CHINESE

WORDS + PHRASES + CONVERSATIONS

Beginner Level Chinese Program

iKnow

Transcript

Welcome to Living Language iKnow Chinese. This audio ash card program lets you see and hear all of the essential words, phrases, and conversations that you need to get by in Mandarin Chinese. Just listen to the native speakers of Mandarin Chinese and repeat in the pauses. Before we look at any Chinese words, lets rst learn a little about Chinese pronunciation. Each word in Chinese is pronounced with one of four tones. Theyre written here over the vowel a, which is pronounced similarly to the vowel in John. Imagine saying the name John in the following contexts: Tone First tone Second tone Example Description High. Sing John. From middle to high, as in asking a question. John? Is that you? From middle to low, and then to high, as if stretching out a question. Jo-o-o-hn, what do you think? From high to low, as if answering a question. Whos there? John.

Pnyn z c zh j q x i i (after z, c, s, zh, ch, sh, r) ou ui (when combines with j, q, x, and y, the two dots above the letter can be omitted) er

Pronunciation ds in yards ts in its dg in judge dy in and yet ty in wont you sh in shoe

Examples zu (left) cng (from) zh (bamboo) ji (nine) qin (money) xixie (thank you) b (pen) s (to die) yu (to have) shu (water) q (to go), n (female)

ee in see r in thunder oa in float weigh like ee in see, but with lips rounded into a pout (German hbsch, French tu)

Third tone

Fourth tone

are

rduo (ear)

There is also a neutral tone, which has no mark: a. As the name implies, it is pronounced neutrally, without any emphasis or tone. If there are two third tones in a row (N ho ma?), the rst third tone is pronounced in the second tone, even though it is still written in the third tone. The Chinese words, phrases, and conversations in iKnow Chinese are written in pnyn, the standard romanization alphabet for Mandarin Chinese used in mainland China. Pnyn was designed for people who do not read Chinese characters to read Chinese sounds. Here is a pronunciation guide to some pnyn letters, and combinations of letters, that sound dierent than those in English:

As a helpful introduction to the Chinese writing system, all of the words, phrases, and sentences below are also written in Chinese characters. Okay, ready to get started?
Action Phrases: Watch Out! B yng gn./Bi jjmngmng. Dont rush.

Kui din li! Come quickly!

Kui ydin er!/Kui yxi! Hurry up! (lit., More fast!)

W mshng li! Im coming right away!

Kui din er! Quickly!

W xinzi ji li. Im coming right now.

Mn din er. Slower.

W gn w(de) ddi huzh mimei q. Im going with my younger brother or with my younger sister.

gngy dlu apartment building

minbodin bakery

W li le! Im coming!

b ji soon

N q hish t q? You go or he/she goes? (informal)

ynhng bank

W zi gn shjin. Im in a hurry. (lit., I am rushing time.)

trn suddenly

W din hish q din? Five oclock or seven oclock?

shdin bookstore

W b gn shjin. Im not in a hurry.

hn kui very soon

Nn hish n ? Male or female?

dlu/dsh building

Mshng. Immediately./Right away.

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

W xing q, ksh w b zhdo shnme shhou. I want to go, but I dont know when.

gngch bus

huli later

And, Or, But

W xing q, ksh w b nng q. I want to go, but I cant go.

rudin butcher shop

Znmen zu ba! Lets go!

Jimng h Jiqing sh xingd. Jiaming and Jiaqiang are brothers.

W q ksh t b q. Im going but he/she isnt going.

kfidin caf, coee shop

xinzi now, right now

mqn h n r mother and daughter

Around Town

ch car

Dng yhu er! One moment!/Just a minute! (lit., Wait a moment!)

w kui huzh li kui five or six dollars

fij airplane

jiotng church

fijchng airport

shzhngf/shzhng dlu city hall, municipal building

shchng market

shngdin store

chngzhn town

chng(sh) city, urban

shzhng mayor

ji street

jiotng trac

fzhungdin clothing store

qngzhns mosque

ldng streetlight

huch train

bihu shngdin department store

jn near

jioq/shjio suburban

huchzhn train station

yofng drugstore, pharmacy

gngyun park

dti subway, metro

cnzhung village

dinz qjin shngdin electronics store

cngun/fngun restaurant

choj shchng supermarket

Asking Directions

yun far

nngcn/xingxi rural

chzch taxi

Qngwn . . . zi n er? May I ask, where is . . . ?

shz lku intersection

xidin shoe store

mioy/syun temple

. . . zu Go . . . /Walk . . .

ldngzh/dnggn lamppost

rnxngdo sidewalk

mi to buy

Y zh wng qin zu. Go straight ahead.

tshgun library

chngzhn yuln sightseeing around town

q mi dngxi to go shopping

Wng nibin zu. Go that way.

Wng hu q. Go back.

At Home Zhun . . . Turn . . . zi . . . pngbian next to . . . shnme what

gngy apartment

Wng yu zhun. Turn right.

jiotngdng traic light

Nde dinyu dzh sh shnme? What is your email address? (informal)

zi ji l at home

Wng zu zhun. Turn left.

(m)l road, street

she who

ysh/wishngjin bathroom

Zhun wn. Turn around.

shz lku intersection

T sh she? Who is that? (lit., He/She is who?)

wfng/wsh bedroom

zu do tu at the end of the street

gngyun (public) park

shnme shhou when

d/xio big/small

do jijio on the corner

gnggng qchzhn (public) bus stop

Fij shnme shhou dd? When does the plane arrive?

dtn carpet

D y ge lku xing zu zhun. Take the rst left.

dtizhn subway station

zn(me)yng how

gungdij CD player

D r ge lku xing yu zhun. Take the second right.

l gun hotel

L de jn ma? Is it near?

Asking Questions

Zn(me)yng d dinhu gi Migu? How do I call the U.S.?

tinhubn ceiling

L de yun ma? Is it far?

(zi) nli/(zi) n er (used in northern China) where

dusho how much, how many

yzi chair

Chku zi n er? Where is the exit?

Zh sh dusho qin? How much (money) does this cost?

bch/ygu closet

chunglin curtain

xn/ji new/old

qing wall

knnan/rngy diicult/easy

fntng dining room

hu/thu painting/picture

chunghu window

by zhngsh/wnpng diploma

mn door

sjio/sjio zu de plastic/made from plastic

mtu/mzhde wood/wooden

kosh exam

dvd j DVD player

fngjin room

At School

jbi grade

dbn floor

jizi shelf

ysh art

tygun gym

mntng hall

shf/chngshf sofa/couch

zi xuxio at school

lsh history

fngzi house

ynxing sound system

shngwxu biology

yyn language

chfng kitchen

lut stairs

huxu chemistry

wnxu literature

dng lamp

zhuzi table

jiosh classroom

shxu math

ktng living room

dinsh television

kchng course

ynyu music

xuwi degree

bjbn notebook

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jioshu professor

xu to learn

W miyu shnme dngxi yo shnbo. I dont have anything to declare.

W xhuan ko zudo de zuwi. I like the aisle seat.

xioxi/kjin xix recess

kosh jg to pass

W yu xi dngxi yo shnbo. I have something to declare.

Zh sh nde dngjzhng. Here is your boarding pass. (informal)

chngjdn report card

xux to study

xuxio school

dxu university

Qngwn ch xngli de dfang zi n er? May I ask, where is the baggage claim area?

L t ykui! Have a good trip!

At the Hotel

xusheng student

At the Airport

Qngwn guj chrjng zi n er? May I ask, where are the international departures?

W yo dngj zhs. Id like to check in.

xuk subject

(zi) nli/(zi) n er (used in northern China) where

Qngwn doddin zi n er? May I ask, where are the arrivals?

W yo y ge fngjin. Id like a room.

losh/jiosh teacher

Qngwn nli sh higun? May I ask, where is customs?

Qngwn y sn r dngjku zi n er? May I ask, where is gate 132 (lit., one-three-two)?

Y ge rn. For one person.

cyn test

Qngwn hzho gunlch zi n er? May I ask, where is passport control?

Ling ge rn. For two people.

Qngwn xnwnch zi n er? May I ask, where is information?

jioksh textbook

W yjng dng le fngjin. I have a reservation.

kosh bjg to fail

N yu shnme dngxi yo shnbo? Do you have anything to declare? (informal)

W xhuan . . . I like . . .

N dsun zh jtin? For how many nights? (informal)

W xhuan ko chungku de zuwi. I like the window seat.

Y tin. For one night.

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Ling tin. For two nights.

Zh er yu yuyngch ma? Is there a pool?

Qng gi w y fn jishi dnzi. The wine list, please./Please bring me the wine list.

Zhl yu shnmeyng de shci? Do you have vegetarian dishes (here)?/Are there vegetarian dishes (here)?

Y ge xngq. (Y ge lbi.) For one week.

Qngwn huysh zi n er? May I ask, where is the conference room?

xioch appetizer

Cso zi n er? Where is the restroom/bathroom?

Zh sh nde yoshi. Here is your key. (informal)

Qngwn chunzhnj zi n er? May I ask, where is the fax machine?

zhci main course

Zh sh nde yoshik. Here is your key card. (informal)

Ji zhyng. Thats all.

N hi yu bi de fngjian ma? Do you have another room? (informal)

Qngwn mnfng gunlb zi n er? May I ask, where is the concierge?

tindin dessert

Qng jizhng. The check, please.

W yo tu fng ji zhng. Id like to check out.

W xing yo din er h de. I would like something to drink.

Zh lmin boku xiofi ma? Is the tip included?

Shfu di srn xzaojin? With a private bathroom?

At the Restaurant

Qng gi w y bi shi. A glass of water, please./Please bring me a glass of water.

zocn breakfast

Di shj jiku ma? With a connection to the internet?

Ni y ji cngun bjio ho? Where is there a good restaurant?

Qng gi w y bi ch. A cup of tea, please./Please bring me a cup of tea.

wcn lunch

Qngwn yu njng ydin er de fngjin ma? May I ask, is there a quieter room?

Ling wi. A table for two. kfi ji nini coee with milk Xyn hish b xyn? Smoking or non-smoking? (lit., To smoke or not to smoke?)

wncn dinner

Qngwn yu d ydin er de fngjin ma? May I ask, is there a larger room?

pji beer

Mn mn ch! Enjoy the meal!

Zh er yu jinshnfng ma? Is there an exercise room?

Qng gi w cidn. The menu, please./Please bring me the menu.

Zh n jinkng! To your health!/Wishing you (good) health! (informal)

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Hn hoch! Its delicious!

yn salt

shci vegetables

Qng zi ji yxi. (Some) more, please.

pnzi plate

hjio pepper (condiment)

j(ru) chicken

Qng b . . . gi w. Please pass me the . . .

chzi fork

tng sugar

zhru pork

l spicy

do knife

tng soup

niru beef

tin sweet

tiogng spoon

sl salad

Wde nipi yo shng ydin er. I like my steak rare.

sun sour

kuizi chopsticks

minbo bread

Wde nipi yo zhngsh. I like my steak medium.

At the Train Station

cnjn napkin

hungyu butter

Wde nipi yo sh ydin er. I like my steak well-done.

Qng gi w y zhng chpio. I would like a ticket, please./Please give me a ticket. (train or bus only)

y bi one/a cup, one/a glass

mintio noodles

guzh juice

Do Shnghi. To Shanghai.

y png ji one/a bottle of wine

mfn rice

xin er bng pie

dnchng chpio one-way ticket (train or bus only)

bngkui er ice cube(s)

rlo cheese

bngqln ice cream

lihu chpio round-trip ticket (train or bus only)

Qng zi li y ge. Another, please.

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Tudngcng hish rdngcng? First class or second class?

Fichng gnxi. Thank you very much.

Wde Zhngwn jing de b ho. I dont speak Chinese very well.

wito coat

Qng gi w y zhng shjinbio. May I have a schedule?/Please give me a schedule.

Byng kq. Youre welcome.

Qng n shu mn ydin er. Please speak more slowly. (informal)

dngxnrng corduroy

Zi ni ge zhnti? Which platform?

Qng. Please.

Qng n zi shu y bin. Please repeat (that)./Please say (that) one more time. (informal)

minb cotton fabric

Huch jdin ki ch? When/At what time does the train leave?

Sh. Yes.

Clothing

lanyqn dress

Bsh. No. Huch jdin dd? When/At what time does the train arrive?

yuyngy bathing suit, swimsuit

rhun earring(s)

Dubuq. Excuse me./Pardon me./Sorry.

yuyngk bathing trunks, swimming trunks

ynjng eyeglasses

Gi c lich nsh dd ma? Is the train on time?

Hn boqin. Im sorry. (lit., Very regretful.)

yodi belt

lf formal dress

Gi c lich yu cnch ma? Is there a dining car?

W tng b dng. I dont understand.

zhoshn blouse

shuto glove(s)

Gi c lich yu wp ma? Is there a sleeping car?

W b hu jing Zhngwn. I dont speak Chinese. (lit., I dont know how to speak Chinese.)

shuzhu bracelet

mozi hat

Basic Expressions N hu shu Yngy ma? Do you (know how to) speak English? (informal) yfu clothes, clothing dun shngy/jik jacket

Xixie n. (Xixie nn.) Thank you. (informal/formal)

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nizik jeans

s silk

hnshn undershirt

wnjin document, file

hubin lace

ho/chm size

shubio watch

shm yngh xanl DSL

pg leather

qnzi skirt

Computers and the Internet

dinyu email

xinglin necklace

qixi/jiodbxi sneakers, tennis shoes

fjin attachment

dngn file

nlng nylon

wzi sock(s)

bk/blug/wngshngrzh blog (web log)

jsh xnx instant message

shuy pajamas

tozhung suit

dinln cable

hlinwng internet

kzi pants

tiyng ynjng sunglasses

gungpn CD-ROM

jinpn keyboard

jizh/zhhun ring

chun to wear, to put on

wid gungdij CD-ROM drive

jyt/cnchq memory

wijn scarf

T-xshn (txshn) T-shirt

liotinsh chat room

tiozhjitioq modem

chnshn shirt

nik underpants

dinno computer

ynggungpng/pngm monitor, screen

xizi shoe(s)

dinno j hlinwng computers and the internet

hush/shbio mouse

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dynj printer

wngy webpage

Zhnggu China

Ydlrn Italian

fshng wnjin to attach a document/file

wngzhn website

Zhnggurn Chinese

Ydl Italy

gunb wnjin to close a document/file

Countries and Nationalities

Ynggu England, Britain

Rbn Japan

shnch to delete

Fizhu Africa

Ynggurn English, British

Rbnrn Japanese

zhunj to forward

Migu America, the United States

uzhu Europe

Hngu Korea

dki wnjin to open a document/file

Migurn American

Fgu France

Nnjngrn Nanjingese (from Nanjing)

huf to reply

Yzhu Asia

Fgurn French

gu Russia

cnch dngn to save a file

ozhurn Australian

Dgurn German

Shnghirn Shanghaiese (from Shanghai)

f wnjin to send a document/file

Bijngrn Beijinger (from Beijing)

Dgu Germany

Nn Mizhu South America

f dinyu to send an email

Jind Canada

Xinggngrn Hongkongese (from Hong Kong)

Xbny Spain

Gungdngrn Cantonese

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Xbnyrn Spanish

xngq tin (lbi tin) Sunday

sh yu October

ho/hui good/bad

Yunn Vietnam

y yu January

sh y yu November

mil/chu beautiful/ugly

N gu rn? What nationality? (lit., Which country person?)

r yu February

sh r yu December

r/lng hot/cold

Days and Months

sn yu March

zh ge xngq y (zh ge lbi y) this Monday

go/i tall/short

xngq y (lbi y) Monday

s yu April

shng ge xngq (shng ge lbi) last week

png/shu fat/thin

xngq r (lbi r) Tuesday

w yu May

xi ge yu next month

ji/xn old/new

xngq sn (lbi sn) Wednesday

li yu June

sn yu rsh ho on march 20

lo/ninqng old/young

xngq s (lbi s) Thursday

q yu July

Jntin sh j ho? What is the date today?

goxng/bii happy/sad

xngq w (lbi w) Friday

b yu August

Jntin sh s yu rsh w ho. Today is April 25.

kui/mn fast/slow

xngq li (lbi li) Saturday

ji yu September

Describing Things

jn/yun near/far

d/xio big/small

hngs red

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lns blue

Ho. Okay./Fine./Good.

mx circus

yu ysi interesting

hungs yellow

W b zhdo. I dont know.

jlb club

zzh magazine

` s l green

Zh sh hn zhngyo de! Its very important! (lit., This is very important!)

xj comedy

dinyngyun movie theater, cinema

chnghungs orange

Xioxn! Be careful!

ynyuhu concert

dinyng movie, film

zs purple

Zh n wn er de kixn! Have fun! (informal)

whu dance party

bwgun museum

his black

Zh n hoyn! Good luck! (informal)

jlpin documentary

gj opera

bis white

Entertainment

xj drama

hu painting

zngs brown

mishgun art museum, gallery

yl entertainment

shjio jhu party

N ti ho le! Thats great!

yudu band

lng rn xngfn exciting

fngun/fndin restaurant

N ti zogo le! Thats terrible!

sh book

yuq/hown funny

kp scary

hulng gallery

diok/dios sculpture

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gq song

q kn dinyng to go to the movies

Du(me) zogo! How awful!/How horrible!

Du fn! What a drag!

qngtn jim/fngtn jim talk show

bn whu to have a party

Du(me) mil! How beautiful!

Du(me) kx! What a pity!

dinsh jim television program

wn de goxng to have fun

Du mi! How beautiful!/How pretty!/How nice!

Du(me) yxing b do! What a surprise!

xnwn the news

tng ynyu to listen to music

Du(me) xngyn! How lucky!/What luck!

Du(me) zuyn! What amazing luck!

jyun theater

kn sh to read a book

Du ho!/Du bng! How nice!

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

pio ticket

kn zzh to read a magazine

Family and Relationships Du pioliang! How pretty!

mn to be bored, boring

kn dinyng to see a movie

gm aunt (fathers [elder] sister)

Du bn! How stupid!/What stupidity!

zhunti to change channels

kn xj to see a play

gm aunt (fathers [married] sister)

xunti to choose channels

kn dinsh to watch television

Du(me) bxng! How unfortunate!/What a misfortune!

ggu aunt (fathers [younger] sister)

tiow to dance

Exclamations: What a Surprise!

Hn kx. Its a pity. (lit., Very pity.)

bm aunt (fathers elder brothers wife)

q whu to go to a party

Ho! Good!

Xixing! No way! (lit., Dont think about it!)

shnshen aunt (fathers younger brothers wife)

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ym aunt (mothers [elder] sister)

tngd cousin (fathers brothers son who is younger than you)

jitng j gunx family and relationships

ninai grandmother (fathers mother)

ym aunt (mothers [married] sister)

y aunt (mothers [younger] sister)

bioji cousin (fathers sister or mothers siblings daughter who is older than you)

bba father

wip grandmother (mothers mother)

gnggong father-in-law (husbands father)

xinsheng/zhngfu husband

jim/jim aunt (mothers brothers wife)

biomi cousin (fathers sister or mothers siblings daughter who is younger than you)

yuf/yuzhng father-in-law (wifes father)

mma mother

yngr baby

nnpngyou boyfriend

biod cousin (fathers sister or mothers siblings son who is younger than you)

wihnf fianc

ppo mother-in-law (husbands mother)

wihnq fiance

yum mother-in-law (wifes mother)

tngji cousin (fathers brothers daughter who is older than you)

biog cousin (fathers sister or mothers siblings son who is older than you)

pngyou friend

qnqi relative

tngmi cousin (fathers brothers daughter who is younger than you)

n r daughter

n pngyou girlfriend

rzi son

gge elder brother tngxing cousin (fathers brothers son who is older than you)

yye grandfather (fathers father)

jn stepdaughter

jijie elder sister

wigng grandfather (mothers father)

jf stepfather

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jm stepmother

bf uncle (fathers elder brother)

d sn third

niru beef

jz stepson

gf uncle (fathers sisters husband)

d s fourth

pji beer

gn . . . lhn to divorce (someone)

shshu uncle (fathers younger brother)

d w fifth

minbo bread

bn lhn to get a divorce

jif/jiji uncle (mothers brother)

d li sixth

zocn breakfast

jchng to inherit

yf uncle (mothers sisters husband)

d q seventh

hlubo carrot

rnshi to know (a person)

titai/qzi wife

d b eighth

nilo/rlo cheese

i to love

ddi younger brother

d ji ninth

j(ru) chicken (meat)

q to marry (a man to marry a woman)

mimei younger sister

d sh tenth

ljio chili pepper

ji to marry (a woman to marry a man)

First, Second, Third, Etc.

Food

kfi coee

gn . . . jihn to marry (to get married to . . . )

d y first

pnggu apple

hunggu cucumber

jin to meet

d r second

xingjio banana

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wncn dinner

lngxi lobster

qshu soft drink, soda

Qng gi w y zhng dti xinlt. A subway map, please./Please give me a subway map.

ynlio drink

wcn lunch

tng sugar Zh ling gnggng qch do Nnjing L q ma? Does this (public) bus go to Nanjing Road?

dn egg

ru meat

tin/sun sweet/sour

y fish

nini milk

ch tea

Chfi yo dusho qin? How much is the fare?

shw food

jzi orange

fnqi tomato

shugu fruit

l pear

ci vegetable

Qngwn zi n er ky zhodo chzch? May I ask, where are the taxis? (lit., May I ask, where can I find the taxis?)

pto grapes

hjio pepper (condiment)

shu water

Qngwn gnggng qchzhn zi n er? May I ask, where is the (public) bus stop?

fngm honey

zhru pork

ji wine, alcohol

Qngwn nli sh chku? May I ask, where is the exit?

r/lng hot/cold

fn rice (cooked), meal

Getting Around Qngwn dtizhn zi n er? May I ask, where is the subway station?

guzh juice

yn salt

Qng gi w y zhng shq dt. A map of the city, please./Please give me a map of the city.

shngci/wj lettuce

xi shrimp

Qng n tng zi zh er. Please stop here. (informal)

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Qng n b w sng do zh ge ddin. Please take me to this address. (informal)

Wde tu yn. Im dizzy.

Wde jio tng. My leg hurts.

W y zi Migu chshng. I was also born in the U.S. (like you).

W shu shng le. Im hurt. Getting Help W ml le. Im lost.

Qng jio jihch. Please call an ambulance.

W xinzi zh zi Tinjn. Im now living in Tianjin.

N nng bngbngmng ma? Can you help me? (informal)

Jngch! Police!

N du d?/N j su? How old are you? (informal)

Ji mng! Help!

W bi rn qing le. Ive been robbed.

Getting to Know Someone

W rsh s su. Im 24 years old.

W zho b do wde hizi le. I dont know where my child is.

Wde xngli dile. Ive lost my luggage.

N sh cng shnme dfang li de? Where are you from? (lit., You come from what place?) (informal)

Do ji yu w rsh s su. Ill be 24 years old in September.

W zho b do wde zhngfu le. I dont know where my husband is.

Wde hzho dile. Ive lost my passport.

W sh cng Bijng li de. Im from Beijing.

W zi y ji li li nin b yu sh ji ho chshng. I was born August 19, 1966.

W zho b do wde titai le. I dont know where my wife is.

Wde qinbo dile. Ive lost my wallet.

W sh cng Ni Yu li de. Im from New York. N shnme shhou shngr? When is your birthday? (informal)

W gnju xin. I feel nauseous.

W gn b shng wde huch le. Ive missed my train.

T sh cng shnme dfang li de? Where is he/she from? (lit., He/She comes from what place?)

W y yu rsh sn ho shngr. My birthday is on January 23.

W xyo q kn yshng. I need (to go see) a doctor.

Wde (shu)b tng. My arm hurts.

T sh cng Gungzhu li de. He/She is from Guangzhou.

T du d? How old is he/she?

W du pnnxiln gumn. Im allergic to penicillin.

Wde tu tng. My head hurts.

N zi nl chshng? Where were you born? (informal)

T snsh su. He/She is 30 years old.

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Going Out N yu j ge xingd? How many brothers do you have? (informal) Nli ky yuyng? Where can I go to swim? N nng gosu w ni ge kfigun ho ma? Can you recommend a caf/coee shop? (informal) T hn pioliang. Shes (very) pretty.

Good or Bad?

W yu y ge gge h y ge ddi. I have one older brother and one younger brother.

T hn mi. Shes (very) beautiful/pretty.

Gge rsh r su. The older brother is 22 years old.

N nng gosu w ni ge cngun ho ma? Can you recommend a restaurant? (informal)

ho good, well, fine, okay, all right

T hn yu mil. He/She is (very) charming. (lit., He/She has a lot of charisma.)

hn ho very good, very well, good T sh y ge ho rn! Hes a good guy!/Shes a good person! Ti bng le. Its wonderful./Its excellent. B ho. Its not good./Its no good./Its bad. Fichng de ho. Its excellent./Its admirable. Bsh ti ho. Its not very good. Wnmi. Its perfect. N ge b ho. Thats no good./Thats not good. Bcu. Its not bad./Its pretty good. (lit., Not incorrect.)

T zi dxu dsh. He studies at the university.

Fjn yu ho de jib ma? Is there a good bar nearby?

Ddi sh q su. The younger brother is 17 years old.

Fjn yu dinyngyun ma? Is there a movie theater nearby?

T zi gozhng nin gosn. Hes in his last year of high school. (lit., He is studying grade three in high school.)

Fjn yu bwgun ma? Is there a museum nearby?

N yu dusho ge jimi? How many sisters do you have? (informal)

yu de jngdin? Nli sh l Where are the tourist attractions?

Nli w nng q tiow? Where can I go to dance?

W yu y ge mimei. I have one younger sister.

Nli ky linx pob? Where can I go to jog?

Ho b ho? Is it all right?/Is it okay? (lit., Good not good?)

Zhyng b du. Its not right./This isnt right./ This is wrong. (lit., Its not correct in this way.)

Zhyng b ho. Thats bad. (lit., Its bad in this way.) Shfn ho! Perfect!/Very good!/Very well! T hn hui. He/She is very bad.

T ji su. Shes nine years old.

Nli ky q zxngch? Where can I go to ride a bike?

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39

Zhyng hn b ho. Thats very bad./Thats really bad. (lit., Its very bad in this way.)

W zu p (dzhn). Im most afraid of (getting a shot).

t shu he/she/it speaks

ygng/ypn bathtub

Zh ge ti hui. Thats too bad.

B hoysi. Im sorry. (lit., I feel embarrassed [for doing that].)

nn shu you speak (formal)

glngshu cologne

T zhn de hn hui. He/She is really very bad.

W hn ho. Im (very) well./Im fine.

wmen shu we speak

chchuj deodorant

Hn bn! Its very silly!/Its very stupid!

W yudin er b shfu. I dont feel very well.

nmen shu you speak (plural)

zi ysh l in the bathroom

W b gun. I dont care for it.

N jude lng huzh r ma? Do you feel cold or hot?

tmen shu they (male/female/it) speak

yogu medicine cabinet

Zh ge w jizh. Its worthless. (lit., This is worthless.)

W tu tng. I have a headache.

W shu Zhngwn. I speak Chinese.

jngzi mirror

Ho w jizh. Its worthless./Its not good for anything. (lit., Without worth.)

N shu de du. Youre right.

John shu Yngwn. John speaks English.

xingshu perfume

I Speak, You Speak, etc. I Am Feeling . . . w shu I speak

W h Elena shu Zhngwn. Elena and I speak Chinese. (lit., I and Elena speak Chinese.)

fn powder

W yu din le. Im hungry.

In the Bathroom

tdo razor

W hn li. Im (very) tired.

n shu you speak (informal)

bngdi bandage

xfjng shampoo

ysh/wishngjin bathroom

guhgo shaving cream

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41

lny shower

png bottle

chgu cupboard

do knife

xlinpn sink (wash basin)

wn bowl

xwnj dishwasher

xyfn/xyjng laundry detergent

fizo soap

xing/h box

qngjij dishwashing detergent

wibl microwave

gu hzi to shave

sozhou broom

chut drawer

kol/koxing oven

xzo to take a shower/bath

gun(tu)/jnshgun can

hnggnj dryer

pnzi plate

csu/wishngjin toilet

zhbnxing carton

chzi fork

bngxing refrigerator

wishngzh toilet paper

kuizi chopsticks

blibi/bizi glass

xco (kitchen) sink

mojn towel

gnjng/zng clean/dirty

zi chfng l in the kitchen

tngch/shozi spoon

In the Kitchen

kfij coeemaker

yndu iron

hul stove

piobij bleach

guti counter

yndu bn ironing board

chh/h teapot

jiobnj/zhzhj blender, juicer

bi/bizi cup

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zh/sho to cook (lit., to burn)

gngs company

huy meeting

W xinzi q Bijng. Im going to Beijing now./Im leaving for Beijing now.

x pnzi to do the dishes (lit., to wash dishes)

dinno/dinz jsunj computer

huysh meeting room

W cng Nnjng li. I come from Nanjing.

x yfu to do the laundry (lit., to wash clothing)

xizti/bngng zhu desk

bngngsh/bngnglu oice/oice building

W sh cng Nnjng li de. Im from Nanjing.

xyj washing machine

wnjin document, file

xnjn/xnshu salary

In the Office

gyun employee

gngzu rnyun sta

W xinzi q Xn. Im going to Xian now./Im leaving for Xian now.

yuhu appointment

gngchng factory

dinhu telephone

W xi le xn gi t. I wrote a letter to him/her.

shji bookshelf

chunzhnj fax machine

zhun to earn

W zi tshgun (l). Im in(side) the library.

lobn boss

dngn file

shngbn to go to work

Cng Nnjng q Shnghi yo y ge zhngtu. Going from Nanjing to Shanghai takes one hour.

mimi/shngy business

dngn gu filing cabinet

In, To, From

mng busy

zi bngngsh l in the oice

W q gu Bijng. Ive been to Beijing. (lit., I have gone [to] Beijing before.)

T xinzi wng Shnghi q. He/She is going toward Shanghai now.

tngsh colleague

gngzu job

W zu yun do le Lnzhu. I got as far as Lanzhou. (lit., The furthest I arrived was Lanzhou.)

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Isnt It? N zi zh er bsh ti ji, du ma? You havent been here very long, have you? (informal) W zh zi Bijng. I live in Beijing. yu. Wmn qunjirn yq l Im traveling with my family.

Du ma? Is it? (lit., Right?)

Du b du? Isnt it? (lit., Right not right?)

N hu li de, du ma? Youll come, wont you? (informal)

Zh sh wde pngyou. This is my friend.

Wmn sh yuk. We are tourists.

Zhngwn hn rngy, du b du? Chinese is very easy, isnt it?

Hn lng, du b du? Its very cold, isnt it?

Zh sh wde nnpngyou. This is my boyfriend.

N xhuan kn dinyng ma? Do you like to go to the movies? (informal)

Zh er de rn du hn ho, du b du? The people here are very nice, arent they?

Ti ho le! Du b du? Its great! Dont you think? (lit., Too good! Right not right?)

pngyou. Zh sh wde n This is my girlfriend.

N xhuan tiow ma? Do you like to dance? (informal)

Zh sh wde titai. This is my wife. Ti ki le! Du b du? How cute! Dont you think? (lit., Too cute! Right not right?)

Wmn zu ba! Lets go!

N miyu b, du ma? You dont have a pencil/pen, do you? (informal)

Zh sh wde zhngfu. This is my husband.

N zhdo zh ge dfang, du b du? You know this place, dont you? (informal)

Ky, du b du? Its all right, isnt it?

W nng jin jin nde pngyou ma? Can I meet your friend? (informal)

Nde guji hn mi. Your country is very beautiful. (informal)

Making Friends N q gu Migu ma? Have you been to the U.S.? (informal)

Nde dinhu hom sh dusho? What is your telephone number? (informal)

N rnshi Wng xinsheng, du b du? You know Mr. Wang, dont you? (informal)

N ho! N jio shnme mngzi? Hello! Whats your name? (informal)

Qng do w zhl li kn kan! Please visit me (here)! W hn xhuan ch zhl de dngxi. I like the food here very much.

W ky zu zi zhl ma? May I sit here?

N yu tiogng h cnjn, du b du? You have a spoon and a napkin, dont you? (informal)

W zhn sh ti goxng le. I really had a wonderful time. (lit., I really was too happy.)

N zh zi n er? Where do you live? (informal)

W sh shngw fngwn. Im on a business trip.

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Measure Words y ti dinno one/a computer [one/a + machinery measure word + computer] y di pnggu one/a bag of apples Duhunl sh dusho? What is the exchange rate? (lit., How much is the exchange rate?)

y bn sh one/a book [one/a + bound text measure word + book]

y b ysn one/an umbrella [one/an + measure word for handheld things/chairs + umbrella]

y ge rn one/a person [one/a + general measure word + person]

y xing lj one/a box of garbage

W xhuan yo xio din er de pioz. Id like that in small bills.

y b yzi one/a chair [one/a + measure word for handheld things/chairs + chair]

y zhng zh one/a piece of paper [one/a + measure word for at surfaces + paper]

y shung xizi/y du xizi one/a pair of shoes Duhunfi sh dusho? How much is the commission? y shung ynjing/y du ynjing one/a pair of eyes More or Less

y zh j one/a chicken [one/a + measure word for birds/certain animals + chicken]

y zhng zhopin one/a photo [one/a + measure word for at surfaces + photo]

y d jdn one/a dozen eggs

gng mn slower (lit., even more slow)

y zh mo one/a cat [one/a + measure word for birds/certain animals + cat]

y zhng chung one/a bed [one/a + measure word for at surfaces + bed ]

Money gng nn more diicult (lit., even more diicult) qin money gng rngy easier (lit., even more easy) Rnmnb Renminbi (currency of China) gng yun farther (lit., even more far) ynhng bank gng jn nearer (lit., even more near) Qngwn ynhng zi n er? May I ask, where is the bank? b zh ge gng . . . (more) . . . than this W xing hun din er qin. Id like to change some money.

y zh bi one/a cup, one/a glass [one/a + measure word for certain containers + cup/glass]

y zh b one/a pen [one/a + measure word for something long and thin/sticklike + pen]

y zh wn one/a bowl [one/a + measure word for certain containers + bowl]

y tio l one/a road [one/a + measure word for something long/thin/narrow + road ]

y bi shu one/a cup of water, one/a glass of water

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chogu y nin more than a year (lit., exceed one year)

nde pngyou your friend (informal)

Zh xi sh tde. These are his/hers.

W zj li. Let me do it by myself. (lit., I self come.)

miyu zhme mn less slow (lit., not so slow)

tde pngyou his/her/its friend

Zh sh wmende. This is ours.

N zj ci zhdo. Only you yourself know it. (informal)

miyu zhme nn less diicult (lit., not so diicult)

wmende pngyou our friend (exclusive)

Zh xi sh wmende. These are ours.

T jude t zj zu pioliang. She thinks she herself is the prettiest.

miyu zhme rngy less easy (lit., not so easy)

znmende pngyou our friend (inclusive)

Zh sh nmende. This is yours. (plural)

miyu zhme yun less far, not so far

nmende pngyou your friend (plural)

Wmen zi jngzil knjin zj. We see ourselves in the mirror. (lit., We in the mirror see selves.)

Zh xi sh nmende. These are yours. (plural) N du zj yo yu xnxn. You must have confidence in yourself. (lit., You toward self must have confidence.) (informal)

miyu zhme jn less near, not so near

tmende pngyou their (male/female/it) friend

Zh sh tmende. This is theirs (male/female/it).

b zh ge sho less than this

Zh sh wde. This is mine.

Zh xi sh tmende. These are theirs (male/female/it).

N zj x. You wash (it) yourself. (lit., You self wash.) (informal)

b gu y nin less than a year (lit., not enough for a year)

Zh xi sh wde. These are mine.

Myself Nature N bi gui zj. Dont blame yourself. (informal)

Zh sh nde. This is yours. (informal)

hitn beach

My, Your, His/Her, Etc. Zh xi sh nde. These are yours. (informal) T zj q kn dinyng. He/She goes to watch a movie by himself/herself. shm desert

wde pngyou my friend

Zh sh tde. This is his/hers.

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tind field, farm land

zhw plant

shu water

W shnme y b zhdo. I dont know anything.

hu flower

chtng pond

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

W b zhdo sh znmeyng huzh sh shnme shhou. I dont know how or when.

snln forest

h river

T cngwi li gu. He/She has never come. W b zhdo sh n er. I dont know where.

shnqi hill

ynsh rock

T b zi zh er. He/She is not here. W kn b jin. I dont see./I cant see. T cng b li. He/She never comes. W shnme y b yo./ W b yo shnme dngxi. I dont want anything.

h lake

sh sand

ld land

hi sea

T shu b. He/She says no.

yuling moon

tin sky

T shu sh. He/She says yes.

W miyu shjin. I have no time.

shn mountain

xng star

W ci b zihu ne. I dont care at all./It doesnt make the slightest dierence to me.

W miyu shnme sh zu. I have nothing to do.

dzrn nature

tiyng sun

W b zihu. I dont care./It makes no dierence to me.

W miyu shnme ho shu. I have nothing to say.

hiyng ocean

sh tree W miyu qin. I dont have money.

W cng b q. I never go.

W cng b jin t. I never see him/her.

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W shnme y mi(yu) knjin./ W mi knjin shnme. I see nothing./I dont see anything.

Bsh hndu. Its not a lot/much.

Miyu nme kui. Not so fast.

B ti du y b ti sho. Neither too much nor too little.

Bcu. Its not bad. W xing sh ba. I think so. B gu. Its not enough. W yngyun y b hu q. Ill never go. (lit., I forever will not go.) B ho. Its not good. W yngyun y b hu shu. Ill never say it. Bsh nyng. Its not that. W b q. Im not going. Bsh hn zhngyo. Its not very important. W yqin cngli miyu jin gu t./W cng wi jin gu t. Ive never seen him/her before.

Bsh jngchng. Not so often.

B ti ho y b ti hui. Its so-so./Its not too good and not too bad.

Shnme y miyu. Nothing. (lit., Not anything.)

W b nng q y b xing q. I cant go and I dont want to.

Miyu fshng shnme sh. Nothing happened.

W shjin h qin du miyu. I have neither the time nor the money.

Sh, xinsheng. Yes, sir. Kn h xi t du bxng. He/She can neither read nor write. Neither . . . Nor Numbers

Mi shnme. Its nothing.

y b/y miyu neither, nor lng zero (0) j b . . . y b neither . . . nor y 1 Gng gng ho. Just so./Just right. (lit., Neither more nor less.)

Byojn. It doesnt matter./Its not important.

Miyu rn li le. No one is coming (here)./Nobody comes (here).

Gu le. Its enough.

Shnme rn y b li le. No one is coming.

r 2 (used in counting)

Sh zh er le. Its here.

B, xinsheng. No, sir.

Zh ge h n ge du bsh. Neither the one nor the other./ Neither this one nor that one over there.

ling 2 (used with nouns)

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sn 3

sh sn 13

rsh sn 23

lish 60

s 4

sh s 14

rsh s 24

qsh 70

w 5

sh w 15

rsh w 25

bsh 80

li 6

sh li 16

rsh li 26

jish 90

q 7

sh q 17

rsh q 27

ybi 100

b 8

sh b 18

rsh b 28

ybi lng y 101

ji 9

sh ji 19

rsh ji 29

ybi lng r 102

sh 10

rsh 20

snsh 30

ybi lng sn 103

sh y 11

rsh y 21

ssh 40

lingbi (rbi) 200

sh r 12

rsh r 22

wsh 50

snbi 300

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sbi 400

jinzh gngrn construction worker

bnzh part-time

shy/diy unemployed

wbi 500

yy dentist

gunzigng plumber

shuy veterinarian

yqin 1,000 (one thousand)

yshng doctor

gngn/jngch police oicer

zuji writer

ybiwn 1,000,000 (one million)

dingng electrician

jioshu professor

On the Phone

On the Job

gngchngsh engineer

tuxi retired

Zh er yu dinhu ma? Is there a telephone here?

ynyun actor, actress

nngmn farmer

tixioyun/shuhuyun salesperson

W ky zi n er d dinhu? Where can I make a phone call?

jinzhsh architect

qunzh full-time

msh/zhl secretary/assistant

Dinhu zi n er? Where is the telephone?

yshji artist

gngzu job

wndng de gngzu steady job

Dinhujin zi n er? Where is the phone booth?

ynhngji banker

jzh journalist ` sh l lawyer

shqgng summer job

W kbky yng n de dinhu? May I use your phone? (informal)

shngrn/shyji business person

chzch sj taxi driver

Dngrn ky! Yng ba! Of course, go ahead! (lit., Of course you can! Use it!)

mjing carpenter

ynyuji musician

jiosh/losh teacher

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People Byo wngj b nde ydng dinhu fng zi dizi l. Dont forget to pack your cell phone in your bag. (informal) Dinhu zhnxin. The line is busy. png/shu fat/thin

rn people, person, man

N gi w de hom sh bdu de. You gave me the wrong number. (informal)

nnrn man

yushn/byushn friendly/unfriendly

W b zhdo kbky zi w q de guji l shyng. I dont know if it will work in all the countries Im going to visit.

Miyu rn ji. There is no answer.

n rn woman

kuil/shngxn happy/sad

Hndu (dinhu) gngs zi qt guji y tgng fw. Many (phone) companies also provide service in other countries.

Hung xinsheng zi ma? May I speak to Mr. Huang? (lit., Is Mr. Huang there?)

dren/chngrn adult

mil/yngjn/nnkn beautiful/handsome/ugly

W jish. Speaking. (lit., I am.)

xiohier/xiopngyou child

yubng/jinkng sick/healthy

W yo b chngt dinhu. I need to call long distance.

Zh sh Chn Dnin. This is Danian Chen speaking.

nnhier/nnhi(zi) boy

qing/ru strong/weak

D dinhu q Shnghi yo dusho qin? How much is a phone call to Shanghai?

Sh Hung xinsheng ma? Is this Mr. Huang?

n hier/n hi(zi) girl

yumng famous

W yo b r r b q w b r. I want 2287582.

Sh. Yes./Speaking.

qngshonin teenager

cngmng intelligent

Byo guxing. Hold on a minute. (lit., Dont hang up.)

N er zho? Who is this?

go/i tall/short

yu cinng talented

Saying Hello lo/ninqng old/young

N ho! Hello!/Good day! (informal)

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Zon! Good morning!

Zijin. Good-bye.

nn south

W yo zh ge. Ill take it. (lit., I want this.)

Wnshang ho! Good evening!

Di hu er jin. See you later.

x west

Shngdin jdin ki mn? At what time does the store open?

N ho ma? How are you? (informal)

Zi hu. See you soon./Adieu.

bi north

Shngdin jdin gun mn? At what time does the store close?

Ho, xixie. Fine, thanks.

Wnn. Good night.

Shopping

N xhuan shnme? What would you like? (lit., You like what?) (informal)

W hn ho, xixie. Im very well, thanks.

Seasons and Cardinal Directions

Zh sh dusho qin? How much does this cost? (lit., This is how much?)

N xyo bngmng ma? Can I help you? (informal)

Hi ky. So-so.

chntin spring

Qng n b jig xi xili. Please write down the price. (informal)

W xing yo zh ge. I would like this.

Qngwn n jio shnme mngzi? May I ask, whats your name? (informal)

xitin summer

W yo mi . . . Id like to buy . . .

W xing yo dinch. I would like batteries.

W jio Wng Mng. My name is Ming Wang.

qitin autumn

Hn gu! Its very expensive!

W xing yo y jun jiojun. I would like a roll of film.

W jio Zhng Ln. My name is Lan Zhang.

dngtin winter

N yu pinyi ydin er de ma? Do you have something (a little) cheaper? (informal)

W xing yo y zhng shq dt. I would like a map of the city.

W hn goxng rnshi n. Its nice to meet you. (informal)

dng east W chun (d/zhng/xio) m. My size is (large/medium/small). (lit., I wear large/medium/small size.)

Gi n zh ge. Here it is. (lit., Give you this.) (informal)

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Speaking Chinese Ji zh xi le ma? Is that all? nizik jeans T yu qin ma? Does he/she have (any) money?

W xing f xinjn. Id like to pay with cash.

shdin bookstore

T ydin er y miyu. He/She doesnt have any. (lit., He/She doesnt even have a little bit.)

N hu shu Zhngwn ma? Do you (know how to) speak Chinese? (informal)

W xing yng xnyngk f. Id like to pay by credit card.

bngdin bakery

Hu shu ydin er. (I) can speak a little.

N hi yu qin ma? Do you have (any) money left? (informal)

W ky zi wngshng dng ma? Can I order this online?

choj shchng supermarket N yu dusho bn sh? How many books do you have? (informal)

Ydindin er. Very little.

bihu gngs department store

rudin butcher shop

B ti ho. Not very well.

n zhung womens clothes

shchng market

N yo yxi shugu ma? Do you want some fruit? (informal)

W hu shu Zhngwn. I (know how to) speak Chinese.

chnyi, qnzi, lanyqn blouse, skirt, dress

Some, Any, A Few

Gi w j ge. Give me a few.

W shu de b ho. I speak it poorly.

nnzhung mens clothes

N yu qin ma? Do you have (any) money? (informal)

Gi w yxi. Give me some.

W shu de b ti ho. I dont speak it very well. (lit., I speak not too well.)

kzi, chnshn, lngdi pants, shirt, tie

W yu yxi. I have some.

Gi t yxi. Give him/her some.

W zh hu shu j g dnc. I only know (how to speak) a few words.

xi(zi) h wzi shoes and socks

W ydin er y miyu. I dont have any. (lit., I dont even have a little bit.)

w(de) yxi pngyou some of my friends

W hu shu yxi Zhngwn dnc. I can say some words in Chinese.

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N(de) pngyou hu shu Zhngwn ma? Does your friend (know how to) speak Chinese? (informal)

W yo du linx. I need to practice more.

N xinzi mngbai le ma? Do you understand (me) now? (informal)

lnqi basketball

N tng de dng ma? Do you understand (me)? (informal) W(de) pngyou b hu shu Zhngwn. My friend doesnt (know how to) speak Chinese.

` , w mngbai le. O Oh, now I understand.

k cards

W tng de dng. I understand (you).

Zh ge sh shnme ysi? What does this mean?

gunjn champion

N dng Zhngwn ma? Do you understand Chinese? (informal)

W tng de b ti dng. I dont understand (you) very well.

Thanks Zhngwn znme shu? How do you say thanks in Chinese?

jiolin coach

W dng Zhngwn. I understand Chinese.

N shu shnme?/ N jing shnme? What did you say? (informal)

Zh ge z znme xi? How do you write this word?

yux game

W dng, ksh w b hu shu. I understand it, but I dont (know how to) speak it.

N shu de ti kui. You speak too fast./Youre speaking too fast. (informal)

Qng n xi gi w. Please write it down for me. (informal)

qgnqi hockey

W hu kn, ksh w b hu shu. I can read it, but I dont (know how to) speak it.

B yo shu zhme kui. Dont speak so fast.

yndngyun player Sports and Recreation zhungqi/tiqi pool, billiards

W b dng Zhngwn. I dont understand Chinese.

Shu mn ydin er. Speak more slowly.

Mish zqi American football

W b ti dng Zhngwn. I dont understand Chinese very well.

Qng shu zi mn ydin er. Please speak a little more slowly.

qi ball

zqi soccer (football)

W fyn f de b ti ho. I dont pronounce it very well.

Qng zi shu y bin./ Qng zi shu y c. Please repeat (that). (Please say that one more time.)

bngqi baseball

yndng j yl sports and recreation

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Staying in Touch yndngchng stadium Dinno zi n er? Where is the computer? hngkng air mail

dinhu telephone

du/qidu/yndng du team

W bx d ge dinhu. I have to make a phone call.

W xyo j fng dinyu. I need to send an email.

rsh s xiosh kuijin overnight delivery (lit., 24-hour express delivery)

wngqi tennis

Zhl yu gngyng dinhu ma? Is there a public phone here?

W ky shngwng ma? Can I get on the internet?

Telling Time

dchng pngj to draw/tie (lit., the match was drawn/tied)

W ky yng nde shuj ma? May I use your cell phone? (informal)

N yu wngy ma? Do you have a webpage? (informal)

Xinzi jdin le? What time is it (now)?

yyng/lyng to go camping

Qngwn hom sh dusho? What number, please? (lit., May I ask, how much is the number?)

Qngwn yuj zi n er? May I ask, where is the post oice?

zhngw noon

yunz to go hiking

Zhnxin. The line is busy.

Qng gi w yxi yupio. Id like some stamps, please./ Please give me some stamps.

wy midnight

sh to lose

chunzhn fax

J y fng xn. For (mailing) a letter.

Xinzi sh y din. Its 1:00 (now).

wn yux to play a game

W xyo f ge chunzhn. I need to send a fax.

J mngxnpin. For (mailing) a postcard.

Xinzi sh ling din. Its 2:00 (now).

zu yndng to play a sport, to exercise

Yu gi wde chunzhn ma? Is there a fax for me?

Yufi sh dusho? How much is the postage?

Xinzi sh sn din bn. Its 3:30 (now).

yng to win

dinyu email

J do Migu. To the United States.

Xinzi sh s din. Its 4:00 (now).

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Xinzi sh w din ssh w (fn). Its 5:45 (now).

y hu er later, a while

xiba chin

tufa hair

Xinzi sh q din lng sn (fn). Its 7:03 (now).

mshng immediately, right away

rduo ear

shu hand

Dinyng ji din bn kish. The movie starts at 9:30.

The Human Body

zhu elbow

tu head

Huch sh y din sh q fn chf. The train leaves at 11:17.

hui ankle

yngjing eye

xn heart

zoshang morning

shub arm

mimao eyebrow

xgi knee

xiw afternoon

xu/xi blood

jimo eyelashes

tu leg

wnshang evening, night

gtou bone

lin face

fi lungs

jntin today

no brain

shuzh finger

zu/ku mouth

mngtin tomorrow

xingb breast

jio foot

jru muscle

zutin yesterday

linji cheek

tu forehead

bzi neck

xinzi now

xingku chest

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This and That bzi nose nbin n wi xinsheng that gentleman over there gu yzhnzi in a short time

Gi w zh ge. Give me this one.

jinbng shoulders

Gi w zh xi. Give me these.

nbin n xi lnj those neighbors over there

gu yhu er in a little while

pf skin

Gi w n ge. Give me that one.

Time Expressions: Ago, Now, Once, Etc.

bsh from time to time

wi/f stomach/abdomen

Gi w n xi. Give me those.

Duji yqin? How long ago?

Dusho c? How many times?

jin tendon

Gi w nbin n ge. Give me that one over there.

gngci a moment ago

y c once, one time

rnt the human body

Gi w nbin n xi. Give me those over there.

hn ji yqin a long time ago

mi c each time

jiozh toe

zh ge nnhier this boy

xinzi now

ling c twice, two times

shtou tongue

zh wi n sh this lady

mqin this very moment, for the time being

bchng very seldom, not often

ych tooth

n wi n sh that lady

zi zh ge shhou at this moment

jngchng very often

shuwn (er) wrist

zh bn sh this book

zi rnh shhou at any moment

yush sometimes, now and then, from time to time

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ur once in a while

zh ge yu w ho the fifth of this month

jntin zhngw today noon

gu ling ge xngq in two weeks

qngzo/ydzo early in the morning

shng (y) ge yu w ho the fifth of last month

zutin zhngw yesterday noon

ling ge xngq yqin two weeks ago

zi wnshang in the evening

sn yu ch at the beginning of March

mngtin zhngw tomorrow noon

zh ge yu this month

drtin/yr on the following day

yud at the end of the month

jntin wnshang this evening, tonight

shng (y) ge yu last month

cng jntin kish ling ge xngq yhu two weeks from today

ninch in the early part of the year

zutin wnshang yesterday evening, last night

xi (y) ge yu next month

cng jntin kish y ge xngq yhu a week from today

nind toward the end of the year

mngtin wnshang tomorrow evening/night

gu ling ge yu in two months

Fshng zi bnin qin. It happened eight years ago.

Time Expressions: Week, Month, Year

ling ge yu yqin two months ago

cng mngtin kish y ge xngq yhu a week from tomorrow

Time Expressions: Morning, Noon, Night

zh ge xngq this week

qin ge yu the month before last

gu y ge xngq in a week

jntin zoshang this morning

shng (y) ge xngq last week

jnnin this year

xi (y) ge xngq sn next Wednesday

zutin zoshang yesterday morning

xi (y) ge xngq next week

qnin last year

shng (y) ge xngq y last Monday

mngtin zoshang tomorrow morning

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mngnin/xiynin next year

n bsh you are not (informal)

N sh cng nli li de? Where are you from?/Where do you come from? (informal)

Zi zhuzi shng. On the table.

gu lingnin in two years

t bsh he/she/it is not

W sh cng Zhnggu li de. Im from China./I come from China.

W hn li. I am (very) tired.

lingnin qin two years ago

wmen bsh we are not

Zh sh mtu zu de ma? Is this made of wood?

W zhnbi ho le. I am ready.

To Be or Not to Be

nmen bsh you are not (plural)

Zh sh shi de? Whose is this?

Kfi lng le. The coee is cold. (lit., The coee has become cold.)

w sh I am

tmen bsh they (male/female/it) are not

Zh sh tde. This is his/hers.

Zh ge hn mngxin. It is very clear./It is very obvious.

n sh you are (informal)

T sh yshng. He/She is a doctor.

Xinzi sh y din. Its 1:00. (lit., Now is one oclock.)

Chunghu dki le. The window is open.

t sh he/she/it is

T sh Zhnggurn. He/She is Chinese.

Zh sh bx de. Its necessary. (lit., This is necessary.)

Chunghu gun le. The window is shut.

wmen sh we are

T hn ninqng. He/She is (very) young.

T zi nbian. He/She is over there.

To Have and Have Not

nmen sh you are (plural)

T hn cngmng. He/She is (very) intelligent.

T zi Shnghi. He/She is in Shanghai.

w yu I have

tmen sh they (male/female/it) are

Sh w. Its me.

Sh zi nli? Where is the book?

n yu you have (informal)

w bsh I am not

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t yu he/she/it has

W yu shjin. I have time.

wmen yu we have

W shnme shjin y miyu. I dont have any time.

N xhuan shugu ma? W xhuan. Do you (informal) like fruit? I like (fruit).

dt map

jninbi monument

nmen yu you have (plural)

T shnme qin y miyu. He/She doesnt have any money.

Nmen xhuan qiokl ma? Do you (plural) like chocolate?

hzho passport

Travel and Tourism tmen yu they (male/female/it) have To Like xioczi brochure ydng reservation zhoxingj camera bnl dngj shux to check in N ky bng wmen pizho ma? Can you take our picture? (lit., Can you help to take our picture?) jiditi reception desk

w miyu I dont have

W xhuan . . . I like . . .

n miyu you dont have (informal)

W xhuan t. I like him/her/it.

t miyu he/she/it doesnt have

W hn xhuan t./W fichng xhuan t. I like him/her/it very much.

fzhng hu lki l gun to check out

wmen miyu we dont have

W xhuan zh ge. I like this.

l xngtun guided tour

q gungung to go sightseeing

nmen miyu you dont have (plural) W shfn xhuan tmen. I like them (male/female/it) a lot. tmen miyu they (male/female/it) dont have N xhuan ma? Do you like it? (informal)

l gun hotel

q pizho to take a picture

xnx zhngxn information center

l yuch/gungung bsh tour bus

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gungungk tourist

Xixu. Its snowing.

tiyng sun

ysn umbrella

l yu j l yuy travel and tourism

Qngtin. Its sunny.

wnd temperature

tinq weather

qngnin l gun youth hostel

Hn mil. Its very beautiful.

li thunder Dialogue 1 (Shopping)

fng wind

Weather

Hn lng. Its very cold.

yn cloud

Hn r. Its very hot.

Xiojie, nmen xing knkan shnme dngxi? Ladies, what would you (plural) like to see?

d degree

Yu fng. Its windy.

Wmen gungguang. Were just browsing.

w fog

shndin lightning

Mngfn, n kn, n jin chnshn ho kn ma? Mingfen, look. Do you think that shirt is pretty?

jfng hurricane

y rain

Bcu. Not bad.

Duyn. Its cloudy.

ynw smog

Dubuq, ni jin chnshn dusho qin? Excuse me, how much is that shirt?

Xibo. Its hailing.

xu snow

Ssh ji kui b mo s fn qin. 49 kuai, eight mao, and four fen. [1 yuan/kuai = 10 mao/jiao = 100 fen]

Xiy. Its raining.

fngbo storm

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N zh er de chnshn ti gu le! Your (informal) shirts are too expensive!

Mngfn, w b xing mi le. Mingfen, I dont want to buy anything anymore.

Zh jin pinyi, zh yo rsh kui w mo. This one is cheaper, only 20 kuai and five mao.

Wmen zu ba. Lets go.

Mngfn, n xhuan zh jin ma? Mingfen, do you (informal) like this one?

Dialogue 2 (At the Restaurant)

Zh jin ti xio le, w b xhuan. This one is too small; I dont like it.

Xinsheng, zh sh wmende cidn. Gentlemen, this is our menu.

Wmen knkan lngdi ba. Lets look at ties.

Nmen xing din shnme? What would you (plural) like to order?

Zh tio bcu. This tie isnt bad.

W b ti shxi cimng. Im not familiar with the dishes.

Qngwn, zh tio lngdi znme mi? May I ask, how much does this (tie) cost?

L, n bng w jio ba. Li, why dont you (informal) order?

Q kui b mo w y tio. (Ties are) seven kuai, eight mao five each.

Ho. Wmen li y ge Bijng koy. Okay. Lets have (a) Beijing duck.

Wmen xing mi s tio. We want to buy four (ties).

Sh, n ch b ch l de? Shi, do you (informal) eat spicy food or not?

Nng b nng pinyi ydan er? Could you charge us a little less? (lit., Could they be a little cheaper?)

Tin de, sun de, l de, w du ch. Sweet, sour, spicy; I eat all (of those).

Dubuq, wmen zh er b jingji. Sorry, we dont bargain here.

W jish b ch k de. I just dont eat anything bitter.

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Ho. Wmen yo y ge Gngbo jdng . . . Okay. Well have (a) Gongbao chicken . . .

Ho. N xin tin zh zhng duhundn . . . Okay. You (informal) need to fill out this exchange form . . .

. . . y ge hngsho dufu, zi cho y pn qngci. . . . (a) tofu with brown sauce, (and) stir-fried vegetables.

. . . rnhu gi w kn nde hzho. . . . and then show me your (informal) passport.

Ling wi xinsheng yo mfn hish yo jiozi? Would you two gentlemen like steamed rice or dumplings?

Qngwn, jntin mijn h rnmnb de duhunl sh dusho? May I ask, what is the exchange rate between U.S. dollars and Renminbi today?

Li ydin mfn ba. Lets get some steamed rice.

Y b b. One to eight.

Nmen h shnme ynlio? What would you (plural) like to drink?

N dsun hun dusho? How much do you (informal) want to exchange?

Sh, n xing h pji hish guzh? Shi, do you (informal) want to drink beer or juice?

Qbi kui mijn. 700 U.S. dollars.

Wmen li ling png Qngdo pji, znmeyng? Well get two bottles of Qingdao beer, how about that?

Qin zi zh er. Here you go. (lit., Here is the money.)

Dialogue 3 (At the Bank)

Ho. Ygng sh wqin libi kui. Okay. That comes to 5,600 kuai in total.

N ho, w xing hun rnmnb. Hello (informal), I would like to exchange (for) Renminbi.

Qng gi w b zhng ybi kui, qy sh sh yun de, ho ma? Please give me eight 100-kuai bills and the rest in ten-kuai bills, okay?

N yu xinjn hish l xng zhpio? Do you (informal) have cash or travelers checks?

Mi wnti. No problem.

L xng zhpio. Travelers checks.

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Qng n dinydin. Please count them. (informal)

Mi cu. Its all here. (lit., No mistake.)

Xixie n. Thank you. (informal)

B kqi. Youre welcome.

That brings us to the end of Living Language iKnow Chinese. If you master just the words and phrases youve heard in this program, youll be able to get by in Mandarin Chinese. Of course, you may decide that youd like to learn more. If thats the case, Living Language also oers great complete courses in a variety of languages. For more information on Living Language programs, go to www.livinglanguage.com.
Copyright 2008 Living Language, a Random House Company ISBN 9781-400009527

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