Chinese History and Daily Life Vocabulary Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering Chinese Dynasties (Xia to Qing) and various daily life scenarios including campus living, class selection, restaurant dining, shopping, and learning to drive.

Xià (夏)

A dynasty with no excavated artifacts (no proof) and often categorized as mythology.

Shāng (商)

The Bronze Age dynasty associated with shell bone writing (甲骨文).

Zhōu (周)

A dynasty lasting about 800 years, associated with Kongzi (rule), Laozi (hippie), and Sunzi (author of Art of War).

Qín (秦)

Dynasty led by QinShiHuang who unified China, standardized money and language, and built the Great Wall and Terracotta Army.

Hàn (汉)

Dynasty associated with the Silk Road and Confucian Thought.

Táng (唐)

A dynasty known for many poets such as Li Bai, Du Fu, and Wang Wei.

Sòng (宋)

Dynasty known for four major inventions: paper, gunpowder, the compass, and woodblock printing.

Yuán (元)

Dynasty where Mongols invaded and enlarged China's territory; period when Marco Polo visited.

Míng (明)

Dynasty founded by ZhuYuangZhang; characterized by repairing the Great Wall and building the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven (天坛).

Qīng (清)

Dynasty where Machurians took over from the North East; involved in two Opium Wars and collapsed in 1911.

Ānquán (安全)

Safe; used to describe living on campus.

Fāngbiàn (方便)

Convenient; used to describe living on campus.

Shěngqián (省钱)

To save money; used to describe living off campus.

Zìyóu (自由)

Freedom; used to describe living off campus.

Xuǎnkè (选课)

To select or choose classes.

Zhèngzhìxué (政治学)

Political Science.

Duìtāláishuō (对他来说)

According to him.

Qīngsōng (轻松)

Light or relaxed, as opposed to a heavy workload.

Shòubuliáo (受不了)

Cannot stand or tolerate.

Jiàoshòu (教授)

Professor.

Táolùn (讨论)

To discuss.

Fāwēixìn (发微信)

To send a WeChat message.

Sùshè ménkǒu (宿舍门口)

Dorm doorway.

Láijiēnǐ (来接你)

To pick you up or come get you.

Qīngzhēngyú (清蒸鱼)

Clear steamed fish.

Bōcài (菠菜)

Spinach.

Jiélán niúròu (芥兰牛肉)

Broccoli beef.

Txushan (T恤衫)

T-shirt.

Míngpái (名牌)

Name brand.

Rìyòng pǐn (日用品)

Daily items/necessities like toilet paper (weishēngzhǐ), towels (máojīn), and toothpaste (yágāo).

Shuākǎ (刷卡)

To swipe a card.

Xìnyòng kǎ (信用卡) / Jièjìkǎ (借记卡)

Credit card / Debit card.

Gòuwùchē (购物车)

Shopping cart.

Shōuyíntái (收银台)

Cash register.

Shōuyínyuán (收银员)

Cashier.

Bǎ dàizi fàng xià (把袋子放下)

Took the bag and set it down.

Xiūxi (休息)

Rested.

Bùxiǎngzuòfàn (不想做菜)

Don't feel like cooking.

Diànyǐngyuàn (电影院)

Movie theater.

Jīngdiǎn (经典)

Classic.

Língshí (零食)

Snacks.

Liáotiān (聊天)

Chatting.

Bì zuǐ! (闭嘴！)

Shut up!

Yidiǎn yě bù (一点也不)

Not even one bit.

Hǎoxiào (好笑)

Funny.

Kǎoshì (考试) / Tōngguò (通过)

To take a test / To pass.

Jiàzhào (驾照)

Driver's license.

Héfǎ (合法) / Fēifǎ (非法)

Legal / Illegal.

Jìshù hěn chà (技术很差)

Skills are lacking/very poor.

Chàyīdiǎn (差一点)

Just about / Almost.