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English | Mandarin Pinyin | Pronunciation |
Numbers
| ||
zero | ling/ | leeng |
one | yi | ee |
two | er\ | urh |
three | san | sahn |
four | si\ | suh |
five | wu\/ | wuu |
six | liu\ | leo |
seven | qi | tchee |
eight | ba | bah |
nine | jiu\/ | jeo |
ten | shi/ | shr |
eleven | shi/ yi | shr ee |
twelve | shi/ er\ | shr urh |
hundred | bai\/ | buy |
thousand | qian | tcheein |
ten thousand | wan\ | wahn |
hundred thousand (use 1 wan) | shi/ wan\ | shr wahn |
million (use 1 wan) | bai\/ wan\ | buy wahn |
ten million (use 1 wan) | qian wan\ | tcheein wahn |
hundred million (use 1 wan wan) | wan\ wan\ (yi\) | wahn wahn |
billion (use 1 wan wan) | shi/ wan\ wan\ | shr wahn wahn |
ten billion (use 1 wan wan) | bai\/ wan\ wan\ | buy wahn wahn |
hundred billion (use 1 wan wan) | qian wan\ wan\ | tcheein wahn wahn |
Modifiers
| ||
(best) | zui\ | zway |
(experiential suffix to verb) | guo\ (after a verb) | gwaw |
(future again) | zai\ | tsai |
(future tense, used before verb) | jiang | jeeahng |
(measure for book) | ben\/ | ben |
(measure for buildings) | suo\/ | swaw |
(measure for clothes) | jian\ | jeein |
(measure for flat objects) | zhang | jahng |
(measure for long slender objects) | zhi | jr |
(measure for long, narrow objects; roads) | tiao/ | teeow |
(measure for movies) | bu\ | buu |
(measure for people, polite form) | wei\ | way |
(measure, general) | ge\ | guh |
(modifier, changes adjective into adverb) | de | duh |
(particle at end of imperative sentence implying probability) | ba | bah |
(past tense, change of condition; used at end of sentence) | le | luh |
(pluralizing suffix) | men | mun |
(possessive, used after word, omit for close relationship) | de | duh |
(question particle) | a | ah |
(question particle; used at end of sentence) | ma | mah |
(substantive suffix used with location word) | tou | toe |
(verb) taking place | qi\/ lai | tchee lie |
A
| ||
able to | hui\ | hway |
above edge | shang\ bian | shahng beein |
above edge | zai\ shang\ bian | zigh shahng beein |
above surface | shang\ mian\ | shahng meein |
above surface | zai\ shang\ mian\ | zigh shahng meein |
above, upper part | shang\ tou | shahng toe |
above, upper part | zai\ shang\ tou | zigh shahng toe |
additionally, in addition | hai/ | high |
Africa | Fei zhou | fay joe |
after, afterwards | yi\/ hou\ | ee hoe |
afternoon 1 pm to 6 pm | xia\ wu\/ | sheeah wuu |
again (past) | you\ | yoe |
air, cold | leng\/ qi\ | luung tchee |
airplane | fei ji | fay jee |
airplane ticket | fei ji piao\ | fay jee peeow |
alike | yi/ yang\ | ee yahng |
all | dou | doe |
already | yi\/ jing | ee jeeng |
also | ye\/ | yeh |
also | you\ | yoe |
altogether | yi/ gong\ | ee goong |
America | Mei\/ guo/ | may gwaw |
American people | Mei\/ guo/ ren/ | may gwaw wren |
and | han\ | hahn |
appear (to) | kan\ qi\/ lai | kahn tchee lie |
apple | ping/ guo\/ | peeng gwaw |
apple juice | ping/ guo\/ zhi | peeng gwaw jr |
April | si\ yue\ | suh yueh |
arm | ge bei | guh bay |
arm | ge bo | guh bwoh |
arrive, then | jiu\ dao\ le | jeo dow luh |
as same as | xiang\ yi/ yang\ | sheeahng ee yahng |
ascend (to) | shang\ | shahng |
Asia | Ya\/ zhou | yah joe |
ask (a question, to) | wen\ | wun |
ask (to) | qing\/ | tcheeng |
at | zai\ | zigh |
attorney | lu\ shi | luu shr |
August | ba yue\ | bah yueh |
automobile | che zi | chuh dzuh |
autumn, fall season | qiu tian | tcheo teein |
B
| ||
back of edge, in | hou\ bian | hoe beein |
back of edge, in; rear | zai\ hou\ bian | zigh hoe beein |
back of surface, in | hou\ mian\ | hoe meein |
back of surface, in; rear | zai\ hou\ mian\ | zigh hoe meein |
back of, in | hou\ tou | hoe toe |
back of, in; rear | zai\ hou\ tou | zigh hoe toe |
banana | xiang jiao | sheeahng jeeow |
be (to), am, is, are, was, were | shi\ | shr |
be able to (to) | neng/ | nuung |
be at | zai\ | zigh |
be, not (to) | bu/ shi\ | buu shr |
beach | hai\/ bian | high beein |
beancurd | dou\ fu\/ | doe fuu |
beautiful | mei\/ | may |
beef with oyster sauce | hao/ you/ niu/ rou\ | how yoe neo roe |
before | yi\/ qian/ | ee tcheein |
behind | hou\ mian\ | hoe meein |
below | xia\ | sheeah |
below edge | xia\ bian | sheeah beein |
below edge | zai\ xia\ bian | zigh sheeah beein |
below surface | xia\ mian\ | sheeah meein |
below surface | zai\ xia\ mian\ | zigh sheeah meein |
below, lower part | xia\ tou | sheeah toe |
below, lower part | zai\ xia\ tou | zigh sheeah toe |
belt, leather | pi/ dai\ | pee die |
between in | zhong jian | joong jeein |
between in, middle | zai\ han\ de zhong jian | zigh hahn duh joong jeein |
bicycle | jiao\/ ta\ che | jeeow tah chuh |
bicycle | zi\ xing/ che | dzuh sheeng chuh |
big | da\ | dah |
birth to, give (to) | sheng | shuung |
birthday | sheng ri\ | shuung ruh |
birthday, happy | sheng ri\ kuai\ le\ | shuung rr kwie luh |
black and white | hei bai/ | hay buy |
black color | hei | hay |
blackboard | hei ban\/ | hay bahn |
bless | zhu\ | juu |
blue | lan/ | lahn |
blue color | lan/ se\ | lahn suh |
board | ban\/ | bahn |
body | shen ti\/ | shuun tee |
book | shu | shuu |
born (to be) | sheng | shuung |
borrow from (someone) (to) | gen (someone) jie\ | gun jee-eh |
boss | lao\/ ban\/ | lou bahn |
both | dou | doe |
both and | you\ you\ | yoe yoe |
bottom | xia\ | sheeah |
bought and gave to me | mai\/ gei\/ wo\/ | my gay waw |
bought for | mai\/ gei\/ | my gay |
bowl | wan\/ | wahn |
boy | nan/ hai/ zi | nahn high dzuh |
boyfriend | nan/ peng/ you\/ | nahn puung yoe |
brave | ying | eeng |
bread | mian\ bao | meein bow |
breakfast | zao\/ fan\ | zow fahn |
bright | ming/ | meeng |
bright, shining | liang\ | leeahng |
bring (to) | dai\ | die |
brother, older | ge ge | guh guh |
brother, younger | di\ di | dee dee |
brush for writing | mao/ bi\/ | mou bee |
bus, public | gong gong\ qi\ che | goong goong tchee chuh |
businessman | shang ren/ | shahng wren |
busy (to be) | mang/ | mahng |
but | ke\/ shi\ | huh shr |
butter | niu/ you/ | neo yoe |
buy (to) | mai\/ | my |
C
| ||
C.P.A., certified public accountant | kuai\ ji\ shi | kwie jee shr |
calculator (counting machine) | ji\ suan\ ji | jee swahn jee |
calf | xiao\/ tui\/ | sheeow tway |
called (to be) | jiao\ | jeeow |
called (to be) | xing\ | sheeng |
can | hui\ | hway |
can | ke\/ yi\/ | kuh ee |
Canton | Guang\/ dong | gwahng doong |
car | che zi | chuh dzuh |
card, business | ming/ pian\ | meeng peein |
carp with hot bean sause | dou\ ban\ yu/ | doe bahn yuu |
carrot | hong/ luo/ bo/ | hoong lwaw bwoh |
cart | che | chuh |
cassette tape | lu\ yin dai\ | luu een die |
catch sight of (to) | kan\ dao\ | kahn dow |
cent, penny | fen | fin |
Central America | Zhong mei\/ zhou | joong may joe |
cheap | pian/ yi | peein ee |
check (money) | zhi piao\ | jr peeow |
check, bill (restaurant) | zhang\ dan | jahng dahn |
chicken | ji | jee |
chicken, diced with paprikas | gong bao\/ ji ding | goong bow jee deeng |
child | zi\/ | dzuh |
children | hai/ zi | high dzuh |
China, Chinese (country) | Zhong guo/ | joong gwaw |
Chinese character | Zhong guo/ zi\ | joong gwaw dzuh |
Chinese food | zhong can | joong tsahn |
Chinese language, literature | Zhong wen/ | joong wun |
chocolate | qiao\/ ke\ li\ | tcheeow kuh lee |
chopsticks | kuai\ zi | kwie dzuh |
circle | yuan/ xing/ | ywen sheeng |
city | cheng/ | chuung |
classmate | tong/ xue/ | toong shu-eh |
classroom | jiao\ shi\ | jeeow shr |
clever | cong ming | tsoong meeng |
clip, paper | hui/ wen/ zhen | hway wun jun |
clock | zhong | joong |
clothes, dress | yi fu/ | ee fuu |
coffee | ka fei | kah fay |
cola | ke\/ le\ | kuh luh |
cold | leng\/ | luung |
cold, too | tai\ leng\/ | tie luung |
color | yan/ se\ | yahn suh |
come from | cong/ lai/ | tsoong lie |
come to (place) | dao\ (place) lai/ | dow lie |
come, come here (to) | lai/ | lie |
comfortable | shu fu/ | shuu fuu |
company | gong si | goong suh |
comparatively | bi\/ jiao\ | bee jeeow |
computer (electric brain) | dian\ nao\/ | deein now |
computer programmer | dian\ nao\/ cheng/ shi\ she\ ji\ shi | dee-in now chuung shr shuh jee shr |
cook (to) | zuo\ fan\ | zwaw fahn |
cookie, cracker | bing\/ gan | beeng gahn |
cool, comfortably | liang/ kuai\ | leeahng kwie |
copy (of a book) | ben\/ | bin |
correct!, right! | dui\ | dway |
correct!, right! | dui\ le | dway luh |
country | guo/ | gwaw |
couple, a | liang\/ | leeahng |
cow | niu/ | neo |
crossroad junction | shi/ zi\ lu\ kou\/ | shr dzuh luu koe |
cute | ke\/ ai\ | kuh eye |
D
| ||
daughter | nu\/ er/ | nuu urh |
daughter, little sister | xiao\/ jie\/ | sheeow jeeeh |
day | tian | teein |
day of the month | hao\ | how |
day, after tomorrow | hou\ tian | hoe teein |
day, before yesterday | qian/ tian | tcheein teein |
day, every | tian tian | teein teein |
day, this | jin tian | jeen teein |
day, tomorrow | ming/ tian | meeng teein |
day, yesterday | zuo/ tian | zwaw teein |
December | shi/ er\ yue\ | shr urh yueh |
definitely | jiu\ | jeo |
delicious | hao\/ chi | how chr |
dentist | ya/ yi | yah ee |
department store | bai\/ huo\ gong si | buy hwaw goong dzuh |
dessert | dian\/ xin | deein sheen |
dessert (sweet) | tian/ dian\/ | teein deein |
dialog | dui\ hua\ | dway hwah |
dictionary | zi\ dian\/ | dzuh deein |
dictionary, EnglishChinese | ying han\ zi\ dian\/ | eeng hahn dzuh deein |
different | bu\ yi/ yang\ | buu ee yahng |
dime | mao/ | mou |
dinner | wan\/ fan\ | wahn fahn |
direction | fang xiang\ | fahng shee-ahng |
direction from one place to another | zai\ (place)de (direction)bian | zigh duh beein |
dismiss the class (to) | xia\ ke\ | sheeah kuh |
do (to) | zuo\ | zwaw |
do, won't; not OK | bu\ xing/ | buu sheeng |
doctor | yi sheng | ee shuung |
dollar, (measure for money) | kuai\ | kwie |
door | men/ | mun |
dot | dian\/ | deein |
drink (to) | he | huh |
drive (to) | kai | kigh |
duckling, crisp pepperskin | xiang su ya | shee-ahng suu yah |
dust | tu\/ | tuu |
E
| ||
each, every | mei\/ | may |
ear | er\/ duo | urh dwaw |
earth | tu\/ | tuu |
east | dong | doong |
east side | dong bian | doong beein |
eat (to) | chi | chr |
eat breakfast | chi zao\/ fan\ | chr zow fahn |
eat dinner | chi wan\/ fan\ | chr wahn fahn |
eat food, eat a meal (to) | chi fan\ | chr fahn |
eat lunch | chi wu\/ fan\ | chr wuu fahn |
eat or drink soup | he tang | huh tahng |
edge | bian | beein |
egg | ji dan\ | jee dahn |
embassy | da\ shi\/ guan\/ | dah shr gwahn |
engineer | gong cheng/ shi | goong chuung shr |
England | Ying guo/ | eeng gwaw |
English language, literature | Ying wen/ | eeng wun |
English people | Ying guo/ ren/ | eeng gwaw wren |
entirely | dou | doe |
entrance | kou\/ | koe |
envelope | xin\ feng | sheen fuung |
eraser for blackboard | ban\/ ca | bahn tsah |
eraser for paper | xiang\ pi/ ca | sheeahng pee tsah |
Europe | Ou zhou | oh joe |
evening 6 pm to 11 pm | wan\/ shang\ | wahn shahng |
exactly at the right moment | zheng\ hao\/ | juung how |
Excuse me. I'm sorry. | Dui\ bu\ qi\/. | dway buu tchee |
expensive | gui\ | gway |
eye | mu\ | muu |
eyebrow | mei/ mao/ | may mou |
eyeglasses | yan\/ jing\ | yahn jeeng |
eye | yan\/ jing | yahn jeeng |
F
| ||
face | lian\/ | leein |
family | jia ren/ | jeeah wren |
fast | kuai\ | kwie |
father | ba\ ba | bah bah |
feather | mao/ | mou |
February | er\ yue\ | urh yueh |
feet | jiao\/ | jeeow |
female | nu\/ | nuu |
few | shao\/ | shou |
field, farmland | tian/ | teein |
finger | shou\/ zhi\/ | show jr |
fire | huo\/ | hwaw |
first | xian | sheein |
first and then | xian zai\ | sheein zigh |
fish | yu/ | yuu |
fish, assorted cold | pin pan/ | peen pahn |
flat | zhang | jahng |
flour | mian\ fen\/ | meein fin |
flower | hua | hwah |
follow me | gen wo\/ lai/ | gun waw lie |
food | fan\ | fahn |
force | li\ | lee |
foreign country | wai\ guo/ | wigh gwaw |
forest | lin/ | leen |
forget (to) | wang\ (ji\) | wahng jee |
forgot | wang\ le | wahng luh |
fork | cha zi | chah dzuh |
form (to), compose, constitute | zu\/ cheng/ | zuu chuung |
foundation | ben\/ | bin |
France | Fa\ guo/ | fah gwaw |
free (not have cost) | bu/ yao\ qian/ | buu yow tcheein |
French people | Fa\ guo/ ren/ | fah gwaw wren |
Friday | xing qi/ wu\/ (li\/ bai\ wu\/) | sheeng tchee wuu |
friend | peng/ you\/ | puung yoe |
from | cong/ | tsoong |
front | qian/ | tcheein |
front of edge, in | qian/ bian | tcheeah beein |
front of edge, in | zai\ qian/ bian | zigh tcheeah beein |
front of surface, in | qian/ mian\ | tcheeah meein |
front of surface, in | zai\ qian/ mian\ | zigh tcheeah meein |
front of, in | qian/ tou | tcheeah toe |
front of, in | zai\ qian/ tou | zigh tcheeah toe |
fruit | shui\/ guo\/ | shway gwaw |
fruit juice | guo\/ zhi | gwaw jr |
fun, have (to) | wan/ | wahn |
fur | mao/ | mou |
G
| ||
garlic | suan\ | swahn |
gate | men/ | mun |
gate, main | da\ men/ | dah mun |
German people | De/ guo/ ren/ | duh gwaw wren |
Germany | De/ guo/ | duh gwaw |
get on (to) | shang\ | shahng |
get up from bed | qi\/ chuang/ | tchee chwahng |
gift | li\/ wu\ | lee wuu |
give a gift (to) | song\ | soong |
ginger | jiang | jeeahng |
girl | nu\/ hai/ (zi) | nuu high dzuh |
girl, young lady | xiao\/ jie\/ | sheeow jeeeh |
girlfriend | nu\/ peng/ you\/ | nuu puung yoe |
give (to) | gei\/ | gay |
gloves | shou\/ tao\ | show tou |
glue | jiao shui\/ | jeeow shway |
go (to) | zou\/ | zoe |
go from | cong/ qu\ | tsoong tchu |
go out (to) | chu qu | chuu tchu |
go out of town on business (to) | chu chai | chuu chigh |
go play, go out and have fun (to) | qu\ wan/ | tchu wahn |
go to (place) | dao\ (place) qu\ | dow tchu |
go to (to) | dao\ | dow |
go to class (to) | shang\ ke\ | shahng kuh |
go to work (to) | shang\ ban | shahng bahn |
go up (to) | shang\ | shahng |
go, go there (to) | qu\ | tchuu |
Good bye. (again see) | Zai\ jian\. | zigh jeein |
good morning | zao\/ | zow |
good, not | bu\ hao\/ | buu how |
good, well, fine, OK | hao\/ | how |
goodlooking (to be) | hao\/ kan\ | how kahn |
grapefruit | pu/ tou/ you\ | puu toe yoe |
grapes | pu/ tao/ | puu tou |
great | tai\ bang\ le | tie bahng luh |
green color | lu\ se\ | luu suh |
grow | zhang\/ | jahng |
H
| ||
hair | tou/ fa\/ | toe fah |
hair, body | mao/ | mou |
half | ban\ | bahn |
half an hour of time | ban\ ge zhong tou/ | bahn guh joong toe |
half past hour | dian\/ ban\ | deein bahn |
half past | (number) dian\/ ban\ (zhong) | deein bahn joong |
hand | shou\/ | show |
handicraft | shou\/ gong | show goong |
handle (to) | ban\ | bahn |
happy (to be) | gao xing\ | gow sheeng |
hat, cap | mao\ zi\/ | mou dzuh |
have (to) | you\/ | yoe |
have, don't (negates completed action) | mei/ you\/ | may yoe |
have, still | hai/ you\/ | high yoe |
have, still don't | hai/ mei/ you\/ | high may yoe |
Haven't seen you for a long time. (good long time no see) | Hao/ jiu\/ bu/ jian\. | how jeo buu jeein |
he, him, she, her, it | ta | tah |
head | tou/ | toe |
healthy (for people) | shen ti\/ hao\/ | shuun tee how |
heart | xin | sheen |
hello (to answer phone) | wei\ | way |
here | zher\ | jurh |
here | zhe\ li\/ | juh lee |
high | gao | gow |
himself, herself | ta zi\ ji\/ | tah dzuh jee |
his, hers, its | ta de | tah duh |
hit | da\/ | dah |
hit (someone), spank | da\/ ren/ | dah wren |
home | jia | jeeah |
homeland | guo/ jia | gwaw jeeah |
Hong Kong | Xiang gang\/ | sheeahng gahng |
hope, wish (to) | xi wang\ | she wahng |
horn | jiao\/ | jeeow |
horse | ma\/ | mah |
horsecart | ma\/ che | mah chuh |
hospital | yi yuan\ | ee ywen |
hot | re\ | ruh |
hot, too | tai\ re\ | tie ruh |
hour | dian\/ (zhong) | deein joong |
(number) hour (number) quarter | (number) dian\/ (number) ke\ | deein kuh |
hour of time | xiao\/ shi/ | sheeow shr |
hour of time | zhong tou/ | joong toe |
house | fang/ zi | fahng dzuh |
How about you? | Ni\/ ne? | nee nuh |
How about ? (question particle; used at end of sentence) | ne | nuh |
How about ?, How's everything? | Zen\/ me yang\? | zen muh yahng |
how do you go, get there | zen\/ ma zou\/ | zen mah zoe |
how many (less than ten) | ji\/ | jee |
how many people? | ji\/ wei\ | jee way |
how many things? | ji\/ ge\ | jee guh |
how many? | duo shao | dwaw shou |
how many? (quantity) | duo shao\/ hao\ | dwaw shou how |
how much money? | duo shao\/ qian/ | dwaw shou tcheein |
how much? | duo shao | dwaw shou |
Hunan province (lake south) | Hu/ nan/ | huu nahn |
Hupeh province (lake north) | Hu/ bei\/ | huu bay |
I
| ||
I don't know. | Wo\/ bu\ zhi dao\. | waw buu jr dow |
I, me | wo\/ | waw |
if | yao\ shi\ | yow shr |
in | zai\ | zigh |
in all | yi/ gong\ | ee goong |
incorrect | bu/ dui\ | buu dway |
incorrect | cuo\ | tswaw |
indeed | jiu\ | jeo |
India | Yin\ du\ | een duu |
Indian people | Yin\ du\ ren/ | een duu wren |
ink | mo\ shui\/ | mwoh shway |
ink stick | mo\ | mwoh |
ink stone | yan\ tai/ | yahn tie |
inquire (to) | wen\ | wun |
inside | li\/ | lee |
inside | li\/ tou | lee toe |
inside | zai\ li\/ tou | zigh lee toe |
inside edge | li\/ bian | lee beein |
inside edge | zai\ li\/ bian | zigh lee beein |
inside surface | li\/ mian\ | lee meein |
inside surface | zai\ li\/ mian\ | zigh lee meein |
intelligent | cong ming | tsoong meeng |
introduce (to) | jie\ shao\ | jeeeh shou |
invite (to) | qing\/ | tcheeng |
Is it all right? | Ke\/ yi\/ ma? | kuh ee mah |
Is that true? | Zhen de ma? | jun duh mah |
Italian people | Yi\ da\ li\ ren/ | ee dah lee wren |
Italy | Yi\ da\ li\ | ee dah lee |
J
| ||
January | yi yue\ | ee yueh |
Japan | Ri\ ben\/ | rr bin |
Japanese language, literature | Ri\ wen/ | rr wun |
Japanese people | Ri\ ben\/ ren/ | rr bin wren |
job | gong zuo\ | goong zwaw |
juice | zhi | jr |
July | qi yue\ | tchee yueh |
June | liu\ yue\ | leo yueh |
just | zhi\/ shi\ | jr shr |
just in the midst of doing something (used before a verb to form a progressive) |
zheng\ zai\ | juung zigh |
K
| ||
ketchup | fan qie/ jiang\ | fahn tcheeeh jeeahng |
king | wang/ | wahng |
knee | xi gai\ | she guy |
knife | dao | dow |
knife | dao zi | dow dzuh |
know how (to) | hui\ | hway |
know someone (to) | ren\ shi\ | wren shr |
know that , know a fact (to) | zhi dao\ | jr dow |
Korea | Chao/ xian | chow sheein |
Korea | Han/ guo/ | hahn gwaw |
Korean people | Chao/ xian ren/ | chow sheeinn wren |
Korean people | Han/ guo/ ren/ | hahn gwaw wren |
L
| ||
labor | gong | goong |
lake | hu/ | huu |
language | wen/ | wun |
language (used after country name) | hua\ | hwah |
large | da\ | dah |
late (to be) | wan\/ | wahn |
late, too | tai\ wan\/ | tie wahn |
lately | zui\ jin\ | zway jeen |
lawyer | lu\ shi | luu shr |
learn, study (to) | xue/ | shueh |
leather | pi/ | pee |
leave (to) | liu/ xia\ | leo shee-ah |
leave (to) | zou\/ | zoe |
left (in direction) | zuo\/ | zwaw |
left side, at the | zai\ zuo\/ bian | zigh zwaw beein |
left side, at the | zuo\/ bian | zwaw beein |
leg | tui\/ | tway |
lemon | ning/ meng/ | neeng muung |
lend (to) | jie\ gei\/ | jee-eh gay |
lesson (number) | di\ (number) ke\ | dee (number) kuh |
let's go | zou\/ ba | zoe bah |
letter (as in mail) | xin\ | sheen |
like (to) | xi\/ huan | she hwahn |
like, don't | bu\ xi\/ huan | buu she hwahn |
literature | wen/ | wun |
little | shao\/ | shou |
little bit, a | yi\ dian\/ | ee deein |
long | chang/ | chahng |
look (to) | kan\ | kahn |
look at, take a | kan\ kan\ | kahn kahn |
look for (to) | zhao\/ | jow |
lost, become (to) | mi/ lu\ | me luu |
love (to) | ai\ | eye |
lovely | ke\/ ai\ | kuh eye |
lump | kuai\ | kwie |
lunch | wu\/ fan\ | wuu fahn |
M
| ||
make (to) | zuo\ | zwaw |
make sentence (to) | zuo\ ju\ zi | zwaw juu dzuh |
man | ren/ | wren |
manage (to) | ban\ | bahn |
Manchuria (east north) | Dong bei\/ | doong bay |
many | duo | dwaw |
map | di\ tu/ | dee tuu |
March | san yue\ | sahn yueh |
married (to be) | jie/ hun | jeeeh hwun |
may | ke\/ yi\/ | kuh ee |
May | wu\/ yue\ | wuu yueh |
May I ask? | Qing\/ wen\ | tcheeng wun |
means | fang fa\/ | fahng fah |
meet (people) | jian\ | jeein |
meeting, attend a (to) | kai hui\ | kigh hway |
menu | can\ dang | tsahn dahng |
merely | jiu\ | jeo |
method | fang fa\/ | fahng fah |
Mexican people | Mo\ xi ge ren/ | mwoh she guh wren |
Mexico | Mo\ xi ge | mwoh she guh |
middle | zhong | joong |
milk | nai\/ | nigh |
milk, cow's | niu/ nai\/ | neo nigh |
minutes | fen (zhong) | fin joong |
mirror | jing\ zi | jeeng dzuh |
Miss, store assistant | xiao\/ jie\/ | sheeow jeeeh |
Mister, sir, husband, gentleman | xian sheng | sheein shuung |
moment/little while, in a | yi/ xia\ | ee sheeah |
moment/little while, in a | yi hui\/ er | ee hway urh |
Monday | xing qi/ yi (li\/ bai\ yi) | sheeng tchee ee |
money | qian/ | tcheein |
month | yue\ | yueh |
month, last | shang\ ge yue\ | shahng guh yueh |
month, next | xia\ ge yue\ | sheeah guh yueh |
month, this | zhei\ ge yue\ | jay guh yueh |
month, two ago | shang\ shang\ ge yue\ | shahng shahng guh yueh |
month, two from now | xia\ xia\ ge yue\ | sheeah sheeah guh yueh |
moon | yue\ | yueh |
moon | yue\ liang\ | yueh leeahng |
more | hai/ | high |
morning 6 am to 9 am | zao\/ chen/ | zow chun |
morning, early 3am to 6 am | qing chen/ | tcheeng chun |
most | zui\ | zway |
mother | ma ma | mah mah |
mountain, hill | shan | shahn |
mountain, on the | shan shang\ | shahn shahng |
mouth | kou\/ | koe |
mouth | zui\/ ba | zway bah |
movie | dian\ ying\/ | deein eeng |
much | duo | dwaw |
mustard, ground | jie\ mo | jeeeh mwoh |
my, mine | wo\/ de | waw duh |
myself | wo\/ zi\ ji\/ | waw dzuh jee |
N
| ||
name, first | ming/ zi\ | meeng dzuh |
name, last | xing\ | sheeng |
named (to be) | xing\ | sheeng |
napkin | can jin zhi\/ | tsahn jeen jr |
narrow | zhai\/ | jigh |
nation | guo/ | gwaw |
neck | bo/ zi\/ | bwoh dzuh |
necktie | da\/ ling\/ dai\ | dah leeng die |
nephew | zhi/ er/ | jr urh |
new | xin | sheen |
niece | zhi/ nu\/ | jr nuu |
night 11 pm to 3 am | ye\ li\/ | yeh lee |
no matter (choice between two things) | bu/ lun\ dou (hao\/) | buu lwun doe (how) |
No thanks. | Bu/ xie\. | buu sheeh |
no, not | bu\ | buu |
noodles | mian\ | meein |
noon time 11 am to 1 pm | zhong wu\/ | joong wuu |
noon, before 9 am to 11 am | shang\ wu\/ | shahng wuu |
north | bei\/ | bay |
North America | Bei\/ mei\/ zhou | bay may joe |
north side | bei\/ bian | bay beein |
nose | bi/ zi\/ | bee dzuh |
not, not yet | mei/ | may |
not bad, so-so | bu/ cuo\ | buu tswaw |
not both | bu\ dou | buu doe |
not very, not too | bu/ tai\ | buu tie |
notebook | ben\/ zi\/ | ben dzuh |
notebook | bi\/ ji\ ben\/ | bee jee ben |
November | shi/ yi yue\ | shr ee yueh |
now | xian\ zai\ | sheein zigh |
Now what time (is it)? | Xian\ zai\ shi\ shen/ma shi/ hou\? | sheein zigh shr shuun mah shr hoe |
number | hao\ ma\/ | how mah |
nurse | hu\ shi\ | huu shr |
O
| ||
o'clock | dian\/ (zhong) | deein joong |
occupy | zai\ | zigh |
ocean | hai\/ | high |
ocean | (hai\/) yang/ | high yahng |
ocean, big | da\ hai\/ | dah high |
October | shi/ yue\ | shr yueh |
office | ban\ gong shi\ | bahn goong shr |
office (for lawyer, accountant) | shi\ wu\ suo\/ | shr wuu swaw |
office, go to (to) | shang\ ban | shahng bahn |
often | chang/ (chang/) | chahng chahng |
OK | xing/ | sheeng |
OK? | Hao\/ ma? | how mah |
old | jiu\ | jeo |
on | zai\ | zigh |
on duty, go (to) | shang\ ban | shahng bahn |
one month | yi ge yue\ | ee guh yueh |
one of (used with verb to be) | yi ge | ee guh |
onion, green | cong | tsoong |
only | jiu\ | jeo |
only | zhi\/ shi\ | jr shr |
open (to) | kai | kigh |
opening | kou\/ | koe |
or | huo\ shi\ | hwaw shr |
or (still is) | hai/ shi | high shr |
orange (color) | ju/ se\ | juu suh |
orange (fruit) | liu\/ ding | leo deeng |
Orange County | cheng/ xian\ | chuung sheein |
orange juice | liu\/ ding zhi | leo deeng jr |
order food (to) | dian\/ cai\ | dee-in tsigh |
origin | ben\/ | bin |
ours | wo\/ men/ de | waw mun duh |
outside | wai\ | wigh |
outside | wai\ tou | wigh toe |
outside | zai\ wai\ tou | zigh wigh toe |
outside edge | wai\ bian | wigh beein |
outside edge | zai\ wai\ bian | zigh wigh beein |
outside surface | wai\ mian\ | wigh meein |
outside surface | zai\ wai\ mian\ | zigh wigh meein |
ox | niu/ | neo |
P
| ||
pair | yi\ shuang | ee shwahng |
pair, a | liang\/ | leeahng |
pants | ku\ zi\/ | kuu dzuh |
pants, long | chang/ ku\ | chahng kuu |
pants, short | duan\/ ku\ | dwahn kuu |
paper | zhi\/ | jr |
paper, white | bai/ zhi\/ | buy jr |
park | gong yuan/ | goong ywen |
part | fen | fin |
pass, exceed, crossover (to) | guo\ | gwaw |
passport | hu\ zhao\ | huu jow |
pay money to (to) | fu\ qian/ | fuu tcheein |
peach | tao/ zi\/ | tou dzuh |
pen, ballpoint | yuan/ zi\/ bi\/ | ywen dzuh bee |
pen, fountain | gang bi\/ | gahng bee |
pen, pencil, marker | bi\/ | bee |
pencil | qian bi\/ | tcheein bee |
people | ren/ | wren |
pepper | hu/ jiao fen\/ | huu jeeow fin |
permission | ke\/ yi\/ | kuh ee |
person | ren/ | wren |
piece | kuai\ | kwie |
pink color | fen\/ hong/ se\ | fin hoong suh |
place | di\ fang | dee fahng |
plan to (to) | xiang\/ | sheeahng |
plastic bag (Taiwan) | su\ jiao dai\ | suu jeeow die |
plastic bag (China) | su\ liao\ dai\ | suu leeow die |
plate | pan/ zi | pahn dzuh |
play ball | da\/ qiu/ | dah tcheo |
play, (to) | wan/ | wahn |
please | qing\/ | tcheeng |
policeman | jing\/ cha/ | jeeng chah |
potato | ma\/ ling/ shu\/ | mah leeng shuu |
power | li\ | lee |
precisely | jiu\ | jeo |
present | li\/ wu\ | lee wuu |
pretty | piao\ liang\ | peeow leeahng |
problem | wen\ ti/ | wun tee |
problem, no | mei/ you\/ wen\ ti/ | may yoe wun tee |
purple color | zi\/ se\ | dzuh suh |
purse | pi/ bao | pee bow |
put on accessories (to) | dai\ | die |
Q
| ||
quarter hour, first | yi/ ke\ (zhong) | ee kuh joong |
quarter hour, third | san ke\ (zhong) | sahn kuh joong |
question | wen\ ti/ | wun tee |
question, no | mei/ you\/ wen\ ti/ | may yoe wun tee |
quick | kuai\ | kwie |
R
| ||
rain | xia\ yu\/ | sheeah yuu |
rather, really | hen\/ | hin |
read books | kan\ shu | kahn shuu |
real, is | zhen de | jun duh |
really | zhen | jun |
really is | zhen shi\ | jun shr |
rear | hou\ | hoe |
recently | jin\ lai/ | jeen lie |
recently | zui\ jin\ | zway jeen |
rectangle | chang/ fang xing/ | chahng fahng sheeng |
red | hong/ | hoong |
red color | hong/ se\ | hoong suh |
region | bu\ | buu |
remember now | xiang\/ qi\/ lai/ le | sheeahng tchee lie luh |
rent (to) | zu | zuu |
request (to) | qing\/ | tcheeng |
reservation, make a (to) | ding\ wei\ | deeng way |
rest (to) | xiu xi | sheo she |
restaurant | can ting | tsahn teeng |
restaurant | fan\ guan\/ | fahn gwahn |
return, come back (to) | hui/ lai/ | hway lie |
return from work (to) | xia\ ban | sheeah bahn |
return home (to) | hui/ jia | hway jeeah |
rice plant | dao\ zi\/ | dow dzuh |
rice, cooked | fan\ | fahn |
rice, cooked | mi\/ fan\ | me fahn |
rice, fried | chao\/ fan\ | chow fahn |
rice, uncooked | mi\/ | me |
ricksha | ren/ li\ che | wren lee chuh |
ride astride (to) | qi/ | tchee |
right (in direction) | you\ | yoe |
right side, at the | you\ bian | yoe beein |
right side, at the | zai\ you\ bian | zigh yoe beein |
road | lu\ | luu |
room | wu zi | wuu dzuh |
root | ben\/ | bin |
ruler | chi\/ | chr |
Russia | E\ guo/ | uh gwaw |
Russia | Su lian/ | suu leein |
Russian people | E\ guo/ ren/ | uh gwaw wren |
Russian people | Su lian/ ren/ | suu leein wren |
S
| ||
sailboat | fan/ chuan/ | fahn chwahn |
salad | sha la | shah lah |
salt | yan/ | yahn |
same | yi/ yang\ | ee yahng |
Saturday | xing qi/ liu\ (li\/ bai\ liu\) | sheeng tchee leo |
say (to) | shuo | shwaw |
scarf | wei/ jin | way jeen |
seasons, four (of the year) | si\ ji\ | suh jee |
seconds | miao\/ (zhong) | meeow joong |
secretary | mi\ shu | me shuu |
see (people) | jian\ | jeein |
See you again. (again see) | Zai\ jian\. | zigh jeein |
See you tomorrow. | Ming/ tian jian\. | meeng teein jeein |
seek (to) | zhao\/ | jow |
self | zi\ ji\/ | dzuh jee |
sell (to) | mai\ | my! |
September | jiu\/ yue\ | jeo yueh |
Shansi province (mountains west) | Shan xi | shahn she |
Shantung province (mountains east) | Shan dong | shahn doong |
shape | xing/ | sheeng |
ship, boat | chuan/ | chwahn |
shirt, blouse | chen\ shan | chun shahn |
shoes | xie/ zi\/ | sheeh dzuh |
shoes, leather | pi/ xie/ | pee sheeh |
short (for people) | ai\/ | eye |
short (length, for things) | duan\/ | dwahn |
should, ought to | ying gai | eeng guy |
side | bian | beein |
sister, older | jie\/ jie | jeeeh jeeeh |
sister, younger | mei\ mei | may may |
sit (to) | zuo\ | zwaw |
skirt | qun/ zi\/ | tchwun dzuh |
sky | tian | teein |
sleep (to) | shui\ jiao\ | shway jeeow |
slower, be | man\ yi\ dian\/ | mahn ee deein |
small | xiao\/ | sheeow |
smart | piao\ liang | peeow leeahng |
snack (before bed) | xiao ye\ | sheeow yeh |
snack (street stand) | xiao\/ chi | sheeow chr |
snack, dim sum | dian\/ xin | deein sheen |
snow | xia\ xue\/ | sheeah shueh |
so | suo\/ yi\/ | swaw ee |
soso | ma\/ ma\/ hu hu | mah mah huu huu |
socks | wa\ zi\/ | wah dzuh |
soda | qi\ shui\/ | tchee shway |
soil | tu\/ | tuu |
son | er/ zi | urh dzuh |
son | zi\/ | dzuh |
south | nan/ | nahn |
South America | Nan/ mei\/ zhou | nahn may joe |
south side | nan/ bian | nahn beein |
Spain | Xi ban ya/ | she bahn yah |
Spanish people | Xi ban ya/ ren/ | she bahn yah wren |
speak | jiang\/ (shuo) | jeeahng shwaw |
speak (to) | shuo | shwaw |
speech | hua\ | hwah |
speech | yan/ | yahn |
spinach | bo cai\ | bwoh tsigh |
spoon | tang chi/ | tahng chr |
spring season | chun tian | chwun teein |
square | fang xing/ | fahng sheeng |
stamp, postage | you/ piao\ | yoe peeow |
stapler | ding\ shu ji | deeng shuu jee |
state (political area) | zhou | joe |
stewardess | kong zhong xiao\/ jie\/ | koong joong shee-ow jee-eh |
still | hai/ | high |
still not yet (verb) | hai/ mei/ (verb) ne | high may nuh |
stranger, wayfarer | lu\ ren/ | luu wren |
straw | xi guan\/ | she gwahn |
street | jie | jeeeh |
strength | li\ | lee |
student, pupil | xue/ sheng | shueh shuung |
sugar, candy | tang/ | tahng |
suit | xi zhuang | she jwahng |
summer season | xia\ tian | sheeah teein |
sun | ri\ | rr |
sun | tai\ yang/ | tie yahng |
Sun Yatsen (middle mountain) | Zhong shan | joong shahn |
Sunday | xing qi/ tian (li\/ bai\ tian) | sheeng tchee teein |
surface | mian\ | meein |
sweater | mao/ yi | mou ee |
swim (to) | you/ yong\/ | yoe yoong |
T
| ||
take a nap (to) | shui\ wu\/ jiao\ | shway wuu jeeow |
take care of (to) | zhao\ gu\ | jow guu |
talk (to) | shuo | shwaw |
tall | gao | gow |
tea | cha/ | chah |
teacher | lao\/ shi | lou shr |
teeth | ya/ chi\/ | yah chr |
telephone | dian\ hua\ | dee-in hwah |
telephone call, make a (to) | da\/ dian\ hua\ | dah deein hwah |
tell (to) | gao\ su\ | gow suu |
thank you | xie\ xie | she sheeh |
that | na\ | nah |
that | nei\ | nay |
their | ta men/ de | tah mun duh |
there | nar\ | nahr |
there | na\ li\/ | nah lee |
therefore | suo\/ yi\/ | swaw ee |
these | zhe\ xie | juh sheeeh |
they, them | ta men/ | tah mun |
thigh | da\ tui\/ | dah tway |
thing | dong xi | doong |
think of (to) | xiang\/ | sheeahng |
this | zhei\ | jay |
this | zhe\ | juh |
this one | zhe\ ge | juh guh |
Thursday | xing qi/ si\ (li\/ bai\ si\) | sheeng tchee suh |
tie | ling\/ dai\ | leeng die |
time (number hour: number minutes) | (number) dian\/ (number) fen | deein fin |
time (by clock or calendar) | shi/ hou | shr hoe |
time, leisure | gong fu | goong fuu |
time, next | xia\ ci\ | sheeah tsu |
tired (to be) | lei\ | lay |
to (go) | shang\ | shahng |
to go (food; means sell outside) | wai\ mai\ | wigh my |
today | jin tian | jeen teein |
together | yi\ qi\/ | ee tchee |
tomato | fan qie/ | fahn tcheeeh |
too | tai\ | tie |
too | ye\/ | yeh |
toothpick | ya/ qian | yah tcheein |
top | shang\ | shahng |
toward | wang\/ | wahng |
traffic lights | hong/ lu\ deng | hoong luu duung |
train | huo\/ che | hwaw chuh |
train station | huo\/ che zhan\ | hwaw chuh jahn |
travel (to) | lu\/ xing/ | luu sheeng |
tree | mu\ | muu |
tree | shu\ | shuu |
tree leaf | shu\ ye\ (zi) | shuu yeh dzuh |
triangle | san jiao\/ xing/ | sahn jeeow sheeng |
true, is | zhen de | jun duh |
true, is not | bu/ shi\ zhen de | buu shr jun duh |
Tuesday | xing qi/ er\ (li\/ bai\ er\) | sheeng tchee urh |
turn on (to) | kai | kigh |
turn over (to) | fan\/ | fahn |
turn right | you\ zhuan\/ | yoe jwahn |
two of | liang\/ | leeahng |
two of (measure) | liang\/ ge\ | leeahng guh |
U
| ||
understand (to) | dong\/ | doong |
underwear | nei\ yi ku\ | nay ee kuu |
United States | Mei\/ guo/ | may gwaw |
use (to) | yong\ | yoong |
used | jiu\ | jeo |
V
| ||
vegetable | qing cai\ | tcheeng tsigh |
vegetable | shu cai\ | shuu tsigh |
vegetable dish | su\ cai\ | suu tsigh |
vegetables, stirfry | chao\/ qing cai\ | chow tcheeng tsigh |
vehicle | che | chuh |
vehicle | qi\ che | tchee chuh |
vehicle, electric; trolley bus | dian\ che | deein chuh |
very | hen\/ | hin |
very many | hen\/ duo | hin dwaw |
videotape | lu\ ying\/ dai\ | luu eeng die |
Viet Nam | Yue\ nan/ | yueh nahn |
Vietnamese people | Yue\ nan/ ren/ | yueh nahn wren |
visa | qian zheng\ | tcheein juung |
visit (to) | zhao\/ | jow |
vocabulary | sheng zi\ | shuung dzuh |
volume (of books) | ben\/ | bin |
W
| ||
wait (to) | deng\/ | duung |
waiter | fu/ wu\ sheng | fuu wuu shuung |
wallet, leather | pi/ jia/ zi\/ | pee jeeah dzuh |
want (to) | yao\ | yow |
want, don't | bu/ yao\ | buu yow |
want, still | hai/ yao\ | high yow |
warm | nuan\/ huo/ | nwahn hwaw |
watch | shou\/ biao\/ | show beeow |
water | shui\/ | shway |
watermelon | xi gua | she gwah |
way | fang fa\/ | fahng fah |
we, us | wo\/ men/ | waw mun |
wear clothes (to) | chuan | chwahn |
weather | tian qi\ | teein tchee |
Wednesday | xing qi/ san (li\/ bai\ san) | sheeng tchee sahn |
week | li\/ bai\ (xing qi/) | lee buy |
week | xing qi/ (li\/ bai\) | sheeng tchee |
week, last | shang\ ge xing qi/ (li\/ bai\) | shahng guh sheeng tchee / lee buy |
week, next | xia\ ge xing qi/ (li\/ bai\) | sheeah guh sheeng tchee / lee buy |
week, this | zhei\ ge xing qi/ (li\/ bai\) | jay guh sheeng tchee / lee buy |
week, two ago | shang\ shang\ ge xing qi/ (li\/ bai\) | shahng shahng guh sheeng tchee / lee buy |
week, two from now | xia\ xia\ ge xing qi/ (li\/ bai\) | sheeah sheeah guh sheeng tchee / lee buy |
west | xi | she |
west side | xi bian | she beein |
What is your name? | Gui\ xing\? | gway sheeng |
What time (is it)? | Ji\/ dian\/ zhong? | jee deein joong |
what? | na\/ | nah |
what? | nei\/ | nay |
what? | shen/ me | shuun muh |
what? | shen/ mo | shuunmwoh |
when? | shen/ me shi/ hou\ | shuun muh shr hoe |
where? | na\/ li\/ | nah lee |
where? | nar\/ | nahr |
which | na\/ | nah |
which | nei\/ | nay |
which (plural) | na\/ xie | nah sheeeh |
which one | na\/ ge | nah guh |
white | bai/ | buy |
who | shei/ | shay |
whose | shei/ de | shay duh |
why (used at beginning of sentence) | wei\ shenme/ | way shuun mah |
wide | kuan | kwahn |
wife, Mrs. | tai\ tai | tie tie |
willing to | yuan\ yi\ | ywen ee |
wind blow | gua feng | gwah fuung |
window | chuang hu\ | chwahng huu |
winter season | dong tian | doong teein |
wipe (to) | ca | tsah |
with, follow | gen | gun |
woman | nu\/ ren/ | nuu wren |
woman, career | zhi/ ye\ fu\ nu\/ | jr yeh fuu nuu |
wood | mu\ | muu |
word | yan/ | yahn |
work | gong | goong |
work | gong zuo\ | goong zwaw |
work, do (to) | zuo\ gong zuo\ | zwaw goong zwaw |
work, have a job; handle affairs (to) | zuo\ shi\ | zwaw shr |
worker | gong ren/ | goong wren |
write (to) | xie\/ | sheeh |
writing | wen/ | wun |
wrong | bu/ dui\ | buu dway |
wrong | cuo\ | tswaw |
Y
| ||
year | nian/ | neein |
year, last | qu\ nian/ | tchuu neein |
year, next | ming/ nian/ | meeng neein |
year, this | jin nian/ | jeen neein |
year, two ago | qian/ nian/ | tcheein neein |
year, two from now | hou\ nian/ | hoe neein |
yellow color | huang/ se\ | hwahng suh |
yes | shi\ a! | shr ah |
yes (in response to are you ?) | shi\ | shr |
you (plural) | ni\/ men/ | nee mun |
you (polite) | nin/ | neen |
you (singular) | ni\/ | nee |
You dialed the wrong number. | Ni\/ da\/ zuo\ le. | Nee dah zwaw luh |
You're welcome. | Bu/ ke\ qi\. | buu kuh tchee |
your (plural) | ni\/ men/ de | nee mun duh |
your (singular) | ni\/ de | nee duh |
yourself | ni\/ zi\ ji\/ | nee dzuh jee |
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Copyright © 1997-2012 John Nicholson. All rights reserved. This website may not be reproduced in whole or in part, in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without express written permission of John Nicholson. |