HSK 5 vocabulary list

All 1298 words · pinyin and English · free, no signup

HSK 5 adds 1298 new words, bringing the cumulative total to about 2,500. That is the level where you can handle newspapers, films, structured presentations. Every word below links to its full dictionary entry — meaning, the characters it is built from, and example sentences.

A word list is not a syllabus. These 1298 words are not independent: most HSK 5 words are built from characters and patterns introduced below this level, which is why drilling a list top-to-bottom stalls so often. The levels are a dependency chain, not six equal buckets.

All 1298 HSK 5 words

WordPinyinEnglish
便 biàn plain; informal; suitable
辩论 biàn lùn debate; argument; to argue over
编辑 biān jí to edit; to compile; editor
鞭炮 biān pào firecrackers; string of small firecrackers
标点 biāo diǎn punctuation; a punctuation mark; to punctuate
标志 biāo zhì sign; mark; symbol
表面 biǎo miàn surface; face; outside
表明 biǎo míng to make clear; to make known; to state clearly
表情 biǎo qíng (facial) expression; to express one's feelings
表现 biǎo xiàn to show; to show off; to display
办理 bàn lǐ to handle; to transact; to conduct
bàng stick; club; cudgel
傍晚 bàng wǎn in the evening; when night falls; towards evening
报告 bào gào to inform; to report; to make known
bèi the back of a body or object; to turn one's back; to hide something from
背景 bèi jǐng background; backdrop; context; (fig.) powerful backer
被子 bèi zi quilt
毕竟 bì jìng after all; all in all; when all is said and done
避免 bì miǎn to avert; to prevent; to avoid
必然 bì rán inevitable; certain; necessity
必需 bì xū to need; to require; essential
必要 bì yào necessary; essential; indispensable
病毒 bìng dú virus
surname Bo; thin; cold in manner
博物馆 bó wù guǎn museum
脖子 bó zi neck
variant of 布; to announce; to spread
不必 bù bì need not; does not have to; not necessarily
不断 bù duàn unceasing; uninterrupted; continuous
不得了 bù dé liǎo desperately serious; disastrous; extremely
不好意思 bù hǎo yì si to feel embarrassed; to find it embarrassing; to be sorry (for inconveniencing sb)
不见得 bù jiàn de not necessarily; not likely
不免 bù miǎn inevitably
部门 bù mén department; branch; section
不耐烦 bù nài fán impatient; to lose patience
不然 bù rán not so; no; or else
不如 bù rú not equal to; not as good as; inferior to
不要紧 bù yào jǐn unimportant; not serious; it doesn't matter
步骤 bù zhòu procedure; step
不足 bù zú insufficient; lacking; deficiency
不安 bù ān unpeaceful; unstable; uneasy
班主任 bān zhǔ rèn teacher in charge of a class
包裹 bāo guǒ to wrap up; to bind up; bundle
包含 bāo hán to contain; to embody; to include
包子 bāo zi bao (steamed stuffed bun)
悲观 bēi guān pessimistic
本科 běn kē undergraduate course; undergraduate (attributive)
本领 běn lǐng skill; ability; capability
本质 běn zhì essence; nature; innate character
玻璃 bō li glass; (slang) male homosexual
把握 bǎ wò to grasp (also fig.); to seize; to hold
bǎi to arrange; to exhibit; to move to and fro
宝贝 bǎo bèi treasured object; treasure; darling
保持 bǎo chí to keep; to maintain; to hold
保存 bǎo cún to conserve; to preserve; to keep
宝贵 bǎo guì valuable; precious; to value
保留 bǎo liú to keep; to retain; to have reservations (about sth)
保险 bǎo xiǎn insurance; to insure; safe
彼此 bǐ cǐ each other; one another
比例 bǐ lì proportion; scale
比如 bǐ rú for example; for instance; such as
bǐng third of the ten Heavenly Stems 干; third in order; letter "C" or Roman "III" in list "A, B, C", or "I, II, III" etc
补充 bǔ chōng to replenish; to supplement; to complement
创造 chuàng zào to create; to bring about; to produce
传播 chuán bō to disseminate; to propagate; to spread
传递 chuán dì to transmit; to pass on to sb else; (math.) transitive
传染 chuán rǎn to infect; contagious
传说 chuán shuō legend; folk tale; to repeat from mouth to mouth; they say that...
传统 chuán tǒng tradition; traditional; convention
窗帘 chuāng lián window curtains
chuī to blow; to play a wind instrument; to blast
chuǎng to rush; to charge; to dash
常识 cháng shí common sense; general knowledge
长途 cháng tú long distance
Cháo abbr. for 朝鲜 Korea; imperial or royal court; government
朝代 cháo dài dynasty; reign (of a king)
彻底 chè dǐ thorough; thoroughly; complete
chèn to avail oneself of; to take advantage of; old variant of 趁
沉默 chén mò taciturn; uncommunicative; silent
Chéng surname Cheng; to ride; to mount
程度 chéng dù degree; level; extent
承担 chéng dān to undertake; to assume (responsibility etc)
成分 chéng fèn composition; ingredient; element; component; one's social status
成果 chéng guǒ result; achievement; gain
成就 chéng jiù accomplishment; success; achievement
诚恳 chéng kěn sincere; honest; cordial
成立 chéng lì to establish; to set up; to be tenable
承认 chéng rèn to admit; to concede; to recognize
承受 chéng shòu to bear; to support; to inherit
程序 chéng xù procedures; sequence; order
成语 chéng yǔ Chinese set expression, typically of 4 characters, often alluding to a story or historical quotation; idiom; proverb
成长 chéng zhǎng to mature; to grow; growth
翅膀 chì bǎng wing
持续 chí xù to continue; to persist; to last
池子 chí zi pond; bathhouse pool; dance floor of a ballroom
chòu stench; smelly; to smell (bad)
chóng to repeat; repetition; again
重复 chóng fù to repeat; to duplicate; variant of 重复
chú to get rid of; to remove; to exclude
除非 chú fēi only if (..., or otherwise, ...); only when; only in the case that
除夕 Chú xī lunar New Year's Eve
chā to insert; stick in; pierce
差别 chā bié difference; distinction; disparity
叉子 chā zi fork
chāi to tear open; to tear down; to tear apart
chāo to make a copy; to plagiarize; to search and seize
车库 chē kù garage
车厢 chē xiāng carriage
称呼 chēng hu to call; to address as; form of address; appellation
称赞 chēng zàn to praise; to acclaim; to commend
吃亏 chī kuī to suffer losses; to come to grief; to lose out
chōng (of water) to dash against; to mix with water; to infuse
充电器 chōng diàn qì battery charger
充分 chōng fèn ample; sufficient; adequate
充满 chōng mǎn full of; brimming with; very full
抽屉 chōu ti drawer
抽象 chōu xiàng abstract; abstraction
出版 chū bǎn to publish
初级 chū jí junior; primary
出口 chū kǒu an exit; to speak; to export
出色 chū sè remarkable; outstanding
出席 chū xí to attend; to participate; present
产品 chǎn pǐn goods; merchandise; product
产生 chǎn shēng to arise; to come into being; to come about; to give rise to; to bring into being; to bring about; to produce; to engend
chǎo to sauté; to stir-fry; to speculate
吵架 chǎo jià to quarrel; to have a row; quarrel
尺子 chǐ zi ruler (measuring instrument)
宠物 chǒng wù house pet
Chǒu surname Chou; clown; 2nd earthly branch: 1-3 a.m., 12th solar month (6th January to 3rd February), year of the Ox
处理 chǔ lǐ to handle; to deal with; to punish; to treat sth by a special process; to process
措施 cuò shī measure; step
错误 cuò wù mistaken; false; wrong; error; mistake
cuī to urge; to press; to prompt
财产 cái chǎn property; assets; estate
残疾 cán jí disabled; handicapped; deformity on a person or animal
惭愧 cán kuì ashamed
book; booklet; classifier for books
厕所 cè suǒ toilet; lavatory
测验 cè yàn test; to test
曾经 céng jīng once; already; former
刺激 cì jī to provoke; to irritate; to upset; to stimulate; to excite; irritant
次要 cì yào secondary
磁带 cí dài magnetic tape
辞职 cí zhí to resign
从此 cóng cǐ from now on; since then; henceforth
从前 cóng qián previously; formerly; once upon a time
从事 cóng shì to go for; to engage in; to undertake
从而 cóng ér thus; thereby
vinegar; jealousy (in love rivalry)
促进 cù jìn to promote (an idea or cause); to advance; boost
促使 cù shǐ to induce; to promote; to urge
cún to exist; to deposit; to store
存在 cún zài to exist; to be; existence
参考 cān kǎo consultation; reference; to consult
餐厅 cān tīng dining hall; dining room; restaurant
参与 cān yù to participate (in sth)
操场 cāo chǎng playground; sports field; drill ground
操心 cāo xīn to worry about
匆忙 cōng máng hasty; hurried
cǎi variant of 踩; to step on; to tread
采访 cǎi fǎng to interview; to gather news; to hunt for and collect
彩虹 cǎi hóng rainbow
采取 cǎi qǔ to adopt or carry out (measures, policies, course of action); to take
此外 cǐ wài besides; in addition; moreover
电池 diàn chí battery
电台 diàn tái transmitter-receiver; broadcasting station; radio station
diào to fish with a hook and bait
点头 diǎn tóu to nod
点心 diǎn xin light refreshments; pastry; dim sum (in Cantonese cooking)
对比 duì bǐ to contrast; contrast; ratio
对待 duì dài to treat; treatment
对方 duì fāng the other person; the other side; the other party
对手 duì shǒu opponent; rival; competitor
对象 duì xiàng target; object; partner; boyfriend; girlfriend
对于 duì yú regarding; as far as (sth) is concerned; with regard to
duī to pile up; to heap up; a mass
多亏 duō kuī thanks to; luckily
多余 duō yú superfluous; unnecessary; surplus
短信 duǎn xìn text message; SMS
躲藏 duǒ cáng to conceal oneself; to go into hiding; to take cover
大方 dà fāng expert; scholar; mother earth
大象 dà xiàng elephant
大型 dà xíng large; large-scale
贷款 dài kuǎn a loan; to provide a loan (e.g. bank); to raise a loan (from e.g. a bank)
待遇 dài yù treatment; pay; salary
dàn insipid; diluted; weak
到达 dào dá to reach; to arrive
道德 dào dé virtue; morality; ethics
道理 dào li reason; argument; sense
达到 dá dào to reach; to achieve; to attain
to hand over; to pass on; to deliver; (bound form) progressively; in the proper order
地道 dì dào tunnel; causeway; authentic
地理 dì lǐ geography
地区 dì qū local; regional; district (not necessarily formal administrative unit)
地毯 dì tǎn carpet; rug
地位 dì wèi position; status; place
地震 dì zhèn earthquake
的确 dí què really; indeed
敌人 dí rén enemy
dòng to freeze; to feel very cold; aspic or jelly
dòng cave; hole; zero (unambiguous spoken form when spelling out numbers)
动画片 dòng huà piàn animated film
dòu to tease (playfully); to entice; (coll.) to joke; (coll.) funny; amusing
豆腐 dòu fu tofu; bean curd
度过 dù guò to pass; to spend (time); to survive
独立 dú lì independent; independence; to stand alone
独特 dú tè unique; distinctive
答应 dā ying to answer; to respond; to answer positively; to agree; to accept; to promise
dāi foolish; stupid; expressionless
单纯 dān chún simple; pure; unsophisticated
单调 dān diào monotonous
单独 dān dú alone; by oneself; on one's own
担任 dān rèn to hold a governmental office or post; to assume office of; to take charge of
耽误 dān wu to delay; to hold up; to waste time
单位 dān wèi unit (of measure); unit (group of people as a whole); work unit (place of employment, esp. in the PRC prior to economic
单元 dān yuán unit (forming an entity); element; (in a residential building) entrance or staircase
当代 dāng dài the present age; the contemporary era
登记 dēng jì to register (one's name)
登机牌 dēng jī pái boarding pass
等待 děng dài to wait; to wait for
等候 děng hòu to wait; to wait for
等于 děng yú to equal; to be tantamount to
a drop; to drip
Dīng surname Ding; male adult; the 4th of the 10 Heavenly Stems 干
dūn ton (loanword); Taiwan pr. [dùn]
dūn to crouch; to squat; to stay (somewhere)
打工 dǎ gōng to work a temporary or casual job; (of students) to have a job outside of class time, or during vacation
打交道 dǎ jiāo dào to come into contact with; to have dealings
打喷嚏 dǎ pēn tì to sneeze
打听 dǎ ting to ask about; to make some inquiries; to ask around
打招呼 dǎ zhāo hu to greet sb by word or action; to give prior notice
胆小鬼 dǎn xiǎo guǐ coward
dǎng to resist; to obstruct; to hinder
dǎo variant of 岛; island
dǎo to fall; to collapse; to lie horizontally; to fail; to go bankrupt; to overthrow
倒霉 dǎo méi to have bad luck; to be out of luck
导演 dǎo yǎn to direct; director (film etc)
导致 dǎo zhì to lead to; to create; to cause
dǐng apex; crown of the head; top
放松 fàng sōng to relax; to slacken; to loosen
罚款 fá kuǎn to fine; penalty; fine (monetary)
繁荣 fán róng prosperous; booming (economy)
凡是 fán shì each and every; every; all
房东 fáng dōng landlord
妨碍 fáng ài to hinder; to obstruct
fèi lung
废话 fèi huà nonsense; rubbish; superfluous words
费用 fèi yòng cost; expenditure; expense
奋斗 fèn dòu to strive; to struggle
愤怒 fèn nù angry; indignant; wrath
肥皂 féi zào soap
付款 fù kuǎn to pay a sum of money; payment
妇女 fù nǚ woman
复制 fù zhì to duplicate; to make a copy of; to copy
to support with the hand; to help sb up; to support oneself by holding onto something
width; roll; classifier for textiles or pictures
服从 fú cóng to obey (an order); to comply; to defer
服装 fú zhuāng dress; clothing; costume
发表 fā biǎo to issue; to publish
发愁 fā chóu to worry; to fret; to be anxious
发达 fā dá well-developed; flourishing; to develop; to promote; to expand; (literary) to achieve fame and fortune; to prosper
发抖 fā dǒu to tremble; to shake; to shiver
发挥 fā huī to display; to exhibit; to bring out implicit or innate qualities
发明 fā míng to invent; an invention
发票 fā piào invoice; receipt or bill for purchase
发言 fā yán to make a speech; statement; utterance
fān to turn over; to flip over; to overturn
Fāng surname Fang; square; power or involution (math.)
方式 fāng shì way; manner; style; mode; pattern
方案 fāng àn plan; program (for action etc); proposal
Fēi abbr. for 洲, Africa; to not be; not; wrong; incorrect
分别 fēn bié to part; to leave each other; to distinguish; to tell apart; difference; distinction
分布 fēn bù to scatter; to distribute; to be distributed (over an area etc)
纷纷 fēn fēn one after another; in succession; one by one
分配 fēn pèi to distribute; to assign; to allocate
分析 fēn xī to analyze; analysis
风格 fēng gé style
疯狂 fēng kuáng crazy; frenzied; wild
风俗 fēng sú social custom
风险 fēng xiǎn risk; hazard
讽刺 fěng cì to satirize; to mock; irony
法院 fǎ yuàn court of law; court
反复 fǎn fù variant of 反复; repeatedly; over and over
反应 fǎn yìng to react; to respond; reaction
反正 fǎn zhèng anyway; in any case; to come over from the enemy's side
反而 fǎn ér on the contrary; instead
仿佛 fǎng fú variant of 仿佛; to seem; as if
否定 fǒu dìng to negate; to deny; to reject
否认 fǒu rèn to declare to be untrue; to deny
辅导 fǔ dǎo to give guidance; to mentor; to counsel
挂号 guà hào to register (at a hospital etc); to send by registered mail
怪不得 guài bu de no wonder!; so that's why!
冠军 guàn jūn champion
罐头 guàn tou tin; can
柜台 guì tái variant of 柜台; sales counter; front desk
过分 guò fèn excessive; undue; overly
过敏 guò mǐn oversensitive; allergic; allergy
过期 guò qī to be overdue; to exceed the time limit; to expire (as in expiration date)
国籍 guó jí nationality
国庆节 Guó qìng jié PRC National Day (October 1st)
guāi (of a child) obedient, well-behaved; clever; shrewd
Guān surname Guan; government official; governmental
关闭 guān bì to close; to shut (a window etc); (of a shop, school etc) to shut down
观察 guān chá to observe; to watch; to survey
观点 guān diǎn point of view; viewpoint; standpoint
关怀 guān huái care; solicitude; to show care for
观念 guān niàn notion; thought; concept
光滑 guāng huá glossy; sleek; smooth
光临 guāng lín (formal) to honor with one's presence; to attend
光明 guāng míng light; radiance; (fig.) bright (prospects etc)
光盘 guāng pán compact disc (CD); DVD; CD-ROM
光荣 guāng róng honor and glory; glorious
规矩 guī ju lit. compass and set square; fig. established standard; rule
规律 guī lǜ rule (e.g. of science); law of behavior; regular pattern
规模 guī mó scale; scope; extent
规则 guī zé rule; regulation; rules and regulations
guō pot; pan; wok; cauldron; pot-shaped thing
拐弯 guǎi wān to go round a curve; to turn a corner; fig. a new direction
管子 Guǎn zǐ Guanzi or Guan Zhong 管仲 (-645 BC), famous politician of Qi 齐国 of Spring and Autumn period; Guanzi, classical book contai
广场 guǎng chǎng public square; plaza
广大 guǎng dà (of an area) vast or extensive; large-scale; widespread
广泛 guǎng fàn extensive; wide range
果实 guǒ shí fruit (produced by a plant); (fig.) fruits (of success etc); results
概括 gài kuò to summarize; to generalize; briefly; in broad outline
概念 gài niàn concept; idea
干活儿 gàn huór erhua variant of 干活; (coll.) to work; (coll.) to be employed
告别 gào bié to leave; to part from; to bid farewell to; to say goodbye to
个别 gè bié individually; one by one; just one or two; exceptional; rare
个人 gè rén individual; personal; oneself
个性 gè xìng individuality; personality
各自 gè zì each; respective; apiece
更加 gèng jiā more (than sth else); even more
隔壁 gé bì next door; neighbor
革命 gé mìng to withdraw the mandate of heaven (and transition to a new dynasty) (original meaning); revolution; revolutionary
格外 gé wài especially; particularly
贡献 gòng xiàn to contribute; to dedicate; to devote
构成 gòu chéng to constitute; to form; to compose
固定 gù dìng to fix; to fasten; to set rigidly in place
固体 gù tǐ solid
雇佣 gù yōng to employ; to hire
干脆 gān cuì candid; direct and to the point; simply
钢铁 gāng tiě steel
高档 gāo dàng superior quality; high grade; top grade
高速 gāo sù high speed; expressway (abbr. for 路)
胳膊 gē bo arm
鸽子 gē zi pigeon; dove; various birds of the family Columbidae
gēn root; basis; classifier for long slender objects, e.g. cigarettes, guitar strings
根本 gēn běn fundamental; basic; root
surname Ge; lid; top
公布 gōng bù to announce; to make public; to publish
工程师 gōng chéng shī engineer
工厂 gōng chǎng factory
功夫 gōng fu skill; art; kung fu
公开 gōng kāi open; overt; public; to make public; to release
功能 gōng néng function; capability
公平 gōng píng fair; impartial
工人 gōng rén worker
公元 gōng yuán CE (Common Era); Christian Era; AD (Anno Domini)
工业 gōng yè industry
公寓 gōng yù apartment building; block of flats
公主 gōng zhǔ princess
沟通 gōu tōng to join; to connect; to link up; to communicate
姑姑 gū gu paternal aunt
姑娘 gū niang girl; young woman; young lady
改革 gǎi gé reform; to reform
改进 gǎi jìn to improve; to make better; improvement
改善 gǎi shàn to make better; to improve
改正 gǎi zhèng to correct; to amend; to put right
感激 gǎn jī to be grateful; to appreciate; thankful
赶紧 gǎn jǐn hurriedly; without delay
赶快 gǎn kuài quickly; at once
感受 gǎn shòu to sense; perception; to feel (through the senses)
感想 gǎn xiǎng impressions; reflections; thoughts
gǎo to do; to make; to go in for
古典 gǔ diǎn classical
古代 gǔ dài ancient times
古老 gǔ lǎo ancient; old; age-old
股票 gǔ piào share certificate; stock (finance)
骨头 gǔ tou bone; moral character; bitterness
鼓舞 gǔ wǔ heartening (news); to boost (morale)
gǔn to boil; to roll; to take a hike
话题 huà tí subject (of a talk or conversation); topic
化学 huà xué chemistry; chemical
幻想 huàn xiǎng delusion; fantasy
滑冰 huá bīng to skate; skating
划船 huá chuán to row a boat; rowing boat; rowing (sport)
华裔 Huá yì ethnic Chinese; non-Chinese citizen of Chinese ancestry
怀念 huái niàn to cherish the memory of; to think of; to reminisce
皇帝 huáng dì emperor
黄瓜 huáng guā cucumber
皇后 huáng hòu empress; imperial consort
黄金 huáng jīn gold; golden (opportunity); prime (time)
汇率 huì lǜ exchange rate
活跃 huó yuè active; lively; excited
花生 huā shēng peanut; groundnut
慌张 huāng zhāng flustered; agitated
huī ash; dust; lime
huī to wave; to brandish; to command
灰尘 huī chén dust
恢复 huī fù to reinstate; to resume; to restore
灰心 huī xīn to lose heart; to be discouraged
缓解 huǎn jiě to bring relief; to alleviate (a crisis); to dull (a pain)
伙伴 huǒ bàn partner; companion; comrade
火柴 huǒ chái match (for lighting fire)
好奇 hào qí inquisitive; curious; inquisitiveness
行业 háng yè trade; profession; industry; business
豪华 háo huá luxurious
hèn to hate; to regret
何必 hé bì there is no need; why should
合法 hé fǎ lawful; legitimate; legal
何况 hé kuàng let alone; to say nothing of; besides
合理 hé lǐ rational; reasonable; sensible; fair
和平 Hé píng Heping District of Shenyang city 沈阳市, Liaoning; Heping or Hoping Township in Taichung County 台中县, Taiwan; peace
合同 hé tong (business) contract
核心 hé xīn core; nucleus
合影 hé yǐng to take a joint photo; group photo
合作 hé zuò to cooperate; to collaborate; to work together
héng horizontal; across; crosswise
后果 hòu guǒ consequences; aftermath
pot; classifier for bottled liquid
蝴蝶 hú dié butterfly
胡说 hú shuō to talk nonsense; drivel
糊涂 hú tu muddled; silly; confused
胡同 hú tòng lane; alley; variant of 同
胡须 hú xū beard
abbr. for 哈萨克斯坦, Kazakhstan; abbr. for 哈尔滨, Harbin; (interj.) ha!
忽视 hū shì to neglect; to overlook; to disregard; to ignore
呼吸 hū xī to breathe
婚礼 hūn lǐ wedding ceremony; wedding
婚姻 hūn yīn matrimony; wedding; marriage
海关 hǎi guān customs (i.e. border crossing inspection)
海鲜 hǎi xiān seafood
hǎn to yell; to shout; to call out for (a person)
jià (of a woman) to marry; to marry off a daughter; to shift (blame etc)
驾驶 jià shǐ to pilot (ship, airplane etc); to drive
价值 jià zhí value; worth; fig. values (ethical, cultural etc)
建立 jiàn lì to establish; to set up; to found
键盘 jiàn pán keyboard
建设 jiàn shè to build; to construct; to establish; to develop; to institute
健身房 jiàn shēn fáng gym; gymnasium
建议 jiàn yì to propose; to suggest; to recommend; proposal; suggestion; recommendation
建筑 jiàn zhù to construct; building
降落 jiàng luò to descend; to land
酱油 jiàng yóu soy sauce
教材 jiào cái teaching material
教练 jiào liàn instructor; sports coach; trainer
教训 jiào xun to provide guidance; to lecture sb; to upbraid
jiè to arrive at (place or time); period; to become due
借口 jiè kǒu to use as an excuse; excuse; pretext
戒烟 jiè yān to give up smoking
戒指 jiè zhi (finger) ring
jié joint; node; (bound form) section; segment; solar term
结构 jié gòu structure; composition; makeup
结合 jié hé to combine; to link; to integrate
结论 jié lùn conclusion; verdict; to conclude
节省 jié shěng saving; to save; to use sparingly
结账 jié zhàng to pay the bill; to settle accounts; also written 结帐
jiù variant of 救; to save; to assist
救护车 jiù hù chē ambulance
舅舅 jiù jiu mother's brother; maternal uncle (informal)
嘉宾 jiā bīn esteemed guest; honored guest; guest (on a show)
家庭 jiā tíng family; household
家务 jiā wù household duties; housework
家乡 jiā xiāng hometown; native place
夹子 jiā zi clip; clamp; tongs
jiān to pan fry; to sauté
肩膀 jiān bǎng shoulder
坚决 jiān jué firm; resolute; determined
艰巨 jiān jù arduous; terrible (task); very difficult
艰苦 jiān kǔ difficult; hard; arduous
坚强 jiān qiáng staunch; strong
尖锐 jiān ruì sharp; intense; penetrating
jiāo to pour liquid; to irrigate (using waterwheel); to water
交换 jiāo huàn to exchange; to swap; to switch (telecom)
交际 jiāo jì communication; social intercourse
郊区 jiāo qū suburban district; outskirts; suburbs
胶水 jiāo shuǐ glue
接触 jiē chù to touch; to contact; access
阶段 jiē duàn stage; section; phase
接待 jiē dài to receive (a visitor); to admit (allow sb to enter)
接近 jiē jìn to approach; to get close to
结实 jiē shí to bear fruit; rugged; sturdy
接着 jiē zhe to catch and hold on; to continue; to go on to do sth
解放 jiě fàng to liberate; to emancipate; liberation
解说员 jiě shuō yuán commentator
jiǎ first of the ten Heavenly Stems 干; (used for an unspecified person or thing); first (in a list, as a party to a contract
假如 jiǎ rú if
假装 jiǎ zhuāng to feign; to pretend
jiǎn to pick up; to collect; to gather
剪刀 jiǎn dāo scissors
简历 jiǎn lì curriculum vitae (CV); résumé; biographical notes
简直 jiǎn zhí simply; really
讲究 jiǎng jiu to pay particular attention to; carefully selected for quality; tastefully chosen
讲座 jiǎng zuò a course of lectures
角度 jiǎo dù angle; point of view
狡猾 jiǎo huá crafty; cunning; sly
酒吧 jiǔ bā bar; pub; saloon
绝对 jué duì absolute; unconditional
决赛 jué sài finals (of a competition)
角色 jué sè role; character in a novel; persona
决心 jué xīn determination; resolution; determined
juān to relinquish; to abandon; to contribute; to donate; (bound form) tax; levy
juǎn to roll up; roll; classifier for small rolled things (wad of paper money, movie reel etc)
记录 jì lù to record; record (written account); note-taker
纪录 jì lù variant of 记录 (but in Taiwan, not for the verb sense "to record")
纪律 jì lǜ discipline
寂寞 jì mò lonely; lonesome; (of a place) quiet
纪念 jì niàn to commemorate; to honor the memory of; memento; keepsake; souvenir
计算 jì suàn to count; to calculate; to compute
记忆 jì yì to remember; to recall; memory
进步 jìn bù progress; improvement; to improve; to progress
近代 jìn dài the not-very-distant past; modern times, excluding recent decades; (in the context of Chinese history) the period from t
进口 jìn kǒu to import; imported; entrance
尽力 jìn lì to strive one's hardest; to spare no effort
敬爱 jìng ài to respect and love; to hold in high esteem
及格 jí gé to pass an exam or a test; to meet a minimum standard
急忙 jí máng hastily
集体 jí tǐ collective (decision); joint (effort); a group
集中 jí zhōng to concentrate; to centralize; to focus
具备 jù bèi to possess; to have; equipped with
巨大 jù dà huge; immense; very large
聚会 jù huì party; gathering; to meet
俱乐部 jù lè bù club (the organisation or its premises) (loanword)
据说 jù shuō it is said that; reportedly
具体 jù tǐ concrete; definite; specific
桔子 jú zi tangerine; also written 橘子
基本 jī běn basic; fundamental; main
激烈 jī liè (of competition or fighting) intense; fierce; (of pain) acute
机器 jī qì machine
肌肉 jī ròu muscle; flesh
金属 jīn shǔ metal
经典 jīng diǎn the classics; scriptures; classical
精力 jīng lì energy
经营 jīng yíng to engage in (business etc); to run; to operate
居然 jū rán unexpectedly; to one's surprise; go so far as to
军事 jūn shì military affairs; (attributive) military
均匀 jūn yún even; well-distributed; homogeneous
jǐn tight; strict; close at hand
紧急 jǐn jí urgent; emergency
尽量 jǐn liàng as much as possible; to the greatest extent; as much as possible
谨慎 jǐn shèn cautious; prudent
景色 jǐng sè scenery; scene; landscape
variant of 举; to lift; to hold up
会计 kuài jì accountant; accountancy; accounting
矿泉水 kuàng quán shuǐ mineral water
kuā used in 克; to boast; to exaggerate; to praise
看不起 kàn bu qǐ to look down upon; to despise
看来 kàn lai apparently; it seems that
抗议 kàng yì to protest; protest
abbr. for 克罗地亚, Croatia; (Tw) abbr. for 克罗埃西亚, Croatia; to be able to
课程 kè chéng course; academic program
克服 kè fú (try to) overcome (hardships etc); to conquer; to put up with
客观 kè guān objective; impartial
刻苦 kè kǔ hardworking; assiduous
客厅 kè tīng drawing room (room for arriving guests); living room
空闲 kòng xián idle; free time; leisure
控制 kòng zhì to control
开放 kāi fàng to bloom; to open; to be open (to the public)
开发 kāi fā to exploit (a resource); to open up (for development); to develop
开幕式 kāi mù shì opening ceremony
开心 kāi xīn to feel happy; to rejoice; to have a great time
classifier for small spheres, pearls, corn grains, teeth, hearts, satellites etc
可见 kě jiàn it can clearly be seen (that this is the case); it is (thus) clear; clear
可靠 kě kào reliable
可怕 kě pà awful; dreadful; fearful
空间 kōng jiān space; room; (fig.) scope; leeway; (astronomy) outer space
卡车 kǎ chē truck
kǎn to chop; to cut down; to throw sth at sb
烤鸭 kǎo yā roast duck
恐怖 kǒng bù terrible; frightful; frightening
口味 kǒu wèi a person's preferences; tastes (in food); flavor
恋爱 liàn ài (romantic) love; in love; to have an affair
联合 lián hé to combine; to join; unite
连忙 lián máng promptly; at once
连续剧 lián xù jù serialized drama; dramatic series; show in parts
良好 liáng hǎo good; favorable; well
粮食 liáng shi foodstuff; cereals
流传 liú chuán to spread; to circulate; to hand down
浏览 liú lǎn to skim over; to browse
了不起 liǎo bu qǐ amazing; terrific; extraordinary
落后 luò hòu to fall behind; to lag (in technology etc); backward
逻辑 luó ji logic (loanword)
辣椒 là jiāo hot pepper; chili
蜡烛 là zhú candle
làn soft; mushy; well-cooked and soft; to rot; to decompose
来自 lái zì to come from (a place); From: (in email header)
lán to block sb's path; to obstruct; to flag down (a taxi)
láng wolf
劳动 láo dòng work; toil; physical labor
劳驾 láo jià excuse me
乐观 lè guān optimistic; hopeful
lèi kind; type; class
Léi surname Lei; thunder; (bound form) (military) mine, as in 雷 land mine
grain; granule; classifier for small round things (peas, bullets, peanuts, pills, grains etc)
立方 lì fāng cube (math.); abbr. for 立方体; abbr. for 米
立即 lì jí immediately
立刻 lì kè forthwith; immediate; prompt
力量 lì liang power; force; strength
利润 lì rùn profits
利息 lì xī interest (on a loan)
利益 lì yì benefit; (in sb's) interest
利用 lì yòng to exploit; to make use of; to use
pear
离婚 lí hūn to divorce
厘米 lí mǐ centimeter
临时 lín shí as the time draws near; at the last moment; temporary
líng (small) bell
灵活 líng huó flexible; nimble; agile
零件 líng jiàn part; component
零钱 líng qián change (of money); small change; pocket money
零食 líng shí between-meal nibbles; snacks
lòu to leak; to divulge; to leave out by mistake
Lóng surname Long; dragon; imperial
surname Lu; to show; to reveal
陆地 lù dì dry land (as opposed to the sea)
录取 lù qǔ to accept an applicant (prospective student, employee etc) who passes an entrance exam; to admit (a student); to hire (a
陆续 lù xù in turn; successively; one after the other
录音 lù yīn to record (sound); sound recording
论文 lùn wén paper; treatise; thesis
轮流 lún liú to alternate; to take turns
老百姓 lǎo bǎi xìng ordinary people; the "person in the street"
老板 lǎo bǎn variant of 老板; Robam (brand); boss
姥姥 lǎo lao (coll.) mother's mother; maternal grandmother
老实 lǎo shi honest; sincere; well-behaved; naive; gullible
老鼠 lǎo shǔ rat; mouse
礼拜天 Lǐ bài tiān Sunday
理论 lǐ lùn theory; to argue; to take notice of
理由 lǐ yóu reason; grounds; justification
领导 lǐng dǎo lead; leading; to lead
领域 lǐng yù domain; sphere; field
面对 miàn duì to face; to confront
面积 miàn jī area (of a floor, piece of land etc); surface area; tract of land
面临 miàn lín to face sth; to be confronted with
棉花 mián hua cotton
苗条 miáo tiao (of a woman) slim; slender; graceful
描写 miáo xiě to describe; to depict; to portray
miǎo second (unit of time); arc second (angular measurement unit); (coll.) instantly
to scold; to abuse; to curse
麦克风 mài kè fēng microphone (loanword)
冒险 mào xiǎn to take risks; to take chances; foray
贸易 mào yì (commercial) trade
馒头 mán tou steamed roll; steamed bun; steamed bread
Máo surname Mao; hair; feather
毛病 máo bìng fault; defect; shortcomings
矛盾 máo dùn contradiction; conflicting views; contradictory
魅力 mèi lì charm; fascination; glamor
眉毛 méi mao eyebrow
煤炭 méi tàn coal
蜜蜂 mì fēng bee; honeybee
秘密 mì mì secret; private; confidential; clandestine; a secret
密切 mì qiè close; familiar; intimate
秘书 mì shū secretary
命令 mìng lìng order; command
命运 mìng yùn fate; destiny
迷路 mí lù to lose the way; lost; labyrinth
谜语 mí yǔ riddle; conundrum
民主 mín zhǔ democracy
名片 míng piàn (business) card
名牌 míng pái famous brand; nameplate; name tag
明确 míng què clear-cut; definite; explicit; to clarify; to specify; to make definite
名胜 míng shèng a place famous for its scenery or historical relics; scenic spot
明显 míng xiǎn clear; distinct; obvious
明信片 míng xìn piàn postcard
明星 míng xīng star; celebrity
陌生 mò shēng strange; unfamiliar
模仿 mó fǎng to imitate; to copy; to emulate
模糊 mó hu vague; indistinct; fuzzy
摩托车 mó tuō chē (loanword) motorbike; motorcycle
目标 mù biāo target; goal; objective
目录 mù lù catalog; table of contents; directory (on computer hard drive)
目前 mù qián at the present time; currently
木头 mù tou slow-witted; blockhead; log (of wood, timber etc)
美术 měi shù art; fine arts; painting
to feel with the hand; to touch; to stroke
满足 mǎn zú to satisfy; to meet (the needs of); satisfied
mǒu some; a certain; sb or sth indefinite
niàn variant of 念, to read aloud; to read; to study (a subject)
年代 nián dài a decade of a century (e.g. the Sixties); age; era
年纪 nián jì age
牛仔裤 niú zǎi kù jeans
难怪 nán guài (it's) no wonder (that...); (it's) not surprising (that)
难看 nán kàn ugly; unsightly
内科 nèi kē internal medicine; general medicine
nèn young and tender; (of food) tender; lightly cooked; (of color) light
能干 néng gàn capable; competent
能源 néng yuán energy; power source
宁可 nìng kě preferably; one would prefer to...(or not to...); would rather
nóng concentrated; dense; strong (smell etc)
农民 nóng mín peasant; farmer
农业 nóng yè agriculture; farming
哪怕 nǎ pà even; even if; even though
脑袋 nǎo dai head; skull; brains
女士 nǚ shì lady; madam; Miss
piàn disk; sheet; thin piece
片面 piàn miàn unilateral; one-sided
piāo variant of 飘; to float
pài clique; school; group
盼望 pàn wàng to hope for; to look forward to
排队 pái duì to line up
排球 pái qiú volleyball
佩服 pèi fú to admire
配合 pèi hé matching; fitting in with; compatible with
碰见 pèng jiàn to run into; to meet (unexpectedly); to bump into
赔偿 péi cháng to compensate
培养 péi yǎng to cultivate; to breed; to foster
pén basin; flower pot; unit of volume equal to 12 斗 and 8 升, approx 128 liters
疲劳 pí láo fatigue; wearily; weariness
皮鞋 pí xié leather shoes
频道 pín dào frequency; (television) channel
Píng surname Ping; flat; level
píng variant of 凭; to lean against; to rely on
平常 píng cháng ordinary; common; usually
平等 píng děng equal; equality
平方 píng fāng square (as in square foot, square mile, square root)
平衡 píng héng balance; equilibrium
评价 píng jià to evaluate; to assess
平静 píng jìng tranquil; undisturbed; serene
平均 píng jūn average; on average; evenly; in equal proportions
破产 pò chǎn to go bankrupt; to become impoverished; bankruptcy
破坏 pò huài destruction; damage; to wreck
迫切 pò qiè urgent; pressing
pāi to pat; to clap; to slap
to ascertain; to act on; to criticize
to drape over one's shoulders; to open; to unroll
批准 pī zhǔn to approve; to ratify
classifier for horses, mules etc; classifier for cloth: bolt; horsepower
品种 pǐn zhǒng breed; variety
朴素 pǔ sù plain and simple; unadorned; simple living
qiàn to owe; to lack; (literary) to be deficient in
前途 qián tú prospects; future outlook; journey
强调 qiáng diào to emphasize (a statement); to stress
强烈 qiáng liè strong; intense
qiáo to look at; to see; to see (a doctor)
球迷 qiú mí fan (ball sports)
qiān to lead along; to pull (an animal on a tether); (bound form) to involve
谦虚 qiān xū modest; self-effacing; to make modest remarks
签字 qiān zì to sign (one's name); signature
Qiāng surname Qiang; gun; firearm
悄悄 qiāo qiāo quiet; making little or no noise; surreptitious; stealthy; anxious; worried
qiē to cut; to slice; to carve; (math) tangential; definitely; absolutely (not)
qiǎn shallow; light (color); (jiān) (onom.) sound of moving water
qiǎng to fight over; to rush; to scramble
巧妙 qiǎo miào ingenious; clever; ingenuity; artifice
quàn to advise; to urge; to try to persuade
权力 quán lì power; authority
权利 quán lì right (i.e. an entitlement to sth); (classical) power and wealth
全面 quán miàn all-around; comprehensive; total
确定 què dìng definite; certain; fixed
确认 què rèn to confirm; to verify; confirmation
quān circle; ring; loop; classifier for loops, orbits, laps of a race etc; to surround; to circle
缺乏 quē fá to lack; to be short of
气氛 qì fēn atmosphere; mood
汽油 qì yóu gasoline
庆祝 qìng zhù to celebrate
奇迹 qí jì miracle; miraculous; wonder
其余 qí yú the rest; the others; remaining
勤奋 qín fèn hardworking; diligent
勤劳 qín láo hardworking; industrious; diligent
情景 qíng jǐng scene; spectacle; circumstances
情绪 qíng xù mood; state of mind; moodiness
去世 qù shì to pass away; to die
期待 qī dài to look forward to; to await; expectation
期间 qī jiān period of time; time; time period
侵略 qīn lüè to invade; invasion
亲切 qīn qiè amiable; cordial; close and dear
亲自 qīn zì personally; in person; oneself
亲爱 qīn ài dear; beloved; darling
Qīng abbr. for 海, Qinghai Province; green; blue
青春 qīng chūn youth; youthfulness
清淡 qīng dàn light (of food, not greasy or strongly flavored); insipid; slack (sales)
青少年 qīng shào nián adolescent; youth; teenager
轻视 qīng shì contempt; contemptuous; to despise
趋势 qū shì trend; tendency
启发 qǐ fā to enlighten; to explain (a text etc); to stimulate (a mental attitude)
企图 qǐ tú to attempt; to try; attempt
企业 qǐ yè company; firm; enterprise; corporation
请求 qǐng qiú to request; to ask; request
to take a wife; to marry (a woman)
取消 qǔ xiāo to cancel; cancellation
ruò weak; feeble; young; inferior; not as good as
软件 ruǎn jiàn (computer) software
rào to wind; to coil (thread); to rotate around
燃烧 rán shāo to ignite; to combust; to burn
热烈 rè liè enthusiastic; ardent; warm
热心 rè xīn enthusiastic; ardent; zealous
热爱 rè ài to love ardently; to adore
人才 rén cái talent; talented person; looks
人口 rén kǒu population; people
人类 rén lèi humanity; human race; mankind
人事 rén shì personnel; human resources; human affairs
人生 rén shēng life (one's time on earth)
人物 rén wù person; personage; figure (esp. sb of importance); character (in a play, novel etc); figure painting (as a genre of trad
人员 rén yuán staff; crew; personnel
日常 rì cháng day-to-day; daily; everyday
日程 rì chéng schedule; itinerary
日历 rì lì calendar
日期 rì qī date
日用品 rì yòng pǐn articles for daily use
融化 róng huà to melt; to thaw; to dissolve
荣幸 róng xìng honored (to have the privilege of ...)
荣誉 róng yù honor; credit; glory
如何 rú hé how; what way; what
如今 rú jīn nowadays; now
忍不住 rěn bu zhù cannot help; unable to bear
rǎng to shout; to bellow; to make a big deal of sth
shuì taxes; duties
shuāi to throw down; to fall; to drop and break
双方 shuāng fāng bilateral; both sides; both parties involved
说不定 shuō bu dìng can't say for sure; maybe
说服 shuō fú to persuade; to convince; to talk sb over
shuǎi to throw; to fling; to swing
shài variant of 晒; (of the sun) to shine on; to bask in (the sunshine)
善良 shàn liáng good and honest; kindhearted
善于 shàn yú to be good at; to be adept at
扇子 shàn zi fan
上当 shàng dàng taken in (by sb's deceit); to be fooled; to be duped
勺子 sháo zi scoop; ladle
设备 shè bèi equipment; facilities; installations
设计 shè jì to design; to plan; design; plan
射击 shè jī to shoot; to fire (a gun)
设施 shè shī facilities; installation
摄影 shè yǐng to take a photograph; photography; to shoot (a movie)
胜利 shèng lì victory
shé variant of 蛇; snake; serpent
舌头 shé tou tongue; enemy soldier captured for the purpose of extracting information
神话 shén huà legend; fairy tale; myth
神经 shén jīng nerve; mental state; (coll.) unhinged
神秘 shén mì mysterious; mystery
绳子 shéng zi cord; string; rope
士兵 shì bīng soldier
似的 shì de seems as if; rather like; Taiwan pr. [sì de]
是否 shì fǒu whether (or not); if; is or isn't
试卷 shì juàn examination paper; test paper
事实 shì shí fact
事物 shì wù thing; object
事先 shì xiān in advance; before the event; beforehand
时代 Shí dài Time, US weekly news magazine; age; era
实话 shí huà truth
实践 shí jiàn practice; to put into practice; to live up to (a promise)
时刻 shí kè time; juncture; moment
时髦 shí máo in vogue; fashionable
时期 shí qī period; phase
时尚 shí shàng fashion; fad; fashionable
石头 shí tou stone
食物 shí wù food
实现 shí xiàn to achieve; to implement; to realize
实习 shí xí to practice; field work; to intern
实行 shí xíng to implement; to carry out; to put into practice
实验 shí yàn experiment; test; experimental
实用 shí yòng practical; functional; pragmatic
寿命 shòu mìng life span; life expectancy; lifetime (of a machine)
受伤 shòu shāng to sustain injuries; wounded (in an accident etc); harmed
数据 shù jù data
数码 shù mǎ number; numerals; figures
熟练 shú liàn practiced; proficient; skilled
shā to kill; to murder; to attack
沙漠 shā mò desert
沙滩 shā tān beach; sandy shore
删除 shān chú to delete; to cancel
商品 shāng pǐn commodity; goods; merchandise
商业 shāng yè business; trade; commerce
shēn to stretch; to extend
身材 shēn cái stature; build (height and weight); figure
身份 shēn fèn identity; aspect of one's identity (i.e. sth that one is – mayor, father, permanent resident etc); role
深刻 shēn kè profound; deep; deep-going
shēng to ascend; to rise to the rank of; to promote
生产 shēng chǎn to produce; to manufacture; to give birth to a child
声调 shēng diào tone; note; a tone (on a Chinese syllable)
生动 shēng dòng vivid; lively
舍不得 shě bu de to hate to do sth; to hate to part with; to begrudge
省略 shěng lüè to leave out; an omission
Shī abbr. for Shijing 诗经, the Book of Songs; poem; poetry
失眠 shī mián to suffer from insomnia
失去 shī qù to lose
失业 shī yè unemployment; to lose one's job
收获 shōu huò variant of 收获; to harvest; to reap
收据 shōu jù receipt
蔬菜 shū cài vegetables
书架 shū jià bookshelf
输入 shū rù to import; to input
舒适 shū shì cozy; snug
梳子 shū zi comb
shǎ foolish
闪电 shǎn diàn lightning
使劲儿 shǐ jìnr erhua variant of 使劲; to exert all one's strength
始终 shǐ zhōng from beginning to end; all along
手工 shǒu gōng handwork; manual
手术 shǒu shù (surgical) operation; surgery
手套 shǒu tào glove; mitten
手续 shǒu xù procedure; formalities
手指 shǒu zhǐ finger
鼠标 shǔ biāo mouse (computing)
属于 shǔ yú to be classified as; to belong to; to be part of
suì (transitive or intransitive verb) to break into pieces; to shatter; to crumble; broken; fragmentary; scattered; garrulou
随时 suí shí at any time; at all times; at the right time; whenever necessary
缩短 suō duǎn to curtail; to cut down
缩小 suō xiǎo to reduce; to decrease; to shrink
suǒ actually; place; classifier for houses, small buildings, institutions etc
suǒ to lock; to lock up; a lock; old variant of 锁
所谓 suǒ wèi so-called; what is called
似乎 sì hū it seems; seemingly; as if
寺庙 sì miào temple; monastery; shrine
宿舍 sù shè dormitory; dorm room; living quarters
to tear
丝绸 sī chóu silk cloth; silk
丝毫 sī háo the slightest amount or degree; a bit
思考 sī kǎo to reflect on; to ponder over
私人 sī rén private; personal; interpersonal
思想 sī xiǎng thought; thinking; idea
to sprinkle; to spray; to spill
嗓子 sǎng zi throat; voice
损失 sǔn shī loss; damage; to lose
田野 tián yě field; open land
调皮 tiáo pí naughty; mischievous; unruly
调整 tiáo zhěng to adjust; adjustment; revision
天空 tiān kōng sky
天真 tiān zhēn naive; innocent; artless
挑战 tiǎo zhàn to challenge; challenge
tuán round; lump; ball
退 tuì to retreat; to withdraw; to reject; to return (sth); to decline
退步 tuì bù to do less well than before; to make a concession; setback
退休 tuì xiū to retire (from the workforce); to go into retirement
推辞 tuī cí to decline (an appointment, invitation etc)
推广 tuī guǎng to extend; to spread; to popularize
推荐 tuī jiàn to recommend; recommendation
太极拳 tài jí quán shadowboxing or Taiji, T'aichi or T'aichichuan; traditional form of physical exercise or relaxation; a martial art
太太 tài tai married woman; Mrs.; Madam
tàng to scald; to burn (by scalding); to blanch (cooking)
tào to cover; to encase; cover
台阶 tái jiē steps; flight of steps; step (over obstacle)
谈判 tán pàn to negotiate; negotiation; talks
táo to escape; to run away; to flee
táo peach
逃避 táo bì to escape; to evade; to avoid
特殊 tè shū special; particular; unusual
特意 tè yì specially; intentionally
特征 tè zhēng characteristic; diagnostic property; distinctive feature
疼爱 téng ài to love dearly
to carry (hanging down from the hand); to lift; to put forward
提倡 tí chàng to promote; to advocate
提纲 tí gāng outline; synopsis; notes
题目 tí mù subject; title; topic
提问 tí wèn to question; to quiz; to grill
痛快 tòng kuài delighted; to one's heart's content; straightforward
痛苦 tòng kǔ pain; suffering; painful
透明 tòu míng transparent; (fig.) transparent; open to scrutiny
tóng copper (chemistry); see also 红铜
同时 tóng shí at the same time; simultaneously
投资 tóu zī investment; to invest
兔子 tù zi hare; rabbit
通常 tōng cháng regular; usual; normal
通讯 tōng xùn communications; news story; dispatch
突出 tū chū prominent; outstanding; to give prominence to
pagoda; tower; minaret
坦率 tǎn shuài frank (discussion); blunt; open
体会 tǐ huì to know from experience; to learn through experience; to realize
体积 tǐ jī volume; bulk
体贴 tǐ tiē considerate (of other people's needs)
体现 tǐ xiàn to embody; to reflect; to incarnate
体验 tǐ yàn to experience for oneself
统一 tǒng yī to unify; to integrate; unified; integrated
统治 tǒng zhì to rule (a country); to govern; rule
to spit; to send out (silk from a silkworm, bolls from cotton flowers etc); to say
土地 tǔ dì land; soil; territory
土豆 tǔ dòu potato; (Tw) peanut
外交 wài jiāo diplomacy; diplomatic; foreign affairs
万一 wàn yī just in case; if by any chance; contingency
玩具 wán jù plaything; toy
完美 wán měi perfect
完善 wán shàn (of systems, facilities etc) comprehensive; well-developed; excellent
完整 wán zhěng complete; intact
王子 wáng zǐ prince; son of a king
wèi stomach
未必 wèi bì not necessarily; maybe not
未来 wèi lái future; tomorrow; approaching
卫生间 wèi shēng jiān bathroom; toilet; WC
位置 wèi zhi position; place; seat
问候 wèn hòu to give one's respects; to send a greeting; (fig.) (coll.) to make offensive reference to (somebody dear to the person t
违反 wéi fǎn to violate (a law)
维护 wéi hù to defend; to safeguard; to protect
围巾 wéi jīn scarf; shawl
围绕 wéi rào to revolve around; to center on (an issue)
唯一 wéi yī only; sole
Wén surname Wen; to hear; news
文件 wén jiàn document; file
文具 wén jù stationery; item of stationery (pen, pencil, eraser, pencil sharpener etc)
文明 wén míng civilized; civilization; culture
文学 wén xué literature
卧室 wò shì bedroom
fog; mist
物理 wù lǐ physics; physical
物质 wù zhì matter; substance; material
无奈 wú nài to have no alternative; frustrated; exasperated
无数 wú shù countless; numberless; innumerable
wāi askew; at a crooked angle; devious
wān to bend; bent; a bend; a turn (in a road etc)
危害 wēi hài to jeopardize; to harm; to endanger
微笑 wēi xiào smile; to smile
威胁 wēi xié to threaten; to menace
温暖 wēn nuǎn warm
温柔 wēn róu gentle and soft; tender; sweet (commonly used to describe a girl or woman)
尾巴 wěi ba tail; colloquial pr. [yǐ ba]
伟大 wěi dà huge; great; grand; worthy of the greatest admiration; important (contribution etc)
委屈 wěi qu to feel wronged; to cause sb to feel wronged; grievance
委托 wěi tuō to entrust; to trust; to commission
wěn kiss; to kiss; mouth
稳定 wěn dìng steady; stable; stability
屋子 wū zi house; room
往返 wǎng fǎn to go back and forth; to go to and fro; to do a round trip
武器 wǔ qì weapon; arms
武术 wǔ shù military skill or technique (in former times); all kinds of martial art sports (some claiming spiritual development); se
xià to scare; to frighten; to intimidate; to threaten
下载 xià zǎi to download; also pr. [xià zài]
xiàn county
现金 xiàn jīn cash
现实 xiàn shí reality; actuality; real
现象 xiàn xiàng phenomenon; appearance
Xiàng surname Xiang; back of neck; item
项链 xiàng liàn necklace
项目 xiàng mù item; project; (sports) event
橡皮 xiàng pí rubber; an eraser
象棋 xiàng qí Chinese chess
象征 xiàng zhēng emblem; symbol; token
效率 xiào lǜ efficiency
孝顺 xiào shùn filial; dutiful; devoted to one's parents (and grandparents etc)
xié inclined; slanting; oblique
协调 xié tiáo to coordinate; to harmonize; to fit together
雄伟 xióng wěi grand; imposing; magnificent
xiā blind; groundlessly; foolishly
鲜艳 xiān yàn bright-colored; gaily-colored
相处 xiāng chǔ to be in contact (with sb); to associate; to interact
相对 xiāng duì relatively; opposite; to resist
相当 xiāng dāng equivalent to; appropriate; considerably
相关 xiāng guān related; relevant; pertinent
相似 xiāng sì similar; alike
消费 xiāo fèi to consume; to spend
消化 xiāo huà to digest (food); (fig.) to absorb (information etc); to assimilate; to process
消灭 xiāo miè to put an end to; to annihilate; to cause to perish
销售 xiāo shòu to sell; to market; sales (representative, agreement etc)
消失 xiāo shī to disappear; to fade away
xiē to rest; to take a break; to stop
xiōng variant of 胸; chest; bosom
兄弟 xiōng dì brothers; younger brother; I, me (humble term used by men in public speech)
修改 xiū gǎi to amend; to alter; to modify
休闲 xiū xián leisure; relaxation; not working
显得 xiǎn de to seem; to look; to appear
显然 xiǎn rán clearly; evidently; obviously
显示 xiǎn shì to show; to illustrate; to display
想念 xiǎng niàn to miss; to remember with longing; to long to see again
享受 xiǎng shòu to enjoy; to live it up; pleasure
想象 xiǎng xiàng to imagine; to envision; imagination
小吃 xiǎo chī snack; refreshments
小伙子 xiǎo huǒ zi young man; young guy; lad
小麦 xiǎo mài wheat
小气 xiǎo qì stingy; miserly; narrow-minded
小偷 xiǎo tōu thief
学期 xué qī term; semester
学术 xué shù learning; science; academic
学问 xué wèn learning; knowledge
宣布 xuān bù to declare; to announce; to proclaim
宣传 xuān chuán to disseminate; to give publicity to; propaganda
选举 xuǎn jǔ to elect; election
to connect; to relate to; to tie up
细节 xì jié details; particulars
戏剧 xì jù a drama; a play; theater; script of a play
系领带 xì lǐng dài to wear a tie
系统 xì tǒng system
信封 xìn fēng envelope
信号 xìn hào signal
信息 xìn xī information; news; message
幸亏 xìng kuī fortunately; luckily
幸运 xìng yùn fortunate; lucky; fortune
性质 xìng zhì nature; characteristic
形成 xíng chéng to form; to take shape
行动 xíng dòng operation; action; to move about
行人 xíng rén pedestrian; traveler on foot; passer-by
形容 xíng róng to describe; (literary) countenance; appearance
形式 xíng shì outer appearance; form; shape
形势 xíng shì circumstances; situation; terrain
行为 xíng wéi action; conduct; behavior
形象 xíng xiàng image; form; figure
形状 xíng zhuàng form; shape
叙述 xù shù to relate (a story or information); to tell or talk about; to recount
训练 xùn liàn to train; to drill; training
迅速 xùn sù rapid; speedy; fast
询问 xún wèn to inquire
寻找 xún zhǎo to seek; to look for
吸收 xī shōu to absorb; to assimilate; to ingest
心理 xīn lǐ psychology; mentality
欣赏 xīn shǎng to appreciate; to enjoy; to admire
心脏 xīn zàng heart
虚心 xū xīn open-minded; humble
愿望 yuàn wàng desire; wish
元旦 Yuán dàn New Year's Day
缘故 yuán gù reason; cause
原料 yuán liào raw material
原则 yuán zé principle; doctrine
宴会 yàn huì banquet; feast; dinner party
样式 yàng shì type; style
要不 yào bù otherwise; or else; how about...?
要是 yào shi (coll.) if
延长 Yán cháng Yanchang county in Yan'an 安, Shaanxi; to prolong; to extend
严肃 yán sù solemn; grave; serious
阳台 yáng tái variant of 阳台; balcony; porch
Yáo surname Yao; to shake; to rock
variant of 夜; night
液体 yè tǐ liquid
业务 yè wù business; professional work; service
业余 yè yú in one's spare time; outside working hours; amateur (historian etc)
议论 yì lùn to comment; to talk about; to discuss
意外 yì wài unexpected; accident; mishap
义务 yì wù duty; obligation; volunteer (work etc)
意义 yì yì sense; meaning; significance
硬币 yìng bì coin
应付 yìng fu to deal with; to cope
硬件 yìng jiàn hardware
应聘 yìng pìn to accept a job offer; to apply for an advertised position
应用 yìng yòng to put to use; to apply; practical
移动 yí dòng to move; movement; migration
遗憾 yí hàn regret; to regret; to be sorry that
移民 yí mín to immigrate; to migrate; emigrant
疑问 yí wèn question; interrogation; doubt
yín silver; silver-colored; relating to money or currency
迎接 yíng jiē to welcome; to greet
营业 yíng yè to do business; to trade
营养 yíng yǎng nutrition; nourishment
用途 yòng tú use; application
幼儿园 yòu ér yuán kindergarten; nursery school
邮局 yóu jú post office
游览 yóu lǎn to go sightseeing; to tour; to visit
犹豫 yóu yù to hesitate
油炸 yóu zhá to deep fry
预报 yù bào forecast
预订 yù dìng to place an order; to book ahead
预防 yù fáng to prevent; to take precautions against; to protect
玉米 yù mǐ corn; maize
运气 yùn qi luck (good or bad)
运输 yùn shū to transport; to carry; transportation
运用 yùn yòng to use; to put to use
娱乐 yú lè to entertain; to amuse; entertainment
yāo waist; lower back; pocket
一辈子 yī bèi zi (for) a lifetime
一旦 yī dàn in case (sth happens); if; once (sth happens, then...)
一路 yī lù the whole journey; all the way; going the same way
依然 yī rán still; as before
一致 yī zhì unanimous; identical (views or opinions)
因素 yīn sù element; factor
因而 yīn ér therefore; as a result; thus
英俊 yīng jùn handsome
英雄 yīng xióng hero
拥抱 yōng bào to embrace; to hug
拥挤 yōng jǐ crowded; to throng; congestion
优惠 yōu huì privilege; favorable (terms); preferential (treatment)
悠久 yōu jiǔ long (tradition, history etc)
优美 yōu měi graceful; fine; elegant
优势 yōu shì superiority; dominance; advantage
yūn confused; dizzy; giddy
yǎng variant of 痒; to itch; to tickle
yǎo to bite; to nip; variant of 咬
second of the ten Heavenly Stems 干; second in order; letter "B" or Roman "II" in list "A, B, C", or "I, II, III" etc
以及 yǐ jí as well as; too; and
以来 yǐ lái since (a previous event)
影子 yǐng zi shadow; reflection; (fig.) hint
勇气 yǒng qì courage; valor
有利 yǒu lì advantageous; favorable
语气 yǔ qì tone; manner of speaking; mood
与其 yǔ qí rather than...; 与其 A 如 B (rather than A, better to B)
宇宙 yǔ zhòu universe; cosmos
状况 zhuàng kuàng condition; state; situation
状态 zhuàng tài condition; state; state of affairs
抓紧 zhuā jǐn to keep a firm grip on; to pay close attention to; to lose no time in (doing sth)
专家 zhuān jiā expert; specialist
专心 zhuān xīn to focus one's attention; to concentrate on (doing sth)
zhuāng adornment; to adorn; dress
装饰 zhuāng shì to decorate; decoration; decorative
追求 zhuī qiú to pursue (a goal etc) stubbornly; to seek after; to woo
转变 zhuǎn biàn to change; to transform; shift
转告 zhuǎn gào to pass on; to communicate; to transmit
占线 zhàn xiàn busy (telephone line)
战争 zhàn zhēng war; conflict
账户 zhàng hù bank account; online account
照常 zhào cháng as usual
召开 zhào kāi to convene (a conference or meeting); to convoke; to call together
着凉 zháo liáng to catch cold; Taiwan pr. [zhāo liáng]
zhèn disposition of troops; wave; spate
振动 zhèn dòng to vibrate; to shake; vibration
政策 zhèng cè policy
政府 zhèng fǔ government
证件 zhèng jiàn certificate; papers; credentials; document; ID
证据 zhèng jù evidence; proof; testimony
挣钱 zhèng qián to make money
政治 zhèng zhì politics; political
哲学 zhé xué philosophy
制定 zhì dìng to draw up; to formulate
制度 zhì dù system (e.g. political, adminstrative etc); institution
智慧 zhì huì wisdom; knowledge; intelligent
至今 zhì jīn so far; to this day; until now
治疗 zhì liáo to treat (an illness); medical treatment; therapy
秩序 zhì xù order (orderly); order (sequence); social order
至于 zhì yú as for; as to; to go so far as to
制作 zhì zuò to make; to manufacture
Zhí surname Zhi; Zhi (c. 2000 BC), fifth of the legendary Flame Emperors 帝 descended from Shennong 神农 Farmer God; straight
执行 zhí xíng to implement; to carry out; to execute
执照 zhí zhào license; permit
重量 zhòng liàng weight
注册 zhù cè to register; to enroll
祝福 zhù fú blessings; to wish sb well
逐步 zhú bù progressively; step by step
竹子 zhú zi bamboo
zhāi to take; to borrow; to pick (flowers, fruit etc)
粘贴 zhān tiē to stick; to affix; to adhere
招待 zhāo dài to hold a reception; to offer hospitality; to entertain (guests); to serve (customers)
针对 zhēn duì to target; to focus on; to be aimed at or against
真理 zhēn lǐ truth
真实 zhēn shí true; real
珍惜 zhēn xī to treasure; to value; to cherish
zhēng to open (one's eyes)
zhēng first month of the lunar year; straight; upright
争论 zhēng lùn to argue; to debate; to contend
征求 zhēng qiú to solicit; to seek; to request (opinions, feedback etc)
争取 zhēng qǔ to fight for; to strive for; to win over
诊断 zhěn duàn to diagnose
枕头 zhěn tou pillow
整个 zhěng gè whole; entire; total
整体 zhěng tǐ whole entity; entire body; synthesis
Zhī surname Zhi; to support; to sustain
支票 zhī piào check (bank); cheque
Zhōng surname Zhong; handleless cup; goblet
中介 zhōng jiè to act as intermediary; to link; intermediate
中旬 zhōng xún middle third of a month
中心 zhōng xīn center; heart; core
周到 zhōu dào thoughtful; considerate; attentive
展开 zhǎn kāi to unfold; to spread out; to open up; to launch; to carry out
展览 zhǎn lǎn to put on display; to exhibit; exhibition
zhǎng to rise (of prices, rivers); to swell; to distend
掌握 zhǎng wò to grasp (often fig.); to control; to seize (initiative, opportunity, destiny)
指导 zhǐ dǎo to guide; to give directions; to direct
指挥 zhǐ huī to conduct; to command; to direct
zhǔ variant of 煮; to cook; to boil
主持 zhǔ chí to take charge of; to manage or direct; to preside over
嘱咐 zhǔ fù to tell; to exhort; injunction
主观 zhǔ guān subjective
主人 zhǔ rén master; host; owner
主席 zhǔ xí chairperson; premier; chairman
主张 zhǔ zhāng to advocate; to stand for; view
zuì intoxicated
最初 zuì chū first; primary; initial
罪犯 zuì fàn criminal
作品 zuò pǐn work (of art); opus
作为 zuò wéi one's conduct; deed; activity
作文 zuò wén to write an essay; composition (student essay)
再三 zài sān over and over again; again and again
赞成 zàn chéng to approve; to endorse; (literary) to assist
赞美 zàn měi to admire; to praise; to eulogize
造成 zào chéng to bring about; to create; to cause
(literary) (conjunction used to express contrast with a previous clause) but; then; (bound form) standard; norm; (bound
责备 zé bèi to blame; to criticize; condemnation
自从 zì cóng since (a time); ever since
自动 zì dòng automatic; voluntarily
自豪 zì háo proud (of one's achievements etc)
自觉 zì jué conscious; aware; on one's own initiative
字幕 zì mù caption; subtitle
自私 zì sī selfish; selfishness
自信 zì xìn to have confidence in oneself; self-confidence
自愿 zì yuàn voluntary
自由 zì yóu freedom; liberty; free; unrestricted
灾害 zāi hài calamity; disaster
糟糕 zāo gāo too bad; how terrible; what bad luck
资格 zī gé qualifications; seniority
资金 zī jīn funds; capital
资料 zī liào material; resources; data
姿势 zī shì posture; position
咨询 zī xún to consult; to seek advice; consultation
资源 Zī yuán Ziyuan county in Guilin 林, Guangxi; natural resource (such as water or minerals); resource (such as manpower or tourism)
综合 zōng hé comprehensive; composite; synthesized
宗教 zōng jiào religion
尊敬 zūn jìng to respect; to revere; to esteem; honorable; distinguished (used on formal occasions before a term of address)
遵守 zūn shǒu to comply with; to abide by; to respect (an agreement)
purple; violet
总裁 zǒng cái chairman; director-general (of a company etc)
总共 zǒng gòng altogether; in sum; in all; in total
总理 zǒng lǐ premier; prime minister
总算 zǒng suàn at long last; finally; on the whole
总统 zǒng tǒng president (of a country)
总之 zǒng zhī in a word; in short; in brief
祖国 zǔ guó motherland
组合 zǔ hé to assemble; to combine; to compose
祖先 zǔ xiān ancestors; forebears; (biology) ancestral species; ancient species from which present-day species evolved
阻止 zǔ zhǐ to prevent; to block
爱护 ài hù to cherish; to treasure; to take care of
爱惜 ài xī to cherish; to treasure; to use sparingly
爱心 ài xīn compassion; kindness; care for others
àn variant of 岸; bank; shore; beach; coast
恶劣 è liè vile; nasty; of very poor quality
āi interjection or grunt of agreement or recognition (e.g. yes, it's me!); to sigh; alas
安慰 ān wèi to comfort; to console
安装 ān zhuāng to install; to erect; to fix
偶然 ǒu rán incidentally; occasional; occasionally

Frequently asked questions

How many words are in HSK 5?

HSK 5 introduces 1298 new words. Counting everything below it, you are expected to know roughly 2,500 words by the end of the level.

How long does it take to learn HSK 5 vocabulary?

At fifteen new words a day with spaced review, the 1298 new words take about 87 days. The real constraint is rarely how fast you can meet a word — it is whether the material underneath is automatic enough for the new word to attach to anything. That is why learners who skip levels end up re-learning them.

Is this the 2021 nine-band list?

No — this is the six-level HSK 2.0 vocabulary, which is what the exams most learners sit still follow. The HSK levels page explains how the nine-band standard relates to it.

Get the free references

The 200-word list, the full curriculum order, and every HSK word list — sent once, plus a rare note when a new free reference ships. No account needed for any of it.

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