Essential Chinese Phrases
A handy, printable list of essential Mandarin Chinese phrases for tourists in China — with pinyin and English. Covers greetings, payment, transport, food, and emergencies.
👋 Greetings & Basics
Hello 你好 nǐ hǎo
Thank you 谢谢 xièxie
You're welcome 不客气 bú kèqi
Sorry / Excuse me 对不起 duìbuqǐ
Yes / Correct 对 duì
No / Not 不是 bú shì
I don't understand 我不明白 wǒ bù míngbái
Do you speak English? 你会说英语吗？ nǐ huì shuō yīngyǔ ma?
💳 Money & Payment
How much is it? 多少钱？ duōshao qián?
Can I use Alipay? 可以用支付宝吗？ kěyǐ yòng zhīfùbǎo ma?
Can I use WeChat Pay? 可以用微信支付吗？ kěyǐ yòng wēixìn zhīfù ma?
Too expensive 太贵了 tài guì le
Can I pay by card? 可以刷卡吗？ kěyǐ shuākǎ ma?
I'll scan your code 我扫你的码 wǒ sǎo nǐ de mǎ
🚕 Getting Around
Where is the subway? 地铁站在哪里？ dìtiě zhàn zài nǎlǐ?
Please take me to this address 请带我去这个地址 qǐng dài wǒ qù zhège dìzhǐ
Stop here, please 请在这里停 qǐng zài zhèlǐ tíng
Train station 火车站 huǒchē zhàn
Airport 机场 jīchǎng
How do I get to...? 怎么去...？ zěnme qù...?
🍜 Food & Dining
The menu, please 请给我菜单 qǐng gěi wǒ càidān
I am vegetarian 我吃素 wǒ chī sù
Not spicy, please 请不要辣 qǐng búyào là
Water, please 请给我水 qǐng gěi wǒ shuǐ
The bill, please 买单 mǎidān
It's delicious 很好吃 hěn hǎochī
🆘 Help & Emergencies
Help! 救命！ jiùmìng!
Where is the toilet? 洗手间在哪里？ xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ?
I need a doctor 我需要看医生 wǒ xūyào kàn yīshēng
Call the police 请报警 qǐng bàojǐng
I am lost 我迷路了 wǒ mílù le
Please write it down 请写下来 qǐng xiě xiàlái
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