Vocabulary Bank

Useful vocabulary collected from translation exercises, organized by theme.

---

Car Theft / Police Report

Source: 377. Reporting a Stolen Car

• Report a crime (报案) Example: I need to report a crime — my car was stolen.
• Make and model (品牌和型号) Example: What’s the make and model of your vehicle?
• VIN number (车架号) Example: The VIN number is usually on the dashboard.
• License plate (车牌号) Example: Can you give me the license plate number?
• Fill out a form (填写表格) Example: Please fill out this form with your details.
• Launch an investigation (展开调查) Example: The police launched an investigation into the theft.
• Recover (stolen property) (找回（被盗财物）) Example: We were able to recover the stolen car.
• Abandon (a vehicle) (丢弃（车辆）) Example: The thieves abandoned the car in a parking lot.
• Take a joyride (兜风（尤指偷车）) Example: The teenagers took a joyride in the stolen car.
• In one piece (完好无损) Example: The package arrived in one piece.
• Strip (something) of (拆掉/剥夺) Example: The thieves stripped the car of all its parts.
• Chop shop (非法拆车场) Example: The police raided an illegal chop shop downtown.
• Wish for the best (往好处想) Example: We’ve done all we can; let’s just wish for the best.
• Hoof it (步行) Example: My car broke down, so I had to hoof it to work.

Medical / Surgery

Source: 379. A Routine Medical Procedure

• a routine procedure (常规手术/程序) Example: Getting your teeth cleaned is a routine procedure.
• be admitted overnight (留院观察（过夜）) Example: The doctor wants him to be admitted overnight just to be safe.
• general anesthesia (全身麻醉) Example: You will go under general anesthesia for the heart surgery.
• local anesthesia (局部麻醉) Example: A dentist usually just gives you local anesthesia.
• out-patient procedure (门诊手术) Example: It’s an out-patient procedure, so you’ll be home for dinner.
• keep under observation (留院观察) Example: We’ll keep her under observation for 24 hours.
• All the same (话虽如此/尽管如此) Example: It was raining. All the same, we decided to go for a run.
• post-op (术后的) Example: We need to watch out for any post-op complications.
• free up beds (腾出床位) Example: Hospitals often discharge people early to free up beds.
• impaired (受损的/虚弱的) Example: Do not drive if your judgment is impaired.

Employment / Workplace

Source: 380. Hiring Temp Workers

• make do (with) (凑合/将就着用) Example: We don’t have enough computers, so we’ll just have to make do with what we have.
• staff (verb) (给…配备人员) Example: We need to staff the office properly before the busy season starts.
• in retrospect (回想起来/事后来看) Example: In retrospect, I probably should have taken that job offer.
• perk (额外津贴/好处/优待) Example: Free coffee and a gym membership are great perks of the job.
• test the waters (试水/进行初步尝试) Example: Before launching the new product nationwide, they decided to test the waters in a few small cities.
• get one’s foot in the door (迈入职场/获得初步接触或参与的机会) Example: Taking a low-paying internship is a great way to get your foot in the door at a top company.
• get out of line (越界/不守规矩) Example: If any of the students get out of line, the teacher will send them to the principal.
• set someone straight (纠正某人/使某人明白真相或规矩) Example: He had the wrong idea about our company’s policy, but I set him straight.

Broadcast / News

Source: 381. Watching the TV News

• feature segment (特写环节/专题板块)
  • Example: Up next is our feature segment on local artisans.
• a high-speed chase (高速追逐)
  • Example: The robbers were caught after a high-speed chase on the freeway.
• standoff (对峙/僵持)
  • Example: The standoff between the armed suspect and the SWAT team lasted for hours.
• in police custody (被警方拘留)
  • Example: The accused is safely in police custody.
• cordon off (封锁/隔离)
  • Example: They had to cordon off the burning building.
• reporting live (现场报道)
  • Example: We are reporting live from the capital.
• back to you (把时间/镜头交回给（演播室）)
  • Example: That’s all from the scene. Back to you in the studio, Sarah.

Accommodations / Travel

Source: 382. Types of Hotels and Accommodations

• run-of-the-mill (千篇一律的/普通的)
  • Example: Instead of a run-of-the-mill gift, I bought her something handmade.
• rustic (简陋的/乡村风味的)
  • Example: We rented a rustic cabin in the woods for the weekend.
• hostel (青年旅社)
  • Example: Hostels are a great way for young travelers to save money and meet people.
• fleabag motel (破烂汽车旅馆)
  • Example: I refuse to sleep in that fleabag motel down the highway.
• luxurious (奢华的/豪华的)
  • Example: The bride spent the night in a luxurious five-star resort.
• boutique hotel (精品酒店)
  • Example: They booked a charming boutique hotel in the historic center.
• a bed and breakfast (民宿)
  • Example: We stayed at a lovely bed and breakfast run by an old couple.
• inducement (诱因/引诱物)
  • Example: The company offered a cash bonus as an inducement to join their team.
• rough it (艰苦度日/将就)
  • Example: We went camping, but we weren’t really roughing it since we had an RV.
• in the same league (差不多/同一档次)
  • Example: Her new novel is good, but it’s not in the same league as her masterpiece.

Relationships / Emotions

Source: 383. Mending a Broken Heart

• mope around (闷闷不乐地闲荡/无所事事)
  • Example: After he lost the game, he just moped around the house all day.
• gruesome (惨痛的/可怕的)
  • Example: She spared us the gruesome details of the breakup.
• all over one’s face (全写在脸上了)
  • Example: You could see the guilt all over his face.
• cheer someone up (让某人开心起来)
  • Example: I brought some ice cream to try to cheer him up.
• yet (还/尚未)
  • Example: I haven’t finished my homework yet.
• jumping the gun (操之过急/未到时机就行动)
  • Example: I think we’re jumping the gun by buying baby clothes before we even know the gender.
• backfire (适得其反/事与愿违)
  • Example: His plan to make his ex jealous completely backfired.
• a fling (短暂的欢乐/玩玩而已的短暂恋情)
  • Example: They had a brief summer fling, but they aren’t dating anymore.
• misery (痛苦/悲惨困苦)
  • Example: The freezing rain just added to our misery.

Anger / Conflict

Source: 394. Describing Hatred and Anger

• go berserk /bərˈsɝːk/ (发狂；暴怒失控) Example: He went berserk when he found out someone had lied to him.
• lose your temper (发脾气) Example: Try not to lose your temper during the discussion.
• have a fit (大发雷霆) Example: My parents will have a fit if I come home at 3 a.m.
• go off the deep end (气疯了；反应过激) Example: She went off the deep end after reading the email.
• foaming at the mouth (气得发狂；怒不可遏) Example: He was practically foaming at the mouth after the meeting.
• sweet-talk someone (用好听话哄某人) Example: Don’t let the salesman sweet-talk you into buying it.
• despise (鄙视；厌恶) Example: She despises people who betray their friends.
• schmuck /ʃmʌk/ (笨蛋；傻瓜，偏口语) Example: I felt like a schmuck for trusting him so quickly.
• get the wrong idea (产生误会；误解) Example: I smiled at him once, and he got the wrong idea.

Retail / Business

Source: 384. Accepting Credit Cards

• cash-only business (只收现金的生意)
  • Example: The food truck is a cash-only business, so bring some bills.
• nuisance (麻烦事/讨厌的人或事)
  • Example: Filling out all these forms is such a nuisance.
• stand for (代表（缩写）)
  • Example: What does ATM stand for?
• point of sale (POS) (销售终端/收银台)
  • Example: We need to update the software on our point of sale system.
• the issuing bank (发卡银行)
  • Example: If your card is declined, you must contact the issuing bank.
• dispute (a charge) (对收费提出异议)
  • Example: I had to dispute a charge on my credit card because I didn’t make that purchase.
• chargeback (退款/拒付)
  • Example: The merchant was hit with a $50 fee for the chargeback.
• timesaver (省时的事物)
  • Example: Having a dishwasher is a huge timesaver.

Gym / Exercise

Source: 385. Exercising at the Gym

• weight machine (力量训练器械)
  • Example: I prefer using the weight machine for my legs.
• cardio workout (有氧运动)
  • Example: I usually do a 30-minute cardio workout before lifting.
• treadmill (跑步机)
  • Example: It’s raining outside, so I’ll run on the treadmill today.
• stationary bike (健身自行车/动感单车)
  • Example: She rode the stationary bike for an hour.
• free weights (自由力量器械(如哑铃))
  • Example: Free weights offer a greater range of motion than machines.
• make sense (有道理/更合理)
  • Example: It makes sense to buy an umbrella since it rains here so much.
• strength-training (力量训练)
  • Example: He does strength-training three times a week to build muscle.
• personal trainer (私人教练)
  • Example: My personal trainer showed me the proper form for a squat.
• sign up for (报名参加)
  • Example: I signed up for a yoga class on Tuesdays.
• regimen (系统的训练方案/计划)
  • Example: She followed a strict diet and exercise regimen.
• look out for (留意/注视寻找)
  • Example: Look out for my email later today!
• locker room (更衣室)
  • Example: Put your gym bag in the locker room before you start.
• try out (试用/体验)
  • Example: You should try out the new equipment.

Driving / Car

Source: 386. Learning How to Drive

• put your foot on the brake (踩刹车)
  • Example: Put your foot on the brake gently as you approach the red light.
• gas pedal (油门踏板)
  • Example: Don’t floor the gas pedal — ease into it gradually.
• median (道路中间隔离带)
  • Example: The car crashed into the median and flipped over.
• railing (护栏)
  • Example: The truck nearly went through the railing on the bridge.
• shift gears (换挡)
  • Example: You need to shift gears smoothly to avoid stalling.
• parallel park (侧方停车)
  • Example: I still can’t parallel park without hitting the curb.
• drive in reverse (倒车)
  • Example: Practice driving in reverse in an empty parking lot.
• steering wheel (方向盘)
  • Example: Keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times.
• speedometer (速度表)
  • Example: Check the speedometer — you’re going 20 over the limit.
• rearview mirror (后视镜)
  • Example: Always check your rearview mirror before changing lanes.
• play with (摆弄/拨弄)
  • Example: Stop playing with the radio and focus on driving.
• get off (从…上离开)
  • Example: Get off the sidewalk — it’s for pedestrians only.
• take X years off someone’s life (吓掉某人X年寿命)
  • Example: That near miss on the highway took five years off my life.
• get the hang of (掌握诀窍/开始上手)
  • Example: It took me a while, but I’m getting the hang of driving stick.
• work yourself into a tizzy (把自己搞得焦虑不安)
  • Example: Don’t work yourself into a tizzy — the test will be fine.
• I didn’t know what I was getting into (不知道自己找了什么麻烦)
  • Example: When I signed up, I didn’t know what I was getting into.

Talent & Ability

Source: 387. Describing Talent and Ability

• A natural (天生有才的人/奇才)
  • Example: She didn’t need much training; she’s just a natural on the piano.
• Dexterity (灵巧/敏捷)
  • Example: The job requires a high level of manual dexterity.
• A flair for (有…的天赋)
  • Example: He has a flair for languages and speaks five fluently.
• Keep an eye on (留意/密切关注)
  • Example: We should keep an eye on him; he’s a rising star.
• In terms of (在…方面/就…而言)
  • Example: In terms of experience, he is the best candidate.
• Do something in one’s sleep (轻而易举/闭着眼也能做)
  • Example: I’ve done this job for so long I could do it in my sleep.
• A knack for (有…的本领)
  • Example: She has a knack for making people feel comfortable.
• Recruit (招募/招聘)
  • Example: We are looking to recruit more software engineers.
• First-rate (一流的/最好的)
  • Example: We offer first-rate service to all our customers.
• Head and shoulders above (远超/出类拔萃)
  • Example: His performance was head and shoulders above the rest.
• Make do with (凑合/将就用)
  • Example: We’ll have to make do with this old laptop for now.
• Mediocre (平庸的/普通的)
  • Example: The film was mediocre at best.
• Be dazzled (感到惊艳/大开眼界)
  • Example: I was dazzled by the display of fireworks.

Financial / Investment

Source: 388. Investing Your Money

• Holdings (持有资产) Example: The billionaire has massive holdings in green energy companies.
• Appreciation (增值) Example: Real estate appreciation has been slow this year.
• Divest (撤资/变卖) Example: Many universities are being pressured to divest from fossil fuel companies.
• Portfolio (投资组合) Example: A balanced portfolio should include a mix of high-risk and low-risk assets.
• Get in on the ground floor (在初期阶段加入) Example: If you get in on the ground floor of a startup, you could make a fortune.
• Warning signs (预警信号) Example: Falling sales are often warning signs of a failing business.
• Rate of return (回报率) Example: Most investors are looking for a steady rate of return over many years.
• Speculate (投机/推测) Example: Don’t speculate with money you can’t afford to lose.
• Maximize (最大化) Example: We need to maximize our resources to finish the project on time.
• Diversify (多样化) Example: It’s important to diversify your investments to minimize risk.

---

Food / Dietary Restrictions

Source: 390. Dietary Restrictions and Preferences

• vegan (绾礌椋熻€? / 绾礌鐨?) Example: She is vegan, so we made pasta without meat or cheese.
• organic food (鏈夋満椋熷搧) Example: He prefers organic food even though it costs more.
• lactose intolerant (涔崇硸涓嶈€愬彈鐨?) Example: My roommate is lactose intolerant, so we keep soy milk at home.
• a low-salt diet (浣庣洂楗) Example: The doctor told him to follow a low-salt diet.
• a health nut (鐗瑰埆娉ㄩ噸鍋ュ悍鐨勪汉) Example: My brother is a health nut and never drinks soda.
• saturated fat (楗卞拰鑴傝偑) Example: Try to avoid snacks that are high in saturated fat.
• added sugar (娣诲姞绯?) Example: This yogurt tastes healthy, but it still has a lot of added sugar.
• artificial flavors (浜哄伐棣欐枡) Example: These candies contain artificial flavors and colors.
• gluten-free kosher foods (鏃犻焊璐ㄧ殑鐘瑰お娲侀) Example: The restaurant offers gluten-free kosher foods on request.
• a potluck (鐧句箰椁? / 姣忎汉甯︿竴閬撹彍鐨勮仛椁?) Example: We are having a potluck this weekend, and I am bringing dumplings.

Travel / Minor Health Problems

Source: 391. Traveling and Medical Needs

• blister (水泡) Example: I have a blister on my heel after walking all day in new shoes. (Note: Avoid “My heel has a blister”.)
• sunscreen (防晒霜) Example: Put on some sunscreen before we leave the hotel.
• sunburned (晒伤的) Example: My shoulders are sunburned after yesterday’s beach trip.
• street vendor (街边小贩) Example: We bought snacks from a street vendor outside the museum.
• food poisoning (食物中毒) Example: He thinks he got food poisoning from the seafood stand.
• suffer in silence (默默受苦) Example: Don’t suffer in silence if your feet are hurting.

Common Illness / Getting a Cold

Source: 389. Getting a Cold

• have a bad cold (感冒很严重) Example: I can’t come to the party tonight; I have a bad cold.

• play hooky (旷工/逃学) Example: He decided to play hooky and went to the cinema instead of school.

• puffy (肿胀的) Example: Her eyes were red and puffy from crying.

• hoarse (沙哑的) Example: My voice is a bit hoarse after cheering at the game.

• nasal decongestant (鼻腔减充血剂) Example: You should take a nasal decongestant if your nose is stuffed up.

• throat lozenges (润喉糖) Example: Sucking on throat lozenges can help soothe a sore throat.

• Kleenex (纸巾) Example: Does anyone have a Kleenex? I need to blow my nose.

• contagious (有传染性的) Example: Be careful, the flu is very contagious.

• run a fever (发烧) Example: If you’re running a fever, you should stay in bed.

• get through it (熬过去/完成) Example: The first week of work was tough, but I got through it.

• contaminate (污染/使感染) Example: You just sneezed all over me — you’ve contaminated me!

• (one’s) nose is running (流鼻涕) Example: My nose has been running all day — I think I’m coming down with a cold.

Workplace / Coworkers

Source: 392. An Untrustworthy Co-worker

• two-faced (两面派的，当面一套背后一套的) Example: I can’t stand two-faced people who smile at you but insult you later.
• bad-mouth (说坏话，诽谤) Example: Stop bad-mouthing your boss when you’re still working for him.
• a backhanded compliment (明褒暗贬，虚情假意的赞扬) Example: Telling me I look “good for my age” is a backhanded compliment.
• nasty (恶毒的，令人不快的) Example: That was a really nasty thing to say.
• sharp (敏锐的，精明的) Example: You have to be quick; the interviewer is extremely sharp.
• give someone the cold shoulder (冷落某人) Example: I tried to be friendly, but she just gave me the cold shoulder.
• put in a good word for someone (替某人美言几句) Example: Could you put in a good word for me with the hiring manager?
• get by someone (瞒过某人，逃过某人的眼睛) Example: She checks everything twice; mistakes don’t easily get by her.
• put two and two together (根据事实推断) Example: When his car was gone, I put two and two together and realized he had left.
• as it turns out (结果却 / 事实证明) Example: I thought he was ignoring me, but as it turns out, he never saw the message.
• behind someone’s back (在某人背后) Example: If you criticize people behind their backs, they won’t trust you.
• who’s to say (谁能断定呢 / 谁知道呢) Example: Who’s to say the manager hasn’t already noticed the problem?

Environment / Recycling

Source: 393. Trash and Recycling

• recyclables (可回收物) Example: Put the recyclables in the blue bin, not in the regular trash.
• biodegradable /ˌbaɪ.oʊ.dɪˈɡreɪ.də.bəl/ (可生物降解的) Example: These containers are biodegradable, so they break down more easily.
• energy-efficient /ˈenərdʒi ɪˈfɪʃənt/ (节能的) Example: We bought energy-efficient bulbs for the kitchen.
• thermostat /ˈθɜːrməˌstæt/ (恒温器) Example: Turn down the thermostat before you go to bed.
• sort through (翻找并分类) Example: I need to sort through this bag before I throw anything away.

Sports / Olympics

Source: 395. Watching the Olympic Games

• accolades /ˈækəleɪdz/ (赞誉，荣誉) Collocation: receive accolades, heap accolades on someone Example: She received widespread accolades for her performance at the Games.

• caliber /ˈkælɪbər/ (水平，才能) Collocation: of Olympic caliber, of high caliber Example: Very few athletes in the country are of Olympic caliber.

• flag bearer (旗手) Example: She was chosen as the flag bearer for the opening ceremony.

• torchbearer (火炬手) Example: The final torchbearer lit the Olympic cauldron to open the Games.

• the qualifying heats (预赛) Collocation: run in the heats, advance from the heats Example: He finished second in the qualifying heats and made it to the final.

• trade places with someone (和某人交换位置/处境) Example: She has the perfect life — I’d trade places with her any day.

• cheer on (为…加油鼓劲) Example: Thousands of fans came to cheer on the home team.

• any day (随时；当然愿意，毫不犹豫) Example: A: Mountains or beach? B: The beach, any day.

• It can’t hurt, can it? (反正又不会有什么坏处，不是吗？) Example: I’m crossing my fingers for luck. It can’t hurt, can it?

• Olympic Village (奥运村) Example: The runner is entering Olympic Village with the torch.

Black Market / Business Dealings

Source: 396. Dealing in the Black Market

• line of work (行业；工作领域) Example: What line of work is your sister in?
• shifty (鬼鬼祟祟的；遮遮掩掩的) Example: He got shifty when I asked where the money came from.
• on the up and up (正当的；合法可靠的) Example: If the company is really on the up and up, it should have nothing to hide.
• deal in (经营；买卖) Example: They deal in imported electronics and rare spare parts.
• take full advantage of (充分利用) Example: She took full advantage of the free legal advice.
• stolen goods (赃物) Example: The police found stolen goods in the back room.
• smuggler (走私者) Example: Customs officers arrested a smuggler at the border.
• counterfeit /ˈkaʊntərfɪt/ (假冒的；伪造的) Example: The shop was caught selling counterfeit designer bags.
• pirated goods (盗版商品) Example: Some street vendors were selling pirated goods.
• set in stone (板上钉钉；定死了) Example: Our plans are not set in stone yet, so we can still change them.

Divorce / Co-parenting

Source: 397. Being a Divorced Parent

• joint custody (共同监护权) Example: They worked out joint custody after the divorce.
• visitation rights (探视权) Example: He has visitation rights every other weekend.
• alimony (赡养费；配偶扶养费) Example: Neither spouse had to pay alimony.
• child support (子女抚养费) Example: He pays child support because the child lives with her mother most of the year.
• amenable to /əˈmiːnəbəl/ (愿意接受的；愿意配合的) Example: She was amenable to any plan that helped Mina.
• quality time (高质量的相处时间) Example: The child needs quality time with both parents.
• act out (闹情绪；用行为发泄情绪) Example: Some children act out when family life changes suddenly.