词语 cíyǔ words and expressions
words and expressions; terms
How to remember 词语: 词 word + 语 language = words and expressions.
Characters
How it is used
- A slightly formal cover term for vocabulary items - words, phrases, and set expressions collectively - often used in textbooks and grammar/vocab lists: 生词语 new words and expressions.
- Broader than 单词 (dāncí, single word) since 词语 can include multi-character phrases, but narrower and more written/academic than everyday 词 (cí).
- Common in the instruction 用词语造句 (yòng cíyǔ zàojù) make a sentence with the word/phrase.
Example sentences
- 汉语的词语很多。 Hànyǔ de cíyǔ hěn duō.The Chinese language has many words and expressions.