Katie Coy, Managing Editor | Jun 30, 2025 11:30 am | Add a comment | 43 reads
Summer (夏天 xiàtiān) in Beijing is undeniably intense. However, with the right equipment, a positive attitude, and a bit of Mandarin, you can maximize your enjoyment of these summer months. Whether you're going to the pool, enjoying a picnic, or sipping drinks on a rooftop, here are some essential phrases and vocabulary to help you stay 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 tàilěng 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
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Keep your composure, be prepared, and communicate like a native this season.