中国語 をより自然に話す

一个小时。

One hour.

This is how you say 'one hour' when talking about a duration of time. It is the standard way to measure a 60-minute block in Chinese.

使用法: Perfect for all levels of formality. Just remember to include the measure word 'ge' in conversation to sound natural.

一直往前走。

Go straight.

This is your go-to phrase for giving directions. It literally tells someone to keep moving forward without turning until they reach their destination.

使用法: This phrase is safe to use with anyone from a taxi driver to a grandmother. It is functionally neutral. The only 'gotcha' is ensuring you don't use it for metaphorical 'progress' in a professional setting.

一般来说

Generally speaking

Used to introduce a general statement or observation.

休まず最後までやり遂げる

Press on to the finish without letup

このフレーズは、その瞬間を捉え、全力で突き進むことを意味します！それは、立ち止まったり落胆したりすることなく、一つの決意ある努力で何かを成し遂げることです。タスクに非常に意欲的だと想像してみてください - `一鼓作气` は「今すぐやろう、そして終わらせよう！」という気持ちです。それは、あなたのすべてのエネルギーと熱意を、単一の決定的な行動に注ぎ込むことです。

使用法: This idiom is generally positive, signifying effective and energetic action. It fits well in contexts where momentum and focus are key. Avoid using it for tasks that inherently require slow, methodical progress or when describing a lack of motivation, as it implies a strong, initial push.

上个星期

Last week

The week before the current one.

下个星期

Next week

The week following the current one.

下载

To download

This is the word you use when you want to pull something from the internet onto your phone or computer, like a new game or a movie.

使用法: The word is very stable across all regions of China. The only thing to watch out for is the pronunciation of `载` (zài), which is often mispronounced by beginners.

下雨

Rain

When water falls from the sky as rain.

不

No, not

A negative particle used to deny or negate something.

不能停车。

No parking.

This phrase is a direct command telling you that you aren't allowed to park your vehicle in a specific spot. It is the most common way to see 'No Parking' written on signs or spoken by security guards in China.

使用法: This phrase is neutral and safe for all situations. While it's not 'slang,' it is the most natural way to discuss parking restrictions in daily life.

不要放辣椒。

No chili peppers.

This is your ultimate safety net for ordering food in China. It literally tells the chef to keep the spicy chili peppers out of your dish.

使用法: This phrase is neutral and safe for almost any situation. It is direct but not rude. In very formal settings, adding 'please' (qǐng) is recommended.

不远，很近。

Not far, close.

This phrase is a simple way to tell someone that a destination is just around the corner. It combines a negative ('not far') with a positive ('very close') to give a reassuring sense of proximity.

使用法: This is a neutral, A1-level phrase suitable for all daily interactions. There are no major social taboos associated with it, but ensure your physical gestures (pointing) match the description to avoid confusion.

中午好！

Good afternoon!

This is a friendly way to say 'Good afternoon' in Chinese. It is used to greet people specifically during the midday and early afternoon hours.

使用法: This phrase is neutral and safe for all audiences. It is slightly more formal than a simple 'Hi' but less stiff than 'Good day.' It is specifically tied to the hours surrounding the lunch break.

食材を買いに行く

To buy groceries

家で料理を作るために新鮮な食材を買いに行くこと。野菜、肉、卵などが含まれます。

使用法: The phrase is highly versatile but strictly limited to food ingredients for home cooking. Use the 3rd tone carefully to avoid saying 'sell vegetables.' It is suitable for all levels of formality except high-level business procurement.

今天很热。

It's hot today.

You use this to point out that the temperature is high today. It is the most common way to start a conversation about the weather in Chinese.

使用法: This phrase is neutral and safe for all social levels. Remember to avoid using the verb 'to be' (shì) before the adjective 'hot' (rè).

他不在。

He's not here.

This is the most common way to say a male person is currently missing from a specific location. It's like saying 'He's out' or 'He's not in the office right now.'

使用法: This phrase is perfectly neutral and safe for 99% of situations. Just remember the tone change for 'bu' to sound like a local.

你会说中文吗？

Do you speak Chinese?

This is the classic way to ask someone if they have the ability to speak Chinese. It's the ultimate icebreaker when you meet someone and want to test the linguistic waters.

使用法: This phrase is perfectly safe for all social levels. It is neutral and polite. The only 'gotcha' is the modesty of the respondent—don't take a 'no' or 'a little' too literally.

你住在哪里？

Where do you live?

This is the standard way to ask someone where they live. It is a direct and friendly question used to find out which neighborhood or city someone calls home.

使用法: This phrase is neutral and safe for 90% of situations. Use 'Nin' for elders and 'Nar' for a northern accent.

你有微信吗？

Do you have WeChat?

This is the universal way to ask someone for their contact information in China. It is the modern equivalent of asking 'What is your phone number?' or 'Can I follow you on Instagram?'

使用法: This phrase is neutral and safe for almost any social or professional level. The only 'gotcha' is ensuring you actually have the app installed and set up before asking!

做运动

Do exercise

To engage in physical activity.

停一下。

Stop please.

Think of this as a gentle way to hit the 'pause' button. It is a polite way to ask someone to stop what they are doing for just a second.

使用法: The phrase is neutral and safe for most daily interactions. The key 'gotcha' is the tone; a falling, angry tone turns this polite request into a sharp command.

先...再

First...then

This phrase is the ultimate way to set an order for your actions. It tells people you want to finish one thing before moving on to the next.

使用法: This is a neutral, high-frequency collocation. It is safe to use in any social or professional setting to describe intended sequences.

電気を消す

To turn off the light

このフレーズ「`关灯`」（guān dēng）は、誰かに電気を消すように伝えるための定番です。非常に直接的で実用的で、部屋を出るときや寝るときのような日常的な状況で使われます。「消灯！」という普遍的な合図と考えてください。

使用法: The phrase `关灯` is very common and versatile, suitable for most informal and neutral situations. While generally not considered slang, avoid using it in highly formal written documents where `熄灯` might be preferred. A common pitfall is confusing `关` (off) with `开` (on), so always double-check your verb!

再见。

Goodbye.

A common farewell when parting ways.

几号

What date?

A question asking for the specific day of the month.

几号桌？

Which table?

This is the go-to way to ask which table someone is sitting at or where an order should go. It is short, direct, and essential for navigating any dining situation in China.

使用法: This phrase is very safe to use. It sits right in the middle of the formality scale. Just remember to use a questioning tone at the end!

几本书

How many books

Ask about the number of books.

出租车。

Taxi.

This is the standard word for a taxi or cab. It literally describes a car that is rented out for a trip.

使用法: The phrase is neutral and appropriate for any situation. In Northern China, you might hear an 'r' sound at the end (`chūzūchēr`).

别这么说。

Don't say that.

This is a versatile phrase used to stop someone from being too humble, overly self-critical, or even too complimentary. It's like saying 'Don't be like that' or 'Don't mention it' in a warm, polite way.

使用法: The phrase is neutral and safe for almost any social situation. The only 'gotcha' is ensuring your tone is warm; if said with a flat, cold voice, it could be misinterpreted as actually telling someone to stop talking.

到了。

We're here.

This is the go-to phrase for announcing you have reached your destination. It is the verbal equivalent of a GPS saying 'Destination reached.'

使用法: This phrase is universally understood across all of China. It is neutral enough for any situation, though adding a subject or title makes it slightly more polite in professional settings.