Say a short phrase, then show the Chinese text if needed. Use Mandarin as a starting point across mainland China, with a translator ready for the reply.
Useful Mandarin phrases for traveling in China
PLANNING A TRIP?
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Start with a destination or a question. Nothing is added to your plan without your review.
Plan your China tripSave these phrases
| To do this | Show this · Say this |
|---|---|
| Greet someone | 你好 · nǐ hǎo — Hello. |
| Thank someone | 谢谢 · xièxie — Thank you. |
| Get attention politely | 不好意思 · bù hǎoyìsi — Excuse me. |
| Explain the language barrier | 我不会说中文 · wǒ bú huì shuō Zhōngwén — I don't speak Chinese. |
| Ask for a slower reply | 请说慢一点 · qǐng shuō màn yìdiǎn — Please speak a little slower. |
| Ask for a written reply | 请打字 · qǐng dǎzì — Please type it. |
| Ask the price | 多少钱？ · duōshao qián — How much? |
| Choose an item | 我要这个 · wǒ yào zhège — I'd like this one. |
| Decline an offer | 不用，谢谢 · bú yòng, xièxie — No, thank you. |
| Ask for no chili | 不要辣 · bú yào là — Not spicy, please. |
| Request the bill | 买单，谢谢 · mǎidān, xièxie — The bill, please. |
| Find a toilet | 厕所在哪里？ · cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ — Where is the toilet? |
| Show a destination | 请带我去这里 · qǐng dài wǒ qù zhèlǐ — Please take me here. |
| Ask for help | 请帮我 · qǐng bāng wǒ — Please help me. |
| Ask someone to call an ambulance | 请帮我打120 · qǐng bāng wǒ dǎ yāo èr líng — Please call 120 for me. |
Make the answer usable
Ask one question at a time. If you still cannot follow the reply, ask for typing or a map pin. For a price, request digits and confirm it is in yuan; spoken kuài also means yuan. For directions, confirm the exact destination rather than guessing from unfamiliar spoken instructions.
Explain food restrictions before ordering
Show a specific Chinese explanation of ingredients you cannot eat, including sauces, stock, and cooking oil. “Not spicy” does not mean vegetarian or allergen-free. For allergies, prepare a translated chef card and ask staff to check with the kitchen; a phrase or translation app cannot guarantee a safe meal.
Checked October 28, 2026. Keep the emergency numbers with these phrases.
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