Chinese
Vocab Builder for commonly used words in Chinese.
爆破 (bào pò)
The Chinese word '爆破' is used in similar contexts as 'pop' in English. It can refer to the sound something makes when it bursts or explodes (like a balloon), or more metaphorically, the sudden appearance or occurrence of something.
Example sentences with 爆破 →爱 (ài)
The Chinese word for 'love' is '爱', pronounced 'ài'. It's a verb that expresses a deep affection or intense attraction towards someone or something. In Chinese culture, '爱' might not be as casually used as 'love' in English; generally, it indicates a profound feeling of romantic love or familial love.
父亲 (fù qīn)
The word '父亲' is the formal word for father in Chinese language. It is used in formal situations or when showing respect. In more casual situations, the word '爸爸' might be used instead.
父母 (fùmǔ)
The Chinese word for parent, '父母'(fùmǔ), is a combination of two words '父'(father) and '母'(mother). It is often used in a respectful way when talking about someone else's parents and can be used in both formal and casual situations. For example, '他的父母非常善良' (His parents are very kind).
爷爷 (yéye)
In Chinese, the word for paternal grandfather is '爷爷' (yéye). It is usually used to address the father of one's father. This term is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
Example sentences with 爷爷 →爸爸 (bàba)
The Chinese word '爸爸' (bàba) is used in the same way as the English word 'dad'. It is commonly used in everyday conversation when referring to one's father. It reflects an affectionate and familiar relationship. The word is formed by repeating the single-character word for father, '爸', in order to create an endearing term.
版本 (bǎn běn)
In Chinese, '版本' (bǎn běn) is used to specify a particular form or variant of something, just like in English. It could refer to a version of a book, software, movie, or other objects or ideas that can exist in multiple forms or iterations. It isn't typically used to describe a person's account or interpretation of events, as 'version' can be in English.
牙齿 (yá chǐ)
The Chinese word for tooth is '牙齿'. It is used in the same way as in English to refer to the hard, calcified structure found in the jaws of many animals that is used to break down food. It can also be used figuratively in some phrases and expressions.
牛 (niú)
In Chinese, 牛 (niú) is used to refer to a cow. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with other words to refer to specific types of cows, such as 母牛 (mǔniú) for 'female cow' or 牛肉 (niúròu) for 'beef'. Beyond its literal meaning, 牛 also has cultural significance in Chinese, representing hardworking and honest characteristics.
牛奶 (niú nǎi)
In Chinese, milk is called '牛奶'. It is used to describe the white liquid produced by mammals for the nourishment of their young. This term is particularly used in food and drink context in Chinese. When ordering drinks at a cafe or tea shop, you might use this word. A standard cup of tea in China is usually served with '牛奶'.
牛排 (niú pái)
In Chinese, '牛排' is used to refer to a piece of high-quality beef that's cooked by grilling, broiling, or frying. It's a popular western food that's also found in Chinese menus, often served with sides like potato, vegetables, or rice. While '牛' means cow, '排' refers to a slice or a piece, indicating it's a piece of beef.
牧师 (Mùshī)
In Chinese, '牧师' which sounds like 'Mùshī' refers to a priest. The term is mostly used in Christian religions to refer to a person authorized to conduct religious worship, implying spiritual guidance or authority. It can be used in many of the same contexts as the English equivalent.
Example sentences with 牧师 →物体 (wù tǐ)
In Chinese, the word 'object' is translated to '物体' or 'wùtǐ'. It can be used in most of the same contexts as in English, referring to a thing, entity or priori object. For example, in the sentence '这是一个重要的物体' it is used to mean 'This is an important object'.
物理 (wù lǐ)
The Chinese word for 'physics' is '物理'. This term is used similarly to how we use 'physics' in English, mostly in the context of education and scientific study. It's utilized when discussing or studying the basic principles of matter and energy, including heat, light, radiation, sound, electricity, magnetism, and the structure of atoms.
物理的 (wù lǐ de)
In Chinese language, the word 'physical' translates to '物理的' (wù lǐ de). It is used in the same contexts as its English counterpart, such as in phrases pertaining to physical health, physical properties, or physical education, among others. Always note the context of the sentence when using this translation.
物质 (wù zhì)
The word '物质' in Chinese is used to refer to a type of matter with uniform properties, similar to how the term 'substance' is used in English. It can be used in general or scientific contexts, and it can refer to both physical substances, like water or metal, and abstract concepts, like the substance of an argument or a discussion.
特别 (tè bié)
The Chinese word '特别' is used similar to 'especially' in English. It can be used to highlight something out of the ordinary, or to place emphasis on a particular matter. It could be used in a sentence like '我特别喜欢吃中国菜', which translates to 'I especially like eating Chinese food'.
特别地 (tè bié de)
The Chinese word '特别地' is an adverb equivalent to 'particularly' in English. It is often used in statements or allegations to highlight a special point, to emphasis significant or differing aspects, or express a higher degree or more than usual. For example, when talking about something you particularly like.
Example sentences with 特别地 →特效 (tè xiào)
These are illusions or visual tricks used in the film, television, theatre, video game, and simulator industries to simulate the envisioned events in a story or virtual world.
Example sentences with 特效 →特殊 (tèshū)
In Chinese, the word '特殊' is used to indicate specificity, singularity, or a particular quality. It is used in sentences to stress the uniqueness or special attributes of a noun. For example, '这是一个特殊的案例' means 'This is a specific case'.
特点 (tèdiǎn)
The Chinese word '特点' refers to the concept of 'feature' in English. It can be used in almost the same way as in English to describe distinctive characteristics or attributes of an object, person, animal, etc. For instance, a sentence like 'This phone has many new features' would translate to '这部手机有很多新的特点'.
Example sentences with 特点 →状态 (zhuàng tài)
The Chinese word '状态' is used to describe the condition or circumstances of a person or thing at a particular time. It has similar usage as the English word 'state', which can be used in various contexts including, 'state of health', 'state of mind', 'state of affairs', etc.
犹豫 (yóuyù)
The Chinese word '犹豫' closely translates to 'hesitate' in English. In the Chinese language, it is frequently used to denote indecision or uncertainty, much like the English word 'hesitate'. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as when someone is unsure about making a choice, taking an action, or expressing an opinion.
Example sentences with 犹豫 →狐狸 (hú lí)
In Chinese, '狐狸' is the equivalent for fox. It is often used in various contexts, as in idioms, metaphors, and folklore, similarly to English. For instance, the phrase '狐狸精' literally translated as 'fox spirit' is a common metaphor for a sly or cunning individual.
狗 (gǒu)
In Chinese, '狗' (gǒu) is used similar to how 'dog' is used in English, referring to the domesticated mammal related to the fox and wild wolf. It's a common pet worldwide and is known for being loyal and protective. Depending on context, '狗' may also be used in proverbs or idioms, which carry certain cultural connotations, just like in English.
狗屎 (gǒu shǐ)
The word '狗屎' in Chinese is usually used in a disparaging way to refer to something as rubbish or worthless, much like in English. However, it's important to note that using this word might be considered vulgar or impolite.
独一无二 (dú yī wú èr)
独一无二 is used in Chinese to describe something that is the only one of its kind; something unique. It can be used to describe objects, people, events, etc.
Example sentences with 独一无二 →独立 (dú lì)
The Chinese word '独立' is used to refer to the state of being independent. This could mean not being subject to control or influence from others, or being capable of thinking or acting for oneself. In a broader sense, it can also refer to a country or state that is self-governing.
狭窄 (xiá zhǎi)
The Chinese word '狭窄' refers to something being narrow. It can be used to describe a very narrow space, a narrow street or alley, or metaphorically, a person's narrow viewpoint or mindedness.
Example sentences with 狭窄 →狮子 (shī zi)
In Chinese, the word for lion is '狮子' (shī zi). It can be used in various contexts, just like in English. For example, it can refer to the animal itself or be used metaphorically to symbolize strength and bravery. Chinese culture has a special respect for lions, they are considered as protectors and symbols of power and dignity, often seen in Chinese traditional art and folklore.