Katie Coy, Managing Editor | Mar 31, 2025 11:30 am | Add a comment | 57 reads
Mandarin Monday is an ongoing series where we assist you in enhancing your Chinese by discussing enjoyable and practical phrases and characters. Despite the cold front this past weekend, the weather is predicted to shift towards a more spring-like state, with temperatures gradually increasing throughout the week. To welcome the warmer weather, we believe this is an ideal moment to explore some spring-related vocabulary!
Spring Essentials
春天 chūntiān – Spring
春天来了！chūntiān lái le! – Spring has arrived!
迎春 yíngchūn – To welcome spring
Seasonal Activities
踏青 tàqīng – Spring outing; literally "step on the greenery"
放风筝 fàng fēngzheng – Fly a kite
赏花 shǎng huā – Admire flowers
散步 sànbù – Take a walk
春游 chūnyóu – Spring excursion
野餐 yěcān – Picnic
Nature and Weather
春雨 chūnyǔ – Spring rain
微风 wēifēng – Breeze
晴天 qíngtiān – Sunny day
温暖 wēnnuǎn – Warm
开花 kāihuā – Blossom
花开 huākāi – Flowers blooming
草绿了 cǎo lǜ le – The grass has turned green
阳光 yángguāng – Sunshine
蝴蝶 húdié – Butterfly
蜜蜂 mìfēng – Bee
燕子 yànzi – Swallow (a migratory bird symbolizing spring)
Idioms & Sayings
春暖花开 chūnnuǎn-huākāi – Spring is warm and flowers are blooming; used to describe a beautiful and pleasant spring scene.
一年之计在于春 yī nián zhī jì zàiyú chūn – The work for the entire year relies on a strong start in spring, highlighting the importance of planning and diligence at the beginning of the year.
What do you enjoy most about spring? Share your thoughts in the comments!
READ: Got Photos of Beijing's Blossoms? Share Them With Us!
Images: Canva
Related stories:
This week, the weather is expected to take on a more spring-like feel, so get ready for the warmer temperatures with this essential spring vocabulary.
