Chinese Vocabulary: Basic Words in Chinese

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1. Study the Vocabulary

Start by reading and listening to the words in the Vocabulary List to build your foundational knowledge.

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Vocabulary List

English Chinese Pronunciation
Yes
是的
shi de
No
bu
Maybe
可能
ke neng
Of course
当然
dang ran
My name is
我的名字是
wo de ming zi shi
What is your name?
你叫什么名字?
ni jiao shen me ming zi?
I am 20 years old.
我20岁了。
wo 20 sui le.
I come from…
我来自...
wo lai zi...
Good morning
早上好
zao shang hao
Good afternoon
下午好
xia wu hao
Good evening
晚上好
wǎnshàng hǎo
How are you?
你好吗?
nǐ hǎo ma?
Thank you!
谢谢!
xièxiè!
Thank you very much!
非常感谢!
fēicháng gǎnxiè!
You’re welcome!
不客气!
bù kèqì!
Please
qǐng
Excuse me!
对不起!
duìbùqǐ!
Sorry!
对不起!
duìbùqǐ!
What?
什么?
shénme?
Who?
谁?
shéi?
When?
什么时候?
shén me shí hou?
Where?
在哪里?
zài nǎ li?
Why?
为什么?
wèi shén me?
Which?
哪个?
nǎ ge?
How?
怎么样?
zěn me yàng?
What time is it?
现在几点了?
xiàn zài jǐ diǎn le?
Where are you from?
你来自哪里?
nǐ lái zì nǎ li?
Where do you live?
你住在哪里?
nǐ zhù zài nǎ li?
Can you help me?
你能帮我吗?
nǐ néng bāng wǒ ma?
Can I help you?
我能帮你吗?
wǒ néng bāng nǐ ma?
How much does it cost?
这个多少钱?
zhè ge duōshǎo qián?
Do you understand?
你懂吗?
nǐ dǒng ma?
Can you say that again?
你能再说一遍吗?
nǐ néng zài shuō yībiàn ma?
Can you speak slowly?
你能说慢一点吗?
nǐ néng shuō màn yīdiǎn ma?

Cultural Note: Politeness in Chinese

In Chinese culture, using the correct pronouns is essential for showing respect. When referring to others, use 您 (nín) instead of 你 (nǐ) to show respect. This small gesture can make a big difference in your interactions with native speakers.

Games for Chinese Vocabulary: Basic Words in Chinese

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