Essential Chinese Phrases for Travelers (With Pronunciation)

Basic Greetings and Courtesy

A few basic phrases go a long way in China. Chinese people appreciate any attempt to speak their language, however basic.

1. 1你好 (nǐ hǎo) — Hello
2. 2谢谢 (xiè xiè) — Thank you
3. 3不客气 (bù kèqì) — You're welcome
4. 4对不起 (duì bù qǐ) — Sorry / Excuse me
5. 5没关系 (méi guān xi) — No problem / It's fine
6. 6再见 (zài jiàn) — Goodbye

Transport Phrases

These phrases help you get around by taxi, metro, and train.

1. 1请去[地方] (qǐng qù [place]) — Please go to [place]
2. 2在这里停 (zài zhèlǐ tíng) — Stop here
3. 3多少钱？(duō shǎo qián?) — How much?
4. 4打表 (dǎ biǎo) — Start the meter
5. 5地铁站在哪里？(dìtiě zhàn zài nǎlǐ?) — Where is the metro station?
6. 6我要去火车站 (wǒ yào qù huǒchē zhàn) — I want to go to the train station

Restaurant and Food Phrases

Order food confidently with these phrases.

1. 1我要这个 (wǒ yào zhège) — I want this one (point at menu)
2. 2不辣 (bù là) — Not spicy
3. 3微辣 (wēi là) — Slightly spicy
4. 4我对[食物]过敏 (wǒ duì [food] guòmǐn) — I am allergic to [food]
5. 5买单 (mǎi dān) — Check please
6. 6好吃！(hǎo chī!) — Delicious!
7. 7打包 (dǎ bāo) — To go / pack it up

Hotel Phrases

Communicate with hotel staff for a smoother stay.

1. 1我有预订 (wǒ yǒu yùdìng) — I have a reservation
2. 2我的房间号是[number] (wǒ de fángjiān hào shì...) — My room number is...
3. 3空调坏了 (kōngtiáo huài le) — The air conditioning is broken
4. 4能帮我叫出租车吗？(néng bāng wǒ jiào chūzū chē ma?) — Can you call a taxi for me?
5. 5退房 (tuì fáng) — Check out

Emergency Phrases

Hope you never need these — but know them anyway.

1. 1救命！(jiù mìng!) — Help!
2. 2请叫警察 (qǐng jiào jǐngchá) — Please call the police
3. 3请叫救护车 (qǐng jiào jiùhùchē) — Please call an ambulance
4. 4我不舒服 (wǒ bù shūfu) — I don't feel well
5. 5医院在哪里？(yīyuàn zài nǎlǐ?) — Where is the hospital?
6. 6我的护照丢了 (wǒ de hùzhào diū le) — My passport is lost

Shopping Phrases

Useful for markets, shops, and bargaining.

1. 1多少钱？(duō shǎo qián?) — How much?
2. 2太贵了 (tài guì le) — Too expensive
3. 3能便宜一点吗？(néng piányí yīdiǎn ma?) — Can you make it cheaper?
4. 4我不要 (wǒ bù yào) — I don't want it
5. 5这个多少钱？(zhège duō shǎo qián?) — How much is this?

Save these cards on your phone and show them directly to taxi drivers, restaurant staff, or anyone who can help.