Yes, there are frequency lists. This is the most useful, easiest-to-carry one I've found so far: http://www.amazon.com/Chinese-English-Frequency-Dictionary-Mand

Yes, there are frequency lists. This is the most useful, easiest-to-carry one I've found so far: http://www.amazon.com/Chinese-English-Frequency-Dictionary-Mandarin-Frequently/dp/0781808421 http://www.amazon.com/Chinese-English-Frequency-Dictionary-M... Access to the official vocabulary classifications is through the HSK program: http://www.china.org.cn/english/MATERIAL/105441.htm http://www.china.org.cn/english/MATERIAL/105441.htm But there are words, then there are idioms, and there are sentence patterns... if you can afford it, the Pimsleur series is unsurpassed for mastering a series of basic sentence patterns. The John Francis books are useful orientation. If you're studying, the New Practical Chinese Reader series is extensive and helpful.