Mahjong, a game that has captivated millions around the world, is not just a pastime but a cultural phenomenon. Whether you're a seasoned player or a curious newcomer, the allure of Mahjong is undeniable. In this article, we'll dive into the rich history of Mahjong, explore common phrases used during gameplay, and take a look at some modern twists on this classic game, including playing with cherries as stakes, the "civil service exam" version, and even English Mahjong!

麻将，这个吸引了全球数百万人的游戏，不仅仅是一种消遣，更是一种文化现象。无论你是经验丰富的玩家还是好奇的新手，麻将的魅力都是不可否认的。在这篇文章中，我们将深入探讨麻将的丰富历史，探索游戏中常用的短语，并看看一些现代创新的麻将玩法，包括用车厘子打麻将、考公版麻将，甚至英文麻将！

A Brief History of Mahjong: From Ancient China to Global Phenomenon
麻将简史：从古代中国到全球现象

Mahjong’s origins can be traced back to China during the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912), though its exact beginnings are shrouded in mystery. Some say it was inspired by card games, while others believe it was created by Confucius himself. Regardless of its origins, Mahjong quickly became a cultural staple in China, spreading to other parts of Asia and eventually the world. The name “Mahjong” translates to “sparrow” in Chinese, a nod to the sound of tiles being shuffled, which resembles the chattering of sparrows.

麻将的起源可以追溯到中国清朝（1644-1912），尽管其确切起源仍是个谜。有人说它受到纸牌游戏的启发，而另一些人则认为它是孔子本人创造的。无论其起源如何，麻将很快成为中国文化的支柱，传播到亚洲其他地区，最终走向世界。“麻将”这个名字在中文中翻译为“麻雀”，指的是洗牌时发出的声音，类似于麻雀的啁啾声。

Over time, Mahjong evolved into various regional styles, each with its own rules and quirks. Today, it’s not just a game—it’s a social activity, a competitive sport, and even a form of art. From traditional tables in tea houses to online platforms and mobile apps, Mahjong has adapted to the times while retaining its timeless charm.

随着时间的推移，麻将演变成了各种地区风格，每种风格都有其独特的规则和特点。今天，它不仅仅是一个游戏——它是一种社交活动、一项竞技运动，甚至是一种艺术形式。从茶馆里的传统桌子到在线平台和移动应用程序，麻将与时俱进，同时保留了其永恒的魅力。

Common Mahjong Terms and Phrases
常见的麻将术语和短语

One of the most fascinating aspects of Mahjong is its rich vocabulary. Whether you're playing in a traditional setting or online, understanding the common terms and phrases is essential. Here are some key expressions you might encounter:

麻将最迷人的方面之一是其丰富的词汇。无论你是在传统环境中还是在线玩，理解常见的术语和短语都是必不可少的。以下是一些你可能会遇到的关键表达：

1. 
   

2. Pung (碰): When a player collects three      identical tiles. For example, three "Bamboo 1" tiles.

当玩家收集到三张相同的牌时。例如，三张“条子1”。

1. Kong (杠): Similar to a Pung, but with four      identical tiles. This is a powerful move that can significantly change the      game's dynamics.

类似于碰，但是有四张相同的牌。这是一个可以显著改变游戏动态的强大动作。

1. Chow (吃): A sequence of three consecutive      tiles in the same suit. For instance, "Bamboo 1, 2, 3."

同一花色中三张连续的牌。例如，“条子1, 2, 3”。

1. Mahjong (胡了): The ultimate goal! This is declared      when a player completes a valid hand with four sets (Pungs or Chows) and a      pair.

终目标！当玩家完成一个有效的手牌，包括四组（碰或吃）和一对时，大喊“胡了”。

1. Tile (牌): The individual pieces used in the      game, each bearing different symbols and characters.

游戏中使用的单个牌，每张牌上有不同的符号和字符。

1. Wind (风): Refers to the four directional tiles      (East, South, West, North) that play a crucial role in determining the      game's flow and scoring.

指的是四张方向牌（东、南、西、北），在确定游戏流程和得分中起着至关重要的作用。

The Social Aspect of Mahjong
麻将的社交属性

Mahjong is more than just a game; it's a social experience. Traditionally played with four players, the game fosters camaraderie and friendly competition. The act of shuffling and arranging tiles, the strategic discussions, and the shared excitement of declaring "Mahjong!" create a unique bond among players.

麻将绝非仅仅是一场游戏，它更是一种社交享受。这项传统上由四人共玩的活动，不仅锻炼了团队协作能力，还激发了友好的竞争氛围。洗牌、码牌的动作，战略上的深入探讨，以及那一声声“和了！”所带来的共同喜悦，都在玩家间构筑起了独一无二的情感纽带。

In many cultures, Mahjong is a staple at family gatherings and social events. It's not uncommon to see generations of players gathered around a table, sharing stories and laughter as they play. This social aspect has only been enhanced by the digital age, with online platforms allowing players to connect with friends and strangers alike, regardless of geographical boundaries.

在众多文化之中，麻将都是家庭聚会与社交活动的明星项目。我们常常能见到几代同堂的玩家围桌而坐，一边享受着游戏的乐趣，一边分享着彼此的故事与欢笑。而数字时代的到来，更是为麻将的社交属性增添了新的光彩。在线平台打破了地理界限，让玩家能够轻松地与朋友乃至陌生人相连。

Modern Mahjong: A Digital Renaissance
现代麻将：数字时代的复兴

The advent of technology has breathed new life into Mahjong. Online platforms and mobile apps have made the game accessible to a global audience, offering various modes and styles to suit every player's preference. From classic Chinese Mahjong to Japanese Riichi and American variations, there's something for everyone.

技术的革新为麻将注入了勃勃生机。在线平台与移动应用使得这款游戏得以触及全球观众，提供了丰富多样的模式与风格，以满足不同玩家的个性化需求。无论是经典的中国麻将，还是日本的立直麻将，乃至美国的麻将变体，每个人都能在这里找到属于自己的天地。

Moreover, these digital platforms often include tutorials and practice modes, making it easier for newcomers to learn the ropes. Advanced algorithms ensure fair play, while chat features allow players to interact and build communities. The convenience of playing on-the-go has also contributed to Mahjong's enduring popularity, with many players enjoying quick games during their daily commutes or breaks.

此外，这些数字平台往往还配备了详尽的教程与练习模式，大大降低了新手的入门难度。先进的算法确保了游戏的公平性，而聊天功能则让玩家之间的互动更为便捷，社区氛围愈发浓厚。随时随地开局的便利性，也使得麻将的流行度经久不衰，许多玩家在通勤途中或闲暇之时，都能享受一局快节奏的麻将游戏。

The Enduring Appeal of Mahjong
麻将的恒久魅力

Mahjong's timeless appeal lies in its perfect blend of strategy, luck, and social interaction. Whether you're drawn to its rich history, the thrill of the game, or the joy of playing with others, Mahjong offers something for everyone. As we continue to embrace the digital age, the essence of Mahjong remains unchanged—a game that brings people together, transcending time and culture.

麻将之所以能够历久弥新，正是得益于其策略性、运气与社交互动的完美结合。无论你是被其深厚的历史底蕴所吸引，还是沉醉于游戏的紧张刺激，亦或是享受与人共玩的欢乐时光，麻将总能带给你独特的体验。随着我们不断迈进数字时代的大门，麻将的本质却始终如一——它是一款能够跨越时空与文化界限，将人们紧紧凝聚在一起的游戏。

So, the next time you hear the familiar click of Mahjong tiles, whether in person or online, take a moment to appreciate the centuries of tradition and the countless stories that have unfolded around this remarkable game. Who knows? Your next move could be the one that leads you to declare "Mahjong!" and join the ranks of players who have fallen under its spell.

因此，当你下次再听到那熟悉的麻将洗牌声时，无论是在现实世界中还是虚拟网络上，不妨驻足片刻，细细品味这一传承了几个世纪的传统，以及围绕这个非凡游戏所编织的无数精彩故事。或许，你的下一次尝试，就会让你兴奋地喊出“和了！”并加入到那些同样被麻将魅力所征服的玩家行列之中。

编辑 | ETTBL商务英语翻译
翻译｜Romola
声明｜配图取自网络，仅供学习分享使用，侵删