CLI has churned through hundreds of videos by ChineseClass101.com to compile this list of 25 videos covering must-know Mandarin vocabulary. We've extracted all of the vocabulary into simple lists of nouns, verbs, adjectives, and phrases at the end of this post — click here to jump to the vocabulary list.

You can also use this link to download a PDF containing the complete 222 word vocabulary list. Enjoy!

#1 Learn 25 Must-Know Chinese Nouns

People, places, things, and ideas — nouns are an elemental part of speech and this video covers 25 essentials.

#2 Learn 25 Must-Know Chinese Verbs

We look to action words (a.k.a. verbs) to keep this Chinese lesson moving.

#3 Learn 25 Chinese Adjectives

Learning Mandarin adjectives is a fast way to spice up your ability. This video covers basics like 大 and 小 or 热 and 冷 while also adding some off-beat flare with words like 恶心 and 臭。

#4 Learn 5 Mandarin Words Pertaining to Studying a Language

It's crucial to learn verbs and nouns but how do you say 'verb' or 'noun'? What about 'to study'? This video covers 5 rudimentary words related to studying a language.

#5 Learn 15 Favorite Chinese Words

In this upbeat video with Yuting you'll review 15 useful words like 喜欢， 对不起，and 尊敬。

#6 Learn 25 Chinese Phrases to Improve Your Fluency

In just under 7 minutes this video covers 25 very practical phrase from how to receive a compliment—哪有，哪有—to "don't worry, I've got it"—放心吧，包在我身上。

#7 Learn 5 Life Events in Mandarin

This short video teaches us the vocabulary for 5 basic life events: to be born, graduation, to work, to get engaged, and the final act—to die.

#8 Learn 5 Subjects of Study in Mandarin

This quick 2 minute video favors history and the sciences. Watch it and learn how to say history, science, physics, biology, and chemistry in Mandarin.

#9 Learn 5 Vegetables in Mandarin

Help prepare yourself for Chinese cuisine by reviewing 5 vegetables in this short 2 minute video.

#10 Learn 5 Mandarin Words Related to Cooking

This video covers 5 words you should know like stir-fry and barbecue.

#11 Learn 5 Flavors in Mandarin

It's no secret, authentic Chinese food is delicious. This brief 2 minute video covers the 5 main flavors of Chinese cuisine. Dig in.

#12 Learn 5 Tableware Words in Mandarin

Sticking with the theme of food, this next 2 minute video teaches us a few staple tableware items you'll find at a Chinese meal.

#13 Learn 5 Words Related to Cleaning Using Mandarin

Now that we've learned words related to cooking, it's time to clean up. Learn 5 easy words having to do with cleaning.

#14 Learn 5 Articles of Clothing in Mandarin

Get your outfit ready by learning a few simple words like 帽子，裤子，and the loanword T恤衫。

#15 Learn 5 Clothing Accessories in Mandarin

Now it's time to accessorize your outfit by using words like 皮带，手表， and 太阳镜。

#16 Learn 5 Mammals in Mandarin

What does the fox say? Who knows, but after watching this video at least you'll be able to say 狐狸。

#17 Learn 5 Geographic Terms in Mandarin

Desert, lake, river, island, ocean — take 2 minutes and learn them all here.

#18 Learn 5 Mandarin Words You'll Need When Crossing Borders

Crossing the border is official business and knowing your vocabulary can expedite the process.

#19 Learn 5 Words Related to Tourism in Mandarin

Saying tourism is a major industry in China is a vast understatement. Saying the word 游客, yóukè, is simple.

#20 Learn 5 Words Related to Currency Exchange in Mandarin

Being a 游客 means you'll need to exchange your local currency for RMB. In this video you will learn some necessary terms to do just that.

#21 Learn 5 Mandarin Words You May Need in a Hotel

With this video in less than 2 minutes you can learn some very practical words you'll need in a hotel.

#22 Learn 5 Words Describing Personalities in Mandarin

Describing a person's personality is a common occurrence in any language. This video teaches us 5 useful Mandarin words for describing a person's disposition.

#23 Learn 5 Mandarin Words Regarding Health Concerns

Health vocabulary is an important set of words to study. This video has 5 simple words to learn.

#24 Learn to Say 5 Difference Sports Using Mandarin

Sports are very popular in China. 足球 and 篮球 are among the most popular. It's time to get your game on.

#25 Learn How to Say 5 Kinds of Furniture in Mandarin

Pull up a 椅子 and learn 5 pieces of furniture in less than 2 minutes.

jump to top

Vocabulary List

We hope to study Mandarin in China together some day soon. Don't forget to follow CLI on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Be sure to subscribe to Chinese Class 101 on YouTube. You can also like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. 下次见！

The CLI Team

The CLI team is comprised of China experts with advanced degrees in China studies, teaching Chinese as a foreign language, education, and other related disciplines. Founded in 2009, CLI is a center for Chinese language and cultural studies based in scenic Guilin, China.