How to express "I used to have two dogs" in Chinese

 There are several ways to express "I used to have two dogs" in Chinese, each with slightly different nuances. Here are the most common and natural ways:

1. 我以前养过两只狗。 (Wǒ yǐqián yǎng guò liǎng zhī gǒu.)

• This is the most common and straightforward way.
• "以前 (yǐqián)" means "before" or "in the past."
• "养 (yǎng)" means "to raise" or "to keep (pets)."
• "过 (guò)" indicates a past experience.
• "两只 (liǎng zhī)" means "two (of animals)."
• "狗 (gǒu)" means "dog."

2. 以前我养过两条狗。 (Yǐqián wǒ yǎng guò liǎng tiáo gǒu.)

• This is also very common.
• "条 (tiáo)" is also a measure word for dogs, and many long thin animals.
• This is almost interchangeable with the first example.

3. 我曾经养过两只狗。 (Wǒ céngjīng yǎng guò liǎng zhī gǒu.)

• "曾经 (céngjīng)" also means "once" or "formerly."
• This is slightly more formal than "以前 (yǐqián)."

4. 我过去养过两只狗。 (Wǒ guòqù yǎng guò liǎng zhī gǒu.)

• "过去 (guòqù)" also means "in the past."
• This is also very similar to using “以前”

Which one to use:

• For everyday conversation, 我以前养过两只狗。 or 以前我养过两条狗。 are the most natural and recommended choices.
• 我曾经养过两只狗。 is suitable for slightly more formal situations.
• 我过去养过两只狗。 is also acceptable for everyday conversation, and is very similar to the first example.

How to express "My favorite saying is [where there's a will there's a way]" in Chinese

 There are a few ways to express "My favorite saying is [where there's a will there's a way]" in Chinese, depending on the nuance you want to convey. Here are some options:

1. Most Literal and Common:

• 我最喜欢的格言是“有志者事竟成”。 (Wǒ zuì xǐhuan de géyán shì “yǒu zhì zhě shì jìng chéng”.)
  • This is the most direct translation of the English proverb.
  • "有志者事竟成 (yǒu zhì zhě shì jìng chéng)" literally means "Those with a will, things will be accomplished."
  • It's widely understood and used.

2. Emphasizing Determination:

• 我最喜欢的一句话是“只要功夫深，铁杵磨成针”。 (Wǒ zuì xǐhuan de yī jù huà shì “zhǐyào gōngfu shēn, tiě chǔ mó chéng zhēn”.)
  • This proverb means "Where there is perseverance, a steel pestle can be ground into a needle."
  • It emphasizes the power of persistence and hard work, which aligns with the meaning of "where there's a will there's a way."
  • This phrase is very common.

3. More Formal:

• 我最欣赏的座右铭是“有志竟成”。 (Wǒ zuì xīnshǎng de zuòyòumíng shì “yǒu zhì jìng chéng”.)
  • This is a shorter, more formal version of the first option.
  • "座右铭 (zuòyòumíng)" means "motto" or "maxim."
  • "欣赏(xīnshǎng)" means to appreciate.

Which to Choose:

• For everyday conversation, "我最喜欢的格言是“有志者事竟成”。" is perfectly fine and widely understood.
• If you want to place extra emphasis on perseverance, use "我最喜欢的一句话是“只要功夫深，铁杵磨成针”。"
• For formal situations, "我最欣赏的座右铭是“有志竟成”。" is suitable.