What is an adjective in Chinese? You may have wondered as a beginner in Chinese, considering adjectives’ ability to help you shine in conversation or writing. Without effective Chinese adjectives, a conversation can become dull, and you may easily lose the interest of your listeners.

By the end of this article, you’ll be able to describe your personality in Chinese, talk about the weather in Chinese, and even understand Chinese adjective placement so you can speak fluently. Everything you need can be found in our guide to the top 100 common Chinese adjectives we’ve customized just for you. Now, don’t worry; we’ve prepared some basic Chinese adjectives that can bring your speech to another level!

Adjectives in Chinese modify 名词 (míng cí), nouns. But where do adjectives go in Chinese sentences?

Before we continue to our Chinese adjectives list, keep in mind these two rules you should follow for structuring a sentence with common Chinese adjectives:

1. Chinese subjective + very + adjective
2. Adjective + of + noun

With a little bit more knowledge about Chinese adjectives grammar, you’re now ready to go and learn Chinese adjectives. Let’s get straight into our Chinese adjectives list that everyone should master, whether you want to become a skillful talker or an excellent storyteller!

Table of Contents

1. Describing Dimensions, Sizes, Distance, Number, Frequency, etc.
2. Describing Value
3. Describing Feeling & Sense
4. Personalities and Human Behaviors
5. Describing Speed, Difficulty, Importance, etc.
6. Describing Colors in Chinese
7. Describing Shapes & Textures in Chinese
8. Describing Weather in Chinese
9. Chinese Food Adjectives for Describing Taste
10. Adjectives in Chinese for Describing a Situation
11. Describing Physical Traits or Physical Conditions
12. Describing Appearance in Chinese
13. How Can You Go Beyond Common Chinese Adjectives?

1. Describing Dimensions, Sizes, Distance, Number, Frequency, etc.

1- 大的 (dà de) vs. 小的 (xiǎo de)

Meaning: Big

Usage in a sentence:

In English: Today is my birthday; my parents bought a big birthday cake for me.
Pinyin: Jīn tiān shì wǒ de shēng rì, bà ba mā ma gěi wǒ mǎi le yí gè hěn dà de shēng rì dàn gāo.
In Chinese: 今天是我的生日，爸爸妈妈给我买了一个很大的生日蛋糕。

Meaning: Small / Little

Usage in a sentence:

In English: I saw a little cat in my yard today.
Pinyin: Jīn tiān wǒ zài zì jiā yuàn zi li kàn jiàn le yì fzhī xiǎo māo.
In Chinese: 今天我在自家院子里看见了一只小猫。

2- 窄的 (zhǎi de) vs. 宽阔的 (kuān kuò de)

Meaning: Narrow

Usage in a sentence:

In English: This corner is too narrow to get our car through.
Pinyin: Zhè ge guǎi jiǎo tài zhǎi le, wǒ men de chē shì guò bú qù de.
In Chinese: 这个拐角太窄了，我们的车是过不去的。

Meaning: Wide

Usage in a sentence:

In English: The park near my house is very wide and big; many kids love to go there and play.
Pinyin: Wǒ jiā fù jìn de gōng yuán hěn kuān kuò, hěn duō hái zi dōu xǐ huān qù nà lǐ wán shuǎ.
In Chinese: 我家附近的公园很宽阔，很多孩子都喜欢去那里玩耍。

3- 高的 (gāo de) vs. 矮的 (ǎi de)

Meaning: Tall

Usage in a sentence:

In English: Every time I get taller, my parents are happy for me because it is the mark of me growing up.
Pinyin: Měi cì wǒ zhǎng gāo fù mǔ dōu hěn wèi wǒ gāo xìng, yīn wèi zhè shì wǒ chéng zhǎng de yìn jì.
In Chinese: 每次我长高父母都很为我高兴，因为这是我成长的印记。

Meaning: Short

Usage in a sentence:

In English: My friend is very short, but he is very good at shooting a basketball.
Pinyin: Suī rán wǒ péng you hěn ǎi, dàn tā tóu lán fēi cháng zhǔn.
In Chinese: 虽然我朋友很矮，但他投篮非常准。

4- 重的 (zhòng de) vs. 轻的 (qīng de)

Meaning: Heavy

Usage in a sentence:

In English: Because we needed to move today, I had to carry a lot of heavy furniture.
Pinyin: Yīn wèi jīn tiān yào bān jiā, wǒ bù dé bù bān le hěn duō hěn zhòng de jiā jù.
In Chinese: 因为今天要搬家，我不得不搬了很多很重的家具。

Meaning: Light

Usage in a sentence:

In English: My sister is only three years old; she is very light and easy to carry.
Pinyin: Wǒ mèi mei cái sān suì, bào qǐ lai hěn qīng, háo bú fèi lì.
In Chinese: 我妹妹才三岁，抱起来很轻，毫不费力。

5- 高的 (gāo de) vs. 低的 (dī de)

Meaning: High

Usage in a sentence:

In English: During my trip, I had a ride on a hot air balloon, and it went up high.
Pinyin: Lǚ xíng qī jiān wǒ zuò le rè qì qiú, shēng dào le hěn gāo de dì fang.
In Chinese: 旅行期间我坐了热气球，升到了很高的地方。

Additional notes: In Chinese, tall and high are the same thing, which actually makes it easier to remember. So don’t freak out when you see them used for different meanings in English!

Meaning: Low

Usage in a sentence:

In English: The expert said that the risk of this stock is relatively low.
Pinyin: Zhuān jiā shuō zhè zhī gǔ piào fēng xiǎn jiào dī.
In Chinese: 专家说这只股票风险较低。

6- 近的 (jìn de) vs. 远的 (yuǎn de)

Meaning: Close

Usage in a sentence:

In English: The supermarket is very close to my house; it only takes me five minutes to walk there.
Pinyin: Chāo shì lí wǒ jiā fēi cháng jìn, zǒu lù wǔ fèn zhōng jiù dào.
In Chinese: 超市离我家非常近，走路五分钟就到。

Meaning: Far

Usage in a sentence:

In English: Today is my grandmother’s birthday, so no matter how far away she is, we’ll make it to her birthday party.
Pinyin: Jīn tiān shì lǎo lao de shēng rì, suǒ yǐ jiù suàn lí de zài yuǎn, wǒ men yě yào qù wèi tā qìng shēng.
In Chinese: 今天是姥姥的生日，所以就算离得再远，我们也要去为她庆生。

7- 一些 (yì xiē)

Meaning: Some

Usage in a sentence:

In English: Yesterday, my friend taught me how to bake some bread, and I’m going to bring some home and let mom taste them.
Pinyin: Zuó tiān péng you jiāo wǒ zuò le yì xiē miàn bāo, wǒ dǎ suàn ná huí jiā gěi mā ma cháng chang.
In Chinese: 昨天朋友教我做了一些面包，我打算拿回家给妈妈尝尝。

8- 任何的 (rèn hé de)

Meaning: Any

Usage in a sentence:

In English: I won’t allow any of my friends to get hurt.
Pinyin: Wǒ bú huì yǔn xǔ rèn hé yí gè wǒ de péng you bèi shāng hài.
In Chinese: 我不会允许任何一个我的朋友被伤害。

9- 几个 (jǐ gè)

Meaning: A few

Usage in a sentence:

In English: Although I don’t have that many friends, there are always a few of them whom I can confide in.
Pinyin: Suī rán wǒ de péng you méi yǒu nà me duō, dān zǒng yǒu jǐ gè shì hé wǒ jiāo xīn de.
In Chinese: 虽然我的朋友没有那么多，但总有几个是和我交心的。

10- 很多的 (hěn duō de)

Meaning: Many

Usage in a sentence:

In English: I heard that this restaurant is very good; there are always so many people waiting in line.
Pinyin: Wǒ tīng shuō zhè jiā cān tīng hěn hǎo chī, zǒng shì yǒu hěn duō rén zài pái duì.
In Chinese: 我听说这家餐厅很好吃，总是有很多人在排队。

11- 很少的 (hěn shǎo de)

Meaning: Little / Few

Usage in a sentence:

In English: I waited a long time in line just to buy a certain flavor of ice cream, but when it was my turn, there were only a few choices left.
Pinyin: Wèi le mǎi zhè kuǎn bīng jī líng, wǒ pái le hěn cháng shí jiān de duì. Dàn děng dào wǒ de shí hou, zhǐ shèng xia hěn shǎo de xuǎn zé.
In Chinese: 为了买这款冰激凌，我排了很长时间的队。但等到我的时候，只剩下很少的选择。

2. Describing Value

1- 好的 (hǎo de)

Let’s give good people a thumbs-up!

Meaning: Good

Usage in a sentence:

In English: My younger sister is a very good child; she especially loves to take care of little animals.
Pinyin: Wǒ mèi mei shì gè hěn hǎo de hái zi, tā tè bié ài hù xiǎo dòng wù.
In Chinese: 我妹妹是个很好的孩子，她特别爱护小动物。

2- 糟糕的 (zāo gāo de)

Meaning: Terrible

Usage in a sentence:

In English: I lost my favorite toy, and I am in a terrible mood right now.
Pinyin: Wǒ bǎ xīn ài de wán jù diū le, xiàn zài xīn qíng fēi cháng zāo gāo.
In Chinese: 我把心爱的玩具丢了，现在心情非常糟糕。

3- 棒的 (bàng de)

Meaning: Amazing

Usage in a sentence:

In English: Today, I went to watch a theater show at my school, and all the actors’ performances were amazing.
Pinyin: Jīn tiān wǒ qù kàn le xué xiào de huà jù yǎn chū, yǎn yuán men de biǎo xiàn dōu bàng jí le.
In Chinese: 今天我去看了学校的话剧演出，演员们的表现都棒极了。

4- 差的 (chà de)

Meaning: Bad

Usage in a sentence:

In English: During a teacher-parent conference, my teacher explained to my mom why my grade has been bad recently.
Pinyin: Jiā zhǎng huì shang, lǎo shī xiàng mā ma jiě shì le wǒ zuì jìn chéng ji jiào chà de yuán yīn.
In Chinese: 家长会上，老师向妈妈解释了我最近成绩较差的原因。

3. Describing Feeling & Sense

1- 凉的 (liáng de) vs. 热的 (rè de)

Meaning: Cold

Usage in a sentence:

In English: The pastry that mom baked was already cold when I got home.
Pinyin: Děng wǒ huí jiā de shí hou, mā ma zuò hǎo de diǎn xīn yǐ jīng liáng le.
In Chinese: 等我回家的时候，妈妈做好的点心已经凉了。

Meaning: Hot

Usage in a sentence:

In English: My mom told me to eat the freshly made bun while it’s still hot.
Pinyin: Mā ma shuō ràng wǒ chèn rè bǎ gāng zuò hǎo de bāo zi chī le.
In Chinese: 妈妈说让我趁热把刚做好的包子吃了。

2- 烫的 (tàng de)

Meaning: Burning

Usage in a sentence:

In English: Coffee can be burning (hot) when it’s freshly brewed.
Pinyin: Kā fēi gāng zhǔ hǎo de shí hou hěn tàng.
In Chinese: 咖啡刚煮好的时候很烫。

3- 温暖的 (wēn nuǎn de)

Do you ever feel a certain way, but don’t know the right adjective to describe it in Chinese? We will show you the way!

Meaning: Heartwarming

Usage in a sentence:

In English: My teammates are so united that this whole team feels like one big heartwarming home.
Pinyin: Wǒ de duì yuán men dōu fēi cháng tuán jié, zhè ràng wǒ men de duì wu jiù xiàng yí gè wēn nuǎn de dà jiā tíng yí yàng.
In Chinese: 我的队员们都非常团结，这让我们的队伍就像一个温暖的大家庭一样。

4- 暖和的 (nuǎn huo de)

Meaning: Warm

Usage in a sentence:

In English: The room finally started to get warm after the heater was turned on.
Pinyin: Nuǎn qì dǎ kāi zhī hòu, fáng jiān lǐ zhōng yú nuǎn huo qǐ lai le.
In Chinese: 暖气打开之后，房间里终于暖和起来了。

5- 柔软的 (róu ruǎn de)

Meaning: Soft

Usage in a sentence:

In English: I like to lean on my dog; his hair is very soft and comfortable to be leaned on.
Pinyin: Wǒ hěn xǐ huan kào zài wǒ jiā de gǒu shēn shang, tā de pí máo hěn róu ruǎn, kào qǐ lai hěn shū fu.
In Chinese: 我很喜欢靠在我家的狗身上，他的皮毛很柔软，靠起来很舒服。

6- 舒服的 (shū fu de)

Meaning: Comfortable

Usage in a sentence:

In English: My favorite thing is lying on the beach while enjoying the feeling of the wind blowing through my face; it just feels so comfortable.
Pinyin: Wǒ zuì xǐ huān tǎng zài hǎi tān shàng, xiǎng shòu hǎi fēng yíng miàn chuī lái de gǎn jué, shū fu jí le.
In Chinese: 我最喜欢躺在海滩上，享受海风迎面吹来的感觉，舒服极了。

7- 疼的 (téng de)

Meaning: Painful

Usage in a sentence:

In English: Tomorrow, I will have to get my teeth pulled. Hopefully it won’t be that painful.
Pinyin: Wǒ míng tiān jiù yào qù bá yá le, xī wàng bú huì hěn téng.
In Chinese: 我明天就要去拔牙了，希望不会很疼。

8- 痛苦的 (tòng kǔ de)

Meaning: Bitter

Usage in a sentence:

In English: The dog that’s been with me ever since I was little just passed away. This makes me feel extremely bitter.
Pinyin: Wǒ cóng xiǎo dào dà yǎng de gǒu qù shì le, zhè ràng wǒ gǎn dào shí fēn tòng kǔ.
In Chinese: 我从小到大养的狗去世了，这让我感到十分痛苦。

4. Personalities and Human Behaviors

How do you describe your personality in Chinese? Here are the answers!

1) Personalities

When you introduce yourself during an interview, or when you talk about personality traits with friends, have you ever wondered how to describe your personality in Chinese Mandarin? Here are the most common Chinese personality adjectives that you can use!

1- 善良的 (shàn liáng de)

Meaning: Kind

Usage in a sentence:

In English: My sister is an extremely kind person; she always tries her best to help others.
Pinyin: Jiě jie shì gè shí fēn shàn liáng de rén, tā zǒng shì huì jié jìn quán lì qù bāng zhù bié rén.
In Chinese: 姐姐是个十分善良的人，她总是会竭尽全力去帮助别人。

2- 开明的 (kāi míng de)

Meaning: Open-minded

Usage in a sentence:

In English: My parents are very open-minded people; they never intervene with my own decisions.
Pinyin: Wǒ de fù mǔ dōu shì fēi cháng kāi míng de rén, tā men cóng lái dōu bú huì gān shè wǒ de jué dìng.
In Chinese: 我的父母都是非常开明的人，他们从来都不会干涉我的决定。

3- 幽默的 (yōu mò de)

Meaning: Hilarious

Usage in a sentence:

In English: My English teacher’s class is so hilarious that I can’t help but crack up.
Pinyin: Wǒ yīng yǔ lǎo shī de kè shí zài shì tài yōu mò le, wǒ zǒng shì rěn bú zhù hā hā dà xiào qǐ lái.
In Chinese: 我英语老师的课实在是太幽默了，我总是忍不住哈哈大笑起来。

4- 友好的 (yǒu hǎo de)

Meaning: Friendly

Usage in a sentence:

In English: She is very friendly and easy to get along with.
Pinyin: Tā shì yí gè fēi cháng yǒu hǎo bìng qiě hǎo xiāng chǔ de rén.
In Chinese: 她是一个非常友好并且好相处的人。

5- 疯狂的 (fēng kuáng de)

Just admit it, we all get crazy sometimes!

Meaning: Crazy

Usage in a sentence:

In English: There are always some crazy and strange ideas in my younger brother’s head.
Pinyin: Wǒ dì di de nǎo dài li zǒng yǒu hěn duō fēng kuáng gǔ guài de xiǎng fǎ.
In Chinese: 我弟弟的脑袋里总有很多疯狂古怪的想法。

6- 开朗的 (lěng jìng de) vs. 内向的 (nèi xiàng de)

Meaning: Outgoing

Usage in a sentence:

In English: He is very popular among people, and everyone likes how outgoing he is.
Pinyin: Tā de rén yuán tè bié hǎo, rén rén dōu xǐ huān tā kāi lǎng de xìng gé.
In Chinese: 他的人缘特别好，人人都喜欢他开朗的性格。

Meaning: Introverted

Usage in a sentence:

In English: Even though she seems to be very introverted, once she is acquainted with you, she will become especially talkative.
Pinyin: Suī rán tā kàn qǐ lai shí fēn nèi xiàng, dàn yí dàn hé nǐ shú luò qǐ lai, tā jiù huì yí xià zi biàn de huà tè bié duō.
In Chinese: 虽然她看起来十分内向，但一旦和你熟络起来，她就会一下子变得话特别多。

2) Feelings

1- 快乐的 / 开心的 (kuài le de / kāi xīn de)

Meaning: Happy

Usage in a sentence:

In English: My friends and I were all very happy at our senior prom last night.
Pinyin: Zài zuó wǎn de bì yè wǔ huì shang, wǒ hé wǒ de péng you men dōu wán de hěn kāi xīn.
In Chinese: 在昨晚的毕业舞会上，我和我的朋友们都玩得很开心。

2- 烦躁的 (fán zào de)

Meaning: Agitated

Usage in a sentence:

In English: I feel so agitated because I am not sure whether I did well on the test or not.
Pinyin: Yīn wèi wǒ bú què dìng zì jǐ dào dǐ kǎo méi kǎo hǎo, suǒ yǐ gǎn jué yì cháng fán zào.
In Chinese: 因为我不确定自己到底考没考好，所以感觉异常烦躁。

3- 沮丧的 (jǔ sàng de)

Meaning: Upset

Usage in a sentence:

In English: I thought I was capable of acing this interview, but I can’t believe it turned out this badly. It makes me so upset.
Pinyin: Wǒ běn yǐ wéi zì jǐ duì zhè gè miàn shì hěn yǒu bǎ wò, méi xiǎng dào fā huī de zhè me chà, zhè ràng wǒ gǎn dào shí fēn jǔ sàng.
In Chinese: 我本以为自己对这个面试很有把握，没想到发挥得这么差，这让我感到十分沮丧。

4- 伤心的/难过的 (shāng xīn de)

Meaning: Sad

Usage in a sentence:

In English: My younger sister dropped her cake on the floor by accident, and she got so sad that she started to cry.
Pinyin: Mèi mei yí bù xiǎo xīn bǎ dàn gāo diào dao le dì shang, shāng xīn de kū le qǐ lai.
In Chinese: 妹妹一不小心把蛋糕掉到了地上，伤心的哭了起来。

5- 孤单的 (gū dān de)

Meaning: Lonely

Usage in a sentence:

In English: Ever since I went to study abroad, I often feel very lonely.
Pinyin: Lái dao guó wài liú xué zhī hòu, wǒ jīng cháng gǎn dào shí fēn gū dān.
In Chinese: 来到国外留学之后，我经常感到十分孤单。

6- 百感交集的 (bǎi gǎn jiāo jí de)

Meaning: Emotional

Usage in a sentence:

In English: Every night when everything gets quiet around me, I become emotional and start to overthink things.
Pinyin: Měi dāng wǎn shang yè shēn rén jìng de shí hou, wǒ jiù huì biàn de bǎi gǎn jiāo jí, kāi shǐ xiǎng hěn duō bù gāi xiǎng de shì qíng.
In Chinese: 每当晚上夜深人静的时候，我就会变得百感交集，开始想很多不该想的事情。

7- 冲动的 (chōng dòng de) vs. 冷静的 (lěng jìng de)

Meaning: Impulsive

Usage in a sentence:

In English: We should not make a decision when we are being impulsive.
Pinyin: Wǒ men bù yīng gāi zài chōng dòng de shí hou zuò jué dìng.
In Chinese: 我们不应该在冲动的时候做决定。

Meaning: Calm

Usage in a sentence:

In English: I’m trying to put her at ease and make her calm.
Pinyin: Wǒ shì zhe ān fǔ tā, hǎo ràng tā lěng jìng xià lai.
In Chinese: 我试着安抚她，好让她冷静下来。

5. Describing Speed, Difficulty, Importance, etc.

1- 快的 (kuài de) vs. 慢的 (màn de)

Meaning: Fast

Usage in a sentence:

In English: I can’t believe how fast the bus arrived once I got to the bus stop.
Pinyin: Wǒ bù gǎn xiàng xìn zì jǐ gāng dào gōng jiāo chē zhàn, gōng jiāo chē jiù fēi cháng kuài de dào zhàn le.
In Chinese: 我不敢相信自己刚到公交车站，公交车就非常快地到站了。

Meaning: Slow

Usage in a sentence:

In English: A sloth is probably the slowest animal in the world.
Pinyin: Shù lǎn dà gài shì shì jiè zuì màn de dòng wù zhī yī le.
In Chinese: 树懒大概是世界最慢的动物之一了。

2- 简单的 (jiǎn dān de)

Meaning: Simple

Usage in a sentence:

In English: I just want a simple life and I don’t want to always overthink.
Pinyin: Wǒ zhǐ xiǎng yào yí gè jiǎn dān de shēng huó, bù xiǎng zǒng shì xiǎng nà me duō.
In Chinese: 我只想要一个简单的生活，不想总是想那么多。

3- 容易的 (róng yì de) vs. 困难的 (kùn nán de)

Meaning: Easy

Usage in a sentence:

In English: This math question is too easy for a highschool student.
Pinyin: Zhè dào shù xué tí duì yí gè gāo zhōng shēng ér yán shí zài shì tài róng yì le.
In Chinese: 这道数学题对一个高中生而言实在是太容易了。

Meaning: Difficult

Usage in a sentence:

In English: It is very difficult for someone who is not confident to perform on stage.
Pinyin: Duì yú yí gè bú zì xìn de rén lái shuō, shàng tái biǎo yǎn shì fēi cháng kùn nán de.
In Chinese: 对于一个不自信的人来说，上台表演是非常困难的。

4- 重要的 (zhòng yao de) vs. 无关紧要的 (wú guān jǐn yào de)

Meaning: Important

Usage in a sentence:

In English: A passport is a very important document; make sure to check your backpack again for your passport before you leave for the airport.
Pinyin: Hù zhào shì hěn zhòng yào de zhèng jiàn, qù jī chǎng zhī qián yí dìng yào zài jiǎn chá yí biàn hù zhào shì fǒu zài bāo lǐ.
In Chinese: 护照是很重要的证件，去机场之前一定要再检查一遍护照是否在包里。

Meaning: Trivial

Usage in a sentence:

In English: It’s okay if your money is stolen; you can make more as long as you are safe. Compared to one’s safety, everything else seems trivial.
Pinyin: Qián bèi tōu méi yǒu guān xì, hái kě yǐ zài zhèng, zhǐ yào nǐ rén shēn ān quán méi yǒu chū wèn tí jiù hǎo, bǐ qǐ ān quán qí tā dōu shì wú guān jǐn yào de shì qíng.
In Chinese: 钱被偷没有关系，还可以再挣，只要你人身安全没有出问题就好，比起安全其他都是无关紧要的事情。

6. Describing Colors in Chinese

1- 红色的 (hóng sè de)

Meaning: Red

Usage in a sentence:

In English: Most roses are red.
Pinyin: Dà duō shù méi guī dōu shì hóng sè de.
In Chinese: 大多数玫瑰都是红色的。

2- 蓝色的 (lán sè de)

Meaning: Blue

Usage in a sentence:

In English: The sky is very blue today.
Pinyin: Jīn tiān de tiān kōng yí piàn wèi lán.
In Chinese: 今天的天空一片蔚蓝。

3- 绿色的 (lǜ sè de)

Meaning: Green

Usage in a sentence:

In English: Grass becomes extra green after a rain.
Pinyin: Xià guò yǔ zhī hòu, xiǎo cǎo men biàn de gé wài de lǜ.
In Chinese: 下过雨之后，小草们变得格外得绿。

4- 黄色的 (huáng sè de)

Meaning: Yellow

Usage in a sentence:

In English: Bananas are yellow.
Pinyin: Xiāng jiāo shì huáng sè de.
In Chinese: 香蕉是黄色的。

5- 黑色的 (hēi sè de)

Meaning: Black

Usage in a sentence:

In English: I wish to have hair that is black and pretty.
Pinyin: Wǒ xiǎng yǒu yì tóu wū hēi piāo liang de tóu fa.
In Chinese: 我想有一头乌黑漂亮的头发。

6- 白色的 (bái sè de)

Meaning: White

Usage in a sentence:

In English: In fairytales, angels wear white clothes.
Pinyin: Chuán shuō zhōng tiān shǐ chuān zhe bái sè de yī fu.
In Chinese: 传说中天使穿着白色的衣服。

7- 深色的 (shēn sè de)

Meaning: Dark-colored

Usage in a sentence:

In English: Every time the moon rises, it throws light on the dark sky.
Pinyin: Měi dāng yuè liang shēng qǐ, shēn sè de tiān kōng biàn yǒu le yì mǒ guāng máng.
In Chinese: 每当月亮升起，深色的天空便有了一抹光芒。

8- 浅色的 (qiǎn sè de)

Meaning: Light-colored

Usage in a sentence:

In English: It would look better if you match these clothes with light-colored shoes.
Pinyin: Zhè jiàn yī fu pèi qiǎn sè de xié gèng hǎo kàn.
In Chinese: 这件衣服配浅色的鞋更好看。

7. Describing Shapes & Textures in Chinese

1- 圆形的 (yuán xíng de)

Meaning: Round

Usage in a sentence:

In English: The bottom of the pillar is round.
Pinyin: Zhè ge zhù zi de dǐ bù shì yuán xíng de.
In Chinese: 这个柱子的底部是圆形的。

2- 环形的 (huán xíng de)

Meaning: Circular

Usage in a sentence:

In English: If the road is too circular, it would be hard for a beginning driver.
Pinyin: Rú guǒ dào lù guò yú huán xíng de huà, duì yú xīn shǒu sī jī huì bǐ jiào yǒu nán dù.
In Chinese: 如果道路过于环形的话，对于新手司机会比较有难度。

3- 光滑的 (guāng huá de) vs. 粗糙的 (cū cāo de)

Meaning: Smooth

Usage in a sentence:

In English: My skin became especially smooth after I put on some lotion.
Pinyin: Tú wán hù shǒu shuāng zhī hòu wǒ de pí fū biàn de yì cháng guāng huá.
In Chinese: 涂完护手霜之后我的皮肤变得异常光滑。

Meaning: Tough

Usage in a sentence:

In English: These clothes feel very tough on the outside; it doesn’t seem to have good quality.
Pinyin: Zhè jiàn yī fu wài miàn mō qǐ lai shí fēn cū cāo, zhì liàng kàn qǐ lai bú shì hěn hǎo.
In Chinese: 这件衣服外面摸起来十分粗糙，质量看起来不是很好。

8. Describing Weather in Chinese

1- 晴朗的 (qíng lǎng de)

Meaning: Sunny

Usage in a sentence:

In English: Today it’s very sunny; it’d be good to take a walk outside.
Pinyin: Jīn tiān de tiān qì shí fēn qíng lǎng, hěn shì hé chū qù sàn sàn bù.
In Chinese: 今天的天气十分晴朗，很适合出去散散步。

2- 闷热的 (mēn rè de)

Meaning: Humid

Usage in a sentence:

In English: I don’t like humid weather; it makes people feel like it’s hard to breathe.
Pinyin: Wǒ bù xǐ huan mēn rè de tiān qì, huì gǎn jué ràng rén chuǎn bú guò qì lai.
In Chinese: 我不喜欢闷热的天气，会感觉让人喘不过气来。

3- 多风的 (duō fēng de)

Meaning: Windy

Usage in a sentence:

In English: It’s been very windy recently. The trees outside always make noise while being blown around.
Pinyin: Zuì jìn tiān qì hěn duō fēng, wài miàn de shù jīng cháng bèi chuī de dà shēng xiǎng.
In Chinese: 最近天气很多风，外面的树经常被吹得大声响。

4- 多雨的 (duō yǔ de)

Meaning: Rainy

Usage in a sentence:

In English: Recently, California has been very rainy.
Pinyin: Jiā zhōu zuì jìn shí fēn duō yǔ.
In Chinese: 加州最近十分多雨。

5- 多云的 (duō yún de)

Meaning: Cloudy

Usage in a sentence:

In English: Today is very cloudy; it seems like it’s going to rain.
Pinyin: Jīn tiān tiān qì duō yún, kàn qǐ lai hǎo xiàng yào xià yǔ.
In Chinese: 今天天气多云，看起来好像要下雨。

Additional notes: For more weather words in Chinese, check out our Chinese weather article!

9. Chinese Food Adjectives for Describing Taste

1- 甜的 (tián de)

Meaning: Sweet

Usage in a sentence:

In English: My favorite fruits are grapes, because they taste perfectly sweet.
Pinyin: Wǒ zuì xǐ huān de shuǐ guǒ jiù shì pú tao, chī qǐ lai tián tián de.
In Chinese: 我最喜欢的水果就是葡萄，吃起来甜甜的。

2- 咸的 (xián de)

Meaning: Salty

Usage in a sentence:

In English: I still remember the very first time I tried to cook, I used lots of salt because I thought it was sugar, so the final dish was extremely salty.
Pinyin: Wǒ hái jì de zì jǐ dì yī cì zuò fàn de shí hou, bǎ yán dāng chéng le táng fàng jìn le cài li, dǎo zhì zuì hòu chéng pǐn hěn xián.
In Chinese: 我还记得自己第一次做饭的时候，把盐当成了糖放进了菜里，导致最后成品很咸。

3- 酸的 (suān de)

Meaning: Sour

Usage in a sentence:

In English: Pregnant women typically prefer sour food.
Pinyin: Huái yùn de nǚ rén yì bān bǐ jiào xǐ huān chī suān de shí wù.
In Chinese: 怀孕的女人一般比较喜欢吃酸的食物。

4- 苦的 (kǔ de)

Meaning: Bitter

Usage in a sentence:

In English: My younger sister hates taking medicine because it tastes too bitter for her.
Pinyin: Wǒ mèi mei fēi cháng tǎo yàn chī yào, yīn wèi shí zài shì tài kǔ le.
In Chinese: 我妹妹非常讨厌吃药，因为实在是太苦了。

5- 辣的 (là de)

Meaning: Spicy

Usage in a sentence:

In English: I can’t handle spicy food, even though I was born in Sichuan.
Pinyin: Wǒ bìng bú shì hěn néng chī là de shí wù, jìn guǎn wǒ shì zài sì chuān chū shēng de.
In Chinese: 我并不是很能吃辣的食物，尽管我是在四川出生的。

6- 麻的 (má de)

Meaning: A pungent flavor that makes your mouth feel numb

Usage in a sentence:

In English: Sichuan pepper can make your tongue go numb.
Pinyin: Sì chuān de huā jiāo kě yǐ ràng nǐ de shé tou fā má.
In Chinese: 四川的花椒可以让你的舌头发麻。

10. Adjectives in Chinese for Describing a Situation

1- 危险的 (wēi xiǎn de)

Meaning: Dangerous

Usage in a sentence:

In English: It’s very dangerous to go out alone as a kid when it’s dark outside.
Pinyin: Zuò wéi yí gè xiǎo hái, tiān hēi zhī hòu yí gè rén chū mén shì hěn wēi xiǎn de.
In Chinese: 作为一个小孩，天黑之后一个人出门是很危险的。

2- 好玩的 (hǎo wán de)

Meaning: Fun

Usage in a sentence:

In English: This amusement park is such a fun place to go.
Pinyin: Zhè ge yóu lè yuán zhēn shì yí gè hǎo wán de dì fang.
In Chinese: 这个游乐园真是一个好玩的地方。

3- 有趣的 (yǒu qù de) vs. 无聊的 (wú liáo de)

Meaning: Interesting

Usage in a sentence:

In English: This storybook is so interesting. I already can’t wait to see what happens in the next chapter.
Pinyin: Zhè běn gù shì shū kě zhēn yǒu qù, wǒ yǐ jīng pò bù jí dài xiǎng yào zhī dào xià yì zhāng huì fā shēng shén me le.
In Chinese: 这本故事书可真有趣，我已经迫不及待想要知道下一章会发生什么了。

Meaning: Boring

Usage in a sentence:

In English: All my roommates are out traveling; being by myself is so boring.
Pinyin: Shì yǒu dōu chū qù lǚ xíng le, yí gè rén shēng huó de rì zi hǎo wú liáo a.
In Chinese: 室友都出去旅行了，一个人生活的日子好无聊啊。

4- 刺激的 (cì jī de)

Meaning: Exciting

Usage in a sentence:

In English: It is so exciting to be on a roller coaster!
Pinyin: Zuò guò shān chē shí zài shì tài cì jī le!
In Chinese: 坐过山车实在是太刺激了！

11. Describing Physical Traits or Physical Conditions

Here are some adjectives in Mandarin Chinese to talk about physical traits or conditions. These are essential for describing people in Chinese!

1- 老的 (lǎo de) vs. 年轻的 (nián qīng de)

Meaning: Old

Usage in a sentence:

In English: Bodies can turn old, but hearts can always remain young.
Pinyin: Shēn tǐ kě yǐ biàn lǎo, dàn xīn kě yǐ yǒng yuǎn bǎo chí nián qīng.
In Chinese: 身体可以变老，但心可以永远保持年轻。

Meaning: Young

Usage in a sentence:

In English: When we are young, we should be brave and pursue our dreams.
Pinyin: Chèn zhe wǒ men hái nián qīng, jiù yào yǒng gǎn de qù zhuī mèng.
In Chinese: 趁着我们还年轻，就要勇敢地去追梦。

2- 强壮的 (qiáng zhuàng de) vs. 弱小的 (ruò xiǎo de)

Meaning: Strong

Usage in a sentence:

In English: He always exercises at the gym, so his body is very strong.
Pinyin: Tā jīng cháng qù jiàn shēn fáng duàn liàn, suǒ yǐ shēn tǐ fēi cháng qiáng zhuàng.
In Chinese: 他经常去健身房锻炼，所以身体非常强壮。

Meaning: Weak

Usage in a sentence:

In English: I heard that she always gets sick and isn’t very healthy, so no wonder she appears to be very weak.
Pinyin: Tīng shuō tā jīng cháng shēng bìng, shēn tǐ hěn bù hǎo, guài bu de kàn qǐ lai nà me ruò xiǎo.
In Chinese: 听说她经常生病，身体很不好，怪不得看起来那么弱小。

3- 病的 (bìng de)

Meaning: Sick

Usage in a sentence:

In English: I had to stay in bed and rest the whole day today, because I was sick.
Pinyin: Wǒ jīn tiān yì zhěng tiān dōu zài chuáng shàng tǎng zhe xiū xi, yīn wèi wǒ bìng le.
In Chinese: 我今天一整天都在床上躺着休息，因为我病了。

4- 敏捷的 (mǐn jié de)

Meaning: Agile

Usage in a sentence:

In English: Rabbits are very agile animals; their size is small, but they run very fast.
Pinyin: Tù zi shì fēi cháng mǐn jié de dòng wù, suī rán tǐ xíng xiǎo, dàn què pǎo de hěn kuài.
In Chinese: 兔子是非常敏捷的动物，虽然体型小，但却跑得很快。

12. Describing Appearance in Chinese

1- 漂亮的 (piào liang de)

Meaning: Pretty

Usage in a sentence:

In English: The dress that model is wearing looks so pretty, even though it’s overpriced.
Pinyin: Nà ge mó tè chuān de qún zi zhēn piāo liang, suī rán jià gé guò gāo le.
In Chinese: 那个模特穿的裙子真漂亮，虽然价格过高了。

2- 丑陋的 (chǒu lòu de) vs. 美丽的 (měi lì de)

Meaning: Ugly

Usage in a sentence:

In English: An ugly appearance is born with, but an ugly heart is caused by ourselves.
Pinyin: Chǒu lòu de wài biǎo kě yǐ shì tiān shēng de, dàn chǒu lòu de nèi xīn què shì wǒ men zì jǐ zào chéng de.
In Chinese: 丑陋的外表可以是天生的，但丑陋的内心却是我们自己造成的。

Meaning: Beautiful

Usage in a sentence:

In English: The nature here is so beautiful that I can’t take my eyes off it.
Pinyin: Zhè lǐ de zì rán fēng jǐng shí zài shì tài guò měi lì le, yǐ zhì yú wǒ gēn běn wú fǎ jiāng mù guāng zhuǎn yí dào bié de dì fang.
In Chinese: 这里的自然风景实在是太过美丽了，以至于我根本无法将目光转移到别的地方。

3- 胖的 (pàng de) vs. 瘦的 (shòu de)

Meaning: Fat

Usage in a sentence:

In English: Although he looks a bit fat, he can run really fast.
Pinyin: Suī rán tā kàn qǐ lai yǒu xiē pàng, dàn tā pǎo bù fēi cháng kuài.
In Chinese: 虽然他看起来有些胖，但他跑步非常快。

Meaning: Thin

Usage in a sentence:

In English: She looks so incredibly thin that I think she barely eats.
Pinyin: Tā kàn qǐ lai shí zài shì guò yú shòu le, yǐ zhì yú wǒ jué de tā jī hū dōu bù zěn me chī dōng xi.
In Chinese: 她看起来实在是过于瘦了，以至于我觉得她几乎都不怎么吃东西。

4- 苗条的 (miáo tiao de)

Meaning: Skinny

Usage in a sentence:

In English: She is on a diet right now because she wants to get skinny.
Pinyin: Tā yīn wèi xiǎng yào biàn shòu, xiàn zài zhèng zài jiē shí zhōng.
In Chinese: 她因为想要变瘦，现在正在节食中。

5- 好看的 (hǎo kàn de)

Meaning: Good-looking

Usage in a sentence:

In English: It’s good to have a good-looking appearance, but it’s even more important to have a kind heart on the inside.
Pinyin: Yōng yǒu yí gè hǎo kàn de wài biǎo gù rán shì hǎo de, dàn yōng yǒu yì kē shàn liáng de nèi xīn gèng wéi zhòng yào.
In Chinese: 拥有一个好看的外表固然是好的，但拥有一颗善良的内心更为重要。

6- 可爱的 (kě ài de)

Meaning: Adorable

Usage in a sentence:

In English: All the little animals in the zoo are so adorable!
Pinyin: Dòng wu yuán li de xiǎo dòng wu men dōu hǎo kě ài ya!
In Chinese: 动物园里的小动物们都好可爱呀！

7- 有魅力的 (yǒu mèi lì de)

Meaning: Attractive

Usage in a sentence:

In English: This young actor is so attractive.
Pinyin: Zhè wèi nián qīng de nán yǎn yuán kě zhēn yǒu mèi lì.
In Chinese: 这位年轻的男演员可真有魅力。

8- 贫穷的 (pín qióng de) vs. 富有的 (fù yǒu de)

Meaning: Poor

Usage in a sentence:

In English: I wish I could help those poor people who can’t afford food.
Pinyin: Wǒ zhēn xī wàng zì jǐ kě yǐ bāng zhù nà xiē qióng de chī bu qǐ fàn de rén men.
In Chinese: 我真希望自己可以帮助那些穷得吃不起饭的人们。

Meaning: Rich

Usage in a sentence:

In English: I hope to become a rich person in the future.
Pinyin: Wǒ xī wàng yǐ hòu huì chéng wéi yí gè fù yǒu de rén.
In Chinese: 我希望以后会成为一个富有的人。

9- 有气质的 (yǒu qì zhi de)

What kind of adjective would you use to describe this model? Let’s learn it!

Meaning: To have an attractive air

Usage in a sentence:

In English: This model seems to have an attractive air to her.
Pinyin: Zhè ge mó tè kàn qǐ lai hěn yǒu qì zhi.
In Chinese: 这个模特看起来很有气质。

Additional notes: For all the Chinese Mandarin adjectives we mentioned above, we primarily put them in dictionary form with 的 (de), meaning “of” in English. However, while structuring actual sentences, this can often be omitted to make it sound more natural. That’s why you often see 的 in the dictionary, but don’t hear it in daily talks.

13. How Can You Go Beyond Common Chinese Adjectives?

Now, let me ask you this question again: What is adjectives’ meaning in Chinese? Is the word 形容词 etched in your memory now? Did our Chinese adjectives list enrich your vocabulary? I’m certain the answer is positive.

These 100 common Chinese adjectives may sound overwhelming at first, but always keep in mind that practice makes perfect! To practice your knowledge, tell us about yourself in the comments below using some of these Chinese adjectives!

Whether you wish to get more Chinese adjectives PDF or wish to get more enchanted in the wonder of Chinese language other than Chinese mandarin adjectives, remember that you are only one click away from getting the magic from our amazing resourceful website ChineseClass101.com. We are here waiting for your arrival so you can join our journey together in studying Chinese!

This is probably one of the nicest ways to start your Friday night: Crawling into your soft bed with a comfortable blanket, watching some of the best Chinese movies on Netflix, and maybe indulge in some pizza or a scoop of ice cream? Right. Who doesn’t want this while still not falling behind on other priorities? After all, watching shows can be time-consuming.

Well, did you know that as a language-learner, you can have both? With a little more focus and effort, you can definitely turn your show-watching time into valuable learning time. If you really want to learn Chinese, Netflix can actually be a very valuable learning tool!

From the classic ancient battle scenes that flood your vision with vivid imagery to a bittersweet romantic love story that evokes your nostalgia for youth, here we have a list of the best Chinese shows on Netflix (and a couple of the best Chinese movies on Netflix) that will guide you straight to success in your Chinese learning. At least one of these best Chinese Netflix series or films will be your cup of tea.

Can’t wait to start another obsession and begin the binge-watching? Ready to learn Chinese on Netflix?

We’ve prepared a short guide to our favorite Netflix Chinese titles. Let’s jump right into our list of the best Chinese movies on Netflix and other great shows to help you enrich your Chinese skills!

Table of Contents

1. 致我们单纯的小美好 - A Love So Beautiful
2. 画皮 2 - Painted Skin: The Resurrection
3. 喜欢你 - This is Not What I Expected
4. 西游记之孙悟空三打白骨精 - The Monkey King 2
5. 香蜜沉沉烬如霜 - Ashes of Love
6. 流星花园 - Meteor Garden
7. 甄嬛传 - Empresses in the Palace
8. 白夜追凶 - Day and Night
9. 温暖的弦 - Here to Heart
10. 天盛长歌 - The Rise of Phoenixes
11. Conclusion

1. 致我们单纯的小美好 - A Love So Beautiful

A Love So Beautiful is a show based on Zhao Ganqian’s novel of the same name. This Netflix Chinese drama tells the story of Chen Jiang’s and Xiaoxi Chen’s journey of growing up together over the past nineteen years. Although it always seemed to be unrequited love, Xiaoxi never gives up on this love-pursuing journey with great perseverance and hope. Starting from an innocent childhood, the love story ends beautifully after all the ups and downs of life.

If you’re curious about how a school romance is in China, this Popular Chinese Netflix show is the perfect pick for you. Relive the golden years of youth along with the main characters in this lighthearted and relaxing show.

In this Chinese Netflix drama, you’ll learn some popular phrases that young Chinese people like to use; they’re casual and useful for daily life. Remember to take some notes!

• In Chinese: 一辈子那么长，我才不会只喜欢你一个人；一辈子那么长，没想到我真的只喜欢你一个人。
  Pinyin: Yí bèi zi nà me cháng, wǒ cái bú huì zhǐ xǐ huān nǐ yí gè rén; yí bèi zi nà me cháng, méi xiǎng dào wǒ zhēn de zhǐ xǐ huān nǐ yí gè rén.
  In English: A lifetime is so long, I won’t only like you. A lifetime is so long, I can’t believe I really did only like you.
• In Chinese: 感谢
  Pinyin: gǎn xiè
  In English: appreciate
• In Chinese: 勇气
  Pinyin: yǒng qì
  In English: courage
• In Chinese: 吵架
  Pinyin: chǎo jià
  In English: argue

2. 画皮 2 - Painted Skin: The Resurrection

Xiaowei is a yokai who is on a quest to receive a heart to become human, while Princess Jing is desperate to recover her ruined appearance to keep her lover, Huo Xin. When they’re all on the edge of death, the power of love awakens. Will a miracle happen to give the characters a happy ending?

This unique Chinese fantasy on Netflix depicts the concept of yokai in Asian culture. If you’re interested in such a mythical creature, be sure to check this one out!

• In Chinese: 没有了心，我会怎样？
  Pinyin: Méi yǒu le xīn, wǒ huì zěn yàng?
  In English: What would I become without a heart?
• In Chinese: 心
  Pinyin: xīn
  In English: heart
• In Chinese: 相信
  Pinyin: xiàng xìn
  In English: believe
• In Chinese: 换
  Pinyin: huàn
  In English: exchange

3. 喜欢你 - This is Not What I Expected

Gu Shengnan is an amazing chef who secretly has a relationship with the manager of the hotel. After being dumped, she becomes desperate and encounters a sophisticated and sharp guy named Lu Jin, who was on his way to buy the hotel. Although they have completely different personalities, the two of them eventually find their unique bond and happily hold hands together. If you want to enrich your expectation for relationships, this Netflix Chinese drama is a must-watch.

This show is also great if you’re a foodie. You can learn some food phrases in Chinese so that you’ll be a master while ordering food in a restaurant in China!

• In Chinese: 爱情是不期而遇的，你不能计划这件事，碰到之后就自己说了算。
  Pinyin: Ài qíng shì bù qī ér yù de, nǐ bù néng jì huá zhè jiàn shì, pèng dào zhī hòu jiù zì jǐ shuō le suàn.
  In English: Love is always out of expectations, you cannot plan it, but you are your own boss once you encounter it.
• In Chinese: 职位
  Pinyin: zhí wèi
  In English: position (for work)
• In Chinese: 普通
  Pinyin: pǔ tōng
  In English: ordinary
• In Chinese: 讨厌
  Pinyin: tǎo yàn
  In English: hate

4. 西游记之孙悟空三打白骨精 - The Monkey King 2

Have you ever heard of the classic literary work Journey to the West? The answer is probably yes, and this Chinese fantasy on Netflix is ready for you to watch now! In this movie, the original plot retains its character. The Monkey King’s priority is to protect the traveling monk from the evil White Bone Spirit, who seeks immortality through killing the monk and eating his flesh.

This is one of the best Chinese Netflix movies and is an interesting version of the classic. Watch this lovely piece to experience the gist of one of the most classic literary works in Chinese history. You won’t be disappointed!

• In Chinese: 不要用你心中的对与错去衡量别人的对与错。
  Pinyin: Bú yào yòng nǐ xīn zhōng de duì yǔ cuò qù héng liàng bié rén de duì yǔ cuò.
  In English: Do not judge other people’s right or wrong based on your own standards.
• In Chinese: 一世
  Pinyin: yī shì
  In English: a lifetime
• In Chinese: 对
  Pinyin: duì
  In English: the right
• In Chinese: 错
  Pinyin: cuò
  In English: fault

5. 香蜜沉沉烬如霜 - Ashes of Love

This is another great Chinese fantasy on Netflix that you definitely can’t miss! The Flower Goddess predicts that her daughter, Jin Mi will be tortured a great deal as she experiences love in the future, just like her own bitter experience. Determined to stop this tragedy, she gives Mi the Loveless Pill to prevent her from falling in love. And that’s how everything starts. This is a bittersweet love tale that depicts the struggles and love between Mi and Xufeng for three lifetimes in reincarnations.

The cultural aspect of this show is fascinating. You’ll be amazed by the concept of Xian (仙), which is an immortal being who lives above the sky in Chinese culture. This show reveals a glimpse of these interesting figures, as well as some poetic phrases about love to impress your other half with! Here’s some vocabulary for one of the best Chinese dramas on Netflix!

• In Chinese: 遇我，在你懂爱之前。爱我，在你伤我之后。
  Pinyin: Yù wǒ, zài nǐ dǒng ài zhī qián. Ài wǒ, zài nǐ shāng wǒ zhī hòu.
  In English: You met me before you know love. You love me after you hurt me.
• In Chinese: 爱
  Pinyin: ài
  In English: love
• In Chinese: 伤害
  Pinyin: shāng hài
  In English: hurt
• In Chinese: 曾经
  Pinyin: céng jīng
  In English: the past

6. 流星花园 - Meteor Garden

This is one of the most classic Netflix Chinese dramas of all time. Shancai is an ordinary girl, but with great perseverance to achieve something at her dream university. Unfortunately, it wasn’t easy at the very beginning. She was excluded by other rich students who looked down on her. Due to some misunderstandings, Shancai has made a terrible impression on four of the most popular guys at school. But later, as she shows her true character, one of the guys (Dao Mingsi), falls for her and starts to create an incredible bond with her.

Always fancying your own romantic relationship? Feeling nostalgic for your first love? Then you’re on the right track! This show will not only let you relive your youth, but also includes a variety of helpful daily phrases in Chinese for you to learn!

• In Chinese: 如果道歉有用的话，还要警察干嘛啊？
  Pinyin: Rú guǒ dào qiàn yǒu yòng de huà, hái yào jǐng chá gàn ma ā?
  In English: If an apology is helpful, why would we need police officers?
• In Chinese: 学校
  Pinyin: xué xiào
  In English: school
• In Chinese: 上课
  Pinyin: shàng kè
  In English: go to class
• In Chinese: 喜欢
  Pinyin: xǐ huān
  In English: like

7. 甄嬛传 - Empresses in the Palace

When it comes to Chinese history, Netflix has some great stuff, like this fascinating Netflix Chinese historical drama.

This is a story that highlights feminism. It successfully portrays the Royal Concubines in the Qing Dynasty, who have dedicated their entire youth and beauty inside the Forbidden City, and are in a constant struggle regarding battles of love, power, and wealth. One such woman is the main character Zhenhuan, who grows from an innocent young girl to a sophisticated woman in the pursuit of the queen of the kingdom.

If you’re obsessed with history, this will be a fabulous opportunity for you to understand how history played its role in feminism during the Qing dynasty, as well as the complexity of Chinese empires. You may hear some ancient phrases throughout the show, but most of the dialogue will be in modern language. Watch this show to learn how to speak with elegance and professionalism.

• In Chinese: 人是活给自己看的，不是他人的一句话就能左右自己，让自己活出潇洒自我。
  Pinyin: Rén shì huó gěi zì jǐ kàn de, bú shì tā rén de yī jù huà jiù néng zuǒ yòu zì jǐ, ràng zì jǐ huó chū xiāo sǎ zì wǒ.
  In English: We live for ourselves, not for being manipulated by something that other people say, let yourself live like a free soul.
• In Chinese: 少女
  Pinyin: shǎo nǚ
  In English: girl
• In Chinese: 皇帝
  Pinyin: huáng dì
  In English: emperor
• In Chinese: 结局
  Pinyin: jié jú
  In English: the end

8. 白夜追凶 - Day and Night

Guan Hongfeng, the head of the Criminal Investigation Department, solves a variety of complex cases to help his twin brother who has been accused of murder. If you’re a big fan of suspense and criminal shows, you’ll definitely fall in love with this show and always wonder what’s gonna happen next.

The intense and eye-catching scenes will give your eyes a feast! Don’t miss this show if you love Sherlock Holmes and other detective stories. Enjoy learning the most native Chinese while immersing yourself in the suspenseful atmosphere!

• In Chinese: 人都是习惯的奴隶。
  Pinyin: Rén dōu shì xí guàn de nú lì.
  In English: Humans are the slave of habits.
• In Chinese: 哥哥
  Pinyin: gē ge
  In English: older brother
• In Chinese: 弟弟
  Pinyin: dì di
  In English: younger brother
• In Chinese: 孪生
  Pinyin: luán shēng
  In English: twin

9. 温暖的弦 - Here to Heart

In the mood for a Netflix Chinese romance drama? Check this one out!

Wennuan, an accomplished professional woman, without hesitance quits her high-paying job in England to work as an assistant under CEO Zhan Nanxian Zhan, who was once her lover, in the determination to rekindle the love once shared. After going through all the struggles in the current dynamic market, they not only end up together with more connection and understanding in their relationship, but also improve the whole high-tech industry to thrive under a healthier environment.

The business background is a plus for this show if you’re interested in the field. Don’t hesitate to watch it and learn some professional phrases. Take advantage of this free lesson, and you’ll improve your career in both Chinese language and business fields!

• In Chinese: 人遇到挫折，其实有的时候，是一件好事情，只有当你遇到挫折的时候，才会知道，谁对你不离不弃，一直陪在你身边。
  Pinyin: Rén yù dào cuò zhé, qí shí yǒu de shí hòu, shì yī jiàn hǎo shì qíng, zhǐ yǒu dāng nǐ yù dào cuò zhé de shí hòu, cái huì zhī dào, shuí duì nǐ bú lí bú qì, yī zhí péi zài nǐ shēn biān.
  In English: It’s actually a good thing to encounter setbacks because only when that happens, you will be able to know who will always stand by your side and never leave you alone.
• In Chinese: 温暖
  Pinyin: wēn nuǎn
  In English: warm
• In Chinese: 离开
  Pinyin: lí kāi
  In English: leave
• In Chinese: 公司
  Pinyin: gōng sī
  In English: company

10. 天盛长歌 - The Rise of Phoenixes

Ning Yi, the ambitious sixth prince of the ruling kingdom, is used to putting his inner struggles and sadness behind a mask. Feng Zhiwei has tasted the bitterness of life and aspired to thrive in the empire. The two have battled against each other through love and hatred. Will Zhiwei eventually take revenge against her enemies—including her lover, Ning Yi—or will she decide to embrace the precious love she finally encounters?

This is an exciting and well-plotted Chinese action Netflix show based on the novel Huang Quan. Once you’ve started, you won’t stop wondering what twist the show will prepare for you. Of course, while enjoying the show, don’t forget to take notes on the well-crafted lines! It’ll boost your eloquence in speech to another level.

• In Chinese: 向前看和放弃，是有区别的。
  Pinyin: Xiàng qián kàn hé fàng qì, shì yǒu qū bié de.
  In English: There is a difference between moving on and giving up.
• In Chinese: 权利
  Pinyin: quán lì
  In English: power
• In Chinese: 改变
  Pinyin: gǎi biàn
  In English: change
• In Chinese: 国
  Pinyin: guó
  In English: country

11. Conclusion

By now, you must’ve found a show or movie you’re excited to watch! You should also have a better idea of what to expect from Netflix Chinese content, and how to use it for your benefit. Remember to take advantage of all these valuable Chinese shows on Netflix, and with some effort, you’ll find yourself absorbing the language at an incredibly fast pace. How better to master the language than to learn Chinese with Netflix?

What? You’ll finish them in an instant? Don’t worry. Stay hungry and visit us at ChineseClass101.com to acquire more fun resources and lessons for a thrilling journey of studying Chinese! This will be your paradise!

Until next time, let us know which of these Chinese language Netflix shows or movies do you want to see first, and why? We’re curious.

What’s the secret weapon to achieving more fluent Chinese?

You must have struggled with Chinese grammar as a beginner. But after all that sweat and hard work, you may have reached a higher level in Chinese grammar now and are eagerly looking for something more exciting to perfect your sentences. One of the keys is to utilize Chinese grammar conjunctions.

Conjunctive adverbs are a significant part of every language in both writing and speaking. They allow you to connect ideas, make comparisons, string together sentences, and most importantly, make your speech flow more smoothly and naturally. Without proper conjunctions, your speech may not function as effectively as it should. This makes Chinese conjunctions for intermediate language-learners a can’t-miss lesson!

Don’t panic just yet! Conjunctions in the Chinese language function just like English conjunctions. They indicate to the listener about different relationships between subclauses to help you better understand the sentence. Now, we’ve prepared for you a Chinese conjunction words list.

Let’s go straight to them, and enhance your Chinese learning!

Table of Contents

1. What is a Conjunction?
2. Chinese Conjunctions to Correlate Similar Thoughts
3. Chinese Conjunctions to Express Condition
4. Chinese Conjunctions to Express Cause (Chinese Causal Conjunctions)
5. Chinese Conjunctions to Express Opposition
6. Chinese Conjunctions to Express Purpose
7. Final Thoughts

1. What is a Conjunction?

A conjunction is a phrase that’s used to connect ideas or related sentences to make them join smoothly together. In Chinese grammar, conjunctions are very similar to English conjunctions, although there are some special ones that don’t make much sense in English but are considered common Chinese conjunctions.

2. Chinese Conjunctions to Correlate Similar Thoughts

The most common conjunctions in Chinese are those that correlate similar thoughts. In this Chinese conjunctions list, you’ll find all the words and information you need to do so smoothly!

1- With / And

Would you like to go hiking with your friends?

Meaning #1:

In English: With
Pinyin: hé / gēn / yǔ / tóng
In Chinese: 和 / 跟 / 与 / 同

Usage in a sentence:
In English: The weather today is very nice, so I decided to hike with my best friend.

Pinyin: Jīn tiān tiān qì hěn hǎo, yú shì wǒ jué dìng hé / gēn / yǔ / tóng zuì hǎo de péng yǒu chū qù dēng shān.

In Chinese: 今天天气很好，于是我决定和 / 跟 / 与/ 同最好的朋友出去登山。

Grammar Explanation:
In this case, the word indicates being accompanied by someone or something.

Meaning #2:

In English: And
Pinyin: hé / gēn / yǔ / tóng
In Chinese: 和 / 跟 / 与 / 同

Usage in a sentence:
In English: My sister and I went shopping yesterday.

Pinyin: Wǒ hé jiě jie zuó tiān yì qǐ qù guàng jiē le.

In Chinese: 我和姐姐昨天一起去逛街了。

Grammar Explanation:
In this case, it’s used to connect words that share the same part of speech.

Additional Notes:
These four words are basically the same, and can be replaced by each other. However, a slight difference between them is that 和 (hé) and 跟 (gēn) are used more often in speech, while 与 (yǔ) and 同 (tóng) are more suitable for writing and sound more formal.

2- Or

Drinking milk everyday is a good habit!

In English: Or
Pinyin: huò / huò zhě
In Chinese: 或 / 或者

Usage in a sentence:
In English: I like to add sugar or honey in my milk.

Pinyin: Wǒ xǐ huān zài niú nǎi lǐ jiā táng huò / huò zhě fēng mì.

In Chinese: 我喜欢在牛奶里加糖或 / 或者蜂蜜。

Grammar Explanation:
Here, the word is used to connect alternative words or clauses.

Additional Notes:
There isn’t really a huge difference between 或 (huò) and 或者 (huò zhě). However, 或 (huò) is used more frequently for connecting small words since it’s a simpler version of 或者 (huò zhě), while 或者 (huò zhě) can be used for a longer alternative clause.

3- As well as

Remember to wear formal clothing at a job fair!

In English: As well as
Pinyin: yǐ jí
In Chinese: 以及

Usage in a sentence:
In English: When you go to a job fair, it’s necessary to wear formal clothing and bring your notebook and pens, as well as the most important thing which is your resume.

Pinyin: Nǐ qù cān jiā zhāo pìn huì shí wù bì yào shēn zhuó zhèng zhuāng, dài shàng bǐ jì běn hé bǐ, yǐ jí zuì zhòng yào de jiǎn lì.

In Chinese: 你去参加招聘会时务必要身着正装，带上笔记本和笔，以及最重要的简历。

Grammar Explanation:
Here, the word simply means “additionally.”

4- Also

Do you like making wishes at your birthday party?

In English: Also
Pinyin: bìng qiě
In Chinese: 并且

Usage in a sentence:
In English: I am very sick today, I am afraid I cannot make it to your birthday party, also the time doesn’t allow either.

Pinyin: Wǒ jīn tiān bìng de hěn lì hài, qù bù liǎo nǐ de shēng rì pài duì le, bìng qiě shí jiān yě lái bù jí le.

In Chinese: 我今天病得很厉害，去不了你的生日派对了，并且时间也来不及了。

Grammar Explanation:
This word means “in addition to.”

5- What’s more

The schedule can be tight when you need to catch a flight!

In English: What’s more
Pinyin: hái yǒu
In Chinese: 还有

Usage in a sentence:
In English: You have to remember to bring your passport before you head to the airport. What’s more, leave a little bit early just in case.

Pinyin: Zài qù jī chǎng zhī qián nǐ yī dìng yào jì dé dài shàng zì jǐ de hù zhào, hái yǒu jì dé zǎo diǎn chū fā, yǐ fáng wàn yī.

In Chinese: 在去机场之前你一定要记得带上自己的护照，还有记得早点出发，以防万一。

Grammar Explanation:
To add something that has a greater degree of importance.

Additional Notes:
Unlike how we use this conjunction in English, remember to avoid putting a comma after 还有.

6- Both

Do you plan to travel to somewhere as beautiful as this?

In English: Both
Pinyin: dōu
In Chinese: 都

Usage in a sentence:
In English: Both my friend and I are looking forward to our trip this year on summer break.

Pinyin: Wǒ péng yǒu hé wǒ dōu fēi cháng qī dài jīn nián shǔ jià de lǚ yóu.

In Chinese: 我朋友和我都非常期待今年暑假的旅游。

Grammar Explanation:
This conjunction in Chinese is used to describe two subjects or objects that are identified in the same way.

7- Not only … but also …

In English: Not only … but also…
Pinyin: bú dàn…ér qiě… / bù jǐn…hái …
In Chinese: 不但……而且…… / 不仅……还……

Usage in a sentence:
In English: I not only enjoy eating delicious food but also love how proud I feel while cooking.

Pinyin: Wǒ bú dàn / bù jǐn xiǎng shòu chī měi shí de kuài gǎn, ér qiě / hái rè ài xià chú shí de chéng jiù gǎn.

In Chinese: 我不但 / 不仅享受吃美食的快感，而且 / 还热爱下厨时的成就感。

Grammar Explanation:
This Chinese conjunction is used to express ideas in parallelism, although the second conjunction usually indicates a more important idea.

Additional Notes:
The two sets of conjunctions mean exactly the same thing and can be used the same way. However, in English, we usually don’t put a comma between the two conjunctions; remember to put a comma between the two clauses that the two Chinese conjunctions lead, to make it sound more smooth.

3. Chinese Conjunctions to Express Condition

The next Chinese language conjunctions we’ll look at are those used to express condition. This is an essential skill to have for fluent speech and writing!

1- If

In English: If
Pinyin: rú guǒ / tǎng ruò / yào shì / jiǎ rú
In Chinese: 如果 / 倘若 / 要是 / 假如

Usage in a sentence:
In English: If it doesn’t rain tomorrow, let’s have a picnic at the park.

Pinyin: Rú guǒ / tǎng ruò / yào shì / jiǎ rú míng tiān bú xià yǔ, wǒ men jiù qù gōng yuán yě cān ba.

In Chinese: 如果 / 倘若 / 要是 / 假如明天不下雨，我们就去公园野餐吧。

Grammar Explanation:
This Chinese conjunction is used to express a hypothesis.

Additional Notes:
These four words all mean the same thing and they can substitute one another.

2- As long as

In English: As long as
Pinyin: zhǐ yào
In Chinese: 只要

Usage in a sentence:
In English: As long as you promise not to tell anyone, I will share this secret with you.

Pinyin: Zhǐ yào nǐ bǎo zhèng bù gēn bié rén shuō, wǒ jiù bǎ zhè gè mì mì gào sù nǐ.

In Chinese: 只要你保证不跟别人说，我就把这个秘密告诉你。

Grammar Explanation:
This conjunction is only used when a particular situation is provided.

3- If not / Otherwise

In English: If not / Otherwise
Pinyin: bù rán / fǒu zé
In Chinese: 不然 / 否则

Usage in a sentence:
In English: I think she must be sick; if not / otherwise, she would never skip a class according to her hardworking personality.

Pinyin: Wǒ jué de tā yī dìng shì shēng bìng le, bù rán / fǒu zé yǐ tā qín fèn de xìng gé shì bú huì quē kè de.

In Chinese: 我觉得她一定是生病了，不然 / 否则以她勤奋的性格是不会缺课的。

Grammar Explanation:
This conjunction is used if a different condition is brought up than what was mentioned.

Additional Note:
Just like in English, these words indicate almost the same meaning. However, 否则 (fǒu zé) sounds more serious.

4- Only…then…

In English: Only…then…
Pinyin: zhǐ yǒu… cái…
In Chinese: 只有……才……

Usage in a sentence:
In English: Only when you develop confidence in yourself, then other people will recognize how good you are.

Pinyin: Zhǐ yǒu nǐ zì jǐ duì zì jǐ xiān yǒu le xìn xīn, bié rén cái néng rèn kě nǐ de yōu xiù.

In Chinese: 只有你自己对自己先有了信心，别人才能认可你的优秀。

Grammar Explanation:
This conjunction is used in a unique situation, where only in one particular condition can a specified result occur.

5- No matter

In English: No matter
Pinyin: bù guǎn
In Chinese: 不管

Usage in a sentence:
In English: No matter what happens, my friends will always stand by me.

Pinyin: Bù guǎn fā shēng shén me, wǒ de péng yǒu zǒng shì jiān dìng de zhàn zài wǒ shēn biān.

In Chinese: 不管发生什么，我的朋友总是坚定地站在我身边。

Grammar Explanation:
This conjunction can also mean “in spite of” or “despite.”

6- Unless

In English: Unless
Pinyin: chú fēi
In Chinese: 除非

Usage in a sentence:
In English: You are not allowed to park here, unless you are disabled.

Pinyin: Nǐ bù kě yǐ zài zhè lǐ tíng chē, chú fēi nǐ shì cán jí rén.

In Chinese: 你不可以在这里停车，除非你是残疾人。

Grammar Explanation:
This can also mean “except for the fact that…”

7- However

In English: However
Pinyin: wú lùn rú hé
In Chinese: 无论如何

Usage in a sentence:
In English: However, I can’t let you risk this.

Pinyin: Wú lùn rú hé wǒ yě bù néng ràng nǐ mào zhè gè xiǎn.

In Chinese: 无论如何我也不能让你冒这个险。

Grammar Explanation:
This can also mean “no matter what happens.”

4. Chinese Conjunctions to Express Cause (Chinese Causal Conjunctions)

1- Thus

In English: Thus
Pinyin: yīn cǐ
In Chinese: 因此

Usage in a sentence:
In English: Yesterday the rain was incredibly heavy, thus I could not visit my grandmother as promised.

Pinyin: Zuó wǎn yǔ xià de shí zài tài dà le, yīn cǐ wǒ bìng méi yǒu rú yuē qù bài fǎng wài pó.

In Chinese: 昨晚雨下得实在太大了，因此我并没有如约去拜访外婆。

Grammar Explanation:
This can also mean “as a result” or “because of which was mentioned.”

2- Because…so…

In English: Because…so…
Pinyin: yīn wèi…suǒ yǐ…
In Chinese: 因为……所以……

Usage in a sentence:
In English: Because my brother is sick today, I had to stay at home and take care of him.

Pinyin: Yīn wèi dì di jīn tiān shēng bìng le, suǒ yǐ wǒ bù dé bù liú zài jiā lǐ zhào gù tā.

In Chinese: 因为弟弟今天生病了，所以我不得不留在家里照顾他。

Grammar Explanation:
This can also mean “for the reason of … which leads to…”

Additional Notes:
Unlike English conjunctions, we usually need to use “because” and “so” at the same time to make a reasonable sentence and explain the relationship more clearly.

3- Because of

In English: Because of
Pinyin: yóu yú
In Chinese: 由于

Usage in a sentence:
In English: Because of my personal mistake, it made our whole team lose the opportunity to be in the first position.

Pinyin: Yóu yú wǒ yī gè rén de shī wù, dǎo zhì le wǒ men zhěng gè duì wǔ shī qù le qǔ dé dì yī de jī huì.

In Chinese: 由于我一个人的失误，导致了我们整个队伍失去了取得第一的机会。

Grammar Explanation:
This can also mean “it comes from the thing that…” or “the reason of something particular.”

4- The reason why…it’s because…

In English: The reason why…it’s because…
Pinyin: zhī suǒ yǐ…shì yīn wèi…
In Chinese: 之所以……是因为……

Usage in a sentence:
In English: The reason why I couldn’t make my sister’s wedding, it’s because I just had a surgery a little while ago and had to rest at the hospital for some days.

Pinyin: Wǒ zhī suǒ yǐ méi néng qù jiě jie de hūn lǐ, shì yīn wèi zài bù jiǔ zhī qián wǒ zuò le yī chǎng shǒu shù, bù dé bú zhù yuàn xiū xi yī duàn shí jiān.

In Chinese: 我之所以没能去姐姐的婚礼，是因为在不久之前我做了一场手术，不得不住院休息一段时间。

Grammar Explanation:
The conjunction itself is pretty straightforward. The set of conjunctions introduce the result first, and then introduce the reason that caused the former clause.

5. Chinese Conjunctions to Express Opposition

1- But

In English: But
Pinyin: dàn shì
In Chinese: 但是

Usage in a sentence:
In English: I planned to learn how to cook a western meal today, but I forgot to buy the necessary ingredients.

Pinyin: Wǒ jīn tiān běn lái jì huá xué xí zuò yī dùn xī cān, dàn shì wàng jì mǎi xū yào de shí cái le.

In Chinese: 我今天本来计划学习做一顿西餐，但是忘记买需要的食材了。

Grammar Explanation:
This conjunction is used to introduce something that contrasts with what was mentioned before.

2- Yet

In English: Yet
Pinyin: kě shì
In Chinese: 可是

Usage in a sentence:
In English: My dad really wants me to become a doctor just like him in the future, yet it’s not what I’m passionate about.

Pinyin: Bà ba fēi cháng xī wàng wǒ néng xiàng tā yī yàng jiāng lái chéng wéi yī míng yī shēng, kě shì zhè bìng bú shì wǒ rè ài de zhí yè.

In Chinese: 爸爸非常希望我能像他一样将来成为一名医生，可是这并不是我热爱的职业。

Grammar Explanation:
This can also mean “but at the same time.”

3- However

In English: However
Pinyin: rán ér
In Chinese: 然而

Usage in a sentence:
In English: I thought there would be a happy ending for this TV show, however, it was not like I imagined.

Pinyin: Wǒ yǐ wéi zhè gè diàn shì jù zuì hòu yī dìng shì gè xǐ jù jié wěi, rán ér bìng bú shì wǒ xiǎng de nà yàng.

In Chinese: 我以为这个电视剧最后一定是个喜剧结尾，然而并不是我想的那样。

Grammar Explanation:
This conjunction is used to indicate a turning point or a different result from what was expected.

Additional Notes:
A comma can be used after this conjunction, if the sentence after it is long and there is a natural pause in speaking. If the sentence after it is short and there’s no pause needed in speaking, don’t use a comma after this conjunction.

6. Chinese Conjunctions to Express Purpose

1- So that

In English: So that
Pinyin: yǐ biàn
In Chinese: 以便

Usage in a sentence:
In English: I will put the backup key underneath the carpet by the door so that you can come in when I’m not home.

Pinyin: Wǒ huì bǎ bèi yòng yào shi fàng zài mén qián de tǎn zi xià miàn, yǐ biàn wǒ bú zài jiā shí nǐ kě yǐ jìn lái.

In Chinese: 我会把备用钥匙放在门前的毯子下面，以便我不在家时你可以进来。

Grammar Explanation:
This is used when describing how you’re going to make it convenient for something, or to serve a purpose for something.

7. Final Thoughts

If you’ve developed a great understanding of these Mandarin Chinese conjunctions, then congratulations! You’re officially an intermediate learner in Chinese now. If you’re still not content with what you’ve learned so far, and are desperate to enrich your Chinese skills, feel free to check out our website at ChineseClass101.com.

We offer a variety of fun Chinese lessons, both about interesting Chinese local culture and professional language teaching. You’ll find it extremely difficult to be disappointed with your Chinese learning when using our website.

We hope you enjoyed learning about conjunctions with us, and that you were able to take away something valuable. Which of these conjunctions do you plan on practicing soon? Were our Chinese conjunctions examples helpful, or are you still struggling to understand some of these Chinese conjunctions? Let us know in the comments!

We’re all social animals, and we all interact with each other in a certain way in order to achieve the most harmony possible, depending on our cultural background and generational differences. Every country has a set of rules about etiquette for its own unique culture. China, a country that evolved over thousands of years of history, of course has its secrets for developing the great civilization it hosts today.

But what is Chinese etiquette?

Chinese etiquette (especially Chinese business etiquette!) can differ greatly from that of western countries. Some Chinese etiquette rules may be exactly the opposite, so don’t be surprised when you hear them. These unspoken Chinese etiquette customs help Chinese people build their respect, bonds, and understanding between each other. Some of the modern Chinese etiquette we’re going to introduce here is the heart of Chinese society, so be careful and keep them in mind so that you don’t embarrass yourself!

Table of Contents

1. How to Discuss Etiquette
2. Chinese Table Manners and Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts for Dining
3. Do’s and Don’ts for Sightseeing
4. Do’s and Don’ts for Greetings
5. Do’s and Don’ts for Visiting a House
6. Do’s and Don’ts When Riding Public Means of Transportation
7. Do’s and Don’ts for Business Occasions
8. Do’s and Don’ts for Celebrations
9. Let ChineseClass101 Help You Master the Language & Culture!

1. How to Discuss Etiquette

If you’re wondering how to learn Chinese etiquette, first things first. Let’s have a little warm-up and start with the most useful phrases for discussing basic Chinese etiquette. Mastering these phrases is a wonderful place to start your learning journey in Chinese etiquette.

• When talking about DON’Ts, use this sentence pattern:

  In Chinese: 你不应该[动词] -> 你不应该擤鼻涕。
  Pinyin: Nǐ bù yīng gāi [dòng cí] -> Nǐ bù yīng gāi xǐng bí tì.
  In English: Don’t [verb] -> Don’t blow your nose.

• When talking about DO’s:

  In Chinese: 你应该[动词] -> 你应该带个礼物过来。
  Pinyin: Nǐ yīng gāi [dòng cí] -> Nǐ yīng gāi dài gè lǐ wù guò lái.
  In English: You should [verb] -> You should bring a present.

2. Chinese Table Manners and Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts for Dining

Do’s:

• Do join the toasts or initiate one at the table.

  In Chinese etiquette, dining usually requires toasts at the table, especially when it’s a formal occasion where you’re eating with elders or people you need to show respect to. If you’re new to the Chinese dining table, you’ll probably feel overwhelmed by the number of toasts Chinese people do. However, toasts in Chinese table etiquette is a tradition, and a way to show your respect and kindness to the people you’re eating with. While initiating a toast, you can simply say (the wishing words may be altered):

  In Chinese: 我来敬您一杯酒，祝您万事如意。
  Pinyin: Wǒ lái jìng nín yī bēi jiǔ, zhù nín wàn shì rú yì.
  In English: Let me raise a glass of wine to you and wish that all your wishes will come true.

• Do show that you’re willing to try all the food.

  If a Chinese person is passionately inviting you to try the dishes, do feel free to try them to show that you’re embracing his hospitality.

Don’ts:

• Do not stick your chopsticks perpendicularly on rice.

  In Chinese etiquette, chopsticks shouldn’t be put in the rice this way. This is considered bad etiquette in China, and is thought to bring bad fortune. Although it sounds superstitious, many traditional Chinese people do pay attention to details like this.

• Do not mind sharing food on the same plate.

  Unlike in western restaurants, most of the Chinese dishes in Chinese restaurants are shared among everyone, which is the family style. Thus, be prepared for this when you’re eating with Chinese people. You’ll have to pick dishes that will please both you and your dining partners. Also, remember to always leave the last piece of a dish for other people to show your kindness.

• Do not mind when others (especially elders) get food for your plate.

  Most Chinese elders are likely to have the habit of getting food for you with their chopsticks, sometimes even despite your own preferences. When this happens, remember not to refuse their kindness and just pretend that you’re glad to have the dishes.

3. Do’s and Don’ts for Sightseeing

Sightseeing is an area where Chinese culture social etiquette is important to keep in consideration. Here are a few Chinese etiquette tips to help you go sightseeing in a polite and respectful manner.

Do’s:

• Do walk on your right side.

  As most countries do, Chinese people prefer to walk on the right side of the road to provide convenience for other people who walk in the opposite direction.

• Do always stay in lines when it’s necessary.

  As you all know, China is a crowded country. As a tourist, it may be time-consuming to wait in line for things. However, it’s a basic Chinese social etiquette rule to do so. People who cut in line are considered extremely rude in China.

Don’ts:

• Do not throw trash as you want.

  Considering that China is having a severe environmental problem right now, throwing trash on the road is especially prohibited. Choosing to litter anyway is totally against Chinese culture customs and etiquette today.

• Do not touch property if it’s not allowed.

  China is a country full of ancient properties and a long history. Many properties are protected stringently to preserve their historical beauty. Remember to be careful when you touch a property, and treat them gently.

4. Do’s and Don’ts for Greetings

When it comes to Chinese etiquette, greetings are an important aspect of the culture to keep in mind. Here are some Chinese introduction etiquette rules that you should follow when greeting.

Do’s:

• Do shake hands, especially when you meet someone for the first time.

  In Chinese body language etiquette, shaking hands is a basic way of greeting someone you’re not very familiar with.

• Do bow when it’s needed.

  Bowing is viewed as a formal way of greeting people who you show special respect to. For example, in China, students sometimes bow to their teachers.

Don’ts:

• Do not ask people about age or income.

  In Chinese etiquette, money (income) and age are considered extremely personal topics. If these happen to be a taboo for the person you’re greeting, you may cause embarrassment for them and yourself.

• Do not hug someone you’re not close with as a way of greeting.

  Hugging someone is very common in western culture, even when meeting people for the first time. Nevertheless, there is a huge difference here between China and western countries. In China, hugging is not a common way of greeting. If you hug someone who’s not close to you, your enthusiasm may overwhelm the person who’s not used to this method of greeting.

5. Do’s and Don’ts for Visiting a House

Next up in our guide on Chinese etiquette: visiting friends. Here are some tips for how to act when visiting someone’s home in China.

Do’s:

• Do bring a gift if you’re visiting someone important.

  It’s a great way to show your kindness by bringing a little gift when invited to visit a house.

• Do arrive on time.

  Being on time is a way to show your level of respect for the person you’re visiting. This is also considered Chinese professional etiquette, so do keep punctuality in mind.

Don’ts:

• Do not feel frightened if the family is hosting you with too much hospitality.

  Chinese people are very hospitable. You may never know how much preparation they’ve done for your arrival. They may buy lots of additional food and clean the house thoroughly just to welcome you warmly.

• Do not go into bedrooms without an invitation.

  In China, it’s considered rude to visit the bedrooms in a house without the homeowner’s permission or invitation.

6. Do’s and Don’ts When Riding Public Means of Transportation

Do’s:

• Do care for elders, pregnant women, disabled people, and kids, by giving your seat to them if necessary.

  It’s a custom in China to give your seat to people who need more care when on a bus or subway. Elders, pregnant women, disabled people, and young children are all considered as such.

• Do stay in line while waiting for a bus.

  There are usually bus numbers written on the ground for people who are waiting for different buses. Be careful to wait by the right numbers and stay politely within the line.

Don’ts:

• Do not push other people when the place is crowded.

  Sometimes the public transportation in China can get incredibly crowded due to China’s huge population. When this happens, remain calm and try not to push people around by stabilizing yourself.

• Do not lean against the doors on a bus.

  You’ll see this reminder on most of the buses in China because it’s extremely dangerous when the door opens. If you don’t follow this rule, it will not only put you in danger, but may also cause inconvenience for people who need to get on the bus.

7. Do’s and Don’ts for Business Occasions

Now it’s time for Chinese business etiquette tips. If you plan on working in China, or are visiting for work-related purposes, knowing basic Chinese etiquette for business is essential.

Do’s:

• Do prepare a business card.

  Although this is a digital era, in China, a business card is still of high value during a business occasion. Be sure to bring a professional business card that represents your personal expert profile.

• Do dress professionally.

  If you notice, Chinese people have a focus on appearance in many things. A professional look will definitely serve as a crutch to help you succeed during a business occasion.

Don’ts:

• Do not cross your legs while sitting down.

  When it comes to Chinese etiquette, businesses are often uncomfortable with you crossing your legs (even if most people in casual situations are totally comfortable with this). During a business occasion, it’s considered bad-looking and rude.

• Do not overly use Internet slang.

  Many people in modern society may be used to speaking with Internet slang in daily life. However, it’s extremely unprofessional to do so during a business occasion and may damage your professional profile.

8. Do’s and Don’ts for Celebrations

Even when celebrating, there’s some Chinese traditional etiquette that you need to be mindful of. Here are the do’s and don’ts for celebrations in China.

Do’s:

• Do pay great attention to how you present the package for a gift.

  Chinese people place heavy importance on the presentation of a gift. When you prepare a gift, be sure to wrap it carefully enough.

• Do give out some money to the newly married couple when you’re invited to a wedding.

  Giving out money is a traditional gift for weddings in China. Even though you’ve prepared a gift already, the money as a gift for the newly married couple is still essential!

Don’ts:

• Do not open your gifts in front of the giver.

  This is another huge cultural difference between western countries and China. In western countries, it’s considered good manners to show people how much you’re pleased with the gift by opening it in front of the giver. However, in China, it’s not appropriate to open a gift immediately in front of the giver (unless the person asks you to do so).

• Do not accept a red packet without refusing it first.

  You may have the opportunity to visit people during the Chinese New Year. As a tradition, elders may give red packets that include money inside to youngsters as a way to celebrate the new year. In western cultures, it’s rude to refuse a gift, so this may surprise you. But it’s actually rude to accept a red packet immediately from the elders. To show respect, you’ll have to ask them to take it back, which is very unlikely for them to do so. But refusing the gift is still a necessary process before finally accepting it.

9. Let ChineseClass101 Help You Master the Language & Culture!

It’s great that you’ve made it through the whole article! I’m certain you’re now well-informed and almost an expert on basic Chinese etiquette. As long as you follow the guidelines in this article, you’ll most likely excel in performing your best of manners.

If you still don’t feel confident enough, why not try our lessons at ChineseClass101.com to gain more interesting knowledge related to Chinese culture and obtain professional teaching? You’re only one click away from the real adventure!

But before you go, let us know in the comments if you learned any new Chinese etiquette facts! What are they? Are there any situations we missed? We look forward to hearing from you.

Each day is filled with events, big and small, that are worth being remembered; every day of our lives can be unique and special. If you’ve just gotten started learning Chinese, there might be times when you wish to express dates in Chinese to specify important events. Indeed, being able to express a date accurately is essential to everyday life. This is why learning the Chinese calendar, as well as how to say dates in Chinese, is so important as you learn the language.

In this article, we’ll go over how to write dates in Chinese characters, as well as dates in Chinese pinyin, so that you’re never at a loss!

In Chinese, the use of dates is incredibly simple and convenient. As long as you put your brain to work, you’ll master it in no time. Talking about dates in Chinese, knowing the Chinese numbers will greatly complement your understanding—feel free to check out our article about Chinese numbers. Now, get ready to hunt some treasure with us in this vital step of your Chinese learning journey!

Table of Contents

1. How are Dates Written in Chinese?
2. How to Read Dates in Chinese: Years
3. How to Say the Months in Chinese
4. Talking About the Day in Chinese
5. How to Say the Days of the Week
6. Must-Know Phrases for Months and Dates in Chinese
7. Bonus: Learn How to Find Your Animal of the Year in Chinese
8. Conclusion: How ChineseClass101 Can Help You Master Chinese

1. How are Dates Written in Chinese?

Dates written in Chinese are organized based on cardinal numbers, and when a date is expressed, the order is as follows: 年 - 月- 日 (nián - yuè - rì) or year - month - day.

In Chinese: 我是1998年出生的。
Pinyin: Wǒ shì yī jiǔ jiǔ bā nián chū shēng de.
In English: I was born in 1996.

In Chinese: 我的生日是八月三十号。
Pinyin: Wǒ de shēng rì shì bā yuè sān shí hào.
In English: My birthday is on August 30.

Dates are essential for everyone to learn.

2. How to Read Dates in Chinese: Years

It’s very simple to read a date in Chinese. While reading the year, all you need to do is read every single number out loud in order from left to right. And lastly, add 年 (meaning “year” in English) to the end. Here are a few examples for you to practice:

• 1990[年]: 一九九零[年] (yī jiǔ jiǔ líng [nián])
• 2008[年]: 二零零八[年] (èr líng líng bā [nián])
• 2019[年]: 二零一九[年] (èr líng yī jiǔ [nián])
• 1976[年]: 一九七六[年] (yī jiǔ qī liù [nián])
• 2020[年]: 二零二零[年] (èr líng èr líng [nián])

3. How to Say the Months in Chinese

• January: 一月 (yī yuè)
• February: 二月 (èr yuè)
• March: 三月 (sān yuè)
• April: 四月 (sì yuè)
• May: 五月 (wǔ yuè)
• June: 六月 (liù yuè)
• July: 七月 (qī yuè)
• August: 八月 (bā yuè)
• September: 九月 (jiǔ yuè)
• October: 十月 (shí yuè)
• November: 十一月 (shí yī yuè)
• December: 十二月 (shí èr yuè)

Examine your schedule carefully and remember the important dates!

4. Talking About the Day in Chinese

All thirty-one days:

• 1st: 一号 / 一日 (yī hào / yī rì)
• 2nd: 二号 / 二日 (èr hào / èr rì)
• 3rd: 三号 / 三日 (sān hào / sān rì)
• 4th: 四号 / 四日 (sì hào / sì rì)
• 5th: 五号 / 五日 (wǔ hào / wǔ rì)
• 6th: 六号 / 六日 (liù hào / liù rì)
• 7th: 七号 / 七日 (qī hào / qī rì)
• 8th: 八号 / 八日 (bā hào / bā rì)
• 9th: 九号 / 九日 (jiǔ hào / jiǔ rì)
• 10th: 十号 / 十日 (shí hào / shí rì)
• 11th: 十一号 / 十一日 (shí yī hào / shí yī rì)
• 12th: 十二号 / 十二日 (shí èr hào / shí èr rì)
• 13th: 十三号 / 十三日 (shí sān hào / shí sān rì)
• 14th: 十四号 / 十四日 (shí sì hào / shí sì rì)
• 15th: 十五号 / 十五日 (shí wǔ hào / shí wǔ rì)
• 16th: 十六号 / 十六日 (shí liù hào / shí liù rì)
• 17th: 十七号 / 十七日 (shí qī hào / shí qī rì)
• 18th: 十八号 / 十八日 (shí bā hào / shí bā rì)
• 19th: 十九号 / 十九日 (shí jiǔ hào / shí jiǔ rì)
• 20th: 二十号 / 二十日 (èr shí hào / èr shí rì)
• 21st: 二十一号 / 二十一日 (èr shí yī hào / èr shí yī rì)
• 22nd: 二十二号 / 二十二日 (èr shí èr hào / èr shí èr rì)
• 23rd: 二十三号 / 二十三日 (èr shí sān hào / èr shí sān rì)
• 24th: 二十四号 / 二十四日 (èr shí sì hào / èr shí sì rì)
• 25th: 二十五号 / 二十五日 (èr shí wǔ hào / èr shí wǔ rì)
• 26th: 二十六号 / 二十六日 (èr shí liù hào / èr shí liù rì)
• 27th: 二十七号 / 二十七日 (èr shí qī hào / èr shí qī rì)
• 28th: 二十八号 / 二十八日 (èr shí bā hào / èr shí bā rì)
• 29th: 二十九号 / 二十九日 (èr shí jiǔ hào / èr shí jiǔ rì)
• 30th: 三十号 / 三十日 (sān shí hào / sān shí rì)
• 31st: 三十一号 / 三十一日 (sān shí yī hào / sān shí yī rì)

In Chinese: 周末
Pinyin: zhōu mò
In English: weekend

In Chinese: 工作日
Pinyin: gōng zuò rì
In English: weekdays

Additional notes: As you can see, all days can be expressed through Chinese numbers, with the word 号 or 日 following behind. 号 is usually used informally when saying dates in Chinese in daily life, and 日 is used formally for dates in Chinese writing and sometimes in daily life as well.

5. How to Say the Days of the Week

In Chinese: 周一 / 礼拜一 / 星期一
Pinyin: zhōu yī / lǐ bài yī / xīng qī yī
In English: Monday

In Chinese: 周二 / 礼拜二 / 星期二
Pinyin: zhōu èr / lǐ bài èr / xīng qī èr
In English: Tuesday

In Chinese: 周三 / 礼拜三 / 星期三
Pinyin: zhōu sān / lǐ bài sān / xīng qī sān
In English: Wednesday

In Chinese: 周四 / 礼拜四 / 星期四
Pinyin: zhōu sì / lǐ bài sì / xīng qī sì
In English: Thursday

In Chinese: 周五 / 礼拜五 / 星期五
Pinyin: zhōu wǔ / lǐ bài wǔ / xīng qī wǔ
In English: Friday

In Chinese: 周六 / 礼拜六 / 星期六
Pinyin: zhōu liù / lǐ bài liù / xīng qī liù
In English: Saturday

In Chinese: 周日 /礼拜天 / 礼拜日 / 星期日 /星期天
Pinyin: zhōu rì / lǐ bài tiān / lǐ bài rì / xīng qī rì / xīng qī tiān
In English: Sunday

Additional note: As you can see, there are three different forms when “week” is expressed when talking about Chinese weekdays. The difference is that both 礼拜 and 星期 are used more informally in daily life, especially 礼拜 which means “chapel” and originated from the influence of western religion. The most formal is 周; a little less formal is 星期; the least formal is 礼拜.

6. Must-Know Phrases for Months and Dates in Chinese

You need to know when your school starts!

In Chinese: 你什么时候开学？
Pinyin: Nǐ shén me shí hòu kāi xué?
In English: When does your school start?

In Chinese: 你在二月十四号有什么安排吗？
Pinyin: Nǐ zài èr yuè shí sì hào yǒu shén me ān pái ma?
In English: Do you have any plans for February 14th?

Why not ask the person out on a romantic Valentine’s Day date?

In Chinese: 你什么时候有空？
Pinyin: Nǐ shén me shí hòu yǒu kòng?
In English: When will you be free?

In Chinese: 我只有周五晚上有空。
Pinyin: Wǒ zhī yǒu zhōu wǔ wǎn shàng yǒu kòng.
In English: I am only free on Friday night.

In Chinese: 那我们约七月五号晚上见吧。
Pinyin: Nà wǒ men yuē qī yuè wǔ hào wǎn shàng jiàn ba.
In English: Let’s meet on July 5 at night.

In Chinese: 我想在五月八号安排预约。
Pinyin: Wǒ xiǎng zài wǔ yuè bā hào ān pái yù yuē.
In English: I want to schedule an appointment on August 5.

In Chinese: 今天是几号？
Pinyin: Jīn tiān shì jǐ hào?
In English: What day is it?

It’s always important to keep your loved ones’ birthday in mind and give them a sweet birthday cake!

In Chinese: 你的生日是什么时候？
Pinyin: Nǐ de shēng rì shì shén me shí hòu?
In English: When is your birthday?

7. Bonus: Learn How to Find Your Animal of the Year in Chinese

Do you know that Chinese years are based on twelve animals?

One fun fact about dates in Chinese calendars is that Chinese years have a unique traditional expression, which is based on the Chinese Zodiac as a twelve-year cycle, and each year represents an animal.

To find out which animal is associated with a certain year, be ready to do a bit of math. Here’s what you need to do:
          - Divide the number of the year by 12.
          - Find the remainder of the division. (Considering the number of the year may not be perfectly divided by 12, you’ll get a remainder between 0 and 11.)
          - Check the list below to see which animal corresponds to the remainder.

Remainder and Chinese zodiac in accordance:

• 0: Monkey 猴 (hóu)
• 1: Rooster 鸡 (jī)
• 2: Dog 狗 (gǒu)
• 3: Pig 猪 (zhū)
• 4: Rat 鼠 (shǔ)
• 5: Ox 牛 (niú)
• 6: Tiger 虎 (hǔ)
• 7: Rabbit 兔 (tù)
• 8: Dragon 龙 (lóng)
• 9: Snake 蛇 (shé)
• 10: Horse 马 (mǎ)
• 11: Goat 羊 (yáng)

For example, let’s find out what animal 1990 represents. Follow our step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Divide 1990 by 12.
          1990/12 = 165.8333…

Step 2: Ignore the decimals and take the quotient 165.

Step 3: Find the remainder of the division with this formula: Year - (12 x quotient without decimals) = remainder.
          1990 - (12 x 165) = 10

Step 4: Look at the list above. The remainder 10 corresponds to Horse. Now we know that 1990 is the Year of the Horse.

Let’s try another example and find out what animal 2016 represents.

Step 1: Divide 2016 by 12.
          2016/12 = 168

Step 2: Take the quotient 168.

Step 3: Find the remainder.
          2016 - ( 12 x 168 ) = 0.

Step 4: Look up at the list. The remainder 0 corresponds to Monkey. Now we know that 2016 is the Year of the Monkey.

Here are the most recent twelve years in Chinese Zodiac. You can try to practice using the steps above to see if you can get the answers right.

2019 - Year of Pig 猪年 (zhū nián)
2018 - Year of Dog 狗年 (gǒu nián)
2017 - Year of Rooster 鸡年 (jī nián)
2016 - Year of Monkey 猴年 (hóu nián)
2015 - Year of Goat 羊年 (yáng nián)
2014 - Year of Horse 马年 (mǎ nián)
2013 - Year of Snake 蛇年 (shé nián)
2012 - Year of Dragon 龙年 (lóng nián)
2011 - Year of Rabbit 兔年 (tù nián)
2010 - Year of Tiger 虎年 (hǔ nián)
2009 - Year of Ox 牛年 (niú nián)
2008 - Year of Rat 鼠年 (shǔ nián)

Now, are you able to find your own animal according to the year you were born? As you can see, birth dates in Chinese hold a lot of meaning.

8. Conclusion: How ChineseClass101 Can Help You Master Chinese

If you’ve followed along with this article, you must have grasped the essence of expressing dates in Chinese and leveraged your Chinese skills another rung up the ladder. Do you feel more comfortable writing dates in Chinese characters now? Let us know in the comments; we always look forward to hearing from you!

As you might imagine, there’s much more in the Chinese language to explore and learn. If you wish to acquire more fortune in this learning journey, why not give ChineseClass101.com a try? Here, we offer you a wide spectrum of resources and a spectacular learning experience; you’re just one click away from starting your magical journey right away!

Almost everyone holds a special place in their heart for families. A family is those you’re bound with from birth, the ones who will always be there for you unconditionally. When we first meet someone, we like to be familiar with their family background. Knowing this provides valuable information on that person’s upbringing, which could shape their personality dramatically. Thus, it’s important to learn how to talk about your family in Chinese.

In China, family has great importance. 孝顺 (xiào shùn), which means being responsible and obedient to parents, is one of the best qualities a person can have. While reading this article, keep in mind that the Chinese view of parent-child relationships differs in some ways from that of Western countries.

Now let’s get right into today’s adventure!

Table of Contents

1. Family Perceptions in China
2. Family Member Terms and Other Basics
3. Terms for Relatives
4. Family Member Terms as a Married Person
5. Endearment Terms
6. Bonus - Interesting Expressions about Family Members
7. Conclusion: How ChineseClass101 Can Help You Master Family Terms

1. Family Perceptions in China

The family institution in China is incredibly strong. China highly values family bonds, particularly parent-child relationships. When it comes to family in the Chinese culture, there are even traditions that say children should never travel far, and should always stay with their parents.

Even now, many men still live with their parents even after their marriage. In this case, the woman will have to move to the man’s house and live with his parents. This sometimes creates an unpleasant relationship between the wife and her mother-in-law, which is a situation you can see used as a stereotype in a wide variety of Chinese shows.

There are many different ways to name family members depending on your relationship to them. Age difference is the main factor in determining what to call a family member, since Chinese people heavily emphasize that youngsters should respect their elders.

One thing to keep in mind: Unlike in Western culture, it’s not respectful to directly call elders by their names. This matter will be introduced more thoroughly later in this article.

2. Family Member Terms and Other Basics

Here are some Chinese words for family members to expand your family in Chinese vocabulary! With just these basic words and phrases, you have a great place to start a simple conversation about family.

• In Chinese: 家人
  Pinyin: jiā rén
  In English: family

  In Chinese: 我的家庭很幸福。
  Pinyin: Wǒ de jiā tíng hěn xìng fú.
  In English: I have a happy family.

  In Chinese: 我是在单亲家庭中长大的。
  Pinyin: Wǒ shì zài dān qīn jiā tíng zhōng zhǎng dà de.
  In English: I grew up in a single-parent family.

• In Chinese: 母亲
  Pinyin: mǔ qīn
  In English: mother
• In Chinese: 父亲
  Pinyin: fù qīn
  In English: father
• In Chinese: 妈妈
  Pinyin: mā ma
  In English: mom
• In Chinese: 爸爸
  Pinyin: bà ba
  In English: dad
• In Chinese: 姐姐 / 妹妹
  Pinyin: jiě jie / mèi mei
  In English: (older) sister / (younger) sister

  In Chinese: 我有个[姐姐].
  Pinyin: Wǒ yǒu gè [jiě jie].
  In English: I have a(n) [older sister].

• In Chinese: 哥哥/弟弟
  Pinyin: gē ge /dì di
  In English: (older) brother / (younger) brother
• In Chinese: 兄弟姐妹
  Pinyin: xiōng dì jiě mèi
  In English: sibling

Fun fact: The interesting thing about siblings in Chinese is that older and younger siblings have different terms, whereas English does not.

• In Chinese: 姥爷 / 爷爷 / 祖父
  Pinyin: lǎo yé / yé ye / zǔ fù
  In English: (mother’s side) grandfather / (father’s side) grandfather / grandfather
• In Chinese: 姥姥 / 奶奶 / 祖母
  Pinyin: lǎo lao / nǎi nai / zǔ mǔ
  In English: (mother’s side) grandmother / (father’s side) grandmother / grandmother
• In Chinese: 父母 / 家长
  Pinyin: fù mǔ / jiā zhǎng
  In English: parents

Fun fact: The literal meaning of 家长 is the family’s leader.

• In Chinese: 祖父母
  Pinyin: zǔ fù mǔ
  In English: grandparents
• In Chinese: 曾祖母
  Pinyin: zēng zǔ mǔ
  In English: great grandmother
• In Chinese: 曾祖父
  Pinyin: zēng zǔ fù
  In English: great grandfather

3. Terms for Relatives

Who can say having a big family isn’t fun?

Now, let’s work our way around the Chinese family tree, so that you’ll never struggle to find the right word for a family member!

• In Chinese: 亲戚/亲属
  Pinyin: qīn qi / qīn shǔ
  In English: relative

Fun fact: There’s a fun Chinese term called 走亲戚 (zǒu qīn qi), which literally means “walk through relatives.” This is a tradition that Chinese people normally have during Chinese New Year, which is also known as the Spring Festival. It’s a holiday where families spend time together and catch up, just like Christmas in Western cultures. If some families can’t make the reunion, you’ll need to 走亲戚, to visit them at their place and spend some quality time. This shows that the Chinese extended family is just as important as the Chinese immediate family.

• In Chinese: 叔叔
  Pinyin: shū shu
  In English: uncle
• In Chinese: 阿姨
  Pinyin: ā yí
  In English: aunt

Fun fact: In English, youngsters can usually call their elders who have no relations Mr. or Ms. and such, and sometimes if an elder is close enough, they can even directly call them by their names. This is quite different in China.

The young generation have to call adults who are older a certain term depending on the age difference. Usually, you can call people who are ten to twenty years older “aunt” (阿姨) or “uncle” (叔叔). For people who are at a similar age as your grandparents, you’re required to call them “grandmother” (奶奶) or “grandfather” (爷爷).

• In Chinese: 堂兄弟姐妹/表兄弟姐妹
  Pinyin: táng xiōng dì jiě mèi /biǎo xiōng dì jiě mèi
  In English: cousin

Fun fact: Since “cousin” in Chinese is a relatively long word, Chinese people usually don’t use the word “cousin.” Instead, they’ll use the terms that can show the direct relation. There are eight different terms under the category “cousin,” including: 堂兄 (táng xiōng) [male, father’s side, older], 堂弟 (táng dì) [male, father’s side, younger], 堂姐 (táng jiě) [female, father’s side, older], 堂妹 (táng mèi) [female, father’s side, younger], 表兄 (biǎo xiōng) [male, mother’s side, older], 表弟 (biǎo dì) [male, mother’s side, younger], 表姐 (biǎo jiě) [female, mother’s side, older], 表妹 (biǎo mèi) [female, mother’s side, younger].

• In Chinese: 外甥女 / 侄女
  Pinyin: wài shēng nǚ / zhí nǚ
  In English: niece
• In Chinese: 侄子 / 外甥
  Pinyin: zhí zi / wài shēng
  In English: nephew

4. Family Member Terms as a Married Person

Once you’ve married in Chinese culture, you’ve gained several new Chinese family members. Here’s what to call them all!

• In Chinese: 妻子
  Pinyin: qī zǐ
  In English: wife
• In Chinese: 丈夫 / 先生
  Pinyin: zhàng fū / xiān shēng
  In English: husband

I believe we all want a happy family!

• In Chinese: 女儿
  Pinyin: nǚ ér
  In English: daughter
• In Chinese: 儿子
  Pinyin: ér zi
  In English: son
• In Chinese: 姐夫 / 妹夫
  Pinyin: jiě fū / mèi fū
  In English: brother-in-law
• In Chinese: 嫂子 / 弟妹
  Pinyin: sǎo zi / dì mèi
  In English: (older brother’s side) sister-in-law / (younger brother’s side) sister-in-law
• In Chinese: 婆婆 / 岳母
  Pinyin: pó po / yuè mǔ
  In English: mother-in-law (husband’s mother) / mother-in-law (wife’s mother)
• In Chinese: 公公 / 岳父
  Pinyin: gōng gong / yuè fù
  In English: father-in-law (husband’s father) / father-in-law (wife’s father)

Fun fact: In Chinese culture, if you’re on good terms with your father-in-law and mother-in-law, and you feel comfortable, it will be good to call them “mom” or “dad,” just like your wife/husband does. This shows that you see them as your own mother or father. However, in many cases, it can be difficult to get along with your father-in-law or mother-in-law.

5. Endearment Terms

Let’s use more endearment terms to call the ones you love!

• In Chinese: 爹地 / 爸爸 / 老爸
  Pinyin: diē dì / bà ba / lǎo bà
  In English: daddy
• In Chinese: 妈咪 / 妈妈 / 老妈
  Pinyin: mā mī / mā ma / lǎo mā
  In English: mommy
• In Chinese: 老哥 / 老弟
  Pinyin: lǎo gē / lǎo dì
  In English: (older) brother / (younger) brother
• In Chinese: 老姐 / 老妹
  Pinyin: lǎo jiě / lǎo mèi
  In English: (older) sister / (younger) sister
• In Chinese: 老婆 / 媳妇
  Pinyin: lǎo pó / xí fù
  In English: wife
• In Chinese: 老公
  Pinyin: lǎo gōng
  In English: husband

Fun fact: 老 means “old” in Chinese, which is a very common thing to call someone who is close to you in Chinese. If you notice, lots of the nicknames mentioned above begin with a 老. In this case, 婆 and 公 each means “old women” and “old men.” By calling your other half this, it shows your commitment that you want to grow old with each other.

• In Chinese: 亲爱的
  Pinyin: qīn ài de
  In English: dear
• In Chinese: 宝贝
  Pinyin: bǎo bèi
  In English: baby
• In Chinese: 闺女
  Pinyin: guī nǚ
  In English: daughter

6. Bonus - Interesting Expressions about Family Members

• In Chinese: 虎毒不食子。
  Pinyin: Hǔ dú bú shí zǐ.
  In English: Even a vicious tiger won’t eat its own son.
  Actual meaning: Parents will always treat their own children kindly, no matter how evil their nature is.
• In Chinese: 有其父必有其子。
  Pinyin: Yǒu qí fù bì yǒu qí zǐ.
  In English: Like father, like son.
  Actual meaning: A son’s character is very likely to resemble his father’s.
• In Chinese: 不听老人言，吃亏在眼前。
  Pinyin: Bù tīng lǎo rén yán, chī kuī zài yǎn qián.
  In English: If you don’t listen to elders’ advice, you will learn your lesson.

7. Conclusion: How ChineseClass101 Can Help You Master Family Terms

I hope you’re now more fascinated with the unique Chinese culture after reading this article about Chinese family. Continue to binge on learning the most native and entertaining Chinese lessons at ChineseClass101.com; here, Chinese is no longer an excruciating language that’s hard to master. It’s a paradise where you can enjoy yourself even while studying!

Before you go, let us know in the comments how confident you feel naming your family members in Chinese now! And tell us common sayings or idioms about family in your own language while you’re at it! We look forward to hearing from you!

China, a country with a great expanse of ancient history (up to nearly five-thousand years’ worth) is filled with both abundant beautiful landscapes where you can embrace nature and urban cities where you can enjoy a unique Asian culture experience.

When you first visit an unfamiliar country, there will be uncertainties and difficulties regarding the culture and language barriers, but this will all be a piece of cake once you learn Chinese travel phrases with us! Now let ChineseClass101.com set your mind on mastering these Chinese phrases for tourists, for your future trip to China! And keep in mind that for more basic Chinese words and pronunciation for tourists, you can check out our vocabulary lists on our website!

Table of Contents

1. Basic Expressions
2. Transports
3. Shopping
4. Restaurants
5. Asking for and Giving Directions
6. Emergencies
7. Flattery Phrases
8. Useful Phrases to Go Through Language Problems
9. Conclusion

1. Basic Expressions

While in China, it’s important to uphold good manners and to know how to greet others. Thus, you should learn Mandarin Chinese travel phrases regarding this. Take a look at this list of useful Chinese travel phrases to help you make a good impression!

1- Manners

• In Chinese: 谢谢你。
  Pinyin: Xiè xiè nǐ.
  In English: Thank you.
• In Chinese: 打扰一下。
  Pinyin: Dǎ rǎo yī xià.
  In English: Excuse me.
• In Chinese: 抱歉/对不起。
  Pinyin: Bào qiàn /duì bù qǐ.
  In English: Sorry.

2- Greetings

• In Chinese: 你好。
  Pinyin: Nǐ hǎo.
  In English: Hello.
• In Chinese: 再见。
  Pinyin: Zài jiàn.
  In English: Goodbye.
• In Chinese: 你最近怎么样？
  Pinyin: Nǐ zuì jìn zěn me yàng?
  In English: How are you?

3- Others

• In Chinese: 是的。
  Pinyin: Shì de.
  In English: Yes.
• In Chinese: 不是。
  Pinyin: Bú shì.
  In English: No.
• In Chinese: 我喜欢这个。
  Pinyin: Wǒ xǐ huān zhè gè.
  In English: I like it.
• In Chinese: 我不喜欢这个。
  Pinyin: Wǒ bù xǐ huān zhè gè.
  In English: I don’t like it.
• In Chinese: 太好了。
  Pinyin: Tài hǎole.
  In English: Great.
• In Chinese: 能麻烦您帮我照个相吗？
  Pinyin: Néng má fán nín bāng wǒ zhào gè xiàng ma?
  In English: Could you please take my picture?

2. Transports

Of course, you’ll need to have some mode of transportation to get around the country. That’s why we’ve prepared this list of useful Chinese travel phrases for transportation!

1- Phrases for Taking a Taxi:

• In Chinese: 请问您可以载我去[地点]吗？
  Pinyin: Qǐng wèn nín kě yǐ zài wǒ qù [dì diǎn] ma?
  In English: Can you take me to [location] please?
• In Chinese: 请问去[地点]要多少钱？
  Pinyin: Qǐng wèn qù [dì diǎn] yào duō shǎo qián?
  In English: How much is it to go to [location]?

2- Phrases for Taking a Bus:

• In Chinese: 我应该在哪站下车？
  Pinyin: Wǒ yīng gāi zài nǎ zhàn xià chē?
  In English: Where should I get off?
• In Chinese: 我想去[地点]。
  Pinyin: Wǒ xiǎng qù [dì diǎn].
  In English: I want to go to [location].
• In Chinese: 请在到站的时候告诉我一声。
  Pinyin: Qǐng zài dào zhàn de shí hòu gào sù wǒ yī shēng.
  In English: Please tell me when we arrive.
• In Chinese: 请问这趟车去往[地点]吗？
  Pinyin: Qǐng wèn zhè tàng chē qù wǎng [dì diǎn] ma?
  In English: Does this bus go to [location]?

3- Phrases for Taking a Train:

• In Chinese: 我想买一张去[地点]的票。
  Pinyin: Wǒ xiǎng mǎi yī zhāng qù [dì diǎn] de piào.
  In English: Can I get one ticket to [location]?
• In Chinese: 火车终点站到了。
  Pinyin: Huǒ chē zhōng diǎn zhàn dào le.
  In English: It is the final stop for the train.

3. Shopping

You can use your cards to pay in many stores in China.

Our list of travel phrases in the Chinese language extends out to shopping phrases, because we know you’ll want to grab a souvenir or two! With these Mandarin Chinese travel words and phrases, you’ll be able to shop, barter, and bring home your bounty of Chinese goods!

• In Chinese: 这个要多少钱？
  Pinyin: Zhè gè yào duō shǎo qián?
  In English: How much does it cost?
• In Chinese: 能给我个优惠吗？
  Pinyin: Néng gěi wǒ gè yōu huì ma?
  In English: Can I get a discount?
• In Chinese: 便宜一点吧。
  Pinyin: Pián yí yī diǎn ba.
  In English: Make it cheaper.

  Additional notes: There are many small shops in China that allow you to bargain. Many products are usually offered initially at 200% of the original price; if this happens, don’t hesitate to use this phrase to bargain.

• In Chinese: 这里的实时汇率是多少呢？
  Pinyin: Zhè lǐ de shí shí huì lǜ shì duō shǎo ne?
  In English: What is the currency here?
• In Chinese: 我可以用信用卡吗？
  Pinyin: Wǒ kě yǐ yòng xìn yòng kǎ ma?
  In English: Can I use a credit card?

4. Restaurants

From ordering your food to letting your server know how many people are in your group, Chinese travel phrases for restaurants will come in handy time and time again! Here are travel phrases in Chinese characters (with English translations, of course) to help you enjoy your meal to the fullest!

Go to a nice restaurant and enjoy some local food!

• In Chinese: 我想要这个。
  Pinyin: Wǒ xiǎng yào zhège.
  In English: Can I get this, please?
• In Chinese: 我是一名素食者/我是一名纯素食者。
  Pinyin: Wǒ shì yī míng sù shí zhě/wǒ shì yī míng chúnsù shí zhě.
  In English: I am a vegetarian/vegan.
• In Chinese: 请问可以结一下帐吗？
  Pinyin: Qǐng wèn kě yǐ jié yī xià zhàng ma?
  In English: Can I get the bill please?
• In Chinese: 我们一共[数字] 个人。
  Pinyin: Wǒ men yī gòng [shù zì] gè rén.
  In English: We have [number] people.
• In Chinese: 服务生/小姐！
  Pinyin: Fú wù shēng/xiǎo jiě!
  In English: Waiter/waitress!
• In Chinese: 这个太好吃了。
  Pinyin: Zhè gè tài hǎo chī le.
  In English: It’s delicious.
• In Chinese: 你有什么推荐的吗？
  Pinyin: Nǐ yǒu shén me tuī jiàn de ma?
  In English: Do you have any recommendations?

5. Asking for and Giving Directions

A list of Chinese phrases for travellers, of course, necessitates a section for directions! We don’t want you getting lost while exploring China (or heading to your business meeting). Study and practice this list of Chinese travel phrases and words to keep yourself on the right track and headed in the right direction!

1- A List of General Locations

• 酒店 (jiǔ diàn) — hotel
• 餐厅 (cān tīng) — restaurant
• 公园 (gōng yuán) — park
• 地铁站 (dì tiě zhàn) — subway station
• 公交车站 (gōng jiāo chē zhàn) — bus stop
• 洗手间 (xǐ shǒu jiān) — restroom
• 房间 (fáng jiān) — room
• 图书馆 (tú shū guǎn) — library
• 失物认领处 (shī wù rèn lǐng chù) — lost and found

2- Basic Phrases for Directions

• In Chinese: [地点]在哪里？
  Pinyin: [dì diǎn] zài nǎ lǐ?
  In English: Where is [location]?
• In Chinese: 请问去[地点]应该怎么走？
  Pinyin: Qǐng wèn qù [dì diǎn] yīng gāi zěn me zǒu?
  In English: How can I get to [location]?
• In Chinese: 往左拐。
  Pinyin: Wǎng zuǒ guǎi.
  In English: Turn left.
• In Chinese: 往右拐。
  Pinyin: Wǎng yòu guǎi.
  In English: Turn right.
• In Chinese: 直走。
  Pinyin: Zhí zǒu.
  In English: Go straight.

Additional notes: Workers in most big hotels in China are well-trained and speak English fluently, so don’t worry about check-in and check-out at your hotel.

6. Emergencies

If there’s an emergency, stay calm and find help!

Emergencies are rarely expected, especially when you’re on vacation or taking a trip to your dream country. But it’s important to be prepared in case you do find yourself in an emergency situation. Study and practice these basic Chinese travel phrases for emergencies in order to stay safe and be prepared!

• In Chinese: 救命啊！
  Pinyin: Jiù mìng a!
  In English: Help!
• In Chinese: 我护照/钱包丢了，请问你有没有看见过？
  Pinyin: Wǒ hù zhào /qián bāo diū le, qǐng wèn nǐ yǒu méi yǒu kàn jiàn guò?
  In English: I lost my passport/wallet, did you see it?
• In Chinese: 有医生吗？
  Pinyin: Yǒu yī shēng ma?
  In English: Is there a doctor?
• In Chinese: 请问你可以帮我一下吗？
  Pinyin: Qǐng wèn nǐ kě yǐ bāng wǒ yī xià ma?
  In English: Can you please help me?

Additional notes: Please remember that the ambulance number in China is 120 and the police number is 110, just in case there’s an emergency in need of those numbers. If so, you should call them immediately.

7. Flattery Phrases

Aside from the more common Chinese travel phrases, it’ll be good to know some flattery phrases to let your new Chinese friends or associates know that you appreciate them (and love their country!). Take a look:

Don’t hesitate to give the people who once helped you a big thumbs-up

• In Chinese: 中国人真友好。
  Pinyin: Zhōng guó rén zhēn yǒu hǎo.
  In English: Chinese people are so nice.
• In Chinese: 中国文化可真有意思。
  Pinyin: Zhōng guó wén huà kě zhēn yǒu yì sī.
  In English: Chinese culture is so interesting.
• In Chinese: 中国真是一个美丽的国家啊。
  Pinyin: Zhōng guó zhēn shì yī gè měi lì de guó jiā a.
  In English: China is such a beautiful country.
• In Chinese: 中国美食实在是太好吃了。
  Pinyin: Zhōng guó měi shí shí zài shì tài hǎo chī le.
  In English: Chinese food tastes delicious.
• In Chinese: 我们可以成为好朋友吗？
  Pinyin: Wǒ men kě yǐ chéng wéi hǎo péng yǒu ma?
  In English: Can we become good friends?

8. Useful Phrases to Go Through Language Problems

Our list of travel words in Chinese to English is sure to help you out as you navigate our beautiful country. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be a few bumps in the road. Check out this list of helpful words and phrases for overcoming language barriers during your visit!

• In Chinese: 请问你会说英语吗？
  Pinyin: Qǐng wèn nǐ huì shuō yīng yǔ ma?
  In English: Can you speak English?
• In Chinese: 我不明白你什么意思，可以麻烦你再说一遍吗？
  Pinyin: Wǒ bù míng bái nǐ shén me yì sī, kě yǐ má fán nǐ zài shuō yī biàn ma?
  In English: I don’t understand, can you repeat?
• In Chinese: 可以麻烦您帮我写下来吗？
  Pinyin: Kě yǐ má fán nín bāng wǒ xiě xià lái ma?
  In English: Can you write it down for me please?
• In Chinese: 抱歉，我的中文不是很好，可以麻烦你慢点说吗？
  Pinyin: Bào qiàn, wǒ de zhōng wén bú shì hěn hǎo, kě yǐ má fán nǐ màn diǎn shuō ma?
  In English: Sorry, I’m not good at Chinese, can you speak slowly?
• In Chinese: 请问您这个的中文怎么表达？
  Pinyin: Qǐng wèn nín zhè gè de zhōng wén zěn me biǎo dá?
  In English: How do you say it in Chinese?

9. Conclusion

Through this guide for traveling phrases, we hope you’ve successfully boosted your confidence in planning your future trip. Knowing these Chinese to English travel phrases is sure to help you out in a pinch, and will allow you to fully enjoy your China experience!

If you wish to be even more prepared and knowledgeable for your visit to China, you’ll find everything you need here for wonderful Chinese culture and language lessons at ChineseClass101.com!

Our daily life is always closely associated with numbers. They’re a great tool that provides us with convenience and better understanding with precision. Especially in language learning, Chinese numbers are one of the most necessary things to study right from the start.

Grammar rules and writing numbers in Chinese are quite simple and straightforward. If you follow the guide and practice often enough, I’m sure you’ll become a Chinese-number master in no time! Now let’s get right into the magical world of Chinese numbers!

Table of Contents

1. Numbers 0-9
2. Numbers 10-100
3. Numbers up to 1000
4. Numbers from 1000 - 10,000
5. Regarding to Phone Numbers
6. Saying Prices
7. How to Use Numbers When Shopping
8. How to Express Time
9. Bonus - Fun Chinese Number Slangs
10. Conclusion

1. Numbers 0-9

Let’s start with the simplest single numbers you can use!

Numbers in Chinese are called 数字 (shùzì), which literally means “counting words.” The basic numbers in Chinese are extremely simple, and the writings for number of Chinese characters are easy. Especially if you take a closer look at the writings for one to three, you’ll notice that the number of lines is the same as the number itself.

With this in mind, let’s go over a common trick people use to remember numbers. How do you write number one? One line. For number two is two lines, and number three is three lines.

How about four? - Of course, four lines!

So just remember, the “line” writing will start to change after three. Also, before you start to practice, here are a few tips for the line writing for numbers two and three:

• For number two, you need to write the line below longer.
• For number three, you need to write the line in the middle shorter than the top one, and the line at the bottom should be the longest line!

• 0 - 零 (líng)
• 1 - 一 (yī)
• 2 - 二 (èr)
• 3 - 三 (sān)
• 4 - 四 (sì)
• 5 - 五 (wǔ)
• 6 - 六 (liù)
• 7 - 七 (qī)
• 8 - 八 (bā)
• 9 - 九 (jiǔ)

These are a few of the most important numbers in learning Chinese, so be sure to go over these again before moving forward.

2. Numbers 10-100

Here are Chinese characters for numbers 10 to 100.

• 10 - 十 (shí)
• 20 - 二十 (èr shí)
• 30 - 三十 (sān shí)
• 40 - 四十 (sì shí)
• 50 - 五十 (wǔ shí)
• 60 - 六十 (liù shí)
• 70 - 七十 (qī shí)
• 80 - 八十 (bā shí)
• 90 - 九十 (jiǔ shí)
• 100 - 一百 (yī bǎi)

3. Numbers up to 1000

And here are the numbers in Chinese characters for numbers up to 1000.

• 200 - 二百 (èr bǎi) [formal]
• 200 - 两百 (liǎng bǎi) [casual]
• 300 - 三百 (sān bǎi)
• 400 - 四百 (sì bǎi)
• 500 - 五百 (wǔ bǎi)
• 600 - 六百 (liù bǎi)
• 700 - 七百 (qī bǎi)
• 800 - 八百 (bā bǎi)
• 900 - 九百 (jiǔ bǎi)
• 536 - 五百三十六 (wǔ bǎi sān shí liù)

4. Numbers from 1000 - 10,000

• 1000 - 一千 (yī qiān)
• 2000 - 两千 (liǎng qiān)
• 3000 - 三千 (sān qiān)
• 4000 - 四千 (sì qiān)
• 5000 - 五千 (wǔ qiān)
• 6000 - 六千 (liù qiān)
• 7000 - 七千 (qī qiān)
• 8000 - 八千 (bā qiān)
• 9000 - 九千 (jiǔ qiān)
• 10,000 - 一万 (yī wàn)

Additional notes: To express a random number, just put the measurement of the numbers involved in order. For example, 536 needs to be expressed in the following order: 500, 30, and 6. Thus, it’s 五百三十六(wǔ bǎi sān shí liù). It’s not that difficult to grasp!

5. Regarding to Phone Numbers

1- Expressing Your Phone Number

• In Chinese: 我的号码是: “一三零九四二五零六三七”
• Pinyin: Wǒ de hàomǎ shì: “yāo sān líng jiǔ sì èr wǔ líng liù sān qī”
• In English: My phone number is: “13094250637.”

2- Format for Saying the Phone Number

There are two formats for pausing while saying your phone number aloud:

• Format 1: 1-3-0-9-4-2-5-0-6-3-7 (yāo - sān - líng - jiǔ - sì - èr - wǔ - líng - liù - sān - qī)
• Format 2: 130-9425-0637 (yāo sān líng - jiǔ sì èr wǔ - líng liù sān qī)

Additional notes: When number 1 is presented as a series of numbers instead of a quantity, the pronunciation may vary and can be read as yāo.

6. Saying Prices

Wondering how to express price when you see one at the market? It’s not hard!

There are different measurements in prices in Chinese price, which is called 价钱 (jià qián):

• In Chinese: 角 / 毛
  Pinyin: jiǎo [formal] / máo [casual]
  Equivalent in U.S. money: dime
• In Chinese: 分
  Pinyin: fēn
  Equivalent in U.S. money: cent
• In Chinese: 元
  Pinyin: yuán
  Equivalent in U.S. money: dollar
• In Chinese: 五元钱 / 五块钱
  Pinyin: wǔ yuán qián [formal] / wǔ kuài qián [casual]

7. How to Use Numbers When Shopping

• In Chinese: 我买一斤。
  Pinyin: Wǒ mǎi yī jīn.
  In English: I will buy a pound.
• In Chinese: 这个多少钱?
  Pinyin: Zhè gè duō shǎo qián?
  In English: How much is this?
• In Chinese: 给我来五个。
  Pinyin: Gěi wǒ lái wǔ gè.
  In English: I want five of those.
• In Chinese: 我要付现金。
  Pinyin: Wǒ yào fù xiàn jīn.
  In English: I want to pay in cash.
• In Chinese: 便宜点吧。
  Pinyin: Pián yí diǎn ba.
  In English: Make it cheaper.

A reminder: In many Chinese stores that aren’t officially structured, it’s common to bargain. So feel free to use the last phrase and save some money if you’re shopping somewhere casual!

8. How to Express Time

1- Time Measurements

• In Chinese: 时/小时
  Pinyin: shí [formal] / xiǎo shí [casual]
  In English: hour
• In Chinese: 分
  Pinyin: fēn
  In English: minute
• In Chinese: 秒
  Pinyin: miǎo
  In English: second

2- Asking About Time

• In Chinese: 请问现在几点了？/ 现在是什么时间？
  Pinyin: Qǐng wèn xiàn zài jǐ diǎn le? / Xiàn zài shì shén me shí jiān?
  In English: What time is it right now?

3- Expressing Specific Time

• A whole time: hour of time + 点 (diǎn) / 点钟 (diǎn zhōng)

  Example:
  In Chinese: 五点 / 五点钟
  Pinyin: wǔ diǎn / wǔ diǎn zhōng
  In English: five o’clock

• Half hour passed: hour of time + 点半 (diǎn bàn)

  Example:
  In Chinese: 五点半
  Pinyin: wǔ diǎn bàn
  In English: five-thirty

• Little time passed: hour of time + 点多 (diǎn duō)

  Example:
  In Chinese: 三点多
  Pinyin: sān diǎn duō
  In English: Some time past three

• Almost the time: 快 (kuài wǔ diǎn le) + hour of time + 点 (diǎn) + 了(le)

  Example:
  In Chinese: 快六点了。
  Pinyin: Kuài liù diǎn le.
  In English: It is almost six o’clock.

Please note that the Chinese time system is based on military time. If you use AM/PM, that might cause some confusion.

9. Bonus - Fun Chinese Number Slangs

Four-character slangs are a part of Chinese culture that’s deeply ingrained in people’s daily speaking. They can make your conversation more engaging and entertaining!

Numbers also play a great role in many four-character slangs in order to create a better picture. If you speak any of those slangs, people will probably be impressed in how rich your vocabularies in Chinese are!

Additional notes: There are also some slangs mentioned below that include more than one number.

0 - 零 (líng)

• In Chinese: 零零散散
• Pinyin: líng líng sàn sàn
• Usage: To describe things that are messy and are scattered everywhere

1 - 一 (yī)

• In Chinese: 一清二楚
• Pinyin: yī qīng èr chǔ
• Usage: To describe things that are expressed explicitly and clearly

2 - 二 (èr)

• In Chinese: 三心二意
• Pinyin: sān xīn èr yì
• Usage: To describe a person who gets distracted and doesn’t focus on doing the things they’re supposed to be doing

3 - 三 (sān)

• In Chinese: 三生有幸
• Pinyin: sān shēng yǒu xìng
• Usage: To describe a situation where you feel that you are extremely lucky

4 - 四 (sì)

• In Chinese: 挑三拣四
• Pinyin: tiāo sān jiǎn sì
• Usage: To describe someone who’s very picky

5 - 五 (wǔ)

• In Chinese: 五花八门
• Pinyin: wǔ huā bā mén
• Usage: To describe something that has a great variety of choices

6 - 六 (liù)

If you ever decide to do something selfish and refuse to consider your family’s feelings…here’s the word, which I hope will never happen.

• In Chinese: 六亲不认
• Pinyin: liù qīn bú rèn
• Usage: To describe when someone does something morally wrong to one’s family or someone that is as close as family, despite the familial bond they shared

7 - 七 (qī)

Look at how messy this is! Want to learn a word to describe it? Here’s the right one!

• In Chinese: 乱七八糟
• Pinyin: luàn qī bā zāo
• Usage: To describe something that’s disorganized and messy

8 - 八 (bā)

• In Chinese: 八面玲珑
• Pinyin: bā miàn líng lóng
• Usage: To describe someone who’s sophisticated and can deal with all kinds of situations and changes wisely and smoothly

9 - 九 (jiǔ)

A dangerous situation like this can be described by an idiom that entails number 9.

• In Chinese: 九死一生
• Pinyin: jiǔ sǐ yī shēng
• Usage: To describe something that’s so dangerous that it’s hard to survive

10 - 十 (shí)

Have you ever done something that’s so perfect that everyone gives you a thumbs-up?

• In Chinese: 十全十美
• Pinyin: shí quán shí měi
• Usage: To describe something or some situation that’s entirely perfect and ideal

10. Conclusion

Numbers, in learning the Chinese language, are very important. I’m sure you had a great experience and paid much effort to learning Chinese numbers and how to utilize them! This is only a brief introduction to Chinese numbers, though, so if you wish to go any further with these, our website is a perfect place for that. Check out ChineseClass101.com and get ready to have a delightful journey in learning Chinese with our fun lessons!

You’re learning to speak Chinese, and it’s going well. Your confidence is growing! So much so that you feel ready to share your experiences on social media—in Chinese.

At Learn Chinese, we make this easy for you to get it right the first time. Post like a boss with these phrases and guidelines, and get to practice your Chinese in the process.

1. Talking about Your Restaurant Visit in Chinese

Eating out is fun, and often an experience you’d like to share. Take a pic, and start a conversation on social media in Chinese. Your friend will be amazed by your language skills…and perhaps your taste in restaurants!

xué yǒu eats at a restaurant with his friends, posts an image of the food, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down xué yǒu’s post.

超级美味的全聚德烤鸭！ (Chāojí měiwèi de Quánjùdé kǎoyā ！)
“Super delicious Quanjude Peking Roast Duck!”

1- 超级美味的 (chāojí měiwèi de )

First is an expression meaning “super delicious.”
This expression is used to describe tasty food in an exaggerated way. “超级” means “super,” which indicates degree. Exaggerated language is often used on social media platforms to express the speaker’s emotions.

2- 全聚德烤鸭 (Quánjùdé kǎoyā )

Then comes the phrase - “Quanjude Peking Roast Duck.”
Peking duck is a famous dish from Beijing that has been served since the imperial era. This dish is highly prized for the duck’s crispy skin. Quanjude Peking Roast Duck is the most authentic version of Peking duck. A main feature of Quanjude Peking Roast Duck is its slicing in front of the diners.

COMMENTS

In response, xué yǒu’s friends leave some comments.

1- 好香呀！ (Hǎo xiāng ya ！)

His college friend, tāo, uses an expression meaning - “Smells delicious!”
Use this expression to make conversation by agreeing with the poster about the food.

2- 我也要去吃！ (Wǒ yě yào qù chī ！)

His girlfriend’s high school friend, xīn xīn, uses an expression meaning - “I have to go as well!”
Use this expression to indicate that you would like to have the same experience as the poster.

3- 这么肥，小心！ (Zhème féi ， xiǎoxīn ！)

His high school friend, lì, uses an expression meaning - “So fattening, be careful!”
Use this expression to show you are feeling concerned for the poster’s weight. In Asian countries, weight issues are discussed openly, and it’s not uncustomary for friends and family to tell you to your face that you’re getting fat!

4- 环境好吗？ (Huánjìng hǎo mɑ ？)

His girlfriend, jìng, uses an expression meaning - “Is the setting any good?”
Use this expression to show you are feeling curious about the restaurant’s atmosphere.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

烤鸭 (kǎoyā ): “roast duck”

香 (xiāng ): “delicious”

肥 (féi ): “fattening”

小心 (xiǎoxīn ): “careful”

好 (hǎo ): “good”

环境 (huánjìng ): “settings”

超级 (chāojí ): “super”

So, let’s practice a bit. If a friend posted something about having dinner with friends, which phrase would you use?

Now go visit a Chinese restaurant, and wow the staff with your language skills!

2. Post about Your Mall Visit in Chinese

Another super topic for social media is shopping—everybody does it, everybody loves it, and your friends on social media are probably curious about your shopping sprees! Share these Chinese phrases in posts when you visit a mall.

jìng shops with her sister at the mall, posts an image of the two of them, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down jìng’s post.

好久没血拼了。 (Hǎojiǔ méi xuè pīn le。)
“I haven’t gone shopping in a long time.”

1- 好久 (hǎojiǔ )

First is an expression meaning “in a long time.”
“好久” is a compound word. “好” is commonly used in Chinese to indicate degree, similar to the English word “very”. It can be used to modify adjectives such as big, beautiful, and delicious.

2- 没血拼了 (méi xuè pīn le)

Then comes the phrase - “I haven’t gone shopping.”
“血拼” is commonly used on social media platforms and means “going on a shopping spree”. People of urban China love shopping as well as posting their shopping photos on social media.

COMMENTS

In response, jìng’s friends leave some comments.

1- 这是在哪儿？ (Zhè shì zài nǎr？)

Her neighbor, ruò lán, uses an expression meaning - “Where are you?”
Use this expression to show you are feeling curious about the poster’s location.

2- 鞋子好漂亮！ (Xiézi hǎo piàoliang！)

Her high school friend, xīn xīn, uses an expression meaning - “Those shoes are so pretty!”
Use this expression to make conversation and comment on the shoes in the poster’s photo.

3- 美女！ (Měinǚ！)

Her college friend, tāo, uses an expression meaning - “Hi there, gorgeous!”
Use this to make conversation by greeting the poster with a term that compliments her on her looks.

4- 折扣真心不错！ (Zhékòu zhēnxīn bùcuò！)

Her boyfriend’s high school friend, lì, uses an expression meaning - “Great discounts!”
Use this expression if you are feeling optimistic about the price of merchandise.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

好久 (hǎojiǔ ): “in a long time”

血拼 (xuè pīn ): “go shopping”

美女 (měinǚ): “gorgeous”

鞋子 (xiézi): “shoes”

漂亮 (piàoliang): “pretty”

折扣 (zhékòu ): “discount”

真心不错 (zhēnxīn bùcuò): “great”

So, if a friend posted something about going shopping, which phrase would you use?

3. Talking about a Sport Day in Chinese

Sports events, whether you’re the spectator or the sports person, offer fantastic opportunities for great social media posts. Learn some handy phrases and vocabulary to start a sport-on-the-beach conversation in Chinese.

xué yǒu plays with his friends at the beach, posts an image of the team, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down xué yǒu’s post.

我们战无不胜！ (Wǒmen zhànwúbùshèng！)
“We’re invincible!”

1- 我们 (wǒmen)

First is an expression meaning “we.”
Chinese love team sports and often shout slogans such as “we are the champion（我们必胜）”, “Come on! Come on!（加油！加油！）” while watching sporting events.

2- 战无不胜 (zhànwúbùshèng)

Then comes the phrase - “invincible.”
A double negative is used in “战无不胜” for emphasis. Many Chinese like to watch sporting events, especially soccer games. When Italy won the 2006 FIFA World Cup Final, one of China’s most famous football commentators became hysterical and completely forgot he was doing a show. He was then dubbed as Italy’s most loyal fan.

COMMENTS

In response, xué yǒu’s friends leave some comments.

1- 加油！ (Jiāyóu ！)

His girlfriend, jìng, uses an expression meaning - “Come on!”
Use this expression to be enthusiastic and supportive.

2- 我支持你！ (Wǒ zhīchí nǐ ！)

His supervisor, zhì qiáng, uses an expression meaning - “I’m rooting for you!”
Use this expression to be supportive, in an enthusiastic way.

3- 为什么不叫我？ (Wèishénme bù jiào wǒ ？)

His college friend, tāo, uses an expression meaning - “Why didn’t you ask me?”
Use this expression to show you are feeling somewhat excluded.

4- 这不算什么！ (Zhè bù suàn shénme ！)

His girlfriend’s nephew, xiǎo míng, uses an expression meaning - “This is nothing!”
Use this expression if you wish to tease the poster with a humorous insult.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

战无不胜 (zhànwúbùshèng): “invincible”

加油 (jiāyóu): “come on”

支持 (zhīchí ): “root for”

为什么 (Wèishénme): “why”

叫 (jiào): “ask”

不算什么 (bù suàn shénme): “nothing”

我们 (wǒmen): “we”

Which phrase would you use if a friend posted something about sports?

But sport is not the only thing you can play! Play some music, and share it on social media.

4. Share a Song on Social Media in Chinese

Music is the language of the soul, they say. So, don’t hold back—share what touches your soul with your friends!

jìng shares a song she just heard at a party, posts an image of the artist, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down jìng’s post.

分享一首老歌。 (Fēnxiǎng yī shǒu lǎo gē 。)
“Sharing an old song.”

1- 分享 (fēnxiǎng)

First is an expression meaning “share.”
“分享” means “sharing something”. Chinese like to share their favorite books, songs and movies on social media platforms because it’s similar to sharing their emotions.

2- 一首老歌 (yī shǒu lǎo gē)

Then comes the phrase - “an old song.”
“一首” is a compound word that consists of a numeral and a classifier/measure word. Classifiers/measure words are frequently used in the Chinese language when a noun is quantified by a numeral. Normally, it is necessary to insert a classifier between the numeral and the noun when a phrase like “one song” is translated into Chinese. The Chinese equivalent for “one song” is “一首歌”, where “一” means “one”, “歌” means “song”, and “首” is the required classifier. The 1990s was the golden age of Chinese pop music. Many excellent musicians, singers and music pieces came from that period. Much of today’s youth still enjoys songs from that period.

COMMENTS

In response, jìng’s friends leave some comments.

1- 有点伤感。 (Yǒudiǎn shānggǎn 。)

Her neighbor, ruò lán, uses an expression meaning - “Sounds a bit sad.”
Use this expression to indicate how the song makes you feel.

2- 喜欢歌词。 (Xǐhuān gēcí 。)

Her high school friend, xīn xīn, uses an expression meaning - “I like the lyrics.”
Use this expression to indicate your preference.

3- 好像是一个电影的插曲。 (Hǎoxiàng shì yī gè diànyǐng de chāqǔ 。)

Her boyfriend’s high school friend, lì, uses an expression meaning - “Seems like a movie soundtrack.”
Use this expression to share a personal opinion.

4- 真老土！ (Zhēn lǎo tǔ ！)

Her nephew, xiǎo míng, uses an expression meaning - “Really old-fashioned!”
Use this expression if you think the song is dated.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

老歌 (lǎo gē ): “old song”

有点 (yǒudiǎn): “a bit”

伤感 (shānggǎn): “sad”

喜欢 (xǐhuān): “like”

电影 (diànyǐng): “movie”

分享 (fēnxiǎng): “share”

老土 (lǎo tǔ): “old-fashioned”

Which song would you share? And what would you say to a friend who posted something about sharing music or videos?

Now you know how to start a conversation about a song or a video on social media!

5. Chinese Social Media Comments about a Concert

Still on the theme of music—visiting live concerts and shows just have to be shared with your friends. Here are some handy phrases and vocab to wow your followers with in Chinese!

xué yǒu goes to a concert, posts an image of it, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down xué yǒu’s post.

一年一度的草原音乐节，超赞！ (Yī nián yī dù de cǎoyuán yīnyuè jié ， chāo zàn ！)
“The annual Grasslands Music Festival, fabulous!”

1- 一年一度的草原音乐节 (yī nián yī dù de cǎoyuán yīnyuè jié)

First is an expression meaning “the annual Grasslands Music Festival.”
The Zhang Bei Grasslands Music Festival, also known as the InMusic Festival, is the largest and arguably the most entertaining music festival in China. Singers and audience members of this festival are known to build close connections with each other and the beautiful scenery that surrounds them. This festival is named “green” due to its location.

2- 超赞 (chāo zàn )

Then comes the phrase - “fabulous.”
This expression is used to describe something that is particularly good. It is commonly used on social media platforms but is rarely used in everyday conversation.

COMMENTS

In response, xué yǒu’s friends leave some comments.

1- 真棒！ (Zhēn bàng ！)

His college friend, tāo, uses an expression meaning - “Awesome!”
Use this expression when you’re agreeing with the poster and are feeling excited.

2- 很壮观。 (Hěn zhuàngguān 。)

His supervisor, zhì qiáng, uses an expression meaning - “Very spectacular.”
Use this expression to show you too are feeling positive about the festival.

3- 人好多呀！ (Rén hǎoduō ya ！)

His girlfriend’s high school friend, xīn xīn, uses an expression meaning - “Very crowded!”
Use this expression to give a personal opinion about the festival.

4- 真羡慕！ (Zhēn xiànmù ！)

His high school friend, lì, uses an expression meaning - “I’m so jealous!”
Use this expression to show you are feeling envious.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

音乐节 (yīnyuè jié): “music festival”

超赞 (chāo zàn): “fabulous”

真棒 (zhēn bàng ): “awesome”

好 (hǎo): “very”

壮观 (zhuàngguān): “spectacular”

一年一度 (yī nián yī dù): “annual”

羡慕 (xiànmù ): “jealous”

If a friend posted something about a concert , which phrase would you use?

6. Talking about an Unfortunate Accident in Chinese

Oh dear. You broke something by accident. Use these Chinese phrases to start a thread on social media. Or maybe just to let your friends know why you are not contacting them!

jìng accidentally breaks her mobile phone, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down jìng’s post.

我把手机摔坏了，真倒霉！ (Wǒ bǎ shǒujī shuāi huài le ， zhēn dǎoméi ！)
“I broke my cell phone. What bad luck!”

1- 我把手机摔坏了 (wǒ bǎ shǒujī shuāi huài le)

First is an expression meaning “I broke my cell phone.”
把 is a Chinese grammatical construction. In this construction, the functional word “把” is placed before the object of a verb, and the object is placed before the verb. This construction indicates that an action is done to the object by the subject.

2- 真倒霉 (zhēn dǎoméi)

Then comes the phrase - “What bad luck.”
This expression is commonly used to indicate that something bad happened.

COMMENTS

In response, jìng’s friends leave some comments.

1- 怎么回事？ (Zěnme huí shì ？)

Her neighbor, ruò lán, uses an expression meaning - “What happened?”
Use this expression to show you are feeling curious and would like to know more details.

2- 现在的手机都很容易坏！ (Xiànzài de shǒujī dōu hěn róngyì huài ！)

Her boyfriend’s high school friend, lì, uses an expression meaning - “Cell phones break easily these days!”
Use this expression if you are feeling pessimistic.

3- 刚好换个新的！ (Gānghǎo huàn gè xīn de ！)

Her high school friend, xīn xīn, uses an expression meaning - “It’s time to get a new one!”
Use this expression to make conversation.

4- 我很同情你。 (Wǒ hěn tóngqíng nǐ 。)

Her college friend, tāo, uses an expression meaning - “I feel sorry for you.”
Use this expression if you are feeling sympathy for the poster.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

手机 (shǒujī ): “cellphone”

你 (nǐ ): “you”

容易 (róngyì ): “easily”

摔坏 (shuāi huài ): “break”

新 (xīn ): “new”

同情 (tóngqíng ): “feel sorry for”

坏 (huài ): “broken”

If a friend posted something about having broken something by accident, which phrase would you use?

So, now you know how to describe an accident in Chinese. Well done!

7. Chat about Your Boredom on Social Media in Chinese

Sometimes, we’re just bored with how life goes. And to alleviate the boredom, we write about it on social media. Add some excitement to your posts by addressing your friends and followers in Chinese!

xué yǒu gets bored at home, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down xué yǒu’s post.

好无聊呀！谁能帮帮我？ (Hǎo wúliáo ya ！ Shéi néng bāng bāng wǒ ？)
“So boring! Will someone help me?”

1- 好无聊呀 (hǎo wúliáo ya)

First is an expression meaning “so boring.”
People often use this expression when they have nothing to do. It often implies that he/she wants someone to talk to or that he/she needs advice from someone on what to do.

2- 谁能帮帮我 (shéi néng bāng bāng wǒ)

Then comes the phrase - “will someone help me.”
Duplications like “帮帮” are common in Chinese. Words or phrases are repeated to produce a modified meaning. Classifiers can be repeated to indicate “every”. For example, “个个都聪明” means “every one of them is clever”.

COMMENTS

In response, xué yǒu’s friends leave some comments.

1- 一个人多清净。 (Yī gè rén duō qīngjìng 。)

His high school friend, lì, uses an expression meaning - “Nothing beats peace and quiet.”
Use this expression if you’re of the opinion that the poster shouldn’t complain about having nothing to do.

2- 请我吃饭！ (Qǐng wǒ chīfàn ！)

His college friend, tāo, uses an expression meaning - “Take me out to dinner!”
Use this expression to be funny but also offer a solution.

3- 去踢足球，或者去游泳。 (Qù tī zúqiú ， huòzhě qù yóuyǒng 。)

His supervisor, zhì qiáng, uses an expression meaning - “Play soccer, or go swimming.”
Use this phrase to give suggestions.

4- 我也是一样。 (Wǒ yěshì yīyàng 。)

His girlfriend’s high school friend, xīn xīn, uses an expression meaning - “Same here.”
Use this expression to indicate that you’re in a similar situation as the poster.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

无聊 (wúliáo ): “boring”

帮 (bāng ): “help”

饭 (fàn ): “dinner”

足球 (zúqiú ): “soccer”

或者 (huòzhě ): “or”

一样 (yīyàng ): “same”

去游泳 (qù yóuyǒng ): “go swimming”

If a friend posted something about being bored, which phrase would you use?

Still bored? Share another feeling and see if you can start a conversation!

8. Exhausted? Share It on Social Media in Chinese

Sitting in public transport after work, feeling like chatting online? Well, converse in Chinese about how you feel, and let your friends join in!

jìng feels exhausted after a long day at work, posts an image of herself looking tired, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down jìng’s post.

累死了！连饭都不想吃！ (Lèi sǐ le ！ Lián fàn dōu bùxiǎng chī ！)
“Exhausted! I don’t even want to eat!”

1- 累死了 (lèi sǐ le )

First is an expression meaning “exhausted.”
“死了” usually follows adjectives with negative connotations to exaggerate the degree of how bad something is. In recent years, however, “死了” has also been added to adjectives with positive connotations to indicate a higher degree. For instance, 可爱死了 so lovely, 开心死了 so happy, etc.

2- 连饭都不想吃 (lián fàn dōu bùxiǎng chī)

Then comes the phrase - “I don’t even want to eat.”
“连… 都…” is used to introduce an element that is to be emphasized, mostly unexpected or surprising events or information. It can be used in the same manner as “even”.

COMMENTS

In response, jìng’s friends leave some comments.

1- 你应该换个工作。 (Nǐ yīnggāi huàn gè gōngzuò 。)

Her college friend, tāo, uses an expression meaning - “You should get a new job.”
Use this expression to offer a suggestion to the poster.

2- 做个按摩！ (Zuò gè ànmó ！)

Her neighbor, ruò lán, uses an expression meaning - “Get a massage!”
Use this expression to make a positive suggestion.

3- 挺住！ (Tǐng zhù ！)

Her high school friend, xīn xīn, uses an expression meaning - “Hang in there!”
Use this expression to be supportive.

4- 早休息吧。 (Zǎo xiūxi ba 。)

Her boyfriend’s high school friend, lì, uses an expression meaning - “Have an early night.”
Use this expression to show you are caring.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

累 (lèi ): “exhausted”

应该 (yīnggāi ): “should”

工作 (gōngzuò ): “job”

按摩 (ànmó ): “massage”

挺住 (tǐng zhù ): “hang in there”

早休息 (zǎo xiūxi): “have an early night”

吃 (chī ): “eat”

If a friend posted something about being exhausted, which phrase would you use?

Now you know how to say you’re exhausted in Chinese! Well done.

9. Talking about an Injury in Chinese

So life happens, and you manage to hurt yourself during a soccer game. Very Tweet-worthy! Here’s how to do it in Chinese.

xué yǒu suffers a painful injury, posts an image of his leg, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down xué yǒu’s post.

打篮球摔伤了腿，真命苦！ (Dǎ lánqiú shuāi shāng le tuǐ ， zhēn mìng kǔ ！)
“I hurt my leg while playing basketball. So unlucky!”

1- 打篮球摔伤了腿 (dǎ lánqiú shuāi shāng le tuǐ)

First is an expression meaning “I hurt my leg while playing basketball.”
“摔伤” is a complementary phrase. The two kinds of complementary phrases are verb-complement phrases and adjective-complement phrases. A verb-complement phrase consists of a verb and a complement. For example, 看清楚 see clearly（看 is the verb and 清楚 is the complement).

2- 真命苦 ( zhēn mìng kǔ)

Then comes the phrase - “so unlucky.”
“真命苦” is commonly used in oral expressions and means very unlucky.

COMMENTS

In response, xué yǒu’s friends leave some comments.

1- 怎么这么不小心！ (Zěnme zhème bù xiǎoxīn！)

His neighbor, ruò lán, uses an expression meaning - “So careless!”
Use this expression to criticise the poster for hurting themselves.

2- 严重吗？ (Yánzhòng mɑ ？)

His college friend, tāo, uses an expression meaning - “Is it serious?”
Use this expression to show you are feeling worried and concerned.

3- 祝你早日康复！ (Zhù nǐ zǎorì kāngfù ！)

His girlfriend’s high school friend, xīn xīn, uses an expression meaning - “Get better soon!”
Use this expression if you are feeling warmhearted and wish the poster a speedy recovery.

4- 好可怜。 (Hǎo kělián 。)

His high school friend, lì, uses an expression meaning - “Poor thing.”
Use this expression to show you are sympathetic.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

篮球 (lánqiú ): “basketball”

命苦 (mìng kǔ ): “unlucky”

腿 (tuǐ ): “leg”

不小心 (bù xiǎoxīn ): “careless”

严重 (yánzhòng ): “serious”

早日 (zǎorì): “soon”

可怜 (kělián ): “poor”

If a friend posted something about being injured, which phrase would you use?

We love to share our fortunes and misfortunes; somehow that makes us feel connected to others.

10. Starting a Conversation Feeling Disappointed in Chinese

Sometimes things don’t go the way we planned. Share your disappointment about this with your friends!

jìng feels disappointed about today’s weather, posts an image of it, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down jìng’s post.

又是雾霾天！还怎么出门！ (Yòu shì wùmái tiān ！ Hái zěnme chūmén ！)
“Smoggy day again! How could I possibly go out!”

1- 又是雾霾天 (yòu shì wùmái tiān)

First is an expression meaning “smoggy day again.”
Nowadays, people often talk about smoggy days because pollution is becoming a serious issue in China, especially in the northern cities.

2- 还怎么出门 (hái zěnme chūmén)

Then comes the phrase - “how could I possibly go out.”
“怎么” is an interrogative pronoun. Pronouns can replace nouns, verbs, adjectives, numerals, and adverbs and can be classified as personal pronouns, demonstrative pronouns, or interrogative pronouns. Personal pronouns are used to replace people or things. Demonstrative pronouns are used to distinguish people or things. And interrogative pronouns are used to ask questions.

COMMENTS

In response, jìng’s friends leave some comments.

1- 污染越来越严重！ (Wūrǎn yuè lái yuè yánzhòng ！)

Her supervisor, zhì qiáng, uses an expression meaning - “Pollution is becoming more and more serious!”
Use this expression to agree with the poster by giving a personal opinion.

2- 戴口罩！ (Dài kǒuzhào ！)

Her high school friend, xīn xīn, uses an expression meaning - “Wear a mask!”
Use this expression to make a suggestion.

3- 远离城市。 (Yuǎnlí chéngshì 。)

Her boyfriend’s high school friend, lì, uses an expression meaning - “Get away from the city.”
Use this expression to show you are feeling pessimistic too, and make a suggestion.

4- 天气真糟糕！可怕！ (Tiānqì zhēn zāogāo ！ Kěpà ！)

Her neighbor, ruò lán, uses an expression meaning - “Such terrible weather! Horrible!”
This is another expression indicating that you strongly agree with the poster about the weather.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

雾霾 (wùmái ): “smoggy”

出门 (chūmén ): “go out”

污染 (wūrǎn ): “pollution”

口罩 (kǒuzhào ): “mask”

远离 (yuǎnlí ): “get away from”

城市 (chéngshì ): “city”

可怕 (kěpà ): “horrible”

How would you comment in Chinese when a friend is disappointed?

Not all posts need to be about a negative feeling, though!

11. Talking about Your Relationship Status in Chinese

Don’t just change your relationship status in Settings, talk about it!

xué yǒu changes his status to “In a relationship”, posts an image of him and his girlfriend, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down xué yǒu’s post.

太激动了，我恋爱了！ (Tài jīdòng le ， wǒ liàn’ài le ！)
“So excited. I’m in love!”

1- 太激动了 (tài jīdòng le)

First is an expression meaning “so excited.”
“太激动了” is used when the speaker is excited about something.

2- 我恋爱了 (wǒ liàn’ài le)

Then comes the phrase - “I’m in love.”
In China, people usually express their love in a subtle way. However, nowadays, younger people are becoming more open and direct and tend to show their love boldly, like on social media.

COMMENTS

In response, xué yǒu’s friends leave some comments.

1- 祝福你们！ (Zhùfú nǐmen ！)

His neighbor, ruò lán, uses an expression meaning - “You have my blessing!”
Use this blessing to show you are feeling warmhearted and positive about the relationship.

2- 真的假的？ (Zhēn de jiǎ de ？)

His college friend, tāo, uses an expression meaning - “For real?”
Use this expression to show you are feeling frivolous, but probably positive about the announcement.

3- 可爱的女孩。 (Kě’ài de nǚhái 。)

His high school friend, lì, uses an expression meaning - “Lovely girl.”
Use this expression to show you are feeling appreciative of the poster’s choice in women.

4- 简直是个奇迹！ (Jiǎnzhí shì gè qíjì ！)

His girlfriend’s high school friend, xīn xīn, uses an expression meaning - “It’s a miracle!”
Use this expression to be funny.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

激动 (jīdòng ): “excited”

恋爱 (liàn’ài ): “be in love”

你们 (nǐmen ): “you”

女孩 (nǚhái ): “girl”

可爱 (kě’ài ): “lovely”

奇迹 (qíjì ): “miracle”

真的 (zhēn de ): “real”

What would you say in Chinese when a friend changes their relationship status?

Being in a good relationship with someone special is good news - don’t be shy to spread it!

12. Post about Getting Married in Chinese

Wow, so things got serious, and you’re getting married. Congratulations! Or, your friend is getting married, so talk about this in Chinese.

jìng is getting married today, so she leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down jìng’s post.

我是世界上最幸福的人。我们结婚了！ (Wǒ shì shìjiè shàng zuì xìngfú de rén 。 Wǒmen jiéhūn le ！)
“I am the happiest person in the world. We got married!”

1- 我是世界上最幸福的人 (wǒ shì shìjiè shàng zuì xìngfú de rén)

First is an expression meaning “I am the happiest person in the world.”
In China, people often use this phrase to express their happiness, especially after they tie the knot.

2- 我们结婚了 (wǒmen jiéhūn le)

Then comes the phrase - “we got married.”
“了” indicates the realization or completion of an action. For instance, 我写了两封信 (I wrote two letters).

COMMENTS

In response, jìng’s friends leave some comments.

1- 恭喜恭喜！ (Gōngxǐ gōngxǐ ！)

Her neighbor, ruò lán, uses an expression meaning - “Congratulations!”
This is the traditional response to this kind of news.

2- 你今天最美！ (Nǐ jīntiān zuì měi ！)

Her husband’s high school friend, lì, uses an expression meaning - “You look your best today!”
Use this phrase to compliment the bride on her appearance.

3- 他才是最幸福的人。 (Tā cái shì zuì xìngfú de rén 。)

Her high school friend, xīn xīn, uses an expression meaning - “He’s the happiest person.”
Use this expression to compliment the bride on who she is, meaning the bridegroom is lucky to have landed a bride like her.

4- 郎才女貌。 (Lángcáinǚmào 。)

Her supervisor, zhì qiáng, uses an expression meaning - “Perfect match.”
Use this statement to indicate what you think of the match.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

世界 (shìjiè ): “world”

最幸福 (zuì xìngfú ): “happiest”

结婚 (jiéhūn ): “get married”

恭喜 (gōngxǐ ): “congratulations”

他 (tā ): “he”

人 (rén ): “person”

今天 (jīntiān ): “today”

How would you respond in Chinese to a friend’s post about getting married?

For the next topic, fast forward about a year into the future after the marriage…

13. Announcing Big News in Chinese

Wow, huge stuff is happening in your life! Announce it in Chinese.

xué yǒu finds out he and his wife are going to have a baby, posts an image of the two of them, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down xué yǒu’s post.

重大消息！我要有宝宝了！ (Zhòngdà xiāoxi ！ Wǒ yào yǒu bǎobao le ！)
“Big news! I’m having a baby!”

1- 重大消息 (zhòngdà xiāoxi)

First is an expression meaning “big news.”
“重大消息” is often placed in front of an important message to draw people’s attention. This message can be either a good thing or a bad thing, but in most cases it’s good.

2- 我要有宝宝了 (wǒ yào yǒu bǎobao le)

Then comes the phrase - “I’m having a baby.”
The adverb “要” and the modal particle “了” are used to describe an action that will happen in the future. The adverb “要” functions as an adverbial adjunct. For instance, 我要睡觉了 (I’m going to bed).

COMMENTS

In response, xué yǒu’s friends leave some comments.

1- 你终于要做爸爸了！ (Nǐ zhōngyú yào zuò bàba le ！)

His college friend, tāo, uses an expression meaning - “You’re finally going to be a father!”
Use this expression to show you are feeling excited and happy for the poster.

2- 起好名字了吗？ (Qǐ hǎo míngzi le mɑ ？)

His neighbor, ruò lán, uses an expression meaning - “Have you picked a name yet?”
Use this phrase to make conversation by asking a question.

3- 真是个好消息！ (Zhēn shì gè hǎo xiāoxi ！)

His high school friend, lì, uses an expression meaning - “What great news!”
Use this expression to show you are feeling optimistic about the news.

4- 我要做哥哥了，哈！ (Wǒ yào zuò gēge le ， hā ！)

His nephew, xiǎo míng, uses an expression meaning - “I’m going to be a big brother, ha!”
Use this expression to be funny.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

重大 (zhòngdà ): “big”

消息 (xiāoxi ): “news”

宝宝 (bǎobao ): “baby”

终于 (zhōngyú ): “finally”

名字 (míngzi): “name”

哥哥 (gēge ): “big brother”

爸爸 (bàba ): “father”

Which phrase would you choose when a friend announces their pregnancy on social media?

So, talking about a pregnancy will get you a lot of traction on social media. But wait till you see the responses to babies!

14. Posting Chinese Comments about Your Baby

Your bundle of joy is here, and you cannot keep quiet about it! Share your thoughts in Chinese.

jìng plays with her baby, posts an image of the little one, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down jìng’s post.

我的萌宝宝还知道对着镜头笑呢！ (Wǒ de méng bǎobao hái zhīdào duì zhe jìngtóu xiào ne ！)
“My adorable baby even knows to smile at the camera!”

1- 我的萌宝宝 (wǒ de méng bǎobao)

First is an expression meaning “my adorable baby.”
Chinese people often use the word “萌” on social media platform to express that someone or something is very cute. For example, 这只小狗很萌 (This puppy is so cute).

2- 还知道对着镜头笑呢 (hái zhīdào duì zhe jìngtóu xiào ne)

Then comes the phrase - “even knows to smile at the camera.”
In China, younger parents like to share their baby’s photos on social media. Some parents even update the photos every day to record their baby’s development.

COMMENTS

In response, jìng’s friends leave some comments.

1- 好可爱！ (Hǎo kěài ！)

Her husband’s high school friend, lì, uses an expression meaning - “So cute!”
Use this expression if you think the baby is adorable.

2- 真想捏捏她的小脸。 (Zhēn xiǎng niē nie tā de xiǎoliǎn 。)

Her high school friend, xīn xīn, uses an expression meaning - “Really want to squeeze her little face.”
Use this expression to be affectionate.

3- 笑得真坏。 (Xiào de zhēn huài 。)

Her neighbor, ruò lán, uses an expression meaning - “Such a wicked grin.”
This is a humorous expression to indicate that you like the baby’s smile.

4- 超级宝宝！ (Chāojí bǎobao ！)

Her college friend, tāo, uses an expression meaning - “Super baby!”
Use this expression to show your enthusiastic, positive feelings about the baby.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

萌 (méng ): “adorable”

镜头 (jìngtóu ): “camera”

笑 (xiào ): “smile”

对着 (duì zhe): “at”

超级 (chāojí ): “super”

脸 (liǎn ): “face”

捏 (niē ): “squeeze”

If your friend is the mother or father, which phrase would you use on social media?

Congratulations, you know the basics of chatting about a baby in Chinese! But we’re not done with families yet…

15. Chinese Comments about a Family Reunion

Family reunions - some you love, some you hate. Share about it on your feed.

xué yǒu goes to a family gathering, posts an image of the group, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down xué yǒu’s post.

温馨时刻，一家人，一顿大餐 (Wēnxīn shíkè ， yī jiā rén ， yī dùn dàcān)
“Warm moments, the whole family, a big meal.”

1- 温馨时刻 (wēnxīn shíkè)

First is an expression meaning “warm moments.”
“…时刻” is often used on social media to indicate a very special moment.

2- 一家人，一顿大餐 (yī jiā rén ， yī dùn dàcān)

Then comes the phrase - “the whole family, a big meal.”
“大餐” means “big meal”. Chinese people enjoy having big meals during get-togethers.

COMMENTS

In response, xué yǒu’s friends leave some comments.

1- 直流口水！ (Zhí liú kǒushuǐ ！)

His wife’s high school friend, xīn xīn, uses an expression meaning - “Mouth watering!”
Use this expression to comment on the food.

2- 真是热闹。 (Zhēn shì rènao 。)

His neighbor, ruò lán, uses an expression meaning - “So lively.”
Use this phrase to describe the family, if you perceive them to be energetic.

3- 酒喝得不少吧？ (Jiǔ hē de bù shǎo ba ？)

His college friend, tāo, uses an expression meaning - “You drank a lot, didn’t you?”
Use this expression to make fun of the poster’s drinking habits.

4- 可惜没有我。 (Kěxī méi yǒu wǒ 。)

His nephew, xiǎo míng, uses an expression meaning - “Too bad I wasn’t there.”
Use this expression to show you are regretful for not having attended.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

温馨 (wēnxīn ): “warm”

时刻 (shíkè ): “moment”

餐 (cān ): “meal”

一家人 (yī jiā rén ): “the whole family”

一 (yī ): “a”

不少 (bù shǎo ): “a lot”

可惜 (kěxī ): “too bad”

Which phrase is your favorite to comment on a friend’s photo about a family reunion?

16. Post about Your Travel Plans in Chinese

So, the family are going on holiday. Do you know how to post and leave comments in Chinese about being at the airport, waiting for a flight?

jìng waits at the airport for her flight, posts an image of it, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down jìng’s post.

一个人的旅行，出发了！ (Yī gè rén de lǚxíng ， chūfā le ！)
“One man’s journey. Get going!”

1- 一个人的旅行 (yī gè rén de lǚxíng)

First is an expression meaning “one man’s journey.”
“一个人的旅行” indicates that someone is traveling alone. This phrase refers to “a journey of self-discovery” and is a kind of literary expression.

2- 出发了 (chūfā le )

Then comes the phrase - “get going.”
This expression means “starting a journey” and is commonly used when someone is heading for a new place.

COMMENTS

In response, jìng’s friends leave some comments.

1- 去哪里玩？ (Qù nǎlǐ wán ？)

Her husband’s high school friend, lì, uses an expression meaning - “Where are you heading?”
Use this expression to show you are feeling curious about the poster’s holiday destination.

2- 带好吃的回来！ (Dài hǎochī de huílái ！)

Her high school friend, xīn xīn, uses an expression meaning - “Bring me some treats!”
Use this expression if you want the poster to bring you gifts.

3- 一路顺风。 (Yīlù shùnfēng 。)

Her neighbor, ruò lán, uses an expression meaning - “Bon voyage.”
This is a loan-expression from French, which means “Travel well!” It is often used in other languages.

4- 注意安全哦。 (Zhùyì ānquán o 。)

Her husband, xué yǒu, uses an expression meaning - “Be safe.”
Use this expression to show you are feeling concerned and wish the poster well.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

旅行 (lǚxíng ): “journey”

出发 (chūfā ): “get going”

哪里 (nǎlǐ ): “where”

好吃的 (hǎochī de ): “treats”

一路顺风 (yīlù shùnfēng): “bon voyage”

一个人的 (yī gè rén de): “one man’s”

安全 (ānquán ): “safe”

Choose and memorize your best airport phrase in Chinese!

Hopefully the rest of the trip is better!

17. Posting about an Interesting Find in Chinese

So maybe you’re strolling around at your local market, and find something interesting. Here are some handy Chinese phrases!

xué yǒu finds an unusual item at a local market, posts an image of it, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down xué yǒu’s post.

刚淘到的好东西。让你们开开眼！ (Gāng táo dào de hǎo dōngxi 。 Ràng nǐmen kāi kāi yǎn ！)
“Just got some great stuff. Behold!”

1- 刚淘到的好东西 (gāng táo dào de hǎo dōngxi)

First is an expression meaning “just got some great stuff.”
“淘到的” is used to indicate that a person bought something. This phrase should be followed by a noun such as a dress, a bag, etc.

2- 让你们开开眼 (ràng nǐmen kāi kāi yǎn )

Then comes the phrase - “behold.”
This expression is used to show off something you have. It indicates that you want admiration.

COMMENTS

In response, xué yǒu’s friends leave some comments.

1- 什么宝贝？ (Shénme bǎobei ？)

His neighbor, ruò lán, uses an expression meaning - “What did you get?”
Use this expression to show you are feeling curious about the purchase.

2- 你好厉害！ (Nǐ hǎo lìhai ！)

His wife’s high school friend, xīn xīn, uses an expression meaning - “Impressive!”
Use this expression if you’re impressed with the poster’s purchase.

3- 真精致。一定价值不菲吧？ (Zhēn jīngzhì 。 Yī dìng jiàzhí bùfěi ba ？)

His high school friend, lì, uses an expression meaning - “Really exquisite. Must’ve cost a fortune, right?”
Use these phrases to make conversation by giving a personal opinion, and asking a question too.

4- 是要送给我的吧？ (Shì yào sòng gěi wǒ de ba ？)

His college friend, tāo, uses an expression meaning - “A present for me, right?”
Use this expression to show you are feeling playful.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

刚 (gāng ): “just”

淘到 (táo dào ): “get”

东西 (dōngxi ): “stuff”

什么 (shénme ): “what”

厉害 (lìhai): “impressive”

价值不菲 (jiàzhí bùfěi): “cost a fortune”

精致 (jīngzhì ): “exquisite”

Which phrase would you use to comment on a friend’s interesting find?

Perhaps you will even learn the identity of your find! Or perhaps you’re on holiday, and visiting interesting places…

18. Post about a Sightseeing Trip in Chinese

Let your friends know what you’re up to in Chinese, especially when visiting a remarkable place! Don’t forget the photo.

jìng visits a famous landmark, posts an image of it, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down jìng’s post.

登顶长城。感觉就是不一样！ (Dēng dǐng Cháng chéng 。 Gǎnjué jiù shì bù yīyàng ！)
“Reached the top of the Great Wall. Feels great!”

1- 登顶长城 (dēng dǐng Cháng chéng)

First is an expression meaning “reached the top of the Great Wall.”
The Great Wall is one of the largest construction projects ever completed. The wall is constructed of masonry, rocks and packed-earth and stretches 4,160 miles across North China.

2- 感觉就是不一样 (gǎnjué jiù shì bù yīyàng)

Then comes the phrase - “feels great.”
This expression is used when someone feels good about something, but it can also be used to describe a place, an activity, etc.

COMMENTS

In response, jìng’s friends leave some comments.

1- 真壮观！ (Zhēn zhuàngguān ！)

Her neighbor, ruò lán, uses an expression meaning - “Really spectacular!”
Use this expression to show you are feeling in awe.

2- 看上去风好大。 (Kàn shàng qù fēng hǎo dà 。)

Her husband’s high school friend, lì, uses an expression meaning - “Looks so windy.”
Share this phrase as a personal opinion.

3- 我很久没有去长城了！ (Wǒ hěn jiǔ méi yǒu qù Cháng chéng le ！)

Her high school friend, xīn xīn, uses an expression meaning - “I haven’t been to the Great Wall for a long time!”
This comment is another phrase to use if you want to make conversation by sharing a personal detail.

4- 哪一个？ (Nǎ yī gè ？)

Her college friend, tāo, uses an expression meaning - “Which one?”
Use this expression to show you are feeling frivolous and you wish to tease the poster.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

长城 (Cháng chéng ): “the Great Wall”

感觉 (gǎnjué ): “feel”

一个 (yī gè ): “one”

看上去 (kàn shàng qù ): “look”

顶 (dǐng ): “top”

哪 (nǎ ): “which”

登 (dēng ): “reach”

Which phrase would you prefer when a friend posts about a famous landmark?

Share your special places with the world. Or simply post about your relaxing experiences.

19. Post about Relaxing Somewhere in Chinese

So you’re doing nothing yet you enjoy that too? Tell your social media friends about it in Chinese!

xué yǒu relaxes at a beautiful place, posts an image of it, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down xué yǒu’s post.

晒一下我的休闲天堂，美妙绝伦。 (Shài yī xià wǒ de xiūxián tiāntáng ， měimiào juélún 。)
“Check out my paradise, truly exceptional.”

1- 晒一下我的休闲天堂 (shài yī xià wǒ de xiūxián tiāntáng)

First is an expression meaning “check out my paradise.”
“晒一下” means “check out something” and is often used on social media platforms. For instance, 晒一下我的新鞋 (check out my new shoes).

2- 美妙绝伦 (měimiào juélún)

Then comes the phrase - “truly exceptional.”
“美妙绝伦” is an example of Chengyu. Chengyu are a type of traditional Chinese idiomatic expression, most of which consist of four characters. Chengyu were widely used in Classical Chinese and are still common in written and spoken Chinese today.

COMMENTS

In response, xué yǒu’s friends leave some comments.

1- 真的需要定期放松。 (Zhēn de xūyào dìngqī fàngsōng 。)

His supervisor, zhì qiáng, uses an expression meaning - “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”
Use this expression to be old fashioned.

2- 突然觉得自己很累。 (Tūrán juéde zìjǐ hěn lèi 。)

His high school friend, lì, uses an expression meaning - “Suddenly, I feel so worn out.”
Use this expression to share how the image makes you feel.

3- 简直是世外桃园！ (Jiǎnzhí shì shìwài táoyuán ！)

His wife’s high school friend, xīn xīn, uses an expression meaning - “True Shangri-la!”
Use this expression to share a personal opinion.

4- 亲近自然。 (Qīnjìn zìrán 。)

His college friend, tāo, uses an expression meaning - “Connect with nature.”
This is another observation about the post and image - a good way to stay part of the conversation.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

晒一下 (shài yī xià ): “check out”

休闲 (xiūxián ): “leisure”

天堂 (tiāntáng ): “paradise”

美妙绝伦 (měimiào juélún): “truly exceptional”

突然 (tūrán ): “suddenly”

自然 (zìrán ): “nature”

世外桃源 (shìwài táoyuán): “Shangri-la”

Which phrase would you use to comment on a friend’s feed?

The break was great, but now it’s time to return home.

20. What to Say in Chinese When You’re Home Again

And you’re back! What will you share with friends and followers?

jìng returns home after a vacation, posts an image of herself at home, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down jìng’s post.

没办法，该回到现实了！ (Méi bànfa ， gāi huídào xiànshí le ！)
“Nothing left to be done; time to go back to reality!”

1- 没办法 (méi bànfa )

First is an expression meaning “nothing left to be done.”
This expression is used to indicate your unwillingness to do something.

2- 该回到现实了 (gāi huídào xiànshí le)

Then comes the phrase - “time to go back to reality.”
“回到现实” means “getting back into your usual routine”.

COMMENTS

In response, jìng’s friends leave some comments.

1- 悠长假期。一定玩痛快了吧！ (Yōucháng jiàqī 。 Yīdìng wán tòngkuài le ba ！)

Her husband’s high school friend, lì, uses an expression meaning - “A long vacation. You must have enjoyed yourself!”
Use this comment to be part of the conversation.

2- 都晒黑了！ (Dōu shài hēi le ！)

Her neighbor, ruò lán, uses an expression meaning - “You got tanned!”
Use this expression to comment on the poster’s tan.

3- 有没有礼物给我？ (Yǒu méi yǒu lǐwù gěi wǒ ？)

Her college friend, tāo, uses an expression meaning - “Any gifts for me?”
Use this expression to show you are feeling frivolous, and want gifts from the poster.

4- 离开了这么久。 (Líkāi le zhème jiǔ 。)

Her high school friend, xīn xīn, uses an expression meaning - “You’ve been gone so long.”
Use this expression to partake in the conversation with a general comment about their long holiday.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

回到 (huídào ): “go back”

悠长 (yōucháng ): “long”

假期 (jiàqī ): “vacation”

现实 (xiànshí ): “reality”

黑 (hēi ): “tanned”

礼物 (lǐwù ): “gift”

这么 (zhème ): “so”

How would you welcome a friend back from a trip?

What do you post on social media during a public commemoration day such as the Chinese Lantern Festival?

21. It’s Time to Celebrate in Chinese

It’s an historic day and you wish to post something about it on social media. What would you say?

xué yǒu appreciates the lanterns with his wife, posts an image of it, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down xué yǒu’s post.

我在跟老婆一起赏花灯，真浪漫！ (Wǒ zài gēn lǎopó yīqǐ shǎng huādēng ， zhēn làngmàn ！)
“I’m appreciating the lanterns with my wife; so romantic!”

1- 我在跟老婆一起赏花灯 (wǒ zài gēn lǎopó yīqǐ shǎng huādēng)

First is an expression meaning “I am appreciating the lanterns with my wife.”
The Chinese Lantern Festival is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first month in the lunar calendar. This festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. According to the folk custom of China, on that night people celebrate the festival by appreciating the lanterns, guessing riddles written on the lanterns, and eating rice balls.

2- 真浪漫 (zhēn làngmàn)

Then comes the phrase - “so romantic.”
People light up fancy lanterns on the night of the Lantern Festival and consider the event to be quite romantic.

COMMENTS

In response, xué yǒu’s friends leave some comments.

1- 这么巧。我也在赏花灯！ (Zhème qiǎo 。 Wǒ yě zài shǎng huādēng ！)

His college friend, tāo, uses an expression meaning - “What a coincidence. I’m appreciating the lanterns as well!”
Use this expression if you are doing the same as the poster, probably at the same time.

2- 恩爱的一对儿！ (Ēn’ài de yī duìr ！)

His wife’s high school friend, xīn xīn, uses an expression meaning - “Lovebirds!”
Use this expression to comment on the romance.

3- 有没有猜灯谜？ (Yǒu méi yǒu cāi dēngmí ？)

His nephew, xiǎo míng, uses an expression meaning - “Have you tried guessing the riddles written on the lanterns?”
Use this expression to show you are feeling curious.

4- 元宵节快乐！ (Yuánxiāo jié kuàilè ！)

His supervisor, zhì qiáng, uses an expression meaning - “Happy Lantern Festival!”
This is a common greeting and wish for this time of year in China.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

花灯 (huādēng ): “lantern”

赏 (shǎng ): “appreciate”

猜 (cāi ): “guess”

浪漫 (làngmàn ): “romantic”

灯谜 (dēngmí ): “riddles written on lanterns”

元宵节 (Yuánxiāo jié ): “the Lantern Festival”

跟…一起 (gēn … yīqǐ ): “with”

If a friend posted something about a holiday, which phrase would you use?

The Chinese Lantern Festival and other public commemoration days are not the only special ones to remember!

22. Posting about a Birthday on Social Media in Chinese

Your friend or you are celebrating your birthday in an unexpected way. Be sure to share this on social media!

jìng goes to her birthday party, posts an image of it, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down jìng’s post.

天啊！感谢大家给我的惊喜！ (Tiān a ！ Gǎnxiè dàjiā gěi wǒ de jīngxǐ ！)
“Oh, my god! Thank you all for throwing me a surprise party!”

1- 天啊 (tiān a)

First is an expression meaning “Oh, my god.”
“天啊” can be used when you are surprised.

2- 感谢大家给我的惊喜 (gǎnxiè dàjiā gěi wǒ de jīngxǐ )

Then comes the phrase - “thank you all for throwing me a surprise party.”
Chinese birthday traditions reflect the culture’s deep-seated focus on longevity. Typically, people eat Longevity Noodles during birthday celebrations.

COMMENTS

In response, jìng’s friends leave some comments.

1- 生日快乐！ (Shēngrì kuàilè ！)

Her neighbor, ruò lán, uses an expression meaning - “Happy Birthday!”
This is the traditional birthday wish in Chinese.

2- 好大的蛋糕！ (Hǎo dà de dàngāo ！)

Her high school friend, xīn xīn, uses an expression meaning - “This cake is huge!”
This comment shows that you are in awe of the size of the cake.

3- 一定收到很多礼物。 (Yīdìng shōu dào hěn duō lǐwù 。)

Her husband’s high school friend, lì, uses an expression meaning - “I bet you received a lot of presents.”
Use this phrase to be humorous and make conversation.

4- 又长了一岁。 (Yòu zhǎng le yī suì 。)

Her college friend, tāo, uses an expression meaning - “One year older.”
Use this expression to comment on the poster’s age.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

大家 (dàjiā ): “you all”

感谢 (gǎnxiè ): “thank”

好大的 (hǎo dà de ): “huge”

生日 (shēngrì ): “birthday”

蛋糕 (dàngāo ): “cake”

收到 (shōu dào ): “receive”

天啊 (tiān a): “Oh, my god”

If a friend posted something about birthday greetings, which phrase would you use?

23. Talking about New Year on Social Media in Chinese

Impress your friends with your Chinese New Year’s wishes this year. Learn the phrases easily!

xué yǒu celebrates the New Year, posts an image of it, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down xué yǒu’s post.

新年快乐！恭喜发财！ (Xīnnián kuàilè ！ Gōngxǐ fācái ！)
“Happy New Year! May you be happy and prosperous!”

1- 新年快乐 (xīnnián kuàilè )

First is an expression meaning “Happy New Year.”
“新年快乐” is one of the most commonly used New Year’s greetings. “新年” can be replaced with other festivals. For instance, 中秋快乐 Happy Mid-Autumn Festival.

2- 恭喜发财 (gōngxǐ fācái)

Then comes the phrase - “May you be happy and prosperous.”
Chinese people often bless each other via social media during New Year’s. “恭喜发财” is another commonly used New Year’s greeting.

COMMENTS

In response, xué yǒu’s friends leave some comments.

1- 祝你万事如意！ (Zhù nǐ wànshì rúyì ！)

His high school friend, lì, uses an expression meaning - “All the best to you!”
Use this expression as a warmhearted response to the poster’s wish.

2- 年年有余！ (Niánnián yǒuyú ！)

His supervisor, zhì qiáng, uses an expression meaning - “May there be surpluses every year!”
This is another positive wish for the new year ahead, indicating abundance.

3- 红包拿来！ (Hóngbāo ná lái ！)

His nephew, xiǎo míng, uses an expression meaning - “Give me my red envelope!”
Use this expression to comment on an old custom.

4- 下周我们聚聚！ (Xiàzhōu wǒmen jù jù！)

His college friend, tāo, uses an expression meaning - “We can get together sometime next week!”
Ask this question if you’re keen to meet up with the poster.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

新年 (xīnnián ): “New Year”

快乐 (kuàilè ): “happy”

发财 (fācái ): “be surpluses”

我们 (wǒmen ): “we”

红包 (hóngbāo ): “red envelope”

下周 (xiàzhōu ): “next week”

聚聚 (jù jù): “get together”

Which is your favorite phrase to post on social media during New Year?

But before New Year’s Day comes another important day…

24. What to Post on Christmas Day in Chinese

What will you say in Chinese about Christmas?

jìng celebrates Christmas with her family, posts an image of it, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down jìng’s post.

转眼又是一年。圣诞快乐！ (Zhuǎnyǎn yòu shì yī nián 。 Shèngdàn kuàilè ！)
“Another year has gone by in the blink of an eye. Merry Christmas!”

1- 转眼又是一年 (zhuǎnyǎn yòu shì yī nián)

First is an expression meaning “another year has gone by in the twinkling of an eye.”
This expression is used when someone thinks that time has gone by quickly. “Another year” can be replaced with “another week”, “another month”, etc.

2- 圣诞快乐 (shèngdàn kuàilè )

Then comes the phrase - “Merry Christmas.”
There are not many Christians in China, but celebrating Christmas has become increasingly popular. Many customs, such as exchanging gifts, are similar to Western celebrations. In large cities, there are commercial Christmas decorations, signs, and items displayed during December.

COMMENTS

In response, jìng’s friends leave some comments.

1- 漂亮的雪景！ (Piàoliàng de xuějǐng ！)

Her husband’s high school friend, lì, uses an expression meaning - “Beautiful snow!”
This phrase is a comment on the weather, in particular, snow.

2- 可惜我在南方，看不到雪。 (Kěxī wǒ zài nánfāng ， kàn bù dào xuě 。)

Her high school friend, xīn xīn, uses an expression meaning - “It’s a pity that I can’t see snow here in the south.”
This is a conversation-filler, also commenting on the snow, or lack thereof.

3- 谁能陪我一起过？ (Shéi néng péi wǒ yīqǐ guò ？)

Her college friend, tāo, uses an expression meaning - “Who wants to celebrate Christmas with me?”
Ask this question as a way to keep the conversation going.

4- 同乐同乐！ (Tóng lè tóng lè ！)

Her supervisor, zhì qiáng, uses an expression meaning - “Let’s celebrate together!”
Make this suggestion if you wish to join the poster for Christmas celebrations.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

转眼 (zhuǎnyǎn ): “in the twinkling of an eye”

同 (tóng ): “together”

圣诞 (shèngdàn ): “Christmas”

雪景 (xuějǐng ): “snow”

漂亮 (piàoliàng ): “beautiful”

南方 (nánfāng ): “south”

谁 (shéi ): “who”

If a friend posted something about Christmas greetings, which phrase would you use?

So, the festive season is over! Yet, there will always be other days, besides a birthday, to wish someone well.

25. Post about Your Anniversary in Chinese

Some things deserve to be celebrated, like wedding anniversaries. Learn which Chinese phrases are meaningful and best suited for this purpose!

xué yǒu celebrates his wedding anniversary with his wife, posts an image of the two of them together, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down xué yǒu’s post.

有了这么好的妻子，我欲何求。 (Yǒu le zhème hǎo de qīzi ， wǒ yù hé qiú 。)
“Having such a good wife, I shall not want.”

1- 有了这么好的妻子 (yǒu le zhème hǎo de qīzi )

First is an expression meaning “having such a good wife.”
Depending on the context, different terms can be used to address wives in the Chinese language. For instance, 老婆 (colloquial), 夫人 (formal), 贱内 (classical).

2- 我欲何求 (wǒ yù hé qiú )

Then comes the phrase - “I shall not want.”
This is quoted from Classical Chinese poetry. It means that you have the best and therefore want nothing more.

COMMENTS

In response, xué yǒu’s friends leave some comments.

1- 好感动！ (Hǎo gǎndòng ！)

His high school friend, lì, uses an expression meaning - “So touching!”
Use this expression to show you are feeling emotionally touched by the image.

2- 替你们感到高兴。 (Tì nǐmen gǎndào gāoxìng 。)

His neighbor, ruò lán, uses an expression meaning - “I feel happy for you.”
Use this expression to show you have positive feelings about the marriage and anniversary.

3- 甜言蜜语总是对的。 (Tiányán mìyǔ zǒng shì duì de 。)

His college friend, tāo, uses an expression meaning - “Sweet talk is always welcomed.”
Use this expression to show you are feeling frivolous and wish to joke around a bit with the poster.

4- 要有实际行动！ (Yào yǒu shíjì xíngdòng ！)

His wife’s high school friend, xīn xīn, uses an expression meaning - “Actions speak louder than words!”
Use this expression to be funny.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

妻子 (qīzi ): “wife”

有 (yǒu ): “have”

求 (qiú ): “want”

甜言蜜语 (tiányán mìyǔ ): “sweet talk”

行动 (xíngdòng ): “action”

总是 (zǒng shì ): “always”

我 (wǒ ): “I”

If a friend posted something about Anniversary greetings, which phrase would you use?

Conclusion

Learning to speak a new language will always be easier once you know key phrases that everybody uses. These would include commonly used expressions for congratulations and best wishes, etc.

Master these in fun ways with Learn Chinese! We offer a variety of tools to individualize your learning experience, including using cell phone apps, audiobooks, iBooks and many more. Never wonder again what to say on social media!

If you’ve just started learning Chinese, you may have wondered at some point, “How do I say sorry in Chinese?” Indeed, it’s vital to learn how to say sorry in Chinese culture, and any culture for that matter. We’re all human, and we all tend to make mistakes in the long journey of life, both small and large, and a fitting apology is almost always desired afterwards. This is when we need to say the “magic word” to make everything right again. Apologizing is the key to harmony in a relationship, as it can help you move past many unnecessary conflicts and misunderstandings.

There are different ways of how to say sorry in the Chinese language. As a language learner who just set sail for Chinese, this article will help you get a sense of the unique way native Chinese people apologize. After you master the art of apologizing in Chinese with this article, you’ll never have to worry about not knowing what to say when you make forgivable mistakes! What are you waiting for? Let’s delve into how to give an apology in Chinese Mandarin. Start with a bonus, and download your FREE cheat sheet - How to Improve Your Chinese Skills! (Logged-In Member Only)

1. The Most Important Apologizing Words
2. How to Take the Blame
3. Expressions for Formal and Business Situations
4. Condolences
5. Other Expressions
6. How to respond
7. Conclusion

1. The Most Important Apologizing Words

First things first! Here are some of the most common ways to apologize in Chinese, with some grammar explanations to make things clearer for you. This includes how to say “sorry” and “excuse me” in Chinese, which are two phrases you definitely will want to know!

• In Chinese: 对不起。
  Pinyin: dui bu qǐ
  In English: Sorry

The origin of this phrase is very interesting. Ancient Chinese people liked to showcase their knowledge by using couplets, which is a traditional form of art in the Chinese language. However, it’s often difficult to complete the pair. So, in order to express that they weren’t as knowledgeable as the person they were speaking to, people would say 对不起, which meant they weren’t able to complete the couplet. Later, it spread and become a popular way to apologize.

Now, you can use 对不起 for a simple sincere apology. But keep in mind that it also indicates that you owe someone for what you did, so be careful when you use it, as it can be seen as a strong word. It’s best suited for an occasion where you feel the need to own up to your mistake and desire forgiveness in return. To make it even more formal, you can add the subjective and objective, such as in: 我对不起你 (wǒ duì bu qǐ nǐ), meaning “I am sorry to you.”

• In Chinese: 抱歉。
  Pinyin: bào qiàn
  In English: I am sorry (I hold my apology).

Compared to 对不起, 抱歉 is a lighter way to say I’m sorry in Chinese than the degree of apology that 对不起 entails. If there’s something you strongly feel sorry about and you feel desperate to express your apology, don’t use 抱歉 as it’s not sufficient to express your emotion in this context. 抱 literally means “hold,” and 歉 means “apology.” The whole word conveys a sense of guilt and regret, so if you ever feel bad about something and want to express it, this word is a good fit.

• In Chinese: 不好意思。
  Pinyin: bù hǎo yì sī
  In English: Excuse me.

The literal meaning of 不好意思 is “feeling embarrassed or shy,” which indicates an even lighter degree of apology compared to 抱歉. For things that aren’t as significant or that you don’t personally feel extremely bad about, feel free to use this phrase to politely show your apology for the little inconvenience you caused, such as being late.

Sometimes Chinese people also use it for expressing their shy or awkward feelings. For example, when people feel too flattered and thus are embarrassed by a compliment, they might say 你说的我都不好意思了(nǐ shuō de wǒ dōu bù hǎo yì sī le), meaning “You are making me feel embarrassed.”

Additional note: You can also add 真 before any of the three phrases above. It means “really,” which adds a sincerity to the apology.

2. How to Take the Blame

• In Chinese: 我错了。
  Pinyin: wǒ cuò le
  In English: It is my fault.

This can be used both seriously and casually. In a serious situation, it emphasizes the fact that you’re willing to admit your mistakes. You can also repeat it to comfort someone who’s unsatisfied or irritated by something trivial you did, usually with people you’re close with.

• In Chinese: 是我不好。
  Pinyin: shì wǒ bù hǎo
  In English: It is my bad.

You can bravely admit your mistake by saying this. This is a neutral expression as well, which suits both serious and casual situations. You may want to add 原谅我吧 (yuán liàng wǒ ba), meaning “please forgive me,” right after to make your apology sound more genuine.

• In Chinese: 责任全在我/是我的责任。
  Pinyin: zé rèn quán zài wǒ /shì wǒ de zé rèn
  In English: All the responsibility lies on me/It is all my responsibility.

This is a powerful expression for owning up to all the responsibility for something you’ve done. Essentially, this puts all of the blame on yourself.

• In Chinese: 要怪就怪我吧。
  Pinyin: yào guài jiù guài wǒ ba
  In English: If you have to blame someone, blame me.

If there’s an embarrassing situation where someone has to own up to his/her mistake for the sake of a group, and you want to be the one who takes the fall, this is the right phrase to use. Usually, you need to add some good explanation right after in order to support the reason why you should be the one to take the blame. It’s sometimes good to be the one who admits the mistake, because everyone else may dearly appreciate your sacrifice for turning the embarrassment into a better atmosphere.

3. Expressions for Formal and Business Situations

You’ll find this section extremely helpful and relevant if you’ve ever wondered how to say phrases like “Sorry I’m late,” in Chinese. Let’s take a look at the most common formal and business Chinese apologies.

• In Chinese: 抱歉/不好意思/对不起，麻烦你了。
  Pinyin: bào qiàn / bù hǎo yì sī / duì bu qǐmá fán nǐ le
  In English: I am sorry to trouble you.
• In Chinese: 抱歉/不好意思/对不起，我今天不能去了。
  Pinyin: bào qiàn / bù hǎo yì sī / duì bu qǐ, wǒ jīn tiān bú néng qù le
  In English: I am sorry that I won’t make it today.
• In Chinese: 抱歉/不好意思/对不起，我要先走一步。
  Pinyin: bào qiàn / bù hǎo yì sī / duì bu qǐ, wǒ yào xiān zǒu yī bù
  In English: Sorry, I have to go.
• In Chinese: 抱歉/不好意思/对不起，我来晚了。
  Pinyin: bào qiàn / bù hǎo yì sī / duì bu qǐ, wǒ lái wǎn le
  In English: Sorry that I am late.
• In Chinese: 不好意思/抱歉，借过一下可以吗？
  Pinyin: bú hǎo yì sī / bào qiàn，jiè guò yī xià kě yǐ ma
  In English: Sorry, do you mind stepping aside?

For the phrases mentioned above, you can use different forms of “sorry” depending on the degree of importance regarding the specific event, and the part after the comma conveys different situations. Please feel free to substitute the phrase, keeping in mind that 对不起 indicates the strongest degree of apology, and 抱歉 is the second strongest one. 不好意思 indicates the least degree of apology of the three. You can always add some additional explanation after saying sorry, to make your situation more clear so that people can better understand your apology.

• In Chinese: 打扰一下，请问发生什么了？
  Pinyin: dǎ rǎo yī xià, qǐng wèn fā shēng shén me le
  In English: Excuse me, what happened?

Although “Excuse me” in English indicates a sorry feeling, in Chinese it literally means “allow me to disturb you,” where 打扰 means “to disturb.”

4. Condolences

• In Chinese: 很抱歉听到这个消息。
  Pinyin: hěn bào qiàn tīng dào zhè gè xiāo xī
  In English: I am sorry to hear that.

When learning how to say “I am sorry to hear that” in Chinese, you can now entail what we learned earlier. 抱歉, in this sentence, is used to express some specific event that you feel sorry about. You can also substitute 听到这个消息 meaning “to hear the news,” with many other things that you want to express your sadness about. This also goes for “I am sorry that…”.

• In Chinese: 节哀顺变。
  Pinyin: jiē āi shùn biàn
  In English: I am so sorry for your loss.

Learning how to say “sorry for your loss” in Chinese may be one of the most important phrases you can master, and can be the difference between clearly expressing your sorrow for a loved one—or failing to. This is an old traditional phrase for comforting people who lost someone dear to them. 节哀 means “repress sadness,” and 顺变 means “let go of the accident and change.”

5. Other Expressions

• In Chinese: 我向你赔礼道歉。
  Pinyin: wǒ xiàng nǐ péi lǐ dào qiàn
  In English: Let me apologize to you.

赔礼 represents the action of compensating a formality for apologizing, which suggests a serious situation. When you use it, it may require some physical performance to fully express the apology, such as a bow or treating the person to a meal.

• In Chinese: 你能原谅我吗？
  Pinyin: nǐ néng yuán liàng wǒ ma
  In English: Will you forgive me?

This phrase conveys a powerful desire for forgiveness, which is usually used for a fault that’s caused by a very serious condition.

• In Chinese: 你别生气啊。
  Pinyin: nǐ bié shēng qì a
  In English: Don’t be mad.

This can be used for both serious and casual occasions when apologizing. Whenever a sentence-final interjection such as 啊 is included, the sentence is usually not as formal or serious, and indicates a softer expression.

• In Chinese: 我不是故意的。
  Pinyin: wǒ bú shì gù yì de
  In English: I didn’t do it on purpose.

You can definitely use this phrase for self-defense for an act you didn’t intentionally commit. It’s usually added right after a “sorry” phrase.

• In Chinese: 你别怪我啊。
  Pinyin: nǐ bié guài wǒ a
  In English: Please don’t blame me.

怪 can mean different things depending on the situation. For example, for an adjective it can mean “weird” or “strange.” Please keep in mind that it’s used as a verb meaning “blame” here.

6. How to respond

• In Chinese: 没关系。
  Pinyin: méi guān xi
  In English: It’s fine.
• In Chinese: 没事。
  Pinyin: méi shì
  In English: It’s okay.
• In Chinese: 没什么大不了的。
  Pinyin: méi shén me dà bú liǎo de
  In English: It is no big deal.
• In Chinese: 这有什么的。
  Pinyin: zhè yǒu shén me de
  In English: That is nothing.
• In Chinese: 别放在心上。
  Pinyin: bié fàng zài xīn shàng
  In English: Don’t mind it.

7. Conclusion

Are you gaining more confidence after learning all the expressions along with the explicit explanations provided? It’s not as difficult as you thought, as long as you come to the right teacher and source to study Chinese!

Fortunately, here at ChineseClass101.com, you can find just this. Here, you’ll be able to obtain a delightful learning experience and acquire the best resources to help you speak Chinese like a native. What are you waiting for? Come visit us right now!

In the meantime, be sure to continue practicing these various ways of how to say “I am sorry” in the Chinese language. You’ll get the hang of it in no time!