Chinese Vocabulary
Organized into seven thematic categories with pinyin and meanings.
Arts & Culture Vocabulary
calligraphy (book method)
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
书法是中国艺术的灵魂。
Shūfǎ shì Zhōngguó yìshù de línghún.
Calligraphy is the soul of Chinese art.
Book + Method - literally 'the method of books'! But it's so much more - it's meditation in motion, where every stroke carries the artist's spirit and centuries of tradition.
writing brush (hair pen)
Type: noun • Difficulty: basic
用毛笔写字需要很多练习。
Yòng máobǐ xiězì xūyào hěn duō liànxí.
Writing with a brush requires lots of practice.
Hair + Pen - made from animal hair! The brush is alive, responsive to pressure and emotion. Master calligraphers say the brush is an extension of the heart.
Chinese painting (country painting)
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
国画重视意境胜过写实。
Guóhuà zhòngshì yìjìng shèngguò xiěshí.
Chinese painting values artistic mood over realism.
Country + Painting - not just any country, but the Middle Kingdom's unique vision! Unlike Western art that captures what you see, Chinese painting captures what you feel.
landscape (mountain water)
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
山水画表达了人与自然的和谐。
Shānshuǐhuà biǎodá le rén yǔ zìrán de héxié.
Landscape painting expresses harmony between humans and nature.
Mountain + Water - the eternal dance of solid and flowing! Chinese believe these two elements contain all of nature's wisdom. Every stroke is a philosophical statement!
Peking Opera (capital opera)
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
京剧融合了唱、念、做、打。
Jīngjù rónghé le chàng, niàn, zuò, dǎ.
Peking Opera combines singing, recitation, acting, and martial arts.
Capital + Opera - born in Beijing but belongs to all China! Every painted face tells a character's soul, every gesture has meaning. It's storytelling through total art!
face paint, opera mask
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
不同颜色的脸谱代表不同性格。
Bùtóng yánsè de liǎnpǔ dàibiǎo bùtóng xìnggé.
Different colored face paints represent different personalities.
Face + Chart - like a map of the soul! Red means loyal hero, white means cunning villain, black means rough but honest. Colors that speak louder than words!
ancient zither (old qin)
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
古琴音乐追求宁静致远。
Gǔqín yīnyuè zhuīqiú níngjìng zhìyuǎn.
Guqin music seeks tranquility and far-reaching thoughts.
Ancient + Qin - the scholar's instrument for 3,000 years! Not for entertainment but for self-cultivation. Playing guqin was like having a conversation with the ancient sages.
two-stringed fiddle
Type: noun • Difficulty: basic
二胡能表达丰富的情感。
Èrhú néng biǎodá fēngfù de qíngǎn.
The erhu can express rich emotions.
Two + Hu (barbarian fiddle) - originally from northern nomads, now quintessentially Chinese! It can make you cry or laugh, capturing the full spectrum of human feeling.
poetry (poem lyrics)
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
唐朝的诗词达到了艺术高峰。
Tángcháo de shīcí dádào le yìshù gāofēng.
Tang Dynasty poetry reached the artistic peak.
Poem + Lyrics - where words become music! Chinese poetry follows strict tonal patterns, making every poem a song. Reading poetry aloud is like singing without melody.
Tang poetry
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
每个中国人都会背几首唐诗。
Měi ge Zhōngguó rén dōu huì bèi jǐ shǒu Tángshī.
Every Chinese person can recite several Tang poems.
Tang + Poetry - the golden age when poets were rock stars! Li Bai and Du Fu are household names 1,300 years later. Their words still move hearts today!
martial arts (military art)
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
武术强调内外兼修。
Wǔshù qiángdiào nèiwài jiānxiū.
Martial arts emphasize cultivating both internal and external aspects.
Military + Art - fighting as high art! Not just about defeating enemies, but about conquering yourself. The highest martial artists are philosophers in motion.
Taiji, supreme ultimate
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
太极讲究以柔克刚。
Tàijí jiǎngjiù yǐ róu kè gāng.
Taiji emphasizes overcoming hardness with softness.
Supreme + Ultimate - the cosmic principle in motion! Watching tai chi in the park is seeing philosophy dance. Slow movements that contain infinite power.
Cuisine & Food Vocabulary
delicious food, gourmet food
Type: noun • Difficulty: basic
中国美食世界闻名。
Zhōngguó měishí shìjiè wénmíng.
Chinese cuisine is world-famous.
Beautiful + Food - because Chinese believe food should please all senses! Not just nutrition but art, not just eating but celebration of life's abundance.
food culture
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
中国的食文化源远流长。
Zhōngguó de shí wénhuà yuányuǎn liúcháng.
China's food culture has a long and rich history.
Food + Culture - because in China, food IS culture! Every dish tells a story, every meal builds relationships. 'Have you eaten?' is how Chinese people say hello!
Sichuan cuisine
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
川菜以麻辣著称天下。
Chuāncài yǐ málà zhùchēng tiānxià.
Sichuan cuisine is famous worldwide for being spicy and numbing.
Sichuan + Cuisine - land of abundance with fearless flavors! Sichuan pepper creates 'má' (numbness), chili brings 'là' (heat). Together they wake up your soul!
Cantonese cuisine
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
粤菜注重食材的原味。
Yuècài zhùzhòng shícái de yuánwèi.
Cantonese cuisine emphasizes the original flavors of ingredients.
Guangdong + Cuisine - the art of letting ingredients sing! Cantonese chefs believe the best cooking reveals nature's perfection, not masks it. Pure elegance on a plate.
Shandong cuisine
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
鲁菜是宫廷菜的代表。
Lǔcài shì gōngtíng cài de dàibiǎo.
Shandong cuisine represents imperial court cuisine.
Shandong + Cuisine - birthplace of imperial cooking! Home of Confucius, so even the food follows proper etiquette. Every dish has ceremony, every meal has meaning.
stir-fry
Type: verb • Difficulty: basic
用大火快炒保持蔬菜的脆嫩。
Yòng dàhuǒ kuài chǎo bǎochí shūcài de cuìnèn.
Use high heat to stir-fry quickly to keep vegetables crisp and tender.
The dance of the wok! Stir-frying requires rhythm, timing, and fire control. Master chefs move like conductors, orchestrating heat, oil, and ingredients in perfect harmony.
steam
Type: verb • Difficulty: basic
蒸蛋保持了鸡蛋的嫩滑。
Zhēngdàn bǎochí le jīdàn de nènhuá.
Steaming eggs keeps them silky and tender.
Gentle cooking with water's spirit! Steaming preserves nutrients and natural flavors. It's cooking with patience - letting steam do the work while you cultivate inner peace.
mapo tofu
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
麻婆豆腐是川菜的经典菜式。
Mápó dòufu shì Chuāncài de jīngdiǎn càishì.
Mapo tofu is a classic Sichuan dish.
Pockmarked Grandma + Tofu - named after the woman who created it! A humble dish that conquered the world. Proof that great cooking comes from the heart, not fancy ingredients.
Peking duck
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
北京烤鸭皮脆肉嫩。
Běijīng kǎoyā pí cuì ròu nèn.
Peking duck has crispy skin and tender meat.
Beijing + Roasted + Duck - imperial cuisine for the people! The theatrical carving, the ceremony of eating - it's dinner as performance art. Every bite is Beijing history!
tea ceremony, way of tea
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
茶道体现了中国人的生活哲学。
Chádào tǐxiàn le Zhōngguó rén de shēnghuó zhéxué.
Tea ceremony embodies Chinese philosophy of life.
Tea + Way - not just drinking but living! Every step has meaning: warming the cups shows hospitality, the first pour awakens the leaves' spirit, sharing tea builds friendship.
gongfu tea (skillful tea)
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
泡功夫茶需要耐心和技巧。
Pào gōngfu chá xūyào nàixīn hé jìqiǎo.
Brewing gongfu tea requires patience and skill.
Skill + Tea - martial arts applied to tea! Like kung fu fighting, every movement is precise, purposeful, beautiful. The tea master becomes one with the ceremony.
mooncake
Type: noun • Difficulty: basic
中秋节家人一起吃月饼赏月。
Zhōngqiū jié jiārén yīqǐ chī yuèbǐng shǎng yuè.
During Mid-Autumn Festival, families eat mooncakes together while admiring the moon.
Moon + Cake - edible full moons! Round like family unity, sweet like love, shared like happiness. Each bite connects you to centuries of families gazing at the same moon.
rice cake (year cake)
Type: noun • Difficulty: basic
吃年糕寓意年年高升。
Chī niángāo yùyì niánnián gāoshēng.
Eating rice cake symbolizes rising higher each year.
Year + High/Cake - wordplay that feeds the soul! 'Gāo' sounds like 'high', so eating rice cake wishes for higher achievements. Food that carries hopes and dreams!
Cultural Terms & Concepts
Zodiac Animals
Small rodent, mouse or rat
First animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle, representing intelligence, adaptability, and prosperity. Associated with the beginning of new cycles.
Cattle, ox, bull, cow
Second zodiac animal symbolizing hard work, reliability, and agricultural prosperity. Represents the foundation of Chinese farming culture.
Tiger, fierce wild cat
Third zodiac animal representing courage, power, and protection. Known as the King of Beasts in Chinese culture, symbol of bravery and military prowess.
Rabbit, hare
Fourth zodiac animal symbolizing gentleness, longevity, and lunar connection. Associated with the Moon Goddess Chang'e and the Jade Rabbit legend.
Dragon, mythical creature
Fifth zodiac animal and most revered creature in Chinese culture. Symbol of imperial power, wisdom, and good fortune. Represents the Emperor's divine authority.
Snake, serpent
Sixth zodiac animal representing wisdom, mystery, and transformation. Associated with healing, medicine, and ancient knowledge.
Horse, stallion, mare
Seventh zodiac animal symbolizing freedom, speed, and nobility. Represents travel, progress, and the spirit of adventure.
Sheep, goat, ram
Eighth zodiac animal representing peace, harmony, and artistic nature. Symbol of gentleness, creativity, and group cooperation.
Monkey, ape
Ninth zodiac animal symbolizing intelligence, mischief, and adaptability. Famous through the Monkey King legend, representing cleverness over brute force.
Chicken, rooster, hen
Tenth zodiac animal representing punctuality, reliability, and dawn. Symbol of diligence, honesty, and the herald of new day.
Dog, canine
Eleventh zodiac animal symbolizing loyalty, honesty, and protection. Represents faithful friendship, justice, and moral integrity.
Pig, swine, boar
Twelfth and final zodiac animal representing prosperity, generosity, and good fortune. Symbol of abundance, honesty, and enjoying life's pleasures.
Festival Terms
Spring + Festival
The most important Chinese holiday, celebrating the lunar new year. Represents renewal, family reunion, and fresh beginnings.
Remove + Evening
The final evening of the old year when families gather for reunion dinner. 'Remove' refers to removing the old year.
First + Dawn + Festival
Celebrates the first full moon of the lunar year, marking the end of New Year celebrations with beautiful lantern displays.
Dance + Lion
Traditional performance to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck. Lions represent courage and protection.
Dance + Dragon
Ceremonial dance representing the dragon's power to bring good weather and prosperity to communities.
Fortune & Luck Terms
Blessing, luck, good fortune
One of the most important Chinese concepts, representing all forms of good luck, happiness, and blessings from heaven.
Generate + Wealth
Common New Year greeting wishing someone financial success and prosperity in the coming year.
Long life, longevity
One of the Five Blessings in Chinese culture, representing the wish for a long and healthy life.
Joy + Joy (doubled character)
Special character used in weddings and celebrations, created by writing the happiness character twice.
Level + Safe
Blessing for safety, tranquility, and freedom from trouble or disaster.
Traditional Concepts
Shade + Sun
Fundamental concept of complementary opposites that create harmony and balance in the universe.
Five + Movement/Action
Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water - the five fundamental elements that govern all natural phenomena and human affairs.
Heaven + Mandate/Command
Divine right to rule granted by heaven, justifying imperial authority and political legitimacy.
Filial + Obedient
Fundamental virtue of respecting and caring for parents and elders, cornerstone of Confucian ethics.
Peace + Harmony
Central value emphasizing balance, cooperation, and avoiding conflict in relationships and society.
Celebration Elements
Red + Package
Money gifts given in red envelopes during New Year and special occasions, symbolizing good luck and blessings.
Whip + Explosive
Loud explosives set off during celebrations to scare away evil spirits and announce joyous occasions.
Spring + Couplet
Poetic verses written on red paper and posted on doorways during New Year for good fortune.
Unite + Round + Meal
The most important family meal of the year on New Year's Eve, when all family members gather together.
Suppress + Year-monster + Money
Money given to children during New Year to protect them from the mythical year-monster and bring good luck.
New Year Days
Remove + Evening
The final evening of the old year when families gather for reunion dinner. 'Remove' refers to removing the old year.
First + Month + First + One
Official start of the new year with prayers for good fortune and prosperity.
First + Month + First + Two
Day when married daughters visit parents and honor the Earth Dog.
First + Month + First + Five
Most important day for business and wealth prayers, known as 'Breaking Five'.
First + Dawn + Festival
Grand finale celebrating the first full moon and marking the end of New Year celebrations with beautiful lantern displays.
New Year Foods
Year + Year + Have + Surplus
Essential New Year dish served whole to symbolize abundance and prosperity.
Horn-shaped + Small thing
Northern China New Year tradition, now universal across China.
Year + Cake/High
Universal New Year food with regional variations across China.
Long + Life + Noodles
Served uncut to maintain symbolic length across all regions of China.
Soup + Round
Glutinous rice balls with sweet filling served during Lantern Festival.
Big + White + Rabbit + Milk + Sugar
Famous creamy milk candy with edible rice paper wrapper, nostalgic New Year treat.
New Year Decorations
Spring + Couplet
Poetic verses written on red paper expressing wishes for prosperity, health, and happiness.
Cut + Paper
Intricate cut paper designs featuring auspicious symbols and zodiac animals.
Light + Cage
Traditional red lanterns that provide light, warmth, and guide good fortune home.
Blessing + Character
The character for 'fortune' often displayed upside down during New Year.
Plum + Flower
Winter-blooming flowers that symbolize resilience, perseverance, and hope.
New Year Gifts
Tangerine/Orange + Small thing
Popular New Year gifts given to family, friends, and neighbors.
Tea + Utensils/Tools
Traditional gift showing respect and appreciation, especially for elders.
Gold + Ornament/Decoration
Precious gifts representing prosperity, lasting value, and family wealth.
Red + Clothes + Garment
New red clothing worn during New Year for good luck and protection from evil spirits.
Philosophy Vocabulary
philosophy (wisdom study)
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
中国古代哲学影响了整个东亚。
Zhōngguó gǔdài zhéxué yǐngxiǎng le zhěng ge Dōngyà.
Ancient Chinese philosophy influenced all of East Asia.
Wisdom + Study - but Chinese philosophy isn't just thinking, it's a way of living! Every concept is meant to be practiced, not just pondered. Philosophy as life art!
Confucianism (scholar family)
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
儒家思想强调仁义礼智。
Rújiā sīxiǎng qiángdiào rén yì lǐ zhì.
Confucian thought emphasizes benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom.
Scholar + Family - founded by Confucius, but became everyone's family wisdom! The idea that education and moral cultivation can transform both individuals and society.
benevolence, humaneness
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
仁者爱人。
Rén zhě ài rén.
The benevolent love others.
Person + Two - literally showing two people together! The highest virtue in Confucianism. It's about treating others as full human beings, not objects or obstacles.
filial piety
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
百善孝为先。
Bǎi shàn xiào wéi xiān.
Among all virtues, filial piety comes first.
The foundation of all Chinese ethics! Not just obeying parents, but understanding the love and sacrifice that created you. Gratitude as a way of life.
Taoism (way family)
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
道家主张无为而治。
Dàojiā zhǔzhāng wúwéi ér zhì.
Taoism advocates governing through non-action.
Way + Family - following nature's way, not forcing human will! The radical idea that sometimes doing nothing is the most powerful action. Wisdom of water over stone.
the Way, path
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
道可道，非常道。
Dào kě dào, fēi cháng dào.
The Way that can be spoken is not the eternal Way.
The ultimate reality that can't be captured in words! Like trying to hold water - the moment you grasp it, it flows away. The mystery that connects all existence.
non-action, effortless action
Type: noun • Difficulty: advanced
圣人无为而无不为。
Shèngrén wúwéi ér wú bù wéi.
The sage does nothing yet nothing is left undone.
No + Action - but not laziness! Acting in harmony with natural flow, like water finding its way without forcing. The art of accomplishing through being, not striving.
yin and yang
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
阴阳相互依存，不可分割。
Yīnyáng xiānghù yīcún, bùkě fēngē.
Yin and yang depend on each other and cannot be separated.
Shade + Sun - the cosmic dance of opposites! Not good vs evil, but complementary forces that create harmony. Every darkness contains light, every light creates shadow.
Buddhism (Buddha teaching)
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
佛教传入中国后与本土文化融合。
Fójiào chuánrù Zhōngguó hòu yǔ běntǔ wénhuà rónghé.
After Buddhism entered China, it merged with local culture.
Buddha + Teaching - foreign wisdom that became Chinese! Buddhism adapted to Chinese thinking, creating unique schools like Chan (Zen). Proof that truth transcends borders.
emptiness, void, sunyata
Type: noun • Difficulty: advanced
色不异空，空不异色。
Sè bù yì kōng, kōng bù yì sè.
Form is no different from emptiness; emptiness is no different from form.
Not 'nothing' but fullness of potential! Like empty space that allows everything to exist. The profound insight that apparent reality is interconnected, flowing, and impermanent.
Legalism (law family)
Type: noun • Difficulty: advanced
法家主张以法治国。
Fǎjiā zhǔzhāng yǐ fǎ zhì guó.
Legalism advocates governing the country through law.
Law + Family - the tough love approach to governance! Believed clear laws and strict enforcement create order better than moral preaching. Practical wisdom for complex societies.
Mandate of Heaven
Type: noun • Difficulty: advanced
皇帝声称拥有天命。
Huángdì shēngchēng yōngyǒu tiānmìng.
The emperor claimed to possess the Mandate of Heaven.
Heaven + Command - divine approval for earthly rule! But heaven withdraws support from corrupt rulers. Revolutionary idea that justified dynastic changes through moral principles.
the Doctrine of the Mean
Type: noun • Difficulty: advanced
中庸之道避免极端。
Zhōngyōng zhī dào bìmiǎn jíduān.
The way of the Mean avoids extremes.
Middle + Ordinary - the golden path between extremes! Not boring moderation, but dynamic balance. Like a skilled dancer who never falls because they're always adjusting.
harmony
Type: noun • Difficulty: basic
和谐社会人人向往。
Héxié shèhuì rénrén xiàngwǎng.
Everyone yearns for a harmonious society.
Peace + Harmony - the ultimate goal of Chinese civilization! Not uniformity but symphony - different instruments playing together beautifully. The dream of diversity in unity.
Trade & Business Vocabulary
trade, commerce
Type: noun • Difficulty: basic
中国古代贸易非常发达。
Zhōngguó gǔdài màoyì fēicháng fādá.
Ancient Chinese trade was very developed.
Trade + Exchange - the lifeblood of civilization! Chinese merchants weren't just selling goods, they were building bridges between cultures across vast distances.
business, commerce
Type: noun • Difficulty: basic
商业促进了文化交流。
Shāngyè cùjìn le wénhuà jiāoliú.
Commerce promoted cultural exchange.
Merchant + Industry - from the Shang dynasty merchants! Business as civilization builder, connecting distant peoples through mutual benefit and shared prosperity.
Silk Road
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
丝绸之路连接了东西方文明。
Sīchóu zhī lù liánjiē le dōngxīfāng wénmíng.
The Silk Road connected Eastern and Western civilizations.
Silk + Silk + Of + Road - the ancient internet of trade! Not one road but thousands of routes carrying silk, spices, ideas, and dreams across continents.
silk
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
中国是丝绸的发源地。
Zhōngguó shì sīchóu de fāyuándì.
China is the birthplace of silk.
Silk + Silk - China's secret weapon that conquered the world! For centuries, only Chinese knew how to make this magical fabric. Softer than wealth, stronger than steel!
camel caravan
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
驼队载着货物穿越沙漠。
Tuóduì zàizhe huòwù chuānyuè shāmò.
Camel caravans carried goods across the desert.
Camel + Team - the desert ships carrying dreams! These brave caravans braved sandstorms and bandits, carrying precious cargo and connecting distant worlds.
spices
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
香料贸易带来了巨大财富。
Xiāngliào màoyì dàilái le jùdà cáifù.
The spice trade brought enormous wealth.
Fragrant + Material - worth their weight in gold! Spices weren't just flavoring but medicine, preservation, and luxury. They sparked explorations and built empires!
tea leaves
Type: noun • Difficulty: basic
茶叶是中国重要的出口商品。
Cháyè shì Zhōngguó zhòngyào de chūkǒu shāngpǐn.
Tea leaves are an important Chinese export.
Tea + Leaves - liquid poetry that conquered the world! From Chinese mountain slopes to English afternoon tea, these humble leaves changed global culture and trade patterns.
porcelain, china
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
中国瓷器精美绝伦。
Zhōngguó cíqì jīngměi juélún.
Chinese porcelain is exquisitely beautiful.
Porcelain + Vessel - so precious that 'china' became synonymous with the country! Delicate as flower petals, strong as stone. China's ceramic mastery amazed the world.
reform and opening up
Type: noun • Difficulty: advanced
改革开放改变了中国经济。
Gǎigé kāifàng gǎibiàn le Zhōngguó jīngjì.
Reform and opening up transformed China's economy.
Reform + Open + Release - China's economic awakening! Like opening a door that had been closed for decades, unleashing unprecedented growth and global integration.
world's factory
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
中国被称为世界工厂。
Zhōngguó bèi chēngwéi shìjiè gōngchǎng.
China is called the world's factory.
World + Factory - from ancient silk to modern manufacturing! China's transformation from agricultural society to global production powerhouse in just four decades.
e-commerce
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
电商改变了购物方式。
Diànshāng gǎibiàn le gòuwù fāngshì.
E-commerce changed the way people shop.
Electric + Commerce - the new Silk Road runs through fiber optic cables! From ancient caravans to instant digital transactions, trade continues to connect the world.
Belt and Road Initiative
Type: noun • Difficulty: advanced
一带一路促进国际合作。
Yīdài yīlù cùjìn guójì hézuò.
The Belt and Road Initiative promotes international cooperation.
One + Belt + One + Road - the ancient Silk Road reborn! Modern China's vision to reconnect continents through infrastructure, trade, and shared prosperity.
mutual benefit and win-win
Type: phrase • Difficulty: advanced
真正的贸易应该互利共赢。
Zhēnzhèng de màoyì yīnggāi hùlì gòng yíng.
True trade should be mutually beneficial and win-win.
Mutual + Benefit + Shared + Win - ancient Chinese trading philosophy! Not zero-sum but abundance thinking. When both sides prosper, trade becomes sustainable and peaceful.
honesty, integrity
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
诚信是商业的基础。
Chéngxìn shì shāngyè de jīchǔ.
Honesty is the foundation of business.
Sincere + Trust - the golden rule of Chinese merchants! Reputation traveled faster than caravans. A merchant's word was their most valuable commodity across the Silk Road.
Maritime Silk Road
Type: noun • Difficulty: advanced
海上丝绸之路连接了亚非欧三大洲。
Hǎishàng sīchóu zhī lù liánjiē le Yà Fēi Ōu sān dà zhōu.
The Maritime Silk Road connected the three continents of Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Sea + Above + Silk + Silk + Of + Road - the ocean highways of ancient trade! Chinese treasure fleets sailed to Southeast Asia, India, and Africa, spreading culture and commerce.
merchant caravan
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
商队带来了远方的消息。
Shāngduì dàilái le yuǎnfāng de xiāoxi.
Merchant caravans brought news from distant places.
Merchant + Team - the original news networks! These brave traders didn't just carry goods but stories, technologies, and cultural treasures across continents.
Travel & Tourism Vocabulary
travel, tourism
Type: verb • Difficulty: basic
我想去中国旅游！
Wǒ xiǎng qù Zhōngguó lǚyóu!
I want to travel to China!
Modern Chinese embrace travel as a way to 'see the world' (看世界) - from ancient pilgrims to modern adventurers, the desire to explore is deeply human!
Beijing (Northern Capital)
Type: noun • Difficulty: basic
北京有很多古老的建筑。
Běijīng yǒu hěn duō gǔlǎo de jiànzhù.
Beijing has many ancient buildings.
Literally 'Northern Capital' - but did you know it was chosen because the north was considered the direction of imperial power? The city's name itself tells the story of Chinese geopolitical strategy!
Forbidden City (Purple Forbidden City)
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
紫禁城现在叫故宫。
Zǐjìnchéng xiànzài jiào Gùgōng.
The Forbidden City is now called the Palace Museum.
Purple (紫) was the emperor's color because it matched the North Star - the center of heaven! The name reveals ancient Chinese astronomy and imperial symbolism.
Shanghai (Upon the Sea)
Type: noun • Difficulty: basic
上海是中国的经济中心。
Shànghǎi shì Zhōngguó de jīngjì zhōngxīn.
Shanghai is China's economic center.
Originally meant 'Upon the Sea' - a humble fishing village that became a global metropolis! The characters tell the story of China's transformation from agriculture to international trade.
The Bund (Foreign Beach)
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
外滩的夜景很美。
Wàitān de yèjǐng hěn měi.
The Bund's night view is very beautiful.
Literally 'Foreign Beach' - where international traders first landed! This waterfront represents China's complex relationship with the outside world - from isolation to global engagement.
Xi'an (Western Peace)
Type: noun • Difficulty: basic
西安是丝绸之路的起点。
Xī'ān shì sīchóu zhī lù de qǐdiǎn.
Xi'an is the starting point of the Silk Road.
Western Peace - the name reflects its role as the westernmost major capital, gateway to Central Asia. Every dynasty that ruled from here was thinking about expansion beyond China!
Terracotta Warriors (Soldier Horse Figurines)
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
兵马俑是世界奇迹。
Bīngmǎyǒng shì shìjiè qíjì.
The Terracotta Warriors are a world wonder.
Soldier + Horse + Figurine - but these aren't just statues! They're an entire afterlife army, each warrior unique, showing ancient Chinese beliefs about death, power, and eternal service.
high-speed rail
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
坐高铁很舒服。
Zuò gāotiě hěn shūfu.
Riding the high-speed rail is very comfortable.
High + Iron = modern China's pride! These trains can go 350km/h - faster than most countries' highways. It's China's way of conquering distance in a vast country.
subway, metro
Type: noun • Difficulty: basic
北京地铁很方便。
Běijīng dìtiě hěn fāngbiàn.
Beijing's subway is very convenient.
Ground + Iron - literally 'underground iron'! Chinese cities built amazing subway systems in just decades, transforming urban life and showing China's infrastructure revolution.
Great Wall (Long Wall)
Type: noun • Difficulty: basic
长城是中国的象征。
Chángchéng shì Zhōngguó de xiàngzhēng.
The Great Wall is China's symbol.
Long + Wall - but it's not just one wall! It's thousands of walls built over centuries. The name captures the essence: something so long it seems infinite, built to protect Chinese civilization.
Temple of Heaven
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
天坛是皇帝祭天的地方。
Tiāntán shì huángdì jì tiān de dìfang.
The Temple of Heaven is where emperors worshipped heaven.
Heaven + Altar - where emperors talked to heaven! The round buildings represent heaven, square bases represent earth. Architecture that teaches Chinese cosmology!
snacks, street food
Type: noun • Difficulty: basic
北京有很多有名的小吃。
Běijīng yǒu hěn duō yǒumíng de xiǎochī.
Beijing has many famous snacks.
Small + Eat - but these 'small eats' are huge adventures! Every Chinese city has unique street foods that tell local stories. Traveling through China means eating through history!
teahouse
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
老北京人喜欢去茶馆聊天。
Lǎo Běijīng rén xǐhuan qù cháguǎn liáotiān.
Old Beijing people like to go to teahouses to chat.
Tea + Hall - social centers where people gathered for centuries! Not just about tea, but about community, storytelling, and the art of slow conversation in our fast world.
Zodiac & Fortune Vocabulary
Chinese zodiac (birth resemblance)
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
你的生肖是什么？
Nǐ de shēngxiào shì shénme?
What's your Chinese zodiac sign?
Birth + Resemblance - you resemble the animal of your birth year! Not just superstition but a fun way to understand personality traits and connect with others.
twelve zodiac animals
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
十二生肖每十二年循环一次。
Shí'èr shēngxiào měi shí'èr nián xúnhuán yī cì.
The twelve zodiac animals cycle every twelve years.
Twelve + Birth + Resemblance - a cosmic calendar that turns time into personality! Each 12-year cycle brings different energies and characteristics.
rat, mouse
Type: noun • Difficulty: basic
鼠年出生的人很聪明。
Shǔnián chūshēng de rén hěn cōngming.
People born in the Year of the Rat are very clever.
First in the zodiac race! Won through cunning, not strength - riding on the ox's back and jumping off at the last moment. Intelligence over brute force!
ox, bull, cow
Type: noun • Difficulty: basic
牛年象征勤劳和可靠。
Niúnián xiàngzhēng qínláo hé kěkào.
The Year of the Ox symbolizes diligence and reliability.
The honest worker who almost won the race! Represents the foundation of Chinese civilization - agriculture, hard work, and trustworthy character. Steady wins the long game!
tiger
Type: noun • Difficulty: basic
虎是森林之王。
Hǔ shì sēnlín zhī wáng.
The tiger is the king of the forest.
King of beasts! Symbol of courage and power. Tiger people are natural leaders but can be impulsive. The character shows stripes and fierce energy!
rabbit, hare
Type: noun • Difficulty: basic
兔子与月亮有神话联系。
Tùzi yǔ yuèliang yǒu shénhuà liánxì.
Rabbits have mythological connections to the moon.
The gentle moon dweller! Chang'e's companion on the moon. Rabbit people are diplomatic, artistic, and lucky. Associated with longevity and immortality!
dragon
Type: noun • Difficulty: basic
龙是中国文化的象征。
Lóng shì Zhōngguó wénhuà de xiàngzhēng.
The dragon is a symbol of Chinese culture.
The most auspicious zodiac sign! Everyone wants dragon babies. Represents imperial power, wisdom, and good fortune. Dragons control weather and bring prosperity!
snake, serpent
Type: noun • Difficulty: basic
蛇年的人很有智慧。
Shénián de rén hěn yǒu zhìhuì.
Snake year people are very wise.
The wise transformer! Snakes shed their skin, symbolizing renewal and wisdom. Snake people are intuitive, mysterious, and excellent at solving problems.
horse
Type: noun • Difficulty: basic
马代表自由和速度。
Mǎ dàibiǎo zìyóu hé sùdù.
Horses represent freedom and speed.
The free spirit galloping across grasslands! Horse people love adventure, independence, and new experiences. They're the travelers of the zodiac world!
sheep, goat
Type: noun • Difficulty: basic
羊年出生的人很温和。
Yángnián chūshēng de rén hěn wēnhé.
People born in the Year of the Sheep are very gentle.
The peaceful artist! Sheep people are creative, kind-hearted, and love harmony. They prefer cooperation over competition. The gentle souls of the zodiac!
monkey
Type: noun • Difficulty: basic
猴子很聪明很调皮。
Hóuzi hěn cōngming hěn tiáopí.
Monkeys are very smart and mischievous.
The clever trickster! Think of the Monkey King - intelligent, playful, and sometimes rebellious. Monkey people are innovators who solve problems creatively!
rooster, chicken
Type: noun • Difficulty: basic
公鸡每天准时打鸣。
Gōngjī měitiān zhǔnshí dǎmíng.
Roosters crow punctually every day.
The reliable timekeeper! Rooster people are punctual, honest, and hardworking. They're the natural alarm clocks who wake up the world with their energy!
dog
Type: noun • Difficulty: basic
狗是人类最忠实的朋友。
Gǒu shì rénlèi zuì zhōngshí de péngyǒu.
Dogs are humanity's most loyal friends.
The faithful guardian! Dog people are honest, loyal, and always ready to help others. They're the friends you can count on through thick and thin!
pig, boar
Type: noun • Difficulty: basic
猪年象征富足和好运。
Zhūnián xiàngzhēng fùzú hé hǎoyùn.
The Year of the Pig symbolizes abundance and good luck.
The generous provider! Last in the zodiac but rich in blessings. Pig people are generous, optimistic, and enjoy life's pleasures. They bring abundance to everyone!
zodiac year, birth sign year
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
本命年要穿红色避邪。
Běnmìngnián yào chuān hóngsè bìxié.
In your zodiac year, you should wear red to ward off evil.
Original + Life + Year - when your zodiac animal returns! A challenging but transformative time. Wearing red brings protection and good luck during this special cycle.
zodiac sign (belonging appearance)
Type: noun • Difficulty: intermediate
你的属相和性格很匹配。
Nǐ de shǔxiàng hé xìnggé hěn pǐpèi.
Your zodiac sign matches your personality well.
Belonging + Appearance - you belong to and resemble your zodiac animal! A fun way to understand personality traits and connect with Chinese culture.
compatibility, matching
Type: verb • Difficulty: intermediate
龙和凤凰最相配。
Lóng hé fènghuáng zuì xiāngpèi.
Dragons and phoenixes are the most compatible.
Mutual + Matching - some zodiac animals naturally harmonize! Understanding compatibility helps in relationships, business partnerships, and friendships. Ancient wisdom for modern connections!
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