Expression
A1
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.
用法:Perfect for all levels of formality. Just remember to include the measure word 'ge' in conversation to sound natural.
Expression
A1
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.
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.
Expression
B1
Generally speaking
Used to introduce a general statement or observation.
Expression
C1
Press on to the finish without letup
这个短语的重点在于抓住时机,全力以赴!它意味着在一次坚定的努力中完成某事,不停止也不气馁。想象一下你对一项任务充满动力——`一鼓作气` 就是那种‘现在就做,然后完成它!’的感觉!这是关于将你所有的能量和热情都投入到一次决定性的行动中。
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.
Expression
A1
Last week
The week before the current one.
Expression
A1
Next week
The week following the current one.
Collocation
A1
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.
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.
Collocation
A1
Rain
When water falls from the sky as rain.
Expression
A1
No, not
A negative particle used to deny or negate something.
Expression
A1
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.
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.
Expression
A1
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.
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.
Expression
A1
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.
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.
Expression
A1
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.
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.
Collocation
A1
To buy groceries
购买新鲜食材回家做饭的行为。涵盖了蔬菜、肉类、蛋类等。
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.
Expression
A2
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.
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).
Expression
A1
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.'
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.
Expression
A1
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.
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.
Expression
A1
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.
用法:This phrase is neutral and safe for 90% of situations. Use 'Nin' for elders and 'Nar' for a northern accent.
Expression
A1
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?'
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!
Collocation
A1
Do exercise
To engage in physical activity.
Expression
A1
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.
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.
Collocation
A1
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.
用法:This is a neutral, high-frequency collocation. It is safe to use in any social or professional setting to describe intended sequences.
Collocation
A1
To turn off the light
这个短语 `关灯` (guān dēng) 是你告诉别人关灯最常用的方式。它非常直接和实用,用于日常情境,比如离开房间或上床睡觉。把它当作“关灯!”的通用信号。
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!
Expression
A2
Goodbye.
A common farewell when parting ways.
Expression
A1
What date?
A question asking for the specific day of the month.
Expression
A1
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.
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!
Expression
A1
How many books
Ask about the number of books.
Expression
A1
Taxi.
This is the standard word for a taxi or cab. It literally describes a car that is rented out for a trip.
用法:The phrase is neutral and appropriate for any situation. In Northern China, you might hear an 'r' sound at the end (`chūzūchēr`).
Expression
A1
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.
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.
Expression
A1
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.'
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.