Mandarin Vocab Flashcards
你 (nǐ)
you
好 (hǎo)
good, well
你好 （nǐ hǎo)
hello
嗨 (hāi)
Hi
嘿 (hēi)
Hey
哈喽 (hālóu)
Hello
幸会 (xìng huì)
nice to meet you (polite, formal)
行 （xíng)
O.K.
(note: two different pronunciation and meanings for this character. also háng as in
银行 (yínháng))
喂 （wèi)
hello (on the phone)
打招呼 (dǎ zhāohu)
to say hello
道别 (dàobié)
to say goodbye (written, formal)
他向同事们道别，准备去新的公司工作。
(tā xiàng tóngshìmen dàobié, zhǔnbèi qù xīn de gōngsī gōngzuò.)
棒 （bàng）
great, excellent, awesome
太棒了！
牛B (niú bī)
(vulgar, slang) awesome, cool, “badass”
傻B (shǎ bī)
(slang, vulgar) something like “stupid c**t”
囧 （jiǒng)
used in text – like an embarrassed face emoji
3Q
thank you
used in text – “sān q” is “thank you”
不用了 bú yòng le
no need, I’m good
天呐 (tiān na)
oh my god, wow
妈呀！(mā ya)
oh my god, mama mia
我的妈呀！(wǒ de mā ya)
什么鬼 (shénme guǐ)
what the f***, what kind of nonsense is this
我操 (wǒ cāo)
like “holy f***!”
妈的 (mā de)
like “dammit”
差 (chà)
bad, poor; badly, poorly
错 (cuò)
wrong, mistaken; can also mean fault
e.g. 我错了( my mistake, my fault)
有时候我的声调错了 (Yǒu shíhòu wǒ de shēngdiào cuò le)
我认为我说错了那个词
错误 （cuòwù)
mistake, error
误会 (wùhuì)
misunderstanding, misconception
糟糕 (zāogāo)
bad, terrible; spoiled, ruined
我越学中文越觉得我的中文很糟糕 (wǒ yuè xué zhōngwén yuè juédé wǒ de zhōngwén hěn zāogāo)
有病 (yǒu bìng)
sick, (metaphorically) messed up, fucked up
不错 (bùcuò)
not bad/pretty good
还 (hái)
still, yet
e.g. 我还没吃饭 (Wǒ hái méi chīfàn)
我还在读第三本书。
(Wǒ hái zài dú dì sān běn shū)
can also be used with an adjective A to express fairly or reasonably A (e.g. 还好）
对 (duì)
right, correct;
for, towards
e.g. 游泳对你的身体很好Yóuyǒng duì nǐ de shēntǐ hěn hǎo
她对她的狗非常好 (Tā duì tā de gǒu fēicháng hǎo)
对我来说 (Duì wǒ lái shuō) - from my perspective, in my opiniong
正确 (zhèngquè)
right, correct
准确 (zhǔnquè)
accurate, precise
我 (wǒ)
I, me
叫 (jiào)
to call/be called:
我叫芮阳 (wǒ jiào Ruì Yáng): “I’m called (i.e. my name is) Ruì Yáng (Ryan)”
自己 (zìjǐ)
oneself,
名字 (míngzi)
name
他 (tā)
he, him
她 (tā)
she, her
它 (tā)
it
先生 (xiānsheng)
Sir, Mr.
们 (men)
plural marker for people (e.g. 我们 (wǒmen) is we or us)
咱们 (zánmen)
we, friendly (includes both the speaker and listener)
称呼 (chēnghu)
to address (someone)
介绍 (jièshào)
to introduce
书 (shū)
book
教科书 (jiàokēshū)
textbook
课文 (kèwén)
text, passage （typically as part of a textbook)
页 (yè)
page
章节 （zhāngjié)
chapter
段落 (duànluò)
paragraph
标题 (biāotí)
title (of a book or whatever)
封面 (fēngmiàn)
cover (of a book or magazine)
诗 (shī）
poem
故事 (gùshì)
story
笑话 (xiàohuà）
joke, to laugh at
讲 (jiǎng)
to tell (a story, or a joke)
讽刺 (fèngcì)
sarcasm, satire
秘密 (mìmì)
secret
歌 (gē)
song
歌词 (gēcí)
lyrics
图片 (tú piàn)
picture, image
文件 (wénjiàn)
document
这是今天的文件
保存 (bǎocún)
to save (a document
复制 (fùzhì)
copy (a portion of text)
剪切 (jiǎnqiē)
cut (a portion of text)
粘贴 (zhāntiē)
paste (a portion of text)
表格 (biǎogé)
form
合同 （hétóng)
contract
签 (qiān)
to sign (a form or contract)
续签 (xùqiān)
to renew (e.g. a contract)
文书 (wénshū)
official documents， paperwork
我需要准备很多文书
Wǒ xūyào zhǔnbèi hěnduō wénshū
新闻 （xīnwén)
news
报纸 (bàozhǐ)
newspaper
杂志 (zázhì)
magazine
相机 (xiàngjī)
camera
人 (rén)
person
者 (zhě)
person who …. (similar to English -er or -or suffix)
男 (nán)
(adj.) male
女 (nǚ)
(adj.) female
男的 (nán de)
man (colloquial)
女的 (nǚ de)
woman (colloquial)
性别 (xìng bié)
gender
男人 (nánrén)
man (formal)
女人 (nǚrén)
woman (formal)
非二元 (fēi èr yuán)
non-binary
是 (shì)
To be
做 (zuò)
to do, to make
做饭 （zuò fàn) - to cook
做完 (zuò wán)
to finish doing, to complete
完成 (wánchéng)
to complete, to finish, to accomplish
生产 (shēngchǎn)
to produce, to manufacture
工厂 (gōngchǎng)
factory
设厂 (shèchǎng)
to set up a factory
创造 (chuàngzào)
to create, creation
作品 (zuòpǐn)
work (of art, literature, etc.), creation
使 (shǐ)
to make, to cause (formal, written)
弄 (nòng)
to make (something happen), to cause
你弄坏了我的电脑。 (Nǐ nòng huài le wǒ de diànnǎo.)
带 (dài)
to bring
带过去 (dài guòqù)
to bring from one place to another
拿 (ná)
to take, to hold, to carry
摘 (zhāi)
to pick, to pluck, to take off
摘苹果
交 (jiāo)
many meanings: to interact, to exchange, to hand in
交朋友 (jiāo péngyǒu)
交作业 (jiāo zuòyè)
你把钥匙交给我吧 (nǐ bǎ yàoshi jiāo gěi wǒ ba)
准备 (zhǔnbèi)
to prepare
e.g. 明天的课你都准备好了吗？(míngtiān de kè nǐ dōu zhǔnbèi hǎole ma?)
to plan
打算 (dǎsuàn)
to plan, to intend
计划 (jìhuà)
(noun.) plan, program
(verb.) to map out, plan
规划 (guīhuà)
to plan, a plan （more long-term)
她是一个很有规划的人
安排 (ānpái)
to plan, to schedule, to arrange
攻略 (gōnglüè)
strategy, guide, plan (in the context of travel)
顺其自然 (shùn qí zìrán)
(idiom) to let nature take its course (e.g. “play it by ear”)
写 (xiě)
to write
mandatory object, if no object: 写作(xiězuò)
书写 (shūxiě)
handwriting, to handwrite
学习 (xuéxí)
to learn, to study
习得 (xí dé)
to acquire, to learn (a skill)
培养 (péiyǎng)
to cultivate, to foster
丰富 (fēngfù)
rich, plentiful, to enrich
自学 (zìxué)
self-study
背 (bèi)
to memorize, to recite
复习 (fùxí)
to review
复盘 (fùpán)
retrospective review, post-game analysis
预习 (yùxí)
to preview, to prepare in advance
注意力 (zhùyìlì)
attention
我的注意力很容易被分散。
Wǒ de zhùyì lì hěn róngyì bèi fēnsàn.
专心 (zhuānxīn)
to concentrate, to focus
专注 (zhuānzhù)
to focus on, to concentrate on
关注 (guānzhù)
to focus on, to pay attention to
集中 (jízhōng)
to concentrate, to focus
你学习的时候注意力集中吗 (Nǐ xuéxí de shíhou zhùyìlì jízhōng ma)
仔细 (zǐxì)
careful, attentive
仔细听 (zǐxì tīng)
教 (jiào)
to teach
e.g. 我教哲学 (wǒ jiào zhéxué)
教授 (jiàoshòu) -
初学者 (chūxuézhě)
beginner
高级 (gāojí)
advanced
进步 (jìnbù)
progress
我对我的进步还高兴 （Wǒ duì wǒ de jìnbù hái gāoxìng）
我最近感觉我的进步很慢 (Wǒ zuìjìn gǎnjué wǒ de jìnbù hěn màn)
上进 (shàng jìn)
(verb） to make progress, to improve oneself;
(adjective) ambitious, motivated towards self-improvement
瓶颈期 (píngjǐng qī)
bottleneck period
改变 (gǎibiàn)
to change, to alter
变化 (biànhuà)
change, transformation
换 (huàn)
to change, to exchange, to switch, to swap
替换 (tì huàn)
to replace
消除 (xiāochú)
to remove, to eliminate, to get rid of
继续 (jìxù)
to continue
成为 (chéngwéi)
to become
变得 (biànde)
to become (followed by an adjective or descriptive phrase)
过程 (guòchéng)
process
通过 (tōngguò)
through, by the means of, via
藉由 (jièyóu)
though, by the means of, via (more abstract, formal)
超过 (chāoguò)
to exceed, to surpass, to go beyond
超越 (chāoyuè)
to surpass, to exceed, to transcend
喜欢 (xǐhuān)
to like
讨人喜欢 (tǎo rén xǐhuān)
to be likeable
讨厌 （tǎoyàn)
to hate, to detest
愿意 (yuànyì)
to be willing to
要 (yào)
to want, to need, to be going to (by will)
想 (xiǎng)
To think to consider; to want/would like (想要); to miss
我想说流利的中文。 (Wǒ xiǎng shuō liúlì de Zhōngwén.)
觉得 (juéde)
to think/feel/believe; used to express one’s thoughts, feelings, opinions about something
e.g. 我觉得最好的当代哲学家是Wilfrid Sellars.
(Wǒ juéde zuì hǎo de dāngdài zhéxuéjiā shì Wilfrid Sellars.)
感觉 （gǎnjué)
to feel (more sensory or intuitive)
感受 (gǎnshòu)
feeling, experience, to feel, to experience
感知 (gǎnzhī)
to perceive, perception
觉察 (juéchá)
to become aware of, to perceive
幻觉 (huànjué)
hallucination, illusion
直觉 (zhíjué)
intuition
认为 (rènwéi)
to think, to be of the opinion that (more objective purport than 觉得). Close to “reckon” or “figure”
认定 (rèndìng)
to firmly believe, to be convinced of
以为 (yǐwéi)
to have thought (with the implication of having been mistaken)
相信 (xiāngxìn)
to believe, to trust
e.g. 我不相信美国电视新闻 (Wǒ bù xiāngxìn Měiguó diànshì xīnwén)
估计 (gūjì)
to estimate, to approximate
考虑 (kǎolǜ)
to think over, to consider
信息 (xìnxī)
information
想法 (xiǎngfǎ)
idea, thought
思想 (sīxiǎng)
thought, idea (more contemplative, reflective)
看法 （kànfǎ)
view, position, stance
立场 (lìchǎng)
position, stance, point of view
观点 (guāndiǎn)
viewpoint, opinion (more formal, academic)
客观 (kèguān)
objective
主观 (zhǔguān)
subjective
视角 (shìjiǎo)
perspective, point of view
主体 (zhǔtǐ)
subject, agent
有限 (yǒuxiàn)
limited
无限 (wúxiàn)
unlimited
拓展 (tuòzhǎn)
expand, broaden, develop
主义 (zhǔyì)
theory, doctrine, -ism
想好 (xiǎng hǎo)
to think over and decide, to make up one’s mind on something
决定 (juédìng)
to decide
选择 (xuǎnzé)
to choose, choice
选择题 (xuǎnzé tí) - multiple choice question
判断 (pànduàn)
to judge, to assess, to determine, judgment, assessment
说谎 （shuōhuǎng)
to lie, to tell a lie
希望 (xīwàng)
to wish, hope for
乐观 (lèguān)
optimistic
悲观 (bēiguān)
pessimistic
羡慕 （xiàn mù)
to envy (but in a good way)
佩服 (pèifú)
to admire, to respect
欣赏 (xīnshǎng)
to appreciate, to admire
信任 (xìnrèn)
to trust, to have confidence in
分享 (fēnxiǎng)
to share
感兴趣 (gǎnxìngqù)
to be interested in
支持 (zhīchí)
to support
鼓励 (gǔlì)
to encourage
让 (ràng)
to let, to allow; to make
在乎 (zàihu)
to care about, to be concerned with
我很在乎你。(Wǒ hěn zàihu nǐ.)
在意 (zàiyì)
(usually used in the negative) to care about, to be concerned with
我的父母不在意我结婚不结婚 (Wǒ de fùmǔ bù zàiyì wǒ jiéhūn bù jiéhūn)
严重 (yánzhòng)
serious, severe
介意 (jièyì)
to mind, to be bothered by something
e.g. 我不介意长途飞行。(Wǒ bù jièyì chángtú fēixíng.)
重要 (zhòngyào)
important
重视 (zhòngshì)
to value, to regard as important
中国人重视教育。 (Zhōngguó rén zhòngshì jiàoyù.)
受重视 (shòu zhòngshì)
valued, respected
主要 (zhǔyào)
main, primary, principal
次要 (cìyào)
secondary, less important
强调 （qiángdiào)
to emphasize
鲜明 (xiānmíng)
distinctive, vivid, striking
明显 (míngxiǎn)
clear, obvious, evident
试 (shì)
to try, to attempt
often used as 试一试
我的中文很糟糕好但是我想试一试用中文。
试着 (shìzhe)
to try, to attempt
试用 (shìyòng)
to try out (a product or service)
吃 (chī)
to eat
喝 (hē)
to drink
闻 (wén)
to smell
说 (shuō)
To speak, to say
mandatory object - if no object 说话
讨论 (tǎolùn)
to discuss, talk about
e.g. 你想讨论什么？
商量 (shāngliáng)
to discuss, talk over, reach an agreement/make a decision
议论 (yìlùn)
to talk about, to comment on
辩论 (biànlùn)
to debate, to argue
论证 (lùnzhèng)
argument, reasoning, proof
辩护 (biànhù)
justify, justification, defense
谈成 (tánchéng)
to successfully negotiate, to reach an agreement
抱怨 (bào yuàn)
to complain
话题 （huàtí)
topic
聊天 (liáotiān)
to chat
健谈 (jiàntán)
talkative, chatty
社交 (shèjiāo)
socializing, social interaction
社会 (shèhuì)
social, society
社恐 (shèkǒng)
social anxiety
外向 (wàixiàng)
extroverted
e人 (E rén)
extrovert
内向 (nèixiàng)
introverted
i人 (I rén)
introvert
宅 (zhái)
homebody
搭话 (dāhuà)
to strike up a conversation
调情 (tiáoqíng)
to flirt
闲聊 (xiánliáo)
small talk
屁话 (pìhuà)
nonsense, bullshit (literally “fart talk”)
搭讪 (dāshàn)
to approach someone (romantically), to strike up a conversation (romantically)
交流 (jiāoliú)
to communicate
沟通 (gōutōng)
communication (aimed at mutual understanding), to communicate (with the aim of mutual understanding)
间接 (jiànjiē)
indirect
直接 (zhíjiē)
direct
联系 (liánxì)
to get in contact with, to get in touch with
(not to be confused with 练习 （liànxí))
联系方式 (liánxì fāngshì)
contact information
告诉 (gàosù)
to tell, to inform
e.g.
因为我的英文不是很好所以如果你不明白我的意思就告诉我。 (yīnwèi wǒ de yīngwén bùshì hěn hǎo suǒyǐ rúguǒ nǐ bù míngbái wǒ de yìsi jiù gàosù wǒ.)
提醒 (tíxǐng)
to remind
催 (cuī)
to urge, to hurry, to remind (someone to do something)
答应 (dāyìng)
to promise, to agree (to do something)
批评 (pīpíng)
to criticize
表扬 (biǎoyáng)
praise, to praise, to commend
评价 (píngjià)
to evaluate, to assess, evaluation, assesment
差评 (chàpíng)
bad review
好评 (hǎopíng)
good review
五星好评 (wǔxīng hǎopíng)
骂 (mà)
to scold, to curse
贱人 (jiànrén)
bitch, vile person
操你妈逼 (cāo nǐ mā bī)
curse, literally “f* your mom’s c*”
脏话 (zānghuà)
swear words, profanity, bad words
命令 (mìnglìng)
order, to order, command, to command, imperative
惩罚 (chéngfá)
to punish, punishment
体罚 (tǐfá)
corporal punishment
惩治 (chéngzhì)
to punish, to discipline
讲解 (jiǎngjiě)
to explain, to expound (more involved, detailed, formal, for instance, in a classroom setting)
解释 (jiěshì)
explain (more informal, less in-depth)
说明 (shuōmíng)
to explain, illustrate, clarify
总结 (zǒngjié)
to summarize, summary
猜 （cāi）
to guess
你想要我猜吗？（Nǐ xiǎng yào wǒ cāi ma?）c
猜测 (cāicè)
guess, to guess, to speculate
推测 (tuīcè)
to speculate, to hypothesize, to infer
提示 (tíshì)
hint
线索 (xiànsuǒ)
clue
好奇 (hàoqí)
curious
同意 (tóngyì)
to agree
赞同 (zàntóng)
to agree with, to approve, to endorse
可不是 (kěbúshì)
used to agree, like “exactly!” or “that’s right!”
反对 (fǎnduì)
to oppose, to object to
合作 (hézuò)
to cooperate, to work together
团队合作 (tuánduì hézuò)
teamwork, team cooperation
反驳 (fǎnbó)
to refute, to rebut
听 (tīng)
to listen
听清 （tīng qīng) to hear clearly
听力 （tīnglì)
listening ability
听见 (tīngjiàn）
to hear (i.e. to auditorily perceive)
偷听 (tōu tīng)
to eavesdrop
知道 (zhīdào)
to know
知识 (zhīshì)
knowledge
意识 (yìshí)
consciousness
认识 (rènshi)
to meet or be acquainted with a person
熟悉 (shúxī)
familiar, to be familiar with, to know well
陌生 (mòshēng)
unfamiliar
陌生人 (mòshēng rén)
stranger
忘(记) (wàng(jì))
to forget
懂 (dǒng)
to understand
e.g. 我不懂你说什么 (Wǒ bù dǒng nǐ shuō shénme)
我听不懂 （Wǒ tīng bù dǒng）
难懂 (nándǒng) - hard to understand
明白 (míngbái)
understand
我明白了
理解 (lǐjiě)
understand (implying a deeper or more personal sense of understanding)
e.g. 谢谢你的理解
掌握 (zhǎngwò)
to master, to have a firm grip of
了解 （liǎojiě)
to know, to learn (in a deeper sense)
困惑 (kùnhuò)
to be confused, to be puzzled
发现 （fāxiàn)
to discover, to find out
遇到 (yùdào)
to come across, to encounter
发明 (fāmíng)
to invent, invention
意识到 （yìshí dào)
to realize
惊讶 (jīngyà)
to be surprised, shocked
吃惊 (chījīng)
to be shocked, to be astonished
恍惚 (huǎnghū)
dazed, in a trance
惊喜 (jīngxǐ)
(noun.) pleasant suprise
(adj.) to be pleasantly surprised
完 (wán)
to complete, finish
我看完第二本书 （wǒ kàn wán dì èr běn shū)
开始 (kāishǐ)
to start
结束 (jiéshù)
to finish, to conclude, to end
说话 (shuōhuà)
to talk, to speak
我喜欢和你说话。
对话 (duìhuà)
(noun) conversation, dialogue; (verb) to converse, engage in dialogue
话 (huà)
words, speech, things said
消息 (xiāoxī)
message
e.g.
我给你发消息 (Wǒ gěi nǐ fā xiāoxī)
短信 （duǎnxìn)
text message
收到 （shōu dào)
to receive (a message, or email)
消费 (xiāofèi)
consumption, to consume
买 (mǎi)
To buy
小票 (xiǎopiào)
receipt
发票 (fāpiào)
invoice, receipt
退货 (tuìhuò)
to return, to get a refund
卖 (mài)
To sell
逛 (guàng)
to casually shop, stroll the streets
广告 (guǎnggào)
advertisement
快递 (kuài dì)
delivery service
包裹 (bāo guǒ)
package, parcel
租 (zū)
to rent
e.g. 我租我的公寓 (wǒ zū wǒ de gōngyù)
房租 （fángzū)
rent (to pay for an apartment, house, etc.)
押金 (yājīn)
deposit
水电费 (shuǐdiànfèi)
utilities
租约 (zūyuē)
lease
住宿 (zhùsù)
accomodation, housing, lodging
房东 (fáng dōng)
landlord
房屋中介 (fángwū zhōngjiè)
real estate agent
拥有 (yōngyǒu)
to possess, to own
参加 (cānjiā)
to attend, to participate
我们去参加一个婚礼
Wǒmen qù cānjiā yīgè hūnlǐ
参与 (cānyù)
to participate
离开 (líkāi)
to leave, to depart
留在 (liú zài)
to stay, to remain (in a place)
如果我喜欢中国，可能我会留在武汉
保持 (bǎochí)
to maintain, to preserve
保留 (bǎoliú)
to preserve, to retain
爱 (ài)
to love
浪漫 （làngmàn)
romantic
肉麻 (ròumá)
cheesy, cringey
情侣 (qínglǚ)
a romantic couple
伴侣 (bànlǚ)
partner, companion, significant other
谈恋爱 (tán liàn’ài)
to be a in a romantic relationship, to date
约会 (yuēhuì)
a date (romantic unless stated otherwise)
恋爱关系 (liàn’ài guānxì)
romantic relationship
做爱 (zuò’ài)
to make love, to have sex
上床 (shàngchuáng)
to go to bed with someone, to have sex
一夜情 (yīyèqíng)
one night stand
吻 (wěn)
kiss, to kiss
激情 (jīqíng)
romantic/sexual passion
同性恋 (tóngxìngliàn)
gay, homosexual
同志 (tóngzhì)
gay, homosexual (casual, friendly)
妓女 (jìnǚ)
prostitute
性工作者 (xìng gōngzuò zhě)
sex worker
嫖娼 (piáochāng)
to solicit prostitution
性工作者 (xìng gōngzuò zhě)
sex worker
看见 (kànjiàn)
to see, perceive
看起来 (kàn qǐ lái)
to appear, to look as if
他看起来很累 (Tā kàn qǐ lái hěn lèi)
给+subject+看
show [subject]
e.g. 给我看
我可以给你看
盲 (máng)
blind
色盲 (sèmáng)
color-blind
看出来 (kàn chūlái)
to discern, to figure out by looking
出现 (chūxiàn)
to appear, to emerge, to show up
透露 (tòulù)
to reveal, to disclose
对年轻人来说也没问题，对三十多 岁的人来说不礼貌，因为很多人不 想透露他们的年龄
Duì niánqīng rén lái shuō yě méi wèntí, duì sānshí duō suì de rén lái shuō bu lǐmào, yīnwèi hěnduō rén bù xiǎng tòulù tāmen de niánlíng
见面 (jiànmiàn)
to meet
见本人 (jiàn běn rén)
to meet in person
面对面 (miàn duì miàn)
face-to-face
姿势 (zīshì)
gesture
读 (dú)
to read (more serious, formal, than 看书)
清楚 (qīngchu)
clearly, distinct
e.g. 我听不清楚你说话
睡醒 (shuìxǐng)
to wake up
起床 (qǐchuáng)
to get out of bed; get up in the morning
e.g. 你几点早上起床？(Nǐ jǐ diǎn zǎoshang qǐchuáng?)
闹钟 (nàozhōng)
alarm clock
洗澡 (xǐzǎo)
to shower, to bathe
肥皂 (féizào)
soap
沐浴露 (mùyù lù)
shower gel, body wash
洗发水 (xǐfàshuǐ)
shampoo (literally: wash-hair-liquid)
护发素 (hùfàsù)
conditioner
热水器 (rèshuǐqì)
water heater
家务 (jiāwù)
housework, household chores
打扫 (dǎsǎo)
to clean
收拾 (shōushi)
to clean, to tidy up
洗碗 (xǐ wǎn)
to wash the dishes
水槽 (shuǐcáo)
sink
沥水架 (lìshuǐ jià)
strainer, dish rack
洗衣服 (xǐ yīfu)
to do laundry, to wash clothes
洗衣机 (xǐyījī)
washing machine
晾衣服 (liàng yīfu)
to hang clothes to dry,
烘干 (hōnggān)
to dry clothes (in a dryer)
烘干机 (hōnggānjī)
clothes dryer
晾衣架 (liàng yī jià)
clothes drying rack
洗衣液 (xǐyīyè)
laundry detergent
整理 (zhěnglǐ)
to organize
乱 (luàn)
messy, disorganized, chaotic
晚安 (wǎn’ān)
goodnight
睡觉 （shuìjiào）
to go to bed/sleep
e.g.
我每天晚上十一点睡觉。 (Wǒ měitiān wǎnshang shíyī diǎn shuìjiào.)
睡眠 (shuìmián)
sleep (as a noun)
e.g. 我的睡眠通常很好。
(Wǒ de shuìmián tōngcháng hěn hǎo.)
熬夜 (Áoyè)
to stay up late
夜猫子 (yèmāozi)
night owl
睡懒觉 (shuì lǎn jiào)
to sleep in
睡不着 (shuì bù zháo)
can’t fall asleep
入睡 (rùshuì)
to fall asleep
失眠 (shīmián)
insomnia
梦 （mèng)
dreams
昨天晚上我有很多奇怪的梦 (Zuótiān wǎnshàng wǒ yǒu hěn duō qíguài de mèng)
梦游 (mèngyóu)
sleepwalking, to sleepwalk
打鼾 (dǎ hān)
to snore
起夜 (qǐ yè)
to get up at night
睡午觉 (shuì wǔjiào)
to take a nap
休息 (xiūxí)
to take a rest, have a break
放松 (fàngsōng)
to relax
放空 (fàngkōng)
let go, empty mind
游泳让我放空
轻松 (qīngsōng)
easy, relaxed
跟你聊天很轻松 (gēn nǐ liáotiān hěn qīngsōng)
松弛 (sōngchí)
relaxed, chill
低调 (dīdiào)
low-key, modest
洒脱 (sǎtuō)
carefree
随便 (suíbiàn)
(adj.) casual, carefree; (int.) whatever, anything
Q: 你想讨论什么话题？ (Nǐ xiǎng tǎolùn shénme huàtí?)
A: 随便 (suíbiàn.)
无所谓 (wúsuǒwèi)
it doesn’t matter, whatever, I don’t care
这件事我无所谓。 (Zhè jiàn shì wǒ wúsuǒwèi.)
随和 (suíhe)
easygoing, agreeable
我是一个随和的人 (wǒ shì yī gè suíhe de rén)
独立 (dú lì)
independent
自由 (zìyóu)
to be free
找 (zhǎo)
to look for, to seek
找到 (zhǎodào)
to find
丢 (diū)
to lose
别 （bié)
don’t
e.g.
别难过 (bié nánguò)
探索 (tànsuǒ)
to explore
漫游 (mànyóu)
roaming, wandering
迷路 (mílù)
to be lost
停止 (tíngzhǐ)
to stop
停电 (tíngdiàn) - power outage
舒适 (shūshì)
comfortable, cozy, pleasant (more formal)
舒适区 (shūshìqū) - comfort zone
舒服 (shūfú)
comfortable
生病 (shēngbìng)
to fall ill, get sick
感冒 （gǎnmào)
to catch a cold
发烧 (fāshāo)
to have a fever
咳嗽 (késòu)
cough
痰 (tán)
phlegm, mucus
流鼻涕 (liú bítì)
runny nose
打喷嚏 (dǎ pēntì)
sneeze
鼻塞 (bísāi)
stuffy nose
拉肚子 (lā dùzi)
to have diarrhea
传染 (chuánrǎn)
infectious, contagious, to infect, to spread
疫情 (yìqíng)
pandemic, epidemic
病毒 (bìngdú)
virus
乘客 (chéngkè)
passenger
细菌 (xì jūn)
bacteria
疫苗 (yìmiáo)
vaccine
口罩 (kǒuzhào)
facemask
戴口罩 (dài kǒuzhào) - wear a facemask
车 (chē)
car, vehicle
开车 (kāi chē)
to drive a car
司机 (sījī)
driver
自行车 (zìxíngchē)
bicycle, bike
摩托车 （mótuō chē)
motorcycle
电动摩托车 (diàndòng mótuōchē)
electric motorcycle
电瓶车 (diànpíngchē)
electric bike/electric scooter
轮胎 (lúntāi)
tire, wheel (of a car)
骑 （qí)
to ride
出租车 (chūzūchē)
taxi
堵车 (dǔ chē)
traffic jam, traffic congestion
高峰期 (gāofēngqī)
peak period, rush hour
车祸 (chēhuò)
car accident, car crash
交通 (jiāo tōng)
transportation
公交 (gōngjiāo)
public transport
short for 公共交通(gōnggòng jiāotōng)
火车 (huǒchē)
train
高铁 (gāotiě)
high speed train, bullet train
公共汽车 (gōnggòng qìchē)
bus - used for busses between cities
车费 (chē fèi) - bus fare
车站 (chē zhàn)
公交车 (gōng jiāo chē)
bus - used for buses within city
short for 公共交通车(gōnggòng jiāotōng chē)
大巴车 (dàbā chē)
coach bus
救护车 (jiùhù chē)
ambulance
地铁 (dìtiě)
subway
地铁站 (dìtiě zhàn)
subway stop
就一站路 (jiù yī zhàn lù) - Just one stop away.
号线 (hào xiàn)
numbered subway line (e.g., 一号线, Line 1).
地图 (dìtú)
map
电梯 (diàntī)
elevator, or escalator
楼梯 (lóutī)
stairs
扶梯 (fútī)
escalator
直梯 (zhítī)
elevator
梯子 (tīzi)
ladder
需要 (xūyào)
to need
帮助 (bāngzhù)
to help； help
有帮助 (yǒu bāngzhù)
helpful
去 (qù)
to go
来 (lái)
to come
来到 (láidào) - come to some place
e.g. Wǒ cóng xuéxiào láidào zhèlǐ le (我从学校来到这里了)
来自 (láizì)
to come from
我的家人来自意大利 (Wǒ de jiārén láizì Yìdàlì)
回 (huí)
to return
回来 (come back)
回去 (go back)
回家 (return home)
从 （cóng)
(prep.) from
e.g. 从你家到女朋友家要多久 （Cóng nǐ jiā dào nǚ péngyǒu jiā yào duōjiǔ）
到 (dào)
(verb). to arrive;
(prep) e.g. 从 A 到 B 怎么走？
出发 (chūfā)
to depart, to set off
迟到 (chídào)
to arrive late
向 (xiàng)
towards (in a directional sense)
向山他走去。
离 （lí)
used to express distance
e.g. A + 离 + B + 很远
用 (yòng)
to use；
to need：
实用的 (shíyòng de)
useful
常用 (chángyòng)
commonly used
给f(gěi)
(verb) to give
(prep) to, for
发 (fā)
to send
送 （sòng)
to deliver, to send, to take (someone someone)
接 (jiē)
to pick up (a person or thing), to receive
一个老师来车站接我了 (yí gè lǎoshī lái chēzhàn jiē wǒ le)
放 （fàng)
to put, to place
放过 (fàngguò）
to let go of, to let off the hook
放过你自己 (fàngguò nǐ zìjǐ)
逃 (táo)
to escape
追 (zhuī)
to chase
落 (là)
to leave something behind (unintentionally)
加 (jiā)
to add
加到 (jiā dào)
to add to (something)
扔 (rēng)
to throw
接受 (jiēshòu)
to accept (an offer, invitation)
受不了 (shòu bù liǎo)
to be unable to bear, can’t stand
不忍心 (bù rěnxīn)
to be unable to bear, to not have the heart to
舍不得 (shěbùdé)
to be unwilling to, to be reluctant to
获得 (huòdé)
to get, to obtain (through effort)
我已经获得了博士学位
Wǒ yǐjīng huòdéle bóshì xuéwèi
从这个故事里，我获得了很多感悟 （Cóng zhège gùshì lǐ, wǒ huòdéle hěnduō gǎnwù）
得到 (dédào)
to get, to obtain, to receive (more colloquial then 获得）
邀请 (yāoqǐng)
to invite
拒绝 (jùjué)
to reject, to decline, to turn down (an invitation, request, offer)
排斥 (páichì)
to reject, to exclude, to repel
取消 (qǔxiāo)
to cancel
推荐 (tuījiàn)
to reccomend
住 (zhù)
to live, to stay
e.g.
你在中国住哪里？ (Nǐ zài Zhōngguó zhù nǎlǐ?
我不是游客。我住在这里。Wǒ bùshì yóukè. Wǒ zhù zài zhèlǐ.
我会住在武汉两年多 (Wǒ huì zhù zài wǔhàn liǎng nián duō)
居住 (jūzhù)
to reside, to live in
搬到 (bān dào)
to move to
搬家 (bānjiā)
to move (houses)
当 (dāng)
to serve as, act as, play a role
我当一个老师
当作 (dàngzuò)
to regard as, to consider as, to treat as
作为 (zuòwéi)
(prep.) serving as, in one’s capacity as
生活 (shēnghuó)
(noun.) life, livelihood
e.g.
中国的日常生活
Zhōngguó de rìcháng shēnghuó (daily life in China)
to live
一生 (yīshēng)
a life, a lifetime
人生 (rénshēng)
life (a person’s individual life)
终身 (zhōngshēn)
lifelong, for life
长寿 (chángshòu)
longevity
活到 (huódào)
to live until
我想活到900岁 (Wǒ xiǎng huó dào 900 suì)
生命 (shēngmìng)
life (abstractly)
生存 (shēngcún)
to survive
活的 (huó de)
alive, living
出生 (chūshēng)
to be born
我一九九二年出生。 (Wǒ yī jiǔ jiǔ èr nián chūshēng.)
死 (sǐ)
to die
去世 (qùshì)
to die, to pass away (more polite than 死）
死亡 (sǐwáng)
death, to die (more abstract, formal)
杀 (shā)
to kill
我不要杀老鼠 （wǒ bù yào shā lǎoshǔ)
自杀 (zìshā)
suicide, to commit suicide
埋葬 (máizàng)
to bury (a body)
骨灰 (gǔhuī)
ashes (of a body)
练习 (liànxí)
to practice
不 (Bù)
no/not
most common negation operator
没 (méi)
not, used in conjunction with explicit or implicit “have” (有, yǒu). 没有 (méiyǒu) is used with nominal object (e.g. 我没有钱 (wǒ méiyǒu qián): I don’t have money) , whereas just méi (没) is used with verbal object (e.g. 我没去 (wǒ méi qù): I didn’t go).
无 (wú）
(formal, literary); without, lacking, no
非 (fēi)
not, non, anti
非因果过程 (fēi yīnguǒ guòchéng)
缺少 (quēshǎo)
to lack, to be short of
到处 (dàochù)
everywhere, all around
所有的 (suǒyǒu de)
all
吗 (ma)
Question-maker: turns statements into yes-no questions.
呢 (ne)
question-maker: can be used to ask about a noun-phrase (e.g. 你呢？）
can be placed at end of a question to soften
can be used to ask about location of an object (e.g. 我的手机呢？）
吧 (ba)
suggestion-maker: turns a statement into a suggestion or soft command
e.g. 我们走吧 (wǒmen zǒu ba)
can also be placed at the end of a question to seek confirmation
啊 (a)
added at the end of a statement to express enthusiasm; can also be added at the end of a question to express surprise or curiosity
呐 (na)
used to express emotion
天呐
哦 (ò)
Used like English “Oh”
嗯 (en)
used like “mhmm,” or “yeah,” also “umm”
哇 (wa)
used like English “wow”
的 (de)
Used to indicate possession, attribute, or relationship. It can also be used after an adjective to form an attributive expression, modifying the noun that follows.
了 (le)
Important function word with a few distinct usages:
1.) Indicates a completed
action or a change of state.
Q: 你吃饭了吗？
A: 我刚吃了
2.) Indicates that something has continued up to the present point (placed at end of the sentence).
e.g. 我学习中文两个月了 (Wǒ xuéxí zhōngwén liǎng gè yuèle)
过 (guò)
placed after verb to indicate that the action has happened at some point in the past
e.g.
我没去过中国 (wǒ méi qùguò zhōngguó) – I have never been to china.
在 (zài)
(prep.) “at”
e.g.
猫在哪里 (māo zài nǎlǐ)
also used to indicate an ongoing action (正在 (zhèngzài) can be used to emphasize that the action is currently ongoing)
e.g.
我在学习中文 (wǒ zài xuéxí zhōngwén)
着 (zhe)
used to indicate an occurrent state—placed after the verb
e.g. 她穿着红色的衣服 （Tā chuānzhe hóngsè de yīfú)
得 (de)
Used preceding an adjective to turn it into an adverb with
Subject + Verb + 得 + Adjective
e.g. 我游泳得快 (Wǒ yóu yǒng de kuài)
with object: Subject + Verb + Object + Verb + 得 + Adjective
e.g. 我说中文说得不太好
but first verb can be dropped
e.g. 我中文说得不太好
把 (bǎ)
Grammatical structure used to emphasize what is done to some object
Subject + 把 + Direct Object (definite by context) + Verb
Metaphorically means something like “Subject took the thing and did X to it”
e.g.
小丑把钱都烧了。（xiǎochǒu bǎ qián dōu shāole.) The joker burned all of the money
被 (bèi)
passive voice construction - used to emphasized what happened (to someone/something) rather than what was done
什么 (shénme)
What
啥 (shá)
（informal) same as 什么
为什么 (wèishénme)
Why
怎么 (zěnme)
how
e.g. 你怎么说 “sandwich”
also used like 太 in 不怎么喜欢
咋 (zǎ)
informal, same as 怎么
你咋样？ (Nǐ zǎyàng?)
如何 (rúhé)
how (more formal, literary)
怎么样 （zěnme yàng)
how about
e.g. 明天怎么样? (míngtiān zěnme yàng?) when making plans
e.g. 你今天怎么样? (nǐ jīntiān zěnme yàng?) to ask how someone’s day is (literally something like: you today, how about it?)
e.g. 那里的天气怎么样
哪里 (nǎlǐ)/ 哪儿 (nǎr)
Where
那里 (nàlǐ) / 那儿 (nàr)
there
这里 (zhèlǐ)
here
e.g. 你住在这里吗？
Nǐ zhù zài zhèlǐ ma?
哪个 (nǎge)
which
任何 （rènhé）
any, whichever
多 (duō)
many, much
usually 很多 when by itself
e.g.
中国有很多人
我喜欢穿很多颜色的衣服
第二本书比第一本书难很多
can also say 太多 (e.g. 今天健身房有太多人。）
more than; after
also can be used to ask about “how much” something is (e.g. 他多高？）
少 (shǎo）
few, a little
e.g. 你吃得太少了 (nǐ chī dé tài shǎole)
多少 (duōshǎo)
How many/how much (literally, many-few)
几 (jǐ)
how many (when asking about a small number（<10 or so); also used when asking about dates
e.g.
你要几个杯子? (Nǐ yào jǐ gè bēizi?)
Q: 今天几号？A: 今天九月二十七号
(足)够 ((zú) gòu)
enough, sufficient
我不知道足够的词语 听得懂母语者的内容
Wǒ bù zhīdào zúgòu de cíyǔ tīng dé dǒng mǔyǔ zhě de nèiróng
过多 (guòduō)
excessive, too much
至于 (zhìyú)
to the extent that, to go so far as to
大约 (dà yuē)
approximately, about
至少 (zhìshǎo)
at least
左右 (zuǒyòu)
approximately, about, give or take
一些 (yīxiē)
some (a bit less specific than 几个)
一切 (yīqiè)
everything, all
部分 (bùfen)
part, portion
方面 (fāngmiàn)
aspect, facet
一整 (yī zhěng)
whole, entire
我们吃了一整只鸡 (Wǒmen chīle yī zhěng zhī jī)
一共 (yīgòng)
altogether, in total
大多数（dàduōshù)
most, the (great) majority of,
大多数中国人没有宗教信仰 (dà duōshù zhōngguó rén méiyǒu zōngjiào xìnyǎng)
完全 (wánquán)
complete, completely
全部 (quánbù)
all, entire, wholly, altogether, entirely, wholly
不同 (bùtóng)
different
e.g. 中国人说很多不同的语言
共同 （gòngtóng）
common, shared
互相 (hù xiāng)
mutual, reciprocal
别 (bié)
other (contrasting)
e.g. 如果你不喜欢这个，我们可以看看别的 (Rúguǒ nǐ bù xǐhuan zhège, wǒmen kěyǐ kànkan bié de.)
其他 （qítā）
other
另外 (lìngwài)
another (generally used when there’s just one particular additional thing - followed by 一 + measure word)
我还有另外一个问题 (Wǒ hái yǒu lìngwài yī gè wèntí).
一起 (yīqǐ)
together
之间 (zhījiān)
between, among
他们之间说话时，不说中文。(Tāmen zhījiān shuōhuà shí, bù shuō zhōngwén.)
问 (wèn)
to ask
提问 (tíwèn)
to ask a question, to raise a question
回答 (huídá)
to answer (a question or inquiry)
几个 (jǐ gè)
a few or several (some unspecified number, but generally less than ten)
谁 (shéi)
who
e.g. 谁是你的朋友 (shéi shì nǐ péngyǒu)
问题 (wèntí)
question; problem or issue
谜题 (mítí)
puzzle
答案 (dá’àn)
(noun.) answer (to a question or problem)
解决 (jiějué)
to solve
到位 (dàowèi)
in place, correctly done
有效 (yǒuxiào)
effective, valid
这种方法很有效。
(Zhè zhǒng fāngfǎ hěn yǒuxiào.)
谁的 (shéi de)
whose
e.g. 这是谁的书？(Zhè shì shéi de shū?)
更 (gèng)
more
我喜欢游泳但是我更喜欢冲浪 （wǒ xǐhuān yóuyǒng dànshì wǒ gèng xǐhuān chōnglàng）
越来越 （yuè lái yuè)
more and more
一边 (yībiān) + Action 1 + 一边 (yībiān) + Action 2
to do Action 1 at the same time as Action 2
我喜欢一边和朋友聊天一边喝啤酒. (Wǒ xǐhuān yībiān hé péngyǒu liáotiān yībiān hē píjiǔ.)
关于 (guānyú)
(prep.) about, concerning, regarding
我有很多关于佛教的书。
(Wǒ yǒu hěn duō guānyú Fójiào de shū)
关系 (guānxì)
relation, relationship
人际关系 (rénjì guānxì) - interpersonal relationship
医生 (yīshēng)
doctor
药店 (yàodiàn)
pharmacy
护士 (hùshì)
nurse
病人 (bìngrén)
patient
医院 (yīyuàn)
hospital
医疗 (yīliáo)
medical treatment, healthcare
手术 (shǒushù)
surgery
警察 (jǐngchá)
policeman
警察局 (jǐngchá jú)
police station
派出所 (pàichūsuǒ)
local police station
保安 (bǎo’ān)
security guard
监控 (jiānkòng)
surveillance
人脸识别 (rénliǎn shíbié)
facial recognition
隐私 (yǐnsī)
privacy
控制 (kòngzhì)
to control, to regulate
审查 (shěnchá)
censorship
在中国有很多审查 (zài zhōngguó yǒu hěn duō shěnchá)
权限 (quánxiàn)
permission, access rights
屏蔽 (píngbì)
to shield, to block
在中国我的网站被屏蔽了 (zài zhōngguó wǒ de wǎngzhàn bèi píngbì le)
限制 (xiànzhì)
limit, limitation, restrict, restrictio
防火墙 (fánghuǒqiáng)
firewall
监狱 (jiānyù)
prison, jail
逮捕 (dàibǔ)
to arrest
我被逮捕了 (wǒ bèi dàibǔ le)
设计师 (shèjì shī)
designer
家居设计师 (jiājū shèjì shī)
interior designer
装饰 (zhuāngshì)
to decorate, decoration
装修 (zhuāngxiū)
to renovate, renovation
修建 (xiūjiàn)
to build, to construct (a building or house)
平面设计 (píngmiàn shèjì)
graphic designer
照片 (zhàopiàn）
picture, photograph
拍 (pāi)
to take (a photo or video)
学生 (xuéshēng)
student
老师 (lǎoshī)
teacher
教师 (jiàoshī)
teacher (more formal)
教授 (jiàoshòu)
professor
师父 (shīfu)
master, teacher
导师 (dǎoshī)
advisor, mentor (used for academic advisor)
本科论文导师
答辩 (dábiàn)
defense (i.e. thesis defense - 毕业答辩 (bìyè dábiàn))
徒弟 (túdì)
apprentice
会计 (kuàijì)
accountant
服务员 (fúwùyuán)
waiter/Waitress
小费 （xiǎofèi)
tip
农民 (nóngmín)
farmer
游客 (yóukè)
tourist
旺季 (wàngjì)
busy season, peak season
景点 (jǐngdiǎn)
scenic spot, tourist attraction
景色 (jǐngsè)
scene, view, landscape
本地人 (běndì rén)
local
外国人 （wàiguó rén)
foreigner
老外 (lǎowài)
foreigner (casual, informal — usually only used for white people)
客人 (kèrén)
guest, visitor
外星 (wàixīng)
alien, extra-terrestrial
有名 （yǒumíng)
famous
旅游 (lǚyóu)
to travel, to take a trip
旅行 (lǚxíng)
travel, trip
旅途 (lǚtú)
trip, journey
你的旅途怎么样?
顺利 (shùnlì)
smooth, to go smoothly
旅行社 (lǚxíngshè)
travel agency
导游 (dǎoyóu)
tour guide
行李 (xíngli)
luggage
收拾行李 (shōushi xíngli)
to pack luggage
箱子 (xiāngzi)
large box or trunk
出差 (chūchāi)
to go on a business trip
行李箱 (xínglǐxiāng)
suitcase
背包 (bēibāo)
backpack
书包 (shūbāo)
backpack, bookbag
位置 (wèizhì)
location
手提包 (shǒutíbāo).
handbag
托运 (tuōyùn)
to check (luggage)
参观 (cānguān)
to visit
generally used for visiting a place (e.g. a tourist destination). Would not be used to say “I will visit my parents” (For that, would use 我会去看我的父母 (wǒ huì qù kàn wǒ de fùmǔ)）
地方 (dìfāng)
place
e.g. 你最喜欢的地方在武汉是什么(nǐ zuì xǐhuān dì dìfāng zài wǔhàn shì shénme）
地址 (dìzhǐ)
address
电脑 (diànnǎo)
computer
笔记本电脑 (bǐjìběn diànnǎo)
laptop (literally, notebook computer)
电视 (diànshì)
television
e.g.
我不喜欢看电视 (wǒ bù xǐhuān kàn diànshì)
节目 (jiémù)
program
电视节目 （diànshì jiémù) - TV program
季 (jì)
season (of a program)
集 (jí)
episode (of a program)
字幕 (zìmù）
subtitles
动画 (dònghuà)
animated, cartoon
日本动画 (rìběn dònghuà)
anime
电影 (diànyǐng)
movie
电影院 (diànyǐngyuàn)
movie theatre
上映 (shàngyìng)
for a movie to be released (in theatres)
导演 (dǎoyǎn)
director
演员 (yǎnyuán)
actor, actress
情节 (qíngjié)
plot, storyline
台词 (táicí)
lines, dialogue (in a movie or play), script
纪录片 (jìlùpiàn)
documentary
恐怖片 (kǒngbù piàn)
horror movie
吸血鬼 (xīxuèguǐ)
vampire
鬼屋 (guǐwū)
haunted house
喜剧片 (xǐjù piàn)
comedy movie
科幻 (kēhuàn)
science fiction
视觉效果 (shìjué xiàoguǒ)
visual effects
奇幻 (qíhuàn)
fantasy
美人鱼 (měirényú)
mermaid
动画电影 (dònghuà diànyǐng)
animated movie
上网 （shàngwǎng)
to go online, to surf the net
线上 (xiànshàng)
online
我在线上上中文课 (wǒ zài xiànshàng shàng zhōngwén kè)
线下 (xiànxià)
offline, in person
网络 (wǎngluò)
(noun.) the internet
e.g. 网络文化 - internet culture
无线网络 (wúxiàn wǎngluò)
WiFi (official term)
路由器 (lùyóuqì)
router
安装 (ānzhuāng)
to install, to assemble
网站 (wǎngzhàn)
website
主页 (zhǔyè)
homepage
社交媒体 (shèjiāo méitǐ)
social media
个人资料 (gèrén zīliào)
personal profile
头像 (tóuxiàng)
profile picture, avatar
频道 (píndào)
channel (e.g. YouTube channel)
现在，我最喜欢的中文YouTube频道是“Comprehensible Chinese”
平台 (píngtái)
platform (like Youtube or Bilibili)
主播 (zhǔbō)
streamer
博客 (bókè)
blog
博主 (bózhǔ)
blogger
打卡 (dǎkǎ)
to “check in,” post pics on social media
内容 (nèiróng)
content
我看和听很多中文内容
Wǒ kàn hé tīng hěnduō zhōngwén nèiróng
视频 (shìpín)
video
影片 (yǐngpiàn)
video (Taiwanese Mandarin)
横屏 (héngpíng)
horizontal video, landscape mode
竖屏 (shùpíng)
portrait mode, vertical video
刷 (shuā)
to scroll, to swipe
录 (lù)
to record
三脚架 (sānjiǎojià)
tripod
演 (yǎn)
to act, to play a role
剪视频 (jiǎn shìpín)
to edit videos (i.e. cut/splice videos)
缩略图 (suōlüètú)
thumbnail
播客 (bòkè)
podcast
录音 (lùyīn)
audio recording, to record (sound)
链接 (liànjiē)
link
评论 (pínglùn)
comment
点赞 (diǎnzàn)
to like (a video or post)
关注者 (guānzhùzhě)
subscriber, follower
受众 (shòuzhòng)
audience, target audience
发布 (fābù)
to post, to publish
发布链接 (fābù liànjiē)
手机 (shǒujī)
cell phone
手机号码 (shǒujī hàomǎ)
cell phone number
尾号 (wěihào)
last digits of a phone number
牌子 (páizi)
brand (informal, spoken)
品牌 (pǐnpái)
brand (formal, written)
电话 (diànhuà)
phone call
打电话 (dǎ diànhuà) - make a phone call
打视频电话 (dǎ shìpín diànhuà) - make a video call
接(到） （jiē（dào))
to answer (the phone), to receive (a phonecal)
静音 (jìngyīn)
silent mode
电池 (diànchí)
battery
充电 (chōngdiàn)
charging to charge
我需要给手机充电。
(Wǒ xūyào gěi shǒujī chōngdiàn.)
充电器 (chōngdiànqì)
charger
耳机 (ěrjī)
headphones
入耳式耳机 (rù’ěrshì ěrjī) - in-ear headphones (earbuds)
头戴式耳机 (tóudàishì ěrjī) – over-ear headphones
APP
(mobile) app
手机流量 (shǒujī liúliàng)
mobile data (literally, mobile flow capacity)
下载 (xiàzài)
to download
卸载 (xièzài)
to uninstall
上传 (shàngchuán)
to upload
功能 (gōngnéng)
function, functionality, capability
在美国，微信的功能不多。 (Zài Měiguó, Wēixìn de gōngnéng bù duō.)
删掉 (shān diào)
to delete, to remove
设置 (shèzhì)
to set up, to configure
验证码 (yànzhèngmǎ)
verification code, authentication code
二维码 (èrwéimǎ)
QR code
密码 (mìmǎ)
password
手表 (shǒubiǎo)
wristwatch
钱包 （qiánbāo)
wallet
钥匙 （yàoshi)
keys
锁 (suǒ)
lock, to lock
密码锁 (mìmǎ suǒ) - Combination lock
身份证 (shēnfènzhèng)
ID card, identification card
证明 (zhèngmíng)
proof, to prove, verification, to verify
动物 (dòngwù)
animal
动物园 (dòngwùyuán)
zoo
宠物 (chǒngwù)
pets
毛 (máo)
animal fur
毛发 (máofà)
hair and fur
狗 (gǒu)
dog
猫 (māo)
cat
小猫 (xiǎo māo)
kitten (literally, small cat)
养 （yǎng)
to raise (an animal or kid)
调皮 (tiáopí)
naughty
淘气 (táoqì)
naughty, mischievous
捣蛋 (dǎodàn)
mischief, to make trouble
鸟 (niǎo)
bird
鱼 (yú)
fish
三文鱼 (sānwènyú)
salmon
金枪鱼 (jīnqiāngyú)
tuna
鲨鱼 (shāyú)
shark
鲸鱼 (jīngyú)
whale
海豚 (hǎitún)
dolphin
章鱼 (zhāngyú)
octopus
乌贼 (wūzéi)
squid
水母 (shuǐmǔ)
jellyfish
鳄鱼 (èyú)
crocodile, alligator
青蛙 (qīngwā)
frog
虾 (xiā)
shrimp, small crustation
龙虾 (lóngxiā)
lobster
小龙虾 (xiǎo lóngxiā)
crayfish
昆虫 (kūnchóng)
insect, bug
蝎子 (xiēzi)
scorpion
蜘蛛 (zhīzhū)
spider
蜈蚣 (wúgōng)
centipede
蟑螂 (zhāngláng)
cockroach
蚊子 (wénzi)
mosquito
蜜蜂 (mìfēng)
bee, honey bee
蝴蝶 (húdié)
butterfly
蛇 (shé)
snake
蜥蜴 (xīyì)
lizard
爬行动物 (páxíng dòngwù)
reptile
恐龙 (kǒnglóng)
dinosaur
兔子 （tùzǐ)
rabbit
老鼠 (lǎoshǔ)
mouse
花枝鼠 (huāzhīshǔ)
fancy rat
老虎 (lǎohǔ)
tiger
狮子 (shīzi)
lion
大象 (dàxiàng)
elephant
猴子 (hóuzi)
monkey
熊 (xióng)
bear
鹿 (lù)
deer
河马 (hémǎ)
hippopotamus
马 (mǎ)
horses
牛 (niú)
cow
猪 (zhū)
pig
鸡 (jī)
chicken
鸭 (yā)
duck
龙 (lóng)
dragon
菜 (cài)
dishes; cuisine (e.g. 中国菜” (zhōngguó cài))
also can mean vegetables
料理 (liàolǐ)
cuisine
烹饪 (pēngrèn)
cooking, to cook (more formal than 做饭, emphasizes culinary skill)
厨艺 (chúyì)
cooking ability, cooking skills
菜谱 (càipǔ)
recipe
成分 (chéngfèn)
ingredients, components
混合 (hùnhé)
to mix
蔬菜 (shūcài)
vegetables
素食 (sùshí)
vegetarian food
烧烤 (shāokǎo)
barbeque - skewered meat
火 (huǒ)
fire
蒸 (zhēng)
steamed, to steam
奶酪 (nǎilào)
cheese
煮 (zhǔ)
boiled, to boil
炒 (chǎo)
stir-fried, to stir-fry
炸 (zhá)
deep fried, to deep fry
烤 (kǎo)
roasted, grilled
生 (shēng)
raw
海鲜 (hǎixiān)
seafood
冷藏 (lěngcáng)
refrigerated, to refrigerate
新鲜 (xīnxiān)
fresh
保鲜 (bǎoxiān)
fresh-keeping, to keep fresh
冷冻 (lěngdòng)
frozen, to freeze
寿司 (shòusī)
sushi
生鱼片 (shēng yú piàn)
sashimi
海藻 (hǎizǎo)
seaweed
肉 (ròu)
meat
生肉 (shēngròu) - raw meat
猪肉 (zhū ròu)
pork (literally, pig meat)
牛肉 (niú ròu)
beef (literally, cow meat)
五花肉 (wǔhuāròu)
pork belly
古老肉 (gǔlǎoròu)
sweet and sour pork
羊肉 (yángròu)
lamb, mutton
鸡肉 (jīròu)
chicken (meat)
鸡翅 (jīchì)
chicken wings
烤鸭 (kǎoyā)
roast duck
牛排 (niúpái)
steak
我最喜欢的肉是牛排 (wǒ zuì xǐhuān de ròu shì niúpái)
牛筋 (niú jīn)
beef tendon
培根 (péigēn)
bacon
鸡蛋 (jīdàn)
(chicken) egg
e.g. 我每天早上吃鸡蛋因为鸡蛋对身体很好 (wǒ měitiān zǎoshang chī jīdàn yīnwèi jīdàn duì shēntǐ hěn hǎo)
炒鸡蛋 (chǎo jīdàn)
scrambled egg
煎饼 (jiānbǐng)
pancake
酸奶 (suānnǎi)
yogurt
希腊酸奶 (xīlà suānnǎi) - Greek yogurt
浓稠酸奶 (nóngchóu suānnǎi) - thick yogurt
稠 (chóu)
thick
稀 (xī)
thin, runny
能量棒 (néngliàng bàng)
energy bar
香肠 (xiāngcháng)
sausage
沙拉 (shālā)
salad
沙拉酱 (shālā jiàng)
salad dressing
田园沙拉酱 (tiányuán shālā jiàng)
ranch dressing
蜂蜜芥末 (fēngmì jièmò)
honey mustard
蘸酱 (zhànjiàng)
dip, dipping sauce
生菜 (shēngcài)
lettuce
西兰花 (xīlánhuā)
broccoli
黄瓜 (huángguā)
cucumber
小白菜 (xiǎo báicài)
bok choy
大白菜 (dà báicài)
napa cabbage
菠菜 (bōcài)
spinach
韭菜 (jiǔcài)
leeks
茄子 (qiézi)
eggplant
牛油果 (niúyóuguǒ)
avocado
番茄 (fānqié)
tomato
蘑菇 (mógu)
mushroom
汤 (tāng)
soup
炖汤 (dùntāng)
stew
饭 (fàn)
rice or meal
白饭 (báifàn)
white rice (plain rice)
炒饭 (chǎofàn)
(stir) fried rice
稀饭 (xīfàn)
rice porridge (rice with a lot of water)
米饭 (mǐfàn)
(cooked) rice in general
玉米 (yùmǐ)
corn
面 (miàn)
noodles
拌面 (bànmiàn)
mixed noodles
拉面 (lāmiàn)
hand-pulled noodles
豆腐 (dòufu)
tofu
豆子 (dòuzi)
Beans
绿豆 (lǜdòu)
mung bean
主食 (zhǔshí)
staple food
火锅 (huǒguō)
hotpot
莲藕 (lián’ǒu)
lotus root
面包 (miànbāo)
bread
e.g. 我不经常吃面包 (wǒ bù jīngcháng chī miànbāo)
面包店 （miànbāo diàn) - bakery
面粉 (miànfěn)
flour
面筋 (miànjīn)
gluten
饼干 (bǐnggān)
cookie, biscuit
蛋糕 (dàngāo)
cake
派 (pài)
pie (western style)
e.g. 苹果派 (píngguǒ pài)
香芋 (xiāng yù)
taro
巧克力 （qiǎokèlì)
chocolate
辣椒 （làjiāo)
chili pepper
香料 (xiāngliào)
spices
胡椒 (hújiāo)
pepper (general spice)
黑胡椒 (hēi hújiāo)
black paper
研磨器 (yánmóqì)
grinder (for salt and pepper)
调料 (tiáoliào)
seasoning
香菜 (xiāngcài)
cilantro
孜然 (zīrán)
cumin
洋葱 (yángcōng）
onion
姜 (jiāng)
ginger
胡萝卜 (húluóbo)
carrot
萝卜 (luóbo)
radish
土豆 (tǔdòu)
potato
红薯 (hóngshǔ)
sweet potato
花生 (huāshēng)
peanut
油 (yóu)
oil
油腻 (yóunì)
greasy, oily, fatty
油脂 (yóuzhī)
oil and fat
脂肪 (zhīfáng)
fat (in food or a body)
饱和脂肪 (bǎohé zhīfáng)
saturated fat
不饱和脂肪 (bù bǎohé zhīfáng) - unsaturated fat
橄榄油 (gǎnlǎnyóu)
olive oil
黄油 (huángyóu)
butter
猪油 (zhūyóu)
lard (pig fat)
酌料 (zhuóliào)
condiments, sauces, toppings
番茄酱 (fānqiéjiàng)
ketchup
蛋黄酱 (dànhuángjiàng)
mayonnaise
酱油 (jiàngyóu)
soy sauce
芥末 (jièmò)
wasabi or mustard
芥末酱 (jièmò jiàng) - wasabi paste
黄芥末 (huáng jièmò) - yellow mustard
茶 (chá)
tea
茶歇 (chá xiē) - tea time, tea break
奶茶 （nǎichá)
milk tea
珍珠奶茶 (zhēnzhū nǎichá)
bubble milk tea, boba milk tea
抹茶 (mǒchá)
matcha
咖啡 (kāfēi)
coffee
咖啡因 (kāfēi yīn)
caffeine
咖啡店 (kāfēi diàn)
coffeeshop
星巴克 (xīngbākè)
Starbucks
美式咖啡 (měi shì kā fēi)
American-style coffee (i.e. drip coffee)
拿铁 (ná tiě)
latte
香草 (xiāngcǎo)
vanilla
我要一大杯冰的香草拿铁
(wǒ yào yī dà bēi bīng de xiāngcǎo nátiě)
水 (shuǐ)
water
自来水 (zìláishuǐ)
tap water
矿泉水 (kuàngquánshuǐ)
mineral water
开水 (kāishuǐ)
boiled water
烧水 (shāo shuǐ)
to boil water
蒸汽 (zhēngqì)
steam
西瓜 (xīguā)
watermelon
芒果 （mángguǒ)
mango
菠萝 （bōluó)
pineapple
苹果 (píngguǒ)
apple
香蕉 (xiāngjiāo)
banana
橙子 (chéngzi)
orange
柠檬 (níngméng)
lemon
青柠 (qīngníng)
lime
椰子 (yēzi)
coconut
哈密瓜 (hāmìguā)
melon
榴莲 (liúlián)
durian fruit
葡萄 (pútáo)
grapes
草莓 (cǎoméi)
strawberry
水果 (shuǐguǒ)
fruit
桃 (táo)
peach
三明治 (sān míng zhì)
sandwich
火腿 (huǒtuǐ)
ham
汉堡 (hàn bǎo)
hamburger, burger
薯条 （shǔ tiáo)
french fries
塔可 (tǎ kě)
taco
玉米饼 (yùmǐbǐng)
corn tortilla
玉米片 (yùmǐpiàn)
corn chips, tortilla chips
麦当劳 (màidāngláo)
McDonald’s
肯德基 (Kěndéjī)
KFC
披萨 (pīsà)
pizza
包子 (bāozi)
steamed buns
Can specify filling, e.g.:
肉包子 (ròu bāo zi)
菜包子 (cài bāo zi)
饺子 (jiǎozi)
dumplings
小笼包 (xiǎo lóng bāo)
soup dumplings (though technically not 饺子)
冰茶 (bīng chá)
iced tea
冰咖啡 (bīng kāfēi)
iced coffee
果汁 (guǒzhī)
juice (if you don’t know the type)
if you do know the type, you say e.g.:
橙汁(chéngzhī)
苹果汁 (píngguǒ zhī)
饮料 (yǐnliào)
drink, beverage
牛奶 (niúnǎi)
milk
奶制品 (nǎizhìpǐn)
dairy products (specifically related to cow milk)
乳制品 (rǔzhìpǐn)
dairy (more general)
乳糖 (rǔtáng)
lactose
豆浆 (dòujiāng)
soy milk
奶精 (nǎijīng)
cream
可乐 (kělè)
cola, coke
健怡可乐 (jiànyí kělè)
diet coke, diet cola
零度可乐 (língdù kělè)
coke zero
无糖可乐 (wútáng kělè)
sugar free coke
苏打水 (sūdǎ shuǐ)
soda water
酒 (jiǔ)
alcohol, alcoholic beverage
啤酒 (píjiǔ)
beer
拉格 (lāgé)
lager
葡萄酒 (pútáojiǔ)
wine
香槟 (xiāngbīn)
champagne
红酒 (hóngjiǔ)
red wine
鸡尾酒 (jīwěijiǔ)
cocktail
干杯 (gānbēi)
cheers
威士忌 (wēishìjì)
whisky
朗姆酒 (lǎng mǔ jiǔ)
rum
伏特加酒 (fútèjiā jiǔ)
vodka
白酒 (báijiǔ)
baijiu: a traditional Chinese liquor
黄酒 (huángjiǔ)
yellow wine (traditional Chinese liquor)
喝醉了 (hē zuìle)
to get drunk, to be drunk
宿醉 (sùzuì)
to be hungover
酒量 (jiǔ liàng)
alcohol tolerance, drinking capacity
酒鬼 (jiǔ guǐ)
alcoholic, drunkard (literally “alcohol ghost”)
杯 (bēi)
measure word for glasses of liquid (e.g. 一杯水 (yì bēi shuǐ)).
瓶 (píng)
bottle, measure word for bottles of liquid
e.g. 一瓶水 (yì píng shuǐ).
扎 (zhā)
pitcher
罐 (guàn)
can, jar, tank
听 (tīng) (不是👂）
can (colloquial, transliteration of “tin”)
我喝了两听啤酒
空的 (kōng de)
empty
漏 (lòu)
to leak
麻将 (má jiàng)
gambling game in China, played with tiles
赌博 (dǔbó)
to gamble
骰子 (shǎi zi)
dice
扑克 (pū kè)
poker
毒品 (dú pǐn)
drugs, narcotics
大麻 (dàmá)
marijuana
迷幻蘑菇 (míhuàn mógū)
magic mushrooms, psilocybin mushrooms
摇头丸 (yáotóuwán)
ecstasy, mdma
鸦片 (yāpiàn)
opium
毒 (dú)
poison
有毒 (yǒudú)
poisonous
个 (gè)
unit (general measure word for people and objects)
种 (zhǒng)
kind, type
我喜欢很多种啤酒 (Wǒ xǐhuān hěn duō zhǒng píjiǔ)
类型 (lèixíng)
type, category, genre
版本 (bǎn běn)
version
家 (jiā)
home, house; also measure word for businesses and establishments
公寓 (gōngyù).
apartment
一室一厅 (yī shì yī tīng)
one bedroom apartment
楼 (lóu)
building, floor, story
公寓楼 (gōngyù lóu) - apartment building
建筑物 (jiànzhùwù)
building
小区 (xiǎoqū)
apartment complex, residential complex
上楼 (shàng lóu)
upstairs, going up in floors
下楼 (xià lóu)
downstairs, going down in floors
层 (céng)
layer, floor (of a house or building)
公共区域 (gōnggòng qūyù)
public area, common area
厕所 (cèsuǒ)
bathroom, toilet
坐便器 (zuòbiànqì)
sitting toilet
蹲便器 (dūnbiànqì)
squat toilet
卫生间 (wèishēngjiān)
bathroom (polite), literally (hygiene room)
卫生纸 (wèishēngzhǐ)
toilet paper
洗手间 (xǐshǒujiān)
bathroom (polite), literally (handwashing room)
毛巾 (máojīn)
towell
房间 (fángjiān)
room
卧室 (wòshì)
bedroom
衣柜 (yīguì)
cabinent, wardrobe
衣架 (yījià)
clothes hanger
客厅 （kètīng)
living room
窗户 (chuānghù)
window
窗帘 (chuānglián)
window curtain
门 (mén)
door
关门 (guān mén).
开 (kāi)
to open, to start, to operate, to drive
关 (guān)
to close, to turn off
敲门 (qiāo mén)
to knock on the door
打开 (dǎkāi)
to open, to turn on, (more specific)
厨房 （chúfáng)
kitchen
家电 (jiādiàn)
household electrical appliances (short for 家用电器 (jiāyòng diànqì))
微波炉 (wēibōlú)
microwave
烤箱 (kǎoxiāng)
oven
小烤箱 (xiǎo kǎoxiāng)
toaster oven
冰箱 (bīngxiāng)
fridge, refrigerator
冷冻室 (lěngdòng shì)
freezer
空调 (kōngtiáo)
air conditioner
火炉 (huǒlú)
stove, furnace
风扇 (fēngshàn)
fan
除湿机 (chúshījī)
dehumidifier
电表 (diàn biǎo)
electricity meter
草坪 (cǎopíng)
lawn, yard
露台 (lùtái)
patio
阳台 (yángtái)
balcony
家乡 (jiāxiāng)
hometown
祖籍 (zǔjí)
ancestral home, ethic place of origin
岁 (suì)
measure word for years
生日 (shēngrì)
birthday
我的生日是一九九二年六月六号 (wǒ de shēngrì shì yījiǔjiǔ’èr nián liù yuè liù hào).
年纪 (niánjì)
age
年龄 (niánlíng)
age (more formal, official)
时候 (shíhòu)
time (as a position)
used to express “when” by CONDITION + 的 + 时候
e.g. 我去中国的时候，希望望你会教我武汉话。(wǒ qù zhōngguó de shíhòu, xīwàng wàng nǐ huì jiào wǒ wǔhàn huà.)
时间 (shíjiān)
time (as an abstract mass-noun)
我今天很忙所以没有时间跟朋友一起吃晚饭
(wǒ jīntiān hěn máng suǒyǐ méiyǒu shíjiān gēn péngyǒu yīqǐ chī wǎnfàn)
同时 (tóngshí)
at the same time, simultaneous
当时 (dāngshí)
at that time, back then
临时 (línshí)
last-minute, temporary, unplanned
空闲 (kòngxián)
free time
来得及 (láidejí)
for there to be enough time
花 (huā)
to spend (time or money)
费 (fèi)
expense, cost, to consume, to spend (time or money)
久 (jiǔ)
long time
e.g. 好久不见
很久以前 (hěnjiǔ yǐqián) - a long time ago
遍 (biàn)
measure word for events, emphasizing completion (i.e. # times)
e.g. 对话：第二遍（duìhuà: dì èr biàn）
你能再说一遍吗？
只 (zhī)
measure word for (most) animals (except horses, mules, and donkeys)
本 (běn)
measure word for books
e.g. 一本书 (yī běn shū)
片 （piàn）
measure word for flat things (like pieces of paper)
条 (tiáo)
measure word for long things
首 (shǒu)
measure word for poems and songs
次 (cì)
measure word for occurrences of events
堂 (táng)
measure word for formal gatherings (e.g. courses, meetings of a group)
门 (mén)
door
also a measure word for courses
这个学期 我只教一门课
份 (fèn)
measure word for orders of food
e.g. 我要一份牛排
商店 (shāngdiàn)
store, shop
商场 (shāngchǎng)
shopping mall
连锁店 (liánsuǒ)
chain
二手店 (Èrshǒu diàn)
second-hand shop, thrift shop
购物 (gòuwù)
shopping, to shop
逛街 (guàngjiē)
window shopping, strolling the streets–shopping without necessarily buying anything
图书馆 (túshūguǎn)
library
借 (jiè)
to borrow
可以 (kěyǐ)
can, in the sense of being permitted/allowed to
会 (huì)
can, in the sense of being able to/knowing how to
e.g. 我会说一点中文。
used to express future. more general/objective than using 要。
e.g. 今天会下雨 (jīntiān huì xià yǔ)
能 (néng)
can, in the sense of being capable of (i.e. having the physical capacity/not being incapacitated)
能力 （nénglì)
ability, capacity, competence, skill
不了 (bù liǎo)
inability. V + 不了
忘不了 (wàng bù liǎo) - can’t forget
无法 (wúfǎ)
unable to, cannot, lacking means
精力 (jīnglì)
energy
经历 (jīnglì)
experience
驱动力 (qūdònglì)
motivation, drive
应该 (yīnggāi)
should, ought to
必须 (bìxū)
must, have to
根据 （gēnjù)
according to
根据老板的要求，我写完了那份合同
按照 (ànzhào)
according to, in accordance with, based on
要求 (yāoqiú)
requirement
敢 （gǎn)
to dare
这 (zhè)
this; often used with a measure word (e.g. zhège míngzì)
那 (nà)
that
can also express “now then”
这些 (zhèxiē)
these
那些 (nàxiē)
those
有些 （yǒuxiē)
some
东西 (dōngxi),
things; stuff
事情 (shìqíng)
matter, affair, thing
事物 (shìwù)
things, objects, (can be more abstract), phenomenon
物体 (wùtǐ)
object, individual (physical)
之物 (zhī wù)
things, objects (formal, academic, literary)
情况 (qíngkuàng)
situation, circumstance
场面 (chǎngmiàn)
scene, situation, spectacle
活动 （huódòng)
activity, event
发生 (fāshēng)
to happen, to occur, to take place
存在 (cún zài)
to exist
属性 (shǔxìng)
property, attribute
本质 (běnzhì)
essence, nature
本身 (běnshēn)
itself, in itself
概念的本身
起源 (qǐyuán)
origin
统一性 (tǒngyīxìng)
unity
统一 (tǒngyī)
to unify, unification
分型 (fēnxíng)
to classify, classification
状态 (zhuàngtài)
state, condition
现象 (xiànxiàng)
phenomenon
很 (hěn)
very (without implying an extreme degree)
非常 (fēicháng)
extremely
太 (tài)
too, excessively
General form: 太 ____ 了
e.g. 太贵了
挺 （tǐng）
quite, pretty
最 (zuì)
most
你最喜欢的运动是什么
Nǐ zuì xǐhuān de yùndòng shì shénme
比 (bǐ)
(prep.） used to make comparisons.
e.g. 我比我的哥哥高。 (Wǒ bǐ wǒ de gēgē gāo.) Literally: (me + compared with + my (older) brother) + tall
(verb.) to compare.
比起 (bǐqǐ)
compared to
比起 + B, A + 更/还 + Adj.
(Compared to B, A is more [adjective].)
比较 （bǐjiào)
to compare, comparatively
相对 (xiāngduì)
relative, relatively
绝对 (juéduì)
absolute, absolutely
有时候 (yǒu shíhou)
sometimes (literally, have times)
经常 (jīngcháng)
Often, frequently
偶尔 (ǒu’ěr)
occasionally
我偶尔看电影。 (wǒ ǒu’ěr kàn diànyǐng.)
(通常) tōngcháng
usually
日常 (rìcháng)
daily, everyday
日常生活 (rìcháng shēnghuó)
平时 (píngshí)
normally, in ordinary times
常规 (chángguī)
routine, regular practice, standard procedure
习惯 (xíguàn)
to be used to, to be in the habit of
e.g. 我习惯说“哪里”而不是“哪儿”。(wǒ xíguàn shuō “nǎlǐ” ér bù shì “nǎr”.)
适应 （shìyìng）
to get used to, to adapt
节奏 (jiézòu)
rhythm, pace
来中国之后那么快就适应中国的节奏了。(Lái Zhōngguó zhīhòu nàme kuài jiù shìyìng Zhōngguó de jiézòu le.)
常见 （chángjiàn）
common
普通 (pǔtōng)
common, ordinary
平凡 (píngfán)
ordinary
Yī bān (一般)
on average, ordinarily;
一般不那里下雪 (yībān bù nàlǐ xià xuě)
average
在中国我的薪水很高，但是在美国我的薪水很一般 (Zài Zhōngguó wǒ de xīnshuǐ hěn gāo, dànshì zài Měiguó wǒ de xīnshuǐ hěn yībān)
特别 （tèbié)
especially, particularly
经典 (jīngdiǎn)
classic, canonical
培根和鸡蛋是经典的美国早饭 (Péigēn hé jīdàn shì jīngdiǎn de Měiguó zǎofàn)
特殊 (tèshū)
special, unusual, exceptional (more formal, academic)
与众不同 (yǔ zhòng bù tóng)
different from the rest, unique
极端 (jíduān)
extreme
疯狂 (fēngkuáng)
crazy
很少 (hěn shǎo)
rarely
我很少去麦当劳 (wǒ hěn shǎo qù màidāngláo)
从来+不/没有 (cóng lái bù/méiyǒu)
never， all along not
总是 （zǒng shì）
always
一直 (yìzhí)
continuously, all along uninterruptedly
永远 (yǒngyuǎn)
forever, eternally
我会永远爱你。
(Wǒ huì yǒngyuǎn ài nǐ.)
本来 （běnlái)
originally, at first
最近 （zuìjìn)
recently
e.g.
你最近怎么样？（nǐ zuìjìn zěnme yàng?）
我最近很忙？(wǒ zuìjìn hěn máng）
只 (zhǐ)
only
e.g. 我只喝水. (Wǒ zhǐ hē shuǐ.)
我只买了一个苹果
只有 (zhǐ yǒu)
只好 (zhǐhǎo)
to have no choice but to, cannot but
干脆 （gāncuì）
(might as well) just, simply
这个问题解决不了了，我们干脆放弃吧
唯一 (wéiyī)
sole, only
单 (dān)
single, solo
对不起 (duìbuqǐ)
Sorry
抱歉 (bàoqiàn)
to feel sorry
请 (qǐng)
please
怎么了 (zěnme le)
what happened? what’s the matter? (e.g. said in response to 我很伤心 (Wǒ hěn shāngxīn))
不好意思 (bù hǎoyìsi)
excuse me/sorry (very minor)
to feel bad/embarrassed doing something
我有点不好意思跟我父母要钱。
谢谢 (xièxiè)
thank you
感谢 （gǎnxiè）
grateful, thankful
不客气 (bù kèqì)
you’re welcome (literally, don’t be polite)
没关系 (méi guānxi)
no problem (literally, no relation)
没事 (méi shì)
no problem (literally “no matter”)
你没事吧？(Nǐ méi shì ba?) - are you O.K.?
祝贺 (zhùhè)
to congratulate
祝 (zhù)
to wish, to bless
祝你生日快乐
祝福 (zhùfú)
blessings, well wishes
加油 (jiāyóu)
“add oil”– Come on! You can do it!
一下 (yí xià)
one moment
再见 (zàijiàn)
goodbye (literally, “see again”)
慢走 (màn zǒu)
goodbye (literally, “walk slow”), something like “take care”
好的 (hǎo de)
O.K.
OK的
OK
真的 (zhēn de)
really
e.g. 真的吗? (Zhēn de ma?)
真实 (zhēnshí)
real, true, authentic, genuine
我更喜欢英国的小费文化因为感觉更真实
真理 (zhēnlǐ)
truth
真相 (zhēn xiàng)
truth, the real situation
现实 (xiànshí)
reality, real life, realistic
地道 (dìdao)
authentic, genuine
这是地道的北京菜 (zhè shì dìdao de běijīng cài)
那么 (nà me)
that, so
你的中文怎么好！
(Nǐ de Zhōngwén zěnme nàme hǎo!)
当然 (dāngrán)
of course
礼貌 (lǐmào)
polite
不礼貌 （bù lǐmào) - impolite
一边吃饭一边说话很不礼貌 (Yībiān chīfàn yībiān shuōhuà hěn bù lǐmào)
文明 (wénmíng)
civilized, civilization
礼仪 (lǐyí)
etiquette
规则 (guīzé)
rules, norms
禁止 (jìnzhǐ)
forbidden, prohibited
规范 (guīfàn)
norms, standards
语言规范 (yǔyán guīfàn) - linguistic norms
政策 (zhèngcè)
policy
遵守 (zūnshǒu)
to follow, to abide by, to comply with
模仿 (mófǎng)
to imitate, to mimic, imitation
规律 (guīlǜ)
regular pattern, regularity
价值观 (jiàzhíguān)
values
道德 (dàodé)
ethics, morals
严格 (yángé)
strict
官方 (guānfāng)
official
传统 (chuántǒng)
tradition, traditional
非传统 (fēi chuántǒng)
non-traditional, unconventional
朋友 (péngyǒu)
friend
男朋友 (nán péngyou) - boyfriend
女朋友 (nǚ péngyou) - girlfriend
前男友 (qián nán/nǚyǒu) - ex boyfriend/girlfriend
最好朋友 (zuì hǎo péngyou) - best friend
知己 (zhījǐ)
close friend who knows you well, confidant
知音 (zhīyīn)
a close friend who understands you, but more emphasis on understanding your “音乐”
我的哲学知音 很少。 (Wǒ de zhéxué zhīyīn hěn shǎo.)
树洞 (shùdòng)
person you can confide in, tell secrets to (literally “tree hole”)
搭子 (dāzi)
partner, buddy (for a specific activity)
邻居 (línjū)
neighbor
室友 (shìyǒu)
roommate
隔壁楼 (gébì lóu)
the building next door
城市 (chéngshì)
city
市中心 （shì zhōngxīn）
city center, downtown
地区 (dìqū)
area, region, district
路 (lù)
road, street
十字路口 (shízì lùkǒu)
intersection
桥 (qiáo)
bridge
街 (jiē)
city street
大道 (dàdào)
boulevard, avenue
广场 (guǎngchǎng)
square, plaza
唐人街 (tángrénjiē)
Chinatown
literally (tang person street)
小镇 （xiǎo zhèn)
small town
村庄 (cūnzhuāng)
village
农村 （nóngcūn)
countryside, rural area
郊区 (jiāoqū)
suburbs
省 (shěng)
province
国家 (guójiā)
country
国籍 (guójí)
nationality
国际 (guójì)
international
国际会议 (guójì huìyì)
国外 (guówài)
abroad, outside the country
国内 (guónèi)
domestic， within the country
世界 (shìjiè)
the world
全世界 (quán shìjiè) - worldwide
现实世界 (xiànshí shìjiè) - the real world
行星 (xíngxīng)
planet
星星 (xīngxing)
star
地球 (dìqiú)
the Earth, the planet, the globe
星球 (xīngqiú)
celestial body
火星 (huǒxīng)
Mars
星系 (xīngxì)
galaxy
银河 (yínhé)
the Milky Way
地理 （dìlǐ)
geography
全球变暖 (quánqiú biàn nuǎn)
global warming
环保 (huánbǎo)
environmental protection
(short for 环境保护 (huánjìng bǎohù))
生态系统 (shēngtài xìtǒng)
ecosystem
政府 (zhèngfǔ)
government
公务员 (gōngwùyuán)
civil servant, government worker
总统 (zǒngtǒng)
president
特朗普 (Tèlǎngpǔ)
Donald Trump
拜登 (Bàidēng)
Joe Biden
贺锦丽 (Hè Jǐnlì)
Kamala Harris (also 哈里斯 (Hālǐsī))
主席 (zhǔxí)
chairman (used for the president of china)
中国国家主席 (Zhōngguó guójiā zhǔxí)
共和党 (gònghédǎng)
republican party
民主党 (mínzhǔdǎng)
democratic party
政党 (zhèngdǎng)
political party
国会 (guóhuì)
congress, parliment
州长 (zhōuzhǎng)
governor
党委书记 (dǎngwěi shūjì)
the party secretary
市长 (shì zhǎng)
mayor
领导者 (lǐngdǎo zhě)
leader
管理 (guǎnlǐ)
management, to manage, administration
志愿者 (zhìyuànzhě)
volunteer
选举 (xuǎn jǔ)
election
民主 (mínzhǔ)
democracy
自由主义 (zìyóu zhǔyì)
liberalism
腐败 (fǔbài)
corruption
投票 (tóu piào)
vote
匿名 (nìmíng)
anonymous
摇摆州 (yáo bǎi zhōu)
swing state
政治 (zhèngzhì)
politics
法律 (fǎlǜ)
law
律师 (lǜshī)
lawyer
合法 (hé fǎ)
legal
犯法 (fànfǎ)
to break the law, to commit a crime
起诉 (qǐsù)
to file a lawsuit, to sue
经济 （jīngjì)
economy
税 (shuì)
taxes
中国的税很高吗？(zhōngguó de shuì hěn gāo ma?
关税 (guānshuì)
tariffs
所得税 (suǒdéshuì)
income tax
公平 (gōngpíng)
fair, just, equitable
中国共产党 (Zhōngguó Gòngchǎndǎng)
Chinese communist party
共产 (gòngchǎn)
communism
抗议 (kàngyì)
protest
干净 (gānjìng)
clean
脏 (zāng)
dirty
垃圾 (lā jī)
trash, garbage
垃圾桶 (lājī tǒng)
trash bin, trash basket
污染 (wūrǎn)
pollution
空气污染 (kōngqì wūrǎn) – air pollution
水污染 (shuǐ wūrǎn) – water pollution
回收 (huíshōu)
to recycle
可回收 (kě huíshōu)
recyclable
玻璃 (bōlí)
glass (as the substance/material)
塑料 (sùliào)
plastic
纸 (zhǐ)
paper
安静 (ānjìng)
quiet
清静 (qīngjìng)
quiet, tranquil, peaceful
吵 (chǎo)
noisy, loud
热闹 (rè nào)
lively, bustling
吵闹 (chǎonào)
loud, rowdy, noisy
拥挤 (yōngjǐ)
crowded
拥堵 (yōngdǔ)
congestion, traffic
中国大陆 (zhōngguó dàlù)
mainland china
中国 (Zhōngguó)
china
台湾 (táiwān)
Taiwan
台北 (táiběi)
Taipei
国立台湾大学 (Guólì Táiwān Dàxué)
National University of Taiwan
四川 (sìchuān)
Sichuan province (southwest China)
西藏 (xīzàng)
Tibet
山东 (shāndōng)
Shandong province (just south of Beijing)
北京 (Běijīng)
Beijing
上海 (Shànghǎi)
Shanghai
武汉 (Wǔhàn)
Wuhan
香港 (xiānggǎng)
Hong Kong
长城 (cháng chéng)
the great wall of china
长江 (chángjiāng）
the Yangtze river
日本 (rìběn)
Japan
日语 (rìyǔ)
Japanese language
韩国 (hánguó)
Korea
韩语 (hányǔ)
Korean language
印度 (Yìndù)
India
越南 (yuènán)
Vietnam
塔希提岛 (tǎ xī tí dǎo)
Tahiti Island
俄罗斯 (Èluósī)
Russia
乌克兰 (wūkèlán)
Ukraine
美国 (Měiguó)
America
美籍 (Měi jí)
American citizen
加利福尼亚 (Jiā lì fú ní yà)
California
typically shortened to is 加州 (Jiā zhōu)
洛杉矶 (luòshānjī)
Los Angeles
旧金山 (jiùjīnshān)
San Francisco
德州 (dé zhōu)
Texas
夏威夷 (xià wēi yí)
Hawaii
州 (zhōu)
state, province
加拿大 (jiānádà)
Canada
墨西哥 (Mòxīgē)
Mexico
西班亚 (xī bān yà)
Spain
葡萄牙 (pútáoyá)
Portugal
法国 (Fàguó)
France
巴黎
Bālí
Paris
诺曼底 (Nuòmàndǐ)
Normandy
德国 (déguó)
Germany
德语 (déyǔ)
German language
柏林 (bólín)
Berlin
莱比锡 (láibǐxī)
Leipzig
波兰 (Bōlán)
Poland
荷兰 (hélán)
holland
阿姆斯特丹 (Āmǔsītèdān)
Amsterdam
希腊 (xīlà)
Greece
意大利 (yìdàlì)
Italy
e.g.
你在意大利住了多久了？
(Nǐ zài Yìdàlì zhù le duō jiǔ le?)
罗马 (luómǎ)
Rome
米兰 (Mǐlán)
Milan
英国 (Yīngguó)
England, Britain
伦敦 (lúndūn)
London
牛津 (niújīn)
Oxford
苏格兰 (sūgélán)
Scottland
欧洲 (Ōuzhōu)
Europe
e.g. 你在欧洲旅游了吗? (nǐ zài Ōuzhōu lǚyóu le ma?)
亚洲 (yàzhōu)
Asia
澳大利亚 (Àodàlìyǎ)
Australia
非洲 (fēizhōu)
Africa
南美洲 (Nán měizhōu)
South America
巴西 (Bāxī)
Brazil
埃及 (Āijí)
Egypt
金字塔 (jīnzìtǎ)
pyramid
阿拉伯 (Ālābó)
Arab, Arabic
e.g. 阿拉伯国家 (Ālābó guójiā)
阿拉伯语 (Ālābó yǔ)
Arabic language
以色列 (yǐsèliè)
Israel
土耳其 (Tǔ’ěrqí)
Turkey (the country)
科威特 (kē wēi tè)
Kuwait
中东 (zhōngdōng)
middle east
迪拜 (díbài)
Dubai
纽约 (niǔyuē)
New York
罗德岛州 (luódé dǎo zhōu)
Rhode Island
佛罗里达 (fóluólǐdá)
Florida
波士顿 (bōshìdùn)
Boston
匹兹堡 (pǐzībǎo)
Pittsburgh
伊利诺伊州 (yī lì nuò yī zhōu)
Illinois
芝加哥 (zhījiāgē)
Chicago
我在芝加哥大学教书 (Wǒ zài zhījiāgē dàxué jiāoshū)
芝加哥在美国中部。(zhījiāgē zài měiguó zhōngbù.)
枪 (qiāng)
gun
射击 (shèjí)
shooting
他喜欢玩射击游戏。 (Tā xǐhuān wán shèjí yóuxì.)
枪击 (qiāngjī)
to shoot with a gun
我被枪击了。 (Wǒ bèi qiāngjī le.)
暴力 (bàolì)
violence
帮派 (bāngpài)
gang
抢劫 (qiǎngjié)
to rob
e.g.
很多芝加哥大学的学生每年被抢劫 (Hěnduō Zhījiāgē Dàxué de xuéshēng měinián bèi qiǎngjié)
偷 (tōu)
to steal
强奸 (qiángjiān)
rape, to rape
危险 (wēixiǎn)
dangerous
海边 (hǎibiān)
seaside, by the sea
住在武汉以后我想住在海边 (zhù zài Wǔhàn yǐhòu wǒ xiǎng zhù zài hǎibiān)
安全 (ānquán)
safe, secure
安全感 (ānquángǎn) - Sense of security
人口 (rénkǒu)
population
出生率 (chūshēnglǜ)
birthrate
穷（人) (qióng(rén))
poor people
有钱(人) (yǒuqián (rén))
rich (person)
年轻人 (niánqīngrén)
young people
同龄人 (tónglíngrén)
peers, people of the same age
一代 (yīdài)
generation
这一代年轻人花很多时间玩电子游戏。 (Zhè yīdài niánqīng rén huā hěn duō shíjiān wán diànzǐ yóuxì.)
童年 (tóngnián)
childhood
青春期 (qīngchūnqí)
adolescence, puberty
青少年 (qīngshàonián)
teenager
民族 (mínzú)
ethnicity, ethnic group
少数民族 (shǎoshù mínzú)
ethnic minority
偏见 (piānjiàn)
bias, prejudice
刻板印象 (kèbǎn yìnxiàng)
stereotype (literally: “carved board impression”)
多元 (duōyuán)
diverse
客家人 (Kèjiā rén)
Hakka people
维吾尔族 (wéiwú’ěr zú)
Uyghur people
维吾尔语 (wéiwú’ěr yǔ)
Uyghur language
藏族 (zàngzú)
Tibettan ethnic group
中文 (Zhōngwén)
Chinese language
英文 (Yīngwén)
English language
汉语 (Hànyǔ)
Chinese language (more emphasis on spoken language)
口音 (kǒuyīn)
accent
标准 (biāozhǔn)
standard
我说标准普通话 （wǒ shuō biāozhǔn pǔtōnghuà)
词语 (cíyǔ)
word, expression. most commonly used when speaking about Chinese words
意思 (yìsi)
meaning (of a word or phrase)
定义 (dìng yì)
definition, to define
说法 (shuōfǎ)
way of speaking, expression, way of putting things
上下文 (shàngxiàwén)
context
方言 (fāngyán)
dialect, regional language
普通话 (Pǔtōnghuà)
Mandarin, specifically
广东话（guǎngdōng huà)
Cantonese
粤语 (Yuèyǔ)
Cantonese
语言 (yǔyán)
language
口语 (kǒuyǔ）
spoken language
口语能力 （kǒuyǔ nénglì) - speaking ability
书面语 (shūmiànyǔ)
written langauge
流利 (liúlì)
fluent, smooth
fluent speaking: 一口流利 (yī kǒu liúlì)
我希望说流利的中文. (Wǒ xīwàng shuō liúlì de Zhōngwén.)
语感 (yǔgǎn)
sense of language (combination of 语言 and 感觉）
自然习得 (zì rán xí dé)
natural acquisition
输入 (shūrù)
input
可理解的输入 (kě lǐjiě de shūrù) - comprehensible input
输出 (shūchū)
output
母语者 (mǔ yǔ zhě)
native speaker
翻译 (fānyì)
(verb.) to translate
(noun.) translation
文化 （wénhuà)
culture
西方文化 (xīfāng wénhuà) - western culture
文化冲击 (wénhuà chōngjí) - culture shock
词 (cí)
word
生词 (shēngcí)
new word
词典 (cídiǎn)
dictionary
我自己的私人词典 (wǒ zìjǐ de sīrén cídiǎn) p
查 (chá)
to look up
单词 (dāncí)
word (single word)， more commonly used when talking about (for instance) English word
短语 (duǎnyǔ)
short phrase
成语 (chéngyǔ)
four-character Chinese idiom
e.g. 狐假虎威 (hú jiǎ hǔ wēi)
熟语 (shúyǔ)
idiom, saying
俗话 (súhuà)
proverb, common saying
表达 (biǎodá)
to express
我不知道怎么表达这个 (Wǒ bù zhīdào zěnme biǎodá zhège).
expression
表示 (biǎoshì)
to express, to indicate
说出来 (shuōchūlái)
to express
说不出来 (shuō bù chūlái)
to be unable to express
表征 (biǎozhēng)
to represent, representation
简洁 (jiǎnjié)
concise, succinct
省略 (shěnglüè)
to omit, to leave out
我可以省略第二个“我”吧？
比喻 (bǐyù)
metaphor, simile, analogy
寓言 (yùyán)
fable, allegory
洞穴寓言 (dòngxué yùyán)
举例 (jǔlì)
to give an example, to cite an instance
例子 (lìzi）
example, instance
例外 (lìwài)
exception
句子 (jùzi)
sentence
概念 (gàiniàn)
concept
名词 (míngcí)
noun (literally, “name word”)
动词 (dòngcí)
verb （literally action word)
形容词 (xíngróngcí)
adjective (descriptive word)
量词 (liàngcí)
measure word, classifier;
quantifier, in logical contexts
数字 (shùzì)
number
介词 (jiècí)
preposition
代词 (dàicí)
pronoun
条件 (tiáojiàn)
condition
必要条件 (bìyào tiáojiàn) - necessary condition
充分条件 (chōngfèn tiáojiàn) - sufficient condition
汉字 (hànzì)
Chinese character(s)
e.g. 你会写汉字吗？
繁体字 (fántǐzì)
traditional characters
简体字 (jiǎntǐzì)
simplified characters
识字 (shízì)
reading ability, character recognition
偏旁 (piānpáng)
radical (part of a character)
部首 (bùshǒu)
classificatory, semantic radical
拼音 (pīnyīn)
pinyin
e.g. 我会用拼音写汉字 (wǒ huì yòng pīnyīn xiě hànzì)
发音 (fāyīn)
pronunciation
我的发音对不对?” (Wǒ de fāyīn duì bù duì?)
声调 (shēngdiào)
tones
辅音 (fǔyīn)
consonants
元音 (yuányīn)
vowels
语法 (yǔfǎ)
grammar
可能补语 (kěnéng bǔyǔ)
possibility complements
语气词 (yǔqìcí)
final particles
词汇 (cíhuì)
vocabulary
词汇量 (cíhuìliàng)
vocabulary size
学术词汇 (xuéshù cíhuì)
academic vocabulary
正式 (zhèngshì)
formal
术语 (shùyǔ)
technical term, jargon
专业词汇 (zhuānyè cíhuì)
specialized vocabulary, technical terms
和 (hé)
and
doesn’t conjoin complete sentence—just noun phrases
与 (yǔ)
and (academic, formal)
跟 （gēn）
with, and (implies collective action)
字 (zì)
character, word
e.g. 我不知道这个字 (wǒ bù zhīdào zhège zì)
其实 (qíshí)
actually
确实 (quèshí)
indeed, truly
正是 (zhèngshì)
precisely, exactly
可能 (kěnéng)
maybe, possibly
可能性 (kě néng xìng)
possibility, probability
一定 (yīdìng)
(adv.) definitely, surely, certainly
肯定 (kěndìng)
(adv.) definitely, surely, certainly
(verb.) to be sure
确定 (quèdìng)
to make sure, to confirm
基本上 (jīběn shàng)
basically, essentially
基础 (jīchǔ)
basis, foundation
本质上 (běnzhì shàng)
essentially, fundamentally
概念本质上是由推理阐明的
核心 (héxīn)
core, central part
塞拉斯唯名论的核心论证 (Sāi Lāsī wéi míng lùn de héxīn lùnzhèng) -
结晶 (jiéjīng)
crystallization
关键 (guānjiàn)
key, critical, crucial
这是一个关键的决定。
(Zhè shì yí gè guānjiàn de juédìng.)
但是 (dànshì)
but
虽然 (suīrán）
although
often used in the construction虽然 + [Fact], + 但是 + [unexpected thing]
仍然 (réngrán)
still, yet
无论 (wúlùn)
no matter, regardless of whether (formal)
即使 (jíshǐ)
even if
即使 (jíshǐ) + [condition] + 也 (yě) + [result]
即使下雨，我也要去跑步。
Jíshǐ xiàyǔ, wǒ yě yào qù pǎobù.
即便是 (jí biàn shì)
even if
尽管 (jǐnguǎn)
even though, although, despite
尽管他不胖，他还要减肥
并且 (bìngqiě)
and also, furthermore, moreover
而且 (érqiě)
and also, furthermore
此外 (cǐwài)
in addition, besides, furthermore
除此之外 (chú cǐ zhī wài)
apart from this, besides this, other than this
以及 (yǐjí)
and also, as well as, along with
先 (xiān)
first
节日的时候我们先吃沙拉然后吃意大利面最后吃鸡肉。 (jiérì de shíhòu wǒmen xiān chī shālā ránhòu chī yìdàlì miàn zuìhòu chī jīròu.)
首先 (shǒuxiān)
first, first of all
(a bit more formal than just 先, often used at a start of a list)
然后 (ránhòu)
and then, and after that
后来 (hòulái)
later, afterwards
最后 (zuì hòu)
last, finally
或者 (huòzhě)
or, used in statements, expressing alternatives
e.g.
我不经常吃面包或者米饭
(wǒ bù jīngcháng chī miànbāo huòzhě mǐfàn)
还是 (háishì)
or: used in questions presenting alternatives
e.g. 你要喝茶还是咖啡？(nǐ yào hē chá háishì kāfēi?)
而不是 (Ér bùshì)/
而没有 (ér méiyǒu)
rather than
啊好的，我明白为什么你用’对’而不是’关于’。谢谢！
A hǎo de, wǒ míngbái wèishéme nǐ yòng duì ér bùshì guānyú’. Xièxiè!
因为 (yīnwèi)
because
原因 (yuányīn)
reason, cause
一个原因我喜欢哲学是因为它让我去很多不同的地方旅游 （Yī gè yuányīn wǒ xǐhuān zhéxué shì yīnwèi tā ràng wǒ qù hěn duō bùtóng de dìfāng lǚyóu)
偶然 (ǒurán)
accidental, by chance
必然 (bìrán)
inevitable, unavoidable
巧合 (qiǎohé)
coincidence
后果 (hòuguǒ)
consequence, outcome, result (usually with a negative connotation)
效果 (xiàoguǒ)
outcome, result, effect
结果 (jiéguǒ)
result, outcome
作用 (zuòyòng)
function, role
风险 (fēngxiǎn)
risk (potential danger or loss)
因素 (yīnsù)
factor, element
影响 (yǐngxiǎng)
influence, impact
为 (wèi)
for
为了 (wèile)
for the sake of
所以 (suǒyǐ)
So; therefore
can be used in the construction: (因为 (yīnwèi)) + [cause] + 所以 (suǒyǐ) + [effect]
e.g. (因为)她生病了，所以她没去学校
因此 (yīncǐ)
therefore, as a result
于是 (yúshì)
thus, therefore
由于 (yóuyú)
because of, due to (more formal)
如果 (rúguǒ)
if
假如 (jiǎrú)
if, supposing, imagining (implies counterfactuality)
假如你是我，你会怎么做？
(jiǎrú nǐ shì wǒ, nǐ huì zěnme zuò?)
除了(chúle)
other than
不仅 （bùjǐn)
not only
General used in
不仅 (bùjǐn) … 而且 ….
也 (yě)
too or also (e.g. 我也是 (wǒ yě shì))
比如(说) (bǐ rú (shuō))
For example (say),
比如像 (bǐrú xiàng)
for example, such as
假如说 (jiǎrú shuō)
suppose, imagine, let’s say
对我来说 (duì wǒ lái shuō)
in my opinion, from my perspective
坦白来说 (tǎnbái lái shuō)
frankly speaking, to be honest
刚 （gāng)
just recently
已经 (yǐjīng)
already
再 (zài)
(adv.) again, once more
你能再说一遍吗？（nǐ néng zàishuō yībiàn ma?）
又 (yòu)
again, once more (implies that the thing has already been done again)
重新 (chóngxīn)
again, anew
我重新开始学习HSK4
Wǒ chóngxīn kāishǐ xuéxí HSK4
就 (jiù)
Very important/high-frequency versatile function word. Four main uses:
1.) “at once” - expresses that something happens right after something else.
e.g.
我一到家就给你打电话 (Wǒ yī dào jiā jiù gěi nǐ dǎ diànhuà)
2.) “then” - expresses something is a direct consequence of something else.
(如果）他去，我就不去 ((Rúguǒ) tā qù, wǒ jiù bù qù)
3.) “just” - expresses that something is early
4.) Can add stress
才 (cái)
in some ways, the opposite of 就
used to express that something is late
他昨天晚上十点才回家 (Tā zuótiān wǎnshàng shí diǎn cái huí jiā.)
现在 (xiànzài)
now, currently (in a narrow/immediate sense)
目前 (mùqián)
currently (in a broader/less immediate sense)
马上 （mǎshàng)
immediately, at once
突然 (túrán)
suddenly
居然 (jūrán)
unexpectedly
终于 (zhōngyú)
finally, at last
我终于学完了HSK4。
Wǒ zhōngyú xué wán le HSK4.
今天 (jīntiān)
today
昨天 (zuótiān)
yesterday
明天 (míngtiān)
tomorrow
后天 (hòu tiān)
the day after tomorrow
前天 (qiántiān)
the day before yesterday
每天 (měitiān)
everyday
Often paired with 都
每次 (měi cì)
every time
每 (měi)
every. Basic structure 每+ MW + N
e.g. 每个星期三我跟佳娜一起有课 ,每个星期天我跟 泽峻一起有课 (Měi gè xīngqísān wǒ gēn jiānà yīqǐ yǒu kè, měi gè xīngqítiān wǒ gēn zéjùn yīqǐ yǒu kè）
都 (dōu)
(adv.) all or both
某 (mǒu)
certain, some
以前 (yǐqián)
before (then), in the past
e.g. 我以前是一个救生员 (Wǒ yǐqián shì yīgè jiùshēngyuán)
之前 (zhīqián)
before, prior to
以后 (yǐhòu)
after (that)
e.g. 住在武汉以后我想住在海边 (Zhùzài Wǔhàn yǐhòu wǒ xiǎng zhùzài hǎibiān)
提前 (tíqián)
in advance, ahead of time
今年 (jīnnián)
this year
去年 (qùnián)
last year
明年 (míngnián)
next year
年底 (niándǐ)
end of the year
未来 (wèilái)
the future
放假 （fàngjià ）
to have a holiday
假期 (jiàqī)
vacation
节日 (jiérì)
festival
春节 (Chūnjié)
Spring Festival/Chinese New Year
跨年 (kuànián)
new years eve; the crossing over into the new year
农历 （nónglì)
lunar calendar, traditional Chinese calendar
生肖 (shēngxiào)
Chinese zodiac
属 (shǔ)
zodiac sign, birthpet
中秋节 (Zhōngqiū Jié)
Mid-Autumn festival
清明节 (Qīngmíng Jié)
tomb-sweeping day
端午节 (duānwǔ jié)
dragon boat festival
圣诞节 (shèng dàn jié)
Christmas
平安夜 (píng ān yè)
Christmas Eve
圣诞老人 (shèngdàn lǎorén)
Santa Clause
圣诞树 (shèngdàn shù)
Christmas tree
元旦 (yuándàn)
new year’s (day)
季节 (jìjié)
season
春天 (chūntiān)
spring
夏天 (xiàtiān)
summer
秋天 (Qiūtiān)
Autumn, Fall
冬天 (Dōngtiān)
Winter
天气 （tiānqì)
weather
气候 (qìhòu)
climate
空气 (kōngqì)
air
氧气 (yǎngqì)
oxygen
太阳 (tài yáng)
the Sun
阳光 (yángguāng)
sunlight, sunshine
光 (guāng)
light
影子 (yǐngzi)
shadow, reflection
阴影 (yīnyǐng)
shadow (from the sun)
晒 (shài)
to dry in the sun, to expose to sunlight
晒衣服 (shài yīfú) - to sun-dry clothes
晒干 (shàigān) - sun-dry something (like fruits)
晒黑 (shàihēi)
to get a tan, to be tanned
天空 (tiānkōng)
the sky
月亮 (yuè liàng)
the moon
(下)雨 ((xià)yǔ)
rain, to be raining
下大雨 - to rain heavily
伞 (sǎn)
umbrella
(下)雪 ((xià)xuě)
snow, to be snowing
阴(天) (yīn(tiān))
cloudy, cloudy day
今天是阴天
多云 (duōyún)
partly cloudy
刮风 (guāfēng)
windy
暖和 （nuǎnhuo)
warm, nice and warm, pleasantly warm
凉快 （liángkuai)
cool, nice and cool, pleasantly cool
闷热 (mēnrè)
muggy, hot and humid
雷雨 (léiyǔ)
thunderstorm
台风 (táifēng)
typhoon, hurricane
龙卷风 (lóngjuǎnfēng)
tornado
地震 (dìzhèn)
earthquake
度 (dù)
degrees
华氏度 (huáshì dù)
degrees Fahrenheit
摄氏度 (shèshìdù)
degrees Celsius
零下 (líng xià)
negative, below zero
零下五度 (líng xià wǔ dù)
晴天 (qíngtiān)
Sunny (sunny-day)
e.g.
今天是晴天 (jīntiān shì qíngtiān)
哲学 (zhéxué)
philosophy
分析哲学 (fēnxī zhéxué)
analytic philosophy
大陆哲学 (dàlù zhéxué)
continental philosophy
哲学家 (zhéxué jiā)
philosopher
苏格拉底 (sūgélādǐ)
Socrates
柏拉图 (bólātú)
Plato
亚里士多德 (yàlǐshìduōdé)
Aristotle
马克思(mǎkèsī)
Karl Marx
黑格尔 (Hēigé’ěr)
Hegel
海德格尔 (Hǎidégé’ěr)
Heidegger
尼采 (Nícǎi)
Nietzsche
萨特 (Sātè)
Sartre
康德 (Kāngdé)
Kant
塞拉斯 (sèlāsī)
Sellars
弗雷格 (fúléigé)
Frege
维根斯坦 (wéi gēn sī tǎn)
Wittgenstein
布兰顿 (Bùlándùn)
Brandom
抽象 (chōuxiàng)
abstract
具体 (jùtǐ)
specific, detailed
细的 (xì de)
precise, detailed, fine-grained
细致 (xìzhì)
meticulous, attentive to detail
严谨 (yánjǐn)
rigorous, precise, meticulous
微妙 (wēimiào)
subtle, nuanced, delicate
广泛 (guǎngfàn)
broad, extensive
作家 （zuòjiā)
writer
作者 (zuòzhě)
author, writer
小说 (xiǎoshuō)
novel
宗教 (zōngjiào)
religion
信仰 (xìnyǎng)
faith, belief in a system or doctrine
信教 (xìnjiào)
religious
无神论 (wúshénlùn)
atheism
无神论者 (wúshénlùnzhě)
atheist
不可知论 (bùkězhīlùn)
agnosticism
神 (shén)
god, deity
女神 (nǚshén) - goddess
上帝 (shàngdì)
God (in a monotheistic context)
造物者 (zàowùzhě)
the creator
魔鬼 (móguǐ)
devil, demon
圣经 (Shèngjīng)
the Bible
基督教 (jīdūjiào)
Christianity
基督徒 (jīdū tú)
Christian, follower of Christ
天主教 (tiānzhǔjiào)
Catholicism
牧师 (mùshī)
(Christian) priest
祈祷 (qídǎo)
to pray
教堂 (jiàotáng)
church
穆斯林 (mùsīlín)
Muslim
道理 (dàolǐ)
principle, underlying reason
原则 (yuánzé)
principle, fundamental rule
命运 (mìngyùn)
fate, destinity
缘分 (yuánfèn)
fateful connection between people
有缘人 (yǒuyuánrén)
someone with whom one shares 缘分
印度教 (yìndùjiào)
Hinduism
不二吠檀多 (bù’èr fèitánduō)
Advaita Vedanta
佛教 (fójiào)
Buddhism (as a religion)
佛学 (fóxué)
Buddhist study
梵文 (fànwén)
Sanskrit
巴利语 (bālìyǔ)
Pali
佛经 (fójīng)
Buddhist Sutra
僧侣 (sēnglǚ)
Buddhist monk (may be male or female)
和尚 (héshang)
monk (male)
尼姑 (nígū)
Buddhist nun
寺庙 (sìmiào)
temple
寺院 (sìyuàn).
monastery
冥想 (míngxiǎng)
to meditate; meditation (implies contemplation)
呼吸 (hūxī)
to breath
佛 (fó)
Buddha
人人都是佛
释迦牟尼佛 (shìjiāmóuní fó)
Sakyamuni Buddha, Gautama Buddha.
弥勒佛 (Mílè Fó)
Maitreya Buddha
龙树 (lóng shù)
Nagarjuna
中观 (zhōngguān)
Madhyamaka (“Middle view”)
菩提达摩 （pútí dá mó)
Boddhidharma
惠能 (huì néng)
Sixth patriarch of Chan (638—713）
禅宗 （chánzōng）
Zen Buddhism
藏传佛教 (zàng chuán fójiào)
Tibetan Buddhism
大乘 (dà chéng)
Mahayana
大乘佛教 (dàshèng fójiào)
Mahayana Buddhism
上座部佛教 (shàngzuòbù fójiào)
Theravada Buddhsim
无我 (wú wǒ)
no-self, anatman
自我 (zì wǒ)
self, ego
轮回 (lúnhuí)
reincarnation, transmigration, samsara
业 (yè)
karma
业海 - sea of karma
因缘 (yīnyuán)
causes and conditions
自性 (zìxìng)
svabhāva, intrinsic nature
空性 (kōngxìng)
emptiness
涅槃 (nièpán)
Nirvana, enlightenment
慈悲 (cíbēi)
compassion (in a buddhist context)
罗汉 (luóhàn)
arhat
如来 (rúlái)
tathāgata
佛性 (fó xìng)
buddha-nature
所有的人有佛性 (suǒyǒu de rén yǒu fó xìng）
道教 (dàojiào)
Daoism, taoism
老子 (lǎozi)
Lao Tzu
无为 (wúwéi)
no-effort, acting without effort
风水 (fēngshuǐ)
literally - wind/water
阴阳 (yīn yáng)
yin yang
二元 (èr yuán)
binary, duality
玄学 (xuánxué)
Chinese metaphysical mysticism
占星术 (zhānxīng shù)
astrology
儒家 （rújiā）
Confucianism
孔子 （kǒngzǐ)
Confucius
逻辑学 (luójíxúe)
logic, the study of logic
e.g. 我觉得中文比英文更有逻辑 (wǒ juédé zhōngwén bǐ yīngwén gèng yǒu luójí)
逻辑学家 (luójíxuéjiā)
logician
形式逻辑 (xíngshì luójí)
formal logic
学逻辑 (shùxué luójí)
mathematical logic
哲学逻辑 (zhéxué luójí)
philosophical logic
矛盾 (máodùn)
contradiction (spear, shield)
悖论 (bèilùn)
paradox
否定 (fǒudìng)
to deny, denial, to negate, negation
断言 (duànyán)
to assert, assertion
命题 (mìngtí)
proposition
谓词 (wèicí)
predicate
全称量词 (quánchēng liàngcí)
universal quantifier
存在量词 (cúnzài liàngcí)
existential quantifier
变项 (biànxiàng)
variable
模态算子 (mótài suànzǐ)
modal operator
专名 (zhuānmíng)
proper name
推论 (tuīlùn)
inference, reasoning
推论主义 (tuīlùn zhǔyì) - inferentialism
推理 (tuī lǐ)
reasoning, inference
同义反复 (tóngyì fǎnfù)
tautology, redundant proposition
蕴含 (yùn hán)
to imply, to entail
包含 (bāo hán)
to include, to encompass, to contain
前提 (qiántí)
premises
结论 (jiélùn)
conclusion
预设 (yùshè)
to presuppose, presupposition
假设 (jiǎshè)
to assume, assumption
形而上学(xíng’érshàngxué)
metaphysics
本体论 (běntǐlùn)
ontology
随附 (suífù)
to supervene
心灵属性随附于物理属性 (xīnlíng shǔxìng suífù yú wùlǐ shǔxìng)
随附性 (suífùxìng)
supervenience
可能世界 (kěnéng shìjiè)
possible world
必然性 (bìránxìng)
necessity
可能性 (kěnéngxìng)
possibility
认识论 (rènshilùn)
epistemology
伦理学 (lúnlǐxué)
ethics
美学 (měixué)
aesthetics
实用主义 (shíyòng zhǔyì)
pragmatism
推理主义 (tuīlǐ zhǔyì)
inferentialism
表征主义 (biǎozhēng zhǔyì)
representationalism
经验主义 (jīngyàn zhǔyì)
empiricism
逻辑经验主义 (luójí jīngyàn zhǔyì) - logical empiricism
理性主义 (lǐxìng zhǔyì)
rationalism
唯心主义 (wéixīn zhǔyì)
idealism
唯物主义 (wéiwù zhǔyì)
materialism
物质 (wùzhì)
matter, material
世界是物质的
虚无主义 (xūwú zhǔyì)
nihilism
虚无 (xūwú)
nothingness, nothing
存在主义 (cúnzài zhǔyì)
existentialism
唯我论 (wéi wǒ lùn)
solipsism
神秘主义 (shénmì zhǔyì)
mysticism
规范性 (guīfàn xìng)
normativity
实在论 (shízàilùn)
realism
唯名论 (wéimínglùn)
nominalism
本体唯名论 (Běntǐ wéi míng lùn)
共相 (gòngxiàng)
universals
普遍性 (pǔbiànxìng)
universality
殊相 (shūxiàng)
particulars
特殊性 (tèshūxìng)
particularity
善 (shàn)
goodness
因果 (yīnguǒ)
causality, cause and effect
因果关系 (yīnguǒ guānxì) – Causal relation
论文 (lùnwén)
an academic paper
文章 (wénzhāng)
article, essay, paper
篇 (piān)
measure word for articles, essays, papers
稿子 (gǎozi)
manuscript, draft, script
修改 (xiūgǎi)
to revise
校对 (xiàoduì)
proofreading, to proofread
纠正 (jiūzhèng)
to correct
提交 (tíjiāo)
to submit
发表 （fābiǎo)
to publish (an article or paper)
我不需要教课，我只需要发表论文 (wǒ bù xūyào jiāo kè, wǒ zhǐ xūyào fābiǎo lùnwén)
刊登 (kāndēng)
to publish (in a newspaper or magazine)
出版 (chūbǎn)
to publish (printed media like a book or magazine)
期刊 (qīkān)
academic journal
合集 (héjí)
collection, anthology
出版社 (chūbǎn shè)
publisher, publishing house
摘要 (zhāiyào)
abstract (of an academic paper)
参考文献 (cānkǎo wénxiàn)
references, bibliography
演讲 (yǎn jiǎng)
to give a lecture, give a speech
讲座 (jiǎngzuò)
lecture, talk
报告 (bàogào)
report (written or oral), to give a report
思考 (sīkǎo)
to think in a reflective, contemplative way
换位思考 (huànwèi sīkǎo) - to think from someone eleses perspective
思维 (sīwéi)
thinking, thought process, intellect
哲学？那你的思维很
思路 (sīlù)
line of thought
结构 (jiégòu)
structure, composition, framework
系统 (xìtǒng)
system
体系 (tǐxì)
system (used for system of thought)
循环 (xúnhuán)
cycle
螺旋 (luóxuán)
spiral
学者 (xuézhě)
scholar, academic
学术圈 (xuéshù quān)
academic circle
提出 (tíchū)
to put forward, to propose (an idea or theory)
理论 (lǐlùn)
theory
借鉴 (jièjiàn)
to draw (a lesson, idea, method) from
我借鉴了佛教的思想
Wǒ jièjiànle fójiào de sīxiǎng
基于 (jīyú)
based on
书呆子 （shūdāizi)
nerd; literally – “book fool”
学科 (xuékē)
academic subject or discipline
小组 (xiǎozǔ)
group (study, research)
研究组 (yánjiūzǔ)
research group
圈子 (quānzi)
(social or academic) circle
学派 (xué pài)
school (of thought
e.g. 匹兹堡学派
部门 (bùmén)
department
文学 (wénxué)
literature
语言学 (yǔyánxué)
linguistics
语义学 (yǔyìxué)
semantics
指称 (zhǐchēng)
reference, denotation
语用学 (yǔyòngxué)
pragmatics
语音学 (yǔyīn xué)
phonetics
科学 (kēxué)
science
科学家 (kēxuéjiā)
scientist
实验 (shíyàn)
experiment
ì测试 (cèshì)
test, assesment
评估 (pínggū)
evaluation, assessment
科技 (kējì)
technology (emphasizes the science behind it)
技术 (shù)
technology (emphasizes practical uses)
半导体 (bàndǎotǐ)
semiconductor
晶片 (jīngpiàn)
chip, microchip
芯片 (xīnpiàn)
computer chip
磁铁 (cítiě)
magnet
人工智能 (réngōng zhìnéng)
Artificial Intelligence, AI
数据 (shù jù)
data
深度学习 (shēn dù xué xí)
deep learning
虚拟现实 (xūnǐ xiànshí)
virtual reality
机器人 (jī qì rén)
humanoid robot
人类 (rénlèi)
humanity, mankind
人民 (rénmín)
the people
e.g. 中华人民共和国 (Zhōnghuá Rénmín Gònghéguó): The People’s Republic of China.
朝代 (cháodài)
dynasty
清朝 (qīng cháo) - Qing Dynasty
宋代 (Sòngdài) - Song dynasty
数学 （shùxué)
math
负数 (fùshù)
negative number
算子 (suànzǐ)
operator
物理学 (wùlǐxué)
physics
量子物理 (liàngzǐ wùlǐ)
quantum physics
宇宙 (yǔzhòu)
the universe
平行宇宙 (píngxíng yǔzhòu)
parallel universe
多元宇宙 (duōyuán yǔzhòu)
multiverse
化学 (huàxué)
chemistry
社会学 (shèhuìxué)
sociology
心理学 (xīnlǐxué)
psychology
考古 (kǎogǔ)
archeology
经济学 (jīngjìxué)
economics
资本 (zīběn)
capital
劳动 (láodòng)
labor
资本主义 (zīběn zhǔyì)
capitalism
社会主义 (shèhuì zhǔyì)
socialism
共产主义 (gòngchǎn zhǔyì)
(the theory of) communism
文科 (wénkē)
humanities, liberal arts
历史 (lìshǐ)
history
古老 (gǔlǎo)
ancient
古代 (gǔdài)
ancient times
神话 (shénhuà)
myth, mythology
神仙 (shénxiān)
immortal, deity
中世纪 (zhōngshìjì)
medieval times, middle ages
当代 (dāngdài)
contemporary, modern
工业革命 (gōngyè gémìng)
industrial revolution
战争 (zhànzhēng)
war
打仗 (dǎ zhàng)
to go to war, to fight a war
内战 (nèizhàn)
civil war
撤退 (chètuì)
to retreat, to withdraw
军事 (jūnshì)
military
士兵 (shìbīng)
soldier
军人 (jūnrén)
military personnel
国王 (guówáng)
king
皇帝 (huángdì)
emperor
研究（yánjiū)
research
e.g.
明年我只做哲学研究” (Míngnián wǒ zhǐ zuò zhéxué yánjiū)
学位 (xuéwèi)
academic degree
本科学位 (běnkē xuéwèi)
undergraduate degree
博士学位 (bóshì xuéwèi)
Ph.D.
我已经有一个博士学位了。
Wǒ yǐjīng yǒu yīgè bóshì xuéwèile.
硕士学位 (shuòshì xuéwèi)
master’s degree
博士后研究员 (Bóshìhòu yánjiùyuán)
postdoctoral researcher
会议 (huìyì)
conference
课题 (kètí)
topic, subject matter (for research)
流派 (liúpài)
school of thought
零 (líng)
zero
一 (yī)
one
幺 (yāo)
one (used in phone numbers and codes)
二 (èr)
two (note, not used with measure words)
两 (liǎng)
two, a couple (used with measure words)
三 (sān)
three
四 (sì)
four
五 (wǔ)
five
六 (liù)
six
七 (qī)
seven
八 (bā)
eight
九 (jiǔ)
nine
十 (shí)
ten
百 (bǎi)
hundred
千 (qiān)
thousand
我大约认识一千个单词 （wǒ dàyuē rènshí yīqiān gè dāncí)
万 (wàn)
ten thousand
note, e.g. 4 million is 四百万 (i.e. 400 10,000s)
亿 (yì)
hundred million
半 (bàn)
half
always goes after measure
e.g. 我坐公汽要一个半小时 (zǒ zuò gōng qì yào yīgè bàn xiǎoshí)
倍 (bèi)
times (in the sense of multiplication)
你的工资是我的三倍。(Nǐ de gōngzī shì wǒ de sān bèi.)
百分之 (bǎi fēn zhī)
percent (placed before a number)
我觉得百分之五十左右 的美国人去大学。
Wǒ juédé bǎi fēn zhī wǔshí zuǒyòu de měiguó rén qù dàxué.
点 (diǎn)
point, bit; o’clock
e.g.
我想要一点米饭
现在几点？
早上 (zǎoshàng)
morning (literally, early on)
早晨 (zǎochen)
mornin
凌晨 (língchén)
very early morning, before dawn
晚上 (wǎnshàng)
evening (late on)
下午 (xiàwǔ)
afternoon (literally, “down (from) noon”)
午 (wǔ)
noon
白天 (báitiān)
daytime
日落 （rìluò)
sunset
日出 (rìchū)
sunrise
星期 (xīngqī)
week. Days of the week are 星期 (xīngqī) followed by the number (starting on Monday), with the exception of Sunday, which is 星期天 (Xīngqītiān)
周末 (zhōumò)
weekend
我周末通常在Roti吃饭 (wǒ zhōumò tōngcháng zài Roti chīfàn)
礼拜天 (lǐbài tiān)
Sunday (more casual)
星期天 (xīngqī tiān)
Sunday
月 (yuè)
month. Days of the month are just the number followed by 月 (yuè), starting with January (一月 (Yīyuè)).
month + 上/中/下 + 旬 (e.g. Jiǔ yuè zhōngxún)
first third, middle third, final third of the month
月初 (yuèchū)
beginning of the month
月底 (yuèdǐ)
end of the month
号 （hào）
day of the month
小时 （xiǎoshí)
hour
e.g. 我每天学习中文八小时 (Wǒ měitiān xuéxí Zhōngwén bā xiǎoshí)
分钟 （fēnzhōng)
minute
秒 (miǎo)
second
晚餐 (wǎncān)
dinner; literally “evening meal” (more formal)
晚饭 (wǎnfàn)
dinner; literally “evening rice” (less formal)
夜宵 (yèxiāo)
supper; late night snack; fourth meal
甜点 (tiándiǎn)
dessert
冰淇淋 (bīngqílín)
ice cream
早餐 (zǎocān)
breakfast (more formal)
早饭 (zǎofàn)
breakfast (less formal)
午餐 (wǔcān)
lunch (more formal)
午饭 (wǔfàn)
lunch (less formal)
chī xí (吃席)
to have a banquet, feast
(often used in funeral)
丰盛 (fēngshèng)
abundant, rich, sumptuous
丰盛的晚餐 (fēngshèng de wǎncān)
食物 (shíwù)
food
美食 (měishí)
nice food, emphasis on culinary aesthetics
食品 (shípǐn)
food, food products
饮食 (yǐnshí)
diet, food and drink
饮食习惯 (yǐnshí xíguàn)
正宗 (zhèng zōng)
authentic
好吃 (hǎo chī)
tasty/delicious for foods ((very) good to eat)
好喝 (hǎo hē)
tasty/delicious for drinks ((very) good to drink)
恶心 (ěxīn)
nauseating, gross, disgusting
口味 (kǒuwèi)
(personal) tastes, flavor preferences
我们的口味很不一样
吃货 (chīhuò)
foodie
胃口 (wèikǒu)
appetite
味道 (wèi dào)
taste or flavor, smell
吃起来 (chī qǐlái)
taste, culinary impression
口感 (kǒugǎn)
texture (of a food)
臭 (chòu)
smelly, stinky
辣 (là)
spicy
e.g.
你喜欢辣的菜吗？(nǐ xǐhuān là de cài ma?)
咸 (xián)
salty
盐 (yán)
salt
味精 (wèijīng)
msg
烟熏 (yānxūn)
smokey
醋 (cù)
vinegar
甜 (tián)
sweet
糖 (táng)
sugar
红糖 (hóngtáng)
brown sugar
蜂蜜 (fēngmì)
honey
酸 （suān)
sour
苦 (kǔ)
bitter
淡 (dàn)
bland, tasteless
菜单 (càidān)
menu, literally dish (菜) list (单)
(很)好看 ((hěn) hǎo kàn)
pretty/aesthetically pleasing ((very) good to look at)
有趣 (yǒuqù)
interesting, fun, amusing
有意思 (yǒu yìsi)
interesting (has more the sense of being meaningful)
乐趣 (lèqù)
fun, enjoyment, pleasure
娱乐 (yúlè)
entertainment, amusement, fun
刺激 (cìjī)
stimulating, exciting, thrilling, provocative
（很)好玩 ((hěn) hǎowán)
fun, enjoyable
酷 (kù)
cool (transliteration)
- dated, only to be used semi-ironically
奇怪 (qíguài)
strange, odd, weird
扭曲 (niǔqū)
distorted, twisted
他的价值观扭曲 (Tā de jiàzhíguān niǔqū)
麻烦 (máfan)
(verb or noun) bother, trouble, burden
烦人 (fánrén)
annoying
负担 (fùdān)
burden, to bear a burden
无聊 (wúliáo)
boring
e.g.
学习抽认卡太无聊了 (xuéxí chōurènkǎ (flashcards) tài wúliáo le)
难（nán)
hard, difficult
第一本书难吗？(Dì yī běn shū nán ma?)
困难 (kùnnán)
difficulty
我的中文还不太好，所以我在中国有一些困难。(Wǒ de Zhōngwén hái bù tài hǎo, suǒyǐ wǒ zài Zhōngguó yǒu yīxiē kùnnán.)
挑战 (tiǎozhàn)
challenge
障碍 (zhàng’ài)
obstacle, hinderance
面对 (miànduì)
to face, to confront
克服 (kèfú)
to overcome, to conquer
危机 (wēijī)
crisis
容易 (róngyì)
easy
简单 (jiǎndān)
simple
复杂 (fùzá)
complicated, complex
方便 （fāngbiàn)
convenient
实现 (shíxiàn)
to achieve, to realize
天赋 (tiānfù)
talent
善于 (shànyú)
to be good at something, to be skilled at something
她善于表达自己的想法。
(Tā shànyú biǎodá zìjǐ de xiǎngfǎ.)
奇才 (qícái)
extraordinarily talented person
天才 (tiāncái)
genius
天生 (tiānshēng)
innate, born with
遗传的 (yíchuán de)
genetic
基因 (jīyīn)
gene
努力 (nǔlì)
to work hard at something, to make a great effort
毅力 (yìlì)
determination, perseverance
我很有毅力 (wǒ hěn yǒu yìlì)
吃力 (chīlì)
strenuous, consuming a lot of effort
费劲 (fèijìn)
strenuous, requiring the expenditure of a lot of energy
剧烈 (jùliè)
intense (often used for physical activity or pain)
体力 (tǐlì)
physical strength, stamina, bodily energy
费体力 (fèi tǐlì)
exhausting, physically demaning
勤奋 (qínfèn)
diligent, hardworking （more about consistency than 努力）
执着 (zhízhuó)
persistent, dedicated, obsessive
坚持 (jiānchí)
to persist, to persevere
专一 (zhuān yī)
devoted, single-minded
固执 (gùzhí)
stubborn, persistent
辛苦 (xīnkǔ)
hard, laborious
痛苦 (tòngkǔ)
painful, pain, suffering
煎熬 (jiān’áo)
torture, torment
令人沮丧 (lìng rén jǔsàng)
frustrating, disheartening, discouraging
我想表达自己的意思，但我的词汇太少了，真的很令人沮丧！
压力 (yālì)
pressure, stress
我的工作压力很小 (Wǒ de gōngzuò yālì hěn xiǎo)
难受 (nánshòu)
uncomfortable, distressed
办法 （bànfǎ）
method, approach
我有一个好的学习办法 (Wǒ yǒu yīgè hǎo de xuéxí bànfǎ)
方法 (fāngfǎ)
method, way of doing something
方式 (fāngshì)
method, approach
工具 (gōngjù)
tool
机会 (jīhuì)
opportunity
厉害 (lìhài)
impressive, awesome
优秀 (yōuxiù)
excellent, outstanding
完美 (wánměi)
perfect
精彩 (jīngcǎi)
wonderful, brilliant
伟大 (wěidà)
great, grand
Kant 是一位伟大的哲学家。
(Kant shì yī wèi wěidà de zhéxuéjiā）
提高 （tígāo)
to improve
发展 (fāzhǎn)
to develop
推动 (tuīdòng)
to promote, to push forward
水平 （shuǐpíng)
level (of achievement, ability, etc.)
程度 (chéngdù)
level, degree, extent
目标 (mùbiāo)
goal
目的 (mùdì)
purpose
达到 (dádào)
to achieve, to attain
使命 (shǐmìng)
mission, calling
理想 (lǐxiǎng)
dream, ideal, aspiration
意义 (yìyì)
meaning, significance
生活的意义 (shēnghuó de yìyì)
成功 (chénggōng)
success
成就 (chéngjiù)
accomplishment, achievement
成就感 (chéngjiù gǎn) - sense of achievement
充实 (chōngshí)
to fulfill, fulfilling
对我来说，哲学研究很充实
Duì wǒ lái shuō, zhéxué yánjiū hěn chōngshí
灵感 (línggǎn)
inspiration
励志 (lìzhì)
motivational, inspirational
声誉 (shēngyù)
reputation, prestige
地位 (dìwèi)
status, position
缺点 (quēdiǎn)
weak point, shortcoming
优点 (yōudiǎn)
strong point, advantage
特点 (tèdiǎn)
special characteristic, distinctive feature
特色 (tèsè)
distinctive feature, special characteristic
特产 (tèchǎn)
special local product
优势 (yōushì)
advantage, strength
好处 (hǎochù)
benefit, advantage
听中文博客对学习中文有很多好处。(Tīng Zhōngwén bókè duì xuéxí Zhōngwén yǒu hěn duō hǎochù.)
弊端 (bìduān)
drawback, flaw, disadvantage, harmful aspect of
错过 (cuòguò)
to miss (an opportunity, event, class, etc.)
失去 (shīqù)
to lose (generally something abstract)
但是你不觉得这样失去了乐趣吗？(Dànshì nǐ bù juéde zhèyàng shīqù le lèqù ma?)
后悔 (hòuhuǐ)
to regret
浪费 (làngfèi)
to waste, wasteful
浪费时间 (làngfèi shíjiān)
省 (shěng)
to save, to conserve (e.g. time or money)
放弃 (fàngqì)
to give up
帅 (shuài)
handsome
漂亮 (piàoliang)
pretty, beautiful (used primarily for women)
美丽 (měilì)
beautiful (used especially for scenery and other aesthetically nice things)
丑 (chǒu)
ugly
胖 （pàng)
fat
瘦 (shòu）
thin
瘦小 (shòuxiǎo)
thin and small, petit
聪明 (cōngmíng)
smart, clever
智力 (zhìlì)
intellect, intelligence
智慧 (zhìhuì)
wisdom
笨 （bèn)
stupid, foolish, clumsy
愚蠢 (yúchǔn)
stupid, foolish, lacking wisdom
记得 (jìde)
remember
记忆 (jìyì)
memory
记忆力 (jìyìlì) – memory (ability)
想起来 (xiǎng qǐlái)
to recall, to bring to mind
联想 (lián xiǎng)
association, to associate ideas
回忆 (huíyì)
to recall, to recollect
饿 (è)
hungry
饿死 (èsǐ)
starving (to death), to starve
饱 (bǎo)
full
撑 (chēng)
stuffed, overly full
渴 (kě)
thirsty
累 (lèi)
tired
困 （kùn)
sleepy
忙 (máng)
busy
繁忙 (fánmáng)
busy, hectic
学校 (xuéxiào)
school
幼儿园 (yòu’éryuán)
kindergarten
小学 (xiǎoxué)
elementary school, primary school
中学 (zhōngxué)
middle school/high school
初中 (chūzhōng)
middle school, junior high
高中 (gāozhōng).
high school
contraction of 高级中学 (gāojí zhōngxué)
公立学校 (gōnglì xuéxiào)
public school
私立学校 (sīlì xuéxiào)
private school
年级 (niánjí)
grade level
我弟弟上三年级。(wǒ dìdi shàng sān niánjí.)
同学 （tóngxué)
schoolmate
校长 (xiàozhǎng)
principle, headmaster
大学 (dàxué)
college, university
大学就学率 (dàxué jiùxué lǜ) - college attendance rate
学期 (xuéqī)
semester, academic term
学费 (xuéfèi)
tuition
校园 (xiàoyuán)
campus
你住在校园里吗？ (Nǐ zhù zài xiàoyuán lǐ ma?)
宿舍 (sùshè)
dormitory
暑假 (shǔ jià)
summer break
寒假 (hán jià)
winter break
教育 (jiàoyù)
education, to educate
全民素质教育 (quánmín sùzhì jiàoyù) - quality education for all
学历 (xué lì)
education, educational background
他们的学历很低 (tāmen de xué lì hěn dī)
专业 (zhuānyè)
major, specialty, field of expertise
我的专业是形而上学 (Wǒ de zhuānyè shì xíng’érshàngxué)
ma专长 (zhuāncháng)
specialty, expertise, area of particular skill
毕业 （bìyè)
to graduate
我已经毕业了 (Wǒ yǐjīng bìyèle)
研究生 (yánjiūshēng)
graduate student
考试 （kǎoshì)
exam, to take an exam
作业 (zuòyè)
homework
成绩 (chéngjì)
grades, academic marks
高中的时候我的成绩不太好 （gāozhōng de shíhòu wǒ de chéngjī bù tài hǎo)
酒店 (jiǔdiàn)
hotel (generally higher end)
宾馆 (bīn guǎn)
hotel (generally more modest)
订 (dìng)
to book, to reserve
预定 (yùdìng)
to book in advance, to reserve in advance
约 (yuē)
to book, to schedule, to make an appointment
约车 (yuēchē)
入住 (rùzhù)
to move in, to check in
退房 (tuìfáng)
to check out (literally, to return room)
公园 (gōngyuán)
park
公共 (gōnggòng)
public
院 (yuàn)
general word for institution (often used in compound words)
哲学院 - school of philosophy
博物馆 (bówùguǎn)
museam
宝物 (bǎowù)
treasure, precious item
银行 (yínháng)
bank
银行账户 (yínháng zhànghù)
bank account
取款机 (qǔkuǎn jī)
ATM
机场 (jīchǎng)
airport
免税店 (miǎnshuìdiàn)
duty-free shop
投资 (tóuzī)
investment, to invest
赚 (zhuàn)
to earn (money)
余额 (yú’é)
balance (of money)
存款 (cúnkuǎn)
to deposit (money)
取款 (qǔkuǎn)
to withdraw (money)
汇款 (huìkuǎn)
to transfer money
飞机 (fēijī)
airplane
起飞 (qǐfēi)
to take off
飞 (fēi)
to fly
中转 (zhōngzhuǎn)
transfer, connection, layover (used in the context of travel)
你的飞机有中转吗 (Nǐ de fēijī yǒu zhōngzhuǎn ma?)
转机 (zhuǎn jī)
transfer flight
航班 (hángbān)
flight
我找到了一个新的航班去北京。(Wǒ zhǎodào le yí gè xīn de hángbān qù Běijīng.)
直飞 (zhí fēi)
direct flight
倒时差 (Dǎo shíchā)
jetlag
船 (chuán)
boat
观光船 (guānguāng chuán)
sightseeing boat
游轮 (yóulún)
cruise ship
票 (piào)
ticket.
护照 (hùzhào)
passport
工作许可证 (gōngzuò xǔkě zhèng)
work permit
签证 (qiānzhèng)
visa
居留卡 (jūliú kǎ)
residency permit
备案 (bèi’àn)
to file, register
大使馆 (dàshǐguǎn)
embassy
领事馆 (lǐngshì guǎn)
consulate
火车站 (huǒchē zhàn)
train station
走路 (zǒulù)
to walk (as a means of transportation or movement)
超市 (chāoshì)
supermarket
市场 (shìchǎng)
(outdoor) market
餐厅 (cāntīng)
restaurant (less casual)
饭馆 (fànguǎn)
restaurant (more casual)
小吃摊 (xiǎochītān)
snack stand
路边摊 (lù biān tān)
roadside stand
外卖 (wàimài)
takeout, delivery
我不想出去，我只想点外卖
Wǒ bùxiǎng chūqù, wǒ zhǐ xiǎng diǎn wàimài
打包 (dǎbāo)
packed up, to go
带走 (dài zǒu)
to go
配送费 (pèisòng fèi)
delivery fee
快餐 (kuàicān)
fast food
套餐 (tào cān)
combo meal
高档 (gāodàng)
high-end, premium, upscale
食堂 (shítáng)
cafeteria
自助餐 (zìzhùcān)
buffet
酒吧 (jiǔbā)
bar （loud, with music)
蹦迪 (bèngdí)
to go clubbing, to dance at the club
酒馆 (jiǔ guǎn)
tavern, pub
吧台 (bātái)
bar top, bar counter
啤酒厂 (píjiǔ chǎng)
brewery
开门 (kāimén)
open (adj.)
我很难过因为我的游泳池没开门 (Wǒ hěn nánguò yīnwèi wǒ de yóuyǒngchí méi kāimén)
营业 (yíngyè)
to be open (for operation)
营业时间 (yíngyè shíjiān) - hours of operation
工作 (gōngzuò)
(verb.) to work; (noun.) work, job
职位 (zhíwèi)
position, role, job title
副业 (fùyè)
side-job, secondary occupation
上班 （shàngbān)
to work (more in the sense of, to work a shift)
下班 （xiàbān)
to get off work
体力活 (tǐlì huó)
physical labor, manual work
脑力活 (nǎolì huó)
mental work, intellectual labor
退休 (tuìxiū)
to retire
雇佣 (gùyōng)
to hire
解雇 (jiěgù)
to fire, to dismiss (from a job)
我的女朋友被解雇了 (Wǒ de nǚ péngyǒu bèi jiěgùle)
取代 (qǔdài)
to replace (someone or something)
很多工作会被AI取代 (hěn duō gōngzuò huì bèi AI qǔdài)
代替 (dàitì)
to replace, to substitute
申请 (shēn qǐng)
to apply; application
我已经递交了申请，两周后结果就下来了。
Wǒ yǐjīng dìjiāole shēnqǐng, liǎng zhōu hòu jiéguǒ jiù xiàláile.
简历 (jiǎnlì)
resume, CV
资料 (zīliào)
materials, information
职业 (zhíyè)
occupation, profession
面子 (miànzi)
“face,” reputation, social standing
面子观念 (miànzi guānniàn) - concern for face
客户 (kèhù)
customer, client
客服 (kèfù)
customer service (short for 客户服务 (kèhù fúwù))
成功 (chénggōng)
successful
同事 （tóngshì）
colleague, co-worker
公司 (gōngsī)
company
生意 (shēngyi)
business, trade
办公室 (bàngōngshì)
office
企业家 (qǐyèjiā)
entrepreneur
企业 (qǐyè)
enterprise, business
工资 (gōngzī)
salary
薪水 (xīnshuǐ)
salary
你的薪水比我高 (nǐ de xīnshuǐ bǐ wǒ gāo)
收入 (shōurù)
income
等 (děng)
to wait
e.g.
等我一下！
稍等 (shāo děng)
wait a moment, just a moment
等待 (děngdài)
to wait, to await (implies sense of anticipation)
我还在等待我的签证 (Wǒ hái zài děngdài wǒ de qiānzhèng)
耽误 (dān wù)
to delay, to hold up
我的签证被耽误了。
(wǒ de qiān zhèng bèi dān wù le.)
方向 (fāngxiàng)
directions
附近 (fùjìn)
nearby, in the vicinity of
接近 (jiējìn)
to be close to, to approach (concrete or abstract)
上 (面) (shàng(miàn))
(noun.) on top of, above. literally, something like “above location”
e.g. 书在桌子上。(Shū zài zhuōzi shàng.) - The book is on the table.
下 (面) (xià(miàn))
(noun.) underneath, below
猫在椅子下。(Māo zài yǐzi xià.) - “The cat is under the chair.”
里(面) (lǐ(miàn))
(noun.) inside
他在房间里。(Tā zài fángjiān lǐ.) - “He is inside the room.”
前(面) (qián(miàn))
(noun.) in front of
后面 (hòumiàn)
(noun.) behind
对面 （duìmiàn）
opposite to
中间 (zhōngjiān)
middle, center, in between
左 （zuǒ)
left
右 （yòu)
right
远 (yuǎn)
far
近 (jìn)
close, near
e.g. 我的家离湖很近
离 (lí)
preposition used to express relative distance
e.g. 我的家离湖很近 (wǒ de jiā lí hú hěn jìn)
距离 (jùlí)
distance
米 (mǐ)
meter
公里 (gōnglǐ)
kilometer
英里 (yīnglǐ)
mile
英尺 (yīngchǐ)
foot, feet (unit of measurement)
英寸 (yīngcùn)
inches
厘米 (límǐ)
centimeter
北(běi)
north
北方 （běifāng)
北方人 (běifāng rén) - northerner(s)
南(nán)
south
东 (dōng (fāng))
east
西(xī)
west
西方国家 (xīfāng guójiā).
中部 (zhōngbù)
central part
芝加哥在美国的中部。
Zhījiāgē zài měiguó de zhōngbù.
半球 (bànqiú)
hemisphere
赤道 (chìdào)
equator
家庭 (jiātíng)
family
家人 (jiārén)
family members
妈妈 (māma)
mom
母亲 (mǔqīn)
mother (more formal)
孩子 (háizi)
child, kid
男孩子 (nán háizi) - boy
女孩子 （nǚ háizi) - girl
宝贝 (bǎo bèi)
baby (informal, affectionate), literall “treasured object”
照顾 (zhàogù)
to take care of
保护 (bǎohù)
to protect
男孩 (nán hái)
boy
女孩 (nǚ hái)
girl
亲戚 (qīnqi)
relatives
爸爸 (bàba)
dad
父亲 (fùqīn)
father (more formal)
儿子 (érzi)
son
女儿 (nǚ’ér)
daughter
弟弟 (dìdi)
younger brother
哥哥 (gēge)
older brother
妹妹 (mèimei)
younger sister
姐姐 (jiějie)
older sister
父母 (fùmǔ)
parents (more formal)
家长 (jiāzhǎng)
parent/guardian
爸妈 (bà mā)
parents (more casual)
爷爷 （yéyé）
paternal grandfather
外公 (wàigōng)
maternal grandfather
奶奶 (nǎinai)
paternal grandmother
外婆 (wàipó)
maternal grandmother
丈夫 (zhàngfu)
husband
伯父 (bófù)
uncle (father’s older brother)
叔叔 (shūshu)
uncle (father’s younger brother)
姑姑 (gūgu)
aunt (father’s sister)
舅舅 (jiùjiu)
uncle (mother’s brother)
姨母 (yímǔ)
aunt (bother’s sister)
嫂子 (sǎozi)
sister in law (older brother’s wife)
侄子 (zhízi)
Nephew (son of brother)
侄女 (zhínǚ)
Niece (daughter of brother)
外甥 (wàishēng)
nephew (son of sister)
外甥女 (wàishēngnǚ)
niece (daughter of sister)
堂哥 (táng gē)
older male cousin on father’s side
堂弟 (táng dì)
younger male cousin on father’s side
堂姐 (táng jiě)
Older female cousin on father’s side
堂妹 (táng mèi)
younger female cousin on father’s side
表哥 (biǎo gē)
older male cousin on mother’s side
表弟 (biǎo dì)
younger male cousin on mother’s side
表姐 (biǎo jiě)
older female cousin on mother’s side
表妹 (biǎo mèi)
younger female cousin on mother’s side
妻子 (qīzi)
wife
老公 (lǎogōng)
husband (informal/intimate)
老婆 (lǎopó)
wife (informal/intimate)
夫妻 (fūqī)
husband and wife, married couple
结婚 (jiéhūn)
to get married
to be married: 结婚了
婚礼 (hūnlǐ)
wedding
新娘 (xīnniáng)
bride
新郎 (xīnláng)
groom
仪式 (yíshì)
ceremony, ritual
蜜月 (mìyuè)
honeymoon
度蜜月 (dù mìyuè) - to go on a honeymoon
离婚 (líhūn)
to get divorced, to be divorced
离婚冷静期 (líhūn lěngjìngqī)
divorce cool-off period
分手 (fēnshǒu)
to break up
甩 (shuǎi)
to dump (literally: to fling or shake off)
吵架 (chǎojià)
to quarrel, argue, fight (verbally)
冷暴力 (lěng bàolì)
“cold violence,” emotional neglect
家暴 (jiābào)
domestic violence, short for 家庭暴力 (jiātíng bàolì)
背叛 (bèipàn)
to betray, to be disloyal to
单身 (dānshēn)
to be single, unmarried, not in a relationship
剩女 (shèngnǚ)
leftover woman
不同 （bùtóng）
different
e.g. 我想跟不同的人一起聊天 (wǒ xiǎng gēn bùtóng de rén yìqǐ liáotiān)
（相似） xiāngsì
similar, alike
e.g.
西班牙的语法和英语的语法是相似的 (xībānyá de yǔfǎ hé yīngyǔ de yǔfǎ shì xiāngsì de)
类似 (lèisì)
similar to, akin, of a piece
像 (xiàng)
to be similar to
好像 (hǎoxiàng)
to seem like, to appear to be
印象 (yìnxiàng)
impression
一样 （yīyàng)
the same
相反 (xiāngfǎn)
opposite
区分 (qūfēn)
to distinguish, to differentiate
区别 (qūbié)
difference, distinction
北京的方言和普通话有区别吗？
差异 (chāyì)
disparity, difference
嗜好 (shìhào)
(generally bad) habit, addiction
上瘾 (shàng yǐn)
addiction, to be addicted
依赖 (yī lài)
dependence, to rely on
爱好 (àihào)
hobby
e.g. 我最喜欢的爱好是哲学” (Wǒ zuì xǐhuān de àihào shì zhéxué)
热衷 (rèzhōng)
to be passionate about, to be deeply invested in
我对健身很热衷。(Wǒ duì jiànshēn hěn rèzhōng.)
音乐 (yīnyuè)
music
摇滚乐 (yáogǔn yuè)
rock music
独立摇滚 (dúlì yáogǔn) - indie rock
流行乐 (liúxíng yuè)
pop music
朋克 (péngkè)
punk
爵士乐 (juéshì yuè)
jazz music
嘻哈乐 (xīhā yuè)
hip hop music
说唱 (shuōchàng)
rap
声 (shēng)
sound
乐队 (yuèduì)
band
乐团 (yuètuán)
orchestra
古典乐 (gǔdiǎn yuè)
classical music
作曲家 (zuòqǔ jiā)
composer
专辑 (zhuānjí)
album
歌单 (gēdān)
playlist
音乐会 (yīnyuèhuì)
concert
音乐节 (yīnyuè jié)
music festival
表演 (biǎoyǎn)
performance, to perform
音乐家 (yīnyuè jiā)
musician
粉丝 (fěnsī)
fans, followers, subscribers
电子音乐 (diànzǐ yīnyuè)
electronic music
乐器 (yuèqì)
instrument
古琴 (gǔqín)
classical Chinese string instrument
钢琴 (gāngqín)
play piano
吉他 (jí tā)
guitar
弹 (tán)
to pluck, strum, play an instrument like piano or guitar
吹 (chuī)
to play a wind instrument, to blow
笛子 (dízi)
flute
小号 (xiǎohào)
trumpet (literally, small horn)
长号 (chánghào)
trombone (literally, long horn)
唱歌 (chànggē)
to sing (a song)
歌手 (gēshǒu)
singer
KTV
karaoke television
我们今晚去KTV唱歌吧！ (Wǒmen jīnwǎn qù KTV chànggē ba!)
麦克风 (màikèfēng)
microphone
回授 (huíshòu)
feedback
跳舞 (tiào wǔ)
to dance
编舞 (biānwǔ)
choreography
律动 (lǜdòng)
rhythm, movement (in music or dance)
流行 (liúxíng)
popular, trendy
受欢迎 (shòu huānyíng)
popular, well-liked
主流 (zhǔliú)
mainstream, the dominant trend
冷门 (lěngmén)
(literally “cold door”) not popular, niche
画画 (huà huà)
to draw/paint
绘画 (huìhuà)
to paint
颜料 (yánliào)
paint
丙烯颜料 (bǐngxī yánliào) - acrylic paintd
笔 (bǐ)
pen or pencil
鋼筆 (gāngbǐ)
(fountain) pen
鉛筆 (qiānbǐ)
pencil
涂鸦 (túyā)
to doodle, doodling, graffiti
艺术家 (yì shù jiā)
artist
创意 (chuàngyì)
creative
中医 (zhōngyī)
traditional Chinese medicin
书法 （shūfǎ)
calligraphy
雕塑 (diāosù)
sculpture
游泳 (yóuyǒng)
to swim
游泳镜 (yóuyǒng jìng) - swimming goggles
自由泳 (zìyóu yǒng)
freestyle swimming
蛙泳 (wāyǒng)
breaststroke (frog swimming)
蝶泳 (diéyǒng)
butterfly stroke
仰泳 (yǎngyǒng)
backstroke
泳裤 (yǒngkù)
swim trunks, swim shorts, bathing suit
角泳裤 (sānjiǎo yǒngkù)
speedo (triangle swim trunks)
泳帽 (yǒng mào)
swim cap
游泳池 （yóuyǒngchí)
swimming pool
氯 (lǜ)
chlorine
(氯水 - lǜshuǐ - chlorinated water)
水花 (shuǐhuā)
splash
桑拿 (sāngná)
sauna
海 (hǎi)
sea, ocean
大海 (dàhǎi)
ocean (more common, spoken)
海洋 (hǎiyáng)
ocean (more formal, official, written)
海滩 (hǎi tān)
beach
沙子 (shā zi)
sand
贝壳 (bèi ké)
shells
湖 (hú)
lake
江 (jiāng)
river (particularly larger rivers)
清亮 (qīngliàng)
clear
密歇根湖的水很清亮 (Mìxiēgēn Hú de shuǐ hěn qīngliàng)
岛 (dǎo)
island
冲浪 (chōnglàng)
to surf
冲浪板 （chōnglàng bǎn）
surfboard
姿势 (zī shì)
stance
正脚 (zhèng jiǎo)
regular foot, regular stance
反脚 (fǎn jiǎo)
goofy foot, goofy stance
平衡 (pínghéng)
balance
工作和生活的平衡
波浪 (bō làng)
wave
海浪 (hǎilàng)
wave (specifically in the ocean)
赶浪 (gǎn làng)
to catch a wave
礁石 (jiāoshí)
reef rocks, reef
皮艇 (pí tǐng)
kayak
漂流 (piāoliú)
to raft
救生员 (Jiùshēng yuán)
lifeguard
救 (jiù)
to save, to rescue
夏令营 (xià lìng yíng)
summer camp
滑雪 (huáxuě)
to ski
滑雪板 (huáxuěbǎn)
snowboard
滑单板 (huá dānbǎn)
to snowboard
头盔 (tóu kuī)
helmet
滑雪镜（huáxuějìng）
ski goggles
脚跟侧 (jiǎogēn cè)
heelside
脚尖侧 (jiǎojiān cè)
toeside
滑双板 (huá shuāngbǎn)
to ski
滑雪场 (huáxuě chǎng)
ski resort
滑雪道 (huáxuě dào)
ski slope
摔倒 (shuāi dǎo)
to fall down
冲浪的时候我每次从冲浪板上掉下来。
(Chōnglàng de shíhou wǒ měi cì cóng chōng làng bǎn shàng diào xià lái.)
滑板 (huábǎn)
skateboard, skateboarding
山 (shān)
mountain
峰 (fēng)
peak, summit
珠穆朗玛峰 (Zhūmùlǎngmǎ fēng)
Mount Everest
爬山 (páshān)
hiking, mountain climbing
农业 (nóngyè)
agriculture
徒步 (túbù)
hiking， trekking
攀岩 (pānyán)
rock climbing
室内攀岩 (shìnèi pānyán)
蹦极 (bèngjí)
bungee jumping
露营 (lùyíng)
camping, to camp
帐篷 (zhàngpeng)
tent
自然 (zìrán)
Nature
风景 (fēngjǐng)
scenery
森林 (sēnlín)
forest
植物 (zhíwù)
plants
花园 (huāyuán)
garden, flower garden
菜园 (càiyuán)
vegetable garden
园艺 (yuányì)
gardening
树 (shù)
trees
叶子 (yèzi)
leaf, leaves
岩石 (yánshí)
rocks
石头 (shítou)
stones, rocks (smaller)
洞穴 (dòngxué)
cave
山洞 (shāndòng)
cave
主题公园 (zhǔtí gōngyuán)
theme park
游乐园 (yóulèyuán)
amusement park
水上乐园 (shuǐ shàng lè yuán)
water park
过山车 (guòshānchē)
roller coaster
尖叫 (jiān jiào)
to scream
排队 (páiduì)
to wait in line, to queue
出去 （chūqù)
to go outside (literally out-go)
进 (jìn)
to enter
进去 (jìnqù) - to go in
进来 (jìnlái) - to come in
外面 (wàimiàn)
outside
室内 (shìnèi)
indoor
入口 (rùkǒu)
entrance, entry
出口 (chūkǒu)
exit
室外 (shìwài)
outside
散步 (sàn bù)
to go for a walk
跑步 (pǎobù)
to run (for exercise), to jog
逃跑 (táo pǎo)
to run away, to flee
健身 (jiànshēn)
work out, exercise
热身 (rèshēn)
to warm up (exercise)
拉伸 (lāshēn)
stretching, to strech
有氧运动 (yǒuyǎng yùndòng)
aerobic exercise, cardio
跑步机 (pǎobùjī)
treadmill
动感单车 (dònggǎn dānchē)
stationary bike
椭圆机 (tuǒyuánjī)
eliptical machine
汗 （hàn）
sweat
我运动的时候会出很多汗。(wǒ yùndòng de shíhou huì chū hěn duō hàn.)
减肥 (jiǎnféi)
to lose weight
举重 (jǔzhòng)
to lift weights, weightlifting
撸铁 (lūtiě)
to lift weights, to “pump iron”
举铁 (jǔtiě)
to lift weights
动作 (dòngzuò)
exercise, movement (e.g. bench, squat, etc.)
组 (zǔ)
set (of reps)
训练计划 (xùnliàn jìhuà)
training plan
哑铃 (yǎlíng)
dumbbell
杠铃 (gànglíng)
barbell
壶铃 (húlíng)
kettle bell
强壮 (qiángzhuàng)
physically strong, muscular
深蹲 (shēndūn)
squat (exercise)
深蹲架 (shēndūn jià)
squat rack
史密斯机 (shǐmìsī jī)
smith machine
龙门架 (lóngménjià)
cable machine
肌肉 (jīròu)
muscles
卧推 (wò tuī)
bench press
硬拉 (yìnglā)
deadlift
引体向上 (yǐntǐ xiàngshàng)
pull up
打球 (dǎ qiú)
to play ball
打篮球 (dǎ lánqiú) - to play basketball
打网球 (dǎ wǎngqiú) - to play tennis.
球场 (qiúchǎng)
ball court, ball field
网球 (wǎngqiú)
tennis
乒乓球 (pīngpāng qiú)
ping pong
棒球 (bàng qiú)
baseball
橄榄球 (gǎnlǎnqiú)
(American) football
羽毛球 （yǔmáoqiú）
badminton
高尔夫 (gāo ěr fū)
golf
保龄球 (bǎolíngqiú)
bowling
太极拳 (tài jí quán)
tai chi
健身房 (jiànshēnfáng)
gym
会员 (huìyuán)
membership
器材 (qìcái)
equipment
健身器材 (jiànshēn qìcái)
器械 (qìxiè)
equipment
装备 (zhuāngbèi)
equipment, gear
身体 (shēntǐ)
body; health
养身 (yǎngshēn)
to take care of one’s health
身材 (shēncái)
figure, shape (of a body)
肌肉发达 (jīròu fādá)
muscular
健美 (jiànměi)
bodybuilding
健美运动员 (jiànměi yùndòngyuán)
bodybuilder
加入 (jiārù)
to join (a group or organization), to become a member
健康 (jiànkāng)
healthy
卡路里 (kǎlùlǐ)
calorie
蛋白质 (dànbáizhì)
protein
烟 (yān)
cigarettes
抽烟 (chōu yān)
to smoke (cigarettes/tobacco)
e.g.
很多中国人抽烟，对不对？
(hěnduō zhōngguó rén chōuyān, duì bùduì?)
吸烟 (xīyān)
to smoke
打火机 (dǎ huǒ jī)
lighter
槟榔 (bīnláng)
Betel nut
眼睛 (yǎnjīng)
eye, eyes
视力 (shìlì)
vision, eyesight
脸 (liǎn)
face
嘴巴 (zuǐ)
mouth
嗓子 (sǎngzi)
throat, voice
声音 (shēngyīn)
voice, sound
鼻子 (bízi)
nose
耳朵 (ěrduo)
ears
头 (tóu)
head
脑 (nǎo)
brain
手 (shǒu)
hand
手指 (shǒuzhǐ)
finger
指纹 (zhǐwén)
fingerprint
精神 (jīngshén)
spirit, mind
精神病 (jīngshén bìng)
mental illness
抑郁 (yìyù)
depression
双相障碍 (shuāngxiàng zhàng’ài)
bipolar disorder
躁狂 (zàokuáng)
mania
心理健康 (xīnlǐ jiànkāng)
mental health
手臂 (shǒubì)
arm
胳膊 (gēbo)
arm
肘 (zhǒu)
elbow
肩膀 (jiānbǎng)
shoulder
胸肌 (xiōngjī)
chest muscles, pecs
上肢 (shàngzhī)
upper body
腿 (tuǐ)
leg
小腿 (xiǎotuǐ)
calf
屁股 (pìgu)
butt
膝盖 (xīgài)
knees
脚 (jiǎo)
foot, feet
光脚 (guāng jiǎo)
barefoot
喹硫平 (kuíliúpíng)
quetiapine
皮肤 (pífū)
skin
纹身 (wénshēn)
tattoo
肚子 （dùzi)
stomach, belly, abdomen
胃 （wèi)
stomach (the actual organ)
器官 (qìguān)
organs
消化 (xiāohuà)
digestion
大便 (dàbiàn)
poop
屎 (shǐ)
poop, shit (impolite)
屁 (pì)
fart, to fart
小便 (xiǎobiàn)
pee, urinate
尿 (niào)
pee, urine
我得去尿一下
月经 (yuèjīng)
period, ministration
心 (xīn)
heart
心跳 (xīntiào)
heartbeat
背 (bèi)
back (body part)
我早上背疼。 (Wǒ zǎoshang bèi téng.)
脊柱 (jǐzhù)
spine
牙 （yá)
tooth, teeth
牙膏 (yágāo)
toothpaste
牙刷 (yáshuā)
toothbrush
疼 (téng)
to hurt, to be in pain
我的脚真的疼 (wǒ de jiǎo zhēn de téng)
受伤 (shòushāng)
to be injured, to get hurt
我的头受伤了
伤到 (shāng dào)
to hurt (someone or something)
我伤到头了 (Wǒ shāngdào tóu le.)
伤人 (shāngrén)
to hurt someone (physically or emotionally), hurtful
流血 （liúxuè)
to bleed
我的鼻子流血了
烫伤 (tàngshāng)
burn, to be burned
晕 (yūn)
dizzy
药 (yào）
medicine, medication
处方 (chǔfāng)
prescription
残疾人 (cánjírén)
disabled people
缓释片 (huǎnshì piàn)
extended release tablet
拐杖 (guǎizhàng)
cane, walking stick
运动 (yùndòng)
sport, physical activity
e.g. 你最喜欢什么运动？（Nǐ zuì xǐhuān shénme yùndòng?）
运动员 (yùndòngyuán)
athlete
球星 (qiúxīng)
sports star
教练 (jiàoliàn)
coach
私教 (sījiào)
personal trainer
踢足球 (tī zúqiú)
to play soccer (literally, to kick foot-ball)
typically 踢足球
游戏 (yóuxì)
game
电脑游戏 （diànnǎo yóuxì) - computer game
桌游 (zhuōyóu)
board games, tabletop games (short for 桌面游戏 (zhuōmiàn yóuxì))
电子游戏 (diànzǐ yóuxì)
videogames
益智游戏 (yìzhì yóuxì)
puzzle games
玩具 (wánjù)
Toy
玩 （wán)
to play; to have fun
比赛 (bǐsài)
competition, contest, match
轮 (lún)
round (in a competition)
奥运会 (Àoyùnhuì)
Olympic games
赢 (yíng)
to win
输 (shū)
to lose
胜利 （shènglì
victory
失败 (shībài)
failure, to fail
下棋 (xià qí)
to play chess
下国际象棋 (xià guójì xiàngqí) - to play Western chess
象棋 (xiàngqí)
Chess (chinese chess if no context specified)
下围棋 (xià wéiqí)
to play go, baduk, weiqi
策略 (cè lüè)
strategy
走 (zǒu)
to walk; to go on foot
坐 (zuò)
to sit; can also be used to refer to taking a taxi or plane e.g.
坐出租车” (zuò chūzūchē)
位子 (wèizi)
seat, place to sit
站 (zhàn)
to stand
站起来 (zhàn qǐ lái)
to stand up
蹲 (dūn)
to squat
跳 (tiào)
to jump
推 (tuī)
to push
推出去 (tuī chū qù) - to push out
拉 (lā)
to pull
大 (dà)
big, can also mean old of age
also used in the context of 多大 (duō dà) to ask how old someone is.
小 (xiǎo)
small
微 (wēi)
tiny, small
大小 (dàxiǎo)
size
只有一个大小吗？ (Zhǐyǒu yī gè dàxiǎo ma?)
窄 (zhǎi)
narrow
这条路很窄。(Zhè tiáo lù hěn zhǎi.)
重 (zhòng)
heavy
你多重？(Nǐ duō zhòng?)
他的口音很重 (tā de kǒuyīn hěn zhòng)
重量 (zhòngliàng)
weight load
你能深蹲多少重量？
(Nǐ néng shēndūn duōshǎo zhòngliàng?)
厚 (hòu)
thick
软 (ruǎn)
soft
硬 (yìng)
hard
强 (qiáng)
strong
学习能力很强 (xuéxí nénglì hěn qiáng)
新 (xīn)
new
我想买一个新的手机 (wǒ xiǎng mǎi yīgè xīn de shǒujī)
新颖 (xīnyǐng)
new and original, novel
老 (lǎo)
old, generally, in the sense of being aged or having seniority
年轻 (niánqīng)
young
旧 (jiù)
old, in the sense of being used or worn
坏了 (huài le)
broken
我的电脑坏了 (Wǒ de diànnǎo huài le)
卡了 (kǎ le)
stuck frozen
低 (dī)
low
我的工资很低
Wǒ de gōngzī hěn dī
矮 （ǎi)
short (in height)
我的rea哥哥比我很矮。（wǒ dí gēgē bǐ wǒ hěn ǎi.）
高兴 (gāoxìng)
happy, glad, or pleased
e.g. 很高兴认识你 (hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ)
开心 (kāixīn)
happy, joyous, delighted
快乐 (kuàilè)
happy, joyous
幸福 (xìngfú)
happy, content, fulfilled, blessed
幸福感 (xìngfú gǎn)
sense of happiness
满意 (mǎnyì)
satisfied
庆祝 (qìngzhù)
to celebrate
派对 (pàiduì)
party
聚会 （jùhuì)
to have a party, a get-together
聚餐 (jùcān)
dinner party
礼物 (lǐwù)
present, gift
笑 (xiào)
to smile; to laugh
大笑 - to laugh heartily
笑声 (xiàoshēng) - laughter
搞笑 （gǎoxiào)
funny
那个笑话很搞笑 (nàge xiàohuà hěn gǎoxiào)
幽默 (yōumò)
humorous, funny
她是一个幽默的人
开玩笑 (kāi wánxiào)
to be joking, to be kidding
我只是在开玩笑
期待 (qīdài)
to look forward to, expect
期望 (qīwàng)
expectation, hope
我自己的期望太高了 (Wǒ zìjǐ de qīwàng tài gāo le)
失望 (shīwàng)
disappointed, disappointment, to disappoint
激动 (jīdòng)
excited, agitated, emotional, worked up (can be positive or negative)
兴奋 (xīngfèn)
excited, eager
友好 (yǒuhǎo)
friendly
善良 (shànliáng)
kind, good-hearted, benevolent
幸运 (xìngyùn)
lucky
运气 (yùn qì)
luck
短 (duǎn)
short (in length—not used for people)
短袖 duǎn xiù - short sleeves
长 (cháng)
long
热 (rè)
hot
冷 (lěng)
cold
干 (gān)
dry
湿 (shī)
wet, damp, moist
情绪 (qíngxù)
mood, emotion (more serious)
心情 (xīnqíng)
mood, state of mind
感情 (gǎnqíng)
emotion, feeling
态度 (tàidù)
attitude, manner
心态 (xīntài)
mindset, mentality, attitude
调节 (tiáojié)
to adjust, to regulate
难过 (nánguò)
sad, upset
伤心 (shāngxīn)
sad, grieving (literally, “hurt heart”)
悲伤 (bēishāng)
sadness, sorrow
遗憾 (yíhàn)
pity, sad situation
哭 (kū)
to cry
安慰 (ānwèi)
to comfort, to console
生气 (shēngqì)
angry, mad
愤怒 (fènnù)
furious, outraged
着急 (zháojí)
worried, nervous, anxious, in a hurry (implies a sense of hurriedness or urgency)
我一点也不着急 (Wǒ yīdiǎn yě bù zhāojí)
急着 (jízhe)
to be in a hurry to do something
担心 （dānxīn)
to worry, to be concerned, to be anxious
不用担心
担忧 (dānyōu)
to worry (more serious than 担心)
焦虑 (jiāolǜ)
anxiety, nervousness, apprehension
紧张 （jǐnzhāng）
nervous
僵住 (jiāng zhù)
to freeze up, to become stiff
悬念 (xuánniàn)
suspense
小心 (xiǎoxīn)
careful, cautious
可爱 (kě’ài)
cute, adorable
literally, something like “can be loved” (i.e. lovable)
可怜 (kělián)
pitiful, pitiable, poor
尴尬 （gāngà)
awkward, embarrassed
我对我的中文名字有点尴尬。 (Wǒ duì wǒ de Zhōngwén míngzì yǒudiǎn gāngà.)
尬聊 (gà liáo) - awkward conversation
羞耻 (xiūchǐ)
shame, humiliation, disgrace
中国的年轻人打卡的时候没有羞耻感。(Zhōngguó de niánqīng rén dǎkǎ de shíhou méiyǒu xiūchǐ gǎn.)
深 (shēn)
deep (can be used both literally and metaphorically)
深刻 (shēnkè)
deep, profound
深沉 (shēn chén)
deep, profound
深奥 (shēn’ào)
abstruse, esoteric
强烈 (qiángliè)
strong, intense, overwhelming
强烈的危机感 (qiángliè de wēijīgǎn)
浅 （qiǎn）
shallow
肤浅 (fū qiǎn)
superficial, shallow
性格 （xìnggé)
character, personality
个性 (gèxìng)
personality, character
风格 (fēnggé)
style
时髦 (shímáo)
fashionable stylish
害怕 (hàipà)
to be scared, to be afraid
可怕 (kěpà)
scary, frightening
literally can-scare
恐惧 (kǒngjù)
fear, dread
我对死亡没有恐惧 (Wǒ duì sǐwáng méiyǒu kǒngjù)
快 (kuài)
quick, fast
can also be used to express “about to happen” with 快 … 了, e.g.
飞机快起飞了 （fēijī kuài qǐfēi le）
我的女朋友生日快到了
Wǒ de nǚ péngyǒu shēngrì kuài dàole
快速 (kuàisù)
fast, rapid, speedy, quick, quickly
慢 (màn)
slow
速度 (sùdù)
speed
懒 (lǎn)
lazy
我不想用 抽认卡。我太懒了。（wǒ bùxiǎng yòng chōu rèn kǎ. Wǒ tài lǎnle.)
偷懒 (tōulǎn)
to slack off, to be lazy
一个人 (yí gè rén)
alone (literally one person).
e.g.
我喜欢一个人的时候 (wǒ xǐhuān yí gè rén de shíhòu) - I like alone time
可靠 (kěkào)
dependable, reliable, trustworthy
(can be used for people or things)
他是一个可靠的人
忠诚 (zhōngchéng)
loyal, faithful
诚实 (chéngshí)
honest
真心 (zhēnxīn)
sincere, genuine
真诚 (zhēnchéng)
sincere, genuine
认真 (rènzhēn)
serious, earnest
热情 (rèqíng)
warm, enthusiastic
耐心 (nàixīn)
patient
敏感 (mǐngǎn)
sensitive
聊一些敏感的东西
勇敢 （yǒnggǎn)
brave, courageous
勇气 (yǒngqì)
bravery, courage
自信 （zìxìn)
confident, (literally) having belief in oneself
骗子 (piànzi)
liar, cheat
欺骗 (qīpiàn)
to cheat
拥抱 （yǒngbào)
to hug
包容 (bāoróng)
inclusive
环境 (huánjìng)
environment, setting
氛围 (fēnwéi)
atmosphere (of a place), ambiance, vibe
气氛 (qìfēn)
atmosphere, mood (of a moment)
社区 (shèqū)
community, neighborhood
外向 (wàixiàng)
outgoing
害羞 (hàixiū)
shy
犹豫 (yóuyù)
to hesitation, hesitation
谦虚 （qiānxū)
modest
白(色) (bái(sè))
White
黑色 (hēisè)
black
红色 (hóngsè)
red
灰色 (huīsè)
gray
蓝色 (lánsè)
blue
绿色 (lǜsè)
green
黄色 (huángsè)
yellow
棕色 (zōngsè)
brown
紫色 (zǐsè)
purple
橙色 ( chéngsè)
orange
粉色 (fěnsè)
Pink
颜色 （yánsè)
color
金色 (jīnsè)
gold (in color)
银色 (yínsè)
silver (in color)
鲜艳 (xiānyàn)
bright
鲜艳的颜色 (xiānyàn de yánsè) - bright colors
眼镜 (yǎnjìng)
glasses
隐形眼镜 (yǐnxíng yǎnjìng)
contact lenses
课 (kè)
class (in the sense of course)
班 (bān)
class (in the sense of the group of students)
衣服 (yīfu)
clothes
正装 (zhèngzhuāng)
formal attire
西装 (xīzhuāng)
suit
裸体 (luǒtǐ)
naked, nude
穿 (chuān)
to wear (clothes)
尺码 (chǐmǎ)
size (of clothes or shoes)
试穿 (shìchuān)
to try on (clothes)
件 (jiàn)
measure word for pieces of clothing (except long things like pants and dresses)
戴 (dài)
to wear (on one’s head, or hands)
e.g. 戴眼镜 (dài yǎnjìng)
戴帽子 (dài màozi)
衬衫 (chènshān)
shirt
裤子 (kùzi)
pants
裙子 (qúnzi)
skirt
毛衣 (máoyī)
sweater
编织 (biānzhī)
to knit, to weave
连帽衫 (liánmào shān)
hoodie
家居服 （jiājū fú)
home clothes, loungewear
睡衣 (shuìyī)
pajamas
外套 (wàitào)
Coat or jacket
短裤 (duǎnkù)
shorts
鞋子 (xiézi)
shoes
拖鞋 (tuōxié)
slippers
袜子 (wàzi)
socks
内衣 (nèiyī)
underwear
四角裤 (sìjiǎokù)
boxer briefs
帽子 (màozi）
hat
围巾 （wéijīn)
scarf
领带 (lǐngdài)
tie
腰带 (yāodài)
belt
靴子 (xuē zi)
boots
拉链 (lāliàn)
zipper
化妆 (huàzhuāng)
to put on makeup
化妆品 (huàzhuāngpǐn)
makeup products
口红 (kǒuhóng)
lipstick
指甲油 (zhǐjiǎyóu)
nail polish
香水 (xiāngshuǐ)
perfume
首饰 (shǒushì)
jewelry
耳环 (ěrhuán)
earrings
项链 (xiàngliàn)
necklace
手链 (shǒuliàn)
bracelet
戒指 (jièzhǐ)
ring
钻石 (zuànshí)
diamond
珍珠 (zhēnzhū)
pearl
头发 (tóufa)
hair
卷发 (juǎn fà) - curly hair
直发 (zhí fà) - straight hair
卷曲 (juǎnqū)
curly
剪头发 (jiǎn tóu fà)
haircut
我需要剪头发 (wǒ xūyào jiǎn tóu fà)
理发店 (lǐfàdiàn)
hair salon, barbershop
发型 (fàxíng)
hairstyle
秃头 (tūtóu)
bald
胡子(húxū）
beard
我留了胡子是为了挡住我的伤口。
小胡子 (xiǎo húzi)
mustache
刮胡子 (guā húzi)
to shave (a beard or mustache)
适合 (shìhé)
to suit, to fit, to be suitable for
合适 (héshì)
suitable, appropriate, fitting
杯子(bēizi)
cup
盘子 (pánzi)
plate
碗 (wǎn)
bowl
e.g. 一碗面条 (yī wǎn miàntiáo)
锅 (guō)
pot or pan
家具 （jiājù)
furniture
拼起来 (pīn qǐlái)
to assemble, to put together
尺寸 (chǐcùn)
size, dimensions
椅子(yǐzi)
chair
桌子 (zhuōzi)
table
木头 (mùtou)
wood
柜子 （guìzi)
cabinet, cupboard
架子 (jiàzi)
shelf, rack
书架 (shūjià)
bookshelf
灯 (dēng)
light, lamp
床 （chuáng）
bed
床垫 (chuángdiàn)
mattress
床上用品 (chuángshàng yòngpǐn)
bedding
床单 (chuángdān)
bedsheet
被子 (bèizi)
quilt, comforter
枕头 (zhěntou)
pillow
很好睡 (hěn hǎo shuì)
good for sleep, comfortable for sleeping
沙发 (shāfā)
couch, sofa
冰箱 （bīngxiāng)
refrigerator
元 (yuán)
the formal name for the unit RMB
块 (kuài)
informal word for the unit of RMB (like “bucks” for USD)
also measure word for pieces (i.e. of cake)
毛 (máo)
a tenth of a yuan
钱 (qián)
money
取钱 (qǔ qián) - withdraw money
e.g.
我需要去银行取钱 (wǒ xūyào qù yínháng qǔ qián)
经费 (jīngfèi)
funding
财产 (cáichǎn)
property, assets
产权 (chǎnquán)
property rights, ownership rights
知识产权s (zhīshì chǎnquán) - intellectual property
美元 (měiyuán)
U.S. dollars
also sometimes 美金(Měijīn) colloquially
欧元 (ōuyuán)
euros
价格 (jiàgé)
price
物价 (wùjià)
general price of things
质量 (zhìliàng)
quality (of a product)
性价比 (xìngjiàbǐ)
quality/cost ratio, bang for your buck
贵 (guì)
expensive
便宜 (piányi)
cheap, inexpensive
推销 (tuīxiāo)
sales promotion
打折 (dǎzhé)
discount
太贵了！可以打折吗？
免费 (miǎnfèi)
free
补偿 (bǔcháng)
to compensate, compensation
付款 (fùkuǎn)
to make a payment
支付 (zhīfù)
to pay
e.g. 我怎么支付？ (Wǒ zěnme zhīfù?)
买单 (mǎidān)
to pay the bill
结账 (jiézhàng)
to pay the bill, to check out
贷款 （dàikuǎn)
loan
很多美国人上大学需要贷款。 (hěnduō měiguó rén shàng dàxué xūyào dàikuǎn.)f
微信 (wēixìn)
支付宝 (zhīfùbǎo)
AliPay
抖音 (dǒu yīn)
(Chinese) tik tok
B站
Common name for “bilibili”
淘宝 (táobǎo)
Chinese equivalent to Amazon
谷歌 (gǔgē)
中国电信 (zhōngguó diànxìn)
China Telecom
现金 (xiànjīn)
cash
信用卡 (xìnyòngkǎ)
credit card
(我) 收您 [money amount]
”I receive from you ___”
教室 (jiàoshì)
Classroom
(电子)邮件 ((diànzǐ） yóujiàn)
筷子 （Kuàizi）
Chopsticks
双 (shuāng)
pair
一双筷子 (yī shuāng kuàizi）
勺子 （sháozi)
spoon
纸巾 (zhǐjīn)
napkin
厨房纸巾 (chúfáng zhǐjīn)
paper towel
叉子 （chāzi)
fork
刀 (dāo)
knife
切 (qiē)
to cut, to slice
菜板 (càibǎn)
cutting board
斤 (jīn)
half a kg (about 1 pound)
公斤 (gōngjīn)
kilogram
差不多
Almost, about, approximately
两 (liǎng)
unit of measurement, 1/10kg
盎司 (àng sī)
ounces
磅 (bàng)
pound
