Course Title: Short Chinese Conversations

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Course Introduction

Welcome to Short Chinese Conversations!

This course is designed to help you speak Chinese immediately. Instead of studying long grammar explanations or memorizing word lists, you will learn through short, practical dialogues that you can use in real-life situations right away.

The philosophy of this course is simple: You learn to speak by speaking. Each conversation is short, natural, and immediately useful.

How This Course Works:

• Each lesson contains a short dialogue with Chinese characters, Pinyin, and English translation

• Key vocabulary words are highlighted and explained

• Useful sentence patterns are shown with examples

• The conversations start simple and gradually become more practical

What Makes This Course Different:

• No long grammar explanations — you learn through patterns and examples

• Real conversations that you will actually use

• Progressive difficulty — each lesson builds on what you learned before

• Focus on speaking — practice out loud as you read

Important: Don't worry about memorizing everything. Read the dialogues aloud, practice with a partner if possible, and use these conversations in your daily life. The more you use them, the more natural they will become!

 

Lesson 1: Saying Hello

This is the most basic and important greeting in Chinese. You will use it every single day.

Dialogue

ChinesePinyinEnglish

A: 你好！Nǐ hǎo!Hello!

B: 你好！Nǐ hǎo!Hello!

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

你nǐyouThe standard word for "you."

好hǎogoodMeans "good" or "well."

Pattern

你好！ (Nǐ hǎo!) — Hello!

Breakdown: 你 (you) + 好 (good) = "you good" — a friendly greeting.

Practice

Try saying hello to someone:

1. Say 你好！ to a friend.

2. Say 你好！ to a stranger.

3. Say 你好！ to a teacher.

Cultural Tip: In China, you can say 你好 to anyone — friends, strangers, colleagues, and even shopkeepers. It's always polite!

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Lesson 2: Asking Someone's Name

After saying hello, the next step is to ask for someone's name.

Dialogue

ChinesePinyinEnglish

A: 你叫什么名字？Nǐ jiào shénme míngzi?What is your name?

B: 我叫Emma。Wǒ jiào Emma.My name is Emma.

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

你nǐyouYou.

叫jiàoto be calledUsed when introducing names.

什么shénmewhatQuestion word for "what."

名字míngzinameA person's name.

我wǒI / meFirst-person pronoun.

Pattern

我叫... (Wǒ jiào...) — My name is... (literally "I am called...")

Examples:

• 我叫李华。(Wǒ jiào Lǐ Huá.) — My name is Li Hua.

• 我叫小明。(Wǒ jiào Xiǎo Míng.) — My name is Xiaoming.

• 我叫王芳。(Wǒ jiào Wáng Fāng.) — My name is Wang Fang.

Practice

Introduce yourself using the pattern:

1. 我叫______。(My name is...)

2. Ask someone: 你叫什么名字？(What's your name?)

Cultural Tip: In Chinese names, the family name (surname) comes first, then the given name. For example: 李 (Lǐ) is the family name, 华 (Huá) is the given name.

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Lesson 3: Where Are You From?

This conversation helps you talk about nationality and where you come from.

Dialogue

ChinesePinyinEnglish

A: 你是哪国人？Nǐ shì nǎ guó rén?Where are you from?

B: 我是美国人。Wǒ shì Měiguó rén.I am American.

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

是shìto beThe verb "to be."

哪nǎwhichQuestion word meaning "which."

国guócountryA nation or state.

人rénpersonUsed after a country to mean "person from that country."

Nationalities

ChinesePinyinEnglish

中国人Zhōngguó rénChinese

美国人Měiguó rénAmerican

英国人Yīngguó rénBritish

加拿大人Jiānádà rénCanadian

澳大利亚人Àodàlìyà rénAustralian

法国人Fǎguó rénFrench

德国人Déguó rénGerman

日本人Rìběn rénJapanese

韩国人Hánguó rénKorean

Practice

1. Say where you are from: 我是______人。

2. Ask someone: 你是哪国人？

Lesson 4: Are You a Student?

This conversation helps you ask about someone's occupation or status.

Dialogue

ChinesePinyinEnglish

A: 你是学生吗？Nǐ shì xuésheng ma?Are you a student?

B: 是，我是学生。Shì, wǒ shì xuésheng.Yes, I am a student.

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

学生xuéshengstudentA person who studies.

吗maquestion particleTurns a statement into a yes/no question.

是shìyes / to beCan mean "yes" when answering.

Pattern

你是...吗？ (Nǐ shì... ma?) — Are you...?

Examples:

• 你是老师吗？(Nǐ shì lǎoshī ma?) — Are you a teacher?

• 你是学生吗？(Nǐ shì xuésheng ma?) — Are you a student?

• 你是中国人吗？(Nǐ shì Zhōngguó rén ma?) — Are you Chinese?

Practice

1. Ask someone: 你是学生吗？

2. Answer: 是，我是学生。 or 不是，我不是学生。(No, I'm not a student.)

Grammar Note: To answer "yes" to a question with 吗, you simply say 是 (shì). To answer "no," say 不是 (bú shì).

Lesson 5: Nice to Meet You

This is a polite phrase you use when meeting someone for the first time.

Dialogue

ChinesePinyinEnglish

A: 认识你很高兴。Rènshi nǐ hěn gāoxìng.Nice to meet you.

B: 我也是。Wǒ yě shì.Me too.

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

认识rènshito know / to meetUsed when meeting someone.

很hěnveryAlso used to connect nouns and adjectives.

高兴gāoxìnghappy / pleasedExpresses joy or pleasure.

也yěalso / tooUsed to say "me too."

Pattern

认识你很高兴。 (Rènshi nǐ hěn gāoxìng.) — Nice to meet you.

Breakdown: 认识你 (know you) + 很 (very) + 高兴 (happy) = "Knowing you is very happy."

Response: 我也是。(Wǒ yě shì.) — Me too.

Practice

1. Say: 认识你很高兴！

2. Respond: 我也是！

Lesson 6: How Are You?

This is one of the most common greetings in any language. In Chinese, it's simple and friendly.

Dialogue

ChinesePinyinEnglish

A: 你好吗？Nǐ hǎo ma?How are you?

B: 我很好。Wǒ hěn hǎo.I'm fine.

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

吗maquestion particleMakes the phrase a question.

很hěnveryUsed before adjectives.

好hǎogood / fineDescribes a state of being.

Extra Answers

ChinesePinyinEnglish

很好。Hěn hǎo.Very good.

还可以。Hái kěyǐ.Not bad.

不太好。Bú tài hǎo.Not very good.

一般。Yìbān.So-so.

Practice

1. Ask someone: 你好吗？

2. Answer with different responses: 很好, 还可以, 不太好.

Lesson 7: How Old Are You?

Asking about age is common in Chinese culture, especially among friends.

Dialogue

ChinesePinyinEnglish

A: 你几岁？Nǐ jǐ suì?How old are you?

B: 我十六岁。Wǒ shíliù suì.I am sixteen years old.

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

几jǐhow manyUsed for numbers under 10.

岁suìyears oldThe measure word for age.

Pattern

我___岁。 (Wǒ ___ suì.) — I am ___ years old.

Examples:

• 我十八岁。(Wǒ shíbā suì.) — I am 18 years old.

• 我二十五岁。(Wǒ èrshíwǔ suì.) — I am 25 years old.

• 我三十岁。(Wǒ sānshí suì.) — I am 30 years old.

Practice

1. Say your age: 我______岁。

2. Ask someone: 你几岁？

Cultural Note: In China, it's common to ask about age even with people you've just met. Don't be offended — it's a normal conversation starter!

Lesson 8: Talking About Family

Family is very important in Chinese culture. This conversation helps you talk about siblings.

Dialogue

ChinesePinyinEnglish

A: 你有兄弟姐妹吗？Nǐ yǒu xiōngdì jiěmèi ma?Do you have siblings?

B: 有，我有一个妹妹。Yǒu, wǒ yǒu yí gè mèimei.Yes, I have a younger sister.

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

有yǒuto haveExpresses possession.

兄弟姐妹xiōngdì jiěmèisiblingsBrothers and sisters.

哥哥gēgeolder brother

弟弟dìdiyounger brother

姐姐jiějieolder sister

妹妹mèimeiyounger sister

个gèmeasure wordUsed for counting people.

Pattern

我有... (Wǒ yǒu...) — I have...

Examples:

• 我有一个弟弟。(Wǒ yǒu yí gè dìdi.) — I have a younger brother.

• 我有一个姐姐。(Wǒ yǒu yí gè jiějie.) — I have an older sister.

• 我有两个妹妹。(Wǒ yǒu liǎng gè mèimei.) — I have two younger sisters.

Practice

1. Say if you have siblings: 我有... / 我没有...

2. Ask someone: 你有兄弟姐妹吗？

Lesson 9: At School

Talking about school subjects is a common conversation topic.

Dialogue

ChinesePinyinEnglish

A: 你喜欢什么课？Nǐ xǐhuan shénme kè?What class do you like?

B: 我喜欢数学。Wǒ xǐhuan shùxué.I like math.

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

喜欢xǐhuanto likeExpresses preference.

什么shénmewhatQuestion word.

课kèclass / lessonA school subject or period.

数学shùxuémathThe study of numbers.

School Subjects

ChinesePinyinEnglish

中文ZhōngwénChinese

英语YīngyǔEnglish

数学ShùxuéMath

科学KēxuéScience

历史LìshǐHistory

体育TǐyùPhysical Education

Practice

1. Say what subject you like: 我喜欢______。

2. Ask someone: 你喜欢什么课？

Lesson 10: Talking About Hobbies

Hobbies are a great way to connect with people.

Dialogue

ChinesePinyinEnglish

A: 你喜欢做什么？Nǐ xǐhuan zuò shénme?What do you like to do?

B: 我喜欢听音乐。Wǒ xǐhuan tīng yīnyuè.I like listening to music.

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

做zuòto doGeneral verb for actions.

听tīngto listenUsing your ears.

音乐yīnyuèmusicSounds arranged in a pleasing way.

Hobby Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglish

听音乐tīng yīnyuèlisten to music

看电影kàn diànyǐngwatch movies

看书kànshūread books

运动yùndòngexercise / sports

玩游戏wán yóuxìplay games

画画huàhuàdraw / paint

唱歌chànggēsing songs

旅行lǚxíngtravel

Practice

1. Say what you like: 我喜欢______。

2. Ask someone: 你喜欢做什么？

Lesson 11: What Time Is It?

Telling time is essential in daily life.

Dialogue

ChinesePinyinEnglish

A: 现在几点？Xiànzài jǐ diǎn?What time is it?

B: 现在三点。Xiànzài sān diǎn.It is 3 o'clock.

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

现在xiànzàinowThe current moment.

几jǐhow manyUsed for asking "what time."

点diǎno'clockUsed for hours.

Telling Time Examples

ChinesePinyinEnglish

一点yì diǎn1:00

两点liǎng diǎn2:00

三点十分sān diǎn shí fēn3:10

四点三十分sì diǎn sānshí fēn4:30

五点五十分wǔ diǎn wǔshí fēn5:50

Practice

1. Say the time: 现在______。

2. Ask: 现在几点？

Lesson 12: The Weather

Weather is a classic conversation starter.

Dialogue

ChinesePinyinEnglish

A: 今天天气怎么样？Jīntiān tiānqì zěnmeyàng?How is the weather today?

B: 很好，很暖和。Hěn hǎo, hěn nuǎnhuo.Very good, very warm.

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

今天jīntiāntodayThis day.

天气tiānqìweatherThe atmospheric conditions.

怎么样zěnmeyànghow isAsking for an opinion.

暖和nuǎnhuowarmComfortably warm temperature.

Weather Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglish

热rèhot

冷lěngcold

暖和nuǎnhuowarm

凉快liángkuaicool

下雨xiàyǔraining

下雪xiàxuěsnowing

晴天qíngtiānsunny

Practice

1. Describe today's weather: 今天天气______。

2. Ask: 今天天气怎么样？

Lesson 13: Buying Water

This lesson teaches you how to make a purchase.

Dialogue

ChinesePinyinEnglish

A: 我要一瓶水。Wǒ yào yì píng shuǐ.I want a bottle of water.

B: 好的。Hǎo de.Okay.

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

要yàoto wantExpressing desire.

瓶píngbottleA container for liquids.

水shuǐwaterThe drink.

Pattern

我要... (Wǒ yào...) — I want...

Examples:

• 我要一瓶水。(Wǒ yào yì píng shuǐ.) — I want a bottle of water.

• 我要一杯茶。(Wǒ yào yì bēi chá.) — I want a cup of tea.

• 我要一杯咖啡。(Wǒ yào yì bēi kāfēi.) — I want a cup of coffee.

Practice

1. Order something: 我要______。

2. Respond to an order: 好的。

Lesson 14: At a Restaurant

This conversation teaches you how to order food.

Dialogue

ChinesePinyinEnglish

服务员: 你要什么？Fúwùyuán: Nǐ yào shénme?Waiter: What would you like?

顾客: 我要面条。Gùkè: Wǒ yào miàntiáo.Customer: I would like noodles.

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

服务员fúwùyuánwaiter / serverThe person serving you.

顾客gùkècustomerThe person ordering.

面条miàntiáonoodlesLong strips of dough.

米饭mǐfànriceSteamed rice.

Food Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglish

面条miàntiáonoodles

米饭mǐfànrice

饺子jiǎozidumplings

包子bāozisteamed buns

炒饭chǎofànfried rice

Practice

1. Order food: 我要______。

2. Ask what someone wants: 你要什么？

Lesson 15: Asking the Price

When shopping, you need to know how much things cost.

Dialogue

ChinesePinyinEnglish

A: 这个多少钱？Zhège duōshao qián?How much is this?

B: 十块钱。Shí kuài qián.Ten yuan.

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

这个zhègethisPointing at something.

多少duōshaohow muchAsking for quantity or price.

钱qiánmoneyCurrency.

块kuàiyuanThe basic unit of Chinese currency.

Pattern

...多少钱？ (...duōshao qián?) — How much is...?

Examples:

• 这个多少钱？(Zhège duōshao qián?) — How much is this?

• 那个多少钱？(Nàge duōshao qián?) — How much is that?

• 水多少钱？(Shuǐ duōshao qián?) — How much is the water?

Practice

1. Ask: 这个多少钱？

2. Answer: ______块钱。

Lesson 16: Shopping Bargaining

In markets, bargaining is common and expected.

Dialogue

ChinesePinyinEnglish

A: 太贵了！Tài guì le!Too expensive!

B: 那八块钱。Nà bā kuài qián.Then eight yuan.

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

太tàitooUsed with 了 to mean "too."

贵guìexpensiveHigh price.

了leparticleAdds emphasis to the statement.

那nàthen / thatUsed to suggest an alternative.

便宜piányicheapLow price.

Phrases for Bargaining

ChinesePinyinEnglish

太贵了！Tài guì le!Too expensive!

便宜一点吗？Piányi yìdiǎn ma?Can it be cheaper?

我买两个。Wǒ mǎi liǎng gè.I'll buy two.

谢谢！Xièxie!Thank you!

Practice

1. Say: 太贵了！

2. Offer a lower price: 八块钱。

Lesson 17: Asking for Directions

Getting lost? Here's how to ask where something is.

Dialogue

ChinesePinyinEnglish

A: 厕所在哪里？Cèsuǒ zài nǎli?Where is the restroom?

B: 在那边。Zài nàbian.It's over there.

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

厕所cèsuǒrestroom / toiletThe bathroom.

在zàiat / located atIndicates location.

哪里nǎliwhereAsking for a place.

那边nàbianover thereA place far from the speaker.

Direction Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglish

在左边zài zuǒbianon the left

在右边zài yòubianon the right

在前面zài qiánmiànin front

在后面zài hòumiànbehind

在那边zài nàbianover there

在这里zài zhèlǐright here

Practice

1. Ask: 厕所在哪里？

2. Answer: 在______。

Lesson 18: Taking a Taxi

Getting around the city often requires a taxi.

Dialogue

ChinesePinyinEnglish

A: 去机场。Qù jīchǎng.To the airport.

B: 好的。Hǎo de.Okay.

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

去qùto goMoving toward a destination.

机场jīchǎngairportThe travel hub for flights.

Common Taxi Destinations

ChinesePinyinEnglish

去机场qù jīchǎngto the airport

去火车站qù huǒchēzhànto the train station

去酒店qù jiǔdiànto the hotel

去医院qù yīyuànto the hospital

去学校qù xuéxiàoto school

Practice

1. Tell the driver: 去______。

2. Respond: 好的。

Lesson 19: At the Airport

Navigating the airport in Chinese.

Dialogue

ChinesePinyinEnglish

A: 请问，登机口在哪里？Qǐngwèn, dēngjīkǒu zài nǎli?Excuse me, where is the gate?

B: 在前面。Zài qiánmiàn.It's in front.

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

请问qǐngwènexcuse me / may I askPolite way to ask a question.

登机口dēngjīkǒugateWhere you board the plane.

前面qiánmiànin frontAhead of you.

Airport Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglish

机场jīchǎngairport

登机口dēngjīkǒugate

护照hùzhàopassport

行李xíngliluggage

飞机fēijīairplane

Practice

1. Ask: 请问，登机口在哪里？

2. Answer: 在前面。

Lesson 20: At a Hotel

Checking in at a hotel.

Dialogue

ChinesePinyinEnglish

A: 我想入住。Wǒ xiǎng rùzhù.I'd like to check in.

B: 好的，请给我护照。Hǎo de, qǐng gěi wǒ hùzhào.Okay, please give me your passport.

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

想xiǎngwould like toExpresses desire or intention.

入住rùzhùcheck inTo register at a hotel.

给gěito giveHanding something over.

护照hùzhàopassportTravel identification.

Hotel Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglish

酒店jiǔdiànhotel

房间fángjiānroom

入住rùzhùcheck in

退房tuìfángcheck out

钥匙yàoshikey

Practice

1. Say: 我想入住。

2. Ask for the passport: 请给我护照。

Lesson 21: Asking for Help

Sometimes you need to ask someone to help you.

Dialogue

ChinesePinyinEnglish

A: 请帮帮我。Qǐng bāngbang wǒ.Please help me.

B: 没问题。Méi wèntí.No problem.

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

请qǐngpleasePolite request word.

帮助bāngzhùhelpAssistance.

帮帮我bāngbang wǒhelp meReduplication for emphasis.

没问题méi wèntíno problemIt's not a problem.

Practice

1. Ask for help: 请帮帮我。

2. Respond: 没问题。

Lesson 22: Using WeChat

WeChat is the most popular app in China.

Dialogue

ChinesePinyinEnglish

A: 你有微信吗？Nǐ yǒu Wēixìn ma?Do you have WeChat?

B: 有。Yǒu.Yes.

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

有yǒuto havePossession.

微信WēixìnWeChatThe messaging app.

WeChat Phrases

ChinesePinyinEnglish

你有微信吗？Nǐ yǒu Wēixìn ma?Do you have WeChat?

加个微信吧。Jiā ge Wēixìn ba.Let's add each other on WeChat.

我给你发微信。Wǒ gěi nǐ fā Wēixìn.I'll send you a WeChat message.

你的微信号是什么？Nǐ de Wēixìn hào shì shénme?What's your WeChat ID?

Practice

1. Ask: 你有微信吗？

2. Answer: 有 or 没有。

Lesson 23: Making Plans

This conversation helps you arrange to meet someone.

Dialogue

ChinesePinyinEnglish

A: 明天有时间吗？Míngtiān yǒu shíjiān ma?Do you have time tomorrow?

B: 有。Yǒu.Yes.

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

明天míngtiāntomorrowThe day after today.

时间shíjiāntimeAvailable time.

Practice

1. Ask: 明天有时间吗？

2. Answer: 有 or 没有。

Lesson 24: Going Out

Making plans to go out with friends.

Dialogue

ChinesePinyinEnglish

A: 我们去吃饭吧。Wǒmen qù chīfàn ba.Let's go eat.

B: 好啊！Hǎo a!Sure!

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

我们wǒmenweMore than one person.

去qùto goMoving.

吃饭chīfàneat a mealEating food.

吧balet'sSuggests making a plan.

Practice

1. Suggest: 我们去______吧。

2. Agree: 好啊！

Lesson 25: Studying Chinese

Talking about how long you've studied Chinese.

Dialogue

ChinesePinyinEnglish

A: 你学中文多久了？Nǐ xué Zhōngwén duōjiǔ le?How long have you studied Chinese?

B: 一年了。Yì nián le.For one year.

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

学xuéto study / learnLearning something.

中文ZhōngwénChineseThe language.

多久duōjiǔhow longAsking for duration.

了leparticleIndicates completion or change.

年niányear365 days.

Practice

1. Ask: 你学中文多久了？

2. Answer: ______年/月了。

Lesson 26: Talking About Chinese Food

Chinese cuisine is loved worldwide.

Dialogue

ChinesePinyinEnglish

A: 你喜欢中国菜吗？Nǐ xǐhuan Zhōngguó cài ma?Do you like Chinese food?

B: 喜欢！Xǐhuan!Yes, I do!

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

中国菜Zhōngguó càiChinese foodCuisine from China.

菜càidish / foodA prepared food.

Practice

1. Ask: 你喜欢中国菜吗？

2. Answer: 喜欢 or 不喜欢。

Lesson 27: Phone Call

Answering the phone in Chinese.

Dialogue

ChinesePinyinEnglish

A: 喂？Wéi?Hello? (on the phone)

B: 你好！Nǐ hǎo!Hello!

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

喂wéihello (phone)Only used when answering a phone call.

Phone Conversation Tips

• 喂 (wéi) is used only on the phone, never in person.

• After 喂, you can continue with a normal greeting.

Practice

1. Answer the phone: 喂？

2. Continue: 你好！

Lesson 28: Birthday

Wishing someone a happy birthday.

Dialogue

ChinesePinyinEnglish

A: 生日快乐！Shēngrì kuàilè!Happy birthday!

B: 谢谢！Xièxie!Thank you!

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

生日shēngrìbirthdayThe day you were born.

快乐kuàilèhappyJoyful.

谢谢xièxiethank youExpressing gratitude.

Practice

1. Say: 生日快乐！

2. Respond: 谢谢！

Lesson 29: Congratulations

Congratulating someone.

Dialogue

ChinesePinyinEnglish

A: 恭喜你！Gōngxǐ nǐ!Congratulations!

B: 谢谢！Xièxie!Thank you!

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

恭喜gōngxǐcongratulationsExpressing joy for someone's achievement.

Practice

1. Say: 恭喜你！

2. Respond: 谢谢！

Lesson 30: Saying Goodbye

Different ways to say goodbye.

Dialogue

ChinesePinyinEnglish

A: 再见！Zàijiàn!Goodbye!

B: 明天见！Míngtiān jiàn!See you tomorrow!

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

再见zàijiàngoodbyeLiterally "again see."

见jiànto seeEncounter someone.

明天míngtiāntomorrowThe day after today.

Goodbye Phrases

ChinesePinyinEnglish

再见！Zàijiàn!Goodbye!

明天见！Míngtiān jiàn!See you tomorrow!

下周见！Xià zhōu jiàn!See you next week!

一会儿见！Yíhuìr jiàn!See you later!

拜拜！Bāibāi!Bye-bye! (informal)

Practice

1. Say: 再见！

2. Say: 明天见！

Most Useful Beginner Sentences

These are essential sentences you will use every day.

EnglishChinesePinyinExplanation

I don't know.我不知道。Wǒ bù zhīdào.Use when you don't have information.

I understand.我明白了。Wǒ míngbai le.Use when you comprehend something.

Please say it again.请再说一次。Qǐng zài shuō yí cì.Use when you didn't hear clearly.

Please speak slower.请慢一点。Qǐng màn yìdiǎn.Use when someone speaks too fast.

I speak a little Chinese.我会一点中文。Wǒ huì yìdiǎn Zhōngwén.Use to tell people you're a beginner.

I don't speak Chinese.我不会中文。Wǒ bú huì Zhōngwén.Use when you can't speak Chinese.

Okay. / Can.可以。Kěyǐ.Expressing agreement or permission.

Cannot.不可以。Bù kěyǐ.Expressing denial or prohibition.

Thank you.谢谢。Xièxie.Expressing gratitude.

You're welcome.不客气。Bú kèqi.Responding to "thank you."

Example Uses

When you don't understand:

老师，请再说一次。(Lǎoshī, qǐng zài shuō yí cì.) — Teacher, please say it again.

When you want to be polite:

请慢一点。(Qǐng màn yìdiǎn.) — Please speak slower.

When you want to show you understand:

我明白了。(Wǒ míngbai le.) — I understand.

When you want to say you can do something:

可以。(Kěyǐ.) — Okay. / Can.

100 Essential Conversation Words

ChinesePinyinEnglish

我wǒI / me

你nǐyou

他tāhe

她tāshe

我们wǒmenwe

是shìto be

有yǒuto have

喜欢xǐhuanto like

会huìcan / will

不会bú huìcannot / won't

去qùto go

来láito come

吃chīto eat

喝hēto drink

看kànto watch / look

听tīngto listen

说shuōto speak

写xiěto write

读dúto read

学习xuéxíto study

学校xuéxiàoschool

老师lǎoshīteacher

学生xuéshengstudent

朋友péngyoufriend

爸爸bàbafather

妈妈māmamother

哥哥gēgeolder brother

姐姐jiějieolder sister

弟弟dìdiyounger brother

妹妹mèimeiyounger sister

中国ZhōngguóChina

美国MěiguóAmerica

中文ZhōngwénChinese language

英语YīngyǔEnglish language

名字míngziname

时间shíjiāntime

今天jīntiāntoday

明天míngtiāntomorrow

昨天zuótiānyesterday

现在xiànzàinow

小时xiǎoshíhour

分钟fēnzhōngminute

饭fànmeal / rice

面条miàntiáonoodles

米饭mǐfànrice

水shuǐwater

茶chátea

咖啡kāfēicoffee

苹果píngguǒapple

香蕉xiāngjiāobanana

钱qiánmoney

块kuàiyuan / dollars

买mǎito buy

卖màito sell

贵guìexpensive

便宜piányicheap

天气tiānqìweather

热rèhot

冷lěngcold

雨yǔrain

雪xuěsnow

家jiāhome / family

房间fángjiānroom

酒店jiǔdiànhotel

机场jīchǎngairport

飞机fēijīairplane

车chēcar

路lùroad

这里zhèlǐhere

那里nàlǐthere

左边zuǒbianleft

右边yòubianright

前面qiánmiànfront

后面hòumiànbehind

厕所cèsuǒrestroom

医院yīyuànhospital

银行yínhángbank

微信WēixìnWeChat

电话diànhuàphone

照片zhàopiànphoto

帮助bāngzhùhelp

谢谢xièxiethank you

对不起duìbuqǐsorry

没关系méi guānxiit's okay

请qǐngplease

好hǎogood

不好bù hǎonot good

可以kěyǐcan / okay

不可以bù kěyǐcannot

为什么wèishénmewhy

什么shénmewhat

哪里nǎliwhere

谁shéiwho

多少duōshaohow much

几jǐhow many

Final Conversation — Putting It All Together

Now let's combine everything you've learned into one complete conversation.

ChinesePinyinEnglish

A: 你好！你叫什么名字？Nǐ hǎo! Nǐ jiào shénme míngzi?Hello! What's your name?

B: 我叫Emma。Wǒ jiào Emma.My name is Emma.

A: 你是哪国人？Nǐ shì nǎ guó rén?Where are you from?

B: 我是美国人。Wǒ shì Měiguó rén.I'm American.

A: 你会说中文吗？Nǐ huì shuō Zhōngwén ma?Do you speak Chinese?

B: 我会一点中文。Wǒ huì yìdiǎn Zhōngwén.I speak a little Chinese.

A: 很好！Hěn hǎo!Very good!

B: 谢谢！Xièxie!Thank you!

Breaking Down This Conversation

1. 你叫什么名字？ — A classic question asking for someone's name.

2. 你是哪国人？ — Asking about nationality.

3. 你会说中文吗？ — Asking if someone can speak Chinese.

   • 会 (huì) = can / able to

   • 说 (shuō) = speak

   • 中文 (Zhōngwén) = Chinese

4. 我会一点中文。 — A humble way to say you're a beginner.

   • 一点 (yìdiǎn) = a little bit

5. 很好！ — Encouraging response.

6. 谢谢！ — Expressing gratitude.

Practice This Final Conversation

1. Read it aloud three times.

2. Practice with a partner.

3. Try to say it without looking at the text.

Course Summary

Congratulations! You have completed Short Chinese Conversations!

What You Have Learned:

✓Topic

✓30 real-life Chinese conversations

✓Basic introductions (name, nationality, age)

✓School and hobby vocabulary

✓Restaurant ordering phrases

✓Shopping and bargaining language

✓Travel Chinese (airport, hotel, taxi)

✓WeChat and phone call phrases

✓Family and daily communication

✓100 core conversation words

✓Essential survival sentences

Next Steps:

1. Practice daily — Even 5 minutes a day makes a difference.

2. Find a conversation partner — Use apps like HelloTalk or Tandem.

3. Watch Chinese content — Movies, TV shows, and YouTube with subtitles.

4. Don't be afraid to speak — Making mistakes is how you learn!

Congratulations! You have completed Short Chinese Conversations.

加油！(Jiāyóu! — Keep going!)