Common Phrases: Chinese for Beginners | Learn Chinese | HSK 1

An exciting experience is starting the adventure of learning Mandarin Chinese. Learning fundamental and frequent phrases is one of the first steps, especially for those that adhere to the HSK 1 norm, the beginner’s tier in the official Chinese proficiency test. To offer you a solid basis, let’s delve into these expressions!

Greetings

你好 (Nǐ hǎo) – Hello

下午好 (Xiàwǔ hǎo) – Good afternoon

晚上好 (Wǎnshàng hǎo) – Good evening

再见 (Zàijiàn) – Goodbye

早上好 (Zǎoshang hǎo) – Good morning

Basic Questions and Statements

你叫什么名字? (Nǐ jiào shénme míngzì?) – What’s your name?

我叫… (Wǒ jiào…) – My name is…

你好吗? (Nǐ hǎo ma?) – How are you?

我很好 (Wǒ hěn hǎo) – I am good

我不太好 (Wǒ bù tài hǎo) – I’m not so good

Numbers

一 (Yī) – One

二 (Èr) – Two

三 (Sān) – Three

四 (Sì) – Four

五 (Wǔ) – Five

Note: Basic numbers form the basis of everyday interactions, such as discussing prices, telling time, or giving addresses.

Polite Phrases

谢谢 (Xièxiè) – Thank you

非常谢谢 (Fēicháng xièxiè) – Thank you very much

不客气 (Bù kèqì) – You’re welcome

对不起 (Duìbùqǐ) – Sorry

请 (Qǐng) – Please

Basic Interactions

你是哪国人? (Nǐ shì nǎ guó rén?) – Where are you from?

我是…人 (Wǒ shì…rén) – I am from…

你会说中文吗? (Nǐ huì shuō zhōngwén ma?) – Can you speak Chinese?

我会 (Wǒ huì) – I can

我不会 (Wǒ bù huì) – I can’t

我不懂 (Wǒ bù dǒng) – I don’t understand

Everyday Phrases

这是什么? (Zhè shì shénme?) – What is this?

多少钱? (Duōshǎo qián?) – How much is this?

水 (Shuǐ) – Water

饭店 (Fàndiàn) – Restaurant

厕所在哪里? (Cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?) – Where is the restroom?

是 (Shì) – Yes

不是 (Bù shì) – No

bird 349026 1280

Getting familiar with these expressions will provide a solid foundation as you learn more about the Chinese language. Remember that comprehending basic words and phrases is the first step in writing any complex sentence.

Contact our head teacher, Chen Huimin, at info@lcchineseschool.com if you want to learn Chinese or have additional questions about our Chinese programs. 

Learn about our Internship Program in China.

Learn about holidays in China in 2023.

Get free Chinese learning resources.

Sign up for a free trial class here.

Sign up for classes here.

Learn more about our Chinese Summer Camp for Children here.

Learn about our Internship Program in China.

Get free Chinese learning resources.

Learn about China’s 2024 Offical Holiday Schedule