Expression
B2
Make rapid progress
Imagine someone traveling a thousand miles in just one day. It describes making incredibly fast progress or experiencing a sudden, massive leap in development.
Uso: This idiom is very versatile and sits in the 'sweet spot' of being sophisticated but common enough for daily use. It is grammatically flexible and can act as a predicate or a modifier.
Expression
A1
Good afternoon!
This is the standard way to say 'Good afternoon' to anyone you meet between lunch and sunset. It is a polite, friendly greeting that works for both strangers and friends.
Uso: This phrase is neutral to slightly formal. It is perfectly safe for workplace environments and service interactions, but may feel slightly distant among very close friends.
Expression
A1
You're welcome.
This is the most standard way to say 'you're welcome.' It literally tells the other person there is no need to be so polite or formal with you.
Uso: The phrase is neutral and extremely versatile. The main 'gotcha' is the tone change of `不` (bù), which becomes second tone (bú) when followed by another fourth tone, though in `不客气` it is often taught as 'bú kè qi'.
Collocation
A1
No/not
This is your go-to way to say 'no' or 'it is not' when someone asks you a 'yes/no' question about facts or identities.
Uso: Highly versatile and neutral. Use it before nouns, pronouns, or to start a clarifying sentence. Remember to double it for politeness when being complimented.
Expression
A1
Keep the change.
This is the classic way to tell someone to keep the change after a transaction. It literally tells the person they don't need to look for or find the remaining money.
Uso: This phrase is neutral to informal. It is perfectly safe for A1 learners to use in daily life. Just ensure the amount of change is relatively small to avoid awkwardness.
Expression
A1
No need to thank me.
This is the most standard way to say 'you're welcome.' It literally tells the other person they don't need to be polite or offer thanks.
Uso: This phrase is neutral and safe for 90% of situations. It is slightly more formal than '没事' but less formal than '您太客气了'.
Expression
B2
Without prior consultation
It's that magical moment when you and someone else do or say the exact same thing at the same time, without ever planning it. It's like being on the same wavelength by total accident.
Uso: This phrase is extremely versatile and fits into almost any social register. Just remember it functions as an adverbial modifier, so it almost always sits right before the action it describes.
Expression
A1
Good afternoon!
This is a friendly way to say 'Good afternoon' in Chinese. It is used to greet people specifically during the midday and early afternoon hours.
Uso: This phrase is neutral and safe for all audiences. It is slightly more formal than a simple 'Hi' but less stiff than 'Good day.' It is specifically tied to the hours surrounding the lunch break.
Expression
B2
World-famous
This phrase describes something or someone so famous that practically everyone on the planet knows about them. It is like saying something is a 'household name' but on a global scale.
Uso: This is a formal idiom (Chengyu). It is best used in writing or serious discussions, though it can be used in speech to show high praise. Avoid using it for trivial matters unless you are being intentionally funny.
Expression
A2
Maybe.
This is a soft, non-committal way to say 'maybe' or 'perhaps.' It’s the perfect phrase for when you aren't 100% sure or you want to be polite while staying vague.
Uso: The phrase is neutral and works in 90% of social situations. Just remember that '也许' can start a sentence, but '也许吧' is almost always a standalone reaction or a sentence ender.
Expression
C1
Calm and unhurried
This phrase describes someone who stays cool, calm, and collected under pressure. It is that 'main character energy' where you handle a stressful situation without breaking a sweat or rushing.
Uso: This is a Chengyu (four-character idiom). It sits in the 'formal to neutral' register. It is perfect for writing, storytelling, or giving high-level praise in professional settings.
Expression
B2
Gratifying; comforting
This phrase describes that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when something turns out well after a period of worry. It is like a deep exhale of relief mixed with genuine pride.
Uso: The phrase is highly versatile across all registers. Just remember that it requires a context of previous concern or effort to make sense.
Expression
A1
Talk about it later.
This is the ultimate polite way to say 'not right now.' It’s used to push a decision or a conversation into the future without saying a flat 'no.'
Uso: The phrase is generally neutral. However, its meaning heavily relies on the relationship between speakers. Between friends, it's a casual delay; between a buyer and seller, it's a polite 'no thank you.'
Collocation
A1
Can/will
Think of this as your 'superpower' word. It describes skills you've learned through effort and also predicts things that will definitely happen in the future.
Uso: Extremely common in all registers. The main 'gotcha' is confusing it with `能` (physical ability). Remember: `会` = Knowledge/Future.
Expression
A1
You too!
This is the go-to way to say 'you too' or 'same to you' when someone gives you a compliment or a well-wish. It is simple, friendly, and works in almost every social situation.
Uso: The phrase is neutral and safe for 95% of interactions. Just ensure you don't use it to respond to 'Thank you' or specific personal news that doesn't apply to you.
Expression
A1
Take care!
This is a warm, heartfelt way to say 'Take care' or 'Look after yourself' when saying goodbye. It literally means you want the other person to treat their health and body as something precious.
Uso: It sits in the 'Goldilocks' zone of formality—polite enough for a CEO, but warm enough for a best friend. Just remember it carries emotional weight, so save it for moments that matter.
Collocation
A1
First...then
This phrase is the ultimate way to set an order for your actions. It tells people you want to finish one thing before moving on to the next.
Uso: This is a neutral, high-frequency collocation. It is safe to use in any social or professional setting to describe intended sequences.
Collocation
A1
First...then
This is your go-to way to explain a sequence of events. It is like saying 'First I do this, and then I do that' to keep your story or instructions organized.
Uso: This is a neutral-register collocation. It works in 95% of life situations. The main 'gotcha' is word order: always ensure '先' and '然后' come before the verbs they modify.
Expression
B2
Wholeheartedly
It means giving your absolute 100% to something or someone. It is like putting your entire heart and every single thought into an action without holding anything back.
Uso: This is a high-register idiom that carries significant emotional weight. While it is grammatically simple to use, its social impact is strong—only use it when you truly mean to convey 100% commitment.
Collocation
A2
To arrive on time
This phrase is your best friend for being punctual. It simply means showing up exactly when you said you would, without being late.
Uso: This is a neutral phrase suitable for almost any context. In very formal settings, you might see `准时到达`, but `准时到` is the standard for 95% of daily life.
Expression
A1
How many?
This is the standard, polite way to ask 'How many people?' when you are greeting guests or customers. It is the first thing you will hear when walking into a Chinese restaurant.
Uso: This phrase is the bread and butter of polite social interaction in China. While it's technically neutral, its use of the honorific measure word `位` elevates it above basic daily speech. Always use it when you want to sound respectful to a group.
Collocation
A2
To switch
Think of it as the 'toggle' button for your life. It describes the act of jumping from one mode, language, or task to another instantly.
Uso: The phrase is very safe to use in almost any modern context. Just remember it's about 'toggling' between options rather than a slow evolution or a physical replacement.
Expression
A1
Don't mention it.
It is the standard way to say 'you're welcome.' It literally tells the other person there is no need to be formal or overly polite with you.
Uso: This is a neutral-to-informal expression. It is perfect for daily life, friends, and colleagues. Avoid it only in the most rigid formal ceremonies where 'Nín' (honorific you) is required.
Expression
A1
Let's add on WeChat.
This is the universal way to ask for someone's contact information in China. It literally means 'Let's add each other on WeChat' and is the digital equivalent of a handshake.
Uso: This phrase is incredibly versatile. While 'ba' makes it a suggestion, your tone should be friendly and rising at the end to make it an invitation rather than a command.
Collocation
A1
To refuel/cheer on
It is the ultimate Chinese 'cheer.' Use it to tell someone to keep going, do their best, or literally to fill up their gas tank.
Uso: Very safe for all ages. It leans informal, but is perfectly acceptable in a supportive office environment. Avoid in somber or tragic situations.
Collocation
A2
To work overtime
This phrase literally means 'adding shifts' and is used whenever you stay late at work or work during your personal time.
Uso: The phrase is very versatile and safe for all levels of formality. Just remember it's a separable verb when adding durations.
Expression
B2
Benefit greatly
It means you've gained a lot of value, wisdom, or insight from an experience. It's like saying you walked away with a full brain and a happy heart.
Uso: This is a high-register expression. While it's not 'king and queen' formal, it's definitely more elegant than everyday slang. Use it to show you've truly reflected on an experience.
Collocation
A1
Can/may
This is your go-to word for saying 'yes' to a request or asking if something is okay. It covers everything from 'I can do that' to 'Is it alright if I sit here?'
Uso: Extremely versatile across all levels of formality. Be mindful that '不可以' can sound like a command when used by someone in a position of power.
Expression
A1
Is it okay?
This is your go-to phrase for asking permission or checking if something is acceptable. It's like saying 'Is that cool?' or 'Can I do this?' in English.
Uso: The phrase is neutral and safe for almost any social hierarchy. The main 'gotcha' is using it for physical ability (like 'Can you swim?') where '会' (huì) or '能' (néng) is more appropriate.
Expression
A1
Can I take it to go?
This is the go-to phrase for asking for a doggy bag or ordering food to take home. It literally asks if the staff can wrap up your leftovers or prepare your meal for takeout.
Uso: The phrase is universally understood and safe to use in any dining situation. It leans slightly informal but is perfectly acceptable in professional lunches.
