Chinese-English Mini-Dictionary
A
ǎi (eye): short
àirén (eye-run): spouse (used only in the PRC)
āiyá (eye-yah): oh my goodness!
ānjìng (ahn-jeeng): quiet
ānpái (ahn-pye): to arrange
ānquán dài (ahn-chwan dye): seat belt
B
bàba (bah-bah): father
bǎifēn bǐ (bye-fun bee): percentage
bàn (bahn): half
bāngmáng (bahng-mahng): to help
bàngōngshǐ (bahn-goong-shir): office
bàngōngzhuō (bahn-goong-jwaw): desk
bànyè (bahn-yeh): midnight
bàoqiàn (baow-chyan): I’m sorry
bàozhǐ (baow-jir): newspaper
biéde (byeh-duh): other
bìng (beeng): to be sick
bīnguǎn (been-gwahn): hotel
bō (baw): to dial
bówùguǎn (baw-woo-gwahn): museum
bù (boo): not; no
búkèqì (boo-kuh-chee): you’re welcome
bǔchōng (boo-choong): to add
búcuò (boo-tswaw): not bad; really good
bùzhǎng (boo-jahng): department head; minister
C
cá (tsah): to sweep
cài (tsye): food
càidān (tsye-dahn): menu
cānguǎn (tsahn-gwahn): restaurant
cānjīnzhǐ (tsahn-jeen-jir): napkin
cèsuǒ (tsuh-swaw): toilet
chá (chah): tea; to look something up
chángcháng (chahng-chahng): often
chángtú diànhuà (chahng-too dyan-hwah): long-distance phone call
chāojí shìchǎng (chaow-jee shir-chahng): supermarket
chātóu (chah-toe): adaptor
chāzi (chah-dzuh): fork
chéngshì (chung-shir): city
chī yào (chir yaow): to take medicine
chīfàn (chir-fahn): to eat
chuān (chwahn): to wear
chuáng (chwahng): bed
chuánzhēn jī (chwan-juhn-jee): fax machine
chūfā (choo-fah): to leave the house; to set off
chūzū (choo-dzoo): to rent
chūzū chē (choo-dzoo chuh): taxi
cóng (tsoong): from
cōngmíng (tsoong-meeng): intelligent
cuò (tswaw): incorrect; mistake
D
dà (dah): big
dǎ (dah): to do, play, or hit
dàlù (dah-loo): mainland (China)
dānchéng piào (dahn-chuhng pyaow): one-way ticket
dāngrán (dahng-rahn): of course
dànshì (dahn-shir): but; however
dàshǐguǎn (dah-shir-gwahn): embassy
dàtīng (dah-teeng): lobby
děng (duhng): to wait
dēng jīpái (duhng jee-pye): boarding pass
diǎn (dyan): to order (food)
diànhuà (dyan-hwah): telephone
diànhuà hàomǎ (dyan-hwah how-mah): telephone number
diànhuà hàomǎbù (dyan-hwah how-mah-boo): telephone book
diànnǎo (dyan-now): computer
diànshì (dyan-shir): television
diàntī (dyan-tee): elevator
diànyǐng (dyan-yeeng): movie
diànzǐ yóujiàn (dyan-dzuh yo-jyan): e-mail
diànzǐ yóuxiāng dìzhǐ (dyan-dzuh yo-shyahng dee-jir): e-mail address
dìfāng (dee-fahng): place
dìng wèi (deeng way): to make a reservation
dìqū (dee-chyew): area; location
dìtiě (dee-tyeh): subway
dìtú (dee-too): map
dìzhǐ (dee-jir): address
dōngxī (doong-she): thing
dōu (doe): both; all
duìbùqǐ (dway-boo-chee): excuse me; I’m sorry
duìfāng fùfèi diànhuà (dway-fahng foo-fay dyan-hwah): collect call
duìhuàn lǜ (dway-hwahn lyew): exchange rate
duìhuànchù (dway-hwahn-choo): exchange bureaus
duìmiàn (dway-myan): opposite
dùjià (doo-jyah): on vacation
duō (dwaw): many
duō jiǔ (dwaw-jyoe): how long
duōshǎo (dwaw-shaow): how much
E
è (uh): hungry
érzi (are-dzuh): son
F
fǎlǜ (fah-lyew): law
fàn (fahn): food
fàndiàn (fahn-dyan): restaurant
fàndiàn qiántái (fahn-dyan chyan-tye): reception desk
fáng jià (fahng-jyah): to take a vacation
fángjiān (fahng-jyan): room
fànguǎn (fahn-gwahn): hotel
fángzi (fahng-dzuh): house
fàntīng (fahn-teeng): dining room
fēijī (fay-jee): airplane
fēijīchǎng (fay-jee-chahng): airport
féizào (fay-dzaow): soap
fēn (fun): minute; one cent
fùjìn (foo-jeen): area; vicinity
fùmǔ (foo-moo): parents
fù qián (foo chyan): to pay
fùqīn (foo-cheen): father
fúwùqì (foo-woo-chee): server
fúwùtái jīnglǐ (foo-woo-tye jeeng-lee): concierge
fúwùyuán (foo-woo-ywan): attendant
G
gǎibiàn (guy-byan): to change (attitude/behavior)
Gǎngbì (gahng-bee): Hong Kong dollar
gāngbǐ (gahng-bee): pen
gānjìng (gahn-jeeng): clean
gǎnxiè (gahn-shyeh): many thanks
gāofēngqī (gaow-fung-chee): rush hour
gàosù (gaow-soo): to tell
gāosù gōnglù (gaow-soo goong-loo): freeway
gāoxìng (gaow-sheeng): happy
gěi (gay): to give
gèng (guhng): more
gèrén diànnǎo (guh-run dyan-now): PC (personal computer)
gōnggòng qìchē (goong-goong chee-chuh): public bus
gōnggòng qìchē zhàn (goong-goong chee-chuh jahn): bus stop
gōnglù (goong-loo): highway
gōngsī (goong-suh): company
gōngwénbāo (goong-one-baow): briefcase
gōngxǐ (goong-she): congratulations
gōngyòng diànhuà (goong-yoong dyan-hwah): public telephone
gōngzuò (goong-dzwaw): to work; job
guà (gwah): to hang up
guǎn (gwan): to care about
guāngguāng tuán (gwahn-gwahng twahn): tour group
guāngpán (gwahng-pahn): music CD
gǔdài (goo-dye): ancient; antique
guì (gway): expensive
guójì diànhuà (gwaw-jee dyan-hwah): international phone call
guójì wǎngluò (gwaw-jee wahng-lwaw): the Internet
guójiā (gwaw-jyah): country
guóyǔ (gwaw-yew): Mandarin (term used in Taiwan)
H
hǎiguān (hi-gwahn): customs
háizi (hi-dzuh): child
Hànyǔ (hahn-yew): Chinese language
hǎo (how): good
hǎokàn (how-kahn): pretty
hàomǎ (how-mah): number
hē (huh): to drink
hétóng (huh-toong): contract
huài (hwye): broken; bad
huàn (hwahn): to change (trains, money, and so on)
huángdēngjī (hwahn-duhng-jee): slide projector
huángdēngpiàn (hwahn-duhng-pyan): slides
huānyíng (hwahn-yeeng): welcome
huí (hway): to answer; to return
huì (hway): to know how to do something
huí lái (hway lye): to return (come back)
huìyì (hway-ee): meeting
huò zhe (hwaw juh): or
huòbì (hwaw-bee): currency
huǒchē zhàn (hwaw-chuh jahn): train station
hùshī (hoo-shir): nurse
hùtóu (hoo-toe): bank account
hùzhào (hoo-jaow): passport
J
jǐ (jee): several; how many
jiā (jyah): family; home
jiàgé (jyah-guh): price
jiàn (jyan): to see; also used as a classifier
jiǎnchá (jyan-chah): to examine
jiǎng (jyahng): to talk
jiànshēn yùndòng (jyan-shun yewn-doong): to work out
jiǎnsuǒ (jyan-swaw): to search
jiànyì (jyan-ee): to suggest; suggestion
jiào (jyaow): to be called
jiāo (jyaow): to teach
jiàoshòu (jyaow-show): professor
jiāotōng (jyaow-toong): transportation
jiàrì (jyah-ir): vacation day
jí (jee): hurry
jiè (jyeh): to borrow; to loan
jiē (jyeh): to answer the phone; street
jiéhūn (jyeh-hwun): to marry
jiějué (jyeh-jweh): to resolve; to solve
jiérì (jyeh-ir): holiday
jièshào (jyeh-shaow): to introduce
jiéyú (jyeh-yew): account balance
jìn (jin): close
jǐngchá (jeeng-chah): police
jǐngchájú (jeeng-chah-jyew): police station
jīngjìcāng (jeeng-jee-tsahng): economy class
jīngjìrén (jeeng-jee-run): broker
jīnglǐ (jeeng-lee): manager
jǐnjí chūkǒu (jin-jee choo-koe): emergency exits
jīntiān (jin-tyan): today
jiǔ (jyoe): wine; alcohol
jiùhùchē (jyoe-hoo-chuh): ambulance
jiùshēng yī (jyoe-shung ee): life vests
jízhěnshì (jee-juhn-shir): emergency room
K
kāfēi (kah-fay): coffee
kāfēitīng (kah-fay-teeng): café
kāi (kye): to open
kāi chē (kye chuh): to drive
kāihuì (kye-hway): to have a meeting
kāimén (kye-mun): to open the door
kāishǐ (kye-shir): to start
kàn (kahn): to read; to see
kànbìng (kahn-beeng): to see a doctor
kàojìn (cow-jeen): next to
kè (kuh): class (academic)
kě (kuh): thirsty
kè hù (kuh hoo): client
kěndìng (kuhn-deeng): definitely
kěnéng (kuh-nung): perhaps
kěpà (kuh-pah): scary
kèrén (kuh-run): guest
kěxí (kuh-she): too bad; unfortunately
kěyǐ (kuh-yee): can; to be able to
kōngtiáo (koong-tyaow): air conditioning
kòngwèi (koong-way): vacant
kuài (kwye): fast; dollar
kuàijì (kwye-jee): accounting
kuàizi (kwye-dzuh): chopsticks
L
lái (lye): to come
láihuí piào (lye-hway pyaow): round-trip ticket
lǎo (laow): old; overdone
lǎobǎn (laow-bahn): a boss
lǎoshī (laow-shir): teacher
lèi (lay): tired
léishè guāngdié (lay-shuh gwahng-dyeh): CD-ROM
lěng (luhng): cold
lǐ (lee): inside; Chinese equivalent of a kilometer
liáotiān (lyaow-tyan): to chat
lǐbài (lee-bye): to pray; week
líkāi (lee-kye): to leave
lǐngqǔdān (leeng-chyew-dahn): luggage claim tag
línshìguǎn (leeng-shir-gwahn): consulate
lǐtáng (lee-tahng): auditorium
liúhuà (lyoe-hwah): to leave a message
liúlǎn (lyoe-lahn): to browse
liúxíng (lyoe-sheeng): popular
lǐwù (lee-woo): gifts
lóushàng (low-shahng): upstairs
lóuxià (low-shyah): downstairs
lù (loo): road
lǚguǎn (lyew-gwahn): hotel
lǜshī (lyew-shir): lawyer
lùxiàngjī (loo-shyahng-jee): video recorder
lǚxíng (lyew-sheeng): to travel
lǚxíng dàilǐrén (lyew-sheeng dye-lee-run): travel agent
lǚxíng zhīpiào (lyew-sheeng jir-pyaow): traveler’s checks
lǚxíngshè (lyew-sheeng-shuh): travel agency
lùyīn diànhuà (loo-een dyan-hwah): answering machine
lǚyóu (lyew-yoe): tour
lǚyóu shǒucè (lyew-yoe show-tsuh): guidebook
M
máfan (mah-fahn): annoying
mài (my): to sell
mǎi (my): to buy
māma (mah-mah): mother
màn (mahn): slow
mànchē (mahn-chuh): local train
máng (mahng): busy
máojīn (maow-jeen): towel
máotǎn (maow-tahn): blanket
màoyì zhǎnxiāohuì (maow-ee jahn-shyaow-hway): trade show
měige (may-guh): each
Měiguó (may-gwaw): America
Měiguóren (may-gwaw-run): American
méiyǒu (mayo): don’t have
Měiyuán (may-ywan): U.S. dollar
mén (mun): door
ménkǒu (mun-ko): entrance
miàn (myan): face
miǎnfèi (myan-fay): free
miàntiáo (myan-tyaow): noodles
mǐfàn (mee-fahn): rice
mílù (mee-loo): to get lost
mìmǎ (mee-mah): personal identification number (PIN); password
míngnián (meeng-nyan): next year
míngpiàn (meeng-pyan): business card
míngtiān (meeng-tyan): tomorrow
mìshū (mee-shoo): secretary
mǔqīn (moo-cheen): mother
N
ná (nah): to pick up
nà (nah): that
nǎ (nah): which
nán péngyǒu (nahn pung-yo): boyfriend
nào zhōng (now-joong): alarm clock
nǎr (nar): where
nàr (nar): there
nǐ (nee): you
niánjì (nyan-jee): age
niánqīng (nyan-cheeng): young
nǐmen (nee-mun): you (plural)
nín (neen): you (polite)
nuǎnhuó (nwan-hwaw): warm
nǚpéngyǒu (nyew-puhng-yo): girlfriend
O
Ōu yuán (oh ywan): Euro
Ōuzhōu (oh-joe): Europe
P
pànjué (pahn-jweh): to make a decision legal
pēngtiáo yìshù (puhng-tyaow ee-shoo): culinary arts
péngyǒu (puhng-yo): friend
piányì (pyan-yee): cheap
piānzi (pyan-dzuh): movie
piào (pyaow): ticket
piàoliàng (pyaow-lyahng): pretty
píngcháng (peeng-chahng): usually; often
pǐntuō (peen-twaw): pint
pīnyīn (peen-yeen): Chinese Romanization system
Pǔtōnghuà (poo-toong-hwah): Mandarin (term used in mainland China)
Q
qián (chyan): front; money
qiān chū (chyan choo): to log off
qiánbāo (chyan-baow): wallet
qiānbǐ (chyan-bee): pencil
qiántái fúwùyuán (chyan-tye foo-woo-ywan): receptionist
qiānzhèng (chyan-juhng): visa
qiáo (chyaow): bridge
qìchē (chee-chuh): car
qǐfēi (chee-fay): to take off (airplane)
qíguài (chee-gwye): strange
qiān rù (chyan roo): to log on
qíng (cheeng): affection
qìng (cheeng): to celebrate
qǐng (cheeng): please
qīng (cheeng): clear
qīngzǎo (cheeng-dzaow): time (midnight to 6:00 am)
qítā (chee-tah): other; anything else
qīzi (chee-dzuh): wife
qù (chyew): to go
qǔ qián (chyew chyan): to withdraw money
quánbù (chwan-boo): entire; the whole thing
qùdiào (chyew-dyaow): erase; remove
qùnián (chyew-nyan): last year
qúnzi (chwun-dzuh): skirt
qǔxiāo (chyew-shyaow): to cancel
R
ràng (rahng): to let; to allow
rè (ruh): hot
rén (run): person
rénmínbì (run-meen-bee): PRC dollar
rènshi (run-shir): to know someone
Rì yuán (ir ywan): Japanese dollar
Rìběn (ir-bun): Japan
rìlì (ir-lee): calendar
rìqī (ir-chee): date
róngxìng (roong-sheeng): to be honored
róngyì (roong-ee): easy
ròu (row): meat
ruǎnjiàn (rwahn-jyan): software
S
shàng (shahng): above; on top; to go up; to get on
shāngdiàn (shahng-dyan): store
shàngge xīngqī (shahng-guh sheeng-chee): last week
shàngge yuè (shahng-guh yweh): last month
shàngwǎng (shahng-wahng): to go online
shāngwù zhōngxīn (shahng-woo joong-sheen): business center
shāngyè (shahng-yeh): business
shéi (shay): who; whom
shēn (shun): dark; deep
shēngqì (shung-chee): angry
shēngrì (shung-ir): birthday
shēngyì huǒbàn (shuhng yee hwaw bahn): business partner
shēngyīn (shung-een): voice
shénme (shummuh): what
shēntǐ (shun-tee): body
shì (shir): yes; is
shīfu (shir-foo): master; cook
shíhòu (shir-ho): time
shíjiānbiǎo (shir-jyan-byaow): schedule
shìpǐn záhuò (shir-peen dzah-hwaw): groceries
shuzāi (shway-dzye): flood
shōudào (show-daow): to receive
shǒujī (show-jee): cellphone
shǒujī hàomǎ (show-jee how-mah): cellphone number
shōujù (show-jyew): receipt
shòushāng (show-shahng): to be injured
shǒutí xínglǐ (show-tee sheeng-lee): carry-on luggage
shǒutíshì (show-tee-shir): laptop
shū (shoo): to lose; book
shuāng (shwahng): a pair
shuāngrén fángjiān (shwahng-run fahng-jyan): double room
shūfu (shoo-foo): comfortable
shuǐguǒ (shway-gwaw): fruit
shuìjiào (shway-jyaow): sleep
shuō (shwaw): to speak
sījī (suh-jee): driver
sìzhōu (suh-joe): around
sòng (soong): to send
sōng (soong): loose
sùcài (soo-tsye): vegetarian dishes
suì (sway): age
suǒ (swaw): to lock
sùshè (soo-shuh): dormitory
T
tā (tah): he; him
tāde (tah-duh): his
tài (tye): too much
táishì (tye-shir): desktop
tàitài (tye-tye): wife (term used mostly in Taiwan)
Táiwān (tye-wahn): Taiwan
tàiyáng yǎnjìng (tye-yahng yan-jeeng): sunglasses
tāmen (tah-mun): they; them
tāng (tahng): soup
tánpàn (tahn-pahn): negotiate
tǎnzi (tahn-dzuh): blanket
tàojiān (taow-jyan): suite
tǎolùn (taow-loon): to discuss
tèsè (tuh-suh): special
tián (tyan): to fill out a form
tiānqì (tyan-chee): weather
tiàowǔ (tiaow-woo): to dance
tīng (teeng): to listen to
tóngshì (toong-shir): colleague
tóngwū (toong-woo): roommate
tóngyì (toong-ee): to agree
tóuděng cāng (toe-dung-tsahng): first class
tóuténg (toe-tung): headache
tuīchí (tway-chir): postponed
tuìfáng (tway-fahng): to check out of a room
tuìhuí (tway-hway): to return merchandise
tuìkuǎn (tway-kwahn): refund
tuōyùn (twaw-yewn): to check in luggage
W
wài (wye): outside
wàibì (wye-bee): foreign currency
wàijiāoguān (wye-jyaow-gwahn): diplomat
wǎnfàn (wahn-fahn): dinner
wǎngluò liánjié (wahng-lwaw lyan-jyeh): Internet access
wǎngshàng fúwù tígōng shāng (wahng-shahng foo-woo tee-goong shahng): Internet service provider
wǎngzhàn (wahng-jahn): website
wǎnhuì (wahn-hway): party
wǎnshàng (wahn-shahng): evening (6:00 p.m. to midnight)
wéi (way): hello (on phone only)
wèishēng zhǐ (way-shung jir): toilet paper
wèishénme (way-shummuh): why
wénjiàn (one-jyan): a file
wènlù (one-loo): to ask for directions
wèntí (one-tee): problem
wǒ (waw): I; me
wǒde (waw-duh): mine
wǒmen (waw-mun): we; us
wòshì (waw-shir): bedroom
wǔfàn (woo-fahn): lunch
wǔyuè (woo-yweh): May
X
xǐ (she): to wash
xià (shyah): below; next; to go down; to get off
xiàge (shyah-guh): next
xiàge xīngqī (shyah-guh sheeng-chee): next week
xiàge yuè (shyah-guh yweh): next month
xiǎng (shyahng): to think
Xiānggǎng (shyahng-gahng): Hong Kong
xiàngmù (shyahng-moo): item
xiāngzi (shyahng-dzuh): suitcase
xiànjīn (shyan-jeen): cash
xiánliáo (shyan-lyaow): small talk
xiántán (shyan-tahn): to chat
xiànzài (shyan-dzye): now
xiǎo (shyaow): small
xiǎofèi (shyaow-fay): tip
xiǎo géjiān (shyaow guh-jyan): cubicle
xiǎo xīn (shyaow sheen): be careful
xiàwǔ (shyah-woo): afternoon (noon to 6:00 p.m.)
xiàzài (shyah-dzye): to download
xīcān (she-tsahn): Western food
xièxiè (shyeh-shyeh): thanks
xiézi (shyeh-dzuh): shoes
xǐhuān (she-hwahn): to like
xīn (shin): new
Xīn bì (shin bee): Singapore dollar
xínglǐ (sheeng-lee): luggage
xīngqī’èr (sheeng-chee-are): Tuesday
xīngqīliù (sheeng-chee-lyo): Saturday
xīngqīsān (sheeng-chee-sahn): Wednesday
xīngqīsì (sheeng-chee-suh): Thursday
xīngqītiān (sheeng-chee-tyan): Sunday
xīngqīwǔ (sheeng-chee-woo): Friday
xīngqīyī (sheeng-chee-ee): Monday
xīn Táibì (shin tye-bee): New Taiwan dollars
xìnxī (sheen-she): message
xìnyòng kǎ (sheen-yoong kah): credit card
xǐshǒu jiān (she-show-jyan): bathroom
xiūxi (shyo-she): to rest
xǐyī fúwù (she-ee foo-woo): laundry service
xuǎnzé (shwan-dzuh): to choose
xuéshēng (shweh-shung): student
xuéxí (shweh-she): to study
xuéxiào (shweh-shyaow): school
xūyào (shyew-yaow): to need
Y
yǎnjìng (yan-jeeng): glasses
yǎnjīng (yan-jeeng): eye
yǎnshì (yan-shir): a presentation
yào (yaow): to want; medicine
yàofáng (yaow-fahng): pharmacy
yáokòng qì (yaow-koong chee): remote control
yàoshi (yaow-shir): key
yàowán (yaow-wahn): pill
yáshuā (yah-shwah): toothbrush
yáyī (yah-ee): dentist
Yàzhōu (yah-joe): Asia
yě (yeah): also
yī (ee): one
yìchéng (ee-chung): agenda
yīfu (ee-foo): clothing
yǐhòu (ee-ho): after
yìhuǎr jiàn (ee-hwar jyan): see you later
yìhuǎr (ee-hwar): in a little while
yìjiàn (ee-jyan): opinion
yíng (eeng): to win
yìngbì (eeng-bee): coins
yīnggāi (eeng-guy): should
yínháng (een-hahng): bank
Yīngwén (eeng-one): English language
Yīngyǚ (eeng-yew): English language
yǐnliào (een-lyaow): drinks
yīnwèi (een-way): because
yīnyuè (een-yweh): music
yīqǐ (ee-chee): together
yīshēng (ee-shung): doctor
yǐwéi (ee-way): to consider
yìxiē (ee-shyeh): a few
yíyàng (ee-yahng): the same
yīyuàn (ee-ywan): hospital
yǐzi (ee-dzuh): chair
yòng (yoong): to use
yònghù xìngmíng (yoong-hoo sheeng-meeng): user name
yòu (yo): right
yǒu (yo): to have
yǒu shēng yóujiàn (yo shung yo-jyan): voicemail
yóujú (yo-jyew): post office
yóulǎn (yo-lahn): to sightsee
yǚ (yew): rain
yuán (ywan): Chinese dollar
yuǎn (ywan): far
yùdìng (yew-deeng): to make a reservation
Yuènán (yweh-nahn): Vietnam
yùndòng (yewn-doong): exercise
yùnqì (yewn-chee): luck
yǔsǎn (yew-sahn): umbrella
yùsuàn (yew-swan): budget
yǔyī (yew-ee): raincoat
Z
zàijiàn (dzye-jyan): goodbye
zánmen (dzahn-mun): we; us (informal)
zǎofàn (dzaow-fahn): breakfast
zāogāo (dzaow-gaow): Rats!; what a shame
zǎoshàng (dzaow-shahng): morning (6:00 a.m. to noon)
zázhì (dzah-jir): magazine
zéi (dzay): thief
zěnme (dzummah): how
zhàngdān (jahng-dahn): bill
zhàngfu (jahng-foo): husband
zhàntái (jahn-tye): platform
zhǎo (jaow): to look for
zhāohu (jaow-hoo): greeting
zhàopiàn (jaow-pyan): photo
zhàoxiàng (jaow-shyahng): to take pictures
zhàoxiàng jī (jaow-shyahng jee): camera
zhēn (juhn): really; truly
zhèngdiǎn (juhng-dyan): on time
zhèngjiàn (juhng-jyan): ID
zhí (jir): straight
zhǐ (jir): only
zhīdào (jir-daow): to know information
zhìliàng (jir-lyahng): quality
zhīpiào (jir-pyaow): check (money)
zhīpiào bù (jir-pyaow boo): checkbook
zhōng (joong): time; size medium
Zhōngguó (joong-gwaw): China
Zhōngguó rén (joong-gwaw run): Chinese person
Zhōngwén (joong-one): Chinese language
zhōngwǔ (joong-woo): noon
zhōngyú (joong-yew): finally
zhōumò (joe-maw): weekend
zhù (joo): to reside
zhuǎn (jwan): to transfer; to turn
zhūbǎo (joo-baow): jewelry
zhǔguǎn (joo-gwan): CEO
zhuólù (jwaw-loo): landing
zhuōzi (jwaw-dzuh): table
zìdòng lóutī (dzuh-doong low-tee): escalator
zìdòng tíkuǎn kǎ (dzuh-doong tee-kwan kah): ATM card
zìdòng tíkuǎnjī (dzuh-doong tee-kwan-jee): ATM
zìjǐ (dzuh-jee): self
zǒngcái (dzoong-tsye): president of a company
zǒngshì (dzoong-shir): always
zǒngsuàn (dzoong-swahn): finally
zǒu (dzoe): to walk
zūfèi (dzoo-fay): rent
zǔfù (dzoo-foo): grandfather
zuì (dzway): the most
zuǒ (dzwaw): left
zuótiān (dzwaw-tyan): yesterday
English-Chinese Mini-Dictionary
A
above: shàng (shahng)
account balance: jiéyú (jyeh-yew)
accounting: kuàijì (kwye-jee)
adaptor: chātóu (chah-toe)
add: bǔchōng (boo-choong)
address: dìzhǐ (dee-jir)
affection: qíng (cheeng)
after: yǐhòu (ee-ho)
afternoon (noon to 6:00 p.m.): xiàwǔ (shyah-woo)
age: niánjì; suì (nyan-jee; sway)
agenda: yìchéng (ee-chung)
agree: tóngyì (toong-ee)
air conditioning: kōngtiáo (koong-tyaow)
airplane: fēijī (fay-jee)
airport: fēijīchǎng (fay-jee-chahng)
alarm clock: nào zhōng (naow-joong)
alcohol: jiǔ (jyoe)
all: dōu (doe)
allow: ràng (rahng)
also: yě (yeh)
always: zǒngshì (dzoong-shir)
ambulance: jiùhùchē (jyoe-hoo-chuh)
America: Měiguó (may-gwaw)
American: Měiguóren (may-gwaw-run)
ancient: gǔdài (goo-dye)
angry: shēngqì (shung-chee)
annoying: máfan (mah-fahn)
answer the phone: jiē (jyeh)
answer: huí (hway)
answering machine: lùyīn diànhuà (loo-een dyan-hwah)
antique: gǔdài (goo-dye)
anything else: qítā (chee-tah)
area (location): dìqū (dee-chyew)
area (vicinity): fùjìn (foo-jeen)
around: sìzhōu (suh-joe)
arrange: ānpái (ahn-pye)
Asia: Yàzhōu (yah-joe)
ask for directions: wènlù (one-loo)
ATM card: zìdòng tíkuǎn kǎ (dzuh-doong tee-kwan kah)
ATM: zìdòng tíkuǎnjī (dzuh-doong tee-kwan-jee)
attendant: fúwùyuán (foo-woo-ywan)
auditorium: lǐtáng (lee-tahng)
B
bad: huài (hwye)
bank: yínháng (een-hahng)
bank account: hùtóu (hoo-toe)
bathroom: xǐshǒu jiān (she-show jyan)
be able to: kěyǐ (kuh-yee)
be called: jiào (jyaow)
be careful: xiǎo xīn (shyaow sheen)
be honored: róngxìng (roong-sheeng)
be injured: shòushāng (show-shahng)
be sick: bìng (beeng)
because: yīnwèi (een-way)
bed: chuáng (chwahng)
bedroom: wòshì (waw-shir)
below: xià (shyah)
big: dà (dah)
bill: zhàngdān (jahng-dahn)
birthday: shēngrì (shung-ir)
blanket: máotǎn; tǎnzi (maow-tahn; tahn-dzuh)
boarding pass: dēngjī pái (dung-jee pye)
body: shēntǐ (shun-tee)
book: shū (shoo)
borrow: jiè (jyeh)
boss: lǎobǎn (laow-bahn)
both: dōu (doe)
boyfriend: nán péngyǒu (nahn pung-yo)
breakfast: zǎofàn (dzaow-fahn)
bridge: qiáo (chyaow)
briefcase: gōngwénbāo (goong-one-baow)
broken: huài (hwye)
broker: jīngjìrén (jeeng-jee-run)
browse: liúlǎn (lyo-lahn)
budget: yùsuàn (yew-swan)
bus stop: gōnggòng qìchē zhàn (goong-goong chee-chuh jahn)
business: shēngyì (shung-yee)
business card: míngpiàn (meeng-pyan)
business center: shāngwù zhōngxīn (shahng-woo joong-sheen)
business partner: shēngyì huǒbàn (shung-yee hwaw-bahn)
busy: máng (mahng)
but: dànshì (dahn-shir)
buy: mǎi (my)
C
café: kāfēitīng (kah-fay-teeng)
calendar: rìlì (ir-lee)
camera: zhàoxiàng jī (jaow-shyahng-jee)
can: kěyǐ (kuh-yee)
cancel: qǔxiāo (chyew-shyaow)
car: qìchē (chee-chuh)
care about: guǎn (gwan)
carry-on luggage: shǒutí xínglǐ (show-tee sheeng-lee)
cash: xiànjīn (shyan-jeen)
CD (music): guāngpán (gwahng-pahn)
CD-ROM: léishè guāngdié (lay-shuh gwahng-dyeh)
celebrate: qìng (cheeng)
cellphone: shǒujī (show-jee)
cellphone number: shǒujī hàomǎ (show-jee how-mah)
CEO: zhǔguǎn (joo-gwan)
chair: yǐzi (ee-dzuh)
change (attitude/behavior): gǎibiàn (guy-byan)
change (trains, money, and so on): huàn (hwahn-chuh)
chat: liáotiān; xiántán (lyaow-tyan; shyan-tahn)
cheap: piányì (pyan-yee)
check (money): zhīpiào (jir-pyaow)
check in luggage: tuōyùn (twaw-yewn)
check out of a room: tuìfáng (tway-fahng)
checkbook: zhīpiào bù (jir-pyaow boo)
child: háizi (hi-dzuh)
China: Zhōngguó (joong-gwaw)
Chinese (language): Hànyǔ; Zhōngwén (hahn-yew; joong-one)
Chinese dollar: yuán (ywan)
Chinese person: Zhōngguó rén (joong-gwaw-run)
Chinese Romanization system: pīnyīn (peen-yeen)
choose: xuǎnzé (shwan-dzuh)
chopsticks: kuàizi (kwye-dzuh)
city: chéngshì (chung-shir)
class (academic): kè (kuh)
clean: gānjìng (gahn-jeeng)
clear: qīng (cheeng)
client: kè hù (kuh hoo)
close: jìn (jeen)
clothing: yīfu (ee-foo)
coffee: kāfēi (kah-fay)
coins: yìngbì (eeng-bee)
cold: lěng (luhng)
colleague: tóngshì (toong-shir)
collect call: duìfāng fùfèi diànhuà (dway-fahng foo-fay dyan-hwah)
come: lái (lye)
comfortable: shūfu (shoo-foo)
company: gōngsī (goong-suh)
computer: diànnǎo (dyan-now)
concierge: fúwùtái jīnglǐ (foo-woo-tye jeeng-lee)
congratulations: gōngxǐ (goong-she)
consider: yǐwéi (ee-way)
consulate: lǐnshìguǎn (leeng-shir-gwahn)
contract: hétóng (huh-toong)
cook: shīfu (shir-foo)
country: guójiā (gwaw-jyah)
credit card: xìnyòng kǎ (sheen-yoong-kah)
cubicle: xiǎo géjiān (shyaow guh-jyan)
culinary arts: pēngtiáo yìshù (puhng-tyaow ee-shoo)
currency: huòbì (hwaw-bee)
customs: hǎiguān (hi-gwahn)
D
dance: tiàowǔ (tiaow-woo)
dark: shēn (shun)
date: rìqī (ir-chee)
deep: shēn (shun)
definitely: kěndìng (kuhn-deeng)
dentist: yáyī (yah-ee)
department head: bùzhǎng (boo-jahng)
desk: bàngōng zhuō (bahn-goong jwaw)
desktop: táishì (tye-shir)
dial: bō (baw)
dining room: fàntīng (fahn-teeng)
dinner: wǎnfàn (wahn-fahn)
diplomat: wàijiāoguān (wye-jyaow-gwahn)
discuss: tǎolùn (taow-loon)
do: dǎ (dah)
doctor: yīshēng (ee-shung)
dollar: kuài (kwye)
don’t have: méiyǒu (mayo)
door: mén (mun)
dormitory: sùshè (soo-shuh)
double room: shuāngrén fángjiān (shwahng-run fahng-jyan)
download: xiàzài (shyah-dzye)
downstairs: lóuxià (low-shyah)
drink: hē (huh)
drinks: yǐnliào (een-lyaow)
drive: kāi chē (kye-chuh)
driver: sījī (suh-jee)
E
each: měige (may-guh)
easy: róngyì (roong-ee)
eat: chīfàn (chir-fahn)
economy class: jīngjìcāng (jeeng-jee-tsahng)
elevator: diàntī (dyan-tee)
e-mail: diànzǐ yóujiàn (dyan-dzuh yo-jyan)
e-mail address: diànzǐ yóuxiāng dìzhǐ (dyan-dzuh yo-shyahng dee-jir)
embassy: dàshǐguǎn (dah-shir-gwahn)
emergency exits: jǐnjí chūkǒu (jeen-jee choo-ko)
emergency room: jízhěnshì (jee-jun-shir)
English (language): Yīngwén; Yīngyǔ (eeng-one; eeng-yew)
entire: quánbù (chwan-boo)
entrance: ménkǒu (mun-ko)
erase: qùdiào (chyew-dyaow)
escalator: zìdòng lóutī (dzuh-doong low-tee)
Euro: Ōu yuán (oh-ywan)
Europe: Ōuzhōu (oh-joe)
evening (6:00 p.m. to midnight): wǎnshàng (wahn-shahng)
examine: jiǎnchá (jyan-chah)
exchange bureaus: duìhuànchù (dway-hwahn-choo)
exchange rate: duìhuàn lǜ (dway-hwahn lyew)
excuse me: duìbùqǐ (dway-boo-chee)
exercise: yùndòng (yewn-doong)
expensive: guì (gway)
eye: yǎnjīng (yan-jeeng)
F
face: miàn (myan)
family: jiā (jyah)
far: yuǎn (ywan)
fast: kuài (kwye)
father: bàba; fùqīn (bah-bah; foo-cheen)
fax machine: chuánzhēn jī (chwahn-juhn jee)
few: yìxiē (ee-shyeh)
file: wénjiàn (one-jyan)
fill out (a form): tián (tyan)
finally: zhōngyú (joong-yew)
first class: tóuděngcāng (toe-dung-tsahng)
flood: shuǐzāi (shway-dzye)
food: cài; fàn (tsye; fahn)
foreign currency: wàibì (wye-bee)
fork: chāzi (chah-dzuh)
free: miǎnfèi (myan-fay)
freeway: gāosù gōnglù (gaow-soo goong-loo)
Friday: xīngqīwǔ (sheeng-chee-woo)
friend: péngyǒu (puhng-yo)
from: cóng (tsoong)
front: qián (chyan)
fruit: shuǐguǒ (shway-gwaw)
G
get lost: mílù (mee-loo)
get off: xià (shyah)
get on: shàng (shahng)
gifts: lǐwù (lee-woo)
girlfriend: nǚpéngyǒu (nyew-puhng-yoe)
give: gěi (gay)
glasses: yǎnjìng (yan-jeeng)
go: qù (chyew)
go down: xià (shyah)
go online: shàngwǎng (shahng-wahng)
go up: shàng (shahng)
good: hǎo (how)
goodbye: zàijiàn (dzye-jyan)
grandfather: zǔfù (dzoo-foo)
greeting: zhāohu (jaow-hoo)
groceries: shípǐn záhuò (shir-peen dzah-hwaw)
guest: kèrén (kuh-run)
guidebook: lǚyóu shǒucè (lyew-yo show-tsuh)
H
half: bàn (bahn)
hang up: guà (guah)
happy: gāoxìng (gaow-sheeng)
have: yǒu (yo)
have a meeting: kāihuì (kye-hway)
he: tā (tah)
headache: tóuténg (toe-tuhng)
hello (on phone only): wéi (way)
help: bāngmáng (bahng-mahng)
highway: gōnglù (goong-loo)
him: tā (tah)
his: tāde (tah-duh)
hit: dǎ (dah)
holiday: jiérì (jyeh-ir)
home: jiā (jyah)
Hong Kong: Xiānggǎng (shyahng-gahng)
Hong Kong dollar: Gǎngbì (gahng-bee)
hospital: yīyuàn (ee-ywan)
hot: rè (ruh)
hotel: bīnguǎn; fànguǎn; lǚguǎn (been-gwahn; fahn-gwahn; lyew-gwahn)
house: fángzi (fahng-dzuh)
how: zěnme (dzummuh)
however: dànshì (dahn-shir)
how long: duō jiǔ (dwaw jyoe)
how many: jǐ (jee)
how much: duōshǎo (dwaw-shaow)
hungry: è (uh)
hurry: jí (jee)
husband: zhàngfu (jahng-foo)
I
I: wǒ (waw)
ID: zhèngjiàn (juhng-jyan)
I’m sorry: bàoqiàn; duìbùqǐ (baow-chyan; dway-boo-chee)
in a little while: yīhuǐr (ee-hwar)
incorrect: cuò (tswaw)
inside: lǐ (lee)
intelligent: cōngmíng (tsoong-meeng)
international phone call: guójì diànhuà (gwaw-jee dyan-hwah)
Internet: guójì wǎngluò (gwaw-jee wahng-lwaw)
Internet access: wǎngluò liánjié (wahng-lwaw lyan-jyeh)
Internet service provider: wǎngshàng fúwù tígōng shāng (wahng-shahng foo-woo tee-goong shahng)
introduce: jièshào (jyeh-shaow)
is: shì (shir)
item: xiàngmù (shyahng-moo)
J
Japan: Rìběn (ir-bun)
Japanese dollar: Rì yuán (ir ywan)
jewelry: zhūbǎo (joo-baow)
job: gōngzuò (goong-dzwaw)
K
key: yàoshi (yaow-shir)
kilometer (Chinese equivalent): lǐ (lee)
know (how to do something): huì (hway)
know (information): zhīdào (jir-daow)
know (someone): rènshi (run-shir)
L
landing: zhuólù (jwaw-loo)
laptop: shǒutíshì (show-tee-shir)
last month: shàngge yuè (shahng-guh yweh)
last week: shàngge xīngqī (shahng-guh sheeng-chee)
last year: qùnián (chyew-nyan)
laundry service: xǐyī fúwù (she-ee foo-woo)
law: fǎlǜ (fah-lyew)
lawyer: lǜshī (lyew-shir)
leave: líkāi (lee-kye)
leave a message: liúhuà (lyoe-hwah)
leave the house: chūfā (choo-fah)
left: zuǒ (dzwaw)
let: ràng (rahng)
life vests: jiùshēng yī (jyoe-shung ee)
like: xǐhuān (she-hwahn)
listen to: tīng (teeng)
loan: jiè (jyeh)
lobby: dàtīng (dah-teeng)
local train: mànchē (mahn-chuh)
location: dìqū (dee-chyew)
lock: suǒ (swaw)
log off: qiān chū (chyan choo)
log on: qiān rù (chyan roo)
long-distance phone call: chángtú diànhuà (chahng-too dyan-hwah)
look for: zhǎo (jaow)
look something up: chá (chah)
loose: sōng (soong)
lose: shū (shoo)
luck: yùnqì (yewn-chee)
luggage: xínglǐ (sheeng-lee)
luggage claim tag: lǐngqǔdān (leeng-chyew-dahn)
lunch: wǔfàn (woo-fahn)
M
magazine: zázhì (dzah-jir)
mainland (China): dàlù (dah-loo)
make a legal decision: pànjué (pahn-jweh)
make a reservation (seats): dìng wèi (deeng-way)
make a reservation (room, tickets, and so on): yùdìng (yew-deeng)
manager: jīnglǐ (jeeng-lee)
Mandarin: guóyǔ; pǔtōnghuà; Hànyǔ (gwaw-yew [term used in Taiwan]; poo-toong-hwah [term used in mainland China]; hahn-yew [politically neutral term used in both Taiwan and mainland China])
many: duō (dwaw)
many thanks: gǎnxiè (gahn-shyeh)
map: dìtú (dee-too)
marry: jiéhūn (jyeh-hwun)
master: shīfu (shir-foo)
May: wǔyuè (woo-yweh)
me: wǒ (waw)
meat: ròu (row)
medicine: yào (yaow)
meeting: huìyì (hway-ee)
menu: càidān (tsye-dahn)
message: xìnxī (sheen-she)
midnight: bànyè (bahn-yeh)
mine: wǒde (waw-duh)
minister (official): bùzhǎng (boo-jahng)
minute: fēn (fun)
mistake: cuò (tswaw)
Monday: xīngqīyī (sheeng-chee-ee)
money: qián (chyan)
more: gèng (guhng)
morning (6:00 a.m. to noon): zǎoshàng (dzaow-shahng)
most: zuì (dzway)
mother: māma; mǔqīn (mah-mah; moo-cheen)
movie: diànyǐng; piānzi (dyan-yeeng; pyan-dzuh)
museum: bówùguǎn (baw-woo-gwahn)
music: yīnyuè (een-yweh)
my: wǒde (waw-duh)
N
napkin: cānjīnzhǐ (tsahn-jeen-jir)
need: xūyào (shyew-yaow)
negotiate: tánpàn (tahn-pahn)
neighborhood: fùjìn (foo-jeen)
new: xīn (shin)
newspaper: bàozhǐ (baow-jir)
next: xià; xiàge (shyah; shyah-guh)
next month: xiàge yuè (shyah-guh yweh)
next to: kàojìn (cow-jeen)
next week: xiàge xīngqī (shyah-guh sheeng-chee)
next year: míngnián (meeng-nyan)
no: bù (boo)
noodles: miàntiáo (myan-tyaow)
noon: zhōngwǔ (joong-woo)
not bad: búcuò (boo-tswaw)
not: bù (boo)
now: xiànzài (shyan-dzye)
number: hàomǎ (how-mah)
nurse: hùshì (hoo-shir)
O
of course: dāngrán (dahng-rahn)
office: bàngōngshǐ (bahn-goong-shir)
often: chángcháng; píngcháng (chahng-chahng; peeng-chahng)
Oh my goodness!: āiyà (eye-yah)
old: lǎo (laow)
on time: zhèngdiǎn (juhng-dyan)
on top: shàng (shahng)
on vacation: dùjià (doo-jyah)
one: yī (ee)
one cent: fēn (fun)
one-way ticket: dānchéng piào (dahn-chuhng pyaow)
only: zhǐ (jir)
open: kāi (kye)
open the door: kāimén (kye-mun)
opinion: yìjiàn (ee-jyan)
opposite: duìmiàn (dway-myan)
or: huòzhe (hwaw-juh)
order (food): diǎn (dyan)
other: biéde (byeh-duh)
other: qítā (chee-tah)
overdone: lǎo (laow)
outside: wài (wye)
P
pair: shuāng (shwahng)
parents: fùmǔ (foo-moo)
party: wǎnhuì (wahn-hway)
passport: hùzhào (hoo-jaow)
password: mìmǎ (mee-mah)
pay: fù qián (foo chyan)
PC (personal computer): gèrén diànnǎo (guh-run dyan-now)
pen: gāngbǐ (gahng-bee)
pencil: qiānbǐ (chyan-bee)
percentage: bǎifēn bǐ (bye-fun bee)
perhaps: kěnéng (kuh-nuhng)
person: rén (run)
pharmacy: yàofáng (yaow-fahng)
phone book: diànhuà hàomǎbù (dyan-hwah how-mah-boo)
photo: zhàopiàn (jaow-pyan)
pick up: ná (nah)
pill: yàowán (yaow-wahn)
PIN: mìmǎ (mee-mah)
pint: pǐntuō (peen-twaw)
place: dìfāng (dee-fahng)
platform: zhàntái (jahn-tye)
play: dǎ (dah [used with a follow-up word referring to a particular sport])
play: wán (wahn [general usage])
please: qǐng (cheeng)
police: jǐngchá (jeeng-chah)
police station: jǐngchájú (jeeng-chah-jyew)
popular: liúxíng (lyo-sheeng)
post office: yóujú (yo-jyew)
postponed: tuīchí (tway-chir)
pray: lǐbài (lee-bye)
PRC dollar: rénmínbì (run-meen-bee)
presentation: yǎnshì (yan-shir)
president (of company): zǒngcái (dzoong-tsye)
pretty: hǎokàn (how-kahn)
pretty: piàoliàng (pyaow-lyahng)
price: jiàgé (jyah-guh)
problem: wèntǐ (one-tee)
professor: jiàoshòu (jyaow-show)
public bus: gōnggòng qìchē (goong-goong chee-chuh)
public telephone: gōngyòng diànhuà (goong-yoong dyan-hwah)
Q
quality: zhìliàng (jir-lyahng)
quiet: ānjìng (ahn-jeeng)
R
rain: yǚ (yew)
raincoat: yǔyī (yew-ee)
Rats!: zāogāo (dzaow-gaow)
read: kàn (kahn)
really: zhēn (juhn)
really good: búcuò (boo-tswaw)
receipt: shōujù (show-jyew)
receive: shōudào (show-daow)
reception desk: fàndiàn qiántái (fahn-dyan chyan-tye)
receptionist: qiántái fúwùyuán (chyan-tye foo-woo-ywan)
refund: tuìkuǎn (tway-kwahn)
remote control: yáokòng qì (yaow-koong chee)
remove: qùdiào (chyew-dyaow)
rent (noun): zūfèi (dzoo-fay)
rent (verb): chūzū (choo-dzoo)
reside: zhù (joo)
resolve: jiějué (jyeh-jweh)
rest: xiūxi (shyo-she)
restaurant: cānguǎn; fàndiàn (tsahn-gwahn; fahn-dyan)
return: huí (hway)
return (come back): huílái (hway-lye)
return (merchandise): tuìhuí (tway-hway)
rice: mǐfàn (mee-fahn)
right: yòu (yo)
road: lù (loo)
room: fángjiān (fahng-jyan)
roommate: tóngwū (toong-woo)
round-trip ticket: láihuí piào (lye-hway pyaow)
rush hour: gāofēngqī (gaow-fuhng-chee)
S
same: yíyàng (ee-yahng)
Saturday: xīngqīliù (sheeng-chee-lyo)
scary: kěpà (kuh-pah)
schedule: shíjiānbiǎo (shir-jyan-byaow)
school: xuéxiào (shweh-shyaow)
search: jiǎnsuǒ (jyan-swaw)
seat belt: ānquán dài (ahn-chwan dye)
secretary: mìshū (mee-shoo)
see: kàn (kahn)
see a doctor: kànbìng (kahn-beeng)
see you later: yīhuǐr jiàn (ee-hwar jyan)
see: jiàn (jyan [also used as a classifier])
self: zìjǐ (dzuh-jee)
sell: mài (my)
send: sòng (soong)
server: fúwùqì (foo-woo-chee)
set off (leave): chūfā (choo-fah)
several: jǐ (jee)
shoes: xiézi (shyeh-dzuh)
short: ǎi (eye)
should: yīnggāi (eeng-guy)
sightsee: yóulǎn (yo-lahn)
Singapore dollar: Xīn bì (shin bee)
skirt: qúnzi (chwun-dzuh)
sleep: shuìjiào (shway-jyaow)
slide projector: huàndēngjī (hwahn-duhng-jee)
slow: màn (mahn)
small: xiǎo (shyaow)
small talk: xiánliáo (shyan-lyaow)
soap: féizào (fay dzaow)
software: ruǎnjiàn (rwahn-jyan)
solve: jiějué (jyeh-jweh)
son: érzi (are-dzuh)
soup: tāng (tahng)
speak: shuō (shwaw)
special: tèsè (tuh-suh)
spouse: àirén (eye-run [used only in the PRC])
start: kāishǐ (kye-shir)
store: shāngdiàn (shahng-dyan)
straight: zhí (jir)
strange: qíguài (chee-gwye)
street: jiē (jyeh)
student: xuéshēng (shweh-shung)
study: xuéxí (shweh-she)
subway: dìtiě (dee-tyeh)
suggest: jiànyì (jyan-ee)
suggestion: jiànyì (jyan-ee)
suitcase: xiāngzi (shyahng-dzuh)
suite: tàojiān (taow-jyan)
Sunday: xīngqītiān (sheeng-chee-tyan)
sunglasses: tàiyáng yǎnjìng (tye-yahng yan-jeeng)
supermarket: chāojí shìchǎng (chaow-jee shir-chahng)
sweep: cá (tsah)
T
table: zhuōzi (jwaw-dzuh)
Taiwan: Táiwān (tye-wahn)
take a vacation: fàng jià (fahng-jyah)
take medicine: chī yào (chir-yaow)
take off (airplane): qǐfēi (chee-fay)
take pictures: zhàoxiàng (jaow-shyahng)
talk: jiǎng (jyahng)
taxi: chūzū chē (choo-dzoo-chuh)
tea: chá (chah)
teach: jiāo (jyaow)
teacher: lǎoshī (laow-shir)
telephone: diànhuà (dyan-hwah)
telephone book: diànhuà hàomǎbù (dyan-hwah how-mah-boo)
telephone number: diànhuà hàomǎ (dyan-hwah how-mah)
tell: gàosù (gaow-soo)
thanks: xièxiè (shyeh-shyeh)
that: nà (nah)
That’s awful!: zāogāo (dzaow-gaow)
them: tāmen (tah-mun)
there: nàr (nahr)
they: tāmen (tah-mun)
thief: zéi (dzay)
thing: dōngxi (doong-she)
think: xiǎng (shyahng)
thirsty: kě (kuh)
Thursday: xīngqīsì (sheeng-chee-suh)
ticket: piào (pyaow)
time: shíhòu (shir-ho)
time (midnight to 6:00 a.m.): qīngzǎo (cheeng-dzaow)
time: zhōng (joong)
tip: xiǎofèi (shyaow-fay)
tired: lèi (lay)
today: jīntiān (jin-tyan)
together: yìqǐ (ee-chee)
toilet: cèsuǒ (tsuh-swaw)
toilet paper: wèishēng zhǐ (way-shung jir)
tomorrow: míngtiān (meeng-tyan)
too bad: kěxī (kuh-she)
too much: tài (tye)
toothbrush: yáshuā (yah-shwah)
tour: lǚyóu (lyew-yo)
tour group: guāngguāng tuán (gwahng-gwahng twahn)
towel: máojīn (maow-jeen)
trade show: màoyì zhǎnxiāohuì (maow-ee jahn-shyaow-hway)
train station: huǒchē zhàn (hwaw-chuh jahn)
transfer: zhuǎn (jwan)
transparency: tóuyǐngpiàn (toe-eeng-pyan)
transportation: jiāotōng (jyaow-toong)
travel: lǚxíng (lyew-sheeng)
travel agency: lǚxíngshè (lyew-sheeng-shuh)
travel agent: lǚxíng dàilǐrén (lyew-sheeng-dye-lee-run)
traveler’s checks: lǚxíng zhīpiào (lyew-sheeng jir-pyaow)
truly: zhēn (juhn)
Tuesday: xīngqī’èr (sheeng-chee-are)
turn: zhuǎn (jwan)
TV: diànshì (dyan-shir)
U
U.S. dollar: Měiyuán (may-ywan)
umbrella: yǔsǎn (yew-sahn)
unfortunately: kěxī (kuh-she)
upstairs: lóushàng (low-shahng)
us: wǒmen (waw-mun)
us (informal): zánmen (dzahn-mun)
use: yòng (yoong)
user name: yònghù xìngmíng (yoong-hoo sheeng-meeng)
usually: píngcháng (peeng-chahng)
V
vacant: kòngwèi (koong-way)
vacation day: jiàrì (jyah-ir)
vegetarian dishes: sùcài (soo-tsye)
vicinity: fùjìn (foo-jeen)
video recorder: lùxiàngjī (loo-shyahng-jee)
Vietnam: Yuènán (yweh-nahn)
visa: qiānzhèng (chyan-juhng)
voice: shēngyīn (shung-een)
voicemail: yǒu shēng yóujiàn (yo shung yo-jyan)
W
wait: děng (duhng)
walk: zǒu (dzoe)
wallet: qiánbāo (chyan-baow)
want: yào (yaow)
warm: nuǎnhuó (nwan-hwaw)
wash: xǐ (she)
we: wǒmen (waw-mun)
we (informal): zánmen (dzahn-mun)
wear: chuān (chwahn)
weather: tiānqì (tyan-chee)
website: wǎngzhàn (wahng-jahn)
Wednesday: xīngqīsān (sheeng-chee-sahn)
week: lǐbài (lee-bye)
weekend: zhōumò (joe-maw)
welcome: huānyíng (hwahn-yeeng)
Western food: xīcān (she-tsahn)
what: shénme (shummuh)
what a shame: zāogāo (dzaow-gaow)
where: nǎr (nar)
which: nǎ (nah)
who: shéi (shay)
whom: shéi (shay)
whole thing: quánbù (chwan-boo)
why: wèishénme (way-shummuh)
wife: qīzi (chee-dzuh)
wife: tàitài (tye-tye [used mostly in Taiwan])
win: yíng (eeng)
wine: jiǔ (jyoe)
withdraw money: qǔ qián (chyew chyan)
work: gōngzuò (goong-dzwaw)
work out: jiànshēn yùndòng (jyan-shun yewn-doong)
Y
yes: shì (shir)
yesterday: zuótiān (dzwaw-tyan)
you: nǐ (nee)
you (plural): nǐmen (nee-mun)
you (polite): nín (neen)
you’re welcome: búkèqì (boo-kuh-chee)
young: niánqīng (nyan-cheeng)