Mandarin Monday: Essential Vocab To Survive the Beijing Summer

Summer (夏天 xiàtiān) in Beijing is nothing short of intense. But with the right gear, the right mindset, and the right Mandarin, you can make the most of these summer months. Whether you're hitting the pool, having a picnic, or enjoying some rooftop drinks, here are some key phrases and vocabulary to help you keep your cool this season.

Sun & Heat Protection

  • Parasol – 太阳伞 tàiyáng sǎn
  • Sunscreen – 防晒霜 fángshài shuāng
  • SPF – 防晒系数 fángshài xìshù
  • Fan – 扇子 shànzi
  • Electric handheld fan – 手持电风扇 shǒuchí diànfēngshàn
  • Air-conditioning – 空调 kōngtiáo

Summer Clothing & Gear

  • Sunglasses – 黑镜 hēijìng
  • Sandals – 凉鞋 liángxié
  • Flip-flops – 人字拖鞋 rén zì tuōxié
  • Sun hat – 太阳帽子 tàiyáng màozi
  • Bathing suit – 游泳衣 yóuyǒngyī
  • Bikini – 比基尼 bǐjīní
  • Swimming trunks – 游泳裤 yóuyǒngkù

Outdoor Essentials

  • Cold water – 冰水 bīngshuǐ
  • Ice cubes – 冰块 bīngkuài
  • Ice pack 冰袋 bīngdài
  • Mosquito repellent – 驱蚊液 qūwényè
  • Cooler bag – 保温野餐包 bǎowēn yěcān bāo

Outdoor Fun

  • Swimming – 游泳 yóuyǒng
  • Swimming pool – 游泳池 yóuyǒngchí
  • Picnic – 野餐 yěcān
  • Paddleboard – 桨板 jiǎngbǎn 
  • Canoe – 划艇 huátǐng

Summer Drinks and Food

  • Ice cream – 冰激凌 bīngjílíng
  • Popsicle – 冰棍 bīnggùn
  • Cold beer – 冰的啤酒  bīngde píjiǔ
  • Iced tea – 冰茶 bīngchá
  • BBQ – 烧烤  shāokǎo
  • Watermelon – 西瓜 xīguā

Must-Know Summer Phrases

  • It’s so hot – 太热了 Tài rè le 
  • One cold beer, please! – 来一杯冰啤酒!Lái yì bēi bīng píjiǔ! 
  • Do you have any cold water? – 有没有冰水?Yǒu méiyǒu bīngshuǐ?
  • Could I get some ice cubes with my drink? – 我的饮料能加点冰块吗?Wǒ de yǐnliào néng jiādiǎn bīngkuài ma?
  • Do you mind turning the air-conditioning on/off/up/down? – 你介不介意把空调开/关/开得大一点/开得小一点?Nǐ jiè bù jiè yì bǎ kōngtiáo kāi/guān/kāi dé dà yī diǎn/kāi dé xiǎo yī diǎn?
  • The AC is too cold – 空调太冷了 Kōngtiáo tài lěng le 
  • Does this restaurant have any outdoor seating? – 这个餐厅有没有室外座位?Zhège cāntīng yǒu méiyǒu shìwài zuòwèi?

READ: The Great Beijing Ice Cream Quest

Images: Unsplash, Canva, Uni You, the Beijingers