Chinese Translations - What is the Little Boy Shouting?

In Girl in the Glass, when Declan encounters a young boy, the professor can’t understand him. That’s because, as he later finds out, he’s in China and the boy is speaking Mandarin Chinese. You can cut and paste the real Chinese sentence into Google Translate and listen for yourself, see if you agree with how Declan interprets what he hears. Note: Google Translate can be a bit squirrely when translating back and forth between English and Chinese. Not throwing shade, Chinese is a complex, highly nuanced language, and the translations may vary.

1. Tā zài zhèlǐ

When the boy spots the Epistolith, he says, “Tā zài zhèlǐ.”

As documented in the novel, what Declan hears is, “Hot side jelly.”

What Tā zài zhèlǐ means in Chinese is, “It’s here,” referring to the Epistolith.

2. Wǒ xūyào bāngzhù

When the boy spots Declan, he is scared and shouts, “Wǒ xūyào bāngzhù.”

As documented in the novel, what Declan hears is, “Wosheeya bungchu! ”

What Wǒ xūyào bāngzhù means in Chinese is, “I need help.” He’s afraid of Declan.

3. Yǒu yīgè guàiwù

When the boy spots Declan, he also says, “Yǒu yīgè guàiwù.”

As documented in the novel, what Declan hears is, “Yo Yeega Guy Woo.”

What Yǒu yīgè guàiwù means in Chinese is, “There’s a monster,” referring to Declan.