What are the most common Chinese words every beginner should know

Ready to start speaking Chinese? Here are some of the most useful basic chinese words and phrases every beginner should know:

• 你好 (nǐ hǎo) – Hello

• 谢谢 (xièxiè) – Thank you

• 请 (qǐng) – Please

• 再见 (zàijiàn) – Goodbye

• 是 (shì) – Yes

• 不是 (bú shì) – No

• 我 (wǒ) – I, me

• 你 (nǐ) – You

• 他/她 (tā) – He/She

• 什么 (shénme) – What

• 哪里 (nǎlǐ) – Where

• 多少 (duōshǎo) – How many

• 吃 (chī) – Eat

• 喝 (hē) – Drink

• 喜欢 (xǐhuān) – Like

Learning these basic chinese words helps you join conversations fast. Pinyin shows you how to say each word, so you can sound more natural. Practicing pronunciation early builds confidence and helps you understand spoken Chinese. With Coachers, you can learn and practice from anywhere, making it easy to fit lessons into your life.

Key Takeaways

• Start by learning simple Chinese words. These include greetings, pronouns, and family words. This helps you speak faster. Practice saying words with pinyin. This makes you sound more natural. It also helps you feel sure of yourself. Use easy verbs like 'to be,' 'to have,' and 'to want.' These help you make daily sentences. Learn common question words and connectors. They help you ask things and join ideas. Use apps, flashcards, and live lessons with Coachers. Practice every day to get better quickly.

Essential Pronouns and People Words

Basic Chinese Words for People

When you start learning Chinese, pronouns and people-related words help you talk about yourself and others. You use these words every day, so they are some of the most important chinese words to master first. Let’s look at the basic chinese words you’ll use in almost every conversation:

• 我 (wǒ) – I, me

• 你 (nǐ) – you

• 他/她/它 (tā) – he, she, it

• 我们 (wǒmen) – we

• 你们 (nǐmen) – you all

• 他们 (tāmen) – they

• 人 (rén) – person, people

You can use these chinese words to introduce yourself, ask questions, or talk about friends and family. For example, you might say “我是学生” (wǒ shì xuéshēng) which means “I am a student.” If you want to talk about a group, just add 们 (men) to make it plural, like 我们 for “we” or 他们 for “they.”

Tip: Use 你 (nǐ) for casual conversations and 您 (nín) for polite or formal situations.

Here’s a quick table to help you remember these basic chinese words:

Family and Friends

Talking about family and friends is a big part of daily life. You’ll use these chinese words often when you chat with others or share stories. Here are some basic chinese words for family members and close friends:

You can say “这是我的妈妈” (zhè shì wǒ de māma) to introduce your mom. If you want to talk about your friends, use 朋友 (péngyǒu). These basic chinese words make your conversations feel more personal and friendly.

Remember, learning these chinese words helps you connect with people and share about your life. Practice using them in simple sentences every day!

Must-Know Verbs in Chinese

Verbs help you express what you do, what you want, and where you go. In Chinese, verbs are simple because they never change form. You use the same word no matter who is doing the action or when it happens. This makes learning basic chinese words much easier!

To Be, To Have, To Go

You use "to be," "to have," and "to go" all the time in daily conversations. These verbs help you talk about who you are, what you own, and where you want to go.

You always use 是 (shì) to identify people or things. For example, "你是老师" (nǐ shì lǎoshī) means "You are a teacher." Use 有 (yǒu) to show what you have. Try saying "他有书" (tā yǒu shū) for "He has a book." When you want to talk about going somewhere, use 去 (qù). "我们去学校" (wǒmen qù xuéxiào) means "We go to school."

Tip: Chinese verbs do not change for tense or person. You just add words like 了 (le) or use time words to show when something happens.

To Want, To Like

You often need to say what you want or like. These verbs are some of the most useful basic chinese words for beginners.

If you want something, just use 要 (yào). For example, "我要水" (wǒ yào shuǐ) means "I want water." To talk about your interests, use 喜欢 (xǐhuān). You can say "你喜欢什么？" (nǐ xǐhuān shénme?) which means "What do you like?"

These verbs appear in almost every conversation. You will use them to order food, talk about your hobbies, or share your plans. Practice them often, and you will sound more natural when you speak Chinese.

Everyday Nouns and Objects

Home, School, Work

You use everyday words to talk about places you visit and things you see. In Chinese, you need to know how to name your home, school, and work. These words help you share where you are or where you want to go.

Here are some useful Chinese words for these places:

You can say “我在家” (wǒ zài jiā) for “I am at home.” If you want to talk about school, try “你去学校吗？” (nǐ qù xuéxiào ma?) which means “Are you going to school?” For work, use 公司 (gōngsī). “他在公司” (tā zài gōngsī) means “He is at work.”

Chinese uses measure words when you count or describe objects. The most common is 个 (gè). You use it for people, household items, and many other things. If you talk about books, use 本 (běn). For animals, use 只 (zhī).

Tip: When you count something, put the measure word between the number and the noun. For example, “一个人” (yī gè rén) means “one person.”

Food, Water, Friend

Food and drinks are part of daily life. You need these words to order meals, ask for water, or talk about eating with friends.

Here are some basic Chinese words you will use often:

• 吃 (chī) means “eat.” You use it when you talk about meals. Try “我要吃饭” (wǒ yào chī fàn) for “I want to eat.”

• 喝 (hē) means “drink.” Say “喝水” (hē shuǐ) when you want water.

• 朋友 (péngyǒu) means “friend.” You can say “他是我的朋友” (tā shì wǒ de péngyǒu) for “He is my friend.”

You use these words every day. They help you talk about what you need, what you like, and who you spend time with. Practice using them in short sentences. You will sound more natural and confident.

Basic Chinese Question Words and Connectors

Question Words

If you want to ask questions in Chinese, you need to know some key words. These question words help you find out who, what, where, when, why, and how. You will use them all the time when you talk with others or try to understand what someone is saying.

Here’s a handy table with the most common Chinese question words:

You can use these words to ask simple questions. Try these examples:

• 你叫什么名字？(nǐ jiào shénme míngzi?) – What is your name?

• 他是谁？(tā shì shéi?) – Who is he?

• 你为什么学中文？(nǐ wèishénme xué zhōngwén?) – Why do you study Chinese?

• 你住在哪里？(nǐ zhù zài nǎlǐ?) – Where do you live?

Tip: Put the question word where the answer would go in a normal sentence. This makes your questions sound natural.

Connectors and Particles

Connectors and particles help you build longer sentences and express more ideas. In Chinese, you use words like 和 (hé, and), 也 (yě, also), 但是 (dànshì, but), 很 (hěn, very), and 不 (bù, not) all the time. These words make your speech flow and help you share more details.

• 和 (hé) – and
  Example: 我有苹果和香蕉。 (wǒ yǒu píngguǒ hé xiāngjiāo.) – I have apples and bananas.

• 也 (yě) – also
  Example: 我也是学生。 (wǒ yě shì xuéshēng.) – I am also a student.

• 但是 (dànshì) – but
  Example: 我喜欢猫，但是我没有猫。 (wǒ xǐhuān māo, dànshì wǒ méiyǒu māo.) – I like cats, but I don’t have a cat.

• 很 (hěn) – very
  Example: 这个很大。 (zhège hěn dà.) – This is very big.

• 不 (bù) – not
  Example: 我不是老师。 (wǒ bú shì lǎoshī.) – I am not a teacher.

Chinese also uses special particles like 的 (de) to show possession or describe things, and 了 (le) to show something has finished. You will see these in almost every sentence. When you use connectors and particles, your Chinese will sound smoother and more natural.

Practice using these words in your daily conversations. You will soon find it much easier to ask questions and share your ideas in Chinese!

Basic Chinese Phrases for Everyday Use

When you start learning Chinese, you want to use words and sentences that help you connect with people right away. You use basic chinese phrases every day, whether you greet someone, say goodbye, or talk about the time. Let’s look at the most useful phrases for beginners.

Greetings and Polite Expressions

You make a great first impression when you use the right greeting. Chinese greetings are simple, but they show respect and friendliness. Here are some basic chinese phrases you’ll hear all the time:

• 你好 (nǐ hǎo): Hello

• 您好 (nín hǎo): Hello (formal, for elders or teachers)

• 嗨 (hāi): Hi (casual, among friends)

• 哈喽 (hā lou): Hello (playful, informal)

• 嘿 (hēi): Hey (informal, popular in big cities)

• 你叫什么名字? (nǐ jiào shénme míngzì?): What’s your name?

• 谢谢 (xièxiè): Thank you

• 不客气 (bùkèqi): You’re welcome

• 对不起 (duìbuqǐ): Sorry

• 请 (qǐng): Please

Try saying “你好” when you meet someone new. If you want to be extra polite, use “您好.” When you thank someone, say “谢谢.” If someone thanks you, reply with “不客气.”

Here’s a quick example of a greeting exchange:

A: 你好！
B: 你好！
A: 谢谢！
B: 不客气！

You use these basic chinese phrases in almost every conversation. Smiling and nodding also help you look friendly and polite.

Time-of-Day Phrases

You greet people differently depending on the time of day. These basic chinese phrases help you sound natural and show respect for local customs.

You can say “早上好” to greet someone in the morning. If you see a friend after lunch, try “下午好.” “晚上好” works well for evening meetings. “晚安” is perfect when you want to wish someone a good night.

Punctuality matters in China. Try to arrive on time for meetings. If you’re late, say “对不起” to apologize.

Saying Goodbye

You use basic chinese phrases to say goodbye in many ways. The phrase you choose depends on who you’re talking to and the situation.

You say “再见” in almost any situation. If you’re with friends, “拜拜” feels relaxed and friendly. “晚安” is great for family or close friends at night. In formal settings, you might use “失陪了” or “告辞.” If you want to keep in touch, say “有空再聊.”

You can wave, nod, or smile when you say goodbye. In formal settings, a light handshake or nod shows respect.

You use basic chinese phrases for greetings, time-of-day, and farewells every day. Practicing these phrases helps you sound natural and polite in any situation.

Learning Basic Chinese Words and Phrases with Coachers

Personalized Coaching and Practice

When you start learning basic chinese words, you want lessons that match your needs. Coachers lets you pick lessons that fit your style and speed. You can join group or private classes with teachers who make learning fun. Many teachers have lots of experience and high degrees. They help you set goals and cheer for your progress.

Lessons focus on what you need most, like Pinyin, tones, and daily words. Coachers uses games, stories, and real-life practice to keep you interested. You can check your progress and get feedback after each lesson. This helps you see what you learned and what to work on next. Students who use games and track progress feel more excited and learn faster than those who only use old ways.

Coachers also has live classes with native speakers. You get to practice speaking and listening right away. You can even become a certified Coacher if you want to teach later. With Coachers, you can learn anywhere and fit lessons into your busy day.

Tip: Try to practice every day. Even 10 minutes helps a lot!

Tools and Resources for Beginners

You get many helpful tools and resources when you learn with Coachers. These tools help you remember basic chinese words and get better at using them.

Coachers also uses custom flashcards and listening tests to help you remember new words. You get to practice grammar with phrases you want to use. All these tools work together to make learning Chinese easy and fun.

Learning basic Chinese words and phrases helps you talk with others. Knowing more words lets you share more ideas and understand people better. If you know words well, you can speak clearly and sound natural. Good vocabulary also helps you make better sentences and say what you mean.

Try to practice every day. Use flashcards, apps, or talk with people. Coachers gives you lots of help, like online lessons and great teachers. You can use fun tools, join group or private classes, and even become a certified Coacher. Want to begin? Start learning today! 🚀

FAQ

What is the best way to start learning Chinese words?

You can start by learning pinyin and practicing pronunciation. Use flashcards, apps, and repeat words out loud. Try to use new words in short sentences every day. This helps you remember and speak with confidence.

How do I remember Chinese tones?

Listen to native speakers and repeat after them. Practice with audio tools and record yourself. Focus on one tone at a time. Use songs or rhymes to make tones fun and easy to remember.

Can I learn Chinese online with Coachers?

Yes! You can join live group or private classes. Coachers offers flexible schedules and expert teachers. You get feedback, progress reports, and fun practice activities. You can learn from anywhere and fit lessons into your day.

How long does it take to speak basic Chinese?

You can start using simple words and phrases in just a few weeks. Daily practice helps you improve faster. Most learners can hold short conversations after a few months of regular study.

Do I need to learn Chinese characters first?

No, you can begin with pinyin and spoken words. Learning characters comes later. Focus on speaking and listening first. This makes learning Chinese easier and less stressful.