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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– | tchee–in |
| 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\ | tchee–in 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\ | tchee–in 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– | jee–ahng |
| (measure for book) | ben\/ | ben |
| (measure for buildings) | suo\/ | swaw |
| (measure for clothes) | jian\ | jee–in |
| (measure for flat objects) | zhang– | jahng |
| (measure for long slender objects) | zhi– | jr |
| (measure for long, narrow objects; roads) | tiao/ | tee–ow |
| (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 bee–in |
| above edge | zai\ … shang\ bian– | zigh … shahng bee–in |
| above surface | shang\ mian\ | shahng mee–in |
| above surface | zai\ … shang\ mian\ | zigh … shahng mee–in |
| 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\/ | shee–ah wuu |
| again (past) | you\ | yoe |
| air, cold | leng\/ qi\ | luung tchee |
| airplane | fei– ji– | fay jee |
| airplane ticket | fei– ji– piao\ | fay jee pee–ow |
| 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 yu–eh |
| arm | ge– bei | guh bay |
| arm | ge– bo | guh bwoh |
| arrive, then | jiu\ dao\ le | jeo dow luh |
| as same as | xiang\ … yi/ yang\ | shee–ahng … 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 yu–eh |
| automobile | che– zi | chuh dzuh |
| autumn, fall season | qiu– tian– | tcheo tee–in |
| B
| ||
| back of edge, in | hou\ bian– | hoe bee–in |
| back of edge, in; rear | zai\ … hou\ bian– | zigh … hoe bee–in |
| back of surface, in | hou\ mian\ | hoe mee–in |
| back of surface, in; rear | zai\ … hou\ mian\ | zigh … hoe mee–in |
| back of, in | hou\ tou | hoe toe |
| back of, in; rear | zai\ … hou\ tou | zigh … hoe toe |
| banana | xiang– jiao– | shee–ahng jee–ow |
| 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 bee–in |
| beancurd | dou\ fu\/ | doe fuu |
| beautiful | mei\/ | may |
| beef with oyster sauce | hao/ you/ niu/ rou\ | how yoe neo roe |
| before | yi\/ qian/ | ee tchee–in |
| behind | hou\ mian\ | hoe mee–in |
| below | xia\ | shee–ah |
| below edge | xia\ bian– | shee–ah bee–in |
| below edge | zai\ … xia\ bian– | zigh … shee–ah bee–in |
| below surface | xia\ mian\ | shee–ah mee–in |
| below surface | zai\ … xia\ mian\ | zigh … shee–ah mee–in |
| below, lower part | xia\ tou | shee–ah toe |
| below, lower part | zai\ … xia\ tou | zigh … shee–ah toe |
| belt, leather | pi/ dai\ | pee die |
| between in | zhong– jian– | joong jee–in |
| between in, middle | zai\ … han\ …de zhong– jian– | zigh … hahn duh joong jee–in |
| bicycle | jiao\/ ta\ che– | jee–ow 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\ | shee–ah |
| 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– | mee–in bow |
| breakfast | zao\/ fan\ | zow fahn |
| bright | ming/ | meeng |
| bright, shining | liang\ | lee–ahng |
| 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\/ | shee–ow tway |
| called (to be) | jiao\ | jee–ow |
| 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 pee–in |
| 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 | pee–in ee |
| check (money) | zhi– piao\ | jr pee–ow |
| 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\ | tchee–ow kuh lee |
| chopsticks | kuai\ zi | kwie dzuh |
| circle | yuan/ xing/ | ywen sheeng |
| city | cheng/ | chuung |
| classmate | tong/ xue/ | toong shu-eh |
| classroom | jiao\ shi\ | jee–ow 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 jee–ow |
| computer (electric brain) | dian\ nao\/ | dee–in 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\ | lee–ahng kwie |
| copy (of a book) | ben\/ | bin |
| correct!, right! | dui\ | dway |
| correct!, right! | dui\ le | dway luh |
| country | guo/ | gwaw |
| couple, a | liang\/ | lee–ahng |
| 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\/ | shee–ow jee–eh |
| day | tian– | tee–in |
| day of the month | hao\ | how |
| day, after tomorrow | hou\ tian– | hoe tee–in |
| day, before yesterday | qian/ tian– | tchee–in tee–in |
| day, every | tian– tian– | tee–in tee–in |
| day, this | jin– tian– | jeen tee–in |
| day, tomorrow | ming/ tian– | meeng tee–in |
| day, yesterday | zuo/ tian– | zwaw tee–in |
| December | shi/ er\ yue\ | shr urh yu–eh |
| 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– | dee–in sheen |
| dessert (sweet) | tian/ dian\/ | tee–in dee–in |
| dialog | dui\ hua\ | dway hwah |
| dictionary | zi\ dian\/ | dzuh dee–in |
| dictionary, English–Chinese | ying– han\ zi\ dian\/ | eeng hahn dzuh dee–in |
| 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 …bee–in |
| dismiss the class (to) | xia\ ke\ | shee–ah 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\/ | dee–in |
| 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 bee–in |
| 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– | bee–in |
| 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– | shee–ahng 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\/ | lee–in |
| family | jia– ren/ | jee–ah wren |
| fast | kuai\ | kwie |
| father | ba\ ba | bah bah |
| feather | mao/ | mou |
| February | er\ yue\ | urh yu–eh |
| feet | jiao\/ | jee–ow |
| female | nu\/ | nuu |
| few | shao\/ | shou |
| field, farmland | tian/ | tee–in |
| finger | shou\/ zhi\/ | show jr |
| fire | huo\/ | hwaw |
| first | xian– | shee–in |
| first … and then | xian– … zai\ | shee–in … zigh |
| fish | yu/ | yuu |
| fish, assorted cold | pin– pan/ | peen pahn |
| flat | zhang– | jahng |
| flour | mian\ fen\/ | mee–in 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 tchee–in |
| 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/ | tchee–in |
| front of edge, in | qian/ bian– | tchee–ah bee–in |
| front of edge, in | zai\ … qian/ bian– | zigh … tchee–ah bee–in |
| front of surface, in | qian/ mian\ | tchee–ah mee–in |
| front of surface, in | zai\ … qian/ mian\ | zigh … tchee–ah mee–in |
| front of, in | qian/ tou | tchee–ah toe |
| front of, in | zai\ … qian/ tou | zigh … tchee–ah 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– | jee–ahng |
| girl | nu\/ hai/ (zi) | nuu high dzuh |
| girl, young lady | xiao\/ jie\/ | shee–ow jee–eh |
| girlfriend | nu\/ peng/ you\/ | nuu puung yoe |
| give (to) | gei\/ | gay |
| gloves | shou\/ tao\ | show tou |
| glue | jiao– shui\/ | jee–ow 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 jee–in |
| good morning | zao\/ | zow |
| good, not | bu\ hao\/ | buu how |
| good, well, fine, OK | hao\/ | how |
| good–looking (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\ | dee–in bahn |
| half past … | (number) dian\/ ban\ (zhong–) | dee–in 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 jee–in |
| 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– | jee–ah |
| homeland | guo/ jia– | gwaw jee–ah |
| Hong Kong | Xiang– gang\/ | shee–ahng gahng |
| hope, wish (to) | xi– wang\ | she wahng |
| horn | jiao\/ | jee–ow |
| 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–) | dee–in joong |
| (number) hour (number) quarter | (number) dian\/ (number) ke\ | dee–in …kuh |
| hour of time | xiao\/ shi/ | shee–ow 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 tchee–in |
| 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 bee–in |
| inside edge | zai\ … li\/ bian– | zigh … lee bee–in |
| inside surface | li\/ mian\ | lee mee–in |
| inside surface | zai\ … li\/ mian\ | zigh … lee mee–in |
| intelligent | cong– ming | tsoong meeng |
| introduce (to) | jie\ shao\ | jee–eh 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 yu–eh |
| 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 yu–eh |
| June | liu\ yue\ | leo yu–eh |
| 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 tchee–eh jee–ahng |
| 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 shee–in |
| Korea | Han/ guo/ | hahn gwaw |
| Korean people | Chao/ xian– ren/ | chow shee–inn 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/ | shu–eh |
| 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 bee–in |
| left side, at the | zuo\/ bian– | zwaw bee–in |
| 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 dee–in |
| 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 yu–eh |
| married (to be) | jie/ hun– | jee–eh hwun |
| may | ke\/ yi\/ | kuh ee |
| May | wu\/ yue\ | wuu yu–eh |
| May I ask? | Qing\/ wen\ | tcheeng wun |
| means | fang– fa\/ | fahng fah |
| meet (people) | jian\ | jee–in |
| 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\/ | shee–ow jee–eh |
| Mister, sir, husband, gentleman | xian– sheng– | shee–in shuung |
| moment/little while, in a | yi/ xia\ | ee shee–ah |
| moment/little while, in a | yi– hui\/ er | ee hway urh |
| Monday | xing– qi/ yi– (li\/ bai\ yi–) | sheeng tchee ee |
| money | qian/ | tchee–in |
| month | yue\ | yu–eh |
| month, last | shang\ ge yue\ | shahng guh yu–eh |
| month, next | xia\ ge yue\ | shee–ah guh yu–eh |
| month, this | zhei\ ge yue\ | jay guh yu–eh |
| month, two ago | shang\ shang\ ge yue\ | shahng shahng guh yu–eh |
| month, two from now | xia\ xia\ ge yue\ | shee–ah shee–ah guh yu–eh |
| moon | yue\ | yu–eh |
| moon | yue\ liang\ | yu–eh lee–ahng |
| 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\/ | dee–in eeng |
| much | duo– | dwaw |
| mustard, ground | jie\ mo | jee–eh 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 she–eh |
| no, not | bu\ | buu |
| noodles | mian\ | mee–in |
| 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 bee–in |
| 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 yu–eh |
| now | xian\ zai\ | shee–in zigh |
| Now what time (is it)? | Xian\ zai\ shi\ shen/ma shi/ hou\? | shee–in zigh shr shuun mah shr hoe |
| number | hao\ ma\/ | how mah |
| nurse | hu\ shi\ | huu shr |
| O
| ||
| o'clock | dian\/ (zhong–) | dee–in joong |
| occupy | zai\ | zigh |
| ocean | hai\/ | high |
| ocean | (hai\/) yang/ | high yahng |
| ocean, big | da\ hai\/ | dah high |
| October | shi/ yue\ | shr yu–eh |
| 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 yu–eh |
| 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 shee–in |
| 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 bee–in |
| outside edge | zai\ … wai\ bian– | zigh … wigh bee–in |
| outside surface | wai\ mian\ | wigh mee–in |
| outside surface | zai\ … wai\ mian\ | zigh … wigh mee–in |
| ox | niu/ | neo |
| P
| ||
| pair | yi\ shuang– | ee shwahng |
| pair, a | liang\/ | lee–ahng |
| 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 tchee–in |
| peach | tao/ zi\/ | tou dzuh |
| pen, ball–point | yuan/ zi\/ bi\/ | ywen dzuh bee |
| pen, fountain | gang– bi\/ | gahng bee |
| pen, pencil, marker | bi\/ | bee |
| pencil | qian– bi\/ | tchee–in bee |
| people | ren/ | wren |
| pepper | hu/ jiao– fen\/ | huu jee–ow 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\/ | shee–ahng |
| plastic bag (Taiwan) | su\ jiao– dai\ | suu jee–ow die |
| plastic bag (China) | su\ liao\ dai\ | suu lee–ow 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\ | pee–ow lee–ahng |
| 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\/ | shee–ah 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 | shee–ahng 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– | shee–ah bahn |
| return home (to) | hui/ jia– | hway jee–ah |
| 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 bee–in |
| right side, at the | zai\ … you\ bian– | zigh … yoe bee–in |
| road | lu\ | luu |
| room | wu– zi | wuu dzuh |
| root | ben\/ | bin |
| ruler | chi\/ | chr |
| Russia | E\ guo/ | uh gwaw |
| Russia | Su– lian/ | suu lee–in |
| Russian people | E\ guo/ ren/ | uh gwaw wren |
| Russian people | Su– lian/ ren/ | suu lee–in 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–) | mee–ow joong |
| secretary | mi\ shu– | me shuu |
| see (people) | jian\ | jee–in |
| See you again. (again see) | Zai\ jian\. | zigh jee–in |
| See you tomorrow. | Ming/ tian– jian\. | meeng tee–in jee–in |
| seek (to) | zhao\/ | jow |
| self | zi\ ji\/ | dzuh jee |
| sell (to) | mai\ | my! |
| September | jiu\/ yue\ | jeo yu–eh |
| 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\/ | she–eh dzuh |
| shoes, leather | pi/ xie/ | pee she–eh |
| short (for people) | ai\/ | eye |
| short (length, for things) | duan\/ | dwahn |
| should, ought to | ying– gai– | eeng guy |
| side | bian– | bee–in |
| sister, older | jie\/ jie | jee–eh jee–eh |
| sister, younger | mei\ mei | may may |
| sit (to) | zuo\ | zwaw |
| skirt | qun/ zi\/ | tchwun dzuh |
| sky | tian– | tee–in |
| sleep (to) | shui\ jiao\ | shway jee–ow |
| slower, be | man\ yi\ dian\/ | mahn ee dee–in |
| small | xiao\/ | shee–ow |
| smart | piao\ liang | pee–ow lee–ahng |
| snack (before bed) | xiao– ye\ | shee–ow yeh |
| snack (street stand) | xiao\/ chi– | shee–ow chr |
| snack, dim sum | dian\/ xin– | dee–in sheen |
| snow | xia\ xue\/ | shee–ah shu–eh |
| so | suo\/ yi\/ | swaw ee |
| so–so | 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 bee–in |
| Spain | Xi– ban– ya/ | she bahn yah |
| Spanish people | Xi– ban– ya/ ren/ | she bahn yah wren |
| speak | jiang\/ (shuo–) | jee–ahng 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 tee–in |
| square | fang– xing/ | fahng sheeng |
| stamp, postage | you/ piao\ | yoe pee–ow |
| 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– | jee–eh |
| strength | li\ | lee |
| student, pupil | xue/ sheng– | shu–eh shuung |
| sugar, candy | tang/ | tahng |
| suit | xi– zhuang– | she jwahng |
| summer season | xia\ tian– | shee–ah tee–in |
| 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 tee–in |
| surface | mian\ | mee–in |
| sweater | mao/ yi– | mou ee |
| swim (to) | you/ yong\/ | yoe yoong |
| T
| ||
| take a nap (to) | shui\ wu\/ jiao\ | shway wuu jee–ow |
| 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 dee–in hwah |
| tell (to) | gao\ su\ | gow suu |
| thank you | xie\ xie | she she–eh |
| 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 shee–eh |
| they, them | ta– men/ | tah mun |
| thigh | da\ tui\/ | dah tway |
| thing | dong– xi | doong |
| think of (to) | xiang\/ | shee–ahng |
| 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– | dee–in … fin |
| time (by clock or calendar) | shi/ hou | shr hoe |
| time, leisure | gong– fu | goong fuu |
| time, next | xia\ ci\ | shee–ah tsu |
| tired (to be) | lei\ | lay |
| to (go) | shang\ | shahng |
| to go (food; means sell outside) | wai\ mai\ | wigh my |
| today | jin– tian– | jeen tee–in |
| together | yi\ qi\/ | ee tchee |
| tomato | fan– qie/ | fahn tchee–eh |
| too | tai\ | tie |
| too | ye\/ | yeh |
| toothpick | ya/ qian– | yah tchee–in |
| 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 jee–ow 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\/ | lee–ahng |
| two of … (measure) | liang\/ ge\ | lee–ahng 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, stir–fry | chao\/ qing– cai\ | chow tcheeng tsigh |
| vehicle | che– | chuh |
| vehicle | qi\ che– | tchee chuh |
| vehicle, electric; trolley bus | dian\ che– | dee–in chuh |
| very | hen\/ | hin |
| very many | hen\/ duo– | hin dwaw |
| videotape | lu\ ying\/ dai\ | luu eeng die |
| Viet Nam | Yue\ nan/ | yu–eh nahn |
| Vietnamese people | Yue\ nan/ ren/ | yu–eh nahn wren |
| visa | qian– zheng\ | tchee–in 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 jee–ah 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 bee–ow |
| 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\ | tee–in 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\) | shee–ah 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\) | shee–ah shee–ah guh sheeng tchee / lee buy |
| west | xi– | she |
| west side | xi– bian– | she bee–in |
| What is your name? | Gui\ xing\? | gway sheeng |
| What time (is it)? | Ji\/ dian\/ zhong–? | jee dee–in joong |
| what? | na\/ | nah |
| what? | nei\/ | nay |
| what? | shen/ me | shuun muh |
| what? | shen/ mo | shuun–mwoh |
| 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 shee–eh |
| 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 tee–in |
| 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\/ | she–eh |
| writing | wen/ | wun |
| wrong | bu/ dui\ | buu dway |
| wrong | cuo\ | tswaw |
| Y
| ||
| year | nian/ | nee–in |
| year, last | qu\ nian/ | tchuu nee–in |
| year, next | ming/ nian/ | meeng nee–in |
| year, this | jin– nian/ | jeen nee–in |
| year, two ago | qian/ nian/ | tchee–in nee–in |
| year, two from now | hou\ nian/ | hoe nee–in |
| 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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