✨ Introduction
Traveling through China is a journey of wonder — ancient cities, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant modern life.
But for many international travelers, one small challenge remains: language.
While English is becoming more common in major cities like Shanghai and Beijing, it’s still limited in smaller towns or rural areas.
Knowing just a few basic Chinese phrases can transform your experience — from a polite smile at a market stall to genuine connection with locals.
Here’s a simple guide to essential Chinese phrases that are easy to learn, practical, and sure to impress.
👋 Greetings & Politeness
| English | Chinese (Pinyin) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Nǐ hǎo (你好) | Hello / Hi |
| Thank you | Xièxiè (谢谢) | Thank you |
| You’re welcome | Bù kèqi (不客气) | You’re welcome |
| Goodbye | Zàijiàn (再见) | Goodbye |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Duìbuqǐ (对不起) | Sorry / Excuse me |
| It’s okay / No problem | Méi guānxi (没关系) | It’s alright / No problem |
💡 Tip: A simple “xièxiè” said with a smile will take you far in China — people really appreciate the effort!
🍜 Eating Out & Ordering Food
| English | Chinese (Pinyin) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Menu, please | Càidān (菜单) | Menu |
| I don’t eat spicy food | Wǒ bù chī là (我不吃辣) | I don’t eat spicy food |
| Delicious! | Hǎo chī! (好吃) | Tasty! |
| Water, please | Shuǐ (水) | Water |
| Bill, please | Mǎidān (买单) | Check, please |
💡 Travel Tip: In small restaurants, you can simply point at pictures on the menu or dishes on other tables — it’s normal and even friendly.
🚖 Getting Around
| English | Chinese (Pinyin) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Where is the subway? | Dìtiě zài nǎr? (地铁在哪儿？) | Where’s the metro? |
| Taxi | Chūzūchē (出租车) | Taxi |
| Airport | Jīchǎng (机场) | Airport |
| Train station | Huǒchē zhàn (火车站) | Train station |
| How much? | Duōshao qián? (多少钱？) | How much? |
💡 Pro Tip: Always carry your hotel name and destination written in Chinese characters — even taxi drivers prefer reading to listening in foreign accents.
🏨 At the Hotel or Shops
| English | Chinese (Pinyin) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| I have a reservation | Wǒ yùdìng le (我预订了) | I have a booking |
| Can you help me? | Nǐ néng bāng wǒ ma? (你能帮我吗？) | Can you help me? |
| I want to buy this | Wǒ xiǎng mǎi zhège (我想买这个) | I’d like to buy this |
| Too expensive! | Tài guì le! (太贵了！) | Too expensive! |
💡 Local Tip: Bargaining is still common in street markets — but always smile; it’s part of the fun!
❤️ Connecting with Locals
| English | Chinese (Pinyin) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Nice to meet you | Hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ (很高兴认识你) | Nice to meet you |
| Where are you from? | Nǐ cóng nǎlǐ lái? (你从哪里来？) | Where are you from? |
| I like China | Wǒ xǐhuān Zhōngguó (我喜欢中国) | I love China |
💡 Heartfelt Tip: A sincere “Wǒ xǐhuān Zhōngguó” often melts hearts — it’s more than words, it’s a bridge.
🌿 Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be fluent to connect.
Even learning a few phrases shows curiosity, respect, and appreciation — values that resonate deeply in Chinese culture.
At TravelChina.co, we believe travel is not just about places, but about people.
And language — even a few words — is the first step toward friendship.
