Traveling to China for the first time? You don't need to become fluent overnight. But memorizing a handful of key phrases will dramatically change how locals respond to you. A simple "hello" in Mandarin can turn a cold transaction into a warm interaction.
🎬 Watch the video guide: 10 Chinese Phrases — Video Guide
Below are ten phrases I consider non-negotiable for any China itinerary. Each one comes with pinyin (Romanized pronunciation), a rough English sound-alike, and the situation where it matters most.
1. Nǐ hǎo — Hello
Pinyin: Nee how
This is the universal greeting. Use it when entering a shop, boarding a taxi, or meeting your tour guide. It's polite without being overly formal.
Say it with a slight upward nod and a smile. Chinese people genuinely appreciate it when foreigners make an effort to speak even the most basic Mandarin.
2. Xièxiè — Thank you
Pinyin: Sheh-sheh
The second word you should learn. Use it after receiving change, getting directions, or when someone holds a door for you. It works in every region of China.
Pro tip: Don't overdo it. In Chinese culture, excessive thanking between people who are performing expected services can actually create distance. A sincere single "xièxiè" is enough.
3. Duōshao qián? — How much money?
Pinyin: Dwow-shao chyen
You'll use this constantly at markets, street food stalls, and small shops. It's the fastest way to ask a price without fumbling with a translation app.
If the vendor types the price into a calculator (a very common practice), just nod and pay. Bargaining is expected at markets, so feel free to offer 50-70% of the initial price and work from there.
4. Cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ? — Where is the bathroom?
Pinyin: Tsuh-swor dzai nah-lee
Possibly the most practical phrase on this list. Public restrooms in China are everywhere — subway stations, malls, parks, restaurants — but signs are usually only in Chinese.
If you're in a restaurant, this question usually gets you pointed toward a restroom that may be around a corner or upstairs.
5. Bù yào là — No spice, please
Pinyin: Boo yow lah
If you can't handle Sichuan peppercorn numbing or chili heat, memorize this. China's regional cuisines vary wildly, and what "medium spicy" means in Chengdu could blow your head off.
Hold up your hand and shake it while saying this for extra clarity. The chef will understand.
6. Wǒ è le — I'm hungry
Pinyin: Wuh uh luh
Okay, this one is less essential and more of an icebreaker. Say it to your guide or a new friend and watch them light up. Chinese culture revolves around food, and announcing your hunger is a social green light for someone to recommend their favorite spot.
7. Tīng bù dǒng — I don't understand
Pinyin: Ting boo dong
When someone speaks to you rapidly in Chinese and you have no idea what they said, use this. It's honest and it signals that you need them to slow down, switch to English, or find another way to communicate.
Pair it with a friendly shrug. Locals will usually laugh and switch to gestures or type into their phone.
8. Qǐng wèn — Excuse me / May I ask
Pinyin: Ching wen
This is the polite opener before asking any question. "Qǐng wèn, cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?" means "Excuse me, where is the bathroom?" It's more polite than just blurting out the question.
Use it when flagging down staff or approaching a stranger for directions.
9. Hěn hào chī — Very delicious
Pinyin: Hun how chih
Food is the fastest way to a Chinese person's heart. If someone takes you to a restaurant or you're eating at a local's home, saying this after the first bite will earn you major goodwill.
The chef or host may insist you eat more after hearing it. That's normal — just accept.
10. Zài jiàn — Goodbye
Pinyin: Dzai jyen
Simple, universal, and always appreciated. Use it when leaving a shop, ending a taxi ride, or saying farewell to new friends.
Practice With Real Audio
Reading pinyin only gets you so far. Mandarin is a tonal language, and the same syllable with a different tone means a completely different word. For example, "ma" can mean mother, hemp, horse, or scold depending on tone.
If you want to hear native pronunciation of these phrases and 40+ more, ChinaPal AI has a built-in phrasebook with audio. It's free to use in your browser — no app download, no VPN required, works perfectly inside China.
You can also use its voice translation feature to have real conversations. Just speak in English and it translates to spoken Chinese instantly. You get 10 free voice translations per day, plus unlimited text translation forever.
The phrasebook page at aihubai.cn/phrasebook.html covers greetings, dining, shopping, emergencies, transportation, and directions — all with one-tap audio playback.
Final Thought
You don't need to memorize hundreds of characters to have a great trip. These ten phrases will get you through 80% of everyday interactions. The remaining 20%? That's what translation tools are for.
Bookmark aihubai.cn before your trip — it's the fastest free way to translate text, voice, and photos while traveling in China.
