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

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.
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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!
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Here are 100 essential Chinese words that can be helpful for language learners:
- 你 (nǐ) – you
- 我 (wǒ) – I, me
- 是 (shì) – is, are, am
- 的 (de) – possessive particle
- 了 (le) – indicating completed action
- 不 (bù) – not
- 在 (zài) – at, in, on
- 这 (zhè) – this
- 他 (tā) – he, him
- 有 (yǒu) – have, has
- 人 (rén) – person
- 会 (huì) – can, will
- 说 (shuō) – speak, say
- 好 (hǎo) – good, well
- 但 (dàn) – but, yet
- 那 (nà) – that
- 要 (yào) – want, need
- 我们 (wǒmen) – we, us
- 去 (qù) – go
- 在 (zài) – in, at, on
- 他们 (tāmen) – they, them
- 很 (hěn) – very, quite
- 吗 (ma) – question particle
- 让 (ràng) – let, allow
- 知道 (zhīdào) – know
- 这个 (zhège) – this
- 问题 (wèntí) – question, problem
- 如何 (rúhé) – how, what
- 这样 (zhèyàng) – like this, in this way
- 因为 (yīnwèi) – because
- 所以 (suǒyǐ) – so, therefore
- 谢谢 (xièxie) – thank you
- 可以 (kěyǐ) – can, may
- 同时 (tóngshí) – at the same time
- 看 (kàn) – see, watch, look
- 如果 (rúguǒ) – if
- 想 (xiǎng) – want, think
- 知道 (zhīdào) – know
- 工作 (gōngzuò) – work, job
- 学习 (xuéxí) – study, learn
- 爱 (ài) – love
- 生活 (shēnghuó) – life, live
- 时间 (shíjiān) – time
- 家 (jiā) – family, home
- 城市 (chéngshì) – city
- 孩子 (háizi) – child
- 学校 (xuéxiào) – school
- 食物 (shíwù) – food
- 水 (shuǐ) – water
- 天气 (tiānqì) – weather
- 朋友 (péngyǒu) – friend
- 电影 (diànyǐng) – movie
- 音乐 (yīnyuè) – music
- 旅行 (lǚxíng) – travel
- 运动 (yùndòng) – sports, exercise
- 谈话 (tánhuà) – conversation
- 电话 (diànhuà) – telephone
- 电视 (diànshì) – television
- 阅读 (yuèdú) – read, reading
- 写 (xiě) – write
- 看见 (kànjiàn) – see
- 听 (tīng) – listen, hear
- 买 (mǎi) – buy
- 卖 (mài) – sell
- 打电话 (dǎ diànhuà) – make a phone call
- 发送 (fāsòng) – send, transmit
- 看电影 (kàn diànyǐng) – watch a movie
- 吃饭 (chīfàn) – eat a meal
- 喝水 (hē shuǐ) – drink water
- 睡觉 (shuìjiào) – sleep
- 上班 (shàngbān) – go to work
- 下班 (xiàbān) – finish work, get off work
- 开车 (kāichē) – drive a car
- 坐车 (zuòchē) – take a car, ride a bus
- 去旅行 (qù lǚxíng) – go on a trip
- 游泳 (yóuyǒng) – swim
- 想念 (xiǎngniàn) – miss, long for
- 逛街 (guàngjiē) – go shopping, stroll on the street
- 上学 (shàngxué) – go to school
- 毕业 (bìyè) – graduate
- 请问 (qǐngwèn) – excuse me, may I ask
- 对不起 (duìbuqǐ) – sorry, excuse me
- 没关系 (méi guānxi) – it’s okay, no problem
- 很高兴 (hěn gāoxìng) – nice to meet you, glad
- 祝贺 (zhùhè) – congratulate
- 快乐 (kuàilè) – happy, joyful
- 生日 (shēngrì) – birthday
- 节日 (jiérì) – festival, holiday
- 春节 (chūnjié) – Spring Festival, Chinese New Year
- 假期 (jiàqī) – vacation, holiday
- 母亲 (mǔqīn) – mother
- 父亲 (fùqīn) – father
- 兄弟姐妹 (xiōngdì jiěmèi) – siblings
- 爷爷 (yéye) – grandfather
- 奶奶 (nǎinai) – grandmother
- 叔叔 (shūshu) – uncle
- 阿姨 (āyí) – aunt
- 女朋友 (nǚpéngyou) – girlfriend
- 男朋友 (nánpéngyou) – boyfriend
- 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!

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