Master basic Chinese phrases to make your China travel much easier. All phrases are simple and friendly for overseas visitors to learn. We attach Pinyin pronunciation and English translations for quick study.
Read our Chinese food travel guide
1. Greetings & Polite Phrases
Polite expressions help you get along well with local residents in all scenarios.
- 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) - Hello / Hi, universal greeting for all people.
- 谢谢 (Xièxie) - Thank you, use when others offer help or service.
- 不客气 (Bú kèqi) - You’re welcome, standard reply for thanks.
- 对不起 (Duìbuqǐ) - Sorry / Excuse me for interruptions or collisions.
- 再见 (Zàijiàn) - Goodbye, fit for formal and casual leave-taking.
2. Asking for Help
Use these sentences when you get lost or need guidance from locals.
- 请帮帮我 (Qǐng bāngbang wǒ) - Please help me, "qǐng" shows politeness.
- 我迷路了 (Wǒ mílù le) - I’m lost, say to police or shop staff.
- 请问，洗手间在哪里？ - Excuse me, where is the bathroom?
- 请问，这是哪里？ - Excuse me, what place is this?
- 我不懂中文 (Wǒ bù dǒng zhōngwén) - I can’t understand Chinese.
3. Eating & Dining Phrases
These sentences work well in restaurants, street food stalls and snack shops.
- 我要... (Wǒ yào...) - I want..., add food or drink names after it.
- 这个多少钱？ - How much is this, for food and snack pricing.
- 好吃 (Hǎochī) - Delicious, locals love this compliment.
- 不要辣 (Bú yào là) - No spicy food, tell waiters your taste preference.
- 买单 (Mǎidān) - Check, please, to ask for the bill after meals.
4. Daily Shopping Words
Communicate smoothly with vendors at markets, shops and scenic stalls.
- 可以便宜一点吗？ - Can you offer a lower price for bargaining.
- 我买了 (Wǒ mǎi le) - I will take this item.
- 这个是什么？ - What kind of product is this?
- 我不要了 (Wǒ bú yào le) - I don’t need it anymore, polite refusal.
5. Useful Transportation Sentences
Perfect for taxi, bus and public transport inquiries across Chinese cities.
- 去... (Qù...) - Go to..., follow with your destination name.
- 请问，公交车站在哪里？ - Where can I find the bus stop?
- 出租车 (Chūzūchē) - Taxi, use to call a cab on the street.
- 多少钱？ - How much is the taxi fare?
6. Scenic Spot Travel Phrases
Ask ticket info, shooting rules and directions while visiting attractions.
- 这里很美 (Zhèlǐ hěn měi) - The scenery here is stunning.
- 请问，门票多少钱？ - How much does one entry ticket cost?
- 可以拍照吗？ - Am I allowed to take photos inside?
- 出口在哪里？ - Where is the exit of this scenic area?
Check visa-free entry rules for your trip
Helpful Language Travel Tips
- Pinyin marks all public signs, you can read them to pronounce Chinese words easily.
- Speak slowly when talking to locals; they will patiently listen to your words.
- Simple gestures and smiling make communication easier with language barriers.
- Carry translation apps like WeChat Translate for complex long conversations.
Learning these short phrases brings great convenience during your China journey. Local people are warm and glad to see foreign visitors try Chinese. Wish you a wonderful and smooth travel experience in China!
