West China Travel

Basic Chinese Phrases for Travelers in China

Language is a bridge to the heart of people around you

1. Greetings

  • Hello: Ni hao (你好)
  • Good morning: Zao shang hao (早上好)
  • Good evening: Wan shang hao (晚上好)
  • Goodbye: Zai jian (再见)

2. Expressing Gratitude

  • Thank you: Xie xie (谢谢)
  • You’re welcome: Bu ke qi (不客气)

3. At a Restaurant

  • I would like this: Wo xiang yao zhe ge (我想要这个)
  • Where is the menu?: Cai dan zai na li? (菜单在哪里？)
  • Can I have some water?: Wo ke yi yao shui ma? (我可以要水吗？)
  • The bill, please: Mai dan (买单)

4. Asking for Directions

  • Excuse me, where is the restroom?: Qing wen, ce suo zai na li? (请问，厕所在哪里？)
  • Where does this road lead?: Zhe tiao lu tong wang na li? (这条路通往哪里？)
  • I want to go to…: Wo yao qu… (我要去…)

5. Shopping

  • How much is this?: Zhe ge duo shao qian? (这个多少钱？)
  • Can you make it cheaper?: Neng pian yi yi dian ma? (能便宜一点吗？)
  • I want to buy this: Wo yao mai zhe ge (我要买这个)

6. At a Hotel

  • I have a reservation: Wo you yu ding (我有预订)
  • Where is my room key?: Fang jian yao shi zai na li? (房间钥匙在哪里？)
  • Please help me call a taxi: Qing bang wo jiao chu zu che (请帮我叫出租车)

7. Transportation

  • How do I get to the train station?: Qu huo che zhan zen me zou? (去火车站怎么走？)
  • I would like a ticket: Wo xiang yao yi zhang piao (我想要一张票)
  • Where do I get off?: Zai na li xia che? (在哪里下车？)

8. At the Hospital

  • I need to see a doctor: Wǒ xūyào kàn yīshēng (我需要看医生)
  • I am feeling a bit unwell: Wǒ yǒu yīdiǎn er shēngbìng (我有一点儿生病)
  • Excuse me, where is the emergency room?: Qǐngwèn jíjiù shì zài nǎlǐ? (请问急救室在哪里？)
  • I need medicine: Wǒ xūyào yào (我需要药)
  • I have an allergy: Wǒ guòmǐn (我过敏)

9. Traveling

  • Excuse me, where is the nearest tourist attraction?: Qǐngwèn, zuìjìn de lǚyóu jǐngdiǎn shì nǎlǐ? (请问，最近的旅游景点是哪里？)
  • I would like to join a tour group: Wǒ xiǎng cānjiā yī gè lǚyóu tuán (我想参加一个旅游团)
  • What fun activities are there in this place?: Zhè ge dìfāng yǒu shénme hǎowán de? (这个地方有什么好玩的？)
  • Can you recommend a good hotel?: Nǐ néng tuījiàn yī gè hǎo jiǔdiàn ma? (你能推荐一个好酒店吗？)

10. Need Help

  • Please help me!: Qǐng bāng wǒ! (请帮我！)
  • I need a translator: Wǒ xūyào fānyì (我需要翻译)
  • I am lost here: Wǒ zài zhèlǐ mílù le (我在这里迷路了)
  • Can you help me find my friend?: Nǐ néng bāng wǒ zhǎo wǒ de péngyǒu ma? (你能帮我找我的朋友吗？)
  • Is there anyone who can help me?: Yǒurén kěyǐ bāng wǒ ma? (有人可以帮我吗？)

11.Common Travel Items

  1. Hotel – Jiǔdiàn – 酒店
  2. Station – Zhàn – 站
  3. Airport – Jīchǎng – 机场
  4. Bus – Gōngjiāo chē – 公交车
  5. Taxi – Chūzūchē – 出租车
  6. Restaurant – Cāntīng – 餐厅
  7. Tourist attraction – Lǚyóu jǐngdiǎn – 景点
  8. Restaurant menu – Càidān – 菜单
  9. Currency – Huóbì – 货币
  10. Baggage – Xínglǐ – 行李
  11. Passport – Hùzhào – 护照
  12. Emergency – Jíjiù – 急救
  13. Pharmacy – Yàodiàn – 药店
  14. Souvenir – Jìniànpǐn – 纪念品
  15. Reservation – Yùdìng – 预订

The unity in diversity of the Chinese nation is reflected in the fact that while each ethnic group has maintained its own characteristics, they have also formed close ties and integration in political, economic, and cultural aspects throughout their long history. This unique characteristic of unity in diversity constitutes the distinctive charm and strong cohesion of the Chinese nation.

Basic Chinese Expression