Mandarin Monday: Essential Vocab To Survive the Beijing Summer

Katie Coy, Managing Editor | Jun 30, 2025 11:30 am | Add a comment | 172 reads

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?