After You Arrive · 实用中文
Essential Chinese Phrases Every Traveler Needs
You don't need to speak Mandarin fluently to have an incredible time in China. But knowing 20 phrases will take you surprisingly far — and trying even one word in Chinese will instantly make locals warmer, more helpful, and more excited to interact with you. Effort matters more than perfection.
📖 Quick Pinyin Guide — How to Read the Pronunciation
Mandarin has 4 tones — the same sound in a different tone means a completely different word. Don't worry too much about this for now. Most locals will understand you from context even if your tones are off.
mā
1st tone — flat and high
má
2nd tone — rising (like a question)
mǎ
3rd tone — dip then rise
mà
4th tone — sharp falling
👋 Greetings & Basics
你好
Hello
The most important phrase. Use it everywhere.
谢谢
Thank you
Say this constantly — Chinese people appreciate politeness enormously.
对不起
Sorry / Excuse me
Use to apologise.
不客气
You're welcome
Said after someone thanks you 谢谢.
是 / 不是
Yes / No
Simple but powerful. Nod for yes too.
🗺️ Getting Around
在哪里？
Where is...?
Point at a map then say this. Works every time.
去...怎么走？
How do I get to...?
Fill in the destination name. Show on phone map.
打表
Use the meter (in a Hongkong taxi)
Say this when getting in a taxi(not in Didi. You pay for Didi online).
停一下
Please stop here
For taxi (not Didi, you set your destination online for didi already). Point ahead too to clarify.
地铁站
Metro station
Point and say this to find the nearest metro.
🛒 Shopping & Money
多少钱？
How much does it cost?
Essential at markets. Point at the item.
太贵了
Too expensive!
Say while shaking your head. Opens negotiations.
便宜一点
A bit cheaper please
The magic phrase at markets. Always try.
扫码
Scan (QR code to pay)
Say this and open your Alipay — they'll understand.
买单
The bill please
At restaurants. Or just show your Alipay scan icon.
🍜 Food & Dining
不辣
Not spicy
Critical in Sichuan, Hunan, and Yunnan provinces if you cannot handle spicy food.
好吃！
Delicious!
Every chef and vendor loves hearing this. Use generously.
不要香菜
No coriander / cilantro
If you hate it like me, this phrase is your best friend in China.
这个
This one (while pointing)
The most versatile ordering phrase. Works everywhere.
一份
One portion / one serving
Hold up one finger too. 两份 (liǎng fèn) = two portions.
🆘 Emergencies
我是外国人
I am a foreigner
Opens up more patience and slower speech from locals.
我需要帮助
I need help
Chinese people are generally very willing to help tourists.
叫救护车
Call an ambulance
Or just dial 120. Keep this saved.
我的护照丢了
I lost my passport
Show this to police or hotel staff.
我不懂
I don't understand
Honest and helpful. Follow with phone translation.
请慢点说
Please speak more slowly
Most locals will slow down and repeat if asked politely.
💡 Kat's Honest Advice on Chinese
Don't try to learn Mandarin in a week before your trip. Focus on 5–8 phrases you'll actually use (hello, thank you, not spicy, the bill, I need help) and let Google Translate + Alipay handle the rest. The goal is connection, not fluency. Locals are endlessly impressed by any effort from a foreign visitor — even one word earns you a huge smile.
🗣️ Get the Free Phrases Cheat Sheet PDF
All 30 phrases in one printable card — Chinese characters, pinyin, and English. Screenshot it or print it before you fly.
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