The Top 10 Most Useful Chinese Phrases for Travelers

Traveling to China is an incredible experience, complete with delicious food, bustling cities, ancient temples, stunning natural landscapes, and much more. But like visiting any foreign country, not knowing the local language can make navigating your trip more difficult. That's why learning just a few phrases can really enhance your time in China.

In this blog, we'll share the top 10 most useful Chinese phrases for travelers to know. Master these common expressions and words during your flight to China and you'll be chatting with locals and making new friends in no time!

1. Nǐ hǎo 你好 - Hello

The first phrase every traveler to China should know is a simple greeting. "Nǐ hǎo" (你好) is the equivalent to saying "hello" or "hi" when meeting someone. You can use it when asking for help from locals or chatting with people you meet during your stay.

2. Xièxiè 谢谢 - Thank you 

It's important to know how to say "thank you" in any language. In Mandarin Chinese it's "xièxiè" (谢谢). Use it liberally, when hailing a cab, checking into your hotel, dining at restaurants, and any other interactions.

3. Duōshǎo qián? 多少钱？ - How much?

To avoid getting ripped off when shopping at street markets or food stalls, ask "duōshǎo qián?" (多少钱?) which means "how much?" This will help when you need to negotiate prices for souvenirs and goods.

4. Wǒ yào... 我要...- I would like...

When it comes time to order at a restaurant or food stall, say "wǒ yào..." (我要......) which means "I would like..." and then name the item you want. Just fill in the blank with the dish, drink or item you're requesting.

5. Wǒ bù yào... 我不要...- I don't want...

On the flip side, if a vendor is aggressively trying to sell you something you're not interested in, say "wǒ bù yào..." (我不要......) meaning "I don't want..." Just politely fill in the blank with the item in question.

6. Duìbùqǐ 对不起...- Sorry/Excuse me

Sometimes you may need to get someone's attention, cut through a crowd, or accidentally bump into someone. "Duìbùqǐ" (对不起) is an all-purpose phrase that means "sorry" or "excuse me" when you need to apologize or ask permission for something.

7. Wǒ xūyào bāngzhù 我需要帮助 - I need help 

One of the longest and most formal phrases on this list is "Wǒ xūyào bāngzhù" (我需要帮助). Use this to request help when you really need assistance communicating or navigating a situation.

8. Wǒ méiyǒu... 我没有...- I don't have...

During your trip, locals may offer to sell you items you don't actually want or need. To decline, say "Wǒ méiyǒu..." (我没有......) meaning "I don't have..." Just fill in the blank with money, time, etc.

9. Tài guì le! 太贵了！- Too expensive!

Knowing how to negotiate prices is key. If you're haggling and need to say a price is too high, exclaim "Tài guì le!" (太贵了!) which means "Too expensive!"

10. Zhège duōshǎo qián? 这个多少钱？ - How much is this?

When inquiring about the price of a souvenir or good, ask "Zhège duōshǎo qián?" (这个多少钱?) which means "How much is this?" This phrase will come in handy when shopping.

There you have it - 10 must-know Chinese phrases to get around and interact in China! With this Mandarin vocabulary in your tool kit, you'll be set up for an amazing trip full of discoveries. 

Just listen for native speakers, practice the tones out loud, and use these go-to phrases when exploring China's incredible sights. 

From hiking the Great Wall to browsing bustling markets, you'll get by just fine with this Chinese language cheat sheet.

Dtlingo will help you to learn more useful phrases all the time!