Chinese reading / 03 short stories

Short Chinese readings

Three short stories with pinyin, English translations, grammar notes and a comprehension question. Download the Chinese text and vocabulary for further practice.

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READING 01早zǎo

Beginner · 4 sentences

Tea or coffee?

Two friends choose what to drink. Practise saying what you want and asking a yes–no question.

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Includes a question and vocabulary download.

今天早上,我想喝茶。

Jīntiān zǎoshang, wǒ xiǎng hē chá.

This morning, I would like some tea.

我的朋友想喝咖啡。

The opening lines
READING 02书shū

Elementary · 6 sentences

The book by the window

A reader looks for a missing book in the library. Practise describing where things are.

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Includes a question and vocabulary download.

图书馆里很安静。

Túshūguǎn lǐ hěn ānjìng.

It is quiet in the library.

我坐在窗户旁边,看了一会儿书。

The opening lines
READING 03雨yǔ

Elementary · 6 sentences

A rainy Saturday

Rain changes a plan to visit the park. Practise giving a reason and putting actions in order.

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Includes a question and vocabulary download.

星期六,我们本来想去公园。

Xīngqīliù, wǒmen běnlái xiǎng qù gōngyuán.

On Saturday, we had originally planned to go to the park.

可是早上一直在下雨。

The opening lines

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