Mandarin Monday: Key Vocabulary for Surviving Summer in Beijing

      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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