Language is the road map of a culture.

In this column, we will invite expats to introduce their favorite Chinese words, phrases, idioms, poems and more in a one-minute video. We hope this will serve as a window through which you can better understand Chinese culture, mindset and wit.

Uyama Tsumtgi, a Japanese illustrator who has lived in Shanghai for seven years, once lived in an old mansion. The next-door Shanghai aunt taught her a local phrase to describe the water leakage problems she encountered. Let's hear how she puts it.

Share with us the Chinese proverbs that you think are timeless. Please contact juliezhu@shanghaidaily.com.

Li Yi / SHINE