So, you’ve landed in China. The sights, the smells, the sheer scale of it all — it’s glorious. But one thing you didn’t account for? The language. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Here are ten handy phrases every traveller needs, complete with a simple pronunciation guide (and a wink and a nod), to help you glide through China like a pro.
1. 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) – “Hello”
Pronunciation: nee how
👋 The classic. The golden key. The “please don’t ignore me” of greetings. Use it liberally.
2. 谢谢 (Xiè xie) – “Thank you”
Pronunciation: shyeh shyeh
🙏 The one word that can win hearts and melt grumpy taxi drivers. Smile and say it often.
3. 对不起 (Duìbuqǐ) – “Sorry”
Pronunciation: dway boo chee
😳 Essential for when you bump into someone, forget which way to queue or mistake a palace for a public toilet.
4. 多少钱? (Duōshǎo qián?) – “How much?”
Pronunciation: dwor shao chee-en
💵 The traveller’s best weapon. Learn this and you can haggle like a seasoned pro.
5. 可以 (Kěyǐ) – “May I?” / “Can I?”
Pronunciation: k-uh yee
🤔 When in doubt, ask permission. From trying a sample dumpling to snapping a photo of a temple, this one’s a charm.
6. 洗手间在哪儿？ (Xǐshǒujiān zài nǎr?) – “Where is the bathroom?”
Pronunciation: she show jyen zye nar
🚻 An absolute must-know. You’ll be grateful when the spicy hotpot kicks in.
7. 我不要辣 (Wǒ bù yào là) – “I don’t want it spicy”
Pronunciation: wuh boo yow la
🌶️ Unless you have a stomach of steel, this is vital. Otherwise, prepare for an involuntary dragon-breath moment.
8. 我是素食者 (Wǒ shì sùshízhě) – “I am vegetarian”
Pronunciation: wuh shr soo shr juh
🥦 Not every chef will understand vegetarianism, but saying this clearly gives you a fighting chance.
9. 麻烦你 (Máfan nǐ) – “Excuse me” / “Please”
Pronunciation: ma fun nee
🙋 Polite and essential when trying to squeeze past people, ask for help or get the waiter’s attention.
10. 再见 (Zàijiàn) – “Goodbye”
Pronunciation: zye jyen
👋 The best way to end any interaction. Pair with a wave and a smile and you’re golden.
✨ Final Tip:
Practice these with a smile, a shrug and a sense of humour — after all, making an effort goes a long way. Even if your pronunciation is as accurate as a panda playing the violin, the locals will appreciate your attempt to speak their language. So, go forth, explore and make friends one “nǐ hǎo” at a time!
