In Chinese language, there are no exact foreign language words exactly relevant with certain Chinese words. Therefore, it is difficult for teachers in Mandarin learning courses to translate them properly. It is caused by the different knowledge about the objective things possessed by different nationalities developed in different histories. Therefore, there are various classifications and summarizations, causing different meanings of specific words.

In order to solve this problem, we should use some effective techniques to explain the words so that the students who are learning Mandarin Chinese can understand. Firstly, we can explain in Chinese and illustrate with some typical examples. We can use the simple sentences to explain the difficult words to gain understanding.

In Chinese language, a single word has many meanings. But teachers should never teach all of the meanings to students. It is enough to explain the meaning listed in the teaching books or the students who study Chinese may be confused. For “打”, we can just translate “打篮球” into “play basketball” to students. They can explain the meanings in “打人、打电话、打鼓” when meet them.

Besides, we can take advantage of the morpheme to explain the words from the respective of word formation. Foreign students who learn Chinese in China can feel that the meanings of some compound words are made up the meanings of the morphemes. For example, the meanings of “市民” in the combination of the meanings of “市” and “民”.

Another good way to understand the meaning of words is to put them into the sentences. The meanings listed in dictionary are different from those in actual sentences. Therefore, only when we put them into the sentences to explain can the learners who learn Mandarin can understand the meanings correctly.

From a wider perspective, the context is also important to understand the words’ meanings. The meanings of the same words are different because of the various contexts. Therefore, students who study in China should understand in the atmosphere of Chinese culture and specific language environment.

The words are the basis of learning Chinese language better. Therefore, teachers should help students to understand by applying more techniques in teaching process. The six techniques mentioned above can be references.