50 Easy Chinese Words Every Beginner Should Learn

You want to learn Chinese quickly and speak it well. Using easy Chinese words helps you feel sure and use them daily. Many new learners have problems like:

1. Tones can make a word mean something else.

2. The writing system looks different.

3. Saying words right needs practice.

Try to use simple words. Coachers.org helps you learn from any place.

Key Takeaways

• Learning simple Chinese words helps you feel more sure of yourself. It also helps you talk to people every day.

• Grouping words by category helps you remember them better. It also helps you see how words are related.

• Try saying new words and use them in real life. This helps you get better at the language fast.

Easy Chinese Words for Beginners

Learning easy chinese words gives you a strong start. You want to speak and understand quickly. These words show up in daily conversations and help you build confidence. When you know the most essential chinese words, you can greet people, ask for things, and talk about your day.

You might wonder, “Why group words by category?” Here’s why:

Let’s break down the easy chinese words into three groups. This list will help you use everyday words right away.

Pronouns

You use pronouns all the time. In chinese, the most common ones are:

• 我 (wǒ) – I, me

• 你 (nǐ) – you

• 他 (tā) – he

• 她 (tā) – she

• 它 (tā) – it

• 我们 (wǒmen) – we

• 你们 (nǐmen) – you (plural)

• 他们/她们/它们 (tāmen) – they

These essential chinese words let you talk about yourself and others.

Basic Verbs

Verbs help you express actions. Here are some you’ll use every day:

1. 吃 (chī): to eat

2. 喝 (hē): to drink

3. 去 (qù): to go

4. 有 (yǒu): to have

5. 要 (yào): to want

6. 拿 (ná): to take

7. 给 (gěi): to give

8. 爱 (ài): to love

9. 是 (shì): to be

10. 问 (wèn): to ask

You can mix these with pronouns to make simple sentences.

Everyday Nouns

You need everyday nouns to talk about things around you. Try these:

• 电视 (diàn shì) – television

• 冰箱 (bīng xiāng) – refrigerator

• 空调 (kōng tiáo) – air conditioner

• 洗衣机 (xǐ yī jī) – washer

• 微波炉 (wēi bō lú) – microwave

• 手机 (shǒu jī) – cellphone

• 电脑 (diàn nǎo) – computer

Start using these easy chinese words in your daily life. You’ll remember them better when you use them in real situations.

Adjectives in Chinese

Adjectives help you describe people, places, and things. When you learn a few common ones, you can make your sentences more interesting. In chinese, adjectives are simple to use. You do not need to change them for gender or number. This makes building sentences much easier.

Common Adjectives

Here are some adjectives you will see in beginner lessons:

• 高 (gāo) – tall

• 酷 (kù) – cool

• 瘦 (shòu) – thin

• 漂亮 (piào liang) – beautiful

• 帅 (shuài) – handsome

• 聪明 (cōng míng) – smart

• 友好 (yǒu hǎo) – friendly

• 可爱 (kě ài) – cute

• 有趣 (yǒu qù) – interesting

• 开心 (kāixīn) – happy

• 难过 (nánguò) – sad

• 累 (lèi) – tired

• 简单 (jiǎndān) – simple

• 复杂 (fùzá) – complicated

• 美丽 (měilì) – beautiful

Tip: You do not need to add extra words for "is" when using adjectives in chinese. Just say the subject and the adjective.

Sample Uses

You can use adjectives to talk about how you feel or describe something you see. Here are some easy examples:

You can see that adjectives can stand right after the subject. Sometimes you use "很 (hěn)" before the adjective, but it does not always mean "very." It just helps the sentence sound natural.

Numbers for Beginners

Learning numbers in Chinese is one of the easiest ways to start speaking right away. You use numbers every day, whether you are telling your age, asking for a price, or counting objects. Once you know these basic numbers, you can use them in many situations.

Numbers 1-10

Let’s start with the most important numbers. You can learn these in just a few minutes. With a little practice, you will remember them for life. Many beginners memorize these numbers in only a few weeks.

Tip: Practice saying these numbers out loud. Try to use them in simple sentences.

Everyday Counting

You will find numbers everywhere in daily life. You might count apples at the store, tell someone your phone number, or ask for a table for two at a restaurant. Try using these words when you talk about time, money, or dates. The more you use numbers, the faster you will remember them.

• Count objects around you: pens, books, or chairs.

• Ask a friend, “你有几个？” (nǐ yǒu jǐ gè?) which means, “How many do you have?”

• Practice your phone number in Chinese.

Numbers help you connect with people and understand the world around you.

Colors in Chinese

Learning color words in Chinese helps you describe the world around you. You can talk about your favorite shirt, the sky, or even a delicious meal. When you know these words, you make your conversations more lively and interesting.

Basic Color Words

You will see these color words in almost every beginner Chinese lesson. They are simple to learn and use every day:

• 红色 (hóng sè) — Red

• 橙色 (chéng sè) — Orange

• 黄色 (huáng sè) — Yellow

• 绿色 (lǜ sè) — Green

• 蓝色 (lán sè) — Blue

• 紫色 (zǐ sè) — Purple

• 白色 (bái sè) — White

• 黑色 (hēi sè) — Black

• 灰色 (hūi sè) — Gray

• 棕色 (zōng sè) — Brown

Tip: In Chinese, you often add "色 (sè)" after the color to mean "color," but you can also use just the first part in casual speech.

Color Examples

You can use color words to describe things you see every day. Here are some easy examples:

Colors in Chinese culture have special meanings. Red often means luck, while white can mean purity. When you use color words, you not only describe things but also connect with Chinese traditions. Learning these words helps you speak more clearly and understand more about daily life and culture.

Days and Time Words

Talking about days and time helps you plan your week and make appointments in Chinese. When you know these words, you can ask about schedules, set up meetings, or just chat about your plans. Let’s look at the basics.

Days of the Week

You use days of the week all the time. In Chinese, these words are simple and follow a pattern. Here’s a handy table to help you remember:

Tip: Just add the number after "星期 (xīngqī)" for each day. Sunday is a little different, but you can use either "天" or "日."

Time Phrases

You often need to talk about yesterday, today, or tomorrow. These words make it easy to share your plans or ask about someone else’s schedule. Here are some of the most useful time words:

• 昨天 (zuó tiān) – yesterday

• 今天 (jīn tiān) – today

• 明天 (míng tiān) – tomorrow

• 前天 (qián tiān) – the day before yesterday

• 后天 (hòu tiān) – the day after tomorrow

• 每天 (měi tiān) – every day

• 天天 (tiān tiān) – daily

• 整天 (zhěng tiān) – all day

• 半天 (bàn tiān) – half a day

• 白天 (bái tiān) – daytime

You can use these words to talk about your plans. For example, you might say, “明天我坐飞机去上海。” (Tomorrow I will take a plane to Shanghai). Time words help you explain when things happen, which is important for making plans and keeping your schedule clear. When you use these phrases, you make your conversations smoother and more organized.

Chinese Question Words

Learning how to ask questions in Chinese helps you talk with people and get the answers you need. You use question words every day, whether you want to know someone’s name, find a place, or ask for a price. These words make conversations smoother and help you feel more confident.

Essential Questions

You will use these question words all the time. They are simple, but they open up many conversations. Here are the most important ones for beginners:

1. 什么 (shénme) – what

2. 什么时候 (shénme shí hòu) – when

3. 几 (jǐ) – how many

4. 多少 (duō shǎo) – how much

5. 谁 (shuí) – who

6. 哪里 (nǎ lǐ) – where

7. 怎么 (zěn me) – how

8. 为什么 (wèi shén me) – why

9. 吗 (ma) – yes/no question marker

Tip: In Chinese, you do not need to change the word order to ask a question. Just add the question word where you need it.

Asking for Information

You can use these question words in many situations. They help you order food, ask for directions, or learn about someone’s day. Here are some ways question words help you every day:

• You can ask, “你叫什么名字？” (nǐ jiào shénme míngzi?) which means, “What is your name?”

• If you want to know the price, say, “这个多少钱？” (zhè ge duō shǎo qián?) or “How much is this?”

• To find a place, try, “厕所在哪里？” (cè suǒ zài nǎ lǐ?) or “Where is the bathroom?”

Question words like 什么 (shénme) and 怎么 (zěnme) let you join conversations and get the information you need. You do not have to worry about changing the sentence structure. Just use the right question word, and you are ready to go!

Useful Chinese Phrases

When you start speaking Chinese, you want to use phrases that help you connect with people right away. These phrases for everyday use make conversations smoother and help you feel more confident. Let’s look at some of the most helpful phrases for everyday use.

Greetings

You greet people every day, so learning these words is a great first step. Here are the most common greetings you’ll hear:

1. 你好 (nǐ hǎo) – Hello

2. 您好 (nín hǎo) – Hello (Formal)

3. 嗨 (hāi) – Hi

4. 哈喽 (hā lou) – Hello

5. 嘿 (hēi) – Hey

Try saying “你好” when you meet someone new. It’s simple and always works.

Polite Expressions

Polite phrases help you show respect and kindness. You use them when you ask for help, thank someone, or apologize. Here are some polite expressions you’ll need:

• 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) – Hello

• 您好 (Nín hǎo) – Hello (formal)

• 请问 (Qǐngwèn) – Excuse me / May I ask

• 谢谢 (Xièxiè) – Thank you

• 不客气 (Bù kèqì) – You’re welcome

• 对不起 (Duìbuqǐ) – Sorry

• 没关系 (Méi guānxi) – It’s okay / No problem

• 请 (Qǐng) – Please

• 可以 + verb (Kěyǐ) – May I / Can I

• 麻烦你 (Máfan nǐ) – Could you please

• 我可以帮你吗？(Wǒ kěyǐ bāng nǐ ma?) – Can I help you?

Saying “谢谢” after someone helps you always leaves a good impression.

Conversation Starters

You can use these phrases to start talking with new friends or classmates. They make it easy to join a conversation or learn more about someone.

• 你们是怎么认识[host] 的? – How did you meet the [host]?

• 你吃的是什么？看上去很好吃。 – What are you eating? It looks delicious.

• 你住的离这儿远吗？ – Do you live far from here?

• 你是做什么工作的？ – What do you do?

• 我去拿点儿吃的。你需要什么吗？ – I’m going to get something to eat. Do you need anything?

• 你好。我叫[name]。这是我第一天上班/上学。请问怎么称呼您？ – Hi, my name is [name]. It’s my first day working/studying here. How should I address you?

• 你是在哪里长大的？ – Where did you grow up?

• 你有宠物吗？ – Do you have any pets?

• 你最喜欢的演员/歌手/明星是谁？ – Who’s your favorite actor/singer/celebrity?

• 你休息的时候喜欢做什么？ – What do you like to do in your free time?

These phrases help you break the ice and make new friends fast.

Food and Drink Words

Eating out in China can feel like an adventure. You want to order food, ask questions, and enjoy your meal without stress. Learning the right vocabulary helps you do all of that. Let’s look at some of the most useful food and drink words you’ll need.

Food Vocabulary

You see these food words on menus and hear them in restaurants. They help you order what you want and avoid surprises. Here are some must-know vocabulary items:

• 肉 (ròu): Meat

• 鸡肉 (jī ròu): Chicken

• 牛肉 (niú ròu): Beef

• 猪肉 (zhū ròu): Pork

• 羊肉 (yáng ròu): Mutton

• 海鲜 (hǎi xiān): Seafood

• 鱼 (yú): Fish

• 虾 (xiā): Shrimp

• 米饭 (mǐ fàn): White rice

• 饺子 (jiǎo zi): Dumplings

• 炒饭 (chǎo fàn): Fried rice

You can use these phrases when you order:

• 我不要辣 (wǒ bù yào là): I don’t want spicy food

• 我要这个 (wǒ yào zhè ge): I want this one

• 我要点一份汤面 (wǒ yào diǎn yī fèn tāng miàn): I want to order one noodle soup

• 吃不下 (chī bù xià): I can’t eat any more

• 我饱了 (wǒ bǎo le): I’m full

• 有什么好吃的 (yǒu shén me hǎo chī de): What’s good to eat?

• 多少钱 (duō shǎo qián): How much does it cost?

• 这是什么 (zhè shì shén me): What is this?

Tip: Pointing at a dish and saying “我要这个” makes ordering easy!

Drink Vocabulary

You often want a drink with your meal. Knowing the right vocabulary helps you get what you like. Here are some common drink words you’ll see in China:

• 水 (shuǐ): Water

• 牛奶 (niú nǎi): Milk

• 酸奶 (suān nǎi): Yogurt

• 奶昔 (nǎi xī): Milkshake

• 思慕雪 (sī mù xuě): Smoothie

• 苏打水 (sū dá shuǐ): Soda

• 可乐 (kě lè): Cola

• 果汁 (guǒ zhī): Juice

• 豆奶 (dòu nǎi): Soy milk

• 咖啡 (kā fēi): Coffee

• 葡萄酒 (pú táo jiǔ): Wine

• 啤酒 (pí jiǔ): Beer

• 茶 (chá): Tea

• 冰茶 (bīng chá): Iced tea

• 奶茶 (nǎi chá): Bubble tea

• 柠檬茶 (níng méng chá): Lemonade

• 橙汁 (chéng zhī): Orange juice

• 草莓果汁 (cǎo méi guǒ zhī): Strawberry juice

• 苹果汁 (píng guǒ zhī): Apple juice

• 西瓜汁 (xī guā zhī): Watermelon juice

• 椰汁 (yē zhī): Coconut juice

You can now use this vocabulary to order your favorite drinks and food. Practice these words, and you’ll feel more confident every time you eat out.

Transportation Words

Getting Around

When you travel in China, you see many ways to get from place to place. You need the right words to ask for directions, buy tickets, or find your stop. Here are the top transportation words you will use in Chinese cities:

1. 地铁 (dì tiě) – subway

2. 公共汽车 (gōng gòng qì chē) – public bus

3. 出租车 (chū zū chē) – taxi

4. 火车 (huǒ chē) – train

5. 高铁 (gāo tiě) – high-speed rail

6. 飞机 (fēi jī) – airplane

7. 自行车 (zì xíng chē) – bicycle

8. 电动车 (diàn dòng chē) – electric scooter

9. 车站 (chē zhàn) – station

10. 票 (piào) – ticket

You will see these words on signs, maps, and apps. Try to say them out loud when you plan your trip. If you know these, you can ask for help or find your way with confidence.

Tip: Practice saying the names of transport options when you look at a city map. It helps you remember them faster!

Travel Phrases

You often need simple phrases to ask for help or directions. These phrases make your travel much easier:

• 请问，最近的地铁站在哪里? (qǐng wèn, zuì jìn de dì tiě zhàn zài nǎ lǐ?) – Excuse me, where is the nearest subway station?

• 这个公交车去火车站吗? (zhè ge gōng jiāo chē qù huǒ chē zhàn ma?) – Does this bus go to the train station?

• 我怎么买票? (wǒ zěn me mǎi piào?) – How do I buy a ticket?

• 你能帮我叫出租车吗? (nǐ néng bāng wǒ jiào chū zū chē ma?) – Can you help me call a taxi?

• 车站在哪里? (chē zhàn zài nǎ lǐ?) – Where is the station?

You use these phrases every day when you travel. They help you talk to locals and get the information you need. When you know the right words, you feel ready for any trip.

Learning Support from Coachers.org

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Online Tools and Resources

Coachers.org offers more than just live lessons. You get access to a full set of online tools that make learning fun and effective. These tools help you build strong habits and fill in any gaps. Here are some ways online resources boost your learning:

• Online tools give you a clear path, so you do not miss important topics.

• The Chinese Grammar Wiki explains grammar points with simple examples.

• Pandanese uses memory tricks and spaced review to help you remember Hanzi.

• HelloChinese turns lessons into games, so you enjoy every step.

You can use these resources anytime. They help you review, practice, and master what you learn in class. With Coachers.org, you get everything you need for a smooth learning journey.

Learning these 50 Chinese words makes you feel sure.

• You talk to local people more easily.

• You can find places without trouble.

• You have more fun eating out.

Practice often so you remember words longer.
You will speak more smoothly.

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