The Story of the Red House - Part 1
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EN: The word 'of' is used to show belonging or connection between two things. In the pattern 'A of B', it usually means 'B's A'.
The color of the car.
EN: The Red House, located in Ximending, Taipei, is a historic theater and market. It is a symbol of the city's cultural preservation and a popular spot for the creative arts.
EN: The verb 'is' (be-verb) acts like an equal sign (=) to connect the subject with a description or identity.
Taipei is a big city.
EN: The Red House is a historic octagonal structure in Taipei's Ximending district. It is a symbol of the area's history and has transformed from a market to a theater and now a creative arts hub.
EN: The word 'when' is used here to connect a specific time (1908) to an event that happened during that time.
I was sleeping when the phone rang.
EN: The Red House was built during the Japanese colonial period (1895-1945). This explains its Western-style red brick architecture, which was common for public buildings designed by Japanese architects in Taiwan at that time.
EN: Use 'because of' followed by a noun or noun phrase to explain the reason for something.
We stayed home because of the heavy rain.
EN: The 'red brick' style was common in buildings constructed during the Japanese colonial period in Taiwan, reflecting Western architectural influences brought to Asia at that time.
EN: Use 'At first' to describe a situation that existed at the beginning of a story or process, often implying that things changed later.
At first, the movie was boring, but then it got exciting.
EN: The Red House was originally built as a modern market during the Japanese colonial period. Its 'public market' status reflects the early urban development of the Ximending area.
EN: The modal verb 'could' is used here as the past tense of 'can' to describe a general ability or possibility that existed in the past.
He could swim very fast when he was young.
EN: The Red House in Ximending originally served as a public market during the Japanese colonial period, reflecting the modernization of Taipei's commercial districts at that time.
EN: Use 'had' to talk about a state or possession in the past. It is the past tense of 'have' and 'has'.
The old market had many small shops.
EN: The Red House in Ximending is famous for its unique octagonal (eight-sided) design, which was considered very modern and auspicious when it was built in 1908.
EN: The verb 'make' can be used with an object and a base verb (without 'to') to mean causing someone or something to do something or be in a certain state.
The funny movie made me laugh.
EN: The 'strange design' refers to the Red House's unique octagonal (eight-sided) shape, which was very modern and unusual for a public market in Taiwan during the early 20th century.
EN: The phrase 'go through' means to experience a difficult or complex situation or process.
The company went through a hard time last year.
EN: The Red House in Ximending is a landmark that reflects Taiwan's transition from the Japanese colonial period to the post-war era, evolving from a market to a theater and now a creative hub.
EN: When we talk about a decade (a period of 10 years), we add an 's' to the year and use the word 'the' before it. For example, 'the 1960s' means the years from 1960 to 1969.
My parents loved the music of the nineteen eighties.
EN: During the 1960s and 70s, movie theaters were the primary form of entertainment in Taiwan. The Red House (紅樓) served as a major cinema during this era, reflecting the golden age of Taiwanese film culture.
EN: The phrase 'to + verb' (infinitive) is used here to show the purpose or reason why someone does an action.
I went to the store to buy some milk.
EN: In the 1960s and 70s, the Red House in Taipei was a major cultural hub where people socialized and watched movies, reflecting the early entertainment culture in Taiwan.
EN: The phrase 'As time passed' uses 'as' to show that two things are happening at the same time. It describes a gradual change over a period.
As the sun went down, the air became cold.
EN: This sentence reflects a period of decline for many historical buildings in Taipei before they were rediscovered and renovated as cultural landmarks. The Red House eventually transformed from a cinema into the creative arts hub it is today.
EN: The phrase 'It looked like...' is used to describe an impression or how a situation appeared at a certain time.
It looked like it was going to rain.
EN: The Red House in Ximending has faced many periods of decline before being revitalized as a cultural and creative hub. This sentence reflects a time when the building was neglected.
Key vocabulary words with IPA pronunciation, definitions, example sentences, and interactive quizzes.
Phrases with type tags, bilingual definitions, usage notes, and example sentences.
To be much better than other similar things or people, or to be very noticeable.
To experience a particular process or situation, especially a difficult one.
As more and more time goes by.
To gradually get into a particular state or condition.