Chinese Phrases for Travelers

So, you're planning to travel to China, but you don't know Chinese. You're looking through those Chinese for Dummies books, and it looks anything but simple. Don't worry. Although Chinese is a very complex language to master, there are some simple phrases that will help get you around the country.

The basics, of course, are hello, Ni2 hao3, and goodbye, Zai4 jian4 (if the numbers confuse you, take a quick look at these tutorials about tones and pinyin).

To introduce yourself, say, Wo3 jiao4 ------- (My name is -------).

When you meet someone, it's polite to say Ren4 shi4 ni3, hen3 gao1 xing4 (Nice to meet you).

If you are on a business visit and want to give your business card, say, Zhe4 shi4 wo3 de ming2 pian4 (This is my business card).

To say thank you, say Xie4 xie4 (thank you), or Fei1 chang3 gan3 xie4 (thank you very much).

If you are thanked, say you're welcome with either "bu4 yong4 xie4" (literally: no need to thank me), or "bu4 ke4 qi4" (literally: no need to be so polite).

To apologize, say "Dui4 bu4 qi3." Or say, "Bu4 hao3 yi4 si4" (Excuse me / pardon me / sorry).

If someone apologizes to you, you can reply with "Mei2 wen4 ti2" (No problem), or "Mei2 guan1 xi4" (That's all right; it doesn't matter).

If you need to ask a question, you can get the person's attention by saying, "Qing3 wen4" (Excuse me, may I ask you something?).

If you're lost and need help, you can say, "Wo3 mi2 lu4 le" (I'm lost). Then, you can ask for directions by saying "------- zai4 nar3?" (Where is---------?) Or you can ask, "Dao4 ------- zen3 me zou3?" (How do I get to-------?)

Next, here are some basic questions you might need to stumble through a conversation. "Shen2 me?" (What?); "Zai4 nar3" (Where?); "Wei4 shen2 me?" (Why?); "Na3 ge4?" (Which?); "Zhen1 de ma?" (Really?).

If there is a communication breakdown, you can always try to find someone who speaks English. Most of the college-age young people will speak English, as do a good amount of adults. To ask if someone speaks English, say, "Ni3 hui4 shuo1 yin1 yu3 ma?" (Do you speak English?)

Always be polite, and remember to thank anyone who helps you by saying, "Xie4 xie4" or "Fei1 chang3 gan3 xie4."

And of course, the most important thing: to ask where the bathroom is, say "Ce4 suo3 zai4 nar3?"