Learning a new language can be an exciting yet challenging endeavor. If you’re just starting your journey with Mandarin Chinese, you’re in for a treat. The language is rich in history and culture, and mastering it can open up a world of opportunities. However, starting with the basics is crucial. Knowing essential words will help you navigate everyday conversations and build a solid foundation for further learning. In this article, we will explore 50 essential words you need to know for Chinese at the A1 level.

1. 你好 (nǐ hǎo) – Hello

Starting with one of the most fundamental words, “你好” means “hello.” It’s the standard greeting in Chinese and is used in both formal and informal settings.

2. 谢谢 (xièxie) – Thank You

Expressing gratitude is important in any language. “谢谢” means “thank you” and is used to show appreciation.

3. 不客气 (bú kèqi) – You’re Welcome

In response to “谢谢,” you can say “不客气,” which means “you’re welcome.” This phrase is often used to politely acknowledge thanks.

4. 是 (shì) – Yes

The word “是” means “yes” or “to be.” It’s a versatile word that you’ll encounter frequently.

5. 不是 (bù shì) – No

To say “no” in Chinese, you can use “不是.” It’s the negative form of “是.”

6. 请 (qǐng) – Please

“请” means “please” and is used to make polite requests.

7. 对不起 (duìbuqǐ) – Sorry

If you need to apologize, you can say “对不起,” which means “sorry.”

8. 没关系 (méi guānxi) – It’s Okay

In response to an apology, you can say “没关系,” which means “it’s okay” or “no problem.”

9. 再见 (zàijiàn) – Goodbye

“再见” means “goodbye” and is used when parting ways.

10. 名字 (míngzi) – Name

To ask for someone’s name, you can use the word “名字,” which means “name.”

11. 什么 (shénme) – What

“什么” means “what” and is used in questions to inquire about something.

12. 哪里 (nǎlǐ) – Where

To ask about a location, you can use “哪里,” which means “where.”

13. 谁 (shéi) – Who

“谁” means “who” and is used to ask about a person.

14. 为什么 (wèishénme) – Why

“为什么” means “why” and is used to ask for reasons or explanations.

15. 怎么 (zěnme) – How

“怎么” means “how” and is used to inquire about the manner or method of something.

16. 多少 (duōshǎo) – How Many/How Much

To ask about quantity, you can use “多少,” which means “how many” or “how much.”

17. 这个 (zhège) – This

The word “这个” means “this” and is used to refer to something close by.

18. 那个 (nàge) – That

“那个” means “that” and is used to refer to something farther away.

19. 这里 (zhèlǐ) – Here

To indicate a location close by, you can use “这里,” which means “here.”

20. 那里 (nàlǐ) – There

“那里” means “there” and is used to indicate a location farther away.

21. 我 (wǒ) – I/Me

The word “我” means “I” or “me” and is used to refer to oneself.

22. 你 (nǐ) – You

“你” means “you” and is used to address someone directly.

23. 他 (tā) – He/Him

“他” means “he” or “him” and is used to refer to a male person.

24. 她 (tā) – She/Her

“她” means “she” or “her” and is used to refer to a female person.

25. 我们 (wǒmen) – We/Us

The word “我们” means “we” or “us” and is used to refer to a group including oneself.

26. 你们 (nǐmen) – You (plural)

“你们” means “you” in the plural form and is used to address a group of people.

27. 他们 (tāmen) – They/Them (male or mixed group)

“他们” means “they” or “them” when referring to a group of males or a mixed group.

28. 她们 (tāmen) – They/Them (female)

“她们” means “they” or “them” when referring to a group of females.

29. 这 (zhè) – This

“这” is a simpler form of “这个” and also means “this.”

30. 那 (nà) – That

“那” is a simpler form of “那个” and means “that.”

31. 吗 (ma) – Question Particle

The particle “吗” is used at the end of a sentence to turn it into a yes/no question.

32. 的 (de) – Possessive Particle

“的” is a possessive particle used to indicate ownership, similar to ‘s in English.

33. 了 (le) – Completed Action Particle

The particle “了” is used to indicate that an action has been completed.

34. 会 (huì) – Can/Be Able To

“会” means “can” or “be able to” and is used to express ability.

35. 去 (qù) – To Go

“去” means “to go” and is used to indicate movement from one place to another.

36. 来 (lái) – To Come

“来” means “to come” and is used to indicate movement towards the speaker.

37. 吃 (chī) – To Eat

“吃” means “to eat” and is a fundamental verb for discussing food.

38. 喝 (hē) – To Drink

“喝” means “to drink” and is used to discuss beverages.

39. 看 (kàn) – To Look/To Watch

“看” means “to look” or “to watch” and is used for viewing or observing something.

40. 听 (tīng) – To Listen

“听” means “to listen” and is used for hearing or paying attention to sounds.

41. 说 (shuō) – To Speak/To Say

“说” means “to speak” or “to say” and is used for verbal communication.

42. 读 (dú) – To Read

“读” means “to read” and is used for reading texts.

43. 写 (xiě) – To Write

“写” means “to write” and is used for writing or composing text.

44. 买 (mǎi) – To Buy

“买” means “to buy” and is used for purchasing items.

45. 卖 (mài) – To Sell

“卖” means “to sell” and is used for selling items.

46. 喜欢 (xǐhuan) – To Like

“喜欢” means “to like” and is used to express preferences or fondness for something.

47. 爱 (ài) – To Love

“爱” means “to love” and is used to express deep affection or love.

48. 知道 (zhīdào) – To Know

“知道” means “to know” and is used to indicate awareness or knowledge of something.

49. 想 (xiǎng) – To Want/To Think

“想” means “to want” or “to think” and is used to express desires or thoughts.

50. 可以 (kěyǐ) – Can/May

“可以” means “can” or “may” and is used to express permission or possibility.

Conclusion

Mastering these 50 essential words will provide you with a strong foundation in Mandarin Chinese. They cover a wide range of everyday situations and will help you navigate basic conversations with confidence. Remember, language learning is a gradual process, so take your time to practice and use these words in context. Happy learning!