When traveling in China, knowing some basic Chinese phrases will make your trip easier and more enjoyable. These phrases are simple, commonly used, and easy to pronounce. We provide Pinyin (the Chinese phonetic alphabet) and English translations to help you learn quickly. Let’s start!
1. Greetings & Polite Phrases
Polite words can help you get along well with local people. They are suitable for any occasion.
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你好 (Nǐ hǎo) - Hello / Hi (The most common greeting, used when meeting anyone, formal or informal.)
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谢谢 (Xièxie) - Thank you (Use it when someone helps you, serves you, or gives you something. Very important!)
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不客气 (Bú kèqi) - You’re welcome (The reply to “Thank you”.)
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对不起 (Duìbuqǐ) - Sorry / Excuse me (Use it when you bump into someone, ask for help, or interrupt others.)
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再见 (Zàijiàn) - Goodbye (Formal and informal, used when leaving.)
2. Asking for Help
When you get lost, need directions, or have questions, these phrases will be very useful.
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请帮帮我 (Qǐng bāngbang wǒ) - Please help me (Pinyin tip: “Qǐng” means “please”, very polite.)
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我迷路了 (Wǒ mílù le) - I’m lost (You can say this to police officers, shop assistants, or local people.)
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请问，洗手间在哪里？(Qǐngwèn, xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ?) - Excuse me, where is the bathroom? (The most needed phrase during traveling! “Xǐshǒujiān” is “bathroom”.)
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请问，这是哪里？(Qǐngwèn, zhè shì nǎlǐ?) - Excuse me, where is this place?
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我不懂中文 (Wǒ bù dǒng zhōngwén) - I don’t understand Chinese (If someone speaks to you in Chinese, use this to explain.)
3. Eating & Drinking
China has delicious food! Use these phrases when eating in restaurants, ordering food, or buying drinks.
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我要... (Wǒ yào...) - I want... (Follow with food/drink names, e.g., “Wǒ yào yī bēi shuǐ” = I want a glass of water.)
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这个多少钱？(Zhège duōshao qián?) - How much is this? (Use it when ordering food or buying snacks on the street.)
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好吃 (Hǎochī) - Delicious / Tasty (Praise the food! Local people will be happy to hear it.)
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不要辣 (Bú yào là) - No spicy (If you don’t like spicy food, tell the waiter this.)
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买单 (Mǎidān) - Check, please (Ask for the bill when you finish eating.)
4. Shopping
When shopping in markets, stores, or scenic spots, these phrases can help you communicate with sellers.
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可以便宜一点吗？(Kěyǐ piányi yīdiǎn ma?) - Can you make it a little cheaper? (Bargain politely in markets.)
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我买了 (Wǒ mǎi le) - I’ll take it (Tell the seller you want to buy the item.)
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这个是什么？(Zhège shì shénme?) - What is this? (Ask about the name of an item.)
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我不要了 (Wǒ bú yào le) - I don’t want it (If you change your mind, say this politely.)
5. Transportation
When taking taxis, buses, or asking for directions, these phrases are helpful.
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去... (Qù...) - Go to... (Follow with a place name, e.g., “Qù Běijīng Gōngyuán” = Go to Beijing Park.)
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请问，公交车站在哪里？(Qǐngwèn, gōngjiāochē zhàn zài nǎlǐ?) - Excuse me, where is the bus stop?
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出租车 (Chūzūchē) - Taxi (Shout this when you want to take a taxi, or point to the taxi sign.)
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多少钱？(Duōshao qián?) - How much? (Ask the taxi driver for the fare.)
6. Scenic Spots
When visiting scenic spots, use these phrases to ask for information or express your feelings.
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这里很美 (Zhèlǐ hěn měi) - This place is very beautiful (Praise the scenery.)
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请问，门票多少钱？(Qǐngwèn, ménpiào duōshao qián?) - Excuse me, how much is the ticket?
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可以拍照吗？(Kěyǐ pāizhào ma?) - Can I take photos here?
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出口在哪里？(Chūkǒu zài nǎlǐ?) - Where is the exit?
Useful Tips
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Pinyin is your friend! Most signs (airports, stations, scenic spots) have Pinyin, so you can read and pronounce them easily.
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Speak slowly and clearly. Chinese people are very friendly and will try their best to understand you, even if your pronunciation is not perfect.
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Body language helps! If you can’t say the phrase clearly, use gestures (e.g., pointing, smiling) to help communicate.
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Download a translation app (e.g., WeChat Translate, Baidu Translate) as a backup. It can help you with longer sentences or difficult words.
Learning these simple phrases will make your trip in China smoother and more fun. Chinese people are warm and welcoming—they will be happy to see you trying to speak their language. Wish you a wonderful trip in China!
