English to Mandarin Chinese Dictionary (using Pinyin)
for theocratic use with
Mandarin Chinese Introductory Course

 

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Notes

1         Preference varies as to whether certain Mandarin expressions have spaces between their elements. For example, dictionaries may show the Mandarin Pinyin word for security as ān quán or as ānquán. If you cannot find an expression listed with spaces, please look for it without spaces. Where “ng” is followed by a vowel, “n'g” or “ng' ” is shown to separate syllables, even when this is not common practice.

 

English to Mandarin Chinese

 

…  (as sums of [money])

…bǐ  (MW)

… ( as musical compositions, songs, teams)

…zhī  (MW)

… ( as part of a pair, boats, certain animals)

…zhī  (MW)

… ( as stick-shaped things, cigarettes, pens)

…zhī  (MW)

… ( as stick-shaped things, rifles, roses, etc.)

…zhī  (MW)

… (as actions or processes)

…dùn  (verbal MW)

… (as aeroplanes, cameras, etc.)

…jià  (MW)

… (as an item, measure word used generally - form of gè )

…ge; …gè (MW)

… (as an item, this measure word is used generally)

…gè; …ge (MW)

… (as articles of clothing, furniture, etc.)

…jiàn (MW)

… (as brief events or conditions)

… zhèn  (MW)

… (as buildings)

…dòng (MW)

… (as buildings)

…suǒ  (MW)

… (as built things, mountains)

…zuò (MW)

… (as bullets, etc.)

…kē  (MW)

… (as bunches of) …

…shù …  (MW)

… (as cans, e.g. of drink)

… tīng … (MW)

… (as chunks, sheets, or slices)

…kuài  (MW)

… (as clouds, flowers)

…duǒ  (MW)

… (as complete process cycles of)

…biàn (verbal MW)

… (as copies of newspapers, scripts)

…fèn  (MW)

… (as couples, pairs of)

…duì  (MW)

… (as deals in business)

…bǐ  (MW)

… (as doses of Chinese medicine)

…fù (MW)

… (as drops, droplets of)

…dī (MW)

… (as facial gestures)

…fù (MW)

… (as families, establishments; companies)

…jiā  (MW)

… (as films, novels of)

…bù  (MW)

… (as flat items, board games)

…pán  (MW)

… (as flat, smooth things)

…miàn  (MW)

… (as floors, storeys, layers, sheets of)
(The ground floor counts as the first floor)

…céng  (MW)

… (as garlic bulbs)

…tóu (MW)

… (as groups of people, batches of products)

…pī  (MW)

… (as groups)

…qún  (MW)

… (as handfuls, bunches of, items handled)

… bǎ (MW)

… (as horses)

…pí; pǐ  (MW)

… (as horses)

…pǐ; pí  (MW)

… (as households)

…hù  (MW)

… (as illnesses, disasters, shows, debates)

…chǎng  (nominal MW)

… (as images, pictures of, … copies of)
— [an] illustration

…fú (MW)
— [yìfú] huà

… (as items of music, poems, songs)

…shǒu  (MW)

… (as kinds of, types of, sorts of)

…zhǒng  (MW)

… (as kinds or types of things in general)

…yàng  (MW)

… (as lamps)

…zhǎn  (MW)

… (as letters and telegrams of)

…fēng (MW)

… (as lines of)

…háng  (MW)

… (as long things, limbs, lives, reports, laws)

…tiáo  (MW)

… (as long, thin objects)

…gēn (MW)

… (as machines, tools, performances)

…tái (MW)

… (as meals)

…dùn  (nominal MW)

… (as news); … (as items of)

…tiáo (MW)

… (as number of people in a family or group; heads)

…kǒu  (MW)

… (as occasions when a process occured)

…chǎng  (verbal MW)

… (as occurences: colloquially, have a bash)

…huí  (verbal MW)

… (as orders, rows, courses of)

…dào (MW)

… (as pairs of—paired things)

…shuāng  (MW)

… (as parcels, packages of)

…bāo (MW)

… (as parts or sections of)

…duàn (MW)

… (as passages of prose or verse)

…jù  (MW)

… (as people of reputation, name or fame)

…míng  (MW)

… (as periodical issues)

…qī  (MW)

… (as periods or terms in education)

…táng  (MW)

… (as persons - polite use: “good-, gentle-”)

…wèi  (MW)

… (as planar things:flat, squarish)

…-zhāng (MW)

… (as plants, trees)

…kē (MW)

… (as plates, layers, expanses, moods)

…piàn  (MW)

… (as portions, shares of)

…fèn  (MW)

… (as projects, tasks, needs, decisions)

…xiàng  (MW)

 … (as public transport services)

…bān (MW)

… (as rooms)

…jiān (MW)

… (as rows of)

…pái  (MW)

… (as scheduled transport services; journeys)

…tàng  (MW)

… (as sections of, of cells of)

…jié  (MW)

… (as sessions, of academic years)

…jiè (MW)

… (as sets, outfits, suites)

…tào  (MW)

… (as sets, pairs of)

…fù  (MW)

… (as ships)

…sōu  (MW)

… (as small round items, pills, grains, etc.)

…lì  (MW)

… (as some particular animals)

…tóu (MW)

… (as some particular round things)

…tuán  (MW)

… (as spoken languages: speak a language)

…kǒu  (MW)

… (as stacks; orderly piles)

…luó (MW)

… (as study courses, subjects)

…mén  (MW)

… (as things appearing small and round)

…kē  (MW)

… (as things spread: blankets, sheets)

…chuáng  (MW)

… (as things with a peak like hats or tents)

…dǐng (MW)

… (as thoughts, suggestions of)

…diǎn (MW)

… (as times, occasions)

…cì (verbal MW; contrast chǎng)

… (as times: for brief actions)

…xià  (verbal MW)

… (as trains, accidents, examinations)

…cì (MW)

… (as types of, sorts of)

…lèi (MW)

… (as vehicles, incl. bicycles)

…liàng (MW)

… (as vessel(s) of)

…bēi  (MW)

… (as vocal sounds, calls, cries, screams)

…shēng (verbal MW)

… (as volumes or copies of books of)

…cè  (MW)

… (as volumes, of things bound)

…běn (MW)

… (as walls)
— four walls

…dǔ (MW)
— sìdǔ qiáng

… (as write-ups of, of articles of)

…piān (MW)

… (continuing) even yet

… ne

… (groups, gangs of people esp. negatively)

…huǒ  (MW)

… (item having number … in the order)

dìjǐ …

… (trains)

…liè (MW)

10 Chinese feet; 3·3 metres

zhàng

10, 000; a very large number

wàn

15 minutes

kè

1st, 2nd, 3rd

dì yī, dì ér, dì sān

a

yī (“yī” is normally used as “yí-” or “yì” with a measure word (MW) such as “-ge ”, “-zhǒng”, etc. )

a bar of … (chocolate, etc.)

yíkuài … (kuái here is a MW)

a bar of soap

yìtiáo féizào (yìtiáo is a MW)

a billion; 1,000,000,000

shíyì

a bottle of …

yìpíng …

a burst of rain

yìzhèn dà yǔ  (zhèn here is a MW)

a clue

xiànsuǒ  (MW is [yì]tiáo)

a couple of; two of(measure; not the number)

liǎng- (method as for ‘yì-’: e.g. ‘liǎngge’)

a crowd of people

yìqún rén

a day later

gé yìtiān zài

a fair amount of; no little; no lack of

bùshǎo

a felt-tipped pen

zhāntóubǐ

a few portions of lunch

jǐfèn wǔfàn  (fèn here is a MW)

a few Xs of units (where X is a numeral)

jǐ X bù

a four-course meal

yǒu sìdào cài de wǔfàn (dào is a MW)

a fourth part of a whole; a quarter

sìfēnzhīyī

a glass

bōli bēi

a good number of; plenty of

hǎoxiē

a group of friends

yìpī péngyou  (pī here is a MW)

a half; about a half; partly

yíbàn

a hoard of people

yìhuǒ rén  (huǒ here is a MW)

a hold compartment on a ship

huòcāng

a hundred million; 100,000,000

yì

a letter from

láixìn

a loan

dàikuǎn

a locker; small depository

xiǎo chú

a long distance; long-distance

chángtú

a long time period

chángqī

a meeting; reunion; to meet with

huìjiàn

a musical instrument

pípa

a pack [of]

yìhé […]

a pack [of]; a packet [of]

yìbāo […]

a package; bundle

yìkǔn

a page

yíyè

a pair (as one object)

yífù

a pair (set)

yìshuāng

a pair of

yī shuāng

a pair of

yíduì (See also: yìshuāng, yífù)

a pair of magazines

liǎngfèn zázhì  (fèn here is a MW)

a pair of roller skates

yìshuāng hànbīng xié

a pair of sheets

liǎngchuáng dān  (chuáng here is a MW)

a pair of shoes

yìshuāng xié

a pair of shoes

yìshuāng xié

a pair of spectacles

yífù yǎnjìng

a parcel; package

yìjiàn bāoguǒ

a part (section, element, phase)

yíbùfen

a patch; plaster (for skin)

gāoyào

a paw

zhuǎzi (MW is [yì]zhí )

a piece … (sheet or flat object, like paper)

yìzhāng …

a piece of … (stringy object like string)

yìgēn …

a piece of string

yìgēn xiànshéng

a piece of; item of (object like furniture)

yíjiàn … (jiàn is a MW)

a pile; heap (disorderly)

yìduī (duī is a MW)

a quarrel; argument; to argue; quarrel

zhēngchǎo

a quarter (time)

yí kè

a ray of light

yídào guāngxiàn  (dào is a MW)

a second (period of time)

yì miǎo

a shade (of colour)

nóngdàn

a shade of colour

nóngdànsè (MW is [yì]zhǒng)

a sheet of glass

yíkuài bōli

a sheet of paper (to write on)

yìzhāng zhǐ

a shirt

yíjiàn chènshán  (jiàn here is a MW)

a short while

yìhuǐ[r]

a small amount; a little; some; a little

yìdiǎn[r]; yīdiǎn[r]

a small amount; a little; some; a little (of)

yīdiǎn[r]; yìdiǎn[r]

a song

yìzhī gē (zhī here is a MW)

a sort of steamed bun

bāozi

a table

yìzhāng zhuōzi  (zhāng is a MW)

a truth; truth (considered abstractly)

zhēnlǐ

a two-stringed musical instrument

èrhú

a war (whole process)

yìchǎng zhànzhēng  (chǎng here is a MW)

a wave

làng

a; an

yíge (etc.) (“ge” is a “measure word” 
  -“MW”. Study 24 shows more.)
  Use yì before …à, …á, or …â, else yí

a; an

yì  (See: yī and yí)

a; an; one

yí (See also yíge, etc.)

a; an; one

yí ge (See also yíge, etc.)

abacus

suànpán

abandoned

pāozhū-nǎohòu

abdomen

fùbù

ability

běnshi

ability; capability

nénglì

ability; gift; talent

tiānfù

ability; skill; capability

běnlǐng

ability; skill; to have the ability to; can

néng; dào

ability; talent

cái

ability; talent

cáinéng

able to see clearly

kàndeqīngchu

able to understand (when reading)

kàndedǒng

about to …; just going to …

jiāng …

about twelve o'clock

shí'ér diǎn zuǒyòu

about X (X is a number used descriptively)

X lái ge

about; approximately

dàgài

about; concerning

guānyú

about; concerning; regarding

yǒuguān

about; on the subject of …

guānyú …

about; regarding; of

ne

above …; on top of …

… zhīshàng

above; on high

shàngtou (See: shàngbian)

above; over
— [located] above

shàngfāng
— [zài] shàngfāng

above; upon

— [located] above …

shàngmiàn (or shàngmian) (See: shàngbian)
— [zài] … shàngmiàn

abroad

guówài

abroad; overseas

hǎiwài

absent

bú zài

absent

quēxí

absent from [meetings]; missing [meetings]

quē [jùhuì]

absent; gone out; gone away

chūqu; bú zài

absent; missing

quēdiào[de]

absent; not gone

méi qù

absent; not present; to be absent

bú zài

absent; not turned up

méi lái

absolutely must …; to insist on

fēi … bù kě

absolutely no …

gēnběn bù

absolutely sure; convinced; positive

quèxìn

abstinence

dījiǔbùzhàn

abstract

chōuxiàng de

abuse

juǐ

academic faculty; college department

xì

academic term; semester

xuéqī

accent

kǒuyīn

accident

shìgù (MW is [yí]cì )

accidentally; by chance

ǒuránde

accidentally; by chance; occasionally

ǒurán

accommodation
— [to look for] accommodation

zhùchù
— [zhǎo] zhùchù

accommodation; rooming

zhùsù

accompanied; following

gēnsuí

according to one's liking; ideal

rúyì

according to time; on time; punctual; punctually

ànshí

according to what?

yǐ shénme?

according to; in relation to; on the basis of

ànzhào

according to; on the basis of

àn

according to; using (an instrument)

yǐ

account (in a bank)
— [an] account

zhànghù
— [yíge] zhànghù (ge here is a MW)

account; savings (deposited in a bank)

cúnkuǎn

accountant

kuàijì

accurate; certainly; accurately

zhǔn

achievement; accomplishment

chéngjiù

achievement; accomplishment; success

chéngjī

acid; sour in taste; sore; aching; sad

suān

acquaintance

shúrén

acquaintance (person)

xiāngshí de rén

acquaintance; one known

shúrén

acrobatics

zájì

across

héngguò

across from
— [located] across from …

duìmiàn
— [zài] … duìmiàn

act; deed

jǔdòng

action

xíngdòng

action; deed; conduct; to function as; use as

zuòwéi

action; movement

xíngdòng

active force; power; motive

dònglì

active; dynamic; animated; lively

huóyuè

activity; action; activation; movement

dòngzuò

activity; exercise; to move around; exercise

huódòng

acts; conduct

pǐnxíng

actuality; fact; facts; reality

shíshì

actually; as it goes; as a matter of fact

shìshíshang

actually; in reality; as a matter of fact

shìshí

acupuncture

zhēnjiǔ

additional materials

bǔchōng cáiliào

additionally; besides; moreover; in addition

cǐwài

additionally; moreover; to add extra

jiāyǐ

address

dìzhǐ

address

zhùzhǐ

adequate; sufficient; fairly; quite; rather

gòu

adjacent to; next to

jǐn'āi

adult

chéngrén

adult; grown-up

chéngniánrén

adult; grown-up

dàrén

advance (money)

yùfùkuǎn

advanced (technically experienced)

xiānjìn

advanced; high; higher (education)

gāoděng

advantage; benefit

qǐfā

advantage[ous condition]

yōushì tiáojiàn

advantageous; beneficial

yǒulì

adventure
— [an] adventure

màoxiǎn
— [yícì] màoxiǎn  (cì here is a MW)

adventurous; to take a risk

màoxiǎn

advertising; advertisement

guǎnggào

advice; counsel

zhōnggào

advice; recommendation

quàn'gào

advice; recommendation; suggestion

jiànyì

advisor; supervisor

zhǐdǎo lǎoshī

advocacy; to advocate

gǔchuī

aerial (device)

tiānxiàn

aerobics

zēngyǎng jiànshēn fǎ

aeronautics; flight; aviation; carried by air

hángkōng

aeroplane; airplane

fēijī

affirmative; positive; to affirm; confirm

kěndìng

Afghanistan

Āfùhàn

afore-mentioned; above

shàngbian

afraid; frightened; nervous

hàipà

Africa

Fēizhōu

African (person)

Fēizhōurén

African (thing)

Fēizhōu de

after

yǐhòu

after …; later

[zài] … yǐhòu

after …; later; in future; afterwards; later

[zài] … yǐhòu

after all

bìjìng

after meals

fàn hòu

after meals

fànhòu

after…

… hòu

after…; later; behind …

… zhīhòu

aftermath; result; after-effect; consequence

hòuguǒ

afternoon; p.m.; period 3 p.m. to dusk

xiàwǔ

afterwards; later

hòulái

afterwards; subsequently; then

ránhòu

again

zàicì

again (already recurred)

yòu  (See also: zài for awaited recurrence)

again (future); once again; further; still; even

zài  (See also: yòu for past recurrence)

again and again; often; frequently

wǎngwǎng

again; afresh

chóngxīn

against
—(X against [the wall]—where X is a verb)

kàozhe
—kàozhe [qiáng] (X)

against; to oppose; to fight against; combat

fǎnduì (See also: dǐng, nì, kào, yǐ)

against; versus

duì

against; versus; to (game score)

bǐ

agapé

āgépèi (See also: jīyú yuánzé de ài)

age (of a person)

niánjì

age (of a person)

niánlíng

age
— what is your age? (not older person or child)

suì
— nǐ duōshǎo suì le?

aged
— … years old

suì
— … suì

aggressive; sharp

jiànkè

aggressive; sharp

kēke; jiànkè

ago
— X ago (where X is a certain time period)

yǐqián
— X yǐqián

ago; previously; formerly

yǐqián

agreed! fine!

yìjiàn yīzhì

Agreed! Fine!

zànchéng

agreed; ‘Sure!’; ‘Well, …’

xíng

agreement

xiédìng

agreement; contract

hétóng

agreement; pact; treaty

tiàoyuē

agreement; treaty; contract; date; appointment

yuē

agriculture; farming

nóng

ah!  ooh!  oh!

yā

ahead; in front

[zài] … qiánbian

ahead; in front
— [located] in front of …

qiánmiàn (or: qiánmian)
— [zài] … de qiánmiàn

ahead; leading; frontal

qiántou de

ahead; progress; movement ahead

qiánjìn

aid; assistance; support; to aid; assist; support

zhīyuán

Aids; AIDS

àizībìng

aim; objective; goal; partner

duìxiàng

aim; objective; target; goal; purpose; object

mùdì

air (to post by air)

hángkōng

air conditioner; air conditioning

kōngtiáo (=kōngqì tiáojié qì)

air hostess

kōngzhōng xiǎojiě

air pollution

kōngqì wūrǎn

air; atmosphere (climatic)

kōngqì

air; fumes; breath; smell; to anger; to fume

qì

airforce

kōngjūn

airmail

hángkōng yóujiàn

airmail letter

hángkōngxìn

airport

fēijīchǎng

airport

jīchǎng

alarm clock

nàozhōng

alarm; warning

jǐngbào

alarming; shocking; surprising

jīngrén

alcohol (chemically)

jiǔjīng

alcohol abuse

zòngjiǔ

alcohol; alcoholic drink; wine; liquor

jiǔ

alcoholic spirits; hard liquor

lièjiǔ

alike; similar; like; to be like; resemble

xiāngsì

alive; live; raw (uncooked); unripe; unrefined

shēng

alive; living; to be alive; live

huó

all (all day … all night)

yī (yí rì … yí yè)

all …; every …

suǒyǒude …

all day

zhěngtiān

all day … all night

yí rì … yí yè

all kinds

gèzhǒng gèyàng de

all of us; YOU all; everybody

dàhuǒr

all over the body

húnshēn

all the best; regards; with best wishes

cǐ zhì jìnglǐ

all the best; regards; with best wishes

cǐ zhì jìnglǐ

all the time

lǎoshì

all the time; always; in all situations

zǒngshì

all thorough the day; from sunrise to sunset

yì tiān dào wǎn

all you need to do is …; just …

… jiùshì le

all; all there is; whatever one possesses

suǒyǒu

all; both; entirely; already

dōu

all; every

fán

allocate (to allocate places; to arrange; to place)

ānfàng

almond

xìngrén

almost; approximately; nearly; about; around

dàyuē  (See also: zuǒyòu)

almost; nearly

jīhū

almost; soon; quickly

kuài

alone

gūjūn-zuòzhàn

alone (on one's own, by oneself)

yī ge rén

alone; on one's own

dúzì; dúzì de

along with; in relation to; varying with

suí

along; alongside; beside

yán

along; beside …; to follow along

yánzhe …

Alpha

Ā'ērfǎ

already

yǐ

already

yǐjīng

also; and; too

bìng

also; likewise; too; even so; still

yě

also; too

yě shì

although … even so …

suīrán … kěshì (or: dànshì) …

although; though

suīrán

altogether; in sum; in total

yígòng

always

zòngshì

always; ever

lǎo (See lǎoshì)

always; in all cases; inevitably; anyway

zǒng

amazed; astonished; surprised

jīngyà

amazed; surprised

jīngqí

amazing

lìng rén jīngyà

amazing

lìngrén jīngyà

ambassador

dàshǐ

ambience; atmosphere (mood)

qìfēn

ambition (craving power)

shēwàng; yěxīn

ambition (craving power)

yěxīn; shēwàng

ambition (for success, progress)

bàofù; xióngxīn (See also: yěxīn, shēwàng)

ambition (for success, progress)

xióngxīn; bàofù (See also: yěxīn, shēwàng)

ambitious (for power)

yǒu shēwàng de; yǒu yěxīn de

ambitious (for power)

yǒu yěxīn de

ambitious (for success, progress)

yǒu bàofù de (See also: yěxīn, shēwàng)

ambitious (for success, progress)

yǒu xióngxīn de (See also: yěxīn, shēwàng)

ambulance

jiùhùchē

America

Měizhōu

American (general things)

Měiguóde

American (person from USA)

Měiguórén

American dollar; US dollar

měiyuán

American dollar; US dollar

měiyuán

among …; between…

… zhījiān

among whom; in which

qízhōng

among
— [located] among …

zhī zhōng
— [zài] … zhī zhōng

among; amid; within; outside
— [located] among …

zhī zhōng
— [zài] … zhī zhōng

amongst; within; between

jiān

amount; quantity; number

shùliàng

ample; adequate

chōngzú

ample; powerful (evidence)

chōngfèn

amusement arcade

diànzǐ yóuxì fáng

amusement park

yùlè chǎng

an (for written articles)
— [an] article written; editorial; essay

yìpiān (piān is a MW)
— [yìpiān] wénzhāng

an able doctor

nénggàn de yīshēng

an action; step (esp. remedial measure)

cuòshī

an artist; painter (known as expert at art)

huàjiā

an event; occasion

chǎnghé

an examination

yícì kǎoshì  (cì here is a nominal MW)

an eye

yìzhī yǎnjīng

an inch

yīngcùn

analysis; to analyze

fēnxī

ancient Chinese

gǔwén

Ancient of Days (“A…”)

wàn'gǔ chángzài zhě

ancient times; ancient

gǔdài

ancient; handed down from ancient times; old

gǔlǎo

ancient; old-fashioned; classical

gǔ

and

gēn

and (joining nouns or noun phrases)

jí

and (joining two verbs or  adjectives)
{(adverb of manner) X} {(verb)Y }

ér (… ér …)
{(X) … (Y)}

and not; but not

ér

and then; and after that

cóng'ér

and what about …? and what of …?

… ne?

and where is …?

… ne?

and; as well as; with (linking similar parties)

hé

and; not only X but also Y; moreover

bìng

and; what is more; in addition; moreover

érqiě

angel

tiānshǐ

anger

qìfèn

anger; fury; angry; furious

nù

anger; ire; angry; irate; cross

shēngqì

anger; wrath; indignation; angry; wrathful

fènnù

angry

shēnqì

animal

dòngwù

ankle

huái

ankle

huáiguānjié

ankle

jiǎobózi

announce to the public

gōngbù

announcement to the public

tōnggào  (MW is [yì]zhāng)

annoyed; upset

àonǎo

annoying; disgusting; to dislike; detest

tǎoyàn

anointed [ones]

shòugào [fèn zi]

anonymous

bù zhīmíng

another cup? (to drink)

zài hē yìbēi …?

another one; the same again

zài yī [ge] (ge here is a MW: adapt to suit)

another one; the same again

zài yī [ge] (ge here is a MW: adapt to suit)

answer (formal); reply; response

dáfù

answer sheets

dájuàn

answer(s)

dá'àn

answer; reply; response (oral)

huídá

answer; response; to answer; respond

xiǎngyìng

answering machine
— [an] answering machine

lùyīn diànhuà
— [yìtái] lùyīn diànhuà (tái is a MW)

anthropology

rénlèixué

antibiotics

kàngshēngsù

antique; relic; memento

wénwù

antiques

gǔwán

anxious; concerned; worried

zháojí

anxious; eager

jīqiè

anxious; eager

jíqiè

any … (negative); whatever …

rènhé …

any one of them; either

rènhé yī ge

any X; whatever X

nǎ X dōu

anyone; anybody; anything

rènhé …

anything

rènhé shì

anyway

fǎnzhèng

anywhere

rènhé dìfang

apart

xiānggé

apart from (as well as) X, Y also Z (Z: verb)

chú[le] X yǐwài, Y hái Z

apart from X, the remainder of Y Z (Z: verb)

chú[le] X yǐwài, Y dōu Z

ape

yuánrén

apostates

pàndào

apostle

shǐtú

apparatus (laboratory apparatus)

yíqì

apparently

míngxiǎnde

apparently; as it seems; to appear; seem

fǎngfú

apparently; as it seems; to seem; appear to be

sìhū

appartment block

gōngyùlóu  (MW is [yí]zhuàng)

appear; come into view

xiǎnxiàn

appearance; look; countenance; looks

miànmào

appetite

shíyù

appetite

wèikǒu

applause; clapping; to applaud; clap hands

gǔzhǎng

apple

píngguǒ

appliance

qìjù (MW is [yí]jiàn

appliance; equipment; kit; gear

yòngjù  (MW is [yí]jiàn)

application form

shēnqǐngbiǎo

application; to apply (for something)

shēnqǐng

application; use; to use; apply; applied; used

yìngyòng

application; use; utilisation; implementation

yòngchū

appointed

jìdìng

appointed member; designated official

wěiyuán

appointed times of the nations

lièguó de jìdìng shíqī

appointment

yùyuē

appointment; meeting; engagement

yuēhuì

approaching; near to; close to; approximately

jiējìn

appropriate; proper; appropriately; properly

tuǒdàng

appropriate; suitable

xiāngdāng

approval

yuènà

approved

yuènà de

approximately …; about …; … or so

… zuǒyòu

approximately; about

yuē

apricot

xìng

apt; likely; simple; easy

róngyì

Arabia

Ālābó

Aramaic

Ālāmǐyǔ

arbitrator; referee

zhòngcáirén (MW is [yì]míng)

architect

jiànshī

architect

jiànzhùshī

architecture; building; structure

jiànzhù

are you alright? (have you a health problem?)

nǐ méi shìr ba?

area code

yóuzhèng biānmǎ

area code; postcode

yóuzhèng biānmǎ

area; district; locality; region; zone

dìdài

area; surface area

miànji

arena; stage; platform for performers

wǔtái

Argentina

Āgēntíng

argument; quarrel; row

chǎojià

argument; quarrel; row

chǎozuǐ

argumentation; reason (cause, ground)

lǐyóu

ark

yuē

arm (limb)

gēbo

armament; arms; weapon

wǔqì

armchair

fúshǒuyǐ

armed

wǔzhuāng de

armed force; army

jūnduì

armed forces; the military; the army

jūn

arms; bosom; harbour; to harbour; cherish

huái

army

lùjūn

around the world

— [to go] around the world

wéirào shìjiè
— wéirào shìjiè [qù]

around; near to

— located [around …]

zhè yīdài
—zài [… zhè yīdài]

around; round

huánrǎo

arrange (to arrange; to fix up; to organize; to plan)

ānpái

arrange (to arrange; to organize; to plan)

ānpái

arrange (to arrange; to place)

ānfàng

arrangement (arranging; organizing)

ānpái

arrival; to arrive; to reach somewhere

dàodá

arrogant; proud; haughty

àomàn

arrow (mark)

jiàntóu

art gallery

měishùguǎn

article written; editorial
— [an] article

wénzhāng
— [yìpiān] wénzhāng

artificial

rén'gōngde

artificial; false; dummy; fake

jiǎ

artificial; man-made

rénzào

artist

yìshùjiā

artistic work; literary piece

zuòpǐn

arts and crafts

gōngyì měishù

arts and humanities (field of study)

rénwén xuékē

as a result; consequently; thus

yúshì

as before; still; yet

yīrán

As for X, well, Y. (marks pause for thought)

X ma, Y.

as it came about originally; as it turns out

yuánlái

as soon as possible; as quickly as possible

jìn kuài

as soon as; right away; straight after

jiù

as the limit; at the latest

wéizhǐ

as the limit; at the maximum

wéizhǐ

as to; as regards; as for

zhìyú

as well as; along with; and

yǐjí

as; being

zuòwéi

as; now; now that; since; because

jì

as; now; now that; since; because

jìrán; (See also: yīnwèi, suǒyǐ )

as; since; because of

yīnwei …

as; since; because of; as a result of …

yīnwèi …; yīnwei …

ash (tobacco, etc.)

yānhuī

ash; ashes

huījīn

ash; ashes; dust; grey; ashen

huī[jìn]

ashamed (feeling of shame)

haìsào

ashamed; embarrassed
— [to feel] ashamed

cánkuì
— [gǎndào] cánkuì

ashes of a dead body

gǔhuī

ashtray

yānhuīgāng

Asia

Yàzhōu

Asian (person)

Yàzhōurén

Asian (things in genereal)

Yàzhōude

asleep

shuìzhe

aspirin

āsīpǐlín

assembly hall; hall; auditorium; theatre

lǐtáng

assembly hall; meeting place

huìchǎng

assembly; convention; meeting (large)

dàhuì

assessment; decision; judgement

pànduàn

assist (to assist); to help

bāng

assistance; help

bāngmáng

assistance; help; to assist; help

bāngzhù; bāngzhu

assistance; to assist

xiézhù

assistant

zhùshǒu

assistant; housestaff; waiter; waitress

fúwùyuán

associate; partner (spouse); companion

huǒbàn

association; gathering; society

xiéhuì

at ([at the time] when …)

de (… de shíhou)

at a set distance apart

gé

at an interval of time later

gé

at dawn

límíngshí

at home

zài jiā

at home

zài jiā

at least

qǐmǎ

at midday

zài zhèngwǔ

at midnight

zài wǔyè

at once; immediately; right now

mǎshàng

at once; without delay; promptly

liánmáng

at one time; together; simultaneously

yìqí

at present; currently; now

mùqián

at present; nowadays; now

dāngjīn

at public expense

gōngfèi

at the last moment; at the time

línshí

at the latest

zuì chí

at the right time

jíshí

at the same time; meanwhile

tóngshí

at the time when …; during…; while …

… de shíhou

at this moment in the middle of X (a process)

zhèngzài

at this moment; presently; momentarily

yǎnqián

at
— [located] at

mian
— [zài] … mian

at; in; on;

zài

at; in; on; by; from; to; than (especially dates)

yú

athlete; player

yùndòngyuán

athletics record

jìlù

Atlantic

Dàxīyáng

ATM

qǔkuǎnjī

atmosphere (air)

dàqì

attack (war)

gōngjī

attack; offensive; to attack

jìn'gōng

attack; sudden assault

tūjī

attempt; try; to attempt; try

qǐtú

attentive to detail; meticulous

zǐxì

attentively; fully focussed

zhuānxīn

attic

fándǐngshì

attic

gélóu

attitude to one another

shìtài-rénqíng

attitude; manner; posture

tàidu

attractive

yǒu xīyǐnlì de

au pair; help; maid

bānggōng

au pair; help; maid

bāngshǒu

auburn coloured

jīn zòngsè de

auctioned off

pāimàidào

audience (hearers)

tīngzhòng

audience; observer; spectator; watcher

guānzhòng (See also: tíngzhòng)

audio recording

lùyīn

August

Bāyuè

aunt; father's sister

gūgu

aunt; wife of father's elder brother

bómǔ

auntie (nanny; baby-sitter)

āyí

auntie; nanny; baby-sitter

āyí

Australia

Àodàlìyà

Australia

Àozhōu

Australian (See: German: of, person)

Àodàlìyà [-de|-rén] (See: Dé)

Austria

Àodìlì

Austrian (See: German: of, person)

Àodìlì [-de|-rén] (See: Dé)

author; literary writer

wénxuéjiā

authority (persons in charge)

quánwēi

authority; expert; old hand

tōng

authority; power; controlling position

quánlì

authority; power; right

quán

automatic; self-motivated; voluntary

zìdòng

automatically; of own initiative; voluntarily

zìdòng

automaton; robot

jīqì rén

autumn; fall

qiūtiān

available

kě huòdé de

available by purchase

mǎi de dào

available by purchase; can be bought

néng mǎidào

available for use; accessible for use

kěyǐ yòng

average; mediocre; passable; so-so

yībān

award

jiǎng[pǐn]

award

jiǎngpǐn

aware (knowing about)

yìshídào

awareness

yìshí

awareness of; realization; knowledge (facts)

liǎojiě

awareness; consciousness

juéwù

away ( to X away; to X off—where X is a verb)

kāi (X kāi)

away (to X away; to X off—X is a verb)

X qù

away (X away; X off—where X is a verb)

X jìnqu

away (X away; X off—X is a verb)

…pǎo

away on business

chūchāile

awesome

huīhuáng

awful (rubbish work, performance)

zāotòu [le]

awful; terrible; fear-inspiring; shocking

kěpà

awkward; embarrassed (feeling)

gān'gà

awkward; embarrassed; to cause difficulty for

wéinán

awkward; giving a problem

jìshǒu

axe

fǔtóu  (MW is [yí]bǎ )

axe

fǔzi  (MW is [yí]bǎ )

b

 

baby; infant

yīng'ér

Babylon the Great

Dà-Bābǐlún

baby-sitter (nanny; auntie)

āyí

back cover

fēngdǐ

back door

hòumén

back passage of abdomen

gāngmén

back to front

fǎn

background; personal history

lǚlì

backward[s]

xiànghòu

bacon

xián zhūròu

bacteria; germs

bìngjūn

bacteria; germs

xìjūn

bad

zāo

bad (of “bad luck”; “unlucky”)

dǎoméide

bad smell; odour

chòuqì

bad smell; odour

chòuwèi

badger

huān  (MW is [yì]zhī )

badminton; shuttlecock

yǔmáoqiú

bag

dàizi

bag; parcel; bundle

bāo

bakery

miànbāodiàn  (MW is [yì]jiā)

balance (equilibrium)

pínghéng

balanced; level; horizontal

píng

balcony

yángtái

bald

guāngtūde

bald

tūdǐng

bald

tūtóu[de]

ball (as used in Chinese medicine)

wánr

ball (used in Chinese medicine)

wán[r]

ball; ball game; globe; sphere; the earth

qiú

ballet

bāléiwǔ

balloon

qìqiú

ball-point pen; biro

yuánzhūbǐ

bamboo

zhúzi

banana; bananas

xiāngjiāo

band (musicians)

yuèduì

band (strip)

dàizi (MW is [yì]gēn)

band; ribbon; belt; tyre; zone; region; area

dài

bandage

bēngdài

bank (for money)

yínháng (MW is [yí]jiā ) (See: hé; xuěkù)

bank (of a river)

hé'àn

bank holiday

gōngjiàrì

bank; shore; seaside; coast

àn

bank; slope

pō

banner; flag

qízi

banner; slogan

kǒuhào

Baptizer

Shījìnzhě

bar (for serving drinks)

jiǔbā

bar (on a window or cage)

zhàlan

barbecue

shāokǎo yěcān (MW is [yí]cì )

barber

lǐfàdiàn

bare tree

guāngtūtū de shù

bargain (good deal)

jiāoyì  (MW is [yì]bǐ )

bargain price

[chǔlǐ] jiàgé

bark (of a tree)

shùpí

barn

gǔcāng

barrel; bucket; keg; firkin

tǒng

barren

pínjíde

baseball (game)

bànqiú

-based

biānxiě

basic law; natural pattern

guīlǜ

basic; elementary; fundamental

jīběn

basic; fundamental; elementary

jīchǔ

basis (on the basis of); per; by; according to

àn

basis (on the basis of; according to; in relation to)

ànzhào

basis; element; root; foundation; base

jīchǔ

basis; grounds; fundamental reason

gēnjù

basket

lánzi

basketball

lánqiú

bat (for games)

qiúbàng

bat (mammal)

biānfú

bat; raquet

pāi[zi]

bat; raquet

pāizi

bathrobe

yùyī

bathroom

xǐzǎojiān

bathroom; shower room; washroom

yùshì

bathtub

yùgāng

bathtub

yùpén

battle

zhàndòu

battle

zhàng

bay

hǎiwān

be hungry; got hunger

è le

be hungry; got hunger

èle

be sure to X … (X is another verb)

qiānwàn X …

beach

hǎitān

-beach

-tān

beach; seashore; coast

hǎi'àn

beach; seashore; seaside

hǎibiān

beam of light
— [a] beam of light

guāng

— [yídào] guāng

beam of light
— [a] beam of light

guāng
— [yíshù] guāng

beam; joist

liáng (MW is [yì]gēn)

bean

dòu; dòuzi

beancurd; tofu

dòufu

bear (animal)

xióng  (MW is [yì]zhī )

bear witness

zuò jiànzhèng

beard

húxū

beard; moustache

húzi

beautiful; attractive; pretty (said of women)

piàoliang

beautiful; good quality; perfection; beauty

měi

beautiful; graceful; exquisite (location)

yōuměi

beautiful; pretty (things, places)

měilì [de]; yōuměi

beauty

měilì

because {of} (linking the cause of an action with the action itself)

ér

because of being

shēnwéi

bed

chuáng

bedding

bèirù

bedroom

wòshì

bedsheet

chuángdān

bedsheet

dān

bee; wasp

fēng

beef

niúròu

beer

píjiǔ

beet[root]

tiáncài

before …

méiyǒu … yǐqián

before …; before; in the past

[zài] … yǐqián

before meals

fàn qián

before meals

fànqián

Before our Common Era (BCE)

Gōngyuánqián

before[hand] …; prior to …; in front of …

… zhīqián

beforehand; in advance; early

tíqián

beforehand; previously; in advance; earlier

shìxiān

beggar

qǐgài

beginner

chūxuézhě

beginning; opening

kāitóu

beginning; start

kāiduān

beginning; to begin; start

kāishǐ

behaviour; expression

biǎoxiàn

behind

— [located] behind …

hòu
— [zài] … hòu

behind

— [located] behind …

hòubian
— [zài] … hòubian

behind the times; backward; to fall behind

luòhòu

behind; after; later

— [located] behind …

hòumian
— [zài] … hòumian

behind; to the rear of; at the back of

bèihòu

Beijing; Peking

Běijīng

bell

líng

bell; clock; clock time

zhōng

belly stomach; tummy

dùzi

belongings

cáiwù

belongings; whatever one has

suǒyǒuwù

below …; under …

… zhīxià

below; beneath; under

dǐxia

below; down; under
— [located] below; down

xiàbian
— [zài] … xiàbian

below; down; under
— [located] below; down

xiàmian  (See: xiàbian)
— [zài] … xiàmian

below; under; underneath; with
— [located] below …

xiàmian (See: xiàbian)
— [zài] … xiàmian

below; underneath; following

yǐxià

below; underneath; under
— [located] below …

xiàbian
— [zài] … xiàbian

belt

yāodài

belt (mechanical)

pídài

bench

chángdèng

bend; curve

zhuǎnwān

beneath; under; below …

[zài] … yǐxià

benefit; advantage; good point

hǎochù

benefit; advantages; cheap; inexpensive

piányi

benefit; interest

lìyì

benefits; relief

bìyì

berth; sleeping bay; compartment

wòpù

beside; by (the side of)

— [located] beside

páng

— [zài] … páng]

beside; by (the side of)

— [located] beside

pángbiān]

— [zài] … pángbiān]

beside; by (the side of)

[zài] … pángbiān

beside; by; by the side of
— [located] beside …

zài [… páng]

beside; by; by the side of
— [located] beside …

zài [… pángbiān]

besides; moreover

kuàngqiě

besides; with this

tóngshí

besiege

wéikùn

best wishes

liánghǎo zhùyuàn

best wishes

zhù
— “zhù hǎo”

best; ought really; had better; should

zuìhǎo

best; the best

zuì hǎo [de]

better

gěng hǎo de

better

gènghǎo

better than …

bǐ … hǎo

better; rather better; preferable

bǐjiào hǎo

between; amid; amongst

— [located] between

zhōngjiān
— [zài] zhōngjiān

beyond …; outside …; without

yǐwài

beyond; on the far side of
— [located] beyond …

nà bian
— [zài] … nà bian

bias; prejudice; favouritism

piānjiàn

Bible; scriptures

Shèngjīng

bicycle lane

zìxíngchē dào

bicycle pump

dǎqìtǒng

bike; bicycle

zìxíngchē

bill

zhàngdàn

bill; itemized list; separately; discretely

dān

billion

shí yì (See also: shíyī )

biology

shēngwùxué

bird

niǎo  (MW is [yì]zhī )

birds' nest

yànwō

birthday

shēngrì

birthday (“happy birthday”)

shēngrì kuàilè

birthplace

chūshēng dì

biscuit; cookie; cracker

bǐnggān

bitter

kǔde

bitter; painstakingly; diligently

kǔ

black beans

dòuchǐ

black colour[ed]

hēisè [de]

black pepper

hēi hújiāo

black tea

hóng chá

black; dark

hēi [de]

blackberry

hēiméi

blackboard; chalk board

hēibǎn

blackcurrants

hēi pútaogān

blade (of a cutter)

dāokǒu

blade (of a cutter)

dǎorèn

blade of grass

cǎopiàn (MW is [yí]yè)

blank; stiff; dim-witted

dāi

blanket; carpet; rug

tǎnzi

blessing; happines; good fortune

fú

blessings

dàdà

blind

máng

blind (visually impaired)

shīmíng

blind; visually impaired

xiā

blink

yǎnjīng

blister

pāo; pào

blister

pào; pāo

block

kuài  (MW is [yí]dà)

blond coloured; blonde coloured

jīn sè de

blood

xuè

blood

xuèyè

blood pressure

xuèyā

blood vessel

xuèguǎn

bloodbank

xuěkù (MW is [yí]ge) (See: hé; yínháng)

blouse

nǚ chènshān

blue

lán [de]

blue colour[ed]

lánsè [de]

blue; green

qīng

board; plank

mùbān (MW is [yí]kuài)

body temperature

tǐwēn

body weight

tǐzhòng

boiled

zhǔfèile

boiled egg

zhǔ jīdàn

boiled water

kāishuǐ

boiler

guōlú

bold

dàdǎn

bold; daring; very confident

gǎn

bomb

zhàdàn  (MW is [yì]kē )

bone

gútou

bone

gǔtou

book
— [a] book

shū
— [yìběn] shū

book bag; school bag; satchel

shūbāo

Book of Daniel

Dànyǐlǐshū

book rack; bookcase; bookshelf

shūjià

bookmark; marker

shūqiān

bookstore; bookshop

shūdiàn

boot (footwear)

xuēzī  (MW is [yì]zhī )

boots (a pair)

yìshuāng xuēzī  ([yì]shuāng is a MW )

border; boundary

biānjiè

border; edge

biānyuán

bored (fed up by boredom)

yànfán

boring (makes one bored)

lìng rén yànfán

boring; uninteresting; pointless

meí yìsi

botanic gardens

zhíwùyuán

both

duì

both

liǎng ge

both … and …

yòu … yòu …

both eyes

shuāng yǎn

both sides

shuāngfāng

both X and Y

jì X yě Y; jì X yòu Y

both X and Y; on one hand X, on the other Y

yòu X yòu Y

both; double; twin-; dual …

shuāng …

bothered; fed up with; tired of; sick of

fán le

bottle

píngzi

bottle opener

píngqǐzi

bottle; jar

píng

bottom (of a page)

xiàduān

bottom; next; below

xiàtou  (See: xiàbian)

bottom; underside; base

dǐ

bow (arched strung implement)

gōngzi

bowl

wǎn

bowl; basin; tub; pot

pén

bowling (game)

bǎolíngqiú

box

xiāng

box (of cardboard)

hézi

boxing (sport)

quánjī

boy

nánháir

boy

nánháizi

boyfriend

nánpéngyou

bracelet

shǒuzhuó

brain

nǎo

brain; brains; intelligence; mind; head

nǎozi

brain; brains; mind

tóunǎo

brain; mind

nǎojīn

brake

zhá

brake

zhìdongqì

brake; to brake

shāzhù

brakes

zhā

branch

zhī

branch (of a bank)

fēnháng

branch (of a bank)

yíngyèbù

branch (of a river)

zhīliú  (MW is [yì]tiáo )

branch of a departmental store

fēndiàn

brand mark; trademark

pái

brand name

míngpái

brandy

báilándì jiǔ

brass wind instrument; horn; loud speaker

lǎbā

brazier

rǔzhào

bread

miànbāo

bread roll

miànbāojuǎn

breakfast

zǎocān

breakfast; morning meal

zǎofàn

breasts (females')

rǔfáng (See also: xiōngpǔ: males' breast)

breathing; respiration; breath; to breathe

hūxī

breeze

wēifēng

brick

zhuān

bride

xīnniáng

bridegroom

xīnláng

bridge

qiáo[liáng]

brief (in content)

jiǎnduǎn

brief (of short in duration)

duǎnzànde

briefcase

gōngwénbāo

briefcase

shǒutíbāo

briefs

sānjiǎokù

bright; magnificent

cànlàn

bright; well-lit; clear to understand

míngliàng

brightness; light; beam; ray; glory

guāng

Bring two volumes of X (e.g. “Insight”)

dàilái liǎngcè X (cè here is a MW)

British pound (money); pound sterling

yīngbàng

broad; wide; broad-minded; liberal

kuān

broadcast

guǎngbō

broadcaster; announcer

guǎngbōyuán

broadcasting station; radio station

guǎngbō diàntái

broadcasting tower

tái

broccoli

xīlánhuācài

brochure

xiǎo cèzi (MW is [yì]běn)

broken (bones, etc.)

zhéduànle

broken off

duànkāi

broken off

fēnkāile

broken; not working; bad; spoiled; off

huài

broken; won't work properly; off (gone bad)

huàile; huài le

bronze

qīngtóng

broom

sàozhou

brother

dìxiong; xiōngdì

brother(s)

xiōngdì

brotherhood

dìxiong-tuántǐ

brothers and sisters; siblings

xiōngdì jiěmèi

brother's daughter; niece

zhínǚ

brother's son; nephew

zhí'ér

brother's son; nephew

zhízi

brown

zóngsè

brown colour[ed]

hèsè[de]

bruise

qīngzhǒng

brush

shuāzi

brush; pen; brush stroke

bǐ

brush; to brush; scrub; paint; paste up

shuā[zi]

brush; to brush; scrub; paint; paste up

shuāzi

brutal; cruel; brutality; cruelty

cánkù

bucket

shuǐtǒng

Buddhism

Fójiào

Buddhist (in general)

Fójiàode

Buddhist (people)

Fójiàotú

building

dàlóu

building (something built)

jiànzhùwù

building; house; room

fángzi

bull; ox

gōngniú  (MW is [yì]tóu)

bullet

zǐdàn  (MW is [yì]kē )

bulletin of news; information bulletin

gōngbào

bully

qīfu

bully

qīwǔ

bundle; to bundle; tie in a bundle

kǔn

burden; load; task

dànzi

burglar

qièzéi

burglar alarm

fángdào bàojǐngqì

burglar alarm

fángdào jǐngbàoqì

burglar alarm

fángdào jǐngbàoqì

burglary

dàoqiè àn (MW is [yì]qǐ )

Burma

Miǎndiàn

Burmese (See: German- of, person, lang…)

Miǎndiàn[-de|-rén|-wén|-yǔ] (See: Dé)

burn injury

shāoshāng

burned down

shāohuǐ

burned down; burned out

bèi shāohuǐ

burned down; burned out

shāotā

bus (lit. public together steam vehicle)

gōnggòng qìchē

bus or train stop or station (vehicle stand)

chēzhàn

bus shelter (at a bus stop)

gónggòng qìchē hòuchētíng

bus stand; bus station; bus stop

qìchēzhàn

bus stop

gōnggòng qìchē zhàn

bush

guànmùcóng

business

shēngyi

business activities; professional work

yèwù

business; commerce; trade

mǎimai

business; enterprise

qǐyè

business; trade; commerce; commercial

shāngyè

businessperson

shāngrén

busy (doing something)

mángguǒ

busy doing X; busy X-ing

mángzhe X

busy; busy doing

máng

but for; if it were not for; if … didn't happen

yàobushi

But it is! = No!; that's not the case! (faulting a negative suggestion)

shìde!; (bù!)

but oh!

āi

but; however

dànshì; kěshì

but; however; nevertheless; just; merely; only

búguò

but; however; yet

kěshì;  dànshì

but; nevertheless

dàn[shì]

butter

huángyóu

butter

huángyóu

butterfly

húdié

buttocks

pìgu

button

kòu

button (on clothes)

niǔkòu

button (on equipment)

diǎnniǔ

button; to button; fasten; reduce; detain

kòuzi

by (e.g. He was told by me)

bèi (e.g. Tā bèi wǒ gàosu le) (See: bǎ)

by (near to)

[zài] … yìn

by … (by the agent in passive expression)

gěi …

by … (by the agent in passive expression)

jiào …

by a large quantitiy

dàliàng

by chance; by coincidence

còuqiǎo

by chance; happen to; coincidentally

pèngqiǎo

by the way

shùnbiàn wèn yīxià

by way of

cóng … yàngzi kànlái

by; by the side of; beside
— [located] by the side of …

zài [… pángbiān]

byway; small lane

xiǎo xiàng

c

 

C.V. (curriculum vitae)

jiǎnlì  (MW is [yí]fèn)

cabbage

juǎnxīncài

café

kāfēi guǎn

cafeteria; canteen; dining hall

shítáng

cake; pastry

dàn'gāo

cake; pastry

gāodiǎn (MW is [yí]kuài)

calculated wrongly

suàn-cuò le

calculator

jìsuànqì

calendar

rìlì

call; bark; yelp; cry

jiào

call; summoning appeal; to call summon

hàozhào

called; named

míng jiào

calligraphy

shūfǎ

calm (attitude)

zhènjìng

calm down (to calm down; to stabilize)

āndìng

calm peaceful; quiet

píngjìng

calm weather

píngjìng

calm; quiet; peaceful (location)

níngjìng

calm; stable; certainly; surely; definitely

dìng

Cambodia

Gāomián

Cambodia

Jiǎnpǔzhài

Cambodian (See: German- of, person, lang…)

Jiǎnpǔzhài[-de|-rén|-wén|-yǔ] (See: Dé)

Cambodian (See: German: of, person, lang.)

Gāomián [-de|-rén|-wén|-yǔ] (See: Dé)

camcorder

shèxiàngjī (MW is [yí]jià)

camel

luòtou (MW is [yì]tóu)

camera

zhàoxiàngjī

camp

yěyíng

camp site

yíngdì

campus; school field; school yard

xiàoyuán

can buy (afford) …

mǎi de qǐ …

can do in the time available

láidejí

can sell

mài de chū

can sell

mài de chū (See: mài bù chū: can't sell)

can sell

mài de chū

can support financially

gōng de qǐ

can; know how to

néng; huì

can; may

néng

can; may; to have permission to …; be able to

kěyǐ …

can; tin

guàntóu

can; to be able

cáinéng

can; to be able to accomplish; to manage

dào

can; to be able to; to know how to

huì; néng

can; to be competent to; to be able to

nénggòu

Canada

Jiānádà

cancer

ái

candle

làzhú

cannon; artillery; ordnance

pào

cannot buy (afford) …

mǎi bù qǐ …

cannot do in the time available

láibují

cannot sell

mài bù chū (See also: mài de chū: can sell)

cannot sell

mài bù chū

cannot sell

mài bù chū

Canton (province)

Guǎngdōng

Cantonese (language)

Guǎngzhōuhuà

cap; hat

màozi

capital (of a country)

shǒudū

captain of a ship

chuánzhǎng

captive; prisoner

fúlǔ

car accident
— [a] car accident

chēhuò
— [yícì] chēhuò  (cì here is a MW)

car boot

xínglixiāng

car park

tíngchēchù

card; playing cards; dominoes; sign; board

pái

cardboard

yìngzhǐbǎn

cards (game)

pùkèpái

care (to care about; to mind)

zàihu

care (to care about; to mind)

— not to care enough

zàihu
— bú zàihu

care; concern; attention

guānxīn

career; profession; enterprise; projected role

shìyè

Careful!

xiǎoxīn!

careful; wary

xiǎoxīn

carefully; in detail; meticulously

zǐxì

careless; hard hearted; thoughtless

cūxīn

careless; sloppy

mǎhu

careless; so-so

mǎmǎhūhū

carpet

dìtǎn

carrot

húluóbo

carve (to carve; to inscribe)

kè

carving

diāokèpǐn

case; box

hé

case; cover; wrap; sheath

tào

case; trunk; box; suitcase

xiāngzi

cash

xiànjīn

cassette

héshì cídài

castle

chéngbǎo (MW is [yí]zuò)

casual; random; convenient; careless

suí

casually; randomly; as convenient; freely

suíbiàn

cat

māo

Catholic (in general about Catholic religion)

Tiānzhǔjiàode

Catholic (people)

Tiānzhǔjiàotú

Catholic (religion)

Tiānzhǔjiào

cattle; ox; cow

niú

cauliflower

huācài

cause; ground

yuányīn

cause; origin; root

gēn; gēnyuán

cautious; wary

xiǎoxīnde

cave

yándòng

cave (in a mountain)

shāndòng

cave; hole; pit

dòng

CD

guāngdié

CD

guāngpán

CD-ROM

guāngpán yuèdúqì

ceiling

tiānhuābǎn

celebrate birthdays

guò shēngri

celebrate the New Year

guò nián

celebration; to celebrate

qìngzhù

celery

qíncài

cement

shuǐní

cemetery

gōngmù

cent; fen; point

fēn

Centigrade

shèshidù

centigrade

shèshì

centimetre

gōngfēn

centimetre

límǐ

central; nuclear

héxīn de

centralized; pooled; concentrated

jízhōng

centre; middle; core; in; amid; among

zhōng

centre; middle; core; midst

zhōngjiān

century

shìjì

ceremony

diǎnlǐ

certain; particular; specified; definite; proper

yídìng

certain; sure

yīdìng

certain; true; reliable

quèshí

certain; unavoidable; inexorable; inevitable

bìrán

certainly to X (X is a verb)

shì X

certainly!

dāngrán kěyǐ

certainly; definitely

yídìng

certainly; indeed; however; but

kě

certainly; indeed; really; truly; actually

quèshí

certificate

zhèngshū

chain

liànzi (MW is [yì]tiáo)

chair

yǐzi

chair; chairman; chairperson

zhǔxí

chalk

fěnbǐ

challenge; to challenge; challenge to a contest

tiǎozhàn

champagne

xiāngbīnjiǔ

champion

guànjūn

change; transformation; to vary; change

biànhuà

chapter

piān

chapter; section; regulations; rules

zhāng

character (in a story); personal figure

rénwù

character (in Chinese writing); word

zì

character tones (in Chinese Mandarin)

shēngdiào

character; personality; temperament

xìnggé

charges; fee; fees

fèi

cheat (a cheat)

piànzi

cheater (a cheater)

piànzi

check in (registration)

bànlǐ zhùdiàn shǒuxù

check out (registration)

bànlǐ lídiàn shǒuxù

checking in procedures

zhùdiàn shǒuxù

cheek

miànjiá

Cheers!  “Bottoms up!” (toasting)

gānbēi!

cheese

nǎilào

cheese

rǔlào

chemical … (reaction, etc.)

huàxué …

chemistry

huàxué

cheque; check

zhīpiào  (See also: qiān )

chequered; checked (pattern)

fānggéde

cherish (to cherish; to treasure; to protect; to care for)

aìhù

cherry

yīngtáo

chess

guójì xiàngqí

chest (of body); breast

xiōngqiāng

chest; breast

xiōng

chestnut

lìzi

chewing gum

kǒuxiāngtáng

chicken

jī

chicken (meat)

jīròu

chicken feet

fēngzhǎo

chicken's egg

jīdàn

chief; main; principal; most important

zhǔyào

chiefly; mainly; principally; most importantly

zhǔyàode

child

xiǎohái[r]

child; children

xiǎopéngyǒu

child; infant

yòu'ér

child-care nursery

tuō'érsuǒ

childhood

tóngnián

children

érnǚ

children

értóng

chilled

bīngzhèn

chilli hot; spicy

là

chilli pepper

làjiāo

chilli sauce

làjiāojiàng

chin

xiàba; xiàba kēr

China

Zhōngguó

China (alternative word for China)

Huá

China (colloquially)

Zhōng[guó]

Chinatown

Zhōngguóchéng

Chinese (language, especially spoken)

Hànyǔ

Chinese (language, especially spoken)

Zhōngyǔ

Chinese (language, especially written)

Zhōngwén

Chinese (person)

Zhōngguórén

Chinese (square) characters

fāngkuàizì

Chinese (things in general)

Zhōngguóde

Chinese cabbage

báicài

Chinese characters

Hànzì

Chinese chess

xiàngqī

Chinese currency (RMB of PRC)

Rénmínbì

Chinese food

Zhōngcān

Chinese language (spoken)

Zhōngguóhuà

Chinese lunar calendar

nónglì

Chinese medicine (remedy or drug)

Zhōngyào

Chinese medicine field; traditional doctor

Zhōngyī

Chinese people with non-Chinese nationality

Huá-rén

Chinese restaurant

Zhōngguó cān'guǎn (MW is [yì]jiā )

Chinese style

Zhōngshì

Chinese; mid-; middle; medium; intermediate

zhōng

chips; french fries (USA:“crisps”)

shǔtiáo

chocolate(s)

qiǎokèlì

choice; selection

xuǎnzé

choice; selection; election

xuǎn

chopsticks

kuàizi

Christ

Jīdū; Jidù

Christian (general)

Jīdūjiàode; Jīdùjiàode

Christian (person)

Jīdūtú; Jīdùtú

Christianity

Jīdūjiào; Jīdùjiào

Christmas [Day]

Shèngdàn[jié]

chronology

nián dài jì suàn

chronology

niándàixué

chunk; piece (piece of something solid)

yíkuài (kuài is a MW)

church

jiàotáng

cigar

xuějiā[yān]

cigarette

xiāngyān

cinema

diànyǐngyuàn

circle (upstairs in a theatre)

lóutīng

circle; ring

yuánquān

circle; yuan (Chinese money unit)

yuán

circular; round

yuán

circular; round (in shape)

yuánxíng de

circumstances; environment; surroundings

huánjìng

circumstances; situation; terrain

xíngshì

circus ring

yuánxíng chǎngdì

cities and towns; the town

chéngzhèn

citizen

gōngmín

citizen

shìmín

citizen; subject; people

zǐmín

citrus

gānjúshǔde

citrus; lime

suānjú

city; town; city wall

[yízuò] chéng  (zuò is a MW)

class (socially)

jiējí

class; course; topic; lesson

kè

class; group; grade; and so on; etc.

děng

classical

gǔdiǎn

classroom

kètáng

clean

gānjìng

clean; pure

qīngbái

cleanliness; clean

qīngjié

clear (weather condition)

fàngqíngle

clear soup

qīngtāng

clear; obvious

míngxiǎn

clear; obvious; evident; clearly; obviously

xiǎnrán

clear; obvious; frank; sensible; reasonable

míngbai

clerk; secretary

mìshū

clever; smart; wise

cōngming; cóngmíng

clever; smart; wise

cóngmíng; cōngming

client; customer

gùkè

climate; weather; situation

qìhòu

climax

zuìhòu jiēduàn

clinic

yīwùshì

clinic (at a work place)

yīwùsuǒ

clinic (available to the public)

zhěnsuǒ

clock

shízhōng

clock; timepieces; clocks and watches

zhōngbiǎo

close to (to get close to)

āi

close to; near; closer to; along

kào

close; intimate

qīnmì

close; near; closely; nearby

fùjìn

closed (road)

fēngsuǒ

closed; shut

guānshàngle

closed; shut (door or shop)

guānmén

cloth; cotton material

bù

clothes (formal style)

wǎnlǐfú

clothing; clothes; dress

yīfu

clothing; dress; outfit

zhuāng

cloud

yún

cloud

yúncai

cloudy; overcast (day)

yīntiān

cloves

bàn

clown

xiǎochǒu (MW is [yì]duǒ )

club (for entertainment)

jùlèbù

coach

chángtú qìchē

coal

méi

coast; bank; shore; seaside

àn

Coca-Cola

kěkǒukělè

coconut

yēzi

coffee

kāfēi

coherent in argumentation; logical

tōng

coin

yìngbì

coincidence

qiǎohé

coincidental; fortunate; cleverly

qiǎo

coincidentally; by fortunate coincidence

qiǎo

cold

lěng

coldly; not generously (form of treatment)

báo

collapse (of a person physically)

dǎoxià

collapse (of a wall)

dǎotā

collation; compilation; gathering; collection

huì

colleague(s)

tóngshì(men)

collection; section; volume; fair; market

jí

college; academy studying science

kēxuéyuàn

colour

yánsè

colour; appearance; countenance; quality

sè

colour; having many colours

cǎisè

colourful; bright

xiān

coma; to be in a coma; to go unconscious

hūnmí

comb

shūzi

combination; unity; to combine; marry; unite

jiéhé

comfort (consolation; reassurance)

ānwèi

comfort (to comfort; to console; ro rea-ssure)

ānwèi

comfortable

shūshì

comfortable; feeling fine; healthy; well

shūfu (See: shēngbìng)

coming; next; soon; in the near future

zuìjìn

comings and goings; dealings; contacts

láiwǎng

command; order

mìnglìng  (MW is [yí]xiàng)

comment; discussion; opinion; talk

yìlùn

comment; review; commentary; remark

pínglùn

commercial

shāngwù

common

góngtòng

Common Era (CE)

Gōngyuán

common grave

góngtòng fénmù

common; general; simple; ordinary

pǔtōng[de]

common; in common; jointly; together

gòngtóng

commonplace; ordinary

píngfán

commune

gōngshè

communism

gòngchǎn zhǔyì

companion

tóngbàn

company branch or section

bùmén

company; corporation; firm

gōngsī

company; firm

shāngháng

compared to; compared with; than

bǐ

compared with

yǔ … xiāngbǐ

compared with …

gēn … bǐjiào

compared with; in relation to; than

jiào

comparison; contrast; relationship (maths)

duìbǐ

compass

zhǐnānzhēn

compassion; fellow feeling; sympathy; pity

tóngqíng

competent

shèngrèn

competent; able; capable

nénggàn

competition; match; game; contest

bǐsài (See also: wèndá)

competition; to compete

jìngzhēng

complaint; to complain

tóusù

complete; thorough; completely; thoroughly

tòu

completely amazing; extraordinary

liǎobuqǐ

completely new; brand new

zhǎnzīn

completely to … (… is a verb)

…xiàlai

completely
— completely to Y … (Y is a verb)

xià
— Yxià …

completely; successfully
— … to completion; … thoroughly

guò
— …guò

complex; complicated

fùzá

composer; author

zhíbǐzhě

composition; ingredient; background

chéngfèn

compound; courtyard; public facility; cinema

yuàn

compound; courtyard; yard; court

yuànzi

comprehension; to see; understand

lǐjiě; míngbai; dǒng

comprehension; understanding; knowledge

liǎojiě

comprehensive; overall; all-purpose

quánmiàn[de]

compulsory

guīdìngde

compulsory

qiángzhìxìng[de]

computation; calculation

jìsuàn

computer

diànnǎo

computer file

wénjiàn

computer mouse

shǔbiāo

computer software

ruǎnjiàn

computer; calculator

jìsuànjī

comrade

tóngzhì

concept

guānniàn

conception; to grow up

chéngzhǎng

concert

yīnyuèhuì

concert

yīnyuètīng

concise; short (not long)

duǎn (See also: jiǎnduǎn)

conclusion; decision

jiélùn

concrete

hùnníngtǔ

condensed milk

liànrǔ

condition (contractual)

xiānjué tiáojiàn

condition; circumstances; appearance; status

zhuàngtài

condition; proviso; qualification; term

tiáojiàn

condition; situation

dìbù

condition; situation; circumstances

qíngkuàng

condition; situation; circumstances

qíngxing

condition; situation; circumstances

zhuàngkuàng

conduct

lèyì

conduct; actions; behaviour

xíngwéi

conductor (orchestra)

zhǐhuī

conference; meeting

huìyì  (MW is [yí]cì )

conference; meeting

huìyì  (MW is [yí]cì )

conflict

chōngtū

Confucianism

Rújiào

Confucianism

Rújiāxīxiǎng

Confucius

Kǒngzǐ

confused

húlihútu

confused (in the mind)

nòng hútu

confused (in the mind); silly

hútu

confused; flustered

huāng; huāngzhāng

confused; flustered

huāngzhāng; huāng

confused; in a mess

hùnluàn

confusion

bùxǐng-rénshì

confusion; disorder; chaos; mayhem

hùnluàn

Congratulations! (exclamation of commendation)

zhùhè nǐ

congregation

huìzhòng

connection (association)

guānxi

connection (on transport)

liánjiēdiǎn

connection (transport services)

zhōngzhuǎnzhàn

conscientious; conscious; aware

zìjué

conscientious; keen; serious[-minded]

rènzhēn

conscientiously; consciously; alertly

zìjué

conscious (having come round)

shénzhì qīngxǐng

conscious
— “conscious of nothing” (Ecclesiastes 9:5)

zhījué
— “háowú zhījué” (upadeshak 9:5)

consciousness; senses; conscious

zhījué

conservative

bǎoshǒu

considerate; thoughtful

zhōudào

consolation (comfort; reassurance)

ānwèi

console (to console; to comfort; to re-assure)

ānwèi

constipation

biànmì

constriction; repression; oppression

yāpò

construction; structure; building

gòuzào

construction; to construct; build; build up

jiànshè

consulate

lǐngshìguǎn

consultation (by a doctor)

jiùzhěn

consultation (by a doctor)

kànbìng

consumer goods

xiāofèipǐn

contact lens

yǐnxíng yǎnjìng

contact; touch; to meet; contact; touch

jiē

content (not wanting more)

mǎnzú

content; satisfied; to be pleased; content

mǎnyì

contents

nèiróng

continent

dàlú

continent

zhōu

continent; mainland

dàlù

continental Europe

Ōuzhōu dàlù

continuously; all the time; straight [on]

yìzhí

continuously; uninterruptedly; continually

búduàn

contraception; contraceptive

bìyùn

contraceptive (for males)

bìyùntiào

contraceptive; pill; (for females)

bìyùnyào

contract

qìyuē

contradiction; contradictory; inconsistent

máodùn

contrary; opposite; on the contrary

xiāngfǎn

contrast

duìzhào

contribution; to contribute

gòngxiàn

control (to control; to  restrict; to restrain)

àn

control; grip; domination

kòngzhì

convenient

biànlì

convention

chuántǒng

conversation; chat; dialogue

huìhuà

conversations; speech

yántán

convince

jiānxìn

cook (person)

chúshī

cooked

zhǔshóule

cooked; ripe

shóude

cooker; stove

lúzi

cooking pot; kettle; coffee pot; jug

hú

cooking; cuisine

fēngwèi fàncài

cooking; preparation; cuisine

pēngtiáo

cool drink; cold drink

lěngyǐn

cool headed; calm; sober

lěngjìng

cool; fashionable

kù

cool; refreshingly cool

liángkuài

co-operation

gòngtóng hé zuò

co-operation; to co-operate

hézuò

copper

zǐtóng

copper; brass; bronze

tóng

copy

fùběn

copy; duplicate; photocopy; to photocopy

fùyìn

copy; model; type; to copy; imitate; mimic

mófǎng

coral

shānhú

corn; maize; grain

yùmǐ

corner

jiǎoluò

correct [See ‘shìde’]; right; accurate

duì; duì de

correct; affirmative; Yes; it is; as you say!

shì

correction; rectification; to correct; rectify

jiūzhèng

corrupt; corrupted; rotten; decayed

fǔbài

cosmetics

huàzhuāngpǐn

cost

chéngběn

cost; expense; amount used up

fèiyòng

costly

ángguì

costume

xìzhuāng

cot

tóngchuáng

cot (for a baby)

yīng'érchuáng

cotton

miánbù

cotton

miánhua

cotton quilted clothing

miányī

cotton wool

miánhuā

cough

késoushēng

cough sweet

rùnhóutáng

cough syrup

késou yàoshuǐ

cough; to cough

késou

counsel

jiàohuì

count … out; exclude; knowingly neglect!

suànle!

counter (for payment or getting tickets)

guìtái

country; nation; state

guójiā

countryside; country (rural)

xiāngxià

courage

yǒngqì

courage; boldness

dǎnliàng

courageous; brave; daring

yǒnggǎn

course; path; process

jīngguò

course; path; way; road

dàolù (MW is [yì]tiáo)

course; process; development; becoming

guòchéng

courtesy; manners; ceremony; gift

lí

courtesy; manners; politeness; courteous

lǐmào

cover; lid

gàizi

coward

dǎn xiǎoguǐ

cow's milk

niúnǎi

crab

pángxiè

cracked

lièkāile

craft; art; skill; technique; artistic; tasteful

yìshù

craftsperson

gōngjiàng

craftsperson

shǒuyìrén

crashed vehicle

zhuàngchē

crashed; gone down (computer failure)

sǐjī

crazy; insane

fēngkuángde

Creator

Zào wùzhǔ

Creator

Zàowùzhǔ

creator; to create; produce; write; set; form

chuàngzào

creature

zhàogù

credit card

xìnyòng kǎ

credit; service; contribution

gōngláo

cricket (game)

bǎnqiú

crime

fànfǎ xíngwéi

crime

shúzuì

crime

zuìxíng

crime; offence

fànzuì  (MW is [yì]zhǒng)

criminal

zuìfàn

criminal (sinful)

fànzuì de

crisis

wēijī

critic

pīpíngjià

critical (about giving criticism)

pīpíng de

critical (of crisis, of a turning point)

guānjiàn

critical; grave; serious (state of health)

yánzhòng

criticism; critical assessment; to criticise

pīpàn

criticism; critical comment; to criticise

pīpíng

crop; crops

zhuàngjia

crossroads

shízìlùkǒu

crossroads; intersection

shízì lùkǒu

crow

wūyā  (MW is [yì]zhī )

crowded; to crowd; squeeze; push; press

jǐ

crown

guānmiǎn

crown (of a king)

wángguān  (MW is [yì]dǐng)

crown (of a queen)

huángguān  (MW is [yì]dǐng)

crown (queen's crown)

huángguān (MW is [yì]dǐng)

crucial; critical (at a turning point of events)

wēijí

cruel

cánrěn

cruel; mean

kèbóde

cruise

xúnyóu

crutch (prop to help lame walk)

guǎizhàng  (MW is [yì]gén)

cube; cubic metre

lìfāng

cucumber

huángguā (MW is [yì]gēn)

cucumber

huángguā  (MW is [yì]gēn)

cuddle; embrace

yōngbào

culprit; prisoner (lawbreaker kept in prison)

fànrén

cultivated land; ploughed land; to plough

gēngdì

cultural

wénhuà

culture; civilisation; upbringing; education

wénhuà

culture; enlightenment; civilisation

wénmíng

cultured; enlightened; civilised

wénmíng

cun (a unit of length measuring 1/30 metre)

cùn

cunning (character)

jiǎohuá

cunning (plan)

qiǎomiào

cup; tumbler; glass; trophy cup; a cup of

bēi

cupboard

guìzi

cupboard

wǎnchú

cure

zhìhǎo

currency

qiánbì

currency; money

huòbì

curry

gālí

curtain

chuānglián

curve; bend; corner; to bend; bent; crooked

wān; wānr

cushion

diànzi

custard

niǔnǎi dànhú

customs [house]

hǎiguān

customs duty; tax

guānshuì

cut; wound (injury)

shāngkǒu

cynical

wán shì bù gōng

cynical; cool; cold (attitude)

lěngcháo rèfěng

d

 

daffodil

shuǐxiānhuā

daily basic needs

rìyòngpǐn

daily programme; schedule

rìchēng

daily record; diary

rìjì

daily way of life; daily support; livelihood

rìzi

daily; daily newspaper

rìbào

daily; every day

tiāntiān

daily; every day; day to day

rìcháng[de]

damage; fault; harm

huàichu

damage; harm

sūnhài

damage; loss; to damage; lose; harm

sǔnshī

damage; ruination; to ruin; damage

huǐhuài

damage[d]

zhuànghuài [le]

damp; humid

cháoshī

dance

wǔ

dance

wǔdǎo

dance

wǔhuì

dancing; to dance

tiào wǔ

dancing; to dance

tiàowǔ

dangerous; critical; risky

wēixiǎn de

dangers; harm; to endanger; risk; harm

wēihài

dangers; risk; dangerous; critical; risky

wēixiǎn

dark tea; strong tea

nóng chá

dark; deep in colour; late in the night

shēn

dark; dull; dim; hidden; secluded; secret

àn

darkness; black; dark

hēi'àn

date (in the month)

rìqī

date (number order in dates; …-st, …-nd, …-rd; …-th)

hào
— … hào

date of birth

chūshēng rìqī

date ordinal (ordinal indicator for first ten days in month)
—(e.g. first, second, third … of the month )

chū
—(e.g. chūyī, chū'èr, chūsān…)

daughter

nǚ'ér

daughter-in-law

xífù

daughter's daughter; granddaughter

wàisūnnǚ

daughter's son; grandson

wàisūnzi

dawn

límíng

day (as in Day of Jehovah); date; period

rìzi

day by day; gradually; increasingly

rìyì

day of the week (working day)

gōngzuòrì

day off

xiūjiàtiān

Day Star

chénxīng

day; daytime; sun; daily; time (generally)

rì

daytime; day; in the day

báitiān

dead

sǐle [de]

deadly

zhìmìng de

deaf

lóngde

deaf; partly deaf

lóng

dear (Oh dear!)

āiyā

dear; beloved X (X by name or title)

lǎo X

dear; beloved; darling

qīn'ài

dear; close; intimate; in person; to kiss

qīn

death

sǐ

death

sǐwáng

death penalty

sǐxíng

debate; argument; to debate; contest; argue

zhēnglùn

debt

zhài

decade; era; period [of X]

[X] niándài

decision; to decide; resolve

juédìng

declaration; proclamation; to proclaim

xuānbù

deep; penetrating; intimate; inaccessible

shēn

deep; thick; large; generous

hòu

deeply; intimately; profoundly; obscurely

shēn

deeply; thoroughly; severely; bitterly

tòng

deer

lù

defeat; failure; to be defeated; fail

shībài

defect; illness; shortcoming; bad habit

máobìng

definite

míngquéde

definitely

jué

definitely

juébú

definitely; absolutely; definite; absolute

juéduì

degree (Centigrade or angle); time; occasion

dù

delayed; running late (transport service)

wǎndiǎn

delegation

dàibiǎotuán

deliberate; knowingly

shíquán-shíměi

delicate; meticulous; carefully; in detail

xì

delicious

shuǎngkǒu

delicious; tasty

hǎochī (de)

delighted; joyful; to be fond of; delight in

huānxǐ

delighted; refreshed; happy; frank; direct

tòngkuai

demand; need; necessity

xūyào

democracy; democratic

mínzhǔ

demons

shǒuxià de xiélíng

denim jacket

lǎodòngbù jiákèshān  (MW is [yí]jiàn)

dense; close; intimate; intimately; secretly

mì

dense; thick vapour; atmosphere; colour

nóng

deny
— “You will deny me three times.”

burin
— “nǐ bì sān cì bùrèn wǒ.”

department store

bǎihuòshāngdiàn

departmental office

bànshìchù

departure; to begin; start; set off

chūfā

dependence; support

yīkào

deposit; advance money

yājīn

depress (to depress; to press; to put pressure on)

àn

depressed

yōuyù

depressed; uninterested; bored; dull; boring

mèn

descendant

hòuyì

descendant; offspring

hòudài

desert (arid wilderness)

shāmò

design; scheme; plan; project; to design; plan

shèjì

desire; intention; interest; delight; fun

yìsi

desk

shūzhuō

dessert

tiānshí

destination

mùdìdì

destiny; lot; fate

mìngyùn

destruction
— “son of destruction”

mièwáng
— “mièwáng zhī zǐ”

destruction; ruin; to destroy; ruin

huǐmiè

detailed

xiángshí

detective

zhēntàn

detergent

qùgòujì

deterioration; bad change

èhuà

determination; determined; to be determined

juéxīn

determined; firm; definite; holding fast

jiāndìng

determined; stubborn

wán'gùde

developed; prosperous

fādá

development; expansion; to develop

fāzhǎn

devil

móguǐ

devil; ghost; -ard

guǐ

diagonal

duìjiǎoxiàn

diagonally

duìjiǎode

diagram

túbiǎo  (MW is [yì]zhāng)

dialect

fāngyán

diamond

zuànshí

dictation; to dictate; record for audiotyping

tīngxiě

dictionary

cídiǎn

dictionary

zìdiǎn

did … (past tense: a grammatical marker)

… le  (Compare the air of finality of liǎo)

did … already!

… la! (=le + a! )

did not (past tense: a grammatical marker)

(not normally bù le: see méi)

did not …

méi …

diesel

cháiyóu

difference (figures don't tally)

chābié

difference (in quality)

chāyì

difference; to distinguish; note differences

qūbié

different; another

bùtóng de

differently; separately; respectively

fēnbié [de]

difficult

nán

difficulty; difficult; hard to cope with

kùnnan

difficulty; hardship; hard; tough; difficult

jiānkǔ

digestion; to digest

xiāohuà

dignified; stately; solemn

zhuāngyán

diligent; hard-working; studious

yònggōng

dim; dark; dull; hidden; secluded; secret

àn

dim; slow; stupid; clumsy; ‘dumb’

bèn

dining room

fàntíng

dinner; supper; late meal

wǎnfàn

direct; frank; straightforward

zhíjiē

direction; party in a contract

fāng

direction; tendency; trend; to incline; tend to

qūxiàng

direction; trend; towards; facing; to face

xiàng

direction; whichway

fāngxiàng

directly; frankly; straightforwardly

zhíjiē

director (company director)

dǒngshìzhǎng

director (managing director)

dǒngshìzhǎng

director; manager

jīnglǐ

director; person responsible

zhǔrèn

dirty

āngzāng

disappointed

shīwàng

disaster; calamity

zāihài

disaster; calamity; misfortune

zāi

disaster; calamity; misfortune

zāinàn

disaster; hardship; misfortune

huò

disastrous; terrible; no good; ‘rubbish’

zāogāo

discern; see; grasp

kànchū

disciple

méntú

discipline; training

jìlǜ

discount

yōuhuì

discovery; findings; to discover; find

fāxiàn

discrimination between peoples

qíshì

discussion; conversation; chat; to talk; chat

tánhuà

discussion; debate; to consider; discuss

tǎolùn

discussion; forum; symposium

zuòtánhuì

discussion; to discuss

zuòtán

disease (infectious)

chuánrǎnbìng

disease; sickness

jíbìng  (MW is [yì]zhǒng)

disgrace; shame (due to feeling humiliated)

xiūchǐ

disgrace; shame; dishonour

xiūrǔ; chírǔ

disgusting; disliked

yànwùde

dish (a particular preparation)

fàncài

diskette (for a computer)

cípán

disposition; attitude; temper

píqi

dispute

jiūfēn

dissertation; thesis

lùnwén

distance apart; separation; gap

jùlí

distance from; off; away

lí

distant from; away from

jùlí

distilled water

zhēngliúshuǐ

district; area; zone

qū

district; area; zone; region; part

dìqū

disturbance

sāoluàn

disturbance; bother

fánrǎo

ditch; drain; channel; trough

qú

divided by

chú yú

divorce

tōnghuò péngzhàng

divorced

lílehūn

dizzy

tóuyūn

do not

bú yào

do not touch!

wù dòngshǒu!

do not; don't; not to; other

bié

do you have any questions?

nǐ yǒu [shénme] wèntí ma?

do you really mean X could do Y?

nándào X Y ma?

dock; jetty; wharf; pier

mǎtou

doctor

dàifu

doctor; physician

yīshēng

doctrine; -ism

zhǔyì

document
— [a] document

zázhì
— [yífèn] zázhì (fèn is a MW)

document
— [a] document

shū
— [yìběn] shū

documentary

jìlùpiān  (MW is [yí]bu)

dog

gǒu

Do-it-yourself; D-I-Y

zìjǐ zhìzuò

Do-it-yourself; D-I-Y

zìjǐ zhìzuò

doll

wáwa

doll

yángwáwa

doll

yángwáwa

dollar

yuán

dollar sign

yuán de fúhào

done (been finished)

zuòhǎole

done outside normal business hours; amateur

yèyú

don't be polite

bié kèqi

don't be polite

bú kèqi

don't bother (to call back)

bú bì huí diànhuà

don't call us: we'll call you!

bú bì huí diànhuà

don't do this way any more!; stop it!

bié zài zhèyàng

don't mention it! (reaction to a comment)

nǎli [nǎli]

don't! mustn't!

búyào

door

hù

door; entrance; gate; house; family

mén

doorway; gateway; access; entrance

méngkǒu

double

shuāngbèi

double decker bus

shuāngcéng qìchē  (MW is [yí]liàng)

double room

shuāngrén fángjiān

dough

shēngmiàntuán

down

— [located] down

xià
— [zài] xià

down
— to Y down (Y is a verb)

xià
— Yxià

down; depressed

qiněi

down; downward

xià

down; downward

xiàngxià

downstairs

lóuxià

downtown

shìqū

dozen

yī dá

dragon

lóng

Dragon Boat Festival Day

Duānwǔjié

dramatic (in impact)

xìjùxìng

dramatic (in type)

xìjù de

draught; breeze

chuāntáng fēng

drawer

chōutī

dread

jùpà

dream

mèng

dress; frock

nǚfú

dressing gown

chényī

drill; drillbit

zuāntòu

drill; training exercise

cāoliàn

drinks; beverage; drink; refreshment

yǐnliào

driver

jiàshǐ yuán

driver; chauffeur

sījī

driving

jiàshǐ

driving licence

jiàshǐ zhízhào

drought

hànzāi

drug (not being used for medical purposes)

dúpǐn  (See also: yàopǐn, fàn)

drug pusher; drug seller

fàndú de rén

drugs

yàowù

drugs (for medical use)

yàopǐn

drugstore; pharmacy

yàodiàn

drum

gǔ

dry

gān; gānzào

dry

gānzào

duck

yā[zi]

duck

yāzi

duck stewed in a pot

lǔyā

due to; because of; as a consequence of …

yóuyú …

dull (weather)

chénmènde

dull; dark; dim; hidden; secluded; secret

àn

dull; dingy (weather)

yīn'àn

dumb (can't speak)

yǎ

dumplings (Chinese style with meat filling)

jiǎozi

durable; enduring; tough; heavy duty

nàiyòng

during …; in … period of time

[zái] … qījiān

during one's spare time

yèyú

during; since; for X (X is some time)

X lái

dusk

huánghūn

dusk; half light

huánghūn

dusk; nightfall

bàngwǎn

dust; grime; dirt

huīchén

dustpan

běnjī

dustpan

bòji

Dutch (person)

Hélánrén

Dutch (things in general)

Hélánde

Dutch language (especially spoken)

Hélányǔ

Dutch language (especially written)

Hélánwén

duty (import tax)

guānshuì

duty shift; school class; team; work group

bān

duty; responsibility

zérèn

duvet; bed-cover; quilt

bèizi

DVD

shùjù lùxiàngjī

dye; to get infected by; to form (a bad habit)

rǎn

dynasty; to face; in the direction of (place)

cháo

e

 

eager; zealous; strong

qiángliè

ear

ěrduo

earlier; first; ago; the former

qián

early in the morning

qīngzǎo

early morning (dawn to about 9 a.m.)

zǎochén

early morning; morning

zǎoshang; (zǎoshàng)

early part of; beginning

chū

early; elementary; introductory

chū

early; first; original

zǎoqī

early; in advance; prior; early; ages ago

zǎo

earrings

ěrhuán

earth

dì qiú

earth (the great planet)

dà dì

earth; dust; soil; ground; land; territory

tǔ

earth; soil

nítǔ

earthquake

dìzhèn

east

dōng

east; east side

dōngbiān

east; the east; the orient

dōngfāng

Easter

Fùhuó jié

Easter egg

Fùhuó jié cǎidàn

Easter
— “Happy Easter!”

Fùhuó jié
— “Fùhuó jié kuàile!”

echo

huíshēng

echo

huíyīn

economical

shíhuì

economical; thrifty; to save; economize

jiéshěng

economy; economics; economic condition

jīngjì

edge; margin; side; other; side; on the side

páng

edition

běn

editorial
— [an] editorial

wénzhāng
— [yìpiān] wénzhāng

education; teaching; to educate; teach

jiàoyù

effective

yǒu xiào

effeminate

nǚzǐqì de

efficiency

xiàolǜ

efficient; effective; valid

yǒuxiào

effort

nǔlì

egg (specify what sort)

dàn

egg white; albumin

dànbái

egg yolk

dànhuáng

eggplant; aubergine

qiézi

eight

bā

eight buildings

bādòng lóufáng  (dòng here is a MW)

eighty

bāshí

either … or …; if it isn't … it's …

búshì … jiùshì …

either X or Y (as used in statements)

—[either] more or less

huò X huò Y
— huò duō huò shǎo

either X or Y (as used in statements)

huòzhě X huòzhě Y

elbow

zhǒu

elder

zhǎngbèi

elder brother

gēge

elder female cousin

biǎojiě

elder male cousin

biǎogē

elder sister

jiějie

elder; older

niánlíng jiào dà de

elderly people's home

yǎnglǎoyuàn  (MW is[yì]suǒ)

elderly; well on in years

shàngle niánji de

elders

zhǎnglǎo

eldest

zuì niánzhǎng de

eldest to the youngest by number

lǎo dà, lǎo ér, lǎo sān (and so on)

eldest; oldest

niánlíng zuì dà [de]

election; to elect; vote

xuǎnjǔ

electoral voting rights

xuǎnjǔ quán

electric fan

diànfēngshàn

electric fan

diànshàn

electric light

diàndēng

electrical appliance

diànqì

electricity

diànliú

electricity; power (electrical); electric

diàn

electron; electronic

diànzǐ; diànzi

electronic

diànzi

elegance; elegant

yǎzhì

elegant

gāoyǎ

elegant

yǎzhìde

element

fēnglàng

element; factor

yīnsù

elementary; easy; superficial; shallow

qiǎn

elementary; introductory; primary

chūjí

elephant

dàxiàng

elephant; to look like; be like

xiàng

eleven

shíyī (See also: shí yì )

else; if not; otherwise; or else

fǒuzé

else; otherwise; if not then

… bùrán …

email (a message)

yīmèir

email (electronic mail)

diànzǐ yóujiàn; diànzi yóujiàn

email (electronic mail)

diànzi yóujiàn; diànzǐ yóujiàn

email address

yīmèir dìzhǐ

embarrassed; ashamed
— [to feel] embarrassed

cánkuì
— [gǎndào] cánkuì

embarrassing

lìng rén wéinán de

embarrassing

nánwéiqíng

embarrassing

shǐ rén nánkān

embassy

dàshǐguǎn

embroidered

xiùhuāde

embroidery

cìxiù

emergency

jízhěn

emission; transmission; broadcast

guǎngbō

emperor

huángdì

emphasis; stress; to emphasize; stress

qiángdiào

employee

gùyuán

employer

gùzhǔ

employer; boss; shopkeeper

lǎobǎn

employment

gùyòng

empty

kōngde

empty space; field

kōngdì

empty; in vain; air; space; sky

kōng

encouragement; to encourage [to]

gǔlì

encouragement; to inspire; encourage [to]

gǔwǔ

end [point]

zhōngdiǎn

end; limit (tip)

dǐngduān

end; maximum extent; terminus; to stop

zhǐ

end; tip; point; to balance something by hand

duān

endeavour; try

jìnlì; lìtú

ending of a story or speech; conclusion

jiégú

ending of a story or speech; conclusion

jiéwěi

endpoint; end; tip; point

jiānduān

enemy

dírén

engaged (telephone line)

zhàn xiàn

engaged (telephone line)

zhànxiàn

engaged (to get engaged for marriage)

dìnghūn

engine; motor

fādòngjī

engineer

gōngchéngshī

engineering project; construction

gōngchéng

England; Britain; U.K.

Yīngguó

English language (especially spoken)

Yīngyǔ

English language (especially written)

Yīngwén

English person; British person

Yīngguórén

English; British (things in general)

Yīngguóde

enjoyable

yúkuàide

enjoyment; pleasure; to enjoy; delight in

xiǎngshòu

enlightenment

guāngzhào

enlightenment

qǐdí

enormous

pángdà

enormous; great; vast; broad; wide

guǎngkuò

enough

zúgòu

entertainment; amusement; recreation

yúlè

enthusiast; fan; great admirer

mí

enthusiastic; keen

rèliè

entire group; entire; all; whole

quántǐ

entire; complete; whole

zhěng

entire; whole

zhěnggè; zhěng ge

envelope

xìnfēng

envious

yǐnqǐ xiànmù de

environment; surrounding; circumference

zhōuwéi

environment; surroundings

huánjìng

equal

píngděngde

equality

píngděng

equality

tóngděng

equally; similarly; ordinarily; generally

yìbān

equals (=); equate to

děngyǔ

equator

chìdào

era

yuán

era; period

dài

eraser; rubber

xiàngpí

eraser; rubber

xiàngpícā

escalator

diàndòng lóutī

especially; distinctively

tèbiéde

especially; even more so; all the more

géwài

especially; in particular

yóuqí; tèbié

especially; particularly

yǒuqíshì

essay
— [an] essay

wénzhāng
— [yìpiān] wénzhāng

essay; composition; writings

zuòwén

est … (-est …; the most …)

zuì …

established

bǎozuò

establishment; formation; to establish; form

jiànlì

esteemed; honoured; honourable; respected

jìng'ài

estimate; assessment; to estimate; appraise

gūjì

et cetera
— … etc.

shénme
— shénme …

etc.

děngděng

etc.; and so on

shénmede

ethnic group

shǎoshù mínzú

euro

ōuyuán

Europe

Ōuzhōu

European

Ōuzhōu de

European

Ōuzhōu Gòngtóngtǐ

European Union

Ōuzhōu Liánméng

evangelizer

chuánfúyīnzhě

eve

qiánxī

even (smooth as of a fine surface like paper)

guānghuá[de] (See also: pínghuá )

even (smooth as of large surfaces like roads)

pínghuá[de] (See also: guānghuá)

even … not

[liān] … dōu bù; [liān] … dōu méi

even if … even then …

nǎpà … yě …

even if …, even then …

… jiù …, … yě …

even if …, even then …

… jiùshì …, … yě …

even more

gèng duō

even more

gèng jiā

even more

gèngjiā

even now; still yet …

hái … ne

even one …
— [not] even one …

yìX … yě … (X is a MW like ‘ge’)
— yìX … yě [bù] … (X is a MW)

even so

zài shuō

even though; even if

jíshǐ

even; to such an extent

dìng

evening classes

yèxiào

evening; late time; night time

wǎnshang; (wǎnshàng)

evening; night; late period; late at night

wǎn

event; incident; happening

shìjiàn

eventually; in the end; finally; actually; just

jiūjìng

ever since X (X is a particular event)

zìcóng X yǐlái

ever; always

cónglái

everlasting

héngjuǐ de

everlasting; eternal

yǒnghéng

every

měige

every (manner; sort)

gè(yàng)

every [aspect]

gègè [fāngmiàn]

every day

měitiān

every day; daily

měi tiān

every kind of

gèshì-gèyàng

every manner; all sorts

gèyàng

every night; nightly

měi yè de

every time

měi cì

every week; weekly

měi zhōu

every year; yearly; annual

měi nián de

every; each; per

měi

every; each; per

měi [ge] (See also: bǎifēn zhī)

everybody

rénrén

everybody; everyone

dàjiā [dōu]

everyone; everybody

měi ge rén

everyone; whosoever

shéi dōu

everything

měi jiàn shì

everything

yīqiè

everything; whatsoever

shénme dōu

everywhere

dàochù

everywhere

měi ge dìfang

everywhere; throughout; all over

biàn

evidence; proof; support for belief; basis

zhèngjù

exact; exactly

jīngquède

exact; exactly

quèqiè

exact; precise; accurate

zhǔnquè (See also: zhèngquè)

exactly so!; just so!

yīdiǎn búcuò; yìdiǎn[r] búcuò

exactly so!; just so!

yìdiǎn búcuò; yīdiǎn[r] búcuò

exactly; just (amount)

gāng

exactly; just (amount)

gāng

exactly; precisely

jiùshì

examination question

wèntí

examination; inspection; to examine; inspect

jiǎnchá

example; case; occurence

lìzi

example; instance; case

lì

excavation; mine; mineral deposit

kuàng

exceeded the weight limit

chāozhòng le

excellent

bàng

excellent; outstanding

yōuxiù[de]

except [for] …X… all …Y…

chúle …X… [yǐwài] dōu …Y…

exception

lìwài

exceptionally good

jí hǎo de

exceptionally; extremely

jíqí

excess; left-over; extra; surplus

duōyú

excessive; too much

guòfèn

exchange rate

duìhuànlǜ

exchange; interchange (of views)

jiāoliú

exchange; interchange; to exchange; swap

jiāohuàn

excited

xīngfèn

excited

xìngfèn

exciting

lìng rén xīngfèn de

excrement

shǐ

excuse me! (please let me pass)

jièguāng

excuse me! (to draw attention)

láojià

excuse me; I'm sorry; to fail someone

duìbuqǐ

execution

shāhài

exercise book

liànxíběn

exercise book

liànxíbù

exercise book; notebook

běnzi

exhausted; tired out

lèihuàile

exhibited item; display material

zhǎnlǎnpǐn

exhibition event

zhǎnlǎnhuì

exhibition hall

zhǎnlǎn'guǎn

exhibition meeting

zhǎnlǎnhuì

exhibition; display; show

zhǎnlǎn

exist

yǐ

existence

shìshang

existence; life; livelihood; lifetime

shēng

exit; export; to export

chūkǒu

expansion; to expand; enlarge

kuòdà

expense; expenditure; amount spent

huāfèi

expensive; costly; honourable; good-

guì

experience

jīngyàn

experience; work history; to experience

jīnglì

experiment; test; to experiment; test

shíyàn

expert; specialist

zhuānjiā

explicit

qīngxī

explicitly stated; definite; positive

míngquè

explicitly stated; definite; positive

quèshí; míngquè

explosion

bàozhà  (MW is [yí]cì )

express (train)

zhíkuài

expression; facial gesture

biǎoqíng

extension (telephone)

fēnjī

extension; prolonging; to extend; prolong

yáncháng

extent; level; degree

chéngdù

extinct (volcano); extinguished; gone out

xīmiè de

extinct (was living)

mièjué de

extinct; become extinct (was living)

juézhǒng de

extra

éwàide

extraction

jiǎnxià

extracurricular activities

yèyú huódòng

extreme

jídùde

extreme; severe; strict

lìhai

extreme; sudden; extremely

jí

extremely

tài

extremely …

… de bùdéliǎo

extremely …

…-jíle (suffix)

extremely … (adjective: happy, etc.)

…(gāoxìng) jí le

extremely … (delighted, etc.)

… (gāoxìng) huài

extremely hard; tough; difficult

jiānjù

extremely X (X is an adjective)

X sǐ le

extremely; specially (used colloquially)

tè

extremely; very

dà

eye doctor; oculist

yǎnkē yīshēng

eye doctor; oculist

yǎnkē yīshēng

eye; eyes

yǎnjing

eye; opening; hole; gap

yǎn

eyebrow

yǎnméi

eyes

xīnyǎnr

eyesight; sight

shìjué

eyesight; sight

shìlì

Ezekiel
—(Book of) Ezekiel

Yǐxījié
—Yǐxījié(shū)

f

 

face

wújù

face; character

miànmù

face; self-esteem; honour; self-respect

liǎn

face; upper surface; outer surface; side (flat)

miàn (See also: biān; fāngmiàn)

fact; actuality; reality; realistic; practical

shíjì

fact; reality

shìshí

factory; industrial unit

gōngchǎng

faculty

jīnéng

Fahrenheit

huàshidù

fair (funfair)

yóulèhuì

fairly; rather; quite; pretty

xiāngdāng

faith; loyalty; confidence

xìnxīn

faith; trust; confidence

xiāngxìn

faith; way of belief

xìnyǎng

faithful; integrity keeper

zhōngyì

faithful; loyal

zhōngxīn

falling back again; retrogression; to slip back

tuìbù

falling to the ground

dī zài dìshàng

false

jǐa

false (imitation)

jiǎmàode

false (imitation)

màopáihuò

false (untrue)

jiǎde

false; mistake; error; wrong

cuòwù

falsehood

sāhuǎng

familiar with

shóuxī

family; household

rénjiā

family; household; home

jiā; jiātíng

family; household; home

jiātíng

famine

gānhàn  (MW is [yì]chǎng)

famine

jīhuāng; jīhuang

famous

chūmíng

famous place; site of special interest

míngshèng

famous; well-know

wénmíng

fan (for ventilation, cooling)

shànzi

fan; ardent follower [of …]

…qiúmí

fan[atic] (admirer)

kuángrè àihàozhě

fancy

qítède

far; far away; remote; distant; long way off

yuǎn

fare

piàojià

fare (for a land vehicle)

chēfèi

fare (on a boat)

chuánfèi

farewell do

huānsònghuì

farm

sìyǎng

farm (cultivation)

nóngchǎng

farm (pastoral)

xùmùchǎng

farm animals

sìyǎng de dòngwù

farmer (cultivator)

nóngchǎngzhǔ

farmer; farm workers; peasant

nóngmín

farming; agriculture

nóngyè

farmlands; countryside; village; rurals

nóngcūn

far-reaching; widespread; extensive

guǎngfàn

fashion (mode, vogue)

shízhuāng

fast; quick; rapid

kuài

fast; quick; sharp

kuài

fat; fertile; rich (soil)

féi

fat; grease; oil

yóu

fat; obese

pàng

fat; plump

bǎo

fate; ‘luck’; to ship; transport

yùn

father

fù qīn; fùqin; bàba

father

fùqin; fù qīn; bàba

father; dad

bàba; fù qīn

father's elder sister; aunt

gūmǔ

father's mother; paternal grandmother

nǎinai

father's younger brother; uncle

shūfù

father's younger brother's wife; aunt

shūmǔ

father's younger sister; aunt

gūgu

fault

guòcuò

fault; mistake; wrong; by mistake; wrongly

cuò

favourite; favorite

tèbié xǐhuan de

fax

chuánzhēn

fax machine

chuánzhēnjī

fear

kǒngjù

fear (godly fear)

jìngwèi

fear; dread; to be afraid; to dread

hàipà

feast; banquet

yànhuì

February

Èryuè

fed up

fán le

fed up; sick of
— to be fed up [of …]

yànjuàn
— [duì …] yànjuàn le

fee

shōufèi

fee for joining up

huìfèi

fee; charge; price

jiàqián; jiàqian

feel at ease (to f…); to be relieved

ānxīn

feeling; affection; emotions; sentiments

gǎnqíng

feeling; feelings; impressions

gǎnxiǎng

feeling; perception; to feel; perceive; sense

gǎnjué

fellow student(s)

tóngxué(men)

female

cīde

female

nǚde

female …

nǚ-

female police officer; policewoman

nǚ jǐngchá

female private part

yīndào

fence

líbā

fence

shānlán

ferry

dùchuán

fertile

féiwòde

fever; to have a high fever

fāshāo

few

jíshǎo

few; less; not as many

shǎo

fiancé

wèihūnfū

fiancée

wèihūnqī

fibre; fibres; fibrous; tissue

xiānwéi

field

lǐngyù

field

yědì

field of authority; jurisdiction

fànwéi

field of study comprising …X…

…X…kē

field; farm

tián

field; open countryside

tiányě

fierce

xiōngměngde

fifteen

shíwǔ

fifteen cars

shíwùliàng qìchē

fifty

wǔshí

fighter; soldier; warrior

zhànshi

film (photographic)

jiāojuǎn

film; movie film

yǐngpiàn

film; movie; show (cinematic)

diànyǐng (MW is [yì]chǎng)

filth; dirt

wūgòu

filthy

āngzāng

filthy language; bad language

zānghuà

filthy; dirty; messy

zāng

final; last

zuìhòu

finally; eventually; in the end; at last

zhōngyú

finally; ultimately; eventually

zuìhòude

finance

cáizhèng

financial interest

lìxī

financial; monetary

jīnqián

finding; to find

zhǎozháo

fine arts

měishù

fine; clear (weather)

qíng

fine; good

yōuzhì

fine; good; well; easy to; pleasant to; so that

hǎo

fine; to penalize; fine; charge a fine

fákuǎn

finger

shǒuzhǐ

finger; to refer to; point to[ward]; point at

zhǐ

fingernail

shǒuzhǐjia

fingerprint

shǒuyìn

finished; complete

wánjiéle

finished; gone

bújiànle

finished; over

wánle

fir tree; pine tree

sōng

fir tree; pine tree

sōngshū

fire (for heating)

lúhuǒ

fire engine

xiāofángchē

fire station

xiāofángzhàn

fire; hot temper; anger; ammunition

huǒ

firearm; gun

qiāng

fireman

xiāofángduìyuán

fireworks

yānhuā

firm; specific; definite

jùtǐ

firm; strong; solid

jiānqiáng

first

li zuìxiān

first

lizuìxiān

first (one moment) X, the next Y

yìshí X yìshí Y

first [it's] (one moment) X, the next [it's] Y

yíhuìr X yíhuìr Y

first time

dìyī cì

first tone (in Chinese Mandarin)

dì-yī shēng

first X and only then Y (not Y until X)

xiān X cái Y

first X and then Y

xiān X zài Y

first; in front; before; earlier; beforehand

xiān

first-class

tóuděng

first-class ticket

tóuděng piào

fish

yú

fish sauce

yúlù

fishbone

yúcì  (MW is [yì]gēn)

fisherman

yúmín

fishing net

yúwǎng

fist

quán

fist

quántou

fitting room

shìyīshì

fitting; suitable; appropriate

shìhéde

five mules

wùpí luózi  (pí here is a MW)

five mules

wùpǐ luózi  (pǐ here is a MW)

five stones

wùkuài shítou  (kuái here is a MW)

five; 5

wǔ

fix up (to f…; to arrange; to organize)

ānpái

fizzy frink; soft drink

qìshuǐ

flag

qí (MW is [yí]miàn)

flash (for photography)

shǎn'guāngdēng

flat; apartment

gōngyù

flat; even; level; equal; average

píng

flat; punctured

biǎn

flesh; meat; muscle; pulp

ròu

flexible; mobile; movable; loose

huódòng

flexible; quick; nimble

línghuó

flight

bānjī

flight number

bānjīhào

flood

hóngshuǐ

flood

yānshuǐ

flora; vegetation; plant

zhíwù

flour

miànfěn

flour; powder; to face; in person; directly

miàn

flow; current; to flow; stream; pour

liú

flower garden; yard

huāyuán

flower; bloom; blossom

huā

flu; cold; cold; cool; discouraged

liáng

fluent; smooth

liúlì

fluent; smooth; successful; favourable

shùn

flute

chángdí

fly (insect)

cāngyíng; cāngying

flying

fēixiáng

flying; flight

fēixíng

focus

jiāodiǎn

folk song

mín'gē

followed

gēncongle

follower; believer

xìntú

following; along; going with

shùnzhe

fond (to be fond of …; to tend to …; to … easily)

hào …

food

shíwù

food dish or course; vegetable

cài

food; foodstuffs; provisions; grain

liángshi

food; meal; cooked rice

fàn

food; meal; meals

cān

food; meal; portion of food

fàn

food; provisions

shípǐn

foot

jiǎo[qián]

foot

jiǎoqián

foot (of body); base; foot; support

jiǎobù

foot length, approximately
—(a unit of length about 0.3m)

chǐ

football; soccer

zúqiú

footprint

jiǎoyìn

for [one who benefits]

wèi …; gěi …

for [one who benefits] (formal)

wèi …

for [the purpose of]

wèi[le]

for … until now (… defines a period of time)

… yǐlái

for a little while; once; a bit

yíxià[r]

for a long time

jiǔ

for a long time; for ages; long ago

zǎo jiù

for a long time; for ages; long ago

zǎo jiù

for a long time; long ago; for ages

zǎo yǐ

for a long time; long ago; for ages

zǎo yǐ

for a long time; since ages ago

hǎo jiǔ

for a long time; since ages ago

hǎojiǔ

for a longer time

gèng chángshòu

for a longer time

gèngchángshòu

for a moment; for a while

yíhuìr

for a some time; temporarily; by chance

yìshí

for example

bǐrú

for example; e.g.; such as

bǐfāng

for example; such as

lìrú

for example; such as

pìrú

for example; such as

rú

for internal official use

nèibù

for sale

dàishòu

for sale at cut price

jiǎnjià chūshòu

for sale; to sell

chūshòu

for; in order that (the purpose of)

wèile (starting a sentence) (See too: yǐbiàn)

for; in order that (the purpose of)

yǐbiàn (mid-sentence) (See also: wéile)

for; in payment for

suàn

forbidden

bèi jìnzhǐ de

force; power; strength

lì

forces

dàjūn

forecast; to forecast

yùbào

forefathers

zǔzong

foregleam; vision of the future

wèilái de yìxiàng

forehead

é

foreign (things in general)

wàiguóde

foreign (with foreign countries)

duì wài

Foreign Affairs Ministry

Wàijiāobù

foreign affairs; diplomacy

wàijiāo

foreign country

wàiguó

foreign currency

wàihuì

foreign enterprise

wàizī qǐyè

foreign language (especially in spoken form)

wàiyǔ

foreign language (especially in written form)

wàiwén

foreign languages

zhǒng wàiyǔ

foreign languages

zhǒng wàiyǔ

foreigner

wàiguórén

forest

sēnlín

forever; ever; always; everlasting; eternal

yǒngyuǎn

forgiveness; mercy

kuānshù

forgotten

wàngle

fork

chāzi

form [the condition or shape]

xíng tài

form [the condition or shape]

xíngtài

form; list; table

biǎo

form; look; manner; appearance

yàngzi

form; shape

xíngshì

form; to fill out a form

biǎogé

formal (style of language)

guīfàn

fortress

bǎolěi

fortunate; “lucky”

xìngyùn

fortunately; “luckily”

xìnghǎo

fortunately; “luckily”

xìngkuī

fortunately; “luckily”

xìngyùnde

fortune; ‘good luck’

yùnqì; yùnqi

forty

sìshí

forward

xiàng qián

foster … (not related by birth)

yǎng …

foul smelling

nánwén

fountain

pēnquán

fountain pen

gāngbǐ  (MW is [yì]zhī )

four cans of beer

sìtīng píjiǔ  (tīng here is a MW)

four doctors

sìmíng yīshēng  (míng here is a MW)

four fifths

wù fēn zhī sì

four films (whole process)

sìchǎng diànyǐng  (chǎng here is a MW)

four novels

sìbù xiǎoshuō (bù used here is a MW)

four pairs of shoes

sìshuāng xié  (shuāng here is a MW)

four palaces

sìzuò gōngdiàn  (zuò here is a MW)

four projects

sìxiàng gōngchéng  (xiàng here is a MW)

four sets of textbooks

sìtào kèběn  (tào here is a MW)

four slices of bread

sìpiàn miànbāo  (piàn here is a MW)

four types of vehicle

sìyàng chē  (yàng here is a MW)

four umbrellas

sìbǎ yǐzi (bǎ is a MW)

four; 4

sì

fourteen

shísì

fox

húli

fraction; divided part; minute part

fēn

fragmented; broken; to break; shatter; smash

suì

frame (structural)

goùjià

frame (Supporting or enclosing)

kuàngjià

frame of body

shēnqū

France

Fǎguó

frank; straightforward; frankly; simply; just

gāncuì

free

báibái

free of charge

miǎnfèi

free of charge; to no effect; in vain

bái

free of restraints

wúxiànzhì

free; liberated; independent

zìyóude

freedom; liberty; free; unrestrained; liberated

zìyóu

freely; leisurely

xián

French (in general)

Fǎguóde

French (language especially spoken)

Fǎyǔ

French (language especially written)

Fǎwén

French person

Fǎguórén

fresh flowers

xiānhuā

fresh; new

xīnxiān

fresh; tasty; delicious

xiān

Friday

Xīngqīwǔ

fried

yóuzhá

friend

péngyou

friendly

yǒuhǎo

frightened

bèi xiàzhe

frightened

xiàhu

frock; dress

liányīqún

frog

qīngwā  (MW is [yì]zhī )

from

cóng

from [China]

cóng [Zhōngguó]

from … come

cóng … lái

from … on; since …

cóng … qǔ

from … on; since …

cóng … yǐlái; (See also: zìcóng)

from … onwards

cóng … qǐ

from … to … (time period)

cóng … dào …

from now on

cóngcǐ

from now on

cóngjīnyǐhòu

from time to time; intermittently

duànduàn xùxù

from X on

X hòulái

from; since; as; since

zì

from; since; since; ever since

zì

front (in front; ahead)
— [located] in front of …

qiánmiàn (or: qiánmian)
— [zài] … de qiánmiàn

front cover

fēngmiàn

front door

qián mén

front page (of newspaper)

tóubǎn

front seat

qiánpái zuòwèi

front; ahead; to the fore; ago; preceding; top

qián

frost

shuāng[dòng]

frost

shuāngdòng

frown

zhòuméi

frozen

bīngdòng

frozen (by a drop in temperature)

bīngdòngle de

fruit

guǒ

fruit

shuǐguǒ

fruit; benefit

chéngguǒ

fruitage

guǒshí

full of grain

wǔgǔ-fēngdēng

full stop punctuation period mark

jùhào

full; replete; fully

bǎo

full-time

quánrì

full-time

zhuānzhé

full-time work

zhuānzhé gōngzuò

fumes; vapour; aroma (from chemicals)

qìwèi

fun; excitement; to liven up; jollify; lively

rènao

function; purpose; role; effect; action

zuòyòng

functional; practional

shíyòng

fundamental nature; essence; true nature

běnzhì

funding; funds

jīngfèi

funds; money

kuǎn

funeral

zànglǐ

fungus

zhēnjūn

funny

hǎoxiào

funny; laughable; amusing

kěxiào

furious; violent

měngliè

furniture

jiājù  (MW is [yí]jiàn)

further studies; to do further studying

jìnxiū

further; additionally

jìnyíbùde

further; to further; better

jìnyíbù

fussy

dàjīngxiǎoguàide

future

wèilài de

future prospect

qiánjǐng

future prospects; the future; the way ahead

qiántú

g

 

gamble

dǔbó

game (played for recreation)

yóuxì

gang (of criminals)

yìbāng

gap (period of time that is unfilled)

jiàn'gé

gap (space between objects)

jiàn'gé

gap; breach (as in a fence)

huōkǒu

gap; breach (in a fence or hedge)

quēkǒu

gap; intermission

jiànxiē

garage (parking)

chēfáng

garage (parking)

chēkù

garage workshop (for repairs)

xiūchēháng

gardener

yuánlín gōngrén

gardening

yuányì

garlic

dàsuàn

gas; gas from coal; gas for heating

méiqì

gate; main entrance; great door

dàmén

gave * (and really gave *, too – for emphasis)

gěi * (bǎ, ràng, jiào)

gear (mechanical)

dǎng

Gehenna

Jīhànná

Gehenna

Xīnnèn'gǔ

gender; sex

xìngbié

general (military officer)

jiāngjūn

general idea; broad concept

dàgài

general summary; to summarize; generalize

gàikuò

general; broad; approximate

dàgài

general; common; universal

pǔbiàn

generally speaking

yìbānláishuō

generally; commonly; universally

pǔbiànde

generous

kāngkǎide

generous; staunch

kāngkǎi

genius; gift; ability; talent

tiāncái

gentle

wényǎde

gentle; kind; polite

héqì

gentle; soft; flexible; weak; easily influenced

ruǎn

gentleman (by his manners)

shēnshì

gentleman (generally)

xiānsheng

geography

dìlǐ

geomancy; wind and water

fēngshui

geometric angle; animal horn; money unit

jiǎo

German (general)

Déguóde

German (language, especially spoken)

Déyǔ

German (language, especially written)

Déwén

German (person)

Déguórén

Germany

Déguó

gesture; position; posture

zīshì

get (to get to; to manage to)
— to get to X (where X is a sense)

jiàn
— X-jiàn

get benefit

shòuyì

get well soon!

zǎorì kāngfú

gift

ēncì

gift; present

lǐpǐn

gift; present

lǐwù

ginger

jiāng

girl

nǚhái[r]

girl

nǚháizi

girl; young girl

gūniang

girlfriend

nǚpéngyou

glass

bōli

glasses

yǎnjìng

glory

róngyào

glory; brilliance; glorious; brilliant

guānghuī

glory; esteem; honour; to glorify; honour

guāngróng

gloves

shǒutào

glutinous rice

nuòmǐ

go where? to go where? where to?

qù nǎli? qù nǎr?

goal; target; aim

mùbiāo

goalkeeper

shǒuményuán

goat (mountain goat)

shānyáng

God

Shàngdì

god-

jiào-

God; Heaven

tiān

god-daughter

jiàonǚ

goddess

nǚshén

god-father

jiào-fù

god-mother

jiào-mǔ

god-son

jiàozǐ

going by
— …, going in the direction away
— …, going off

guòqu
— …guòqu

gold; golden

jīn

goldfish

jīnyú

golf

gāo'ěrfūqiú

good example; pattern model

bǎngyàng

good harvest

fēngshòu

good name

shèngmíng

good news report

xǐbào

good night

wǎn'ān

good points; fine qualities

chángchù

good; bright; pretty (things, places)

měihǎo

good; fine

yōuliáng

goodbye; see you again

zàijiàn

goods

pǐn

goose

é

gooseberry

cùlì

government

zhèngfǔ

government department

bùmén

government minister; government secretary

dàchén

government; supervising authority; official

guān

governmental officer; staff

gànbù

gradually

zhújiàn[de]

gradually; step; by step

zhúbù

grain; husked rice; raw rice

mǐ

gram (weight)

kè

grammar

yǔfǎ

grammar

yǔfǎ

grand; magnificent

xióngwěi

granddaughter; son's daughter

sūnnǚ

grandfather; grandpa (paternal)

yéye

grandpa (child politely calls one much senior)

yéye

grandson; son's son

sūnzi

grapes

pútao

grasslands; prairies

cǎoyuán

grateful

huānxīn-gǔwǔ

grave; tomb

fénmù (Hebrew: Xīwū'ěr; Greek: Hǎidìsī)

grave; tomb

mù

gravestone; tombstone

mùbēi

grease; fat

yóunì

great (great in reputation; prominent; remarkable; notable)

wěidà

Great Britain

Dàbùlièdān

great dragon

dà lóng

great price; great value

guìzhòng

great tribulation

dàhuànnàn

great+all

dàdōu

greater than

guǎnxiá

Greece

Xīlà

Greek (language, especially spoken)

Xīlà yǔ

Greek (language, especially written)

Xīlà wén

Greek (of things generally)

Xīlà de

Greek (person)

Xīlà rén

green

lǜ [de]

green colour(ed)

lǜsè [de]

green peas

qīngdòu

green tea

lǜ chá

greenhouse

wēnshì

greetings; regards; to send regards to; greet

wènhòu

grey; gray colour[ed]

huīsè[de]

grieve

yōuchóu

grilled; toasted; roasted

hōngkǎo

ground; ground surface; surface of the earth

dìmiàn

ground; reason

yuányīn

group

tuántǐ

group

xiǎozǔ

group

zǔ

group (of friends)

yìhuǒ

group
—(a group of ) twelve persons

kǒu
—shí'érkǒu rén  (kǒu here is a MW)

group; crowd; flock; herd

qún

group; faction; sect

pài

group; team; troupe; queue; row (of people)

duì

Guangzhou; Canton

Guǎngzhōu

guarantee; to guarantee; assure; pledge

bǎozhèng

guard (in a prison)

kānshǒu

guard (military)

wèibīng

guard dog

jǐngquǎn

guard officer (in a prison)

kānshǒuyuán

guard officer (of a building)

bǎowèi rényuán

guest of honour

guìbīn

guesthouse; hotel

bīn'guǎn

guidance; direction; advice; counsel

zhǐdǎo

guidance; direction; leadership; to lead

lǐngdǎo

guide

xiàngdǎo

guided tour

yǒu dǎoyóu de lǚxíng (MW is yícì )

guilty (criminal)

yǒuzuì

guitar

jītā

guitar

jítā

gum (of jaw)

yáchuáng

gum (part of mouth)

chǐyín

gunpowder

huǒyào

gunshot; shot; to shoot (fire a weapon)

shèjī (See also: shèmén)

guts; viscera; organs

[xīn]zàng

gym; gymnasium

tǐyùguǎn

h

 

Ha, ha! (expression of laughter or satisfaction)

hāhā

habit; customs; to get accustomed to; used to

xíguàn

hail

bíngbáo

hair

fà

hair (on head)

tóufa (See also: mào)

hair (on the body)

máo  (See also: tóufa)

hairbrush

tóufashuā

hairdresser

lǐfàshī

hairdryer

chuīfàjī

hairstyle

fàxíng

half

yībàn

half a kilogram

jīn

half a night

bànyè

half hour

bàn'ge xiǎoshí

half; semi-

bàn

half-term holiday

qīzhōng jià

hall

táng

hall; office chambers; department

tīng

ham

huǒtuǐ

hamburger

Hànbǎobāo

hammer

chuízi

Han nationality

Hànzú

hand out

fēnfā

hand(s); by hand

shǒu

handball (game)

shǒuqiú

handicapped

cánjí

handicraft

shǒugōngyìpǐn

handiwork; handicraft; handmade; manual

shǒugōng

handkerchief

shǒujuàn; shǒujuànr

handle

bǎshǒu

handmade thing

gōngyìpǐn

handsome

yīngjùn

handy; convenient

fāngbiàn

hang on a moment

děngdeng

happiness; event causing joy; happy; pleased

xǐ

happiness; well-being; happy

xìngfú

happy birthday

shēngrì kuàilè

happy; cheerful

kuàihuo

happy; cheerful; joyful

lè

happy; delighted; glad; pleased

gāoxìng

happy; happiness; joy

kuàilè

happy; joyful

bú kuài

happy; pleasant; delighted; joyful

yúkuài

happy; to feel happy

kāixīn

harbour; port

gǎng

harbour; port

gǎngkǒu

hard disk; hard drive (on a computer)

yìngpán

hard seat

yìngzuò

hard sleeper

yìngwò

hard to bear; uncomfortable; unwell; down

nánshuō

hard; difficult

nán

hardly

jiǎnzhí bù

hardship; suffering

kǔnán

hardship; suffering; to cause to suffer

kǔ

hardware (for computers)

yìngjiàn

hard-working; frugal; ready for hardships

kèkǔ

hare

yětù

harm

èguǒ

harm

hàichu

harm through food poisoning

shìwù zhòngdú

harm through poisoning

zhòngdú

harm; badness; damage; disadvantage; injury

hài

harmful

yǒuhài

harmless

wúhài

harmonious

róngqià

harp

shùqín

harvest

shōuchéng

harvest

shōuge

harvest

zhuāngjia

hatred

chóuhèn

hatred

zēnghèn

hatred; hate; to hate; regret

hèn

haughty; proud; arrogant

àomàn

have a chance to …; may

yěxǔ

Have a good journey! Bon voyage!

yī fān fēng shùn!

have a little; there is a little; a bit; somewhat

yǒu diǎn[r]

have a little; there is a little; a bit; somewhat

yǒu yìdiǎn(r)

have a successful trip

yílù shùnfēng

have an pleasant trip; enjoy your journey

yílù píng'ān

have ever done; have you ever

-guo (suffixed to a verb)

have interest; be interesting

… yǒu yìsi

have not …; there isn't/aren't …

méi [yǒu] …

have not …; there isn't/aren't …; didn't …

méiyǒu …

have not; there isn't/aren't

méi yǒu

have not; there isn't/aren't

méi yǒu

have not;; there isn't; nothing; no; not

wú

having become …

… le

having the look of being …

shì … de yàngzi

having the quality of … ; with …

yǒu …

hay

gāncǎo

hazel coloured

dàn hèsè de

hazelnut

zhēnzi

He came here and studied twice.

tā lái zhèr xuéxí liǎngchǎng. (verbal MW)

he got sick

tā bìngle

He has read the Bible three times.

Shèngjīng tā kànle sānbiàn (biàn: ver. MW)

he prayed three times

tā dǎogàole sāncì

He said once more the same word.

bǎ tóngyàng de huà yòu shuōle yī biàn

he; him; his

tā

head (of body or organization)

shǒu

head (of body)

nǎodai

head (of state)

yuánshǒu

head of department; minister (governmental)

bùzhǎng

head of section

kēzhǎng

head of team or class

bānzhǎng

head; chief; main; top; start; end; terminus

tóu

head; leading; first; the first

tóu

head-… (chairman, director, head, chief)

… zhǎng

headache

tóu téng

headache; to have a headache

tóuténg

headdress

tóujīn

headline

biāotí

health; body; (the) flesh; living body

shēntǐ  (See also: ‘shītǐ’ - dead body)

health; healthy

jiànkāng

hearsay; rumour

chuánwén

heart

xīntián

heart (organ)

xīnzàng

heart attack

xīnzàngbìng fāzuò

heart disease

xīnzàng bìng

heart; core; centre

zhōngxīn

heart; core; middle; centre; mind; feeling

xīn

heart; patience

neìxīn

heater

fārèqì

heating (provision of warmth)

gòng rè

heating system

gòng nuǎn xìtǒng

heating; warm air; central heating; radiator

nuǎnqì

heatwave

rèlàng

heaven

tiāntáng

heaven

wànwù

heaven; sky; day; weather; season; nature

tiān

heavenly

zài tiānshang de

heavenly father

tiānfù

heavy

chénzhòng

Hebrew (person)

Xībólái

Hebrew language (especially spoken)

Xībóláiyǔ

Hebrew language (especially written)

Xībóláiwén

hedge

shùlí

hedgehog

cìwei

heel (of foot)

jiǎohòugēn

heel (of shoe)

hòugēn

height (how tall)

shēn'gāo

height; altitude; highly

gāngdù

height; stature

gèzì

helicopter

dìyù

helicopter

zhíshēng fēyī

hellfire

lièhuǒ

hello! (when answering the telephone)

wéi; wèi

hello! (when answering the telephone)

wèi; wéi

helmet

tóukuī

help (to help); to assist

bāng

Help!

Jiùmìng a!

hen

mǔyī

henceforth; from now on

jīnhòu

her (of her—for a close person)

tā

her …; of her

tāde … (de is omitted for closeness)

herd [of cattle]

yìqún [niú]

herdsman

mùmín

here you are; here it is for you

gěi nǐ

here
— [located] here

zhèlǐ
— [zài] zhèlǐ

here; this place; hither
— [located] here

zhèr
— [zài] zhèr

hereby

tècǐ

hero; heroine

yīngxióng

heroic; valiant; brave; bold

yīngyǒng

he's lying

tā zài sāhuǎng

hesitation; hesitant; to hesitate

yóuyù

Hey!

hēi

hidden

yǐncáng

hidden; dark; dull; dim; secluded; secret

àn

hi-fi

zūhé yīnxiǎng (MW is [yí]tiào)

high priest

dàjìsī

high rise building

duō céng gāolóu  (MW is [yí]zuò)

higher authorities

shàngbian

higher authority; upper level; higher grade

shàngjí

highland; plateau

gāoyuán

highly confidential; secret

mìmì [de]

highway

gōnglù

highways and byways

dàjiē-xiǎoxiàng

hiking

túbù lǚxíng

hill

qiū

hill; mount; little mountain

xiǎoshān

hip (joint)

túnbù

his sweat became as drops of blood

hànzhū rú xuèdī shìde

his;

tā[de] … (de is omitted for closeness)

historian

lìshǐjiā

historic site; remains

gǔjì

history; historical record

lìshǐ

hoarse

sīyǎ

hobby

àihào

hobby

shìhào

hockey

qūgùnqiú

holder; folder; pliers; grips; clip

jiā

hole (in clothing, wall)

kǔlong

hole; opening; gap; empty space; Confucian

kǒng

hole; pit

kēng

holiday

jiā(qī)

holiday

jiāqī

holiday; festival

jié

holiday; festival day

jiérì

holiday; vacation

jiàqī

holiday; vacation

jiàrì

holiness

shèngjié

Holland; Netherlands

Hélán

holy

shèng

holy city

shèngchéng

holy ones

shèngmín

holy spirit

shènglíng

home

jiā

home place; native locality

jiāxiāng

home town

gùxiāng

home town; birth place; home

xiāng

homeland

gùtǔ

homeland; native land; motherland; fatherland

zǔguó

homeless

wú jiā kě guī

homework; assignment; schoolwork

gōngkè

homework; school task; assignment

zuòyè

homosexual

tóngxìngliàn

homosexual (person)

tóngxìngliànzhě

honest

chéngshí [de]

honest; well-behaved; naive; honestly; openly

lǎoshi

honest-hearted

zhǐyǒu chéngkěn

honest-hearted; sincere

chéngkěn

honest-heartedly; sincerely

chéngkěn de

honey

fēngmì

honey

mì

honey bee

mìfēng

honeymoon

mìyuè

Hong Kong

Xiānggǎng

honourable; esteemed; distinguished

zūnjìng

hood; bonnet; cap (on head)

dōumào

hoof

tízi (MW is [yì]zhī)

hook (for hanging things up)

gōu[zi]

hoop; loop; link; ring

huán

hope; expectation; anticipation

qīwàng

hope; prospect; expectation

xīwàng

hopefully

yǒu xīwàng de

horn (on a vehicle)

lǎbā

horn; sound of the horn (instrument)

hào

horoscope

xīngzhàn

horror film

kǒngbù diànyǐng

horse

mǎ

horse racing

sài mǎ

horsecart; cart

mǎchē

horseshoe

títiě

hospital

yīyuàn

hospital room; ward

bìngfáng

hostage

rénzhì

hostage

yìmíng rénzhì

hostel; guesthouse

zhāodàisǔo

hot (temperature); heat; fever; fad; to heat

rè

hot air balloon

rè qì qiú

hot dog

hóngcháng miànbáo

hot spring

wēnquán

hotel

lǚguǎn

hotel guest; traveller; passenger

lǚkè

hour

xiǎoshí

hour

zhōngtóu

hour; time; moment; all the time; constantly

shíkè

household chores

jiāwù

housewife

jiātíng fūnǚ

housework

jiāwùhuór

housing block

jiēqū

housing estate; housing development

zhùzhái qū

hovercraft

qìdiànchuán

how (how far; how much) -
  how far, to what extent[?]
  how much[?]
  how much (relative)
  how far[?]

duō
  duōshēn[?]
  duōshǎo[?]
  duōshao
  duō yuǎn[?]

how (in what manner); the manner in which

zěnyàng

how (in what manner)?

zěnyàng?

how (in what manner)?; how come? why?

zěnme?

how are you? are you well?

nǐ hǎo ma?

how big a …[?]

duō dà de …[?]

how could X possibly do Y?

X nǎ Y?

how could X possibly do Y?

X nǎli Y?

how do you do; hello; hi

nǐ hǎo!

how far; to what extent[?]

duōshēn[?]

how far?

duō yuǎn?

how is it[?] how are things[?] (greeting)

zěnmeyàng[?]

how long?

duī cháng ne?

how long[?]

duō cháng[?]

how many?

jǐ ge?

how many? (usually less than ten)

jǐ?

how many? how much?

duōshǎo?

how much (relative)

duōshǎo

how much (relative)

duōshao

how much? (money, price)

duōshǎo qián?

how old are you? (to a young child)

nǐ jǐsuì le? (See also: suì; niánjì )

how old is she? (elderly person)

tā duō dà niánjì [le]? tā duō suìshu [le]?

how old is she? (generally)

(See suì )

how old is she? (young person)

tā duò dà [le]; tā jǐ suì [le]? (tā not needed)

how old?

duō dà suìshù?

how old? (to an older person)

duō dà niánjì? duōdà niánjì? (See: suì, jǐsuì)

how old? (to an older person)

duōdà niánjì? duō dà niánjì? (See: suì, jǐsuì)

how old[?]

duō dà[?]

how unfortunate! (“bad luck!”)

zhēn dǎoméi

how unfortunate! (“bad luck!”)

zhēn dǎoméi

how; what (relative form)
— … how/what …
— I’d like to know how to go there.

rúhé
— … rúhé …

— wǒ xīwàng zhīdào rúhé qù nàr.

how? how about?

zěnmeyàng?

how? what? (question)
— … how/what …?
— how was his meeting?

rúhé?
— … rúhé …?

— tāde jùhuì rúhé?

how[ever]; any way; what[ever]

zěnme

however; but

kě yòu

however; but; too; in addition; extra

yòu

however; nevertheless; but; but rather

rán'ér

huge

jùdàde

huge; enormous; great

jùdà

human

yǒu rénqíngwèi de

human feelings

rénqíng

human life

rénshēng

human rights

rénchuán

human rights

rénquán

human touch

rénqíngwèi

humankind

rénlèi

humility; humble

qiānbēi; qiān bēi

humility; meekness; humble; meek

wēnhé

humorous

yōumòde

humour

yōumò

hundred million; 100,000,000

wànwàn

hundred thousand

shíwàn

hundred
— … hundred

bǎi
— … bǎi

hungry; to starve

è

hurdles

kuàlán

hurriedly; in a rush

jímáng

hurry up!

gǎnkuài!

hurry up!

kuài diǎnr!

hurt (by an injury)

shòushāng

husband

zhàngfu

husband and wife

fūqī

husband of father's sister; uncle

gūzhàng

husband; Mr.; “Sir” (courtesy to seniors)

xiānsheng

husband; wife

àiren

husband's elder brother; brother-in-law

dàbó

husband's elder brother's wife; sister-in-law

sǎozi

husband's mother; mother-in-law

pópo

husband's younger brother; brother-in-law

xiǎoshū

hygiene; health; hygienic; healthful

wèishēng

i

 

I am five years younger

wǒ xiǎo wǔ suì (See also: dà, suì )

I and you (one or ones directly addressed)

zán[men]

I called her three times

wǒ hǎnle tā sānshēng  (shēng: verbal MW)

I got three beatings

wǒ bèi dǎle sāndùn  (dùn as a verbal MW)

I heard; I am told; it is said; one does say

tīngshuō

I hope so

dànyuànrúcǐ (4 characters in phrase)

I hope; wish; would that; if only

dànyuàn

I went twice

wǒ qùle liǎngcì  (cì here is a verbal MW)

i.e.; that is

jí

I; me

wǒ

ice

bīng

ice cream

bīngjīlíng

ice hockey

bīngqiú

ice skating rink

huábīngchǎng

ice skating; to skate

huá bīng; huábīng

ice-cream

bīngqílín

icing (sugary coating)

tángshuāng

idea
— [an] idea

yìjiàn
— [yìdiǎn] yìjiàn (diǎn is a MW)

idea; concept

gàiniàn

idea; scheme; plan; decision

zhǔyì

idea; thoughts; philosophy

sīxiǎng

ideal; wish; dream

lǐxiǎng

identical; one; the same

tóngyī[de]

identity card

shēnfènzhèng

idiot

báichī

idle; lazy; sluggish; dozy

lǎn

if (in the case that) … then

yào[shi] … (jiù)

if (in the case that) … then

yàoshi … (jiù)

if (in the case that) … then (in that case) …

yàoshi … jiù …

if (in the case that) … then …

rú … jiù …

if (on the condition that) …, then

rúguǒ …, nàmuǒ …

if (on the condition that) …, then

rúguǒ …, nàmuǒ …

if (supposing)

jiǎrú [or  yàoshi]

if (supposing)

yàoshi [or:  jiǎrú]

if not; otherwise; else; or else

yàobu[rán]

if not; otherwise; else; or else

yàoburán

ignorant

wúzhī

I'll have (colloquially, have to eat or drink)

lái

illegal

fēifǎ

illegal copy; pirated copy

dàobǎn

illness; sickness; disease; to be ill; to fall ill

bìng

illusion; imaginary picture; fantasy

huànxiǎng

illustrated newspaper; illustrated periodical

huàbào

illustration
— [an] illustration

huà
— [yìfú] huà

image; picture (like on a T.V. screen)

túxiàng

imagination; to envisage; imagine; picture

xiǎngxiàng

imperfect

bùwánměi

impolite

bú kèqi de

impolite; rude

wúlǐ

import; to import

jìnkǒu

important

yào

important; extreme; very serious

bùdéliǎo

important; serious; critical (state of health)

yàojǐn

impossible

bù kěnéng

impression

yìnxiàng

impressive

wěidà

impressive; great

shèngdàde

improvement; to improve

gǎijìn

improvement; to improve; make better

gǎishàn

in

— [located] in

lǐmiàn
— [zài] … lǐmiàn (or: lǐmian)

in (joining in)

chānjiā

in a disorderly mess; in a disorderly way

luàn

in a loud voice; loudly

dàshēng

in a moment

děng yīxià

in a row; one after another

yìlián

in a rush; suddenly

hūrán

in addition

jiāshàng

in addition to …X… also …Y…

chúle …X… [yǐwài] hái …Y…

in addition; furthermore; besides

zàishuō

in an instant; suddenly; all at once

yíxià[r]

in an instant; suddenly; all at once

yíxiàzi

in any case

wúlùn rúhé

in confusion; muddled

luànqībāzāo

in effect

cǎiqǔ

in every place under heaven

tiānxià

in fact; actually; really; practically

shíjìshang

in fact; really

qíshí

in front of […]; to [someone's] face

… miànqián

in front of the eyes

yǎnqián

in front of; ahead of; before

qián; yǐqián

in front of; ahead of; before

yǐqián; qián

in less than

méiyǒu

in like manner; equally (in like style, manner)

tóngyàng

in my opinion

wǒ rènwéi

in one way; unanimous; consistent

yízhì

in order to X; so as to go and achieve X

qù X

in other words

huànjùhuàshuō

in particular

tèbié

in principle; on principle

yuánzé shang

in relation to; regarding

zhǐ

in rows

yìpái yìpái de

in secret

mìmì de

in sequence; on after the other; successively

xiānhòu

in short

zǒngzhī

in that case; in that manner

nàme

in that particular year also

dàngnián (Differs from dāngnián)

in the air

kōngzhōng

in the city; in urban areas

chéng lǐ

in the city; in urban areas

chénglǐ

in the direction of; to; toward (somewhere)

wǎng

in the location (described by ‘zài’)

… mian

in the middle of (an action that is continuing)

zài

in the night; at night; during the night

yèli

in the normal way; as done usually

zhàocháng

in the opposite direction; upside down

dào

in the past

zài guòqù

in the shade under a tree

zài shùyīn xià

in the world

shìjiè shàng

in the years of that current period

dāngnián

in this way; so; such

rúcǐ

in this way; thus; this manner of; so

zhèyàng

in vain

wǎngrán

in
— [located] in

lǐ
— [zài] … lǐ

in
— [located] in …; within …; among …

nèi
— [zài] … nèi

inclination; tendency; to tend to; prefer

qīngxiàng

inclined; slanting; askew

xié

inclined; tending; biased; partial

piān

income tax

suǒdéshuì

increase; to increase; add; enlarge; rise

zēngjiā

increasingly; even more

gèng

incredible

nányǐzhìxìn

incrementally; gradually; in steps

jiànjiàn

indeed (particle to suggest an action be done)

ba

indeed; happening just as expected; surely

guǒrán

indefinitely lasting

wànshì-chángcún

independence; independent

dúlì

independent; free; on one's own

zìjǐ

India

Yìndù

Indian (See: German- of, person, lang…)

Yìndù[-de|-rén|-wén|-yǔ] (See: Dé)

indication; implication

shuōmíng

indifferent; to be no matter; not definable as

wúsuǒwéi

indigenous (person)

tǔzhùrén

indigenous (things generally)

tǔzhùde

individual item; particular thing

shìxiàng

individual item; particular thing

tiáokuǎn

individual item; particular thing

wùpǐn

individual; few; rare; sparse

gèbié

individually; separately

fēnbié [de]

Indonesia

Yìndùníxīyà

Indonesia

Yìnní

Indonesian (See: German- of, person, lang…)

Yìnní[-de|-rén|-wén|-yǔ] (See: Dé)

indoor

shìnèi

industrial

gōngyè de

industrialization

gōngyèhuà

industrious; hardworking

qínfèn

industry; industrial

gōngyè

inevitable

bùkě bìmiǎn de

inevitable; difficult to avoid; unavoidable

nánmiǎn

infection (passing on a disease)

chuánrǎn

infection (spoiling)

gǎnrǎn

infectious; contagious

chuánrǎn de

inflation

líhūnlǜ

influence

yǐngxiǎnglì

influence; power

shìlì

influence; to influence; affect

yǐngxiǎng

information desk

wènxùnchù; xúnwènchù

information desk

xúnwènchù; wènxùnchù

information
— [a] information

xiāoxi
— [yìtiáo] xiāoxi  (tiáo is a MW)

information; (a) message; news

(yìtiáo) xìnxī

information; facts; data

zīliào

ingenious; brilliant; clever (method)

qiǎomiào

ingenious; clever; skilful; artful; deceitful

qiǎo

ingenious; skilled; clever; wonderful

miào

ingredient

pèiliào  (MW is [yì]zhǒng)

inhabitant; resident

jūmín

inheritance; gift

chǎnyè

initial; first; initially; at first; in the beginning

zuìchū

initial; first; primary; capital

shǒu

initially; first; primarily; above all

shǒuxiān

initiative; to take the initiative

zhǔdòng

injection

zhùrù

injection

zhùshèjì

injection; to inject; get injected

dǎzhēn

injury; damage; hurt; to hurt; injure

shānghài

injury; pain; evil

nìjìng

ink

mòshuǐ

ink; black; dark

mò

innocent (not knowing bad)

yòuzhì

innocent; not guilty

wúzuì

insect

kūnchóng

insect; worm

chóngzi

insert (to insert)

ānchā

inside

— [located] inside

lǐmiàn
— [zài] … lǐmiàn (or: lǐmian)

inside; within
— [located] inside …

lǐbian (See also lǐmian)
— [zài] … lǐbian

inside; within
— [located] inside …

lǐtou (Colloquial only; see lǐbian]
— [zài] … lǐtou

inside…; within …

… lǐ

inspection (official)

shìchá

inspector; examiner

jiǎncháyuán

inspector; reviewer (ceremonial)

jiǎnyuèzhě

install (to install – e.g. a computer)

ānzhuāng

instead of

dàitì

institute; college; academic institution

xuéyuàn

instruction (for taking medicines)

fúyòng fāngfǎ

instruction manual; book of directions

shuōmíngshū

instructions; directions; explanation

shuōmíng

instructions; directive; to instruct; direct

zhǐshì

instrument; tool; utensil

qì

instruments (laboratory instruments)

yíqì

insurance; to insure

bǎoxiǎn

integrity; completeness; whole; complete

wánzhěng

intended for

dǎsuàn … yòng se

intended for …

wèi … nǐdìng de

intense (feeling)

qiánglè

intense (feeling)

qiángliè

intense; sharp; heated

jīliè

intensive care

tèbié jiānhù

intention

cúnxīn

intention

qǐtū

intention; purpose

yìtú

intentional

yǒu yì

intentionally; deliberately

gùyì

interest; delight; liking; preference; taste

qùwèi

interest; interest in (item engaging attention)

xìngqù

interest; passion; disposition; manner

jìn

interesting; fascinating; amusing

yǒuqù

interesting; fascinating; fun

hǎowánr

interesting; meaningful; enjoyable

yǒu yìsi

interference; to interfere; meddle

gānshè

intermission; rest; pause

xiūxi

internal; inner

nèi

internal; interior

nèibù

international

guójì

Internet

Yīngtèwǎng

interpretation; clarification; explanation

jiěshì

interpreter

kǒuyì

interpreter officer

kǒuyìyuán

interview (for a job)

miànshì

intimate; close; attentively; closely

mìqiè

into …

dào … li

intonation; melody

shēngdiào

intonation; modulation

yǔdiào

intoxicated; drunk; inebriated

hēzuì; zuì

intoxicated; drunk; inebriated

zuì; hēzuì

introduction

jièshào

invasion; encroachment; to invade; encroach

qīnluè

invention; to invent

fāmíng

investigation; to investigate; research

diàochá

investment; to invest

tóuzī

invisible

kàn bù jiàn de

invitation (process); to invite (formal)

yāoqǐng

invitation (written)

[yífèn] qǐngjiǎn

invitation (written)

[yífèn] qǐngtiě

invoice

fāpiào

involved

juǎnrù jiūfēn

involved

shèjídào

Ireland

Ài'ěrlán

Irish (See: German: of, person, lang.)

Ài'ěrlán [-de|-rén|-wén|-yǔ] (See: Dé)

iron (for pressing clothes)

yùndǒu

iron (metal)

tiě

iron rod; iron bar

tiěbàng

is on loan

jièchūqu le

Is there anyone serving you?

yǒu rén zài jiēdài nín ma?

Islam

Huíjiào

Islam

Qīngzhēnjiào

Islam

Yīsīlánjiào

Islamic

Qīngzhēnjiàode

Islamic

Yīsīlánjiàode

island

dǎo

isolated; remote; alone

gūlì

Israel

Yǐsèliè

it depends

qíngkuàng [ér dìng]

it doesn't matter; it's OK

méi guānxi

it fortunately just happened that; “luckily”

qiàhǎo

it has become cold

tiàn biàn lěng le

it is indeed …; however …

shì …; késhì …

It is or it isn't? Is it or isn't it?

shì bú shì?

it looks …

kànqǐlai …

it looks like; appears as if

kàn yàngzi

it looks like; appears as if

kànlai

it looks like; appears as if

kànqǐlai

it looks like; appears as if

kàn yàngzi

it may be X

X de lái

it may not be X

X bù lái

it takes

děi

it takes …

yào …

it was always the case that …

… běnlái jiù …

it; to it

tā

Italian (See: German- of, person, lang…)

Yìdàlì[-de|-rén|-wén|-yǔ] (See: Dé)

Italy

Yìdàlì

item; piece

jiàn

item; scheme; project

xiàngmù

itinerary

rìchèngbiǎo

its

tāde

it's a pity; What a pity!

kěxī [le]

it's just that

jiùshi

it's not wrong; it's right

méicuò

it's nothing; don't mention it

méi shénme

it's OK; it doesn't matter; be not too busy

méishìr

ivory

xiàngyá

j

 

jacket

wàitào

jacket; coat

wàiyī

jam (to be in a traffic jam)

dǔ chē

jam; marmalade

guǒjiàng (See also: júzi jiàng)

Japan

Rìběn

Japanese (of Japan, generally)

Rìběnde (See also: Rì-wén|-yǔ)

Japanese (person)

Rìběnrén

Japanese language (especially spoken)

Rìyǔ

Japanese language (especially written)

Rìwén

Japanese yen

Rìyuán

jazz

juéshìyuè

jealous

jìdù

jeans

niúzǎikù

Jehovah

Yēhéhuá

Jehovah's Witness

Yēhéhuá Jiànzhèngrén

jelly (wobbly dessert)

guǒzìdòng

Jerusalem

Yēlùsālěng

Jesus

Yēsū

Jew

Yóutàirén

jewelry

shǒushì

jewelry

zhūbǎo

Jewish

Yóutài de

jogging

mànpǎo

joint venture

hézī qǐyè

joke; amusing story; to laugh at; ridicule

xiàohuà; xiàohua

joke; rib; jest

wánxiào

jolly; joyful; happy

huānlè

journalist; reporter; recorder

jìzhě

journey

lùtú

joy

xǐlè

joy; happiness; delight; pleasure

lèqù

Judah

Yóutài

judge (court)

fǎguān

judge; referee

cáipàn

judo

róudào

jug; pitcher

dà shuǐguàn

juice

guǒzhī

jumper (wooly)

tàotóushān

junction; intersection; crossing

lùkǒu

June; month 6

Liùyuè

jungle

cónglín

jury (competition)

píngjiǎngtuán

jury (court case)

péishěntuán

just a few moments ago; just now

gāngcái

just a few moments ago; just now

gānggāng

just a touch; a bit; slightly; light; gentle

diǎn; diǎnr

just about to; just upon

lín

just about to; on the point of

zhèngyào

just at the moment when; just when

zhèngdāng

just at the right time; it just happens

zhèngqiǎo

just briefly X (X is a verb)

  … X yì X (pronounced as yì X or yí X)

just briefly X (X is a verb)

… X yì X (pronounced as yì X or yí X)

just now; punctually; exactly (time)

zhèng

just right (correct amount)

zhènghǎo

just so so

hái kěyǐ

just talking; talking alone

guāng shuō

just; impartial; fair

gōngzhèng

just; impartial; fair; reasonable

gōngpíng

just; merely; barely

jǐn

just; merely; barely

jǐnjǐn

just; only; exactly

jiù

just; right; exactly (located) …

zhèng …

just; simply; purely; only; solely; alone

guāng

justice; impartiality; fairness

gōngpíng

justice; impartiality; fairness

gōngzhèng

k

 

kangaroo

dàishǔ

karate

kōngshǒudào

karate

Rìběn kōngshǒudào

kerb; curb

lùbiān xiāngbiānshí

kerb; curb

xiāngbiānshí

kerb; curb

lùbiān xiāngbiānshí

kettle

shuǐhú

key (for a lock)

yàoshi

key (on a computer keyboard)

jiàn

keyboard (computer keyboard)

jiànpán

kid (of a goat)

xiǎo shānyáng

kidney

shèn

kidney beans

dāodòu

kilogram

gōngjīn

kilometre

gōnglǐ

kind (caring)

shànliáng

kind (to be kind to; to cherish; to use sparingly)

àixī

kind; caring

hé'ǎi

kind; warm; cordial

qīnqiè

kindly; thoughtful; considerate; merciful

réncí

kindness

ēndiǎn

kindness

tǐtiē

kindness; forgiveness; consideration; mercy

réncí

king

guówáng

King

Jūnwáng

kingdom

wángguó

kiss

jiēwěn

kiss

qīnzuǐ

kiss

wěn

kit; equipment

shèbèi

kitchen

chúfáng

kite

fāngzheng

kitten; little cat

xiǎomāo

kiwi fruit

míhóutáo

knee

xīgài

knife and fork

dāochā

knife; cutter; razor; sword

dāo

knot (in string, etc.)

jié

knot (in wood)

jiébā

knowledge

zhīshi

Korean (language, especially spoken)

Hányǔ

l

 

laboratory; test centre

shíyànshì

laboriously; to work hard; endure trouble

xīnkǔ

labour; manual work; artificial

rén'gōng

lace (material)

huābiān[r]

lack of appreciation

wúdòng-yúzhōng

lack; shortcoming; deficiency; to lack

quēfá

lacking

bùzú

lacking

quēshǎo

lacking; short of

chà

lad; young man

xiǎohuǒzi

ladder

tīzi

ladle; scoop; dipper

chángbǐngsháo

lady; miss

nǚshì

lake

hú

lakeside beach

hútān

lamb (animal)

xiǎo yáng

lame

bǒjiǎo de

lameness

bǒjiǎo

lampshade

dēngzhào

land; dry land

lùdì

land; earth; soil; ground; floor

dì

land; terrain; territory

tǔdì

landlord

dìzhǔ

landlord

fángdōng

lane (of a carriageway)

chēdào

lane of a highway carriageway

lùxiàn

lane; alley

xiálù

lane; alley

xiàng

lane; passage; alleyway

hútòng

language

yǔ(yán)

language

yǔyán

language (a certain one, mainly spoken)
— … language
— English language (especially spoken)

yǔ
— …yǔ
— Yīngyǔ

language (a certain one, mainly written)
— … language
— English language (especially written)

wén
— …wén
— Yīngwén

language laboratory

yǔyán shíyànshì

language; writing

wén

Lantern Festival

Yuánxiāojié

Laos

Lǎowō

Laos

Liáoguó

Laotian (See: German- of, person, lang…)

Lǎowō[-de|-rén|-wén|-yǔ] (See: Dé)

Laotian (See: German- of, person, lang…)

Liáo[guó][-de|-rén|-wén|-yǔ] (See: Dé)

large coat; overcoat

dàyī

large quantity [of]

dàliàng [de]

large; heavy; strong; loud; major

dà

large; large-scaled

dàxíng

large; loose (clothes)

féi

largely; generally; in the main

dàtǐshàng

last night

zuówǎn

last time

shàng cì

last time; last occasion

shàngcì

last week

shàng xīngqī

last year; the year gone

qùnián

last; rear; latter

hòu

late at night

shēnyè

late gathering; evening party

wǎnhuì

late; delayed; late

wǎn

later

guò yīhuǐr

later

yīhuǐr

later (than planned or suggested)

wǎndiǎn; wǎndiǎnr

later; after

hòu

later; in the future

huítóu

latest news

zuì xīn xiāoxi

latest; up-to-date

zuì xīn

Latin (especially spoken)

Lādīngyǔ

Latin (especially written)

Lādīngwén

laundry (place)

xǐyīfáng

law (as a subject of study)

fǎxué

law (scientific, physical)

dìnglǜ

law court

fǎtíng

law court

fǎyuàn

law; legislation (country's rules)

fálǜ

lawn; meaadow

cǎodì

lawnmower

gēcǎojī

lawyer; solicitor; barrister

lǜshī

layer; floor; storey

céng

lazy

lǎnduò

leaded petrol

hánqiān qìyóu

leader

lǐngdǎorén

leader(s); chief

lǐngxiù

leaf

yèzi

leaf; leaves (foliage)

yèzie

leaflet
— [a] leaflet

zázhì
— [yífèn] zázhì (fèn is a MW)

learned person; scholar

xuézhě

learning; scholarship

xuéwen

learning; scholarship; learned; academic

xuéshù

least costly (most cheap)

zuì piányi de

least difficult (most easy)

zuì róngyi de

least; at least

zhìshǎo

leather

pígé

leather bag; briefcase

píbāo

leave request; leave permit; sick certificate

jiàtiáo

leave; vacation; break; holiday

jià

leaving; to ‘be off’

zǒu

lecture

jiǎngzuò

lecture; speech; talk; report; to inform; report

bàogào

lecturer (university)

jiǎngshī

left (not right); left side; left-hand; left-wing

zuǒ

left side; left-hand side

zuǒbian

left-hand

zuǒshǒu

leg; thigh

tuǐ

legal

héfǎ

legend

chuánshuō

leisure

kòngxián

leisure centre

yùlè zhōngxīn

leisure; recreation; free (time)

xián

lemon; citrus

níngméng

lemonade

níngméngshuǐ

lemongrass

xiāngmáo

length

chángdù

length of time; duration; age

líng

leopard

bào

less of (something)

gèngshǎode

less than … (some value)

bú dào …

less than; within

yǐnèi

less; a smaller amount

shǎo

lest; so as to avoid

miǎndé

let be that …; may …

yuàn …

let whatever be; no matter [how; what; who]

rèn[ping]

let whatever be; no matter [how; what; who]

rèn[ping]

Let's … (do something)

zánmen … ba!

let's go; come on; hurry up!

kuài!

letter (document); correspondence; mail

xìn

letter box; mailbox

xìnxiāng

letter; character; letter of an alphabet

zìmǔ

letter; document
— [a] letter; document

shū
— [yìběn] shū

lettuce

shēngcài

level (in height)

gāodù

level of intensity; measure of strength

qiángdù

level; flat plane; plateau

shuǐpíng miàn

level; horizontal line

shuǐpíng xiàn

level; horizontal; across; transverse

héng

level; standard; height above datum level

shuǐpíng

li; 0.5 kilometre

lǐ

liang; 0.05 kilogram [of]

liàng

liberation; release; emancipation

jiěfàng

library

túshūguǎn

licence plate (vehicle)

páizhào

licence; permit

páizhào

life (our being existent)

shēngmìng

life; command; order; destiny; lot

mìng

life; lifetime (period between birth and death)

shòumìng

life; livelihood

shēnghuó

lifetime

yībèizi

lifetime; throughout one's entire life

yíbèizi

lift; elevator; escalator

diàntī

light bulb

dēngpào

light from sun or moon

guāng

light in shade of colour

dàn

light meal; snack; refreshments

diǎnxin

light meal; snack; refreshments

xiǎochī

light X (X is a colour)

qiǎn X

light; beam; ray

guāngxiàn

light; bright; showing potential; open; frank

guāngmíng

light; lamp; to light (lamp)

dēng

light; narrow

zhǎi

light; shiny; bright

liàng

light; to shine

guāng

lighter (ignition)

dǎhuǒjī

lighthouse

dēngtǎ

lightly; gently; softly

qīng

lightning

shǎndiàn

lightning flashes

dǎ shǎn

lightweight; small; young; easy to do

qīng

likely; probably

hěn kěnéng

likeness; image; form; appearance

xíng xiàng

likeness; image; form; appearance

xíng xiàng

likeness; image; form; appearance; shape

xíngzhuàng

likewise

tóngyàngde

limit (unpassable)

xiàndù

limit of ability

zhǐnéng

limited

yǒuxiàn

line (mark); boundary line; limit

jièxiàn

link; connection; contact; liaison

liánxì

lion

shīzi

lioness

mǔshīzi

lip

chún

lips

zuǐchún

lipstick

kǒuhóng

list

dānzi

list

míngdān

list

mùlù

literature

wénxué

litre

shēng

liveliness; vigour; vitality; energy

jīngshen

lively; motivating; moving

shēngdòng

lively; true to life

huópo

lively; vigorous; energetic

jīngshen

liver

gān

living organisms

shēngwù

living room

qǐjūshì

load (amount carried in one go)

zhuāngzàiliàng

load
[a vehicle] load

huòwù
[yī chē] huòwù

load; burden; to carry a load; to bear; sustain

fùdān

local

dìfāng

local; of the present place

dāngdì

located [across from …]

zài [… duìmiàn]

located [after …]

zài [… yǐhòu]

located [after; behind …]

zài [… hoùbian]

located [ahead of …; in front of …]

zài [… qiánmian]

located [ahead of; before]

zài [… qiàn]

located [among …]

zài [… zhī zhōng]

located [around …; surrounding …]

zài [… zhōuwéi]

located [around …]; located [near to …]

zài [… zhè yīdài]

located [at … beforehand—time of occurence]

zài [… zhīqián]

located [at]

zài [… miàn] (or: mian)

located [before …]

zài [… yǐqián]

located [behind …]

zài [… hòu] (or: hòubian or hòumian)

located [behind …]

zài [… hòubiàn] (or: hòubian)

located [behind …]

zài [… hòumiàn] (or: hòumian)

located [below; under; underneath; with]

zài [… xiàbian]

located [between …]

zài [… zhījiān]

located [between]

zài [zhōngjiān]

located [between]

zài [zhōngjiān]

located [beyond …; on the far side of …]

zài [… nà bian]

located [by]; located [near to]

zài [… yìn]

located [down]

zài [xià]

located [down]

zài [xià]

located [during …]

zài [… qījiān]

located [here]

zài [zhèlǐ]

located [here]

zài [zhèr]

located [here]

zài [zhèlǐ]

located [here]

zài [zhèr]

located [in …; within …; among …]

zài [… nèi]

located [in front of …]

zài [ … de qiánmiàn]

located [in front of; ahead of]

zài [… de qiánmiàn]

located [in the region of]

zài [… yídài]

located [in]

zài [… lǐ]

located [in]

zài [… lǐmiàn] (or: lǐmian)

located [inside …; within …]

zài [… lǐtou] (Colloquial only; see lǐbian]

located [inside]

zài [… lǐbian] (or: lǐbiàn)

located [inside]

zài [… lǐmiàn] (or: lǐmian)

located [near to …]

zài [… zhè yīdài]

located [on …; at …; above …]

zài [… shàng] (or: shang)

located [outdoors; outside the building]

zaì [shìwài] (See also: yěwài)

located [outdoors; outside the building]

zaì [yěwài]

located [outside of …]

zài [… wàimiàn] (or: wàimian. See also: wàibian)

located [outside; out]

zài [… wài]

located [outside; out]

zài [… wàibian]

located [surrounding …]

zài [… zhōuwéi]

located [there]

zài [nàlǐ]

located [there]

zài [nàli]

located [there]

zài [nàr]

located [there]

zài [nàlǐ]

located [there]

zài [nàr]

located [under; underneath; below; with]

zài [… xiàmian]

located [under]

zài [… dǐxià]

located [upon]

zài [… shàngmian]

located [when]

zài [… shí]

located [where?]

zài nǎlǐ?

located [where?]

zài nǎr?

located [where?]

zaì [nǎlǐ?]

located [where?]

zài [nǎr?]

location; place

dì

location; place

dìdiǎn

locked

suǒzhù

lofty; high

chónggāo

logical

fúhé luójī de

London

Lúndūn

lonely

gūdú

lonely

jìmò

long

chángmián

long (size)

cháng

long ago

hěn jiǔ yǐqián

long ago

hěn jiǔ yǐqián

long life

chángshòu

long live …! viva …! vivat …!

wànsuì …!

long live …! viva …! vivat …!

wànyī …!

long; of long standing

yōujiǔ

long-distance call

chángtú diànhuà

long-lasting

chángjiǔ

look out!

zhùyì!

look!

nǐ kàn

looks; appearance

mào

looks; appearance

wàimào

loose (not fastened tightly)

sōngdòngde

loose (not in a packet)

sànzhuāngde

loose; not firmly fixed

sōng

loose; relaxed; slack; to loosen; relax; slacken

sōng

loosely fitting (clothes)

kuānsōng

lord

zhǔ

Lord's Day

zhǔ de rìzi

lost (having lost one's way)

mílù

lost property

shīwù zhāolǐngchù

lots of; many; some number of

xǔduō

lottery

cǎijiǎng

lottery; lottery ticket

cǎipiào

loudspeaker

lǎba

lounge; rest room

xiūxishì

lovable; appealing; cute; lovely; beloved

kě'ài

love (affection)

ài

love (to love [someone]; to like very much)

ài

love (to love [something]; to be keen on; to be fond of)

àihào

love (to love)

ài'xīn

love based on principle

jīyú yuánzé de ài

love deeply (to l…)

àidài

love for neighbour (love of neighbour; neighbourly love)

ài línrén de xīn

love never fails

ài shì yǒng bù xiāotuì de

love; affection; passion

àiqíng

love; passion; love affair

liàn'ài

low (short; not high; not tall)

ǎi

low (temperature, height, voice)

dī

lower jaw

xià'è

lower; lesser; inferior

xià

loyal

zhōngpú

loyal

zhōngshí

loyal; sincere

zhōngchéng (See: zhōngxīn, zhēnchéng )

loyalty

zhōngzhēn-bùyú

luck (“good luck”; “good fortune”)

xìngyùn

luck (of “bad luck”; “unlucky”)

dǎoméide

luck
— “good luck!”

zhù nǐ hǎoyùn

luggage; bags; baggage; belongings carried

xíngli

lump; piece; cube

kuài

lungs

fèi

luxurious

háohuáde

luxury

shēchǐ

luxury hotel

háohuá lǚguǎn

lychee

lìzhī

m

 

Macao

Àomén

machine

jīqì

machine tool (lathe, etc.)

jīchuáng

machinery; engine; mechanics; mechanism

jīxiè

mad

fā fēng

mad; crazy

kuáng

mad; crazy; insane

fēng

mad; furious; very angry

fēicháng shēnqì

mad; furious; very angry

fēicháng shēnqì

Madam; aunty; nan (respect to older woman)

dàmā; lǎodàmā

Madam; aunty; nan (respecting older woman)

lǎodàmā

Madam; aunty; nan (respecting older woman)

lǎodàniáng

Madam; elderly lady (respects elderly)

lǎotàitai

made

shí

made of earth; earthen; clay

tǔ

magazine (thin magazine)
— [a] thin magazine

zázhì
— [yífèn] zázhì (fèn is a MW)

magic

yǒu mólì de

magic; magical arts

móshù

magic; magical arts

xìfǎ; móshù

magnetic tape

lùyīndài

magnifying glass

fàngdà jìng

mahjong

májiàng

maiden name

niángjiā de xìng

main computer

zhǔjī

main course

zhèngcān

main course (meal)

zhǔ cài

main idea; most important point

yàodiǎn

main point; point being emphasized

zhòngdiǎn

main road

dàjiē

main; chief

zhèng

main; chief; master; general; total

zǒng

majority; (great+many)

dàduōshù

majority; mostly

dàbùfen

make-up

huàzhuāng

Malaysia

Mǎláixīyà

Malaysian (generally)

Mǎláixīyàde

Malaysian (person)

Mǎláixīyàrén

male

nán

male (animals); powerful; virile (humans)

xióng

male (male sex)

nánxìng

male …

nán-…

male human; man

nàn

male private parts

gāowán

man and woman

nán-nǚ

man; husband

nánrén

managed to understand by hearing

tīngdǒngle

management; to manage; succeed

guǎnlǐ

managing; passing
— to manage to …

guòqu
— …guòqu

Mandarin; common language spoken

Pǔtōnghuà

mango

mángguǒ

manner; way; method

fāngfǎ  (MW is [yì]zhǒng)

manually; by hand

shǒugōng

many; a lot of; numerous

hěn duō

many; a lot of; numerous

hěn duō

many; more; much; extra

duō  (See also: gèng, zài)

many; numerous; large group of

dàpī

mao (Chinese money unit)

máo

map

dìtú

marching area

cāochǎng

margarine

rénzào huángyóu

margarine (artificial butter)

rénzào huángyóu

mark (German mark)

mǎkè

mark; grade (in examinations)

fēnshù

mark; imprint; seal; stamp

yìn

mark; track; trace

hénjī

market

shāngchǎng

market

shìchǎng

market; fair; city; municipality; centre

shì

marmalade

júzi jiàng

marriage

hūnyīn

marriage; to marry; get married

jiéhūn

married

jiéle hūn de

married

yǐ hūn de

married

yǐhūn

marsh

zhǎozédì  (MW is [yí]kuài)

martial arts

wǔshù

martial arts; kung-fu

gōngfu

marvel; amazed

jīnqí

mashed potato

tǔdòu ní

mask

miànjù

mass movement

qúnzhòng yùndong

massage (to massage)

ànmó

master craftsman; instructor (title of address)

shīfu

mat

dìxí

mat

xiǎodiànzi

matches (ignition)

huǒchái

matching; similar

xiāngpèi

mate; husband; wife; “partner”

duìxiàng

material information; data

cáiliào  (MW is [yí]fèn)

material; substance; ingredient

cáiliào  (MW is [yì]zhǒng)

materialized

huàwéi rénxíng

maternal aunt; mother's sister

yí

maternal grandfather

lǎoye

maternal grandfather

wàizǔfù

maternal grandmother

lǎolao

maternal grandmother

wàizǔmǔ

maternal grandparents

wàizǔfùmǔ

mathematics; maths

shùxué

matter; event; affair; trouble; job

shì

matter; issue; thing; affair

shìqing; shìqīng

matter; thing

wù

matters; affairs; thing; work; duties

shìwù

mattress

chuángdiàn

mature; ripe; cooked; well-acquainted; skilled

shú[de]

maximum price

zuìgāo jiāgé

may I ask; please: a question

qǐngwèn

maybe; perhaps; possibly

yěxǔ …; kěnéng …

mayor

shìzhǎng

me and your (one or ones directly addressed)

zánmende

meals provided; food provided

huǒshí

mean; average; equally

píngjūn

mean; stingy; tight; petty; trivial

xiǎoqì

meaning

hányì  (MW is [yì]zhǒng)

meaning; significance

yìyì

meaning; thought; idea; theme; idea

yìsi  (MW is [yì]zhǒng)

means of transport

yùnshū gōngjù  (MW is [yì]zhǒng)

means; way; method

shǒuduàn

measles

mázhěn

meat broth; meat soup; meat stew

ròutāng

meatball

roùwán

mechanic

jìgōng

mechanical

jīxiè

medical care; medical

yīliáo

medical treatment; to treat; cure; heal

zhìliǎo

medicine; drug; (some chemicals)

yào

Mediterranean Sea

Dìzhōnghǎi

medium; average; mean

zhōngděng

meeting minutes; notes; memo; reminder

jìlù

meeting; assembly; party; association; union

huì

meeting; party (event)

jùhuì (MW is [yí]cì )

melody; tune; despatch (staff); turn; swap

diào

melon; pumpkin; gourd

guā

member

chéngyuán

member of staff

jiàoyuán

member; staff; personnel (in an organisation)

yuán

memorial tombs

jìniànmù

memorial; anniversary; souvenir

jìniàn

memory (something remembered)

huíyì

memory; ablility to remember

jìyìlì

memory; recollections; to recall; remember

jìyì

mental (of a sick mind)

jīngshénbìng de

mental (of the mind)

jīngshén de

mental hospital

jīngshénbìngyuàn

mental patient

jīngshénbìngrén

mental sickness

jīngshénbìng

mental state; mood; feelings

xīnqíng

menu

càidān

mercy

cí bēi

mercy

cíbēi

message

liúyán

message
— [a] message

xiāoxi
— [yìtiáo] xiāoxi  (tiáo is a MW)

message (given verbally)

kǒuxìn (See also: tiáo, xiāoxi)

message (passed on a slip of paper)

tiáo  (MW is [yì]zhāng)

message machine; answering machine

liúyánjī

message; information; to believe [in]

xìn

messenger

shùxìn

Messiah

Mísàiyà

metal wire

jīnshǔxiàn

metal; made of metal

jīnshǔ  (MW is [yì]zhǒng)

meter (like in a taxi)

jìchéngqì

meter; gauge; watch; wristwatch

biǎo

meter; metre

gōngchǐ

method; way

fǎzi

method; way (how a situation is handled)

bànfǎ

method; way of doing things; practice

zuòfǎ

method; way; law

fǎ

method; way; manner; style; formula

fāngshì  (MW is [yì]zhǒng)

meticulous; careful; meticulously; carefully

xìxīn

meticulous; detailed; careful

xiángxì

meticulously; in detail; carefully

xiángxì

metre
— [a] metre; [one] metre

mǐ
— [yī] mǐ

Mexico

Mòxīgē

microphone

màikèfēng

midday

zhèngwǔ

midday meal; lunch

wǔfàn

middle school; secondary school; high school

zhōngxué

middle; centre; central; middle

zhōngyāng

middle; secondary; high schoolchild

zhōngxuéshēng (See also: xiǎoxuéshēng)

middle-aged

zhōngnián

midnight

wǔyè

midnight; in the middle of the night

bànyè

migraine

zhōuqīxìng piāntóutòng

mild (not harsh)

wēnróude

mild (not too cold)

wēnnuǎnde

mile

yīnglǐ

military matters; military; military in aspect

jūnshì

military unit; army; troops

bùduì

milk

nǎi

millimetre

háomǐ

million

bǎiwàn

million

qíyú

millions

bǎiwànjì

mind (to mind; to care about)

zàihu

mind (to mind; to care about)

— not to mind

zàihu
— bú zàihu

mind; (spirit; disposition)

nǎohǎi

miner

kuànggōng

mineral water

kuàngquánshuǐ

mini

wēixíngde

minor (not serious)

qīng

minority

shǎoshù

minus (below zero)

língxià

minus; less

jiǎnqù

minute (of an hour)

fēn[zhōng]

minute (of an hour)

fēnzhōng

minute amount; trace; silk; fine thread

sī

miracle

zhàozhe

miracle; wonderful deed

qíjī

mirror; mirrorglass; lens; spectacles

jìngzi  (MW is [yí]miàn)

mischievous; naughty

tiàopí

miserable …; very poor …(condtions)

píngkùn de …

miserable; very poor (person)

píngkùn

misery

chījìnkǔtou

Miss; young lady; daughter

xiǎojie

missing (not found)

shīzong

missing (person lost)

shīzōngle

missing … (person)

shīzong de …

mist

bówù

mist

wùqì

mist; fog

wù

mistaken

nòngcuò

mistaken

wùjiě

misunderstanding; to misunderstand

wùhuì

mixed

hùnhéde

mixture

hùnhéwù  (MW is [yì]zhǒng)

mobile [phone]

shǒujī

mobile phone

yídòng diànhuà

model (person)

mótèr

model; type; style; pattern; design

shìyàng (See also: shìyàng)

modern

xiàndàide

modern age; present era

xiàn dài

modern style drama; play

huàjù

modernization; modernized; modern

xiàndàihuà [de]

modest; humble; with humility; humbly

xūxīn

modest; not self-flattering; simple

qiānxū

moist; humid

shīrùn

mǔjī

hen

mole

hēizhì

moment

huìr

moment in time; instant

piànkè

Monday

Xīngqīyī

money piece (a Chinese unit of money)

kuài

money; cash

xiànkuǎn

money; cost

qián

monitor (of a computer)

xiǎnshìqì

monkey

hóuzi

month 1 of the lunar year

zhēngyuè

Month 1; January

Yīyuè

month 10; October

Shíyuè

month 11; November

Shíyīyuè

month 12; December

Shí'èryuè

month 3; March

Sānyuè

month 4; April

Sìyuè

month 5; May

Wǔyuè

month 7; July

Qīyuè

month; moon

yuè

monument

jìniànbēi

moon (the object)

yuèqiú

Moon Festival mid-autumn

Zhōngqiūjié

moonlight; moon

yuèliang

moral code; morality

dàodé

morale; mood; frame of mind; emotion

qíngxù

morality; moral character

pǐndé

more

gěng

more (comparative)

duō yīdiǎnr

more … than [that]

bǐ [tā] …

more …; …-er

gěng …

more …; …-er (forming comparatives)

gèng…

more and more …

yuè lái yuè …

more and more each … (e.g. taller every day)

… bǐ … (e.g. yìtiān bǐ yìtiān gāo)

more of (something)

gèngduōde

more or less

huǒ duō huò shǎo

more or less

huò duō huò shǎo

more than

duō

more than …

bǐ … duō

more than
— more than X units (where X is a numeral)
— 10<Y<20

jǐ bù
— X jǐ bù

— Y = shíjǐ bù (10 jǐ bù)

moreover; as well as
— …, not to mention …

hékuàng
— …, hékuàng …

moreover; not only that

bùjǐn rúcǐ

morning; a.m. (after dawn)

shàngwǔ

mosque

Qīngzhēnsì

mosquito

wénzi

most … (the most …)

zuì …

most; the majority

duōshù

mostly

duōbàn

moth

é

mother

mā

mother

màma

mother

mǔ qīn; mǔqin

mother

mǔqin; mǔ qīn

mother; elder female relation; aunt; female

mǔ

mother; mum

māma

mother; mum

niáng

mother's brother; uncle

jiùfù

mother's sister's husband; uncle

yífu

motive

dòngjī

motor racing

qìchē bǐsài

motorcyclist

qí mótuōchē de rén

motorist

kāi qìchē de rén

motorized bicycle; motorbike; etc.

mótuōchē

motorway

gāosù gōnglù

mountain

gāoshān

mountain bike

shāndìché

mountain climbing

dēngshān

mountain range

shānmài

mountain ridge

shānjǐ

mountain; Mount …; hill

shān; …shān

mountainous region

shānqū

mourning

āitòng

mouse (rodent)

xiǎolǎoshǔ

mouse; rat

lǎoshǔ

moustache

xiǎohúzi

moustache; mustache

bāzìhú

mouth

zuǐ

mouth; estuary; opening; cut; tear

kǒu

move (to move house); to remove; to move

bān

move (to move) from one place to another

bān

move (to move); to move house; to remove

bān

moved to …; having been moved to …

gǎndòng de

movement (campaign)

yùndòng  (MW is [yí]cì)

movement (change of position)

huódòng

movement (change of position)

yídòng

movement; activity; the sound of busy people

dòngjing

moving (the emotions)

dòngrén

Mr. and Mrs.; husband and wife

fūfū

MSG

wèijīng

much more …

… deduō

much; many; a lot; numerous

hěnduō

mud; clay; mashed vegetables; puréed fruit

ní

mug; cup; tumbler; glass (for drinking)

bēizi

multicoloured

huā

murder

móushā àn (MW is [yì]qǐ )

murderer

shārénfàn

muscle

jīròu

museum

bówùguǎn

mushrooms

mógu

music

yīnyuè

musical instrument

yuèqì

musical instrument

yuèqì

musician (celebrated performer)

yīnyuèjiā

musician (working with music)

yīnyuè gōngzuòzhě

Muslim

Mùsīlín

Muslim

Qīngzhēn

Muslim (person)

Qīngzhēnjiàotú

mussel

gébèi

must; to want; to need; beg; request; demand

yào

mustard

jièmo

mutton; lamb

yángròu

mutually; each other; one another

hùxiāng

mutually; one another; reciprocally

xiāng

mutually; one another; reciprocally

xiānghù

my

wǒde

My word!

āiyā

my! goodness!

wǒde tiān

mystery; puzzling circumstances

mí

myth

shénhuà

n

 

nail (on finger or toe)

zhījiǎ

nail; spike

dīngzi

nailpolish

zhījiāyóu

naked; nude; bare

luǒtǐde

name

xìngmíng

name; first name; given name

míngzi (See also: surname, xìng)

name; reputation

míngyù

name; reputation; pretext; famous

míng

namecard

míngpiàn

narrow

xiázhǎi

narrows; strait

hǎixiá

nasty; dangerous; threatening

xiōngxiǎn

nation

guózú

nation (a group with a common identity)

mínzú

nation(s)

lièguó

nation; state; country

guó

national

guómín

national (of a group with a common identity)

mínzúde

national (of the group with common identity)

mínzú de

national anthem

guógē

national costume

mínzú fúzhuāng

National Day

guóqìng [Jié]

national economy

guómín jīngjì

national flag

guóqí

national income

guómín shōurù

national language (esp. in Taiwan and H.K.)

Guóyǔ

national minority; ethnic minority

shǎoshù mínzú

Nationalist Party; Kuomintang

Guómíndǎng

nationality

guójí

nationality; nation; race; tribe

mínzú

nationwide; national

quán'guóxìng de

native Chinese speaker

mǔyǔ shì Hànyǔ de rén

native language

mǔyǔ  (MW is [yì]zhǒng)

natural

tiānrán

natural

zìránde

natural gas

tiānránqì

natural resources

zìrán zīyuán

nature

zìránjiè

nature; fundamental disposition

gèxìng

nature; inborn characteristic

běnxìng

nature; kind; sort (of matter)

zhǒng

nature; natural; of course; naturally

zìrán

nature; quality; character (of a matter)

xìngzhì

nature; the great untouched outdoors

dàzìrán

naughty

táoqì

naughty

tiáopí

naughty

wánpíde

navy

hǎijūn

near (to be near to)

āi

near to; around

— located [near to …]

zhè yīdài
—zài [… zhè yīdài]

near; close in front of

gēnqián

near; close to

qīnjìn

near; close to; nearby; closely related

jìn

near; handy; close to hand

jìnbian

near; nearby one's side

[zài] … shēnbiān

nearby

[zài] …fùyìn

nearby; close to

kàojìn

nearly; almost (did something)

chàdiǎn(r)

neat (handwriting)

gōngzhěng

neat; tidy (clothing, things in a room)

zhěngjié

neat; tidy; complete; together; similar

qí

neat; tidy; in proper order (objects)

zhěngqí

necessary

bìxū

necessary

bìyào

neck

bózi

neck; collar; to lead; usher

lǐng

necklace

xiàngliàn

need; request; demand

yāoqiú

negative (condition of electrical charge)

fù

negative (denying, prohibiting)

fǒudìng de

negative (photographic)

dǐpiàn

negative (value below zero)

fù

negative; decision against

fǒudìngcí

negative; unsupportive; unhelpful

xiāojí

neighbour

línjū

neither

liǎngzhě dōu bù

neither X … (past action or “have”)

liǎngge X dōu méi … (change MW ge )

neither X … (present or future action)

liǎngge X dōu bù … (change MW ge )

neither X nor Y

jì X yòu bù Y

neither; not either; nor

yě bù; yěbù

neither; not either; nor

yěbù

nephew; son of father's sisters

wàishēng

nephew; son of mother's siblings

wàishēng

nerve (part of nerve system)

shénjīng

nervous illness; crazy

shénbìng

-ness; -ity

-xìng

nest

niǎocháo

nest (birds')

cháo (See also: wō)

nest (rodents, insects)

wō

net (for sports)

wǎng

network

guānxìwǎng

network

wǎngluò

neutral (chemically or electrically)

zhōngxìng

neutral (not sidingwith any party)

zhōnglì

neutral country

zhōnglì guó

never (about past)

cóng méi

never (about past)

cóngméi

never (about present or future)

cóng bù

never (future events)

jué bù

never (future events)

yǒngyuǎn bù

never (past)

cónglái méi [yǒu]

never (present or habitual)

cónglái bù

never …

yìzhí bù …; yìzhí méi …

never again do … (do this activity no longer)

bú zài …

never mind! it doesn't matter; it's OK

méiguānxi

never mind; it doesn't matter

búyàojǐn

new system; new world

xīn-shìjiè

new system; new world

xīnshìjiè

New Testament

Xīnyuē

new vocabulary; new word

shēngcí

New Year

xīnnián

new year
— “happy new year!”

xīnnián
— xīnnián hǎo

New Year's Day

Yuándàn

New York

Niǔyuē

New Zealand

Xīnxīlàn

New Zealander

Xīnxīlànrén

new; original; fresh

xīnyǐng

new; recent; fresh; modern; up-to-date

xīn

newborn

xīnshēng

news

xīnwén

news media; the press; journalism

xīnwénjiè

news; information

xiǎoxi

news; information
— [a] news; information

xiāoxi
— [yìtiáo] xiāoxi  (tiáo is a MW)

newsagents

bàokān xiāoshòudiàn

newsagents

xiāoshòudiàn

newspaper; newspaper print (sheets)

bàozhǐ   (MW is [yí]fèn )

newspaper; newspaper print (single sheet)

bàozhǐ   (MW is [yì]zhāng )

newspaper; periodical; report; news; warning

bào

next

xià [ge]; xià(yí)ge  (ge is a typical MW)

next (the next)
— the next X paragraph/s (X is a number)

xià
— xià Xge duàn (X can be numbers  yí, ér, sān, etc.)

next … (in sequence, series, line)

xià yī ge …  (ge is a typical MW)

next …; the following … (thing)

xiàY … (Y is a Measure Word like ‘ge’)

next door

gébì

next to (ranking)

jǐn cìyú

next to; adjacent to

jǐnkào

next week

xiàxīngqī

next year

míngnián

nice-looking; attractive; beautiful; interesting

hǎokàn

nickname (favorable)

àichēng

nickname (not favorable)

chuòhào

nickname (not favorable)

wàihào

niece; daughter of father's sisters

wàishēngnǚ

niece; daughter of mother's siblings

wàishēngnǚ

night; evening

yè

night; evening

yèwǎn

nightclub

yèzǒnghuì

nine

jiǔ

nine books

jiǔběn shū (běn is a MW)

ninety

jiǔshí

  No …! (not permitted)

bùxǔ …!; jìnzhǐ …!

No …! (not permitted)

jìnzhǐ …! bùxǔ …!

No …! (not permitted); not be permitted

bùxǔ …!; jìnzhǐ …!

no longer …

bù … le

no longer; not too; not very

búdà

no matter …

wúlùn …

no matter what

wúlùn shénme

no matter what; whatever happens;

búlùn

no more

bú zài

no need to (be)

bú yòng

no problem

méi wèntí

no surprise that

nán'guài

no surprise; hence

guàibude

no way

méi fǎzi

no way; not in any case

fǎnzhèng

no way; out the question

bùxíng

No! That's not so! (responding to positive  words)

bù!

No!, that's not the case! = But yes it is!
  (faulting a negative suggestion)
[Note that normally “No” is achieved by repeating the verb that was in the question. For example,
  “Do you know?”
gets the negative response,
“(I) do not know!”]

shìde!; (bù!)

No, as you say! (confirming negative words) -
No, the matter is as you say:
“Yes, that idea is correct, as you say!”

shìde! duì!

No, the matter is as you say.
  [Yes, that idea is correct, as you say!]
  (confirming negative words)

shìde! duì!

no; not

bú (form of bù before fourth tone “  ã ”)

No; not

bù
— (pronounced “bú” before 4th tone words, for example, “bú shì”)

nobody

shéi dōu bù

nobody

xiǎorénwù

noise (excessive volume of sound)

zàoyīn

noise (made by excessive volume of sound)

cáozáshēng

noise; sound; noisy; loud; to make a sound

xiǎng

noisy (making excessive volume of sound)

cáozáde; zàoshēng dà

noisy (making excessive volume of sound)

zàoshēng dà

none

dōu bù

none of X … (past event or with “have)

X dōu méi … (for: bù+le or bù+yǒu)

none of X … (past event or with “have)

X yíge yě méi … (for: bù+le or bù+yǒu)

none of X … (present or past without “have”)

X dōu bù …

none of X … (present or past without “have”)

X yíge yě bù …

nonetheless; although

jǐn'guǎn

nonsense; rubbish

fèihuà

noodles

chángshòu miàn

noodles

miàntiáo[r]

noon; midday; afternoon

zhōngwǔ

no-one (subject in part of a sentence)

méi yǒu rén

no-one (subject or object in a sentence)

shéi yě bù

nor did X … (e.g. nor did I …)

X yě méi … (for past)

nor do X … (e.g. nor do I …)

X yě bù …

nor do X have (e.g. nor do I have)

X yě méi yǒu

normal; natural

zhēngcháng

normal; regular

gùdìngde

normal; regular

zhèngcháng

normal; regular (in frequency)

dìngqī

normal; usual; general; normally; generally

tōngcháng

normally; regularly

zhèngchángde

normally; regularly (in frequency)

dìngqī de

north

běi

North America

Běi Měizhōu

north east; the north east provinces

dōngběi

North Korea

Cháoxiān; Cháoxiǎn

North Pole

běijí

northwest; northwestern; northwest

xīběi

Norway

Nuówēi

Norwegian (general things)

Nuówēide

Norwegian (people)

Nuówēirén

nose

bízi

nostril

bíkǒng

not all

bù dōu

not at all

bú xiè

not at all (lit. no need thank)

bú yòng xiè

Not at all (responding expression of thanks)

bú kèqi

not at all …; not particularly …; not very …

bù zěnme …

Not at all!

dāngrán bú shì!

not at all; no way; not a bit

yìdiǎn[r] yě bù

not bad; quite good; ‘yes: correct’

búcuò

not compare well with

bùrú (See also rú)

not even one …

yìX … yě bù … (X is a MW like ‘ge’)

not for certain; not necessarily

bùyídìng

not look like

bú xiàng

not matter …; however …

bùguǎn …

not only

búdàn

not only

bùjǐn

not only … but also

búdàn … érqiě

not really (reaction to a comment)

nǎli nǎli

not salty; tasteless; weak; slack

dàn

not see a sight; to disappear; turn invisible

kàn bù jiàn

not see a sight; to disappear; turn invisible

kàn bù jiàn

not serious; unimportant

bú yàojǐn

not so good

bù zěnmeyàng

not so good

bùzěnmeyàng

not speaking; not making a sound

mò bú zuò shēng

not spicy; mild

wèidànde

not that good

bù xíng

not the least; not even a little

yīdiǎn[r] bù; yìdiǎn[r] bù

not the least; not even a little

yìdiǎn[r] bù; yīdiǎn[r] bù

not the same; different; distinct; dissimilar

bùtóng

not the slightest bit of

háobù

not to complete doing … (an action)

méi … dào

not to want to

bù xiǎng

not to want to

bùxiǎng

not very …

bú tài …

not very good; not too well

bù zěnmeyàng

not yet

shàngwèi

not
— (Note that normally, “Yes” or “No” are achieved by repeating the verb that was in the question. For example, “Do you not know?” when you know, is answered: “[I] know!” When you do not know, it is answered: “[I] not know.”)

bù

not; No

bù
— (pronounced “bú” before 4th tone words, for example, “bú shì”)

not; no (with verbs or adjectives)

búshì

not; not to (no permission - c.f. “Don't …!”)

wù …

not; not yet

wèi

notable; distinct; marked; prominent

xiǎnzhù

note (informal written message)

biàntiáo

note (money)

chāopiào  (MW is [yì]zhāng)

note (money)

zhǐbì  (MW is [yì]zhāng)

note; comment (to explain part of a text)

zhùshì

note; slip; legal clause; article

tiáo

notebook

bǐjìběn

notes; record; memo; reminder

bǐjì

nothing

méiyǒu shénme

nothing special; so so

yìbān

nothing whatever; none of the things

shénme dōu bù

nothing whatever; none of the things

shénme yě bù

notification; notice; warning

tōngzhī  (MW is [yí]fèn)

nourishment; nutrition

yíngyǎng

now and in the future

zài xiànjīn hé wèilái

now and in the future

zài xiànjīn hé wèilái

now; currently; at present; nowadays

xiànzài

now; the present

xiànzài

nowadays

shízhì jīnrì

nowadays

shízhìjīnrì

nowadays; at this present time; these days

rújīn

nowhere

nàr dōu bú zài

nowhere (past event or with “have)

nǎr dōu méi … (for: bù+le or bù+yǒu)

nowhere (past event or with “have)

rènhé dìfang dōu méi … (bù+le or bù+yǒu)

nowhere (present or past without “have”)

nǎr dōu bù …

nowhere (present or past without “have”)

rènhé dìfang dōu bù …

nuclear bomb

yuánzǐdàn  (MW is [yì]kē)

nuclear power-station

hédiànzhàn  (MW is [yí]zuò)

nuclear war

hézhànzhēng  (MW is [yì]chǎng)

nuclear weapons

héwǔqì

nuisance

tǎoyàn

numb

mámù[de]

number (as for telephone, telex, fax numbers and car registration plates)

hàomǎ

number (of a house, fit, etc.); mark; sign

hào

number of population; number in family

rénkǒu

number plate (vehicle)

hàomǎpái

number; figure; digit

shùzì; shùzi

number; figure; digit; a few; some; several

shù

number; quantity

shùmù

numerous; manifold; extensive; vast; great

guǎngdà

nun (Buddhist)

nígū

nun (in Christendom)

xiūnǚ

nurse (medical)

hùshi

nutritious

yǒu yíngyǎng

nylon

nílóng

o

 

oak (timber)

xiàngmù

oak (timber)

zuòmù

oak (tree)

xiàngshù  (MW is [yì]kē)

oar

jiǎng (MW is [yì]gēn)

obedient

fúcóngde

obedient

gōngshùn

obedient

shùncóng

obedient; following instructions

tīnghuà

object (of a sentence)

bīnyǔ

object of affections; boyfriend; girlfriend

duìxiàng

objective

kèguān

observation; examination; check

guānchá

obstruction; hindrance

zhàng'ài

obvious

xiǎn'éryìjiàn

obviously; evidently

yóu cǐ kějiàn

obviously; evidently

yóu cǐ kějiàn

occasionally

zǎo qián

occupation; profession (not unpaid amateur)

zhíyè

ocean; marine waterways; oceans and seas

hǎiyáng

o'clock

diǎn [zhōng]

o'clock

diǎnzhōng

octopus

zhāngyú  (MW is [yì]tiáo)

odd (number of house, seat, row, etc.)

dānhào

odd number (not even mathematically)

jīshù

odd; one remaining without a partner

bù chéngduì de; dānzhī de

odd; one remaining without a partner

dānzhī de

odd; strange

gǔgài

odour; odor

wèir  (MW is [yò]zhǒng)

of [the book]

[shū] de

of [very good quality]

[hěn hǎo] de

of [yours]

[nǐ]de

of …; …'s; …s'

…de (See Study 18 on transformative uses of ‘de’)

of course

dāngrán

of great weight; very important; great

zhòngdà

of minor importance

ciyào de

of New Zealand (things generally)

Xīnxīlànde

of poor quality

dīliè

of; from

[shǔyú] … de

off (turned off)

guānle

off the land; locally grown; unenlightened

tǔ

offering; to provide; offer

tígōng

office (place of work)

bàn'gōngshì

office block

bàn'gōnglóu

office director; department head; chairperson

júzhǎng

officer; official (of government)

guānyuán

official (concerning duties)

gōngwù

official (from public authority)

guānfāng [de]

official; formal; regular; officially; formally

zhèngshì[de]

offspring

tāi

offspring

tāi'ér; tāi

offspring; child; son; daughter

háizi

often

cháng

often; frequently

jīngcháng

often; occasionally; now and again

chángcháng

Oh dear! (My word!)

āiyā

Oh!

ā

oh! (but oh!)

āi

Oh! (is that so?)

ó

Oh! (just realized)

ò

OK

hǎode

OK; acceptable; fine; quite good

kěyǐ

OK; satisfactory; capable; competent

xíng

old home town

lǎojiā

old man (disrespectful term)

lǎotóur

Old Testament

Jiùyuē

old
— … years old

suì
— … suì

old
— how old are you? (not older person or child)

suì
— nǐ duōshǎo suì le?

old; aged (advanced in years); not young

lǎo

old; much; great; big; large

dà

old; old-fashioned; used; not new

jiù

olden times; in olden times

gǔ shíhou

old-fashioned (people)

shǒujiù

old-fashioned (thoughts, style of dress)

guòshí de  (See: shǒujiù de)

old-fashioned; overgrown; long-term

lǎo

olive

gǎnlǎn

olive coloured

gǎnlǎnsè de

olive oil

gǎnlǎn yóu

-ology (field of study); knowledge; learning

xué

Olympic (games)

Àolínpǐkè [Yùndònghuì]

Olympics

Àoyùnhuì

omelette

jiāndànbìng

on behalf of; for; in place of; substituting for

tì …; dài …

on behalf of; substitute; acting

dài …

on continuing to … (some current activity)

zài …

on doing X [do] Y; after X then Y

X zài Y

on earth

[zài] dìshang [de]

on fire

zháohuǒ

on one hand … on the other hand

yì fāngmiàn … yì fāngmiàn

on one side (or hand) X, on the other side Y

yì fāngmiàn X [lìng] yì fāngmiàn Y

on one's own; independently; own

dúlìde

on the basis; according to; per

gēnjù

on the dot; punctual; sharp; exact (time)

zhèng

on the dot; punctually; sharp; exact[ly] (time)

zhěng

on the radio (transmitted, broadcast)

zài guǎngbō li

on the way

jiù lái

on the way

kuài dào le

on the way; all the trip; during the journey

yílù

on the way; en route on the road

lùshang

on the whole

zhěngtǐ lái kàn

on
— [located] on …

shang  (or: shàng)
— [zài] … shang

on!
— … on! … up! (encouraging or urging)

na!
— … na!

on; at; above; on top
— [located] on …; at …; above …

shàng (or: shang)

— [zài] … shàng

on; in regard to; on the aspect of …

[zài] … shàngbian

on; turned on

kāile

once

yī cì

once … (after …)

yídàn …

once … then

yídàn … jiù

once; one time

yícì; cìxià

once; one time

cìxià

once; one time

yícì

once…; as soon as …

yì … jiù

one

yī (“yī” is not normally used with a measure word (MW) when defining the number.)     

one (a person, you)

nǐ; yíge rén

one (a person, you)

yíge rén; nǐ

one (meaning oneself, the speaker; I; me)

rénjia

one (particular, certain)

mǒuyī

one after another; continuously; in a row

liánxù

one after another; even; also; to link

lián

one after the other; in succession

lùxù

one and a half

yígebàn

one another; mutually

bícǐ; hùxiāng

one at a time; one by one

yíge yíge de

one meal a day

měitiān yīdùn fàn  (dùn as a nominal MW)

one pattern; consistent; identical

yízhì

one side; one time

yìbiān

one square kilometre

yì píngfāng gōnglǐ

one straight after another; successively

fēnfēn

one third (fraction of whole)

sānfēnzhīyī

one way; alongside; together; side by side

yídào

one who …?

yàng de rén

one; a; an; each; per each

yī [Pronunciation varies: yī (counting); yì (before  à ,  á or  â ); yí (before  ã ))

one's (e.g. him) self; in person; personally

qīnzì

one's person; one's own side

shēnbiān

oneself; itself; life; body; person

shēn

oneself; personally; in person

běn

oneself; self; self-

zìwǒ

one-way ticket

dānchéngpiào

onion

yángcōng

only (need or cost)

zhǐ yào

only (need or cost)

zhǐ yào

only daughter

dúshēngnǚ

only if … [otherwise] …

chúfei … [bùrán] …

only if … [otherwise] …

chúfei … [fǒuzé] …

only one; single; the same; together; all …

yī … (pronounced as yì … or yí …)

only son

dúshēngzǐ

only; just; merely

zhǐ

only; just; merely; sole; however; but

zhǐshì

only; only then; only just; not … until

cái

only; single; sole

wéiyī

only; unless; only if; only by

zhǐyǒu

onto

shàngle

onto …

dào … shang

open (door, window)

kāizhe [de]

open(ed)

kaizhe

open; frank

tǎnshuài

open; open for the public; known to the public

gōngkāi

open-air; outdoors; beneath the sky

lùtiān

opera

gējù  (MW is [yí]bù)

operating system (of a computer)

cāozuò xìtǒng

operation (surgical)

shǒushù

operator (running a machine)

cāozuò rényuán (See also: diànhuà …)

opinion

kànfa (MW is [yì]zhǒng)

opinion (in my opinion; as I see it)

yī wǒ kàn

opinion; idea; view; advice

yìjiàn

opponent (debate, argument, viewpoint)

fǎnduìzhě

opponent; rival (physical challenge)

duìshǒu

opportunity; occasion; chance

jīhuì

opposed; in opposition

duìlìde

opposite side

duìmiàn

opposite side; opposite (facing)

— located opposite …

duìmiàn
— [zài] … duìmiàn

optician (maker of spectacles)

yǎnjìng zhìzhàozhě

optician (maker of spectacles)

yǎnjìng zhìzhàozhě

optician (seller of spectacles)

yǎnjìng shāng

optician (seller of spectacles)

yǎnjìng shāng

optimist

lèguānzhǔyìzhě

optimistic

lèguānzhǔyì de

optional

fēiqiángzhìde

or else
— [is it] X or Y?

háishì
— [shì] X háishì Y?

or;  alternatively (as used in questions)

… háishì …; … háishi …

oral (of the mouth)

kǒubù de

oral (spoken)

kǒutóu

oral (taken into the body through the mouth)

kǒufú de

orange (colour)

chéng

orange (coloured)

júsè

orange (fruit)

chéngzi

orange coloured

chéngsè

orange juice

júzizhī

orange; tangerine

júzi

orchard

guǒyuán

orchestra

guǎnxián yuèduì

orchestra

guǎnxián yuèduì

order (by number; …st; …nd; …rd; …th for ordinal numbers)
— 1st, 2nd, 3rd

dì …

— dì yī, dì ér, dì sān

order (made for goods to be supplied)

dìnggòu

order; instruction

fēnfu

order; sequence

cìxù

ordinary; common

píng

ordinary; common people

lǎobǎixìng

organ (body part)

qìguān

organ (musical)

fēngqín

organization

jīguān

organization; to organize

zǔzhī

organized; orderly

yǒu zhìxù de

organizing (arrangement; arranging)

ānpái

origin

qǐyuán

original (first)

zuì zǎo de

original (first)

zuìchūde; zuìchū de

original (not a copy or derivative)

yuán[lái]

original (not a copy or derivative)

yuánlái

original manuscript

yuángǎo (MW is [yí]fèn)

original; first; at first; originally

běnlái

original; former; previous

yuánlái

originally

běn

ornament; decoration

zhuāngshìpǐn

orphan

gū'ér

ostentation

shénshèng

other areas away from home; external regions

wàidì

other people; “they” (e.g. they do say)

rénjia

other sheep

lìngwài de miányáng

other; another; another [one]; separately

lìng

other; anything else

biéde

other; separate; another; separately; as extra

lìngwài

others; other people; another person

bié rén

others; other people; another person

biéren; bié rén

otter

shuǐtǎ; tǎ

otter

tǎ; shuǐtǎ

ought not to; ought not to have … (but did)

běnlái bù yīnggāi

ought to …

yīnggāi …

ought to …; had best do …

bùrú …

ought to; ought to have … (but didn't)

běn gāi; běn yīng[gāi]

ought to; ought to have … (but didn't)

běn[lái] yīng[gāi]; běnlái

our

wǒmende

out from

cóng chū

out from

cóngchū

out; outwards; away

chū

outcry

hūháo

outdoor

shìwài

outdoor swimming pool

shìwài yóuyǒngchí

outdoors; in the open country

yěwài

outdoors; outside the building
— [located] outdoors

shìwài (See also: yěwài)
— [zài] shìwài

outer garment on the chest; jacket; overcoat

shàngyī

outer layer; skin; peel; bark; hide; leather

pí

outer space

wàicéng kōngjiān

outer space

tàikōng

outer space

wàicéng kōngjiān

outer space; empty space

kōngjiān

outside (the outside)

wàimiàn

outside (to bring … outside)

bǎ … bānchūlai

outside …

[zài] … wàibian

outside of …

… de wàibian

outside
— outside of …

wàimiàn
— … de wàimiàn

outside; exterior; foreign country

wài

outside; external; other; foreign

wài

outside; out
— [located] outside of …

wài
— [zài] … wài

outside; out
— [located] outside of …

wàibian (See also: wàimian)
— [zài] … wàibian

outside; out
— [located] outside of …

wàimiàn (or: wàimian. See also: wàibian)
— [zài] … wàimiàn

outside; out
— [located] outside of …

wàimian (or: wàimiàn. See also: wàibian)
— [zài] … wàimian

outstanding (=out+face); excellent

chūsè

outwards; out

… chūqu (after a verb)

oval (the shape)

tuǒyuánxíngde

oven

kǎolú

oven

kǎoxiāng

over there

nèibiān

over there; over that side

nà biān

over there; over that side

nàbiān

over to; after

guò

over
— over X

yǐshàng
— X yǐshàng

over; above
— [located] over

shàngfāng
— [zài] shàngfāng

over; above; on; above; overhead

yǐshàng

over; to turn over

fān'guòlái

overall; comprehensive; all-embracing

zōnghé

overcast; clouded over; cloudy; shady

yīn

overcast; cloudy

duōyún

overdose

guòliàng yòng yào

over-ripe; rotten; worn out; very well cooked

làn

overseas Chinese people

huáqiáo

overseas Chinese people

Huá-rén

overseas student

liúxuéshēng

overturned

dǎfān

overweight

chāozhòng

owl

māotóuyīng

own self; oneself; one's own

zì

own support

zìshí-qílì

own; self; oneself

zìjǐ

owner; host; hostess

zhǔrén

oyster

háo

oyster

múlì

p

 

paddy rice

shuǐdào

page

yíyì

page
— [located on] page three

yè
— [zài] dìsānyè

page; face of sheet

miàn

page; leaf

yè

pain; ache; to be painful; ache

téng

pain; agony; suffering; to be in pain; suffer

tòngkǔ

pain; sadness; sorrow; to pain; ache; hurt

tòng

painful; bitter; miserable; very unhappy

tòngkǔ

painful; distressing

tòngkǔ

painful; sore

suāntòng

painful; sore; aching

téngtòng

paint; to paint (buildings, furniture)

yóuqī (See also: huà, yóu )

paintbrush (for painting decoration)

shuāzi (MW is [yì]bǎ  ) (See also: huàbǐ )

paintbrush (for painting pictures)

huàbǐ (MW is [yì]zhī ) (See also: shuāzi )

painter (for decorating. See also: artist)

yóuqījiàng (See also: huàjiā )

painting; drawing (activity)

huìhuà (See also: huà )

paintkiller

zhǐtòngyào

Pakistan

Bājīstǎn

palace

gōngdiàn

pale (face, etc.)

cāngbái

pale (moon)

àndàn

pale; post; pole; stake

gān

pan; pot; saucepan

guō

pancake

báojiānbǐng

panda

xióngmāo

pangs of distress

chǎntòng

panic

jīnghuāng

panic

kǒnghuāng

panorama

quánjǐng

pants; trousers (USA); [under]pants (British)

kùzi (MW is [yì]tiáo)

pantyhose

jǐnshēnkù

paper (writing paper, drawing paper)

zhǐ

paper; document; letter

wénjiàn

parachuting

tiàosǎn

parade (procession)

yóuxíng (MW is [yí]cì)

paradise

lèyuán

paragraph

duàn

paralysed

tānhuàn

paralyzed

tānhuàn

parcel; package

bāoguǒ (MW is [yí]jiàn)

parent; relative; next-of-kin; marriage

qīn

parents

fùmǔ

Paris

Bālí

park; a common; gardens

gōngyuán

park; garden

yuán

parking lot

tíngchēchǎng

parking meter

tíngchē jìshíqì

parliament

guóhuì; yìhuì

parliament

yìhuì; guóhuì

parrot

yīngwǔ (MW is [yì]zhī )

part (mechanical)

bùjiàn; língjiàn

part (mechanical)

língjiàn

part of male sex organ

yīngjīng

part; portion; section

bù fen

part; portion; section

bùfèn; bùfen

part; section; phase; zone; area; department

bù

partial; biased; one-sided

piànmiàn

particle at the end of a sentence expressing admiration, warning or request

ā

partly

yībùfèn

partner (dance)

wǔbàn

partner (in business)

héhuǒrén

partner in business; business partner

hézuòzhě

part-time

fēi quánrì

party; gathering event

liánhuānhuì

passage; access; way through

tōngdào  (MW is [yì]tiáo)

passageway; passage; corridor

zǒuláng

passenger

chéngkè

passenger cabin

kècāng

passenger ship

kèlún (MW is [yì]sōu)

passing beyond
— … over (becoming abnormal)

guòqu

— …guòqu

Passover

ānxīrì

Passover

Yúyuèjié

passport

hùzhào  (MW is [yì]běn)

past (o'clock)

guò

past; former

guòqù; guòqùde; guòqù de

pasta

Yìdàlì fěn

pastime

xiāoqiǎn

pastry (to be baked)

miànhú

patch (mending holes in things)

bǔding

paternal grandfather

zǔfù

paternal grandmother

zǔmǔ

paternal grandparents

zǔfùmǔ

path; alley; narrow lane

xiǎodào

path; footway; walkway

zǒudào

path; route; way (for things to get through)

guǐdào (MW is [yì]tiáo)

patience; strength; stamina

nàilì

patient; calm

nàifán

patient; calm; patiently; calmly; patience

nàixīn

patient; sick person

bìngrén

patrol

xúnluó

patrol car

xúnluó chē (MW is [yí]liàng)

pattern (system evident in form)

tú'àn

pattern(shape followed for making things)

yàngbǎn

pattern; model

móxíng

pattern; model; example

mófàn

pattern; model; sample

yàngzi

pattern; model; sample; form; look

yàng

patterned

fǎngzàode

paved road; pavement

pūguo de dàolù

paved road; pavement

pūguo de lùmiàn

paved surface; pavement

pūguo de dìmiàn

pavement (footway); sidewalk

rénxíngdào

paving

pūguo

pay attention

liúyì

pay; wages; salary

xīnshuǐ

payment

zhīfù

pea

wàndòu (MW is [yí]lì )

peaaceful

hépíngde

peace

hépíng

peace (stability)

ānníng

peace; pacific

tàipíng

peace; peaceful

píng'ān

peaceful (quiet)

ānjìng

peaceful (secure; content)

ān

peaceful; impartial; objective

píng

peaceful; still; calm; quick; silent

jìng

peaceful; undisturbed; quiet

qīngjìng

peacefully; in peace

píngpíng-ān'ān

peach

táo[zi]

peach

táozi

peacock

kǒngquè

peak; summit

dǐngfēng

peak; summit

shāndǐng

peanut

huāshēng[mǐ] (MW is [yí]lì)

pear

lí

pearl

zhēnzhū; zhènzhu  (MW is [yì]kē )

pearl

zhènzhu; zhēnzhū

peas

wāndòu

pebble

é'luǎnshí

pebble

shízǐ

pebble; stone; rock

shí

pedestrian crossing

rénxíng héngdào (MW is [yì]tiáo)

pedestrian; walker

xíngrén

Peking opera

jīngjù

Peking opera

jīngxì

penalty

chùfá

penalty (football)

diǎnqiú

pencil

qiānbǐ

pencil case

qiānbǐhé

pencil sharpener

qiānbǐ dāo

penfriend

bǐyǒu

penguin

qǐ'é

penknife

xiāobǐdāo

pensioner

tuìxiū de rén

people (in general)

rénmen

people of the world

shìjiè rénmín

pepper

hújiāo

pepper
— X pepper (colour specified by X)

jiāo
— Xjiāo

peppers; capsicums (generally)

qīngjiāo

per cent
— X per cent

bǎifěnzhī
— bǎifěnzhī X

per; according to; to seize; occupy

jù

per; by; according to, on the basis of

àn

per; in accordance with; in view of

yīzhào

percentage

bǎifēnbǐ

perfect

zhèngyì

perfect; flawless

wánměi [de]; wúxiá [de]

perfect; flawless

wúxiá [de]; wánměi [de]

perfectly; fully; completely

wánquán

performance; showing; production (theatre)

yǎnchū

performer; actor

[nán] yǎnyuán

performer; actor

[nán] yǎnyuán

performer; actress

[nǚ] yǎnyuán

performer; actress

[nǚ] yǎnyuán

perfume

xiāngshuǐ

perfume aroma

xiāngwèir

permanent

yǒngjiǔ[de]

permission

xǔkě

permit

xǔkězhèng

permit; license

zhízhào

persecution

pòhài

persistent; to insist; persist; cling to; stick to

jiānchí

person on disability allowance

língqǔ fǔxùjīn de rén

person; people

rén

personal character; morality; quality of work

pǐng'é

personal; one's own; private

gèrén de

personal; own

zìjǐde; zìjǐ de

personal; private

sīrén[de]

personality; personal character

gèxìng

personnel; members of staff

rényuán

person's information on record

lǚlì

perspicacity; insight; understanding

xīndé

perspiration; sweat

hàn

pessimism

bēiguānzhǔyì

pessimist

bēiguānzhě

pessimist

bēiguānzhǔyìzhě

pessimistic

bēiguān

pessimistic

bēiguānzhǔyìzhě de

pestilence

děng

pet animal

chǒngwù

petrol station

jiāyóuzhàn

petrol station

qìyóuzhàn

petrol; gasoline

qìyóu

petroleum; oil (from underground deposit)

shíyóu

petty thief; pickpocket

xiǎotōu

Pharisee

Fǎlìsaìpài

pharmacy

yàofáng

phase; stage; step (of development process)

jiēduàn

phenomenon

xiànxiàng

Philippines

Fēilǜbīn

Philippino; Filipino (in general)

Fēilǜbīnde

Philippino; Filipino (people)

Fēilǜbīnrén

Philippino; Filipino language (esp. spoken)

Fēilǜbīnyǔ

philosopher; expert in philosophy

zhéxuéjiā

philosophy

zhéxué

photocopier (machine)

fùyìnjī

photocopy

fùyìnjiàn

photographer

shèyǐngshī

physical

jiànkāng

physical (of the body)

shēntǐ de

physical (scientific study of nature)

wùlǐ de

physical attraction; sexual passion; sex

sè

physical change of state

wùlǐ biànhuà

physical education

tǐyù kè

physical examination

shēntǐ jiǎnchá

physical eye

ròuyǎn

physical strength; vitality; spirit; vigour

jìn

physical training; physical education; sports

tǐyù

physical; energy; power; effort; strength

lìqi

physically disabled

cánfèi

physics

wùlǐ

physics (study of physics)

wùlǐxué

piano

gāngqin

pickpocket

páshǒu

picnic

yěcán

picture ([a] picture); drawing; painting

huàr ([yìfú] huà(r)) (fú here is a MW)

picture; diagram; plan; map; scheme

tú

picture; drawing; painting (result)

huà[r] (MW is [yì]fú)

picture; image; portrait; to look like; be like

xiàng

picture; photograph

xiàngpiàn; zhàopiàn (MW is [yì]zhāng)

picture; photograph

zhàopiàn (MW is [yì]zhāng)

piece (chunk as of cheese)

kaùi

piece; section; portion (thin fragment)

suìpiàn

piercing (in shape or sound); sharp; pointed

jiān

pig; hog

zhū

pigeon

gézi

piles (disorderly heaps)
— … piles

duī
— … duī

pill

lì

pillow

zhěntou

pills; tablets

yàowǎn

pilot (flying)

fēijī jiàshǐyuán (MW is [yì]míng)

pilot (flying)

fēixíngyuán (MW is [yì]míng)

pilot (on water)

lǐnghángyuán (MW is [yì]míng)

pin

biézhēn (MW is [yì] gēn)

pin

dàtóuzhēn

pin; needle; stitch; injection

zhēn

pineapple

bōluó

ping-pong; table tennis

pīngpāngqiú

pink colour[ed]

fěnhóngsè

pink; rosy

fěnhóng

pint

pǐntuō

Pinyin; Chinese syllabic phonetic system

pīnyīn

pious

jìng

pipe (used for smoking)

yāndǒu

pirate

hǎidào

pitch (for games)

chǎngdì

pitiful; miserable

cǎn

pity

liǎnmǐn

pity; shame; regrettable; sad

kěxī

pity; shame; regrettable; sad

yíhàn; kěxī

pizza

bǐsàbǐng

pizza

Yìdàlì bǐsàbǐng

place (at university, hospital, in a company)

zhíwèi

place (to place; to arrange)

ānfàng

place (to place; to arrange; to allocate places)

ānzhì; ānfàng

place for people to gather; court; ground

chǎng

place to sit; seat; allocated place

zuòwèi

place to sit; seat; to sit

zuò

place; feature; office

chù

place; position; post

wèizhi

place; space; locality; zone

dìfang

place; station; site; office

suǒ

placed [thought of in …]

zài [… shàng] (or: shang)

plague

èjí

plain (not fancy)

dānchúnde

plain; plateau; flat lands; level ground

píngyuán

plain; simple

pǔsù

plain; straight forward; unsophisticated

pǔshí[de]

plait

biànzi

plan (to plan; to arrange; to organize)

ānpái

plan; plot; scheme

fāng'àn

plan; scheme; intention; to plan [to]; intend

dǎsuàn

planet

xíngxīng

planned activities (arrangements)

ānpái

plant (to plant)

ānchā

plastic bag

sùliàodài

plastics; plastic

sùliào

plate; board; plank

bǎn

plate; dish; tray; board

pánzi

plate; tray; games board

pán

platform

zhàntái

platform (raised) for speakers

jiǎngtái

platform (raised); stage; terrace; support

tái

play; drama

xìjù

play; drama; opera

jù

play; drama; opera

xì

player (musical instrument in a show)

yǎnyuán

player (musical instrument in a show)

yǎnzòuzhě

playing card

zhǐpái  (MW is [yì]zhān)

playing field; games ground; playground

yóuxì chǎngdì

pleasant to the ear

hǎotīng

Please …X…! (…X… is a verb)

Qǐng …X…!

please give me your attention

qǐngwèn

please sit [down]

qǐng zuò [xià]

pleasing; pleasant; enjoyable

lìng rén yúkuài de

plot (secret plan)

mìmì jìhuà

plug (electric)

chātóu

plug (in bath , basin)

sāizi

plum

lǐzi

plumber

guǎnzigōng

pocket money

línghuāqián

pocket money

língyòngqián

pocket money; small change

língqián

pocket; bag

kǒudài

poem; poetry; verse

shī

poet

shīrén

point in time; moment

shíhou

point of idea

diǎn

point of view; way of thinking

kànfǎ

point; thought; idea (in a conversation)

lùdiǎn

point; tip; sharp end; hook

jiān

poison (drug)

dúyào

poison (poisonous substance)

dúwù

poisonous

yǒudúde

pole; stick

gùn

police

gōng'ānjú

police officer

jǐngchá

police station

jǐngchájú

policy

zhèngcè

policy; key principle

fāngzhēn

polite; courteous; modest; humble

kèqi

political

zhèngzhì de

political

zhèngzhì shang de

political party

dǎng

political party

zhèngdǎng

political party member

dǎngyuán

political power; regime; power of the state

zhèngquán

politician

zhèngjiè

politician (derogeratorily)

zhèngkè

politician; statesman

zhèngzhìjiā

politics; state affairs; political

zhèngzhì

pollution; contamination; to pollute

wūrǎn

pond

chítáng

ponytail (hairstyle)

mǎwěi fàxíng

pool (table game)

dànzixì

pool of water

shuǐkēng

poor (not rich); in poor condition

pínqióng

poor (pitiful); meagre; pitiful; to pity

kělián

poor; hit by poverty

pínkǔ

poor; on hard times; impoverished

qióng

popular; fashionable

liúxíng

popular; folk

mínjiān

popular; widely favoured by …

shòu … huānyíng

popular; widely favoured by …

shòu … xǐhuan

pork

zhūròu

port

hǎigǎng

portrait

huàxiàng

portrait

xiāoxiàng

Portugal

Pútáoyá

Portuguese (language, especially spoken)

Pútáoyáyǔ

Portuguese (language, especially written)

Pútáoyáwén

Portuguese (people)

Pútáoyárén

Portuguese (things in general)

Pútáoyá de

position; place (allocated )

fāngwèi

positive; constructive; active; vigorous

jījí

positive; constructive; active; vigorous

jiànshèxìng de

positiveness; optimism; positive; optimistic

lèguān

positiveness; optimism; zeal

jījíxìng

possibility

kěnéngxìng

possibility; possible; perhaps

kěnéng

possible (action X: i.e. similar action Y is possible)

de (X de Y)

possibly

huò

possibly

kěnéngde

possibly
— [very] possibly

kěnéng
— [hěn] kěnéng

post office

yóujú

postage stamp

yóupiào

postbox; mailbox

xìntǒng

postcard

míngxìnpiàn

poster; hoarding; billboard

guǎnggào pái

postman; postwoman

yóudìyuán

pot (vessel used for preserving things)

guànzi

potato

tǔdòu

potato crisps

tǔdòupiàn

potter

táojiang

poultry

jiāqín

pound (weight)

bàng

powder

fěn

powerful; energetic; strong

yǒulì

powerful; strong

qiángdà[de]

powerful; strong; better

qiáng

practical (can work)

kěxíng de

practical (pertaining to the actual situation)

shíjì de

practical (putting into practice)

shíjiàn de

practical; of useful potential

shíyòng de

practically; in reality

shìshíshang

practice; exercise drill; to practise; exercise

liànxí

practice; to practise; put into practice

shíjiàn

praise

zàn

praise; to praise; sing praises for

zànměi

prayer

dǎowén

prayer

qídǎo

prayer; to pray

dǎogào

preaching (way)

chuándào

precaution

yùfáng cuòshī

precious; valuable

bǎoguì

precious; valuable

zhēn'guì; bǎoguì

precise

jīngquè

predecessors; ancestors; forefathers

zǔxiān

prediction

yùgào

preferential treatment; priority

yōuxiānquán

prejudice; preference

piān'ài

preliminary; possible; initial

chūbù

preparation; readying

zhǔnbèi

prepared; ready

zhǔnbèihǎo[le]

pre-school; kindergarten; nursery school

yòu'éryuán

prescription

chùfāng

prescription

yàofāng

present; current; contemporary; at present

dāngqián

present; gift; reward

shǎngcì

president (college); chairman; director

yuànzhǎng

president (of a panel)

huìzhǎng

president (of a republic)

zǒngtǒng

president; principal; headmaster (academic)

xiàozhǎng

press (to press by hand – e.g. a button)

àn

press (to press; to depress; to put pressure on)

àn

pressure

yā

pressure

yālì

pressure (to put pressure on); to depress to press

àn

pretty (said of women)

qiào

previous

qián'ge  (ge is a typical MW)

previous

qián ge  (ge is a typical MW)

previous …

qián X …  (X is a MW like ‘ge’)

previous …

qián ge  (ge is a typical MW)

previous; past

jiù

previously; before; formerly

cóngqián

previously; once; formerly

céngjīng

price

wùjià

price payable; cost (pain for the gain)

dàijià

price; cost; tariff

jiǎgé

pride

zìháo

pride; arrogance; proud; conceited; haughty

jiāo'ào

pride; self-respect

zìzūnxīn

priest

jiàoshì

priest (Roman Catholic)

shénfù

priest; minister of religion (Protestant)

mùshī

priesthood

jìsītuán

primary

chūbuì

primary school; elementary school

xiǎoxué

primary schoolchild; elementary schoolchild

xiǎoxuéshēng (See: zhōngxuéshēng)

prime minister

shǒuxiàng (MW is [yí]wèi)

prime minister; premier

zǒnglǐ

prince

wángzǐ

princess

gōngzhǔ

principle

yuánzé

principle; doctrine; teaching

dàolǐ

priority; main focus of attention

zhòngdiǎn

prison

jiānyù

private (not public)

sīlì

private detective

sījiā zhēntàn

private detective

sījiā zhēntàn

private school

sīli xuéxiào (MW is [yì]suǒ)

private; not state-owned

sīyǒu

private; not state-run

sīyíng

private[ly]

sī xià

privately; in private; secretly

sīxià

prize; praise; award; to praise; reward

jiǎng

probably; maybe

kǒngpà

probably; maybe; very likely

dàgài

problem

xíguàn

process; procedures; formalities

shǒuxù

processed; preserved; cured

jiāgōng chùlǐ

produce; goods; wares; load

huòwù

produce; yield; product

chǎnpǐn

production (of films)

shèzhì; pāishè

production (of films); to shoot (films)

pāishè

production; output (things manufactured)

shēngchǎn

products; goods

huò

profession; field of specialization; speciality

zhuānyè

professional

zhīshì

professional

zhuānyè de

professor

jiàoshòu

profit

lìrùn

profit; benefit

yìchù

profit; gain; advantage

hǎochù

programme (program – for a course, studies)

ānpái

programme; program

chéngxù

programme; program for a show

jiémùdān

programme; schedule; item; piece performed

jiémù

programme; schedule; series of events

jié

progress; advancement; to progress; advance

jìnbù

progressive; liberal

kāimíng

project; scheme; plan; map; arrangement

jìhuà

prominent; notable

wěidà

prominent; outstanding; salient; projecting

tūchū

prominently; conspicuously

tūchū

promise

nuòyán

promise; to promise

yǔnnuò

promised

yīngxǔ

pronunciation

yǔyīn

pronunciation; to pronounce

fāyīn

proof; certification; documentation; evidence

zhèngmíng

propaganda; to disseminate; propogate

xuānchuán

proper; suitable; appropriate; due

shìdàng; shìdang

properly

qiàdàng de

properly; suitably; appropriately

shìdàngde; shìdang de

property

cáichǎn

property (house owned)

fángchǎn

property (land owned)

dìchǎn

prophecy

yùnán

prophet

xiānzhī

proportion; ratio

bǐlì

prostitute

jìnǚ

protection; to protect; guard

bǎohù

protector; guardian

bǎohùrén

protest; to protest

kàngyì

protester

kàngyìzhě

proud; arrogant; haughty

àomàn

provided; so long as … then …

zhǐyào … jiù …

province; to omit; leave out; to save; spare

shěng

psychiatrist

jīngshéngbìng yīshēng

psychologist

xīnlǐ yīshēng

pub

jiǔguǎn[r]

public (for the public, e.g. public holiday)

gōngdìng

public security

gōng'ān

public square

guǎngchǎng

public telephone

gōngyòng diànhuà

public transport

gōnggōng jiāotōng

public; common; of the community

gōnggòng

public; public use; for use by the public

gōngyòng

publications

shūkān

publicly declaring

xuānyáng

publishers; publishing organization

chūbǎnshè

pudding

bùdīng

puddle

xiǎo shuǐkēng

pullover

tàoshān

pump

bèng

pumpkin

nān'guā

punctual; on time

zhǔnshí

punctual; punctually; according to time; on time;

ànshí

punctuation

biāodiǎn

punctuation mark

biāodiǎn fúhào

puncture

cìkǒng

punishment

chěngfá; chùfá

punishment

chùfá; chěngfá

punishment; disciplinary measure

chǔfèn

pupil; student

xuésheng (Use with “nán” or “nǚ” )

puppet

mù'ǒu

pure

chúnde

pure (describing form of language, accent)

chúnzhèng

pure (unadulterated; unmixed)

chún

pure (without bad ideas)

chúnjié

pure; clean

chúnjìng; jiéjìng

pure; clean water

chúnjìng de shuǐ

pure; innocent; naive

tiānzhēn

pure; plain; sheer; utter; complete

chúncuì

purple

zǐ

purple

zǐsè

purpose; practical function

yòngchū

purse; wallet

qiánbāo

pushcart

shǒutuīchē

pushchair

yīnghái tuīchē

pushchair

yīnghái tuīchē

puzzle of a question

nántí

puzzled

míhuò

puzzled

shòu míhuò

pyjama trousers

shuìkù

pyjamas; nightclothes

shuìyī

q

 

qualification

zīgé

qualified

yǒu zīgé de

quality

tèzhì

quality (extent of goodness)

zhìliàng

quality; school grade

jí

quality; special characteristic

tèxìng

quality; style; character

pǐnzhì

quantity; amount; volume; capacity

liàng

quarter of an hour; 15 minutes

kè

queen

nǚwáng

question; issue; problem; trouble

wèntí

question; query; doubt

yíwèn

quickly

hěnkuàide

quickly

jǐnkuài

quiet (peaceful; silent)

ānjìng

quiet; not talkative

wénjìng

quite a long time; half a day

bàntiān

quite; fairly; rather

tǐng

quiz

wèndá bǐsài

r

 

Rabbi

Lābǐ

rabbit; hare

tùzi

rabies

kuángquǎnbìng

race; competition; contest; to race; compete

jìngsài

race; match; competition

sài

racehorse

bǐsài yòng de mǎ (MW is [yì]pí )

racetrack (animals)

pǎodào

racetrack (for cars)

chēdào

racetrack (for cars)

sàihēdào

racism

zhǒngzú qíshì

racism

zhǒngzú zhǔyì

racket; racquet

qiúpāi

radical part of a Chinese character

páng

radio

shōuyīnjī

radio show; radio programme

guǎngbō jiémù

radio station; broadcasting station

diàntái; guǎngbō diàntái

radish; turnip

luóbo

rage

dànù

rage

kuángnù

raid

xíjī

rail (hand rail)

fúshǒu

railway line

tiělùxiàn (MW is [yì]tiáo)

railway station

huǒchēzhàn

railway; railroad

tiědào (MW is [yì]tiáo)

railway; railroad

tiělù (MW is [yì]tiáo)

rain

yǔ

rainbow

cǎihóng (MW is [yí]dào]

raincoat

yǔyī (MW is [yí]jiàn)

RAM (of a computer)

nèicún

range (extent)

fúdù

range (mountain range)

shānmài

range; magnitude; scale

guīmó

range; scope; area

fànwéi

range; stove

lúzào

rank; social status; station in life; position

dìwèi

ranking

dìwèi gāo de

ranks; troops

duìwu

ransom

juìshú

ransom

shújià

rapid; fast; quick; rapidly; fast; quickly

xùnsù

rare (seldom met)

hǎnjiàn

rare (seldom met)

xīyǒu

rare; uncooked

bànshúde

rarely; seldom

lǎoshì bù

rarely; to lack

shǎo

raspberry

mùméi

rat; mouse

hàozi

rat; mouse

shǔ

rather than

níngkě

rather; but is

érshì; ér shì

rather; somewhat; a bit

shāo

rather; somewhat; a bit; slightly

shāowēi

raw materials

yuán cáiliào

raw white rice

dàmǐ

razor

guāhúdāo (MW is [yì]bǎ )

razor

guāliǎndāo (MW is [yì]bǎ )

razor blade

dāopiàn

re-; again

chóng

re; regarding; per; according to

jiù

re; respecting; regarding

duìyú

re-…

…guòlai

reactionary

fǎndòng

read aloud [something]

nián …

reading (process)

dúshū

reading (process)

yuèdú

reading room

yuèlǎnshì

ready; happy (willing)

lèyì

ready; happy (willing)

yuànyì

ready; prepared; all set

zuòhǎo zhǔnbei

realism

xiànshí zhǔyì

reality

shítǐ

reality; practicality; realistic; practical

xiànshí

really

shí-shí zài-zài

Really, …; finally [then]

dàodǐ …

really; in fact; actually

bìng

really; indeed; very much

díquè

rear (part behind)

hoùbù

rear; back; tail

hòumiàn

reason

qínglǐ

reason ([the] reason [is] …)

yuányīn …

reason (connection)
— X being the cause or reason; because of X

guānxi
— X de guānxi

reason (pattern of thought)

dàolǐ

reason; ground

yuányīn

reasonable (in price)

gōngdào

reasonable (not a bad price)

búguì

reasonable; logical; reasoning

hélǐ

reassurance (comfort; consolation)

ānwèi

reassured

fàngxīn

receipt

shōujù (MW is [yì]zhāng)

receipts; income; revenue; to receive

shōurù

recent; last

zuìjìn de

recent; late (of recent time)

jìnlái de

recently; lately

jìnlái

recently; lately

zuìjìn

reception

fúwùtái

reception (event); welcoming party

zhāodàihuì

reception (receiving, welcoming); hosting

jiēdài

reception facility; reception area

jiēdàichù

receptionist

jiēdàiyuán

recipe

pēngtiáo fāngfǎ (MW is [yì]zhǒng)

recipe

shípǔ

recklessly; hastily; thoughtlessly

húluàn

recollection; remembrance; memories

huíyì

recommendation; to recommend (as suitable)

tuījiàn

record (of a musical performance)

chàngpiàn

record (of details concerning a process)

jìlù

record player

diànchàngjī  (MW is [yì]tái )

record player

liúshēngjī  (MW is [yì]tái )

recorder (flute-like instrument)

dízi (MW is [yì]tái )

recovery; re-establishment; restoration

huīfù

rectangle

chángfāngxíng

red

hóng (de)

red banner; red flag

hóngqí

red colour[ed]

hóngsè [de]

red wine

hóng pútaojiǔ

redeemer

jiùshúzhǔ

reduction

jiǎnshǎo

reduction

suōjiǎn

redundant (from work)

bèi cáijiǎn de

redundant; excess to requirements

guòshèng

referee (character)

jiàndìngrén (MW is [yì]míng)

referee (character)

shěnchárén (MW is [yì]míng)

reference item; to refer to; consult

cānkǎo

reflection (mirroring)

dàoyǐng

reflection; deep thinking

jiànjiě; xiǎngfǎ (MW is [yì]zhǒng)

reflection; deep thinking

xiǎngfǎ (MW is [yì]zhǒng)

reflection; mirroring

fǎnyìng

reflection; shadow; impression

yǐngzi

reform; reformation; to reform

gǎigé

refreshed; invigorated

zhēnzuò de

refreshing (slightly cooling)

liángshuǎng; qīngshuǎng

refreshing (slightly cooling)

qīngshuǎng; liángshuǎng

refrigerator

bīngxiāng; diànbīngxiāng (MW is [yì]tái )

refrigerator

diànbīngxiāng

refugee

bìnànzhě

refugee

nànmín; bìnànzhě

refusal; to refuse; reject

jùjué

refuse; garbage

fèiwù

regarding; re; with respect to; about; on; for

duì

regimented

jūni

regional

dìqū de

regional

júbù de

register (written record)

dēngjìbù (MW is [yì]běn)

registered letter; registered post

guàhàoxìn

regret (to regret; to repent)

aòhuǐ

regret; pity; to regret (feel sorry)

yíhàn

regrettably

yíhànde

regular; regularly (as a rule)

yǒu guīlǜ de

regular; regularly (as a rule)

guīzé de

regulation; requirement; rule

guīzé

regulation; rule

zé

rehearsal (practice before performance)

páiliàn; páiyǎn (MW is [yí]cì )

rehearsal (practice before performance)

páiyǎn; páiliàn (MW is [yí]cì )

related

xiàngguān

related; kin (of mother, sister, or daughter)

wài

relation (in relation to; according to; on the basis of)

ànzhào

relationship; connection; relevance; import

guānxi

relationship; friendship

yǒuyì

relative; kin; family

qīnqi (MW is [yí]ge)

relatively; fairly; quite; rather

bǐjiào

relaxed; less severe

huǎnghé de

relaxed; light

qīngsōng

relaxed; loosened; eased off

fàngsōng de

relevant; concerned; involved

yǒuguān

reliability; sureness

bǎwò

reliable  (trustworthy)

kěyǐ xìnlai de

reliable; dependable; one to be trusted

kěkào

reliable; safe; sure

yǒu bǎwò

relieved

kuānwèi

religion

zōngjiào

religious education

zōngjiào kè

reluctantly; narrowly; unconvincing

miǎnqiǎng

remain

jiānshǒu

remainder; rest; what is left

shèngxià[de]

remaining solemnly quite

sùjìng

remarkable

fēifán

remarkable

zhuóyuè

remarkable; notable

wěidà

remote control (device)

yáokòngqì

remove (to remove); to move house; to move

bān

renowned; famous; well known

yǒumíng

rent; hire

fángzū

rental payment

zūjīn

repeatedly

fǎnfù

repeatedly; again and again; over and over

zàisān

repent (to repent; to regret)

aòhuǐ

repetition

chóngdǎo

report; summary; to report; summarize

zǒngjié

reporter

baògàorén

reporting of news; to report on news

bàodào

representation; emblem; symbol

xiàngzhēng

representative; to represent; act on behalf of

dàibiǎo

republic

gònghéguó

request; to request; ask

qǐngqiú

requirement; rule; regulation; to regulate

guīdìng

research academy; research institute

yánjiūyuàn

research fellow

yánjiūyuán

research institute

yánjiūsuǒ

research student; postgraduate

yánjiūshēng

resentment

bùmǎn

reservation; booking

yùdìng

reservation; to retain; reserve; hold on to

bǎoliú

reserve (for animals)

bǎoliúdì

resources; wherewithall; natural resources

zīyuán

respect

zūnyán

respect; to respect; honour; esteem

zūnzhòng

response by letter; response to a letter

huíxìn

response; reaction; to react

fǎnyìng

responsibility; task; assignment

rènwù; rènwu

responsible; conscientious

fùzé

restaurant

cān'guǎn

restaurant

fàn'guǎn

restaurant; canteen; dining hall

cāntīng

restaurant; hotel

fàndiàn

restrain (to restrain; to control; to restrict)

àn

restrict (to restrict; to restrain)

àn

restriction; limit; control; to restrict; limit

xiànzhì

rest-room; bathroom

xǐshǒujiān

result; as a result; finally; in consequence

jiéguǒ

result; fruit; effect; outcome

xiàoguǒ

results

jiēguǒ

résumé (curriculum vitae)

jiǎnlì  (MW is [yí]fèn)

resurrection; ressurected

fùhuó

return ticket

láihuípiào

return ticket

wǎngfǎn piào (MW is [yì]zhāng)

reunion (family)

tuányuán

Revelations

Gēnjù qǐshìlù

revenge; desire to get  back

bàofù

revenge; payment back; reward

bàochóu

reverse side; back of

bèimiàn

reversed; backwards

fǎnxiàngde

revision; amendment; adjustment; revamp

tiàozhěng

revision; amendment; modification

xiūgǎi

revolution; to revolt

gémìng (MW is [yì]chǎng)

reward

chóujīn

reward; fruitage; results; harvest

shōuhuò

rhythm

jièpāi

rhythm

jièzòu; jièpāi

rib (human body part)

lèigǔ (ME is [yì]gēn)

rib (spare)

páigǔ (ME is [yì]gēn)

ribbon

sīdài

rice (cooked rice)

mǐfàn

rice (plant)

dǎozi

rice (uncooked, raw)

dàmǐ

rice fields

dàotián

rich; wealthy; well off

fùyù; fùyùde

rich; well off; wealthy

fù

rid; to get rid of

báituō

riddle; puzzle; conundrum

míyǔ

ridiculous

huāngmiù

ridiculous

huāngtáng

rifle

bùqiāng (MW is [yì]zhī )

right (not left); right-wing; right hand

yòu

right (the direction to the right )

yòu; yòubiān

right (the direction to the right )

yòubiān; yòu

right (towards the right hand side)

yòubiān de

right answer

zhèngquè de dá'àn

right at the present moment

mùqiánde

right away; without delay; immediately

lìjí

right away; without delay; immediately

lìkè

right hand

yòu shǒu

right now; in just a moment; just about to

gāng

right now; just a moment ago

gāng

right side (of his body )

(tā shēntǐ de ) yòu cè

right side; right hand side

yòubiān

right then

dāngchǎng

righteous

yì

righteous

yìrén

righteousness; justice; just; righteous

zhèngyì

rights; right; entitlement

quánlì

ring (ornamentation)

jièzhi (MW is [yì]zhī )

ring (to ring a bell)

ànlíng

ring (to ring a bell; ting-a-ling – on a bicycle or door)

àn líng

ring; circle; enclosure; to encircle; enclose

quān

ripe

shúde

rise to heaven; ascension

shēngtiān

river

hé

river

jiāng

riverside beach

hétān

road

tiáo

road sign; signpost

lùbiāo

road to X

X de lù

road; avenue; street

mǎlù

road; highway; avenue; way; street

jiē

road; pathway; method; way

dào

road; street; way; route

lù

road; thoroughfare; street; way

jiēdào

roadway

lùshàng

roadworks

xiū lù gōngchéng

roar (of a machine)

hōngmíng

roar (of an animal)

hǒu; hǒujiào

roar (of an animal)

hǒujiào; hǒu

roar (of the wind)

hūxiào

roast duck

kǎoyā

robber; bandit

qiángdào

robbery

qiǎngjié [àn] (MW is [yí]cì )

robin

zhīgēngniǎo(MW is [yì]zhī )

rock

pánshí

rock climbing

pānshí yùndòng

rock music

yáogǔn yīnyuè

rock; large stone (construction material)

yánshí (MW is [yí]kuài )

rocket

huǒjiàn

rod; stick; baton

gùnzi

rogue; gangster; hooligan

liúmáng

role

juésè

role (part in theatrical performance)

jiǎosè

roller coaster

yóulè tiānchē

roller skate

hànbīng xié

roller skating

huá hànbīng

romantic

làngmàn

romantic

luómàndìkè

romantic (imaginative, passionate)

fùyú huànxiǎng

romantic (imaginative, passionate)

xiǎngrùfēifēi

Rome

Luómǎ

roof

fángdǐng

roof

wūdǐng

room

shì

room

wūzi

room (chamber)

fángjiān

room (in a hotel)

fāngjiān

room (opportunity)

yúdì

room (part of a house); house

wū

room mate

tóngwū

room on a ship; cabin

cāng

room under ground; basement; cellar

dìxiàshì

room; available space

kōngjiān

room; chamber

jiān

root (origin, cause)

gēnyuán

root; base; foot; foundation

gēn

root; base; foundation; fundamental; basic

gēnběn

rope; string

shéngzi

rose (flower)

méiguìhuā

rose (plant)

méiguì

rosy; rose-coloured

méiguìsè de

rotten

fǔlàn; fǔlàn de

rotten

fǔxiǔ de

rough (condition due to weather)

bōtāo xiōngyǒng de

rough (difficult to cope with)

jiānnán

rough (not a smooth road)

qíqū bù píng

rough (tough area)

zhì'ān chà de

rough (treatment); impolite; rude

cūlǔ; cūlǔde

rough (treatment, handling)

cūbào

rough; not smooth

bù guānghuá; bù píng

rough; not smooth

bù píng

roughly; approximately

cūlüède

round (on the circumference, edge of)

wéizhe

round journey; up down; to and fro

láihuí

roundabout (junction)

huánxíng lùkǒu

roundabout (rotating ride)

mùmǎ

route (of planes, ships)

hángxiàn

route number X [bus]

X lù [qìchē]

route; approach

lùxiàn

routine

chángguī

routine; schedule

guànlì

row (e.g. of seats); to set in a line; arrange

pái

row; line; profession; trade

háng

rowing (using oars)

huá chuán

rowing boat; rowboat

huátǐng

Royal Family

huángjiā

Royal Family

wángshì

Royal Highness

Diànxià

Royal Navy

Huángjiā Hǎijūn

royal palace (of a king)

wánggōng (See also: huánggōng)

royal palace (of a queen)

huánggōng (See also: wánggōng)

royalty

wángquán

rubber (material)

xiàngjiāo

rubbish bin

lājītǒng

rubbish; garbage

lājī

rubbish; thing of no value

fèiwù

rucksack

bèibāo

rude; naughty; vulgar

dījí

rude; naughty; vulgar

xiàliú; dījí

rug; mat

xiǎo dìtǎn

rugby

gǎnlǎnqiú

ruin (dilapidated state)

fèixū

ruined; destroyed

cuīhuǐ

rule; ruler (for measuring length)

chǐzi

ruler; governor; controller

tǒngzhìzhě

rules

guījù

rumour (a story spread or handed down)

chuánshuō

rumour; unconfirmed statement

yáoyán

runner (a person running)

pǎobù de rén

runner (in a race)

sàipǎo yùndòngyuán (MW is [yì]míng)

running; jogging; to run; jog

pǎobù

rush hour (traffic period)

jiāotōng gāofēng shíjiān

rushed; hastily; in a hurry

cōngmáng

Russia

Éguó

Russian (language especially spoken)

Éyǔ

Russian (language especially written)

Éwén

Russian (person)

Éguó-rén

rusty

shēngxiù de; xiù de

rusty

xiù de; shēngxiù de

s

 

s' (…s'; …'s; of …)

…de (See Study 18 on transformative uses of ‘de’)

s (plural ending)
— …s

men
— …men

sack [of]; bag [of]

dài

sacred

shénshèng[de]

sacrifice

jìpǐn

sacrifice

xī shēng

sacrifice; to sacrifice

xīshēng

sad; sorrowful; distress

bēishāng

sad; unfortunate; ‘unlucky’

búxìng

saddened; grieved

bēitòng

saddening; grave

lìng rén bēishāng

saddening; grave

lìng rén nán'guò

saddle

ānzi

Sadducee

Sādūgāipài

safe (security)

ānquán

safety belt

ānquándài

sahmpoo

xiāngbō

sail (a sheet, vane)

fān

sailing (doing it)

chéng chuán hángxíng

sailing boat; sailboat

fānchuán (MW is [yì]sóu)

sailing; travelling by use of a boat

chéng chuán lǚxíng

sailor

hǎiyuán (MW is [yì]míng)

sailor

shuǐshǒu; hǎiyuán (MW is [yì]míng)

saint

shèngrén

saint

shèngtú

salad

xīcān liángbàncài

salad

sèlā

salad

xīcān liángbàncài

salary; wages

gōngzī

sale (at reduced prices)

dà jiànmài

sales assistant

tuīxiāoyuán

sales assistant

xiāoshòuyuán

salmon

guīyú

salmon

sānwényú

salt

yán

salty

xián

salty biscuit; cracker

xián bǐnggān

salty soy sauce

bái jiàngyóu

salty soy sauce

xián jiàngyóu

same

yīyàng; yìyàng

same; alike; similar; identical

tóngyàng

sample

yàngběn

sand

shā

sand; sand grains; grit; pellets

shāzi

sandals

liángxié

sandwich

sànmíngzhì

Santa Claus

Shèngdàn lǎorén

sardine

shādīngyú

satellite

wèixīng

satellite TV

wèixīng diànshì

satisfactory

lìng rén mǎnyì de

satisfied; content; filled; full

mǎn

satisfying answer

mǎnyì de dá'àn

Saturday

lǐbàiliù

Saturday

Xīngqīliù

sauce

jiàngzhī (MW is [yì]zhǒng)

sauce

tiáowèizhī

saucepan

chángbǐng píngdǐguō

saucepan

chángbǐng píngdǐguō

saucer

chábēidié

sausage

xiāngcháng

savings

chǔxù

saw

jù (MW is [yì]bǎ)

saxophone

sàkèsīguǎn

scale (size)

shì

scales

tiānpíng

scales; balance

chèng

scales; balance

chèngpán

scandal

chǒushì

scandal

chǒuwén

scandal

fènkǎi

scarce

bùzúde

scarce; rare

quēfáde

scarce; rare

xīyǒude

scarf; shawl; wrap

wéijīn

scene

jǐngxiàng

scene; scenery; landscape; view

jǐngsè

scenery

zìrán fēngjǐng

scenery; view; landscape; panorama

fēngjǐng

scent; fragrance; aroma; perfume; incense

xiāng

scented; fragrant; aromatic; appetizing

xiāng

schedule; timetable

shíkèbiǎo

scheme

jiānjì

scholarship award

jiǎngxuéjīn

school

xuéxiào

school bus

xiàochē (MW is [yíliàng)

school class; duty shift; team; work group

bān

school; grade; academic institution

xué

science

kēxué

science and technology

kējì (=kēxué jìshù)

scientific research

kēyán (=kēxué yánjiū)

scientist

kēxuéjiā

scissors

jiǎndāo

scissors

jiǎnzi (MW is [yì]bǎ )

score (game points)

chéngji

Scot; Scotsman

Sūgélánrén

Scotland

Sūgélán

Scottish (in general)

Sūgélánde

screen (cinema)

yínmù

screen (monitor)

píngmù

screen; curtain; act; scene (theatrical)

mù

screw

luósī; luósīdīng

screwdriver

luósīdāo

screwdriver; opener

qǐzi (MW is [yì]bǎ )

script of a theatrical play

jùběn

script; answer book; exam sheet

shìjuàn

scroll; roll; to roll up; sweep along

juǎn

sculpture; to sculpt

diāosù

sea (to post by sea)

hǎiyùn

sea beach

hǎitān

sea; high sea; ocean

hǎi

seafood

hǎixiān

seagull

hǎi'ōu

seal (creature)

hǎibào

seal (impression marker)

túzhāng (MW is [yì]méi )

seal; stamp

zhāng

search; to find

zhǎodào

searching out; examining; inspecting

tànchá

seashell

bèiké

seaside; bank; shore; coast

àn

season[s]

jì

season[s]

jìjié

seat (rightful place on a committee)

xíwèi

seat; place

wèizi

secluded; dark; dull; dim; hidden; secret

àn

second (in order)

dì'èr

second (instant of time)

miǎo

Second Book

Hòushū

second-class (ticket)

èrděng

second-hand; used

èrshǒu

second-hand; used

yòngguo de

second-hand; worn

biéren chuān'guo de

secret; confidential; private; selfish; illegal

sī

secret; dark; dull; dim; hidden; secluded

àn

secret; secretly; privately

mìmì

secretary (political)

shūjì

secretly, slyly; stealthily; illegally

tōutōu

secretly; confidentially; privately; illegally

sī

secretly; stealthily

tōu

section; department (as in a hospital)

kē

section; division; part; piece

jié

secure (peaceful)

ān

security (safe)

ānquán

see you later!

huítóu jiàn

see you tomorrow

míngtiān jiàn

See you tomorrow!

míngtiān jiàn!

see
— just ask and see

kàn
— wènwèn kàn

see
— just X and see [what happens]

kàn
— XX kàn

see; watch; glimpse; meet; visit; go to see

jiàn

seed

zhǒngzi

seldom; not often

bù cháng

seldom; rarely

hěn shǎo

seldom; rarely

hěnshǎo

seldom; rarely; occasionally

ǒu'ěr

seldom; scarcely; rarely

nándé

self; oneself; on one's own

jǐ

self-; private; individual

gètǐ

self-confidence

zìxìnxīn

self-confident

yǒu zìxìnxīn

self-esteem; self-respect

zìzūn

self-funded; at one's own expense

zìfèi

selfish

zìsī

self-sacrifice

zìwǒ xīshēng

senior high school

gāozhōng; gāojí zhōngxué

sense (attitude of mind, approach)

gǎn

sense (body's sensory faculties)

jué

sense of hearin

tīng jué

sense of hearin

tīng jué

sense of honour

róngyù gǎn

sense of humour

yōumò gǎn

sense of justice

zhèngyì gǎn

sense of sight

shì jué

sense of sight

shì jué

sense of smell

xiù jué

sense of smell

xiù jué

sense of taste

wèi jué

sense of taste

wèi jué

sense of touch

chù jué

sense of touch

chù jué

sense; feeling; to sense; realize

tǐhuì

sensible

héqínglǐde

sensible (proposal, plan, decision)

míngzhì

sensitive; easily touched or affected

mǐn'gǎn

sentence (criminal)

pànxíngpànjué

sentence (criminal); to sentence

pànjué

sentence (of words)

jùzi

sentence; line of verse

jù

separate

fēnlíde

separate; different; distinct

bù tóng

separately; apart; separated

fēnkāi de

September

jiǔyuè

sequence of priority; order of precedence

xiānhòu

sequence; order

shùnxù

sequence; order; serial arrangement

zhìxù

sequence; series [of]

xìliè (MW is [yí]bù)

serial (of a novel, story)

liánzǎi xiǎoshuō (MW is [yí]bù)

serial (of a periodical)

qīkān (MW is [yí]fèn)

serial; series (episodes)

liánxùjù

serious; solemn; earnest; no laughing matter

yánsù

servant

púrén

servant

yòngrén

service

yíshì

service (act, work for someone)

fúwù

serving; portion; to serve; distribute

yī fèn

sesame oil

máyóu

sesame seeds

zhīmá

set (during tennis match)

pán

set of values

jiàzhíguān

set; collection (group)

tào

settle (to settle down; to calm down; to stabilize)

āndìng

settle (to settle in)

āndùn

settle down (to settle down; to install)

ān

seven computers

qītái jìsuànjī  (tái here is a MW)

seven ideas

qīdiǎn yìjiàn  (diǎn here is a MW)

seven; 7

qī

seventy

qīshí

several grains of sand

jǐlì shāzi  (lì here is a MW)

several; a number of

ruògān

several; some

jǐge (-ge is a MW: replace as necessary)

several; some; a few

yǒuxiē

severe; harsh

yánlì

sewing

féngrèn

sewing machine

féngrènjī (MW is [yì]tái )

sex; gender; nature; quality; character

xìng

sex; sexual activity

xìng xíngwéi

sexual intercourse

xìngjiāo

shack

péngliáo

shack; hut

péngwū

shade

yīnliángchù

shade (from the sun)

yīn

shade (from the sun)

yīnliángchù

shade of a tree

shùyīn

shade; umbrella; sunshade

sǎn

shadow play

píyǐngxì

shame (due to feeling humiliated)

xiūkuì

shampoo

xǐfàjì

Shanghai

Shānghǎi

shape; appearance

múyàng

shape; form

xíng; xíngzhuàng

share (unit sharing company ownership)
— [a] share

gǔ; gǔpiào
— [yì]gǔ

share (unit sharing company ownership)
— [a] share

gǔpiào; gǔ
— [yì]gǔpiào

share; portion

fènr

shark

shāyú

sharp (pain)

jùliè

sharp bend; curve

jí zhuǎnwān

sharp; acute (sense)

jiān

sharp; incisive (blade)

kuài

sharp; intelligent

jīngmíng

sharp; piercing; incisive; acute

jiānruì

she

tā

she is younger than you

tā bǐ nǐ xiǎo

sheep

miányáng

sheep; goat

yáng

sheet (of paper)

zhǐzhāng

shelf

jiàzi

shell

ké

shelter (at a bus stop)

hòuchētíng

shelter (from weather, risk)

duǒbìchù

shin

xiǎotuǐ

shining

chén

shiny; reflective; smooth; bald; used up

guāng

ship; boat

chuán (MW is [yì]tiáo, [yì]sōu)

shirt

chènshān

shock (disturbing experience)

dǎjī

shock (electric)

diànjī

shock; disturbing experience

zhènjīng

shoe; shoes

xié

shoes; footware

xiézi

shop assistant; sales assistant

shòuhuòyuán

shop window

chúchuāng

shop; store; hotel

diàn

shopkeeper

diànzhǔ

shopping area

jiē

shopping centre; shopping mall

gòuwù zhōngxīn

shopping trolley; shopping cart

gòuwù shǒutuīchē (MW is [yí]liàng)

shore; bank; seaside; coast

àn

short (not high; not tall; low)

ǎi

short cut

jiéjìng

short period of time

duǎnqī

short period of time; moment; brief

duǎnzàn

short story; novel; fiction

xiǎoshuō

short trousers; shorts

duǎnkù

shortcoming; defect

quēdiǎn

shortcoming; flaw; weakness

duǎnchù

shortly (a little while before or after)

bùjiǔ

shortly; “in a second”; in a mo'; in a little while; later

yíhuìr

shot (at goal in football)

shèmén

Should … ?

yīnggāi bù yīng[gāi]? ; yīng bù yīnggāi

should; if it should turn out to be that

wànyī

should; ought to

yīng[dāng]; yīng[gāi]

should; ought to

yīngdāng

should; ought to; have to

gāi

should; to be expected to be such that

kěnéng huì

should; to be expected to be such that

yīnggāi huì

shoulder

jiān; jiānbǎng

shoulder

jiānbǎng

shouldn't; to be expected not to be such that

kěnéng bú huì

shouldn't; to be expected not to be such that

yīnggāi bú huì

shout; call

hǎnjiào; hūhǎn (MW is [yì]shēng)

shovel

tiěchǎn; tiěxiān (MW is [yì]bǎ )

shovel

tiěxiān (MW is [yì]bǎ )

show; performance (live)

biǎoyǎn

show; performance; to act; perform

biǎoyǎn

shower

guānfū

shower (for washing under)

línyùjiān

shower (rain)

zhènyǔ (MW is [yì]chǎng)

shower (to wash under)

línyù

showjumping (horse-riding)

qí mǎ yuè zhàng yùndòng

shrimp; prawn

xiā  (See also: prawn: duìxiā)

shrimp; prawn

xiǎoxiā

Shut up! Be quiet!

bì zuǐ!

shut; closed; closed down

guānbì

sick; ill

bìng; shēngbìng

sick; ill

shēngbìng; bìng (See: shūfu; èxīn; ǒutù)

sick; unwell; ill

yǒubìngde

sickness

yǒubìng

side in a conflict

fāng

side in a conflict; team

pài (See also: fāng; duì )

side of one's body

cè

side of the road

lù páng

side; border; edge

biān (See also: miàn)

side-; secondary; subsidiary

fù

side; team

duì

sight; scene; situation; circumstances

qíngjǐng

sightseeing

guāngguāng (See also: yóulǎn )

sightseeing

guān'guāng

sightseeing

yóulǎn (See also: guāngguāng )

sign; evidence; indication

jìxiàng  (See also:  biāozhì,  zhènghào )

sign; evidence; indication

zhènghào  (See also:  biāozhì,  jìxiàng )

sign; mark; symbol

fúhào

sign; symbol; traffic sign

biāozhì  (See also: zhāopái, páizi )

sign; symptom

biāo zhēng

sign; symptom

zhēng xiàng

signature

qiānmíng

signboard; sign for advertising; shops

zhāopái (See also: biāozhì, páizi )

significant; important; major

zhòngyào

silence; quietness; silent; very quiet

jìjìng

silent

chénmòde

silent (peaceful)

ānjìng

silent; not talkative

chénmò

silk

sī; sīchóu

silk

sīchóu

silly

yúchǔn; hútu

silver (coins)

yínbì

silver (metal)

yín

silvery; silver; made of silver

yín

similar

xiāngsìde

similar; alike; the same

xiāngtóng

similar; almost the same (differ not much)

chàbuduō

similar; like; alike

xiàng

similar; like; same; in the same manner

tóng

simple; plain (modest; not complicated)

jiǎndān

simple; plain; unsuspecting

dānchún

simultaneously; together

qí

since …; after …

zì[còng] … yǐlái

since X (some reason); therefore Y

jìrān X; suǒyǐ Y

since X (time) I have from then on …

zìcóng X wǒ yìzhí …

since X on (X is a particular time)

zìcóng X yǐhòu

sincere; true

zhēnchéng

Singapore

Xīnjiāpō

Singaporean (general things)

Xīnjiāpōde

Singaporean (person)

Xīnjiāpōrén

singer (professional )

gēshǒu (MW is [yì]míng )

singer (renowned )

gēchàngjiā (MW is [yì]míng )

singing

gēchàng; chànggē

single (just one)

dānyī

single (not married)

dānshēn

single room

dānrén fángjiān

single toned; monotonous; boring; bland

dāndiào

single; odd-numbered

dān

singly; alone; separate

dāndú

sinner

zuìrén

Sir; uncle; grandpa (respect for older man)

dàye; lǎodàye

Sir; uncle; grandpa (respect for older man)

lǎodàye

Sister X

X Jiěmèi

sister[s]

jiěmèi

sitting room; living room

kètīng

situation; state; condition; stage; step; pace

bù

six

liù

six telegrams

liùfēng diànbào  (fēng here is a MW)

sixty

liùshí

size

dàxiǎo

size; dimension; measurements

chǐcùn

skeleton

gútou jiàzi

skewer

chuànròuqiān

skill; art; method; technique

jìshù

skilled; proficient; adept; expert

shúlian

skillful

shúliànde

skin

pífū

skirt

qúnzi

slave; to work hard; hardworking; diligently

núlì

sleeping quarters; dormitory

sùshè

sleepy; tired; in difficulty; to surround

kùn

sleeve

xiù[zi]

slender; thin

miáotiáode

slight

shǒuxiǎode

slight

xiēwēi

slightly cooked; rare

bàn shú de

slim

xìchángde

slimy; slippery; smooth; crafty

huá

slippers

tuóxié

slope; mountainside

shānpō

slow

huǎnmàn

slow; slowly

màn

slowly

mànmānde

small amount
— [as a] small amount

shǎoliàng
— shǎoliàng[de]

small hotel; lodge; guest house

kèzhàn

small hotel; lodge; inn

xiǎolǚguǎn

small knife

dāozi

small; little; young

xiǎo

smashed; broken; shattered

dǎpòle

smell (ability)

xiù

smile (little smile)

wēixiào

smile (to smile slightly)

wēixiào

smoke; to smoke tobacco

chōuyān

smoke; tobacco; cigarette

yān

snack bar; little shop

xiǎomàibù

snake; serpent; asp

shé

sneeze

pēntì

snow

xuě

snow is falling

xià xuě le

snowflake

xuěhuā

snowpeas

hélándòu

so (to such an extent); by this means; thus

nàme (See also: zhème)

so (to such an extent); by this means; thus

zhème (See also: nàme)

so as to

wèiyào

so as to; in order to

yǐ

so busy that can't X

máng bù X

so expensive

zhème gui

so much so that; even; so much as to; mental

shènzhì

so that; in order to; in order that

yǐbiàn (mid-sentence) (See also: wéile)

so; therefore; and for that reason …

suǒyǐ …; yīncǐ …

so; therefore; for this reason

yīncǐ …; suǒyǐ …

so; therefore; for this reason; as a result

yīn'ér

soap

féizào

social communication; to be busy socially

jiāojì

social customs and traditions

fēngsú

social gathering; to have a social party

liánhuān

social; community; society

shèhuì

socket (electric)

chāzuò

socks

wàzi

sofa; couch

shāfā

soft seat

ruǎnzuò

soft sleeper

ruǎnwò

sold

màidiào

sold out

màiwán

soldier

shìbíng

solid

gùtǐde

solid; deep (foundations, relationship, etc.)

shēnhòu

solid; deep; profound (impressions)

shēnkè

solution; way out

chūlù

some …; a number of …

yǒu …

some …; a number of …

yǒude …

some …; but others …

yǒude … yǒude …

some announcements

jǐxiàng shēngmíng  (xiàng here is a MW)

some clouds

jǐduǒ yún  (duǒ here is a MW)

some place; somewhere

mǒu ge dìfang

some; a little … (a small quantity of …)

yīdiǎn[r] fàn …; yìdiǎn[r] fàn …

some; a little … (a small quantity of …)

yìdiǎn[r] fàn …; yīdiǎn[r] fàn …

some; certain; particular; so-and-so

mǒu

some; one or two; a couple of; both

liàng

some; several; a few

jǐ

some; several; a few; a bit of; a bit; a little

xiē

some; several; a few; a bit; a little

yìxiē

some; several; a little; a few

yīxiē

someone

mǒurén

something to drink

hē de

something to eat

chī de

something to eat

chīde

sometime ago; ever before; have already

céng

sometimes; at times

yǒu[de] shíhòu

sometimes; on some occasions

yǒu shí[hou]

somewhat; a little; slightly

yīdiǎn[r]; yìdiǎn[r]

somewhat; a little; slightly

yìdiǎn[r]; yīdiǎn[r]

somewhere

mǒuchù

somewhere

shénme dìfang

son

érzi

son

èrzi

son

zǐ

Son of Man

rénzǐ

son
— “son of destruction”

zǐ
— “mièwáng zhī zǐ”

song

gē

song

gēqǔ

song; melody; tune

qǔzi

son-in-law

nǚxu

sons and daughters; children

zǐnǚ

soon; before long; soon after; not long after

bùjiǔ

soon; shortly

lìkè

soon; shortly

mǎshàng

sorrow

bēi'āi

sorry you were troubled

máfan nǐ le

sorry!

bàoqiàn

sorry; to apologize; say sorry

bào

soul

piē

sound; noise

xiǎngshēng

sound; voice; utterance; Chinese word tone

shēng

soundly; deeply (asleep)

shú

soundness of mind; completeness

jiànquán

soup; spicy stew; broth

tāng

source

chūchù

source material; raw material

yuánliào

south

nánbiān

South Korea

Hán'guó

South Korean (person)

Hán'guórén

South Pole; Antarctic

nánjí

south side; the south

nán bian

south side; the south

nán miàn (See also: nánbian)

south side; the south

nánbian

south side; the south

nánmiàn

south; southern; south

nán

south-east

dōngnán

South-East Asia

Dōngnányà

southerly direction; south; the southern part

nánfāng

southern area

nánbù

southwest; southwestern; southwest

xī'nán

souvenir

jìniànpǐn

souvenir; to keep as a souvenir

liúniàn

sovereign

zhìgāo-zhǔzǎi

soya sauce; soy sauce

jiàngyóu

space to
— not to have space to Y (Y is a verb)

xià
— Y bú xià

space to
— to have space to Y (Y is a verb)

xià
— Y xià

spacious

kuānchang

spacious; broad

guǎngkuòde

Spain

Xībānyá

Spaniard

Xībānyárén

Spanish language (especially spoken)

Xībānyáyǔ

Spanish language (especially written)

Xībānyáwén

spare time; leisure time

gōngfu

speaking a language

kǒu

speaking in public

gōngdàohuà

special

shǔlíng

special express train

tèkuài

special occasion

tèshū chǎnghe

special occasion

tèshū chǎnghe

special quality; characteristic; feature

tèdiǎn

special; exceptional

tèshū

special; feature; characteristic

tèsè

special; specialized

zhuānmén

special; unique; particular

tèbié

speciality; special; specialized

zhuānkē

specifically

míngmíng-báibái de

spectacles; glasses

yǎnjìng

speech; language; word; words

huà

speech; to converse; talk; speak

jiǎnghuà

speech; to make a speech

yǎnjiǎng

speech; to make a speech

yǎnshuō

sphere; circle; range; limits; boundary

jiè

spherical; round

qiúxíng de

spices

xiāngliào

 spicy

jiā xiāngliào de

spicy beancurd or tofu

mápó dòufu

spinach

bōcài

spine

jíliánggǔ

spiral

luóxuánxíngde

spirit

líng; xīnlíng

spirit (one's spirit)

xīnlíng

spirit body

língtǐ

spirit; a god; mind; basic disposition; look

shén

spirit; attitude; disposition

jīngshén

spirit; disposition

xìngqíng

spirit; mind; “soul”

línghún

spirit; mind; essence; spiritual; mental

jīngshén

spiritual help

liángzhù

spiritual
— “spirit body”

líng de
— “líng de shēntǐ”

spiritual; supernatural

shén

spirituality

língxìng

splendid; brilliant; wonderful

jīngcǎi

spoiled (children)

chǒnghuàide

spoiled (food)

biànhuài

spoiled (food)

biànwèide

spoken language

kǒuyǔ

sponge

hǎimián

spoon; scoop; ladle

sháo[zi]

spoon; scoop; ladle

sháozi

sports arena; stadium

tǐyùchǎng

sports court; field

qiúchǎng

sports ground; playground; school field

cāochǎng

sports meeting; games; contest

yùndònghuì

sports; exercise; athletics; movement; motion

yùndòng

sports; to take exercise

yùndòng

spot; speck; dot; decimal point; o'clock

diǎn

spotted (markings)

yǒu bāndiǎn de

spouse

pèi'ǒu

spouse; partner (in ‘love’)

bànlǚ

spray

pēnwùqì

spring (bouncy metal device)

tánhuáng

spring (season)

chūn

spring (season); springtime

chūntiān

spring onion; young onion

cóng

spring season

chūnjì

spring; water source

quán

square

fāng

square

fāngxíng  (MW is [yí]ge)

square (in shape)

fāngxíngde

square (in shape)

zhèngfāngxíng

square (measurement of area)

píngfāng

square; town square

guǎngchǎng

squid

yóuyú

stability (peace)

ānníng

stabilize (to stabilize; to calm down; to settle down)

āndìng

stack; orderly pile

yìluó (luó is a MW)

staff (of firm)

gōngzuò rényuán

staff member; office worker

zhíyuán

staff officer; adviser; to advise; give advice

cānmóu

staff; personnel; workers

zhígōng

stain

wūdiǎn

stairs

lóutī

stairs; steps

táijiē

stake; pole; post; column

zhù

stall; stand; booth; trolley (for sales)

tān

stall; stand; booth; trolley (for sales)

tānzi

stamina

què

stamp (using ink)

gàizhāng

stand (stop or station for buses or trains)

zhàn

standard; level; to a high standard

biāozhǔn

standard; to a high standard

biāozhǔn

standardization

biāozhǔnhuà

standardization

biāozhǔnhuà

stanza

fēn ... zǔ

star

xīng

star (celestial body)

xīngxīng

star; celebrity; famous person

míngxīng

start point; the beginning

chūfādiǎn

starter (course)

tóupán

starting point

qǐdiǎn

state of fitness; “shape”

qíngkuàng; zhuàngtài

state of fitness; “shape”

zhuàngtài; qíngkuàng

state-run

guóyíng

stationery

wénjù

statistics; numerical analysis; to summate

tǒngjì

statue

diāoxiàng

status; position in society (who + position)

shēnfen

steadfastly

qiè'érbùshě

steady; stable

wěn

steady; stable; firm; to steady; stabilize

wěndìng

steam

qì

steam

zhēngqì

steamed

zhēngde

steamed bread

mántou

steamship

lúnchuán

steel

gāng

steel

gāngtiě

sticky

zhānzhùde

stiff

yìngde

still; also; fairly; ever so

hái

stimulation; inspiration; to stimulate; inspire

qǐfā

stir-fried noodles

chǎomiàn

stir-fry

chǎo

stiring; exciting; moving; excited

jīdòng

stomach

wèi

stone; rock (construction material)

shítou (MW is [yí]kuài )

stone; rock; pebble

shítou (MW is [yí]kuài )

stool; bench

dèngzi

stool; seat; bench

dèng

stop X! quit X! (X contains a verb)

shǎo X

store; shop

shāngdiàn (MW is [yì]jiā)

storehouse

cāngkù

storey; floor; building

lóu

storm

fēngbào

story line; plot; situation; circumstances

qíngjié

story; tale

gùshi

stout

zhuàngshí

straight (not bent)

zhíde

straight ahead

yīzhí

straight away; at once; hurriedly

gǎnkuài

straight line

zhí xiàn

straight; directly; frankly; straightforwardly

zhí

straight; linear; frank; straightforward

zhí

straight; right; upright; correct side up (or out)

zhèng

strange

shēng

strange; surprising

qíguài

stranger

mòshēngrén

strategy; ploy; tactics

cèlüè

straw; grass

cǎo

strawberry

cǎoméi

strength; power; force

lìliang

strict; rigid; stern; rigorous; severe

yán'gé

strictly; rigidly

yán'gé

stringed instrument

qín

striped (pattern, marks)

yǒutiáowénde

stroke (in Chinese characters)

huà

strong

qiángzhuàng

strong alcohol

báijiǔ

strong point; merit; good aspect

yōudiǎn

strong; firm; solid; to strengthen

gǒnggù

strong; great; powerful; deep

nóng

strong; tough; durable; firm

jiēshi

structure; erection; construction; stand; rack

jià

structure; make-up; composition

jiégòu

struggle

xiélíng

struggle; fight; to struggle; fight

zhàndào

stubborn; determined

jiānjué

stuck; won't shift

xiànzhù

student of psychology

xīlǐxuéjiā

study course; study programme

kèchéng

study of internal medicine

nèikē

study of psychology

xīlǐxué

study topic; research topic; project

kètí

study year; form

niánjì

study; research

yánjiū

stuffy

mēn

stumble

xìncóng

stupid

chǔn

stupid

yúmèi

stupid; foolish; silly

shǎ

stupid; senseless; boring; bored

wúliáo

style; manner

fēnggé  (MW is [yì]zhǒng)

sub-; branch (office)

fēn

subject; theme; main point

qiáng diào

subjective

zhǔguān

substance; matter; material; physical

wùzhì

suburbs

jiāoqū

success; successful; to succeed

chénggōng

success; victory; to win; conquer; excel

shèng

successful; smooth; trouble-free; unhindered

shùnlì

successfully; smoothly; without hindrance

shùnlì

such

zhèyàngde

such as; for example

xiàng … zhè zhǒng de

sudden

tūrúqílái

suffer

shòukǔ

suffer (to suffer; to endure)

ái

suffer from hunger (to s…)

ái jī dǐ è

suffering; hardship; pain; guilt; crime

zuì

suffering; tribulation; problems; difficulties

huànnàn

sugar; sweeties; candy; sweets

táng

sugarcane

gānzhè

sugarcane

zhètáng

suggestion; proposal

zhǔzhāng

suit (worn for business)

yī tào xīfú

suitable; compatible; fitting

héshìde

suitable; fitting; appropriate; right; proper

qiàdàng

suitable; meeting wishes

hé

suitable; proper; right (appropriate)

héshì

summer

xiàtiān

summer break; summer holidays

shǔjià

summer camp

xiàlìngyíng

sun; sunlight; sunshine

tàiyáng

Sunday

lǐbàirì (See also: xīngqīrì )

Sunday

lǐbàitiān

Sunday

Xīngqīrì

Sunday

Xīngqītiān

sundown; sunset

rìluò

sunlight; sunshine

yángguāng

sunny [day]

qíngtiān

sunny; clear; fine

qínglǎng

sunscreen lotion

fángshàiyóu

sunup; sunrise

rìchū

supermarket

chāojí shìchǎng

superstition

míxìn

supply; nourish

bǔ

support; stand; tray; to support; hold on hand

tuō

support; to support; back up

zhīchí

sure

kěndìng

surf

chōnglàng

surface mail; by sea/road

hǎi/lù yóujì

surface; outer appearance; countenance

biǎomiàn

surfing on the internet

shàngwǎng qù chōnglàng

surgical department

wàikē

surname; to be surnamed

xìng (See also: míngzi)

surprise development; accident; mishap

yìwài

surprisingly; actually

hái

surrounding; around
— [located] surrounding …

zhōuwéi
— [zài] … zhōuwéi

surroundings

zhōuwèi de shìwù

survival; continuation alive

shēngcún

suspicion

yíxīn

sweet (flavour, sensation, sound sleep)

tián [de]

sweet and sour

suāntián

sweet and sour

tángcù

sweet biscuit; cookie

xiǎotiánbǐng

sweet dumplings

yuánxiāo

sweet soy sauce

hēi jiàngyóu

sweet soy sauce

tián jiàngyóu

sweet; dessert

tiánshí

sweets; candies

tángguǒ

swimming costume

yóuyǒngyī

swimming pool

yóuyǒngchí

swimming; to swim

yóuyǒng

switched on (light, T.V.); engaged; working

kāizhe

sword; arrow (missile)

jiàn (MW is [yì]zhī )

synthetic

héchéngde

system

xìtǒng

system

zhìdù

system; pattern

tǐxì

system; world

shìjiè

t

 

table mat

diànzi

table
— [a] table

zhuōzi
— [yìzhāng] zhuōzi  (zhāng is a MW)

tablecloth

zhuōbù

tablet; stone (for commemoration)

bēi

tablets

piàn(r)

tablets

piànr

tablets; pills

yàopiàn

Taijiquan; shadow boxing

tàijíquán

tail

wěiba

tail; end

wěi

tailor; clothier; dressmaker

cáifeng

Taiwan

Táiwān

Take care! (lit. walk slowly; saying goodbye)

màn zǒu

take the opportunity

chèn zhège jīhuì … (ge is a MW)

take the opportunity

jiè zhège jīhuì … (ge is a MW)

take your book back home

bǎ nǐde shū ná huí jiā

taking into account; in the light of ; per

zhēnduì

talent; gift; talented person

réncái

talented student

cáizǐ

talk; negotiation; to talk; negotiate

huìtán

talking of nonsense; to talk nonsense

húshuō

talks; negotiation; to talk; negotiate

tánpàn

tall and big

gāodà

tall; high; superior; loudly; in a high voice

gāo

tame

xúnfúde

Taoism

Dào jiào

Taoism; Daoism

Dàojiào

Taoist; Daoist

dào

tap water; running water

zìláishuǐ

tap; faucet

shuǐlóngtóu

tape (magnetic)

cídài

tape (sticky, adhesive)

jiāodàizhǐ

tape recorder

lùyīnjī (MW is [yì]tái )

tape recording

lùyín

task; job assignment

zhíze

taste; flavour

wèi[dao]

taste; flavour

wèidào; wèidao

tasty

yǒuzīyǒuwèide

tax

shuì

taxi (vehicle on hire)

chūzū(qì)chē

tea

chá

tea leaves

cháyè

tea with nibbles

chádiǎn

teach yourself; self-study; study alone

zìxué

teacher

jiàoshī (MW is [yì]míng)

teacher

lǎoshī

teacher; trainer; instructor

jiàoyuán

teaching aids (textbooks, etc.)

jiàocái

teaching assistant

zhùjiào

teaching place; classroom

jiàoshì

teaching; doctrine

jiàoyì

teaching; lesson learned; moral

jiàoxùn

teaching; to do teaching; teach

jiàoxué

teacup

chábēi

teahouse

cháguǎn

team leader; captain

duìzhǎng

team member

duìyuán

team; group; organization

tuántǐ

team; group; organization; lump; ball

tuán

team; school class; duty shift; work group

bān

teapot

cháhú

teardrop; tears

lèi

tears

yǎnlèi

technician

jìshùyuán

teeshirt

hànshān

telegram

diànbào

telephone

diànhuà

telephone book

diànhuàbù

telephone booth

diànhuàtíng

telephone number

diànhuà hàomǎ

telephone operator

diànhuà jiēxiànyuán

television

diànshì

television set

diànshìjī

television station

diànshìtái

temperature (as in the weather)

qìwēn

temperature (warmth)

wēndù

temperature; fever; to run a high temperature

shāo

temple

miào

temple (Chinese)

sìyuàn

temple captain

shǒudiàn

temporary

línshí

temporary; passing; temporarily; for now

zànshí

ten bulbs of garlic

shítóu suàn  (tóu here is a MW)

ten bunches of flowers

shíshù huā  (shù here is a MW)

ten laws

shítiáo fǎlǜ  (tiáo here is a MW)

ten lines of cutomers

shíháng gùkè  (háng here is a MW)

ten million; many millions

qiānwàn

ten newspapers

shízhāng bào  (zhāng here is a MW)

ten shops

shíjiā shāngdiàn  (jiā here is a MW)

ten; 10; tens -teen

shí

tendency; trend

qūshì

tennis; tennis ball

wǎngqiú

tens of; multiples of ten

jǐ shí

tense

jǐnzhāngde

tense; nervous; in short supply; scarce

jǐnzhāng

tent

zhànpeng

term

yòngyǔ

terrorism

kǒngbù huódòng

test; examination; to sit a test; to set a test

kǎoshì

test; to test

cèyàn

test; try; trial; experiment; to test; experiment

shìyàn

text (passage taken from a book)

kèwén

textbook

kèběn

textile making; weaving; spinning

fǎngzhī

textile; fabric

bùliào

Thai (in general)

Tàiguóde

Thailand

Tàiguó

Thank you!

Xièxie nǐ!

Thank you! (politely)

Xièxie nín!

thanks for the compliment: I don't deserve it

bù gǎn dāng

thanks for the compliment: I don't deserve it

bùgǎndāng

Thanks!

xièxie!

Thanksgiving Day

Gǎn'ēnjí

that (conj.)

[omit]

that (pronoun)

nà

that (pronoun)

nèi

that [one] (pronoun)

nà (followed by a measure word)

that …

nàge …

that …

nèige …

that article

nàpiān wénzhāng  (piān here is a MW)

that deal

nàbǐ jiāoyì  (bǐ is a MW)

that hat

nàdǐng màozi  (dǐng here is a MW)

that lamp

nàzhǎn dēng  (zhǎn here is a MW)

that mirror

nàmiàn jìngzi  (miàn here is a mirror)

that of which [he spoke]

[tā shuō] de

that office

nàjiān bàn'góngshì  (jiān here is a MW)

that ship

nàsōu chuán  (sōu here is a MW)

that smiling face

nàfù xiàoliǎn  (fù here is a MW)

that time

jiéshù [shí]

that train service

nàbān huǒchē (bān is a MW)

that; those (with a number) …

nà (number) (measure word) …

that's right

duì; nà shì duì de

the [4] tones used in Chines Mandarin

[sì]shēng

the aforementioned

qiánmian

the area below; the bottom; next; following

xiàbian

the arts and literature

 

wényì

the arts; liberal arts

wénkē

the back

bèibù

the background (of a picture); setting (story)

bèijǐng

the backof someone or something

bèi

the cinema is showing …

diànyǐngyuàn yǎn …

the Communist Party

Gòngchǎndǎng

the day after tomorrow

hòutiān

the day before [yesterday]

qiántiān

the dead

sǐrén

the dog is barking

gǒu zaì jiào

the earth; the planet; the globe

dìqiú

the engineering profession

gōngchéng

The fact is:

Shìshí shì:

the female sex

nǚ xìng

the field of medicine (field of study)

yīxué

the first issue of this magazine

zhèběn zázhì de dìyìqī  (qī here is a MW)

the floor at ground level

yílóu

the flu; a cold; to have a cold

gǎnmào

the former (not the latter)

qián zhě

the former (not the latter)

qián zhě

the four seasons

sì jì

the future

wèilái

the future; in [the] future

jiānglái

The Great Wall

Chángchéng

the Han people

Hànzú-rén

the heavens; sky

tiānkōng

the holy word; holy

shénshèng

the individual (abstractly); one; oneself

gèrén

the latter

zé

the Law

Lǜfǎ

the lights are off; the lights are out

diàndēng miè le

the living

huórén

the main point; nub of the matter; key; crux

guānjiàn

the male sex

nán xìng

the maximum amount

zuì dà liàng

the maximum speed

zuì gāo sùdu

the maximum temperature

zuì gāo wēndù

the maximum volume

zuì dà kōngjiān

the maximum; the greatest

zuì dà

the maximum; the highest

zuì gāo

the minimum amount

zuì shǎo liàng

the minimum amount

zuì xiǎo liàng

the minimum amount [of …]

zuì xiǎo […] liàng

the minimum speed; the lowest speed

zuì dī sùdu

the minimum volume

zuì xiǎo kōngjiān

the minimum; the lowest

zuì dī

the more … the more …

yuè … yuè …

the most … [of]

zuìduō

the most …; (e.g. maximum, minimum)

zuì … (… has to suit the detail)

the natural science field of study

lǐkē

the next article

xià yi piān wénzhāng

the next coach service to Beijing

qù Běijīng de xià yítàng qìchē (tàng: MW)

the next in order

qícì

the next one (in sequence, series, line)

xià [yī] ge  (ge is a typical MW)

the next session of study

xiàjiè xuéxí  (jiè here is a MW)

the next type of question

xiàlèi wèntí  (lèi here is a MW)

the north side; the North; on the north

běibiān

the north; the northern part

běifāng

the northern part

běibù

the one that [is small]

[xiǎo] de

the one which …?

yàng de dōngxi

the only one who; the only one that

wéiyī

the opposite

xiāngfǎn

the opposite side or party

duìfāng

the other(s); other

qítā

the outside; outside; exterior

wàibian

the Pacific Ocean

Tàipíngyáng

the past; time over; previous; former

guòqù

the people (of a country)

rénmín

the People's Republic of China

Zhōnghuá Rénmín Gònghéguó

the pictures (cinematic)

diànyǐng

the present age; contemporary period

dāngdài

the previous sentence

xián jù huà  (jù here is a MW)

the public; the people; the masses

qúnzhòng

the railway (system, network)

tiělù xìtǒng

the reason why X did Y is Z

X suǒyǐ Y shì Z

the remainder; remnant

qíyú

the Republic of China

Zhōnghuá Mín'guó

the reverse; opposite side; wrong side

fǎnmiàn

the right one (correct one)

duì

the same; just as; general; common; ordinary

yìbān

the same; the same way; manner; equally

yíyàng; yīyàng

the smallest quantity

zuìshǎo

the Spring Festival; Chinese New Year

Chūnjié

the Truth

xiǎnshì

the truth

zhēnxiāng; zhēnshí

the truth; actuality; fact

zhēnshí

the tube; underground train; subway

dìtiě

the underground

dìxià

the whole week [thorough]

zhěnggè xīngqī [dōu]

the whole; all; everything; whole; all; every

yíqiè; yīqiè

the world

shèshang

the year after next

hòunián

the year before [last]; two years ago

qiánnián

theatre

jùchǎng

theatre (dramatic)

jùyuàn

their (females)

tāmen[de] … (de is omitted for closeness)

their (male)

tāmen[de] … (de is omitted for closeness)

their (neuter, animals, things)

tāmende

theme

zhǔtí

then (If X, then Y)

zé

then (particle implying agreement or confirmation)

ba

then; at that [current] time

dāngshí

then; at that moment

nàshí; nàshídāngshí

then; at that moment

nàshí; dāngshí

then; at the time when; convenient

biàn

then; in that case; on that condition

jiù

theoretical concept; theory

lǐlùn

there be/ have

wúbǐ

there isn't much …; there's little …

méi yǒu duōshǎo …

there
— [located] there

nàlǐ
— [zài] nàlǐ

there
— [located] there

nàli
— [zài] nàli

there
— [located] there

nàr
— [zài] nàr

thereafter

jiézhe

there's more …

hái yǒu …

these

zhèixiē; zhèxiē

these balls of wool

zhètuán máoxiàn  (tuán here is a MW)

these; these …

zhèxiē; zhèxiē …

they do say; according to what one hears

jùshuō

they; them (females)

tāmen

they; them (neuter, animals, things)

tāmen

they; them; their (male)

tāmen

thick (of fluids)

nóng

thick; careless

cū

thief

zéi

thigh

dàtuǐ

thin (of low viscosity)

xī

thin; lean (flesh); tight (clothes)

shòu

thin; slight

báo

thing; object

dōngxi

third (in order)

dìsān

thirsty

kě

thirteen

shísān

thirty

sānshí

this (pronoun)

zhè; zhèi

this [one] (pronoun)

zhè; zhèi (followed by a measure word)

this [one] (pronoun)

zhèi; zhè (followed by a measure word)

this [one] (pronoun, emphasized)

zhègè

this …

cǐ …

this …

zhège …

this grass

zhèkē cǎo  (kē here is a MW)

this human life

zhètiáo rénmìng  (tiáo here is a MW)

this is my business

zhè guān wǒde shì

this one; that one; the one just mentioned

gāi

this packet of magazines

zhèbāo zázhì (bāo is a MW)

this rope

zhègēn xhēngzi  (gēn here is a MW)

this science

zhèmén kēxué  (mén here is a MW)

this section of highway

nàduàn gōnglù

this side; over this side; over here

zhèbiān

this sum of money

zhèbǐ qián  (bǐ is a MW)

this time of the end; these last days

zhèiduàn zuìhòu de rìzi

this video tape

zhèpán lùxiàngdài  (pán here is a MW)

this year

jīnnián

thorough; complete

chèdǐ

thoroughly; carefully

hǎohǎor [de]

thoroughly; completely

gēnběn

those [ones]; those …

nàxiē; nàxiē …

thought of; considered to be

— thought of [in …]

shàng (or: shang)
— [zài] … shàng

thoughts

yìniàn

thousand; numerous

qiān

three bombs

sānkē zhàdàn  (kē here is a MW)

three cats

sānzhī māo  (zhī here is a MW)

three coats of paint

sāncéng yóuqī (céng here is a MW)

three elephants

sāntóu xiàng  (tóu here is a MW)

three flocks of birds

sānqún niǎo  (qún here is a MW)

three illnesses (whole process)

sānchǎng bìng  (chǎng here is a MW)

three married couples

sānduì fūqī  (duì here is a MW)

three minutes

sān fēn zhōng

three o'clock

sān diǎn zhōng

three periods

sāntáng kè  (táng here is a MW)

three pianos

sānjià gāngqin  (jià here is a MW)

three rows of seats

sānpái zuòwèi  (pái here is a MW)

three schools

sānsuǒ xuéxiào  (suǒ here is a MW)

three songs

sānshǒu gē  (shǒu here is a MW)

three sorts of clothes

sānzhǒng yīfu  (zhǒng here is a MW)

three; 3

sān

throat

hóulóng

throne

lìdìng

through (by way of; via); to pass through …

tōngguò …

through (from one side to the other)

chuān'guò …

through (in the name of)

fèng … de míng

through (in the name of)

fèng … de míng

through; due to; by

jīngguò

through; from ; by; to obey; follow; let

yóu

throughout one's life; all thorough life

yìshēng

throughout the whole world; all of China

tiānxià

throughout; all the while; from start to finish

shǐzhōng

thunder

dǎléi

thunder

léi

thunderstorm

léiyǔ

Thursday

Xīngqīsì

thus (-ly—used to adapt an adjective as an adverb)
— …-ly
— cleanly

de

— … de
— lìluode

thus; so; that manner

nàyàng

Tian An Men; the Gate of Heavenly Peace

Tiān'ānmén

Tibet

Xīzàng

ticket

piào

ticket for bus or train

chēpiào

tie (neck-tie)

lǐngdài

tiger

lǎohǔ

tight budget; austerity; to save; economize

jiéyuē

tight; tense; urgent; near; tightly; urgently

jǐn

time (abstractly); time period; duration

shíjiān

time (on time; according to time; punctual; punctually)

ànshí

time (point in time; moment)

shíjiān

time of the end

duàn zuìhoù de rìzi

time of the end

mòqī

time of youth; a youth; young person

shàonián

time period

shíqī

time period; date; set time; project phase

qī

time zone

shíjiān

time; duration; length of time; time o'clock

shíhou

time; era; age; period

shídài

times; occasions

— X-fold (where X is a number)

bèi
— X bèi

timetable; schedule

shíjiānbiǎo

tiny

jíxiǎode

tip; gratuity

xiǎofèi

tired out; worn out; exhausted

píláo

tired; weary

píjuàn[de]

tired; worn out; tiring

lèi

title (of book, film)

biǎotí

title (person's)

tóuxián

title; subject; topic

tí

title; subject; topic; theme; heading

tímù

to (a place)

dào …

to (speaking with)

tóng …; gēn …

to (speaking with)

hé…; tóng …;

to (speaking with)

tóng …; gēn …

to [pay a] compliment

zànyáng

to … (“Bottoms up for …!”)

wèi … gān bēi

to … away; to … off (… is a verb)

…xiàlai

to … down (… is a verb)

…xiàlai

to abandon; forsake; desert

pāoqì

to abase; overthrow

dǎdǎo

to abound in; have plenty of; not lack …

yǒudeshì …

to abound with

chōngmǎn

to accept; admit; confess

chéngrèn

to accept; believe; trust; believe in; rely on

xiāngxìn

to accept; receive; get; suffer; endure; bear

shòu

to accommodate; hold (capacity)

róngnà

to accompany; follow with

gēn

to accuse

kōnggào

to accuse

zhǐzé

to accuse someone of …

zhǐzé mǒurén …

to accuse; sue

gào

to ache

shǐ téngtòng

to achieve by going via the back door

zǒu hòumén

to achieve; attain; reach

dádào

to achieve; realize [one's|your] goal

shíxiàn [zìjǐ|nǐ]de mùbiāo

to act as; have the role as; become; work as

zuò

to act in the position of; be responsible for

dānrèn

to act; perform; show (theatrically)

yǎn

to act; perform; show (theatrically)

yǎnchū

to activate; animate; enliven

huóyuè

to activate; arouse; start; move; put to use

dòng

to add; plus; do addition (+)

jiā

to admire

qīnpèi

to admire

zànshǎng

to admit; receive; welcome (guests)

jiēdài

to adopt

cǎinà

to adopt

gān

to advance to; press on close to

bī

to advance; promote

cùjìn

to advise

chū zhǔyì

to advise

xiàng … tí yìjiàn

to advise; recommend; suggest

jiànyì

to advise; urge; persuade

quàn

to affect

xīxī-xiāngguān

to afford

fùdàndeqǐ

to agree

tóngyì

to agree

zàntóng

to agree jointly on a decision

shāngdìng

to agree; accept; agree with; concur; approve

zànchéng

to allow

yúnxǔ

to allow to …; let

gěi …; ràng …

to allow to pass; to miss

cuòguò

to allow; let; let happen; cause to happen

ràng; gěi

to allow; permit

zhǔn

to allow; permit

zhǔnxǔ

to allow; permit; allowed to; permitted to

róngxǔ

to allow; permit; consent to; promise

xǔ

to allow; permit; tolerate; restrain; contain

róng

to ameliorate; improve; change

gǎiliáng

to amend; rectify; correct

gǎizhèng

to answer the phone

jiē diànhuà

to answer the telephone

jiē diànhuà

to answer; reply; repsond (verbally)

huídá

to answer; respond in kind

dá

to answer; take the telephone call

jiē

to apologize

dǎoqiàn

to apologize

dàoqiàn

to appear; arrive; show up; turn up

xiǎnchū; xiǎnlù

to appear; arrive; show up; turn up

xiǎnlù

to appear; come to light; become visible

chūxiàn

to appear; seem; look like

xiǎnde

to apply; fix using

gài

to apply; utilize; wield

yùnyòng

to appoint; employ

rènmìng

to appreciate; enjoy

xīnshǎng

to approach

kào

to approach (a certain time)

láilín

to approach; to come near to; get near to

jiējìn

to approve; may; be allowed; can

kě

to approve; to agree to a request

pīzhǔn

to argue

biànlùn

to arise; happen; exceed; air

chū

to arouse; call to action

huànqǐ

to arrange

chóubàn

to arrange in sequence; enumerate; list

liè

to arrest

dàibǔ

to arrest; seize; grasp

zhuō

to arrive; go to; attain

dào

to ascend; come up

shànglai

to ascend; go up

shàngqu

to ascend; mount; board (a vehicle); come

shàng

to ascend; rise (an object)

shàngshēng

to ask about; enquire

xúnwèn

to ask; ask about; question; enquire

wèn

to assassinate; murder

cìshā

to assault; jump on; givee all for; put all into

pū

to assemble together; gather

jíhé

to assemble; gather; get together

còuhe

to assemble; to put together

zhuāngpèi

to assess; decide; judge

pànduàn

to assign; be responsible

rèn

to assimilate; absorb; admit; enrol

xīshōu

to associate; mix with

hùlì-hùmiǎn

to attack; go stealthily; steal

tōu

to attack; hit; strike; shock

dǎjī

to attain; measure up to; hit (a standard)

gòu

to attempt to; try; try out; examination; test

shì

to attempt; try

chángshì

to attend (present at a meeting, gathering)

chūxí

to attend (present at a meeting, gathering)

dàochǎng; chūxí

to attend […] regularly

shàng […]

to attend lectures; teach a class

shàngkè

to attend meetings

cānjiā jùhuì

to attend; participate in; join; take part in

cānjiā

to attract; appeal to

dǎdòng

to attract; draw in

xīyǐn

to auction

pāimài

to avail oneself of; take advantage of

chèn

to avoid

bì

to avoid

bìkāi

to avoid; avert; prevent

bìmiǎn

to avoid; dodge; flash (like inspiration, light)

shǎn

to avoid; elude; hide from

duǒ[kāi]

to await; wait

děngdài

to babysit

zhàokàn háizi

to back up; reverse

dǎotuí

to bake; roast; grill; heat

kǎo

to bar; make a barrier

páichì

to bar; obstruct; hinder

lán

to bargain

jiǎngjià

to base on; according to

gēnjù

to be (am; is; are; be); exist

shì  (See also: jiùshì )

to be (be present; be located; be alive; exist)

zài

to be [what is] X by Y (passive voice)

běi Y suǒ X (See also: wéi)

to be [what is] X-ed by Y (passive voice)

wéi Y suǒ X  (See also: běi)

to be a guest

zuò kè

to be a guest

zuòkè

to be a remnant; remain; be left over

shèngxialai

to be able to see; meet

jiàn[dào]

to be able to understand by hearing

tīngdedǒng

to be able to X (X is another verb)

X de qǐ

to be about the same as

yǒu

to be about to …

jiùyào … le

to be about to …

kuàiyào … le

to be about to …; just going to …; will; shall

jiāngyào …

to be abroad

zài guówài

to be admitted to hospital

zhùjìn yīyuàn

to be affected by …; to undergo …'s effect

shòu … yǐngxiǎng

to be afraid; fear; be worried lest; afraid

pà

to be aimed at; directed against

zhēnduì

to be amazed; shocked; astonished

chījīng

to be anxious over; concerned about

guà

to be anxious; concerned; to fear; worry about

dānxīn

to be ashamed

gǎndào hàisào

to be awake (after sleeping)

xǐngle  (See: shuì bù zhāo: not sleeping)

to be aware of; realize; know

liǎojiě

to be based in …

cháng zhù [zài] …

to be based in … (location)

cháng zhù [zài] …

to be blown away

chuīzǒu le

to be blown down

chuīdǎo le

to be born

chūshēng

to be born

shēng

to be bound to …; to be sure to …

kěndìng huì …

to be busy or occupied (doing) …

zhèng máng …

to be called; named …; called; named …

jiào …

to be called; named; termed as

jiàozuò

to be careful of; pay attention to

zhùyì

to be careful; be wary; look out

xiǎoxīn

to be careful; watch out

dāngxīn

to be certainly in the situation where …

shì … de

to be complete; be whole

zhěng ge

to be conditional on; depend on

zài

to be defeated; wither

bài

to be determined by; depend on; lie with

zàiyú

to be doing X (X is a process)

zhèngzài

to be especially

yóuqī shì

to be familiar with; know well

shúxī

to be fascinated by; to admire a lot; to be lost

mí

to be for X's attention to

guī

to be good at

huì

to be grateful; appreciative; thanks; gratitude

gǎnxiè

to be in a position

chǔyú

to be in hospital; be hospitalized

zhùyuàn

to be in love

zài tán liàn'ài

to be in love; go steady (lit. talk love)

tán liàn'ài

to be in the middle of (some process)

dāngzhōng

to be in the process of …

zhèngzài …

to be in the situation in which […]

shì […] de

to be independent; to become independent

dúlì

to be interested [in …X…]

[duì …X…] gǎn xìngqù

to be interested in

gǎn xìngqù

to be interested in

xìngqù

to be jealous

dùjì

to be late; late

chí

to be late; late

chídào

to be left over; leave over; remain

shèngxia

to be like; look like; resemble

xiàng

to be like; resemble; like; similar

lèisì

to be located in; lie in; be situated in

wèiyú

to be made redundant (from work)

bèi cáijiǎn

to be manifest; to show; manifest; appear

jiàn

to be not exactly countable

shǔ bù qīng

to be not working properly; not that good

bùxíng

to be obliged to …

bèipò …

to be on duty

zhìbān

to be on the telephone

zài dǎ diànhuà

to be part of; belong to; relate to

shǔyú

to be realistic; to search for truth

shíshì qiúshì

to be related (to); concern; involved in

yǒuguān

to be responsible; to take care of

fùzé

to be sanctified

zhāng xiǎnwéi shèng

to be seasick

yūnchuán

to be short of; to lack

quē; quēshǎo

to be similar to; match; according to

rú  (See also: bùrú)

to be studying at school

zài shàngxué

to be submissive; subordinate

fúcóng

to be submissive; subordinate; obedient to

fú cóng

to be tricked; swindled; fooled; trapped

shàngdàng

to be unable to understand by hearing

tīngbudǒng

to be unable to X (X is another verb)

X bù qǐ

to be used up; be gone

méi [yǒu] le

to be vegetarian

chī sù

to be vegetarian

chī sù

to be wanting; lacking; falling short of

chà

to be worth …; to be worthwhile

zhíde

to be; become; act as; function as; treat as

zuò

to be; match; act; serve as; act as

wéi

to be; prove to be; is; proves to be; really be

jiùshì  (See also: shì )

to be; to act or work as

dāng

to bear; carry (a load)

bēi

to beat; bang; knock; tap; knock on the door

qiāo

to beat; strike

qiāodǎ

to become

qǐlai

to become (followed by an adjective)

biàn[de]

to become awake; to cause to be awake

xǐng

to become awake; to cause to be awake

xǐnglái

to become relaxed; feel less tense

sōngxiè

to become; develop into; succeed; achieve

chéng

to become; get (a condition, state)

fā

to become; prove to be (followed by a noun)

chéngwéi

to beg; request

qíquí

to beg; request earnestly; implore

qǐqiú

to behave

biǎoxiàn

to bend one's body down; stoop

wānxià

to bet with money; gamble

tóng … dǎdu

to betray others

chūmài biérén

to bicker; quarrel; argue; row

chǎojià

to bid farewell; see off; send off

sòngxíng

to bid farewell; separate; part

fēnshǒu

to blame

guījiù

to blame

zéguài

to blame; reprove

zébèi

to blame; unusual; strange; odd

guài

to bleed

liúxuè

to blind someone

shǐ moǔrén shīmíng

to blind someone

shǐ moǔrén shīmíng

to blink

zhǎ yǎnjīng

to blink

zhǎ yǎnjīng

to block a road

zǔsāi

to bloom

kāi

to blow a whistle

chuī shào

to blow one's nose

xǐng bízi

to blow up; magnify in size; to enlarge

fàngdà

to blow; breath out

chuī

to blush

liǎnhóng

to board; get on; get off from (a vehicle)

dēng

to boast; brag

chuīniú

to boast; brag

chuīxū

to boil

kāi

to boil water

shāo kāishuǐ

to bolt; gallop off

shīqù kòngzhì

to book (a ticket); reserve

dìng

to book a room

dìng fángjiān

to book; reserve (a room, meal, table)

yùdìng

to borrow; lend; use to advantage

jiè

to bother about; mind; concern oneself over

guǎn

to bother; disturb

dǎjiǎo

to bow one's head; lower one's head

dīxia

to brag (i.e. puff a lot)

chuī

to break away from; separate from; divorce

tuōlí

to break into (a house)

chuǎngrù

to break out; erupt (violence)

bàofā

to break up; disperse (a crowd)

qūsàn

to break up; fail (i.e. to run out of breath)

chuī

to break; destroy; broken; ruined; worn-out

pò

to break; sever; cut off; lop

duàn

to break; smash; shatter

nònghuài

to break; violate (the law)

fàn

to breathe in; breathe; inhale; absorb; suck

xī

to breed; cultivate

péiyù

to breed; rear (animals)

sìyǎng

to brighten up; be switched on

liàng

to bring

dàilái

to bring

nálái

to bring … outside

bǎ … bānchūlai

to bring … outside

bǎ … bānchūlai

to bring about; to come about

chǎnshēng

to bring back

dàihuílai

to bring forward (an appointed time)

tíqián

to bring into use; to develop; elaborate on

fāhuī

to bring out; exhibit

xiǎnchū

to bring up (children)

fúyǎng

to bring up (e.g. children); to lead (guide)

dài

to bring up; rear; raise (children)

yǎngyù

to broadcast

bōyīn

to brush one's teeth

shuā yá

to build up knowledge about

xiū

to build up the body

bǔ shēntǐ

to build up; accumulate

jīlěi

to build; construct; deck; cover

gài

to build; erect; make; construct

jiànzhù

to bump into; bump

pèngzhuàng

to burn

ránshāo

to burn; scald; perm (hair); iron (clothes)

tàng

to burst (balloon)

bào

to burst (dam burst)

kuìjué

to burst (water pipe, etc.)

liè

to burst its banks (river banks)

jué kǒu

to burst; explode; blow up; to bomb; blast

zhà

to bury

mái

to bury

máizàng

to bury

zàng

to button up

kǒushang

to buy [for someone]

[gěi mǒurén] mǎi(lai)

to buy; purchase

cǎigòu

to calculate; count; count in; be counted as

suàn

to call (as in prayer)

hūhuàn

to call off; cancel; abandon; abolish

qǔxiāo

to call out hello [to someone]

[gēn mǒurén] dǎ zhāohu

to call to wake up; to cause to wake up

jiàoxǐng

to call; name as

chēng

to call; summon

zhàojiàn

to call; summon; call out; tell

jiào

to capture

bǔhuò

to capture; grasp; seize

bá

to care about; have concern for; focus on

guānxīn

to care for; manage; attend to; consider

gù

to carry

zài

to carry a load; to bear; sustain

chéngdān

to carry by hand; butter up; flatter

pěng

to carry on one's head; press the head against

dǐng

to carry on shoulders

káng

to carry on; keep on continue

jìxù

to carry out; implement; practise

shíxíng

to carry out; launch; develop

kāizhǎn

to carry out; practise; go; walk; journey

xíng

to carry out; put into practice; implement

guànché

to carry; grasp hold; take; fetch; bring

ná

to carry; pass; approve; adopt (by a vote)

tōngguò

to carry; to bring along

dài

to cash a cheque (or check)

duìxiàn

to cast; throw at; put in; to plunge oneself

tóu

to catch the bus

gǎn chē

to catch up on

gǎnshàng

to catch up on missed study sessions

bǔkè

to catch; succumb to; suffer due to (illness)

huàn

to catch; take in hand

jiē

to cause to be awake; to become awake

huànxǐng

to cause; bring about; give rise to

yǐnqǐ

to cause; bring about; make; to get; obtain

nòng

to cause; make

shǐ

to cease; stop; quit; halt

tíngzhǐ

to celebrate; congratulate

qìnghè

to centralize; pool; concentrate

jízhōng

to change (vehicles on a journey)

zhuǎnchē

to change for another

dǎo

to change money

huàn qián

to change one's mind

gǎibiàn zhǔyì

to change; be changed; be transformed

biàn

to change; exchange (money)

duìhuàn

to change; replace; to exchange; trade

huàn

to change; transform (situation, conditions)

gǎibiàn

to change; turn; shift; turn around

zhuǎn

to change; turn; transform

zhuǎnbiàn

to chase out; chase away

gǎnchū

to chase; drive away; rush; hurry; catch

gǎn

to chat

liáotiān[r]

to chat; discuss; talk

tán

to cheat; deceive

piàn

to check a list of items over

guò

to check in (for transport service)

zhùdiàn

to cherish

shēn'ai

to chew

jǔjué

to chew

jué

to choose; select; elect

xuǎn

to choose; select; pick

xuǎnzé

to clarify; explain; instruct; express; indicate

shuōmíng

to clarify; specify; clear; specific; definite

míngquè

to clean

nòng gānjìng

to clean (the house)

dǎsǎo

to clean; sweep; wipe

sǎo

to clean; wipe; spread; polish

cā

to climb (steep terrain)

pāndēng

to climb onto; mount

páshàng

to climb; creep; crawl

pá

to close eyes

bìshàng yǎnjīng

to close the door

guān mén

to close the door; to close for business

guānmén

to close up; seal

fēng

to close; cover

héqǐ

to close; lock; close down

guān

to close; shut

bì

to coerce; compel; force

qiángpò

to coil; coil around; go around; bypass

rào

to collate; compile; gather; collect

huì

to collect news material

cǎifǎng

to collect payment

shōukuǎn

to collect; assemble

jí

to collide

xiāngzhuàng

to collide; knock into; bump into

zhuàng

to combine sounds into syllables

pīnyīn

to combine; join; bring together; close

hé

to come [here]

chū[lai]

to come and go; deal

láiwǎng

to come back

huí lái

to come down

xiàlai

to come from

lái zì

to come from

lái zì

to come in

jìnlái

to come or go out; to issue; produce

chū

to come out

chūlai

to come over; come back

guòlái

to come to a stop in doing X (X is a verb)

X zhù

to come to birth; emerge; come to be

dànshēng

to come to more than can be counted

shǔ bù guòlai

to come true; actualize (a plan, wish)

shíxiàn

to come; bring; bring to fruition; do

lái

to command; order

mìnglìng  (MW is [yí]xiàng)

to commemorate; observe a memorial

jìniàn

to commend; praise

chēngzàn

to commend; praise

kuājiǎng

to comment on; review; discuss

pínglùn

to comment; discuss; opine; talk

yìlùn

to commit sin; commit a crime

fànzuì

to communicate with …X… through …Y…

yǔ …X… tōngguò …Y… liánxì

to compare; comparatively; relatively

jiào

to compare; contrast

bǐjiào

to compare; contrast

duìbǐ

to compare; emulate; make a comparison

bǐ

to compare; emulate; make a comparison

bǐbǐ

to compare; emulate; make a comparison

bǐyibǐ

to compensate; reimburse; indemnify

péi

to complain; grumble

bàoyuàn

to complete doing …

… liǎò[le]

to complete doing … (an action)

… dào

to complete X-ing (X is another verb)

Xqǐlai

to comply with; obey; observe; follow

zūnshǒu

to compose a musical piece

zuò qǔ

to comprehend; understand; know; inquire

liǎojiě

to compress

yā

to comprise; constitute

gòuchéng

to comprise; constitute; hold; occupy; grab

zhàn

to compute; calculate

jìsuàn

to conceive a scheme, devise a solution

zhì

to conclude; finish; complete; end

jiéshù

to conduct; hold (a discussion, meeting)

jǔxíng

to confess

réngrán

to confirm

quèrèn

to confiscate

mòshōu

to confuse

hùnxiáo

to congratulate

zhùhè

to consent to do; agree to do

yīngyún

to consider

kànzuò

to consider

tàntǎo

to consider

xiǎngxiang

to consider; believe; think [that]; opine

rènwéi

to consider; look at the circumstances

kàn

to construct

jiànzào

to construct; build; build up; establish; make

jiàn

to consult; talk over with à

gēn … shāngliang

to consume much time

fèi shíjiān

to consume; use up

xiāofèi

to contact; get in touch with …

gēn … liánxì

to contact; make a connection; liaise

liánxì

to contain; to hold by the mouth

hán

to continue going forward; be allowed in

jìnxíng

to continue to be …

réngrán …

to control (vehicle, situation)

kòngzhì (See also: guǎnlǐ , tǒngzhì )

to control an area

kòngzhì yíge dìqū

to control traffic

guǎnlǐ jiāotōng

to control traffic

guǎnlǐ jiāotōng

to control; bring under control; treat; cure

zhì

to control; hold; hold back

kòngzhì

to convene; hold (a meeting, conference)

zhàokāi

to converse

shuōhuà

to converse with; share dialogue with

huìhuà

to converse; chat; natter

jiāotán

to cook

zuò [fàn]

to cook

zuòcài

to cook

zuòfàn

to cook; boil

zhǔ

to cook; prepare [food]

zuò

to cool

lěngquè

to cool; let cool

liàng

to co-operate; work together; co-ordinate

pèihé

to cope

jiějué

to cope (with situation)

yìngfu

to cope with; handle; deal with; manage with

duìfù; duìfu

to copy; imitate; write a copy

chāo

to correct

jiǎozhèng

to correct; change; alter; rectify; transform

gǎi

to correspond; write letters to each other

tōngxìn

to counsel; advise; exhort; urge; recommend

quàn'gào

to count as; to be counted as; known for

shǔ

to count off in a list; mark; punctuate; touch

diǎn

to count; calculate

hésuàn

to count; list; enumerate

shǔ

to create

chuàngzuò

to create; make; manufacture; establish; build

zào

to criticise; to mark work assignments

pī

to criticize; irritate; prick; stab

cì

to cross [the road]; go across

chuān'guò [mǎlù]

to cross over (a mountain, etc.)

fān'guó

to cross over; traverse

guò  (See also: chuānguò)

to crush and put an end

dǎsuì-mièjué

to cultivate; develop

yǎnchéng

to cultivate; grow

zhòngzhí

to cure

bǎokuò zhìhǎo

to cut down; curtail

xuējiǎn

to cut; fell; chop

kǎn

to cut; slice (food)

qiē

to cycle; ride (on a bike)

qí zìxíngchē

to damage

sǔnhài

to damage the environment

sǔnhài huánjìng

to dare; be sure; have courage to

gǎn

to daydream

fā báirìmàng

to daydream

zuò báirìmèng

to deal with matters

bànshì

to deal with official matters

bàn'gōng

to deal with one another

xiāngchǔ

to deal with; finish doing; handle

chǔlǐ

to deal with; handle; treat; behave towards

duìdài

to deal with; overcome

kèfú

to deal with; treat; cope with; face

duì

to deceive; cheat; fool

qīpiàn

to decide; conclude; judge

duàndìng

to declare (at customs)

bàoguān

to declare formally; protest (in defence)

duànyán

to decline (get less)

jiǎnruò

to decline; get less

xiàjiàng

to decorate

zhuāngshì

to decorate; fix up; assign; arrange

bùzhì

to decrease; reduce; lessen; diminish

jiǎnshǎo

to dedicate; devote

gòngxiàn

to deep-fry

zhá

to defeat

dǎbài

to defeat; overcome; be victorious; win (war)

zhànshèng

to defecate

dàbiàn

to defend (verbally)

biànhù

to defend; guard; protect

wéihù

to delay

dān'ge

to deliver

yùnsòng

to demonstrate; show; make clear; express

biǎomíng

to deny

fǒurèn

to deny; negate; decide against

fǒudìng

to depart from; leave; quit; retire (move away)

líkāi

to depend on (circumstances)

kàn

to deposit (money in a bank)

cúnkuǎn

to deposit money

cún qián

to descend for landing; touch down; land

jiàngluò

to descend; come down (weather); decide

xià

to describe

miáoshù

to describe

xíngróng

to describe; delineate; outline

miáoxiě

to deserve; be qualified; fit

pèi

to desire; hope; would like to …

xīwàng …

to desire; want; wish; have a lust for

yùwàng

to despise; look down on

kànbuqǐ

to destroy

zhàhuǐ

to destroy; spoil; damage

pòhuài

to destroy; to blow up

zhàdiào

to destroy; wipe out; extinguish

xiāomiè

to detail clearly; list; itemize; prescribe

kāi

to develop film

chǒngxǐ

to develop into (followed by a noun)

chéngwéi

to develop; evolve

jìnhuà

to develop; evolve; form; form into

xíngchéng

to develop; grow; be brought up

shēngzhǎng

to dial the telephone

bō diànhuà

to die as a result of X (X is a verb)

X sǐ

to die; (=go to death)

sǐqù

to die; dead; inflexible; stagnant

sǐ

to differentiate

qūbié

to differentiate; distinguish

qūfēn

to dig; excavate

wā

to direct; conduct; command

zhǐhuī

to disappear; vanish

xiāoshī

to discard; throw; cast away

rēng

to discuss

tángguo

to discuss; consult

shāngliang

to discuss; talk about

tánlùn

to dislike

yànwù

to dismiss the class; close the class

xiàkè

to disobey

wéikàng

to dispose of; get rid of; remove

chú

to dispute; fight over; compete; argue [about]

zhēng

to distribute; allocate; assign

fēnpèi

to disturb; hassle; trouble; bother

dǎrǎo

to dither; procrastinate; drag; haul

tuō

to divide

chú

to divide (something into so many parts)

fēngchéng

to divide; separate; distinguish

fēn

to divide; separate; section

gé

to divide; to be divided into

fēnchéng

to divorce; to get divorced

líhūn

to do … while doing … (at the same time)

yìbiān … yìbiān …

to do a job; to do some [work]

gǎo [gōngzuò]

to do a job; to do some [work]

gǎo [gōngzuò]

to do both … and … (at the same time)

biān … biān …

to do both … and … (at the same time)

yìbiān … yìbiān …

to do business

yíngyè

to do chigong

zuò qìgōng

to do construction; be getting constructed

shīgōng

to do interviews (for the media)

cǎifǎng

to do one's best; do whatever one can

jìn suǒ néng

to do subtraction; minus (-); subtract

jiǎn

to do Tai Chi

dǎ tàijíquán

to do washing; laundry

xǐ yīfu

to do with a struggle; be barely able to

miǎnqiǎng

to do work

gàn huór

to do; be busy in; engaged in

zuò

to do; make; compose; create; write

zuò

to do; work; make do

gàn

to doubt; be suspicious of; suspect

huáiyí

to drag; trawl; dredge

láo

to drain; discharge

páidiào

to draw

lā

to draw (lines, etc.)

huà

to draw close to; approach; deal intimately

qīnjìn

to draw close to; press against; surge on

bī

to dream; have a dream

zuò mèng

to dream; have a dream

zuòmèng

to drift along; muddle through; coast

hùn

to drill a hole through …

zuāntòu …

to drink; to consume alcohol

hē

to drive

kāi

to drive (a vehicle)

kāi chē

to drizzle; to fall (a little rain)

xià máomaoyǔ

to drizzle; to fall (a little rain)

xià xiǎo yǔ

to drop; fall down

diē

to drop; fall; go down; reduce; bring down

jiàng

to drop; fall; lower; bring down

luò

to drown

yānnì

to drown

yānsǐ

to dry

nònggān

to dry out in the sun

liànggān

to duplicate; replicate; repeat (say again)

chóngfù

to dust … (clean the dust of the …)

qùdiào … shang de huīchén

to dye the hair (of one's head)

rǎn tóufa

to ease; loosen; relax (ease grip, tension)

fàngsōng

to eat

chī

to eat breakfast

chī zǎofàn

to eat dinner

chī wǎnfàn

to eat lunch

chī wǔfàn

to eat; be having a meal; eating

chī fàn

to eat; be having a meal; eating

chīfàn

to edit; compile; arrange; set in order; weave

biān

to email

fā diànzi yóujiàn

to embark; set off

kāi

to embrace

cānyù

to emigrate

yíjū

to emit

mào

to emit; broadcast; transmit

guǎngbō

to emit; radiate; shoot out; shoot

shè

to emprison

guānjìn jiānyù

to encounter; bump into unexpectedly

pèngjiàn

to encourage; build (a person)

dǎ

to end; finish; terminate; stop; come to an end

zhōngzhǐ

to endeavour; try

lìtú;  jìnlì

to endure suffering; go through a tough time

shòu zuì

to endure; bear

rěnxīn

to endure; bear up with

chéngshòu

to endure; put up with; tolerate

rěnshòu

to enfold; embrace; wrap in arms; harbour

bào

to engrave

diāo

to engrave

kèshàng

to enjoy oneself

guòde kuàihuó

to enjoy; have; be in line for

xiǎngyǒu

to enquire; ask about

dǎting

to ensure

bǎo

to enter

jìnrù

to enter; be allowed in

jìnrù

to enter; bore; drill; auger

zuān

to enter; go in; be admitted to; join up to

rù

to enter; move forward

jìn

to entrust

tuōfù

to envelop; enclose; surround

wéi

to envy; be jealous

chīcù

to envy; to admire

xiànmù

to erect; assemble; construct

dā

to erect; put up; set up

dāqǐ

to escape

táoshēng

to establish

chénglì

to establish; arrange; be involved in

gǎo

to establish; set

shùlì

to establish; set up (organizations, etc.)

shèlì

to establish; set up; stand; stand up; erect

lì

to exaggerate

kuāzhāng

to exaggerate; to flatter

guòjiǎng

to examine; investigate; research; ‘look up’

chá

to exceed

guòrén

to excel at

shànyú

to exchange; swap

jiāoliú

to exchange; trade (clothes)

huàn

to exercise or train physically

duànliàn

to exercise; manifest

lìqiú

to exhale

hūchū

to exist; be in place

cúnzài

to expand; get larger

péngzhàng

to expel; send away

qūzhú

to experience

guò

to experience; cross; pass through; go over

dù

to experience; pass through (hard times)

dùguò kùnnan shíqī

to explain; make clear; interpret

jiěshì

to explode

bàozhà

to express ideas; feelings

biǎodá

to express praise

zàntàn

to extend; popularise; spread

tuīguǎng

to extend; stretch; open

zhāng

to exterminate; wipe out

miè

to extinguish; be extinguished

miè

to extract … from X

cóng X shang jiǎnxià …

to extract by hand

tāo

to extract; pull out; select; choose

bá

to fabricate; invent; make up (a rumour, lie)

zhìzào

to face; confront; to look out over

lín

to face; face up to; confront; stand up to

miànduì

to fade (colour)

tuìsè

to fade (plant life)

kūwěi

to fail

bù jígé

to fail to hear clearly

tīngbuqīngchu

to fail to manage to hear

tīngbujiàn

to fail to resist or avoid

rěn bú zhù

to faint

hūndǎo

to faint

yūndǎo

to fall

diàoxià

to fall

luòxiàlái

to fall asleep; go to sleep; be asleep

shuìzháo

to fall ill; become sick

hài bìng

to fall over

dàoxiàlái

to fall over

shuàidǎo

to fall pregnant; to be pregnant; pregnant

huáiyùn

to fall; collapse

kuǎ

to fall; collapse; go bankrupt

dǎo

to fall; run out; to lose; turn; exchange

diào

to fast

shǒuzhāi

to fast

zhāijiè

to fear that; be afraid that; regret that

kǒngpà

to feed

wèi[bǎo]

to feed

wèibǎo

to feel

huīxīn

to feel appreciation; thankful; grateful

gǎnjī

to feel ashamed

gǎndào cánkuì

to feel astonished; feeling astonished

gǎndào jīngyà

to feel at ease; relieved

fàngxīn

to feel bad; embarrassed

bù hǎoyìsi

to feel bad; embarrassed

bùhǎoyìsi

to feel excited; feeling excited

gǎndào xīngfèn

to feel guilty

nèijiù

to feel nervous

gǎndào jǐnzhāng

to feel not well or sick

juézhe bù shūfu

to feel O.K. (feel there's no health problem)

gǎnjú búcuò

to feel O.K. (feel there's no health problem)

gǎnjú búcuò

to feel O.K. (feel there's no health problem)

gǎnjú búcuò

to feel regret; to regret

gǎndào yíhàn

to feel shocked

gǎndào fènkǎi

to feel sorry for; be merciful and gracious to

kělián

to feel sympathetic towards; sympathize; pity

tóngqíng

to feel; sense

gǎn

to feel; to think

juéde

to feel; touch; grope for; try to discover

mō(mo)

to fetch water

dǎ shuǐ

to fight; struggle

dòuzhēng

to figure; be important; count as important

suàn

to fill

zhuāngmǎn

to fill (a void); fill in a form

tián

to fill out (a form)

tiánbiǎo

to find

zhǎodào

to finish … (… is a verb)

…wán

to finish at school; graduate

bìyè

to finish doing; complete

zuówàn

to finish; be finished; bring to a finish

wán

to finish; complete; accomplish; perform

wánchéng

to fire somebody; dismiss; send away

jiěgù

to fish

diào

to fish (by a rod)

diàoyú

to fish (by net)

bǔ yú

to fit with; conform to; coincide

fúhé

to fit; install; pack; load; pretend; play a role

zhuāng

to fit; make fit; adapt; adjust (to new circs.)

shìyìng

to fix (an appointment, a time)

yuēdìng

to fix (an appointment, a time)

yuēhǎo

to fix an agreement; confirm a relationship

dìng

to flare up; flare up into a temper

fā huǒ

to flee; escape; avoid; evade

táo

to flee; hide from; take refuge

bìnàn

to flee; run away; escape; run

pǎo

to float (in the air); to be wind-blown

piāo

to float; drift

fú

to float; drift (on water)

piāo

to flow; pour (stream, rush)

tāng

to flutter; fly

piāoyáng

to fly

fēi

to focus on; give particular attention to

jiǎng

to fold

zhédié

to fold; bend

zhé

to follow

gēn

to follow

zhuīsuí

to follow along

yánzhe

to follow along with; follow behind

gēnzhe

to follow; accord with; go along with

suí

to follow; catch; go on; just afterwards

jiēzhe

to follow; obey

zūnzhào

to fool

yúnòng

to forbid; ban

jìnzhǐ

to force (X to do Y)

miǎnqiǎng

to force; press; compel; extort

bī

to forget

wàngjì

to forgive; pardon; excuse

yuánliàng

to form a shape

xíngchéng

to form sentences

zàojù

to form; increase; develop; get; acquire; gain

zhǎng

to forward baggage

tíqián yùnsòng xíngli

to forward; send on (baggage, etc.)

tíqián

to forward; send on (mail)

zhuǎnsòng xìnjiàn

to freeze

dòng

to freeze

jiébīng

to freeze to death

dòngsǐ

to frown about …

duì … zhòu méitou

to frown; express dissatisfaction

biǎoshì bùmǎn

to fry

jiān

to fulfil

lǚxíng

to function to work

qǐ zuòyòng

to function; operate; run; work (machinery)

yùnxíng; yùnzhuǎn

to function; run; go (a vehicle, machine)

xíngshǐ

to gain weight

zēngjiā tǐzhòng

to gain; obtain; achieve; succeed in getting

qǔdé

to gain; obtain; get; reap; win

huòdé

to gain; reap; win

huò

to gather

shōují

to gather; collect; pick up

shí

to gaze up; to hope for; await

wàng

to gesture no (by shaking one's head)

yáo

to get a lift in the car of … (someone)

dā …de chē qù

to get along together [with]

hùn [gēn]

to get an electric shock

chù diàn

to get better

hǎozhuǎn

to get better; improve

biànhǎo

to get better; improve

jìnbùle hěnduō

to get broken; fail; go bad; get spoiled

huài

to get by with; make do with

còuhe

to get dressed

chuānbàn

to get dressed; dress up; decorate

dǎbàn

to get drunk; be drunken

hēzuì

to get engaged

dìng hūn

to get heated up quickly (in anger); ‘fly into’

bórán

to get hold of; grasp; seize; catch; arrest; mark

zhuā

to get off (boat)

xiàchuán

to get off (bus, train, etc.)

xiàchē

to get off (plane)

xiàfēijī

to get off or down (from a vehicle)

xià chē

to get on board (bus, train)

shàngchē

to get on with (a job or person)

dǎ

to get one's hair cut

lǐfà

to get rich

fùqǐlai

to get rich

zhìfù

to get rid of; remove; clean off

qùdiào

to get smaller; shrink; withdraw; shrink back

suō

to get started; mobilize

dòngyuán

to get to see

kànjiàn

to get up (from bed)

qǐchuáng

to get up; rise; raise; grow; begin; start

qǐ

to get up; rise; rise from bed; stand up

qǐlai

to get; achieve; hit; fight against; destroy

dǎ

to get; be

méng

to get; find

de

to get; obtain

dé

to get; seize on

dézháo

to give

gěi

to give an instruction; tell; order

fēnfù

to give back a balance; give change

zhǎo

to give back; return

guīhuán

to give back; return

tuì

to give birth to; provide for; support; nurture

yǎng

to give change

zhǎo qián

to give off a certain taste (spicy; sour; salty)

chángwèi

to give rise to; give birth to; be born

shēng

to give someone a lift by car

ràng mǒurén dāchē

to give to you

sòng gěi nǐ

to give up smoking

jiè yān

to give up smoking

jièyān

to give up; stop doing

jiè

to give X Y's regards

dài Y xiǎng X wènhòu

to glimpse; get a sight of; notice

kàndào

to glow

fāguāng

to glow; shine; radiate; emit light; reflect

fā guāng

to go [to]; to depart

qù

to go aboard a plane

shàng fēijī

to go abroad

chūguó

to go across the road

guò mǎlù

to go against; offend; violate

wéifǎn

to go ahead; advance; go forward

qiánjìn

to go along; join in

cānyǔ

to go around; revolve; rotate; stroll about

zhuàn

to go back

huí qù

to go back; return; answer; respond; turn

huí

to go bankrupt; close business

dǎobì

to go beyond; exceed; overtake

chāo

to go beyond; exceed; overtake

chāoguò

to go beyond; in excess of one's ability

chāochū

to go by plane

zuò fēijī

to go by train

zuò huǒchē

to go deep; penetrate; thorough; penetrating

shēnrù

to go down; descend

xiàqu

to go for a little ride; go for a spin [on a …]

qù qí yíhuìr […]

to go for a ride

qù qí

to go for a walk

chūqù zǒuzou

to go home

huíjiā

to go looking around the shop; window shop

guàng shāngdiàn

to go off on holiday; take time off

fàngjià

to go on …; to continue … (… is a verb)

…xiàqu

to go on strike

bàgōng

to go out (fire, candle)

xīmiè

to go out; get out; exit

chūqù; chūqu

to go past …

cóng … pángbiān guòqu

to go shopping; shop

mǎi dōngxi

to go smoothly; to go successfully

shùnlì

to go through; experience; to pass nearby

jīngguò

to go through; pass via; convey meaning to

tōng

to go to a disco

tiào dísīkē

to go to bed (retire to bed)

jiùqǐn

to go to market

gǎn jí

to go to the convenience; toilet

fāngbiàn

to go to work; start work; go to the office

shàngbān

to go to; lead to; passable for travel

tōng

to go up; ascend; climb

dēngshàng

to go up; climb

shàngqù

to go; previous; gone by

wǎng

to govern; rule; manage

zhì

to grab by force; to seize

duóqǔ

to grab; rob; seize; snatch; fight for; win

duó

to grasp in doing X (X is a verb)

X zhù

to greet politely; to doff; sign politely

dǎ zhǎohu

to greet; give a salutation; sign off "Yours…”

jìnglǐ

to grill

shāokǎo

to grill

zhì

to grip; seize; grasp; cling on to

wò

to grow rich

fācái

to grow ripe; mature; ripe; mature

chéngshú

to grow up (through childhood)

zhǎngdà

to grow up; become adult

chéngnián

to grow; develop; expand; continue

fāyáng

to grow; get bigger (as a plant)

zhǎng

to guarantee

dānbǎo

to guarantee; assure

bāo

to guess

cāi

to guide (somebody somewhere)

dǎoyóu

to guide; direct; advise; counsel

zhǐdǎo

to hail; greet; say hi; to proclaim; inform; call

zhāohu

to halt; stop; cease; stay over; park; berth

tíng

to hand in; surrender; meet; befriend

jiāo

to hand over

yíjiāo

to handle; deal with; treat; wait for

dài

to handle; manage

chùlǐ

to handle; set up; manage; operate; run

bàn

to hang up; hang (pictures)

guà

to happen to; chance to; by chance

zhènghǎo

to happen; occur

fāshēng

to harm the environment

sūnhài huánjìng

to harm; damage; trouble; kill; murder

hài

to hate

bù xǐhuan

to hate

bùxǐhuan

to have (the required qualifications)

jùbèi

to have [a meeting]

kāi [huì]

to have … as a setting; be set in …

yǐ … wèi bèijǐng

to have a chance to …; may …

kěnéng …; yěxǔ …

to have a heaadache

tóutòng

to have a look

kànkàn; kàn[yi]kàn

to have a look

kàn[yi]kàn

to have a necessity (particular need) to …

yídìng yào …

to have an interest in …

xǐhuan …

to have an interest in …; like to; prefer

xǐ'ài …

to have an interview with; meet

jiàn

to have an obligation to; must

bìxū …; yídìng déi …; bùdébù …

to have an obligation to; must

yídìng déi …

to have an obligation to; must

yídìng déi …

to have an obligation to; must; cannot but

bùdébù …; bìxū …; yídìng déi …

to have an operation

kāidāo (See also: zuò shǒushù)

to have an operation

zuò shǒushù (See also: kāidāo)

to have an operation

zuò shǒushù (See also: kāidāo)

to have been in some place

qùguo

to have confidence

yǒu xìnxīn

to have diarrhoea

lā dùzi

to have diarrhoea

lā dùzi

to have done something already

zuòguo

to have eaten one's fill

chībǎo le

to have formerly wrongly thought

yǐwéi

to have hiccoughs; hiccups

dǎgér

to have indigestion

xiāohuà bùliáng

to have long-sightedness

huàn yuān shì

to have no use

yòng bú zhào

to have on; wear (an article of clothing)

chuānshang

to have sexual intercourse with X (someone)

hé X xìngjiāo

to have short-sightedness

huàn jìn shì

to have the ability to; can

néng; dào

to have the bill

jié zhàng

to have the capability of

yǒu nénglì

to have to must; to call for; require

déi

to have; be equipped with; possess

jùyǒu

to have; hold a meeting; assemble; meet

kāihuì

to have; possess; there is/are; exist

yǒu

to heap things up; lay over

chóngdié

to hear; get to hear; perceive

tīngjiàn; tīngjian

to heart's delight; till heart's content; frankly

tòngkuai

to heat

jiārè

to heat; cook; bake; roast; stew; burn

shāo

to heat; warm up; scalding; hot

tàng

to heed; obey; listen to

tīng

to help

lìng

to hide

cángqǐlái

to hide; store up

cáng

to hinder

zǔ'ài

to hire; charter

bāo

to hire; rent; charter; to hire out; rent out; let

zū

to hoist; suspend; hang

diào

to hold; grasp

zhuāzhù

to honour; respect; esteem

zūnjìng

to hope for; wish for; yearn for

pàn

to hope for; wish for; yearn for

pànwàng

to hope; anticipate; look forward to; wish for

qīdài

to hope; await; expect; anticipate

qīwàng

to hug; cuddle; embrace

yōngbào

to hunt

dǎliè

to hunt; go hunting

dǎ liè

to hurry; quicken; urge

cuī

to hurt … (pinching due to tightness)

jǐ … tòng

to hurt; injure; hurt; injury; wound

shāng

to identify; distinguish; make out

biànbiéchu

to ignore

búgù

to ignore; overlook

hūshì

to illuminate; put light on; shine on

zhào

to imitate

kànfǎ

to imitate; copy

xiàofǎ

to include

bāo

to include

suànshang

to include; comprise; included; including

bāokuò

to increase in level; rise

zhǎng

to increase; grow; get larger

zēngzhǎng

to inculcate

jiàoyù

to indicate; imply

biǎomíng

to indicate; point out

zhǐshì

to infect; to be infected by; catch

chuánrǎn

to inflate; blow up; pump up

chōngqì

to inflate; pump up (tyres, etc.)

dǎ qì

to inform; notify; publish a notice

tōngzhī

to inhale

xīrù

to insert; immerse; plunge; throw into

tóurù

to insert; interject;interpolate; plant

chā

to inspire

qǐshì

to instigate; start; touch off; touch

dòngshǒu

to insult

wūrǔ

to insult

wǔrǔ

to intend; mean

yòngyì

to interfere

lǐhuì

to interrupt

dǎrǎo

to interrupt (arrest continuity of flow)

zhōngduàn

to interrupt; break

dǎduàn

to intervene

chāiqiǎn

to intimidate

dònghè

to introduce (someone formally); recommend

jièshào

to introduce oneself

zìwǒ jièshào

to invade

qīnfàn

to invade

qīnrù

to invent; make up

biānzào

to investigate; examine; be examined

kǎo

to invite guests

qǐngkè

to invite; request; please

qǐng

to involve

shèjí

to involve

shǐ xiànrù

to involve a loss while …

…diào

to involve; concern; be a matter for

guān

to involve; have a major bearing on

guāndào

to iron (clothes)

yùn yīfu

to irritate; annoy; irritated; bothered; annoyed

fán

to issue (a proclamation or decision)

xià

to issue; release; publish; announce

fābù

to issue; release; publish; express

fābiǎo

to itch

fāyǎng

to jam; block; hinder; obstruct

dǔ

to jeer; mock

cháoxiào

to join

cān

to join a queue

cānjiā pái duì

to join the army

cān jūn

to join together

liánjiēqǐlái

to judge (court of justice)

shěnpàn

to judge; referee (competitions)

píngpàn

to jump a queue

chāduì

to just achieve pass marks in an examination

jígé

to just have to; can only; have only … left to

zhǐhǎo

to keep a secret

bǎomì

to keep on

búduàn

to keep sticking to

jǐnjǐn yīfù

to keep; continue; stay; maintain

bǎochí

to keep; save; stay; let stay; leave behind

liú

to keep; store; preserve

cún

to keeping on going

jìxù xiàqu

to keeping on going

jìxù xiàqu

to kick; play (by kicking)

tī

to kid; tease; amusing; funny

dòu

to kidnap

bǎngjià

to kill

shāsǐ

to kill by …

…sǐ

to kneel

guì

to kneel down

guìxia

to knit; type; make a phone call

dǎ

to knit; weave; spin

zhī

to knock on the door

qiāomén

to know

xiǎode

to know (be acquainted with); recognize

rènshi

to know (facts); notice

zhīdao; (zhīdào)

to know well a business or profession

dǒngháng

to know; be aware; understand

qīngchu

to labour; toil; work

láodòng

to lack; be short of

quēshǎo

to land (plane touching down)

zhuólù

to last; endure

chíxù

to laugh at

qǔxiào

to laugh; smile; to laugh at; ridicule

xiào

to lay (eggs); to give birth to

xià

to lay the table

bǎi zhuōzi

to lead to; result in

dǎozhì

to lead; command; head

shuài

to lead; guide

dàilǐng; lǐng

to lead; guide

lǐng; dàilǐng

to leak out; disclose; omit; lack

lòu

to leak; leak water

loùshuǐ

to learn (by experience, practice, observing)

tǐyàn

to learn (pick up)

xuéhuì

to learn; study

xué[xí]

to learn; study

xuéxí

to leave (a bus or train)

kāichē

to leave behind by mistake

diūxià

to leave behind by mistake

lāxià

to leave behind for safekeeping

bǎ … jiāo gěi

to leave behind for safekeeping

liúcún

to leave duty. finish work

xiàbān

to leave hospital

chūyuàn

to leave out; omit; briefly; a bit

lüè

to leave the country; go abroad

chūguó

to leave to dry

liàng

to leave under somebody's care and keeping

cúnfàng

to leave; depart; to go; walk; to function; tick

zǒu

to lend

jiègěi

to let … off; set … off (make … explode)

shǐ … bàozhà

to let go; emit; throw

sā

to let off fireworks

ránfàng yānhuā

to let off; set off; ignite [fireworks]

ránfàng [yānhuā]

to let out of school classes

fàngxué

to let X (me/us) see; to show X (me/us) …

gěi X kàn …

to let X see …; to show

zuògěi X kàn …

to let; hire out; rent out

chūzū

to let; permit; allow

tīng

to level out; pacify; bring peace; calm

píng

to liberate; free; release; emancipate

jiěfàng

to lick

tiǎn

to lie down

tǎngxià

to lie on one's side

cèzhe shēnzi tǎngzhe

to lie; lie back; be lying

tǎng

to lie; to tell an untruth

shuōhuǎng

to lift; avail of

táiqǐ

to lift; pick up

shíqǐ

to lift; pick up (something)

jiǎnqǐlai; shíqǐ

to lift; raise

jǔqǐ

to like to; prefer; be fond of …

xǐhuan …

to limp; to take a turning along the route

guǎi

to line up

chéng yīzhíxiàn

to line up

páichéng yīxiàn

to line up; queue

pái duì

to line up; queue

páiduì

to link up with; join; board; mount; go using

dā

to link; be related (subject)

liánxì

to link; join; connect together (physically)

liánjiē

to listen to a discourse; to attend a lecture

tīngjiǎng

to listen to; obey; heed; to attend (a concert)

tīng

to listen; obey

tīngcóng

to live (our life); be live; alive

shēnghuó

to live one's life; to lead one's life

guò

to live until

huó dào

to live; be alive; alive

huózhe

to live; dwell; reside

jūzhù

to live; stay; reside [at]

zhù [zài]

to load up

zhuānghuò

to lock

suǒshàng

to look at; see look upon

qiáo

to look down on

qiáo bù qǐ

to look for; seek

zhǎo

to look up (something)

chá

to look up to

qiáo de qǐ

to lop off; cut; fell

gē

to lose a job; be unemployed

shīyè

to lose confidence; despair; lose hope

shīwàng

to lose control of a vehicle

duì chē shīqù kòngzhì

to lose face

diū liǎn

to lose money

shūqián

to lose money; lose financially

péi

to lose weight

jiǎnféi

to lose; misplace

diūshī

to lose; misplace (an article, potential)

shīqù

to lose; to be defeated

shū

to lose; to throw; throw away; lay aside

diū

to love a lot; have affection for

téng

to lower a …

bǎ qí qiàngxialai  …

to lower; fall; drip; drop

 

to lower; let down; bring down

luòxià[lái]

to mail; post; send a letter

xìn

to make (i.e. wrap dumplings)

bāo

to make … angry; to annoy …

shǐ … shēnqì

to make a [good] copy

chāoxiě

to make a home; get married (by a man)

chéngjiā

to make a hubbub; to be troubled by

nào

to make a mistake

fàn cuòwu

to make a movement; to displace

dòng

to make a parcel; wrap

bāo

to make a quarrel or fuss

chǎonào

to make a report

zuò bàogào

to make a speech

fāyán

to make a surprise attack; to blitz a job

tūjī

to make allowances; concessions

ràngbù

to make an appointment; fix a time to meet

yuē

to make an attempt; make the effort

zuòchū nǔlì

to make an impression

gěi rén shēnkè yìnxiàng

to make an offer of a job; a treat; a drink

tīgòng; gěi

to make available

kěyòngde

to make complete

wánquán

to make friends

jiāo péngyou

to make jokes; fun

kāi wánxiào

to make love

zuò ài

to make love

zuò'ài

to make money (through dealings)

zhuànqián

to make plentiful; plenty of; abundant

fēngfù

to make prosperous

fánróng

to make public; publically

gōngkāi

to make solid; to reinforce; strengthen

jiāqiáng

to make something become …

nào …

to make up; invent

xūgòu

to make use of

shǐyòng; yòng

to make use of

yòng; shǐyòng

to make; construct; cause

shī

to make; create; produce; manufacture

zhìzào

to make; do; commit (an error, a wrong)

fàn

to make; earn

zhèng

to make; produce; manufacture; give birth

shēngchǎn

to manage to …

shèfǎ …

to manage to finish … (something)

shèfǎ zuówàn …

to manage to X; to be able to X (X is a verb)

Xshànglai

to manage; deal with; handle

chǔ

to manage; supervise; run

guǎn

to manufacture; produce; make create

zuò

to march

xíngjìn

to marry

jié hūn

to marry someone

gēn mǒrén jiéhūn

to marry; get married

jiēhūn

to master; grasp; control

zhǎngwò

to match; blend in; blend; mix; mate

pèi

to matter; be a reason to worry or mind

yǒu guānxi

to mean; represent; signify; imply

yìwèizhe

to measure

cèliáng

to measure

liáng

to measure up

fúhé biāozhǔn

to meet

jiàn miàn

to meet

jiànmiàn

to meet a visitor; receive a guest

huìkè

to meet by chance

féng

to meet with agreement; to equal; add up to

hé

to meet; chance upon; face

yù[dào]

to meet; chance upon; face

yùdào

to meet; chance upon; face

yùjiàn

to melt; cause to melt; become melted

rónghuà

to mend (sewing, stitching)

féngbǔ

to mend a tyre

bǔ chēdài

to mend; patch; repair

xiūbǔ

to mend; patch; repair; replace

bǔ

to menstruate

lái yuèjīng

to mention

tídào

to mention; raise; suggest; propose

tí

to mind (be unhappy about something)

jièyì

to mislead

mihuò

to miss (a beat)

tiào

to miss (a bus, train or flight)

méi gǎnshàng

to miss; think of; remember with dearness

huáiniàn

to mix

hùnhé

to mix around with; accompany

péi[tóng]

to mix around with; accompany

péitóng

to mix up (different things as the same)

gǎohùn

to mix up (different things at the same time)

gǎohùn

to mix; alter; adjust; mediate

tiáo

to motivate; prod; promote

tuīdòng

to move … out of the way

bǎ … bānkai

to move away (to go and live elsewhere)

bānzǒu

to move house

bān jiā

to move; be moved; emote; touch

gǎndōng

to move; change position; shift

yídòng

to move; shift; change; alter

yí

to move; touch

gǎndòng

to mow

gē

to mow the grass

gē cǎo  (See also: xiūjiǎn)

to mow the lawn

xiūjiǎn cǎopíng (See also: gē )

to multiply (in maths); times (in maths)

chéng

to murder

móushā

to name; call by name; state; weigh

chēng

to neaten; arrange; tidy up; put in order

zhěnglǐ

to need; lack; owe

qiàn

to need; must; have to; be supposed to

děi

to not get to sleep

shuì bù zhǎo  (See also: xíngle)

to not let; forbid; not allow; not be allowed

bùxǔ

to not let; not allow; not be allowed

bù xǔ

to note down

jìxiàlái

to number; amount to

zǒngjì

to obey the law

zūnshǒu fǎlǜ

to obey; be obedient to

fúcóng

to object to; oppose

bú zànchéng

to object; protest

fǎnduì

to oblige  to …

qiángpò X …

to observe; examine; watch carefully

guānchá

to obstruct; hinder; bar

dǎng

to obtain; get; take; fetch

qǔ

to occupy time; space

zhànyòng

to occupy; take over a place

zhànjù

to occupy; take over a place

zhànlǐng

to offend

chùfàn

to offend

kāizuì

to offend; upset; anger; displease

chùnù; dézuì

to offend; upset; anger; displease

dézuì

to offer (suggestion; tender resignation)

tíchū (See also: chūjià, tígòng)

to offer to do …

biǎoshì yuànyì …

to offer to do …

biǎoshì yuànyì …

to open (be made open:e.g. a door)

dǎkāi

to open (eyes)

zhēng

to open (make open: e.g. a letter)

dǎkāi

to open [a door]

kāi [mén]

to open for public use; be open; open

kāifàng

to open one's eyes

zhēngkāi yǎnjīng

to open the show; start a performance

kāiyǎn

to open up a route; country; potential

kāipì

to open; augurate; start the performance

kāimù

to open; remove; lift (restrictions)

kāi

to open; set up; run (business, exhibition)

kāi

to open; to be opened

zhāngkāi

to operate on …

gěi … zuò shǒushù

to operate on …

gěi … zuò shǒushù

to operate on …

gěi … zuò shǒushù

to operate on …

gěi … zuò shǒushù

to operate; control the workings of

cāozuò

to operate; run; work (machinery)

yùnzhuǎn

to oppose a scheme

fǎnduì yíge jìhuà

to order (food)

diǎncài

to order a meal (restaurant service)

diǎn cài

to order good from a …

xiàng yíge … dìnggòu huòwù

to order something

xià dìngdān

to organize (make into an organized unit)

zǔzhī

to organize; run

bàn

to originate [from]; come [from]

láiyuán [yú]

to overtake a car; pass a car

chāoguò yíliàng chē

to overtake a vehicle

chāo chē

to overtake; pass

chāoyuè

to owe money to …

qiàn … qián

to own; possess

yōngyǒu

to pack in …

bǎ … zhuāngjìn

to pack up … for moving

shoūshi …

to pack; wrap up; bundle

bāozhuāng

to paddle; row; scratch; be cut

huá

to paint (house, furniture)

yóu (See also: huà, yóuqī )

to paint (picture)

huà (See also: yóu, yóuqī )

to paint a picture

huàhuàr (See also: huà, yóu, yóuqī )

to pardon; forgive

ráo

to park (a vehicle)

tíngchē

to part; leave; bid farewell

fēnbié

to part; leave; separate

lí

to pass (examination)

jiégé

to pass (spend one's time)

yòng

to pass across; hand over; give

dì

to pass an examination

tōngguò yícì káoshì

to pass away; die

qùshì

to pass back to; go back to

guī

to pass by; pass; spend

dù[guò]

to pass close to; pass through

lùguò

to pass entrance tests

kǎoshang

to pass excrement

jiě dàbiàn

to pass on (a message); forward

zhuǎn'gào

to pass one's time doing …

bǎ zìjǐde shíjiān yóng lái …

to pass through; experience; endure; manage

jīng

to pass urine

jiě xiǎobiàn

to pass; cross; pass over; pass through

guòqu

to pass; go past

yuèguò

to pass; pass on (an object, word)

chuán'gěi (chuān-gěi)

to pass; spend (time); celebrate

guò

to pasture; care for; tend; herd

fàng

to pay

fùqián

to pay (money)

fù qián

to pay (rent, interest, etc.)

fù

to pay a little visit; to stop by

shùnlù bàifǎng

to pay back (debts)

chánghuán

to pay back (gratefully)

bàodá

to pay bills

fù zhàng

to peel (by hand)

bāopí; bāo … pí (See also: xiāo … pí )

to peel (using a knife)

xiāo … pí (See also: bāo … pí )

to perform a small role

qǐ dà de zuòyòng

to permeate through; penetrate; pass through

tòu

to permit; allow; grant permission to

yǔnxǔ

to permit; let; allow

jiào

to perspire

chūhàn

to perspire; sweat

chū hàn

to persuade

shuōfú

to persuade; win over

zhēngqǔ

to pet

chǒng'ài

to phone; hang up the phone receiver

guà

to pick on and criticise

tiāochūlai pīpíng

to pick on; have a go at; by picky at

tiāotì

to pick up (a baby)

bàoqǐlai

to pick up (someone); meet; receive; collect

jiē

to pick up; to lift (something)

jiǎnqǐ

to pick; harvest; gather

cǎi

to pickpocket

pá

to pickpocket

tōu qiánbāo

to pierce; penetrate

cìchuān

to pierce; puncture

chuāndòng

to pierce; puncture

chuānkǒng

to pierce; put in a needle; to do acupuncture

zhā

to pile up; heap (disorderly)

duī

to pinch (squeeze)

níng

to pinch (squeeze)

niē

to pirate; publish illegally

dàoyìn

to pitch; throw (a ball as in baseball)

tóuzhì qiú

to place; put down; let go of; let off; shoot

fàng

to place; put down; set aside; shelve

gē

to plant; grow

zāi

to play (musical instrument in a show)

yǎnzòu

to play (strings, piano); pluck; strum; tap

tán  (See also: lā, chuī )

to play a joke with someone

gēn mǒurén kāi wánxiào

to play a recorded tape

dào cídài

to play a role

bànyàn

to play a wind instrument

chuī  (See also: lā, tán )

to play around; play chase

zhuīqiú xiǎngshòu

to play by bow (some musical instruments)

lā  (See also: tán, chuī )

to play by hand (games and instruments)

dǎ

to play cards

dǎ pái

to play tricks on …

zhuōnòng …

to play with; amuse oneself doing

nòng

to play; have fun with; participate in (games)

wánr

to play; put on (recorded music)

bōfàng

to play; put on (recorded music)

fàng; bōfàng

to play; show (a recording)

fàng

to plead

kěnqiú

to pluck ; pick; to remove; take off; pick off

zhāi

to point (something at someone)

duìzhǔn

to point out; indicate

zhǐchū

to poison; corrupt (someone's mind)

dúhài

to polish

cāliàng

to post; despatch; mail; send; to have sent

jì

to postpone

yánqī

to postpone

zàishuō

to postpone; put off; defer; delay

tuīchí

to pour down [with …] (e.g. rain)

xià dà …

to pour in (many people)

yǒngjìn

to pour out (many people)

yǒngchu

to pour out; to reverse

dào

to pour; rinse; flush; rush

chōng

to praise

biǎoyáng

to praise

biǎoyáng

to praise; commend; speak well of

zànyáng

to prance; jump; leap; skip; hop

tiào

to prefer

bǐjiào xǐhuan

to prefer X to Y

xǐhuan X; bù xǐhuan Y

to prepare (as for a study session or lesson)

yùxí

to prepare; get ready

yùbèi

to prepare; ready; get ready; plan; intend

zhǔnbèi

to present (a gift)

zèngsòng

to present (a present); to deliver; accompany

sòng

to present (a programme, media item)

jièshào

to present (an award)

fāgěi

to present (an award)

jǐyǔ; fāgěi

to present a report

tíchū

to present; hand over (formally)

dìjiāo

to press; put pressure; suppress; control

yā

to press; struggle

fènlì

to pretend

jiǎzhuāng

to prevent

fángzhǐ

to prevent; guard against; take precautions

yùfáng

to prevent; hinder; obstruct; stop

zhìzhǐ

to prevent; repel

bì

to prevent; stop; hinder; obstruct

zǔzhǐ

to print

yìnshuā

to print (develop from a negative)

xǐ

to print (develop from a negative)

xǐyìn

to print (using a computer)

dǎyìn

to print photographs (develop from negatives)

xǐ zhàopiàn

to print; copy; replicate; engrave

yìn

to print; publish

dēng

to process raw materials into products

jiāgōng

to produce; result in

jiēchū

to produce; result in

yǐnqǐ; chǎnshēng

to produce; result in; bring about

chǎnshēng

to prohibit

jìnzhǐ

to project; scheme; plan; map; arrange

jìhuà

to promise; agree; consent (to do something)

dāyìng; dāying

to promote; advocate

tíchàng

to pronounce …

fā … de yīn

to prop up by hand

fú

to protect; defend (as in war)

bǎowèi

to protect; to maintain; keep

bǎo

to prove

zhèngshí

to prove to be none other than

jí  (c.f. jiùshì)

to prove; certify

zhèngmíng

to provide; supply

gōng

to publish

chūbǎn

to publish

chuán'gěi (chuān-gěi)

to puff out a candle

chuīmiè làzhú

to pull down; demolish

chāidiào

to pull in; implicate; draw closed

lā

to pull out; extend; widen; space apart; open

lā

to pull the curtains

lāshang

to pull; lead manually

qiān

to pull; tow; haul; transport; drag

lā

to punch (hit using fist)

yòng quán dǎ

to punish

chǔfá

to punish

fá

to punish; measure out discipline

chǔfèn

to pursue; follow; chase

zhuī

to pursue; seek

tú

to pursue; seek; court; woo

zhuīqiú

to push; pack; crowd; packed; crowded; busy

yōngjǐ

to put … at risk

mào … [de] wēixiǎn

to put away in a suitable place

fànghǎo

to put back in its proper place

fànghuí

to put back; replace

fànghuí yuánchù

to put clothes on

chuānshang yīfu

to put down the telephone

guàduàn diànhuà

to put down; lay down; place down

fàngxià

to put off the switch; switch off

guānshang

to put off; postpone; shrug; shirk

tuī

to put on (an article of clothing)

chuānshang

to put on a CD

fàngshang yìzhāng guāngpán

to put pressure on

kàozhe

to put right; sort out; tidy; repair; fix

shōushí; shōushi

to put to death; kill; to break down; weaken

shā

to put together; assemble

zǔzhuāng

to put up … (give them a place to stay)

gěi … tígòng zhùchù

to put up with; tolerate; bear; endure

róngrěn

to put up; post (a sign)

guàqǐ

to qualify; fit; count; be counted

shǔ de shàng

to quarrel; row; argue

chǎozuǐ

to question (a suspect)

shěnwèn

to question (someone)

xúnwèn

to question (someone)

xùnwèn

to quit; resign (from a job)

cí zhí

to quit; resign (from a job)

cízhí

to race; compete; rival; surpass; overtake

sài

to rain

xiàyǔ

to rain (to descend rain)

xià yǔ

to raise

fúqi

to raise (=up+come); bring out; show

tíchū

to raise; bring into the picture; lift; hold up

jǔ

to raise; elevate; lift; improve; increase pitch

tígāo

to raise; grow (plants, animals)

yǎng

to raise; increment; increase

jiā

to raise; lift

tíqǐ

to raise; lift (e.g. a lid)

xiān

to raise; lift; carry

tái

to raise; lift; carry

tí

to raise; rear; bring up (children)

fǔyǎng

to reach (a standard)

gòu

to reach (by extending out to)

gòu

to reach a point; reach a limit

mǎn

to reach out; extend in order to touch

shēnchū

to react

qǐ fǎnyìng

to read

yuèdú

to read (study at university)

xuéxí

to read books; study books; to attend

dúshū

to read out loud

lǎngdú

to read silently (look at and under stand) …

kàn …

to read; look at book

kànshū

to read; read aloud; to study

dú  (See also: lǎngdú)

to realize …; have … occur to one

xiǎngchū …

to realize …; have … occur to one

xiǎngdào …

to realize; be aware of; understand (a fact)

rènshi

to realize; wake up to; become aware of

juéwù

to reap; harvest; gather

shōuhuò

to reason

jiǎng lǐ

to recall

hái jìde

to recall (from memory); remember

jìde

to receive

déxiǎng

to receive (by delivery system)

shōudào

to receive; accept

jiēshòu

to receive; accept; get

shōu

to receive; draw a benefit

lǐng

to receive; get (by delivery system)

jiēdào

to receive; manage to get

dédào

to receive; serve; entertain (visitors)

zhāodài

to receive; welcome; meet (visitors, guests)

jiējiàn

to reclaim; open up; develop (land, route)

kāi

to recognize

rènde

to recognize (know)

rènchū

to recognize; acknowledge

chéngrèn

to recognize; identify; know; admit

rèn

to record by sound; to tape

lùyīn

to record; copy; tape

lù

to recount; narrate

xùshù

to recount; remember; reminisce

huíyì

to recount; tell (a story)

jiǎng

to recover (return to good health)

huīfù

to recover from an illness or injury

kāngfú

to recover; get back; find again; regain

zhǎohuí

to recover; re-establish; restore

huīfù

to recycle (for re-use)

huíshōu chǔlǐ

to recycle … (for re-use)

xúnhuán shǐyòng …

to reduce

jiàngjià

to reduce prices

jiǎn jià

to reduce; bring down; lower; drop

jiàngdī

to reduce; lighten; ease; mitigate

jiǎnqīng

to reduce; take away; decrease; lessen; lower

jiǎn

to reflect light; reflective; shiny

fāliàng

to reflect; express; make known; report

fǎnyìng

to reflect; view a reflection; take (photos)

zhào

to refuse to accept

jùjué jiēshòu

to regard as important; value; view seriously

zhòngshì

to register (sign in, sign up)

bàomíng

to register; book in; registered; booked

guàhào

to register; check in; report for duty

bàodào

to register; record

guà

to register; take the register

dēngjì

to regret; feel remorse; have after-thoughts

hòuhuǐ

to rehearse

pái

to rehearse (practise before performance)

páiliàn; páiyǎn

to rehearse (practise before performance)

páiyǎn; páiliàn

to reject (not approve a proposal)

fǒujué

to reject; refuse

bùkěn

to relax (ease strictness)

fàngkuān

to release (free from detention)

shìfàng  (See also: fàngkāi)

to release … (an emotion)

nào …

to release grip; let go; stop holding

fàngkāi  (See also: shìfàng)

to release; bring out on issue (films, etc.)

fāxíng

to release; to ease; adjust

fàng

to rely (depend on)

zhǐwàng

to rely on …X…for a living

kào X shēnghuó

to rely on; depend on; lean on (as a prop)

yīkào

to rely on; depend on; lean on; lean against

kào

to rely on; to use as the basis; base on

píng

to remain close to; be attached to

tiē

to remain; stay

liùxiá; liù xia

to remain; stay (in a place)

dāi; liù xiá; liùxia

to remember (put and retain in the memory)

jìzhu

to remember; miss; long for

xiǎngniàn

to remember; recall

xiǎng qǐlai

to remember; recall

xiǎngqǐ

to remember; record; note

jì

to remind; cause to remember

shǐ … xiǎngqǐ

to remove (clothing); to evade; escape from

tuō

to remove (part of a building)

chāichú

to remove (take away by hand)

bānzǒu

to remove (take away by hand)

nákāi

to remove from office

chèdiào

to remove; clean off (dirt, etc.)

nòngdiào

to rent

zūyòng

to repair; maintain; build

xiū

to repair; mend; fix (device or furniture)

xiūlǐ

to repeat (do again)

chongzuò

to repent

huǐgǎi

to repent; change behaviour; to turn the head

huítóu

to replace; stand in for; substitute for

tìhuàn

to replenish; supplement; supplementary

bǔchōng

to reply (in writing)

fùxìn

to reply; respond

dāying

to report

huìbào

to report (someone to an authority)

gàofā

to represent; symbolize; signify; stand for

xiàngzhēng

to request

shì

to request advice; to consult

qǐngjiào

to request time off; request leave

qǐngjià

to request; ask to; demand

yāoqiú

to request; seek to obtain

qiú

to require in effect; have as an effect

yìwèizhe

to require; need to; it is necessary that …

xūyào …

to rescue

qiǎngjiù

to rescue

yíngjiù

to rescue (from dangerous situation)

yuánjiù

to rescue; save; help

jiù

to resemble

xiāngxiàng

to resemble …

xiàng … yíyàng  (or: xiàng … yìbān)

to resent …

duì … bùmǎn

to resign; give up

cíqù

to resist (e.g. a water current)

nì

to resist (e.g. the wind)

dǐng

to resist; avoid

rěnzhù

to resist; struggle against

dǐkàng

to resist; struggle against

fǎnkàng; dǐkàng

to resist; withstand

kàng

to resist; withstand

nài; kàng

to rest; have a rest; relax

xiūxi

to rest; take a rest

xiē

to restrain

yìzhì

to resume; recover

huīfú

to retire (from work); retired

tuìxiū

to retire; resign; quit; cancel

tuì

to retrieve; recoup; recover

shōuhuílai

to return (start back again at classes, school)

fù kè

to return from abroad

cóng guówài huílai

to return something to

huán

to return to one's own country

huí guó

to return to work (start back again at work)

huīfù gōngzuò

to return; come back; bring back; restore

huílái; huílai

to return; go back; take back; restore

huíqù; huíqu

to return; refund; repay; give back

huán

to reveal

jiēshì

to reveal (mystery, secret)

xièlù

to reveal; expose; uncover; make visible

zhǎnxiàn

to revise; amend; adjust; revamp

tiàozhěng

to revise; amend; modify; correct

xiūgǎi

to revise; review; check

fùxí

to reward (make an award for help received)

chóuxiè

to reward; give (in return for help received)

jiǎngshǎng

to rewind (a recording tape)

dào [cí]dài; dàozhuàn [cí]dài

to rewind (a recording tape)

dàozhuàn [cí]dài; dào [cí]dài

to rid; get rid of

chúqù

to rid; get rid of; relieve; release

jiěchú

to ride (using transport)

chéngchē

to ride [a …]

qí […]

to ride a horse

qímǎ

to ride; avail of

chéng

to ring; phone

guà diànhuà

to rinse

chōngxǐ

to rinse

qīngxǐ

to rip open

sīkāi

to rip open; undo

chāi

to rise (heavenly body)

shēngqǐ

to rise (temperature)

shēnggāo

to rise (water level; prices)

shàngzhǎng

to rise [up]

qǐ[lai]

to rise; ascend; promote

shēng

to risk all; to one's utmost

pīnmìng

to risk one's life; as far as death

pīnmìng

to risk; take risks; face bravely; to falsify

mào

to rob

qiǎngjié

to rob ; loot; grab; contend; rush to get

qiǎng

to rob a bank

qiǎngjié yínháng

to rob X of his money

qiǎng X de qián

to rob; steal

qiǎng; qiǎngjié

to roll up (an object)

juǎnqǐ; juǎnqǐlai

to roll; get rolling; buzz off

gǔn; gǔndào; gǔndòng

to round up; lump together; unite

tuán

to row a boat (sport)

huá chuán bǐsài

to row a boat (transportation)

huá chuán sòng

to rub

róu

to rub down; wear away; grind; sharpen

mó

to rub out

cādiào

to ruin; destroy; crush

huǐ

to ruin; spoil

gǎozāo

to rule

zuòwáng

to rule; decide; determine; decree

cáidìng; cáijué

to rule; decide; determine; decree

cáijué

to rule; govern; control

tǒngzhì

to run (in a race)

sàipǎo

to run about; run all over the place

dàochù pǎo

to run about; run all over the place

sìchù pǎo; dàochù pǎo

to run across the road

pǎoguò mǎlù

to run across the road

pǎoguò mǎlù

to run away; escape; run off

táopǎo

to run past

pǎoguòqu

to run; go; travel (transport services)

xíngshǐ

to run; hold (a show, exhibition, competition)

jǔbàn

to rush (pressure to speed up)

cuī

to rush (pressure to speed up)

cuīcù

to rush around busily; do jobs; errands

pǎo

to rush home

gǎn huí jiā

to rush; go hastily; go in a hurry

cōngcōng

to rush; go hastily; in a hurry

cōngmáng

to rush; go hastily; in a hurry; be in a rush

jímáng; cōngmáng

to sail

hángxíng; chéng chuán hángxíng

to sail

kāichuán

to sail away

kāiháng

to sail away; seet sail

chūháng

to satirize

fěngcì

to satisfy; fulfill; be satisfied; satisfied

mǎnzú

to save (computer data)

chǔcún

to save (computer data)

cún

to save (money; to keep on safe deposit)

cún

to save (not spend)

chǔxù

to save (not waste)

jiéshěng

to save (not waste)

jiéyuē

to save up money; save money(not spend)

zǎnqián

to save up; save (not spend)

zǎn (See also: zǎnqián)

to say …; speak; talk; explain; rebuke

shuō

to say goodbye

dàobié

to say hello

dài wènhǎo

to say thank you

dàoxiè

to say to; tell; inform

gàosu; (gàosù)

to say; discuss; explain; interpret

jiǎng

to scare … away

bǎ … xiàpǎo

to scare away

xiàpǎo

to scare; frighten; to be scared; frightened

jīngxià; xià

to scare; frighten; to be scared; frightened

xià; jīngxià

to scrape; to blow

guā

to scratch (an itch)

náo

to scratch (caused by vegetation)

guā

to scratch (caused by vegetation)

huá; guā

to scratch (to relieve an itch)

sāo

to scream

dàjiào; jiānjiào

to scream

jiānjiào

to scream; yell

jiàohǎn

to scrub

cāxǐ

to search; examine (person, things, place)

sōuchá

to search; go over; to increase; multiply

fān

to see a doctor; to be seen by a doctor

kàn bìng

to see a sight; see; get to see and notice

kànjiàn; kàn-jiàn

to see the doctor; to see the patient

kànbìng

to see; understand; know

dǒng

to seek advice; consult; solicit opinions

zhēngqiú

to seek asylum

bìnàn

to seek; explore; pay a visit on

tàn

to seek; look for; search for

xúnzhǎo

to seem to X like …(X is another verb)

Xqǐlai

to seem; appear; look

kànshàngqù

to seem; be like; resemble

hǎoxiàng

to select; admit (candidate); to choose (way)

qǔ

to select; choose

jiǎn

to select; nod

diǎn

to select; pick out; choose

tiāoxuǎn

to select; pick out; choose

tiāoxuǎnchu

to select; pick out; pick up; carry; shoulder

tiāo

to sell [to someone]

mài [gěi mǒurén]

to sell well

mài chūqu

to sell; push (drugs)

fànmài

to send (an email, fax etc.); despatch; issue

fā

to send a fax

fā chuánzhēn

to send an email

fā yīmèir

to send back; return (materials recieved)

tuìhuán

to send off (on their way)

huānsòng

to send out a command; order

xià mìnglìng

to send out; develop; start new growth or state

fā

to send out; issue; emit

fāchū

to send over (away from the speaker)

sòng qù

to send over (to the speaker)

sòng lái

to send wishes; give regards to; enquire after

wènhǎo

to send; send off; despatch

pàiqiǎn

to send; send off; despatch; appoint; assign

pài

to sense; feel

gǎndào

to sentence (criminal)

pàn

to separate

líkāi

to separate (a couple splits)

fēnshǒu

to separate (couple breaking up)

fēnjū

to separate; put apart; part; split up

fēnkāi

to serve (shop customers)

jiēdài

to serve (tennis, other court games)

fāqiú

to serve … (part of a meal)

shàng …; gěi …

to serve as; to be used as

zuò

to serve; work for …

wèi …fúwù

to set aside for the future; save; reserve

chǔbèi

to set aside for the future; save; reserve

chǔcún

to set back (clock, timer)

wǎng huí bō

to set fire to …

fàng huǒ shāo …

to set forward (clock, timer)

wǎng qián bō

to set off; embark; depart

dòngshēn

to set up and run (a system)

kāibàn

to set up; establish

shù

to set; establish

lìxia

to set; go down

luò

to set; lay place settings (on table)

bǎi cānzhuō

to settle (stay dwelling)

dìngjū

to settle a contract

dìng hétong

to settle on a time; schedule a date; regularly

dìng qī

to settle on; determine; fixed; sure; settled

quèdìng

to settle; clear up (account); clear; distinct

qīng

to settle; resolve (a problem or issue)

tiáotíng

to setup; erect; place in position; locate

shùqǐ

to setup; erect; place in position; locate

tāqǐ

to sew

féng

to sew

féngzhì

to shake (something)

yàodòng; yàohuàng; yào

to shake (something)

yáohuǎng; yào

to shake hands (greeting someone)

wò

to shake hands with someone

hé mǒurén wò shǒu

to shake hands; to grip hands

wòshǒu

to shake one's head to say no

yáo tóu

to shake; reverberate (following a bang)

zhèndòng

to shake; shiver; tremble; quiver; quake

fādǒu

to share

héyòng

to share (a house)

hézhù; héyòng

to share (split the benefits)

fēnxiǎng

to share (split the costs)

fēndān

to share; give a share; get a share; distribute

fēn

to shave

guā húzi; guā liǎn

to shave

guā liǎn; guā húzi

to shave

tì xū

to shine (sun)

zhàoyào

to shine (sun); to sunbathe; dry in the sun

shài

to shiver

duōsuo

to shock …

shǐ … gǎndào fènkǎi

to shock …

shǐ … gǎndào fènkǎi

to shock; disturb; upset; make … upset

shǐ … zhènjīng

to shoot (hit a target)

jīzhòng

to shoot (hit a target)

shèzhòng; jīzhòng

to shoot forth; flick (with fingers)

tán

to shoot X dead (fire a shot at and kill X)

kāi qiāng dǎsǐ X

to shoot; fire at

kāiqiāng

to shop; go shopping

gòuwù

to shout out

shuōchūlai; dàshēng shuōchūlai

to shout out; call out

hǎnchūlai

to shout; call out loudly; cry out

hǎn

to shout; call out; to breathe out

hū

to shout; roar (by a person)

dàhǎndàjiào

to shout; roar (by a person)

hūhǎn; hǎnjiào (MW is [yì]shēng)

to shout; yell

rǎng

to shove; push forward; recommend

tuī

to show … on television

diànshì shang yǎn …

to show … on television

diànshì shang yǎn …

to show care for

guānhuái

to show off

màinòng

to show off

xuànyào

to show off; behave

biǎoxiàn

to show self-restraint; be patient; endure

rěnnài

to show; betray; reveal

lòu (more commonly lù)

to show; betray; reveal

lù

to show; display

chénliè

to show; display; manifest

biǎoxiàn

to show; exhibit; display

zhǎnchū

to show; expose

jiēchuān

to show; expose

jiēlù

to show; indicate; express

biǎoshì

to show; to let X see how to use …

gěi X shìfàn zěnme yòng …

to shrink (clothing getting smaller)

shuōshuō

to shut; close (e.g. closing the door)

guānshàng; guānshang

to sigh

tànqì

to sigh

tànxī

to sign (an agreement)

qiāndìng

to sign … (with one's signature)

zài … shang qiān (míng/zì) (See: zhīpiào)

to sign by name; give one's autograph

qiānmíng

to sign; put one's signature

qiānzì

to sing

chàng

to sing a song; singing

chànggē

to sing peking opera

cháng jīngjù

to sing peking opera

chángjīngjù

to sink; deep; heavy

chén

to sit

zuòxià; zuòxia

to sit down

zuòxiàlai

to sit; ride on; travel on; go by

zuò

to ski

huáxuě

to slacken; relieve; dissolve

jiě

to sleep

shuìmian

to sleep; asleep

shuì

to sleep; be asleep; to go to bed (retire to bed)

shuìjiào

to slide out; draw out; draw up; whip

chōu

to slow down; reduce [speed]

jiǎn [sùdù]

to smash; break

shuāiduàn

to smash; break; tamp; thump

zá

to smear on; apply; to wipe; erase

mǒ

to smear; apply; deface; delete; efface

tú

to smell; hear; sense

wén

to smoke ( a cigarette)

chōu (yān)

to smoke (tobacco, cigarettes, cigars)

xīyān

to smuggle (transacting illegal goods)

zǒuzī

to snap at; bite

yǎo

to snap; break

zhéduàn

to sneeze

dǎ pēntì

to snip; trim; cut off

jiǎn

to snow

xiàxuě

to snow (to descend snow)

xià xuě

to soak

jìn

to soak; immerse

jìnpào

to solve; resolve; settle; dispose of; finish

jiějué

to sow; plant; cultivate

zhòng

to speak [=a] Beijing dialect

shuō yìkǒu Běijīng huà  (kǒu here is a MW)

to speak with a quiet voice; speak quietly

qīngshēng de jiǎnghuà

to speak; tell

dào

to spell

pīnxiě

to spell

yòng zìmǔ pīnxiě

to spend (money)

huāqián

to spend; use up; consume; expend

huā

to spit; spit out; struggle to express feelings

tǔ

to spoil; defeat

bàihuài

to spray; sprinkle; spill

sǎ

to spread out; lay; pave; cover

pū

to spread; disseminate; propagate; preach

chuánbō

to spread; pass on; circulate

liúchuán

to spread; transmit; pass on; preach

chuán

to squabble; be noisy; noisy

chǎo

to squat

dūn

to squirt; gush; spray

pēn

to stabilize; fix; settle; resolve

dìng

to stage; put on produce (e.g. a drama)

shàngyǎn

to stall (vehicle)

xīhuǒ

to stand

zhàn

to stand against [the wall]

kàozhe [qiáng] zhànzhe

to stand on side of; to side with …

zhàn zài … de yì biān

to stand up

zhàn qilai

to stand up

zhànqilai (See also qǐlì!)

to stand; erect; support

jià

to start (machinery)

qǐdòng

to start a fight (physically)

dǎjià

to start a term

kāi xué

to start opposition; rebel; resist; oppose

qǐlai

to start school; open school

kāixué

to start to X; to continue to X (X is a verb)

Xshang

to start to X; to continue to X (X is a verb)

Xshang

to start X-ing (X is another verb)

X qǐ

to start X-ing (X is another verb)

X qǐlai

to start; launch; mobilize

fādòng

to starve to death

èsǐ

to state an example; for example

bǐfāng [shuō]

to state an example; for example

bǐrú [shuō]

to state; say

chēngqí

to stay a while; abide (somewhere)

dòuliú

to stay overnight

guòyè

to stay overnight

liúsù

to stay; to leave behind deliberately

liúxià

to steer

jiàshǐ

to step astride; to mount; to go beyond

kuǎ

to step on; stand on

cǎi

to step over

màiguò

to stick on; paste

tiē

to stick to

zhōngyú

to stick; glue; paste; affix; sticky

zhān

to stick; glue; sticky

nián (See also: zhān: same character)

to stink

fāchòu

to stir up; incite

gǔdòng

to stop; pull up (vehicle)

tíngxia

to store

chǔzáng

to store away; put away

shōuqǐlai

to store up; hoard; accumulate

zǎn

to strengthen; strong

qiáng huà

to stress; emphasize; highlight; to stick out

tūchū

to stretch; extend

shēn

to stride; step out

mài

to strive; win by fighting; gain

zhēngqǔ

to stroll

sàn bù

to stroll

sànbù

to struggle along; saddened; sad; sorrowful

nán'guò

to struggle to achieve a purpose

fèndòu

to study abroad

liúxué

to study at university

dú dàxué

to study intensively; drill

zuān

to study with books

niànshū

to study; research; to assess (problems)

yánjiū

to subdue

zhǐxī

to submit

jiāodài

to subscribe for or order a magazine

dìng zázhì

to substitute for; be in place of; replace

dàitì

to succeed

jìchéng

to succeed in … (verb); manage to … (verb)

zháo …

to succeed in getting

dé zhái

to succeed; benefit

déyi

to suffer

shòu tòngkǔ

to suffer; undergo; be subjected to

zāoshòu

to suffer; undergo; unhappily meet with

zāodào

to suffocate

shǐ zhìxī

to suggest; propose; suggestion; proposal

tíyì

to suggest; propose; support; advocate

zhǔzhāng

to suit; be appropriate; match; fit

shìhé

to summarize; synthesize

zónghé

to summon; call

chuánxùn

to sunbathe

shài tàiyáng

to supply

gōngyìng

to support

fúchí

to support

qílì

to support; provide for; provide; supply

gōngjǐ

to support; recommend; endorse

yōnghù

to suppose

jiǎdìng

to suppose

jiǎshè

to suppose; suspect; guess

cāixiǎng

to surrender; give in; capitulate

tóuxiáng

to surround; move around; revolve

wéirào

to survive

huóxiàlái

to survive; exist; live; live on

cún

to swallow

tūn

to swallow

yàn

to swap for; change into (followed by a noun)

biànchéng

to swear; curse; to scold

mà

to swing

yáobǎi

to swing; sway; fling; throw away

shuǎi

to switch

kāiguān

to symbolize; represent

biǎoshì

to take … for …

rèn … zuò …

to take a bath; take a shower; bathe

xǐzǎo

to take a holiday

dù jià

to take a photograph of …

gěi … zhào yìzhāng xiàng

to take a photograph; have a picture taken

zhàoxiàng

to take a shower

xǐ línyù

to take a shower

xǐ ge línyù

to take a shower

xǐ ge línyù

to take action; do something

xíngdòng

to take away; carry off; remove

náqù

to take care of

zhàoguǎn

to take care of; look after; tend

kān

to take control of a situation

kòngzhì júshì

to take down; pick out and take

náxià

to take leave of; bid farewell to

gàobié

to take medicine

chī yào

to take medicine

chī yào

to take minutes; notes; to record (in writing)

jìlù

to take note of; to notice; observe

zhùyì

to take off one's clothes; undress

tuōxia yīfu

to take off; start flying

qǐfēi

to take out; withdraw (banked money)

tí

to take shelter (from weather, risk)

duǒbì

to take supplementary study sessions

bǔxí

to take the blame

fùzé

to take the blame

shòuguò

to take the bus

zuò qìchē

to take the car

zuò chē

to take the car

zuòchē

to take; adopt; take steps

cǎiqǔ

to take; lead

dàizhe

to take; remove

názǒu

to talk a bit about

tányitán

to talk about

tántán

to tap; clap; beat; fire; fire off; send off

pāi

to taste

cháng[chang]

to teach

jiāo

to teach

jiào(dǎo)

to teach

jiàodǎo

to teach … a lesson; give … a lecture

jiàoxùn …

to teach a study course; to begin a term

kāikè

to tease; annoy; provoke; incite; draw

rě

to telephone X

gěi X dǎ diànhuà

to telephone; ring; call (phone)

dǎ diànhuà

to tell

jījí

to tell untruth; lie; false words

huǎnghuà

to tell; inform

gào

to tend towards; side with

xiàng

to tend; look after; care for; consider

zhàogu

to tend; look after; care for; keep watching

zhàokàn

to tend; watch over; look after

guānzhào

to thank

gǎnxiè

to thank

xièxie

to the limit; to the utmost

jǐn

to the utmost extent; exclusively

jìn

to the utmost; as much as one can

jǐnliàng

to the utmost; as much as one can

jìnliàng

to think over; consider; ponder; plan

xiǎng

to think; assume

yīnwéi

to think; assume; consider; regard; treat

yǐwéi

to threaten; intimidate

kǒnghè

to threaten; intimidate

xià

to throw away; dipose of; throw out

rēngdiào

to tie

jì

to tie

shùjǐn

to tie one's shoelaces

jì xiédài

to tighten

jǐn(yi)jǐn

to tolerate; endure; be patient

rěn

to toll [a large bell]

qiāo zhōng

to top up with; add; put extra on

tiān

to touch

chù

to touch; bump into; meet; have a try

pèng

to touch; to catch (a sickness); catch (fire)

zháo

to trail; lag behind; decline; leave behind

luò

to train; develop; nurture

péiyǎng

to transfer

chuán

to transfer to X for attention

guī

to transfer; assign

huà

to transfer; forward; (to another phone)

zhuǎn

to transform; alter; melt

huà

to transform; change

huàwéi

to transform; change; alter

biàn

to transform; reshape; reform

gǎizào

to translate

bǐyì

to transport; convey; ship; move

yùnshū

to travel; tour

lǚyóu

to tread; put one's foot on; step on

tà

to treat as; consider that; to be equal to

dàng

to trick; confuse; con; pretend to be; pass as

hùn

to trigger; set off [a burglar alarm

nòngxiǎng [fángdào jǐngbàoqì]

to trip; stumble; fall; throw down; smash

shuāi

to trouble; harass; make disorder; confusion

rǎoluàn

to trust

xìnlài

to trust; have confidence in

xìnrèn

to try [out]

shìshì

to try [out] and see

shìshì kàn

to try on (clothes)

shìchuān

to try out in use

shìyòng

to try out in use

shìyòng

to try the taste; sample

cháng

to turn

guǎi

to turn and observe

gù

to turn around and change ways

gǎiguo-zìxīn

to turn back; go back; return

fǎnhuí

to turn off; shut off

guāndiào

to turn on; open (switchgear)

kāi

to turn over

fāndǎo

to turn over; to leaf through; translate; cross

fān

to tutor; train; coach; advise

fǔdǎo

to twist; wrestle; swing; sway

niǔ

to type; key; do word processing

dǎzì

to understand

dǒng; mingbai; lǐjiě

to understand

lǐnghuì

to understand well; get to know

dǒngdé

to understand; see; realize

míngbai; lǐjiě; dǒng

to unfold; open up; develop

zhǎnkāi

to unite together; unify; unified

tǒngyī

to unite; join

jiē

to unite; join together; link

liánhé

to unravel; solve; explain; answer

jiědá

to unravel; understand; solve; explain

jiě

to urge

quànmiǎn

to urge

quànyù

to urge; press; strongly persuade

dūncù

to urge; push for

cuīcù

to urinate

xiǎobiàn

to use as a basis for …

yǐ … wéi jīchǔ

to use one's power; exert full effort

yònglì

to use the internet

shàng wǎng

to use up; be used up; do all one can

jìn

to use up; consume; waste

fèi

to use wisely; watch carefully; hold firmly

zhuājǐn

to use; apply; cause; make; enable

shǐ

to use; consider; take; take [as]; take [for]

yǐ … [wéi]

to use; take advantage of

lìyòng

to use; take on for use; adopt

cǎiyòng

to videotape

shèxiàng

to view … seriously

duì … hěn zhòngshì

to view as; consider as

dàngzuò

to view as; treat as

kànchéng

to view; regard; treat

kàndài

to visit; tour; look at; go around

cān'guān

to vomit; be sick

ěxīn (See: shēngbìng)

to vomit; be sick

ǒutù (See: shēngbìng)

to vomit; be sick

yào ǒutù

to vomit; regurgitate

tù

to vote

tóupiào

to wait [for]

děng

to wait; await

děnghòu

to walk around; roam; stroll

guàng

to walk past

zǒuguòqu

to walk; going on foot

zǒu [lù]

to walk; going on foot

zǒulù

to want to …; to miss; to long for

xiǎng …

to war

dǎzhàng

to warm by the fire

kǎohuǒ

to warn; admonish

gàojiè

to warn; caution; to warn

jǐnggào

to wash up (the dishes, etc.)

xǐwǎn

to wash; clean

xǐ

to waste time; bother; hassle; torment

mó

to watch

shǒuwàng

to watch out; to be on guard

zhànggǎng

to watch over; guard; look after

kān'guǎn

to watch; look at; view

guānkàn

to watch; look; look at

kàn

to wave

zhāoshǒu

to wave; sway; rock; wag; shake; row; ring

yáo

to wave; swing; wield

huī

to wear make-up

huàzhe zhuāng

to wear; put on; pierce through; cross over

chuān

to wear; wrap on

dài

to weave

biānzhì

to weep

kūqì

to weep; cry

kū

to weigh out

chēngchū

to weigh up; consider; take into account

kǎolǜ

to welcome; meet; greet; receive

yíngjiē

to whisk; beat

jiǎobàn

to willing to

kěn

to win; gain; beat

yíng

to wipe

cāqù

to wipe

kāigān

to wish [you]; to give wishes

zhù [nǐ]

to wish to …; want to

kěwàng …

to wish; hope; desire

yuànwàng

to withdraw money

qǔ

to withdraw money

qǔ qián

to withdraw; step back; recede; subside

tuì

to witness

qīnyǎn mùdǔ

to work full-time

quánrì gōngzuò

to work on something

gàn huó(r)

to work well (e.g. vehicle brakes)

líng

to worry

chóu

to wrap round; wear as a shawl

pī

to write a caption; etch a label

tí

to write a letter

xiě xìn

to write a reply; to reply to a letter

huíxìn

to write; compose; author

xiě

to X off; to X up and go away (X is a verb)

Xshàngqu

to X to the death (X is a verb)

sǐ shǒu X

to X up (X is a verb)

Xshang

to X up (X is a verb)

Xshang

to X up (X is another verb)

X qǐ

to X up; to X over here (X is a verb)

Xshànglai

to X upwards (X is another verb)

X qǐlai

to yawn

dǎ hēqiàn

to; for; on behalf of (the one who benefits)

wèi (…); gěi (…)

to; towards (a person)

duì

today; nowadays

jīntiān

toe

jiǎozhǐ

together

yīqǐ; yìqǐ

together

yíkuàir

together; along with; at the same place; time

yìqǐ; yīqǐ

together; altogether; in total

gòng

together; in the same place at the same time

yìtóng

together; jointly with others

hé

toil; hard labour; hardship; laborious; hard

xīnkǔ

toilet soap; perfumed soap

xiāngzào

toilet; bathroom

cèsuǒ

tomato

fānqié

tomato

xīhóngshì

tomorrow

míngtiān

tone (in Chinese Mandarin)

shēng

tone; implication

kǒuqì

tone; manner of speaking

yǔqì

tongue

shétou

tonight

jīnwǎn

too …! excessively …!

tài … le!

too …; excessively …

guò …

too bad! ‘bad luck!’

zāogāo

too much

tài duō

tooth; teeth

yá

toothbrush

yáshuā

toothpaste

yágāo

top; peak; highest; extremely; most; very

dǐng

top; the top; surface of; upper section; above

shàngbian

topic

huàtí

torch; flashlight

shǒudiàntǒng

torment

jiān'áo

torture

kǔxíng

torture stake

kǔxíngzhù

touching; emotive; moving

gǎndōng

tough; hard; stubborn; by force; stubbornly

yìng

tourist group

lǚxíngtuán

tourist; sightseer; visitor

yóukè

tourist; sightseer; visitor; excursionist

yóurén

tourist; traveller

lǚyóuzhě

toward (a grammatical tool that enables the normal word order to be reversed, so that the object that would normally be located after the verb can be put before the verb, but it is still the verb's object)

bǎ

toward (a grammatical tool that enables the normal word order to be reversed, so that the object  that would normally be located after the verb can be put before the verb, but it is still the verb's object)

jiāng (Compare similar bǎ)

toward; [acting on]

gēn

towards; along; to obey; follow; submit to

shùn

towards; per; according to

zhào

towards; to; in the direction of

wàng

towel

máojīn

tower; pagoda

tǎ

town

shìzhèn

town

zhèn

town centre

shìzhōngxīn

town; city

[yízuò] chéngshì  (zuò is a MW)

toy (thing)

wánjù

tract
— [a] tract

chuándān
— [yìzhang] chuándān  (zhang is a MW)

trade

jiāoyì

trade union

gōnghuì

trade; commerce

màoyì

tradition (a practice handed down)

chuántǒng

tradition; custom

xísú

traditional

chuántǒngde

traffic (to be in a traffic jam)

dǔ chē

traffic lights

hóng lǜdēng

traffic lights

hónglǜdēng

traffic lights

jiāotōng dēng

traffic; transportation; communication

jiāotōng

train

lièchē

train (on railway)

huǒchē

train conductor; attendant

lièchēyuán

train conductor; ticket collector

chéngwùyuán

trainer; instructor; coach

jiàoliàn

training (for physical fitness)

jiànshēn duànliàn

training; to train; instruct; drill

xùnliàn

tram (electric vehicle)

diànchē

transfiguration

gǎibiàn xíngmào

transform (to transform; to modify; to convert)
— to …-ize; to …-ise

huà
— …huà

transformation; change (of conditions)

gǎibiǎn

transformation; reformation; change

gǎizào

transistor; semi-conductor

bàndǎotǐ

translation; interpreter; translator

fānyì

translator; interpreter; to translate; interpret

fānyì

transport conductor; ticket office clerk

shòupiàoyuán

transportation; transport; conveyance

yùnshū

travel agency

lǚxíngshè

travel guidebook

lǚyóu zhǐnán

travel; journey

lǚtú

travel; to travel; journey; trip

lǚxíng

travels; journey; trip; behaviour; conduct

xíng

tray

tuōpán

treasure

zhēnbǎo

treat (special favour)

lèshì

tree
— [a] tree

shù
— [yìke] shù

trials; trial; test

kǎoyàn

triangle

sānjiǎoxíng

tribe

bùluò

trip; journey

lǚchéng

trivial; unimportant; minor (small)

xiǎo

troops; soldier(s)

bīng

trouble; to trouble; troublesome

máfan

troublesome

fánnǎode

troublesome

máfande

truck; lorry

kǎchē

true face; true character

zhēnmiànmù

true; actual; real

xiànshí

true; actual; real

zhēnshí

true; genuine; real

zhēnzhèng

true; genuine; real; truly; really

zhēn

truly

shēnshēn

truly; really (in fact)

zhēnde

truly; really; honest; true; real

shízài

truly; sincerely

zhēnchéngde (See: zhōngchéng; zhōngxīn )

truly? really (in fact)?

zhēn de ma?

trust; confidence

xìnrèn

trustworthy; reliable

kěkào

trustworthy; reliable

kěyǐ xìnlai de

tube; pipe

guǎn

tube; pipe (for water, gas)

guǎnzi

Tuesday

Xīngqīèr

tuition; school fees

xuéfèi

turkey

huǒjī

turtle (marine)

háiguī

turtle (terrestrial)

wūguī

tutor

jiānhù

TV show; TV programme

diànshì jiémù

twelve

shí'èr

twenty

èrshí

twice

liǎng cì

two

èr  (See also liǎng used with a MW)

two (measure: a couple of; not the number)

liǎng

two batteries; a couple of cells

liǎngjié diànchí  (jié here is a MW)

two ladies

liǎngwèi nǚshì  (wèi here is a MW)

two trains

liǎngliè huǒchē  (liè here is a MW)

two way conversation; dialogue

duìhuà

two; several; a few

liǎ

type; kind; sort

zhǒnglèi

type; seed; kind; species; breed; ethnic group

zhǒng

typewriter

dǎzìjī

typhoon

táifēng

typical

diǎnxíngde

tyre

chēdài

u

 

ugly

chǒu

ugly; looking awful; pale; embarrassing

nánkàn

ugly; unpleasant; shameful; foul smelling

chòu

umbrella

yǔsǎn

unable to see

kànbujiàn

unable to see clearly

kànbuqīngchu

unable to understand (when reading)

kànbudǒng

unavoidable

miǎnbùliǎo

uncle (father's younger brother)

shūshu

uncle (on father's side or of his generation)

shūshu

uncle; father's elder brother

bóbo

uncle; father's elder brother

bófù

uncle; mother's brother

jiùjiu

uncooked; raw; rare

shēngde

under heaven; the whole world; all of China

tiānxià

under; underneath
— [located] under …

xiàbian
— [zài] … xiàbian

under; underneath; below; with
— [located] under …

xiàmian (See: xiàbian)
— [zài] … xiàmian

underneath; under; below
— [located] underneath …

xiàbian
— [zài] … xiàbian

underpants

nèikù (MW is [yì]tiāo)

underpants; shorts

duǎnnèikù

underpants; shorts

hànkù

Understand?

Dǒngbúdǒng?

understood (when reading)

kàndǒngle

underwear; shirt

chènyī

underwear; undershirt

nèiyī

undeserved kindness

fènwài ēndiǎn

unemployment; unemployed

shīyè

unexpected; sudden; abruptly; suddenly

tūrán

unexpectedly

méixiǎngdào

unfair; unjust; resentful; indignant

bùpíng

unfamiliar; strange

mòshēng

unforeseen; unexpected; surprising

yìwài

unfortunate circumstances; misfortune

búxìng

unfortunate; having “bad luck”

dǎoméi

unhappy

bù gāoxìng

unhappy; upset

fánmèn

uniform; costume

fúzhuāng

United Nation

Liánhéguó

unity; to rally; unite

tuánjié

universe

tiāndì

universe

yǔzhòu

university; college

dàxué

unless

chúfēi

unlimited; infinite; infinitely

wúxiàn

unmarried; single

dúshēn

unnecessary; surplus to requirements

duōyúde

unnumbered; countless; innumerable

wúshù

unoccupied; idle; free

xián

unprecedented; in a manner not met before

kōngqián

unprejudices; unbiased; open-minded

méiyǒu piānjiàn

unrighteous

búyì

unripe

wèichéngshúde

until …; to …

dào …

until now

yǐlái

until; to come to

lái dào

until; to come to

láidào

until; up to; to

zhì

untruth; lie; false words

huǎng

untruth; lie; false words

huǎnghuà

unusual; exceptional; abnormal; extraordinary

yìcháng

unusually; exceptionally; exceedingly

yìcháng

up to now; so far; thus far; until now

zhìjīn

up to; as far as; until

zhídào

up; high; higher; first; previous; preceding

shàng

up; upward

xiàngshàng

upbringing

chūshēn

upon; above

— [located] upon …

shàngmiàn (or shàngmian) (See: shàngbian)
— [zài] … shàngmiàn

upset; annoyed

àonǎo

upside down

dǎozhuàn

upside down

diāndǎo

upstairs

lóushàng

urban

chéngshìde

urgent

jí

urgent; critical

jǐnjí

urgent; urgently

pòqiè

urgently

cóngshì

US dollar

měijīn

USA

Měiguó

use; (a benefit); to use; to need

yòng

used up; finished (all gone)

yòngguāngle

useful

yǒu yòng

useful

yǒuyòng; yǒu yòng

useful

yǒu yòng; yǒuyòng

useless

méi yòng

useless

wúyòngde

useless

méi yòng

useless; waste; scrapped; discarded; dumped

fèi

using all one's power; with whole strength

yònglì

usual

wǎngcháng

usual; common; ordinary; plain

píngcháng

usually; normally

yìbān

usually; normally; ordinarily

píngcháng

usually; normally; ordinarily

píngshí

uterus

zǐgōng

utmost

jìn dōu

utmost

jìndōu

v

 

vacant space; spare time; leisure

kǒngr

vaccination

dǎ fángyìzhēn

vague

hánhúde

valley

shān'gǔ

value; significance; cost; merit; price

jiàzhí

vanity

kōngxū

variety; strain

pǐnzhǒng

various; mixed; miscellaneous

zá

vase

huāpíng

vegetable(s)

shūcài

vegetables

qīng cài

vegetables

qīngcài

vegetarian

chīsùde

vehicle (bike; bus; car)

chē

vehicle or car for dining; restaurant carriage

cānchē

vehicle
— [a vehicle] load

chē
— [yī chē] huòwù

vehicle; bus; car; automobile

qìchē

velocity; speed

sùdù

verse

jié

verses

jīngwén

vertical

chuízhíde

very cold; wintery cold; bitter

hánlěng

very precious

guìzhòng de

very; extremely; unusually; exceptionally

fēicháng

very; indeed; surely; much; quite

hěn

very; quite

hǎo

vest; undershirt

bèixīn

vexed; worried; troubled; bothered

fánnǎo

via

jīngyóu

vice-; sub-; deputy; assistant

fù

victoriously; successfully; excellently

shènglì

victory; win; be victorious; be successful

shènglì

video cassette

shèxiàngdài

video cassette recorder (VCR)

lùxiàngjī

video recorder

shèlùjī

video recording; to record a video; tape

lùxiàng

video tape; video cassette

lùxiàngdài

Vietnam

Yuènán

Vietnam

Yuènán

Vietnamese (See: German- of, person, lang.)

Yuènán[-de|-rén|-wén|-yǔ] (See: Dé)

view (-point)

quāndiǎn

viewpoint; point of view; standpoint; angle

guāndiǎn

viewpoint; standpoint; position

lìchǎng

vigour; vitality; liveliness; energy

jīnglì

village

cūn

village

cūnzhuāng

village

cūnzi

village; the countryside; country

xiāng

vinegar

cù

violent (wind, water)

jí

violin

xiǎotíqín

visa

qiānzhèng

vision; foregleam

yìxiàng

visit

tànfǎng

visit; see (e.g. a doctor)

kàn

visit; to call on; to visit (formally)

fǎngwèn

visiting times

huìkè shíjiān

visitor; guest

kèren

visitors' room; reception room

huìkèshì

vocabulary

cíhuì

voice; sound; noise

shēngyīn

voice; throat; larynx

sǎngzi

voicemail

diànhuà liúyán

volcano

huǒshān

volleyball

páiqiú

volume; (physical)

tǐjī

voluntary; of one's own volition

zìyuàn

voracious; greedy

tānchī

voracious; greedy

tānzuǐ

vulnerable; helpless (due to being sick, weak)

gūruò de

w

 

waist; small of one's back

yāo

Wales

Wēi'ěrshì; Wēi'ěrsī

walking

zǒudédào de jùlí

wall

qiáng

walnut

hútao

wardrobe

yīguì

wares; goods; commodities; products

shāngpǐn

warfare; war; fighting

zhànzhēng

warm

wēn

warm; cosy; to get warm; to make warm

nuǎnhuo

warm; friendly; to get warm; to make warm

nuǎn(huo)

warmhearted; affectionate

qīnrè

warmth; warm

wēnnuǎn

warning; to remind; warn

tíxǐng (See also: shǐ … xiǎngqǐ)

washing machine

xǐyījī

wast; excess; wasteful; to waste; fritter away

làngfèi

waste; barren; deserted

huāng

watchful; fully attentive; concentrating totally

zhuānxīn

water buffalo

shuǐniú

water[s]; liquid; juice

shuǐ

waterfall

pùbù

watermelon

xīguā

wave (of sea)

bōlàng

wax

là

way in

jìnlù

way in which
—the way in which X is done is Y
e.g. The way in which you speak Mandarin is very good.

de
—X de Y
e.g. Nǐ pǔtōnghuà shuō de hěn hǎo.

way in; entrance

rùkǒu

way of life

niánjì

way of living

shēnghuó fāngshì

way of thinking; opinion; point of view

xiǎngfǎ

way; manner

yàng

ways

tújìng

ways; side; aspect; angle; hand; respect

fāngmiàn

we are older than he

wǒmen bǐ tā dà

we knocked at the door twice

wǒmen qiàole liǎngxià mén (xià: ver. MW)

we sincerely hope

wǒmen zhōngxīn xīwàng (See zhēnchéng )

we; us

wǒmen

weak

ruǎnruò

weak; of poor standard; inferior

ruò

weakness (=flesh-point)

ruòdiǎn

weakness; failing; fault

duǎn

wealth

cáifù

wealth; prosperity; prosperous

fánróng

wealthy

fùyǒude

wealthy; well-off

xiǎokāng

wealthy; well-to-do; rich

yǒuqián

weather

tiānqì

weather activity; climatic events

qìxiàng

weather forecast

tiānqì yùbào

web; net; network

wǎng

website

wǎngzhàn

wedding

hūnlǐ

wedding ring

jiēhūn jièzhi (MW is [yì]zhī )

Wednesday

Xīngqīsān

week

lǐbài

week

xīngqī

weekend

zhōumò

weight

zhòngliàng

weight; weighty; serious; important; heavy

zhòng

Welcome!

huānyíng!

welcome; to welcome; greet

huānyíng

Well done!

zuòde hǎo!

Well; clearly …; clear; distinct

qīngchu

well; pit

jǐng

well-behaved

guījùde

well-done; well-cooked

zhǔdetòude

well-known; famous; renowned; prominent

zhùmíng

well-mannered; polite

yǒu lǐmào de

Welsh (person)

Wēi'ěrsīrén

Welsh (things in general)

Wēi'ěrsīde

west

xībiān

west; the West; western

Xīfāng

west; western; west

xī

Western (things generally)

Xīfāngde

Western food

xīcān

Western medical doctor

Xīyī

Western medicine

Xīyào

western side

xībian

western side

xīmian  (See also: xībian)

Western- style clothes

xīfú

Westerner

Xīfāngrén

Western-style clothing

xīzhuāng  (See also: xīfú)

wet

shī[de]

wet; damp; humid

shī

what …? pardon me?

shénme …?

what a ...! such a ...!

duōme …!

what a pity! a real shame!

zhēn yíhàn!

what a real shame!

zhēn diūliǎn!

what happened

fāshēng shénme shì?

what happened? how come?

zěnme huí shì?

what is called; what you call; so-called

suǒwèi

what is left remaining; remainder

shèngyú[de]

what is right; right; correct

zhèngquè (See also: zhǔnquè)

what kind of?

nǎ yī zhǒng?

what kind?

shénme yàng de?

what something; the thing

shénme

what time?

jǐ diǎn?

what you say

nǐ shuō shénme

what!; what?

shénme

what; any

shénme

what; whatever X (X is a verb)

suǒ X

whatever …; everything

fánshì … [dōu]

whatever are you doing?

nǐ gànmá?

whatever
— whatever X then Y; [whatever] that [is]

shénme
— X shénme jiù Y shénme

whatever; everything; all the things

shénme dōu

whatever; no matter what

suíbiàn

what's up? what happened? now what?

zěnme le?

wheat

mài

wheat

màizi

wheat

xiǎomài

wheel

lúnzi

when

héshí

when

jǐshí

when ([at the time] when …)

de (… de shíhou)

when you eat

nǐ shénme shíhou chī

when; at which time?

shénme shíhou

when? what time?

shénme shíhou?

whenever

wúlùn héshí

whenever; at any time

suíshí

where?

nǎlǐ?

where?

nǎr?

wherever

nǎli dōu

whether

shìfǒu

whether there is

yǒuméiyǒu

which [one]? which X?

nǎge [X]?

which is it?
— [is it] X or Y?

shì
— [shì] X háishì Y?

which kind?

nǎ zhǒng?

which kind?

něi zhǒng?

which number?

jǐ hào?

which? (plural) which ones?

nǎxiē?

which? (sing.)

něi [yí]ge? (change ‘ge’ to ‘běn’, etc. as  necessary)

which? (singular)

nǎ [yí]ge? (change ‘ge’ to ‘běn’, etc. as necessary)

while …; when …

dāng … shíhou

while on the way; in passing; en route

shùnbiàn

whilst (at the time when)

dāng

white colour(ed)

báisè [de]

white; pure; blank; plain; vernacular

bái [de]

who …?

shéi …? shuí …?

who all; everybody

shéi dōu

who; anyone who

shéi

who?

shuí?  (See: shéi?)

whole; all; satisfactory; fairly; quite

mǎn

whole; complete; all

quánbù

whole; complete; entire; perfect

wánquán

whole; complete; wholly; all; completely

quán

wholehearted; warm-hearted; enthusiastic

rèxīn

wholly; all; completely; in its entirety

quánbùde

whose?

shéi de? shuí de?

whose?

shéide? shuíde?

whose?

shuí de?  (See: shéi de?)

whose?

shuíde?  (See: shéide?)

why bother doing …?

…hébì

why? for what?

wéishénme?

why? for what?

wéishénme?

why? for what? what for?

wèishénme?

why? What on earth is the reason?

gàn

wicked

xié'è[de]

wide-ranging; covering a wide range

guǎngdà

widow

guǎfù

widowed

sàngfū

widower

sàngqī

width

kuāndù

wife

qīzi

wife (formal); madam

fūren

wife of brother; sister-in-law

jiùsǎo

wife of father's younger brother; aunt

shénmǔ

wife of husband's younger brother (s'r-inlaw)

dìxí

wife of husband's younger brother (s'r-in-law)

dìmèi

wife of mother's brother; aunt

jiùmǔ

wife; Mrs.; madam; married woman

tàitai

wife's father; father-in-law

yuèfù

wife's mother; mother-in-law

yuèmǔ

wife's mother's sister (older or younger); aunt

yímǔ

wife's older brother; frother-in-law

nèixiōng

wife's older sister; sister-in-law

yíjiě

wife's older sister's husband; brother-in-law

jiěfu

wife's younger brother; brother-in-law

nèidì

wife's younger sister; sister-in-law

yímèi

wife's younger sister's husband; bro'-in-law

mèifu

wild

yěshēngde

will (shall)

jiāng; jiāngyào

will … (future); to be likely to; be sure to

huì …

will; to be about to

jíjiāng

will; to be expected to (happen / cause)

yào

will; wish; purpose

zhǐyì

willfully; stubbornly

piān

willfully; stubbornly; unexpectedly

piānpiān

wind power; power of the wind

fēnglì

wind; storm; customary practice; habit

fēng

window (in a building)

chuānghu

window (of ticket counter, payment desk)

chuāngkǒu

windy (blow wind)

guā fēng

wine

pútaojiǔ

wing

chìbǎng

winner

huǒshēngzhě

winter

dōng

winter break; holiday

hánjì

wintertime; winter

dōngtiān

wise

zhìhuì

wise; having understand; sensible

dǒngshì

wish; will; will power; intent

yìzhì

wishes

yíyuàn

wishes
— “good luck!”

zhù nǐ hǎoyùn

with ({along} with …)

gēn … {yìcǐ}

with ({to learn X} with Y; {to learn X} from Y

gēn Y {xué X}

with (by using)

[zài] yòng …

with (company)

tóng …; gēn … yìqǐ

with (company)

hé … (yìqǐ); gēn … yìqǐ

with (in company)
— [along] with

hé …; tóng …
—hé … [yìqǐ]

with (in company)
— [along] with

tong
—tóng … [yìqǐ]

with the undesirable result that; so that

yǐzhì

with two common non-paternal grandparents

biǎo

with X; having taken X

ná X

with; for; to; and

yǔ

with; using; by means of

yòng

within …

zài … dāngzhōng

within reason

bù chāochū qínglǐ zhīwài

within reason

zài qínglǐ zhī nèi

within reason

zài qínglǐ zhī nèi

within X time

X nèi

within; in

[zài] … dāngzhōng

without (not having …); no; not

méiyǒu …

without hesitation; even if; even though […]

jǐn'guǎn [… dōu]; (jǐn'guǎn [… hái, yě] )

without the least bit of

háowú

witness

jiànzhèng

witness

lǐjù

witness

zhèngrén

witness (do witnessing)

zuò-jiànzhèng

witness (person)

jiànzhèng(rén)

wolf

láng

woman

fùnǚ

woman

nǚ

woman

nǚrén

woman's period (monthly cycle)

yuèjīngqī

womb; belly

fù

wonderful

qímiào

won't have to; to be unnecessary

búbì

wood; timber; log

mùtou

wooden

mùzhìde

woods

shùlín

wool

máoxiàn

wool

yángmáo

woollen pullover; sweater; jumper

máoyī

Word

huàyǔ

word (a group of letters, not the message)

dāncí

word (My word!)

āiyā

word; prophecy; prediction

yùyán

word; speech; talk; statement

cí

work group; school class; duty shift; team

bān

work instrument; tool

gōngjù

work of art

yìshùpǐn

work unit; unit of measure

dānwèi

work; activity; product

huór

work; effort; skill

gōngfu

work; employment; job; ministry; to work

gōngzuò

-worker; -er; -ist (in an organisation)

[-]yuán

worker[s]

gōngrén

works

wěijǔ

works; writings

zhùzuò

workshop

chējiān

worn out
— [to feel] worn out

pífá
— [gǎndào] pífá

worn out; in tatters (clothes, machines)

chénjiù

worried; concerned; flustered; annoyed

jí

worse

gènghuàile

worship; to worship

chóngbài

worst

zuìhuàide

worthwile

hésuàn

would better (do something else)

nìngkě

would better (do something else)

nìngkěn

would better (do something else)

nìngyuàn

would like

xiǎngyào

would like to

xiǎng

would like to; to be willing to

yuàn[yì]

would like to; to be willing to; prefer

yuànyì

wouldn't favour; would not go as far as to

zhìyú

wounded at heart; sad; broken-hearted

shāngxīn

wrist

shǒuwàn

wristwatch; watch

shǒubiǎo

writer

zuòjiā

writer; author

zuòzhě

writing brush

máobǐ

writing; composing; composition

xiězuò

writing; script; characters; written language

wénzì

wrong (morally); immoral

búdàodéde

wrong; incorrect

bú zhèngquè

wrong; mistaken

cuòde

x

 

X [can completely] Y

X Y de liǎo

X [cannot at all] Y

X Y bú liǎo

X any more! (X is Don't …)

X le! (X is búyào … or bié …)

X beat Y

X zhànshèng le Y

X by Y (passive voice, X is done by Y)

X ràng Y

X gets Y; X is subjected to Y (passive form)

X shòu Y

X hither; towards; near (where X is a verb)

X lái

X hither; towards; near (where X is a verb)

Xlai; X lái

X inwards; in (where X is a verb)

X jìn

X is as Y as Z

X hé Y yìbān Z

X of Y parts of the whole

Y fēn zhī X

X on up; X on down; X on over (X is a verb)

X lái  (lái is added for emphasis)

X towards; near (where X is a verb)

X jìnlái

X with a bad effect (X is a verb) (e.g. foul-)

nán X

X, is it so? (turns a statement into a question)

X ma?

X, isn't it obvious!

X ma!

X-ing; continuing to X (X is a verb)

X zhe

X-ist (person famed for specializing in X)

Xjiā  (See also: …shǒu)

X-ist (person who plays X, but not famed so)

Xjiā  (See also: …jiā)

Xth day of the week (Monday is weekday 1)

LǐbàiX

y

 

Y = scores

Y = jǐ shí bù (jǐ 10 bù)

Yangtze River

Chángjiāng

year; New Year; age in years; annual

nián

yellow

huáng (de)

yellow colour(ed)

huángsè (de)

yellow colour[ed]

huángsè[de]

Yellow River

Huánghé

Yes, it is, as you say! Indeed!
[Note that normally “Yes” is achieved by repeating the verb that was in the question. For example,
  “Do you know?”
gets the affirmative response,
  “(I) know!”]

shì(de)

Yes, that idea is correct, as you say! (confirming negative words)
(Note that normally  “Yes” or “No” are achieved by repeating the verb that was in the question. For example, if asked,
“Do you not know?”
and you know, the answer is,
“I do know!”)

shìde! duì!

yesterday

zuótiān

yet; as before; still

réng[rán]

yet; as before; still

réngjiù

yet; as before; still

réngrán

yet; but; however

què

yet; not yet

hái méiyǒu

yolk

huáng

you

nǐ

you (polite form)

nín

YOU (you in the plural case)

nǐmen

you are three years older than I

nǐmen bǐ wǒ dà sān suì?

you are welcome (i.e. not stand on ceremony)

bú kèqi

you can try three more times

nǐ néng zài shì sānhuí  (huí as a verbal MW)

young

niánqīng

young person; youth

qīngnián

younger brother

dìdi

younger female cousin

biǎomèi

younger male cousin

biǎodì

younger sister

mèimei

youngster; teenager; adolescent

qīngshàonián

your

nǐde

YOUR (your in the plural case)

nǐmende

your father was seen by me

nǐ bàba gěi wǒ kànjiàn lé

Yours sincerely

Nínde zhōngchéng de

youth(s)

niánqīngrén

z

 

zeal; love; passionate feelings; enthusiasm

rèqíng

zealous

shǐtúmen

zealous; loving; warm-hearted; enthusiastic

rèqíng

zero; nil; nought; nowt

líng

zoo

dòngwùyuán

 

·a·a

bā|bá|bǎ|bà|ba|bē|bé|bě|bè|be|bī|bí|bǐ|bì|bi|bō|bó|bǒ|bò|bo|bū|bú|bǔ|bù|bu

cā|cá|cǎ|cà|ca|cē|cé|cě|cè|ce|chch|cī|cí|cǐ|cì|ci|cō|có|cǒ|cò|co|cū|cú|cǔ|cù|cu

dā|dá|dǎ|dà|da|dē|dé|dě|dè|de|dī|dí|dǐ|dì|di|dō|dó|dǒ|dò|do|dū|dú|dǔ|dù|du

·e·

fā|fá|fǎ|fà|fa|fē|fé|fě|fè|fe|fō|fó|fǒ|fò|fo|fū|fú|fǔ|fù|fu

gā|gá|gǎ|gà|ga|gē|gé|gě|gè|ge|gō|gó|gǒ|gò|go|gū|gú|gǔ|gù|gu

hā|há|hǎ|hà|ha|hē|hé|hě|hè|he|hō|hó|hǒ|hò|ho|hū|hú|hǔ|hù|hu

·i·

jī|jí|jǐ|jì|jia|jie|jiu|jū|jú|jǔ|jù|ju|jü

kā|ká|kǎ|kà|ka|kē|ké|kě|kè|ke|kō|kó|kǒ|kò|ko|kū|kú|kǔ|kù|ku

lā|lá|lǎ|là|la|lē|lé|lě|lè|le|lī|lí|lǐ|lì|li|lō|ló|lǒ|lò|lo|lū|lú|lǔ|lù|lü

ma|me|mi|mo|mu

nā|ná|nǎ|nà|na|nē|né|ně|nè|ne|nī|ní|nǐ|nì|ni|nō|nó|nǒ|nò|no|nū|nú|nǔ|nù|nu|nü

·o·

pā|pá|pǎ|pà|pa|pē|pé|pě|pè|pe|pī|pí|pǐ|pì|pi|pō|pó|pǒ|pò|po|pū|pú|pǔ|pù|pu

qī|qí|qǐ|qì|qi|qū|qú|qǔ|qù|qu|qua|que

rā|rá|rǎ|rà|ra|rē|ré|rě|rè|re|rī|rí|rǐ|rì|ri|rō|ró|rǒ|rò|ro|rū|rú|rǔ|rù|ru

sā|sá|sǎ|sà|sa|sē|sé|sě|sè|se|shā|shá|shǎ|shà|shē|shé|shě|shè|shī|shí|shǐ|shì|sho| |shū|shua|shui|shuo|sī|sí|sǐ|sì|si|sō|só|sǒ|sò|so|sū|sú|sǔ|sù|su

tā|tá|tǎ|tà|ta|tē|té|tě|tè|te|tī|tí|tǐ|tì|ti|tō|tó|tǒ|tò|to|tū|tú|tǔ|tù|tu

wā|wá|wǎ|wà|wē|wé|wě|wè|wō|wó|wǒ|wò|wo|wū|wú|wǔ|wù|wu

xī|xí|xǐ|xì|xiā|xiá|xiǎ|xià|xie|xio|xiu|xū|xú|xǔ|xù|xu|xü

yā|yá|yǎ|yà|yē|yé|yě|yè|yī|yí|yǐ|yì|yō|yó|yǒ|yò|yū|yú|yǔ|yù|yua|yue|yü

zā|zá|zǎ|zà|zē|zé|zě|zè|ze|zhā|zhá|zhǎ|zhà|zhē|zhé|zhě|zhè|zhī|zhí|zhǐ|zhì|zhō| zhǒ|zhò|zhū|zhú|zhǔ|zhù|zhu|zī|zí|zǐ|zì|zi|zō|zó|zǒ|zò|zo|zū|zú|zǔ|zù|zu|zua| zuǐ|zuì|zuō|zuó|zuǒ|zuò|

 

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Date of Last Edit: 9 September, 2017