50 Essential Chinese Phrases for Travel: A Practical Survival Guide

Here's a truth that might surprise you: you don't need to speak Chinese to travel in China. Translation apps, pointing, and the universal language of gestures will get you remarkably far.

But here's another truth: knowing even a handful of phrases transforms your experience. That moment when a vendor's face lights up because you attempted "谢谢" (thank you)—that connection is worth more than perfect pronunciation.

This guide focuses on phrases you'll actually use, organized by situation. Skip the textbook basics nobody needs ("The book is on the table") and focus on what matters: ordering food, getting around, and handling problems.

The Absolute Essentials (Memorize These)

These five phrases will cover 60% of your interactions:

你好 (Nǐ hǎo) — Hello

Pronunciation: "nee how"

The universal greeting. Use it entering shops, approaching someone for help, or starting any interaction. A smile goes a long way with it.

谢谢 (Xièxiè) — Thank you

Pronunciation: "syeh-syeh"

The most important phrase you'll use. Say it constantly—when receiving your food, when someone helps you, when leaving a shop. Chinese culture appreciates politeness.

不要 (Bù yào) — I don't want / No thanks

Pronunciation: "boo yow"

Essential for declining pushy vendors, refusing bags at shops, or turning down unwanted offers. Firm but polite.

这个 (Zhège) — This one

Pronunciation: "juh-guh"

Point at what you want and say "zhège." Works in restaurants, markets, anywhere with visible options. Possibly the most useful phrase for non-speakers.

多少钱 (Duōshǎo qián) — How much?

Pronunciation: "dwoh-shaow chyen"

Point at something, say this phrase, and the vendor will show you a number (on their phone, a calculator, or fingers). Transaction complete.

At Restaurants

Chinese dining is an adventure, and these phrases help you navigate it:

菜单 (Càidān) — Menu

Pronunciation: "tsai-dan"

If the menu isn't automatically provided, say this. In many local restaurants, there's no English menu—photos help, or point at what others are eating.

我要这个 (Wǒ yào zhège) — I want this one

Pronunciation: "woh yow juh-guh"

Point and declare. The pointing is as important as the words.

不辣 (Bù là) — Not spicy

Pronunciation: "boo la"

Critical in Sichuan, Hunan, and most of China. Say this preemptively when ordering, or your mouth may regret it.

有点辣 (Yǒudiǎn là) — A little spicy

Pronunciation: "yo-dyen la"

If you can handle some heat but not Sichuan-level fire.

我吃素 (Wǒ chī sù) — I'm vegetarian

Pronunciation: "woh chih soo"

Note: Chinese vegetarian dishes often include oyster sauce, chicken stock, or small pieces of meat for "flavor." Be specific if you're strict.

不要肉 (Bù yào ròu) — No meat

Pronunciation: "boo yow row"

More direct than claiming vegetarianism. Still might not account for stock and sauces.

我对 [X] 过敏 (Wǒ duì [X] guòmǐn) — I'm allergic to [X]

Pronunciation: "woh dway [X] gwoh-min"

Fill in: 花生 (huāshēng) for peanuts, 海鲜 (hǎixiān) for seafood, 鸡蛋 (jīdàn) for eggs. For serious allergies, consider our Allergy Card Generator.

买单 (Mǎidān) — The bill, please

Pronunciation: "my-dan"

Make a writing gesture in the air while saying this. Universal restaurant request.

好吃 (Hǎo chī) — Delicious

Pronunciation: "how chih"

Say this to the chef, the server, or anyone who asks how your food is. Genuine compliment, always appreciated.

Getting Around

我要去 [地方] (Wǒ yào qù [dìfang]) — I want to go to [place]

Pronunciation: "woh yow choo [place]"

Show the address on your phone while saying this. Drivers appreciate the effort even when your pronunciation mangles the place name.

停这里 (Tíng zhèlǐ) — Stop here

Pronunciation: "ting juh-lee"

Essential for taxis. Point to your destination on the map, and when you're close enough, use this phrase.

左转 (Zuǒ zhuǎn) — Turn left

Pronunciation: "zwoh jwan"

右转 (Yòu zhuǎn) — Turn right

Pronunciation: "yo jwan"

直走 (Zhí zǒu) — Go straight

Pronunciation: "jih dzoh"

These three phrases make you a back-seat navigator. Helpful when your driver misses a turn.

地铁站 (Dìtiě zhàn) — Subway station

Pronunciation: "dee-tyeh jan"

Ask anyone for directions to the nearest station.

在哪里 (Zài nǎlǐ) — Where is...?

Pronunciation: "dzai na-lee"

Point at a map location or say a place name before this phrase. "[Place name] zài nǎlǐ?"

Shopping and Markets

太贵了 (Tài guì le) — Too expensive

Pronunciation: "tie gway luh"

The opening move in any bargaining situation. Say it with theatrical shock for maximum effect.

便宜一点 (Piányi yìdiǎn) — A little cheaper

Pronunciation: "pyen-yee ee-dyen"

Follow up "too expensive" with this request. Then wait for their counter-offer.

可以试试吗 (Kěyǐ shì shi ma) — Can I try it?

Pronunciation: "kuh-yee shih-shih ma"

Works for clothes (trying on) or food (sampling).

有大/小号吗 (Yǒu dà/xiǎo hào ma) — Do you have larger/smaller?

Pronunciation: "yo da/syow how ma"

Useful when shopping for clothes.

不用袋子 (Bù yòng dàizi) — No bag needed

Pronunciation: "boo yong die-zih"

Plastic bags often cost extra and accumulate quickly. Eco-friendly and practical.

At the Hotel

我有预订 (Wǒ yǒu yùdìng) — I have a reservation

Pronunciation: "woh yo yoo-ding"

Show your booking confirmation while saying this.

房间钥匙 (Fángjiān yàoshi) — Room key

Pronunciation: "fahng-jyen yow-shih"

If you've lost your key or need a spare.

能帮我叫出租车吗 (Néng bāng wǒ jiào chūzū chē ma) — Can you call me a taxi?

Pronunciation: "nung bahng woh jyow choo-dzoo chuh ma"

Most hotel staff will happily help, and this phrase shows you're trying.

热水 (Rè shuǐ) — Hot water

Pronunciation: "ruh shway"

China runs on hot water. Ask for it anywhere.

空调 (Kōngtiáo) — Air conditioning

Pronunciation: "kohng-tyow"

If your room is too hot/cold, point at the AC unit and say this to get help.

Numbers (Essential for Prices)

Chinese numbers are logical and easy:

Number	Chinese	Pinyin
1	一	yī
2	二	èr
3	三	sān
4	四	sì
5	五	wǔ
6	六	liù
7	七	qī
8	八	bā
9	九	jiǔ
10	十	shí

For larger numbers: 25 = 二十五 (èr shí wǔ), literally "two-ten-five."

Pro tip: Vendors often show prices on their phone calculators. Point at the screen and say "太贵了" if needed.

Emergencies and Problems

救命 (Jiù mìng) — Help!

Pronunciation: "jyo ming"

Serious emergency only. This will get immediate attention.

我迷路了 (Wǒ mí lù le) — I'm lost

Pronunciation: "woh mee loo luh"

Show your hotel address or destination on your phone.

请帮帮我 (Qǐng bāng bang wǒ) — Please help me

Pronunciation: "ching bahng-bahng woh"

Polite request for assistance in any confusing situation.

我不舒服 (Wǒ bù shūfú) — I don't feel well

Pronunciation: "woh boo shoo-foo"

At a pharmacy or when seeking medical help.

厕所在哪里 (Cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ) — Where is the toilet?

Pronunciation: "tsuh-swoh dzai na-lee"

The single most urgent phrase any traveler needs.

我的 [东西] 丢了 (Wǒ de [dōngxi] diū le) — I lost my [thing]

Pronunciation: "woh duh [thing] dyo luh"

Fill in: 手机 (shǒujī) for phone, 钱包 (qiánbāo) for wallet, 护照 (hùzhào) for passport.

Social Niceties

不好意思 (Bù hǎo yìsi) — Excuse me / Sorry

Pronunciation: "boo how ee-sih"

Use when squeezing past someone, making a small mistake, or politely getting attention.

没关系 (Méi guānxi) — No problem / It's okay

Pronunciation: "may gwan-shee"

When someone apologizes or you're telling someone not to worry.

对不起 (Duìbùqǐ) — I'm sorry

Pronunciation: "dway-boo-chee"

A more serious apology than 不好意思.

听不懂 (Tīng bù dǒng) — I don't understand

Pronunciation: "ting boo dohng"

Honesty about your comprehension. Often followed by gestures and phone translation.

请再说一遍 (Qǐng zài shuō yí biàn) — Please say that again

Pronunciation: "ching dzai shwoh ee byen"

Buying yourself time while you process.

Pronunciation Tips

Chinese is a tonal language, meaning the pitch of your voice changes word meanings. There are four tones:

1. First tone (ā): High and flat, like singing a note
2. Second tone (á): Rising, like asking "what?"
3. Third tone (ǎ): Dipping down then up
4. Fourth tone (à): Sharp falling, like a command

The good news: context usually saves you. Say "ma" with any tone while pointing at a horse picture, and people will understand.

The practical approach: don't stress about perfect tones. Focus on being understood rather than being flawless. Gestures, pointing, and showing your phone fill the gaps.

When Words Fail

Sometimes the language barrier feels insurmountable. Here's what works:

• Show your phone. A picture of your destination, a translation app, or even a photo of what you want to eat communicates instantly.
• Write it down. Chinese people are often better at reading English than speaking it. Writing your question might get a written response.
• Use numbers. Hold up fingers, point at a calculator, use universal numeric communication.
• Smile and laugh. A good attitude transforms confusing situations into shared human moments.

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Want more language help? The China Survival Kit includes emergency phrase cards you can show directly to locals.