.
- “Zh” sounds like ‘J’ in “Judge”.
We have simplified this below so you can read it naturally!
Yue Liang Dai Biao Wo De Xin: Phonetic Lyrics Breakdown
Verse 1: The Question
| Chinese (Pinyin) | Easy Phonetic Lyrics | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 你问我爱你有多深 (Nǐ wèn wǒ ài nǐ yǒu duō shēn) | Nee wen wor eye nee yo dwor shen | You ask me how deep my love is |
| 我爱你有几分 (Wǒ ài nǐ yǒu jǐ fēn) | Wor eye nee yo jee fen | How much I love you |
| 我的情也真 (Wǒ de qíng yě zhēn) | Wor de ching yeh jen | My affection is real |
| 我的爱也真 (Wǒ de ài yě zhēn) | Wor de eye yeh jen | My love is real |
| 月亮代表我的心 (Yuè liang dài biǎo wǒ de xīn) | Yue-liang die-biao wor de shin | The moon represents my heart |
Verse 2: The Soft Kiss
| Chinese (Pinyin) | Easy Phonetic Lyrics | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 轻轻的一个吻 (Qīng qīng de yī gè wěn) | Ching ching de ee ge wen | A soft kiss |
| 已经打动我的心 (Yǐ jīng dǎ dòng wǒ de xīn) | Ee-jing da-dong wor de shin | Has already moved my heart |
| 深深的一段情 (Shēn shēn de yī duàn qíng) | Shen shen de ee dwan ching | A deep affection |
| 教我思念到如今 (Jiào wǒ sī niàn dào rú jīn) | Jiao wor seu-nian dao roo-jin | Makes me miss you until now |
Chorus: Think About It
| Chinese (Pinyin) | Easy Phonetic Lyrics | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 你去想一想 (Nǐ qù xiǎng yī xiǎng) | Nee chu shiang ee shiang | Go and think about it |
| 你去看一看 (Nǐ qù kàn yī kàn) | Nee chu kan ee kan | Go and take a look |
| 月亮代表我的心 (Yuè liang dài biǎo wǒ de xīn) | Yue-liang die-biao wor de shin | The moon represents my heart |
Vocabulary Corner: Romantic Chinese
Memorize these 4 words to impress your Chinese friends:
1. Yue Liang (月亮)
- Meaning: Moon.
- Context: The title itself. In Chinese culture, the moon is a symbol of reunion and longing.
2. Dai Biao (代表)
- Meaning: To represent / To stand for.
- Context: “The moon represents my heart” implies that my heart is as constant and bright as the moon.
3. Wen (吻) vs Wen (问)
- Meaning: Kiss vs Ask.
- Pronunciation: This is tricky!
- Wěn (3rd tone, falling-rising) = Kiss.
- Wèn (4th tone, sharp falling) = Ask.
- Context clues help: “Qing qing de wen” (Soft kiss) vs “Ni wen wo” (You ask me).
4. Zhen (真)
- Meaning: Real / True.
- Context: “Wo de ai ye zhen” (My love is real).
Singing Tips: Soft Tones
Mandarin is a tonal language, but in singing, tones are less strict. However, the emotion must be right.
- Breathiness: Sing this song softly. Imagine you are whispering to someone under the moonlight.
- The “Ü” Sound: In the word Qu (Go) or Yue (Moon), the ‘u’ is pronounced like the French ‘u’ or German ‘ü’. Shape your lips like you are whistling, then say “Ee”.
Conclusion
Mastering “Yue Liang Dai Biao Wo De Xin” is a rite of passage for anyone learning Chinese. It bridges generations and cultures.
Now that you’ve tried a classic slow song, are you brave enough for a modern viral hit?
Next up is Super Idol (Douyin Song), the meme song that took over the internet!
Or if you prefer Japanese classics, go back to Sukiyaki (Ue o Muite Arukou).