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 Chinese 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!
If you’re looking for Chinese travel phrase books, I’ve added a handy Amazon link* to help you find a few great options.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. You can travel without speaking Mandarin, but knowing a few basic phrases makes communication much easier and more enjoyable.
“你好 (Nǐ hǎo)” meaning hello is the most useful as it helps start conversations politely in almost any situation.
In major cities some people may understand basic English, but in smaller towns Mandarin phrases or translation apps are very helpful.
Discover more China travel tips:
- Prepare for smoother travel with this guide on essential China travel hacks every visitor should know.
- Avoid cultural mistakes with this overview of things tourists should not do in China.
- Discover more urban adventures through this Shanghai adventure activities guide.
*This article contains affiliate link. If you make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
