Most Common Chinese Expressions: Free PDF + Quiz

Most Common Chinese Expressions is built for learners who want useful Chinese vocabulary in a clean reference format instead of a long, fluffy article.

Work through the list at your own pace, check the examples, and use the free Download PDF button under the table when you’re ready to study offline.

Use this list as a starting point, then keep going in the Yak Yacker Chinese section for more words, phrases, and study-friendly reference pages.

Quick Quiz

The quiz is optional, but it’s a nice way to spot words you still need to learn.

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ExpressionPinyinMeaning
一起yī qǐin the same place; together; with
丈夫zhàng fuhusband; CL:個|个[gè]
上午shàng wǔmorning; CL:個|个[gè]
上班shàng bānto go to work; to be on duty; to start work
下午xià wǔafternoon; CL:個|个[gè]; p.m.
下雨xià yǔto rain; rainy
不客气bù kè qiyou're welcome; impolite; rude
东西dōng xithing; stuff; person
中午zhōng wǔnoon; midday; CL:個|个[gè]
中国Zhōng guóChina; Middle Kingdom
事情shì qingaffair; matter; thing
什么shén mewhat?; who?; something
今天jīn tiāntoday; at the present; now
介绍jiè shàoto introduce (sb to sb); to give a presentation; to present (sb for a job etc)
休息xiū xirest; to rest
但是dàn shìbut; however
便宜pián yismall advantages; to let sb off lightly; cheap
儿子ér zison
先生xiān shengteacher; husband; doctor (topolect)
公共汽车gōng gòng qì chēbus; CL:輛|辆; 班[bān]
公司gōng sī(business) company; company; firm
公园gōng yuánpublic park; CL:場|场[chǎng]
公斤gōng jīnkilogram (kg)
关系guān xìvariant of 關係|关系[guān xì]
再见zài jiàngoodbye; see you again later