NetChai Chinese
英语
yīng yǔ
English · trad. 英語

英语 (yīngyǔ) is the standard and most common way to refer to the English language in Mandarin Chinese. It's widely understood and appropriate in almost any context.

When to use it

Neutral. While 英语 specifically refers to the spoken language, 英文 (yīngwén) is often used interchangeably to mean 'English language' or 'English writing.' For 'English class,' you'd say 英语课 (yīngyǔ kè).

How to pronounce it

Sounds like “YING-yoo.” The first syllable is a high-level tone, and the second is a third tone (low dip).

Other ways to say it

  • 英文yīng wénEnglish language / English writing (often interchangeable with 英语)
  • 英语课yīng yǔ kèEnglish class
  • 英国人yīng guó rénBritish person

Examples

我喜欢学英语。
wǒ xǐ huan xué yīng yǔ 。
I like learning English.
你会说英语吗?
nǐ huì shuō yīng yǔ ma ?
Can you speak English?
我的英语老师很好。
wǒ de yīng yǔ lǎo shī hěn hǎo 。
My English teacher is very good.
Pro tip: While 英语 (yīngyǔ) strictly means 'English language' and 英文 (yīngwén) means 'English writing,' in everyday conversation, they are often used interchangeably to refer to the English language in general. However, 英语 is more precise when emphasizing the spoken aspect.

Related phrases

和平 · Peace钱 · Money闭嘴 · Shut up
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