Lesson 02: Questions & simple replies

Read the characters, say the pinyin aloud, then cover the English line and try to recall the meaning. The example shows one beginner use of each term; meanings vary with context.

Card 011zh-0007

有

yǒu

to have; there is or are

我有一个问题。

wǒ yǒu yí ge wèn tí.

I have a question.

Card 012zh-0003

在

zài

to be at; in; on; action in progress

他在家看书。

tā zài jiā kàn shū.

He is reading at home.

Card 013zh-0008

不

bù

not; no

我不喝咖啡。

wǒ bù hē kā fēi.

I don't drink coffee.

Card 014zh-0024

吗

particle that turns a statement into a yes-no question

你会说中文吗？

nǐ huì shuō zhōng wén ma?

Can you speak Chinese?

Card 015zh-0043

什么

shén me

what; something

你想吃什么？

nǐ xiǎng chī shén me?

What do you want to eat?

Card 016zh-0101

谁

shéi

who; whom

她是谁？

tā shì shéi?

Who is she?

Card 017zh-0102

哪儿

nǎr

where

你住哪儿？

nǐ zhù nǎr?

Where do you live?

Card 018zh-0082

怎么

zěn me

how; why

这个字怎么读？

zhè ge zì zěn me dú?

How do you read this character?

Card 019zh-0055

好

hǎo

good; well; okay

今天天气很好。

jīn tiān tiān qì hěn hǎo.

The weather is very nice today.

Card 020zh-0050

很

hěn

very; quite

我今天很忙。

wǒ jīn tiān hěn máng.

I am very busy today.

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