You don’t need to be fluent to feel confident in China, you just need the right words at the right moment. This guide gives you basic Mandarin for tourists, with 50 essential phrases you’ll actually use for greetings, transport, food, shopping, emergencies, and staying connected. You’ll also get quick tips on tones, pronunciation, and etiquette so you sound clear and polite. Keep it handy and you’ll move through stations, menus, and markets with way less stress.
Pronunciation, Tones, And Etiquette Essentials
Mandarin is a tonal language, change the tone, change the meaning. There are four main tones: a high level tone (mā), a rising tone (má), a dipping tone (mǎ), and a falling tone (mà). The difference can be the difference between “mother” and “horse,” so tones matter. Don’t stress, though. If you keep your phrases short and your delivery calm and confident, you’ll be understood more often than not.
Pinyin is your friend. It’s the Romanized spelling that tells you how to pronounce characters. A few quick pointers help: “q” sounds like “ch,” “x” like a soft “sh” (as in “she”), and “zh” like the “j” in “judge.” The vowel “e” often sounds like the “uh” in “hut,” and “r” has a soft “zh” flavor.
Etiquette is simple: add qǐng (please) and say xièxie (thank you). Use a gentle tone and a smile. Two practical habits go a long way: show what you mean (point to a menu item, map, or address on your phone) and confirm numbers on your screen. When you can, use two hands to give/receive items like a card or receipt, it’s a small sign of respect.
If you’re unsure, say it slowly, then show it. Locals are generally patient when they see you’re trying.
Greetings And Small Talk
Friendly Hellos And Polite Basics
You’ll use these constantly, at hotels, shops, and street stalls. Keep them short and warm.
“Nǐ hǎo”, Hello.
“Nín hǎo”, Hello (polite, to elders or staff).
“Nǐ hǎo ma?”, How are you?
“Wǒ hěn hǎo, xièxie”, I’m good, thanks.
“Xièxie”, Thank you.
“Bù kèqi”, You’re welcome.
“Zàijiàn”, Goodbye.
Getting Help And Understanding
When you need assistance or clarity, these lines save time.
“Qǐng”, Please.
“Duìbuqǐ”, Sorry / Excuse me.
“Méi guānxi”, It’s okay / No problem.
“Qǐng bāng wǒ”, Please help me.
“Wǒ tīng bù dǒng”, I don’t understand.
“Qǐng shuō màn yìdiǎn”, Please speak slowly.
Getting Around: Transport And Directions
Tickets, Rides, And Navigation
China’s transport is efficient, but you’ll move faster with the right words.
“Wǒ xiǎng mǎi yì zhāng piào”, I want to buy a ticket.
“Qù … de piào”, A ticket to …
“Liǎng zhāng”, Two tickets.
“Jǐ diǎn fāchē?”, What time does it depart?
“Zěnme qù …?”, How do I get to …?
“Dìtiě zài nǎlǐ?”, Where is the subway/metro?
“Kěyǐ dǎ chē ma?”, Can I get a taxi?
Tip: For a destination, show the Chinese name on your phone. Ride-hailing apps like DiDi work well, but taxis are everywhere.
Directions, Distances, And Landmarks
These are perfect for street-level navigation or asking passersby.
“Qǐng gàosu wǒ zěnme zǒu”, Please tell me how to get there.
“Yòu zhuǎn”, Turn right.
“Zuǒ zhuǎn”, Turn left.
“Zhí zǒu”, Go straight.
“Lí zhèlǐ yuǎn ma?”, Is it far from here?
“… zài nǎlǐ?”, Where is …?
Pro move: Add landmarks to your request, “gōngyuán” (park), “yínháng” (bank), “yóujú” (post office), or “dìtiě zhàn” (subway station).
Eating And Drinking
Ordering, Allergies, And Preferences
Food is a highlight of any China trip. Point-and-order works, but a few phrases open more options.
“Qǐng gěi wǒ càidān”, Menu, please.
“Wǒ yào zhège”, I want this one (point at the menu or a dish).
“Wǒ bù chī ròu”, I don’t eat meat.
“Wǒ duì … guòmǐn”, I’m allergic to …
“Bù yào là”, Not spicy, please.
“Qǐng shǎo fàng yán”, Less salt, please.
“Yī bēi kāishuǐ”, One glass of hot water.
If you’re vegetarian or vegan, add “wǔ gǔ zāng” concerns? Not needed, just specify clearly: “bù yào ròu, bù yào gǔtāng” (no meat, no bone broth) if you’re strict.
Bills, Payments, And Table Etiquette
When you’re ready to wrap up, signal with these.
“Mǎidān”, Check, please.
“Kěyǐ fēn kā ma?”, Can we split the bill?
“Qǐng kāi fāpiào”, Please issue an official receipt (for business/tax use).
“Kěyǐ shuā kǎ ma?”, Can I pay by card?
Etiquette tip: Don’t stick chopsticks upright in rice (it resembles funeral incense). Pour tea for others before refilling your own cup.
Shopping And Money
Prices, Bargaining, And Sizes
Markets and smaller shops often expect a little haggling. Malls and convenience stores usually don’t.
“Duōshao qián?”, How much is it?
“Tài guì le”, That’s too expensive.
“Piányi yìdiǎn kěyǐ ma?”, Can it be cheaper?
“Kěyǐ shì yī shì ma?”, Can I try it on?
“Wǒ chuān … hào”, I wear size …
Bargaining tip: Smile, counter once or twice, and be ready to walk away. If the seller smiles back and calls you back, you’re close.
Payment Methods, Receipts, And Returns
Digital wallets rule in China, but cash still works in many places.
“Wǒ yòng Zhīfùbǎo”, I use Alipay.
“Wǒ yòng Wēixìn Zhīfù”, I use WeChat Pay.
“Kěyǐ tuì huò huàn ma?”, Can I return or exchange?
If you need an official business receipt, the keyword is “fāpiào.” Larger stores and restaurants can usually issue one.
Emergencies, Health, And Staying Connected
Urgent Help, Safety, And Medical Needs
In a pinch, keep it short and clear, then show a map or ID.
“Jiùmìng.”, Help.
“Wǒ xūyào yīshēng”, I need a doctor.
“Yīnjí diànhuà shì duōshao?”, What’s the emergency number? (For reference: 110 police, 120 ambulance, 119 fire.)
Carry your hotel’s address in Chinese, and save a trusted contact in your phone.
Phones, Internet, And Practical Logistics
Connectivity smooths everything from maps to payments.
“Yǒu méiyǒu Wi‑Fi?”, Do you have Wi‑Fi?
“Kěyǐ jiè nǐ de diànhuà ma?”, Can I borrow your phone?
Tip: Consider an eSIM or local SIM for reliable data. Many public Wi‑Fi portals require a phone number to receive a login code.
Conclusion
Basic Mandarin for tourists isn’t about perfect grammar, it’s about getting what you need with courtesy and clarity. With these 50 essential phrases, a bit of pointing, and a confident smile, you’ll order better food, catch the right train, pay the right price, and handle the unexpected. Save this list, practice out loud once or twice, and you’ll feel the difference the moment you land. Have a great trip, zàijiàn.
No responses yet