NetChai Chinese
常用词语
cháng yòng cí yǔ
Basic words and phrases · trad. 常用詞語

常用词语 (chángyòng cíyǔ) refers to commonly used words and phrases, often the foundational vocabulary and expressions essential for basic communication in Mandarin Chinese. It's what learners typically focus on first to build a base for speaking and understanding.

When to use it

Neutral. This term is descriptive and commonly used in educational contexts or when discussing language learning. For 'basic vocabulary' specifically, you might also hear 基础词汇 (jīchǔ cíhuì). For 'everyday expressions' or 'daily use phrases,' 日常用语 (rìcháng yòngyǔ) is a common alternative.

How to pronounce it

Sounds roughly like “CHAHNG-yong TSUH-yoo.” The first syllable of 常用 (chángyòng) is a rising tone, and the second is a falling tone. 词语 (cíyǔ) has a rising tone followed by a third tone.

Other ways to say it

  • 基础词汇jī chǔ cí huìbasic vocabulary
  • 日常用语rì cháng yòng yǔeveryday expressions / daily phrases
  • 简单句jiǎn dān jùsimple sentences

Examples

我们先学习一些常用词语。
wǒ men xiān xué xí yì xiē cháng yòng cí yǔ 。
Let's first learn some basic words and phrases.
这些常用词语对初学者很有用。
zhè xiē cháng yòng cí yǔ duì chū xué zhě hěn yǒu yòng 。
These basic words and phrases are very useful for beginners.
他能说一些简单的常用语。
tā néng shuō yì xiē jiǎn dān de cháng yòng yǔ 。
He can speak some simple everyday phrases.
Pro tip: While 常用词语 covers both words and phrases, if you want to emphasize just 'basic vocabulary,' use 基础词汇. If your focus is more on 'everyday phrases' or 'common expressions,' 日常用语 is a more specific choice.

Related phrases

常用语 · Basic phrases常用短语 · Common phrases重要短语 · Important phrases
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