Chinese for Living Blog Category: Verbs

Chinese professionals discussing and influencing each other in a meeting

How to say influence in Chinese? 影响 yǐng xiǎng

How to say influence in Chinese? The word is 影响 (yǐng xiǎng), and it is one of the most useful words you will ever learn in Mandarin. Whether you are talking about a person who influenced your career, a movie that changed your perspective, or the way social media shapes modern behavior, 影响 is the […]

how to say pay bill in chinese

How to say pay bill in Chinese? 结账 jié zhàng

The most common way how to say pay bill in Chinese is 结账 (jié zhàng). It literally means “settle account” and works in almost every situation: restaurants, shops, hotels, and even hospitals. At a restaurant, you can simply say “服务员, 结账” (fú wù yuán, jié zhàng) and the server will bring your bill. In casual […]

Person rushing to work showing how to say be late in Chinese

How to say be late in Chinese? 迟到 chí dào

How to say be late in Chinese? 迟到 chí dào The Chinese word for “be late” is 迟到 (chí dào). It combines 迟 (chí, late) with 到 (dào, to arrive). When you’re running behind schedule in China, this is the phrase you’ll use to explain yourself, whether you’re apologizing to a boss, a friend, or […]

Two colleagues discussing showing how to say discuss in Chinese

How to say discuss in Chinese? 商量 shāng liang

How to say discuss in Chinese? The word is 商量 (shāng liang), which literally means “to measure together.” You’ll need this word constantly in China , whether you’re making plans with friends, negotiating at work, or deciding what to eat for dinner. Mastering 商量 is the key to moving from one-sided announcements to real collaborative […]

Two people having a conversation showing how to say suggest in Chinese

How to say suggest in Chinese? 建议 jiàn yì

How to say suggest in Chinese? The word is 建议 (jiàn yì), which literally means “to build upon an idea.” You’ll use this word constantly in China, whether you’re recommending a restaurant to a friend, giving feedback at work, or proposing a weekend plan. Mastering 建议 is essential for anyone who wants to move beyond […]

How to say sink in Chinese? 水槽 shuǐ cáo

How to say sink in Chinese? 水槽 shuǐ cáo

Learning how to say common household items in Chinese makes daily conversations much easier. The most common way for how to say sink in Chinese / Mandarin is 水槽 (shuǐ cáo), and people all over China will understand you. But depending on whether you’re talking about a kitchen sink or a bathroom sink, you’ll hear […]

How to say introduce in Chinese? 介绍 jiè shào

How to say introduce in Chinese? 介绍 jiè shào

Learning to introduce yourself and others in Chinese really opens doors. It shows respect for Chinese culture and helps you make genuine connections. Whether you’re traveling to China, meeting Chinese colleagues, or just studying Mandarin, having the right phrases ready can make a solid first impression. The most common and formal way for how to […]

How to say help in Chinese? 帮 bāng

How to say help in Chinese? 帮 bāng

Learning how to say help in Chinese is essential for anyone studying the language or traveling to Chinese-speaking regions. The most common and versatile way to say “help” in Chinese is “帮忙” (bāng máng), which works well in everyday situations like asking someone to lend a hand with daily tasks. When facing emergencies or urgent […]

How to say watch in Chinese? 看 kàn 手表 shǒu biǎo

How to say watch in Chinese? 看 kàn 手表 shǒu biǎo

Learning to say “watch” in Chinese is simpler than many people think. The most common way for how to say watch in Chinese is 看 (kàn), which covers both watching and reading activities. For the noun wristwatch, use 手表 (shǒu biǎo). These characters handle most situations where English speakers would use “watch.” Chinese uses the […]

How to say lose weight in Chinese? 减肥 jiǎn féi

How to say lose weight in Chinese? 减肥 jiǎn féi

Learning how to talk about health and fitness in another language opens up different ways to connect with people. The most common way for how to say lose weight in Chinese is “减肥” (jiǎnféi). This phrase pops up in daily conversation and covers lots of health topics in China. Especially when checking out your rear […]

How to say squeeze in Chinese? 挤 jǐ

How to say squeeze in Chinese? 挤 jǐ

Learning everyday words in another language can really open doors for travel, business, or just meeting new people. So how to say squeeze in Chinese? The Chinese word for “squeeze” is 挤 (pronounced jǐ), and you’ll hear it in plenty of daily conversations and see it in writing too. This word pops up in all […]

How to say I Love You in Chinese? 我爱你 wǒ ài nǐ

How to say I Love You in Chinese? 我爱你 wǒ ài nǐ

Saying “I love you” in a new language can feel a little daunting, but it’s one of those phrases that really matters. The most direct for how to say I love you in Chinese is “我爱你” (wǒ ài nǐ), and people use it with both close family and serious partners. There are plenty of other […]