Chinese Words in English
1 / 15From tea to typhoon, explore the Chinese linguistic roots behind many familiar English words!
15 quick questionsNo sign-upFree to playTap an answer below to begin ↓
The word 'tea' comes from the Chinese dialect word 'te' (from Hokkien). The Mandarin word for tea is what?
About Chinese Words in English
From tea to typhoon, explore the Chinese linguistic roots behind many familiar English words! Chinese Words in English packs 15 multiple-choice questions aimed at mixed difficulty into a relaxed session of roughly 7 minutes — no sign-up, no timer pressure. An explanation appears after every answer, and finishing once a day keeps your streak alive.
A few sample questions
1. The word 'tea' comes from the Chinese dialect word 'te' (from Hokkien). The Mandarin word for tea is what?
Answer: Cha
2. Which English word for a type of sauce comes from the Chinese (Cantonese) 'ke-tsiap'?
Answer: Ketchup
3. The word 'silk' likely has ancient Chinese origins. What was China's famous trade route for silk called?
Answer: The Silk Road
4. Which English word for a type of fine ceramic comes from the old European name for China?
Answer: China (chinaware)
5. The word 'typhoon' partly derives from the Chinese 'tai fung.' What does 'tai fung' mean?
Answer: Great wind
Frequently asked questions
Can I print Chinese Words in English?
Yes — use the Print button at the top of the page for a clean question sheet, or "Print with Answers" to make an answer key. Printed sheets work well for group play at home, in a classroom, or at a senior center.
Will I lose my progress if I close the page?
Your overall progress — XP, streaks, and badges — is saved in your browser automatically. A quiz that's underway restarts if you leave mid-game, but at about 7 minutes, Chinese Words in English fits comfortably in one sitting.
How many questions are in Chinese Words in English?
Chinese Words in English has 15 multiple-choice questions. Each one has four answer options and an explanation that appears after you answer, so you learn something even when you miss.
Is Chinese Words in English free to play?
Yes. The entire SeniorBrainGames catalog — including Chinese Words in English — is free, with no sign-up required, no time limits, and no ads on top of the game. It also works offline once the page has loaded once.
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