Essential Chinese Words and Phrases Every Traveler Should Know When Visiting China
Traveling through China is an unforgettable experience—breathtaking landscapes, rich traditions, incredible food, and a culture that stretches back thousands of years. But for many travelers, one challenge appears quickly: the language barrier. While major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen have English signage, much of China still operates primarily in Mandarin Chinese. Even in big cities, often the people you’ll meet—taxi drivers, restaurant staff, street vendors—may not speak English fluently.
That’s why learning a few essential Chinese phrases can dramatically improve your travel experience. These words not only help you navigate transportation, order food, and ask for prices, but they also show locals that you respect their culture. Even simple attempts at Mandarin often bring smiles and friendlier interactions.
This guide covers basic Chinese words and phrases every traveler should know, including greetings, numbers, transportation vocabulary, restaurant phrases, shopping terms, and emergency expressions. All phrases are written in English letters (Pinyin) so you can pronounce them easily.
Why Learning Basic Chinese Words Matters When Traveling
Before we jump into the vocabulary, it’s helpful to understand why learning even a little Mandarin can make your trip easier:
• Not everyone speaks English, especially outside major cities.
• Mandarin pronunciation is unique; knowing Pinyin helps avoid misunderstandings.
• Many apps you will use (like Didi or ordering kiosks) display Chinese words.
• Locals appreciate the effort—it makes interactions smoother and more enjoyable.
• It helps with taxi rides, restaurants, directions, and emergencies.
Even learning 15–20 phrases can make a huge difference while moving around China.
Basic Chinese Greetings Every Traveler Should Know
你好 (Nǐ hǎo) – Hello
The most common and friendly greeting in Mandarin. Use it anywhere—shops, hotels, restaurants.
谢谢 (Xièxiè) – Thank you
A polite phrase that always goes a long way.
不客气 (Bú kèqi) – You’re welcome
Use this when someone thanks you.
再见 (Zàijiàn) – Goodbye
Simple and widely understood.
请问 (Qǐngwèn) – Excuse me / May I ask
Useful when asking for directions or assistance.
对不起 (Duìbuqǐ) – Sorry
A polite apology for small mistakes or misunderstandings.
Knowing these basics alone will help you navigate most everyday interactions.
Numbers in Chinese: The Ultimate Travel Essential
Numbers are extremely important in China, whether you're paying for something, finding your seat on a train, or talking to a taxi driver.
Numbers 1–10
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)
Useful Number Phrases
How much? – 多少钱？ (Duōshǎo qián?)
Too expensive – 太贵了 (Tài guì le)
Can you make it cheaper? – 可以便宜一点吗？ (Kěyǐ piányi yīdiǎn ma?)
Numbers are used everywhere—from markets to metro machines—so it’s worth memorizing them.
Essential Transportation Phrases for Getting Around China
Public transportation in China is modern, extensive, and efficient. Still, some Chinese words make navigation easier.
Taxi & Ride-Hailing
I want to go to… – 我要去… (Wǒ yào qù…)Stop here – 在这里停 (Zài zhèlǐ tíng)
Please drive slower – 请慢一点 (Qǐng màn yīdiǎn)
Subway
Most Chinese cities have massive metro systems.
• Subway/Metro – 地铁 (Dìtiě)• Which line? – 哪条线？ (Nǎ tiáo xiàn?)
• Where is the station? – 地铁站在哪里？ (Dìtiě zhàn zài nǎlǐ?)
Train & High-Speed Rail
China’s high-speed trains are world-class.
• Train – 火车 (Huǒchē)
• High-speed rail – 高铁 (Gāotiě)
• Ticket – 票 (Piào)
• Platform – 站台 (Zhàntái)
Being able to say the name of your destination clearly helps a lot—especially when showing your ticket to staff.
Food & Restaurant Phrases: Eating Like a Local
China has one of the best food cultures in the world. But menus are often in Chinese, and not all restaurants offer English translations.
Here are essential phrases to help you navigate food ordering:
Common Phrases
I want this – 我要这个 (Wǒ yào zhège) (great for pointing at menus)Delicious – 好吃 (Hǎochī)
Not spicy – 不辣 (Bú là)
A little spicy – 微辣 (Wēi là)
Very spicy – 很辣 (Hěn là)
No meat – 不要肉 (Bú yào ròu)
No onions – 不要葱 (Bú yào cōng)
Drinks
• Water – 水 (Shuǐ)• Hot water – 热水 (Rèshuǐ)
• Tea – 茶 (Chá)
• Beer – 啤酒 (Píjiǔ)
Requesting the Bill
• Check, please – 买单 (Mǎidān)
This phrase alone makes eating out much easier.
Shopping Phrases: Perfect for Markets & Souvenirs
China’s markets are exciting places to explore—from silk scarves to electronics to handmade crafts.
Useful Shopping Vocabulary
How much is this? – 这个多少钱？ (Zhège duōshǎo qián?)
Too expensive – 太贵了 (Tài guì le)
Can it be cheaper? – 可以便宜一点吗？ (Kěyǐ piányi yīdiǎn ma?)
I’ll buy it – 我买了 (Wǒ mǎi le)
I’m just looking – 我随便看看 (Wǒ suíbiàn kànkan)
Bargaining is common in markets—not in malls. A friendly smile helps!
Hotel & Accommodation Vocabulary
When checking into a hotel or guesthouse, these phrases will help:
Useful Phrases
Reservation – 预订 (Yùdìng)
Passport – 护照 (Hùzhào)
Room – 房间 (Fángjiān)
Key card – 房卡 (Fángkǎ)
Wi-Fi – 无线网 (Wúxiànwǎng)
Where is the bathroom? – 卫生间在哪里？ (Wèishēngjiān zài nǎlǐ?)
Hotels usually have English-speaking staff, but smaller guesthouses may not.
Emergency Phrases: Important Just in Case
You may never need these, but it’s important to be prepared.
Emergency Expressions
Help! – 救命！ (Jiùmìng!)I’m lost – 我迷路了 (Wǒ mílù le)
I need a doctor – 我需要医生 (Wǒ xūyào yīshēng)
Call the police – 打电话报警 (Dǎ diànhuà bàojǐng)
Hospital – 医院 (Yīyuàn)
These phrases can be life-saving if you’re in an unfamiliar situation.
Essential Chinese Words for Daily Life
Here are everyday terms you’ll see often while exploring China:
Useful Daily Words
Yes – 是 (Shì)No – 不是 (Bú shì)
Bathroom – 厕所 (Cèsuǒ)
Entrance – 入口 (Rùkǒu)
Exit – 出口 (Chūkǒu)
Left – 左 (Zuǒ)
Right – 右 (Yòu)
Open – 开 (Kāi)
Closed – 关 (Guān)
These appear on signs, doors, and public transportation.
Practical Tips for Learning and Using Chinese Phrases
Use Translation Apps
Apps like Pleco or Google Translate can help you understand menus, signs, or conversations.
Screenshots Help
Take screenshots of your hotel address or destination in Chinese to show taxi drivers.
Use Slow, Clear Pronunciation
Mandarin tones are difficult at first. Even if you're not perfect, locals will appreciate the effort.
Combine Words with Gestures
Pointing while saying phrases often avoids confusion.
Practice Before the Trip
Even 10 minutes each day improves confidence dramatically.
Final Thoughts: A Few Words Can Transform Your China Adventure
You don’t need to be fluent in Mandarin to enjoy traveling in China. Even learning 20–30 essential words and phrases can help you navigate transportation, order food, communicate with locals, and feel more comfortable during your travels.
Speaking a little Mandarin not only makes your trip smoother—it creates deeper connections with the people you meet. Chinese locals love when visitors try their language, even if the pronunciation isn’t perfect.
Whether you're exploring Beijing’s ancient temples, riding high-speed trains across the country, or tasting delicious street food, these basic Chinese phrases will help you feel more confident and connected during your journey.
