Chinese vocabulary

图书馆里很安静。

Túshūguǎn lǐ hěn ānjìng.

It is quiet in the library.

• The book by the window

她下个月要搬家。

Tā xià ge yuè yào bānjiā.

She is going to move next month.

• State a plan with 要

收到包裹以后，请给我发个消息。

Shōudào bāoguǒ yǐhòu, qǐng gěi wǒ fā ge xiāoxi.

After you receive the parcel, please send me a message.

• Follow an event with 以后

你的背包在这里，我的呢？

Nǐ de bēibāo zài zhèlǐ, wǒ de ne?

Your backpack is here. What about mine?

这个背包比我的轻。

Zhège bēibāo bǐ wǒ de qīng.

This backpack is lighter than mine.

• Ask “what about…?” with 呢
• Compare two things with 比

不要把杯子放在地上。

Bú yào bǎ bēizi fàng zài dìshang.

Do not put the cup on the floor.

• Say what happens to an object with 把

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.

• A rainy Saturday

你可以用这支笔。

Nǐ kěyǐ yòng zhè zhī bǐ.

You may use this pen.

• Ask permission with 可以

请在周五以前把表格发给我。

Qǐng zài Zhōuwǔ yǐqián bǎ biǎogé fā gěi wǒ.

Please send me the form before Friday.

• Put something before an event with 以前

这辆车到博物馆吗？

Zhè liàng chē dào bówùguǎn ma?

Does this bus go to the museum?

因为雨很大，所以我们决定去博物馆。

Yīnwèi yǔ hěn dà, suǒyǐ wǒmen juédìng qù bówùguǎn.

Because the rain was heavy, we decided to go to a museum.

• Ask a yes–no question with 吗
• A rainy Saturday

我们先看菜单，再点菜。

Wǒmen xiān kàn càidān, zài diǎn cài.

Let us look at the menu first, then order.

• Put actions in order with 先…再…

下个月我们再来这家餐厅。

Xià ge yuè wǒmen zài lái zhè jiā cāntīng.

We will come to this restaurant again next month.

• Ask to do something again with 再

今天早上，我想喝茶。

Jīntiān zǎoshang, wǒ xiǎng hē chá.

This morning, I would like some tea.

我说：“喜欢，但是今天想喝茶。”

Wǒ shuō: “Xǐhuan, dànshì jīntiān xiǎng hē chá.”

I say, “I do, but today I'd like tea.”

• Tea or coffee?

她唱歌唱得很好。

Tā chàng gē chàng de hěn hǎo.

She sings very well.

• Describe how an action goes with 得

那位乘客戴着一顶蓝帽子。

Nà wèi chéngkè dài zhe yì dǐng lán màozi.

That passenger is wearing a blue hat.

• Describe an ongoing state with 着

那是我们的车票。

Nà shì wǒmen de chēpiào.

Those are our tickets.

• Say what something is with 是

小林已经到车站了。

Xiǎo Lín yǐjīng dào chēzhàn le.

Xiaolin has already arrived at the station.

• Say “already” with 已经

• Report that something happened again with 又

我没带充电器，她也没带。

Wǒ méi dài chōngdiànqì, tā yě méi dài.

I did not bring a charger, and neither did she.

• Add “also” with 也

出门以前，我会检查窗户。

Chūmén yǐqián, wǒ huì jiǎnchá chuānghu.

Before leaving home, I check the windows.

我坐在窗户旁边，看了一会儿书。

Wǒ zuò zài chuānghu pángbiān, kàn le yíhuìr shū.

I sat by the window and read for a while.

• Put something before an event with 以前
• The book by the window

我在厨房做饭。

Wǒ zài chúfáng zuò fàn.

I cook in the kitchen.

• Say where an action happens with 在

这里不是出口。

Zhèlǐ bú shì chūkǒu.

This is not the exit.

• Say what something is with 是

两个盒子的大小一样。

Liǎng ge hézi de dàxiǎo yíyàng.

The two boxes are the same size.

• Say two things are alike with 一样

她在咖啡馆等朋友。

Tā zài kāfēiguǎn děng péngyou.

She is waiting for a friend at a café.

• Say where an action happens with 在

我们先看菜单，再点菜。

Wǒmen xiān kàn càidān, zài diǎn cài.

Let us look at the menu first, then order.

• Put actions in order with 先…再…

姐姐想喝热茶，弟弟呢？

Jiějie xiǎng hē rè chá, dìdi ne?

My older sister wants hot tea. What about my younger brother?

• Ask “what about…?” with 呢

我订了两张电影票。

Wǒ dìng le liǎng zhāng diànyǐng piào.

I booked two cinema tickets.

我已经订好明天的车票了。

Wǒ yǐjīng dìng hǎo míngtiān de chēpiào le.

I have already booked the tickets for tomorrow.

• View an action as a completed event with 了
• Say “already” with 已经

她明天不坐地铁。

Tā míngtiān bú zuò dìtiě.

She is not taking the metro tomorrow.

我们坐地铁还是走路？

Wǒmen zuò dìtiě háishi zǒulù?

Shall we take the underground or walk?

• Make a negative statement with 不
• Offer a choice with 还是
• A rainy Saturday

谁带了地图？

Shéi dài le dìtú?

Who brought the map?

每个房间都有一张地图。

Měi ge fángjiān dōu yǒu yì zhāng dìtú.

Every room has a map.

• Keep question words in the answer’s place
• Say “every” with 每…都…

书桌上放着一本地图册。

Shūzhuō shang fàng zhe yì běn dìtúcè.

An atlas is lying on the desk.

• Describe an ongoing state with 着

我想先查地址，再出门。

Wǒ xiǎng xiān chá dìzhǐ, zài chūmén.

I would like to check the address first, then leave.

• Put actions in order with 先…再…

我把钥匙放进包里了。

Wǒ bǎ yàoshi fàng jìn bāo lǐ le.

I put the key into the bag.

不要把杯子放在地上。

Bú yào bǎ bēizi fàng zài dìshang.

Do not put the cup on the floor.

• Say what happens to an object with 把

这个房间也很亮。

Zhège fángjiān yě hěn liàng.

This room is bright too.

每个房间都有一张地图。

Měi ge fángjiān dōu yǒu yì zhāng dìtú.

Every room has a map.

• Add “also” with 也
• Say “every” with 每…都…

下课以后，我们去附近吃饭。

Xiàkè yǐhòu, wǒmen qù fùjìn chīfàn.

After class, we will go somewhere nearby to eat.

• Follow an event with 以后

我坐公交车去，你呢？

Wǒ zuò gōngjiāochē qù, nǐ ne?

I am going by bus. What about you?

• Ask “what about…?” with 呢

周末我想去公园走走。

Zhōumò wǒ xiǎng qù gōngyuán zǒuzou.

I would like to go for a walk in the park this weekend.

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.

• Say what you would like to do with 想
• A rainy Saturday

如果你觉得冷，就关窗吧。

Rúguǒ nǐ juéde lěng, jiù guān chuāng ba.

If you feel cold, close the window.

• Make a conditional plan with 如果…就…

别关灯，我还在看书。

Bié guān dēng, wǒ hái zài kàn shū.

Do not turn off the light; I am still reading.

• Say what is happening with 在

这家店已经关门了。

Zhè jiā diàn yǐjīng guānmén le.

This shop has already closed.

• Say “already” with 已经

这个箱子太大，放不进柜子。

Zhè ge xiāngzi tài dà, fàng bu jìn guìzi.

This box is too big to fit into the cupboard.

• Express a possible result with 得 and 不

虽然路很远，但是我们还是走过去了。

Suīrán lù hěn yuǎn, dànshì wǒmen háishi zǒu guòqu le.

Although it was a long way, we still walked there.

• Show contrast with 虽然…但是…

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。

Wǒ de péngyou xiǎng hē kāfēi.

My friend would like some coffee.

• Tea or coffee?

两个盒子的大小一样。

Liǎng ge hézi de dàxiǎo yíyàng.

The two boxes are the same size.

• Say two things are alike with 一样

你在画什么？

Nǐ zài huà shénme?

What are you drawing?

• Keep question words in the answer’s place

桌上有红茶和花茶。

Zhuō shàng yǒu hóngchá hé huāchá.

There is black tea and flower tea on the table.

• Join people and things with 和

如果这本书太难，我就换一本。

Rúguǒ zhè běn shū tài nán, wǒ jiù huàn yì běn.

If this book is too difficult, I will switch to another one.

• Make a conditional plan with 如果…就…

我听得懂这个问题，可是不知道怎么回答。

Wǒ tīng de dǒng zhè ge wèntí, kěshì bù zhīdào zěnme huídá.

I can understand the question, but I do not know how to answer.

• Say you cannot understand with 听不懂 and 看不懂

• Say “do not have” with 没有

我不喝加糖的咖啡。

Wǒ bù hē jiā táng de kāfēi.

I do not drink coffee with added sugar.

• Make a negative statement with 不

出门以前，我会检查窗户。

Chūmén yǐqián, wǒ huì jiǎnchá chuānghu.

Before leaving home, I check the windows.

• Put something before an event with 以前

这间教室很亮。

Zhè jiān jiàoshì hěn liàng.

This classroom is bright.

• Describe things with 很

午饭你想吃面条还是饺子？

Wǔfàn nǐ xiǎng chī miàntiáo háishi jiǎozi?

Would you like noodles or dumplings for lunch?

• Offer a choice with 还是

这条街上的咖啡店越来越多。

Zhè tiáo jiē shang de kāfēidiàn yuè lái yuè duō.

There are more and more cafés on this street.

• Describe a growing change with 越来越

这个字我看不懂，你能解释一下吗？

Zhè ge zì wǒ kàn bu dǒng, nǐ néng jiěshì yíxià ma?

I cannot understand this character; could you explain it?

• Say you cannot understand with 听不懂 and 看不懂

因为雨很大，所以我们决定去博物馆。

Yīnwèi yǔ hěn dà, suǒyǐ wǒmen juédìng qù bówùguǎn.

Because the rain was heavy, we decided to go to a museum.

• A rainy Saturday

我的朋友想喝咖啡。

Wǒ de péngyou xiǎng hē kāfēi.

My friend would like some coffee.

她问我：“你不喜欢咖啡吗？”

Tā wèn wǒ: “Nǐ bù xǐhuan kāfēi ma?”

She asks me, “Don't you like coffee?”

• Tea or coffee?

她在咖啡馆等朋友。

Tā zài kāfēiguǎn děng péngyou.

She is waiting for a friend at a café.

• Say where an action happens with 在

虽然外面在下雨，但是我们玩得很开心。

Suīrán wàimiàn zài xià yǔ, dànshì wǒmen wán de hěn kāixīn.

Although it was raining outside, we had a lovely time.

• A rainy Saturday

我跑得没有姐姐那么快。

Wǒ pǎo de méiyǒu jiějie nàme kuài.

I do not run as fast as my older sister.

• Say “not as…as” with 没有…那么…

这条小路没有大路那么宽。

Zhè tiáo xiǎolù méiyǒu dàlù nàme kuān.

This small road is not as wide as the main road.

• Say “not as…as” with 没有…那么…

这位是林老师。

Zhè wèi shì Lín lǎoshī.

This is Teacher Lin.

• Say what something is with 是

今天没有昨天那么冷。

Jīntiān méiyǒu zuótiān nàme lěng.

Today is not as cold as yesterday.

• Say “not as…as” with 没有…那么…

这间教室很亮。

Zhè jiān jiàoshì hěn liàng.

This classroom is bright.

• Describe things with 很

他没零钱。

Tā méi língqián.

He has no change.

• Say “do not have” with 没有

这家旅馆贵不贵？

Zhè jiā lǚguǎn guì bu guì?

Is this hotel expensive?

• Ask a yes–no question with A-not-A

• Say you cannot understand with 听不懂 and 看不懂

• Describe how an action goes with 得

那位乘客戴着一顶蓝帽子。

Nà wèi chéngkè dài zhe yì dǐng lán màozi.

That passenger is wearing a blue hat.

• Describe an ongoing state with 着

门口有三个人。

Ménkǒu yǒu sān ge rén.

There are three people at the entrance.

• Count people and things with 个

• Choose between 不 and 没

• Talk about experience with 过

午饭你想吃面条还是饺子？

Wǔfàn nǐ xiǎng chī miàntiáo háishi jiǎozi?

Would you like noodles or dumplings for lunch?

• Offer a choice with 还是

她在写明信片。

Tā zài xiě míngxìnpiàn.

She is writing a postcard.

• Say what is happening with 在

我们下车以后去哪儿？

Wǒmen xià chē yǐhòu qù nǎr?

Where are we going after we get off?

• Keep question words in the answer’s place

今天比昨天暖和一点。

Jīntiān bǐ zuótiān nuǎnhuo yìdiǎn.

Today is a little warmer than yesterday.

海边的小城越来越暖和了。

Hǎibiān de xiǎochéng yuè lái yuè nuǎnhuo le.

The small coastal town is getting warmer and warmer.

• Compare two things with 比
• Describe a growing change with 越来越

这里可以拍照吗？

Zhèlǐ kěyǐ pāizhào ma?

Is photography allowed here?

• Ask permission with 可以

我坐在窗户旁边，看了一会儿书。

Wǒ zuò zài chuānghu pángbiān, kàn le yíhuìr shū.

I sat by the window and read for a while.

• The book by the window

我的朋友想喝咖啡。

Wǒ de péngyou xiǎng hē kāfēi.

My friend would like some coffee.

• Tea or coffee?

那个苹果是给你的。

Nàge píngguǒ shì gěi nǐ de.

That apple is for you.

• Count people and things with 个

我平时不带现金。

Wǒ píngshí bú dài xiànjīn.

I do not normally carry cash.

• Choose between 不 and 没

我会骑自行车。

Wǒ huì qí zìxíngchē.

I know how to ride a bicycle.

• Choose 会 or 能 for “can”

小林喜欢骑车，我也喜欢。

Xiǎo Lín xǐhuan qí chē, wǒ yě xǐhuan.

Xiaolin likes cycling, and I do too.

• Add “also” with 也

我带了铅笔和橡皮。

Wǒ dài le qiānbǐ hé xiàngpí.

I brought a pencil and an eraser.

• Join people and things with 和

这两个箱子都很轻。

Zhè liǎng ge xiāngzi dōu hěn qīng.

Both of these suitcases are light.

这个背包比我的轻。

Zhège bēibāo bǐ wǒ de qīng.

This backpack is lighter than mine.

• Talk about a whole group with 都
• Compare two things with 比

他说得很清楚。

Tā shuō de hěn qīngchu.

He speaks very clearly.

• Describe how an action goes with 得

我想喝点热水。

Wǒ xiǎng hē diǎn rè shuǐ.

I would like to drink some hot water.

• Say what you would like to do with 想

• Describe a growing change with 越来越

因为我忘了带伞，所以衣服湿了。

Yīnwèi wǒ wàng le dài sǎn, suǒyǐ yīfu shī le.

I forgot to bring an umbrella, so my clothes got wet.

• Explain why with 因为…所以…

如果明天不下雨，我们就去散步。

Rúguǒ míngtiān bú xià yǔ, wǒmen jiù qù sànbù.

If it does not rain tomorrow, we will go for a walk.

• Make a conditional plan with 如果…就…

声音太小了，后面的人听不见。

Shēngyīn tài xiǎo le, hòumian de rén tīng bu jiàn.

The sound is too quiet for the people at the back to hear.

• Express a possible result with 得 and 不

你试过这种茶吗？

Nǐ shìguo zhè zhǒng chá ma?

Have you tried this kind of tea?

这道题我想再试一次。

Zhè dào tí wǒ xiǎng zài shì yí cì.

I would like to try this question once more.

• Talk about experience with 过
• Ask to do something again with 再

因为我忘了带伞，所以衣服湿了。

Yīnwèi wǒ wàng le dài sǎn, suǒyǐ yīfu shī le.

I forgot to bring an umbrella, so my clothes got wet.

• Explain why with 因为…所以…

我的手机又没电了。

Wǒ de shǒujī yòu méi diàn le.

My phone has run out of power again.

• Report that something happened again with 又

我的脚受伤了，今天不能跑步。

Wǒ de jiǎo shòushāng le, jīntiān bù néng pǎobù.

My foot is injured, so I cannot run today.

• Choose 会 or 能 for “can”

周末你去不去书店？

Zhōumò nǐ qù bu qù shūdiàn?

Are you going to the bookshop this weekend?

• Ask a yes–no question with A-not-A

虽然这家店很小，但是里面很舒服。

Suīrán zhè jiā diàn hěn xiǎo, dànshì lǐmiàn hěn shūfu.

Although this shop is small, it is comfortable inside.

• Describe things with 很
• Show contrast with 虽然…但是…

• Describe a small problem with 有点儿

我找到了同事的杯子。

Wǒ zhǎodào le tóngshì de bēizi.

I found my colleague’s cup.

• Show ownership with 的

我明天要去图书馆。

Wǒ míngtiān yào qù túshūguǎn.

I am going to the library tomorrow.

图书馆里很安静。

Túshūguǎn lǐ hěn ānjìng.

It is quiet in the library.

• State a plan with 要
• The book by the window

因为外面很冷，所以我们坐在里面。

Yīnwèi wàimiàn hěn lěng, suǒyǐ wǒmen zuò zài lǐmiàn.

Because it is cold outside, we are sitting inside.

• Explain why with 因为…所以…

• Show that something is finished with 完

你的围巾在椅子上。

Nǐ de wéijīn zài yǐzi shàng.

Your scarf is on the chair.

• Show ownership with 的

我还有两个问题。

Wǒ hái yǒu liǎng ge wèntí.

I still have two questions.

• Count people and things with 个

下课以后，我们去附近吃饭。

Xiàkè yǐhòu, wǒmen qù fùjìn chīfàn.

After class, we will go somewhere nearby to eat.

• Follow an event with 以后

这碗蘑菇汤有点儿咸。

Zhè wǎn mógu tāng yǒudiǎnr xián.

This mushroom soup is a little salty.

• Describe a small problem with 有点儿

她有一个新想法。

Tā yǒu yí ge xīn xiǎngfǎ.

She has a new idea.

• Say what you have with 有

这是姐姐的相机。

Zhè shì jiějie de xiàngjī.

This is my older sister’s camera.

• Show ownership with 的

我带了铅笔和橡皮。

Wǒ dài le qiānbǐ hé xiàngpí.

I brought a pencil and an eraser.

• Join people and things with 和

这两个箱子都很轻。

Zhè liǎng ge xiāngzi dōu hěn qīng.

Both of these suitcases are light.

• Talk about a whole group with 都

这些店都不收现金。

Zhèxiē diàn dōu bù shōu xiànjīn.

None of these shops accept cash.

我平时不带现金。

Wǒ píngshí bú dài xiànjīn.

I do not normally carry cash.

• Talk about a whole group with 都
• Choose between 不 and 没

我看完这本小说了。

Wǒ kànwán zhè běn xiǎoshuō le.

I have finished reading this novel.

这本小说不长，我今晚看得完。

Zhè běn xiǎoshuō bù cháng, wǒ jīnwǎn kàn de wán.

This novel is not long; I can finish reading it tonight.

• Show that something is finished with 完
• Express a possible result with 得 and 不

她问我：“你不喜欢咖啡吗？”

Tā wèn wǒ: “Nǐ bù xǐhuan kāfēi ma?”

She asks me, “Don't you like coffee?”

我说：“喜欢，但是今天想喝茶。”

Wǒ shuō: “Xǐhuan, dànshì jīntiān xiǎng hē chá.”

I say, “I do, but today I'd like tea.”

• Tea or coffee?

他们正在修自行车。

Tāmen zhèngzài xiū zìxíngchē.

They are repairing a bicycle right now.

• Say what is happening with 在

我们有备用钥匙。

Wǒmen yǒu bèiyòng yàoshi.

We have spare keys.

我把钥匙放进包里了。

Wǒ bǎ yàoshi fàng jìn bāo lǐ le.

I put the key into the bag.

• Say what you have with 有
• Say what happens to an object with 把
• Report that something happened again with 又

我坐过夜班火车。

Wǒ zuòguo yèbān huǒchē.

I have taken an overnight train.

• Talk about experience with 过

这道题我想再试一次。

Zhè dào tí wǒ xiǎng zài shì yí cì.

I would like to try this question once more.

• Ask to do something again with 再

书一直在包里。

Shū yìzhí zài bāo lǐ.

The book had been in my bag the whole time.

• The book by the window

这把椅子和那把一样高。

Zhè bǎ yǐzi hé nà bǎ yíyàng gāo.

This chair is as high as that one.

桌子上没有，椅子上也没有。

Zhuōzi shang méiyǒu, yǐzi shang yě méiyǒu.

It wasn't on the table, and it wasn't on the chair either.

• Say two things are alike with 一样
• The book by the window

你可以用这支笔。

Nǐ kěyǐ yòng zhè zhī bǐ.

You may use this pen.

• Ask permission with 可以

你们周六有空吗？

Nǐmen zhōuliù yǒu kòng ma?

Are you free on Saturday?

• Ask a yes–no question with 吗

我们昨天给老师发了邮件。

Wǒmen zuótiān gěi lǎoshī fā le yóujiàn.

We sent the teacher an email yesterday.

她还没写完邮件。

Tā hái méi xiěwán yóujiàn.

She has not finished writing the email yet.

• View an action as a completed event with 了
• Show that something is finished with 完

虽然路很远，但是我们还是走过去了。

Suīrán lù hěn yuǎn, dànshì wǒmen háishi zǒu guòqu le.

Although it was a long way, we still walked there.

• Show contrast with 虽然…但是…

她每次出门都带雨伞。

Tā měicì chūmén dōu dài yǔsǎn.

She takes an umbrella every time she goes out.

• Say “every” with 每…都…

今天早上，我想喝茶。

Jīntiān zǎoshang, wǒ xiǎng hē chá.

This morning, I would like some tea.

• Tea or coffee?

• View an action as a completed event with 了

我有两张展览票。

Wǒ yǒu liǎng zhāng zhǎnlǎn piào.

I have two exhibition tickets.

• Say what you have with 有

我们周末要整理房间。

Wǒmen zhōumò yào zhěnglǐ fángjiān.

We are going to tidy the room this weekend.

• State a plan with 要

我的包里没有纸巾。

Wǒ de bāo lǐ méiyǒu zhǐjīn.

There are no tissues in my bag.

• Say “do not have” with 没有

这双鞋不重。

Zhè shuāng xié bú zhòng.

These shoes are not heavy.

这个箱子有点儿重，我搬不动。

Zhè ge xiāngzi yǒudiǎnr zhòng, wǒ bān bu dòng.

This box is a bit heavy; I cannot move it.

• Make a negative statement with 不
• Describe a small problem with 有点儿

周末你去不去书店？

Zhōumò nǐ qù bu qù shūdiàn?

Are you going to the bookshop this weekend?

• Ask a yes–no question with A-not-A

我会骑自行车。

Wǒ huì qí zìxíngchē.

I know how to ride a bicycle.

• Choose 会 or 能 for “can”

今天我不想做饭。

Jīntiān wǒ bù xiǎng zuò fàn.

I do not feel like cooking today.

• Say what you would like to do with 想

这个座位有人吗？

Zhège zuòwèi yǒu rén ma?

Is this seat taken?

• Ask a yes–no question with 吗