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    • Building Blocks of Chinese Language: 100 Essential Words for Beginners with Corpus Mandarin
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    Building Blocks of Chinese Language: 100 Essential Words for Beginners with Corpus Mandarin

    • Categories Chinese Learning
    • Date 2023-07-21

    Building Blocks of Chinese Language: 100 Essential Words for Beginners

     | Corpus Language Consulting

    Learning a new language can be an exciting and rewarding journey and when it comes to Mandarin Chinese, mastering the basics is crucial. Whether you’re planning a trip to China, exploring Chinese culture or aiming to communicate with Mandarin speakers, having a strong foundation of essential words is key. In this article, we present a curated list of 100 must-know Chinese words that will pave your way towards language proficiency.

    1. The Importance of Essential Vocabulary:
      Vocabulary forms the building blocks of any language and Mandarin Chinese is no exception. These carefully selected words provide a solid starting point for beginners, enabling them to construct basic sentences, understand common phrases and engage in everyday conversations.
    2. Core Pronouns and Verbs:
      At the core of any language are pronouns and verbs. In our list, you’ll find words like “你” (you), “我” (I), “是” (is/are/am), and “有” (have/has). These words are essential for introducing yourself, expressing actions and forming basic sentences.
    3. Indispensable Adjectives and Adverbs:
      To describe the world around you, adjectives and adverbs are indispensable. Words like “好” (good/well), “很” (very/quite) and “不” (not) allow you to convey your thoughts and opinions and add depth to your expressions.
    4. Connectors and Question Words:
      Conjunctions and question words play a crucial role in communication. In our list, you’ll find words like “但” (but/yet), “因为” (because), “如何” (how/what),and “吗” (question particle). These words help you link ideas, ask questions and express reasons.
    5. Nouns for Everyday Life:
      Learning nouns related to daily life is essential for practical communication. Our list includes words like “家” (family/home), “食物” (food), “时间” (time), and “城市” (city). Mastering these words will enable you to discuss topics such as family, meals, daily routines and urban environments.
    6. Cultural and Social Vocabulary:
      Language and culture are intertwined. Our list includes words such as “春节” (Spring Festival/Chinese New Year), “节日” (festival/holiday) and “结婚” (get married). These words introduce you to Chinese traditions, celebrations and important life events.

    Embarking on the journey of learning Mandarin Chinese can be both challenging and exciting. By familiarising yourself with the 100 essential words presented in this article, you will build a strong foundation for language proficiency. Remember, practice and immersion are key to mastering any language. So, embrace the language, engage with native speakers and continue expanding your vocabulary beyond these core words. Happy learning!

    Looking to check your vocabulary level? Book your 30-min free orientation now!
    Book your first session to practise Chinese with a certified Corpus Star!

     | Corpus Language Consulting

    Here are 100 essential Chinese words that can be helpful for language learners:

    1. 你 (nǐ) – you
    2. 我 (wǒ) – I, me
    3. 是 (shì) – is, are, am
    4. 的 (de) – possessive particle
    5. 了 (le) – indicating completed action
    6. 不 (bù) – not
    7. 在 (zài) – at, in, on
    8. 这 (zhè) – this
    9. 他 (tā) – he, him
    10. 有 (yǒu) – have, has
    11. 人 (rén) – person
    12. 会 (huì) – can, will
    13. 说 (shuō) – speak, say
    14. 好 (hǎo) – good, well
    15. 但 (dàn) – but, yet
    16. 那 (nà) – that
    17. 要 (yào) – want, need
    18. 我们 (wǒmen) – we, us
    19. 去 (qù) – go
    20. 在 (zài) – in, at, on
    21. 他们 (tāmen) – they, them
    22. 很 (hěn) – very, quite
    23. 吗 (ma) – question particle
    24. 让 (ràng) – let, allow
    25. 知道 (zhīdào) – know
    26. 这个 (zhège) – this
    27. 问题 (wèntí) – question, problem
    28. 如何 (rúhé) – how, what
    29. 这样 (zhèyàng) – like this, in this way
    30. 因为 (yīnwèi) – because
    31. 所以 (suǒyǐ) – so, therefore
    32. 谢谢 (xièxie) – thank you
    33. 可以 (kěyǐ) – can, may
    34. 同时 (tóngshí) – at the same time
    35. 看 (kàn) – see, watch, look
    36. 如果 (rúguǒ) – if
    37. 想 (xiǎng) – want, think
    38. 知道 (zhīdào) – know
    39. 工作 (gōngzuò) – work, job
    40. 学习 (xuéxí) – study, learn
    41. 爱 (ài) – love
    42. 生活 (shēnghuó) – life, live
    43. 时间 (shíjiān) – time
    44. 家 (jiā) – family, home
    45. 城市 (chéngshì) – city
    46. 孩子 (háizi) – child
    47. 学校 (xuéxiào) – school
    48. 食物 (shíwù) – food
    49. 水 (shuǐ) – water
    50. 天气 (tiānqì) – weather
    51. 朋友 (péngyǒu) – friend
    52. 电影 (diànyǐng) – movie
    53. 音乐 (yīnyuè) – music
    54. 旅行 (lǚxíng) – travel
    55. 运动 (yùndòng) – sports, exercise
    56. 谈话 (tánhuà) – conversation
    57. 电话 (diànhuà) – telephone
    58. 电视 (diànshì) – television
    59. 阅读 (yuèdú) – read, reading
    60. 写 (xiě) – write
    61. 看见 (kànjiàn) – see
    62. 听 (tīng) – listen, hear
    63. 买 (mǎi) – buy
    64. 卖 (mài) – sell
    65. 打电话 (dǎ diànhuà) – make a phone call
    66. 发送 (fāsòng) – send, transmit
    67. 看电影 (kàn diànyǐng) – watch a movie
    68. 吃饭 (chīfàn) – eat a meal
    69. 喝水 (hē shuǐ) – drink water
    70. 睡觉 (shuìjiào) – sleep
    71. 上班 (shàngbān) – go to work
    72. 下班 (xiàbān) – finish work, get off work
    73. 开车 (kāichē) – drive a car
    74. 坐车 (zuòchē) – take a car, ride a bus
    75. 去旅行 (qù lǚxíng) – go on a trip
    76. 游泳 (yóuyǒng) – swim
    77. 想念 (xiǎngniàn) – miss, long for
    78. 逛街 (guàngjiē) – go shopping, stroll on the street
    79. 上学 (shàngxué) – go to school
    80. 毕业 (bìyè) – graduate
    81. 请问 (qǐngwèn) – excuse me, may I ask
    82. 对不起 (duìbuqǐ) – sorry, excuse me
    83. 没关系 (méi guānxi) – it’s okay, no problem
    84. 很高兴 (hěn gāoxìng) – nice to meet you, glad
    85. 祝贺 (zhùhè) – congratulate
    86. 快乐 (kuàilè) – happy, joyful
    87. 生日 (shēngrì) – birthday
    88. 节日 (jiérì) – festival, holiday
    89. 春节 (chūnjié) – Spring Festival, Chinese New Year
    90. 假期 (jiàqī) – vacation, holiday
    91. 母亲 (mǔqīn) – mother
    92. 父亲 (fùqīn) – father
    93. 兄弟姐妹 (xiōngdì jiěmèi) – siblings
    94. 爷爷 (yéye) – grandfather
    95. 奶奶 (nǎinai) – grandmother
    96. 叔叔 (shūshu) – uncle
    97. 阿姨 (āyí) – aunt
    98. 女朋友 (nǚpéngyou) – girlfriend
    99. 男朋友 (nánpéngyou) – boyfriend
    100. 结婚 (jiéhūn) – get married

    These words cover a range of topics and can provide a solid foundation for your Chinese vocabulary. Remember to practise using them in sentences and conversations to improve your language skills further.

    Looking to check your vocabulary level? Book your 30-min free orientation now!
    Book your first session to practise Chinese with a certified Corpus Star!

     | Corpus Language Consulting

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    Tag:Beginners Guide, Business Chinese, Business Mandarin, Chinese Characters, Chinese culture, Chinese in Singapore, Chinese in Taipei, Chinese Language, Chinese Learning, Chinese Study Plan, ChinesePhrases, Communication Skills, Corpus Amy, Corpus Chinese, corpus magazine, Corpus Mandarin, Cultural Awareness, Cultural Heritage, Customised Chinese tutoring, Essential Vocabulary, Executive Chinese, Language Acquisition, Language Connections, Language Learning, Language Skills, Learn Chinese Faster, Learn Chinese with Linguists, Learning Journey, Linguistic Adventure, Linguistic Exploration, Linguistics, Mandarin Chinese, Online Mandarin Tutor, Pinyin, Quizlet, Vocabulary Retention

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    Amy Tsai, Corpus Founder
      Corporate Language Trainer, International Education Consultant, Cambridge & UCL Linguistics Alumna

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