# Mandarin Chinese Foundations: Tones & Pinyin Vocabulary

Essential foundations: tones & pinyin vocabulary in Mandarin Chinese. 22 words and phrases with pronunciation guides.

| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [妈](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/mom.md) | /mā/ | Mom |
| [麻](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/hemp.md) | /má/ | Hemp |
| [马](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/horse.md) | /mǎ/ | Horse |
| [骂](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/scold.md) | /mà/ | Scold |
| [大](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/big.md) | /dà/ | Big |
| [我](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/ime.md) | /wǒ/ | I/me |
| [喝](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/drink.md) | /hē/ | Drink |
| [你](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/you.md) | /nǐ/ | You |
| [五](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/five.md) | /wǔ/ | Five |
| [女](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/woman.md) | /nǚ/ | Woman |
| [几](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/how-many.md) | /jǐ/ | How many |
| [去](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/go.md) | /qù/ | Go |
| [谢](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/thank.md) | /xiè/ | Thank |
| [吃](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/eat.md) | /chī/ | Eat |
| [是](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/isamare.md) | /shì/ | Is/Am/Are |
| [人](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/person.md) | /rén/ | Person |
| [你好](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/hello.md) | /nǐ hǎo/ | Hello |
| [很好](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/very-good.md) | /hěn hǎo/ | Very good |
| [可以](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/canokay.md) | /kě yǐ/ | Can/Okay |
| [谢谢](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/thank-you.md) | /xiè xiè/ | Thank you |
| [不客气](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/youre-welcome.md) | /bú kè qì/ | You're welcome |
| [再见](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/goodbye.md) | /zài jiàn/ | Goodbye |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How many foundations: tones & pinyin words are there in Mandarin Chinese?

This guide covers 22 essential foundations: tones & pinyin vocabulary words in Mandarin Chinese, each with IPA pronunciation.

### What level is this Mandarin Chinese foundations: tones & pinyin vocabulary?

This vocabulary is drawn from practical conversation lessons and covers words useful for all levels, from beginner to intermediate.

### How can I practice these Mandarin Chinese words?

Try Orphi for interactive conversation practice. You can use these words in real dialogue with an AI companion that adapts to your level.

## More Vocabulary Topics

- [Coffee Shop Survival](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/vocabulary/coffee-shop-survival.md)
- [Getting Around](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/vocabulary/getting-around.md)
- [Dating & Romance](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/vocabulary/dating-romance.md)
- [Restaurant Ordering](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/vocabulary/restaurant-ordering.md)

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