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.
Browse the Full List
| Expression | Pinyin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 名字 | míng zi | name (of a person or thing); CL:個|个[gè] |
| 后面 | hòu mian | rear; back; behind |
| 告诉 | gào su | to tell; to inform; to let know |
| 咖啡 | kā fēi | coffee; CL:杯[bēi] |
| 哥哥 | gē ge | older brother; CL:個|个; 位[wèi] |
| 唱歌 | chàng gē | to sing a song |
| 商店 | shāng diàn | store; shop; CL:家 |
| 喜欢 | xǐ huan | to like; to be fond of |
| 回答 | huí dá | to reply; to answer; the answer |
| 因为 | yīn wèi | because; owing to; on account of |
| 地图 | dì tú | map; CL:張|张; 本[běn] |
| 地方 | dì fang | area; place; space |
| 地铁 | dì tiě | subway; metro |
| 城市 | chéng shì | city; town; CL:座[zuò] |
| 复习 | fù xí | variant of 復習|复习; to revise; to review |
| 多么 | duō me | how (wonderful etc); what (a great idea etc); however (difficult it may be etc) |
| 多少 | duō shao | how much; how many; which (number) |
| 大家 | dà jiā | everyone; influential family; great expert |
| 天气 | tiān qì | weather |
| 女人 | nǚ rén | woman |
| 女儿 | nǚ ér | daughter |
| 好吃 | hǎo chī | tasty; delicious |
| 妈妈 | mā ma | mama; mommy; mother |
| 妹妹 | mèi mei | younger sister; fig. younger woman (esp. girl friend or rival); CL:個|个[gè] |
| 妻子 | qī zi | wife; CL:個|个[gè] |
