Words and Phrases to Help You Learn Chinese | ExpatWoman.com
 

Words and Phrases to Help You Learn Chinese

Posted on

28 July 2015

Last updated on 29 July 2015


Words and Phrases to Help You Learn Chinese


When you speak to a Chinese person in their native tongue, you go a long way toward putting them at ease.  
Chinese writing
 

Before travelling to an area in China, it is a good idea to learn essential Chinese conversational words and phrases to get you ready, and help you avoid any awkward and potentially frustrating situations. Here are a few basic words and phrases you are sure to encounter frequently in your travels. 


Basic Courtesies


Anywhere you go, it’s important to be polite and respectful, but in China and other Asian countries, everything revolves around politeness. Here are a few words and phrases you need to know for polite Chinese conversation.
  • shì 是(yes)
  • bù不 (no)

To answer some questions, it is also appropriate to simply repeat the main verb or negate the verb (bù 不/ méi没 + verb).

  • Búyòng kèqì不用客气 (You’re welcome.)
  • kĕnéng 可能(maybe)
  • qĭng请 (please) Qing is rarely used in alone, rather it is most often used with a request or inquiry.
  • Xièxie谢谢 (thank you)  One top tip Xi makes a sound like Sh.

SEE ALSO; Top Ten Tourist Attractions in Shanghai


Extraordinary Useful Mandarin Phrases


1.    你吃饭了吗?(ni chi fan le ma?)-“Have you eaten?”

This phrase shows concern for the person you’re talking to.
Near-equivalent phrase in English: “What’s happening?” or “How are you?”

2.    我敬你一杯(wo jing ni yi bei)- “Here’s to you”

敬 jìng shows respect for the other person.This phrase is typically used when raising your drink in a toast.
Near-equivalent phrase in English: “Here’s to you” or simply “Cheers”.

3.    你辛苦了(ni xin ku le)-“I really appreciate it!”

This is an expression of gratitude when someone has helped you.
Near-equivalent phrase in English: The English language doesn’t really have a direct equivalent for this phrase.  “You’ve worked hard” is similar, but doesn’t really fit.  In English you would more likely say something like “I appreciate it, thank you.”

4.    请你多多包涵(qing ni duo duo bao han)- “Please forgive me”

This phrase is used anytime you think you may have offended someone.
Near-equivalent phrase in English: “Please excuse me.” or “Pardon me, I’m sorry.”

5.    你真牛啊!( ni zhen niu a)- “You’re outstanding!”

With this expression, you’re essentially complimenting someone’s outstanding character by comparing them to a cow.  You might use this phrase to thank someone who manages to get you tickets that were sold out or otherwise goes out of their way to do something for you.

6.  咱们一起吃饭,我请客! (zan men yi qi chi fan, wo qing ke)-“Let’s go out to eat, it’s my treat.”

In China, as in many countries, sharing a meal is how people establish and build relationships.  If you want to make friends, ask someone for a favor, or thank someone, offer to buy them a meal.

7.  哪里哪里(nali, nali)-  “where, where!” — for deflecting compliments

Confucianism is widely observed in China, and holds modesty to be important.  Because of this, people in China do not say “thank you” when they receive praise, rather, they seek to deflect.  Most Chinese people will assume that Westerners will not do this, so the phrase is sure to impress your Chinese friends.

8.    不好意思,我有事,先走了-(bu hao yi si, wo you shi, xian zou le). “I’m sorry, I have something to do. I need to go now.”

Chinese people tend to keep details to themselves, so you will likely never need to explain why you must leave.  This phrase is perfect in any uncomfortable situation; it is highly unlikely that you’ll be asked for any further information.


Yang is the author of this post. Of course, there are many other Chinese phrases and you can find some more of them with a little research. Yang is passionate about learning new languages and cultures. You can also read more of about the Chinese language on their blog.