4000 Essential English Words

Episode 124: ban, heritage, divorce, secret, yellow, invite, hopeless, anyway, angrily, and saucer.1. ban (v./n.) : to not allow something or to forbid it officially2. heritage (n.) : the traditions, beliefs or culture that are passed down from previous generations3. divorce (n./v.) : the legal ending of a marriage; to separate two things completely4. secret (n.) : something that is kept hidden or not known by others5. yellow (adj.) : the color of the sun, lemons; (slang) cowardly or afraid6. invite (v.) : to ask someone to go somewhere or do something; to cause a reaction, usually a bad one7. hopeless (adj.) : describing a situation where there is no possibility of success or improvement; having zero skill at something8. anyway (adv.) : used to change the subject or return to a previous subject; in spite of something9. angrily (adv.) : doing something with anger10. saucer (n.) : a small curved plate that you put a cup on; (flying saucer) the classic term for a UFO

Episode 123: borrow, cough, triangle, whenever, later, brush, sign, sometimes, relevant, and sunlight.1. borrow (v.) : to take and use something that belongs to someone else with the intention of returning it2. cough (n./v.) : a sudden expulsion of air from the lungs, often with a noisy sound, due to irritation or illness (n.); to force air out of the lungs in this way (v.)3. triangle (n.) : a flat shape with three straight sides and three angles; a musical percussion instrument made of a metal rod bent into a triangle4. whenever (conj.) : at whatever time; every time that; as soon as5. later (adv.) : at a time in the future or after the time you have mentioned; (greeting: see you later) goodbye for now6. brush (n./v.) : a tool with bristles used for cleaning, painting, or arranging hair (n.); to clean, paint, or touch lightly with a brush or similar motion (v.)7. sign (n./v.) : a notice, symbol, or mark giving information or instructions (n.); to write one's name on something to show agreement or authorship (v.)8. sometimes (adv.) : on some occasions but not always or often; occasionally9. relevant (adj.) : closely connected or appropriate to what is being discussed or considered; important to the matter at hand10. sunlight (n.) : the light and heat that come directly from the sun

Episode 122: study, stress, magnitude, preserve, celebration, crack, refer, molecule, inward, and defeat.1. study (v./n.) : to spend time learning about a subject, usually by reading or practicing (v.); the act of learning or examining something closely (n.)2. stress (n./v.) : a feeling of emotional or mental tension caused by difficult situations (n.); to emphasize or give special importance to something (v.)3. magnitude (n.) : the great size, extent, or importance of something; often used to describe the strength of earthquakes or the scale of problems4. preserve (v.) : to keep something in its original or existing state; to protect or maintain something (e.g., food, nature, traditions)5. celebration (n.) : a joyful occasion or event held to mark something special, such as a holiday, achievement, or victory6. crack (n./v.) : a thin line or break on a surface without complete separation (n.); to break or split something without fully separating it (v.); a sudden sharp sound (n.)7. refer (v.) : to mention or direct attention to something or someone; to look at a source for information (e.g., refer to a book)8. molecule (n.) : the smallest unit of a chemical compound that can exist independently while retaining the properties of the substance9. inward (adv./adj.) : toward the inside or center; directed toward one's own thoughts or feelings (e.g., turn inward)10. defeat (v./n.) : to win a victory over someone or something in a battle or competition (v.); the act of being beaten or overcome (n.)

Episode 121: prevent, sweat, function, immediately, grocery, robot, rust, weave, event, and market.1. prevent (v.) : to stop something from happening or someone from doing something2. sweat (n./v.) : the salty liquid produced by the body when hot, exercising, or nervous (n.); to produce sweat or to work very hard (v.); (idiom: don't sweat it) don't worry about it3. function (v./n.) : to work or operate in the correct way (v.); the purpose or role of something (n.)4. immediately (adv.) : without delay; right away or at once5. grocery (n.) : a shop that sells food and household items (also grocery store); (plural groceries) the items bought there6. robot (n.) : a machine that can perform tasks automatically, often programmed to move and act like a human7. rust (n./v.) : the reddish-brown substance that forms on iron or steel when exposed to air and moisture (n.); to become covered with rust (v.)8. weave (v.) : to make cloth or a basket by crossing threads or strips over and under each other; to move along by twisting and turning to avoid obstacles9. event (n.) : something that happens, especially something important or notable; a planned social or public occasion10. market (n.) : a place where people buy and sell goods, often outdoors (e.g., farmers market); the demand for a product or service

Episode 120: freeze, lunar, know, world, empire, construct, contain, harm, extra, and communication.1. freeze (v.) : to become solid or hard because of extreme cold (e.g., water freezes into ice); to stop moving suddenly, often from fear or surprise; (of a computer/screen) to stop responding2. lunar (adj.) : relating to the moon (e.g., lunar eclipse, lunar surface)3. know (v.) : to have information or knowledge about something; to be familiar with a person, place, or thing; to recognize or be acquainted with4. world (n.) : the earth and all the people, places, and things on it; the entire planet and its inhabitants5. empire (n.) : a large group of countries or territories under a single ruler or government; a large commercial organization controlled by one person or group6. construct (v.) : to build or make something by putting parts together (e.g., construct a building or a plan)7. contain (v.) : to hold or have something inside; to include or consist of; to control or restrain (e.g., contain emotions)8. harm (v./n.) : to hurt or injure someone or something physically or emotionally (v.); damage or injury (n.)9. extra (adj./adv./n.) : more than usual or necessary (adj./adv.); an additional amount or item (n.)10. communication (n.) : the act of exchanging information, ideas, or feelings; the methods or systems used to share messages (e.g., verbal, written, or electronic)

Episode 119: marine, hillside, spot, unequal, morning, powerful, row, boil, toilet, and opera.1. marine (adj.) : relating to the sea or ocean; found in or produced by the sea (e.g., marine life, marine biology)2. hillside (n.) : the sloping side of a hill3. spot (n./v.) : a particular place or area (n.); a small mark or stain (n.); to see or notice something, especially something difficult to detect (v.)4. unequal (adj.) : not equal in size, amount, value, or strength; unfair or unbalanced5. morning (n.) : the early part of the day, from sunrise until noon6. powerful (adj.) : having great strength, influence, or effect; very effective or impressive7. row (n./v.) : a straight line of things or people (n.); to move a boat through water using oars (v.)8. boil (v.) : to heat a liquid until it reaches the temperature where bubbles form and it turns to steam; (of emotions) to become very angry9. toilet (n.) : a bowl-shaped fixture with a seat, used for urinating and defecating; flushed with water (also called bathroom or restroom in some contexts)10. opera (n.) : a dramatic work or performance combining music, singing, acting, and often dance; a type of classical theater with elaborate vocal pieces

Episode 117: edition, punish, drive, sister, highway, uncomfortable, ashamed, card, butter, and paddle.1. edition (n.) : a particular version or issue of a book, magazine, newspaper, or other published material (e.g., first edition, latest edition)2. punish (v.) : to make someone suffer or experience something unpleasant as a penalty for breaking a rule or doing something wrong3. drive (v.) : to operate and control a vehicle such as a car; (figurative) to force or strongly motivate someone to act4. sister (n.) : a female sibling who shares the same parents; can also refer to a close female friend in some contexts (e.g., sister in a religious order)5. highway (n.) : a main public road, especially one connecting major cities or towns, designed for high-speed travel6. uncomfortable (adj.) : causing or feeling slight pain, discomfort, or unease (physically or socially); not relaxed or at ease7. ashamed (adj.) : feeling shame, guilt, or embarrassment about one's actions or situation8. card (n.) : a small piece of stiff paper or plastic used for various purposes (e.g., greeting card, playing card, credit card)9. butter (n.) : a pale yellow fatty dairy product made from churned cream, used as a spread or in cooking10. paddle (n./v.) : a short pole with a broad blade at one or both ends, used to propel a small boat such as a canoe (n.); to move a boat using a paddle (v.)

Episode 116: lawyer, limb, field, faith, shower, mask, course, opinion, when, and steer.1. lawyer (n.) : a professional person qualified to advise clients on legal matters and represent them in court2. limb (n.) : an arm, leg, or wing of a person or animal; a large branch of a tree; (idiom: out on a limb) in a risky or vulnerable position3. field (n.) : a large area of open land, often used for farming or sports; a branch of study, knowledge, or professional activity (e.g., medical field)4. faith (n.) : strong belief or trust in someone or something, often without proof; confidence or religious belief5. shower (n.) : a device that sprays water for bathing; a short period of rain or other falling particles6. mask (n.) : a covering for all or part of the face, worn for protection, disguise, or performance7. course (n.) : a series of lessons or studies in a particular subject; the direction or route taken by a ship, aircraft, river, or vehicle (e.g., stay on course)8. opinion (n.) : a personal view, belief, or judgment about something, not necessarily based on fact (e.g., in my opinion)9. when (conj./adv.) : at or during the time that; used to ask about or refer to a specific time10. steer (v.) : to control the direction of a vehicle or vessel; to guide or direct a situation, conversation, or group (figuratively)

🎄 Christmas Podcast | Christmas Origins, US vs China Traditions & Essential English Vocabulary 🎄What does Christmas really mean, and why do people celebrate it so differently around the world?In this Christmas-themed podcast episode, we talk about:✨ the origin of Christmas and its religious background✨ how Christmas is celebrated differently in the US and China✨ funny (and slightly embarrassing 😅) real-life stories about decorating for Christmas✨ and, of course, essential Christmas English vocabulary you’ll hear and use every holiday seasonThis episode is designed to be relaxed, cozy, and pressure-free — perfect to listen to while decorating your tree, wrapping gifts, or just enjoying a quiet winter evening.🎧 Christmas Vocabulary Covered in This EpisodeIn this podcast, we naturally explain and use these common Christmas words:Nativity – the birth of Jesus Christ and the core religious meaning of ChristmasCarols – festive Christmas songs like Silent Night and Jingle BellsWreath – a circular holiday decoration often hung on doorsOrnaments – decorative items that make Christmas trees sparkleStockings – socks hung for Santa to fill with small giftsReindeer – Santa’s magical helpers who pull the sleighSleigh – Santa’s iconic vehicle for delivering giftsChimney – where Santa enters to leave presentsMistletoe – a plant tied to the tradition of kissingFeast – a big, joyful Christmas meal shared with familyPerfect for learners who want to build holiday-related English vocabulary naturally, without memorizing word lists.🎄 Why You’ll Enjoy This Episode✔ Learn English through real conversation✔ Understand cultural differences behind Christmas✔ Feel daily companionship during the holiday season✔ No stress, no exams — just stories, language, and warmthIf you’re learning English and love discovering culture through language, this episode is for you.👉 Subscribe for more English podcasts👉 Like & comment: How do you celebrate Christmas?🎅 Merry Christmas & Happy Learning! 🎄

Episode 115: short, jewelry, shoe, opportunity, start, worker, remove, competitive, while, and marry.1. short (adj.) : measuring a small distance from end to end or small in height; lasting a small amount of time; (phrase: running short) having a small remaining amount of something2. jewelry (n.) : decorative ornaments worn on the body (e.g., rings, necklaces, bracelets), usually made of precious metals or stones3. shoe (n.) : a covering for the foot, typically made of leather or other materials; (idiom: in someone's shoes) in someone's situation; (idiom: if the shoe fits) if a description or criticism applies to you4. opportunity (n.) : a favorable chance or occasion to do something, especially something advantageous5. start (v./n.) : to begin or commence an activity or process (v.); the beginning or commencement of something (n.)6. worker (n.) : a person who performs work or a job, often with modifiers (e.g., hard worker, construction worker)7. remove (v.) : to take something away or off from a place or position8. competitive (adj.) : strongly desiring to win or be more successful than others; involving rivalry or competition (e.g., competitive market or salary)9. while (conj.) : during the time that; at the same time as; (contrast) whereas or although10. marry (v.) : to become the legally accepted husband or wife of someone; to perform the ceremony of marriage

Episode 114: jaw, bet, supervision, hen, paint, monitor, association, industrialize, bit, and mighty.1. jaw (n.) : the lower bone structure of the face that holds the teeth and moves when speaking or chewing; (idiom: jaw drops) to be very surprised or shocked2. bet (v./n.) : to risk money on the outcome of a game or event (v.); a wager or gamble (n.); (casual) to be certain or predict something (e.g., I bet it will rain)3. supervision (n.) : the act of watching over and directing people, work, or an activity to ensure it is done properly and safely4. hen (n.) : an adult female chicken, especially one kept for laying eggs5. paint (n./v.) : a colored liquid used to cover or decorate a surface (n.); to apply paint to a surface or create a picture using paint (v.)6. monitor (n./v.) : a screen that displays information from a computer (n.); to watch, observe, or check something carefully over time (v.)7. association (n.) : an organized group of people with a common purpose; a mental connection or link between ideas or things8. industrialize (v.) : to develop large-scale industries in a country or region, typically shifting from agriculture to manufacturing9. bit (n./v.) : a small piece, amount, or degree of something (n.); past tense of bite (v.)10. mighty (adj.) : having or showing great strength, power, or force; impressive or formidable

Episode 113: after, camera, crazy, easily, walk, commitment, past, bitter, extend, and fence.1. after (prep./adv.) : following in time or order; later than; in pursuit of or behind in place2. camera (n.) : a device for taking photographs or recording video3. crazy (adj.) : mentally deranged (formal/sensitive use); wild, exciting, or unbelievable; very enthusiastic (e.g., crazy about something)4. easily (adv.) : without difficulty or effort; without doubt or by a large margin (for emphasis)5. walk (v./n.) : to move on foot at a normal pace (v.); an act or instance of walking (n.)6. commitment (n.) : a promise or obligation to do something; dedication or loyalty to a person, cause, or activity7. past (n./adj./prep.) : time that has already happened (n.); belonging to or relating to an earlier time (adj.); beyond in position or time (prep.)8. bitter (adj.) : having a sharp, unpleasant taste (e.g., like black coffee); feeling angry, resentful, or disappointed because of bad experiences9. extend (v.) : to make something longer or larger in space or time; to stretch out or reach out (e.g., a hand)10. fence (n./v.) : a barrier, usually made of wood or wire, that encloses an area (n.); (idiom: sit/on the fence) to be undecided about something

Episode 112: forget, the, existence, middle, bar, plastic, fully, vacant, nest, and thing.1. forget (v.) : to be unable to remember something; to intentionally stop thinking about something or let it go2. the (definite article) : used before a noun to refer to a specific thing or things that both the speaker and listener know about, or to something unique3. existence (n.) : the state or fact of being real or living; a way of living or lifestyle4. middle (n./adj.) : the center point or part of something (n.); positioned at or near the center (adj.)5. bar (n./v.) : a place where alcoholic drinks are sold and drunk (n.); a long piece of solid material (n.); to prevent or prohibit something (v.)6. plastic (n./adj.) : a synthetic material made from polymers (n.); made of plastic (adj.); artificial or fake (adj., e.g., a plastic smile)7. fully (adv.) : completely, entirely, or to the maximum degree8. vacant (adj.) : empty or not occupied (e.g., a room, job, or land); having or showing no thought or intelligence (e.g., a vacant expression)9. nest (n./v.) : a structure built by birds for laying eggs and raising young (n.); a cozy or secure place (n., metaphorical); to build a nest or settle comfortably (v.); to fit objects together compactly (v.)10. thing (n.) : an object, fact, situation, action, or idea, especially when not named specifically; a general term for anything

Episode 111: flat, peak, ceremony, script, environmental, protect, retire, location, modern, and than.1. flat (adj.) : smooth and level with no bumps or raised parts; without air or bubbles (e.g., flat soda or flat tire); (n., British English) an apartment on one floor of a building2. peak (n.) : the top of a mountain; the highest point or maximum level of something (e.g., success, performance, or activity)3. ceremony (n.) : a formal event performed on a special occasion, usually following traditional rules4. script (n.) : the written text of a play, movie, or broadcast that tells actors what to say; a small computer program that automates tasks5. environmental (adj.) : relating to the natural world and the impact of human activity on it6. protect (v.) : to keep someone or something safe from harm, injury, or danger7. retire (v.) : to stop working permanently, usually because of reaching a certain age; (old-fashioned) to go to a quiet place or to bed8. location (n.) : a particular place or position where something is9. modern (adj.) : relating to the present or recent times, as opposed to the past; using up-to-date techniques or style10. than (conj.) : used in comparisons to introduce the second part of a comparison (e.g., bigger than, better than)

Episode 107: grandmother, maybe, whereas, afraid, bake, optical, ratio, exact, enter, and virtual.1. grandmother (n.) 中文释义: 祖母 或 外祖母 英文释义: the mother of your father or mother 2. maybe (adv.) 中文释义: 也许 英文释义: perhaps; used to suggest something is possible 3. whereas (conj.) 中文释义: 然而 英文释义: used to contrast two facts or situations 4. afraid (adj.) 中文释义: 害怕的 英文释义: feeling fear or worry 5. bake (v.) 中文释义: 烘烤 英文释义: to cook food in an oven using dry heat 6. optical (adj.) 中文释义: 光学的 英文释义: relating to light or the sense of sight 7. ratio (n.) 中文释义: 比率 英文释义: the relationship between two amounts shown by their relative sizes 8. exact (adj.) 中文释义: 精确的 英文释义: completely correct or accurate 9. enter (v.) 中文释义: 进入 英文释义: to come or go into a place 10. virtual (adj.) 中文释义: 虚拟的 英文释义: almost or nearly as described, but not completely; created by computer technology (virtual reality)

Episode 110: other, drag, chase, television, heal, overcome, noisy, shoot, ox, and approximately.1. other (adj./pron.) 中文释义: 其他的 英文释义: different from the one already mentioned; additional or further 2. drag (v./n.) 中文释义: 拖拉 英文释义: to pull something heavy along the ground; a boring or tiring thing 3. chase (v./n.) 中文释义: 追逐 英文释义: to run after someone or something to catch them; the act of chasing 4. television (n.) 中文释义: 电视 英文释义: an electronic device that receives pictures and sound; the system of broadcasting programs 5. heal (v.) 中文释义: 愈合 英文释义: to become healthy again; to make someone healthy 6. overcome (v.) 中文释义: 克服 英文释义: to succeed in dealing with a problem or difficulty 7. noisy (adj.) 中文释义: 吵闹的 英文释义: making a lot of noise 8. shoot (v.) 中文释义: 射击 英文释义: to fire a gun or arrow; to film a scene 9. ox (n.) 中文释义: 公牛 英文释义: a strong animal used on farms for pulling loads (plural: oxen) 10. approximately (adv.) 中文释义: 大约 英文释义: roughly or about; not exactly

Episode 109: thrive, suck, race, till, end, copy, consequence, outer, moon, and pray.1. thrive (v.) 中文释义: 茁壮成长 或 繁荣 英文释义: to grow or develop well; to be successful or prosperous 2. suck (v.) 中文释义: 吸 或 差劲 英文释义: to draw liquid into the mouth; (informal) to be very bad or unpleasant 3. race (n./v.) 中文释义: 比赛 或 种族 英文释义: a competition of speed; a group of people with shared ancestry 4. till (prep./conj./n./v.) 中文释义: 直到 或 收银机 英文释义: until; a drawer for keeping money in a shop; to prepare land for growing crops 5. end (n./v.) 中文释义: 结束 英文释义: the final part of something; to finish or stop 6. copy (n./v.) 中文释义: 复制 英文释义: a thing made to be the same as another; to make a copy 7. consequence (n.) 中文释义: 后果 英文释义: a result or effect of an action 8. outer (adj.) 中文释义: 外部的 英文释义: on or from the outside; farther from the centre 9. moon (n.) 中文释义: 月亮 英文释义: the natural satellite that orbits the Earth 10. pray (v.) 中文释义: 祈祷 英文释义: to speak to God or a god to give thanks or ask for help

Episode 108: attention, line, scream, exaggerated, organic, pub, finely, indifferent, far, and survivor.1. attention (n.) 中文释义: 注意 英文释义: the act of concentrating on something; interest or notice 2. line (n.) 中文释义: 线 或 行列 英文释义: a long thin mark; a row of people or things 3. scream (v./n.) 中文释义: 尖叫 英文释义: to cry out loudly in fear, pain, or excitement; a loud high cry 4. exaggerated (adj.) 中文释义: 夸张的 英文释义: made to seem larger, better, or worse than it really is 5. organic (adj.) 中文释义: 有机的 英文释义: produced without artificial chemicals; relating to living things 6. pub (n.) 中文释义: 酒吧 英文释义: a building where alcoholic drinks are served (short for public house) 7. finely (adv.) 中文释义: 细致地 英文释义: into very small pieces; in a delicate or precise way 8. indifferent (adj.) 中文释义: 冷漠的 英文释义: not interested or caring about something 9. far (adv./adj.) 中文释义: 远 英文释义: a long distance away; much or to a great degree 10. survivor (n.) 中文释义: 幸存者 英文释义: a person who continues to live after an accident, war, or illness

Episode 106: outcome, fetch, remote, initiative, adequate, retain, money, car, crowd, and nonsense.1. outcome (n.) 中文释义: 结果 英文释义: the final result of a process or action 2. fetch (v.) 中文释义: 取来 英文释义: to go and get something and bring it back 3. remote (adj.) 中文释义: 遥远的 或 远程的 英文释义: far away in distance or time; operated from a distance 4. initiative (n.) 中文释义: 主动性 英文释义: the ability to act independently; a new plan or action 5. adequate (adj.) 中文释义: 足够的 英文释义: enough in quantity or good enough in quality 6. retain (v.) 中文释义: 保留 英文释义: to keep or continue to have something 7. money (n.) 中文释义: 钱 英文释义: the coins or notes used to buy things 8. car (n.) 中文释义: 汽车 英文释义: a road vehicle with an engine and four wheels 9. crowd (n./v.) 中文释义: 人群 英文释义: a large number of people gathered together; to gather in large numbers 10. nonsense (n.) 中文释义: 胡说 英文释义: silly or meaningless words or ideas

Episode 105: gasoline, bandage, unknown, involve, front, stake, disgusting, budget, book, and farming.1. gasoline (n.) 中文释义: 汽油 英文释义: a liquid fuel used in car engines (American English; British = petrol) 2. bandage (n./v.) 中文释义: 绷带 英文释义: a strip of cloth used to cover a wound; to cover a wound with a bandage 3. unknown (adj./n.) 中文释义: 未知的 英文释义: not known or familiar; something not identified 4. involve (v.) 中文释义: 涉及 英文释义: to include something as a necessary part; to cause someone to take part 5. front (n./adj.) 中文释义: 前面 英文释义: the side or part that faces forward; the area where fighting happens in a war 6. stake (n.) 中文释义: 赌注 英文释义: something of value risked in a bet or venture; a wooden post 7. disgusting (adj.) 中文释义: 令人厌恶的 英文释义: causing strong dislike or revulsion 8. budget (n./v.) 中文释义: 预算 英文释义: a plan of how to spend money; to plan spending carefully 9. book (n./v.) 中文释义: 书 或 预订 英文释义: a written work with pages bound together; to reserve a place or ticket 10. farming (n.) 中文释义: 农业 英文释义: the activity of growing crops or raising animals for food