Chinese Vocabulary in Use — A Practical Book for Sound, Chunks and Recall
Chinese Vocabulary in Use — A Practical Book for Sound, Chunks and Recall
Who this book is for. For beginning to lower-intermediate learners who know some pinyin but want words to appear in listening and conversation, not only on a list.
Learning outcomes. In 30 days, make 90–150 useful words retrievable with sound and a short sentence. In 90 days, build a working stock of 300–500 words for your own routines.
30- and 90-day plan. Study 15–25 minutes on five days: 3–5 new words, yesterday’s difficult cards, one changed example sentence, and a ten-word weekly check. Keep one day for review only.
1. What it means to know a word
A word has five parts: sound, core meaning, characters, a natural partner, and a personal sentence.
Chinese example
预约 (yùyuē) · 预约医生
我想预约医生。
Do this now: Say it first, then change one detail so the sentence is true for you.
2. Sound before translation
Listen before reading, repeat once, then say the word from the characters without looking at pinyin.
Chinese example
决定 (juédìng) · 还没决定
我还没决定。
Do this now: Say it first, then change one detail so the sentence is true for you.
3. Cards and vocabulary notes
Use a card in four directions: characters to meaning, sound to meaning, situation to Chinese, and a blank in a sentence.
Chinese example
解决 (jiějué) · 解决问题
这个办法能解决问题。
Do this now: Say it first, then change one detail so the sentence is true for you.
4. Collocations and word families
Store a verb with one object and one result: 解决问题, 做完作业, 预约医生. A chunk is easier to retrieve than a loose translation.
Chinese example
方便 (fāngbiàn) · 这个时间方便
这个时间对我很方便。
Do this now: Say it first, then change one detail so the sentence is true for you.
5. Near synonyms and boundaries
Contrast close words in a pair of short sentences; do not collect long dictionary definitions.
Chinese example
认识 (rènshi) · 认识新朋友
我想认识新朋友。
Do this now: Say it first, then change one detail so the sentence is true for you.
6. Vocabulary by situation
Choose vocabulary from a real next situation—food, transport, appointments, work, or study—then make one truthful sentence.
Chinese example
点 (diǎn) · 点一杯茶
我想点一杯茶。
Do this now: Say it first, then change one detail so the sentence is true for you.
7. Listening vocabulary
Turn a written word into a listening word by hearing a short sentence first and marking the syllable or tone that disappears for you.
Chinese example
听懂 (tīngdǒng) · 没听懂
请再说一遍，我没听懂。
Do this now: Say it first, then change one detail so the sentence is true for you.
8. Speaking vocabulary
Turn recognition into speech by changing one slot in a model sentence three times and recording the last version.
Chinese example
换 (huàn) · 换一个房间
可以帮我换一个房间吗？
Do this now: Say it first, then change one detail so the sentence is true for you.
9. Reading vocabulary
When reading, underline only words that repeat or block the message; infer first, check second, and keep one useful chunk.
Chinese example
影响 (yǐngxiǎng) · 影响计划
下雨会影响计划。
Do this now: Say it first, then change one detail so the sentence is true for you.
10. Error analysis
An error is a label for the next review: was the missing link sound, meaning, partner word, word order, or situation?
Chinese example
复习 (fùxí) · 复习生词
我晚上复习今天的生词。
Do this now: Say it first, then change one detail so the sentence is true for you.
11. Review design
Review after the lesson, the next day, three or four days later, one week later, and one month later. Short successful recalls earn a longer interval.
Chinese example
记得 (jìde) · 记得带护照
记得带护照。
Do this now: Say it first, then change one detail so the sentence is true for you.
12. HSK vocabulary as a learning map
Use the HSK list as a map, not a race: select five words, add sound and a chunk, and record whether each is readable, audible, or speakable.
Chinese example
计划 (jìhuà) · 学习计划
我在调整学习计划。
Do this now: Say it first, then change one detail so the sentence is true for you.
Practice workbook
1. Complete: 我还没____。 2. Match: 解决—问题 / 预约—医生 / 做完—作业. 3. Say one true sentence with 想, 觉得, or 需要. 4. Listen to your recording tomorrow and say the meaning before looking.
Model answer
1. 决定。2. 解决问题、预约医生、做完作业。
Final check
Without notes: read 方便, 觉得, 预约, 解决, 选择 aloud; give their core meaning; make a natural chunk for each; then respond in Chinese to “Can we change the time?”, “I need a doctor”, and “I have not decided yet.”
Answers and scoring: Give one point for sound and meaning, two for a natural chunk, and three for each understandable personal response. A missed item returns to tomorrow’s review pile with its sound and sentence.
Index and HSK bridge
- R / L / S
- Readable, understandable by listening, and speakable in a personal sentence.
- 解决问题
- A natural partner word; compare it with 改时间.
HSK route
Select five entries from your current level, add sound, one chunk, and one personal sentence, then label each R, L, or S.
HSK 1HSK 2HSK 3HSK 4HSK 5HSK 6
Next step: At the end of each week, test ten cards without looking and use the result to adjust next week’s new words.