Title: Chinese Basics — LearnCoachAssist

Q: What is the pinyin and tone for 你好 (Hello)?
A: Nǐ hǎo. The first syllable nǐ uses the third tone (falling-rising), and hǎo also uses the third tone. When two third tones meet, the first often changes to a second tone in casual speech, sounding like ní háo, but the written tones remain 3-3.

Q: How do you say 'Thank you' in Chinese and what tone pattern does it have?
A: 谢谢 is pronounced xiè xie. Both syllables use the fourth tone (a sharp falling tone). The phrase literally means 'thanks' and is used in most casual and formal situations.

Q: What does 一 mean, and how is its pronunciation special?
A: 一 means 'one.' On its own it is pronounced yī (first tone). However, before a fourth-tone syllable it becomes yì, before any other tone it becomes yí, and it is also yī in ordinal or standalone use. Example: 一二 yī èr, 一样 yí yàng.

Q: Count from one to ten in Chinese with pinyin.
A: 一 yī, 二 èr, 三 sān, 四 sì, 五 wǔ, 六 liù, 七 qī, 八 bā, 九 jiǔ, 十 shí. Note that 二 can also be pronounced liǎng when used with measure words like 两本书 two books.

Q: How do you say 'I am Chinese' in Chinese?
A: 我是中国人. Wǒ shì Zhōngguó rén. 是 shì means 'to be,' 中国 Zhōngguó means 'China,' and 人 rén means 'person/people.' The neutral tone on rén is common for nationality nouns.

Q: What is the difference between 妈妈 and 妈妈? (trick question on tones)
A: Both characters are the same here: 妈妈 mā ma means 'mom.' The first syllable uses the first tone (high level) and the second is a neutral, light tone. There is no trick; the lesson is that reduplicated family nouns typically use a neutral tone on the second syllable.

Q: Translate 'This is my teacher' into Chinese with pinyin.
A: 这是我的老师. Zhè shì wǒ de lǎoshī. 这 zhè = this, 是 shì = is, 我的 wǒ de = my, 老师 lǎoshī = teacher. 的 is a possessive particle pronounced with a neutral tone.

Q: What does 你叫什么名字 mean, and how do you answer it?
A: It means 'What is your name?' Nǐ jiào shénme míngzi? A typical reply is 我叫... Wǒ jiào ... followed by your name. 叫 means 'to be called,' 什么 shénme means 'what,' and 名字 míngzi means 'name.'

Q: How do you say 'I don't understand' in Chinese?
A: 听不懂 tīng bù dǒng or 我听不懂 wǒ tīng bù dǒng. 听 means 'to hear/listen,' 懂 means 'to understand,' and the 不 inserted before 懂 negates it. Listening-focused contexts often use this phrase.

Q: What is the measure word for people in Chinese, and when is it used?
A: 个 ge is the most common general measure word, used for people and many objects. 们 men is a plural suffix, not a measure word. Example: 一个人 yí ge rén 'one person,' 三个老师 sān ge lǎoshī 'three teachers.'

Q: Which measure word is used for books, and what is the pattern?
A: 本 běn is the measure word for books and bound items. Examples: 一本书 yì běn shū 'one book,' 两本杂志 liǎng běn zázhì 'two magazines.' The pattern is Number + Measure word + Noun, and measure words cannot be dropped in standard Mandarin.

Q: How do you say 'How much is this?' in Chinese?
A: 多少钱 duōshao qián? Literally 'how much money.' You can also ask 这个多少钱 zhège duōshao qián? 'How much is this one?' 多少 means 'how much/how many,' and 钱 means 'money.'

Q: What does 请问 mean, and when should you use it?
A: 请问 qǐngwèn means 'May I ask...' or 'Excuse me.' Use it to politely get attention or before asking a question, such as 请问,洗手间在哪里? Qǐngwèn, xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ? 'Excuse me, where is the restroom?'

Q: Say 'I would like a cup of coffee' in Chinese with pinyin.
A: 我想要一杯咖啡. Wǒ xiǎng yào yì bēi kāfēi. 我 I, 想要 would like, 一杯 one cup, 咖啡 coffee. 杯 bēi is the measure word for cups/glasses.

Q: Translate 'I am learning Chinese' into Chinese.
A: 我在学中文. Wǒ zài xué Zhōngwén. 我 = I, 在 = progressive marker 'am doing,' 学 = learn/study, 中文 = Chinese language. The 在 structure indicates an ongoing action.

Q: How do you ask 'Where are you from?' in Chinese?
A: 你是哪里人? Nǐ shì nǎlǐ rén? Literally 'You are where-person?' An answer: 我是美国人 Wǒ shì Měiguó rén 'I am American.' Country names follow the pattern 是 + country + 人 for nationality.

Q: What is the meaning and pinyin of 喜欢?
A: 喜欢 xǐhuan means 'to like.' It is followed by a noun or verb. Example: 我喜欢苹果 Wǒ xǐhuan píngguǒ 'I like apples,' or 我喜欢喝茶 Wǒ xǐhuan hē chá 'I like drinking tea.' To negate, say 不喜欢 bù xǐhuan.

Q: Form the sentence 'I have a cat' in Chinese.
A: 我有一只猫. Wǒ yǒu yì zhī māo. 有 yǒu = to have, 一只 = one (measure word for animals), 猫 māo = cat. Note that 只 zhī is the measure word used for most animals.

Q: How do you write 'Today is Monday' in Chinese with pinyin?
A: 今天星期一. Jīntiān xīngqī yī. 今天 = today, 星期一 = Monday. Other days: 二 Tuesday, 三 Wednesday, 四 Thursday, 五 Friday, 六 Saturday, 日/天 Sunday. 星期 literally means 'week-period.'

Q: What does 一点儿 mean, and how is it used in a sentence?
A: 一点儿 yìdiǎnr means 'a little' or 'a bit.' Example: 我会说一点儿中文 Wǒ huì shuō yìdiǎnr Zhōngwén 'I can speak a little Chinese.' It modifies verbs or nouns and is pronounced with a light neutral ending.

Q: How do you say 'See you tomorrow' in Chinese?
A: 明天见. Míngtiān jiàn. 明天 = tomorrow, 见 = see (meet). It is a casual farewell similar to English 'See you.' For 'see you later,' say 回头见 huítóu jiàn.

Q: Translate 'She is my sister' into Chinese with pinyin.
A: 她是我的姐姐/妹妹. Tā shì wǒ de jiějie / mèimei. 她 she, 是 is, 我的 my, 姐姐 older sister, 妹妹 younger sister. Tone change: 不 + fourth tone becomes second tone, as in 不是 bú shì.

Q: What is the difference between 会 and 能?
A: Both can mean 'can,' but 会 huì emphasizes learned skill (I can speak Chinese 我会说中文), while 能 néng emphasizes ability or permission (I can go now 我现在能走了). Use 能 for general capability and 会 for acquired skills.

Q: How do you say 'I already ate' in Chinese?
A: 我已经吃了. Wǒ yǐjīng chī le. 我 I, 已经 already, 吃 ate/eaten, 了 sentence-final particle indicating completed action. This is the basic 'already' pattern with 了.

Q: What does 吧 at the end of a sentence indicate?
A: 吧 ba is a suggestion or speculation particle. 我们走吧 Wǒmen zǒu ba 'Let's go' (suggestion). 他是老师吧? Tā shì lǎoshī ba? 'He is probably a teacher?' (speculation). Tone is light/neutral.

Q: Form the question 'Do you want to drink tea?' in Chinese.
A: 你想喝茶吗? Nǐ xiǎng hē chá ma? 你 you, 想 want, 喝 drink, 茶 tea, 吗 question particle. Yes-no questions are formed by adding 吗 to a statement.

Q: How do you say 'The book is on the table' in Chinese?
A: 书在桌子上. Shū zài zhuōzi shàng. 书 book, 在 at/on, 桌子 table, 上 on top. The location word 上 follows the noun. Use 里 lǐ for inside and 下 xià for under.

Q: What is the meaning of 怎么 and how is it used?
A: 怎么 zěnme means 'how' or 'why' depending on context. Example: 怎么去? zěnme qù? 'How to get there?' 你怎么来了? Nǐ zěnme lái le? 'Why/how did you come?' It is often used to ask about manner or reason.

Q: Translate 'I am going to the airport tomorrow' into Chinese.
A: 我明天要去机场. Wǒ míngtiān yào qù jīchǎng. 我 I, 明天 tomorrow, 要 will (future), 去 go to, 机场 airport. The 要 future marker indicates planned actions.

Q: How do you say 'Can you help me?' in Chinese?
A: 你能帮我吗? Nǐ néng bāng wǒ ma? 你 you, 能 can, 帮 help, 我 me, 吗 question particle. 你好,你能帮我吗? is a polite request. 帮 is always followed by an object plus another verb.

Q: What does 没关系 mean and when is it appropriate?
A: 没关系 méi guānxi means 'It's okay' or 'You're welcome/No problem.' Use it to respond to thanks or apologize for minor inconveniences. Example: 对不起 — 没关系 'Sorry' — 'No problem.'

Q: How do you say 'I am full (after eating)' in Chinese?
A: 我吃饱了. Wǒ chī bǎo le. 我 I, 吃 eat, 饱 full, 了 completion particle. 饱 specifically means 'full from food.' For 'tired,' use 累 lèi.

Q: What is the difference between 再见 and 再?
A: 再见 zàijiàn means 'goodbye' (see again). 再 zài alone means 'again' or 'then' in future contexts. Examples: 明天再见 Míngtiān zàijiàn 'See you tomorrow'; 再来一次 zài lái yí cì 'come again one more time.'

Q: How do you order a glass of water in a restaurant in Chinese?
A: 请给我一杯水. Qǐng gěi wǒ yì bēi shuǐ. 请 please, 给 give, 我 me, 一杯 one cup, 水 water. Alternatively, just say 一杯水 yì bēi shuǐ or 水,谢谢 shuǐ, xièxie 'water, thanks.'

Q: Translate 'My family has four people' into Chinese.
A: 我家有四个人. Wǒ jiā yǒu sì ge rén. 我 my, 家 family/home, 有 have, 四 four, 个 measure word for people, 人 people. 家 can mean both 'home' and 'family' in Chinese.

Q: What does 没关系 vs. 不客气 difference look like in use?
A: 不客气 bú kèqi means 'You're welcome' as a polite reply to thanks. 没关系 means 'It doesn't matter/No problem' and is also used as a casual 'you're welcome' but emphasizes forgiveness or reassurance. They are interchangeable as polite replies, with 不客气 slightly more formal.

Q: How do you ask 'What time is it?' in Chinese?
A: 现在几点? Xiànzài jǐ diǎn? 现在 now, 几 how many, 点 o'clock. To answer: 现在三点 Xiànzài sān diǎn 'It's three o'clock now.' For precise times, use 分 fēn for minutes: 三点十五分 sān diǎn shíwǔ fēn.

Q: What does 着 (zhe) indicate, and give an example sentence.
A: 着 zhe indicates a continuous state of an action. Example: 她穿着一件红色的裙子 Tā chuānzhe yí jiàn hóngsè de qúnzi 'She is wearing a red dress.' It emphasizes the ongoing state rather than the action itself.

Q: How do you say 'I think this book is interesting' in Chinese?
A: 我觉得这本书很有意思. Wǒ juéde zhè běn shū hěn yǒu yìsi. 我 I, 觉得 think/feel, 这 this, 本 measure word for books, 书 book, 很 very, 有 have, 意思 meaning/interest. 有意思 = interesting.

Q: Translate 'Please speak more slowly' into Chinese with pinyin.
A: 请说慢一点. Qǐng shuō màn yìdiǎn. 请 please, 说 speak, 慢 slow, 一点 a bit, together forming 'a bit slower.' You can also say 请说慢一些 Qǐng shuō màn yìxiē with 一些 some/a few.

Q: How do you say 'good morning' in Mandarin, and what are the tones?
A: 早安 (zǎo ān) is a common Mandarin greeting for 'good morning,' though 早上好 (zǎo shang hǎo, 'zǎo-shàng-hǎo') is more formal. 早上 means 'morning' and 好 means 'good.' Both words use the third tone, which is a dipping tone that falls and then rises.

Q: What is the Chinese word for 'goodbye,' and how is it pronounced?
A: 再见 (zài jiàn) means 'goodbye' in Mandarin. It's pronounced with the fourth tone (zài, falling tone) and the fourth tone (jiàn, falling tone). The literal meaning is 'see again,' making it a polite way to part. Use it in both formal and casual situations.

Q: How do you say 'happy birthday' in Mandarin Chinese?
A: 生日快乐 (shēng rì kuài lè) means 'happy birthday' in Mandarin. 生日 is 'birthday' (shēng rì, both first tones), and 快乐 means 'happy' (kuài lè, fourth and second tones). This phrase is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese celebrations.

Q: What does 谢谢 mean, and how should you pronounce it?
A: 谢谢 (xiè xiè) means 'thank you' in Mandarin. The character 谢 is pronounced with the fourth tone (xiè, a falling tone), and it's repeated twice for politeness. The literal meaning is 'to thank,' and it's one of the most essential expressions for daily communication.

Q: How do you count from one to ten in Chinese? Provide the characters and pinyin.
A: 一 (yī) one, 二 (èr) two, 三 (sān) three, 四 (sì) four, 五 (wǔ) five, 六 (liù) six, 七 (qī) seven, 八 (bā) eight, 九 (jiǔ) nine, 十 (shí) ten. Note that 二 (èr) is used alone, but 两 (liǎng) is often used before measure words. The tones are: first, fourth, first, fourth, third, fourth, first, first, third, second.

Q: What is the Chinese word for 'family,' and how is it pronounced?
A: 家 (jiā) means 'family' or 'home' in Mandarin, pronounced with the first tone (a high, level pitch). 家人 (jiā rén, 'jiā-rén') means 'family members.' The word can also refer to a household or one's homeland. 家 is a fundamental HSK1 vocabulary word.

Q: How do you say 'father' in Mandarin, and what tones does it have?
A: 爸爸 (bà ba) means 'father' or 'dad' in Mandarin. It's pronounced with the fourth tone (bà) followed by a neutral/light tone (ba). The repetition creates an affectionate, familiar tone. This is different from 母亲 (mǔ qīn, 'mother'), which is more formal.

Q: What does 妈妈 mean, and how do you say 'mother' formally?
A: 妈妈 (mā ma) means 'mother' or 'mom' in Mandarin. It's pronounced with the first tone (mā) plus a neutral tone (ma). The informal form uses repetition for affection, while the formal version 母亲 (mǔ qīn) is used in writing or respectful contexts. Both refer to the same person.

Q: How do you say 'I have one brother and one sister' in Chinese?
A: 我有一个哥哥和一个姐姐 (wǒ yǒu yī gè gē ge hé yī gè jiě jie) means 'I have one older brother and one older sister.' The structure uses 有 (yǒu, 'to have') plus the measure word 个 (gè) and 和 (hé, 'and') to connect the two siblings. Younger siblings would use 弟弟 (dì di) and 妹妹 (mèi mei).

Q: What does 朋友 mean, and how do you use it in a sentence?
A: 朋友 (péng yǒu) means 'friend' in Mandarin, with 朋 (péng, second tone) and 友 (yǒu, third tone). For example: 他是我的朋友 (tā shì wǒ de péng yǒu) means 'He is my friend.' The 的 (de) particle connects the possessive. This is a common HSK1 word for daily conversation.

Q: How do you say 'I am a student' in Mandarin Chinese?
A: 我是一名学生 (wǒ shì yī míng xué sheng) or 我是学生 (wǒ shì xué sheng) both mean 'I am a student.' 是 (shì) means 'to be,' 学生 (xué sheng, 'xué-shēng') means 'student,' and 名 (míng) is a measure word for people. The first version is more formal; the second is conversational.

Q: What does 老师 mean, and how do you address a teacher?
A: 老师 (lǎo shī) means 'teacher' in Mandarin, pronounced with the third tone (lǎo) and first tone (shī). It's both a noun and a respectful form of address. For example, you would say 老师好 (lǎo shī hǎo) to greet your teacher. This term is widely used for any instructor or educator.

Q: How do you say 'delicious' or 'tasty' in Mandarin Chinese?
A: 好吃 (hǎo chī) means 'delicious' or 'tasty' in Mandarin. 好 (hǎo) means 'good' (third tone), and 吃 (chī) means 'to eat' (first tone). Together they form a common adjective used to compliment food. For example: 这个菜很好吃 (zhè ge cài hěn hǎo chī) means 'This dish is very delicious.'

Q: What is the Chinese word for 'water,' and how is it pronounced?
A: 水 (shuǐ) means 'water' in Mandarin, pronounced with the third tone (a falling-rising tone). It can stand alone or combine with other words: 喝水 (hē shuǐ) means 'to drink water,' and 矿泉水 (kuàng quán shuǐ) means 'mineral water.' 水 is one of the most frequently used HSK1 vocabulary words.

Q: How do you order tea in a Chinese restaurant?
A: 请给我一杯茶 (qǐng gěi wǒ yī bēi chá) means 'Please give me a cup of tea' in Mandarin. 请 (qǐng) is 'please,' 给 (gěi) is 'to give,' 我 (wǒ) is 'I,' 一 (yī) is 'one,' 杯 (bēi) is the measure word for cups, and 茶 (chá) is 'tea.' This polite sentence uses HSK1 grammar patterns.

Q: What does 飞机 mean, and how do you say 'I am taking a plane'?
A: 飞机 (fēi jī) means 'airplane' in Mandarin, pronounced with the first tone (fēi) and first tone (jī). 我坐飞机 (wǒ zuò fēi jī) means 'I am taking a plane' or 'I am flying.' 坐 (zuò) means 'to sit/take (transportation).' This phrase is useful for travel and HSK1 conversations.

Q: How do you ask 'Where is the bathroom?' in Mandarin Chinese?
A: 厕所在哪里? (cè suǒ zài nǎ lǐ?) means 'Where is the bathroom?' in Mandarin. 厕所 (cè suǒ) means 'bathroom/toilet,' 在 (zài) means 'to be located at,' and 哪里 (nǎ lǐ) means 'where.' The question ends with 吗 (ma) or uses rising intonation. This is an essential travel phrase for Chinese-speaking regions.

Q: What does 火车站 mean, and how do you get there?
A: 火车站 (huǒ chē zhàn) means 'train station' in Mandarin: 火车 (huǒ chē) is 'train' and 站 (zhàn) is 'station.' To ask how to get there, say 火车站怎么走? (huǒ chē zhàn zěn me zǒu?) meaning 'How do I get to the train station?' 怎么走 (zěn me zǒu) literally means 'how to walk/go.'

Q: How do you say 'I want to go to Beijing' in Mandarin Chinese?
A: 我想去北京 (wǒ xiǎng qù běi jīng) means 'I want to go to Beijing.' 我 (wǒ) is 'I,' 想 (xiǎng) is 'to want,' 去 (qù) is 'to go,' and 北京 (běi jīng) is 'Beijing.' Note the 去 tone sandhi: 想 (xiǎng, third tone) changes to second tone before 去 (qù, fourth tone), becoming 想 (xiáng) in connected speech.

Q: What is the Chinese word for 'hotel,' and how do you check in?
A: 酒店 (jiǔ diàn) or 旅馆 (lǚ guǎn) both mean 'hotel' in Mandarin. To check in, say 我要登记入住 (wǒ yào dēng jì rù zhù) meaning 'I want to check in.' 登记 (dēng jì) means 'to register,' 入住 (rù zhù) means 'to check in/stay.' This phrase is useful for HSK1-level travel vocabulary.

Q: How do you count from one hundred to one thousand in Mandarin?
A: 一百 (yī bǎi) is 100, 两百 (liǎng bǎi) is 200, 三百 (sān bǎi) is 300, continuing to 九百 (jiǔ bǎi) is 900. 一千 (yī qiān) is 1,000. Note that 两 (liǎng) is used for 200, not 二. Patterns: X百 = X hundreds, X千 = X thousands. The character 百 (bǎi) is third tone, 千 (qiān) is first tone.

Q: What does 多少 mean, and how do you use it to ask about quantity?
A: 多少 (duō shao) means 'how much' or 'how many' in Mandarin. Use it before a measure word: 多少钱? (duō shao qián?) means 'How much money?' or 'How much does it cost?' 多少个苹果? (duō shao gè píng guǒ?) means 'How many apples?' Both 少 (shao) tones are neutral/light in this expression.

Q: How do you say 'I don't know' in Mandarin Chinese?
A: 我不知道 (wǒ bù zhī dào) means 'I don't know' in Mandarin. 我 (wǒ) is 'I,' 不 (bù) is the negation word, and 知道 (zhī dào) means 'to know.' This phrase uses HSK1 grammar: Subject + 不 + Verb. It's one of the most useful beginner expressions for when you don't understand something.

Q: What does 喜欢 mean, and how do you use it in a sentence?
A: 喜欢 (xǐ huan) means 'to like' in Mandarin, pronounced with the third tone (xǐ) and neutral tone (huan). For example: 我喜欢唱歌 (wǒ xǐ huan chàng gē) means 'I like singing.' The structure is Subject + 喜欢 + Object. Unlike English, no preposition is needed between 喜欢 and the object.

Q: How do you form the sentence 'She is a doctor' in Mandarin?
A: 她是医生 (tā shì yì shēng) means 'She is a doctor' in Mandarin. 她 (tā) is 'she,' 是 (shì) is the 'to be' verb, and 医生 (yì shēng) means 'doctor.' Note that Mandarin has no 'a/an' article, and 是 directly connects subject and noun. 医生 uses the first tone (yī) and first tone (shēng).

Q: What does 现在 mean, and how do you ask 'What time is it now?'
A: 现在 (xiàn zài) means 'now' or 'at present' in Mandarin. To ask the time, say 现在几点? (xiàn zài jǐ diǎn?) meaning 'What time is it now?' 几 (jǐ) is used for asking small quantities/time. For example, the response might be 现在三点 (xiàn zài sān diǎn) meaning 'It's three o'clock now.'

Q: How do you say 'I am reading a book' in Mandarin Chinese?
A: 我在看书 (wǒ zài kàn shū) means 'I am reading a book' in Mandarin. 我 (wǒ) is 'I,' 在 (zài) marks the ongoing action, 看 (kàn) means 'to look/read,' and 书 (shū) is 'book.' This is the basic progressive tense structure: Subject + 在 + Verb + Object. It's essential for HSK1 grammar.

Q: What does 工作 mean, and how do you say 'I am working'?
A: 工作 (gōng zuò) means 'work' or 'job' in Mandarin, pronounced with the first tone (gōng) and fourth tone (zuò). 我在工作 (wǒ zài gōng zuò) means 'I am working.' The 在 marks the ongoing action. As a verb: 他在北京工作 (tā zài běi jīng gōng zuò) means 'He works in Beijing.'

Q: How do you ask 'How old are you?' politely in Mandarin?
A: 你多大了? (nǐ duō dà le?) is the common way to ask 'How old are you?' in Mandarin. 多大 (duō dà) means 'how old/big.' For children, use 你几岁了? (nǐ jǐ suì le?). To answer, say 我二十岁 (wǒ èr shí suì) meaning 'I am 20 years old.' 岁 (suì) is the measure word for age.

Q: What does 漂亮 mean, and how do you use it as a compliment?
A: 漂亮 (piào liang) means 'pretty' or 'beautiful' in Mandarin, with 漂 (piào, fourth tone) and 亮 (liang, neutral tone). For example: 她很漂亮 (tā hěn piào liang) means 'She is very pretty.' It's used for people, scenery, or objects. Unlike English, no 'is' is needed; 很 (hěn) intensifies the adjective.

Q: How do you say 'I am very tired today' in Mandarin Chinese?
A: 我今天很累 (wǒ jīn tiān hěn lèi) means 'I am very tired today.' 我 (wǒ) is 'I,' 今天 (jīn tiān) is 'today,' 很 (hěn) intensifies, and 累 (lèi, fourth tone) means 'tired.' Note Mandarin usually requires 很 before adjectives in present tense statements. The sentence has no 'am' verb.

Q: How do you greet someone politely with 'hello' in Mandarin beyond the basic 你好?
A: Use 您好 (nín hǎo), the polite/formal version of 你好. It is used to address elders, customers, or strangers. 您好 literally means 'you (respectful) good' and carries a respectful, formal tone. Pronunciation: nín = second tone rising, hǎo = third tone dipping-rising.

Q: What does 早上好 mean, and when is it used?
A: 早上好 (zǎo shàng hǎo) literally means 'morning good,' equivalent to 'good morning.' Pronunciation: zǎo (third tone), shàng (fourth tone falling), hǎo (third tone). It is typically used before noon, especially in formal or workplace settings like offices and schools. Among friends, people often just say 早 (zǎo), a casual shortened form.

Q: How do you say 'good evening' in Mandarin, and what tones are involved?
A: Say 晚上好 (wǎn shàng hǎo). Pronunciation: wǎn (third tone), shàng (fourth tone), hǎo (third tone). It literally means 'evening good.' Use it when greeting someone after sunset or in the early evening, similar to how 'good evening' works in English.

Q: What does 晚安 mean, and how is it different from 晚上好?
A: 晚安 (wǎn ān) means 'good night' and is used as a farewell before going to bed, not as a greeting. Pronunciation: wǎn (third tone), ān (first tone flat). It is similar to 'goodnight' in English. 晚上好, in contrast, is a greeting meaning 'good evening,' said when meeting someone in the evening.

Q: How do you count from eleven to nineteen in Chinese?
A: Numbers 11-19 follow a pattern: ten (十 shí) + the digit. 11 = 十一 (shí yī), 12 = 十二 (shí èr), 13 = 十三 (shí sān), 14 = 十四 (shí sì), 15 = 十五 (shí wǔ), 16 = 十六 (shí liù), 17 = 十七 (shí qī), 18 = 十八 (shí bā), 19 = 十九 (shí jiǔ). Note that 两 (liǎng) is NOT used here, unlike for 20+.

Q: How do you say 'twenty,' 'thirty,' and 'forty' in Chinese?
A: 20 = 二十 (èr shí), 30 = 三十 (sān shí), 40 = 四十 (sì shí). Pronunciation: shí is second tone. The pattern is [digit] + 十. For 20, when used as a measure (e.g., 20 people), you can say 二十 (èr shí) or 廿 (niàn) in formal/written Chinese.

Q: How do you say 'how many people are in your family' in Chinese?
A: 你家有几口人? (nǐ jiā yǒu jǐ kǒu rén?). Literal translation: 'your family have how many mouths people?' 口 (kǒu) is the measure word for family members. Pronunciation: jǐ (third tone) means 'how many.' Answer example: 我家有四口人 (wǒ jiā yǒu sì kǒu rén) — 'My family has four people.'

Q: What is the measure word for flat objects like paper or photos, and give an example?
A: The measure word is 张 (zhāng, first tone). Use it for flat, thin objects: paper (纸 zhǐ), photos (照片 zhàopiàn), tickets (票 piào), tables (桌子 zhuōzi), beds (床 chuáng). Example: 一张照片 (yī zhāng zhàopiàn) — 'one photo.' Note: 张 can also mean 'classifier for bow/crossbow' or 'open/extend.'

Q: How do you ask 'what is your nationality?' in Chinese?
A: Ask 你是哪国人? (nǐ shì nǎ guó rén?) — literally 'you are which country person?' Alternatively, 你的国籍是什么? (nǐ de guójí shì shénme?) — 'What is your nationality?' Pronunciation: nǎ (third tone) = which; guó (second tone) = country. Answer: 我是美国人 (wǒ shì měiguó rén) — 'I am American.'

Q: How do you say 'I am American' in Chinese with pinyin?
A: Say 我是美国人 (wǒ shì měiguó rén). Pronunciation: wǒ (third tone) = I; shì (fourth tone) = am/is/are; měiguó (third + second tone) = America; rén (second tone) = person/nationality. To ask, use 你是美国人吗? (nǐ shì měiguó rén ma?) — 'Are you American?' 吗 (ma) marks a yes/no question.

Q: What does 老师 mean, and how do you address a teacher in a Chinese classroom?
A: 老师 (lǎo shī) means 'teacher.' Pronunciation: lǎo (third tone), shī (first tone). In Chinese classrooms, students address the teacher as 老师 by itself, similar to 'Teacher' in English. They might say 老师好 (lǎo shī hǎo) — 'Hello, teacher' — at the start of class. 老师 is also used to politely address experts (e.g., 张老师, 李老师) with surname first.

Q: How do you say 'I am a doctor' in Mandarin?
A: Say 我是医生 (wǒ shì yīshēng). Pronunciation: wǒ (third tone), shì (fourth tone), yī (first tone), shēng (first tone). To ask someone else's profession: 你是医生吗? (nǐ shì yīshēng ma?). 医生 specifically refers to medical doctors; for other professions see 工程师 (engineer), 护士 (nurse), 律师 (lawyer), etc.

Q: What does 学生 mean, and how do you say 'I am a student'?
A: 学生 (xuésheng) means 'student.' Pronunciation: xué (second tone) = study/learn; sheng (first tone, neutral here). Say 我是学生 (wǒ shì xuésheng) — 'I am a student.' To be specific about level: 我是大学生 (wǒ shì dàxuéshēng) — 'I am a university student'; 我是中学生 — 'I am a middle school student.'

Q: How do you say 'I am reading a book' in present progressive Chinese?
A: Say 我在看书 (wǒ zài kàn shū). Pronunciation: zài (fourth tone) marks ongoing action; kàn (fourth tone) = look/read; shū (first tone) = book. Structure: Subject + 在 + Verb + Object. This is one of the main ways to express ongoing actions in Chinese, equivalent to the '-ing' form in English.

Q: How do you say 'I am eating rice' in Chinese?
A: Say 我在吃饭 (wǒ zài chī fàn). Pronunciation: chī (first tone) = eat; fàn (fourth tone) = rice/meal/canned. 吃饭 is a common phrase meaning 'to eat a meal' or 'to have dinner.' 我在吃饭 literally means 'I am at (the action of) eating rice/meal.' Used as a polite way to say 'I'm busy eating' on the phone.

Q: How do you say 'I like to drink coffee' in Chinese?
A: Say 我喜欢喝咖啡 (wǒ xǐhuān hē kāfēi). Pronunciation: xǐhuān (third + first tone), hē (first tone) = drink, kāfēi (first + first tone) = coffee. Structure: 喜欢 + Verb + Object. The verb (喝) goes between 喜欢 and the object (咖啡). Compare: 我喜欢咖啡 — also acceptable but emphasizes coffee as a thing, not the action.

Q: What does 好吃 mean, and how is it used?
A: 好吃 (hǎochī) means 'delicious' or 'tasty.' Pronunciation: hǎo (third tone), chī (first tone). Structure: Subject + 好吃. Example: 这个菜很好吃 (zhège cài hěn hǎochī) — 'This dish is very delicious.' It literally means 'good to eat.' The opposite is 难吃 (nánchī) — 'bad-tasting / yucky.'

Q: How do you say 'this is delicious' in Chinese?
A: Say 这个很好吃 (zhège hěn hǎochī). Pronunciation: zhè (fourth tone) + ge (neutral tone, a measure word) = this; hěn (third tone) = very; hǎochī (third + first tone) = delicious. The measure word 个 (gè) is a general classifier. Alternative: 这道菜很好吃 (zhè dào cài hěn hǎochī) — more specific to a dish.

Q: What does 喝 mean, and how is it different from 吃?
A: 喝 (hē, first tone) means 'to drink,' used for liquids: water (喝水), tea (喝茶), coffee (喝咖啡). 吃 (chī, first tone) means 'to eat,' used for solid food: rice (吃饭), apples (吃苹果). Note: 喝 is also used figuratively for 'drinking in' experiences like 喝西北风 — 'drinking the northwest wind' (slang for being broke).

Q: How do you ask 'where is the airport?' in Chinese?
A: Ask 机场在哪里? (jīchǎng zài nǎlǐ?). Pronunciation: jīchǎng (first + third tone) = airport; zài (fourth tone) = at/in; nǎlǐ (third + third tone) = where. Literally: 'airport is at where?' You can answer: 机场在北京郊区 (jīchǎng zài Běijīng jiāoqū) — 'The airport is in the suburbs of Beijing.'

Q: What does 出租车 mean, and how do you hail one?
A: 出租车 (chūzūchē) means 'taxi.' Pronunciation: chū (first tone), zū (first tone), chē (first tone). To hail one, you can wave or say: 出租车! (chūzūchē!) or 你好, 我要去... (nǐ hǎo, wǒ yào qù...) — 'Hello, I want to go to...' In Mandarin, taxis are often called 滴滴 (Dīdī) after the ride-hailing app, especially by younger people.

Q: How do you say 'I want to go to the hotel' in Chinese?
A: Say 我要去酒店 (wǒ yào qù jiǔdiàn) or 我想去宾馆 (wǒ xiǎng qù bīnguǎn). Pronunciation: yào (fourth tone) = want; qù (fourth tone) = go; jiǔdiàn (third + fourth tone) = hotel (more commercial/upscale). 宾馆 (bīnguǎn, first + third tone) refers more to guesthouses/state-run hotels. Example: 请问酒店怎么走? (qǐngwèn jiǔdiàn zěnme zǒu?) — 'Excuse me, how do I get to the hotel?'

Q: What does 飞机场 mean, and is it the same as 机场?
A: 飞机场 (fēijīchǎng) and 机场 (jīchǎng) both mean 'airport.' 机场 is the shorter, more common modern word (literally 'aircraft field'). 飞机场 is the more formal/literal name, also meaning 'airport.' Pronunciation: jīchǎng = first + third tone. In daily speech, 机场 is used; on signs and formal documents, both appear.

Q: How do you ask 'how do I get to the train station?' in Chinese?
A: Ask 请问火车站怎么走? (qǐngwèn huǒchēzhàn zěnme zǒu?). Pronunciation: qǐngwèn (third + fourth tone) = excuse me; huǒchēzhàn (third + first + fourth tone) = train station; zěnme (third + neutral tone) = how; zǒu (third tone) = walk/go. Alternative: 火车站怎么去? (huǒchēzhàn zěnme qù?) — same meaning, more concise.

Q: What is the pinyin and tone for the Chinese greeting meaning 'good evening'?
A: The phrase 晚上好 (wǎn shàng hǎo) means 'good evening.' Wǎn (third tone) means 'evening,' shàng (fourth tone) means 'up/upper,' and hǎo (third tone) means 'good.' It is used as a greeting when meeting someone in the evening, similar to 'buenas noches' in Spanish.

Q: How do you say 'sorry' or 'excuse me' in Chinese, and which tone is the second character?
A: The phrase 对不起 (duì bu qǐ) means 'sorry' or 'excuse me.' Dùi is fourth tone, bu is neutral tone, and qǐ is third tone. Use it to apologize for a mistake or to politely get someone's attention before asking a question.

Q: What does 再见 mean, and what is its literal word-by-word translation?
A: 再见 (zài jiàn) means 'goodbye' or 'see you again.' 再 (zài, fourth tone) means 'again,' and 见 (jiàn, fourth tone) means 'to see' or 'to meet.' The phrase literally translates to 'see again,' reflecting the idea of meeting another time in the future.

Q: What is the difference between 二 and 两, both meaning 'two'?
A: 二 (èr, fourth tone) is the formal or written form of 'two,' used in numbers, dates, and ordinals (e.g., 第二 'second'). 两 (liǎng, third tone) is used before measure words and in colloquial speech, as in 两个人 (liǎng ge rén, 'two people'). Both mean 'two,' but 两 cannot stand alone as a number.

Q: How do you say 'my name is Anna' in Chinese with pinyin?
A: You say 我叫安娜 (wǒ jiào Ān nà). 我 (wǒ, third tone) means 'I,' 叫 (jiào, fourth tone) means 'to be called,' and 安娜 (Ān nà) is the name 'Anna.' A common alternative is 我的名字是安娜 (wǒ de míng zì shì Ān nà), which is more literal: 'my name is Anna.'

Q: What does 你是哪国人 mean, and how would you answer if you are American?
A: 你是哪国人 (nǐ shì nǎ guó rén) means 'Which country's person are you?' or 'Where are you from?' It literally means 'You are which country person?' To answer as American, you say 我是美国人 (wǒ shì Měi guó rén, 'I am an American'). 哪 (nǎ, third tone) means 'which.'

Q: How do you say 'I am very happy to meet you' in Chinese?
A: You say 很高兴认识你 (hěn gāo xìng rèn shì nǐ). It breaks down as: 很 (hěn, third tone) 'very,' 高兴 (gāo xìng) 'happy,' 认识 (rèn shì) 'to meet/know,' and 你 (nǐ, third tone) 'you.' A common variant is 认识你很高兴 (rèn shì nǐ hěn gāo xìng), which uses the same words in different order.

Q: What is the measure word for flat objects like papers and photos, and how is it used?
A: The measure word 张 (zhāng, first tone) is used for flat, paper-like objects such as papers, tickets, photos, tables, and beds. For example, 一张照片 (yì zhāng zhào piàn) means 'one photo,' and 两张票 (liǎng zhāng piào) means 'two tickets.' It cannot be used for people or books.

Q: How do you say 'I want to eat noodles' in Chinese with pinyin?
A: You say 我想吃面条 (wǒ xiǎng chī miàn tiáo). 我 (wǒ, third tone) 'I,' 想 (xiǎng, third tone) 'want to,' 吃 (chī, first tone) 'eat,' and 面条 (miàn tiáo) 'noodles.' In restaurants you can simplify to 我要面条 (wǒ yào miàn tiáo), where 要 means 'to want.'

Q: What does 喝 mean, and how do you say 'I want to drink water'?
A: 喝 (hē, first tone) means 'to drink.' To say 'I want to drink water,' say 我想喝水 (wǒ xiǎng hē shuǐ). Note that 喝 is typically used for liquids and drinking actions. It pairs with water (水 shuǐ), tea (茶 chá), coffee (咖啡 kā fēi), and beer (啤酒 pí jiǔ).

Q: What is the difference between 医院 and 药店 in Chinese?
A: 医院 (yī yuàn, first tone + fourth tone) means 'hospital,' a place to see doctors or get treatment. 药店 (yào diàn, fourth tone + fourth tone) means 'pharmacy' or 'drugstore,' a place to buy medicine. If you need medicine, go to 药店; if you need a doctor, go to 医院.

Q: What does 飞机 mean, and how do you form the sentence 'I am taking a plane tomorrow'?
A: 飞机 (fēi jī) means 'airplane.' 飞 (fēi, first tone) is 'to fly,' and 机 (jī, first tone) means 'machine.' To say 'I am taking a plane tomorrow,' say 我明天坐飞机 (wǒ míng tiān zuò fēi jī). 坐 (zuò) is the verb 'to take/sit' used for transportation.

Q: How do you say 'left' and 'right' in Chinese, and how do you give directions?
A: Left is 左 (zuǒ, third tone) and right is 右 (yòu, fourth tone). To say 'turn left,' say 左转 (zuǒ zhuǎn). To say 'turn right,' say 右转 (yòu zhuǎn). You can also say 一直走 (yí zhí zǒu) meaning 'go straight ahead.' 直 (zhí) means 'straight' and 一直 means 'continuously.'

Q: What does 分钟 mean, and how do you ask 'How many minutes does it take?'
A: 分钟 (fēn zhōng, first tone + first tone) means 'minutes.' 分 (fēn) is short for 分钟 and originally meant 'part,' while 钟 (zhōng) means 'clock.' To ask how many minutes, say 需要几分钟? (xū yào jǐ fēn zhōng?), which means 'How many minutes are needed?' or 'How long does it take?'

Q: How do you say 'I am tired' in Chinese with pinyin?
A: You say 我累了 (wǒ lèi le). 我 (wǒ, third tone) means 'I,' 累 (lèi, fourth tone) means 'tired,' and 了 (le) is a particle indicating a change of state. Adding 了 tells the listener that you have become tired. For 'very tired,' add 很 (hěn): 我很累 (wǒ hěn lèi).

Q: What is the meaning of 一点儿, and how do you use it in a sentence?
A: 一点儿 (yì diǎnr, fourth tone + third tone) means 'a little bit' or 'a small amount.' It is used to express small quantities. For example, 我会一点儿中文 (wǒ huì yì diǎnr Zhōng wén) means 'I know a little Chinese.' 一点 (yì diǎn) is the formal version without the erhua sound.

Q: How do you form the sentence 'She is doing homework right now' in Chinese?
A: You say 她正在做作业 (tā zhèng zài zuò zuò yè). 她 (tā, first tone) 'she,' 正在 (zhèng zài) is an adverb meaning 'right now,' 做 (zuò, fourth tone) 'to do,' and 作业 (zuò yè) 'homework.' The 在 before 做 indicates the action is currently happening. You can also say 她在做作业 (tā zài zuò zuò yè) without 正在.

Q: What does 什么时候 mean, and how do you ask 'When will you come'?
A: 什么时候 (shén me shí hou, second tone + third tone + neutral) means 'when' or 'what time.' It combines 什么 'what' with 时候 'time/moment.' To ask 'When will you come?' say 你什么时候来? (nǐ shén me shí hou lái?). 来 (lái, second tone) means 'to come.'

Q: How do you say 'the weather is nice today' in Chinese with pinyin?
A: You say 今天天气很好 (jīn tiān tiān qì hěn hǎo). 今天 (jīn tiān) means 'today,' 天气 (tiān qì, first tone + fourth tone) means 'weather,' 很 (hěn, third tone) means 'very,' and 好 (hǎo, third tone) means 'good.' To say the weather is bad, replace 好 with 不好 (bù hǎo).

Q: What is the difference between 听 and 听见 in Chinese?
A: 听 (tīng, first tone) means 'to listen' and is an active verb describing the action of listening. 听见 (tīng jiàn) means 'to hear' and refers to actually perceiving a sound. For example, 我在听 (wǒ zài tīng) means 'I am listening,' but 我听见了 (wǒ tīng jiàn le) means 'I heard (it).' 见 indicates successful perception.

Q: How do you say 'Can you speak English?' in Chinese with pinyin?
A: You say 你会说英语吗? (nǐ huì shuō Yīng yǔ ma?). 你 (nǐ, third tone) 'you,' 会 (huì, fourth tone) 'can/know how to,' 说 (shuō, first tone) 'speak,' 英语 (Yīng yǔ) 'English,' and 吗 (ma) is a question particle. Yes/no questions in Chinese often just add 吗 at the end of a statement.

Q: What does 觉得 mean, and how do you say 'I think it's too expensive'?
A: 觉得 (jué de, second tone + neutral) means 'to feel' or 'to think.' To say 'I think it's too expensive,' say 我觉得太贵了 (wǒ jué de tài guì le). 我 'I,' 觉得 'think,' 太 (tài, fourth tone) 'too,' 贵 (guì, fourth tone) 'expensive,' and 了 indicates change. 你觉得呢? (nǐ jué de ne?) means 'What do you think?'

Q: How do you form the sentence 'I have been to Shanghai twice' in Chinese?
A: You say 我去过上海两次 (wǒ qù guò Shàng hǎi liǎng cì). 我 (wǒ) 'I,' 去 (qù, fourth tone) 'go,' 过 (guò) is a particle indicating past experience, 上海 (Shàng hǎi) 'Shanghai,' 两 (liǎng) 'two,' and 次 (cì, fourth tone) is the measure word for times. 过 is essential for showing past experience.

Q: What does 完 mean when used after a verb, and give an example?
A: 完 (wán, second tone) is a result complement meaning 'finished' or 'completed.' When placed after a verb, it shows the action is complete. For example, 吃完 (chī wán) means 'finish eating.' 我吃完了 (wǒ chī wán le) means 'I have finished eating.' 看完书 (kàn wán shū) means 'finish reading the book.'

Q: How do you say 'Please write it down' in Chinese with pinyin?
A: You say 请写下来 (qǐng xiě xià lái). 请 (qǐng, third tone) means 'please,' 写 (xiě, third tone) means 'to write,' and 下来 (xià lái, fourth tone + second tone) is a directional complement meaning 'down.' Together it means 'write it down.' Alternatively, say 请写在纸上 (qǐng xiě zài zhǐ shàng), meaning 'please write it on paper.'

Q: What does 句子 mean, and how do you say 'This sentence is too long'?
A: 句子 (jù zi, fourth tone + neutral) means 'sentence.' 句 is a measure word for sentences or lines of poetry. To say 'This sentence is too long,' say 这个句子太长了 (zhè ge jù zi tài cháng le). 这 (zhè) 'this,' 个 (ge) is the general measure word, 太 (tài) 'too,' 长 (cháng, second tone) 'long,' and 了 indicates change.

Q: How do you ask 'What did you do yesterday?' in Chinese with pinyin?
A: You say 你昨天做了什么? (nǐ zuó tiān zuò le shén me?). 你 (nǐ) 'you,' 昨天 (zuó tiān, second tone + first tone) 'yesterday,' 做 (zuò) 'do,' 了 is the perfective particle, and 什么 (shén me) 'what.' To answer, structure your reply with the same verb: 我昨天看了电影 (wǒ zuó tiān kàn le diàn yǐng, 'I watched a movie yesterday').

Q: What does 容易 mean, and how do you say 'Chinese is not easy'?
A: 容易 (róng yì, second tone + fourth tone) means 'easy.' To say 'Chinese is not easy,' say 中文不容易 (Zhōng wén bù róng yì). 不 (bù, fourth tone) negates the adjective. The opposite is 难 (nán, second tone) meaning 'difficult.' 中文很难 means 'Chinese is difficult.' For 'very easy,' add 很: 中文很容易.

Q: How do you say 'what is your name?' formally in Mandarin Chinese, with pinyin?
A: The formal way is: 您贵姓? (nín guì xìng?) — literally 'what is your honored surname?' The 'nín' is the polite form of 'you,' and 贵姓 means 'honored surname.' This is used when meeting someone older or in formal settings.

Q: What is the difference between 喝 and 吃 when talking about food and drinks?
A: 吃 (chī) is used for eating solid food, while 喝 (hē) is used for drinking liquids. Example: 喝茶 (hē chá, drink tea), but 吃饭 (chī fàn, eat rice/meal). Both take the verb-object structure with no measure word between them.

Q: How do you say 'I am very happy to meet you' in Mandarin Chinese?
A: 很高兴认识你 (hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ). 很高兴 means 'very happy,' 认识 means 'to meet/get to know,' and 你 means 'you.' This is a common polite phrase when meeting someone new.

Q: What does 一点儿 mean, and how does it differ from 一些?
A: 一点儿 (yìdiǎnr) means 'a little bit' and refers to a smaller amount. 一些 (yìxiē) means 'some/a few' and implies a larger amount than 一点儿. Both are used before nouns or as objects: 我想喝一点儿水 (I want to drink a little water).

Q: How do you say 'I am twenty years old' in Mandarin Chinese with pinyin?
A: 我二十岁 (wǒ èrshí suì). 我 = I, 二十 = twenty (two-ten), 岁 = years old. Note that 岁 is the measure word for age. To ask someone's age, say 你多大了? (nǐ duō dà le?) informally or 您多大年纪? (nín duō dà niánjì?) formally.

Q: What does 吧 mean at the end of a sentence, and give an example?
A: 吧 (ba) is a modal particle used to soften statements into suggestions or guesses. For example: 我们走吧 (wǒmen zǒu ba) means 'Let's go.' It can also indicate uncertainty: 他是老师吧 (tā shì lǎoshī ba) means 'He is probably a teacher.'

Q: How do you ask 'how much does this cost?' in Mandarin Chinese?
A: 这个多少钱? (zhège duōshǎo qián?) — 'this how much money?' Alternatively: 多少钱? (duōshǎo qián?) when context is clear. The response is usually 块 (kuài) for yuan or 毛 (máo) for jiao, like 二十五块 (èrshíwǔ kuài, 25 yuan).

Q: What is the Mandarin word for 'tomorrow,' and how do you say 'see you tomorrow'?
A: 明天 (míngtiān) means 'tomorrow.' 'See you tomorrow' is 明天见 (míngtiān jiàn). You can also say 明天再见 (míngtiān zàijiàn) for a more formal version. To say 'the day after tomorrow,' use 后天 (hòutiān).

Q: How do you say 'I am from America' in Mandarin Chinese?
A: 我是美国人 (wǒ shì Měiguó rén). 是 means 'am/is/are,' 美国 (Měiguó) means 'America,' and 人 means 'person/people.' For other countries, replace 美国 with the country name, like 英国 (Yīngguó, England) or 法国 (Fǎguó, France).

Q: What does 喜欢 mean, and how do you form a sentence using it?
A: 喜欢 (xǐhuan) means 'to like.' Structure: Subject + 喜欢 + Object. Example: 我喜欢苹果 (wǒ xǐhuan píngguǒ, I like apples). To ask 'do you like...?' say 你喜欢...吗? (nǐ xǐhuan... ma?). Note: unlike English, 喜欢 cannot be used with infinitives directly; you need a noun phrase.

Q: How do you say 'I don't understand' in Mandarin Chinese?
A: 我不懂 (wǒ bù dǒng) or 我不明白 (wǒ bù míngbai). 不 (bù) is the negation word, 懂 (dǒng) means 'understand,' and 明白 (míngbai) means 'clear/understand.' To ask 'do you understand?' say 你明白吗? (nǐ míngbai ma?).

Q: What is the measure word for flat objects like books, and how is it used?
A: 本 (běn) is the measure word for books and bound items like magazines or notebooks. Structure: Number + 本 + Noun. Example: 一本书 (yì běn shū, one book), 两本杂志 (liǎng běn zázhì, two magazines). 本 is one of the most common measure words in Mandarin.

Q: How do you say 'what is this?' in Mandarin Chinese?
A: 这是什么? (zhè shì shénme?) — 'this is what?' 这 (zhè) = this, 是 (shì) = is, 什么 (shénme) = what. To ask 'what is that?' replace 这 with 那 (nà, that): 那是什么? (nà shì shénme?). 什么 is also used in 'who' contexts: 那个人是谁? (nàge rén shì shéi?).

Q: What does 老师 mean, and how do you address a teacher politely?
A: 老师 (lǎoshī) means 'teacher.' Address them as 老师 (Lǎoshī) on its own, similar to saying 'Teacher.' For more formality, use 王老师 (Wáng lǎoshī, Teacher Wang). Note: 师傅 (shīfu) means 'master' and is used for skilled workers like taxi drivers or repair people.

Q: How do you say 'I am learning Mandarin Chinese' in Chinese?
A: 我在学中文 (wǒ zài xué Zhōngwén). 我 = I, 在 = present continuous marker (am), 学 = learn/study, 中文 = Chinese language. Alternatively: 我正在学习汉语 (wǒ zhèngzài xuéxí Hànyǔ), which uses 正在 (zhèngzài) for emphasis on ongoing action.

Q: What is the pinyin and tone for 好, and how is it used in greetings?
A: 好 (hǎo) is third tone, meaning 'good' or 'fine.' Used in 你好 (nǐ hǎo, hello), where two third tones together cause the first to become second tone: níhǎo. Also used in responses: 我很好 (wǒ hěn hǎo, I'm very good). 好 can also mean 'okay' on its own.

Q: How do you count from one to ten in Chinese using only characters?
A: 一 (yī), 二 (èr), 三 (sān), 四 (sì), 五 (wǔ), 六 (liù), 七 (qī), 八 (bā), 九 (jiǔ), 十 (shí). Note that 二 is the formal written form; 两 (liǎng) is often used before measure words, like 两个 (liǎnggè, two [of something]). Eleven is 十一 (shí yī), twelve is 十二 (shí èr).

Q: How do you say 'the book is on the table' in Mandarin Chinese?
A: 书在桌子上 (shū zài zhuōzi shàng). 书 = book, 在 = is at/on, 桌子 = table, 上 = on top. Note the location structure: Subject + 在 + Location + 上/下/里/外 (above/below/inside/outside). For 'under the table': 书在桌子下面 (shū zài zhuōzi xiàmiàn).

Q: What does 会 mean, and how does it differ from 能?
A: 会 (huì) means 'know how to' or 'can' (learned skill), while 能 (néng) means 'can/be able to' (general capability or permission). 我会游泳 (wǒ huì yóuyǒng, I can swim [I know how]). 我能去 (wǒ néng qù, I can go [permission/ability]). 会 emphasizes learned abilities, 能 emphasizes possibility.

Q: How do you say 'I already ate' in Mandarin Chinese?
A: 我已经吃了 (wǒ yǐjīng chī le). 我 = I, 已经 = already, 吃了 = have eaten (了 here indicates completed action). Note: 在汉语中 '了' indicates completion: 吃了饭 (chī le fàn, ate [the] meal). To emphasize recent completion, use 刚 (gāng, just): 我刚吃完 (wǒ gāng chī wán).

Q: What does 谢谢 mean, and how should you pronounce it with proper tone?
A: 谢谢 (xièxie) means 'thank you.' Both characters are fourth tone, so you say 'xièxie.' When two fourth tones occur together, the first often becomes lighter/second-like in natural speech: 'xiéxie.' A common response is 不客气 (bú kèqi, you're welcome).

Q: How do you say 'I want a glass of water' in a restaurant setting?
A: 我想要一杯水 (wǒ xiǎng yào yì bēi shuǐ). 我 = I, 想要 = would like, 一 = one, 杯 = measure word for cup/glass, 水 = water. Alternative simpler version: 我要一杯水 (wǒ yào yì bēi shuǐ, I want a glass of water). For hot water, specify 热水 (rè shuǐ).

Q: What does 没关系 mean and when is it appropriate to use?
A: 没关系 (méi guānxi) means 'it doesn't matter' or 'no problem/you're welcome.' It's used when someone apologizes: 对不起 (duìbuqǐ, sorry) — 没关系 (no problem). Use this when the situation isn't a big deal. 不客气 (bú kèqi, you're welcome) is specifically for thanks, not apologies.

Q: How do you ask 'where are you going?' in Mandarin Chinese?
A: 你去哪儿? (nǐ qù nǎr?) — 'you go where?' 去 (qù) = go, 哪儿 (nǎr) = where. A common response is 我去学校 (wǒ qù xuéxiào, I'm going to school). Note: 哪儿 is informal; use 哪里 (nǎlǐ) for formal contexts, like 您去哪里? (nín qù nǎlǐ?).

Q: What does 怎么 mean, and how is it used to ask 'how'?
A: 怎么 (zěnme) means 'how' or 'why.' Used for manner: 怎么去? (zěnme qù?, how to go?) or reason: 你怎么不去? (nǐ zěnme bù qù?, why aren't you going?). Place 怎么 before the verb. To ask 'how about...?' use 怎么样 (zěnmeyàng): 你怎么样? (nǐ zěnmeyàng?, how are you?).

Q: What does 飞机 mean, and how do you say 'I am taking a plane tomorrow'?
A: 飞机 (fēijī) means 'airplane.' To say 'I am taking a plane tomorrow': 我明天坐飞机 (wǒ míngtiān zuò fēijī). 坐 (zuò) is the verb for taking transportation. Alternative: 我明天要坐飞机去 (wǒ míngtiān yào zuò fēijī qù, I'm going by plane tomorrow).

Q: How do you ask 'how old are you?' politely in Mandarin Chinese?
A: Formally: 您多大年纪了? (nín duō dà niánjì le?) — 'how old is your age?' Informally: 你多大了? (nǐ duō dà le?). 年纪 (niánjì) adds politeness. A respectful response to elders: 我今年六十岁 (wǒ jīnnián liùshí suì, this year I'm sixty). Avoid asking women's ages as it can be considered impolite.

Q: What is the pinyin and tone for 'I' (wǒ) and what is the basic subject-verb-object word order in Mandarin?
A: The word 'I' is 我 (wǒ), pronounced with a third (falling-rising) tone. Mandarin follows the basic word order: Subject + Verb + Object (SVO). For example, 'I drink water' is 我喝水 (wǒ hē shuǐ), where 我 is the subject, 喝 is the verb, and 水 is the object.

Q: How do you say 'good evening' in Mandarin, and what are the tones?
A: 'Good evening' is 晚上好 (wǎnshàng hǎo). 晚 is fourth tone, 上 is fourth tone, 好 is third tone. It is used as a greeting when meeting someone in the evening, typically after sunset.

Q: What does 爸爸 mean, and how do you say 'father' formally?
A: 爸爸 (bàba) means 'dad' or 'father' in an informal, familiar context. Both characters have a fourth tone. For a more formal reference, you can say 父亲 (fùqīn), where 父 is fourth tone and 亲 is first tone. 父亲 is used in written contexts or when speaking respectfully.

Q: How do you say 'I have two older brothers' in Chinese with pinyin?
A: 'I have two older brothers' is 我有两个哥哥 (wǒ yǒu liǎng gè gēge). 我 (wǒ) means 'I', 有 (yǒu) means 'have', 两 (liǎng) is the number two used before a measure word, 个 (gè) is the measure word, and 哥哥 (gēge) means 'older brother'.

Q: What does 同学 mean, and how would you use it in a sentence?
A: 同学 (tóngxué) means 'classmate' or 'fellow student.' 同 is second tone and 学 is second tone. Example sentence: 她是我的同学 (tā shì wǒ de tóngxué), meaning 'She is my classmate.' The 的 (de) connects the possessive.

Q: How do you say 'I am a teacher' in Mandarin Chinese?
A: 'I am a teacher' is 我是老师 (wǒ shì lǎoshī). 我 (wǒ) means 'I', 是 (shì) is the verb 'to be', and 老师 (lǎoshī) means 'teacher.' 老师 is composed of 老 (third tone, meaning 'old') and 师 (first tone, meaning 'master/teacher').

Q: What does 好吃 mean, and how do you use it in a sentence?
A: 好吃 (hǎochī) means 'delicious' or 'tasty.' 好 is third tone and 吃 is first tone. Example: 这个菜很好吃 (zhège cài hěn hǎochī), meaning 'This dish is very delicious.' It uses 很 (hěn) as an adverb to modify the adjective.

Q: What is the Chinese word for 'tea,' and how is it pronounced?
A: The word for 'tea' is 茶 (chá), pronounced with a second (rising) tone. In Mandarin, 茶 refers to tea in general. You can specify types like 绿茶 (lǜchá, green tea) or 红茶 (hóngchá, black tea). To order tea, you can say 我要一杯茶 (wǒ yào yì bēi chá).

Q: How do you say 'I am taking a train' in Chinese?
A: 'I am taking a train' is 我坐火车 (wǒ zuò huǒchē). 我 (wǒ) means 'I', 坐 (zuò, fourth tone) means 'to sit/take (transportation)', and 火车 (huǒchē) means 'train' (literally 'fire vehicle'). For future tense, add 要 (yào): 我要坐火车 (wǒ yào zuò huǒchē).

Q: How do you ask 'Where is the train station?' in Mandarin Chinese?
A: 'Where is the train station?' is 火车站在哪里? (huǒchēzhàn zài nǎlǐ?). 火车站 means 'train station' (火车 = train, 站 = station), 在 means 'at/in', and 哪里 means 'where.' All tones: huǒ(3rd) chē(1st) zhàn(4th) zài(4th) nǎ(3rd) lǐ(3rd).

Q: What does 医院 mean, and how do you say 'I need to go to the hospital'?
A: 医院 (yīyuàn) means 'hospital.' 医 is first tone, 院 is fourth tone. 'I need to go to the hospital' is 我需要去医院 (wǒ xūyào qù yīyuàn). 我 = I, 需要 = need, 去 = go to, 医院 = hospital. This is useful in emergencies or when feeling unwell.

Q: How do you say 'I want to go to Shanghai' in Mandarin Chinese?
A: 'I want to go to Shanghai' is 我想去上海 (wǒ xiǎng qù Shànghǎi). 我 (wǒ) means 'I', 想 (xiǎng, third tone) means 'to want/would like', 去 (qù, fourth tone) means 'to go', and 上海 (Shànghǎi) is the city name. 上海 has 上 fourth tone and 海 third tone.

Q: What is the Chinese word for 'restaurant,' and how do you ask for a table?
A: The word for 'restaurant' is 餐厅 (cāntīng) or 饭店 (fàndiàn). To ask for a table, say 我要一张桌子 (wǒ yào yì zhāng zhuōzi), meaning 'I would like a table.' 张 is the measure word for flat objects like tables. Alternatively, say 请给我一张两人桌 (qǐng gěi wǒ yì zhāng liǎng rén zhuō) for a table for two.

Q: How do you count from ten to twenty in Mandarin?
A: From ten to twenty: 十 (shí, 10), 十一 (shíyī, 11), 十二 (shí'èr, 12), 十三 (shísān, 13), 十四 (shísì, 14), 十五 (shíwǔ, 15), 十六 (shíliù, 16), 十七 (shíqī, 17), 十八 (shíbā, 18), 十九 (shíjiǔ, 19), 二十 (èrshí, 20). Numbers 11-19 combine 十 with the digit, while 20 is 二十.

Q: What does 几 mean, and how do you use it to ask about small quantities?
A: 几 (jǐ, third tone) means 'how many' or 'a few' and is used for small quantities (usually under 10). Example: 几个人? (jǐ gè rén?) means 'How many people?' It is more casual than 多少 (duōshao), which is used for larger amounts or prices.

Q: How do you say 'I don't want it' in Mandarin Chinese?
A: 'I don't want it' is 我不要 (wǒ bú yào) or 我不想要 (wǒ bù xiǎng yào). 我 means 'I', 不 (bù, or bú before fourth tone) means 'not', 要 (yào) means 'want', and 想要 (xiǎng yào) means 'would like.' The negative bú is used because 要 is fourth tone.

Q: What does 学校 mean, and how do you say 'I go to school'?
A: 学校 (xuéxiào) means 'school.' 学 is second tone, 校 is fourth tone. 'I go to school' is 我去学校 (wǒ qù xuéxiào). 我 = I, 去 = go to, 学校 = school. To specify the action of attending classes regularly, you could say 我上学 (wǒ shàngxué).

Q: How do you ask 'What is your name?' politely in Mandarin?
A: The polite form is 您贵姓? (nín guì xìng?), meaning 'What is your honorable surname?' 您 is the polite 'you', 贵 means 'honorable', and 姓 means 'surname.' For a more casual version, you can ask 你叫什么名字? (nǐ jiào shénme míngzi?) meaning 'What are you called?'

Q: What does 对不起 mean, and when should you use it?
A: 对不起 (duìbuqǐ) means 'I'm sorry' and is used to apologize for a mistake or offense. 对 is fourth tone, 不 is fourth tone, 起 is third tone. It is stronger than 抱歉 (bàoqiàn, sorry). You can respond with 没关系 (méiguānxi, no problem/it doesn't matter) or 没事 (méishì).

Q: How do you say 'I am very happy' in Mandarin Chinese?
A: 'I am very happy' is 我很高兴 (wǒ hěn gāoxìng). 我 (wǒ) means 'I', 很 (hěn) is the adverb 'very', and 高兴 (gāoxìng) means 'happy.' 高 is first tone, 兴 is fourth tone. Note: Mandarin usually requires 很 before adjectives in statements.

Q: What does 明天 mean, and how do you say 'I will go tomorrow'?
A: 明天 (míngtiān) means 'tomorrow.' 明 is second tone, 天 is first tone. 'I will go tomorrow' is 我明天去 (wǒ míngtiān qù). 我 = I, 明天 = tomorrow, 去 = go. You can also add specific times like 我明天上午去 (wǒ míngtiān shàngwǔ qù) for 'I will go tomorrow morning.'

Q: How do you form the sentence 'She is reading a book' in Mandarin?
A: 'She is reading a book' is 她在看书 (tā zài kànshū). 她 (tā) means 'she', 在 (zài) indicates ongoing action, 看 (kàn) means 'to read/look at', and 书 (shū) means 'book.' The structure is Subject + 在 + Verb + Object for present continuous actions.

Q: What does 医生 mean, and how do you say 'I want to see a doctor'?
A: 医生 (yīshēng) means 'doctor' (medical). 医 is first tone, 生 is first tone. 'I want to see a doctor' is 我要看医生 (wǒ yào kàn yīshēng). 我 = I, 要 = want, 看 = see, 医生 = doctor. In emergencies, you can say 我需要医生! (wǒ xūyào yīshēng!) meaning 'I need a doctor!'

Q: How do you say 'Where is the hotel?' in Mandarin Chinese?
A: 'Where is the hotel?' is 酒店在哪里? (jiǔdiàn zài nǎlǐ?) or 旅馆在哪里? (lǚguǎn zài nǎlǐ?). 酒店 means 'hotel' (酒 third tone, 店 fourth tone) or 旅馆 (旅 third tone, 馆 third tone). 在 means 'at' and 哪里 means 'where.' You can also ask 这个酒店在哪里? (nǎlǐ means where).

Q: What does 认识 mean, and how do you use it in a sentence?
A: 认识 (rènshi) means 'to know (a person)' or 'to meet.' 认 is fourth tone, 识 is fourth tone (neutral in 认识). Example: 我认识他 (wǒ rènshi tā) means 'I know him.' It differs from 知道 (zhīdào), which means 'to know (a fact).' First meetings: 我们认识一下 (wǒmen rènshi yíxià) means 'Let's get to know each other.'

Q: How do you ask 'How are you?' in Mandarin Chinese?
A: 'How are you?' is 你好吗? (nǐ hǎo ma?). 你 means 'you', 好 means 'good', and 吗 turns the statement into a question. A more polite version is 您好吗? (nín hǎo ma?). To respond, you can say 我很好 (wǒ hěn hǎo, I am very good) or 我不太好 (wǒ bù tài hǎo, I'm not so good).

Q: What does 左边 and 右边 mean, and how do you use them?
A: 左边 (zuǒbian) means 'left side' and 右边 (yòubian) means 'right side.' 左 is third tone, 右 is fourth tone, 边 is first tone. Example: 银行在左边 (yínháng zài zuǒbian) means 'The bank is on the left.' For directions, combine with 走 (zǒu, walk): 一直走，然后向右拐 (yìzhí zǒu, ránhòu xiàng yòu guǎi).

Q: How do you say 'I am waiting for you' in Mandarin Chinese?
A: 'I am waiting for you' is 我在等你 (wǒ zài děng nǐ). 我 (wǒ) means 'I', 在 (zài) indicates continuous action, 等 (děng, third tone) means 'to wait', and 你 (nǐ) means 'you.' Note that 等 can also mean 'etc.' or 'and so on' when listing items.

Q: What does 猫 and 狗 mean, and how do you say 'I have a cat and a dog'?
A: 猫 (māo, first tone) means 'cat' and 狗 (gǒu, third tone) means 'dog.' 'I have a cat and a dog' is 我有一只猫和一只狗 (wǒ yǒu yì zhī māo hé yì zhī gǒu). 只 is the measure word for animals. 和 (hé) means 'and.' This follows the pattern Subject + 有 + Object.

Q: How do you ask 'What day is it today?' in Mandarin?
A: 'What day is it today?' is 今天星期几? (jīntiān xīngqī jǐ?) or 今天几号? (jīntiān jǐ hào?) for the date. 今天 means 'today', 星期 means 'week', and 几 means 'how many/what.' Responses include 今天是星期一 (jīntiān shì xīngqī yī, Today is Monday). 几号 asks for the specific date number.

Q: What is the pinyin and tone for the Chinese word meaning 'good' (好)?
A: 好 is pronounced 'hǎo' with a third (falling-rising) tone. The character 好 is composed of 女 (woman) and 子 (child), originally meaning a woman with a child — something good. It is one of the most common characters in Mandarin.

Q: How do you say 'I am American' in Chinese?
A: You say 我是美国人 (wǒ shì Měiguó rén). 我 (wǒ) = I, 是 (shì) = am/are/is, 美国 (Měiguó) = America, 人 (rén) = person/nationality suffix. Note that 美 means 'beautiful' here, a shortened form of 美利坚.

Q: What is the Chinese word for 'friend,' and how do you use it in a sentence?
A: 朋友 (péngyǒu) means 'friend.' It is composed of 朋 and 友, both meaning companion. Example sentence: 他是我的朋友 (tā shì wǒ de péngyǒu) — 'He is my friend.' Use 的 after a pronoun to mark possession.

Q: How do you say 'one' in Chinese, and what is special about its pronunciation?
A: 一 (yī) means 'one.' Its tone changes based on context: yī alone, yí before a fourth tone, yǐ before other tones (except fourth), and yì in ordinal numbers like 第一 (dì yī, first). It is both a number and an adjective marker.

Q: Translate 'I have two brothers' into Chinese with pinyin.
A: 我有两个哥哥/弟弟 (wǒ yǒu liǎng gè gēge/dìdi). 我 = I, 有 = have, 两个 = two (measure word pattern), 哥哥 = older brother, 弟弟 = younger brother. Use 个 as the general measure word between the numeral and noun.

Q: What does 几点 mean, and how do you use it to ask the time?
A: 几点 (jǐ diǎn) literally means 'what o'clock' and is used to ask the hour. Example: 现在几点? (xiànzài jǐ diǎn?) = 'What time is it now?' 点 is the hour marker. Minutes are expressed with 分 (fēn).

Q: What does 吃 mean, and how do you use it in a basic sentence?
A: 吃 (chī) means 'to eat.' It is pronounced with a first (high, flat) tone. Example: 我吃饭 (wǒ chī fàn) = 'I eat' or 'I have a meal.' 饭 means cooked rice/meal. To ask 'have you eaten?' use 你吃了吗? (nǐ chī le ma?)

Q: How do you say 'I am hungry' in Chinese?
A: You say 我饿了 (wǒ è le). 我 = I, 饿 (è, fourth tone) = hungry, 了 (le) = particle indicating a change of state. This is one of the most common ways to express current hunger in casual Mandarin.

Q: What is the Chinese word for 'book,' and how do you say 'I want to read a book'?
A: 书 (shū, first tone) means 'book.' To say 'I want to read a book': 我想看书 (wǒ xiǎng kàn shū). 想 (xiǎng) = want to, 看 (kàn) = read/watch/look. The measure word for books is 本, as in 一本书 (yì běn shū).

Q: How do you say 'see you later' in Chinese?
A: You can say 回头见 (huítóu jiàn), meaning 'see you later/when we turn around.' Alternatively, 待会儿见 (dāihuìr jiàn). Both use 见 (jiàn) = 'see.' For more casual contexts, 下次见 (xiàcì jiàn) = 'see you next time' is also common.

Q: What does 学 mean, and how do you say 'I study Chinese every day'?
A: 学 (xué, second tone) means 'to learn/study.' The sentence is: 我每天学中文 (wǒ měitiān xué Zhōngwén) or 我每天学习中文 (xuéxí). 学习 adds emphasis. 每天 = every day, 中文/汉语 = Chinese language.

Q: How do you say 'What is your name?' in Mandarin?
A: 你叫什么名字? (nǐ jiào shénme míngzi?). 你 = you, 叫 = is called, 什么 = what, 名字 = name. To answer: 我叫... (wǒ jiào...) = 'I am called...'. For politeness, use 请问 (qǐngwèn, may I ask) at the start.

Q: What does 猫 mean, and how do you say 'I have a cat'?
A: 猫 (māo, first tone) means 'cat.' The sentence 我有一只猫 (wǒ yǒu yì zhī māo) means 'I have a cat.' The measure word for cats is 只 (zhī). Dogs also use 只. 狗 (gǒu) means dog, and the same structure applies: 我有一只狗.

Q: How do you say 'I live in New York' in Chinese?
A: You say 我住在纽约 (wǒ zhù zài Niǔyuē). 我 = I, 住在 (zhù zài) = live in, 纽约 = New York. 住 is the verb 'to live/reside,' and 在 marks location. To ask someone else's address: 你住在哪里? (nǐ zhù zài nǎlǐ?)

Q: How do you say 'Please give me two of those' in a Chinese shop?
A: You say 请给我两个 (qǐng gěi wǒ liǎng gè). 请 = please, 给我 = give me, 两个 = two (with measure word 个). For specific items, add the noun: 请给我两个苹果 = 'Please give me two apples.' 苹果 (píngguǒ) means apple.

Q: What does 医院 mean, and how do you say 'I am going to the hospital'?
A: 医院 (yīyuàn) means 'hospital.' To say you are going there: 我去医院 (wǒ qù yīyuàn) = 'I am going to the hospital.' 去 (qù) = to go. In an emergency, you might say 我需要去医院 (wǒ xūyào qù yīyuàn) = 'I need to go to the hospital.'

Q: How do you say 'I am 25 years old' in Chinese?
A: You say 我二十五岁 (wǒ èrshíwǔ suì). 我 = I, 二十五 = 25, 岁 (suì) = years of age. Numbers 21-99 follow the pattern: tens digit + units digit. 岁 is used for age in Chinese, never 年 for age (年 means year as in calendar).

Q: What does 这 and 那 mean, and how are they used?
A: 这 (zhè) means 'this,' and 那 (nà) means 'that.' They are demonstratives. 这/那 + measure word + noun: 这个书 (this book), 那个苹果 (that apple). Used alone, 这 can mean 'here' and 那 'there.' Pronouns: 这儿 (zhèr) = here, 那儿 (nàr) = there.

Q: How do you say 'I have been to China' in Mandarin?
A: You say 我去过中国 (wǒ qù guò Zhōngguó). 我 = I, 去 = go, 过 = particle indicating past experience, 中国 = China. The 过 particle is essential for 'have ever done' — without it, the sentence means 'I went to China' (a single past event).

Q: What does 红 mean, and how do you say 'I like red'?
A: 红 (hóng, second tone) means 'red.' The sentence is 我喜欢红色 (wǒ xǐhuān hóngsè) or 我喜欢红的 (wǒ xǐhuān hóng de). 喜欢 = to like, 红色 = red (as a noun), 红的 = red (as an adjective). 色 (sè) means 'color.'

Q: How do you ask 'Where is the nearest subway station?' in Chinese?
A: You ask 最近的地铁站在哪里? (zuìjìn de dìtiězhàn zài nǎlǐ?). 最近 = nearest/most recent, 的 connects the modifier, 地铁站 = subway station, 地铁 means 'underground iron (train),' 在哪里 = where is. 站 means station, used for bus and train stops.

Q: What does 听 mean, and how do you say 'I am listening to music'?
A: 听 (tīng, first tone) means 'to listen.' The sentence is 我在听音乐 (wǒ zài tīng yīnyuè). 我在 = I am (ongoing action marker), 音乐 = music. The 在... structure indicates a continuous action. 听 complements: 听到 (tīngdào) = hear, 听懂 (tīngdǒng) = understand by listening.

Q: How do you say 'I miss you' in Chinese?
A: You say 我想你 (wǒ xiǎng nǐ). 想 has two meanings here: 'to think about' and 'to miss.' For deeper emotion, 我很想你 (wǒ hěn xiǎng nǐ) = 'I miss you very much.' For parents or close family, miss can also be 想念 (xiǎngniàn): 我想念你.

Q: What does 给 mean, and how do you use it in a sentence?
A: 给 (gěi, third tone) means 'to give/for/to.' Examples: 给我 (gěi wǒ) = give me/for me, 请给我一杯水 (qǐng gěi wǒ yì bēi shuǐ) = 'Please give me a glass of water.' 给 can also mark the recipient of an action, similar to 'for' in English.

Q: How do you say 'I am cold' and 'I am hot' in Chinese?
A: I am cold = 我很冷 (wǒ hěn lěng). I am hot (temperature) = 我很热 (wǒ hěn rè). 冷 (lěng, third tone) = cold, 热 (rè, fourth tone) = hot. Be careful: 我很热 can also mean 'I am horny' in slang, so 我感觉很热 is safer when speaking about weather.

Q: What does 学 and 教 mean, and how do you use them?
A: 学 (xué) means 'to learn'; 教 (jiāo, first tone) means 'to teach.' Example: 我学中文 (wǒ xué Zhōngwén) = 'I learn Chinese.' 他教我中文 (tā jiāo wǒ Zhōngwén) = 'He teaches me Chinese.' Note: 教 is pronounced jiào when meaning 'religion' (宗教 jiàojiào).

Q: How do you say 'It is raining today' in Chinese?
A: You say 今天下雨了 (jīntiān xià yǔ le). 今天 = today, 下 = fall/come down, 雨 = rain, 了 = particle indicating new situation. Without 了, the sentence sounds incomplete. To ask 'Is it raining?' — 现在下雨吗? (xiànzài xià yǔ ma?)

Q: What does 走 mean, and how do you say 'I am walking to school'?
A: 走 (zǒu, third tone) means 'to walk/leave.' The sentence is 我走路去学校 (wǒ zǒulù qù xuéxiào) or 我走去学校. 走路 = walk (literally 'walk road'), 去 = go, 学校 = school (学 = learn, 校 = school). 走路 also means 'to behave/manner.'

Q: How do you ask 'Do you speak English?' in Mandarin?
A: You ask 你会说英语吗? (nǐ huì shuō Yīngyǔ ma?). 你 = you, 会 = can/know how to, 说 = speak, 英语 = English, 吗 = question particle. 会 implies learned ability. For 'Can you speak' right now, use 能: 你能说英语吗? (nǐ néng shuō Yīngyǔ ma?)

Q: What does 飞机场 mean, and how do you get to the airport?
A: 机场 (jīchǎng) means 'airport' (literally 'machine field'). 飞机 = airplane (飞 = fly, 机 = machine). To ask how to get there: 请问机场怎么走? (qǐngwèn jīchǎng zěnme zǒu?) = 'Excuse me, how do I get to the airport?' 怎么 = how, 走 = go/walk.