Learning Basic Mandarin Chinese Words and Phrases is a fantastic way to start your Chinese language journey. Mandarin is the world’s most widely spoken language, and knowing even a little can open up amazing opportunities. Whether you’re travelling to China, doing business, or just curious, these building blocks will help you connect with millions of people.
1. Yes: Shì (Sheh)
Situation: Agreeing with someone or confirming information.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 你是学生吗？(Nǐ shì xuéshēng ma?) – Are you a student?
- Person B: 是，我是学生。(Shì, wǒ shì xuéshēng.) – Yes, I am a student.
2. No: Bù shì (Bu-sheh)
Situation: Disagreeing with someone or denying information.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 你是老师吗？(Nǐ shì lǎoshī ma?) – Are you a teacher?
- Person B: 不是，我不是老师。(Bù shì, wǒ bù shì lǎoshī.) – No, I am not a teacher.
3. Good: Hǎo (How)
Situation: Describing something positively or expressing approval.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 这本书怎么样？(Zhè běn shū zěnmeyàng?) – How is this book?
- Person B: 这本书很好。(Zhè běn shū hěn hǎo.) – This book is good.
4. Bad: Bù hǎo (Boo-how)
Situation: Describing something negatively or expressing disapproval.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 你感觉怎么样？(Nǐ gǎnjué zěnmeyàng?) – How do you feel?
- Person B: 我感觉不好。(Wǒ gǎnjué bù hǎo.) – I feel bad.
5. Today: Jīntiān (Jeen-tian)
Situation: Referring to the current day.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 今天是什么日子？(Jīntiān shì shénme rìzi?) – What day is it today?
- Person B: 今天是我的生日。(Jīntiān shì wǒ de shēngrì.) – Today is my birthday.
6. Tomorrow: Míngtiān (Meeng-tian)
Situation: Referring to the day after today.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 我们明天去哪里？(Wǒmen míngtiān qù nǎlǐ?) – Where are we going tomorrow?
- Person B: 我们明天去公园。(Wǒmen míngtiān qù gōngyuán.) – We are going to the park tomorrow.
7. Yesterday: Zuótiān (Zwuh-tian)
Situation: Referring to the day before today.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 你昨天做了什么？(Nǐ zuótiān zuòle shénme?) – What did you do yesterday?
- Person B: 我昨天去了图书馆。(Wǒ zuótiān qùle túshūguǎn.) – I went to the library yesterday.
8. Goodbye: Zàijiàn (Zhai-jian)
Situation: Saying farewell to someone.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 我要走了。(Wǒ yào zǒu le.) – I have to go.
- Person B: 再见！(Zàijiàn!) – Goodbye!
9. Please: Qǐng (Cheeng)
Situation: Asking for something politely.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 请给我一杯水。(Qǐng gěi wǒ yī bēi shuǐ.) – Please give me a glass of water.
10. Thank you: Xièxiè (Shieh-shieh)
Situation: Expressing gratitude.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 这是你的票。(Zhè shì nǐ de piào.) – Here is your ticket.
- Person B: 谢谢。(Xièxiè.) – Thank you.
11. Excuse me: Duìbuqǐ (Dway-boo-chee)
Situation: Apologizing or getting someone’s attention.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 对不起，我迟到了。(Duìbuqǐ, wǒ chídào le.) – Excuse me, I’m late.
12. Sorry: Bàoqiàn (Baow-chyen)
Situation: Apologizing sincerely.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 我打扰你了吗？(Wǒ dǎrǎo nǐ le ma?) – Did I disturb you?
- Person B: 对不起，我很抱歉。(Duìbuqǐ, wǒ hěn bàoqiàn.) – Sorry, I apologize.
13. Yes: Duì (Dway)
Situation: Confirming correctness.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 这是你的书吗？(Zhè shì nǐ de shū ma?) – Is this your book?
- Person B: 对，这是我的书。(Duì, zhè shì wǒ de shū.) – Yes, this is my book.
14. No: Bù (Boo)
Situation: Denying or rejecting.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 你要吃苹果吗？(Nǐ yào chī píngguǒ ma?) – Do you want to eat an apple?
- Person B: 不，谢谢。(Bù, xièxiè.) – No, thank you.
15. Water: Shuǐ (Shway)
Situation: Asking for water.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 我可以喝水吗？(Wǒ kěyǐ hē shuǐ ma?) – Can I drink water?
- Person B: 当然可以。(Dāngrán kěyǐ.) – Of course.
16. Food: Shíwù (Shih-woo)
Situation: Referring to food.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 我们需要买一些食物。(Wǒmen xūyào mǎi yīxiē shíwù.) – We need to buy some food.
17. Help: Bāngzhù (Bahng-joo)
Situation: Asking for assistance.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 请帮我一下。(Qǐng bāng wǒ yīxià.) – Please help me.
18. Love: Ài (Eye)
Situation: Expressing love.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 我爱你。(Wǒ ài nǐ.) – I love you.
19. Friend: Péngyǒu (Pung-yo)
Situation: Referring to a friend.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 他是我的朋友。(Tā shì wǒ de péngyǒu.) – He is my friend.
20. Family: Jiātíng (Jyah-ting)
Situation: Referring to family.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 我非常爱我的家庭。(Wǒ fēicháng ài wǒ de jiātíng.) – I love my family very much.
21. Work: Gōngzuò (Goong-dzwor)
Situation: Referring to work.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 我今天有很多工作。(Wǒ jīntiān yǒu hěn duō gōngzuò.) – I have a lot of work today.
22. School: Xuéxiào (Shweh-shyaow)
Situation: Referring to school.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 我的学校很大。(Wǒ de xuéxiào hěn dà.) – My school is big.
23. Teacher: Lǎoshī (Laow-shir)
Situation: Referring to a teacher.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 他是我们的老师。(Tā shì wǒmen de lǎoshī.) – He is our teacher.
24. Student: Xuéshēng (Shweh-shung)
Situation: Referring to a student.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 她是一个好学生。(Tā shì yī gè hǎo xuéshēng.) – She is a good student.
25. Book: Shū (Shoo)
Situation: Referring to a book.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 这本书很有趣。(Zhè běn shū hěn yǒuqù.) – This book is very interesting.
26. Car: Chē (Chuh)
Situation: Referring to a car.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 那是我的车。(Nà shì wǒ de chē.) – That is my car.
27. House: Fángzi (Fahng-zuh)
Situation: Referring to a house.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 我们的房子很漂亮。(Wǒmen de fángzi hěn piàoliang.) – Our house is very beautiful.
28. Phone: Diànhuà (Dyenn-hwah)
Situation: Referring to a phone.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 我可以用你的电话吗？(Wǒ kěyǐ yòng nǐ de diànhuà ma?) – Can I use your phone?
29. Computer: Diànnǎo (Dyenn-now)
Situation: Referring to a computer.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 我的电脑坏了。(Wǒ de diànnǎo huài le.) – My computer is broken.
30. Dog: Gǒu (Go)
Situation: Referring to a dog.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 我有一只狗。(Wǒ yǒu yī zhī gǒu.) – I have a dog.
31. Cat: Māo (Mow)
Situation: Referring to a cat.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 她喜欢猫。(Tā xǐhuān māo.) – She likes cats.
32. Money: Qián (Chyen)
Situation: Referring to money.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 你有多少钱？(Nǐ yǒu duōshǎo qián?) – How much money do you have?
- Person B: 我有一百块钱。(Wǒ yǒu yībǎi kuài qián.) – I have one hundred yuan.
33. Time: Shíjiān (Shr-jyen)
Situation: Referring to time.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 你有时间吗？(Nǐ yǒu shíjiān ma?) – Do you have time?
- Person B: 对不起，我没有时间。(Duìbuqǐ, wǒ méiyǒu shíjiān.) – Sorry, I don’t have time.
34. Morning: Zǎoshang (Dzow-shahng)
Situation: Referring to the morning.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 我早上六点起床。(Wǒ zǎoshang liù diǎn qǐchuáng.) – I wake up at six in the morning.
35. Afternoon: Xiàwǔ (Shyah-woo)
Situation: Referring to the afternoon.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 下午我去健身房。(Xiàwǔ wǒ qù jiànshēnfáng.) – I go to the gym in the afternoon.
36. Evening: Wǎnshang (Wahn-shahng)
Situation: Referring to the evening.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 晚上我们看电影。(Wǎnshang wǒmen kàn diànyǐng.) – We watch a movie in the evening.
37. Night: Yèwǎn (Yeh-wahn)
Situation: Referring to the night.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 夜晚很安静。(Yèwǎn hěn ānjìng.) – The night is very quiet.
38. Happy: Kuàilè (Kwigh-luh)
Situation: Expressing happiness.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 祝你生日快乐！(Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè!) – Happy Birthday!
39. Sad: Bēishāng (Bay-shahng)
Situation: Expressing sadness.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 我今天很悲伤。(Wǒ jīntiān hěn bēishāng.) – I am very sad today.
40. Beautiful: Měilì (May-lee)
Situation: Describing something or someone as beautiful.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 这个地方很美丽。(Zhège dìfāng hěn měilì.) – This place is very beautiful.
41. Ugly: Chǒulòu (Cho-loh)
Situation: Describing something or someone as ugly.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 这张画很丑陋。(Zhè zhāng huà hěn chǒulòu.) – This painting is very ugly.
42. Big: Dà (Dah)
Situation: Describing size as big.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 这棵树很大。(Zhè kē shù hěn dà.) – This tree is very big.
43. Small: Xiǎo (Shyaow)
Situation: Describing size as small.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 这只狗很小。(Zhè zhī gǒu hěn xiǎo.) – This dog is very small.
44. Hot: Rè (Ruh)
Situation: Describing temperature as hot.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 今天很热。(Jīntiān hěn rè.) – It is very hot today.
45. Cold: Lěng (Lung)
Situation: Describing temperature as cold.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 冬天很冷。(Dōngtiān hěn lěng.) – Winter is very cold.
46. Fast: Kuài (Kwigh)
Situation: Describing speed as fast.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 他跑得很快。(Tā pǎo de hěn kuài.) – He runs very fast.
47. Slow: Màn (Mahn)
Situation: Describing speed as slow.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 他的车很慢。(Tā de chē hěn màn.) – His car is very slow.
48. Easy: Róngyì (Rong-yee)
Situation: Describing something as easy.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 这道题很容易。(Zhè dào tí hěn róngyì.) – This problem is very easy.
49. Difficult: Nán (Nan)
Situation: Describing something as difficult.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 这道题很难。(Zhè dào tí hěn nán.) – This problem is very difficult.
50. Important: Zhòngyào (Jong-yow)
Situation: Describing something as important.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 这件事很重要。(Zhè jiàn shì hěn zhòngyào.) – This matter is very important.
51. Interesting: Yǒuyìsi (Yoh-yee-suh)
Situation: Describing something as interesting.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 这个故事很有意思。(Zhège gùshì hěn yǒuyìsi.) – This story is very interesting.
52. Boring: Wúliáo (Woo-lee-ow)
Situation: Describing something as boring.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 这本书很无聊。(Zhè běn shū hěn wúliáo.) – This book is very boring.
53. Tired: Lèi (Lay)
Situation: Expressing tiredness.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 我很累。(Wǒ hěn lèi.) – I am very tired.
54. Hungry: È (Uh)
Situation: Expressing hunger.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 我饿了。(Wǒ è le.) – I am hungry.
55. Thirsty: Kě (Kuh)
Situation: Expressing thirst.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 我口渴了。(Wǒ kǒu kě le.) – I am thirsty.
56. Happy: Gāoxìng (Gow-shing)
Situation: Expressing happiness.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 我很高兴见到你。(Wǒ hěn gāoxìng jiàndào nǐ.) – I am happy to see you.
57. Afraid: Pà (Pah)
Situation: Expressing fear.
**Example Sentence:
- Person A: 我怕狗。(Wǒ pà gǒu.) – I am afraid of dogs.
58. Excited: Xīngfèn (Shing-fun)
Situation: Expressing excitement.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 我很兴奋。(Wǒ hěn xīngfèn.) – I am very excited.
59. Surprised: Jīngyà (Jing-yah)
Situation: Expressing surprise.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 他很惊讶。(Tā hěn jīngyà.) – He is very surprised.
60. Angry: Shēngqì (Shung-chee)
Situation: Expressing anger.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 她生气了。(Tā shēngqì le.) – She is angry.
61. Bored: Wúliáo (Woo-lee-ow)
Situation: Expressing boredom.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 我在家里很无聊。(Wǒ zài jiālǐ hěn wúliáo.) – I am very bored at home.
62. Relaxed: Fàngsōng (Fahng-song)
Situation: Expressing relaxation.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 听音乐让我很放松。(Tīng yīnyuè ràng wǒ hěn fàngsōng.) – Listening to music makes me very relaxed.
63. Nervous: Jǐnzhāng (Jin-zhahng)
Situation: Expressing nervousness.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 考试让我很紧张。(Kǎoshì ràng wǒ hěn jǐnzhāng.) – Exams make me very nervous.
64. Strong: Qiángzhuàng (Chyahng-jwahng)
Situation: Describing someone as strong.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 他很强壮。(Tā hěn qiángzhuàng.) – He is very strong.
65. Weak: Ruò (Rwaw)
Situation: Describing someone as weak.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 她看起来很弱。(Tā kàn qǐlái hěn ruò.) – She looks very weak.
66. Clean: Gānjìng (Gahn-jing)
Situation: Describing something as clean.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 这个房间很干净。(Zhège fángjiān hěn gānjìng.) – This room is very clean.
67. Dirty: Zāng (Dzahng)
Situation: Describing something as dirty.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 你的衣服很脏。(Nǐ de yīfú hěn zāng.) – Your clothes are very dirty.
68. Full: Bǎo (Baw)
Situation: Expressing fullness.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 我吃饱了。(Wǒ chī bǎo le.) – I am full.
69. Empty: Kōng (Kohng)
Situation: Describing something as empty.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 这个盒子是空的。(Zhège hézi shì kōng de.) – This box is empty.
70. Busy: Máng (Mahng)
Situation: Expressing busyness.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 我今天很忙。(Wǒ jīntiān hěn máng.) – I am very busy today.
71. Free: Yǒu kòng (Yoh kong)
Situation: Expressing availability.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 你明天有空吗？(Nǐ míngtiān yǒu kòng ma?) – Are you free tomorrow?
- Person B: 有，我明天有空。(Yǒu, wǒ míngtiān yǒu kòng.) – Yes, I am free tomorrow.
72. New: Xīn (Shin)
Situation: Describing something as new.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 我买了一件新衣服。(Wǒ mǎi le yī jiàn xīn yīfú.) – I bought a new piece of clothing.
73. Old: Lǎo (Lao)
Situation: Describing something as old.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 这本书很老。(Zhè běn shū hěn lǎo.) – This book is very old.
74. Tall: Gāo (Gow)
Situation: Describing someone or something as tall.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 他很高。(Tā hěn gāo.) – He is very tall.
75. Short: Ǎi (Eye)
Situation: Describing someone or something as short.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 她很矮。(Tā hěn ǎi.) – She is very short.
76. Light: Qīng (Ching)
Situation: Describing something as light in weight.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 这个包很轻。(Zhège bāo hěn qīng.) – This bag is very light.
77. Heavy: Zhòng (Jong)
Situation: Describing something as heavy.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 这个箱子很重。(Zhège xiāngzi hěn zhòng.) – This suitcase is very heavy.
78. Long: Cháng (Chahng)
Situation: Describing something as long.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 这条路很长。(Zhè tiáo lù hěn cháng.) – This road is very long.
79. Short (length): Duǎn (Dwahn)
Situation: Describing something as short in length.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 这条裙子很短。(Zhè tiáo qúnzi hěn duǎn.) – This skirt is very short.
80. Hard: Yìng (Ying)
Situation: Describing something as hard.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 这个椅子很硬。(Zhège yǐzi hěn yìng.) – This chair is very hard.
81. Soft: Ruǎn (Rwahn)
Situation: Describing something as soft.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 这个枕头很软。(Zhège zhěntou hěn ruǎn.) – This pillow is very soft.
82. Sweet: Tián (Tyen)
Situation: Describing something as sweet.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 这个蛋糕很甜。(Zhège dàngāo hěn tián.) – This cake is very sweet.
83. Sour: Suān (Swahn)
Situation: Describing something as sour.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 这个柠檬很酸。(Zhège níngméng hěn suān.) – This lemon is very sour.
84. Spicy: Là (Lah)
Situation: Describing something as spicy.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 这个菜很辣。(Zhège cài hěn là.) – This dish is very spicy.
85. Bitter: Kǔ (Koo)
Situation: Describing something as bitter.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 这药很苦。(Zhè yào hěn kǔ.) – This medicine is very bitter.
86. Salty: Xián (Shyen)
Situation: Describing something as salty.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 这汤很咸。(Zhè tāng hěn xián.) – This soup is very salty.
87. Happy: Kāixīn (Kigh-shin)
Situation: Expressing happiness.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 我今天很开心。(Wǒ jīntiān hěn kāixīn.) – I am very happy today.
88. Angry: Fènnu (Fun-noo)
Situation: Expressing anger.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 他对这件事很愤怒。(Tā duì zhè jiàn shì hěn fènnù.) – He is very angry about this matter.
89. Scared: Hài pà (High pah)
Situation: Expressing fear.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 她很害怕黑暗。(Tā hěn hàipà hēi’àn.) – She is very scared of the dark.
90. Surprised: Jīng xǐ (Jing she)
Situation: Expressing surprise.
Example Sentence:
- Person A: 她听到这个消息很惊喜。(Tā tīngdào zhège xiāoxi hěn jīngxǐ.) – She was very surprised to hear this news.
Conclusion
Mastering Basic Mandarin Chinese Words and Phrases is a great achievement! These essential words and phrases will help you navigate everyday situations with confidence. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep using what you’ve learned. With dedication, you’ll be well on your way to fluency in Mandarin Chinese. Happy learning!
