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.
Starting with one of the most fundamental words, “ไฝ ๅฅฝ” means “hello.” It’s the standard greeting in Chinese and is used in both formal and informal settings.
Expressing gratitude is important in any language. “่ฐข่ฐข” means “thank you” and is used to show appreciation.
In response to “่ฐข่ฐข,” you can say “ไธๅฎขๆฐ,” which means “you’re welcome.” This phrase is often used to politely acknowledge thanks.
The word “ๆฏ” means “yes” or “to be.” It’s a versatile word that you’ll encounter frequently.
To say “no” in Chinese, you can use “ไธๆฏ.” It’s the negative form of “ๆฏ.”
“่ฏท” means “please” and is used to make polite requests.
If you need to apologize, you can say “ๅฏนไธ่ตท,” which means “sorry.”
In response to an apology, you can say “ๆฒกๅ ณ็ณป,” which means “it’s okay” or “no problem.”
“ๅ่ง” means “goodbye” and is used when parting ways.
To ask for someone’s name, you can use the word “ๅๅญ,” which means “name.”
“ไปไน” means “what” and is used in questions to inquire about something.
To ask about a location, you can use “ๅช้,” which means “where.”
“่ฐ” means “who” and is used to ask about a person.
“ไธบไปไน” means “why” and is used to ask for reasons or explanations.
“ๆไน” means “how” and is used to inquire about the manner or method of something.
To ask about quantity, you can use “ๅคๅฐ,” which means “how many” or “how much.”
The word “่ฟไธช” means “this” and is used to refer to something close by.
“้ฃไธช” means “that” and is used to refer to something farther away.
To indicate a location close by, you can use “่ฟ้,” which means “here.”
“้ฃ้” means “there” and is used to indicate a location farther away.
The word “ๆ” means “I” or “me” and is used to refer to oneself.
“ไฝ ” means “you” and is used to address someone directly.
“ไป” means “he” or “him” and is used to refer to a male person.
“ๅฅน” means “she” or “her” and is used to refer to a female person.
The word “ๆไปฌ” means “we” or “us” and is used to refer to a group including oneself.
“ไฝ ไปฌ” means “you” in the plural form and is used to address a group of people.
“ไปไปฌ” means “they” or “them” when referring to a group of males or a mixed group.
“ๅฅนไปฌ” means “they” or “them” when referring to a group of females.
“่ฟ” is a simpler form of “่ฟไธช” and also means “this.”
“้ฃ” is a simpler form of “้ฃไธช” and means “that.”
The particle “ๅ” is used at the end of a sentence to turn it into a yes/no question.
“็” is a possessive particle used to indicate ownership, similar to ‘s in English.
The particle “ไบ” is used to indicate that an action has been completed.
“ไผ” means “can” or “be able to” and is used to express ability.
“ๅป” means “to go” and is used to indicate movement from one place to another.
“ๆฅ” means “to come” and is used to indicate movement towards the speaker.
“ๅ” means “to eat” and is a fundamental verb for discussing food.
“ๅ” means “to drink” and is used to discuss beverages.
“็” means “to look” or “to watch” and is used for viewing or observing something.
“ๅฌ” means “to listen” and is used for hearing or paying attention to sounds.
“่ฏด” means “to speak” or “to say” and is used for verbal communication.
“่ฏป” means “to read” and is used for reading texts.
“ๅ” means “to write” and is used for writing or composing text.
“ไนฐ” means “to buy” and is used for purchasing items.
“ๅ” means “to sell” and is used for selling items.
“ๅๆฌข” means “to like” and is used to express preferences or fondness for something.
“็ฑ” means “to love” and is used to express deep affection or love.
“็ฅ้” means “to know” and is used to indicate awareness or knowledge of something.
“ๆณ” means “to want” or “to think” and is used to express desires or thoughts.
“ๅฏไปฅ” means “can” or “may” and is used to express permission or possibility.
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!
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