Language tip a cuticle above the rest

Learning Chinese is daunting. This topic, hardly news, is a crutch for many a columnist. I won't burden you with another Chinese kvetch session to the immense pile.

My goal is to share one trick I've learned during my two years in China that has really helped me grasp the language. It's also given me great-looking nails, more glamorous-looking hair and gotten me into shape to boot.

I might have lost you (especially you gentlemen) with that, but hold on.