Mastering a handful of basic Chinese phrases will make your China trip far smoother and more immersive.

Every phrase below comes with Pinyin pronunciation and clear English translations.

No prior Chinese skills are required — perfect for quick on-the-go reference.

For deeper local dining culture, pair this guide with our complete Chinese food and cuisine guide.

1. Greetings & Polite Everyday Phrases

Warm, polite words go a long way in China.

Locals appreciate visitors who try to speak even a few words.

These work everywhere, from hotels to street stalls.

• 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) – Hello / Hi, universal greeting for all occasions
• 谢谢 (Xièxie) – Thank you, for service, help or small favors
• 不客气 (Bú kèqi) – You’re welcome, standard reply to thanks
• 对不起 (Duìbuqǐ) – Sorry / Excuse me, for bumps or crowded spaces
• 再见 (Zàijiàn) – Goodbye, for formal and casual departures

2. Asking for Help & Directions

Use these when you need help, directions or have questions for locals.

• 请帮帮我 (Qǐng bāngbang wǒ) – Please help me; qǐng adds polite tone
• 我迷路了 (Wǒ mílù le) – I’m lost, for staff or information desks
• 请问，洗手间在哪里？ (Qǐngwèn, xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ?) – Excuse me, where is the restroom?
• 请问，这是哪里？ (Qǐngwèn, zhè shì nǎlǐ?) – Excuse me, what place is this?
• 我不会说中文 (Wǒ bú huì shuō zhōngwén) – I don’t speak Chinese

3. Eating & Dining Phrases

These are your most-used phrases at restaurants, stalls and tea houses.

• 我要... (Wǒ yào...) – I would like..., follow with a dish or drink name
• 这个多少钱？ (Zhège duōshao qián?) – How much is this? Works for all food & drinks
• 好吃 (Hǎochī) – Delicious; locals love this compliment about their food
• 不要辣 (Bú yào là) – No spice, please. Essential for Sichuan & Hunan food
• 买单 (Mǎidān) – Check, please, to ask for the bill after your meal

4. Shopping & Market Phrases

Use these for souvenir shops, local markets and street vendors across China.

• 可以便宜一点吗？ (Kěyǐ piányi yìdiǎn ma?) – Can you offer a lower price? For gentle bargaining
• 我买了 (Wǒ mǎi le) – I’ll take this item
• 这个是什么？ (Zhège shì shénme?) – What is this product?
• 我不要了 (Wǒ bú yào le) – No, thank you, a polite way to decline

5. Transportation Phrases

Perfect for taxis, buses and public transport in any Chinese city.

• 去... (Qù...) – Please take me to..., follow with your destination
• 请问，公交车站在哪里？ (Qǐngwèn, gōngjiāochē zhàn zài nǎlǐ?) – Where can I find the bus stop?
• 出租车 (Chūzūchē) – Taxi, used to hail a cab on the street
• 多少钱？ (Duōshao qián?) – How much is the fare?

6. Sightseeing & Attraction Phrases

Useful for scenic spots, temples, museums and historical sites.

• 这里很美 (Zhèlǐ hěn měi) – The scenery here is stunning
• 请问，门票多少钱？ (Qǐngwèn, ménpiào duōshao qián?) – How much does an entrance ticket cost?
• 可以拍照吗？ (Kěyǐ pāizhào ma?) – Am I allowed to take photos inside?
• 出口在哪里？ (Chūkǒu zài nǎlǐ?) – Where is the exit of this attraction?

Before your trip, make sure to check the latest China visa-free entry rules to see if you qualify.

Helpful Language Travel Tips

1. Most public signs across China include Pinyin for easy pronunciation and navigation.
2. Speak slowly and clearly. Most locals will patiently try to understand you.
3. Simple gestures and a smile work well for language barriers — perfect grammar isn’t required.
4. Download an offline translation app, or use WeChat Translate for longer conversations.

Even a few simple phrases will make your travels far more convenient.

They also help you connect better with local people along the way.

Chinese residents are famously welcoming and appreciate visitors’ effort to speak the language.

We wish you a wonderful, smooth journey across China.

For help planning a fully customized private China tour, feel free to contact our team .