Most Common Traditional Chinese Verbs PDF Download and Quiz

Verbs are the engine of Traditional Chinese conversations-without them, you’re just pointing and hoping. This collection rounds up around 1,000 of the most common verbs you’ll actually need, whether you’re ordering dumplings, sharing a funny story, or texting a friend. No dusty textbook relics, just practical action words that keep your sentences moving.

Each verb packs a clear meaning and a realistic example sentence, so you see exactly how it behaves in wild, everyday Chinese. We’ve added audio playback for every entry-your ears need practice just as much as your eyes. When you’re ready to study offline, grab the free PDF using the download button right below the table.

This isn’t a curated list for a specific exam. It’s built for general learners who want a clean reference, not a stuffy grammar lecture. Think of it as your go-to verb cheat sheet whether you’re a beginner hungry for the basics or a more confident learner filling gaps.

Want more than one list? Browse our Traditional Chinese section for more Yak Yacker study pages, printable lists, and quiz-friendly review material.

Quick Quiz

Think you’ve locked a few of these verbs into memory? The quick quiz below gives you a friendly nudge-no stress, just a way to spot the ones that need a second look.

Browse the Full List

WordPinyinTypeMeaningAudio
休息xiūxiverbto rest
休息xiūxíOtherto rest
Otherto be low
zhùverbto live, to reside
zhùOtherto stay, to live
zuòOther
作文zuòwénOtherto write an essay/composition (student essay)/CL:篇[pian1]
使得shĭdeOther
使用shĭyòngOther
láiverbto come
láiVerbto come
láiOtherto come
來不及láibùjíOther
來得及láidejíOther
依靠yīkàoOther
便宜piányíOtherto be cheap
保守băoshŏuOther
保證/証bǎozhèngOtherguarantee/to guarantee/to ensure/to safeguard/to pledge
保護băohùOther
保養băoyăngOther
xiūOther
修改xiūgăiOther
修理xiūlĭOther
dǎoOtherto pour, to dump out
jièOtherto borrow, to lend

Free Traditional Chinese Vocab List and Flashcard PDFs to Download

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