Everyone knows the basics of Chinese conversation, like "nihao" and "xiexie", but traveling equipped with a limited vocabulary of “hello” and “thank you” may not be enough. Here are a few more terms you’ll need for your next trip to China:
The Basics:
My name is…
我叫 _____ 。 Wǒ jiào ______ .
Traveling is the perfect opportunity to meet people you normally wouldn’t chat with, so take the chance to speak to people with a different background than you. The first step to any conversation of course, is your name.
Excuse me (literally, “May I ask”)
请问 qǐng wèn
With such a large population, the streets of any major city of tourist interest in China will be bustling with foot traffic. As in any city, people will be in a rush and may not always hear you.
I'm sorry.
对不起。 Duìbùqǐ.
Avoid any scuffles on your trip by maintaining good manners! If you bump into a stranger on the street or step on someone’s foot in the subway, be sure to express your apologies.
Finding Help:
Do you speak English?
你会说英语吗？ Nǐ huì shuō Yīngyǔ ma?
Is there someone here who speaks English?
这里有人会说英语吗？ Zhèlĭ yǒu rén hùi shuō Yīngyǔ ma?
While it’s a great idea for you to try and practice your Chinese as much as possible while being immersed in the Chinese culture, sometimes using your native language will be the only way to get out of a sticky situation.
Help! (in emergencies)
救命！ Jiùmìng!
Hopefully the time will never arise when you need to use this phrase, but if it does, make sure you’re able to convey your emergency to those around you!
Getting Around:
Where is the toilet?
厕所在哪里？ Cèsuǒ zài nǎli?
Probably the most important phrase you’ll need on the street (for obvious reasons).
How do I get to _____ ?
怎么去_____ zěnme qù _____?
For every touristy escapade you embark on.
Take me to _____, please.
请开到_____。 qǐng kāidào _____。
You are almost guaranteed to take a taxi during your stay in China. Show off your Chinese and impress your driver by speaking in Chinese!
If You Need It:
After learning these phrases, you’ll be able to survive on your travels, but the Chinese languages contains over 50,000 characters. Someday you’ll learn the standard 3,000 characters an average speaker is familiar with, but until then...
I can't speak Chinese.
我不会讲中文。 Wǒ bú huì jiáng zhōngwén.
I don't understand.
我不懂。 Wǒ tīng dǒng.
How do you say ... in Mandarin?
... 中文怎么说？... zhōngwén zěnme shuō?
Just For Fun:
For that special someone:
I love you.
我爱你。 Wǒ ài nǐ.
...on that special day:
Happy birthday!
生日快乐！ Shēngrì kuàilè!
Let’s go out to eat, my treat.
一起吃饭, 我请客。Yìqǐ chīfàn, wǒ qǐngkè.
Chinese culture emphasizes the importance of eating together to show close relationships. Inviting a friend to dinner is the perfect way to get to know them, thank them, or celebrate.
Not me! (literally, “Where, where?”)
哪里, 哪里! Nǎlǐ, nǎlǐ!
Being humble is a valued part of Chinese culture. Show your modesty by politely deflecting compliments and smiling.
Lastly, tell everyone all about your interest and love for languages:
One language is never enough.
一种语言永远不够。 Yīzhǒng yǔyán yǒngyuǎn bùgòu.
While you may be stuck in some situations, these phrases will get you started in your endeavors into unravelling the Chinese language.
