The 1000 most useful Chinese words
In order, each with its English meaning, part of speech, level and an example sentence in which it really occurs. How many you want to see is set below — from 50 to 2000. Practice happens on the list pages.
What “most useful” means here
The order is calculated, not asserted. What is counted is how often a word occurs in the target-language sentences on this site — in every example sentence, every grammar rule, every reading text. That shows, for each word, how much of this material it unlocks. The same calculation is set out in full on Where do you start?, together with the curve where it flattens out.
It says nothing about Chinese as a whole and everything about the path someone takes here. A word that does not appear in a single sentence on this site is therefore not included: it may be a good word, but here it unlocks nothing.
What this list is not: not a frequency list from a corpus, not taken from a textbook and not an official word list for an exam. If you want to go beyond the 2000: all the word lists are right there.
1000 words.
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多many; muchAdjective1
他有很多书。He has lots of books.
Before a noun it needs 很: 很多人, many people.
要to want; to need to; to be going toVerb1
我明天要上班。I have to work tomorrow.
去to goVerb1
明天我去上海。I'm going to Shanghai tomorrow.
No “to” before the place: 去北京.
家home; familyNoun1
我家在北京。My home is in Beijing.
To go home is 回家; no “to” is needed.
来to comeVerb1
我朋友明天来我家。A friend of mine is coming to my place tomorrow.
Towards the speaker; 去 is away from them.
人person; peopleNoun1
饭馆里人很多。The restaurant is very crowded.
Measure word: 个; politely 位.
好good; wellAdjective1
今天天气很好。The weather is lovely today.
看to look; to watch; to readVerb1
我喜欢看书。I like reading.
Also “to visit”: 看朋友.
说to speak; to sayVerb1
请说慢一点儿。Please speak a bit more slowly.
会can (a learned skill); willModal verb1
你会说汉语吗？Can you speak Chinese?
时候(point in) time; whenNoun1
你什么时候有空？When are you free?
After a clause with 的 it means “when …”: 小的时候, when I was little.
能can; to be able toModal verb1
我明天不能来。I can't come tomorrow.
今天todayTime word1
今天我不想出去。I don't feel like going out today.
吃to eatVerb1
我不吃辣的。I don't eat spicy food.
大big; old (in age)Adjective1
这件衣服太大了。This top is too big.
想to want to; to think; to missVerb1
我想回家。I want to go home.
With a person it means “to miss”: 我想你.
点o'clockMeasure word1
商店十点开门。The shop opens at ten.
请please; to invite; to treatVerb1
请喝茶。Please have some tea.
Stands before the verb; 我请你 means “my treat”.
孩子childNoun1
你有孩子吗？Do you have children?
做to do; to makeVerb1
你在做什么？What are you doing?
年yearNoun1
我在中国住了一年。I lived in China for a year.
Counted without a measure word: 一年.
用to useVerb2
我可以用一下你的笔吗？May I use your pen for a moment?
买to buyVerb1
我想买一双鞋。I'd like to buy a pair of shoes.
Third tone; 卖, with the fourth, is to sell.
公司company; firmNoun2
我在一家小公司工作。I work for a small company.
Measure word: 家.
新newAdjective1
我买了一个新手机。I've bought a new phone.
喜欢to likeVerb1
我喜欢下雨的时候在家看书。I like reading at home when it rains.
小small; youngAdjective1
这双鞋有点儿小。These shoes are a bit small.
次time (occurrence)Measure word2
我去过三次上海。I've been to Shanghai three times.
Counts how often something happens and follows the verb: 去过两次.
天dayNoun1
我在这儿住三天。I'm staying here for three days.
Counted without a measure word: 三天.
明天tomorrowTime word1
明天我请你吃饭。I'll treat you to a meal tomorrow.
工作work; jobNoun2
你做什么工作？What do you do for a living?
Also the verb: 他在银行工作, he works at a bank.
事matter; something to doNoun2
我下午有事，不能去。I have something on this afternoon, so I cannot go.
以后after; later, in the futureTime word2
以后我想去中国工作。In the future I’d like to work in China.
件measure word for clothes, luggage and mattersMeasure word1
我买了两件衬衫。I bought two shirts.
For clothes worn on the upper body, for pieces of luggage, and for things that happen.
快fast; quickAdjective1
他走得很快。He walks very fast.
大家everybodyPronoun1
大家都来了。Everybody is here.
别don’tAdverb2
别走，再坐一会儿吧。Don’t go — stay a little longer.
In requests and warnings; the same as 不要.
可以may; can (permission)Modal verb1
我可以进来吗？May I come in?
每天every dayTime word1
他每天走路上班。He walks to work every day.
走to walk; to leaveVerb1
太晚了，我们走吧。It's late — let's go.
他走了 means “he has left”, not “he walked”.
问题question; problemNoun1
老师，我有一个问题。Excuse me, I have a question.
Both a question and a problem: 没问题, no problem.
学to learn; to studyVerb1
我在学汉语。I'm learning Chinese.
月month; moonNoun1
他一个月回一次家。He goes home once a month.
A month is 一个月; 一月 is January.
条measure word for long, narrow thingsMeasure word2
这条路很长。This road is very long.
Also for fish, dogs, trousers, rivers and items of news.
老师teacherNoun1
王老师是北京人。Teacher Wang is from Beijing.
Also a polite form of address after a surname, for men and women alike.
先first; beforeAdverb2
我先洗澡，再吃晚饭。I’ll have a shower first and then eat dinner.
先 … 再 …: first …, then ….
晚上evening; nightTime word1
我晚上十一点睡觉。I go to bed at eleven at night.
书bookNoun1
我买了一本中文书。I bought a Chinese book.
Measure word: 本.
手机mobile phoneNoun1
我的手机找不到了。I can’t find my phone.
Measure word: 部 or 个.
让to let; to make (somebody do)Verb2
妈妈不让我晚上出去。Mum doesn’t let me go out in the evening.
种kind; typeMeasure word2
这种水果我没吃过。I've never eaten this kind of fruit.
As the verb “to plant” it is 种.
写to writeVerb1
这个字怎么写？How do you write this character?
喝to drinkVerb1
晚上别喝咖啡。Don't drink coffee in the evening.
出to go out, come outVerb2
出了地铁站往右走。When you come out of the underground station, turn right.
只onlyAdverb2
我只会说一点儿汉语。I can only speak a little Chinese.
zhǐ “only”; as a measure word for animals it is zhī.
已经alreadyAdverb2
电影已经开始了。The film has already started.
Usually with 了 at the end of the sentence.
开to open; to switch on; to driveVerb2
太热了，开窗户吧。It’s too hot — let’s open the window.
Also for lights and machines: 开灯, to switch the light on.
住to live; to stayVerb1
你住在哪儿？Where do you live?
本measure word for booksMeasure word1
我有三本汉语书。I have three Chinese books.
For anything bound: books, notebooks, dictionaries, magazines.
高tall; highAdjective1
我弟弟比我高。My younger brother is taller than me.
听to listen; to hearVerb1
他在听音乐。He's listening to music.
坐to sit; to travel byVerb1
我们坐地铁去吧。Let's take the metro.
For buses, trains and planes: 坐火车, by train.
开始to begin, startVerb2
会议九点开始。The meeting starts at nine.
车vehicle; carNoun2
你的车停在哪儿？Where is your car parked?
Any vehicle; which one is meant comes from the context.
每个each; everyPhrase1
我每个星期去两次公园。I go to the park twice every week.
真really, trulyAdverb2
今天的天气真好！The weather is really lovely today!
城市cityNoun2
我更喜欢住在小城市。I prefer living in a small city.
菜dish; vegetablesNoun1
这个菜太辣了。This dish is too spicy.
学校schoolNoun1
我们的学校很大。Our school is very big.
妈妈mum; motherNoun1
妈妈在做饭。Mum is cooking.
学生student; pupilNoun1
我是学生，不是老师。I am a student, not a teacher.
钱moneyNoun1
我没有钱了。I've run out of money.
时间time (an amount of it)Noun1
对不起，我没有时间。Sorry, I don’t have time.
时间 is how much time; 时候 is when.
衣服clothes; garmentNoun2
我去商场买衣服。I am going to the shopping centre to buy clothes.
Measure word: 件 for one garment.
朋友friendNoun1
我在中国有很多朋友。I have lots of friends in China.
电影filmNoun2
这个电影很有意思。This film is very interesting.
Measure word: 部, or 个 in speech.
一直all along; continuously; straightAdverb3
雨从早上一直下到晚上。It rained without stopping from morning till night.
Also “straight on”: 一直往前走.
等to wait (for)Verb2
等我一下，我马上来。Wait for me a moment — I’m coming.
找to look forVerb2
你在找什么？What are you looking for?
Looking; finding is 找到.
水waterNoun1
我想喝点儿水。I'd like some water.
现在nowTime word1
我现在没空，一会儿再说。I’m busy right now — let’s talk in a bit.
北京BeijingNoun1
你去过北京吗？Have you been to Beijing?
周末weekendNoun2
这个周末你有什么打算？What are your plans for this weekend?
大学universityNoun2
哥哥在北京上大学。My older brother is at university in Beijing.
To be at university: 上大学.
带to take, bring (along)Verb2
今天会下雨，带把伞吧。It’s going to rain today — take an umbrella.
座measure word for mountains, bridges, large buildingsMeasure word2
河上有一座老桥。There is an old bridge over the river.
For big, fixed things: a mountain, a bridge, a tower, a city.
有点儿a bit, somewhatAdverb2
我有点儿累。I’m a bit tired.
Usually for something unwelcome: a bit too much of it.
难difficult, hardAdjective2
汉字难不难？Are Chinese characters hard?
以前before; in the pastTime word2
以前我不喜欢吃辣的。I didn’t use to like spicy food.
Also after a verb: 睡觉以前, before going to bed.
医生doctorNoun2
医生说我要多喝水。The doctor says I should drink plenty of water.
早上(early) morningTime word1
早上我六点起床。I get up at six in the morning.
父母parentsNoun3
大学毕业后他一直跟父母住在一起。Since graduating he has lived with his parents.
位measure word for people (polite)Measure word1
这位是王先生。This is Mr Wang.
The polite way to count or point out people; 个 is plain.
岁year of ageMeasure word1
我今年二十岁。I am twenty this year.
No verb is needed: 她五岁, she is five.
下雨to rainVerb2
外面在下雨，你带伞了吗？It is raining outside. Have you got an umbrella?
Separable: 下了一天的雨, it rained all day.
东西thing; stuffNoun1
你的东西太多了。You've got far too much stuff.
With full tones, dōngxī, it means “east and west”.
打to hit; to play (a ball game)Verb1
我们下午去打球吧。Let's go and play ball this afternoon.
The verb for many things done with the hands: 打电话, to make a call.
比赛match; competition; to competeNoun3
这场比赛我们等了很久。We have waited a long time for this match.
Measure word: 场.
特别special; unusual; especiallyAdjective3
她的声音很特别，一听就知道是她。Her voice is very distinctive; you know it is her the moment you hear it.
Before an adjective it means “especially”: 特别好.
穿to wear; to put on (clothes, shoes)Verb2
今天很冷，多穿一件吧。It is cold today. Put on another layer.
For what you put your body into; a hat, glasses or a watch take 戴.
昨天yesterdayTime word1
昨天我没去学校。I didn't go to school yesterday.
因为becauseConjunction2
因为下雨，比赛取消了。The match was cancelled because of the rain.
Often paired with 所以.
知道to know (a fact)Verb1
我不知道他的名字。I don't know his name.
长longAdjective1
这条裤子太长了。These trousers are too long.
As a verb, “to grow”, it is read zhǎng.
长to growVerb3
雨后草长得特别快。After rain the grass grows especially fast.
长 is to grow; read 长 it means long.
少few; littleAdjective1
这儿的人很少。There are very few people here.
Hardly ever directly before a noun; “few people” is said as “people are few”.
晚lateAdjective1
现在太晚了，明天再说吧。It's too late now — let's talk about it tomorrow.
非常extremely, veryAdverb2
他非常喜欢踢足球。He loves playing football.
别人other people; somebody elsePronoun1
这是别人的书。This is somebody else's book.
块kuai, yuan (in speech)Measure word1
一瓶水两块。A bottle of water is two kuai.
The spoken word; 元 is what a price tag says.
帮to helpVerb2
你能帮我一下吗？Could you give me a hand?
More spoken than 帮助; unlike 帮忙, it takes the person directly.
花flowerNoun2
春天公园里开满了花。In spring the park is full of flowers.
One flower: 一朵花. The same character is the verb “to spend”.
贵expensive; dearAdjective1
北京的房子很贵。Housing in Beijing is expensive.
门doorNoun1
请关门。Please close the door.
发to sendVerb2
到了给我发个短信。Send me a text when you get there.
完to finish; to be overVerb2
作业写完了吗？Have you finished your homework?
Mostly after another verb: 吃完, 看完.
进to enter; to come inVerb1
请从这个门进。Please come in by this door.
路road; wayNoun2
我不认识路，你带我去吧。I do not know the way. Could you take me there?
Measure word: 条.
问to askVerb1
我可以问你一个问题吗？May I ask you a question?
小时hourNoun2
坐火车要三个小时。It takes three hours by train.
Counted with 个: 两个小时.
店shop; storeNoun1
那家店卖什么？What does that shop sell?
中国ChinaNoun1
中国很大。China is very big.
Literally “middle country”.
应该should; ought toModal verb3
你应该早点儿告诉我。You should have told me earlier.
Also “probably”: 他应该到了, “he should be there by now”.
中文Chinese (the language, especially written)Noun1
这本书是中文的。This book is in Chinese.
冷coldAdjective1
外面很冷，多穿点儿。It's cold outside — wrap up warm.
张measure word for flat thingsMeasure word1
这张桌子是新的。This table is new.
For things with a flat surface: paper, tickets, photos, maps, tables, beds.
房间roomNoun1
这个房间有两张床。This room has two beds.
上班to go to work; to be at workVerb2
你每天几点上班？What time do you start work every day?
Also simply being at work: 他在上班, he is at work.
为了in order to; for the sake ofPreposition2
为了身体健康，他每天跑步。He runs every day to stay healthy.
为 is wèi here.
回to go back; to returnVerb1
我下个月回英国。I'm going back to Britain next month.
拿to take, hold, carry (in the hand)Verb2
请帮我拿一下这个包。Could you hold this bag for me for a moment?
饭馆restaurantNoun1
学校旁边有很多饭馆。There are lots of restaurants next to the school.
An ordinary, everyday restaurant.
吃饭to eat; to have a mealVerb1
你吃饭了吗？Have you eaten?
Also a friendly greeting around mealtimes, not a real question.
回家to go home, come homeVerb1
你今天几点回家？What time are you coming home today?
常常oftenAdverb2
我常常在这家店买面包。I often buy bread at this shop.
The negative is 不常, not 不常常.
放to put, placeVerb2
你把钥匙放在哪儿了？Where did you put the keys?
老old (of people)Adjective1
我爷爷老了，走得很慢。My grandpa has grown old and walks slowly.
Before a surname it is a friendly form of address: 老王.
见to see; to meetVerb1
我明天要见一个朋友。I'm meeting a friend tomorrow.
部measure word for films and booksMeasure word2
这部电影很有意思。This film is very interesting.
For films and long books, and also for phones: 一部手机.
一起togetherAdverb2
我们一起去吃饭吧。Let’s go and eat together.
奶奶grandmother (father's mother)Noun1
奶奶住在我们家。Grandma lives with us.
开车to driveVerb2
我爸爸开车送我去机场。My dad is driving me to the airport.
班class (group of pupils)Noun2
我们班有三十个学生。There are thirty pupils in our class.
越来越more and moreAdverb3
天气越来越冷了。The weather is getting colder and colder.
上海ShanghaiNoun1
我朋友在上海工作。My friend works in Shanghai.
房子house; flatNoun1
他们的房子很大。Their house is very big.
Any home as a building, a flat as much as a house.
早earlyAdjective1
你今天来得很早。You're early today.
On its own also a morning greeting.
决定to decide; decisionVerb3
我们决定明年春天结婚。We have decided to get married next spring.
雨rainNoun2
雨太大了，我们等一会儿再走。The rain is too heavy. We will wait a while before we go.
冬天winterNoun2
冬天你要多穿点儿衣服。In winter you need to wear more clothes.
天气weatherNoun2
今天天气怎么样？What is the weather like today?
生活life; to liveNoun2
他的生活很简单。He lives a very simple life.
需要to needVerb2
你需要帮忙吗？Do you need any help?
只有only if; onlyConjunction3
只有他同意，我们才能开始。Only if he agrees can we begin.
With 才: the one condition that works.
咖啡coffeeNoun1
这儿的咖啡很好喝。The coffee here is very good.
场measure word for games, films, performancesMeasure word2
这个周末我看了两场足球比赛。This weekend I watched two football matches.
For a shower of rain or an illness it is usually read cháng: 一场雨.
热hotAdjective1
北京的夏天很热。Summers in Beijing are hot.
爷爷grandfather (father's father)Noun1
爷爷每天去公园。Grandpa goes to the park every day.
坏bad; brokenAdjective1
我的手机坏了。My phone is broken.
忙busyAdjective1
我这几天很忙。I've been very busy these last few days.
打电话to make a phone callPhrase1
晚上我给妈妈打电话。In the evening I phone my mother.
The person called comes before the verb, with 给.
刚just (a moment ago)Adverb2
我刚到家。I’ve only just got home.
爸爸dad; fatherNoun1
我爸爸是老师。My dad is a teacher.
网上online, on the internetPlace word2
这些书我都是在网上买的。I bought all these books online.
考试exam; to take an examNoun1
明天有汉语考试。There is a Chinese exam tomorrow.
一定certainly, definitely; mustAdverb2
明天你一定要来！You really must come tomorrow!
今年this yearTime word1
我女儿今年上大学。My daughter starts university this year.
公园parkNoun1
我们去公园走走吧。Let's go for a walk in the park.
夏天summerNoun2
这儿的夏天又热又长。Summers here are hot and long.
更even moreAdverb2
坐地铁比坐出租车更快。The underground is even quicker than a taxi.
茶teaNoun1
这杯茶太热了。This tea is too hot.
一样the sameAdjective2
我和哥哥一样高。My brother and I are the same height.
Comparing: 跟 … 一样, the same as ….
十分very; extremelyAdverb3
听到这个消息，大家都十分高兴。Everyone was extremely pleased to hear the news.
A little more formal than 非常.
字character; written signNoun1
这个字我不认识。I don't know this character.
Measure word: 个.
总是alwaysAdverb3
她上课总是坐在第一排。She always sits in the front row in class.
离from (a distance from)Preposition2
我家离学校很近。My home is very close to the school.
Measures a distance; where a journey starts is 从.
从来always (so far); with a negative: neverAdverb3
他从来没去过外国。He has never been abroad.
只是it is just that; onlyConjunction3
这件大衣很好看，只是颜色深了点儿。This coat looks good; it is just that the colour is a bit dark.
可是butConjunction2
我很想去，可是没有时间。I’d love to go, but I don’t have time.
A little more spoken than 但是.
容易easyAdjective2
这个字很容易写。This character is easy to write.
当to work as; to be (a job or role)Verb3
我弟弟想当医生。My younger brother wants to be a doctor.
汉语Chinese (the language)Noun1
你的汉语很好。Your Chinese is very good.
The usual word in a language class; 中文 is the usual one on books, signs and websites.
送to give (as a present); to see off; to take, deliverVerb2
我开车送你去机场。I’ll drive you to the airport.
重要importantAdjective2
这件事非常重要。This matter is extremely important.
一个人one person; alonePhrase1
我一个人住。I live alone.
Also simply “on my own”, as here.
份portion; copy; measure word for jobsMeasure word2
我要一份炒饭。I'd like a portion of fried rice.
Also for newspapers, documents and jobs: 一份工作.
山mountain, hillNoun2
我家后面有一座山。There’s a hill behind my house.
Measure word: 座.
年轻人young peopleNoun3
现在的年轻人结婚越来越晚。Young people nowadays are marrying later and later.
正在in the middle of (doing)Adverb2
他正在开会，请等一下。He’s in a meeting at the moment; please wait a little.
累tiredAdjective1
走了一天，我很累。I've been walking all day and I'm tired.
终于finally; at lastAdverb3
等了一个小时，车终于来了。We waited an hour, and the bus finally came.
Something long awaited; “lastly” in a list is 最后.
行to be all right; OKVerb1
明天上午见，行吗？See you tomorrow morning — is that all right?
The same character is read háng in 银行.
讲to tell; to explain; to speakVerb2
奶奶每天晚上给我讲故事。Grandma tells me a story every evening.
错wrongAdjective1
这个字写错了。This character has been written wrongly.
饭cooked rice; mealNoun1
饭好了，快来吃吧！Food's ready — come and eat!
米饭 is only the rice.
马上at once, right awayAdverb2
我马上给你回电话。I’ll call you right back.
会议meeting; conferenceNoun3
今天的会议改到明天上午了。Today’s meeting has been moved to tomorrow morning.
桌子tableNoun1
书在桌子上。The book is on the table.
Measure word: 张.
毕业to graduate; to finish schoolVerb3
我明年六月毕业。I graduate next June.
Takes no object: 大学毕业, “graduate from university”.
跑to runVerb2
他跑得比我快多了。He runs much faster than I do.
身体body; healthNoun2
你爸爸身体怎么样？How is your father keeping?
Often means health itself: 身体不好, in poor health.
钟clock; o'clockNoun1
现在是五点钟。It's five o'clock.
After a full hour 钟 may be added or left out.
下午afternoonTime word1
下午三点我去银行。I'm going to the bank at three in the afternoon.
几个how many; a fewPhrase1
你有几个孩子？How many children do you have?
几 expects a small number; for any number ask 多少.
比较rather, fairly; to compareAdverb2
今天比较忙，明天再说吧。Today’s rather busy — let’s talk about it tomorrow.
电脑computerNoun1
这是我的新电脑。This is my new computer.
Measure word: 台.
电话telephone; phone callNoun1
你的电话响了。Your phone is ringing.
经理managerNoun2
我们经理今天不在。Our manager is not in today.
街streetNoun1
这条街很热闹。This street is very lively.
Measure word: 条.
半half; half pastNumeral1
电影八点半开始。The film starts at half past eight.
叫to be called; to callVerb1
这个用汉语叫什么？What is this called in Chinese?
外面outsidePlace word1
外面下雨了。It's started raining outside.
工厂factoryNoun3
我叔叔在一家汽车工厂上班。My uncle works at a car factory.
画picture; paintingNoun2
墙上的画是我画的。I painted the picture on the wall myself.
Also the verb, to draw or paint, as in the second half of the sentence.
病illness; diseaseNoun2
你的病好了吗？Have you got over your illness?
老板boss; owner (of a business)Noun3
我们老板人很好，从来不发脾气。Our boss is very nice and never loses his temper.
超市supermarketNoun2
我去超市买点儿水果。I am going to the supermarket to buy some fruit.
上课to have class; class beginsVerb1
我们八点上课。Our class starts at eight.
Separable: 上汉语课, to have a Chinese class.
医院hospitalNoun1
我妈妈在医院上班。My mum works at the hospital.
同学classmate; fellow studentNoun2
他是我的大学同学。He was at university with me.
Teachers also address pupils as 同学们.
国家country; stateNoun3
你去过几个国家？How many countries have you been to?
地铁underground; metroNoun2
坐地铁比打车快。The underground is quicker than a taxi.
好的OK; all rightPhrase1
好的，我要这个。OK, I'll take this one.
换to change; to exchangeVerb2
这件太小了，能换一件大的吗？This one is too small. Can I change it for a bigger one?
楼building; floor (of a building)Noun3
我家住在六楼。We live on the sixth floor.
Measure word for a building: 栋.
水果fruitNoun1
我每天吃水果。I eat fruit every day.
消息news; messageNoun3
听到这个好消息，大家都很高兴。Everyone was delighted to hear the good news.
第一次the first timePhrase2
这是我第一次来中国。This is my first time in China.
一 keeps yī in an ordinal.
读to read (aloud)Verb1
老师读，我们听。The teacher reads aloud and we listen.
课class; lessonNoun1
今天下午没有课。There are no classes this afternoon.
不用there’s no need toAdverb2
不用谢，这是我应该做的。No need to thank me — it was the least I could do.
交to hand in; to pay (a fee)Verb2
作业明天交。The homework is to be handed in tomorrow.
便宜cheapAdjective1
这儿的水果很便宜。Fruit is cheap here.
便 here; in 方便, “convenient”, it is read biàn.
参加to take part in; to attend; to joinVerb3
这次活动有三百多人参加。More than three hundred people took part in this event.
篇measure word for articles and essaysMeasure word2
老师让我们写一篇作文。The teacher asked us to write an essay.
老人old personNoun1
请给老人让座。Please give up your seat to older people.
自行车bicycleNoun2
我的自行车是新的。My bicycle is new.
Measure word: 辆.
道measure word for dishes and questionsMeasure word2
这道菜有点儿辣。This dish is a bit spicy.
Also for exam questions: 一道题.
银行bankNoun1
银行五点关门。The bank closes at five.
行 here, not xíng: it means a firm or a trade.
个人individual; personalNoun4
这只是我个人的看法。This is just my personal view.
变to change; to becomeVerb2
这儿的天气变得很快。The weather here changes quickly.
员工employee; staffNoun3
这家公司有五百多名员工。This company has more than five hundred employees.
Counted with 名 in writing, 个 in speech.
哥哥older brotherNoun1
我哥哥在银行工作。My older brother works at a bank.
图书馆libraryNoun2
我下午在图书馆看书。I read in the library in the afternoon.
好吃delicious (food)Adjective1
你做的菜真好吃！Your cooking is really good!
小心to be careful; carefulVerb1
小心，水很热！Careful, the water is hot!
机场airportNoun1
我坐出租车去机场。I'm taking a taxi to the airport.
海边seaside; coastPlace word3
暑假我们去海边住了一个星期。In the summer holidays we stayed by the sea for a week.
站stop; stationNoun2
还有三站就到了。Three more stops and we are there.
Also counts the stops themselves, as here.
结果result; outcome; in the endNoun3
我们讨论了一个上午，还是没有结果。We discussed it all morning and still reached no decision.
At the start of a clause, “as it turned out”: 结果他没来.
远farAdjective2
你家离这儿远吗？Is your home far from here?
通过to pass (a vote, a law, an exam); by means ofVerb4
这个计划在会上通过了。The plan was passed at the meeting.
Also “through, by means of”: 通过朋友认识, to meet through a friend.
首measure word for songs and poemsMeasure word2
她唱了一首中文歌。She sang a Chinese song.
不同differentAdjective2
每个人的习惯都不同。Everybody’s habits are different.
In speech often 不一样.
价格priceNoun3
这里的价格比市中心低。Prices here are lower than in the city centre.
Prices are 高 or 低; the thing itself is 贵 or 便宜.
修to repair, fixVerb2
我的自行车坏了，你会修吗？My bike’s broken — can you fix it?
感冒cold; to catch a coldNoun2
天气冷，小心感冒。It is cold, so be careful not to catch a cold.
Also a verb: 我感冒了, I have a cold.
清楚clearAdjective2
你说得很清楚。You explained that very clearly.
Also “to know for sure”: 我不清楚, I’m not sure.
满fullAdjective2
车上坐满了人。The bus is full.
睡觉to sleep; to go to bedVerb1
我很累，想睡觉。I'm tired and want to go to bed.
Can split: 睡午觉, to have a nap.
简单simpleAdjective2
这道题很简单。This question is very simple.
鞋shoeNoun2
这双鞋多少钱？How much are these shoes?
Measure word for a pair: 双.
停to stopVerb2
雨停了吗？Has the rain stopped?
全all; entirely; wholeAdverb3
我把作业全做完了。I have done all my homework.
动to moveVerb2
别动，你头发上有一片叶子。Do not move — there is a leaf in your hair.
包bagNoun2
我的包里有一把伞。There is an umbrella in my bag.
同事colleagueNoun2
我和同事一起吃午饭。I have lunch with my colleagues.
学习to study; to learnVerb1
我在北京学习汉语。I am studying Chinese in Beijing.
慢slowAdjective1
这台电脑太慢了。This computer is far too slow.
手handNoun2
我的手很冷。My hands are cold.
Measure word: 只, or 双 for both.
搬to move; to carry (something heavy)Verb3
帮我把这张桌子搬到楼上去，好吗？Could you help me carry this table upstairs?
旅行to travel; journeyVerb2
我们打算夏天去云南旅行。We’re planning to travel to Yunnan in the summer.
Close to 旅游, which leans towards sightseeing for pleasure.
最后finally; lastAdverb2
最后我关了灯去睡觉。Finally I turned off the light and went to bed.
每年every yearTime word2
我们每年春节都回老家。Every year we go back to our home town for Spring Festival.
药medicineNoun2
这个药一天吃三次。Take this medicine three times a day.
计划plan; to planNoun3
我们的计划有一些变化。Our plan has changed a little.
出门to go out, leave the houseVerb2
我八点出门，八点半到公司。I leave home at eight and get to the office at half past.
双pair (of shoes, socks, chopsticks)Measure word2
我想买一双新鞋。I want to buy a new pair of shoes.
For things that come in twos by nature: shoes, chopsticks, hands, eyes.
台measure word for machinesMeasure word2
办公室里有五台电脑。There are five computers in the office.
号day of the month; numberNoun1
我十五号回国。I'm going home on the fifteenth.
Also a number in a series: a room, a bus, a house.
告诉to tellVerb2
请告诉我你的地址。Please tell me your address.
意见opinion; comment; objectionNoun3
你对这个计划有什么意见？Do you have any comments on this plan?
有意见 can also mean to have a complaint.
慢慢slowly; graduallyAdverb3
别着急，慢慢说。Don’t rush — tell me slowly.
最近recently; lately; these daysTime word3
最近天气变化很大，小心感冒。The weather has been very changeable lately — take care not to catch a cold.
树treeNoun2
院子里有两棵树。There are two trees in the courtyard.
Measure word: 棵.
猫catNoun2
猫在沙发上睡觉。The cat is asleep on the sofa.
Measure word: 只.
瓶bottle (of)Measure word2
请给我一瓶水。A bottle of water, please.
考to take an exam; to testVerb2
明天考语文。Tomorrow we have the Chinese exam.
飞机aeroplaneNoun2
这是我第一次坐飞机。This is my first time on a plane.
一般usually; ordinaryAdjective2
周末我一般九点起床。At weekends I usually get up at nine.
不如would be better to; not as good asConjunction3
坐公交车太慢了，不如骑自行车去。The bus is too slow; we would be better off cycling.
Also in comparisons: 我不如他, “I am not as good as him”.
去年last yearTime word1
去年我住在上海。Last year I lived in Shanghai.
只好to have no choice but toAdverb3
最后一班车已经走了，我只好打车回家。The last bus had gone, so I had no choice but to take a taxi home.
可能maybe; probably; possible; possibilityAdverb3
天这么黑，可能要下雨了。It is so dark; it is probably going to rain.
国外abroadPlace word2
你去过国外吗？Have you ever been abroad?
地方placeNoun1
这是什么地方？What is this place?
Read dìfāng, with a full tone, it means “local”.
开会to have a meeting; to be in a meetingVerb3
经理正在开会，请您等一下。The manager is in a meeting; please wait a moment.
Separable: 开了一上午的会, “was in meetings all morning”.
很少rarely; seldomAdverb3
我很少看电视，一般在网上看新闻。I rarely watch TV; I usually read the news online.
找到to findVerb3
我找了半天，终于找到了眼镜。I searched for ages and finally found my glasses.
找 is “to look for”; only 找到 is “to find”.
文章article, essayNoun3
这篇文章写得很清楚。This article is very clearly written.
Measure word: 篇.
火车trainNoun2
从北京到上海坐火车要几个小时？How many hours is it from Beijing to Shanghai by train?
笑to laugh; to smileVerb1
孩子们都笑了。The children all laughed.
钥匙keyNoun2
我把钥匙忘在办公室了。I left my keys at the office.
Measure word: 把.
间measure word for roomsMeasure word2
我们家有三间卧室。Our flat has three bedrooms.
主要main; mainlyAdjective2
我来北京主要是为了学汉语。I came to Beijing mainly to learn Chinese.
久long (of time)Adjective2
我很久没见到他了。I haven’t seen him for a long time.
休息to rest; to have a breakVerb2
你累了，休息一下吧。You are tired. Have a rest.
却but; yetAdverb3
他说要来，却一直没来。He said he would come, yet he never did.
Stands after the subject, never before it as English “but” does.
名字nameNoun1
你叫什么名字？What's your name?
商店shopNoun1
这家商店几点开门？What time does this shop open?
Measure word: 家.
套set; suite (of a flat, furniture, clothes)Measure word2
他们在城里买了一套房子。They bought a flat in town.
For a flat, a suit, a set of books or a set of furniture.
好看good-looking; good to watchAdjective1
这个电影很好看。This film is very good.
如果ifConjunction2
如果明天下雨，我们就不去了。If it rains tomorrow, we won’t go.
Often with 就 in the second half.
对不起sorryPhrase1
对不起，我来晚了。Sorry I'm late.
For a real fault; to ask a stranger something, 请问.
小说novel, fictionNoun3
这本小说我一口气就看完了。I read this novel in one go.
Measure word: 本, or 部 for a long work.
笔pen; anything to write withNoun1
我没有笔，你有吗？I haven't got a pen. Have you?
Measure word: 支.
经过to pass by; to go through; processVerb3
我每天上班都经过那家面包店。I pass that bakery every day on my way to work.
认识to know (a person); to recogniseVerb1
认识你很高兴。Nice to meet you.
For people and characters you know by sight; knowing a fact is 知道.
谈to talk; to discussVerb3
我想跟你谈一下工作的事。I would like to talk to you about work.
附近nearby; nearPlace word1
这儿附近有银行吗？Is there a bank near here?
一会儿a little while; in a momentTime word2
我们休息一会儿吧。Let’s rest for a little while.
关to close, shut; to switch offVerb2
睡觉前请关好门。Please shut the door properly before you go to bed.
句measure word for sentences and linesMeasure word2
我只会说几句汉语。I can only say a few sentences in Chinese.
同意to agree; to consentVerb3
爸爸不同意我一个人去旅行。Dad does not agree to my travelling on my own.
妹妹younger sisterNoun1
我妹妹很喜欢猫。My younger sister loves cats.
安静quiet, calmAdjective2
图书馆里要安静。You have to be quiet in the library.
漂亮pretty; beautifulAdjective1
你的衣服真漂亮！What lovely clothes you're wearing!
爱to loveVerb1
我爱你，妈妈。I love you, Mum.
Also “to love doing”: 他爱唱歌.
留to stay; to keep; to leave (behind)Verb2
给我留一个座位吧。Save a seat for me.
红redAdjective2
她买了一条红裙子。She bought a red skirt.
The colour of celebration: weddings, the New Year, good news.
觉得to feel; to thinkVerb2
我觉得这个电影很好看。I think this film is really good.
Used for opinions as much as for feelings.
讨论to discuss; discussionVerb3
这个问题我们明天开会再讨论。We will discuss this question again at tomorrow’s meeting.
迟到to be lateVerb2
快走吧，我们要迟到了！Hurry up, we’re going to be late!
门口doorway; entrancePlace word1
我在门口等你。I'll wait for you at the door.
高兴happy, gladAdjective1
妈妈收到花很高兴。Mum was very happy to get the flowers.
上午morning (until noon)Time word1
我上午有课。I have lessons in the morning.
The working morning; 早上 is the early part of it.
从小from childhood; since one was littleAdverb3
她从小就喜欢画画儿。She has loved drawing since she was little.
但是butConjunction2
这件衣服很好看，但是太贵了。This top is very nice, but it’s too expensive.
作业homeworkNoun2
今天的作业很多。There’s a lot of homework today.
To do it: 做作业 or 写作业.
分钟minuteNoun2
走路只要十分钟。It’s only a ten-minute walk.
A length of time; 分 alone gives the time on the clock.
向towards; toPreposition2
一直向前走就到了。Go straight ahead and you’re there.
Close to 往; also towards people: 向他学习, to learn from him.
日day of the month (written)Noun1
今天是六月八日。Today is the eighth of June.
In speech the date is 号.
明年next yearTime word1
明年我想去中国。I'd like to go to China next year.
星期weekNoun1
下个星期我去北京。I'm going to Beijing next week.
结婚to marry; to get marriedVerb3
他们打算明年结婚。They are planning to get married next year.
Separable: marrying someone is 跟…结婚, never with an object after it.
而且and also; moreoverConjunction3
他会做饭，而且做得很好。He can cook, and what is more he cooks very well.
虽然althoughConjunction3
虽然这家店有点儿远，但是东西很便宜。Although this shop is a bit far away, things there are cheap.
Paired with 但是 or 可是; English marks only one half.
靠to lean (against)Verb3
请不要靠在车门上。Please do not lean on the doors.
骑to ride (a bike, a horse)Verb2
你会骑马吗？Can you ride a horse?
For anything you sit astride: a bicycle, a motorbike, a horse.
一个月a monthPhrase1
我学了一个月汉语。I studied Chinese for a month.
With 个 it is a length of time; without it, 一月 is January.
做饭to cook; to make a mealVerb2
今天我做饭，你洗碗。I will cook today, and you wash up.
冰箱fridgeNoun2
牛奶在冰箱里。The milk is in the fridge.
Measure word: 台.
卖to sellVerb2
这儿卖手机吗？Do they sell mobile phones here?
Only the tone tells it from 买, to buy.
小区residential compound; housing estateNoun3
我们小区门口有一个超市。There is a supermarket at the gate of our estate.
Apartment blocks behind one gate, with their own grounds — the typical city home.
年轻youngAdjective1
我们的老师很年轻。Our teacher is very young.
旧old (of things); wornAdjective1
这辆车很旧了。This car is very old now.
For people “old” is 老.
灯light; lampNoun2
出门的时候请关灯。Please turn off the lights when you go out.
On and off are 开 and 关, as for doors.
狗dogNoun2
我家的狗很听话。Our dog is very obedient.
Measure word: 只 or 条.
生日birthdayNoun1
你的生日是几月几号？When is your birthday?
疼painful; to hurt; to acheAdjective2
哪儿疼？Where does it hurt?
The part that hurts comes first: 牙疼, toothache.
票ticketNoun2
在哪儿买票？Where do you buy tickets?
Measure word: 张.
走路to walk; to go on footVerb2
我家离公司很近，走路十分钟就到。My home is close to the office; it is only ten minutes on foot.
路上on the wayPlace word2
路上我买了一个包子。On the way I bought a steamed bun.
辆measure word for vehiclesMeasure word2
门口停着一辆白色的车。A white car is parked at the entrance.
辣spicy; hotAdjective2
你能吃辣吗？Can you eat spicy food?
When ordering, 不要辣 means "not spicy, please".
过年to celebrate the New YearVerb3
今年你在哪儿过年？Where are you spending New Year this year?
Almost always the lunar New Year. Separable: 过个好年.
半个小时half an hourPhrase1
我等了你半个小时。I waited half an hour for you.
半 comes before the measure word, where English puts “half” before “an”.
发生to happen, to occurVerb3
昨天晚上这条路上发生了什么事？What happened on this road last night?
女儿daughterNoun1
我女儿上小学。My daughter is at primary school.
客人guest; visitorNoun2
今天酒店的客人很多。The hotel has a lot of guests today.
弟弟younger brotherNoun1
我弟弟今年十岁。My younger brother is ten this year.
必须must; have toAdverb3
明天的会每个人都必须参加。Everyone must attend tomorrow’s meeting.
“Need not” is 不用 or 不必, never 不必须.
护照passportNoun2
请给我看一下您的护照。May I see your passport, please?
Measure word: 本.
收to accept; to receiveVerb2
你们收现金吗？Do you take cash?
改to correct, mark; to changeVerb2
老师在改作业。The teacher is marking homework.
故事storyNoun2
妈妈每天晚上给孩子讲一个故事。Every evening the mother tells her child a story.
To tell a story: 讲故事.
方便convenientAdjective2
住在这儿买东西很方便。Living here, shopping is very convenient.
你现在方便吗？ — is now a good time for you?
有名famous, well knownAdjective2
这家饭馆很有名。This restaurant is very well known.
歌songNoun2
这首歌你听过吗？Have you heard this song?
Measure word: 首.
汤soupNoun1
这个汤很好喝。This soup is delicious.
Also drunk: 喝汤.
电视televisionNoun1
孩子们在客厅看电视。The children are watching TV in the living room.
看书to read (books)Verb2
周末我一般在家看书。At weekends I usually stay at home and read.
经常often; frequentlyAdverb3
他经常去图书馆看书。He often goes to the library to read.
苹果appleNoun1
这个苹果很甜。This apple is very sweet.
西westPlace word2
机场在城市的西边。The airport is on the west side of the city.
With 边 each direction becomes a place: 西边, the west side.
解决to solve; to settleVerb3
这个问题我们一起想办法解决。Let’s think of a way to solve this problem together.
试to try; to try onVerb2
这双鞋我可以试一下吗？Can I try these shoes on?
起床to get up (out of bed)Verb2
你明天几点起床？What time are you getting up tomorrow?
还有and also; there is alsoConjunction2
我要一碗面，还有一杯茶。I’d like a bowl of noodles, and a cup of tea as well.
重heavyAdjective1
这个包太重了。This bag is too heavy.
Read chóng in 重新, “again”.
饺子dumplingNoun2
北方人过年一定要吃饺子。In the north people always eat dumplings at New Year.
Making them is 包饺子, literally "wrapping dumplings".
公交车busNoun2
我在等二十三路公交车。I am waiting for the number 23 bus.
Bus routes are counted with 路: 五路, the number 5.
准备to prepare, get readyVerb2
我在准备明天的考试。I’m preparing for tomorrow’s exam.
口measure word for members of a household; mouthfulMeasure word1
他喝了一口茶。He took a sip of tea.
寄to send (by post)Verb2
我给朋友寄了一张明信片。I sent a friend a postcard.
干dryAdjective2
天气好，衣服很快就干了。In good weather the washing dries quickly.
Read gān; the gàn of “to do” is written with the same character.
往towards; in the direction ofPreposition2
往前走，第二个路口就是。Go straight on; it is the second junction.
Points the way before a verb: 往右拐, turn right.
心里in one’s heart, inwardlyNoun2
他嘴上不说，心里很高兴。He doesn’t say so, but inside he’s very happy.
打算to plan; to intend; planVerb3
你毕业以后打算做什么？What do you plan to do after you graduate?
担心to worryVerb2
别担心，我一定按时回来。Don’t worry, I’ll definitely be back on time.
教to teachVerb1
她教我做中国菜。She's teaching me to cook Chinese food.
Read jiào in nouns such as 教室, classroom.
杯cup; glass (measure word)Measure word1
你喝了几杯咖啡？How many cups of coffee have you had?
河riverNoun2
这条河很长。This river is very long.
Measure word: 条.
照片photoNoun2
这张照片是在哪儿照的？Where was this photo taken?
Measure word: 张.
生病to fall ill; to be illVerb2
她生病了，今天没来上课。She is ill and did not come to class today.
Separable: 生了一场病, to have had an illness.
而and; but; whereasConjunction3
这个房间小而安静。This room is small but quiet.
Written; links two adjectives, or sets two things against each other.
要求to require; to demand; requirementVerb3
老师要求我们每天读半个小时中文。The teacher requires us to read Chinese for half an hour every day.
要 is read yāo in this word.
规定regulation; rule; to stipulateNoun4
按规定，图书馆的书最多可以借一个月。Under the rules, library books can be borrowed for a month at most.
请问excuse me, may I askPhrase1
请问，银行在哪儿？Excuse me, where is the bank?
跑步to run; to go runningVerb2
他每天早上去公园跑步。He goes running in the park every morning.
遍time (from beginning to end)Measure word2
这个电影我看了三遍。I've watched this film three times.
Unlike 次, it stresses going through the whole thing, as with a text or a film.
酒店hotelNoun2
我们住的酒店离火车站很近。Our hotel is very close to the station.
Despite 酒, alcohol, it means a hotel, not a bar.
项目project; itemNoun3
我现在同时做三个项目，太忙了。I am working on three projects at once right now; it is too much.
题question (in an exercise or exam)Noun1
第五题怎么做？How do you do question five?
一个星期a weekPhrase1
我在北京住了一个星期。I stayed in Beijing for a week.
不但not onlyConjunction3
这件衣服不但贵，而且质量也不好。This garment is not only expensive but also poorly made.
Followed by 而且 or 也: “not only … but also”.
丢to lose; to throw awayVerb2
我的钱包丢了。I’ve lost my wallet.
习惯habit; to be used toNoun2
我还不习惯这么早起床。I’m still not used to getting up this early.
亮brightAdjective2
这个灯太亮了。This lamp is too bright.
Also a verb, “to light up”: 灯亮了.
介绍to introduceVerb2
我来介绍一下，这是我的同事小李。Let me introduce you: this is my colleague Xiao Li.
借to borrow; to lendVerb2
我能借你的自行车吗？Can I borrow your bike?
To lend: 借给他, to lend to him.
健康healthy; healthAdjective3
爷爷八十岁了，身体还很健康。Grandpa is eighty and still in very good health.
历史historyNoun3
这座城市有很长的历史。This city has a long history.
头headNoun2
我头有点儿疼。My head hurts a bit.
安排to arrange; arrangementVerb4
会议的时间和地点由小李安排。Xiao Li is arranging the time and place of the meeting.
家人family membersNoun1
我很想我的家人。I really miss my family.
帮助to help; helpVerb2
她常常帮助新同学。She often helps new classmates.
In speech often just 帮.
干净cleanAdjective2
房间打扫得很干净。The room has been cleaned really well.
影响to influence; to affect; influenceVerb3
天气会影响人的心情。The weather affects people's mood.
Also a noun: 受影响, to be affected.
愿意to be willing toModal verb2
你愿意跟我一起去吗？Would you be willing to come with me?
房租rentNoun3
这里的房租一个月三千块。The rent here is three thousand yuan a month.
旁边beside; next toPlace word1
我家旁边有一家超市。There's a supermarket next to where I live.
村villageNoun3
村里的年轻人大多去城里工作了。Most of the young people in the village have gone to work in town.
每周every week; weeklyTime word3
这门课每周上两次。This course meets twice a week.
片slice; flat pieceMeasure word2
早饭我只吃了两片面包。For breakfast I only had two slices of bread.
For flat pieces such as bread, leaves and tablets.
生raw; uncookedAdjective3
这种鱼可以生吃。This kind of fish can be eaten raw.
紧张nervous; tenseAdjective3
第一次上台唱歌，我特别紧张。The first time I sang on stage, I was really nervous.
Also for a tight situation: 时间很紧张, time is short.
队team; sideNoun3
我们队今天只有九个人。Our team only has nine people today.
音乐musicNoun2
你喜欢听什么音乐？What music do you like listening to?
The second character is yuè here; in 快乐 it is lè.
颜色colourNoun2
你喜欢什么颜色？What colour do you like?
饿hungryAdjective2
我早上没吃饭，现在饿死了。I didn't have breakfast and now I'm starving.
饿死了, “hungry to death”, is everyday exaggeration.
鸟birdNoun2
树上有几只鸟。There are a few birds in the tree.
Measure word: 只.
黑black; darkAdjective2
我的猫是黑的。My cat is black.
信letterNoun3
现在很少有人写信了。Very few people write letters these days.
Measure word: 封.
倒to pour; to empty (out)Verb2
水凉了，倒了吧。The water has gone cold — just pour it away.
Read dào here; meaning “to fall over” it is 倒.
半天half a day; a long time, agesNoun2
我找了半天也没找到。I looked for ages and still couldn’t find it.
In speech mostly “ages”, not literally half a day.
原因reason; causeNoun3
你知道他辞职的原因吗？Do you know why he resigned?
The cause of what happened; 理由 is the reason someone gives.
反而on the contrary; insteadAdverb4
吃了药以后，他的病反而更重了。After taking the medicine he got worse instead of better.
发现to discover; to notice; to find outVerb3
到了家我才发现钥匙不见了。Only when I got home did I notice my keys were gone.
地区region; areaNoun4
这个地区的人说话口音很重。People in this region have a strong accent.
工资wages; salaryNoun3
我们公司每个月十五号发工资。Our company pays salaries on the fifteenth of each month.
Paying wages is 发工资, said from the employer's side.
意思meaningNoun1
这是什么意思？What does this mean?
政府governmentNoun4
市政府决定在这里修一座新图书馆。The city government has decided to build a new library here.
海seaNoun2
我从来没见过海。I have never seen the sea.
生气to be angryVerb2
别生气了，我不是故意的。Don’t be angry — I didn’t do it on purpose.
Angry with somebody: 生他的气.
研究to research, to study; researchVerb3
她在大学里研究中国的植物。She does research on Chinese plants at the university.
窗户windowNoun1
房间里太热了，开一下窗户吧。It's too hot in here — let's open the window.
结束to end, finishVerb2
比赛什么时候结束？When does the match finish?
谢谢thank you; to thankVerb1
谢谢你来看我。Thank you for coming to see me.
近near; closeAdjective2
学校很近，走路十分钟。The school is close, a ten-minute walk.
遇到to run into; to come acrossVerb3
我在超市遇到了以前的老师。I ran into my old teacher at the supermarket.
Also for problems: 遇到困难.
邻居neighbourNoun3
新邻居给我们送了一些水果。The new neighbours brought us some fruit.
钢琴pianoNoun3
她五岁开始学钢琴。She started learning the piano at five.
Played with 弹: 弹钢琴.
鱼fishNoun2
这条鱼很新鲜。This fish is very fresh.
Measure word: 条.
一个小时an hourPhrase1
从这儿到机场要一个小时。It takes an hour from here to the airport.
与and; with (written)Conjunction4
这本书讲的是人与自然的关系。This book is about the relationship between people and nature.
The written 和; common in titles.
产品productNoun4
我们公司的新产品下个月上市。Our company’s new product goes on sale next month.
出发to set off, departVerb2
我们明天早上六点出发。We set off at six tomorrow morning.
切to cut; to sliceVerb3
请把西红柿切成小块。Please cut the tomatoes into small pieces.
合同contractNoun4
签合同以前，一定要看清楚。Before you sign a contract, be sure to read it carefully.
Measure word: 份.
吵noisyAdjective2
这条街晚上很吵。This street is very noisy at night.
国countryNoun1
你是哪国人？Which country are you from?
Mostly inside words and set phrases; the free-standing word is 国家.
多少钱how much (money)Phrase1
一杯咖啡多少钱？How much is a cup of coffee?
够enoughAdjective2
钱够不够？Is there enough money?
戴to wear; to put on (a hat, glasses, a watch)Verb2
她戴着一顶红帽子。She is wearing a red hat.
For what is put on top of you: hats, glasses, watches, rings, masks.
所以so, thereforeConjunction2
我感冒了，所以没去上课。I had a cold, so I didn’t go to class.
打扫to clean (a room or place)Verb2
周末我们一起打扫房间。At the weekend we clean the rooms together.
For places; clothes and dishes are washed with 洗.
打车to take a taxiVerb2
太晚了，我们打车回家吧。It is very late. Let's get a taxi home.
报纸newspaperNoun2
现在看报纸的年轻人越来越少了。Fewer and fewer young people read newspapers now.
Measure word: 份.
春天springNoun2
春天来了，公园里的花都开了。Spring has come, and the flowers in the park are all out.
春节the Spring Festival; Chinese New YearNoun3
春节前火车票特别难买。Train tickets are especially hard to get before the Spring Festival.
The lunar new year, which falls in late January or in February.
查to check; to look upVerb2
我查一下明天的天气。Let me check tomorrow’s weather.
桥bridgeNoun3
过了桥就是老城。Over the bridge is the old town.
Measure word: 座.
楼下downstairsPlace word1
楼下有一家饭馆。There's a restaurant downstairs.
注意to pay attention to; to be careful ofVerb3
开车的时候要注意安全。Drive carefully.
Literally “pay attention to safety”, the standard way of saying “take care”.
游泳to swimVerb2
我不会游泳。I cannot swim.
玩儿to play; to have fun; to go outVerb2
周末来我家玩儿吧。Come round to my place at the weekend.
Much wider than "play": visiting, going out, having a good time.
白whiteAdjective2
他穿了一件白衬衫。He has a white shirt on.
碗bowl (of)Measure word2
早上我吃了一碗面条。This morning I had a bowl of noodles.
A container used as a measure word; the bowl itself is also 碗.
离开to leaveVerb3
他十八岁就离开了家。He left home at eighteen.
Takes the place left as a direct object: 离开北京.
认真conscientious; seriousAdjective3
她做事非常认真。She does everything very conscientiously.
Taking a task seriously and doing it carefully — praise, not “solemn”.
选to choose; to pickVerb2
颜色太多了，我不知道选哪个。There are too many colours. I do not know which to choose.
那么then; in that caseConjunction3
如果你不喜欢吃辣的，那么我们换一家饭馆吧。If you do not like spicy food, then let’s try another restaurant.
Also “so, that”: 那么贵, “that expensive”.
部门departmentNoun4
我下个月要换到别的部门。Next month I’m moving to another department.
酒alcohol; wine; spiritsNoun1
他开车，不能喝酒。He's driving, so he can't drink.
Any alcoholic drink; grape wine is 葡萄酒.
随着along with; asPreposition4
随着年龄的增长，他越来越喜欢安静。As he gets older, he likes peace and quiet more and more.
一共altogether; in totalAdverb2
一共多少钱？How much is that altogether?
一半halfNumeral3
这本书我才看了一半。I have only read half of this book.
上个月last monthPhrase1
我上个月去了上海。I went to Shanghai last month.
Next month is 下个月; with 星期 the same: 上个星期.
不一定not necessarily; not certainPhrase3
贵的东西不一定好。Expensive things are not necessarily good.
不 keeps its fourth tone, because 一 after it is spoken in the second.
世界worldNoun2
世界上有很多种动物。There are many kinds of animals in the world.
什么时候whenQuestion word1
你什么时候回国？When are you going back to your country?
保护to protect; to look afterVerb3
我们应该保护好自己的眼睛。We should take good care of our eyes.
俩two; the two ofNumeral1
我们俩是好朋友。The two of us are good friends.
Colloquial for 两个; never followed by a measure word.
其实actually; in factAdverb3
大家都以为他是老师，其实他是学生。Everyone thought he was a teacher; actually he is a student.
农村countryside; rural areaNoun3
我爷爷奶奶住在农村。My grandparents live in the countryside.
前面in front; aheadPlace word1
我家前面有一个公园。There's a park in front of my house.
办公室officeNoun2
我的办公室在三楼。My office is on the second floor.
Floors are counted from the ground: 一楼 is the ground floor.
加plus; to addVerb1
二加三是五。Two plus three is five.
加班to work overtimeVerb3
这个月我几乎每天都加班。This month I have worked overtime almost every day.
努力to make an effort; hard-workingVerb2
只要努力，你一定能学好。As long as you put in the effort, you will certainly learn it well.
Also before a verb: 努力学习, study hard.
博物馆museumNoun3
这个博物馆星期一不开门。This museum is closed on Mondays.
床bedNoun1
我的床太小了。My bed is too small.
Measure word: 张.
度degree (of temperature)Measure word2
明天最高三十度。Tomorrow the high will be thirty degrees.
Degrees Celsius, unless something else is said.
得到to get; to receive; to gainVerb3
他的建议得到了老板的支持。His suggestion won the boss’s support.
得 is read dé here.
懂to understandVerb1
你懂我的意思吗？Do you understand what I mean?
成功to succeed; successful; successVerb3
试了很多次，他终于成功了。After many attempts he finally succeeded.
拍to shoot (a film); to take (a photo)Verb3
这部电影是在我老家拍的。This film was shot in my home town.
Also “to clap; to pat”, as with the hands.
提高to improve; to raiseVerb3
多听多说能提高你的口语。Listening and speaking a lot will improve your spoken Chinese.
With a level or a quality as object: 提高水平.
收入incomeNoun3
换了工作以后，他的收入高了不少。Since changing jobs, his income has gone up quite a bit.
教育education; to educateNoun3
好的教育对孩子很重要。A good education matters a great deal for a child.
新闻newsNoun2
我爸爸每天吃晚饭的时候看新闻。My dad watches the news every day over dinner.
有空to be free; to have timeVerb2
你明天有空吗？Are you free tomorrow?
Read kòng, free time; kōng means empty.
牛奶milkNoun1
孩子每天喝牛奶。The children drink milk every day.
球ballNoun2
孩子把球踢到邻居家的院子里了。The child kicked the ball into the neighbours’ yard.
米metreMeasure word3
这条河有一百多米宽。This river is more than a hundred metres wide.
The same character as rice; the context always tells them apart.
蛋糕cakeNoun1
生日蛋糕在冰箱里。The birthday cake is in the fridge.
质量qualityNoun3
这家店的衣服不贵，质量也不错。The clothes in this shop are not expensive, and the quality is good too.
输to lose (a game)Verb3
输了也没关系，下次再努力。It does not matter if we lose; we will try harder next time.
适合to suit; to be right forVerb3
红色很适合你。Red really suits you.
A verb with an object: 适合你. 合适 is an adjective and takes none.
除了except; besidesPreposition2
除了小王，大家都来了。Everyone came except Xiao Wang.
随便as you like; whatever; casualAdverb3
你想吃什么？——随便，你决定吧。What would you like to eat? — Anything, you decide.
Said flatly, it can sound like an indifferent “whatever”.
下班to finish workVerb2
我今天六点下班。I finish work at six today.
不管no matter; regardless ofConjunction4
不管天气怎么样，我们都要出发。Whatever the weather, we are setting off.
The spoken 无论.
中午noon; middayTime word1
中午我们一起吃饭吧。Let's have lunch together at midday.
之前beforeTime word2
出门之前别忘了关灯。Don’t forget to turn the light off before you go out.
A little more formal than 以前.
事情matter; business; things to doNoun2
今天的事情太多了。There is too much to do today.
分minute (on the clock)Measure word1
现在是三点十分。It's ten past three.
For a length of time say 分钟.
刚才just now, a moment agoTime word2
刚才有人给你打电话。Somebody rang you just now.
A time word: it can stand before the subject, which 刚 cannot.
南方the south (of a country)Noun3
南方的冬天不太冷，可是很潮湿。Winters in the south aren’t very cold, but they are damp.
古代ancient times; ancientNoun4
古代的人没有钟表，怎么知道时间呢？People in ancient times had no clocks — so how did they tell the time?
哭to cryVerb2
孩子饿了就哭。When the baby is hungry, it cries.
地震earthquakeNoun4
这次地震很多人都感觉到了。Many people felt this earthquake.
Measure word: 次 or 场.
家庭family; householdNoun3
他很重视家庭，周末从来不加班。Family matters a lot to him; he never works at weekends.
The family as a unit; the people in it are 家人.
引起to cause; to give rise to; to attract (attention)Verb4
他的话引起了大家的注意。What he said caught everyone's attention.
挂to hang; to hang upVerb3
请把大衣挂在这儿。Please hang your coat here.
Also to hang up the phone: 挂电话.
接to pick up, meet (a person); to answer (the phone); to catchVerb2
我去火车站接朋友。I’m going to the station to meet a friend.
The opposite of 送 when somebody travels: you meet them on arrival and see them off.
教室classroomNoun2
我们的教室在三楼。Our classroom is on the third floor.
教 is jiào here; the verb “to teach” is 教.
方案plan; proposal; schemeNoun4
我们准备了两个方案，请您选一个。We have prepared two proposals; please choose one.
旅游to travel (for pleasure); tourismVerb2
今年夏天我想去云南旅游。This summer I want to go travelling in Yunnan.
既然since; now thatConjunction4
既然你已经决定了，我就不说什么了。Since you have already decided, I won't say anything more.
The reason is something both speakers already know; paired with 就.
服务service; to serveNoun2
这家酒店的服务很好。The service at this hotel is very good.
正just (at that moment); exactlyAdverb3
我正要给你打电话，你就来了。I was just about to ring you when you turned up.
法律lawNoun4
每个人都应该了解一些基本的法律知识。Everyone should know a little basic law.
洗to washVerb1
吃饭前要洗手。You should wash your hands before eating.
深dark (of colours); deepAdjective2
我喜欢深蓝色。I like dark blue.
由于because of; owing toConjunction4
由于天气原因，航班推迟了。The flight was delayed because of the weather.
More written than 因为.
礼物present; giftNoun2
我想给妈妈买个生日礼物。I want to buy my mum a birthday present.
Measure word: 件 or 份.
秋天autumnNoun2
我最喜欢北京的秋天。I like autumn in Beijing best.
突然suddenly; suddenAdverb3
我们正在吃饭，灯突然灭了。We were in the middle of eating when the lights suddenly went out.
Also an adjective: 太突然了, “that is so sudden”.
经济economy; economicNoun4
旅游对当地的经济很重要。Tourism is very important to the local economy.
Also “economical”, as in an economy-class ticket.
老家home town, family homeNoun3
每年春节我们都回老家看爷爷奶奶。Every Spring Festival we go back to our home town to see Grandpa and Grandma.
联系to contact; to get in touch; connectionVerb3
到了北京以后跟我联系。Get in touch with me once you are in Beijing.
The person comes first, with 跟 or 和.
腿legNoun2
他的腿很长，跑得很快。He has long legs and runs fast.
至于as for; as toPreposition4
我同意这个计划，至于什么时候开始，我们再商量。I agree with the plan; as for when to start, we can discuss that later.
Turns to a new point, often one left for later.
运动sport; exerciseNoun2
你喜欢什么运动？What sports do you like?
不然otherwise; or elseConjunction4
多穿点儿衣服，不然会感冒的。Put on more clothes, or you'll catch a cold.
不错not bad; pretty goodAdjective1
这家饭馆不错。This restaurant is pretty good.
Literally “not wrong”, and warmer than it sounds.
专门specially; for the sole purpose ofAdverb3
他专门从上海来看我。He came all the way from Shanghai just to see me.
中国人Chinese personNoun1
我不是中国人，我是英国人。I'm not Chinese, I'm British.
Country plus 人 names its people: 美国人, an American.
免费free of chargeAdjective2
买两个，第三个免费。Buy two and get the third free.
关门to close (for business); to shut the doorVerb2
这家店晚上十点关门。This shop closes at ten in the evening.
养to raise; to bring up; to keep (pets)Verb4
父母养大三个孩子很不容易。Bringing up three children is not easy for parents.
Also to support someone financially, or to keep an animal.
动物animalNoun2
很多动物冬天要睡觉。Many animals sleep through the winter.
厨房kitchenNoun2
厨房很小，但是很干净。The kitchen is small but very clean.
取消to cancelVerb2
我想取消明天的预订。I’d like to cancel tomorrow’s booking.
只要as long as; provided thatConjunction3
只要你每天练习，就一定能学会。As long as you practise every day, you are sure to learn it.
With 就: a condition that is enough.
合作to cooperate; to work together; cooperationVerb4
两所大学决定在环保研究方面合作。The two universities have decided to work together on environmental research.
咖啡馆caféNoun1
我们在咖啡馆见面吧。Let's meet at the café.
回答to answer; answerVerb3
他想了很久才回答我的问题。He thought for a long time before answering my question.
地铁站metro stationNoun1
地铁站就在前面。The metro station is just ahead.
墙wallNoun1
墙上有一张地图。There's a map on the wall.
大雨heavy rainNoun2
昨天晚上下了一场大雨。There was a heavy downpour last night.
Measure word for a fall of rain or snow: 场.
天天every single dayAdverb2
我天天喝咖啡。I drink coffee every single day.
More spoken than 每天.
太阳the sunNoun2
太阳从东边出来了。The sun has come up in the east.
Often said with a light second syllable, tàiyang.
完全completely; entirelyAdverb3
我完全忘了今天是她的生日。I completely forgot that today is her birthday.
完成to complete; to finishVerb3
我终于完成了老板给的任务。I have finally finished the task the boss gave me.
已alreadyAdverb4
您的订单已发货，请注意查收。Your order has been dispatched; please look out for its arrival.
Written short form of 已经.
希望to hope; hopeVerb2
希望明天不下雨。I hope it doesn’t rain tomorrow.
批评to criticise; criticismVerb4
他上课玩手机，被老师批评了。He was told off by the teacher for playing on his phone in class.
按时on time; at the set timeAdverb3
这种药一定要按时吃。You must take this medicine at the right times.
掉to fall, drop; to loseVerb2
手机掉在地上了。My phone fell on the floor.
Also after a verb, “away, off”: 扔掉, to throw away.
推to pushVerb2
车坏了，我们只好下来推。The car broke down, so we had to get out and push.
早就long ago, for a long time alreadyAdverb2
这件事我早就知道了。I’ve known about this for ages.
服务员shop assistant; waiter; attendantNoun2
服务员，这个有大号的吗？Excuse me, do you have this in a large?
Also how a waiter or an assistant is called over.
欢迎to welcome; welcomeVerb1
欢迎你来中国！Welcome to China!
湖lakeNoun3
公园中间有一个湖，可以划船。There is a lake in the middle of the park where you can go boating.
火车站railway stationNoun1
火车站离这儿远吗？Is the railway station far from here?
爬to crawl; to climbVerb3
我们的孩子八个月就会爬了。Our baby could crawl at eight months.
甚至even; so much asAdverb4
他最近太忙了，甚至连吃饭的时间都没有。He has been so busy lately that he does not even have time to eat.
甜sweetAdjective2
这个西瓜很甜。This watermelon is very sweet.
着急anxious; in a hurryAdjective3
别着急，我们还有时间。Don't worry, we still have time.
Here 着 is read zháo, not zhe.
纸paperNoun1
请给我一张纸。Please give me a sheet of paper.
Measure word for a sheet: 张.
脸faceNoun2
你的脸怎么这么红？Why is your face so red?
自from; sincePreposition5
本规定自发布之日起实行。This regulation takes effect from the date of its publication.
Written for 从; usually 自…起.
舒服comfortable; feeling wellAdjective2
这双鞋穿着很舒服。These shoes are very comfortable.
Also about the body: 我不舒服, I don’t feel well.
节日festival; holidayNoun3
你最喜欢哪个节日？Which festival do you like best?
记者journalist; reporterNoun3
很多记者在门口等着采访他。Lots of reporters were waiting at the door to interview him.
该this; the said (in written reports)Pronoun5
该餐厅每周一休息。The restaurant is closed on Mondays.
Refers back to something just named; in speech 该 usually means should.
语言languageNoun3
他会说四种语言。He can speak four languages.
踢to kickVerb3
别在屋子里踢球！Do not play football in the house!
部分part; sectionNoun3
你说的话我只同意一部分。I only agree with part of what you said.
难道surely ... not? (in rhetorical questions)Adverb4
难道你不知道今天放假吗？Surely you know today is a holiday?
Turns a question into a challenge; the expected answer is the opposite of what is asked.
雪snowNoun2
雪下得很大，地上都白了。It is snowing hard, and the ground has turned white.
面包breadNoun2
我早上吃面包，喝牛奶。In the morning I have bread and milk.
面试interview; to interviewNoun3
明天有面试，我今天晚上要早点儿睡。I have an interview tomorrow, so I need to go to bed early tonight.
风景scenery; landscapeNoun3
山上的风景美极了。The scenery up on the mountain is stunning.
飞to flyVerb2
鸟飞得很高。The birds are flying very high.
马horseNoun2
你会骑马吗？Can you ride a horse?
Measure word: 匹.
东eastPlace word2
往东走五分钟就到了。Walk east for five minutes and you are there.
交通traffic; transportNoun3
这里交通很方便，坐地铁十分钟就到市中心。Transport is very convenient here: ten minutes on the underground and you're in the centre.
值得to be worth (doing)Verb3
这个博物馆值得去看看。This museum is worth a visit.
光lightNoun3
窗户太小，房间里没什么光。The window is too small, so there is hardly any light in the room.
几乎almost; nearlyAdverb3
你不说我几乎忘了这件事。If you had not mentioned it, I would almost have forgotten about it.
几点what timePhrase1
你明天几点来？What time are you coming tomorrow?
出国to go abroadVerb2
她明年要出国学习。She’s going abroad to study next year.
到底on earth (in questions); after allAdverb4
你到底想去哪儿？Where on earth do you want to go?
In a question it presses impatiently for an answer.
北方the north (of a country)Noun3
北方人过年的时候一定要吃饺子。Northerners always eat dumplings at New Year.
午饭lunchNoun2
我们十二点吃午饭。We have lunch at twelve.
即使even ifConjunction4
即使明天下雨，比赛也照常进行。Even if it rains tomorrow, the match will go ahead as usual.
Paired with 也; what follows it is only supposed.
压力pressure, stressNoun4
最近工作压力太大，我经常头疼。Work has been very stressful lately, and I often get headaches.
Stress is “big” in Chinese: 压力很大.
原来so it turns out; originallyAdverb4
原来你早就知道了！So you knew all along!
双方both sides; the two partiesNoun4
经过讨论，双方终于同意了。After some discussion, both sides finally agreed.
发展to develop; developmentVerb4
这几年这里发展得很快，到处都是新楼。This place has developed fast in recent years; there are new buildings everywhere.
发烧to have a temperature; feverVerb2
孩子发烧了，三十九度。The child has a temperature of thirty-nine degrees.
后来later, afterwards (in the past)Time word2
我们在北京认识，后来成了好朋友。We met in Beijing and later became good friends.
Only about the past; for the future, 以后.
后面behind; at the backPlace word1
厨房在客厅后面。The kitchen is behind the living room.
唱歌to singVerb2
她唱歌唱得很好听。She sings beautifully.
外语foreign languageNoun3
学一门外语需要很多时间。Learning a foreign language takes a lot of time.
Measure word: 门.
头发hair (on the head)Noun2
她的头发很长。Her hair is very long.
The second syllable is neutral: tóufa.
女femaleAdjective1
女厕所在那儿。The women's toilets are over there.
客户client; customerNoun4
我每个月都要去拜访几个老客户。Every month I have to call on a few long-standing clients.
封measure word for lettersMeasure word2
奶奶给我写了一封信。Grandma wrote me a letter.
Also for e-mails: 一封邮件.
居民residentNoun4
小区的居民一起打扫了楼道。The residents of the estate cleaned the stairwell together.
差点儿almost; nearlyAdverb4
今天早上我差点儿迟到。I was nearly late this morning.
Of something that did not quite happen.
情况situation; circumstancesNoun4
你先了解一下情况，再做决定。Find out what the situation is first, then decide.
成绩marks, resultsNoun2
这学期他的成绩进步了很多。His marks have improved a lot this term.
手术operation; surgeryNoun3
手术很成功，她很快就能下床了。The operation went well, and she will soon be up and about.
Having an operation is 做手术.
收到to receive, getVerb2
你收到我的邮件了吗？Did you get my email?
改变to change; changeVerb3
这次旅行改变了我对这个国家的看法。This trip changed my view of the country.
放假to have a holiday; to break up (for the holidays)Verb3
学校下星期开始放假。School breaks up next week.
假, “holiday”, is read jià; as “false” it is jiǎ.
数学mathematics, mathsNoun2
她的数学特别好。She’s especially good at maths.
方面aspect; side; respectNoun4
在学习方面，他从来不用父母操心。As far as his studies are concerned, his parents never have to worry about him.
早饭breakfastNoun2
今天没时间吃早饭。There was no time for breakfast today.
明白to understand; clearVerb1
我明白你的意思了。I see what you mean now.
有意思interesting; funAdjective2
这本书很有意思。This book is very interesting.
杯子cup; glassNoun1
桌子上有两个杯子。There are two cups on the table.
The cup itself; 一杯茶 counts what is in it.
根据according to; on the basis of; basisPreposition3
根据天气预报，明天会下雨。According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow.
Also a noun, “grounds”: 没有根据, “groundless”.
汉字Chinese characterNoun1
我今天学了五个汉字。Today I learned five characters.
汽车car; motor vehicleNoun2
这条路上汽车很多。There are a lot of cars on this road.
Measure word: 辆.
没关系it doesn't matter; that's all rightPhrase1
没关系，你明天再来吧。That's all right — come again tomorrow.
涨to rise (of prices or water)Verb4
最近菜价又涨了。Vegetable prices have gone up again recently.
申请to apply (for); applicationVerb4
她正在申请去英国的签证。She is applying for a visa to Britain.
直接direct; straightforwardAdjective4
有问题可以直接找经理。If you have a problem, you can go straight to the manager.
Of people also blunt, outspoken.
看见to seeVerb1
你看见我的手机了吗？Have you seen my phone?
看 is looking; 看见 is actually seeing.
等一下hang on; wait a momentPhrase2
等一下，我马上就好。Hang on, I’ll be ready in a moment.
答应to agree (to a request); to promiseVerb3
他答应周末带孩子去公园。He promised to take the children to the park at the weekend.
签to signVerb4
请在这里签一下您的名字。Please sign your name here.
米饭cooked riceNoun1
我要一碗米饭。I'd like a bowl of rice.
紧tightAdjective3
这双鞋太紧了，走路很不舒服。These shoes are too tight; walking in them is very uncomfortable.
练习to practise; exerciseVerb2
我每天练习写汉字。I practise writing characters every day.
考上to get into (a school by passing its entrance exam)Verb3
她考上了一所很好的大学。She got into a very good university.
脚footNoun2
走了一天，我的脚很疼。After walking all day, my feet hurt.
航班flightNoun4
我的航班是明天早上八点的。My flight is at eight tomorrow morning.
节measure word for lessons; sectionMeasure word2
今天上午有四节课。There are four lessons this morning.
Also for train carriages: 一节车厢; a whole subject is 门.
英国Britain; the UKNoun1
她是从英国来的。She's from Britain.
见面to meet, see each otherVerb2
我们明天在哪儿见面？Where shall we meet tomorrow?
Takes no object: 跟他见面, never 见面他.
视频videoNoun3
他每周在网上发一个做菜的视频。Every week he posts a cooking video online.
Measure word: 个 or 段; online also 条.
跳to jumpVerb2
小狗高兴得跳了起来。The puppy jumped up with joy.
过去the past; in the pastNoun3
过去这里只有几家小商店。In the past there were only a few small shops here.
As a verb, “to go over”, it is read guòqu.
进行to carry out; to be in progressVerb3
会议正在进行，请安静。The meeting is in progress; please be quiet.
Formal; often with an action noun as object: 进行讨论.
量to measure (temperature, height)Verb2
医生给我量了体温。The doctor took my temperature.
Read liáng as a verb; liàng, quantity, is the same character.
顾客customerNoun2
商店里顾客不多。There are not many customers in the shop.
一本书a bookPhrase1
我想买一本书。I want to buy a book.
专家expertNoun4
专家说，孩子每天看手机不能超过一个小时。Experts say children should not look at a phone for more than an hour a day.
保持to keep, to maintainVerb4
多运动能帮你保持好心情。Plenty of exercise helps you stay in a good mood.
健身房gymNoun2
我一个星期去三次健身房。I go to the gym three times a week.
儿子sonNoun1
他儿子在上海工作。His son works in Shanghai.
再说besides; what is moreConjunction3
今天别出去了，外面太冷，再说你还有点儿感冒。Don’t go out today, it is too cold — and besides, you still have a bit of a cold.
At the end of a sentence it means “let’s deal with it later”: 明天再说吧.
出租车taxiNoun2
出租车来了，快上车吧！The taxi's here — quick, get in!
包裹parcelNoun4
这个包裹是寄给你的。This parcel is addressed to you.
参观to visit (a place); to look roundVerb3
明天我们去参观一个茶园。Tomorrow we are going to visit a tea plantation.
For places, not people: visiting a friend is 看.
嘴mouthNoun2
张开嘴，我看看。Open your mouth and let me have a look.
基本basic; fundamentalAdjective4
这是做菜最基本的方法。This is the most basic cooking method.
堵车to be jammed; traffic jamVerb3
上下班的时候这条路经常堵车。This road is often jammed at rush hour.
Also just 堵: 路上很堵, the roads are jammed.
处理to deal with; to treat; to dispose ofVerb4
这种垃圾需要专门处理。This kind of waste needs special treatment.
Also for dealing with any matter: 处理问题. Note chǔ, third tone.
大衣overcoat; coatNoun2
冬天出门要穿大衣。In winter you need a coat when you go out.
失败to fail; failureVerb3
这次失败让他学到了很多。This failure taught him a lot.
头疼to have a headacheVerb3
我今天有点儿头疼。I've got a bit of a headache today.
Also figurative: 这件事真让人头疼, this is a real headache.
姐姐older sisterNoun1
我姐姐在北京上大学。My older sister is at university in Beijing.
安全safe; safetyAdjective3
这个小区晚上也很安全。This neighbourhood is safe even at night.
家乡hometownNoun3
我的家乡是海边的一个小城。My hometown is a small town by the sea.
市中心city centreNoun3
市中心的房子很贵。Homes in the city centre are expensive.
开门to open (for business); to open the doorVerb2
超市几点开门？What time does the supermarket open?
心情moodNoun2
今天天气好，大家心情都不错。The weather is lovely today, and everyone is in a good mood.
快递courier, express delivery; parcelNoun4
我的快递到了，我下楼去拿一下。My parcel has arrived — I’m going downstairs to get it.
怕to fear, be afraid of; to be worried thatVerb2
你怕狗吗？Are you afraid of dogs?
Also “I’m worried that …”: 我怕来不及, I’m worried we won’t make it.
报告report; to reportNoun4
这份报告明天上午要交给老板。This report has to be handed to the boss tomorrow morning.
Measure word: 份.
报道to report; reportVerb4
今天的报纸报道了那场大雪。Today’s paper reported on that heavy snowfall.
抽烟to smokeVerb3
这儿不能抽烟，请到外面去。You can’t smoke here — please go outside.
Separable: 抽了一支烟. Signs use the written 吸烟.
支持to support; to backVerb3
家里人都支持我去国外读书。My family all support my going abroad to study.
文化cultureNoun3
学语言的时候也要了解文化。When you learn a language, you also need to understand the culture.
晚饭dinner, evening mealNoun2
晚饭做好了，快来吃！Dinner’s ready — come and eat!
普通ordinary; commonAdjective3
我只是一个普通的上班族。I am just an ordinary office worker.
没什么it’s nothing; oh, nothingPhrase2
你刚才想说什么？——没什么。What were you about to say? — Oh, nothing.
洗手间toilet; washroomNoun2
洗手间的灯不亮了。The light in the toilet has stopped working.
The polite everyday word; 厕所 is plainer.
然后then; after thatConjunction3
我们先去吃饭，然后去看电影。We will eat first and then go and see a film.
爬山to climb a mountain, go hiking in the hillsVerb2
周末我们常常去爬山。At weekends we often go walking in the hills.
生词new word (in a lesson)Noun1
第三课有二十个生词。Lesson three has twenty new words.
省provinceNoun4
我的老家在山东省。My home town is in Shandong Province.
The same character as the verb 省, to save (money or time).
看法view; opinionNoun3
对这件事，每个人的看法都不一样。Everyone has a different view on this matter.
眼睛eyeNoun2
他的眼睛很大。He has big eyes.
Measure word: 双 for a pair, 只 for one.
社会societyNoun3
每个人都是社会的一部分。Everyone is part of society.
背back (of the body)Noun2
我背疼，不能搬重东西。My back hurts, so I cannot lift heavy things.
船boat; shipNoun2
我们坐船去那个岛。We are going to that island by boat.
街道street; neighbourhoodNoun3
早上的街道很安静。The streets are quiet in the morning.
Also the neighbourhood office, the lowest level of city administration.
衬衫shirtNoun2
他今天穿了一件白衬衫。He is wearing a white shirt today.
Measure word: 件.
装to put in, pack, fillVerb2
箱子里装满了书。The box is packed full of books.
解释to explain; explanationVerb3
老师又解释了一遍，我才明白。Only when the teacher explained it again did I understand.
警察police officer; the policeNoun3
我的钱包丢了，只好去找警察。I lost my wallet, so I had to go to the police.
记得to rememberVerb2
你还记得我吗？Do you still remember me?
谈判negotiation; talks; to negotiateNoun5
两国的谈判进行了整整三天。The talks between the two countries went on for three whole days.
赢to win; to beatVerb3
最后五分钟我们进了一个球，赢了比赛。In the last five minutes we scored a goal and won the match.
Takes the match or the opponent as object: 赢了他们.
骗to cheat; to deceive; to swindleVerb4
他说这块表是新的，其实是在骗我。He said the watch was new, but he was actually cheating me.
一张地图a mapPhrase1
请给我一张地图。Could I have a map, please?
上学to go to schoolVerb2
我每天骑自行车上学。I cycle to school every day.
上次last timeTime word2
上次我们见面是在北京。The last time we met was in Beijing.
下次next timeTime word2
下次我请你吃饭。Next time dinner’s on me.
不过but; however; onlyConjunction3
这套房子很漂亮，不过房租有点儿贵。This flat is lovely, though the rent is a bit high.
Softer than 但是.
严重serious; severeAdjective3
他的感冒越来越严重了。His cold is getting worse and worse.
个子height; build (of a person)Noun2
他个子很高。He is very tall.
些some; a fewMeasure word2
桌子上有些水果，你吃吧。There is some fruit on the table — help yourself.
An amount nobody counts, mostly in 一些, 这些 and 那些.
人口populationNoun3
这个城市人口不多，生活很安静。This city does not have a large population, and life is quiet.
以为to think (wrongly); to assumeVerb3
我以为今天是星期五，其实是星期四。I thought today was Friday, but actually it is Thursday.
Usually a belief that turned out to be mistaken.
何况let alone; all the more soConjunction4
这道题连老师都不会，何况学生呢？Even the teacher can't do this question, let alone the students.
Often after 连…都 or 尚且.
做事to work; to get things doneVerb2
他做事很快。He gets things done quickly.
做菜to cook (dishes)Verb2
我爸爸做菜做得很好。My dad is a very good cook.
With a degree complement the verb is repeated: 做菜做得好.
偷to stealVerb3
我的自行车昨天被人偷了。My bike was stolen yesterday.
先生Mr; sirNoun1
张先生在吗？Is Mr Zhang in?
After the surname: 王先生, Mr Wang.
全国the whole country; nationwideNoun4
春节的时候全国都放假。The whole country has a holiday at Spring Festival.
关心to care about, be concerned aboutVerb2
奶奶很关心我的身体。Grandma cares a lot about my health.
关系relationship; connectionNoun3
我和同事的关系很好。I get on very well with my colleagues.
没关系, “never mind”, is built from the same word.
内容contentNoun3
这本杂志的内容很丰富。This magazine has a wide range of content.
再说一遍say it againPhrase1
对不起，请您再说一遍。Sorry, could you say that again, please?
农民farmer; peasantNoun4
农民们天一亮就下地干活了。The farmers go out to work in the fields as soon as it is light.
减少to decrease; to reduceVerb3
为了健康，他减少了喝酒的次数。For the sake of his health he drinks less often.
出差to go on a business tripVerb3
我下周要去上海出差。Next week I am going to Shanghai on a business trip.
差 here, “an errand”; the same character is chà in 差不多.
出现to appear; to turn upVerb3
等了半个小时，他才出现。We waited half an hour before he showed up.
别的other; anything elsePronoun1
你还要别的吗？Would you like anything else?
到处everywhereAdverb3
春天到了，公园里到处都是花。Spring has come, and there are flowers everywhere in the park.
包子steamed bun (with filling)Noun1
包子还很热，快吃吧。The buns are still hot — tuck in.
A steamed bun without a filling is 馒头.
南southPlace word2
这个房间朝南，很亮。This room faces south and is very bright.
坚持to keep at, to persistVerb3
跑步不难，难的是每天坚持。Running isn’t hard; what’s hard is keeping it up every day.
城里in town; the cityPlace word3
住在城里的人很少自己种菜。People who live in town rarely grow their own vegetables.
客气polite; courteousAdjective3
他对谁都很客气。He is polite to everyone.
别客气 means “make yourself at home” or “don't mention it”.
将will; shall; (written) marks the object, like bǎAdverb5
本次列车将于十分钟后到达终点站。This train will arrive at its final stop in ten minutes.
Also the written form of 把: 请将垃圾带走.
尝to taste; to try (food)Verb3
这个菜是我做的，你尝一下。I made this dish — have a taste.
山区mountainous areaNoun4
山区的路不好走，开车要特别小心。The roads in the mountains are difficult, so you have to drive very carefully.
年龄ageNoun3
请在这里填上你的姓名和年龄。Please fill in your name and age here.
广告advertisementNoun3
看电视剧的时候广告太多了。There are far too many adverts when you watch a TV series.
弹to play (a keyboard or string instrument)Verb4
他一边弹吉他一边唱歌。He sang while playing the guitar.
For keys and plucked strings; a violin takes 拉, a flute 吹.
当地localNoun2
我们想尝一下当地的小吃。We’d like to try the local snacks.
性格personality; characterNoun3
姐姐和我的性格很不一样。My elder sister and I have very different personalities.
感到to feelVerb2
第一天上班，我感到有点儿紧张。On my first day at work I felt a little nervous.
A little more written than 觉得.
成本cost (of producing something)Noun4
原料涨价了，工厂的成本也提高了。Raw materials have gone up in price, so the factory’s costs have risen too.
What it costs to make or provide something; the price a customer pays is 价格.
打开to open; to switch onVerb2
请打开书，看第十页。Please open your books at page ten.
技术technology; technique, skillNoun4
这家工厂用的是最新的技术。This factory uses the latest technology.
Also skill in a craft or a sport: 他的技术很好, he is very skilled.
排队to queueVerb3
办签证的人很多，我排了两个小时的队。There were lots of people getting visas — I queued for two hours.
Separable: a length of time goes between 排 and 队.
接受to acceptVerb3
他接受了我的道歉。He accepted my apology.
整天all day longTime word2
他整天玩儿手机。He plays on his phone all day long.
文件file; documentNoun3
文件我已经保存在电脑上了。I have already saved the file on the computer.
Measure word: 份 for a paper document, 个 for a computer file.
斤jin (half a kilogram)Measure word3
我买了两斤苹果。I bought two jin, a kilo, of apples.
At the market fruit, vegetables and meat are priced by the 斤.
方法method, wayNoun3
你记生词有什么好方法吗？Do you have a good way of remembering new words?
本来originally; at first; it goes without sayingAdverb4
我本来想去爬山，可是下雨了。I had meant to go hiking, but it rained.
What was planned or true before; 原来 can also say you have just found out.
机会chance; opportunityNoun2
这是一个好机会。This is a good opportunity.
机器machineNoun3
这台机器坏了，得找人来修。This machine is broken; we need to get someone in to repair it.
Measure word: 台.
根本(not) at all; simplyAdverb3
我根本不认识他。I do not know him at all.
Mostly with a negative.
段section; stretch; periodMeasure word2
这段路车很多。There is a lot of traffic on this stretch of road.
For a stretch of road, a passage of text or a while: 一段时间.
油oilNoun2
这个菜放的油太多了。Too much oil has gone into this dish.
淋to drench; to get soakedVerb3
下班时我被大雨淋湿了。On my way home from work I got soaked by the heavy rain.
游戏game; video gameNoun3
孩子们在院子里玩游戏。The children are playing games in the yard.
Also a computer game: 玩游戏.
满意satisfied; pleasedAdjective3
老板对这次的结果很满意。The boss is very pleased with the result this time.
热闹lively, bustlingAdjective2
春节的时候街上很热闹。At Spring Festival the streets are full of life.
Busy and noisy in a good way; 吵 is the unpleasant side.
电梯liftNoun3
电梯坏了，我们只好走上去。The lift is broken, so we will have to walk up.
盐saltNoun3
汤里的盐放多了。Too much salt has gone into the soup.
短short (in length)Adjective1
她的头发很短。Her hair is very short.
糖sugar; sweetsNoun2
我喝咖啡不加糖。I take my coffee without sugar.
系department (of a university)Noun3
你是哪个系的？Which department are you in?
系to tie; to fastenVerb4
你的鞋带开了，快系好。Your shoelace has come undone, tie it up.
Read jì for tying; xì in 系统.
群group (chat)Noun2
我把照片发到群里了。I’ve posted the photos in the group.
者one who; -erSuffix5
此处禁止吸烟，违者罚款。No smoking here; offenders will be fined.
As in 作者, 读者, 记者, 患者.
聪明clever; brightAdjective3
这个孩子很聪明，一学就会。This child is very bright and picks things up straight away.
肉meatNoun1
我不吃肉。I don't eat meat.
On its own, often pork.
脾气temper; temperamentNoun3
我爸爸脾气很好，从来不发火。My dad is very good-natured and never loses his temper.
发脾气 is to lose your temper.
英语English (the language)Noun1
你会说英语吗？Can you speak English?
蓝blueAdjective2
我要那件蓝的。I'll have the blue one.
行业line of business; trade; sectorNoun4
你在哪个行业工作？What line of work are you in?
行 reads háng here, as in 银行.
论文thesis; academic paperNoun4
他这个月每天都在图书馆写论文。This month he has been in the library every day writing his thesis.
Measure word: 篇.
说明to explain; to show; explanationVerb3
请你说明一下为什么要改时间。Please explain why the time has to change.
An instruction leaflet is 说明书.
货goods; stockNoun2
这种手机明天到货。This phone will be in stock tomorrow.
退休to retireVerb4
我爸爸去年退休了，现在天天钓鱼。My dad retired last year and now goes fishing every day.
邮件email; postNoun2
我每天上班先看邮件。The first thing I do at work every day is check my email.
Short for 电子邮件.
重视to attach importance to; to take seriouslyVerb4
这家公司很重视员工的意见。This company takes its staff's opinions seriously.
错误mistake; error; wrongNoun3
这篇作文里有几个小错误。There are a few small mistakes in this essay.
长城the Great WallNoun3
我第一次爬长城是十岁那年。I first climbed the Great Wall when I was ten.
风windNoun2
今天风很大。It is very windy today.
鸡蛋egg (hen's)Noun2
早饭我吃了两个鸡蛋。I had two eggs for breakfast.
上市to go public; to come onto the marketVerb5
这家公司打算明年上市。The company plans to go public next year.
Of a product it means to go on sale: 新药上市.
下降to fall; to declineVerb4
这个月的电费比上个月下降了不少。This month’s electricity bill is a good deal lower than last month’s.
下雪to snowVerb2
北京冬天常常下雪吗？Does it often snow in Beijing in winter?
不舒服unwell; not feeling wellPhrase2
我有点儿不舒服，想回家。I am not feeling very well and want to go home.
举行to hold (an event); to take placeVerb3
明天的会议在三楼举行。Tomorrow’s meeting will be held on the third floor.
Formal; for ceremonies, meetings and matches.
乘客passengerNoun3
这么晚了，公交车上的乘客不多。It is late, so there are not many passengers on the bus.
乱messy, untidyAdjective2
你的桌子怎么这么乱？Why is your desk such a mess?
互相each other; mutuallyAdverb3
同学们应该互相帮助。Classmates should help each other.
Stands before the verb; English “each other” comes after it.
代generationNoun4
这家饭馆已经传了三代。This restaurant has been handed down through three generations.
公里kilometreMeasure word3
从我家到学校有三公里。It is three kilometres from my home to the school.
The traditional 里 is half a kilometre.
凉cool; cold (to the touch)Adjective2
晚上有点儿凉，带件衣服吧。It is a bit cool in the evening. Take something warm to put on.
减肥to lose weight; to be on a dietVerb3
她在减肥，晚上不吃米饭。She's on a diet and doesn't eat rice in the evening.
分之(in fractions) parts ofNumeral3
三分之一的人没来。A third of the people did not come.
The whole comes first: 三分之二 is two thirds.
发表to publish (an article); to make (a speech)Verb4
他的第一篇论文发表在一本医学杂志上。His first paper was published in a medical journal.
变化change; to changeNoun3
这十年我的家乡变化很大。My home town has changed a lot in the last ten years.
号码number (phone, room, etc.)Noun2
这个号码我不认识，不想接。I don’t recognise this number, so I don’t want to answer.
Asked for with 多少, not 什么.
吃药to take medicineVerb2
吃药以后别喝酒。Do not drink alcohol after taking the medicine.
Medicine is "eaten", 吃, where English "takes" it.
否则otherwise; or elseConjunction4
我们得早点儿走，否则会迟到。We need to leave early, otherwise we'll be late.
More written than 不然.
哪怕even ifConjunction4
哪怕只有一点儿希望，我们也不会放弃。Even if there is only a little hope, we will not give up.
Spoken, and stronger than 即使.
地址addressNoun1
你家的地址是什么？What's your home address?
大楼large buildingNoun3
银行在那座白色的大楼里。The bank is in that big white building.
学期term; semesterNoun3
这个学期我选了五门课。This term I am taking five courses.
对方the other side; the other partyNoun4
谈判的时候要认真听对方的要求。In a negotiation you need to listen carefully to what the other side wants.
属于to belong toVerb4
这些书属于学校图书馆，不能带回家。These books belong to the school library and cannot be taken home.
岛islandNoun3
我们坐船去了一个小岛。We took a boat to a small island.
工人workerNoun3
这家工厂有五百多个工人。This factory has over five hundred workers.
市场marketNoun4
这种手机在年轻人中很有市场。This phone sells well among young people.
Both the abstract market and a real one: 菜市场, a food market.
帮忙to help, do a favourVerb2
你能帮我一个忙吗？Could you do me a favour?
Separable, with no object of its own: 帮我一个忙, never 帮忙我.
年底the end of the yearTime word3
年底公司特别忙。The company is especially busy at the end of the year.
座位seatNoun2
这个座位有人吗？Is this seat taken?
弄to do; to make; to handle (with a result)Verb4
谁把我的书弄脏了？Who got my book dirty?
A general verb whose result says what was done: 弄坏, 弄丢.
急urgent; in a hurry; impatientAdjective2
别急，慢慢说。Don’t rush — take your time and tell me.
Being worried and impatient about something is 着急.
摸to touch; to stroke; to feelVerb3
这只猫不让人摸。This cat does not let anyone stroke it.
放弃to give upVerb3
遇到困难不要马上放弃。Do not give up straight away when you hit a difficulty.
散步to go for a walkVerb2
晚饭以后我们去公园散步。After dinner we go for a walk in the park.
Separable: 散散步, to take a short stroll.
数to countVerb1
请数一下你的钱。Please count your money.
As a noun, “number”, it is read shù.
新鲜freshAdjective3
这些鱼是早上刚买的，很新鲜。This fish was only bought this morning; it is very fresh.
Also of air, and of anything new: 新鲜空气.
明显obvious; clear; noticeableAdjective4
她最近明显瘦了。She has clearly lost weight recently.
星期一MondayTime word1
星期一我很忙。I'm busy on Monday.
曾经once; at one time (in the past)Adverb4
我曾经在上海住过两年。I once lived in Shanghai for two years.
Usually with 过 after the verb.
有用usefulAdjective2
这本词典对我很有用。This dictionary is very useful to me.
期间during; periodNoun4
放假期间图书馆不开门。The library is closed during the holidays.
杂志magazineNoun3
我在机场买了一本旅游杂志。I bought a travel magazine at the airport.
Measure word: 本.
果然as expected; sure enoughAdverb4
天气预报说有雨，下午果然下雨了。The forecast said rain, and sure enough it rained in the afternoon.
河边riverside, by the riverPlace word2
河边有很多人在钓鱼。Lots of people are fishing by the river.
流to flowVerb3
这条河从西往东流。This river flows from west to east.
游客tourist; visitorNoun3
节假日的时候这里游客特别多。On public holidays this place is packed with tourists.
湿wetAdjective3
地很湿，走路小心点儿。The ground is wet, so watch your step.
照顾to look after; to take care ofVerb4
我出差的时候，奶奶帮我照顾孩子。When I'm away on business, Grandma looks after the children for me.
煮to boil; to cook in waterVerb3
鸡蛋要煮十分钟。The eggs need to boil for ten minutes.
班长class monitorNoun2
大家选他当班长。Everyone elected him class monitor.
长 is zhǎng here, the head of something.
看来it seems; it looks as ifAdverb3
他还没回消息，看来今天不会来了。He still has not replied; it looks as if he will not come today.
A conclusion drawn from what you can see.
眼镜glasses; spectaclesNoun2
我看书的时候要戴眼镜。I need glasses to read.
Not to be confused with 眼睛, eye.
空emptyAdjective2
冰箱里是空的。The fridge is empty.
kōng “empty”; kòng “free time”, as in 有空.
空气airNoun3
雨后的空气特别新鲜。The air is especially fresh after rain.
窄narrowAdjective3
这条胡同太窄了，只能骑自行车。This alley is too narrow; you can only get down it by bike.
签证visaNoun2
去中国需要签证吗？Do you need a visa to go to China?
To apply for one: 办签证.
算to calculate; to work outVerb3
你帮我算一下一共多少钱。Could you work out for me how much it comes to altogether?
组织to organise; organisationVerb3
这次旅行是班长组织的。This trip was organised by the class monitor.
经验experienceNoun3
我们想找一个有经验的会计。We are looking for an experienced accountant.
Experience gained; something you lived through is 经历.
老年人elderly peopleNoun4
公交车上有给老年人的座位。There are seats for the elderly on buses.
股票share; stockNoun4
他买的股票这个月涨了不少。The shares he bought have gone up quite a bit this month.
能力ability; capabilityNoun4
她的工作能力很强。She is very capable at her work.
自然natural; naturallyAdjective3
她说汉语说得很自然。She speaks Chinese very naturally.
For nature as a noun, people more often say 大自然.
蔬菜vegetablesNoun2
多吃蔬菜对身体好。Eating plenty of vegetables is good for you.
装修to do up; to renovateVerb3
新房子还在装修，我们先住在父母家。The new flat is still being done up, so for now we are staying with my parents.
裙子skirt; dressNoun2
夏天她最喜欢穿裙子。In summer she likes wearing skirts best.
Measure word: 条.
裤子trousersNoun2
这条裤子有点儿长，能改短一点儿吗？These trousers are a bit long; can they be taken up?
Measure word: 条; one pair of trousers is one 条.
西瓜watermelonNoun1
我买了一个大西瓜。I bought a big watermelon.
认为to think; to consider; to hold (a view)Verb3
我认为他说得对。I think he is right.
A considered view; 觉得 is lighter. 为 is read wéi here.
调查to investigate, to survey; surveyVerb4
我们调查了两百名大学生的睡眠习惯。We surveyed two hundred university students about their sleeping habits.
调 is diào here; in 空调 it is tiáo.
责任responsibilityNoun4
照顾好宠物是主人的责任。Looking after a pet properly is the owner’s responsibility.
贴to stick; to paste upVerb3
他把通知贴在门上了。He has stuck the notice on the door.
资金funds; money (for a purpose)Noun5
因为缺少资金，这个计划只好暂停。For lack of funds the plan has had to be put on hold.
赶to rush (to catch)Verb4
我们打车去机场，还来得及赶飞机。If we take a taxi to the airport, we can still make the flight.
起飞to take offVerb3
飞机马上就要起飞了，请关掉手机。The plane is about to take off; please switch off your phones.
趟measure word for trips (there and back)Measure word2
下午我要去一趟银行。This afternoon I need to pop to the bank.
Counts a trip somewhere and back; it follows the verb and can stand before or after the place: 去银行一趟.
足球footballNoun2
我弟弟每天放学以后都去踢足球。My younger brother goes to play football every day after school.
You kick it: 踢足球, never 打.
软件software; appNoun3
这个软件可以帮你学汉字。This app can help you learn Chinese characters.
过to cross; to go pastVerb2
过了桥就是火车站。The railway station is just over the bridge.
进步progress; to make progressNoun3
科学的进步改变了人们的生活。Scientific progress has changed people’s lives.
通知to notify; noticeVerb3
学校通知我们明天不上课。The school has told us there are no classes tomorrow.
销售to sell; salesVerb4
她在一家汽车公司做销售。She works in sales at a car company.
长期long-term; over a long periodAdjective4
长期熬夜对身体很不好。Staying up late over a long period is very bad for your health.
阿姨aunt; (to a child) any woman of the parents' ageNoun1
这位阿姨是我妈妈的朋友。This lady is my mum's friend.
Strictly your mother's sister; also a home help or cleaner.
院子yard; courtyardNoun1
孩子们在院子里玩儿。The children are playing in the yard.
随时at any timeAdverb2
有问题可以随时问我。If you have any questions, you can ask me any time.
集episode (measure word)Measure word3
我昨天一口气看了五集。Yesterday I watched five episodes in one go.
面条noodlesNoun1
中午我吃了一碗面条。I had a bowl of noodles at lunchtime.
页pageMeasure word1
请看第十页。Please look at page ten.
顿measure word for mealsMeasure word2
我一天吃三顿饭。I eat three meals a day.
Also for a telling-off: 骂了一顿.
骑车to cycle; to ride a bikeVerb2
我每天骑车上学。I cycle to school every day.
麻烦troublesome; to troubleAdjective2
办签证很麻烦。Getting a visa is a lot of hassle.
Also a polite request: 麻烦你了, sorry to trouble you.
一下子all at once, suddenlyAdverb2
天一下子黑了。All of a sudden it got dark.
一旦once; as soon as (something happens)Conjunction4
一旦发生火灾，要马上离开大楼。If a fire ever breaks out, leave the building at once.
万一in case; if by any chanceConjunction3
带把雨伞吧，万一下雨呢？Take an umbrella, in case it rains.
For something unlikely and unwelcome.
下课to finish class; class is overVerb1
下课以后我去吃饭。After class I am going to get something to eat.
下面under; belowPlace word1
猫在床下面。The cat is under the bed.
不好意思sorry; excuse me; to feel embarrassedPhrase3
不好意思，让你等了这么久。Sorry to have kept you waiting so long.
Lighter than 对不起; also used to get attention or to say one feels shy.
不得不to have no choice but toAdverb4
路上堵车，我不得不走路去上班。The roads were jammed, so I had no choice but to walk to work.
不满dissatisfied; discontentAdjective3
顾客对这家店的服务很不满。Customers are very unhappy with the service in this shop.
Also a noun: 表示不满, to express dissatisfaction.
中间in the middle; betweenPlace word1
桌子在房间中间。The table is in the middle of the room.
举办to organise; to host (an event)Verb3
我们学校每年都举办一次音乐节。Our school holds a music festival every year.
Stresses who puts the event on; 举行 stresses that it takes place, and can have the event itself as subject.
书店bookshopNoun1
书店里有很多中文书。The bookshop has lots of Chinese books.
买房to buy a homeVerb4
很多年轻人为了买房拼命存钱。Many young people save as hard as they can to buy a home.
事故accidentNoun4
这起事故中没有人受伤。No one was injured in the accident.
Measure word for an incident: 起.
今晚tonightTime word1
今晚你想吃什么？What would you like to eat tonight?
体育sport; PENoun2
星期三下午有体育课。We have PE on Wednesday afternoon.
作家writerNoun4
这位作家每天早上写三个小时。This writer writes for three hours every morning.
信息informationNoun4
网上的信息太多了，不一定都可靠。There is so much information online, and not all of it is reliable.
修改to revise; to amendVerb3
这篇文章我又修改了两遍。I have revised this article twice more.
倍times; -foldMeasure word3
这家店的价格是那家的两倍。Prices in this shop are twice those in that one.
免得so as not to; lestConjunction4
出门前看一下天气，免得被雨淋。Check the weather before you go out so you don't get caught in the rain.
Spoken; the written form is 以免.
刀knifeNoun3
这把刀很快，你用的时候小心点儿。This knife is very sharp, so be careful when you use it.
Measure word: 把. A sharp knife is 快, “fast”.
刷to brush; to scrubVerb2
我用旧牙刷刷鞋。I scrub my shoes with an old toothbrush.
劝to urge; to try to persuadeVerb4
朋友们都劝他少喝点儿酒。His friends all urged him to drink less.
劝 is trying; 说服 is succeeding.
区districtNoun3
他家和公司不在一个区。His home and his office are in different districts.
半夜midnight; the middle of the nightTime word2
他常常半夜才睡觉。He often doesn’t go to bed until the middle of the night.
受伤to be injuredVerb4
他在地震中受伤了，幸好伤得不重。He was injured in the earthquake, but luckily not badly.
Separable: 受了伤.
口语spoken language; speaking (skill)Noun3
我的口语还可以，写字就差多了。My spoken Chinese is all right, but my writing is much worse.
古老ancient, age-oldAdjective4
这条古老的街已经有几百年了。This old street has been here for several hundred years.
各国every country; countries everywhereNoun4
各国运动员都来参加这次比赛。Athletes from every country are coming to take part in this competition.
合适suitable; the right (size, time)Adjective3
这双鞋大小正合适。These shoes are exactly the right size.
An adjective; the verb “to suit” is 适合.
商场shopping centre; department storeNoun2
周末商场里人特别多。The shopping centre is very crowded at weekends.
商量to talk over; to consultVerb3
这件事我得跟家里人商量一下。I need to talk this over with my family.
回国to go back to one’s own countryVerb2
他下个月回国。He’s going back to his country next month.
圆roundAdjective3
今天晚上的月亮又大又圆。The moon is big and round tonight.
地球the EarthNoun3
我们只有一个地球。We only have one Earth.
垃圾rubbishNoun2
晚上我去楼下倒垃圾。In the evening I take the rubbish downstairs.
Taking it out is 倒垃圾, literally “pour out the rubbish”.
复习to revise, reviewVerb2
考试以前我复习了三天。I revised for three days before the exam.
外地elsewhere (another part of the country)Noun3
他是外地人，来这儿工作才一年。He's not from here — he came to work here only a year ago.
Another part of the same country; abroad is 国外.
大人adult; grown-upNoun1
大人和孩子都可以来。Adults and children are both welcome.
大学生university studentNoun1
我哥哥是大学生。My older brother is a university student.
天气预报weather forecastNoun3
天气预报说明天有雨。The weather forecast says it will rain tomorrow.
女朋友girlfriendNoun2
我想给女朋友买一件生日礼物。I want to buy my girlfriend a birthday present.
A female friend who is not a partner is simply 朋友.
好好properly; thoroughly; wellAdverb3
考试前一天晚上要好好休息。The night before an exam you should rest properly.
存to deposit; to keepVerb3
我每个月存一千块钱。I put a thousand yuan aside every month.
Also for leaving things in safe keeping: 存行李, to leave luggage.
对面opposite; across the roadPlace word1
银行在医院对面。The bank is opposite the hospital.
尽管even though; althoughConjunction4
尽管很累，她还是把工作做完了。Although she was very tired, she still finished the work.
Unlike 即使, what follows 尽管 is a fact.
师傅driver; master (polite address)Noun1
师傅，去火车站。To the railway station, please.
How a taxi driver, a cook or a repairman is addressed.
广场square; plazaNoun3
晚上很多老人在广场上跳舞。In the evenings lots of older people dance in the square.
律师lawyerNoun3
她哥哥是律师，工作很忙。Her elder brother is a lawyer and is very busy at work.
想法idea; thoughtNoun3
你有什么想法，都可以告诉我。Whatever thoughts you have, you can tell me.
感兴趣to be interested (in)Phrase3
我对中国历史很感兴趣。I am very interested in Chinese history.
What you are interested in comes first, with 对.
或者orConjunction3
你可以坐地铁或者打车去。You can go by underground or by taxi.
In statements; in a question offering a choice, “or” is 还是.
扔to throw; to throw awayVerb2
别把纸扔在地上。Don’t throw paper on the floor.
找工作to look for a jobPhrase2
我哥哥正在找工作。My brother is looking for a job.
护士nurseNoun3
护士每两个小时来看一次病人。The nurse comes to check on the patients every two hours.
推迟to postpone, to put offVerb4
因为下大雪，我们把旅行推迟到下个月了。Because of the heavy snow, we put the trip off until next month.
提醒to remindVerb4
明天早上请提醒我带护照。Please remind me to take my passport tomorrow morning.
摆to place; to set out; to arrangeVerb4
她把花摆在窗户旁边。She put the flowers by the window.
摔to fall; to drop (and break)Verb4
我不小心把手机摔坏了。I accidentally dropped my phone and broke it.
支measure word for pens and other thin, straight thingsMeasure word2
你能借我一支笔吗？Could you lend me a pen?
放心to stop worrying; to feel reassuredVerb3
到了给我打个电话，我才能放心。Give me a call when you arrive — only then can I stop worrying.
你放心吧 is the usual “don't worry, leave it to me”.
方式way; manner; modeNoun4
每个人都有自己的学习方式。Everyone has their own way of learning.
无论no matter (what, how, who)Conjunction4
无论多忙，他每天都给父母打电话。No matter how busy he is, he phones his parents every day.
Followed by a question word or a choice, and paired with 都.
早餐breakfastNoun2
早餐在一楼，七点开始。Breakfast is on the ground floor and starts at seven.
More formal than 早饭: on menus and in hotels.
星期五FridayTime word1
今天是星期五，太好了！It's Friday today — great!
暑假summer holidaysNoun3
这个暑假你有什么打算？What are your plans for this summer holiday?
暖和warm; pleasantly warmAdjective2
今天比较暖和。It is fairly warm today.
The second syllable is neutral in speech: nuǎnhuo.
月亮the moonNoun2
今天晚上的月亮又圆又亮。The moon tonight is full and bright.
有时候sometimesAdverb2
有时候我走路上班，有时候骑车。Sometimes I walk to work, sometimes I cycle.
材料documents (for a task); materialNoun3
开会以前请大家先看一下这些材料。Before the meeting, please read through these documents.
The papers for a meeting or an application, and also raw material.
条件condition; requirement; circumstancesNoun4
他答应了，但是有一个条件。He agreed, but on one condition.
极了extremely (after an adjective)Phrase2
这里的风景美极了！The scenery here is absolutely beautiful!
Comes after the adjective, not before it.
架measure word for aircraft and pianosMeasure word2
我看见一架飞机飞过去了。I saw a plane fly past.
楼上upstairsPlace word1
我住在楼上。I live upstairs.
每次every timeTime word3
每次见到他，他都在看手机。Every time I see him, he’s looking at his phone.
气温air temperatureNoun3
今天的最高气温是三十度。The highest temperature today is thirty degrees.
The temperature of the air outside; 温度 is any temperature.
没想到didn’t expect; unexpectedlyPhrase3
真没想到会在这儿遇到你！I never expected to run into you here!
沿海coastal (areas); along the coastNoun4
沿海城市的经济一般比较发达。Coastal cities generally have more developed economies.
洗手to wash one’s handsVerb2
吃饭以前要洗手。You should wash your hands before eating.
演出performance; show; to performNoun3
今天晚上的演出七点半开始。Tonight’s performance starts at half past seven.
演员actor; actress; performerNoun3
这个演员演得非常自然。This actor’s performance is very natural.
Used for men and women alike.
火灾fire (as a disaster)Noun4
这场火灾是一个烟头引起的。The fire was started by a cigarette end.
熟cooked; done; ripeAdjective3
肉还没熟，再等五分钟。The meat isn’t done yet — wait another five minutes.
Often said shóu in everyday speech.
熬夜to stay up lateVerb4
别总是熬夜玩手机，对身体不好。Don’t keep staying up late on your phone — it’s bad for you.
生产to produce; productionVerb4
这家工厂主要生产自行车。This factory mainly produces bicycles.
生意business; tradeNoun3
最近饭馆的生意怎么样？How has business been at the restaurant lately?
做生意: to do business, to run a business.
电electricityNoun2
这台旧冰箱很费电。This old fridge uses a lot of electricity.
A power cut is 停电.
病人patient; sick personNoun2
医院里病人很多。There are a lot of patients in the hospital.
瘦thin; slimAdjective1
你瘦了！You've lost weight!
白天daytime; during the dayTime word3
白天我上班，晚上上汉语课。I work during the day and have Chinese classes in the evening.
盖to build (a house)Verb4
爷爷年轻的时候自己盖了这座房子。Grandpa built this house himself when he was young.
Colloquial; also “to cover”, as with a lid.
相信to believe; to trustVerb2
我相信你能做好。I believe you can do it well.
相机cameraNoun2
我的相机是新买的。I have only just bought my camera.
Read xiàng; in 相信 it is xiāng.
着火to catch fire; to be on fireVerb4
楼下着火了，快跑！There’s a fire downstairs — run!
着 is read zháo here, as in 睡着.
睡着to fall asleepVerb2
我看着书就睡着了。I fell asleep while I was reading.
着 is zháo here, a result; the 着 earlier in the sentence means “while”.
破broken; torn, worn outAdjective2
我的衣服破了一个洞。There’s a hole in my shirt.
竟然unexpectedly; to one's surpriseAdverb4
这么简单的题，他竟然做错了。He actually got such an easy question wrong.
筷子chopsticksNoun2
他用筷子用得很好。He is very good with chopsticks.
Measure word: 双 for a pair.
管to be in charge of; to look afterVerb2
办公室的电脑都是小王管。Xiao Wang looks after all the computers in the office.
系统systemNoun3
公司的系统出了问题，大家都不能工作。Something went wrong with the company system, and nobody could work.
耐心patience; patientNoun3
教小孩子需要很多耐心。Teaching small children takes a lot of patience.
Also an adjective: 他很耐心, he is patient.
腰waist; lower backNoun2
我坐得太久了，腰有点儿疼。I have been sitting too long, and my lower back aches a bit.
航空aviation, air (travel)Noun4
这家航空公司的服务很好。This airline has very good service.
花钱to spend moneyVerb3
她花钱很小心。She is careful with money.
草grassNoun2
羊在河边吃草。The sheep are grazing by the river.
营业to be open for businessVerb2
今天商店正常营业。The shops are open as usual today.
The word on doors and signs: 营业时间, opening hours.
要是ifConjunction2
要是你累了，就早点儿睡。If you’re tired, go to bed early.
More spoken than 如果.
订to book, reserve; to orderVerb2
我已经订好酒店了。I’ve already booked the hotel.
词wordNoun1
这个词是什么意思？What does this word mean?
A word may have one character or several: 书 is one word, and so is 图书馆.
诗poem, poetryNoun4
他给女朋友写了一首诗。He wrote a poem for his girlfriend.
Measure word: 首.
误会to misunderstand; misunderstandingVerb4
你误会了，我不是这个意思。You've misunderstood; that's not what I meant.
说法way of putting it; version (of events); claimNoun3
关于这件事，网上有很多不同的说法。There are many different versions of this story online.
贸易tradeNoun4
两国之间的贸易越来越多。Trade between the two countries keeps growing.
车站station; stopNoun1
车站人太多了。The station is far too crowded.
轻light (in weight)Adjective1
这个箱子很轻。This suitcase is very light.
辛苦hard; tiring; toilsomeAdjective3
你每天这么早起床，太辛苦了。You get up so early every day — it must be exhausting.
辛苦了 is also a way of thanking someone for their effort.
辞职to resign; to quit (a job)Verb3
她辞职以后开了一家咖啡馆。After resigning she opened a café.
进口to import; importsVerb4
这种水果是从南美进口的。This kind of fruit is imported from South America.
选择to choose; choiceVerb3
这两份工作都不错，我不知道该选择哪个。Both jobs are good; I do not know which one to choose.
郊区suburbs; outskirtsNoun4
他们搬到了郊区，房子大了，上班却远了。They moved out to the suburbs: the house is bigger, but work is further away.
重新again; anew; from scratchAdverb3
这篇作文写得不好，我想重新写。This essay is not good; I want to write it again from scratch.
Starting over; a simple repeat is 再.
锅pot; pan; wokNoun3
锅里的水开了。The water in the pot is boiling.
Measure word: 口. Also a measure word itself: 一锅汤, a pot of soup.
饮食diet, food and drinkNoun4
医生让他注意饮食，少吃肉。The doctor told him to watch his diet and eat less meat.
黄yellowAdjective2
秋天树叶都黄了。In autumn the leaves all turn yellow.
黑板blackboardNoun2
老师在黑板上写了几个字。The teacher wrote a few characters on the blackboard.
龙dragonNoun3
孩子们在纸上画了一条龙。The children have drawn a dragon on the paper.
Measure word: 条.
一时for the moment; temporarilyAdverb4
他的名字我一时想不起来了。For the moment I can’t recall his name.
一杯水a glass of waterPhrase1
请给我一杯水。A glass of water, please.
上on; on top ofPlace word1
你的手机在床上。Your phone is on the bed.
After the noun, where it is usually said toneless, shang.
上台to come to power; to go on stageVerb4
新政府上台以后改了不少规定。After the new government took office, it changed quite a few rules.
Literally “to go up onto the stage”, and still used in that sense.
专业subject (of a degree); major; professionalNoun3
你在大学学的是什么专业？What did you study at university?
中学secondary schoolNoun3
我和他是中学同学。He and I were at secondary school together.
主动on one’s own initiative, proactiveAdjective4
遇到问题他总是主动去解决。When a problem comes up, he always deals with it on his own initiative.
书法calligraphyNoun4
写好书法要有很大的耐心。Good calligraphy takes great patience.
云cloudNoun2
天上一朵云也没有。There is not a single cloud in the sky.
Measure word: 朵.
交流to communicate; to exchange (ideas)Verb3
我想多跟中国人交流，练习口语。I want to talk with Chinese people more to practise speaking.
亲自in person; personallyAdverb3
这件事很重要，我得亲自去一趟。This matters a lot; I need to go in person.
付款to payVerb4
请在三十分钟内付款，不然订单会被取消。Please pay within thirty minutes, or the order will be cancelled.
代表to represent; representativeVerb4
他代表全班同学向老师表示感谢。He thanked the teacher on behalf of the whole class.
以上above; over; or morePlace word3
十八岁以上的人才能报名。Only people aged eighteen or over can sign up.
以免so as to avoid; lestConjunction5
出门前检查一下门窗，以免发生意外。Check the doors and windows before you go out, to avoid accidents.
伤口wound; cutNoun3
伤口还没好，不要碰水。The cut hasn't healed yet, so don't get it wet.
作者authorNoun4
这本书的作者下周来我们学校。The author of this book is coming to our school next week.
你好helloPhrase1
你好，我是李华。Hello, I'm Li Hua.
Spoken níhǎo: two third tones in a row.
儿童childrenNoun4
这个公园里有一个儿童游乐场。There is a children’s playground in this park.
More formal than 孩子; common on signs and in names.
全家the whole familyNoun1
我们全家都喜欢吃饺子。Our whole family loves dumplings.
关注to pay close attention to, to followVerb4
很多人都在关注这件事的结果。Many people are following how this turns out.
再见goodbyePhrase1
大家再见！Goodbye, everyone!
冠军champion; first placeNoun4
她十八岁就拿到了全国冠军。She won the national championship at eighteen.
冰iceNoun2
冬天湖上有冰。In winter there is ice on the lake.
Also iced: 冰水, iced water.
几位how many (people, polite)Phrase1
请问，几位？How many of you, please?
What a waiter asks at the door of a restaurant.
出口exitNoun1
出口在左边。The exit is on the left.
出口to export; exportsVerb4
这家工厂生产的自行车大部分出口到国外。Most of the bicycles this factory makes are exported.
On a sign it is the exit: 出口, Way Out.
刻quarter of an hourMeasure word1
我们九点一刻见。Let's meet at a quarter past nine.
A quarter to is 差一刻: 差一刻十点.
剩to be left overVerb3
菜点得太多，剩了不少。We ordered too much, and quite a lot was left over.
包括to includeVerb4
房租包括水费和电费。The rent includes water and electricity.
北northPlace word2
出了地铁站往北走。When you come out of the underground station, head north.
Chinese names the compass points in the order 东南西北, east, south, west, north.
卧室bedroomNoun1
我家有两个卧室。Our flat has two bedrooms.
危险dangerous; dangerAdjective3
在河边玩很危险，快回来！It is dangerous to play by the river — come back at once!
发货to dispatch, send out (goods)Verb5
商家说今天下午发货。The seller says the goods will be sent out this afternoon.
取to take out; to collectVerb3
我去楼下取个快递。I'm popping downstairs to collect a parcel.
古城ancient city, old townNoun4
晚上的古城比白天更安静。The old town is quieter at night than during the day.
右rightPlace word2
请靠右走。Please keep to the right.
司机driverNoun3
出租车司机对这一带很熟。The taxi driver knows this area well.
听懂to understand (what is heard)Verb3
老师说得太快，我没听懂。The teacher spoke too fast and I did not understand.
喂hello (on the phone)Exclamation1
喂，你在哪儿？Hello? Where are you?
On the phone often said wéi.
因此therefore; for this reasonConjunction4
他每天练习，因此进步很快。He practises every day, and so he is making quick progress.
地图mapNoun2
我们在地图上找不到这条街。We can't find this street on the map.
Measure word: 张.
复杂complicated; complexAdjective3
这个问题比我想的复杂得多。This problem is much more complicated than I thought.
天黑to get dark (in the evening)Verb2
冬天五点就天黑了。In winter it is already dark by five.
夫妻husband and wife; married coupleNoun4
这对夫妻结婚三十年了，从来没吵过架。This couple have been married for thirty years and have never had a row.
失业to lose one's job; to be unemployedVerb4
工厂关门以后，他失业了半年。After the factory closed he was out of work for six months.
奇怪strange; oddAdjective3
真奇怪，他今天怎么没来？How strange — why has he not come today?
好像to seem, look as ifAdverb2
外面好像下雨了。It seems to be raining outside.
学费tuition feesNoun3
这所大学的学费不算贵。The fees at this university are not really high.
Measure word for schools and universities: 所.
宁可would ratherConjunction4
我宁可多花点儿钱，也不想住那么远。I'd rather spend a bit more than live so far away.
宁 reads nìng here; usually 宁可…也不.
客厅living roomNoun1
客厅很大，也很亮。The living room is big and bright.
家长parent (of a pupil); head of the familyNoun4
明天下午学校开家长会。There is a parents' meeting at the school tomorrow afternoon.
The word schools use for parents.
对了oh, by the way; oh, rightPhrase2
对了，你上次说的那本书我买到了。Oh, by the way, I managed to get that book you mentioned last time.
对手opponentNoun3
这次的对手很强，我们得小心。The opponents are strong this time; we have to be careful.
尊重to respectVerb3
我们应该尊重别人的选择。We should respect other people's choices.
小吃snack; street foodNoun3
这条街有很多有名的小吃。This street has lots of famous street food.
Small dishes sold at stalls and in snack bars rather than a full meal.
小声quietly; in a low voiceAdverb3
孩子在睡觉，我们小声点儿。The child is asleep; let’s keep our voices down.
小学primary schoolNoun3
我妹妹今年上小学三年级。My younger sister is in the third year of primary school this year.
屏幕screenNoun3
手机屏幕太小，看电影不舒服。A phone screen is too small to watch films on comfortably.
工程project; works; engineeringNoun4
这个工程要到明年才能完成。The project will not be finished until next year.
平flat; level; evenAdjective3
这条路不平，骑车要小心。This road is uneven; take care when you cycle.
平时usually; on an ordinary dayTime word3
我平时七点起床，周末睡到九点。I usually get up at seven, and at weekends I sleep till nine.
幸福happy (deeply, lastingly); happinessAdjective2
他们一家人生活得很幸福。Their family lives a happy life.
Lasting happiness with one’s life, not a passing mood.
开心happy, having funAdjective2
今天玩儿得真开心！We had a really great time today!
弯to bendVerb3
把腿弯一下，再慢慢站起来。Bend your legs, then slowly stand up.
怎么说how do you sayPhrase1
这个用汉语怎么说？How do you say this in Chinese?
总之in short; in a wordConjunction3
房子小，离公司也远，总之我不太满意。The flat is small and far from work; in short, I am not very happy with it.
感谢to thank; thanksVerb2
非常感谢你的帮助。Thank you very much for your help.
More formal than 谢谢.
房价house prices; property pricesNoun4
这几年大城市的房价涨得很快。House prices in the big cities have risen fast in the last few years.
手表wristwatchNoun2
你的手表真好看。Your watch is really nice.
打破to break (a record); to smashVerb4
她打破了自己保持了三年的纪录。She broke the record she had held for three years.
承认to admit; to acknowledgeVerb4
他终于承认是自己错了。He finally admitted that he was the one who was wrong.
报社newspaper officeNoun4
她大学毕业后在一家报社工作。After university she worked at a newspaper.
拐to turn (a corner)Verb2
在红绿灯那儿往右拐。Turn right at the traffic lights.
指to point (at)Verb3
他指着地图告诉我怎么走。Pointing at the map, he showed me which way to go.
挡to block; to shield; to be in the wayVerb4
前面的人太高，挡住了我的视线。The person in front is too tall and blocks my view.
挺quite, prettyAdverb2
这家饭馆挺好的。This restaurant is pretty good.
Spoken; often with 的 at the end.
推荐to recommendVerb3
你能给我推荐几个好玩儿的地方吗？Can you recommend a few fun places to go?
教授professorNoun3
王教授下个学期教我们历史。Professor Wang is teaching us history next term.
Like other titles, it follows the surname.
无to have no; withoutVerb5
商品如无质量问题，一律不退不换。Unless faulty, goods cannot be returned or exchanged.
Written for 没有; 无法, unable to.
星星starNoun3
城市里晚上很难看到星星。In the city it is hard to see the stars at night.
Measure word: 颗.
星期天SundayTime word1
星期天我在家休息。On Sundays I rest at home.
The everyday word; 星期日 is the written one.
暗dark; dimAdjective3
房间里太暗了，开个灯吧。It is too dark in the room; let’s put a light on.
Not enough light; the dark of night is 黑.
未not yet; not (literary)Adverb5
事故原因目前尚未查明。The cause of the accident has not yet been established.
Written for 没有; 尚未, not yet.
未必not necessarilyAdverb5
贵的东西未必就好，便宜的也未必差。Expensive things aren't necessarily good, and cheap ones aren't necessarily bad.
未来the future; comingNoun3
未来几天会一直下雨。It will keep raining for the next few days.
More written than 将来, and it can stand before a noun: the coming days, years.
权利right (legal or moral)Noun4
每个孩子都有受教育的权利。Every child has the right to an education.
Sounds the same as 权力, power.
校长head teacher, headmasterNoun2
校长明天要来我们班。The head teacher is coming to our class tomorrow.
毛mao, a tenth of a kuai (in speech)Measure word1
一个包子五毛钱。A steamed bun is five mao.
Written 角.
污染pollution; to polluteNoun3
工厂搬走以后，河里的污染少多了。Since the factory moved away, the river is much less polluted.
沙发sofaNoun1
我们坐在沙发上聊天。We sit on the sofa and chat.
没事it's nothing; I'm finePhrase1
我没事，你别担心。I'm fine, don't worry.
Casual; also the answer to “are you all right?”.
没电(of a battery) to be flatPhrase2
我的手机快没电了。My phone is almost out of battery.
没问题no problemPhrase1
没问题，我明天去。No problem, I'll go tomorrow.
治to treat; to cureVerb3
别担心，这种病能治好。Don't worry — this illness can be cured.
滑slipperyAdjective2
下雪以后路很滑，走慢点儿。After snow the roads are slippery, so walk slowly.
熟悉familiar; to know wellAdjective3
我们在一起工作了十年，互相很熟悉。We have worked together for ten years and know each other very well.
Also for places: 熟悉环境, to get to know one's surroundings.
牙疼to have toothacheVerb3
他牙疼得吃不下饭。His toothache is so bad he can't eat.
电视剧TV series; TV dramaNoun3
这部电视剧一共有四十集。This series has forty episodes in all.
Measure word: 部.
男maleAdjective1
我们的老师是男的。Our teacher is a man.
Only before a noun or with 的: 男老师, a male teacher.
画画儿to draw; to paintVerb2
我女儿特别喜欢画画儿。My daughter loves drawing.
留学to study abroadVerb3
她打算明年去日本留学。She plans to study in Japan next year.
直straightAdjective3
请把线画得直一点儿。Please draw the line a bit straighter.
Also “straight on”: 直走.
直播live broadcast; live streamNoun4
今晚的比赛有网上直播。Tonight's match is being streamed live online.
Also a verb, to stream live.
省钱to save money (by spending less)Verb3
自己做饭比去饭馆吃省钱。Cooking for yourself is cheaper than eating out.
矛盾friction; contradictionNoun3
他们兄弟俩之间有点儿矛盾。There is a bit of friction between the two brothers.
Also an adjective: 我心里很矛盾, I am torn.
知识knowledgeNoun3
这本书让我学到了很多新知识。This book taught me a lot of new things.
碰to touch; to bump intoVerb2
别碰这个，很热！Don’t touch that, it’s hot!
Meeting by chance: 碰到, to run into.
空调air conditionerNoun2
太热了，开空调吧。It's too hot — let's put the air conditioning on.
Here 调 is tiáo, not diào; the unit also heats in winter.
窗口service window; counterNoun4
请拿着号到三号窗口。Please take your number to window three.
A window in a wall is 窗户.
答案answer (to a question, an exercise or a test)Noun2
答案在书的后面。The answers are at the back of the book.
简直simply; practically (exaggerating)Adverb5
这道题简直太难了，全班只有一个人做对了。This question was simply too hard: only one person in the whole class got it right.
Exaggerates; often with 太…了 or 像.
细节detailNoun4
计划的细节我们明天再谈。We will discuss the details of the plan tomorrow.
继续to continue; to go onVerb3
休息十分钟，然后我们继续。Let’s take a ten-minute break and then carry on.
翻to turn overVerb3
鱼煎好一面以后，再翻过来。Once one side of the fish is done, turn it over.
翻译to translate; translator; interpreterVerb3
你能帮我把这句话翻译成英文吗？Could you translate this sentence into English for me?
Also the person: 他是翻译, “he is an interpreter”.
老城old town; old cityNoun3
老城的路又窄又弯。The streets in the old town are narrow and winding.
聊天to chatVerb2
昨天我和朋友聊天聊了两个小时。Yesterday I chatted with a friend for two hours.
Separable: 聊了一会儿天, chatted for a while.
职位post; positionNoun4
她申请了一个销售经理的职位。She applied for a sales manager position.
聚会party; get-togetherNoun2
星期六我们有个聚会，你来吗？We are having a get-together on Saturday. Are you coming?
艺术artNoun4
对我来说，做菜也是一种艺术。For me, cooking is an art too.
节目programme; show; item (on a bill)Noun3
这个节目每个星期六晚上八点开始。This programme starts at eight every Saturday evening.
行李luggageNoun2
你带了几件行李？How many pieces of luggage have you brought?
Measure word: 件.
表演to perform; to put on (a show)Verb3
孩子们在新年晚会上表演了一个节目。The children put on a performance at the New Year party.
表现to express; to show; performanceVerb4
这幅画表现了农民丰收时的喜悦。This painting expresses the joy of farmers at harvest time.
As a noun, how someone does: 他在比赛中表现很好.
表示to show; to express; to indicateVerb3
他点了点头，表示同意。He nodded to show he agreed.
表达to expressVerb3
我不知道怎么用中文表达这个意思。I do not know how to express this in Chinese.
袋bag; sack (of)Measure word2
超市里一袋米多少钱？How much is a bag of rice at the supermarket?
观众audience; spectatorsNoun4
比赛结束后，观众都站起来鼓掌。When the match ended, the spectators all stood up and applauded.
订单order (for goods)Noun4
这个月的订单比上个月多了一倍。This month’s orders are double last month’s.
记录to take notes; written recordVerb4
开会的时候请你把大家的意见记录下来。During the meeting, please write down what everyone says.
The minutes of a meeting are 会议记录.
设计to design; designVerb3
她自己设计了新家的厨房。She designed the kitchen of her new home herself.
证件identity document; papersNoun4
坐火车的时候要带好证件。Make sure you have your ID with you when you take the train.
超过to exceed; to be more thanVerb3
今天的气温超过了三十五度。Today the temperature went above thirty-five degrees.
躺to lie (down)Verb3
我头疼，想躺一会儿。I have a headache and want to lie down for a while.
运动员athleteNoun4
这位运动员每天训练六个小时。This athlete trains six hours a day.
道歉to apologiseVerb3
你应该跟她道歉。You ought to apologise to her.
The person comes first: 跟…道歉 or 向…道歉.
邮局post officeNoun3
我要去邮局给家里寄点儿东西。I need to go to the post office to send some things home.
钱包wallet; purseNoun1
我的钱包在哪儿？Where's my wallet?
镇town; small townNoun3
他在一个小镇上长大。He grew up in a small town.
阳光sunshine; sunlightNoun3
今天阳光很好，我们去公园坐一会儿吧。The sun is lovely today; let’s go and sit in the park for a while.
降低to lower; to reduceVerb3
这家店降低了价格，顾客多了不少。This shop has lowered its prices and gained quite a few customers.
The opposite of 提高.
雾fog; mistNoun3
早上的雾很大，开车要特别小心。The fog this morning is thick, so drive especially carefully.
Fog is "big", not thick: 雾很大.
面对to face; to confrontVerb4
遇到困难的时候，要勇敢地面对。When you meet difficulties, face them bravely.
风险riskNoun4
股票的收益可能很高，但风险也大。Shares can bring high returns, but the risk is high too.
骂to scold; to swear atVerb4
他迟到了，被老板骂了一顿。He was late and got a telling-off from the boss.
Much stronger than 批评; also to curse.
高铁high-speed railNoun4
坐高铁从北京到上海只要几个小时。By high-speed train, Beijing to Shanghai takes only a few hours.
鸡chicken (the bird)Noun2
我奶奶家养了很多鸡。My grandma keeps a lot of chickens.
Measure word: 只. On a menu 鸡 alone often means the meat.
鼓掌to applaudVerb3
表演结束后，大家都站起来鼓掌。When the performance ended, everyone stood up and applauded.
鼻子noseNoun2
我感冒了，鼻子不通气。I have a cold, and my nose is blocked.
一件事a matter; somethingPhrase1
我想问你一件事。There is something I want to ask you.
一杯咖啡a cup of coffeePhrase1
我要一杯咖啡。I would like a coffee.
一杯茶a cup of teaPhrase1
我们去喝一杯茶吧。Let's go and have a cup of tea.
一模一样exactly alikeIdiom4
这对双胞胎长得一模一样。These twins look exactly alike.
模 is mú here, a mould; mó in 模式.
一辈子all one’s life; a lifetimeNoun3
我爷爷一辈子都住在这个村子里。My grandfather lived in this village all his life.
上下班to travel to and from workVerb2
他骑自行车上下班。He cycles to and from work.
上网to go online, use the internetVerb2
这儿可以上网吗？Can I get online here?
上车to get on; to get in (a vehicle)Verb2
请大家快上车。Everyone, please get on quickly.
上面on top; abovePlace word1
你的杯子在桌子上面。Your cup is on the table.
不断continuously; again and againAdverb4
我们的生活水平在不断提高。Our standard of living keeps rising.
严格strictAdjective3
我妈妈对我要求很严格。My mum is very strict with me.
中国菜Chinese foodNoun1
你会做中国菜吗？Can you cook Chinese food?
丰富rich; abundant; variedAdjective4
这位老师的经验非常丰富。This teacher has a wealth of experience.
义务duty; obligationNoun4
遵守法律是每个公民的义务。Obeying the law is every citizen’s duty.
交通规则traffic rules; the highway codeNoun3
孩子从小就应该学交通规则。Children should learn the traffic rules from an early age.
人类humankindNoun4
人类对大海的了解还很少。Humankind still knows very little about the sea.
付钱to payVerb2
我去那边付钱。I will go and pay over there.
任务task; assignmentNoun3
这个任务必须在星期五以前完成。This task has to be finished before Friday.
企业enterprise; company; businessNoun4
这家企业有两千多名员工。This company has over two thousand employees.
More formal than 公司.
体育馆sports hall; gymnasiumNoun3
学校新建了一个体育馆。The school has built a new sports hall.
信任to trust; trustVerb4
他骗过我一次，我再也不信任他了。He lied to me once, and I have never trusted him since.
信心confidenceNoun3
我对这次考试很有信心。I feel confident about this exam.
Usually with 有 or 没有.
借钱to borrow or lend moneyVerb3
我不喜欢跟朋友借钱。I don't like borrowing money from friends.
From someone is 跟…借钱; to someone, 借钱给….
假期holiday, vacationNoun2
这次假期你去哪儿玩儿？Where are you going this holiday?
假 is jià here; jiǎ means “false”.
做生意to do business; to be in businessPhrase2
他爸爸在上海做生意。His father is in business in Shanghai.
兄弟姐妹brothers and sisters; siblingsNoun1
你有兄弟姐妹吗？Do you have any brothers or sisters?
充分full; ample; thoroughAdjective4
考试前他做了充分的准备。He prepared thoroughly before the exam.
全部all; the wholeNoun3
他把钱全部花完了。He has spent all his money.
公开public, open; to make publicAdjective4
会议的内容还没有公开。What was said at the meeting has not been made public yet.
公民citizenNoun4
投票是公民的权利。Voting is a citizen’s right.
关键key; crucial pointNoun3
学语言的关键是每天练习。The key to learning a language is practising every day.
冷静calm; level-headedAdjective3
遇到问题的时候，要先冷静下来。When you run into a problem, calm down first.
准时punctual, on timeAdjective2
火车准时出发了。The train left on time.
几岁how old (of a child)Phrase1
你女儿几岁了？How old is your daughter?
For children; an adult is asked 多大.
判决verdict; judgmentNoun5
法院将在下个星期作出判决。The court will deliver its verdict next week.
利率interest rateNoun5
利率提高以后，贷款买房的人少了。Since interest rates went up, fewer people are taking out loans to buy homes.
剩下to be left over; to remainVerb3
蛋糕只剩下一小块了。There is only one small piece of cake left.
剪to cut (with scissors)Verb4
我想把头发剪短一点儿。I'd like to have my hair cut a bit shorter.
Scissors are 剪刀.
副deputy; vice-Prefix4
她是我们公司的副总经理。She is our company’s deputy managing director.
Stands before a title: 副校长, deputy head teacher.
升职to be promotedVerb4
他工作三年就升职了。He was promoted after only three years.
卡cardNoun1
我没带卡。I haven't brought my card.
Measure word: 张.
原谅to forgiveVerb3
对不起，请原谅我。I'm sorry, please forgive me.
及格to pass (a test)Verb2
我数学考试及格了！I passed my maths exam!
反正anyway; in any caseAdverb4
你别着急，反正还有时间。Don't worry, there's still time anyway.
叔叔uncle; (to a child) any man of the parents' ageNoun1
叔叔，您好！Hello, uncle!
Strictly your father's younger brother.
口袋pocket; bagNoun3
钥匙在我大衣的口袋里。The keys are in my coat pocket.
吵架to quarrel; to have a rowVerb3
他们昨天因为钱吵了一架。Yesterday they had a row about money.
吵醒to wake (sb.) with noiseVerb4
外面的声音把孩子吵醒了。The noise outside woke the child.
咳嗽to coughVerb3
他咳嗽了一个晚上。He was coughing all night.
哪里哪里not at all (a modest reply to praise)Phrase3
你的汉语说得真好！——哪里哪里，还差得远呢。Your Chinese is really good! — Oh, not at all, I’ve still got a long way to go.
Accepting praise with “thank you” is fine too, but this is the traditional modest answer.
土soil; earth; dustNoun3
这里的土很适合种花。The soil here is good for growing flowers.
土地land; soilNoun4
这里的土地很肥，种什么都长得好。The land here is fertile; whatever you plant grows well.
均all; without exceptionAdverb5
以上价格均包括早餐。All the prices above include breakfast.
Written for 都.
坐车to go by bus or car; to take a vehicleVerb2
我每天坐车上班。I take the bus to work every day.
Anything you ride in as a passenger takes 坐: 坐飞机, to fly.
垃圾分类sorting rubbishPhrase4
我们小区从上个月开始实行垃圾分类。Our estate started sorting its rubbish last month.
培训to train; trainingVerb4
新员工上班以前要先培训一个星期。New staff are trained for a week before they start work.
填表to fill in a formVerb4
先填表，再去那边排队。Fill in the form first, then go and queue over there.
增加to increase; to addVerb3
这个月的工作增加了不少。There has been quite a lot more work this month.
增长to grow; to increase; growthVerb4
今年公司的收入增长了百分之十。This year the company’s income grew by ten per cent.
声音sound; voiceNoun3
请把电视的声音关小一点儿。Please turn the TV down a bit.
备份to back up; backupVerb5
换手机之前，别忘了备份通讯录。Before you change phones, don't forget to back up your contacts.
外卖takeaway; food deliveryNoun3
今天下雨，我不想出门，就点了外卖。It was raining today and I didn’t want to go out, so I ordered a takeaway.
外地人person from elsewhere; non-localNoun4
这个城市有很多外地人来打工。Many people from other places come to this city to work.
多数majorityNoun4
这个方案得到了多数议员的支持。The proposal won the support of a majority of members.
Its opposite is 少数, minority.
大风strong wind; galeNoun2
今天有大风，骑车要小心。There is a strong wind today, so take care on your bike.
天空the skyNoun3
秋天的天空又高又蓝。The autumn sky is high and blue.
Descriptive; in everyday speech the sky is simply 天.
太好了great!; wonderful!Phrase2
明天不用上班？太好了！No work tomorrow? Great!
夸to praise (colloquial)Verb4
大家都夸这孩子懂事。Everyone praises this child for being so sensible.
The everyday word; 表扬 comes from above, 夸 from anyone.
好喝nice to drinkAdjective1
这杯果汁不好喝。This juice doesn't taste nice.
好处advantage; benefitNoun3
每天走路对身体有很多好处。Walking every day is good for your health in many ways.
好多了much betterPhrase2
吃了药，我好多了。I have taken the medicine and feel much better.
好笑funny, laughableAdjective2
这有什么好笑的？What’s so funny about that?
婚礼weddingNoun4
他们的婚礼在海边举行。Their wedding is being held by the sea.
Measure word: 场.
存在to existVerb4
这个计划还存在一些问题。There are still some problems with this plan.
季节seasonNoun2
你喜欢哪个季节？Which season do you like?
实在really; trulyAdverb3
今天实在太累了，我不想出去。I really am too tired today; I do not want to go out.
实现to realise; to achieve (a goal, a dream)Verb4
她努力了十年，实现了成为医生的梦想。After ten years of hard work she realised her dream of becoming a doctor.
实验experimentNoun4
我们做了三次实验，结果都一样。We did the experiment three times, and the result was the same every time.
An experiment is done with 做.
家具furnitureNoun3
我们买了一些新家具。We have bought some new furniture.
Measure word: 件 for one piece.
宽wide; broadAdjective3
新修的马路又宽又直。The newly built road is wide and straight.
小偷thief; pickpocketNoun3
车上人多，小心小偷。The bus is crowded — watch out for pickpockets.
尚still; yet (literary)Adverb5
这项技术尚在试验阶段。This technology is still at the testing stage.
Written for 还.
展览exhibition; to exhibitNoun4
美术馆这个月有一个很好的展览。There is a very good exhibition at the art gallery this month.
山顶mountaintop; summitNoun3
爬了三个小时，我们终于到了山顶。After three hours of climbing we finally reached the top.
工业industry (manufacturing)Noun4
这座城市过去以工业为主。This city used to be mainly industrial.
工程师engineerNoun3
他大学毕业以后当了工程师。After graduating from university he became an engineer.
左边the left; on the leftPlace word2
银行在超市左边。The bank is to the left of the supermarket.
The landmark comes first: 超市左边, left of the supermarket.
市长mayorNoun5
新市长上任后先去看了几个老小区。After taking office, the new mayor first went to see several old housing estates.
帽子hat; capNoun2
外面太阳很大，戴上帽子吧。The sun is strong outside. Put a hat on.
开放to be open (to the public)Verb3
这个公园晚上也开放。This park is open in the evenings too.
For sites and facilities; a shop opening for the day is 开门.
当时at that time; thenTime word3
当时我太紧张了，什么都忘了。At the time I was so nervous that I forgot everything.
往往often; tend toAdverb3
周末的时候，这条路往往很堵。At weekends this road tends to be jammed.
What tends to happen as a rule; for a plan or a wish use 常常.
态度attitude; mannerNoun3
他学习的态度很认真。He has a very serious attitude to his studies.
思想thought; ideas; ideologyNoun4
这本书介绍了古代中国的主要思想。This book introduces the main schools of thought of ancient China.
A body of ideas; a single idea you have is 想法.
怪to blameVerb4
这不能怪他，是我没说清楚。You can't blame him for this; I didn't explain it clearly.
恐怕I am afraid that; probablyAdverb3
这么晚了，商店恐怕已经关门了。It is so late; I am afraid the shops will already be closed.
A guess about something unwelcome, not fear itself.
您好hello (polite)Phrase1
王先生，您好！Hello, Mr Wang!
To a teacher, an older person or a customer.
感情feelings; affection; bondNoun3
他们俩的感情一直很好。The two of them have always been very close.
房东landlord; landladyNoun3
房东人很好，东西坏了马上来修。The landlord is very nice; when something breaks, he comes and fixes it straight away.
打字to typeVerb2
她用手机打字很快。She types very fast on her phone.
打工to work a (temporary or part-time) jobVerb3
暑假我在一家咖啡馆打工。During the summer holidays I worked in a café.
Also used for leaving home to work in a city.
抓to catch; to arrest; to grabVerb4
那个小偷第二天就被抓住了。The thief was caught the very next day.
投资to invest; investmentVerb4
他用自己存的钱投资了朋友的饭馆。He invested his savings in a friend’s restaurant.
报名to sign up; to enrolVerb3
想参加比赛的同学请在星期五以前报名。Students who want to enter the competition should sign up before Friday.
抱怨to complain; to grumbleVerb4
他总是抱怨工作太累、工资太低。He is always complaining that the work is too hard and the pay too low.
拉to pullVerb2
这扇门要拉，不是推。This door is a pull, not a push.
拖to put off; to dragVerb4
这件事不能再拖了，今天就办。This can't be put off any longer; let's deal with it today.
Also literally to drag: 拖地, to mop the floor.
招聘to recruit; to advertise a jobVerb3
我们公司正在招聘会说英语的员工。Our company is recruiting staff who speak English.
The employer 招聘; the applicant 应聘.
挤crowdedAdjective2
早上的地铁特别挤。The underground is really crowded in the mornings.
换句话说in other wordsPhrase3
他没说不行，换句话说，他同意了。He did not say no; in other words, he agreed.
排放to discharge; to emit; emissionsVerb5
新规定要求工厂减少废气排放。New rules require factories to cut their emissions.
接着next; then; following thatConjunction3
她先洗了澡，接着又洗了衣服。She had a shower first, and then did the washing.
控制to controlVerb4
他很难控制自己的脾气。He finds it hard to control his temper.
提出to put forward; to raiseVerb3
会上她提出了一个很好的办法。At the meeting she put forward a very good solution.
提前to do in advance; earlyVerb2
飞机提前二十分钟到了。The plane arrived twenty minutes early.
搬家to move houseVerb3
我们下个月搬家。We are moving house next month.
Separable: 搬过三次家, have moved three times.
摔倒to fall overVerb3
路很滑，我差点儿摔倒。The road was slippery, and I nearly fell over.
撞to hit; to crash intoVerb3
一辆车撞在了树上。A car crashed into a tree.
擦to wipe; to polishVerb2
请你擦一下桌子。Please give the table a wipe.
Also for windows: 擦窗户, to clean the windows.
效果effect; resultNoun4
这种学习方法效果很好。This way of studying works very well.
教练coachNoun4
教练让我们比赛前早点儿睡觉。The coach told us to go to bed early before the match.
教 has the fourth tone here, as in 教室.
数据dataNoun4
这些数据是从哪儿来的？Where does this data come from?
文字writing; script; written charactersNoun4
汉字是世界上使用时间最长的文字之一。Chinese characters are one of the longest-used writing systems in the world.
A writing system or written text; a single character is a 字.
日子day, date; days, lifeNoun2
结婚的日子定了吗？Have you set the date for the wedding?
时期period (of time)Noun4
那是我一生中最困难的时期。That was the hardest period of my life.
显示to show; to displayVerb4
屏幕显示电池快没电了。The screen shows that the battery is nearly flat.
普通人ordinary personNoun4
他虽然很有名，可是生活跟普通人一样。Although he is famous, he lives like an ordinary person.
普遍common; widespread; generalAdjective4
在大城市，用手机付钱已经很普遍了。In big cities, paying by phone has become very common.
景点sight; tourist attractionNoun3
这个城市有很多有名的景点。This city has many famous sights.
朝南to face southVerb3
我们的卧室朝南，阳光很好。Our bedroom faces south and gets lots of sun.
朝 means to face; a south-facing home is valued for its winter sun.
本子notebook; exercise bookNoun1
你的本子在桌子上。Your notebook is on the table.
来得及there is still timePhrase4
电影七点半才开始，现在走还来得及。The film doesn’t start until half past seven; if we leave now we can still make it.
果汁fruit juiceNoun1
我不喝酒，我喝果汁。I don't drink alcohol — I'll have juice.
棵measure word for trees and plantsMeasure word2
院子里有一棵大树。There is a big tree in the courtyard.
植物plantNoun3
我的办公室里有很多植物。There are lots of plants in my office.
歌手singerNoun3
她的梦想是当歌手。Her dream is to become a singer.
正常normalAdjective3
医生说检查结果都正常。The doctor said all the test results were normal.
气候climateNoun3
我还不太习惯这里的气候。I am still not really used to the climate here.
The weather over years; the weather of today is 天气.
治疗to treat (medically); treatmentVerb4
经过一个月的治疗，他的病好多了。After a month of treatment, he is much better.
洗澡to have a shower; to have a bathVerb2
我是晚上洗澡，不是早上。I shower in the evening, not in the morning.
Separable: 洗个澡, to have a quick shower.
洗碗to wash the dishes; to wash upVerb2
吃完饭以后，爸爸洗碗。After the meal, Dad does the washing-up.
Literally “wash bowls”, but it covers plates and chopsticks too.
流利fluentAdjective3
她在中国住了五年，中文说得很流利。She lived in China for five years and speaks fluent Chinese.
浪费to waste; wastefulVerb3
用一次就扔掉，太浪费了。Using something once and throwing it away is so wasteful.
消费to consume; to spend; consumptionVerb4
年轻人在旅游上的消费越来越多。Young people are spending more and more on travel.
温暖warm; mildAdjective3
南方的冬天比较温暖。Winters in the south are fairly mild.
More written than 暖和, and also used of a welcome or a feeling.
港口port, harbourNoun5
这里的港口很大，每天都有很多船进出。The port here is very large, and many ships come and go every day.
火车票train ticketNoun2
春节前火车票很难买。Train tickets are hard to get before Spring Festival.
灾区disaster areaNoun4
很多人给灾区送去了衣服和食物。Many people sent clothes and food to the disaster area.
炒to stir-fryVerb3
妈妈在厨房炒菜。Mum is in the kitchen, cooking.
The basic Chinese way of cooking; 炒菜 often just means “to cook”.
炒饭fried riceNoun1
这家饭馆的炒饭很有名。This restaurant is known for its fried rice.
烧to cook; to braise; to heat (water)Verb3
你先烧点儿水，我来泡茶。You boil some water first, and I’ll make the tea.
Also “to burn”; 红烧 is braising in soy sauce.
照常as usualAdverb5
春节期间超市照常营业。The supermarket is open as usual over the Spring Festival.
熬to endure; to stay up; to simmerVerb5
为了赶报告，他熬了一个通宵。He stayed up all night to get the report finished.
Also to simmer (熬粥) and to get through hard times.
牛cow; cattle; oxNoun3
奶奶家以前养过一头牛。My grandmother’s family once kept a cow.
Measure word: 头.
特点characteristic; featureNoun3
说话直是他最大的特点。Saying exactly what he thinks is his most typical trait.
猜to guessVerb2
你猜我今天见到谁了？Guess who I saw today!
王朝dynasty; ruling houseNoun5
这个王朝延续了将近三百年。This dynasty lasted nearly three hundred years.
The ruling house; the period it ruled is a 朝代.
玩具toyNoun2
孩子的玩具太多了。The child has far too many toys.
球队team (in a ball game)Noun3
他从小就喜欢这支球队。He has supported this team since he was little.
Measure word: 支.
电影院cinemaNoun1
电影院在几楼？Which floor is the cinema on?
电费electricity billNoun4
夏天把空调温度调高一点儿，电费就会少一些。If you set the air conditioning a little higher in summer, your electricity bill will be lower.
目前at present; currentlyTime word3
目前这个问题还没有好办法。At present there is still no good solution to this problem.
省得to save (the trouble of); so as to avoidConjunction4
你直接告诉他吧，省得他再来问。Just tell him directly; that will save him coming back to ask.
Colloquial.
看病to see a doctor; to treat a patientVerb2
我下午去医院看病。I am going to the hospital this afternoon to see a doctor.
Said of the patient and of the doctor alike.
短信text messageNoun2
他很少发短信，喜欢打电话。He rarely sends texts; he prefers to call.
Measure word: 条.
矮short (in height); lowAdjective1
我比我妹妹矮。I'm shorter than my younger sister.
Short in length is 短.
硬hard, stiffAdjective2
这张床太硬了，我睡不好。This bed is too hard — I can’t sleep well.
科学家scientistNoun4
这位科学家一辈子都在研究海洋。This scientist has spent her whole life studying the oceans.
稳定stable; steadyAdjective4
他想找一份收入稳定的工作。He wants to find a job with a steady income.
等于to equal; to be the same asVerb3
一公斤等于两斤。One kilogram equals two jin.
篮球basketballNoun2
他个子高，篮球打得很好。He is tall and plays basketball very well.
精彩brilliant; wonderful (to watch or hear)Adjective3
演出非常精彩，观众一直在鼓掌。The show was brilliant, and the audience kept applauding.
约to arrange to meet; to make a dateVerb2
我约了朋友明天去看电影。I have arranged to go to the cinema with a friend tomorrow.
网站websiteNoun2
这个网站很有用。This website is very useful.
美食good food; delicaciesNoun4
我每到一个新城市，一定要去找当地的美食。Whenever I arrive in a new city, I go looking for the local food.
脏dirtyAdjective2
你的手太脏了，快去洗手。Your hands are filthy — go and wash them.
草原grassland; steppeNoun3
我们在草原上骑了一下午的马。We spent the whole afternoon riding horses on the grassland.
葡萄grapeNoun1
这些葡萄很好吃。These grapes are delicious.
西装suit (Western-style)Noun2
面试的时候最好穿西装。It is best to wear a suit to an interview.
Measure word: 套.
要不how about; otherwiseConjunction3
今天太晚了，要不你就住在这儿吧。It is too late today — how about you stay here?
Spoken; also 要不然.
证明to prove; to show; proofVerb4
事实证明他的判断是对的。The facts proved his judgement right.
As a noun also a certificate: 工作证明.
词典dictionaryNoun1
这本词典很好。This dictionary is very good.
读者readerNoun4
很多读者给报社写信提意见。Many readers wrote to the paper with comments.
购物to shop; shoppingVerb2
她很喜欢购物。She loves shopping.
More formal than 买东西, and the word on signs.
贷款loan; mortgageNoun4
他们还要还二十年的贷款。They still have twenty years of their mortgage to pay off.
Also a verb, to take out a loan; note 还 “still” and 还 “to pay back” in the example.
路口junction; crossingNoun3
我在路口等你。I will wait for you at the junction.
运动会sports meeting; sports day; gamesNoun4
学校每年秋天开一次运动会。The school holds a sports day every autumn.
造成to cause (usually something bad)Verb4
这场大雪造成了严重的交通问题。The heavy snow caused serious traffic problems.
邀请to invite; invitationVerb3
谢谢你邀请我参加你的生日晚会。Thank you for inviting me to your birthday party.
醋vinegarNoun3
吃饺子的时候我喜欢蘸点儿醋。I like to dip my dumplings in a little vinegar.
吃醋, “to eat vinegar”, also means to be jealous.
里面insidePlace word1
里面有人吗？Is anybody in there?
钓鱼to fish; to go fishingVerb2
爷爷周末常常去河边钓鱼。Grandpa often goes fishing by the river at weekends.
银行卡bank cardNoun3
我的银行卡丢了，得马上给银行打电话。I've lost my bank card — I need to ring the bank straight away.
Measure word: 张.
锻炼to exercise; to work outVerb3
医生说我应该多锻炼身体。The doctor said I should get more exercise.
阅读to read; readingVerb4
阅读是他最大的爱好。Reading is his favourite pastime.
The written, more formal word; in conversation 看书.
阳台balconyNoun3
我们在阳台上种了一些花。We have planted some flowers on the balcony.
阴overcast; cloudyAdjective2
今天有点儿阴，你带伞吧。It is a bit overcast today, so take an umbrella.
陌生人strangerNoun3
小孩子不要跟陌生人走。Small children should never go off with strangers.
陪to accompany; to keep (sb.) companyVerb4
周末我要陪奶奶去医院。At the weekend I am going with my grandmother to the hospital.
难过sad, upsetAdjective2
听到这个消息，我很难过。I was very sad to hear the news.
非not; non-Adverb5
非工作人员请勿入内。Staff only: no entry for others.
Also in 非…不可, must absolutely.
顺利smooth; without a hitchAdjective3
今天的面试很顺利。Today’s interview went smoothly.
As a wish: 一切顺利, “all the best”.
预算budgetNoun4
买车的预算是十万块。The budget for the car is a hundred thousand yuan.
餐厅restaurant; dining roomNoun1
酒店的餐厅在一楼。The hotel restaurant is on the ground floor.
饮料drink; beverageNoun1
你要什么饮料？What would you like to drink?
香fragrant; smelling good; tastyAdjective2
厨房里什么这么香？What smells so good in the kitchen?
香蕉bananaNoun1
我早上吃了一根香蕉。I had a banana this morning.
Measure word: 根, for long thin things.
马虎careless; sloppyAdjective3
你太马虎了，又把名字写错了。You're so careless — you've written the name wrong again.
马路road; streetNoun2
过马路的时候要小心。Be careful when you cross the road.
一个问题a questionPhrase1
我可以问一个问题吗？May I ask a question?
一年四季all year roundIdiom3
这里一年四季都有新鲜的水果。There is fresh fruit here all year round.
一张床a bedPhrase1
这个房间只有一张床。This room has only one bed.
一张桌子a tablePhrase1
房间里有一张桌子。There is a table in the room.
一张照片a photoPhrase1
我给你看一张照片。Let me show you a photo.
一张票a ticketPhrase1
我买了一张票。I bought a ticket.
一张纸a sheet of paperPhrase1
你有一张纸吗？Have you got a sheet of paper?
一月JanuaryTime word1
北京一月很冷。Beijing is very cold in January.
The months are numbered, 一月 to 十二月; 一 keeps its own tone here.
一概without exception; totallyAdverb5
对他的私事，我一概不问。I never ask anything at all about his private affairs.
Mostly before a negative; 一律 is for a rule that applies to everyone.
上升to rise; to go upVerb4
最近城市里的房租不断上升。Rents in the city have been rising steadily.
不停nonstop; without stoppingAdverb3
她一晚上都在不停地咳嗽。She was coughing nonstop all night.
不在乎not to care; not to mindVerb4
别人怎么说，她一点儿也不在乎。She doesn’t care at all what other people say.
不见得not necessarily; not likelyPhrase3
人多的饭馆不见得好吃。A busy restaurant is not necessarily a good one.
Spoken; a mild way of disagreeing.
中学生secondary school pupilNoun1
我妹妹是中学生。My younger sister is at secondary school.
中秋节the Mid-Autumn FestivalNoun3
中秋节的月亮最圆。The moon is at its fullest at the Mid-Autumn Festival.
临时temporary; at short noticeAdjective4
他找了一份临时工作。He found a temporary job.
主任head; director (of an office or department)Noun2
有问题可以找李主任。If there is a problem, you can go to Director Li.
主意idea; plan; decisionNoun3
周末去海边？这是个好主意！The seaside at the weekend? That is a good idea!
Also “mind”: 改主意, to change your mind.
主播streamer; presenterNoun4
这位主播每天晚上八点开始直播。This streamer goes live at eight every evening.
举to hold up; to raiseVerb3
他举着一个牌子在出口等我。He was waiting for me at the exit, holding up a sign.
乐器musical instrumentNoun4
你会什么乐器？Which instruments can you play?
事实factNoun3
事实和他说的不一样。The facts are not as he told them.
亏to lose money; to make a lossVerb4
这次生意他亏了不少钱。He lost quite a lot of money on this deal.
京剧Beijing operaNoun4
我爷爷每个周末都去剧院看京剧。Every weekend my grandfather goes to the theatre to see Beijing opera.
人民the peopleNoun3
这条法律保护人民的利益。This law protects the interests of the people.
Collective, the people of a country; also in 人民币, the currency.
会议室meeting roomNoun3
会议室在三楼电梯旁边。The meeting room is on the third floor next to the lift.
会谈talksNoun5
会谈结束后，两位部长一起见了记者。After the talks the two ministers met the press together.
住房housingNoun4
年轻人在大城市最头疼的就是住房问题。For young people in big cities, housing is the biggest headache.
Housing as a need or a policy area; a single flat is a 房子.
住院to be in hospitalVerb3
她住了一个星期的院。She was in hospital for a week.
体温body temperatureNoun3
他的体温是三十八度。His temperature is thirty-eight degrees.
体育课PE lessonNoun3
今天的体育课我们跑了八百米。In PE today we ran eight hundred metres.
体重body weightNoun4
这半年我的体重一直没变。My weight hasn’t changed at all in the last six months.
何what; which; why (literary)Question word5
请问您有何贵干？May I ask what brings you here?
Written for 什么; as in 如何, 为何, 何时.
作品work (of art or literature)Noun4
展览里有很多学生的作品。The exhibition has a lot of work by students.
保存to save; to keepVerb3
写完以后别忘了保存。When you finish writing, do not forget to save.
修建to build (roads, bridges, buildings)Verb4
这条公路是去年修建的。This road was built last year.
值钱valuable; worth a lotAdjective4
这个旧花瓶看起来很普通，其实很值钱。This old vase looks ordinary, but it’s actually worth a lot.
偏偏as luck would have it; (stubbornly) just, contrary to what is expectedAdverb5
我今天没带伞，偏偏下起雨来了。I didn't bring an umbrella today, and of course it started to rain.
Also of a person doing exactly what they were told not to: 他偏偏不听.
停电to have a power cutVerb3
昨天晚上停电了，我们点了蜡烛。There was a power cut last night, so we lit candles.
停车to park; to stop (a vehicle)Verb3
学校门口不让停车。Parking is not allowed outside the school gate.
停车场car parkNoun3
商场下面有一个大停车场。There is a big car park under the shopping centre.
健身to keep fit; to work out (at a gym)Verb3
他每个星期去健身房健身三次。He goes to the gym to work out three times a week.
The gym is 健身房.
儒家Confucianism; the Confucian schoolNoun5
儒家思想非常重视家庭和教育。Confucian thought places great weight on family and education.
兔子rabbit; hareNoun3
她养了两只白兔子。She keeps two white rabbits.
公共publicAdjective4
在公共场所不能抽烟。Smoking is not allowed in public places.
公布to make public (results, figures, names)Verb4
考试成绩下周一公布。The exam results will be published next Monday.
公斤kilogramMeasure word3
这个箱子有二十公斤重。This box weighs twenty kilos.
公路road, highwayNoun4
这条公路连接两个省。This highway links two provinces.
共同common; shared; togetherAdjective3
我们俩有很多共同的爱好。The two of us have a lot of hobbies in common.
Shared by both; 相同 means merely alike.
兴趣interestNoun2
我对中国菜很感兴趣。I’m very interested in Chinese food.
Interested in something: 对 … 感兴趣.
具体concrete; specificAdjective4
你能说得具体一点儿吗？Could you be a little more specific?
农田farmland; fieldsNoun5
公路两边都是一片片的农田。On both sides of the road there is field after field of farmland.
决赛finalNoun4
决赛在星期天晚上举行。The final takes place on Sunday evening.
冻to freeze; to be frozenVerb3
我在外面等了半个小时，手都冻红了。I waited outside for half an hour, and my hands went red with the cold.
准确accurate; exactAdjective3
天气预报不一定准确。The weather forecast is not always accurate.
几号what datePhrase1
你几号回来？What date are you coming back?
出生to be bornVerb4
我出生在一个小城市。I was born in a small town.
分析to analyse; analysisVerb4
我们还需要时间分析这些数据。We still need time to analyse this data.
判to sentence; to judgeVerb4
他因为偷车被判了一年。He was sentenced to a year for stealing a car.
Also simply “to judge, to decide”, as in 判断.
利息interest (money earned or paid)Noun4
钱存在银行里，每年都有一点儿利息。If you keep money in the bank, you get a little interest every year.
The money itself; the rate is 利率.
利用to make use of; to take advantage ofVerb3
我利用坐地铁的时间背生词。I use my time on the underground to learn new words by heart.
Can also mean to use a person unfairly.
到达to arriveVerb2
飞机下午三点到达上海。The plane arrives in Shanghai at three in the afternoon.
More formal than 到: on boards and in announcements.
剧院theatreNoun4
剧院里坐满了观众。The theatre was packed.
办理to handle; to process; to go through (formalities)Verb4
在哪个窗口办理银行卡？Which counter do I go to to get a bank card?
The formal partner of 办, found on signs and in notices.
功能function, featureNoun4
这个软件的功能很多，可是我只用两个。This app has lots of features, but I only use two of them.
加油come on; keep goingPhrase1
加油，你一定行！Come on — you can do it!
Literally “add oil”; said to anybody making an effort.
动物园zooNoun1
孩子们想去动物园看熊猫。The children want to go to the zoo to see the pandas.
勿do not (in notices)Adverb5
请勿在车内饮食。Please do not eat or drink on board.
Written for 别 and 不要, almost always after 请.
千万by all means; whatever you do (don't)Adverb4
开车的时候千万别看手机。Whatever you do, don't look at your phone while driving.
An urgent piece of advice, most often with 别 or 不要.
单位unit; workplaceNoun3
公里和米都是长度单位。Kilometres and metres are both units of length.
Also a workplace, especially a public one: 你在哪个单位工作？
卖完to be sold outVerb2
对不起，这种已经卖完了。Sorry, this kind is sold out.
博士doctorate; doctor (PhD)Noun4
王老师是物理博士，不是医生。Teacher Wang is a doctor of physics, not a medical doctor.
卡车truck, lorryNoun4
一辆大卡车停在门口，挡住了路。A big truck was parked at the entrance, blocking the way.
卡 is a sound loan from English “car”.
卫生hygiene; cleanlinessNoun2
明天有客人来，今天要打扫卫生。We have guests coming tomorrow, so today we need to do the cleaning.
打扫卫生 is the everyday way to say “do the cleaning”.
印象impressionNoun4
你对北京的第一印象怎么样？What was your first impression of Beijing?
厉害impressive; severeAdjective2
她会说五种语言，真厉害！She speaks five languages — that’s impressive!
Also for something bad that is strong: 疼得很厉害, it hurts badly.
厕所toiletNoun1
这儿有厕所吗？Is there a toilet here?
The plain word; 洗手间 is more polite.
厚thickAdjective2
冬天要穿厚衣服。In winter you need to wear thick clothes.
原子atomNoun5
一切物质都是由原子构成的。All matter is made up of atoms.
及时timely; promptlyAdjective4
这条消息来得很及时。This news came just at the right time.
双胞胎twinsNoun4
这对双胞胎长得一模一样。These twins look exactly alike.
反映to reflect; to report (a problem to sb.)Verb4
这部电影反映了普通人的生活。This film reflects the lives of ordinary people.
Not to be confused with 反应, a reaction — same sound.
发工资to pay wages; to get paidPhrase2
我们公司每个月十号发工资。Our company pays wages on the tenth of every month.
发明to invent; inventionVerb4
你知道是谁发明了电话吗？Do you know who invented the telephone?
Inventing makes something new; finding what was already there is 发现.
发票official receipt, invoiceNoun4
买电脑的时候记得要发票。Remember to ask for an official receipt when you buy a computer.
An official tax receipt, needed for expenses and guarantees; a till receipt is 小票.
发音pronunciation; to pronounceNoun3
老师说我的发音进步了很多。The teacher said my pronunciation has improved a lot.
取得to obtain; to achieve (results)Verb4
她在比赛中取得了好成绩。She did well in the competition.
受不了can’t stand; can’t bearPhrase4
这么吵，我实在受不了了。It’s so noisy — I really can’t stand it any more.
变成to turn into; to becomeVerb3
几年不见，那个小女孩变成了大姑娘。After a few years apart, that little girl had become a young woman.
口气tone; manner of speakingNoun4
听他的口气，好像不太高兴。Judging by his tone, he doesn't sound very happy.
Close to 语气, more about the attitude behind the words.
口罩face maskNoun2
感冒了就戴口罩吧。If you have a cold, wear a mask.
句子sentenceNoun1
这个句子我不懂。I don't understand this sentence.
另another; separatelyPronoun5
这件事我们另找时间再谈。Let's find another time to talk about this.
As in 另外, 另一个.
可爱cute; lovelyAdjective1
这只小狗真可爱！What a cute little dog!
可靠reliableAdjective4
把这件事交给她吧，她很可靠。Leave this to her — she is very reliable.
叶子leafNoun3
秋天树上的叶子变黄了。In autumn the leaves on the trees turn yellow.
Measure word: 片.
吉他guitarNoun2
他在学弹吉他。He is learning to play the guitar.
Instruments that are plucked or pressed are played with 弹.
听不懂cannot understand (what is heard)Phrase1
您说得太快，我听不懂。You are speaking too fast; I cannot follow.
The opposite is 听得懂, can follow.
吸引to attract; to drawVerb3
我被他的幽默吸引了。I was drawn to his sense of humour.
味道taste; flavour; smellNoun3
这个汤的味道有点儿特别。This soup has a rather unusual taste.
咬to biteVerb2
别怕，这只狗不咬人。Don’t worry, this dog doesn’t bite.
唯一only; soleAdjective3
他是我们班唯一会说日语的人。He is the only person in our class who can speak Japanese.
商业commerce; business; commercialNoun4
这条街是城里最热闹的商业街。This is the busiest shopping street in town.
商家seller, merchantNoun4
我给商家发了消息，他们还没回。I sent the seller a message, but they haven’t replied yet.
回复to reply; replyVerb2
老师还没回复我。The teacher hasn’t replied to me yet.
国际internationalAdjective4
这个城市每年都举办国际电影节。This city holds an international film festival every year.
基础foundation; basisNoun4
他的中文基础很好，所以进步很快。He has a good grounding in Chinese, so he is making fast progress.
堆to pile up; to heapVerb4
他把旧报纸堆在门口。He piled the old newspapers up by the door.
Also a measure word: 一堆衣服, a heap of clothes.
塑料plasticNoun4
这些塑料瓶子可以回收利用。These plastic bottles can be recycled.
壶pot (of tea or water)Measure word2
服务员，再来一壶茶。Waiter, another pot of tea, please.
复印to photocopyVerb3
请把护照复印一份。Please make a copy of your passport.
外科surgery (as a department)Noun4
他是医院里最有名的外科医生。He is the best-known surgeon in the hospital.
大家好hello, everyonePhrase1
大家好，我叫玛丽。Hello, everyone — my name is Mary.
大小sizeNoun2
这双鞋大小正好。These shoes are just the right size.
大概probably; about, roughlyAdverb2
从这儿到机场大概要一个小时。It takes about an hour from here to the airport.
天然气natural gasNoun5
我们小区去年通了天然气。Our estate was connected to the gas supply last year.
太空outer spaceNoun4
她小时候的梦想是去太空旅行。As a child, her dream was to travel into space.
失去to lose (something one had)Verb3
他因为一个错误失去了工作。He lost his job because of one mistake.
奖金bonus; prize moneyNoun3
年底公司给每个人发了奖金。At the end of the year the company paid everyone a bonus.
好不容易with great difficulty; only justAdverb4
我找了半天，好不容易才找到他家。I searched for ages and only just managed to find his house.
Means the same as 好容易: both say it was hard.
好听nice to listen toAdjective1
这首歌很好听。This song sounds lovely.
好玩儿funAdjective1
上海很好玩儿。Shanghai is great fun.
妻子wifeNoun1
这是我妻子。This is my wife.
Neutral; in everyday talk 老婆.
姓to be surnamed; surnameVerb1
他姓李，不姓王。His surname is Li, not Wang.
The surname comes first in a Chinese name: in 王明, Wang is the surname.
婚姻marriageNoun3
他们的婚姻很幸福。Theirs is a very happy marriage.
Being married as a state; the wedding itself is 婚礼.
媒体the mediaNoun4
这件事很快就引起了媒体的注意。This soon caught the attention of the media.
孔子ConfuciusNoun5
孔子的很多话今天还常常被人引用。Many of the sayings of Confucius are still often quoted today.
孙子grandson (a son's son)Noun4
奶奶每天送孙子去上学。Grandma takes her grandson to school every day.
A daughter's son is 外孙.
学位academic degreeNoun4
拿到学位以后，她打算回国工作。Once she has her degree, she plans to go back to her own country to work.
学术academic research; scholarshipNoun4
这本杂志只发表学术文章。This journal only publishes academic articles.
完善to improve; to perfect; completeVerb5
我们会根据大家的意见不断完善服务。We will keep improving our service in the light of everyone's feedback.
Also an adjective: complete, well developed.
实际realistic; practical; actual; realityAdjective3
这个计划不太实际。This plan is not very realistic.
宣布to announce; to declareVerb4
选举结果将在明天上午宣布。The election results will be announced tomorrow morning.
害怕to be afraid ofVerb2
我妹妹害怕打针。My little sister is afraid of injections.
家务housework; choresNoun2
我每天晚上做家务。I do the housework every evening.
The verb is 做: 做家务, to do the chores.
宿舍dormitory; hall of residenceNoun1
我住在学校的宿舍。I live in the school dormitory.
密码password; PINNoun2
请问，这儿的密码是什么？Excuse me, what’s the password here?
对话dialogue; conversationNoun3
请两个人一组，练习这段对话。Work in pairs and practise this dialogue.
导演director (of a film or play); to directNoun3
导演让演员们再拍一遍。The director had the actors shoot it once more.
居然actually; to one's surpriseAdverb4
她学了半年中文，居然能看中文小说了。After only half a year of Chinese she can already read Chinese novels.
Close to 竟然, a little more colloquial.
屋顶roofNoun4
下大雨的时候，屋顶有点儿漏水。When it rains hard, the roof leaks a little.
工作人员staff; member of staffNoun3
有问题可以问穿红衣服的工作人员。If you have any questions, ask the staff in red.
左右about; or so (after a number)Particle3
他看起来三十岁左右。He looks about thirty.
Comes after the number, where English puts "about" before it.
巧克力chocolateNoun2
她特别喜欢吃巧克力。She really loves chocolate.
差不多almost; about the sameAdverb2
饭差不多好了。The food is almost ready.
市民city residents; townspeopleNoun3
周末很多市民来这个公园散步。At weekends lots of local people come to walk in this park.
布置to arrange; to decorate (a room)Verb3
她把房间布置得很温暖。She has made the room look very cosy.
带孩子to look after childrenVerb4
爷爷奶奶退休以后在家帮忙带孩子。Since retiring, Grandpa and Grandma help out at home by minding the children.
干燥dryAdjective3
北方的冬天很干燥，很少下雨。Winters in the north are dry, and it seldom rains.
年级year (at school), gradeNoun2
我弟弟上三年级。My younger brother is in the third year.
并not at all; actually not (before a negative)Adverb4
这道题并不难。This question is not actually difficult.
Stands before 不 or 没 to contradict what someone assumed.
并且and; moreoverConjunction4
她通过了面试，并且下周就开始上班。She passed the interview and starts work next week.
Joins verbs and clauses, not nouns.
幽默humorous; funnyAdjective3
我们的老师很幽默，上课很有意思。Our teacher is very funny, and the lessons are great fun.
A loanword from English “humour”.
应聘to apply for a jobVerb3
有一百多个人来应聘这份工作。More than a hundred people applied for this job.
应 here, “to respond”; as “should” it is yīng.
建筑building; architectureNoun3
这座建筑已经有一百多年的历史了。This building is more than a hundred years old.
建议to suggest; to advise; suggestionVerb3
医生建议我少喝咖啡。The doctor advised me to drink less coffee.
开学to start term; school startsVerb3
下个月一号开学，我得准备一下。Term starts on the first of next month; I need to get ready.
引用to quote, to citeVerb4
引用别人的话的时候，要写清楚是谁说的。When you quote someone, you must make clear who said it.
强调to emphasise; to stressVerb4
老师特别强调，考试时不能用手机。The teacher made a point of stressing that phones may not be used during the exam.
形成to form; to take shapeVerb4
这里的湖是几千年前形成的。The lakes here formed several thousand years ago.
志愿者volunteerNoun4
周末她去图书馆当志愿者。At weekends she volunteers at the library.
念to read aloudVerb2
老师念一句，我们跟着念一句。The teacher reads a sentence aloud and we repeat it after her.
总而言之in short; all in allIdiom4
总而言之，我们还需要更多时间。In short, we need more time.
A more formal 总之.
恭喜to congratulate; congratulationsVerb1
恭喜你找到新工作！Congratulations on your new job!
想家to be homesickVerb2
刚来的时候，我常常想家。When I had just arrived, I was often homesick.
想念to miss (somebody)Verb2
在国外的时候，我很想念家人。When I was abroad, I missed my family a lot.
In speech often just 想: 我想你, I miss you.
愉快pleasant, enjoyableAdjective2
祝你们旅行愉快！Have a pleasant trip!
感觉feeling; to feelNoun2
这是一种很奇怪的感觉。It’s a very strange feeling.
懂事sensible; mature (of a child)Adjective3
这孩子很懂事，知道帮妈妈做家务。This child is very sensible and knows to help Mum with the housework.
手指fingerNoun2
我切菜的时候切到了手指。I cut my finger while chopping vegetables.
手续formalities; procedureNoun4
办护照的手续比我想的简单。The formalities for getting a passport were simpler than I expected.
To go through them is 办手续.
打伞to hold up an umbrellaVerb2
雨不大，很多人没打伞。The rain is light, and lots of people aren't using an umbrella.
打扰to disturb; to botherVerb4
打扰一下，请问洗手间在哪儿？Excuse me, could you tell me where the toilet is?
打扰一下 is the polite “excuse me” before a question.
打断to interrupt; to break offVerb4
对不起，我打断一下，我有个问题。Sorry to interrupt, but I have a question.
打球to play ballVerb2
下课以后我们去打球。After class we are going to play ball.
For games played with the hands or a racket; football is kicked, 踢.
打针to give or have an injectionVerb3
医生说不用打针，吃药就行。The doctor said I don't need an injection; tablets will do.
扩大to expand; to enlargeVerb4
公司打算明年扩大生产。The company plans to expand production next year.
承诺to promise; to commit to; commitmentVerb4
公司承诺七天内可以退货。The company promises that goods can be returned within seven days.
More formal and binding than 答应.
投票to voteVerb4
明天上午八点开始投票。Voting starts at eight tomorrow morning.
Separable verb: 投了票, voted.
抢to snatch; to grab; to rush to doVerb4
两个孩子在抢一个玩具。The two children are fighting over a toy.
Also to be first to do something: 抢着付钱, to race to pay.
抱to hold in the arms; to hugVerb3
她抱着孩子等公交车。She is waiting for the bus with the child in her arms.
拆to take apart; to open (a parcel); to pull downVerb4
孩子们一回家就拆礼物。The children opened their presents as soon as they got home.
拍照to take photosVerb3
请问，里面可以拍照吗？Excuse me, can I take photos inside?
拜访to pay a visit (to sb.)Verb4
明天我想去拜访一下王老师。Tomorrow I'd like to pay Mr Wang a visit.
Polite and somewhat formal; between friends simply 去看 someone.
拦to stop; to block (someone's way)Verb5
门卫拦着不让他进去。The guard blocked his way and would not let him in.
拦出租车: to hail a taxi.
换工作to change jobsPhrase2
我想换工作。I want to change jobs.
据according toPreposition4
据报道，这条地铁线明年开通。According to reports, this metro line will open next year.
As in 据说 and 根据.
据说it is said; reportedlyPhrase4
据说那家新饭馆的菜很好吃。Apparently the food at that new restaurant is very good.
摩托车motorbikeNoun3
他每天骑摩托车上班。He rides his motorbike to work every day.
Measure word: 辆.
收拾to tidy up; to clear awayVerb2
你的桌子太乱了，快收拾一下。Your desk is far too messy — tidy it up, quick.
收购to acquire; to buy upVerb5
一家大公司收购了我们的工厂。A large company bought up our factory.
放学school is out; to finish school for the dayVerb2
放学以后我去踢足球。After school I go and play football.
政党political partyNoun5
这个国家有三个主要政党。This country has three main political parties.
A party member is a 党员.
政策policyNoun4
这项政策从下个月开始实行。This policy comes into effect next month.
Measure word: 项.
故意on purpose; deliberatelyAdverb3
对不起，我不是故意的。Sorry, I did not do it on purpose.
救to save; to rescueVerb3
是一个路过的司机救了他。It was a passing driver who saved him.
新年New YearNoun1
新年你回家吗？Are you going home for the New Year?
方向directionNoun2
我们走错方向了。We are going the wrong way.
旅游业tourism (as an industry)Noun4
这个岛主要靠旅游业。This island depends mainly on tourism.
The ending 业 names a branch of the economy.
无所谓not to mind; it makes no differencePhrase3
吃中餐还是西餐，我无所谓。Chinese or Western food — I don't mind either way.
Can sound indifferent; 都可以 is friendlier.
无线网wireless network; Wi-FiNoun3
这家咖啡馆有免费的无线网。This café has free Wi-Fi.
In speech many people simply say Wi-Fi.
明明obviously; clearly (yet …)Adverb4
你明明知道，为什么不告诉我？You knew perfectly well, so why didn't you tell me?
Followed by a reproach or a contrast: 'it was obvious, and yet …'.
星期三WednesdayTime word1
星期三下午你有空吗？Are you free on Wednesday afternoon?
星期六SaturdayTime word1
星期六我不上班。I don't work on Saturdays.
晚点(of a train or plane) to be late, delayedVerb2
因为下雪，火车晚点了。The train was delayed because of the snow.
晴天sunny day; fine weatherNoun2
明天是晴天，不会下雨。Tomorrow will be fine; it will not rain.
暂时for the time being; temporarilyAdverb3
老板不在，你暂时先等一下。The boss isn’t in — please wait for now.
期issue (of a magazine)Measure word4
这本杂志我每期都买。I buy every issue of this magazine.
本地local; this placeNoun4
这家饭馆的客人大多是本地人。Most of this restaurant’s customers are locals.
本科undergraduate (course)Noun4
我本科学的是经济，硕士改学法律了。I studied economics as an undergraduate, then switched to law for my master’s.
朵measure word for flowers and cloudsMeasure word2
天上有几朵白云。There are a few white clouds in the sky.
机票plane ticketNoun2
机票越早买越便宜。The earlier you buy plane tickets, the cheaper they are.
Measure word: 张.
来不及too late; not enough timePhrase3
快走吧，再不走就来不及了。Let’s go — if we don’t leave now we’ll be too late.
枕头pillowNoun1
我想要一个新枕头。I'd like a new pillow.
样子style; look; appearanceNoun3
这件外套的样子我很喜欢，就是颜色太深了。I really like the style of this jacket; it is just that the colour is too dark.
根measure word for long, thin thingsMeasure word2
我每天吃一根香蕉。I eat a banana every day.
Thinner than 条: bananas, single chopsticks, hairs.
楼梯stairs; staircaseNoun3
下楼梯的时候慢一点儿。Go a bit more slowly on the stairs.
欢迎光临welcome (to customers)Phrase1
欢迎光临，几位？Welcome — how many of you are there?
Said by staff in shops and restaurants; nobody answers it.
正好just right; just in time; as it happensAdverb2
你来得正好，我们刚要吃饭。You’ve come at just the right time — we’re about to eat.
比分scoreNoun4
上半场结束的时候，比分是二比一。At half-time the score was two-one.
毕竟after allAdverb4
别怪他，他毕竟还是个孩子。Don't blame him; he is only a child, after all.
毛衣jumper; sweaterNoun3
这件毛衣是妈妈给我织的。My mum knitted this jumper for me.
民族ethnic group; nationNoun4
每个民族都有自己的节日和风俗习惯。Every ethnic group has its own festivals and customs.
气候变化climate changePhrase4
气候变化让夏天越来越热。Climate change is making the summers hotter and hotter.
水平level; standardNoun4
半年以后，他的口语水平提高了不少。Half a year later his spoken Chinese had improved a lot.
水稻rice (the plant)Noun5
南方气候温暖湿润，适合种水稻。The south is warm and humid, which suits growing rice.
水费water billNoun4
这个月的水费比平时高了很多，可能是水管漏了。This month’s water bill is much higher than usual — perhaps a pipe is leaking.
江(large) riverNoun2
江上有很多船。There are lots of boats on the river.
In the names of great rivers: 长江, the Yangtze.
没办法it can’t be helped; there’s nothing to be donePhrase3
火车已经开走了，没办法，只好等下一班。The train has already gone — nothing for it but to wait for the next one.
法院court (of law)Noun4
两家公司最后只好去法院解决问题。In the end the two companies had to settle the matter in court.
洗衣机washing machineNoun2
脏衣服已经在洗衣机里了。The dirty clothes are already in the washing machine.
Measure word: 台.
洞hole; caveNoun3
山上有一个很深的洞。There is a very deep cave up on the mountain.
洪水floodNoun4
洪水来得太快，很多人来不及离开。The flood came so fast that many people didn’t have time to get away.
洲continentNoun4
世界上一共有七个洲。There are seven continents in the world.
Mostly in names: 亚洲, 非洲.
派出所local police stationNoun4
丢了东西可以去附近的派出所问问。If you’ve lost something, you can ask at the nearest police station.
The neighbourhood police office, which also keeps the local residence records.
流程procedure; steps of a processNoun4
第一次来的人可以先看看墙上的流程图。First-time visitors can look at the chart of the procedure on the wall first.
流行to be in fashion; popularVerb3
这种颜色今年很流行。This colour is very fashionable this year.
消费者consumerNoun4
消费者越来越重视产品的质量。Consumers care more and more about the quality of products.
涨价to go up in priceVerb2
最近水果涨价了。Fruit has gone up in price lately.
Read zhǎng, to rise.
漏水to leak (water)Verb3
卫生间漏水了，得找人来修。The bathroom is leaking; we need to get someone in to fix it.
激动excited; overcome with emotionAdjective3
听到这个消息，她激动得哭了。When she heard the news, she was so overcome that she cried.
Strong feeling of any kind; happy anticipation is 兴奋.
激烈fierce; intense (competition, debate)Adjective4
今天的比赛非常激烈。Today's match was very hard-fought.
灵活flexible; nimbleAdjective4
这份工作的时间很灵活。The hours in this job are very flexible.
炸to deep-fryVerb3
炸的东西好吃，可是不太健康。Fried food tastes good, but it isn’t very healthy.
With the fourth tone, 炸 means “to explode”.
点菜to order (dishes)Verb3
你来点菜吧，我什么都吃。You order — I'll eat anything.
烟花fireworksNoun3
昨天晚上江边放了烟花，非常漂亮。Last night there were fireworks by the river, and they were beautiful.
热情warm; welcoming; enthusiasticAdjective3
这里的人对客人很热情。People here are very welcoming to visitors.
热身to warm upVerb3
跑步以前最好先热身十分钟。Before running, it is best to warm up for ten minutes first.
然而however; yetConjunction4
他准备得很充分，然而考试还是没通过。He had prepared thoroughly; however, he still failed the exam.
Written partner of 但是; often opens a new sentence.
煎to pan-fry; to fry in a little oilVerb3
早上我煎了两个鸡蛋。This morning I fried two eggs.
熊猫pandaNoun3
熊猫每天要吃很多竹子。Pandas eat a great deal of bamboo every day.
Measure word: 只.
爱好hobby; interestNoun2
你有什么爱好？What are your hobbies?
The second character is read hào here, "to be fond of".
牌子brand; make; signNoun2
你的手机是什么牌子的？What make is your phone?
物理physicsNoun3
他的物理考了满分。He got full marks in physics.
物种speciesNoun5
这个岛上有很多别的地方没有的物种。This island has many species found nowhere else.
种 is third tone here: kind, not to plant.
物资supplies; goodsNoun4
灾区最需要的物资是水和药品。The supplies the disaster area needs most are water and medicine.
犯to commit (an offence, a mistake)Verb4
谁都会犯错误。Everyone makes mistakes.
独立independentAdjective3
她十八岁就开始独立生活了。She started living independently at eighteen.
环境保护environmental protectionPhrase4
环境保护要从小事做起。Protecting the environment starts with small things.
现场the scene; on the spot, liveNoun4
记者从现场发回了报道。The reporter sent back a report from the scene.
球员player (in a ball game)Noun4
这个球员虽然个子不高，但是跑得特别快。This player isn’t tall, but he runs exceptionally fast.
球迷fan (of a ball game)Noun3
我爸爸是个老球迷，每场比赛都看。My dad is a fan of many years and watches every match.
理解to understand; understandingVerb3
我理解你的意思，可是我不同意。I understand what you mean, but I do not agree.
Understanding of a reason or a feeling; 懂 is simply getting the meaning.
理论theoryNoun4
理论和实际常常不一样。Theory and practice are often not the same.
用户userNoun5
新版本推出后，很多用户提了意见。When the new version came out, many users complained.
用电use of electricity; to use electricityNoun4
夏天开空调的人多，用电特别多。In summer lots of people run the air conditioning, so electricity use is especially high.
电池batteryNoun3
这个手机的电池能用两天。The battery of this phone lasts two days.
男朋友boyfriendNoun2
她的男朋友是医生。Her boyfriend is a doctor.
画家painterNoun4
他爷爷是一位有名的画家。His grandfather was a well-known painter.
疫苗vaccineNoun5
孩子明天要去打疫苗。The child is going to be vaccinated tomorrow.
Having a vaccination is 打疫苗 in speech.
病情condition (of a patient)Noun4
医生每天都来看他的病情有没有变化。The doctor comes every day to see whether his condition has changed.
登记to register; to sign inVerb4
来大楼的客人要先在门口登记。Visitors to the building must first sign in at the entrance.
百分之per centNumeral3
这次考试百分之九十的同学都通过了。Ninety per cent of the class passed this exam.
Said before the number: 百分之五, five per cent.
皆all; each and every (literary)Adverb5
这件事在当地人人皆知。Everyone in the area knows about this.
Mostly in set phrases: 人人皆知, 皆大欢喜.
盒box (of)Measure word2
我送给她一盒巧克力。I gave her a box of chocolates.
盘plate (of)Measure word2
我们点了一盘饺子。We ordered a plate of dumplings.
盛to fill (a bowl); to serve (rice, soup)Verb4
妈妈给我盛了一碗汤。Mum ladled me out a bowl of soup.
Read shèng, it means “abundant, flourishing”.
目的purpose; aimNoun4
你这次来中国的目的是什么？What is the purpose of your visit to China?
的 is read dì here.
睡眠sleepNoun4
睡眠不够，上课的时候就容易困。If you don’t get enough sleep, you easily get drowsy in class.
The noun of the written language; in speech people say 睡得好.
砍to chop; to cut downVerb4
这棵老树不能砍，它有三百多年了。This old tree must not be cut down — it is over three hundred years old.
硕士master’s degree; holder of a master’sNoun4
读硕士一般要两到三年。A master’s degree usually takes two to three years.
A degree is studied for with 读: 读硕士.
礼貌politeness; mannersNoun3
见到长辈要有礼貌。Be polite when you meet your elders.
As a description, 有礼貌 and 没礼貌.
社区community; neighbourhoodNoun4
社区每个月都为老人组织活动。The neighbourhood organises activities for older residents every month.
Also the local office that looks after a neighbourhood.
禁止to forbid; to prohibitVerb3
公园里禁止骑摩托车。Riding motorbikes is forbidden in the park.
The word on signs: 禁止停车, “no parking”.
种地to farm; to work the landVerb2
他家在农村种地。His family farm in the countryside.
科学science; scientificNoun3
我从小就对科学很感兴趣。I have been interested in science since I was little.
秘密secretNoun4
这是我们两个人之间的秘密。This is a secret between the two of us.
究竟exactly; actually (in questions)Adverb4
这件事究竟是谁做的？Who exactly did this?
A more formal 到底.
竹子bambooNoun2
熊猫爱吃竹子。Pandas love eating bamboo.
笨stupid; clumsyAdjective3
我真笨，这么简单的题都做错了。How stupid of me — I got even such an easy question wrong.
Fine about yourself; about somebody else it is rude.
签字to sign (one’s name)Verb3
请您在这儿签字。Please sign here.
算了forget it; never mindPhrase3
算了，太贵了，我们不买了。Forget it, it’s too expensive — we won’t buy it.
粉丝fans; followersNoun4
这位歌手在网上有很多粉丝。This singer has a lot of followers online.
A loan from English “fans”; the same word means glass noodles.
纠纷disputeNoun5
两家公司因为合同问题发生了纠纷。The two companies fell into a dispute over the contract.
约会date; appointmentNoun3
今天晚上我有约会。I've got a date this evening.
Also a verb, to go on a date; context decides whether it is romantic.
终点站terminus, last stopNoun4
我在车上睡着了，一直坐到了终点站。I fell asleep on the bus and rode all the way to the last stop.
结实sturdy; solid; strongly builtAdjective3
这个箱子很结实，用了十年还没坏。This suitcase is very sturdy; I have used it for ten years and it is still not broken.
Also of a person: strong and solidly built. 结 is read jiē here.
结局ending (of a story)Noun3
我不喜欢这个故事的结局。I do not like the ending of this story.
结论conclusionNoun5
现在下结论还太早。It is still too early to draw a conclusion.
A conclusion is drawn with 下 or 得出.
绿greenAdjective2
春天到了，草绿了。Spring is here, and the grass has turned green.
编辑editor; to editNoun4
编辑把我的文章改短了一半。The editor cut my article by half.
网友internet user; online friendNoun4
这件事引起了很多网友的讨论。This caused a lot of discussion among people online.
In the news, simply people online; in speech also a friend you know only online.
网球tennisNoun3
这个周末我和朋友去打网球。This weekend I am going to play tennis with a friend.
罚款to fine; fineVerb3
他因为开得太快被罚款两百块。He was fined two hundred yuan for driving too fast.
羊sheep; goatNoun3
山坡上有一群羊。There is a flock of sheep on the hillside.
To be exact, a sheep is 绵羊 and a goat 山羊.
美国the United StatesNoun1
他哥哥住在美国。His older brother lives in America.
美术馆art galleryNoun4
这座城市的美术馆星期一不开门。The art gallery in this city is closed on Mondays.
股东shareholderNoun5
公司每年开一次股东大会。The company holds a shareholders' meeting once a year.
肥loose; baggy (of clothes)Adjective2
我瘦了，以前的衣服都肥了。I have lost weight, and all my old clothes are too big now.
Of clothes and of meat. Said of a person it is rude; the ordinary word there is 胖.
肺lung(s)Noun4
抽烟对肺的伤害很大。Smoking does great damage to the lungs.
肿swollenAdjective3
他的脚肿了，走不了路。His foot is swollen and he can't walk.
胸chestNoun4
医生问他胸疼不疼。The doctor asked him whether his chest hurt.
若ifConjunction5
若有问题，请随时与我们联系。If you have any questions, please contact us at any time.
Written for 如果.
苦bitterAdjective2
这个药很苦。This medicine is very bitter.
药品medicines; pharmaceuticalsNoun5
药品应该放在阴凉干燥的地方。Medicines should be kept in a cool, dry place.
菜单menuNoun2
服务员，请给我们看一下菜单。Waiter, could we see the menu, please?
董事会board of directorsNoun5
董事会下个月开会讨论这个方案。The board meets next month to discuss the proposal.
藏to hideVerb4
孩子把糖藏在枕头下面。The child hid the sweets under the pillow.
Read zàng in 西藏.
西红柿tomatoNoun2
西红柿炒鸡蛋是一道家常菜。Tomato and scrambled egg is an everyday home dish.
Also 番茄, more usual in the south.
观点point of view; standpointNoun3
这篇文章的观点很清楚。The position this article takes is very clear.
More formal than 看法; used of arguments and articles.
规划long-term plan; to planNoun5
你对自己的职业有什么规划？What plans do you have for your career?
Planning far ahead; an ordinary plan is 计划.
角jiao, a tenth of a yuan (in writing)Measure word1
一支笔两元五角。A pen costs two yuan fifty.
训练to train; trainingVerb4
下个月有比赛，所以这几周训练特别辛苦。There’s a competition next month, so training these few weeks is especially hard.
For athletes and teams; exercising to keep fit is 锻炼.
议会parliamentNoun5
新的法律必须先由议会通过。A new law must first be passed by parliament.
The general word for a parliament; the US Congress is 国会.
讲话speech; to give a speechNoun4
校长的讲话只有五分钟。The head teacher’s speech lasted only five minutes.
诚实honestAdjective3
他是一个诚实的人，从来不说谎。He is an honest person who never lies.
说实话to be honest; franklyPhrase4
说实话，我不太喜欢这个计划。To be honest, I don’t much like this plan.
请坐please sit downPhrase1
请坐，你想喝什么？Please sit down — what would you like to drink?
请客to treat (somebody), pay for othersVerb2
今天我请客，你们随便点。Today it’s my treat — order whatever you like.
豆腐tofuNoun1
我很爱吃豆腐。I really love tofu.
财务finance (of an organisation); financial affairsNoun5
她在公司负责财务工作。She is in charge of the company's finances.
费用cost; expensesNoun3
这次旅行的费用大家一起出。We are all sharing the costs of this trip.
资料material(s), sourcesNoun4
写论文之前要先查很多资料。Before you write a thesis, you first have to look up a lot of sources.
赔偿to compensate; compensationVerb4
他的行李丢了，航空公司赔偿了他一千块钱。His luggage was lost, and the airline paid him a thousand yuan in compensation.
赚to earn; to make a profitVerb4
他开饭馆第一年就赚了钱。He made money in the very first year of running the restaurant.
The opposite is 亏.
跌to fall (of prices); to tumbleVerb4
这几天金价一直在跌。The gold price has been falling for the past few days.
Also of people: 跌倒, to fall over.
身份证identity cardNoun4
在中国，住酒店要用身份证登记。In China you register with your ID card when you stay at a hotel.
Measure word: 张.
躲to hide; to dodge; to take shelterVerb4
下大雨了，我们先到商店里躲一下吧。It's pouring; let's shelter in the shop for a bit.
车票ticket (for a bus or train)Noun2
车票可以在网上买。You can buy tickets online.
车祸car accidentNoun3
他上个月出了车祸，现在还在医院。He had a car accident last month and is still in hospital.
An accident is something one "comes out with": 出车祸.
软softAdjective2
这个枕头很软。This pillow is very soft.
辛苦了thank you for your hard workPhrase1
今天大家辛苦了！Thank you all for your hard work today!
Thanks somebody for effort rather than for a favour.
运输to transport; transportVerb4
这批机器要用火车运输。This batch of machines is to be transported by train.
退货to return goodsVerb4
鞋太小了，我想退货。The shoes are too small — I want to send them back.
选举to elect; electionVerb4
我们班下周选举新的班长。Our class is electing a new class monitor next week.
选手competitor; contestantNoun4
参加这次比赛的选手来自二十多个国家。The competitors in this event come from more than twenty countries.
Any contestant, including in quizzes and talent shows; 运动员 is only an athlete.
选民voter; the electorateNoun5
这次参加投票的选民比上次多。More voters took part this time than last time.
逛to stroll around; to look roundVerb3
下午我们在老街上逛了很久。In the afternoon we wandered round the old street for ages.
Also for shops: 逛街, to go round the shops.
道理principle; sense; reasonNoun3
这个道理连孩子都懂。Even a child understands this.
遵守to observe; to abide byVerb4
来这里参观的人都要遵守博物馆的规定。Everyone visiting here must observe the museum's rules.
部长minister (head of a ministry)Noun5
教育部长今天参观了我们学校。The education minister visited our school today.
长 means head here and reads zhǎng, as in 校长.
酸sourAdjective2
这些葡萄还有点儿酸。These grapes are still a bit sour.
醒to wake up; to be awakeVerb2
我今天五点就醒了。I woke up at five today.
醒 is waking; 起床 is actually getting out of bed.
采访to interview (as a journalist)Verb4
记者在火车站采访了几位乘客。The reporter interviewed several passengers at the station.
A job interview is 面试, not 采访.
锁to lockVerb4
出门前别忘了锁门。Don't forget to lock the door before you go out.
Also the noun, a lock.
错过to miss (a train, a chance)Verb3
路上堵车，我差点儿错过了火车。There was a traffic jam on the way and I nearly missed the train.
长度lengthNoun3
这条裤子的长度正合适。These trousers are just the right length.
长辈elder; senior relativeNoun4
在中国，吃饭时要等长辈先动筷子。In China you wait for your elders to start eating first.
阶段stage; phaseNoun4
这个项目现在还在第一阶段。This project is still in its first stage.
除非unless; only ifConjunction4
除非你亲自去，否则他不会同意的。Unless you go in person, he will not agree.
随身carried on one’s personAdjective4
护照一定要随身带着。Always keep your passport on you.
难免bound to; hard to avoidAdverb4
刚到国外，难免会想家。When you have just arrived abroad, you are bound to feel homesick.
难看uglyAdjective1
这个颜色太难看了。This colour is really ugly.
雨天rainy day; wet weatherNoun2
雨天开车要慢一点儿。On rainy days you should drive a bit more slowly.
预防to prevent; to take precautions againstVerb4
地震很难预报，但是可以做好预防。Earthquakes are hard to forecast, but you can take precautions.
领导人leader (of a country or party)Noun5
两国领导人会谈后一起见了记者。After their talks the two countries' leaders met the press together.
颗measure word for small, round thingsMeasure word2
今天晚上天上一颗星星也没有。There isn't a single star in the sky tonight.
For stars, sweets, teeth, beads — anything small and round.
风能wind energyNoun5
这片海边风很大，适合利用风能。The wind is strong along this coast, so it is well suited to wind power.
食堂canteenNoun1
我们中午在食堂吃饭。We have lunch in the canteen.
饼干biscuitNoun2
孩子饿了，给他几块饼干吧。The child is hungry. Give him a few biscuits.
首先first of all; firstlyConjunction3
首先，我想谢谢大家今天来这儿。First of all, I would like to thank everyone for coming here today.
香菜corianderNoun3
麻烦不要放香菜。No coriander, please.
马拉松marathonNoun4
跑完全程马拉松需要很长时间的准备。Running a full marathon takes a long time to prepare for.
骑马to ride a horseVerb2
我第一次骑马的时候有点儿害怕。The first time I rode a horse I was a bit scared.
高楼tall building; high-riseNoun3
这几年这里盖了很多高楼。Many tower blocks have gone up here in the last few years.
鹅gooseNoun3
院子里的鹅看见生人就叫。The geese in the yard honk whenever they see a stranger.
麻烦你could you please; sorry to trouble youPhrase1
麻烦你开一下门。Could you open the door, please?
一个苹果an applePhrase1
我每天吃一个苹果。I eat an apple every day.
一件衣服a piece of clothingPhrase1
我想买一件衣服。I want to buy something to wear.
一再again and again; repeatedlyAdverb5
他一再道歉，我也就不生气了。He apologised again and again, so I stopped being angry.
一律all, without exception (by rule)Adverb5
馆内一律不准拍照。Photography is not permitted anywhere in the building.
一致unanimous; consistentAdjective4
大家的意见很一致。Everyone is of one mind.
万事如意may everything go as you wishIdiom4
祝您新的一年身体健康、万事如意！Wishing you good health and every success in the new year!
Mostly in New Year and birthday greetings.
三心二意half-hearted; unable to concentrate on one thingIdiom5
写作业的时候不要三心二意，先把手机关了。Don’t be half-hearted when you do your homework; switch your phone off first.
Literally “three hearts, two minds”.
上涨to rise (of prices, water)Verb5
受天气影响，蔬菜价格上涨了。Vegetable prices have gone up because of the weather.
The written word; in speech just 涨.
上班族office workers; commuters (as a group)Noun3
早上八点的地铁里都是上班族。The eight o’clock underground trains are full of people going to work.
上级superior; higher authorityNoun4
这件事我得先问一下上级。I need to check with my superiors first.
下棋to play chess (or a board game)Verb3
爷爷喜欢在树下跟朋友下棋。Grandad likes playing chess with his friends under the tree.
下车to get off; to get out (of a vehicle)Verb2
我们在哪儿下车？Where do we get off?
下载to downloadVerb3
我先把地图下载到手机上。I will download the map to my phone first.
不久soon; not long afterTime word2
他回国不久就结婚了。He got married not long after going back to his country.
不仅not onlyConjunction3
这种水果不仅好吃，而且很便宜。This fruit is not only tasty but also cheap.
A little more written than 不但.
不准not allowed; must notVerb4
考场里不准带手机。Phones are not allowed in the exam room.
不安uneasy; restlessAdjective3
他一直没回消息，我心里有点儿不安。He still hasn't replied, and I feel a little uneasy.
不必need not; there is no needAdverb4
你不必担心，一切都安排好了。You needn't worry; everything has been arranged.
不敢当you flatter me; I don’t deserve itPhrase4
您说我是专家？不敢当，我还在学习。You call me an expert? You flatter me — I’m still learning.
不用谢don't mention itPhrase1
不用谢，我们是朋友。Don't mention it — we're friends.
不知不觉without realising; before one knows itIdiom5
聊着聊着，不知不觉天就黑了。We chatted on and on, and before we knew it, it was dark.
与众不同out of the ordinary; unlike anyone elseIdiom5
她的想法总是与众不同。Her ideas are always out of the ordinary.
业余amateur; spare-timeAdjective4
他是业余选手，白天还要上班。He is an amateur and still has to go to work during the day.
The opposite is 职业, professional.
丢人embarrassing; to lose faceAdjective4
在这么多人面前摔倒，真丢人。Falling over in front of so many people — how embarrassing.
中医traditional Chinese medicine; a doctor of itNoun4
我奶奶不舒服的时候喜欢看中医。When my grandmother feels unwell, she likes to see a traditional Chinese doctor.
中断to break off; to be interruptedVerb4
因为生病，他的学习中断了半年。Because of illness, his studies were interrupted for half a year.
丰收to have a good harvest; bumper harvestVerb5
今年苹果大丰收，价格反而下降了。There is a bumper apple harvest this year, yet prices have actually fallen.
为人the way one treats others; characterNoun4
老张为人很好，大家都愿意跟他交朋友。Old Zhang treats people well, and everyone is glad to be his friend.
主人公protagonist, main characterNoun4
这部小说的主人公是一个普通的老师。The main character of this novel is an ordinary teacher.
主席chairman; chairNoun4
会议由学生会主席主持。The meeting is chaired by the president of the student union.
主张to advocate; to hold that; positionVerb4
他主张让孩子多去户外活动。He believes children should spend more time outdoors.
主持to chair; to hostVerb4
今天的会议由张经理主持。Today’s meeting will be chaired by Manager Zhang.
主编editor-in-chiefNoun5
这篇报道要先给主编看。This report has to go to the editor-in-chief first.
主题theme; subjectNoun4
这次会议的主题是环境保护。The theme of this conference is protecting the environment.
举手to put up one’s handVerb2
知道答案的同学请举手。Anyone who knows the answer, please put your hand up.
义务教育compulsory educationNoun5
义务教育阶段的学生不用交学费。Pupils in compulsory education do not pay tuition fees.
之所以the reason whyConjunction4
我之所以学中文，是因为喜欢中国电影。The reason I learn Chinese is that I like Chinese films.
Puts the result first and the cause second: 之所以 … 是因为 …
也就是说that is to sayPhrase4
会议改到下周一，也就是说我们还有三天时间。The meeting has moved to next Monday, which means we still have three days.
习俗customNoun3
各地过年的习俗不太一样。New Year customs differ from place to place.
书桌deskNoun1
我的书桌在窗户旁边。My desk is by the window.
买卖business; buying and sellingNoun4
他在市场上做水果买卖。He has a fruit business at the market.
Spoken; a near synonym of 生意.
事件incident, eventNoun4
警察正在调查这次事件的原因。The police are investigating the cause of the incident.
Something that happened and drew attention; an ordinary matter is 事情.
二氧化碳carbon dioxideNoun5
植物吸收二氧化碳，放出氧气。Plants take in carbon dioxide and give out oxygen.
于是so; thereuponConjunction3
他等了很久也没等到车，于是走路回家了。He waited a long time and no bus came, so he walked home.
Tells what happened next; not used for plans or requests.
五颜六色multicoloured; of every colourIdiom4
节日的街道上挂满了五颜六色的灯笼。At festival time the streets are hung with lanterns of every colour.
产生to produce; to give rise to; to ariseVerb4
两个人之间产生了误会。A misunderstanding arose between the two of them.
亲戚relative(s)Noun4
过年的时候我们要去看很多亲戚。At New Year we have to visit lots of relatives.
亲眼with one's own eyesAdverb4
这是我亲眼看到的，不会错。I saw it with my own eyes; there's no mistake.
With one's own ears is 亲耳.
人山人海huge crowds; a sea of peopleIdiom4
国庆节的时候，景点里人山人海。Over the National Day holiday the tourist sites are packed with people.
人才talent; talented peopleNoun4
公司很需要懂外语的人才。The company badly needs people who know foreign languages.
人民币renminbi, the Chinese currencyNoun1
这儿只收人民币。Only renminbi is accepted here.
人物character (in a story); figureNoun4
这部电影里的人物都很真实。The characters in this film are all very true to life.
人生life (one's course through life)Noun4
那次旅行改变了她对人生的看法。That journey changed the way she looks at life.
Life as a whole; daily life is 生活.
人行道pavementNoun3
自行车不能在人行道上骑。Bicycles may not be ridden on the pavement.
仍然still; yetAdverb4
吃了两天药，他仍然在发烧。He has been taking medicine for two days and still has a temperature.
仓库warehouse, storeroomNoun5
这些货先放在仓库里，下周再发。Put these goods in the warehouse for now; they go out next week.
仔细careful; thoroughAdjective3
签字以前请仔细看一下。Please read it carefully before you sign.
代表团delegationNoun5
一个商务代表团下周来我们市参观。A business delegation is coming to visit our city next week.
以便so that; in order toConjunction5
请留下您的电话，以便我们及时联系您。Please leave your phone number so that we can contact you promptly.
众所周知as everyone knows; as is well knownIdiom5
众所周知，吸烟对身体有害。As everyone knows, smoking is bad for your health.
Usually at the start of a sentence, followed by a comma.
优势advantage; strengthNoun4
我们最大的优势是价格便宜。Our biggest advantage is that our prices are low.
优点strong point; meritNoun3
每个人都有自己的优点。Everyone has their own strengths.
优秀outstanding; excellentAdjective3
她是我们班最优秀的学生。She is the best student in our class.
会计accountant; accountingNoun4
我姐姐是一家医院的会计。My elder sister is an accountant at a hospital.
会 reads kuài here, not huì.
传播to spread; to disseminateVerb5
假消息在网上传播得很快。False information spreads fast online.
传染to infect; to be contagiousVerb4
感冒会传染，你最好戴上口罩。Colds are contagious, so you’d better put on a mask.
伦理ethicsNoun5
基因技术的发展带来了很多伦理问题。Advances in genetic technology have raised many ethical questions.
位于to be located (at); to lieVerb4
这座城市位于两条河中间。This city lies between two rivers.
Written style for 在, as in guidebooks and reports.
低头to lower the head; to look downVerb3
很多人走路的时候也低头看手机。Many people look down at their phones even while walking.
住宅residence; housingNoun4
这里以前是工厂，现在是住宅区。This used to be a factory; now it is a residential area.
体检medical check-upNoun4
公司每年安排员工做一次体检。The company arranges a medical check-up for its staff once a year.
Short for 身体检查.
体育场stadiumNoun4
今晚的比赛在新体育场举行。Tonight’s match is being held at the new stadium.
Open-air; an indoor arena is a 体育馆.
何必why bother; there is no needAdverb5
一点儿小事，何必生这么大的气呢？It's such a small thing; why get so angry about it?
A rhetorical question; usually ends in 呢.
作曲to compose (music)Verb4
他不但会唱歌，还会作曲。He not only sings but composes too.
曲 is qǔ, a tune; qū means bent.
作用effect; role; functionNoun4
这种药对感冒没有什么作用。This medicine does nothing for a cold.
起作用: to have an effect, to work.
佩服to admireVerb3
她一个人带三个孩子，我真佩服她。She is bringing up three children on her own — I really admire her.
Admiring an ability or a quality; 羡慕 is wishing you had it too.
供应to supply; supplyVerb5
这家公司为全市供应天然气。This company supplies natural gas to the whole city.
应 is fourth tone here.
供应商supplierNoun5
我们换了一个新的供应商，价格低了不少。We switched to a new supplier and prices have come down quite a bit.
保健品health supplementNoun5
很多保健品的广告说得太夸张了。A lot of advertising for health supplements is far too exaggerated.
保安security guardNoun3
晚上进大楼要给保安看证件。In the evening you have to show the security guard your ID to get into the building.
保密to keep (sth.) secretVerb4
这件事请你一定要保密。Please make sure you keep this to yourself.
保证to guarantee; to promiseVerb4
我保证以后再也不迟到了。I promise I'll never be late again.
信封envelopeNoun4
请在信封上写清楚收信人的名字。Please write the recipient’s name clearly on the envelope.
信用卡credit cardNoun3
这儿可以刷信用卡吗？Can I pay by credit card here?
Paying by card is 刷卡, “swipe the card”.
俱乐部clubNoun4
我参加了一个网球俱乐部，每周打两次。I have joined a tennis club and play twice a week.
乐 reads lè here, from the sound of the English word.
倒闭to close down; to go out of businessVerb4
因为客人太少，那家店去年倒闭了。That shop went out of business last year because it had too few customers.
借口excuse; pretextNoun3
头疼只是借口，其实他是不想去。The headache is only an excuse; really he does not want to go.
Unlike 理由, a reason that is not the real one.
值to be worthVerb3
这件大衣不值这么多钱。This coat isn't worth that much money.
假货fake goodsNoun4
这么便宜，很可能是假货。At that price, it’s very likely a fake.
假 is jiǎ here, “false”; in 放假 it is jià.
做客to be a guest; to visitVerb4
欢迎你有空来我家做客。Do come and visit us when you have time.
停车位parking spaceNoun4
这附近很难找到停车位。It is very hard to find a parking space around here.
偷偷secretly; on the slyAdverb3
他上课的时候偷偷看手机。He secretly looks at his phone during lessons.
傍晚early evening, duskTime word2
傍晚我在河边跑步。In the early evening I go running by the river.
催to hurry (sb.); to press (sb. to do sth.)Verb4
别催我，我马上就好。Don't rush me, I'll be ready in a moment.
元yuan (in writing)Measure word1
一张票十元。A ticket is ten yuan.
充电to charge (a battery)Verb3
手机快没电了，我得充电。My phone is nearly out of battery; I need to charge it.
Separable: 充一下电, charge it for a bit.
充电器chargerNoun3
你带充电器了吗？Did you bring a charger?
克服to overcomeVerb4
她克服了很多困难，终于毕业了。She overcame many difficulties and finally graduated.
入住to check inVerb2
下午两点以后可以入住。You can check in after two in the afternoon.
全球the whole world; globalNoun4
这个游戏在全球都很受欢迎。This game is popular all over the world.
全面comprehensive; all-roundAdjective4
看问题要全面，不能只看一个方面。Look at a problem from every side, not just from one.
公交public transport; the busNoun3
我每天坐公交上班。I take the bus to work every day.
Short for 公共交通; in speech it usually means the bus.
公共服务public servicesNoun5
公共服务好不好，直接影响居民的生活。Whether public services are good or not directly affects residents’ lives.
公寓flat; apartmentNoun3
他住在一套小公寓里。He lives in a small flat.
Measure word: 套.
公平fair; justAdjective4
他觉得这样分配工作不太公平。He feels that dividing up the work like this is not very fair.
公立state-run; public (school, hospital)Adjective5
这里大多数孩子上的都是公立学校。Most children here go to state schools.
Run by the state; a British “public school” is in fact 私立.
农场farmNoun4
周末我们带孩子去农场喂羊。At weekends we take the children to a farm to feed the sheep.
农药pesticideNoun5
水果买回来要洗干净，以防有农药残留。Wash fruit well when you bring it home, in case there is pesticide left on it.
冰川glacierNoun3
山上的冰川一年比一年小。The glacier on the mountain gets smaller every year.
冲突conflict; clashNoun5
双方都希望用对话的方式解决冲突。Both sides hope to resolve the conflict through dialogue.
Also a clash of dates or ideas: 时间冲突, a scheduling clash.
凉菜cold dish; cold starterNoun4
中国人请客的时候，一般先上凉菜，再上热菜。When Chinese people host a meal, the cold dishes usually come first and the hot ones after.
减轻to lighten; to easeVerb4
这种药可以减轻疼痛。This medicine can ease the pain.
凑to pool; to put together; to move closeVerb5
大家凑钱给老师买了一份礼物。Everyone chipped in to buy the teacher a present.
Also to come closer: 凑近一点儿.
出去玩儿to go out (for fun)Phrase2
天气这么好，我们出去玩儿吧。The weather is so nice. Let's go out somewhere.
出台to bring out (a policy); to be introducedVerb5
政府出台了新的住房政策。The government has brought out a new housing policy.
Literally to come onto the stage; of policies, rules and plans.
出售to sell; to offer for saleVerb4
这套房子正在出售。This flat is up for sale.
Written; in speech say 卖.
出版社publisher; publishing houseNoun5
他把书稿寄给了三家出版社。He sent his manuscript to three publishers.
出院to leave hospitalVerb3
医生说他下个星期可以出院。The doctor says he can go home from hospital next week.
分享to shareVerb2
谢谢你分享这些照片！Thanks for sharing these photos!
分公司branch (of a company)Noun4
他被派到广州分公司工作了。He has been sent to work at the Guangzhou branch.
分手to break upVerb3
听说她和男朋友分手了。I hear she has broken up with her boyfriend.
分配to assign; to allocateVerb4
新同事被分配到了我们部门。The new colleague has been assigned to our department.
划算good value; worth itAdjective2
打五折，真划算！Half price. What a bargain!
划船to row a boat; to go boatingVerb2
公园里可以划船。You can go boating in the park.
初中junior secondary schoolNoun3
初中三年过得特别快。The three years of junior secondary school went by really fast.
判断to judge; judgementVerb4
只看外表，很难判断一个人的性格。It is hard to judge someone’s character from their appearance alone.
利润profitNoun5
今年公司的利润比去年增加了一倍。This year the company's profit was double last year's.
利益interest; benefitNoun4
做决定的时候，要考虑双方的利益。When making a decision, you have to consider the interests of both sides.
到时候when the time comesPhrase2
到时候我给你打电话。I’ll ring you when the time comes.
制定to draw up; to formulateVerb4
学校制定了新的考试规定。The school has drawn up new exam regulations.
制度system (of rules); institutionNoun4
每个国家的教育制度都不一样。Every country’s education system is different.
A system of rules; a technical system is 系统.
前提precondition; premiseNoun5
在不影响工作的前提下，可以在家办公。Working from home is allowed, provided it does not affect the work.
Usually in 在…的前提下, on condition that.
剥to peel (by hand)Verb3
他剥了一个橘子给我。He peeled an orange for me.
Read bō in a few written compounds.
办事to deal with something; to run an errandVerb2
我去银行办点儿事。I am going to the bank to sort something out.
办公to work (in an office); to do office workVerb3
我们公司在五楼办公。Our company has its offices on the fifth floor.
办公桌desk (in an office)Noun3
他的办公桌上总是很乱。His desk is always a mess.
加上on top of that; added to whichConjunction3
今天下雨，加上是周一，路上特别堵。It is raining today, and on top of that it is Monday, so the roads are especially jammed.
加薪to raise pay; pay riseVerb5
她打算下周找经理谈加薪的事。She plans to see the manager next week about a pay rise.
In conversation more often 涨工资.
动画片cartoon; animated filmNoun3
小孩子都爱看动画片。Small children all love watching cartoons.
劳动力labour force; workforceNoun5
农村的年轻劳动力大多去了城市。Most of the young workers from the countryside have gone to the cities.
勇敢braveAdjective3
小男孩很勇敢，打针的时候没哭。The little boy was very brave and didn't cry when he had his injection.
包装to wrap; packagingVerb2
这个礼物能帮我包装一下吗？Could you gift-wrap this present for me?
包间private room (in a restaurant)Noun3
我们十个人，想要一个包间。There are ten of us, and we'd like a private room.
化妆to put on make-upVerb4
她每天早上化妆要花半个小时。She spends half an hour doing her make-up every morning.
化学chemistryNoun3
我觉得化学比物理难多了。I find chemistry much harder than physics.
化肥chemical fertiliserNoun5
用太多化肥会让土地变硬。Using too much chemical fertiliser makes the soil hard.
匹measure word for horsesMeasure word2
草地上有几匹马在吃草。A few horses are grazing in the meadow.
For horses; most other animals take 只, dogs and fish 条.
医学medicine (as a science)Noun4
她哥哥在大学学医学。Her elder brother studies medicine at university.
升litreMeasure word3
这瓶水是一升的。This is a one-litre bottle of water.
升级to upgradeVerb5
手机系统升级以后反而变慢了。After the phone's system was upgraded it actually got slower.
半途而废to give up halfwayIdiom5
既然开始学钢琴了，就别半途而废。Now that you've started learning the piano, don't give up halfway.
Literally to stop halfway along the road.
协商to discuss and agree; to negotiateVerb5
房租的问题我们可以再协商。We can talk the rent over again.
单亲家庭single-parent familyNoun5
他在单亲家庭长大，跟妈妈的感情特别好。He grew up in a single-parent family and is especially close to his mother.
博主blogger; account holderNoun4
这位美食博主介绍的饭馆都不错。The restaurants this food blogger recommends are all good.
占线(of a line) to be busy, engagedVerb2
我打了三次，一直占线。I rang three times and the line was engaged every time.
卫生间bathroomNoun2
卫生间每个星期打扫两次。The bathroom gets cleaned twice a week.
The room with the toilet and shower in a flat; in public you ask for the 洗手间.
厘米centimetreMeasure word3
他比我高五厘米。He is five centimetres taller than me.
In speech often 公分.
原则principleNoun4
我做事有一个原则：不随便答应别人。I have one principle: I never make promises lightly.
原则上: in principle.
原告plaintiff; claimantNoun5
原告要求对方赔偿损失。The plaintiff is demanding compensation from the other side for the losses.
原料raw materialNoun4
做豆腐的原料是黄豆。The raw material for tofu is soya beans.
县countyNoun4
她在县里的中学当老师。She teaches at the county secondary school.
An administrative unit below a province and its cities.
及and (formal)Conjunction4
本店出售茶叶及茶具。This shop sells tea and tea sets.
Very formal; on signs and in documents.
友谊friendshipNoun3
我们的友谊从小学就开始了。Our friendship goes back to primary school.
双人间double room; twin roomNoun2
双人间一晚多少钱？How much is a double room per night?
反复repeatedly; over and overAdverb4
这个句子我反复读了好几遍。I read this sentence over and over again.
Also of an illness or a problem that keeps coming back.
发布to release, to issue (news, a product)Verb4
这条消息是昨天晚上发布的。This news was released last night.
发愁to worry; to fretVerb3
他正在为房租发愁。He is worrying about the rent.
What worries you comes first, with 为.
发电to generate electricityVerb5
山上那些风车是用来发电的。Those wind turbines on the hill are there to generate electricity.
发达developed; advancedAdjective4
沿海地区的交通比较发达。Transport in the coastal regions is fairly well developed.
取钱to withdraw moneyVerb3
我先去取钱，你在这儿等我。I'll go and get some money first — wait for me here.
口味taste (in food); flavourNoun4
我的口味比较重，喜欢咸一点儿的菜。I like strong flavours — I prefer my food a bit saltier.
口味重 is a liking for salty, strong food; 口味淡 the opposite.
古董antiqueNoun4
他家有一个很值钱的古董花瓶。His family owns a very valuable antique vase.
叫醒to wake (somebody) upVerb2
明天早上七点叫醒我，好吗？Could you wake me at seven tomorrow morning?
可惜a pity, a shameAdjective2
你没来，真可惜！What a pity you didn’t come!
台风typhoonNoun3
台风来了，今天学校不上课。A typhoon has arrived, so there are no classes at school today.
史书history book, chronicleNoun4
关于这位皇帝，史书里只写了几句话。The chronicles say only a few lines about this emperor.
右边the right; on the rightPlace word2
洗手间在右边。The toilets are on the right.
吃亏to lose out; to come off worseVerb5
这样分钱，你不是吃亏了吗？If we split the money that way, won't you lose out?
Separable: 吃了大亏, to come off very badly.
吃醋to be jealous (in love)Verb3
她跟别的男生说话，男朋友就吃醋了。When she talked to another boy, her boyfriend got jealous.
Literally “eat vinegar”: jealousy between partners.
各种各样all kinds of; of every sortIdiom4
市场里有各种各样的水果。The market has all kinds of fruit.
同时at the same timeTime word2
他们俩同时到了。The two of them arrived at the same time.
名校top school; prestigious universityNoun5
考上名校并不是成功的唯一道路。Getting into a top university is not the only road to success.
名牌famous brand; designer labelNoun3
名牌的东西不一定质量好。Things with a famous label are not necessarily good quality.
名胜famous scenic spotNoun3
杭州有很多名胜。Hangzhou has many famous scenic spots.
Often in 名胜古迹, famous sights and historic places.
后天the day after tomorrowTime word1
后天是我的生日。The day after tomorrow is my birthday.
后悔to regretVerb3
我很后悔没早点儿学中文。I really regret not starting Chinese sooner.
吓to frighten, scareVerb2
你吓了我一跳！You gave me a fright!
听写to do a dictation; dictationVerb2
今天上课听写了十个生词。In class today we had a dictation of ten new words.
吹牛to boast; to talk bigVerb4
别听他吹牛，他根本不会开车。Don't listen to his boasting; he can't drive at all.
Separable: 吹什么牛, what are you boasting about.
和谐harmoniousAdjective5
他们一家人相处得很和谐。The whole family get on together in harmony.
咸saltyAdjective2
菜太咸了，少放点儿盐。The food is too salty. Put in less salt.
哈哈ha haExclamation2
哈哈，你说得太对了！Ha ha, you’re absolutely right!
哪些which (ones)Question word1
你去过哪些地方？Which places have you been to?
售货员shop assistantNoun3
售货员问我要什么颜色的。The shop assistant asked me which colour I wanted.
商品goods; merchandiseNoun2
这些商品都是新到的。These goods have all just come in.
啤酒beerNoun1
来两瓶啤酒！Two bottles of beer, please!
喜悦joy, delightNoun5
拿到录取通知书，她脸上满是喜悦。When she received her letter of admission, her face was full of joy.
Written; in speech 高兴 does the work.
嗓子throat; voiceNoun2
我嗓子疼，说不出话来。My throat is so sore that I cannot speak.
回头to turn one’s head; to look backVerb3
听到有人叫我，我回头一看，是我的老同学。I heard someone call me, looked round, and it was an old classmate.
Also an adverb in speech: 回头见, see you later.
回收to recycle; to collect for reuseVerb4
旧手机可以拿到商店回收。Old mobile phones can be taken to the shop for recycling.
回电to call backVerb4
王经理在开会，他开完会给您回电。Manager Wang is in a meeting; he’ll call you back when it’s over.
团圆to be reunited (as a family)Verb3
中秋节是家人团圆的日子。The Mid-Autumn Festival is a day for families to come together.
围巾scarfNoun2
这条围巾是我妈妈送的。This scarf was a present from my mum.
国庆节National DayNoun3
国庆节放七天假，到处都是人。There is a week off for National Day, and there are people everywhere.
土壤soilNoun5
这里的土壤很肥沃，适合种蔬菜。The soil here is very fertile and good for growing vegetables.
The technical word; in everyday speech 土.
地板floorNoun2
地板刚拖完，还没干。The floor has just been mopped and isn't dry yet.
地理geographyNoun4
学地理的时候，我最喜欢看地图。When I studied geography, what I liked most was looking at maps.
地面the ground; surfaceNoun3
下了一夜的雪，地面全白了。After a whole night of snow, the ground has turned completely white.
坚强strong (in character), resilientAdjective4
生病以后她一直很坚强，从来没哭过。Since falling ill she has stayed strong and has never once cried.
培养to train; to develop; to cultivateVerb4
老师希望培养学生独立思考的能力。The teacher hopes to develop the students' ability to think for themselves.
基因geneNoun5
眼睛的颜色主要由基因决定。Eye colour is decided mainly by genes.
基层grass roots; local levelNoun5
年轻干部应该多到基层去了解情况。Young officials should spend more time at the local level finding out how things are.
塞to stuff; to squeeze inVerb4
他把衣服都塞进了包里。He stuffed all his clothes into the bag.
In 塞车, a traffic jam, the roads are stuffed.
复制to copyVerb3
你可以把这段话复制下来。You can copy this passage.
复制品reproduction; replicaNoun5
商店卖的都是名画的复制品，价格不贵。The shop sells only reproductions of famous paintings, and they are not expensive.
外公grandfather (mother's father)Noun1
我外公七十岁了。My grandad on my mum's side is seventy.
In the north often 姥爷.
外卖员food delivery riderNoun3
下大雨的时候，外卖员特别辛苦。Food delivery riders have a really hard time when it pours with rain.
外国foreign country; abroadNoun1
他在外国工作。He works abroad.
外国人foreignerNoun1
这儿外国人很多。There are a lot of foreigners here.
外套jacket; coatNoun3
外面有点儿冷，穿上外套吧。It is a bit cold outside; put your jacket on.
多久how longQuestion word2
你学汉语学了多久？How long have you been learning Chinese?
多亏thanks to; luckilyAdverb4
多亏邻居帮忙，我们才搬完家。Thanks to the neighbours' help, we managed to finish the move.
Close to 幸亏, and usually names who or what to thank.
夜宵late-night snackNoun4
加班到十一点，我们一起出去吃了夜宵。After working late until eleven, we all went out for a late-night snack.
夜景night viewNoun3
从这儿看城市的夜景特别漂亮。The view of the city at night from here is especially beautiful.
夜里at night, in the nightTime word2
夜里孩子醒了两次。The child woke up twice in the night.
大声loudly; aloudAdverb3
图书馆里不能大声说话。You cannot talk loudly in the library.
大约about; approximatelyAdverb3
从这儿到车站大约要走二十分钟。It is about a twenty-minute walk from here to the station.
天文astronomyNoun4
她从小爱看星星，后来学了天文。She loved looking at the stars as a child and later studied astronomy.