Top 100 Vocabulary for Visiting and Touring America | Chicago brings together useful English words, simplified Chinese meanings, Mandarin pinyin and English pronunciation cues for the L, architecture cruises, Lake Michigan, public art, museums and Chicago food. Welcome! Let’s make your visit easier to understand and much more enjoyable.
这份芝加哥旅行词汇指南为中国旅客和英语学习者准备：每个词条包含英文释义、简体中文、汉语拼音、英语发音提示，以及英中双语例句。先学会用得上的词，再把它们放进真实的旅行对话里。
For Chicago travel vocabulary, begin with the local places and transport names, then explore how buildings stand up, blues and jazz performance and chicago food and lake weather. This city has its own 100-entry teaching list within the eight-city collection. English-speaking readers can use the Chinese glosses and examples to share discoveries with Mandarin-speaking companions. Example sentences are practice models; consult the linked official resources for current visitor arrangements.
“Top 100” is an editorial learning selection of words, useful phrases and proper names, rather than an official frequency ranking. In this America series, the destinations are in the United States. English cues are approximate, with CAPITAL letters marking stress; Chinese pinyin reads the Chinese gloss. Current access, fares, timetables and booking arrangements should be checked through the official links below.
Explore the eduKate Vocabulary Learning Hub · Read the local history and visitor guide · Use the words in conversation and writing
Choose Your Route Through the 100 Words
- Words 1–40: Chicago places, local language, history and experiences
- Words 41–60: How buildings stand up; Architectural materials and details
- Words 61–80: Bridges and railway spaces; Blues and jazz performance
- Words 81–100: Looking closely at art; Chicago food and lake weather
Local names and the city map: words 1–10
1. Chicago
English meaning: The Illinois city beside Lake Michigan.
中文: 芝加哥 · Pinyin: zhī jiā gē
English pronunciation cue: shi-KAH-goh
Example: We are learning English for our Chicago visit.
例句: 我们正在为芝加哥之行学习英语。
2. Illinois
English meaning: The US state containing Chicago.
中文: 伊利诺伊州 · Pinyin: yī lì nuò yī zhōu
English pronunciation cue: il-uh-NOY
Example: Chicago is in Illinois.
例句: 芝加哥在伊利诺伊州。
3. Lake Michigan
English meaning: The Great Lake beside Chicago.
中文: 密歇根湖 · Pinyin: mì xiē gēn hú
English pronunciation cue: LAYK MISH-i-guhn
Example: We walked beside Lake Michigan.
例句: 我们在密歇根湖边散步。
4. lakefront
English meaning: The land and public spaces along a lake.
中文: 湖滨 · Pinyin: hú bīn
English pronunciation cue: LAYK-frunt
Example: Let us check the weather before visiting the lakefront.
例句: 去湖滨前我们查看一下天气吧。
5. Riverwalk
English meaning: Chicago’s pedestrian area alongside part of the Chicago River.
中文: 河滨步道 · Pinyin: hé bīn bù dào
English pronunciation cue: RIV-er-wawk
Example: We met our friends on the Riverwalk.
例句: 我们在河滨步道与朋友见面。
6. Chicago River
English meaning: The river running through the city.
中文: 芝加哥河 · Pinyin: zhī jiā gē hé
English pronunciation cue: shi-KAH-goh RIV-er
Example: The boat tour follows the Chicago River.
例句: 游船沿芝加哥河行驶。
7. the Loop
English meaning: Chicago’s central business district, named in connection with its rail loop.
中文: 卢普区 · Pinyin: lú pǔ qū
English pronunciation cue: thuh LOOP
Example: Our hotel is in the Loop.
例句: 我们的酒店在卢普区。
8. CTA
English meaning: The Chicago Transit Authority operating city buses and trains.
中文: 芝加哥交通局 · Pinyin: zhī jiā gē jiāo tōng jú
English pronunciation cue: see tee AY
Example: We checked the CTA route map.
例句: 我们查看了芝加哥交通局线路图。
9. the L
English meaning: The familiar name for Chicago’s rapid transit trains.
中文: 芝加哥城市轨道系统 · Pinyin: zhī jiā gē chéng shì guǐ dào xì tǒng
English pronunciation cue: thuh EL
Example: Can we take the L to the city center?
例句: 我们可以搭乘城市轨道去市中心吗？
10. elevated
English meaning: Raised above ground level.
中文: 高架的 · Pinyin: gāo jià de
English pronunciation cue: EL-uh-vay-tid
Example: The elevated tracks run above the street.
例句: 高架轨道位于街道上方。
Local transport, places and experiences: words 11–20
11. Ventra
English meaning: The fare-payment system used on CTA and other participating services.
中文: 文特拉交通支付系统 · Pinyin: wén tè lā jiāo tōng zhī fù xì tǒng
English pronunciation cue: VEN-truh
Example: Where can I find the current Ventra instructions?
例句: 在哪里可以找到最新的文特拉支付说明？
12. Blue Line
English meaning: A CTA rail line connecting O’Hare with the city.
中文: 蓝线 · Pinyin: lán xiàn
English pronunciation cue: BLOO lyn
Example: We checked the Blue Line destination before boarding.
例句: 我们上车前确认了蓝线目的地。
13. Orange Line
English meaning: A CTA rail line serving Midway Airport.
中文: 橙线 · Pinyin: chéng xiàn
English pronunciation cue: OR-inj lyn
Example: Does the Orange Line suit our airport journey?
例句: 橙线适合我们的机场行程吗？
14. O’Hare
English meaning: A major Chicago airport.
中文: 奥黑尔机场 · Pinyin: ào hēi ěr jī chǎng
English pronunciation cue: oh-HAIR
Example: Our flight arrives at O’Hare.
例句: 我们的航班抵达奥黑尔机场。
15. Midway
English meaning: Chicago’s other major commercial passenger airport.
中文: 中途机场 · Pinyin: zhōng tú jī chǎng
English pronunciation cue: MID-way
Example: Please check whether the ticket says Midway.
例句: 请确认机票上是否写着中途机场。
16. architecture
English meaning: The design and construction of buildings.
中文: 建筑艺术 · Pinyin: jiàn zhù yì shù
English pronunciation cue: AR-ki-tek-cher
Example: We booked a tour to understand Chicago architecture.
例句: 我们预订了导览来了解芝加哥建筑。
17. architecture cruise
English meaning: A boat tour explaining buildings seen from the water.
中文: 建筑主题游船 · Pinyin: jiàn zhù zhǔ tí yóu chuán
English pronunciation cue: AR-ki-tek-cher krooz
Example: Where does the architecture cruise board?
例句: 建筑主题游船在哪里登船？
18. skyscraper
English meaning: A very tall urban building.
中文: 摩天大楼 · Pinyin: mó tiān dà lóu
English pronunciation cue: SKY-skray-per
Example: The guide compared two skyscraper designs.
例句: 导游比较了两种摩天大楼设计。
19. skyline
English meaning: The outline made by buildings against the sky.
中文: 城市天际线 · Pinyin: chéng shì tiān jì xiàn
English pronunciation cue: SKY-lyn
Example: The skyline changed as the boat turned.
例句: 游船转弯时天际线发生了变化。
20. façade
English meaning: The exterior face of a building.
中文: 建筑正面 · Pinyin: jiàn zhù zhèng miàn
English pronunciation cue: fuh-SAHD
Example: Look at the stone details on the façade.
例句: 看看建筑正面的石雕细节。
Places to understand and explore: words 21–30
21. steel frame
English meaning: A supporting framework made from steel.
中文: 钢结构框架 · Pinyin: gāng jié gòu kuàng jià
English pronunciation cue: STEEL fraym
Example: The exhibit explains the steel frame inside the building.
例句: 展览介绍建筑内部的钢结构框架。
22. observation deck
English meaning: A platform or floor intended for viewing the surroundings.
中文: 观景台 · Pinyin: guān jǐng tái
English pronunciation cue: ob-zer-VAY-shuhn dek
Example: Is the observation deck affected by the weather?
例句: 天气会影响观景台开放吗？
23. drawbridge
English meaning: A bridge with a movable section allowing vessels through.
中文: 开启桥 · Pinyin: kāi qǐ qiáo
English pronunciation cue: DRAW-brij
Example: The guide pointed out a drawbridge over the river.
例句: 导游指出了河上的一座开启桥。
24. Millennium Park
English meaning: A central Chicago public space containing notable art and design.
中文: 千禧公园 · Pinyin: qiān xǐ gōng yuán
English pronunciation cue: mi-LEN-ee-uhm park
Example: We planned a walk through Millennium Park.
例句: 我们计划步行游览千禧公园。
25. Cloud Gate
English meaning: The reflective public sculpture in Millennium Park.
中文: 云门雕塑 · Pinyin: yún mén diāo sù
English pronunciation cue: KLOWD gayt
Example: We photographed our reflections in Cloud Gate.
例句: 我们拍下了云门里的倒影。
26. the Bean
English meaning: The popular nickname for Cloud Gate.
中文: 豆子雕塑昵称 · Pinyin: dòu zi diāo sù nì chēng
English pronunciation cue: thuh BEEN
Example: Is the Bean another name for Cloud Gate?
例句: 豆子是云门的另一个名字吗？
27. public art
English meaning: Art displayed in spaces used by the public.
中文: 公共艺术 · Pinyin: gōng gòng yì shù
English pronunciation cue: PUB-lik art
Example: The walk introduced several examples of public art.
例句: 步行游览介绍了几件公共艺术作品。
28. Art Institute
English meaning: Here, a shortened reference to the Art Institute of Chicago museum.
中文: 艺术博物馆 · Pinyin: yì shù bó wù guǎn
English pronunciation cue: ART IN-sti-toot
Example: Let us check the Art Institute’s exhibitions.
例句: 我们看看芝加哥艺术博物馆的展览吧。
29. Navy Pier
English meaning: A Chicago lakefront visitor destination.
中文: 海军码头 · Pinyin: hǎi jūn mǎ tóu
English pronunciation cue: NAY-vee peer
Example: We set aside time for Navy Pier.
例句: 我们为海军码头预留了时间。
30. Magnificent Mile
English meaning: The well-known shopping stretch along North Michigan Avenue.
中文: 壮丽一英里 · Pinyin: zhuàng lì yì yīng lǐ
English pronunciation cue: mag-NIF-i-suhnt myl
Example: We browsed shops along the Magnificent Mile.
例句: 我们逛了壮丽一英里沿线的商店。
History, culture and local details: words 31–40
31. Museum Campus
English meaning: The lakefront area associated with major Chicago visitor institutions.
中文: 博物馆园区 · Pinyin: bó wù guǎn yuán qū
English pronunciation cue: myoo-ZEE-uhm KAM-puhs
Example: We chose one attraction at Museum Campus.
例句: 我们选择了博物馆园区的一处景点。
32. Great Chicago Fire
English meaning: The devastating 1871 fire discussed in the city’s history.
中文: 芝加哥大火 · Pinyin: zhī jiā gē dà huǒ
English pronunciation cue: GRAYT shi-KAH-goh FY-er
Example: The display explained rebuilding after the Great Chicago Fire.
例句: 展览介绍芝加哥大火后的重建。
33. reconstruction
English meaning: The rebuilding of damaged structures or systems.
中文: 重建 · Pinyin: chóng jiàn
English pronunciation cue: ree-kuhn-STRUK-shuhn
Example: The museum links destruction with reconstruction.
例句: 博物馆把破坏与重建联系起来。
34. industrial
English meaning: Related to manufacturing and industry.
中文: 工业的 · Pinyin: gōng yè de
English pronunciation cue: in-DUS-tree-uhl
Example: We learned about Chicago’s industrial development.
例句: 我们了解了芝加哥的工业发展。
35. deep-dish pizza
English meaning: Pizza made in a deep pan, strongly associated with Chicago.
中文: 深盘披萨 · Pinyin: shēn pán pī sà
English pronunciation cue: DEEP dish PEET-suh
Example: How long will the deep-dish pizza take to cook?
例句: 深盘披萨需要烤多久？
36. Chicago-style hot dog
English meaning: A hot dog prepared in the city’s familiar local style.
中文: 芝加哥式热狗 · Pinyin: zhī jiā gē shì rè gǒu
English pronunciation cue: shi-KAH-goh styl HOT dog
Example: Which toppings are on this Chicago-style hot dog?
例句: 这份芝加哥式热狗上有哪些配料？
37. topping
English meaning: An ingredient placed on top of another food.
中文: 上层配料 · Pinyin: shàng céng pèi liào
English pronunciation cue: TOP-ing
Example: Could you leave off that topping?
例句: 可以不放那种配料吗？
38. blues
English meaning: A musical tradition with a major place in Chicago culture.
中文: 布鲁斯音乐 · Pinyin: bù lǔ sī yīn yuè
English pronunciation cue: blooz
Example: Is there a blues performance this evening?
例句: 今晚有布鲁斯演出吗？
39. jazz
English meaning: A musical tradition often featuring improvisation.
中文: 爵士乐 · Pinyin: jué shì yuè
English pronunciation cue: jaz
Example: We checked the jazz venue’s entry policy.
例句: 我们查看了爵士乐场所的入场规定。
40. wind chill
English meaning: The cooling effect of wind on how temperature feels.
中文: 风寒效应 · Pinyin: fēng hán xiào yìng
English pronunciation cue: WIND chil
Example: The forecast includes a strong wind chill.
例句: 天气预报提示明显的风寒效应。
How buildings stand up: words 41–50
41. beam
English meaning: A structural member, usually horizontal, that carries loads across a space between supports.
中文: 梁 · Pinyin: liáng
English pronunciation cue: beem
Example: The drawing shows a beam spanning the room.
例句: 图纸显示一根梁横跨房间。
42. column
English meaning: A vertical structural support.
中文: 柱 · Pinyin: zhù
English pronunciation cue: KOL-uhm
Example: The guide explained the column’s purpose.
例句: 导游介绍了柱的用途。
43. cantilever
English meaning: A structure projecting from one supported end.
中文: 悬臂 · Pinyin: xuán bì
English pronunciation cue: KAN-ti-lee-ver
Example: We identified the cantilever above the entrance.
例句: 我们认出了入口上方的悬臂。
44. truss
English meaning: A load-supporting framework of connected members, typically arranged in triangular units.
中文: 桁架 · Pinyin: héng jià
English pronunciation cue: trus
Example: The model reveals the roof truss.
例句: 模型展示屋顶桁架。
45. foundation
English meaning: The base supporting a structure.
中文: 地基 · Pinyin: dì jī
English pronunciation cue: fown-DAY-shuhn
Example: The exhibit explains the building’s foundation.
例句: 展览介绍建筑的地基。
46. caisson
English meaning: A foundation structure extending deep into the ground; the term also describes a watertight enclosure used during foundation work.
中文: 沉箱 · Pinyin: chén xiāng
English pronunciation cue: KAY-suhn
Example: How does this caisson transfer the building’s weight to stronger ground?
例句: 这个沉箱基础如何把建筑的重量传递到更坚实的地层？
47. load-bearing
English meaning: Supporting structural weight.
中文: 承重的 · Pinyin: chéng zhòng de
English pronunciation cue: LOHD bair-ing
Example: Is this wall load-bearing?
例句: 这面墙承重吗？
48. cladding
English meaning: Material covering a building’s exterior.
中文: 外墙覆层 · Pinyin: wài qiáng fù céng
English pronunciation cue: KLAD-ing
Example: The architect compared two types of cladding.
例句: 建筑师比较了两种外墙覆层。
49. curtain wall
English meaning: An exterior wall not carrying primary structural loads.
中文: 幕墙 · Pinyin: mù qiáng
English pronunciation cue: KER-tuhn wawl
Example: The display explains the glass curtain wall.
例句: 展览介绍玻璃幕墙。
50. setback
English meaning: A step back in a building’s profile.
中文: 建筑退台 · Pinyin: jiàn zhù tuì tái
English pronunciation cue: SET-bak
Example: We noticed a setback near the upper floors.
例句: 我们注意到高层的退台。
Architectural materials and details: words 51–60
51. cornice
English meaning: A projecting molding near a building’s top.
中文: 檐口 · Pinyin: yán kǒu
English pronunciation cue: KOR-nis
Example: Look at the ornament along the cornice.
例句: 看看檐口上的装饰。
52. ornament
English meaning: A decorative feature.
中文: 装饰构件 · Pinyin: zhuāng shì gòu jiàn
English pronunciation cue: OR-nuh-muhnt
Example: The guide distinguished ornament from structural support.
例句: 导游区分了装饰构件与结构支撑。
53. terracotta
English meaning: Fired clay used in architectural elements.
中文: 陶土建材 · Pinyin: táo tǔ jiàn cái
English pronunciation cue: tair-uh-KOT-uh
Example: The display includes a terracotta panel.
例句: 展览包括一块陶土面板。
54. limestone
English meaning: A sedimentary rock used in construction.
中文: 石灰岩 · Pinyin: shí huī yán
English pronunciation cue: LYM-stohn
Example: The label identifies the wall material as limestone.
例句: 说明牌指出墙体材料是石灰岩。
55. granite
English meaning: A hard crystalline rock.
中文: 花岗岩 · Pinyin: huā gǎng yán
English pronunciation cue: GRAN-it
Example: We compared polished granite with rough stone.
例句: 我们比较抛光花岗岩与粗糙石材。
56. atrium
English meaning: An open interior space within a building.
中文: 中庭 · Pinyin: zhōng tíng
English pronunciation cue: AY-tree-uhm
Example: The atrium brings light into the building.
例句: 中庭把光线引入建筑。
57. vault
English meaning: An arched ceiling structure.
中文: 拱顶 · Pinyin: gǒng dǐng
English pronunciation cue: vawlt
Example: The guide described the vault above us.
例句: 导游介绍我们头顶的拱顶。
58. arch
English meaning: A curved structural form spanning an opening.
中文: 拱 · Pinyin: gǒng
English pronunciation cue: arch
Example: We sketched the arch over the doorway.
例句: 我们画下门口上方的拱。
59. buttress
English meaning: A projecting support reinforcing a wall.
中文: 扶壁 · Pinyin: fú bì
English pronunciation cue: BUT-ruhs
Example: The diagram labels the buttress.
例句: 图示标出了扶壁。
60. spandrel
English meaning: An architectural area beside an arch or between window levels.
中文: 拱肩或窗间墙 · Pinyin: gǒng jiān huò chuāng jiān qiáng
English pronunciation cue: SPAN-druhl
Example: Which part of this wall is the spandrel between the window levels?
例句: 这面墙的哪一部分是上下两层窗户之间的窗间墙？
Bridges and railway spaces: words 61–70
61. bascule bridge
English meaning: A bridge opening by rotating a balanced span.
中文: 上开式桥 · Pinyin: shàng kāi shì qiáo
English pronunciation cue: BAS-kyool brij
Example: The model shows a bascule bridge lifting.
例句: 模型展示开启桥升起。
62. counterweight
English meaning: A weight balancing another load.
中文: 配重 · Pinyin: pèi zhòng
English pronunciation cue: KOWN-ter-wayt
Example: The counterweight helps balance the moving bridge.
例句: 配重帮助平衡移动的桥体。
63. abutment
English meaning: A support at the end of a bridge.
中文: 桥台 · Pinyin: qiáo tái
English pronunciation cue: uh-BUT-muhnt
Example: The guide pointed to the bridge abutment.
例句: 导游指向桥台。
64. span
English meaning: The distance between structural supports.
中文: 跨度 · Pinyin: kuà dù
English pronunciation cue: span
Example: The drawing marks the bridge’s span.
例句: 图纸标出桥的跨度。
65. embankment
English meaning: Raised earth supporting or containing a route or water.
中文: 堤岸 · Pinyin: dī àn
English pronunciation cue: em-BANGK-muhnt
Example: We followed the path beside the embankment.
例句: 我们沿堤岸旁的步道走。
66. viaduct
English meaning: A bridge carrying a route over an extended area.
中文: 高架桥 · Pinyin: gāo jià qiáo
English pronunciation cue: VY-uh-dukt
Example: The railway crosses a viaduct.
例句: 铁路经过高架桥。
67. junction
English meaning: A point where routes join or divide.
中文: 线路交汇处 · Pinyin: xiàn lù jiāo huì chù
English pronunciation cue: JUNGK-shuhn
Example: Check the route beyond this junction.
例句: 请确认交汇处之后的路线。
68. concourse
English meaning: A large circulation area in a transport building.
中文: 车站大厅 · Pinyin: chē zhàn dà tīng
English pronunciation cue: KON-kors
Example: We met inside the station concourse.
例句: 我们在车站大厅会合。
69. turnstile
English meaning: A gate controlling individual passage.
中文: 闸机 · Pinyin: zhá jī
English pronunciation cue: TERN-styl
Example: Which turnstile should we use?
例句: 我们应该使用哪台闸机？
70. right-of-way
English meaning: Land or access reserved for a route.
中文: 专用通行带 · Pinyin: zhuān yòng tōng xíng dài
English pronunciation cue: RYT uhv WAY
Example: The exhibit explains the railway right-of-way.
例句: 展览介绍铁路专用通行带。
Blues and jazz performance: words 71–80
71. improvisation
English meaning: Creating music during performance.
中文: 即兴演奏 · Pinyin: jí xìng yǎn zòu
English pronunciation cue: im-prov-i-ZAY-shuhn
Example: The musician described improvisation.
例句: 音乐家介绍即兴演奏。
72. rhythm
English meaning: The pattern of musical timing.
中文: 节奏 · Pinyin: jié zòu
English pronunciation cue: RITH-uhm
Example: We tapped the rhythm quietly.
例句: 我们轻轻打着节奏。
73. syncopation
English meaning: Accent placed against an expected beat pattern.
中文: 切分节奏 · Pinyin: qiē fēn jié zòu
English pronunciation cue: sing-kuh-PAY-shuhn
Example: The teacher demonstrated syncopation.
例句: 老师示范了切分节奏。
74. riff
English meaning: A short repeated musical phrase.
中文: 重复乐句 · Pinyin: chóng fù yuè jù
English pronunciation cue: rif
Example: The guitarist repeated the riff.
例句: 吉他手重复演奏乐句。
75. harmonica
English meaning: A small wind instrument played by mouth.
中文: 口琴 · Pinyin: kǒu qín
English pronunciation cue: har-MON-i-kuh
Example: The performer introduced the harmonica.
例句: 表演者介绍口琴。
76. amplifier
English meaning: Equipment increasing an audio signal.
中文: 扩音器 · Pinyin: kuò yīn qì
English pronunciation cue: AM-pluh-fy-er
Example: The guide explained the amplifier beside the guitar.
例句: 导游介绍吉他旁的扩音器。
77. ensemble
English meaning: A group performing together.
中文: 合奏团 · Pinyin: hé zòu tuán
English pronunciation cue: on-SOM-buhl
Example: The ensemble began with a quiet passage.
例句: 合奏团以轻柔的乐段开场。
78. acoustics
English meaning: How sound behaves within a space.
中文: 声学效果 · Pinyin: shēng xué xiào guǒ
English pronunciation cue: uh-KOO-stiks
Example: We noticed the room’s acoustics.
例句: 我们注意到房间的声学效果。
79. repertoire
English meaning: The works a performer can present.
中文: 演奏曲目 · Pinyin: yǎn zòu qǔ mù
English pronunciation cue: REP-er-twahr
Example: The programme lists part of the band’s repertoire.
例句: 节目单列出乐队部分演奏曲目。
80. encore
English meaning: An additional performance after the planned programme.
中文: 返场演出 · Pinyin: fǎn chǎng yǎn chū
English pronunciation cue: ON-kor
Example: The audience applauded for an encore.
例句: 观众鼓掌期待返场。
Looking closely at art: words 81–90
81. canvas
English meaning: Fabric used as a painting surface.
中文: 画布 · Pinyin: huà bù
English pronunciation cue: KAN-vuhs
Example: The label identifies oil paint on canvas.
例句: 说明牌标注油画颜料与画布。
82. palette
English meaning: A painting board or selected range of colors.
中文: 调色板或色彩组 · Pinyin: tiáo sè bǎn huò sè cǎi zǔ
English pronunciation cue: PAL-it
Example: The painting uses a restrained palette.
例句: 画作使用克制的色彩组合。
83. brushstroke
English meaning: A mark made by a painting brush.
中文: 笔触 · Pinyin: bǐ chù
English pronunciation cue: BRUSH-strohk
Example: We examined a visible brushstroke.
例句: 我们观察了一道清晰的笔触。
84. perspective
English meaning: A way of representing depth and viewpoint.
中文: 透视 · Pinyin: tòu shì
English pronunciation cue: per-SPEK-tiv
Example: The drawing demonstrates perspective.
例句: 图画示范透视效果。
85. composition
English meaning: The arrangement of elements in an artwork.
中文: 画面构图 · Pinyin: huà miàn gòu tú
English pronunciation cue: kom-puh-ZISH-uhn
Example: How does the painting’s composition draw our eyes towards that figure?
例句: 这幅画的构图如何把我们的视线引向那个人物？
86. sculpture
English meaning: A three-dimensional artwork.
中文: 雕塑 · Pinyin: diāo sù
English pronunciation cue: SKULP-cher
Example: We walked around the sculpture.
例句: 我们绕着雕塑走。
87. installation
English meaning: An artwork arranged within a space.
中文: 装置艺术 · Pinyin: zhuāng zhì yì shù
English pronunciation cue: in-stuh-LAY-shuhn
Example: Visitors moved through the installation.
例句: 访客穿过装置艺术空间。
88. abstract
English meaning: Not directly representing familiar visible objects.
中文: 抽象的 · Pinyin: chōu xiàng de
English pronunciation cue: AB-strakt
Example: The gallery includes an abstract painting.
例句: 展厅有一幅抽象画。
89. figurative
English meaning: Representing recognisable forms.
中文: 具象的 · Pinyin: jù xiàng de
English pronunciation cue: FIG-yer-uh-tiv
Example: We compared figurative and abstract works.
例句: 我们比较具象与抽象作品。
90. conservation
English meaning: Care protecting objects from deterioration.
中文: 文物修护 · Pinyin: wén wù xiū hù
English pronunciation cue: kon-ser-VAY-shuhn
Example: How does conservation protect the painting without hiding evidence of its age?
例句: 画作修护如何保护这幅画，同时保留它历经岁月的痕迹？
Chicago food and lake weather: words 91–100
91. flatbread
English meaning: Bread baked in a flattened shape.
中文: 扁面包 · Pinyin: biǎn miàn bāo
English pronunciation cue: FLAT-bred
Example: We ordered a flatbread to share.
例句: 我们点了扁面包一起分享。
92. crust
English meaning: The outer cooked layer of bread or pizza.
中文: 面饼外层 · Pinyin: miàn bǐng wài céng
English pronunciation cue: krust
Example: This pizza has a thick crust.
例句: 这个披萨饼边很厚。
93. mozzarella
English meaning: A mild cheese often used on pizza.
中文: 马苏里拉奶酪 · Pinyin: mǎ sū lǐ lā nǎi lào
English pronunciation cue: mot-suh-REL-uh
Example: Does this dish contain mozzarella?
例句: 这道菜含马苏里拉奶酪吗？
94. relish
English meaning: A chopped condiment served with food.
中文: 调味酱菜 · Pinyin: tiáo wèi jiàng cài
English pronunciation cue: REL-ish
Example: Could you serve the relish separately?
例句: 可以把调味酱菜单独放吗？
95. celery salt
English meaning: Salt flavored with celery seed or related flavoring.
中文: 芹菜盐 · Pinyin: qín cài yán
English pronunciation cue: SEL-er-ee sawlt
Example: Is celery salt included in the seasoning?
例句: 调味料里有芹菜盐吗？
96. pickle
English meaning: A vegetable preserved in brine or vinegar.
中文: 腌黄瓜 · Pinyin: yān huáng guā
English pronunciation cue: PIK-uhl
Example: We asked for the pickle on the side.
例句: 我们请店员把腌黄瓜放在旁边。
97. tavern
English meaning: A venue serving drinks and sometimes food.
中文: 酒馆 · Pinyin: jiǔ guǎn
English pronunciation cue: TAV-ern
Example: We checked the tavern’s dining arrangements.
例句: 我们查看酒馆的用餐安排。
98. brewery
English meaning: A business where beer is made.
中文: 酿酒厂 · Pinyin: niàng jiǔ chǎng
English pronunciation cue: BROO-er-ee
Example: Does the brewery offer an educational tour?
例句: 酿酒厂有知识导览吗？
99. fermentation
English meaning: In food and drink production, a process in which microorganisms convert sugars into products such as alcohol, acids or gas.
中文: 发酵 · Pinyin: fā jiào
English pronunciation cue: fer-men-TAY-shuhn
Example: What does yeast produce during fermentation at this brewery?
例句: 在这家酿酒厂，酵母在发酵过程中会产生什么？
100. lake-effect snow
English meaning: Snow produced when cold air gains heat and moisture over relatively warmer lake water, then releases that moisture as snow downwind.
中文: 湖效应降雪 · Pinyin: hú xiào yìng jiàng xuě
English pronunciation cue: LAYK i-FEKT snoh
Example: How does wind direction affect where lake-effect snow falls around Lake Michigan?
例句: 风向如何影响密歇根湖周边湖效应降雪的位置？
Chicago History: Rebuilding, Work and the Shape of a Skyline
Chicago offers a wonderfully visible introduction to the language of buildings. You can point to a façade, compare silhouettes and ask how a structure is supported. Architecture becomes easier to discuss when each technical word names something you can locate or understand.
The Great Chicago Fire took place in 1871. The Chicago History Museum’s learning materials explore the disaster and its human consequences. Rebuilding is part of the story, but reconstruction does not mean that loss was instantly repaired or equally experienced.
The city’s visitor organisation, Choose Chicago, offers routes into architectural history through buildings, walking tours, observation decks and river cruises. Use those resources to choose a visit that fits your interest. This vocabulary guide gives you the words to understand the explanations.
A productive question is, ‘What can the outside of a building tell us, and what can it hide?’ A façade is visible; the steel frame may not be. A skyline shows shapes; it does not, by itself, explain the workers, finance or decisions behind them. Learning to separate observation from explanation makes an architecture visit far more interesting.
What to Visit in Chicago: River, Lake and Public Art
For architecture, consider a river tour or a walk with a clearly stated theme. Check the boarding point, duration and access arrangements with the actual operator. An architecture cruise may introduce buildings from the water, while a walking tour can let you inspect entrances and materials more closely. These are different experiences.
Millennium Park gives public-art vocabulary a tangible setting. Cloud Gate is the sculpture popularly nicknamed the Bean. Use reflection, curved and surface to describe what you see. Ask why a sculpture changes as you move around it. The observation can become a short paragraph about viewpoint.
The Riverwalk and the lakefront are different geographical settings. The Chicago River is a river; Lake Michigan is a Great Lake. Use the correct name when arranging a meeting. ‘Beside the water’ may feel obvious to you but leaves too much uncertainty for someone trying to find you.
For museums and shopping, choose one main purpose rather than combining every attraction into a single sprint. The Art Institute, Museum Campus, Navy Pier and the Magnificent Mile serve different interests. Verify hours and ticket arrangements on the relevant attraction’s website. Use this guide to form your questions before you arrive.
Getting Around Chicago: Read the L Without Guessing
The Chicago Transit Authority uses the familiar name ‘L’ for its rapid transit service. The name is connected with elevated railway, but the system also includes sections that are not above the street. Learn the system name and then check the actual route you need.
CTA’s official information identifies the Blue Line as an airport connection for O’Hare and the Orange Line for Midway. The airport name therefore belongs near the top of your travel notes. O’Hare and Midway are not interchangeable labels.
Check current payment instructions rather than copying a rule from another American city. CTA’s fare guide explains entry payment and the reader used at gates and on buses. A pass, a stored-value arrangement and a single fare can have different conditions.
A precise request is, ‘Does this train go toward my station, and where should I transfer?’ If you show the station name on your phone, the conversation becomes easier. Keep the phone accessible without blocking a gate or the flow of boarding passengers.
A Chicago Practice Day: Learn to Explain What You See
Begin with a short walk in which each person chooses one building. Describe its height, shape and façade. Then replace one vague word with a precise one. ‘A big building’ might become ‘a skyscraper with a narrow stone façade.’ Do not add a construction claim unless you have evidence.
At a public artwork, compare two viewpoints. What changed when you moved? What stayed the same? Use reflection, surface and skyline in your notes. These are excellent prompts for descriptive writing because the detail comes from looking rather than from memorising an impressive phrase.
At lunch, practise questions about deep-dish pizza, toppings and waiting time. A cooking time affects the schedule, so ask before deciding whether the meal fits between two bookings. You can learn travel planning and English in the same conversation.
Later, choose a music or museum activity according to your interests and the venue’s actual arrangements. If you consider a blues or jazz performance, check age restrictions, seating and entry rules. Finish the day with an explanation of one discovery. A clear reason makes a much stronger travel memory than a list of place names.
A Chicago Conversation: What Carries the Weight?
Looking up is wonderful; looking for relationships adds another layer of interest. Ask, ‘Which columns support this beam?’ If a guide explains a cantilever, follow the unsupported projecting end with your eyes. Keep your question tied to the particular building or diagram. An attractive exterior alone does not reveal every structural detail.
可以先问‘What is this cladding made of?’，也就是‘这层外墙覆层是什么材料做的？’ 再问它是否承担结构荷载。材料、装饰和承重是不同的问题，分开问会更清楚。
Explain One Moving Bridge
The Chicago Architecture Center’s movable-bridge guide describes bascule bridges and counterweights. Practise explaining the connection: a bascule bridge opens by rotating a movable section, with a counterweight helping balance it. Avoid calling every opening bridge a vertical lift bridge; their movements differ.
A useful observation is, ‘The bridge has two movable leaves.’ A useful question is, ‘Where are the counterweights?’ If you cannot see the machinery, say that honestly and consult the diagram. You can still write a strong description by distinguishing visible movement from the mechanism explained by a source.
Hear the Music and Describe the Art
Try saying syncopation with the stress on PAY, then describe one unexpected accent you heard in a musical example. Improvisation is creating music during performance; it does not mean that musicians have no training or preparation. Ask how a riff gives the group something to return to.
In a gallery, separate observation from interpretation. Model question: “The brushstrokes are visible here. How do they contribute to the composition?” — “这里可以看到笔触。它们如何参与画面的构图？” For a figurative work, identify a recognisable form; for an abstract work, begin with shape, colour and arrangement. Describe what you can see before claiming what the artist intended.
Turn a Chicago Detail into a Paragraph
Try three Chicago questions:
“Which column supports this beam?” — “哪根柱子支撑这根梁？”
“How does the counterweight help the bridge open?” — “配重如何帮助桥梁开启？”
“When does the ensemble return to the riff?” — “合奏团什么时候再次演奏这段重复乐句？”
Choose a question that fits a building diagram, bridge explanation or musical example you actually encounter. Use the answer to write one sentence about the part and one about its role. Architecture, machinery and music offer different kinds of relationships to explain.
With the eduKate Fencing Method, begin with one true sentence and extend it carefully. The learning hubs connect that habit to English, Mathematics and Science: describe the part, identify its relationship and explain the evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Bean and Cloud Gate different sculptures?
They refer to the same sculpture: Cloud Gate is the name and the Bean is its popular nickname.
Which airport name should I learn?
Learn the airport on your actual booking. O’Hare and Midway are different airports with different journeys. CTA identifies the Blue Line with O’Hare and the Orange Line with Midway.
Is every part of the L elevated?
No. The familiar name refers to the rapid transit system, which has different kinds of track alignment. Follow the route map and station signs.
Are the Chinese meanings word-for-word translations?
Use the Chinese gloss for the context of the Chicago entry. A palette may mean an artist’s colour range, while conservation in the art group means caring for objects, not saving water. The example shows which meaning you need.
Is pinyin the English pronunciation?
No. Pinyin explains the Mandarin reading of the Chinese writing. The separate English cue approximates the English sound. Use a dictionary recording for a more accurate model.
Should I memorise all 100 words before travelling?
Begin with your booked airport and journey: O’Hare and Blue Line, or Midway and Orange Line, as appropriate. Then choose a small set for your activity, such as façade, steel frame and observation deck. Ask “Which part of this building is the façade?” — “这栋建筑的哪一部分是正面？” Learn a complete question with each term and let your next stop determine the next words.
How can this help school English after the trip?
Use Chicago to practise comparison. Choose two artworks you actually saw and describe a brushstroke, palette or composition detail in each. Explain one similarity and one difference, using the captions for facts about the works. Your paragraph can then develop an observation rather than simply list favourite attractions. If you compare a building instead, use the architectural group and a labelled diagram.
Continue Learning with eduKate
Travel gives words a real setting. A map makes a direction visible, a museum gives history a voice, and a conversation turns a remembered phrase into something you can use. Keep the words that helped you most and bring them into your next piece of reading, speaking or writing.
- Vocabulary from primary years to adult and career learning
- Master SEC English Vocabulary Guide
- Compare American English and UK English
- Continue the existing New York City travel vocabulary guide
- Explore the wider eduKate learning ecosystem
- Honolulu — island ecology, royal history and voyaging
- Las Vegas — desert landscapes, stagecraft and water engineering
- San Francisco — bridge engineering, cable cars and neighbourhood food
- Los Angeles — filmmaking, astronomy and coastal recreation
- Washington, D.C. — government, archives and science
- Seattle — coastal ecology, coffee and markets
- Boston — civic history, ships and university life
Have a wonderful time in Chicago. Learn a little, ask freely, and leave space for the discoveries you could never have planned.