firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar and tea (chief daily necessities) 17 柴米油盐酱醋茶 [---鹽醬--] chái mǐ yóu yán jiàng cù chá (charcoal-rice-oilsalt-sauce-vinegar-tea) firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar and tea (chief daily necessities): 开门七件事~ Firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar and tea are the seven necessities to begin a day. '023 Astronomical objects 天体 (tiāntǐ)
planet, celestial body 8 星球 [-] xīngqiú (star-planet) planet, celestial body: 外~ alien planet || 《~大战》 Star Wars (movie) '023 Astronomical objects 天体 (tiāntǐ)
Canopus (god of longevity) 26 寿星 [壽-] shòuxīng (longevity-star) Canopus (god of longevity): 老 ~ venerable old man (or lady) (respectful form of address to the old) '027 Metals 金属 (jīnshǔ)
non-ferrous metal 11 有色金属 [---屬] yǒusèjīnshǔ (color-metal) non-ferrous metal: ~基地 nonferrous metal base || ~品种Non-ferrous metal varieties '029 Building materials 建筑材料 (jiànzhù cáiliào)
wood 1 木头 [-頭] mùtóu (wood-suffix) wood: ~房 wooden house || 一根/块~ a wooden rod/ a piece of wood || ~架子 wooden cupboard '033 Means of transportation 交通工具 (jiāotōng gōngjù)
express train 18 快车 [-車] kuàichē (fast-bus/train) express train: 直达~ direct express train || 坐~ take express train || 一列~ one express train '037 Traffic infrastructure, agricultural infrastructure 交通建筑, 农用建筑
well 27 井 [-] jǐng (well) well: 一口~ a well || 挖 ~ dig a well || ~水 water from the well '044 Sports, games 体育 (tǐyù)
entrance ticket 33 门票 [門-] ménpiào (gate-ticket) entrance ticket: 公园~ park entrance ticket '048 Toxic substances 有毒物品 (yǒudú wùpǐn)
cooking oil that has been used and discarded. In China, sometimes illegally recovered from gutter and sewers, repossessed and sold back to restaurants. 7 地沟油 [-溝-] dìgōuyóu (ditch-oil) cooking oil that has been used and discarded. In China, sometimes illegally recovered from gutter and sewers, repossessed and sold back to restaurants.: 治理~ govern drainage oil '051 Life, fate 生活, 命运 (shēnghuó, mìngyùn)
fuel, rice, oil and salt and basic daily necessities 6 柴米油盐 [---鹽] cháimǐyóuyán (fuel-rice-oil-salt) fuel, rice, oil and salt and basic daily necessities: 一般老百姓的生活都是处理 “~”这类事情. Ordinary people’s life is to deal with such trivial things as fuel and food. 129 || 这对夫妻常常为了~的小事吵. The couple often quarreled over the little things.'051 Life, fate 生活, 命运 (shēnghuó, mìngyùn)
basic necessities of life 8 衣食住行 [-] yīshízhùxíng (clothing-food-shelter-travel) basic necessities of life: 有人认为中国政府应该多关心贫困地区老百姓的~问 题. Some people think that the Chinese government should pay more attention to the basic living problems of ordinary people in poor areas. '051 Life, fate 生活, 命运 (shēnghuó, mìngyùn)
tasty food, very nice to eat 53 口福 [-] kǒufú (mouth-fortunate) tasty food, very nice to eat: 有 ~ have tasty food (the good fortune of having a good meal) || 大饱 ~ eat one’s fill '052 Essence, rubbish 精华, 糟粕 (jīnghuá, zāopò)
cash cow 9 摇钱树 [搖錢樹] yáoqiánshù (shake-money-tree) cash cow: 这个产品 是谷歌公司的~. This product has always been a cash cow for the Google corporation. '055 Categories, factors 范畴, 因素 (fànchóu, yīnsù)
cage, trap 6 牢笼 [-籠] láolóng (trap-cage) cage, trap: 陷入~ get caught in a cage || 逃出 ~ escape from the cage '059 Titles, honor, talent 称号, 荣誉, 才能 (chēnghào, róngyù, cáinéng)
gold digger, materialistic woman 28 拜金女 [-] bàijīnnǚ (worship-gold-girl) gold digger, materialistic woman: ~看重金钱而不是看重爱情. Materialistic women value money more than love. '063 Religion, beliefs 宗教, 信仰 (zōngjiào, xìnyǎng)
materialism 22 唯物主义 [---義] wéiwùzhǔyì (only-material – ism) materialism: 历史~ historical materialism || 辩证~ dialectical materialism '063 Religion, beliefs 宗教, 信仰 (zōngjiào, xìnyǎng)
idealism 23 唯心主义 [---義] wéixīnzhǔyì (only-ideal – ism) idealism: 主观 ~ subjective idealism || 客观~ objective idealism '066 Customs 风俗 (fēngsú)
seventh evening of the seventh month (lunar calendar) (when the herd boy and the weaving girl are supposed to meet) 17 七夕 [-] qīxī (seventh-evening) seventh evening of the seventh month (lunar calendar) (when the herd boy and the weaving girl are supposed to meet): ~就是中国的情人节. The seventh evening of the seventh month (lunar calendar) is Chinese Valentine’s Day. '068 Administration 行政 (xíngzhèng)
Beijing 14 北京 [-] běijīng (north-capital city) Beijing: 首都~ the capital – Beijing || ~市 city of Beijing || ~大学 Beijing University '075 Factories, stores, shops 工厂, 店铺 (gōngchǎng, diànpù)
Wall Street 20 华尔街 [華爾-] huá’ěrjiē (transliteration-street) Wall Street '082 Song, dance 歌舞 (gēwǔ)
yangko 29 秧歌 [-] yāngge ((rice) seedling-song) yangko: 扭~ do the yangko Note: Young plants swing in the wind, and 秧歌 dancers imitate the swings. '089 Units of measurement, legal and conventional 单位 (dānwèi)
mile 9 英里 [-] yīnglǐ (British-mile) mile: 五~ five miles '089 Units of measurement, legal and conventional 单位 (dānwèi)
measure word for horses and cloth 36 匹 [-] pǐ (match) measure word for horses and cloth: 两~马 two horses || 一~布 one cloth '089 Units of measurement, legal and conventional 单位 (dānwèi)
portion 48 份 [-] fèn (portion) portion: 一~晚饭 a dinner || 两~报纸 two newspapers || 一~礼物 a gift '093 Time within one day 一天以内的时间 (yī tiān yǐnèi de shíjiān)
When on Earth! 37 猴年马月 [--馬-] hóuniánmǎyuè (monkey-year-horse-month) When on Earth!: 不知道~才能住上自己的房子. I don’t know when on Earth I’ll be able to live in my own house. || 不知要等到~. I don’t know how long I’ll be waiting. '094 Age 年龄 (niánlíng)
(formal) 30 years of age 8 而立之年 [-] érlìzhīnián (hence-independent-’s-year) (formal) 30 years of age: 他已经到了~, 可是还是依靠父母. He is over 30 years old but still relies on his parents. '095 Space, location 空间, 方位 (kōngjiān, fāngwèi)
area inside the borders 101 境内 [-] jìngnèi (border-within) area inside the borders: 本国~ in this nation || ~生产 produced domestically/within the borders || ~企业 domestic business 277 '095 Space, location 空间, 方位 (kōngjiān, fāngwèi)
seat of honor 132 首席 [-] shǒuxí (prime-seat) seat of honor: ~地位 place of honor || ~座 位 seat of honor || ~钢琴家 top piano player '097 Actions with hand(s) 手部动作 (shǒubù dòngzuò)
slap, flap 66 扇 [搧] shān (slap, flap) slap, flap: ~耳光 slap || ~风make wind by flapping || ~翅膀 (chìbǎng) flap the wings '100 Actions using mouth 嘴动 (zuǐ dòng)
allegedly, it is said 32 据说 [據説] jùshuō (according to-said) allegedly, it is said: ~在银行工作的 人工资很高. It is said that people who work in the bank will have a high salary. '107 Happy, sad 高兴, 悲伤 (gāoxìng, bēishāng)
impossible 46 没法儿 [--兒] méifǎr (no-method) impossible: ~说 impossible to say || ~理解 impossible to understand || ~不生气 no way not to be angry '108 Angry, excited 愤怒, 激动 (fènnù, jīdòng)
vent 15 发泄 [發-, 洩] fāxiè (lose-divulge) vent: ~不满 vent dissatisfaction || ~怒气 vent anger '108 Angry, excited 愤怒, 激动 (fènnù, jīdòng)
defend against injustice 18 打抱不平 [-] dǎbàobùpíng (fight-defend against-injustice) defend against injustice: 他遇到不公平的事总爱~. He likes to fight for justice when he encounters inequality. '108 Angry, excited 愤怒, 激动 (fènnù, jīdòng)
experience many different feelings at once 26 百感交集 [-] bǎigǎnjiāojí (hundred-feeling-cross-gather) experience many different feelings at once: 回想起她的童年, 她~, 那时候她家 非常贫穷. Recalling her childhood, she has mixed feelings. At that time, her family was very poor and she suffered a lot. '109 Fear, relief 害怕, 放心 (hàipà, fàngxīn)
have a clear conscience (look into your heart without shame) 38 问心无愧 [問-無-] wènxīnwúkuì (ask-heart-not-ashamed) have a clear conscience (look into your heart without shame): 好好干才能~. Doing a good job will give you a clear conscience. '110 To like, to dislike 喜欢, 厌恶 (xǐhuān, yànwù)
be too fond of to part with 8 爱不释手 [愛-釋-] àibùshìshǒu (love-not-release-hand) be too fond of to part with: 令人~ cause such affection that you can’t give it up || 莎士 比亚的书让人~. Shakespeare’s works have gained the admiration of many people. '113 To hesitate, to be determined 犹豫, 决心 (yóuyù, juéxīn)
decide with determination 7 下狠心 [-] xiàhěnxīn (make-cruel-hearted) decide with determination: ~让孩子住校 decide to make the child live at school || ~治理污染 (wūrǎn) decide to control pollution || ~戒酒 decide to quit alcohol '114 To believe, to doubt, to think 相信, 怀疑, 思考 (xiāngxìn, huáiyí, sīkǎo)
not quite convinced (half believe, half doubt) 18 半信半疑 [-] bànxìnbànyí (half-trust-half-dubious) not quite convinced (half believe, half doubt): ~地问 ask skeptically '114 To believe, to doubt, to think 相信, 怀疑, 思考 (xiāngxìn, huáiyí, sīkǎo)
suppose, assume 27 假设 [-設] jiǎshè (suppose-assume) suppose, assume: ~明天天气忽 然变冷, 我也有足够的衣服. Even if tomorrow’s weather is abruptly cold, I still have adequate clothing. || ~我没时间去, 你就帮我将礼物送给她. Supposing I have no time to go, you can help me send her a present. '115 To agree, to object, to endure 赞成, 反对, 忍受 (zànchéng, fǎnduì, rěnshòu)
be willing to 34 舍得 [捨-] shědé (abandon-able to) be willing to: ~下功夫be willing to work hard || ~放弃 be willing to give up || ~花钱willing to spend money 343 '117 To plan, to hope, to think 计划, 希望, 主张 (jìhuà, xīwàng, zhǔzhāng)
persevere, stick to 35 坚持 [堅-] jiānchí (firm-hold) persevere, stick to: ~练习 continue with practicing || ~学中文persevere in studying Chinese || ~自己的意见stick to your opinion '118 Memory 记忆 (jìyì)
dare to 9 敢于 [-於] gǎnyú (dare-to) dare to: ~去做 dare to do || ~吃螃蟹. (pángxiè) Dare to eat crabs. Dare to be the first to take a risk. '118 Memory 记忆 (jìyì)
willingly, be willing to, would rather 21 情愿 [-] qíngyuàn (mind-willing) willingly, be willing to, would rather: ~当他的弟子willingly become his student || 两相~ by mutual consent, both parties agree of free will || ~少拿两个月工资be willing to take less than two months of salary '119 Modal verbs 能愿动词 (néngyuàn dòngcí)
dare to 9 敢于 [-於] gǎnyú (dare-to) dare to: ~去做 dare to do || ~吃螃蟹. (pángxiè) Dare to eat crabs. Dare to be the first to take a risk. '119 Modal verbs 能愿动词 (néngyuàn dòngcí)
willingly, be willing to, would rather 21 情愿 [-] qíngyuàn (mind-willing) willingly, be willing to, would rather: ~当他的弟子willingly become his student || 两相~ by mutual consent, both parties agree of free will || ~少拿两个月工资be willing to take less than two months of salary '122 Silence, to pretend 沉默, 假装 (chénmò, jiǎzhuāng)
act like they don’t know, feign ignorance, play dumb 11 装蒜 [裝-] zhuāngsuàn (pretend-garlic) act like they don’t know, feign ignorance, play dumb: 故意~ pretend not to know on purpose || 别~了!大家 都知道这件坏事是你做的. Stop pretending (ignorance) ! Everyone knows that you did the bad thing. '124 Life, food and drink 生活, 饮食 (shēnghuó, yǐnshí)
manage to find time 34 抽空 [-] chōukòng (squeeze-time) manage to find time: ~运动 find time to exercise || ~打个电话find time to make a call || ~回家find to go back home '125 To employ, to benefit 就业, 造福 (jiùyè, zàofú)
win an honor 30 争光 [爭-] zhēngguāng (win-honor) win an honor: 为国~ win an honor for one’s country '129 Trouble, remedy 麻烦, 补救 (máfan, bǔjiù)
use your seniority 11 倚老卖老 [--賣-] yǐlǎomàilǎo (rely-seniority-sell-seniority) use your seniority: 我爷爷总是~, 把他的想法强加给我. Presuming his seniority, my grandfather always imposes his ideas upon me. '129 Trouble, remedy 麻烦, 补救 (máfan, bǔjiù)
lock the barn door after the sheep has been stolen 32 亡羊补牢 [--補-] wángyángbǔláo (lose-sheep-mend-pen) lock the barn door after the sheep has been stolen: 有人认为中国在环境被污染了 以后才开始保护环境, 这是 ~. Some people think China has only begun to protect the environment after environmental pollution, but is it too late to mend the damage? '130 Entertainment 娱乐 (yúlè)
go clubbing 13 泡吧 [-] pàobā (dillydally-club) go clubbing: 泡酒吧spend time in a bar || 一起~ go clubbing together '134 Unlucky, failure 不顺, 失败 (búshùn, shībài)
misfortune does not come singly 2 祸不单行 [禍-單-] huòbùdānxíng (misfortune-not-singly-come) misfortune does not come singly: 真是~, 妻子生病在家, 他自己又被车撞 了. Misfortune does not come just once. His wife was ill at home, and he was also hit by a car. '134 Unlucky, failure 不顺, 失败 (búshùn, shībài)
unable to back down or quit 10 骑虎难下 [騎-難-] qíhǔnánxià (ride-tiger-hard-get off) unable to back down or quit: 使她~ make her feel unable to quit || 从你同意完成那 项大工程开始, 我们就~了. You’ve had the bear by the tail ever since you agreed to finish that huge project. '134 Unlucky, failure 不顺, 失败 (búshùn, shībài)
gush out 28 水落石出 [-] shuǐluòshíchū (water-fall-stone-show) gush out: 查 个~ for information to gush out through examination || 真相~ for the real facts to gush out1 倒霉 [-] dǎoméi (invert-wood lintel/mildew) have bad luck: ~事 unfortunate matters || 真~ truly unfortunate || 他~透了, 刚被公司解雇 (jiěgù), 家 里又着了火. He was so unlucky that after having just been fired from the corporation, his house also caught fire. '135 Gain, loss 得失 (déshī)
gain two ends at once, kill two birds with one stone 7 一举两得 [-舉兩-] yījǔliǎngdé (one-action-two-gain) gain two ends at once, kill two birds with one stone: 看美剧学英语是一件~的好事情. Watching American TV while studying English is like killing two birds with one stone. '135 Gain, loss 得失 (déshī)
reach for a yard after getting an inch 23 得寸进尺 [--進-] décùnjìnchǐ (get-inch-desire-yard) reach for a yard after getting an inch: 这个人买彩票中奖得了一辆车, 但是不满足, 还 393 想要一栋别墅, 真是~. This person won a car by buying lottery tickets, but he is not satisfied with that and still wants a villa. He is really insatiable! '137 To bless, to suffer 保佑, 受灾 (bǎoyòu, shòuzāi)
suffer, sustain 21 遭受 [-] zāoshòu (suffer-receive) suffer, sustain: ~迫害 suffer persecution|| ~自然灾害 suffer natural disasters || ~重大损失 suffer heavy losses '139 To develop, to separate 发展, 分离 (fāzhǎn, fēnlí)
move step by step 5 循序渐进 [--漸進] xúnxù jiànjìn (follow-order-gradually-advance) move step by step: 学习应该~. Studies should advance step by step. '139 To develop, to separate 发展, 分离 (fāzhǎn, fēnlí)
strive to be first 22 争先恐后 [爭--後] zhēngxiānkǒnghòu (strive for-ahead-fear-behind) strive to be first: ~举手 race to raise a hand || ~地逃跑 strive to escape first || ~发言 race to speak first '140 To manage, to handle 经营, 处理 (jīngyíng, chǔlǐ)
undertake 12 承办 [-辦] chéngbàn (undertake-handle) undertake: ~比赛undertake a game || ~会议 manage a conference '140 To manage, to handle 经营, 处理 (jīngyíng, chǔlǐ)
private 39 民营 [-營] mínyíng (people-manage) private: ~公司 private company '142 To decide, to announce 决议, 宣布 (juéyì, xuānbù)
promulgate 10 颁布 [頒佈] bānbù (promulgate-promulgate) promulgate: ~一部法规 enact laws || ~法令 promulgate a decree || ~新规定 promulgate new regulations '147 To praise, to punish, to reform 奖励, 惩罚, 改革 (jiǎnglì, chéngfá, gǎigé)
seclude/isolate a country from the outside world 18 闭关锁国 [閉關鎖國] bìguānsuǒguó (close-frontier-lock-country) seclude/isolate a country from the outside world: 长期~ a long-term isolation from the outside world '152 To build, to make 建造, 加工 (jiànzào, jiāgōng)
lay, pave, build 14 铺设 [鋪設] pūshè (lay-set up) lay, pave, build: ~管道 lay the pipeline || ~铁路 lay the tracks || ~草坪 pave the lawn '156 To travel 出行 (chūxíng)
get on 13 上车 [-車] shàngchē (get on-vehicle) get on: 在总站~ get on at the general station || 排队~ line up to get on '156 To travel 出行 (chūxíng)
get off 14 下车 [-車] xiàchē (get off-vehicle) get off: 跳/走~ jump/walk to get off || 下一站~ get off the next station || 一起~ get off together '167 To attack, to defend 进攻, 防守 (jìngōng, fángshǒu)
patrol 7 巡逻 [-邏] xúnluó (patrol-patrol) patrol: 空中~ air patrol || 海上~ sea patrol || 来回~ back and forth patrol '173 Religious activities 宗教活动 (zōngjiào huódòng)
Once on person reaches enlightenment, his pets also go to heaven (one person’s success benefits those around them). 24 一人得道, 鸡犬升天 [----, 雞---] yīréndédào, jīquǎnshēngtiān (one-person-getThe Way, chicken-dog-ascend-heaven) Once on person reaches enlightenment, his pets also go to heaven (one person’s success benefits those around them).: 他当了大官以后, 整个家族的人都得到了好处, 真是~. When he '179 To thank, to apologize 感謝, 道歉 (gǎnxiè, dàoqiàn), greet 问候 (wènhòu)
excuse me 18 请问 [請問] qǐngwèn (please-ask) excuse me: ~您贵姓? excuse me, what is your name? || ~你是谁? excuse me, who are you? || ~大家 please ask everyone '179 To thank, to apologize 感謝, 道歉 (gǎnxiè, dàoqiàn), greet 问候 (wènhòu)
I’ve been looking forward to meeting you 25 久仰 [-] jiǔyǎng (long-admire) I’ve been looking forward to meeting you: ~大名. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you for a long time. '179 To thank, to apologize 感謝, 道歉 (gǎnxiè, dàoqiàn), greet 问候 (wènhòu)
please do as you wish! 29 请便 [請-] qǐngbiàn (please-as you wish) please do as you wish!: 您要 是想现在离开, 那就~吧. Well, if you want to leave now, go ahead. '180 To request 请求 (qǐngqiú)
seek, ask for 9 征求 [徵-] zhēngqiú (solicit-seek) seek, ask for: ~意见 ask for an opinion || ~您的同意 seek your agreement || ~节目 ask for a program '182 To consult 协商 (xiéshāng)
decline 24 推辞 [-辭] tuīcí (refuse-decline) decline: 一再~ repeatedly decline || 借 故~ make an excuse to decline || 反复~ repeatedly decline '183 To help, care 帮助, 照顾 (bāngzhù, zhàogù)
take pleasure in helping others 18 助人为乐 [--為樂] zhùrénwéilè (help-others-as-pleasure) take pleasure in helping others: 她一直热心~. She has always been enthusiastic about helping others. 517 '186 Harm, revenge 伤害, 报复 (shānghài, bàofù)
do with difficulty, force sb to do sth, barely enough 28 勉强 [-] miǎnqiǎng (force-do with difficulty) do with difficulty, force sb to do sth, barely enough: ~女儿学钢琴 force his daughter to learn piano || ~自己 force yourself '186 Harm, revenge 伤害, 报复 (shānghài, bàofù)
eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth 53 以眼还眼, 以牙还牙 [--還-, --還-] yǐyǎnhuányǎn, yǐyáhuányá (with-eye-returneye, with-tooth-return-tooth) eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth: 一些 人认为处理国家关系不应该~. Some people think dealings with international relations should not be treated as ‘an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ '188 To freeze, to dissolve 冰冻, 溶解 (bīngdòng, róngjiě)
lower the temperature 13 降温 [-] jiàngwēn (lower-temperature) lower the temperature: 降了 温 the temperature dropped || 逐步~ gradually cool down || 迅速 (xùnsù) ~ rapidly cool '190 Verbs of motion 状态动词 (zhuàngtài dòngcí)
close 37 关上 [關-] guānshàng (close-up) close: ~门 close a door || ~电视 turn off the TV || ~灯 turn off the light '192 Close, separate, contact 靠近, 隔开, 接触 (kàojìn, gékāi, jiēchù)
miss 43 错过 [錯過] cuòguò (miss-pass) miss: ~机会 miss an opportunity || ~时 机 miss an opportune moment || ~关键期 let a critical period slip by '196 In advance, to postpone 提前, 推迟 (tíqián, tuīchí)
there’s still time 4 来得及 [來--] láidejí (do-complement-enough) there’s still time: ~告诉他 there’s still time to tell him || ~看 there is still time to see || 时间~ there’s still time '198 Verbs (yet, not yet) 已然, 未然 (yǐrán, wèirán)
take preventive measures 5 防患于未然 [--於--] fánghuànwèirán (prevent-hazard-at-not-formed) take preventive measures: 平时要多洗手以~. One should regularly wash their hands as a preventive measure. '204 To eliminate, need 消除, 需要 (xiāochú, xūyào)
give up (an idea, etc), dispel (a doubt, etc.) 11 打消 [-] dǎxiāo (prefix-get rid of) give up (an idea, etc), dispel (a doubt, etc.): ~顾虑 (gùlǜ) dispel concerns || ~疑问dispel sb.’s suspiction || ~ 养狗的 想法give up the idea of raising a dog '204 To eliminate, need 消除, 需要 (xiāochú, xūyào)
forfeit (one’s life, future, etc), ruin 37 断送 [斷-] duànsòng (stop-end) forfeit (one’s life, future, etc), ruin: ~生 命forfeit one’s life || 性丑闻~了这位总统的前途. The sex scandal ruined the President’s future. '205 Copula, connection 系词 (xìcí)
to act as if 20 权当 [權當] quándāng (for the time being-as) to act as if: 死马~活马医. The dead horse was treated as if it were still living. '207 Existent, non-existent 有无 (yǒuwú)
hold 10 持有 [-] chíyǒu (hold-have) hold: ~护照 hold a passport || ~不同意见 have different opinions|| ~公司百分之五十的股份 have a 50 percent holding in the company '208 Same, different 相同, 不同 (xiāngtóng, bùtóng)
One who retreats 50 paces mocks one who retreats 100, the pot calls the kettle black 31 五十步笑百步 [-] wǔshí bù xiào bǎi bù (50-step-mock-100-step) One who retreats 50 paces mocks one who retreats 100, the pot calls the kettle black: 有人觉得奥巴马指责特朗普激化种族矛盾, 其实是~. Some people think that Obama accusing Trump of intensifying racial contradictions is the pot calling the kettle black. '209 Match 匹配 (pǐpèi)
get along with 19 谈得来 [談-來] tán de lái (chat-complement-go) get along with: 跟老陈 ~ get along with Lao Chen || 他们非常~. They really get along quite well. '210 Relative relations 相对关系 (xiāngduì guānxì)
(or prices, rates etc) 7 居高不下 [-] jūgāobúxià (stay-high-not-drop) (or prices, rates etc) to remain high (of prices, rates): 房价~. Housing prices have been consistently high. || 血压~ blood pressure has been consistently high '210 Relative relations 相对关系 (xiāngduì guānxì)
give birth to, be pregnant with 24 孕育 [-] yùnyù (pregnant-give birth to) give birth to, be pregnant with: ~生命 be pregnant with new life || ~新思想be pregnant with a new idea || 黄河~了中国古代文明. The Yellow River gave birth to ancient Chinese civilization. '211 To cause 导致 (dǎozhì)
be unconsciously influenced by what one constantly hears or sees 7 耳闻目染 [-] ěrwén mùrǎn (ear-immerse-eye-catch) be unconsciously influenced by what one constantly hears or sees: 因为从小~, 所以 他对色彩很敏感. He is sensitive to color because he has been exposed to the art of painting from a young age. '213 Big, small, long, short 大, 小, 长, 短 (dà, xiǎo, cháng, duǎn)
neither too big nor too small 22 不大不小 [-] búdà búxiǎo (not-big-not-small) neither too big nor too small: ~的玩笑 a joke that is not big or large || ~的问题 an issue that’s not big or small || 房子~ a house that’s not big or small '214 High, wide 高, 宽 (gāo, kuān)
tall and slender figure 8 细高挑儿 [細--兒] xìgāotiǎor (thin-tall-slender) tall and slender figure: ~女生 a tall and slender woman '214 High, wide 高, 宽 (gāo, kuān)
extremely large (painting, photographs) 28 巨幅 [-] jùfú (huge-width/size) extremely large (painting, photographs): ~照片 large picture || ~屏幕 large screen || ~油画 large oil painting '217 Straight, upright 直, 正 (zhí, zhèng)
regular 3 周正 [-] zhōuzhèng (regular-straight) regular: 这个人长得很~ this person has regular features || 把帽子戴~ put your hat on straight '224 More, less 多, 少 (duō, shǎo)
a tiny bit 24 一丝一毫 [-絲--] yīsīyīháo (a-tiny bit-a-tiny bit) a tiny bit: 他没有~ 的怀疑. He had never any doubts. || ~的希望也没有. There is no hope at all. '224 More, less 多, 少 (duō, shǎo)
not occur even in a hundred years, once in a blue moon 41 百年不遇 [-] bǎiniánbúyù (100-year-not-encounter) not occur even in a hundred years, once in a blue moon: ~的台风 a typhoon that did not occur even in a hundred years || ~的大旱 the worst drought in a century 639 '227 Tight, thick, dense, cooked 密, 紧, 稠, 熟 (jǐn, mì, chóu, shú)
underdone, halfcooked 17 半生不熟 [-] bànshēngbúshú (half-raw-not-cooked) underdone, halfcooked: ~的牛排 a half-cooked steak || ~的朋友 friends who are not too familiar '229 Old, young, strong, weak 老, 小, 强壮, 弱 (lǎo, xiǎo, qiángzhuàng, ruò)
too weak to withstand a gust of wind, extremely delicate, fragile 13 弱不禁风 [---風] ruòbùjīnfēng (weak-unable-withstand-wind) too weak to withstand a gust of wind, extremely delicate, fragile: ~的身体 a vulnerable/fragile body '230 New, old, beautiful, ugly 新, 旧, 美, 丑 (xīn, jiù, měi, chǒu)
fresh 6 新鲜 [-鮮] xīnxiān (new-fresh) fresh: ~蔬菜 fresh vegetables || ~空气 fresh air || ~虾子 fresh shrimp '231 Early, late, fast, slow, long, short, far, near 早, 晚, 快, 慢, 长, 短, 远, 近
express 7 特快 [-] tèkuài (super-fast) express: ~火车 express train || ~专递 (zhuāndì) express mails || 跑得~ run too fast '232 Real, fake, normal 真, 假, 正常 (zhēn, jiǎ, zhèngcháng)
be worthy of the name, be true to one’s name 6 名副其实 [---實] míngfùqíshí (fame-match-its-fact) be worthy of the name, be true to one’s name: ~的好老师 a good teacher in every sense of the word '238 Flexible 灵活 (línghuó)
vivid, lifelike 8 活灵活现 [-靈-現] huólínghuóxiàn (alive-spirit-lively-appear) vivid, lifelike: 画得~ give a vivid drawing || 说得~ give a vivid description '238 Flexible 灵活 (línghuó)
a heavenly steed soaring across the skies-a powerful and unconstrained style (of writing, calligraphy, etc.) 16 天马行空 [-馬--] tiānmǎ-xíngkōng (heavenly-horse-run-sky) a heavenly steed soaring across the skies-a powerful and unconstrained style (of writing, calligraphy, etc.): ~的想象 the unconstrained imagination || 她的写作~, 让人难以理解. Her writing is so unconstrained that it is hard to understand. '238 Flexible 灵活 (línghuó)
stereotyped, following the same pattern 42 千篇一律 [-] qiānpiān-yīlǜ (1, 000-article-same-tone) stereotyped, following the same pattern: ~的内容stereotyped contents ||一些人认为中 国《人民日报》上的文章几乎~. Some people think the articles on the People’s Daily in China are monotonous. '241 Necessary, severeness 必要, 强烈 (bìyào, qiángliè)
do something unnecessarily 5 多此一举 [---舉] duōcǐyījǔ (unnecessary-this-one-act) do something unnecessarily: 你这样做完全没必要, ~. It is absolutely unnecessary for you to do this. '241 Necessary, severeness 必要, 强烈 (bìyào, qiángliè)
floods and fires know no mercy 23 水火无情 [--無-] shuǐhuǒ-wúqíng (flood-fire-no-mercy) floods and fires know no mercy: ~, 因此, 防火防水很重要. Floods and fires know no mercy, so it is very important to prevent them. '242 Strong or weak 强, 弱 (qiáng, ruò)
cannot withstand a single blow, collapse at the first blow 29 不堪一击 [---擊] bùkān-yījī (unable-withstand-single-blow) cannot withstand a single blow, collapse at the first blow: 谎言总是 ~的. Lies are always flimsy. || 对手~. The opponent is vulnerable. '244 Clean, corrupted 腐败 (fǔbài)
complete darkness, total absence of justice 8 暗无天日 [-無--] ànwútiānrì (dark-no-sky-sun) complete darkness, total absence of justice: ~的社会corrupt and unjust society || ~的生活the life on the dark '245 Noble or lowly 贵, 贱 (guì, jiàn)
~专业 less popular major || 爆 ~ produce an upset (esp. in sports), unexpected turn of events 45 冷门 [-門] lěngmén (cold-subject) 246 Intimate or distant 亲密, 疏远 (qīnmì, shūyuǎn)
loath to part from each other 18 难舍难分 [難捨難-] nánshě nánfēn (hard-abandon-hard-part) loath to part from each other: ~的关系 a relationship where people can’t bear to be apart || 跟家人~ loathe to be a part from each other '251 Good or evil 善, 恶 (shàn, è)
two faced, three knives (double cross) 36 两面三刀 [兩---] liǎngmiàn sāndāo (two-face-three-knife) two faced, three knives (double cross): 对朋友不能~. Stop playing a double game with your friend. '252 Honest, hypercritical 诚实, 虚伪 (chéngshí, xūwěi)
consistent in thought and action 14 表里如一 [-裏--] biǎolǐ rúyī (outside-inside-as-one) consistent in thought and action: ~, 言行一致 for words and actions to be consistent '252 Honest, hypercritical 诚实, 虚伪 (chéngshí, xūwěi)
say yes and mean no 33 口是心非 [-] kǒushì xīnfēi (mouth-yes-heart-no) say yes and mean no: 政客们常常~. Politicians are often duplicity. '253 Strong, weak 刚强, 软弱 (gāngqiáng, ruǎnruò)
see what is right and have the courage to do it 24 见义勇为 [見義-爲] jiànyì yǒngwéi (see-justice-brave-do) see what is right and have the courage to do it: ~抓小偷 see a thief and have the courage to catch them '254 Solemn and humorous 庄重, 诙谐 (zhuāngzhòng, huīxié)
natural and at ease 9 落落大方 [-] luòluò dàfāng (poised-graceful) natural and at ease: 教 态~ natural and easy teaching style || ~地走上台 to naturally and easily walk on stage 719 '255 Optimistic, pessimistic 乐观 and 悲观 (lèguān, bēiguān)
adopt a philosophical attitude towards 6 看得开 [--開] kàn de kāi (view-auxiliary-open) adopt a philosophical attitude towards: 他对人生看得很开. He is open to life. || 别那么悲观 (bēiguān), ~点儿, 事情会好起来的. Don’t be so pessimistic. Take it easy. Things will get better. '255 Optimistic, pessimistic 乐观 and 悲观 (lèguān, bēiguān)
be willing to do hard work 11 肯干 [-幹] kěngàn (willing-do) be willing to do hard work: 这些农村 来的小伙子又老实又 ~. These country lads are honest and hardworking. '256 Cautious and careless 谨慎, 疏忽 (jǐnshèn, shūhū)
call a spade a spade, unequivocally 7 一是一, 二是二 [-] yī shì yī, èr shì èr (1-is-1, 2-is-2) call a spade a spade, unequivocally: 他这个人非常诚实, 说话做事~. He is a very honest person who is incapable of pretending. '257 Modest and rude 谦虚, 骄傲 (qiānxū, jiāo’ào)
have high standards but little ability 17 眼高手低 [-] yǎngāo shǒudī (eye-high-hand-low) have high standards but little ability: 他没什么真本事, ~. He has high aspirations but low abilities. || 年轻人找工作往往~. When young people look for work, they often have high expectations for job positions but little ability. '257 Modest and rude 谦虚, 骄傲 (qiānxū, jiāo’ào)
haste brings no success, more haste, less speed 20 欲速则不达 [--則-達] yù sù zé bú dá (want-haste-however-not able toaccomplish) haste brings no success, more haste, less speed: 减肥 要慢慢来, ~. Take your time to lose weight. More haste, less speed. '258 Selfish, unselfish 公, 私 (gōng, sī)
heed and trust only one side, listen only to one side, biased 12 偏听偏信 [-聼--] piāntīng piānxìn (partial-listen-partial-trust) heed and trust only one side, listen only to one side, biased: ~别人的话 listen biasedly to the words of others/ having a closed mind '258 Selfish, unselfish 公, 私 (gōng, sī)
greedy for money 30 贪财 [貪財] tāncái (greedy-money) greedy for money: ~的人 a person who has a lust for wealth '260 Frugal and extravagant 简朴, 奢侈 (jiǎnpǔ shēchǐ)
eat and drink extravagantly 8 大吃大喝 [-] dàchī dàhē (extravagantly-eat-extravagantly-drink) eat and drink extravagantly: 我~ 了两个星期, 胖了20磅. I did extravagant eating and drinking for two weeks and gained 20 pounds. || 中国人喜欢过 春节的时候~. Chinese people like to eat and drink extravagantly during the Spring Festival. '260 Frugal and extravagant 简朴, 奢侈 (jiǎnpǔ shēchǐ)
red lanterns and green wine- feasting and revelry 10 灯红酒绿 [燈紅-綠] dēnghóng jiǔlǜ (lantern-red-wine-green) red lanterns and green wine- feasting and revelry: ~的城市 the city that has a great nightlife || ~的娱乐 (yúlè) 场所the bright lights '262 Noble, lowly 高, 下 (gāo, xià)
unbearably vulgar 18 俗不可耐 [-] súbùkěnài (vulgar-not-able to-bear) unbearably vulgar: ~的行为 unbearable actions '262 Noble, lowly 高, 下 (gāo, xià)
like the new and tire of the old- fickle in love 29 喜新厌旧 [--厭舊] xǐxīn yànjiù (like-new-tired of-old) like the new and tire of the old- fickle in love: ~的人 a fickle person || ~的行为 fickle behavior || 他太太~ his wife is very fickle '263 Smart, stupid 智, 愚 (zhì, yú)
clever all one’s life but stupid this once 28 聪明一世, 糊涂一时 [聰---, -塗-時] cōngming yī shì, hútu yī shí (smart-onelife, muddled-one-time) clever all one’s life but stupid this once: 他做了五十年的生意一直都很成功, 可是最近被一个年轻人骗了一大笔 钱. 真是~！He has been doing successful business for 50 years, but recently he was cheated out of a lot of money by a young man. He was clever all his life but stupid this once! '264 Skillful, clumsy 巧, 拙 (qiǎo, zhuō)
show no understanding of the times, lack judgment 25 不识时务 [-識時務] búshí shíwù (not-comprehend-current-affair) show no understanding of the times, lack judgment: ~地提意见provide one’s opinions without understanding of the times '265 Diligent, lazy 勤, 懒 (qín, lǎn)
clumsy birds have to start flying early-the slow need to start early (usu. said in selfdeprecation) 9 笨鸟先飞 [-鳥-飛] bènniǎo xiānfēi (clumsy-bird-first-fly) clumsy birds have to start flying early-the slow need to start early (usu. said in selfdeprecation): ~的办法 the way of clumsy birds || 他不聪明, 但是学习成绩 很好. 因为他知道~, 总是比别人花更多时间学习. He is not smart, but his grades are always good. Because he knows the slow need to start early and always spends more time studying than others. '265 Diligent, lazy 勤, 懒 (qín, lǎn)
piggish, be gluttonsous and lazy 16 好吃懒做 [-喫懶-] hàochī lǎnzuò (like-eat-lazy-work) piggish, be gluttonsous and lazy: ~的人a gluttonous and lazy guy || ~的恶习a bad habit of being gluttonous and lazy || 他是个富二代, ~. He is an affluent second generation and likes to be piggish. '265 Diligent, lazy 勤, 懒 (qín, lǎn)
with a tiger’s head and a snake’s tail- fine start and poor finish 20 虎头蛇尾 [-頭--] hǔtóu shéwěi (tiger-head-snake-tail) with a tiger’s head and a snake’s tail- fine start and poor finish: 这个故事~ The story begins dramatically, but the plot peters out before the end. || 她做事总是~. She always starts off with a bang but ends with a whimper. '265 Diligent, lazy 勤, 懒 (qín, lǎn)
go fishing for three days and dry the nets for two- work by fits and starts, lack perseverance 21 三天打鱼, 两天晒网 [---魚, 兩-曬網] sāntiān dǎyú liǎngtiān shàiwǎng (3-day-catch-fish, 2-day-dry-net) go fishing for three days and dry the nets for two- work by fits and starts, lack perseverance: 她做事总是~. She always lacks perseverance. '265 Diligent, lazy 勤, 懒 (qín, lǎn)
become a monk or nun late in life-switch to a job one was not trained for, change professions completely 31 半路出家 [-] bànlù chūjiā (half-way-became-monk) become a monk or nun late in life-switch to a job one was not trained for, change professions completely: ~当医生switched professions to a doctor || ~的程序员 mid-career IT programmer '266 Capable, incapable 能, 庸 (néng, yōng)
have little talent and less learning 27 才疏学浅 [--學淺] cáishū xuéqiǎn (talent-sparse-kowledge-shallow) have little talent and less learning: 本人~, 如有不当之处, 请各位 指正. I have little talent and less learning. If there is any mistake, please give me your valuable comments. ' || '279 Adverbs, manner 方式副词 (fāngshì fùcí)
on the way 29 顺道, 顺路 [順-] shùndào, shùnlù (in passing-road) on the way: ~去找他. We’ll go find him on the way. || ~把钱交给她. Along the way, give her the money. '279 Adverbs, manner 方式副词 (fāngshì fùcí)
(speak) without thinking the matter through 32 随口 [隨-] suíkǒu (let-mouth) (speak) without thinking the matter through: ~回答 answer without thinking || ~问 ask without thinking || ~答应 say ‘yes’ absent-mindedly '280 Generally, normally, probably, certainly, 一般来说 (yìbānláishuō), 应该 (yīnggāi), 可能 (kěnéng), 肯定 (kěndìng)
afraid 8 恐怕 [-] kǒngpà (fear-afraid) afraid: 他~迟到, 所以起得很早. He got up very early for fear of being late. || ~要下雨. It looks like rain. || ~很难. (I’m) afraid it’s very hard. '284 Adverbs, time (others) 其他时间副词 (qítā shíjiān fùcí)
in the process of, in course of 1 正, 正在 [-] zhèngzài (right-in the middle of) in the process of, in course of: ~吃饭 eating || ~下雨 raining '284 Adverbs, time (others) 其他时间副词 (qítā shíjiān fùcí)
once, already 7 曾, 曾经 [-經] céng, céngjīng (once-experience) once, already: ~很喜 欢 have liked once || ~来过美国 have already come to America once || ~当过 老板 have already taken the role of a manager '284 Adverbs, time (others) 其他时间副词 (qítā shíjiān fùcí)
sometimes 16 有时候, 有时 [-時-] yǒu shí hou, yǒushí (be-time) sometimes: ~很乐 观 sometimes optimistic || ~看电视 occasionally watch tv || ~发脾气 (píqi) occasionally lose one’s temper '284 Adverbs, time (others) 其他时间副词 (qítā shíjiān fùcí)
still 41 仍, 仍然 [-] réng, réngrán (still) still: 那个课本是三十年前出版的 现在~在使用. That textbook was published 30 years ago, but it’s still in use. || ~有缺点 still have shortcomings || ~很新鲜 still very fresh. '286 Adverbs, strong mood 强口气副词 (qiáng kǒuqì fùcí)
life or death, not matter what 7 死活 [-] sǐhuó (die-live) life or death, not matter what: ~不肯 refuse anyway || ~不同意 don’t agree anyway || ~不让我做这件事. No matter what, don’t let me do this. '286 Adverbs, strong mood 强口气副词 (qiáng kǒuqì fùcí)
stubbornly (indicates that sth. turns out just the opposite of what one would expect or what would be normal), just 11 偏偏 [-] piānpiān (specially-reduplication) stubbornly (indicates that sth. turns out just the opposite of what one would expect or what would be normal), just: ~不知道 just don’t know || ~如此 unfortunately it’s this way || ~不听 just wouldn’t listen '286 Adverbs, strong mood 强口气副词 (qiáng kǒuqì fùcí)
don’t tell me (a rhetorical question) 12 难道 [難-] nándào (can’t-say) don’t tell me (a rhetorical question): ~你忘了? Don’t tell me you forgot? || ~是真的 Don’t tell me it’s true. || ~你 没有看见? Don’t tell me you didn’t see it? '287 Adverbs, soft mood 弱口气副词 (ruò kǒuqì fùcí)
be willing to,would rather 4 情愿 [-願] qíngyuàn (heartedly-want) be willing to,would rather: 心里~ the heart is willing || 不~认输 not willing to admit defeat || 两相~ both sides are willing || 心甘~ be most willing to '287 Adverbs, soft mood 弱口气副词 (ruò kǒuqì fùcí)
Can it be that 26 莫非 [-] mòfēi (perhaps-not) Can it be that: ~这位年轻的姑娘是这儿 的领导? Can it be that this young girl is an administrator here? || ~她生病了? Can it be that she became ill? || ~他是坏人? Can it be that he’s a bad person? '289 Prepositions, space and time 时空介词 (shíkōng jiècí)
by the time, when 9 等到 [-] děngdào (wait-to) by the time, when: ~九点以后, 你就可以 唱歌了. By nine o’clock, you can sing. || ~你生日那天才能打开. You can’t open it until your birthday. '297 Conjunctions, contrary 转折连词 (zhuǎnzhé liáncí)
on the contrary [indicating contrast, a turn in meaning, concession or modifying or toning down a preceding statement] 12 倒是 [-] dǎoshì (on the contrary-be) on the contrary [indicating contrast, a turn in meaning, concession or modifying or toning down a preceding statement] : 那个地方我~去过, 但是印象 (yìnxiàng) 不深. I’ve been there, but I’m not impressed with that place. || 他那些成绩好的大学同学 现在都是普通白领, ~成绩最差的那个同学现在是中国首富. His college classmates with good grades are ordinary white collar workers, but the worst academic performer is China’s richest man now. '298 Conjunctions, conditional 条件 (tiáojiàn)
[used correlatively with才] only if, only when 3 除非 [-] chúfēi (except-otherwise) [used correlatively with才] only if, only when: 这件事谁都处理不了, ~请她来. Nobody can handle this thing unless he is invited. || 我的工资根本不够花, ~再打一份工. My salary is not enough, unless I have another job. '300 Conjunctions, causative 因果连词 (yīnguǒ liáncí)
thus, as a result, therefore 6 因而 [-] yīn’ér (because of-therefore) thus, as a result, therefore: 这家饭店服务周到 (zhōudào), 价格便宜, ~生意特别好. This restaurant is considerate and cheap, so their business is very good. || 他经常去中国谈生 意, ~对中国特别了解. He often goes to China to do business, so he knows a lot about China. '300 Conjunctions, causative 因果连词 (yīnguǒ liáncí)
to such an extent as to. . ., so . . . that. . . 10 以至于 [--於] yǐ zhì yú (so-as to) to such an extent as to. . ., so . . . that. . . : 我工作太忙了, ~好几个月没看过电影了. I was so busy working that I hadn’t seen the film for months. || 前任总统的支持率太低, ~没有参 加下届竞选 (jìngxuǎn). The former president’s approval ratings were so low that he did not run for the next election. '300 Conjunctions, causative 因果连词 (yīnguǒ liáncí)
the reason why 11 之所以 [-] zhī suǒ yǐ (its-reason) the reason why: 我~迟到, 是因 为堵车 (dǔchē). I was late because of the traffic. || 他~没有告诉你真相 (zhēnxiàng), 是因为怕伤害你. He didn’t tell you the truth because he was afraid to hurt you. '