iKnow

CHINESEWORDS + PHRASES + CONVERSATIONS

Beginner Level Chinese Program

Transcript

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Welcome to Living Language iKnow Chinese. This audio fl ash card program lets you see and hear all of the essential words, phrases, and conversations that you need to get by in Mandarin Chinese. Just listen to the native speakers of Mandarin Chinese and repeat in the pauses.

Before we look at any Chinese words, let’s fi rst learn a little about Chinese pronunciation.

Each word in Chinese is pronounced with one of four tones. They’re written here over the vowel a, which is pronounced similarly to the vowel in John. Imagine saying the name John in the following contexts:

Tone Example Description

First tone ā High.Sing “John.”

Second tone á From middle to high, as in asking a question.“John? Is that you?”

Third tone ă From middle to low, and then to high, as if stretching out a question.“Jo- o- o- hn, what do you think?”

Fourth tone à From high to low, as if answering a question.“Who’s there?” “John.”

There is also a neutral tone, which has no mark: a. As the name implies, it is pronounced neutrally, without any emphasis or tone.

If there are two third tones in a row (Nĭ hăo ma?), the fi rst third tone is pronounced in the second tone, even though it is still written in the third tone.

The Chinese words, phrases, and conversations in iKnow Chinese are written in pīnyīn, the standard romanization alphabet for Mandarin Chinese used in mainland China. Pīnyīn was designed for people who do not read Chinese characters to read Chinese sounds. Here is a pronunciation guide to some pīnyīn letters, and combinations of letters, that sound diff erent than those in English:

Action Phrases: Watch Out!

Kuài diăn lái!Come quickly!

Bú yòng găn./Bié jíjímángmáng.Don’t rush.

Kuài yìdiăn er!/Kuài yìxiē!Hurry up! (lit., More fast!)

Pīnyīn Pronunciation Examplesz ds in yards zuŏ (left)

c ts in its cóng (from)

zh dg in judge zhú (bamboo)

j dy in and yet jiŭ (nine)

q ty in won’t you qián (money)

x sh in shoe xièxie (thank you)

i ee in see bĭ (pen)

i (after z, c, s, zh, ch, sh, r)

r in thunder sĭ (to die)

ou oa in float yŏu (to have)

ui weigh shuĭ (water)

ü(when ü combines with j, q, x, and y, the two dots above the letter can be omitted)

like ee in see, but with lips rounded into a pout (German hübsch, French tu)

qù (to go), nü (female)

er are ĕrduo (ear)

As a helpful introduction to the Chinese writing system, all of the words, phrases, and sentences below are also written in Chinese characters.

Okay, ready to get started?

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Wŏ măshàng lái!I’m coming right away!

Wŏ xiànzài jiù lái.I’m coming right now.

Wŏ lái le!I’m coming!

Wŏ zài găn shíjiān.I’m in a hurry. (lit., I am rushing time.)

Wŏ bù găn shíjiān.I’m not in a hurry.

Măshàng.Immediately./Right away.

hòuláilater

Zánmen zŏu ba!Let’s go!

xiànzàinow, right now

Dĕng yíhuì er!One moment!/Just a minute! (lit., Wait a moment!)

Kuài diăn er!Quickly!

Màn diăn er.Slower.

bù jiŭsoon

tūránsuddenly

hĕn kuàivery soon

Xiăoxīn!Watch out! (lit., Be careful!)

And, Or, But

Jiāmíng hé Jiāqiáng shì xiōngdì.Jiaming and Jiaqiang are brothers.

mŭqīn hé nü ’érmother and daughter

wŭ kuài huòzhĕ liù kuàifive or six dollars

Wŏ gēn wŏ(de) dìdi huòzhĕ mèimei qù.I’m going with my younger brother or with my younger sister.

Nĭ qù háishì tā qù?You go or he/she goes? (informal)

Wŭ diăn háishì qī diăn?Five o’clock or seven o’clock?

Nán háishì nü ?Male or female?

Wŏ xiăng qù, kĕshì wŏ bù zhīdào shénme shíhou.I want to go, but I don’t know when.

Wŏ xiăng qù, kĕshì wŏ bù néng qù.I want to go, but I can’t go.

Wŏ qù kĕshì tā bú qù.I’m going but he/she isn’t going.

Around Town

fēijīairplane

fēijīchăngairport

gōngyù dàlóuapartment building

miànbāodiànbakery

yínhángbank

shūdiànbookstore

dàlóu/dàshàbuilding

gōngchēbus

ròudiànbutcher shop

kāfēidiàncafé, coff ee shop

chēcar

jiàotángchurch

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shìzhèngfŭ/shìzhèng dàlóucity hall, municipal building

chéng(shì)city, urban

fúzhuāngdiànclothing store

băihuò shāngdiàndepartment store

yàofángdrugstore, pharmacy

diànzĭ qìjiàn shāngdiànelectronics store

yuănfar

shízì lùkŏuintersection

lùdēngzhù/dēnggănlamppost

túshūguănlibrary

shìchăngmarket

shìzhăngmayor

qīngzhēnsìmosque

jìnnear

gōngyuánpark

cānguăn/fànguănrestaurant

nóngcūn/xiāngxiàrural

xiédiànshoe store

rénxíngdàosidewalk

chéngzhèn yóulănsightseeing around town

shāngdiànstore

jiēstreet

lùdēngstreetlight

jiāoqū/shìjiāosuburban

dìtiĕsubway, metro

chāojí shìchăngsupermarket

chūzūchētaxi

miàoyŭ/sìyuàntemple

măito buy

qù măi dōngxito go shopping

chéngzhèntown

jiāotōngtraffi c

huŏchētrain

huŏchēzhàntrain station

cūnzhuāngvillage

Asking Directions

Qĭngwèn . . . zài nă er?May I ask, where is . . . ?

. . . zŏuGo . . . /Walk . . .

Yì zhí wăng qián zŏu.Go straight ahead.

Wăng nèibiān zŏu.Go that way.

Wăng huí qù.Go back.

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Zhuăn . . .Turn . . .

Wăng yòu zhuăn.Turn right.

Wăng zuŏ zhuăn.Turn left.

Zhuăn wān.Turn around.

zŏu dào tóuat the end of the street

dào jiējiăoon the corner

Dì yī ge lùkŏu xiàng zuŏ zhuăn.Take the fi rst left.

Dì èr ge lùkŏu xiàng yòu zhuăn.Take the second right.

Lí de jìn ma?Is it near?

Lí de yuăn ma?Is it far?

zài . . . pángbiannext to . . .

jiāotōngdēngtraff ic light

(mă)lùroad, street

shízì lùkŏuintersection

gōngyuán(public) park

gōnggòng qìchēzhàn(public) bus stop

dìtiĕzhànsubway station

lü guănhotel

Asking Questions

(zài) năli/(zài) nă er (used in northern China)where

Chūkŏu zài nă er?Where is the exit?

shénmewhat

Nĭde diànyóu dìzhĭ shì shénme?What is your email address? (informal)

sheíwho

Tā shì sheí?Who is that? (lit., He/She is who?)

shénme shíhouwhen

Fēijī shénme shíhou dĭdá?When does the plane arrive?

zĕn(me)yànghow

Zĕn(me)yàng dă diànhuà gĕi Mĕiguó?How do I call the U.S.?

duōshăohow much, how many

Zhè shì duōshăo qián?How much (money) does this cost?

At Home

gōngyùapartment

zài jiā lĭat home

yùshì/wèishēngjiānbathroom

wòfáng/wòshìbedroom

dà/xiăobig/small

dìtăncarpet

guāngdiéjīCD player

tiānhuābănceiling

yĭzichair

bìchú/yīguìcloset

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chuāngliáncurtain

fàntīngdining room

méndoor

dvd jīDVD player

dìbănfloor

méntīnghall

fángzihouse

chúfángkitchen

dēnglamp

kètīngliving room

xīn/jiùnew/old

huà/túhuàpainting/picture

sùjiāo/sùjiāo zuò deplastic/made from plastic

fángjiānroom

jiàzishelf

shāfā/chángshāfāsofa/couch

yīnxiăngsound system

lóutīstairs

zhuōzitable

diànshìtelevision

qiángwall

chuānghuwindow

mùtóu/mùzhìdewood/wooden

At School

yìshùart

zài xuéxiàoat school

shēngwùxuébiology

huàxuéchemistry

jiàoshìclassroom

kèchéngcourse

xuéwèidegree

kùnnan/róngyìdiff icult/easy

bìyè zhèngshū/wénpíngdiploma

kăoshìexam

jíbiégrade

tĭyùguăngym

lìshĭhistory

yŭyánlanguage

wénxuéliterature

shùxuémath

yīnyuèmusic

bĭjìbĕnnotebook

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jiàoshòuprofessor

xiăoxiū/kèjiān xiūxírecess

chéngjīdānreport card

xuéxiàoschool

xuéshengstudent

xuékēsubject

lăoshī/jiàoshīteacher

cèyàntest

jiàokēshūtextbook

kăoshì bùjígéto fail

xuéto learn

kăoshì jígéto pass

xuéxíto study

dàxuéuniversity

At the Airport

(zài) năli/(zài) nă er (used in northern China)where

Qĭngwèn năli shì hăiguān?May I ask, where is customs?

Qĭngwèn hùzhào guănlĭchù zài nă er?May I ask, where is passport control?

Nĭ yŏu shénme dōngxi yào shēnbào?Do you have anything to declare? (informal)

Wŏ méiyŏu shénme dōngxi yào shēnbào.I don’t have anything to declare.

Wŏ yŏu xiē dōngxi yào shēnbào.I have something to declare.

Qĭngwèn chū xíngli de dìfang zài nă er?May I ask, where is the baggage claim area?

Qĭngwèn guójì chūrùjìng zài nă er?May I ask, where are the international departures?

Qĭngwèn dàodádiăn zài nă er?May I ask, where are the arrivals?

Qĭngwèn yī sān èr dēngjīkŏu zài nă er?May I ask, where is gate 132 (lit., one- three- two)?

Qĭngwèn xúnwènchù zài nă er?May I ask, where is information?

Wŏ xĭhuan . . .I like . . .

Wŏ xĭhuan kào chuāngkŏu de zuòwèi.I like the window seat.

Wŏ xĭhuan kào zŏudào de zuòwèi.I like the aisle seat.

Zhè shì nĭde dēngjīzhèng.Here is your boarding pass. (informal)

Lü tú yúkuài!Have a good trip!

At the Hotel

Wŏ yào dēngjì zhùsù.I’d like to check in.

Wŏ yào yí ge fángjiān.I’d like a room.

Yí ge rén.For one person.

Liăng ge rén.For two people.

Wŏ yĭjīng dìng le fángjiān.I have a reservation.

Nĭ dăsuàn zhù jĭtiān?For how many nights? (informal)

Yì tiān.For one night.

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Liăng tiān.For two nights.

Yí ge xīngqī. (Yí ge lĭbài.)For one week.

Zhè shì nĭde yàoshi.Here is your key. (informal)

Zhè shì nĭde yàoshikă.Here is your key card. (informal)

Nĭ hái yŏu bié de fángjian ma?Do you have another room? (informal)

Shìfŏu dài sīrén xĭzaojiān?With a private bathroom?

Dài shùjù jiēkŏu ma?With a connection to the internet?

Qĭngwèn yŏu ānjìng yìdiăn er de fángjiān ma?May I ask, is there a quieter room?

Qĭngwèn yŏu dà yìdiăn er de fángjiān ma?May I ask, is there a larger room?

Zhè er yŏu jiànshēnfáng ma?Is there an exercise room?

Zhè er yŏu yóuyŏngchí ma?Is there a pool?

Qĭngwèn huìyìshì zài nă er?May I ask, where is the conference room?

Qĭngwèn chuánzhēnjī zài nă er?May I ask, where is the fax machine?

Qĭngwèn ménfáng guănlĭbù zài nă er?May I ask, where is the concierge?

Wŏ yào tuì fáng jié zhàng.I’d like to check out.

At the Restaurant

Nĕi yì jiā cānguăn bĭjiào hăo?Where is there a good restaurant?

Liăng wèi.A table for two.

Xīyān háishì bù xīyān?Smoking or non- smoking? (lit., To smoke or not to smoke?)

Qĭng gĕi wŏ càidān.The menu, please./Please bring me the menu.

Qĭng gĕi wŏ yí fèn jiŭshŭi dānzi.The wine list, please./Please bring me the wine list.

xiăochīappetizer

zhŭcàimain course

tiándiăndessert

Wŏ xiăng yào diăn er hē de.I would like something to drink.

Qĭng gĕi wŏ yì bēi shŭi.A glass of water, please./Please bring me a glass of water.

Qĭng gĕi wŏ yì bēi chá.A cup of tea, please./Please bring me a cup of tea.

kāfēi jiā niúnăicoff ee with milk

píjiŭbeer

Zhèlĭ yŏu shénmeyàng de shūcài?Do you have vegetarian dishes (here)?/Are there vegetarian dishes (here)?

Cèsŭo zài nă er?Where is the restroom/bathroom?

Jiù zhèyàng.That’s all.

Qĭng jiézhàng.The check, please.

Zhè lĭmiàn bāokuò xiăofèi ma?Is the tip included?

zăocānbreakfast

wŭcānlunch

wăncāndinner

Màn màn chī!Enjoy the meal!

Zhù nĭ jiànkāng!To your health!/Wishing you (good) health! (informal)

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Hĕn hăochī!It’s delicious!

pánziplate

chāzifork

dāoknife

tiáogēngspoon

kuàizichopsticks

cānjīnnapkin

yì bēione/a cup, one/a glass

yì píng jiŭone/a bottle of wine

bīngkuài erice cube(s)

yánsalt

hújiāopepper (condiment)

tángsugar

tāngsoup

sèlāsalad

miànbāobread

huángyóubutter

miàntiáonoodles

mĭfànrice

rŭlàocheese

shūcàivegetables

jī(ròu)chicken

zhūròupork

niúròubeef

Wŏde niúpái yào shēng yìdiăn er.I like my steak rare.

Wŏde niúpái yào zhōngshú.I like my steak medium.

Wŏde niúpái yào shú yìdiăn er.I like my steak well- done.

guŏzhījuice

xiàn er bĭngpie

bīngqílínice cream

Qĭng zài lái yí ge.Another, please.

Qĭng zài jiā yíxiē.(Some) more, please.

Qĭng bă . . . gĕi wŏ.Please pass me the . . .

làspicy

tiánsweet

suānsour

At the Train Station

Qĭng gĕi wŏ yì zhāng chēpiào.I would like a ticket, please./Please give me a ticket. (train or bus only)

Dào Shànghăi.To Shanghai.

dānchéng chēpiàoone- way ticket (train or bus only)

láihuí chēpiàoround- trip ticket (train or bus only)

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Tóudĕngcāng háishì èrdĕngcāng?First class or second class?

Qĭng gĕi wŏ yì zhāng shíjiānbiăo.May I have a schedule?/Please give me a schedule.

Zài nĕi ge zhàntái?Which platform?

Huŏchē jĭdiăn kāi chē?When/At what time does the train leave?

Huŏchē jĭdiăn dĭdá?When/At what time does the train arrive?

Gāi cì lièchē ànshí dĭdá ma?Is the train on time?

Gāi cì lièchē yŏu cānchē ma?Is there a dining car?

Gāi cì lièchē yŏu wòpù ma?Is there a sleeping car?

Basic Expressions

Xièxie nĭ. (Xièxie nín.)Thank you. (informal/formal)

Fēicháng gănxiè.Thank you very much.

Búyòng kèqì.You’re welcome.

Qĭng.Please.

Shì.Yes.

Búshì.No.

Duìbuqĭ.Excuse me./Pardon me./Sorry.

Hĕn bàoqiàn.I’m sorry. (lit., Very regretful.)

Wŏ tīng bù dŏng.I don’t understand.

Wŏ bú huì jiăng Zhōngwén.I don’t speak Chinese. (lit., I don’t know how to speak Chinese.)

Nĭ huì shuō Yīngyŭ ma?Do you (know how to) speak English? (informal)

Wŏde Zhōngwén jiăng de bù hăo.I don’t speak Chinese very well.

Qĭng nĭ shuō màn yìdiăn er.Please speak more slowly. (informal)

Qĭng nĭ zài shuō yí biàn.Please repeat (that)./Please say (that) one more time. (informal)

Clothing

yóuyŏngyībathing suit, swimsuit

yóuyŏngkùbathing trunks, swimming trunks

yāodàibelt

zhàoshānblouse

shŏuzhuóbracelet

yīfuclothes, clothing

wàitàocoat

dēngxīnróngcorduroy

miánbùcotton fabric

líanyīqúndress

ĕrhuánearring(s)

yănjìngeyeglasses

lĭfúformal dress

shŏutàoglove(s)

màozihat

duăn shàngyī/jiākèjacket

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niúzăikùjeans

huābiānlace

pígéleather

xiàngliànnecklace

nílóngnylon

shuìyīpajamas

kùzipants

jièzhĭ/zhĭhuánring

wéijīnscarf

chènshānshirt

xiézishoe(s)

sīsilk

hào/chĭmăsize

qúnziskirt

qiúxié/jiāodĭbùxiésneakers, tennis shoes

wàzisock(s)

tàozhuāngsuit

tàiyáng yănjìngsunglasses

chuānto wear, to put on

T- xùshān (tìxùshān)T- shirt

nèikùunderpants

hànshānundershirt

shŏubiăowatch

Computers and the Internet

fùjiànattachment

bókè/bùluógé/wăngshàngrìzhìblog (web log)

diànlăncable

guāngpánCD- ROM

wéidú guāngdiéjīCD- ROM drive

liáotiānshìchat room

diànnăocomputer

diànnăo jí hùliánwăngcomputers and the internet

wénjiàndocument, file

shùmă yònghù xìanlùDSL

diànyóuemail

dăng’ànfile

jíshí xùnxīinstant message

hùliánwănginternet

jiànpánkeyboard

jìyìtĭ/cúnchŭqìmemory

tiáozhìjiĕtiáoqìmodem

yíngguāngpíng/píngmùmonitor, screen

huáshŭ/shŭbiāomouse

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dăyìnjīprinter

fùshàng wénjiànto attach a document/file

guānbì wénjiànto close a document/file

shānchúto delete

zhuănjìto forward

dăkāi wénjiànto open a document/file

huífùto reply

cúnchŭ dăng’ànto save a file

fā wénjiànto send a document/file

fā diànyóuto send an email

wăngyèwebpage

wăngzhànwebsite

Countries and Nationalities

FēizhōuAfrica

MĕiguóAmerica, the United States

MĕiguórénAmerican

YăzhōuAsia

ÀozhōurénAustralian

BĕijīngrénBeijinger (from Beijing)

JiānádàCanada

GuăngdōngrénCantonese

ZhōngguóChina

ZhōngguórénChinese

YīngguóEngland, Britain

YīngguórénEnglish, British

ŌuzhōuEurope

FăguóFrance

FăguórénFrench

DéguórénGerman

DéguóGermany

XiānggăngrénHongkongese (from Hong Kong)

YìdàlìrénItalian

YìdàlìItaly

RìbĕnJapan

RìbĕnrénJapanese

HánguóKorea

NánjīngrénNanjingese (from Nanjing)

ÉguóRussia

ShànghăirénShanghaiese (from Shanghai)

Nán MĕizhōuSouth America

XībānyáSpain

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XībānyárénSpanish

YuènánVietnam

Nă guó rén?What nationality? (lit., Which country person?)

Days and Months

xīngqī yī (lĭbài yī)Monday

xīngqī èr (lĭbài èr)Tuesday

xīngqī sān (lĭbài sān)Wednesday

xīngqī sì (lĭbài sì)Thursday

xīngqī wŭ (lĭbài wŭ)Friday

xīngqī liù (lĭbài liù)Saturday

xīngqī tiān (lĭbài tiān)Sunday

yī yuèJanuary

èr yuèFebruary

sān yuèMarch

sì yuèApril

wŭ yuèMay

liù yuèJune

qī yuèJuly

bā yuèAugust

jiŭ yuèSeptember

shí yuèOctober

shí yī yuèNovember

shí èr yuèDecember

zhè ge xīngqī yī (zhè ge lĭbài yī)this Monday

shàng ge xīngqī (shàng ge lĭbài)last week

xià ge yuènext month

sān yuè èrshí hàoon march 20

Jīntiān shì jĭ hào?What is the date today?

Jīntiān shì sì yuè èrshí wŭ hào.Today is April 25.

Describing Things

dà/xiăobig/small

hăo/huàigood/bad

mĕilì/chŏubeautiful/ugly

rè/lĕnghot/cold

gāo/ăitall/short

pàng/shòufat/thin

jiù/xīnold/new

lăo/niánqīngold/young

gāoxìng/bēiāihappy/sad

kuài/mànfast/slow

jìn/yuănnear/far

hóngsèred

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lánsèblue

huángsèyellow

lüsègreen

chénghuángsèorange

zĭsèpurple

hēisèblack

báisèwhite

zōngsèbrown

Nà tài hăo le!That’s great!

Nà tài zāogāo le!That’s terrible!

Hăo.Okay./Fine./Good.

Wŏ bù zhīdào.I don’t know.

Zhè shì hĕn zhòngyào de!It’s very important! (lit., This is very important!)

Xiăoxīn!Be careful!

Zhù nĭ wán er de kāixīn!Have fun! (informal)

Zhù nĭ hăoyùn!Good luck! (informal)

Entertainment

mĕishùguănart museum, gallery

yuèduìband

shūbook

măxìcircus

jùlèbùclub

xĭjùcomedy

yīnyuèhuìconcert

wŭhuìdance party

jìlùpiāndocumentary

xìjùdrama

yúlèentertainment

lìng rén xīngfènexciting

yŏuqù/hăowánfunny

huàlánggallery

yŏu yìsiinteresting

zázhìmagazine

diànyĭngyuànmovie theater, cinema

diànyĭngmovie, film

bówùguănmuseum

gējùopera

huàpainting

shèjiāo jùhuìparty

fànguăn/fàndiànrestaurant

kĕpàscary

diāokè/diāosùsculpture

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gēqŭsong

qīngtán jiémù/făngtán jiémùtalk show

diànshì jiémùtelevision program

xīnwénthe news

jùyuàntheater

piàoticket

mènto be bored, boring

zhuăntáito change channels

xuăntáito choose channels

tiàowŭto dance

qù wŭhuìto go to a party

qù kàn diànyĭngto go to the movies

bàn wŭhuìto have a party

wán de gāoxìngto have fun

tīng yīnyuèto listen to music

kàn shūto read a book

kàn zázhìto read a magazine

kàn diànyĭngto see a movie

kàn xìjùto see a play

kàn diànshìto watch television

Exclamations: What a Surprise!

Hăo!Good!

Duō(me) zāogāo!How awful!/How horrible!

Duō(me) mĕilì!How beautiful!

Duō mĕi!How beautiful!/How pretty!/How nice!

Duō(me) xìngyùn!How lucky!/What luck!

Duō hăo!/Duō bàng!How nice!

Duō piàoliang!How pretty!

Duō bèn!How stupid!/What stupidity!

Duō(me) búxìng!How unfortunate!/What a misfortune!

Hĕn kĕxī.It’s a pity. (lit., Very pity.)

Xiūxiăng!No way! (lit., Don’t think about it!)

Duō fán!What a drag!

Duō(me) kĕxī!What a pity!

Duō(me) yìxiăng bú dào!What a surprise!

Duō(me) zŏuyùn!What amazing luck!

Fèihuà!What nonsense! (lit., Nonsense!)

Family and Relationships

gūmŭaunt (father’s [elder] sister)

gūmāaunt (father’s [married] sister)

gūguaunt (father’s [younger] sister)

bómŭaunt (father’s elder brother’s wife)

shĕnshenaunt (father’s younger brother’s wife)

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yímŭaunt (mother’s [elder] sister)

yímāaunt (mother’s [married] sister)

āyíaunt (mother’s [younger] sister)

jiùmŭ/jiùmāaunt (mother’s brother’s wife)

yīng’érbaby

nánpéngyouboyfriend

tángjiĕcousin (father’s brother’s daughter who is older than you)

tángmèicousin (father’s brother’s daughter who is younger than you)

tángxiōngcousin (father’s brother’s son who is older than you)

tángdìcousin (father’s brother’s son who is younger than you)

biăojiĕcousin (father’s sister or mother’s sibling’s daughter who is older than you)

biăomèicousin (father’s sister or mother’s sibling’s daughter who is younger than you)

biăodìcousin (father’s sister or mother’s sibling’s son who is younger than you)

biăogēcousin (father’s sister or mother’s sibling’s son who is older than you)

nü ’ĕrdaughter

gēgeelder brother

jiĕjieelder sister

jiātíng jí guānxìfamily and relationships

bàbafather

gōnggongfather- in- law (husband’s father)

yuèfù/yuèzhàngfather- in- law (wife’s father)

wèihūnfūfiancé

wèihūnqīfiancée

péngyoufriend

nü péngyougirlfriend

yéyegrandfather (father’s father)

wàigōnggrandfather (mother’s father)

năinaigrandmother (father’s mother)

wàipógrandmother (mother’s mother)

xiānsheng/zhàngfuhusband

māmamother

pópomother- in- law (husband’s mother)

yuèmŭmother- in- law (wife’s mother)

qīnqirelative

érzison

jìnüstepdaughter

jìfùstepfather

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jìmŭstepmother

jìzĭstepson

gēn . . . líhūnto divorce (someone)

bàn líhūnto get a divorce

jìchéngto inherit

rènshito know (a person)

àito love

qŭto marry (a man to marry a woman)

jiàto marry (a woman to marry a man)

gēn . . . jiéhūnto marry (to get married to . . . )

jiànto meet

bófùuncle (father’s elder brother)

gūfùuncle (father’s sister’s husband)

shūshuuncle (father’s younger brother)

jiùfù/jiùjiùuncle (mother’s brother)

yífùuncle (mother’s sister’s husband)

tàitai/qīziwife

dìdiyounger brother

mèimeiyounger sister

First, Second, Third, Etc.

dì yīfirst

dì èrsecond

dì sānthird

dì sìfourth

dì wŭfifth

dì liùsixth

dì qīseventh

dì bāeighth

dì jiŭninth

dì shítenth

Food

píngguŏapple

xiāngjiāobanana

niúròubeef

píjiŭbeer

miànbāobread

zăocānbreakfast

húluóbocarrot

năilào/rŭlàocheese

jī(ròu)chicken (meat)

làjiāochili pepper

kāfēicoff ee

huángguācucumber

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wăncāndinner

yĭnliàodrink

dànegg

yúfish

shíwùfood

shuĭguŏfruit

pútáograpes

fēngmìhoney

rè/lĕnghot/cold

guŏzhījuice

shēngcài/wōjùlettuce

lóngxiālobster

wŭcānlunch

ròumeat

niúnăimilk

júziorange

lípear

hújiāopepper (condiment)

zhūròupork

fànrice (cooked), meal

yánsalt

xiāshrimp

qìshuĭsoft drink, soda

tángsugar

tián/suānsweet/sour

chátea

fānqiétomato

càivegetable

shuĭwater

jiŭwine, alcohol

Getting Around

Qĭng gĕi wŏ yì zhāng shìqū dìtú.A map of the city, please./Please give me a map of the city.

Qĭng gĕi wŏ yì zhāng dìtiĕ xiànlùtú.A subway map, please./Please give me a subway map.

Zhè liàng gōnggòng qìchē dào Nánjing Lù qù ma?Does this (public) bus go to Nanjing Road?

Chēfèi yào duōshăo qián?How much is the fare?

Qĭngwèn zài nă er kĕyĭ zhăodào chūzūchē?May I ask, where are the taxis? (lit., May I ask, where can I find the taxis?)

Qĭngwèn gōnggòng qìchēzhàn zài nă er?May I ask, where is the (public) bus stop?

Qĭngwèn năli shì chūkŏu?May I ask, where is the exit?

Qĭngwèn dìtiĕzhàn zài nă er?May I ask, where is the subway station?

Qĭng nĭ tíng zài zhè er.Please stop here. (informal)

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Qĭng nĭ bă wŏ sòng dào zhè ge dìdiăn.Please take me to this address. (informal)

Getting Help

Nĭ néng bāngbāngmáng ma?Can you help me? (informal)

Jiù mìng!Help!

Wŏ zhăo bú dào wŏde háizi le.I don’t know where my child is.

Wŏ zhăo bú dào wŏde zhàngfu le.I don’t know where my husband is.

Wŏ zhăo bú dào wŏde tàitai le.I don’t know where my wife is.

Wŏ gănjué ĕxin.I feel nauseous.

Wŏ xūyào qù kàn yīshēng.I need (to go see) a doctor.

Wŏ duì pánníxilín guòmĭn.I’m allergic to penicillin.

Wŏde tóu yūn.I’m dizzy.

Wŏ shòu shāng le.I’m hurt.

Wŏ mílù le.I’m lost.

Wŏ bèi rén qiăng le.I’ve been robbed.

Wŏde xíngli diūle.I’ve lost my luggage.

Wŏde hùzhào diūle.I’ve lost my passport.

Wŏde qiánbāo diūle.I’ve lost my wallet.

Wŏ găn bú shàng wŏde huŏchē le.I’ve missed my train.

Wŏde (shŏu)bì tòng.My arm hurts.

Wŏde tóu tòng.My head hurts.

Wŏde jiăo tòng.My leg hurts.

Qĭng jiào jiùhùchē.Please call an ambulance.

Jĭngchá!Police!

Getting to Know Someone

Nĭ shì cóng shénme dìfang lái de?Where are you from? (lit., You come from what place?) (informal)

Wŏ shì cóng Bĕijīng lái de.I’m from Beijing.

Wŏ shì cóng Niŭ Yuē lái de.I’m from New York.

Tā shì cóng shénme dìfang lái de?Where is he/she from? (lit., He/She comes from what place?)

Tā shì cóng Guăngzhōu lái de.He/She is from Guangzhou.

Nĭ zài nălĭ chūshēng?Where were you born? (informal)

Wŏ yĕ zài Mĕiguó chūshēng.I was also born in the U.S. (like you).

Wŏ xiànzài zhù zài Tiānjīn.I’m now living in Tianjin.

Nĭ duō dà?/Nĭ jĭ suì?How old are you? (informal)

Wŏ èrshí sì suì.I’m 24 years old.

Dào jiŭ yuè wŏ èrshí sì suì.I’ll be 24 years old in September.

Wŏ zài yī jiŭ liù liù nián bā yuè shí jiŭ hào chūshēng.I was born August 19, 1966.

Nĭ shénme shíhou shēngrì?When is your birthday? (informal)

Wŏ yī yuè èrshí sān hào shēngrì.My birthday is on January 23.

Tā duō dà?How old is he/she?

Tā sānshí suì.He/She is 30 years old.

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Nĭ yŏu jĭ ge xiōngdì?How many brothers do you have? (informal)

Wŏ yŏu yí ge gēge hé yí ge dìdi.I have one older brother and one younger brother.

Gēge èrshí èr suì.The older brother is 22 years old.

Tā zài dàxué dúshū.He studies at the university.

Dìdi shí qī suì.The younger brother is 17 years old.

Tā zài gāozhōng niàn gāosān.He’s in his last year of high school. (lit., He is studying grade three in high school.)

Nĭ yŏu duōshăo ge jiĕmèi?How many sisters do you have? (informal)

Wŏ yŏu yí ge mèimei.I have one younger sister.

Tā jiŭ suì.She’s nine years old.

Going Out

Nĭ néng gàosu wŏ nĕi ge kāfēiguăn hăo ma?Can you recommend a café/coff ee shop? (informal)

Nĭ néng gàosu wŏ nĕi ge cānguăn hăo ma?Can you recommend a restaurant? (informal)

Fùjìn yŏu hăo de jiŭbā ma?Is there a good bar nearby?

Fùjìn yŏu diànyĭngyuàn ma?Is there a movie theater nearby?

Fùjìn yŏu bówùguăn ma?Is there a museum nearby?

Năli shì lüyóu de jĭngdiăn?Where are the tourist attractions?

Năli wŏ néng qù tiàowŭ?Where can I go to dance?

Năli kĕyĭ liànxí păobù?Where can I go to jog?

Năli kĕyĭ qí zìxíngchē?Where can I go to ride a bike?

Năli kĕyĭ yóuyŏng?Where can I go to swim?

Good or Bad?

hăogood, well, fine, okay, all right

hĕn hăovery good, very well, good

Tài bàng le.It’s wonderful./It’s excellent.

Fēicháng de hăo.It’s excellent./It’s admirable.

Wánmĕi.It’s perfect.

Búcuò.It’s not bad./It’s pretty good. (lit., Not incorrect.)

Hăo bù hăo?Is it all right?/Is it okay? (lit., Good not good?)

Shífēn hăo!Perfect!/Very good!/Very well!

Tā hĕn piàoliang.She’s (very) pretty.

Tā hĕn mĕi.She’s (very) beautiful/pretty.

Tā hĕn yŏu mèilì.He/She is (very) charming. (lit., He/She has a lot of charisma.)

Tā shì yí ge hăo rén!He’s a good guy!/She’s a good person!

Bù hăo.It’s not good./It’s no good./It’s bad.

Búshì tài hăo.It’s not very good.

Nà ge bù hăo.That’s no good./That’s not good.

Zhèyàng bú duì.It’s not right./This isn’t right./This is wrong. (lit., It’s not correct in this way.)

Zhèyàng bù hăo.That’s bad. (lit., It’s bad in this way.)

Tā hĕn huài.He/She is very bad.

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Zhèyàng hĕn bù hăo.That’s very bad./That’s really bad. (lit., It’s very bad in this way.)

Zhè ge tài huài.That’s too bad.

Tā zhēn de hĕn huài.He/She is really very bad.

Hĕn bèn!It’s very silly!/It’s very stupid!

Wŏ bù guăn.I don’t care for it.

Zhè ge wú jiàzhí.It’s worthless. (lit., This is worthless.)

Háo wú jiàzhí.It’s worthless./It’s not good for anything. (lit., Without worth.)

I Am Feeling . . .

Wŏ yŏu diăn è le.I’m hungry.

Wŏ hĕn lèi.I’m (very) tired.

Wŏ zuì pà (dăzhēn).I’m most afraid of (getting a shot).

Bù hăoyìsi.I’m sorry. (lit., I feel embarrassed [for doing that].)

Wŏ hĕn hăo.I’m (very) well./I’m fine.

Wŏ yŏudiăn er bù shūfu.I don’t feel very well.

Nĭ juéde lĕng huòzhĕ rè ma?Do you feel cold or hot?

Wŏ tóu tòng.I have a headache.

Nĭ shuō de duì.You’re right.

I Speak, You Speak, etc.

wŏ shuōI speak

nĭ shuōyou speak (informal)

tā shuōhe/she/it speaks

nín shuōyou speak (formal)

wŏmen shuōwe speak

nĭmen shuōyou speak (plural)

tāmen shuōthey (male/female/it) speak

Wŏ shuō Zhōngwén.I speak Chinese.

John shuō Yīngwén.John speaks English.

Wŏ hé Elena shuō Zhōngwén.Elena and I speak Chinese. (lit., I and Elena speak Chinese.)

In the Bathroom

bēngdàibandage

yùshì/wèishēngjiānbathroom

yùgāng/yùpénbathtub

gŭlóngshuĭcologne

chúchòujìdeodorant

zài yùshì lĭin the bathroom

yàoguìmedicine cabinet

jìngzimirror

xiāngshuĭperfume

fĕnpowder

tìdāorazor

xĭfàjīngshampoo

guāhúgāoshaving cream

42 43

línyùshower

xĭliănpénsink (wash basin)

féizàosoap

guā húzito shave

xĭzăoto take a shower/bath

cèsuŏ/wèishēngjiāntoilet

wèishēngzhĭtoilet paper

máojīntowel

In the Kitchen

piăobáijìbleach

jiăobànjī/zhàzhījīblender, juicer

píngbottle

wănbowl

xiāng/hébox

sàozhoubroom

guàn(tóu)/jīnshŭguàncan

zhĭbănxiāngcarton

kuàizichopsticks

gānjìng/zāngclean/dirty

kāfēijīcoff eemaker

guìtáicounter

bēi/bēizicup

chúguìcupboard

xĭwănjīdishwasher

qīngjiéjìdishwashing detergent

chōutìdrawer

hōnggānjīdryer

chāzifork

bōlibēi/bēiziglass

zài chúfáng lĭin the kitchen

yùndŏuiron

yùndŏu bănironing board

dāoknife

xĭyīfĕn/xĭyījīnglaundry detergent

wēibōlúmicrowave

kăolú/kăoxiāngoven

pánziplate

bīngxiāngrefrigerator

xĭcáo(kitchen) sink

tāngchí/sháozispoon

huŏlústove

cháhú/húteapot

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zhŭ/shāoto cook (lit., to burn)

xĭ pánzito do the dishes (lit., to wash dishes)

xĭ yīfuto do the laundry (lit., to wash clothing)

xĭyījīwashing machine

In the Office

yuēhuìappointment

shūjiàbookshelf

lăobănboss

măimài/shāngyèbusiness

mángbusy

tóngshìcolleague

gōngsīcompany

diànnăo/diànzĭ jìsuànjīcomputer

xiĕzìtái/bàngōng zhuōdesk

wénjiàndocument, file

gùyuánemployee

gōngchăngfactory

chuánzhēnjīfax machine

dăng’ànfile

dăng’àn guìfiling cabinet

zài bàngōngshì lĭin the off ice

gōngzuòjob

huìyìmeeting

huìyìshìmeeting room

bàngōngshì/bàngōnglóuoff ice/off ice building

xīnjīn/xīnshuĭsalary

gōngzuò rényuánstaff

diànhuàtelephone

zhuànto earn

shàngbānto go to work

In, To, From

Wŏ qù guò Bĕijīng.I’ve been to Beijing. (lit., I have gone [to] Beijing before.)

Wŏ xiànzài qù Bĕijīng.I’m going to Beijing now./I’m leaving for Beijing now.

Wŏ cóng Nánjīng lái.I come from Nanjing.

Wŏ shì cóng Nánjīng lái de.I’m from Nanjing.

Wŏ xiànzài qù Xī’ān.I’m going to Xian now./I’m leaving for Xian now.

Wŏ xiĕ le xìn gĕi tā.I wrote a letter to him/her.

Wŏ zài túshūguăn (lĭ).I’m in(side) the library.

Cóng Nánjīng qù Shànghăi yào yí ge zhōngtóu.Going from Nanjing to Shanghai takes one hour.

Tā xiànzài wăng Shànghăi qù.He/She is going toward Shanghai now.

Wŏ zuì yuăn dào le Lánzhōu.I got as far as Lanzhou. (lit., The furthest I arrived was Lanzhou.)

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Isn’t It?

Duì ma?Is it? (lit., Right?)

Duì bú duì?Isn’t it? (lit., Right not right?)

Zhōngwén hĕn róngyì, duì bú duì?Chinese is very easy, isn’t it?

Zhè er de rén dōu hĕn hăo, duì bú duì?The people here are very nice, aren’t they?

Nĭ méiyŏu bĭ, duì ma?You don’t have a pencil/pen, do you? (informal)

Nĭ zhīdào zhè ge dìfang, duì bú duì?You know this place, don’t you? (informal)

Nĭ rènshi Wáng xiānsheng, duì bú duì?You know Mr. Wang, don’t you? (informal)

Nĭ yŏu tiáogēng hé cānjīn, duì bú duì?You have a spoon and a napkin, don’t you? (informal)

Nĭ zài zhè er búshì tài jiŭ, duì ma?You haven’t been here very long, have you? (informal)

Nĭ huì lái de, duì ma?You’ll come, won’t you? (informal)

Hĕn lĕng, duì bú duì?It’s very cold, isn’t it?

Tài hăo le! Duì bú duì?It’s great! Don’t you think? (lit., Too good! Right not right?)

Tài kĕ’ài le! Duì bú duì?How cute! Don’t you think? (lit., Too cute! Right not right?)

Kĕyĭ, duì bú duì?It’s all right, isn’t it?

Making Friends

Nĭ hăo! Nĭ jiào shénme míngzi?Hello! What’s your name? (informal)

Wŏ kĕyĭ zuò zài zhèlĭ ma?May I sit here?

Nĭ zhù zài nă er?Where do you live? (informal)

Wŏ zhù zài Bĕijīng.I live in Beijing.

Zhè shì wŏde péngyou.This is my friend.

Zhè shì wŏde nánpéngyou.This is my boyfriend.

Zhè shì wŏde nüpéngyou.This is my girlfriend.

Zhè shì wŏde tàitai.This is my wife.

Zhè shì wŏde zhàngfu.This is my husband.

Nĭde guójiā hĕn mĕi.Your country is very beautiful. (informal)

Nĭ qù guò Mĕiguó ma?Have you been to the U.S.? (informal)

Wŏ hĕn xĭhuan chī zhèlĭ de dōngxi.I like the food here very much.

Wŏ shì shāngwù făngwèn.I’m on a business trip.

Wŏmén quánjiārén yìqĭ lüyóu.I’m traveling with my family.

Wŏmén shì yóukè.We are tourists.

Nĭ xĭhuan kàn diànyĭng ma?Do you like to go to the movies? (informal)

Nĭ xĭhuan tiàowŭ ma?Do you like to dance? (informal)

Wŏmén zŏu ba!Let’s go!

Wŏ néng jiàn jiàn nĭde péngyou ma?Can I meet your friend? (informal)

Nĭde diànhuà hàomă shì duōshăo?What is your telephone number? (informal)

Qĭng dào wŏ zhèlĭ lái kàn kan!Please visit me (here)!

Wŏ zhēn shì tài gāoxìng le.I really had a wonderful time. (lit., I really was too happy.)

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Measure Words

yì bĕn shūone/a book [one/a + bound text measure word + book]

yì bă yŭsănone/an umbrella [one/an + measure word for handheld things/chairs + umbrella]

yì bă yĭzione/a chair [one/a + measure word for handheld things/chairs + chair]

yì zhī jīone/a chicken [one/a + measure word for birds/certain animals + chicken]

yì zhī māoone/a cat [one/a + measure word for birds/certain animals + cat]

yì zhī bēione/a cup, one/a glass [one/a + measure word for certain containers + cup/glass]

yì zhī wănone/a bowl [one/a + measure word for certain containers + bowl]

yì tái diànnăoone/a computer [one/a + machinery measure word + computer]

yí ge rénone/a person [one/a + general measure word + person]

yì zhāng zhĭone/a piece of paper [one/a + measure word for fl at surfaces + paper]

yì zhāng zhàopiànone/a photo [one/a + measure word for fl at surfaces + photo]

yì zhāng chuángone/a bed [one/a + measure word for fl at surfaces + bed]

yì zhī bĭone/a pen [one/a + measure word for something long and thin /stick- like + pen]

yì tiáo lùone/a road [one/a + measure word for something long/thin/narrow + road]

yì bēi shuĭone/a cup of water, one/a glass of water

yí dài píngguŏone/a bag of apples

yì xiāng lājīone/a box of garbage

yì shuāng xiézi/yí duì xiézione/a pair of shoes

yì shuāng yănjing/yí duì yănjingone/a pair of eyes

yì dá jīdànone/a dozen eggs

Money

qiánmoney

RénmínbìRenminbi (currency of China)

yínhángbank

Qĭngwèn yínháng zài nă er?May I ask, where is the bank?

Wŏ xiăng huàn diăn er qián.I’d like to change some money.

Duìhuànl shì duōshăo?What is the exchange rate? (lit., How much is the exchange rate?)

Wŏ xĭhuan yào xiăo diăn er de piàozī.I’d like that in small bills.

Duìhuànfèi shì duōshăo?How much is the commission?

More or Less

gèng mànslower (lit., even more slow)

gèng nánmore diff icult (lit., even more diff icult)

gèng róngyìeasier (lit., even more easy)

gèng yuănfarther (lit., even more far)

gèng jìnnearer (lit., even more near)

bĭ zhè ge gèng . . .(more) . . . than this

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chāoguò yì niánmore than a year (lit., exceed one year)

méiyŏu zhème mànless slow (lit., not so slow)

méiyŏu zhème nánless diff icult (lit., not so diff icult)

méiyŏu zhème róngyìless easy (lit., not so easy)

méiyŏu zhème yuănless far, not so far

méiyŏu zhème jìnless near, not so near

bĭ zhè ge shăoless than this

bú gòu yì niánless than a year (lit., not enough for a year)

My, Your, His/Her, Etc.

wŏde péngyoumy friend

nĭde péngyouyour friend (informal)

tāde péngyouhis/her/its friend

wŏmende péngyouour friend (exclusive)

zánmende péngyouour friend (inclusive)

nĭmende péngyouyour friend (plural)

tāmende péngyoutheir (male/female/it) friend

Zhè shì wŏde.This is mine.

Zhè xiē shì wŏde.These are mine.

Zhè shì nĭde.This is yours. (informal)

Zhè xiē shì nĭde.These are yours. (informal)

Zhè shì tāde.This is his/hers.

Zhè xiē shì tāde.These are his/hers.

Zhè shì wŏmende.This is ours.

Zhè xiē shì wŏmende.These are ours.

Zhè shì nĭmende.This is yours. (plural)

Zhè xiē shì nĭmende.These are yours. (plural)

Zhè shì tāmende.This is theirs (male/female/it).

Zhè xiē shì tāmende.These are theirs (male/female/it).

Myself

Nĭ bié guài zìjĭ.Don’t blame yourself. (informal)

Tā zìjĭ qù kàn diànyĭng.He/She goes to watch a movie by himself/herself.

Wŏ zìjĭ lái.Let me do it by myself. (lit., I self come.)

Nĭ zìjĭ cái zhīdào.Only you yourself know it. (informal)

Tā juéde tā zìjĭ zuì piàoliang.She thinks she herself is the prettiest.

Wŏmen zài jìngzilĭ kànjiàn zìjĭ.We see ourselves in the mirror. (lit., We in the mirror see selves.)

Nĭ duì zìjĭ yào yŏu xìnxīn.You must have confidence in yourself. (lit., You toward self must have confidence.) (informal)

Nĭ zìjĭ xĭ.You wash (it) yourself. (lit., You self wash.) (informal)

Nature

hăitānbeach

shāmòdesert

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tiándìfield, farm land

huāflower

sēnlínforest

shānqiūhill

húlake

lùdìland

yuèliàngmoon

shānmountain

dàzìránnature

hăiyángocean

zhíwùplant

chítángpond

hériver

yánshírock

shāsand

hăisea

tiānsky

xīngstar

tàiyángsun

shùtree

shuĭwater

Negatives: No, Not, Nothing, Never, Etc.

Tā cóngwèi lái guò.He/She has never come.

Tā bú zài zhè er.He/She is not here.

Tā cóng bù lái.He/She never comes.

Tā shuō bù.He/She says no.

Tā shuō shì.He/She says yes.

Wŏ cái bú zàihu ne.I don’t care at all./It doesn’t make the slightest diff erence to me.

Wŏ bú zàihu.I don’t care./It makes no diff erence to me.

Wŏ méiyŏu qián.I don’t have money.

Wŏ shénme yĕ bù zhīdào.I don’t know anything.

Wŏ bù zhīdào shì zĕnmeyàng huòzhĕ shì shénme shíhou.I don’t know how or when.

Wŏ bù zhīdào shì nă er.I don’t know where.

Wŏ kàn bú jiàn.I don’t see./I can’t see.

Wŏ shénme yĕ bú yào./Wŏ bú yào shénme dōngxi.I don’t want anything.

Wŏ méiyŏu shíjiān.I have no time.

Wŏ méiyŏu shénme shì zuò.I have nothing to do.

Wŏ méiyŏu shénme hăo shuō.I have nothing to say.

Wŏ cóng bú qù.I never go.

Wŏ cóng bú jiàn tā.I never see him/her.

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Wŏ shénme yĕ méi(yŏu) kànjiàn./Wŏ méi kànjiàn shénme.I see nothing./I don’t see anything.

Wŏ xiăng shì ba.I think so.

Wŏ yŏngyuăn yĕ bú huì qù.I’ll never go. (lit., I forever will not go.)

Wŏ yŏngyuăn yĕ bú huì shuō.I’ll never say it.

Wŏ bú qù.I’m not going.

Wŏ yĭqián cónglái méiyŏu jiàn guò tā./Wŏ cóng wèi jiàn guò tā.I’ve never seen him/her before.

Búyàojĭn.It doesn’t matter./It’s not important.

Gòu le.It’s enough.

Shì zhè er le.It’s here.

Búshì hĕnduō.It’s not a lot/much.

Búcuò.It’s not bad.

Bú gòu.It’s not enough.

Bù hăo.It’s not good.

Búshì nàyàng.It’s not that.

Búshì hĕn zhòngyào.It’s not very important.

Méi shénme.It’s nothing.

Méiyŏu rén lái le.No one is coming (here)./Nobody comes (here).

Shénme rén yĕ bù lái le.No one is coming.

Bù, xiānsheng.No, sir.

Méiyŏu nàme kuài.Not so fast.

Búshì jīngcháng.Not so often.

Shénme yĕ méiyŏu.Nothing. (lit., Not anything.)

Méiyŏu fāshēng shénme shì.Nothing happened.

Shì, xiānsheng.Yes, sir.

Neither . . . Nor

yĕ bù/yĕ méiyŏuneither, nor

jì bù . . . yĕ bùneither . . . nor

Gāng gāng hăo.Just so./Just right. (lit., Neither more nor less.)

Zhè ge hé nà ge dōu búshì.Neither the one nor the other./Neither this one nor that one over there.

Bú tài duō yĕ bú tài shăo.Neither too much nor too little.

Bú tài hăo yĕ bú tài huài.It’s so- so./It’s not too good and not too bad.

Wŏ bù néng qù yĕ bù xiăng qù.I can’t go and I don’t want to.

Wŏ shíjiān hé qián dōu méiyŏu.I have neither the time nor the money.

Kàn hé xiĕ tā dōu bùxíng.He/She can neither read nor write.

Numbers

língzero (0)

yī1

èr2 (used in counting)

liăng2 (used with nouns)

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sān3

sì4

wŭ5

liù6

qī7

bā8

jiŭ9

shí10

shí yī11

shí èr12

shí sān13

shí sì14

shí wŭ15

shí liù16

shí qī17

shí bā18

shí jiŭ19

èrshí20

èrshí yī21

èrshí èr22

èrshí sān23

èrshí sì24

èrshí wŭ25

èrshí liù26

èrshí qī27

èrshí bā28

èrshí jiŭ29

sānshí30

sìshí40

wŭshí50

liùshí60

qīshí70

bāshí80

jiŭshí90

yìbăi100

yìbăi líng yī101

yìbăi líng èr102

yìbăi líng sān103

liăngbăi (èrbăi)200

sānbăi300

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sìbăi400

wŭbăi500

yìqiān1,000 (one thousand)

yìbăiwàn1,000,000 (one million)

On the Job

yănyuánactor, actress

jiànzhùshīarchitect

yìshùjiāartist

yínhángjiābanker

shāngrén/shíyèjiābusiness person

mùjiàngcarpenter

jiànzhù gōngrénconstruction worker

yáyīdentist

yīshēngdoctor

diàngōngelectrician

gōngchéngshīengineer

nóngmínfarmer

quánzhífull- time

gōngzuòjob

jìzhĕjournalist

lüshīlawyer

yīnyuèjiāmusician

bànzhípart- time

guănzigōngplumber

gōng’ān/jĭngchápolice off icer

jiàoshòuprofessor

tuìxiūretired

tūixiāoyuán/shòuhuòyuánsalesperson

mìshū/zhùlĭsecretary/assistant

wĕndìng de gōngzuòsteady job

shŭqīgōngsummer job

chūzūchē sījītaxi driver

jiàoshī/lăoshīteacher

shīyè/dàiyèunemployed

shòuyīveterinarian

zuòjiāwriter

On the Phone

Zhè er yŏu diànhuà ma?Is there a telephone here?

Wŏ kĕyĭ zài nă er dă diànhuà?Where can I make a phone call?

Diànhuà zài nă er?Where is the telephone?

Diànhuàjiān zài nă er?Where is the phone booth?

Wŏ kĕbùkĕyĭ yòng nĭ de diànhuà?May I use your phone? (informal)

Dāngrán kĕyĭ! Yòng ba!Of course, go ahead! (lit., Of course you can! Use it!)

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Búyào wàngjì bă nĭde yídòng diànhuà fàng zài dàizi lĭ.Don’t forget to pack your cell phone in your bag. (informal)

Wŏ bù zhīdào kĕbùkĕyĭ zài wŏ qù de guójiā lĭ shĭyòng.I don’t know if it will work in all the countries I’m going to visit.

Hĕnduō (diànhuà) gōngsī zài qítā guójiā yĕ tígòng fúwù.Many (phone) companies also provide service in other countries.

Wŏ yào bō chángtú diànhuà.I need to call long distance.

Dă diànhuà qù Shànghăi yào duōshăo qián?How much is a phone call to Shanghai?

Wŏ yào bō èr èr bā qī wŭ bā èr.I want 228–7582.

Búyào guàxiàng.Hold on a minute. (lit., Don’t hang up.)

Diànhuà zhànxiàn.The line is busy.

Nĭ gĕi wŏ de hàomă shì búduì de.You gave me the wrong number. (informal)

Méiyŏu rén jiē.There is no answer.

Huáng xiānsheng zài ma?May I speak to Mr. Huang? (lit., Is Mr. Huang there?)

Wŏ jiùshì.Speaking. (lit., I am.)

Zhè shì Chén Dànián.This is Danian Chen speaking.

Shì Huáng xiānsheng ma?Is this Mr. Huang?

Shì.Yes./Speaking.

Nă er zhăo?Who is this?

People

rénpeople, person, man

nánrénman

nü rénwoman

dàren/chéngrénadult

xiăohái’er/xiăopéngyouchild

nánhái’er/nánhái(zi)boy

nü hái’er/nü hái(zi)girl

qīngshàoniánteenager

gāo/ăitall/short

lăo/niánqīngold/young

pàng/shòufat/thin

yŏushàn/bùyŏushànfriendly/unfriendly

kuàilè/shāngxīnhappy/sad

mĕilì/yīngjùn/nánkànbeautiful/handsome/ugly

yŏubìng/jiànkāngsick/healthy

qiáng/ruòstrong/weak

yŏumíngfamous

cōngmíngintelligent

yŏu cáinéngtalented

Saying Hello

Nĭ hăo!Hello!/Good day! (informal)

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Zăo’ān!Good morning!

Wănshang hăo!Good evening!

Nĭ hăo ma?How are you? (informal)

Hăo, xièxie.Fine, thanks.

Wŏ hĕn hăo, xièxie.I’m very well, thanks.

Hái kĕyĭ.So- so.

Qĭngwèn nĭ jiào shénme míngzi?May I ask, what’s your name? (informal)

Wŏ jiào Wáng Míng.My name is Ming Wang.

Wŏ jiào Zhāng Lán.My name is Lan Zhang.

Wŏ hĕn gāoxìng rènshi nĭ.It’s nice to meet you. (informal)

Zàijiàn.Good- bye.

Dāi huì er jiàn.See you later.

Zài huì.See you soon./Adieu.

Wăn’ān.Good night.

Seasons and Cardinal Directions

chūntiānspring

xiàtiānsummer

qiūtiānautumn

dōngtiānwinter

dōngeast

nánsouth

xīwest

bĕinorth

Shopping

Zhè shì duōshăo qián?How much does this cost? (lit., This is how much?)

Qĭng nĭ bă jiàgé xiĕ xiàlái.Please write down the price. (informal)

Wŏ yào măi . . .I’d like to buy . . .

Hĕn guì!It’s very expensive!

Nĭ yŏu piányi yìdiăn er de ma?Do you have something (a little) cheaper? (informal)

Wŏ chuān (dà/zhōng/xiăo) mă.My size is (large/medium/small). (lit., I wear large/medium/small size.)

Wŏ yào zhè ge.I’ll take it. (lit., I want this.)

Shāngdiàn jĭdiăn kāi mén?At what time does the store open?

Shāngdiàn jĭdiăn guān mén?At what time does the store close?

Nĭ xĭhuan shénme?What would you like? (lit., You like what?) (informal)

Nĭ xūyào bāngmáng ma?Can I help you? (informal)

Wŏ xiăng yào zhè ge.I would like this.

Wŏ xiăng yào diànchí.I would like batteries.

Wŏ xiăng yào yì juăn jiāojuăn.I would like a roll of film.

Wŏ xiăng yào yì zhāng shìqū dìtú.I would like a map of the city.

Gĕi nĭ zhè ge.Here it is. (lit., Give you this.) (informal)

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Jiù zhè xiē le ma?Is that all?

Wŏ xiăng fù xiànjīn.I’d like to pay with cash.

Wŏ xiăng yòng xìnyòngkă fù.I’d like to pay by credit card.

Wŏ kĕyĭ zài wăngshàng dìng ma?Can I order this online?

băihuò gōngsīdepartment store

nü zhuāngwomen’s clothes

chènyi, qúnzi, líanyīqúnblouse, skirt, dress

nánzhuāngmen’s clothes

kùzi, chènshān, lĭngdàipants, shirt, tie

xié(zi) hé wàzishoes and socks

niúzăikùjeans

shūdiànbookstore

bĭngdiànbakery

chāojí shìchăngsupermarket

ròudiànbutcher shop

shìchăngmarket

Some, Any, A Few

Nĭ yŏu qián ma?Do you have (any) money? (informal)

Wŏ yŏu yìxiē.I have some.

Wŏ yìdiăn er yĕ méiyŏu.I don’t have any. (lit., I don’t even have a little bit.)

Tā yŏu qián ma?Does he/she have (any) money?

Tā yìdiăn er yĕ méiyŏu.He/She doesn’t have any. (lit., He/She doesn’t even have a little bit.)

Nĭ hái yŏu qián ma?Do you have (any) money left? (informal)

Nĭ yŏu duōshăo bĕn shū?How many books do you have? (informal)

Nĭ yào yìxiē shuĭguŏ ma?Do you want some fruit? (informal)

Gĕi wŏ jĭ ge.Give me a few.

Gĕi wŏ yìxiē.Give me some.

Gĕi tā yìxiē.Give him/her some.

wŏ(de) yìxiē péngyousome of my friends

Speaking Chinese

Nĭ huì shuō Zhōngwén ma?Do you (know how to) speak Chinese? (informal)

Huì shuō yìdiăn er.(I) can speak a little.

Yìdiăndiăn er.Very little.

Bú tài hăo.Not very well.

Wŏ huì shuō Zhōngwén.I (know how to) speak Chinese.

Wŏ shuō de bù hăo.I speak it poorly.

Wŏ shuō de bú tài hăo.I don’t speak it very well. (lit., I speak not too well.)

Wŏ zhĭ huì shuō jĭ gè dāncí.I only know (how to speak) a few words.

Wŏ huì shuō yìxiē Zhōngwén dāncí.I can say some words in Chinese.

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Nĭ(de) péngyou huì shuō Zhōngwén ma?Does your friend (know how to) speak Chinese? (informal)

Wŏ(de) péngyou bú huì shuō Zhōngwén.My friend doesn’t (know how to) speak Chinese.

Nĭ dŏng Zhōngwén ma?Do you understand Chinese? (informal)

Wŏ dŏng Zhōngwén.I understand Chinese.

Wŏ dŏng, kĕshì wŏ bú huì shuō.I understand it, but I don’t (know how to) speak it.

Wŏ huì kàn, kĕshì wŏ bú huì shuō.I can read it, but I don’t (know how to) speak it.

Wŏ bù dŏng Zhōngwén.I don’t understand Chinese.

Wŏ bú tài dŏng Zhōngwén.I don’t understand Chinese very well.

Wŏ fāyīn fā de bú tài hăo.I don’t pronounce it very well.

Wŏ yào duō liànxí.I need to practice more.

Nĭ tīng de dŏng ma?Do you understand (me)? (informal)

Wŏ tīng de dŏng.I understand (you).

Wŏ tīng de bú tài dŏng.I don’t understand (you) very well.

Nĭ shuō shénme?/Nĭ jiăng shénme?What did you say? (informal)

Nĭ shuō de tài kuài.You speak too fast./You’re speaking too fast. (informal)

Bú yào shuō zhème kuài.Don’t speak so fast.

Shuō màn yìdiăn er.Speak more slowly.

Qĭng shuō zài màn yìdiăn er.Please speak a little more slowly.

Qĭng zài shuō yí biàn./Qĭng zài shuō yí cì.Please repeat (that). (Please say that one more time.)

Nĭ xiànzài míngbai le ma?Do you understand (me) now? (informal)

O, wŏ míngbai le.Oh, now I understand.

Zhè ge shì shénme yìsi?What does this mean?

“Thanks” Zhōngwén zĕnme shuō?How do you say “thanks” in Chinese?

Zhè ge zì zĕnme xiĕ?How do you write this word?

Qĭng nĭ xiĕ gĕi wŏ.Please write it down for me. (informal)

Sports and Recreation

Mĕishì zúqiúAmerican football

qiúball

bàngqiúbaseball

lánqiúbasketball

kăcards

guànjūnchampion

jiàoliàncoach

yóuxìgame

qūgùnqiúhockey

yùndòngyuánplayer

zhuàngqiú/táiqiúpool, billiards

zúqiúsoccer (football)

yùndòng jí yúlèsports and recreation

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yùndòngchăngstadium

duì/qiúduì/yùndòng duìteam

wăngqiútennis

dăchéng píngjúto draw/tie (lit., the match was drawn/tied)

yĕyíng/lùyíngto go camping

yuănzúto go hiking

shūto lose

wán yóuxìto play a game

zuò yùndòngto play a sport, to exercise

yíngto win

Staying in Touch

diànhuàtelephone

Wŏ bìxū dă ge diànhuà.I have to make a phone call.

Zhèlĭ yŏu gōngyòng diànhuà ma?Is there a public phone here?

Wŏ kĕyĭ yòng nĭde shŏujī ma?May I use your cell phone? (informal)

Qĭngwèn hàomă shì duōshăo?What number, please? (lit., May I ask, how much is the number?)

Zhànxiàn.The line is busy.

chuánzhēnfax

Wŏ xūyào fā ge chuánzhēn.I need to send a fax.

Yŏu gĕi wŏde chuánzhēn ma?Is there a fax for me?

diànyóuemail

Diànnăo zài nă er?Where is the computer?

Wŏ xūyào jì fēng diànyóu.I need to send an email.

Wŏ kĕyĭ shàngwăng ma?Can I get on the internet?

Nĭ yŏu wăngyè ma?Do you have a webpage? (informal)

Qĭngwèn yóujú zài nă er?May I ask, where is the post off ice?

Qĭng gĕi wŏ yìxiē yóupiào.I’d like some stamps, please./Please give me some stamps.

Jì yì fēng xìn.For (mailing) a letter.

Jì míngxìnpiàn.For (mailing) a postcard.

Yóufèi shì duōshăo?How much is the postage?

Jì dào Mĕiguó.To the United States.

hángkōngair mail

èrshí sì xiăoshí kuàijiànovernight delivery (lit., 24-hour express delivery)

Telling Time

Xiànzài jĭdiăn le?What time is it (now)?

zhōngwŭnoon

wŭyèmidnight

Xiànzài shì yī diăn.It’s 1:00 (now).

Xiànzài shì liăng diăn.It’s 2:00 (now).

Xiànzài shì sān diăn bàn.It’s 3:30 (now).

Xiànzài shì sì diăn.It’s 4:00 (now).

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Xiànzài shì wŭ diăn sìshí wŭ (fēn).It’s 5:45 (now).

Xiànzài shì qī diăn líng sān (fēn).It’s 7:03 (now).

Diànyĭng jiŭ diăn bàn kāishĭ.The movie starts at 9:30.

Huŏchē shí yī diăn shí qī fēn chūfā.The train leaves at 11:17.

zăoshangmorning

xiàwŭafternoon

wănshangevening, night

jīntiāntoday

míngtiāntomorrow

zuótiānyesterday

xiànzàinow

yí huì erlater, a while

măshàngimmediately, right away

The Human Body

huáiankle

shŏubìarm

xuè/xiĕblood

gŭtoubone

năobrain

xiōngbùbreast

liănjiácheek

xiōngkŏuchest

xiàbachin

ĕrduoear

zhŏuelbow

yăngjingeye

méimaoeyebrow

jiémáoeyelashes

liănface

shŏuzhĭfinger

jiăofoot

étóuforehead

tóufahair

shŏuhand

tóuhead

xīnheart

xīgàiknee

tuĭleg

fèilungs

zuĭ/kŏumouth

jīròumuscle

bózineck

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bízinose

jiānbăngshoulders

pífūskin

wèi/fùstomach/abdomen

jiàntendon

réntĭthe human body

jiăozhĭtoe

shétoutongue

yáchĭtooth

shŏuwàn (er)wrist

This and That

Gĕi wŏ zhè ge.Give me this one.

Gĕi wŏ zhè xiē.Give me these.

Gĕi wŏ nà ge.Give me that one.

Gĕi wŏ nà xiē.Give me those.

Gĕi wŏ nàbiān nà ge.Give me that one over there.

Gĕi wŏ nàbiān nà xiē.Give me those over there.

zhè ge nánhái’erthis boy

zhè wèi nü shìthis lady

nà wèi nü shìthat lady

zhè bĕn shūthis book

nàbiān nà wèi xiānshengthat gentleman over there

nàbiān nà xiē línjūthose neighbors over there

Time Expressions: Ago, Now, Once, Etc.

Duōjiŭ yĭqián?How long ago?

gāngcáia moment ago

hĕn jiŭ yĭqiána long time ago

xiànzàinow

mùqiánthis very moment, for the time being

zài zhè ge shíhouat this moment

zài rènhé shíhouat any moment

guò yízhènziin a short time

guò yīhuì erin a little while

bùshífrom time to time

Duōshăo cì?How many times?

yí cìonce, one time

mĕi cìeach time

liăng cìtwice, two times

bùchángvery seldom, not often

jīngchángvery often

yŏushísometimes, now and then, from time to time

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ŏu’ĕronce in a while

qīngzăo/yídàzăoearly in the morning

zài wănshangin the evening

dìèrtiān/yìrìon the following day

cóng jīntiān kāishĭ liăng ge xīngqī yĭhòutwo weeks from today

cóng jīntiān kāishĭ yí ge xīngqī yĭhòua week from today

cóng míngtiān kāishĭ yí ge xīngqī yĭhòua week from tomorrow

guò yí ge xīngqīin a week

xià (yí) ge xīngqī sānnext Wednesday

shàng (yí) ge xīngqī yīlast Monday

zhè ge yuè wŭ hàothe fifth of this month

shàng (yí) ge yuè wŭ hàothe fifth of last month

sān yuè chūat the beginning of March

yuèdĭat the end of the month

niánchūin the early part of the year

niándĭtoward the end of the year

Fāshēng zài bānián qián.It happened eight years ago.

Time Expressions: Morning, Noon, Night

jīntiān zăoshangthis morning

zuótiān zăoshangyesterday morning

míngtiān zăoshangtomorrow morning

jīntiān zhōngwŭtoday noon

zuótiān zhōngwŭyesterday noon

míngtiān zhōngwŭtomorrow noon

jīntiān wănshangthis evening, tonight

zuótiān wănshangyesterday evening, last night

míngtiān wănshangtomorrow evening/night

Time Expressions: Week, Month, Year

zhè ge xīngqīthis week

shàng (yí) ge xīngqīlast week

xià (yí) ge xīngqīnext week

guò liăng ge xīngqīin two weeks

liăng ge xīngqī yĭqiántwo weeks ago

zhè ge yuèthis month

shàng (yí) ge yuèlast month

xià (yí) ge yuènext month

guò liăng ge yuèin two months

liăng ge yuè yĭqiántwo months ago

qián ge yuèthe month before last

jīnniánthis year

qùniánlast year

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míngnián/xiàyī’niánnext year

guò liăngniánin two years

liăngnián qiántwo years ago

To Be or Not to Be

wŏ shìI am

nĭ shìyou are (informal)

tā shìhe/she/it is

wŏmen shìwe are

nĭmen shìyou are (plural)

tāmen shìthey (male/female/it) are

wŏ búshìI am not

nĭ búshìyou are not (informal)

tā búshìhe/she/it is not

wŏmen búshìwe are not

nĭmen búshìyou are not (plural)

tāmen búshìthey (male/female/it) are not

Tā shì yīshēng.He/She is a doctor.

Tā shì Zhōngguórén.He/She is Chinese.

Tā hĕn niánqīng.He/She is (very) young.

Tā hĕn cōngmíng.He/She is (very) intelligent.

Shì wŏ.It’s me.

Nĭ shì cóng năli lái de?Where are you from?/Where do you come from? (informal)

Wŏ shì cóng Zhōngguó lái de.I’m from China./I come from China.

Zhè shì mùtóu zuò de ma?Is this made of wood?

Zhè shì shéi de?Whose is this?

Zhè shì tāde.This is his/hers.

Xiànzài shì yī diăn.It’s 1:00. (lit., Now is one o’clock.)

Zhè shì bìxū de.It’s necessary. (lit., This is necessary.)

Tā zài nàbian.He/She is over there.

Tā zài Shànghăi.He/She is in Shanghai.

Shū zài năli?Where is the book?

Zài zhuōzi shàng.On the table.

Wŏ hĕn lèi.I am (very) tired.

Wŏ zhŭnbèi hăo le.I am ready.

Kāfēi lĕng le.The coff ee is cold. (lit., The coff ee has become cold.)

Zhè ge hĕn míngxiăn.It is very clear./It is very obvious.

Chuānghu dăkāi le.The window is open.

Chuānghu guān le.The window is shut.

To Have and Have Not

wŏ yŏuI have

nĭ yŏuyou have (informal)

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tā yŏuhe/she/it has

wŏmen yŏuwe have

nĭmen yŏuyou have (plural)

tāmen yŏuthey (male/female/it) have

wŏ méiyŏuI don’t have

nĭ méiyŏuyou don’t have (informal)

tā méiyŏuhe/she/it doesn’t have

wŏmen méiyŏuwe don’t have

nĭmen méiyŏuyou don’t have (plural)

tāmen méiyŏuthey (male/female/it) don’t have

Wŏ yŏu shíjiān.I have time.

Wŏ shénme shíjiān yĕ méiyŏu.I don’t have any time.

Tā shénme qián yĕ méiyŏu.He/She doesn’t have any money.

To Like

Wŏ xĭhuan . . .I like . . .

Wŏ xĭhuan tā.I like him/her/it.

Wŏ hĕn xĭhuan tā./Wŏ fēicháng xĭhuan tā.I like him/her/it very much.

Wŏ xĭhuan zhè ge.I like this.

Wŏ shífēn xĭhuan tāmen.I like them (male/female/it) a lot.

Nĭ xĭhuan ma?Do you like it? (informal)

Nĭ xĭhuan shuĭguŏ ma? Wŏ xĭhuan.Do you (informal) like fruit? I like (fruit).

Nĭmen xĭhuan qiăokèlì ma?Do you (plural) like chocolate?

Travel and Tourism

xiăocèzibrochure

zhàoxiàngjīcamera

Nĭ kĕyĭ bāng wŏmen pāizhào ma?Can you take our picture? (lit., Can you help to take our picture?)

lü xíngtuánguided tour

lü guănhotel

xìnxī zhōngxīninformation center

dìtúmap

jìniànbēimonument

hùzhàopassport

jiēdàitáireception desk

yùdìngreservation

bànlĭ dēngjì shŏuxùto check in

fùzhàng hòu líkāi lü guănto check out

qù guānguāngto go sightseeing

qù pāizhàoto take a picture

lü yóuchē/guānguāng bāshìtour bus

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guānguāngkètourist

lü yóu jí lü yóuyètravel and tourism

qīngnián lü guănyouth hostel

Weather

yúncloud

dùdegree

wùfog

jùfēnghurricane

Duōyún.It’s cloudy.

Xiàbáo.It’s hailing.

Xiàyŭ.It’s raining.

Xiàxuĕ.It’s snowing.

Qíngtiān.It’s sunny.

Hĕn mĕilì.It’s very beautiful.

Hĕn lĕng.It’s very cold.

Hĕn rè.It’s very hot.

Yŏu fēng.It’s windy.

shăndiànlightning

yŭrain

yānwùsmog

xuĕsnow

fēngbàostorm

tàiyángsun

wēndùtemperature

léithunder

yŭsănumbrella

tiānqìweather

fēngwind

Dialogue 1 (Shopping)

Xiăojie, nĭmen xiăng kànkan shénme dōngxi?Ladies, what would you (plural) like to see?

Wŏmen guàngguang.We’re just browsing.

Míngfēn, nĭ kàn, nà jiàn chènshān hăo kàn ma?Mingfen, look. Do you think that shirt is pretty?

Búcuò.Not bad.

Duìbuqĭ, nèi jiàn chènshān duōshăo qián?Excuse me, how much is that shirt?

Sìshí jiŭ kuài bā máo sì fēn qián.49 kuai, eight mao, and four fen. [1 yuan/kuai = 10 mao/jiao = 100 fen]

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Nĭ zhè er de chènshān tài guì le!Your (informal) shirts are too expensive!

Zhè jiàn piányi, zhĭ yào èrshí kuài wŭ máo.This one is cheaper, only 20 kuai and five mao.

Míngfēn, nĭ xĭhuan zhè jiàn ma?Mingfen, do you (informal) like this one?

Zhè jiàn tài xiăo le, wŏ bù xĭhuan.This one is too small; I don’t like it.

Wŏmen kànkan lĭngdài ba.Let’s look at ties.

Zhè tiáo búcuò.This tie isn’t bad.

Qĭngwèn, zhè tiáo lĭngdài zĕnme mài?May I ask, how much does this (tie) cost?

Qī kuài bā máo wŭ yì tiáo.(Ties are) seven kuai, eight mao five each.

Wŏmen xiăng măi sì tiáo.We want to buy four (ties).

Néng bù néng piányi yìdĭan er?Could you charge us a little less? (lit., Could they be a little cheaper?)

Duìbuqĭ, wŏmen zhè er bù jiăngjià.Sorry, we don’t bargain here.

Míngfēn, wŏ bù xiăng măi le.Mingfen, I don’t want to buy anything anymore.

Wŏmen zŏu ba.Let’s go.

Dialogue 2 (At the Restaurant)

Xiānsheng, zhè shì wŏmende càidān.Gentlemen, this is our menu.

Nĭmen xiăng diăn shénme?What would you (plural) like to order?

Wŏ bú tài shúxi càimíng.I’m not familiar with the dishes.

Lĭ, nĭ bāng wŏ jiào ba.Li, why don’t you (informal) order?

Hăo. Wŏmen lái yí ge Bĕijīng kăoyā.Okay. Let’s have (a) Beijing duck.

Shí, nĭ chī bù chī là de?Shi, do you (informal) eat spicy food or not?

Tián de, suān de, là de, wŏ dōu chī.Sweet, sour, spicy; I eat all (of those).

Wŏ jiùshì bù chī kŭ de.I just don’t eat anything bitter.

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Hăo. Wŏmen yào yí ge Gōngbăo jīdīng . . .Okay. We’ll have (a) Gongbao chicken . . .

. . . yí ge hóngshāo dòufu, zài chăo yì pán qīngcài. . . . (a) tofu with brown sauce, (and) stir- fried vegetables.

Liăng wèi xiānsheng yào mĭfàn háishì yào jiăozi?Would you two gentlemen like steamed rice or dumplings?

Lái yìdiăn mĭfàn ba.Let’s get some steamed rice.

Nĭmen hē shénme yĭnliào?What would you (plural) like to drink?

Shí, nĭ xiăng hē píjiŭ háishì guŏzhī?Shi, do you (informal) want to drink beer or juice?

Wŏmen lái liăng píng Qīngdăo píjiŭ, zĕnmeyàng?We’ll get two bottles of Qingdao beer, how about that?

Dialogue 3 (At the Bank)

Nĭ hăo, wŏ xiăng huàn rénmínbì.Hello (informal), I would like to exchange (for) Renminbi.

Nĭ yŏu xiànjīn háishì lü xíng zhīpiào?Do you (informal) have cash or traveler’s checks?

Lü xíng zhīpiào.Traveler’s checks.

Hăo. Nĭ xiān tián zhè zhāng duìhuàndān . . .Okay. You (informal) need to fill out this exchange form . . .

. . . ránhòu gĕi wŏ kàn nĭde hùzhào. . . . and then show me your (informal) passport.

Qĭngwèn, jīntiān mĕijīn hé rénmínbì de duìhuànl shì duōshăo?May I ask, what is the exchange rate between U.S. dollars and Renminbi today?

Yī bĭ bā.One to eight.

Nĭ dăsuàn huàn duōshăo?How much do you (informal) want to exchange?

Qībăi kuài mĕijīn.700 U.S. dollars.

Qián zài zhè er.Here you go. (lit., Here is the money.)

Hăo. Yígòng shì wŭqiān liùbăi kuài.Okay. That comes to 5,600 kuai in total.

Qĭng gĕi wŏ bā zhāng yìbăi kuài, qíyú shì shí yuàn de, hăo ma?Please give me eight 100-kuai bills and the rest in ten- kuai bills, okay?

Méi wènti.No problem.

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Qĭng nĭ diănyìdiăn.Please count them. (informal)

Méi cuò.It’s all here. (lit., No mistake.)

Xièxie nĭ.Thank you. (informal)

Bú kèqi.You’re welcome.

That brings us to the end of Living Language iKnow Chinese. If you master just the words and phrases you’ve heard in this program, you’ll be able to get by in Mandarin Chinese. Of course, you may decide that you’d like to learn more. If that’s the case, Living Language also off ers great complete courses in a variety of languages. For more information on Living Language programs, go to www.livinglanguage.com.

Copyright © 2008 Living Language, a Random House Company

ISBN 978–1-4000–0952–7