15 English Words Borrowed from Chinese and What They Really Mean

You might use some Chinese words every day and not know it. Some English words, like “long time no see,” seem like they come from Chinese. But they really have other beginnings. Many people think Chinese Pidgin English is just easy English for Chinese people. But it uses Chinese grammar and word order. When you find Chinese words in English, you can see how cultures mix and change. Coachers.org helps you learn Chinese in a simple and personal way. You can find new words and learn what they really mean.

Key Takeaways

• Many English words like 'tofu,' 'kung fu,' and 'ketchup' come from Chinese. These words have deep cultural meanings. - Chinese words in English often talk about food, culture, and daily life. They also show how languages and cultures mix. - Phrases like 'long time no see' and 'no can do' started from Chinese Pidgin English. Now, people use them every day. - Trade, travel, and sharing cultures brought Chinese words into English. This shows how people connect with each other. - Coachers.org gives lessons and help to learn Chinese. They also help you learn the stories behind these words.

Food Words

You probably know more Chinese food words than you think. These words have traveled across the world and landed on your plate. Let’s look at some tasty examples and see what they really mean.

Tea (茶 chá)

Tea is everywhere. You drink it at breakfast or when you want to relax. The word “tea” comes from the Chinese character 茶 (chá). People in southern China say “teh,” which became “tea” in English. Tea is more than a drink. It’s a symbol of friendship and tradition in Chinese culture.

Tofu (豆腐 dòufu)

Tofu is a soft, white food made from soybeans. The Chinese word is 豆腐 (dòufu). It means “bean curd.” You find tofu in soups, stir-fries, and even desserts. Chinese people have eaten tofu for thousands of years. It’s healthy and full of protein.

Bok Choy (白菜 báicài)

Bok choy is a leafy green vegetable. The name comes from 白菜 (báicài), which means “white vegetable.” You see bok choy in many Chinese dishes. It’s crunchy and mild. People love it in soups and stir-fried food.

Chow Mein (炒面 chǎomiàn)

Chow mein is a famous noodle dish. The name comes from 炒面 (chǎomiàn), which means “fried noodles.” You get crispy noodles mixed with meat and vegetables. Chow mein is a favorite in Chinese restaurants. You can try different versions, but the idea is always the same—noodles cooked with lots of flavor.

Wok (鑊 huò)

A wok is a round-bottomed pan. The word comes from 鑊 (huò). You use a wok to stir-fry, steam, or deep-fry food. The shape helps you cook quickly and evenly. Woks are a must-have in Chinese kitchens.

Ketchup (茄汁 qiézhī)

Did you know ketchup started as a Chinese word? The original is 茄汁 (qiézhī), which means “tomato sauce.” Early ketchup was made from fermented fish brine, not tomatoes. Over time, people changed the recipe. Now, you use ketchup on fries, burgers, and more.

Won Ton (雲吞 yúntūn)

Won ton is a type of dumpling. The Chinese word is 雲吞 (yúntūn), which means “swallowing clouds.” You find won ton in soups or fried as snacks. The name comes from the way the dumplings float in broth, looking like little clouds.

Kumquat (柑橘 gānjú)

Kumquat is a small, orange fruit. The name comes from 柑橘 (gānjú), which means “golden orange.” You eat kumquats whole, skin and all. They taste sweet and sour. Kumquats are popular during Chinese New Year because they symbolize luck.

Here’s a quick table showing some more Chinese food words you might see:

Chinese food names often tell stories or show traditions. Some dishes get their names from famous people or festivals. When you order chow or chop suey, you’re tasting history and culture.

Culture & Objects

Feng Shui (风水 fēngshuǐ)

You might have heard someone say they want to “feng shui” their room. This word comes from 风水 (fēngshuǐ), which means “wind and water.” In China, feng shui is an ancient practice. People arrange their homes and offices to create harmony and balance. They believe the flow of energy, or qi, can bring good luck and health. In English, you use feng shui to talk about making a space feel peaceful. Sometimes, people call it a way to attract wealth or happiness. You can learn more about feng shui and other cultural ideas with Coachers.org.

Kung Fu (功夫 gōngfu)

Kung fu is more than just fighting. The word 功夫 (gōngfu) means “skill” or “hard work.” In China, kung fu can mean any skill you practice for a long time. In English, you usually think of kung fu as martial arts. Movies made kung fu famous around the world. When you watch kung fu, you see discipline, focus, and tradition. You can explore the real meaning of kung fu and other Chinese words in English with Coachers.org.

Ginseng (人参 rénshēn)

Ginseng is a root used in Chinese medicine. The Chinese name is 人参 (rénshēn), which means “human root” because it looks like a person. People believe ginseng gives you energy and helps you stay healthy. You find ginseng in teas, soups, and even candy. Many cultures now use ginseng for its health benefits.

Rickshaw (人力车 rénlìchē)

If you visit some Asian cities, you might see a rickshaw. The word comes from 人力车 (rénlìchē), which means “human-powered vehicle.” A rickshaw is a small cart pulled by a person. In the past, rickshaws were a common way to travel in China. Today, they are mostly for tourists.

Chopsticks (筷子 kuàizi)

You probably know chopsticks. The Chinese word is 筷子 (kuàizi). People in China have used chopsticks for thousands of years. They use them to eat rice, noodles, and many other foods. Chopsticks are not just tools. They show respect and tradition at the table.

Paper Tiger (纸老虎 zhǐ lǎohǔ)

Have you heard someone call something a “paper tiger”? This phrase comes from 纸老虎 (zhǐ lǎohǔ). It means something that looks scary but is actually weak. People use “paper tiger” to talk about things that seem strong but have no real power. The phrase became popular in English after leaders used it in speeches.

Did you know? Many Chinese words in English come from culture and daily life. Here’s a quick table with more examples:

You see mahjong at family gatherings. You hear about guanxi in business. You might get a hongbao with lucky money at a festival. These words show how Chinese culture shapes English. If you want to understand more about mahjong, guanxi, or why hongbao is so special, Coachers.org can help you dive deeper into Chinese traditions.

Chinese Words in English: Phrases & Expressions

You probably use more Chinese words in English than you realize, especially when it comes to everyday phrases. Some of these expressions sound playful or even a little odd, but they have deep roots in Chinese language and culture. Let’s explore some of the most interesting english phrases borrowed from chinese, and see how they became part of daily conversation.

Gung Ho (工合 gōnghé)

Have you ever heard someone say they’re really gung-ho about something? This phrase means someone is super enthusiastic or eager to work together. The original Chinese is 工合 (gōnghé), which means “work together.” During World War II, U.S. Marines picked up this phrase from Chinese workers and used it as a slogan for teamwork and spirit. Over time, gung-ho became a way to describe anyone who is full of energy and ready to get things done.

You can see how gung-ho moved from a team motto to a common word in English. Next time you feel excited to join a project, you might say you’re feeling gung-ho!

Kowtow (叩头 kòutóu)

Kowtow is a word you might hear when someone talks about showing too much respect or acting overly humble. In Chinese, 叩头 (kòutóu) means “knock the head.” People would kneel and touch their forehead to the ground as a sign of deep respect, especially to elders or leaders. In English, kowtow means to act in a way that is too submissive or to give in too easily.

If someone says, “Don’t kowtow to the boss,” they mean you shouldn’t give up your own ideas just to please someone else. Kowtow is one of those chinese words in english that keeps its strong meaning about respect and power.

Chop Chop (速速 sùsù)

When someone says “chop chop,” they want you to hurry up! This phrase comes from the Chinese 速速 (sùsù), which means “quickly.” British sailors working in China picked up this phrase and brought it back to English. Now, if your teacher says, “Chop chop, let’s go!” you know it’s time to move fast.

You can see how chop chop became a fun way to tell someone to speed up. It’s a great example of how chinese words in english can add energy to what you say.

Long Time No See (好久不见 hǎo jiǔ bú jiàn)

Long time no see is a friendly greeting you use when you haven’t seen someone for a while. The phrase sounds a bit unusual in English, but that’s because it comes from a direct translation of the Chinese 好久不见 (hǎo jiǔ bú jiàn), which means exactly “long time, no see.” Some people think it also comes from Native American Pidgin English, but sailors and traders likely picked it up from Chinese speakers. Today, you hear long time no see everywhere, from text messages to movies. It’s one of the top 10 chinese phrases you’ll hear in English, and it shows how languages can mix in fun ways.

“Long time no see!” is a phrase that feels warm and familiar, even if its grammar is a little different from standard English.

No Can Do (不能做 bù néng zuò)

No can do is another phrase that sounds a bit funny in English. It means “I can’t do it” or “That’s not possible.” The phrase comes from Chinese Pidgin English, based on 不能做 (bù néng zuò), which means “cannot do.” British and American sailors used it when talking with Chinese workers, and it stuck. Now, if someone asks you for a favor you can’t do, you might just say, “Sorry, no can do.” This is another example of chinese words in english that have become part of everyday speech.

Lose Face (丢脸 diū liǎn)

Lose face is a phrase you hear when someone talks about embarrassment or losing respect. In Chinese, 丢脸 (diū liǎn) means to experience shame or to lose dignity. The idea of “face” in Chinese culture is very important. It stands for honor, reputation, and social standing. If you lose face, you might feel embarrassed in front of others or damage your reputation. In English, lose face means almost the same thing, but it’s not as serious as in China.

• In Chinese, you can lose your own face or even someone else’s by acting badly.

• The phrase lose face entered English after people noticed how important reputation is in Chinese society.

• You might hear related phrases like “save face” or “give face,” all about keeping respect.

• In business or school, causing someone to lose face can hurt relationships for a long time.

If you want to understand Chinese culture, learning about “face” is key. It’s one of the most interesting chinese words in english, and it shows how language can carry big ideas.

Brainwash (洗脑 xǐ nǎo)

Brainwash is a word you hear in movies, news, and even in school. The original Chinese is 洗脑 (xǐ nǎo), which means “wash brain.” At first, people used it in a positive way, like cleaning bad thoughts or curing illnesses. In the 1950s, the meaning changed. Journalists used brainwashing to describe how some governments tried to control people’s minds and beliefs. Now, brainwashing means forcing someone to change their ideas or beliefs, usually in a negative way. The word shows how chinese words in english can change meaning over time.

Fun fact: Some phrases, like add oil (加油 jiā yóu), are still making their way into English. Add oil means “keep going” or “you can do it!” Maybe you’ll hear it soon in your classroom or on social media.

You can see that english phrases borrowed from chinese often bring new ideas and ways of thinking. Whether you’re feeling gung-ho, trying not to kowtow, or hoping not to lose face, you’re using words that connect you to a rich history. Next time you hear someone say “chop chop” or “no can do,” you’ll know these are chinese words in english with stories to tell.

Chinese Loanwords: Influence and Origins

Trade and Travel

Have you ever thought about how Chinese words got into English? Trade and travel made this happen. In the 1800s and 1900s, British traders went to places like Hong Kong. They met Cantonese speakers in markets and busy streets. People talked, ate together, and shared new things. English speakers learned words for foods, tools, and customs. Some words, like "ketchup," crossed the sea and became common. As more people moved between countries, these words spread even more.

Here’s a quick look at how trade and travel helped bring new words into English:

Pidgin English

When people from different countries needed to talk, they made simple languages called pidgins. In China, English traders and Chinese workers mixed their languages. This made Pidgin English. It used Chinese grammar and English words. Phrases like "long time no see" and "no can do" started here. You still use these phrases today. Pidgin English helped people trade, work, and share ideas. It worked even if they did not speak the same language.

Cultural Exchange

Language grows when people share ideas, food, and traditions. This is called cultural exchange. When you use chinese loanwords, you connect with stories from far away. Some words remind you of Chinese festivals, food, or beliefs. Others show how people worked together or solved problems. If you want to learn more about these words and their real meanings, Coachers.org can help. You get to explore authentic Chinese and understand the culture behind each word. Learning where words come from helps you see how languages change and grow.

Learn with Coachers.org

Conversational Chinese

You want to speak Chinese and feel sure of yourself. Coachers.org helps you learn words and phrases for daily life. The lessons match your level and what you like. Your coach helps you practice real talks. You can order food, ask for help, or talk with friends. You also learn about Chinese holidays, customs, and even slang. Fun tools like games and quick feedback keep you interested. You can put labels on things at home, write short diaries, or join group chats. These activities help you remember new words and use them every day.

Did you know? Learning Chinese helps you think in new ways. It makes you more creative and better at solving problems. You also get closer to Chinese culture and people.

Business Chinese

If you need Chinese for work, Coachers.org can help you. You get lessons for business that teach you to write emails, give talks, and make deals. Your coach makes a plan just for you. You learn the words and phrases you need for your job. You can take private lessons or join a group class. You choose what is best for you. You can see your progress and get feedback often. You also learn about business rules, how to act at work, and how to make friends in a Chinese office.

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Become a Coacher

Do you like to help people learn? You can become a certified Coacher at Coachers.org. You get training in how the brain learns languages. You learn to listen, ask good questions, and make plans for each student. Your certificate is known around the world. This helps you in your job. You join a group of coaches from many countries. You share ideas and keep learning. You can teach kids, adults, or workers. You also get tips for starting your own coaching business.

Coachers.org gives you tools, support, and freedom to reach your goals. You can learn Chinese or help others do well.

You might not realize how many Chinese words you use every day, from “tofu” to “long time no see.” These words show how cultures connect, even if Chinese loanwords in English stay rare and mostly about food or traditions. When you spot these words, you learn more about both languages. Coachers.org makes learning Chinese easy and fun with expert coaches, unlimited sessions, and tools that fit your life. Want to start your journey? Start learning today!

FAQ

What are Chinese loanwords?

Chinese loanwords are words that English borrowed from Chinese. You use them every day, like “ketchup” or “kung fu.” These words show how cultures mix and share ideas.

How do I know if a word in English comes from Chinese?

You can look up the word’s history. Many food names, phrases, and cultural terms in English started in Chinese. If you see pinyin or Chinese characters, that’s a big clue!

Can I learn to use these words correctly?

Yes! You can practice with a coach or in real conversations. Coachers.org helps you learn how to say and use these words the right way.

Why do some Chinese words sound different in English?

Words change when people use them in new places. English speakers might say them differently or spell them in a new way. That’s normal for loanwords.

How can Coachers.org help me learn Chinese faster?

You get personal lessons, fun activities, and expert coaches. You can join group chats or take private classes. You choose what works best for you!