我们
wǒmen
The English word 'us' is translated into Chinese as 我们 (wǒmen).
In Mandarin, you can also use 咱们 to refer to 'us' in a general sense, including both the speaker and the listener.
Meaning: objective case of "we" (pron)
What does it mean word for word?
The word consists of 我 (wǒ), meaning 'I/me' and 们 (men), a plural suffix for people.
Which one should you use?
Unlike English, which distinguishes between subject 'we' and object 'us', the Chinese word 我们 remains the same regardless of whether it is the subject or the object of the sentence. Furthermore, while 我们 can be used to exclude the listener, the term 咱们 is used to mean 'us' including the listener.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
wǒmen
Did you know?
- When referring to 'us' as a couple or a very tight unit, speakers sometimes use the word 咱俩, which specifically limits the 'us' to exactly two people.
- The distinction between 我们 and 咱们 can be used to subtly exclude someone from a group. If a speaker suddenly switches to 我们 while talking to you, they may be referring to a group that does not include you.
- In formal or ancient Chinese texts, the word 吾 was often used for 'I' or 'we', and it is still seen today in certain idioms and poetic expressions.
Examples in context
- 请跟着我们。Follow us.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of 我们 as an object.Tatoeba #5092678 by mirrorvan, translation #1972627 by CK
- 他在看我们。He's looking at us.Tatoeba #5663542 by verdastelo9604, translation #5373152 by Hybrid
- 让我们留下。Let us stay.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of 我们 as a subject.Tatoeba #5685919 by verdastelo9604, translation #3913150 by CH
- 咱们一起去吃饭吧！(Zá men yī qǐ qù chī fàn ba!)Let's go eat together!
- 我们团队将为您提供最好的服务。(Wǒ men tuán duì jiāng wèi nín tí gōng zuì hǎo de fú wù.)Our team will provide you with the best service.
- 咱俩一起去看电影吧！(Zá liǎ yī qǐ qù kàn diàn yǐng ba!)Let's go watch a movie together!
- 咱家人明天一起去郊游。(Zá jiā rén míng tiān yī qǐ qù jiāo yóu.)Our family will go on an outing together tomorrow.
- 328 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Haoran and Yuting are planning a trip with their friends.
- 浩然 Haoran你们想和我们一起去吗？Nǐmen xiǎng hé wǒmen yīqǐ qù ma?Do you want to go with us?
- 雨婷 Yuting当然，我们很想去。Dāngrán, wǒmen hěn xiǎng qù.Of course, we really want to go.
- 浩然 Haoran太好了，那我们准备一下。Tài hǎole, nà wǒmen zhǔnbèi yīxià.Great, then let's get ready.
- 雨婷 Yuting浩然，我们会准时到的。Hàorán, wǒmen huì zhǔnshí dào de.Haoran, we will arrive on time.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
