初级短语
chū jí duǎn yǔ
Beginner phrases · trad. 初級短語
初级短语 (chūjí duǎnyǔ) refers to basic, fundamental phrases suitable for those just starting to learn Mandarin Chinese. These are typically simple expressions used in everyday situations.
When to use it
Neutral and descriptive. Other terms like 入门短语 (rùmén duǎnyǔ, "entry-level phrases") or 基础短语 (jīchǔ duǎnyǔ, "foundational phrases") are similar in meaning and register. You might also hear 常用短语 (chángyòng duǎnyǔ, "commonly used phrases") which often overlap with beginner phrases.
How to pronounce it
Sounds roughly like “choo-JEE dwan-YOO.” The first syllable of 初 (chū) is a high, flat tone, 级 (jí) is a rising tone. For 短语, the first syllable 短 (duǎn) starts low and rises, and 语 (yǔ) also starts low and rises.
Other ways to say it
- 入门短语rù mén duǎn yǔentry-level phrases
- 基础短语jī chǔ duǎn yǔfoundational phrases
- 常用短语cháng yòng duǎn yǔcommonly used phrases
Examples
我正在学习一些初级短语。
wǒ zhèng zài xué xí yì xiē chū jí duǎn yǔ 。
I am learning some beginner phrases.
这些都是很好的初级短语。
zhè xiē dōu shì hěn hǎo de chū jí duǎn yǔ 。
These are all very good beginner phrases.
这本书有很多实用的初级短语。
zhè běn shū yǒu hěn duō shí yòng de chū jí duǎn yǔ 。
This book has many practical beginner phrases.
Pro tip: Tone change: When two third-tones like 短 (duǎn) and 语 (yǔ) are together, the first one (短) changes to a rising tone. So, it's pronounced "duán yǔ," not "duǎn yǔ." This is a common pattern in Chinese.
Related phrases
常用语 · Basic phrases常用短语 · Common phrases重要短语 · Important phrases
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