Essential Chinese Phrases for Travelers: The Complete Phrasebook
100+ must-know Mandarin phrases for your China trip — greetings, hotels, dining, transport, shopping, and emergencies. With pronunciation guide and free printable PDF.
~4 min readUpdated Mar 2026
📱 Just Show Your Phone
⭐ 100+ Phrases, 9 Scenarios
📄 Free Printable PDF
🚨 Emergency Numbers Inside
Not speaking Mandarin isn't the barrier it used to be — QR menus, map apps, and mobile payments handle most of daily life in China. But there are moments — a taxi driver who won't start the meter, a hotel room with no hot water, a market stall where the price keeps changing — when a handful of the right words makes all the difference.
This guide covers 100+ phrases across nine real travel scenarios, each with the Chinese characters, pinyin romanization, and an English phonetic approximation so you can read it aloud. Or just turn your phone screen toward the person you're speaking to — that works too.
9
Scenarios
100+
Phrases
Free
PDF Download
120 · 110 · 119
Emergency Numbers
How to Use This Guide
Two ways to use these phrases: Say them out loud using the Pronunciation Guide column — it's written in English phonetics, no Chinese knowledge needed. Or show your phone screen to the other person and point at the Chinese column. Showing the screen is faster and more reliable, especially for longer phrases.
All phrase cards are available as a free downloadable PDF at the bottom of this page — print it out or save individual card images to your phone before you leave.
Part 1: Greetings & Staying Connected
Saying Hello & Being Polite
"谢谢" (thank you) is the one phrase worth learning by heart — it opens doors everywhere. "不用了，谢谢" is your polite deflection for persistent vendors: firm, friendly, and unmistakable.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Say It Like… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hello / Hi | 你好 | Nǐ hǎo | Nee how |
| Thank you | 谢谢 | Xiè xie | Shyeh-shyeh |
| Sorry / Excuse me | 不好意思 | Bù hǎo yì si | Boo how yee suh |
| Yes / Correct | 对 | Duì | Dway |
| No | 不 | Bù | Boo |
| I don't understand. | 我听不懂。 | Wǒ tīng bù dǒng. | Wor ting boo dong. |
| No, thank you. (To refuse vendors) | 不用了，谢谢。 | Bú yòng le, xiè xie. | Boo yong luh, shyeh-shyeh. |
| Where is the restroom? | 洗手间在哪？ | Xǐ shǒu jiān zài nǎ? | She show jyen dzai nah? |
Wi-Fi & Charging
Most restaurants and malls have free Wi-Fi — the password just isn't posted. Ask staff directly. Rental power banks (扫码借充电宝) are available at virtually every convenience store.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Say It Like… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Does this place have Wi-Fi? | 这里有 Wi-Fi 吗？ | Zhè lǐ yǒu Wi-Fi ma? | Juh lee yo Wai-Fai ma? |
| What is the password? | 密码是多少？ | Mì mǎ shì duō shǎo? | Mee mah shrr dwor shao? |
| I need a Power Bank. | 我需要充电宝。 | Wǒ xū yào chōng diàn bǎo. | Wor shoo yow chong dyan bow. |
| My phone is out of battery. | 我手机没电了。 | Wǒ shǒu jī méi diàn le. | Wor show jee may dyan luh. |
| Is there a power outlet here? | 这里有插座吗？ | Zhè lǐ yǒu chā zuò ma? | Juh lee yo chah dzwor ma? |
| Where can I buy a SIM card? | 哪里可以买手机卡？ | Nǎ lǐ kě yǐ mǎi shǒu jī kǎ? | Nah lee kuh yee my show jee kah? |
SIM Cards at the Airport
China Mobile (中国移动) and China Unicom (中国联通) counters are in the arrivals hall of most international airports. Bring your passport. A 30-day data SIM typically costs ¥100–200 depending on the carrier and data allowance.
Part 2: At Your Hotel
Chain hotels usually have English-speaking staff; smaller guesthouses and budget inns often don't. These phrases cover the front desk, room issues, and checkout.
Check-In & Services
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Say It Like… |
|---|---|---|---|
| I have a reservation. | 我有预订。 | Wǒ yǒu yù dìng. | Wor yo yoo ding. |
| What time is breakfast? | 早餐几点开始？ | Zǎo cān jǐ diǎn kāi shǐ? | Dzow tsan jee dyan kye shrr? |
| Can I store my luggage? | 可以寄存行李吗？ | Kě yǐ jì cún xíng lǐ ma? | Kuh yee jee tsun shing lee ma? |
| Where is the elevator? | 电梯在哪里？ | Diàn tī zài nǎ lǐ? | Dyan tea dzai nah lee? |
Room Issues
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Say It Like… |
|---|---|---|---|
| There is no hot water. | 没有热水。 | Méi yǒu rè shuǐ. | May yo ruh shway. |
| The AC is broken. | 空调坏了。 | Kōng tiáo huài le. | Kong tyao hwhy luh. |
| It is too noisy. | 太吵了。 | Tài chǎo le. | Tie chow luh. |
| I need more toilet paper. | 我需要卫生纸。 | Wǒ xū yào wèi shēng zhǐ. | Wor shoo yow way shung jir. |
| I need a towel. | 我需要毛巾。 | Wǒ xū yào máo jīn. | Wor shoo yow maow jeen. |
Check-Out
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Say It Like… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Check out, please. | 我要退房。 | Wǒ yào tuì fáng. | Wor yow tway fahng. |
| Can I have a late checkout? | 可以延迟退房吗？ | Kě yǐ yán chí tuì fáng ma? | Kuh yee yen chirr tway fahng ma? |
| Please call a taxi for me. | 请帮我叫出租车。 | Qǐng bāng wǒ jiào liàng chū zū chē. | Ching bang wor jyaow lyang choo dzoo chuh. |
Part 3: Dining & Food
Most restaurants now use QR code menus with photos — pointing at a picture and saying "我要这个" gets you far. These phrases are essential for dietary restrictions, which are harder to communicate without the right words.
Ordering & Dietary Needs
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Say It Like… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Do you have an English menu? | 有英文菜单吗？ | Yǒu Yīng wén cài dān ma? | Yo Ying when tsai dahn ma? |
| I want this one. (Point at photo) | 我要这个。 | Wǒ yào zhè gè. | Wor yow juh guh. |
| I am a vegetarian. | 我是吃素的。 | Wǒ shì chī sù de. | Wor shrr chir soo duh. |
| No spicy, please. | 不要辣。 | Bú yào là. | Boo yow lah. |
| No sugar, please. | 不要糖。 | Bú yào táng. | Boo yow tahng. |
| I have a peanut allergy. | 我对花生过敏。 | Wǒ duì huā shēng guò mǐn. | Wor dway hwah shung gwo min. |
| I don't eat pork. | 我不吃猪肉。 | Wǒ bù chī zhū ròu. | Wor boo chir joo row. |
| Coke / Beer / Coffee | 可乐 / 啤酒 / 咖啡 | Kě lè / Pí jiǔ / Kā fēi | Kuh luh / Pee jyo / Kah fay |
Vegetarian in China
"吃素" covers most vegetarian needs but may still include eggs or dairy. Buddhist vegetarian cuisine (斋菜) is strictly meat-free. If you're vegan or have strict requirements, look for restaurants labeled 斋菜 or 纯素.
Table Needs & Bill
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Say It Like… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Can I have a fork / spoon? | 可以给我叉子/勺子吗？ | Kě yǐ gěi wǒ chā zi / sháo zi ma? | Kuh yee gay wor chah dzuh / shaow dzuh ma? |
| Ice water, please. | 请给我冰水。 | Qǐng gěi wǒ bīng shuǐ. | Ching gay wor bing shway. |
| Napkins / Tissues, please. | 请给我纸巾。 | Qǐng gěi wǒ zhǐ jīn. | Ching gay wor jir jeen. |
| The bill, please. | 买单。 | Mǎi dān. | My dahn. |
| Do you accept WeChat Pay / Alipay? | 可以用微信/支付宝吗？ | Kě yǐ yòng Wēi Xìn / Zhī Fù Bǎo ma? | Kuh yee yong Way Shin / Jrr Foo Bow ma? |
| Can I take this to go? | 这个打包。 | Zhè gè dǎ bāo. | Juh guh dah bow. |
No Tipping Expected
Tipping is not customary in mainland China — neither at restaurants nor with taxi drivers. Leaving cash on the table may confuse staff. Just pay the bill and go.
Part 4: Getting Around — Taxis, Subway & Trains
Taxis & Ride-Hailing
The DiDi (滴滴) app works like Uber and accepts international cards — destination goes in-app, no talking required. For street taxis, always ask for the meter.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Say It Like… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Please take me to this address. | 请带我去这个地址。 | Qǐng dài wǒ qù zhè gè dì zhǐ. | Ching dye wor choo juh guh dee jir. |
| Please use the meter. | 请打表。 | Qǐng dǎ biǎo. | Ching dah byow. |
| Please stop here. | 请在这里停。 | Qǐng zài zhè lǐ tíng. | Ching dzai juh lee ting. |
| I am at the pickup point. | 我就在定位点。 | Wǒ jiù zài dìng wèi diǎn. | Wor jyo dzai ding way dyan. |
| Please wait a minute. | 请等一下。 | Qǐng děng yí xià. | Ching dung yee shyah. |
| Can you turn on the AC? | 可以开空调吗？ | Kě yǐ kāi kōng tiáo ma? | Kuh yee kye kong tyao ma? |
| I am at the hotel entrance. | 我就在酒店门口。 | Wǒ jiù zài jiǔ diàn mén kǒu. | Wor jyo dzai jyo dyan mun ko. |
Subway & Directions
Major city subways have English signage throughout — you rarely need words. These phrases help when you're genuinely lost.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Say It Like… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where is the subway station? | 地铁站在哪里？ | Dì tiě zhàn zài nǎ lǐ? | Dee tyeh jahn dzai nah lee? |
| Which line goes to the airport? | 哪条线去机场？ | Nǎ tiáo xiàn qù jī chǎng? | Nah tyao shyen choo jee chahng? |
| Which exit? | 哪个出口？ | Nǎ gè chū kǒu? | Nah guh choo ko? |
| Where is the transfer passage? | 换乘通道在哪里？ | Huàn chéng tōng dào zài nǎ lǐ? | Hwan chung tong dao dzai nah lee? |
| Wrong direction? | 方向坐反了吗？ | Fāng xiàng zuò fǎn le ma? | Fahng shyahng dzwor fan luh ma? |
| Is it far? | 远吗？ | Yuǎn ma? | Ywen ma? |
| Can you show me on the map? | 可以在地图上指一下吗？ | Kě yǐ zài dì tú shàng zhǐ yí xià ma? | Kuh yee dzai dee too shang jir yee shyah ma? |
High-Speed Train
Buy tickets on Trip.com or the 12306 app. Foreign passports can sometimes fail at automated entry gates — the manual channel (人工通道) always works.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Say It Like… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where is the ticket counter? | 人工售票处在哪里？ | Shòu piào chù zài nǎ lǐ? | Show pyaow choo dzai nah lee? |
| Where is security check? | 安检在哪里？ | Ān jiǎn zài nǎ lǐ? | An jyen dzai nah lee? |
| Where is the boarding gate? | 检票口在哪里？ | Jiǎn piào kǒu zài nǎ lǐ? | Jyen pyaow ko dzai nah lee? |
| My passport won't scan. | 我的护照刷不过去。 | Wǒ de hù zhào shuā bú guò qù. | Wor duh hoo jaow shwah boo gwo choo. |
| Where is the manual channel? | 人工通道在哪里？ | Rén gōng tōng dào zài nǎ lǐ? | Run gong tong dao dzai nah lee? |
| Where can I store large luggage? | 大件行李放哪里？ | Dà jiàn xíng lǐ fàng nǎ lǐ? | Dah jyen shing lee fahng nah lee? |
| Where is the dining car? | 餐车在哪里？ | Cān chē zài nǎ lǐ? | Tsan chuh dzai nah lee? |
| Is there a power outlet? | 有充电插座吗？ | Yǒu chōng diàn chā zuò ma? | Yo chong dyan chah dzwor ma? |
| I missed my train — how do I change the ticket? | 我误车了，怎么改签？ | Wǒ wù chē le, zěn me gǎi qiān? | Wor woo chuh luh, dzuh muh gye chyen? |
| This is my seat. | 这是我的座位。 | Zhè shì wǒ de zuò wèi. | Juh shrr wor duh dzwor way. |
| Where is the hot water? | 开水在哪里？ | Kāi shuǐ zài nǎ lǐ? | Kye shway dzai nah lee? |
Part 5: At the Airport
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Say It Like… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where is the check-in counter? | 值机柜台在哪里？ | Zhí jī guì tái zài nǎ lǐ? | Jrr jee gway tye dzai nah lee? |
| I want to check this bag. | 我要托运行李。 | Wǒ yào tuō yùn xíng lǐ. | Wor yow twore yoon shing lee. |
| Is my luggage overweight? | 行李超重了吗？ | Xíng lǐ chāo zhòng le ma? | Shing lee chaow jhong luh mah? |
| Where is the boarding gate? | 登机口在哪里？ | Dēng jī kǒu zài nǎ lǐ? | Dung jee koh dzai nah lee? |
| Has the gate changed? | 登机口变了吗？ | Dēng jī kǒu biàn le ma? | Dung jee koh byen luh mah? |
| What time does boarding start? | 几点开始登机？ | Jǐ diǎn kāi shǐ dēng jī? | Jee dyan kye shrr dung jee? |
| I need an arrival card. | 我需要入境卡。 | Wǒ xū yào rù jìng kǎ. | Wor shoo yow roo jing kah. |
| Where is the shuttle bus to Terminal…? | 去T…的摆渡车在哪里？ | Qù T… de bǎi dù chē zài nǎ lǐ? | Choo T… duh bye doo chuh dzai nah lee? |
| Where is baggage claim? | 行李提取在哪里？ | Xíng lǐ tí qǔ zài nǎ lǐ? | Shing lee tea choo dzai nah lee? |
| Can I take this power bank on board? | 这个充电宝可以带吗？ | Zhè gè chōng diàn bǎo kě yǐ dài ma? | Juh guh chong dyan bow kuh yee dye ma? |
| Where can I discard my lighter? | 哪里可以扔打火机？ | Nǎ lǐ kě yǐ rēng dǎ huǒ jī? | Nah lee kuh yee rung dah hwor jee? |
| Where is the transfer counter? | 中转柜台在哪里？ | Zhōng zhuǎn guì tái zài nǎ lǐ? | Jong jwan gway tye dzai nah lee? |
| Where is the tax refund counter? | 在哪里退税？ | Zài nǎ lǐ tuì shuì? | Dzai nah lee tway shway? |
Power Banks Cannot Be Checked
Power banks must travel in your carry-on — never in checked luggage. The limit is 100Wh (roughly 27,000mAh) for unrestricted carry-on; 100–160Wh requires airline approval. Lighters with gas are banned entirely; there are disposal bins before security.
Part 6: Shopping & Bargaining
Fixed-price shops and chain stores don't negotiate. Markets, souvenir stalls, and night markets are different — starting prices can be three times the final price, so don't be shy.
Shopping
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Say It Like… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Can I try this on? | 可以试穿吗？ | Kě yǐ shì chuān ma? | Kuh yee shrr chwan ma? |
| Where is the fitting room? | 试衣间在哪里？ | Shì yī jiān zài nǎ lǐ? | Shrr yee jyen dzai nah lee? |
| Do you have a larger size? | 有大一点的吗？ | Yǒu dà yì diǎn de ma? | Yo dah yee dyan duh ma? |
| Do you have a smaller size? | 有小一点的吗？ | Yǒu xiǎo yì diǎn de ma? | Yo shyao yee dyan duh ma? |
| Do you have other colors? | 有别的颜色吗？ | Yǒu bié de yán sè ma? | Yo byeh duh yen suh ma? |
Polite Refusals
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Say It Like… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Just browsing, thanks. | 我先随便看看。 | Wǒ xiān suí biàn kàn kan. | Wor shyen sway byen kahn kahn. |
| I'll think about it. | 我再考虑一下。 | Wǒ zài kǎo lǜ yí xià. | Wor dzai kao lyoo yee shyah. |
| I don't want it, thanks. | 我不要了，谢谢。 | Wǒ bú yào le, xiè xiè. | Wor boo yow luh, shyeh shyeh. |
| I'll look at other shops. | 我再去别家看看。 | Wǒ zài qù bié jiā kàn kàn. | Wor dzai choo byeh jyah kahn kahn. |
Payment & Bargaining
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Say It Like… |
|---|---|---|---|
| How much is this? | 这个多少钱？ | Zhè gè duō shǎo qián? | Juh guh dwor shao chyen? |
| Too expensive! | 太贵了！ | Tài guì le! | Tie gway luh! |
| Can you make it cheaper? | 可以便宜一点吗？ | Kě yǐ pián yi yì diǎn ma? | Kuh yee pyen yee yee dyan ma? |
| What's your best price? | 最低多少钱？ | Zuì dī duō shǎo qián? | Dzway dee dwor shao chyen? |
| I'll take it. | 我要了。 | Wǒ yào le. | Wor yow luh. |
| Do you accept cash? | 收现金吗？ | Shōu xiàn jīn ma? | Show shyan jeen ma? |
| Do you accept WeChat Pay / Alipay? | 可以用微信/支付宝吗？ | Kě yǐ yòng Wēi Xìn / Zhī Fù Bǎo ma? | Kuh yee yong Way Shin / Jrr Foo Bow ma? |
| Do I scan you, or you scan me? | 我扫你？还是你扫我？ | Wǒ sǎo nǐ? Hái shì nǐ sǎo wǒ? | Wor sao nee? Hi shrr nee sao wor? |
| Receipt, please. | 请给我小票。 | Qǐng gěi wǒ xiǎo piào. | Ching gay wor shyao pyaow. |
| Where is the QR code? | 二维码在哪里？ | Èr wéi mǎ zài nǎ lǐ? | Arr way mah dzai nah lee? |
Numbers & Currency
You don't need all ten digits by heart — but knowing 1–5, "hundred" (百), and "thousand" (千) covers most market transactions. Prices are spoken as 块 (kuài) in everyday speech, not 元 (yuán).
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Say It Like… |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 / 2 / 3 | 一 / 二 / 三 | Yī / Èr / Sān | Yee / Arr / San |
| 4 / 5 / 6 | 四 / 五 / 六 | Sì / Wǔ / Liù | Suh / Woo / Leo |
| 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 | 七 / 八 / 九 / 十 | Qī / Bā / Jiǔ / Shí | Chee / Bah / Jyo / Shrr |
| Hundred / Thousand | 百 / 千 | Bǎi / Qiān | Bye / Chyen |
| Yuan (spoken) | 块 | Kuài | Kwhy |
Part 7: Emergencies
Hopefully phrases you never use. China's emergency numbers: Medical 120 · Police 110 · Fire 119.
Communication Breakdown
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Say It Like… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Please find someone who speaks English. | 请帮我找会说英语的人。 | Qǐng bāng wǒ zhǎo gè huì shuō Yīng yǔ de rén. | Ching bahng wor jaow guh hway shwor Ying yoo duh run. |
| Please use a translation app to talk to me. | 请用翻译软件跟我说话。 | Qǐng yòng fān yì ruǎn jiàn gēn wǒ shuō huà. | Ching yong fan yee rwan jyen gun wor shwor hwah. |
| I need to call my Embassy. | 我要给使馆打电话。 | Wǒ yào gěi shǐ guǎn dǎ diàn huà. | Wor yow gay shr gwan dah dyan hwah. |
Medical & Urgent Situations
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Say It Like… |
|---|---|---|---|
| I need to go to the hospital. | 我要去医院。 | Wǒ yào qù yī yuàn. | Wor yow choo yee ywen. |
| Where is the pharmacy? | 药店在哪里？ | Yào diàn zài nǎ lǐ? | Yaow dyan dzai nah lee? |
| I have diarrhea / a fever. | 我拉肚子/发烧了。 | Wǒ lā dù zi / fā shāo le. | Wor lah doo dzuh / fah shao luh. |
| I am allergic to this medicine. | 我对这种药过敏。 | Wǒ duì zhè zhǒng yào guò mǐn. | Wor dway juh jhong yaow gwo min. |
| I need painkillers. | 我需要止痛药。 | Wǒ xū yào zhǐ tòng yào. | Wor shoo yow jir tohng yow. |
| I lost my passport. | 我的护照丢了。 | Wǒ de hù zhào diū le. | Wor duh hoo jaow dyoo luh. |
| Call the police! | 报警！ | Bào jǐng! | Bow jing! |
| I left my bag in the taxi / bus. | 我把包忘在出租车/车上了。 | Wǒ bǎ bāo wàng zài chū zū chē / chē shàng le. | Wor bah bow wahng dzai choo dzoo chuh / chuh shahng luh. |
| I am lost. | 我迷路了。 | Wǒ mí lù le. | Wor mee loo luh. |
| Please help me. | 请帮帮我。 | Qǐng bāng bang wǒ. | Ching bang bang wor. |
Emergency Numbers in China
Medical: 120 · Police: 110 · Fire: 119. Save these in your phone before you land.
Download Phrase Cards
All phrase cards are free to save and use for personal travel. The complete handbook is 10 pages — download the PDF to print, or long-press any card below to save it to your phone (no account needed).
Download the full PDF (10 pages, printable):
↓ Download PDF — Bilingual Phrase Cards (12 MB)
Part 1 — Greetings & Connectivity
Part 2 — Hotel Stay
Part 3 — Dining & Food
Part 4 — Taxis & Subway
Part 4 — High-Speed Train
Part 5 — Airport
Part 6 — Shopping & Bargaining
Numbers & Currency
Part 7 — Emergencies
Best Offline Strategy
Save the individual card images to a "China Trip" album on your phone before you leave. No internet needed — open the relevant card and show it to whoever you're talking to.
Yes. The pronunciation guide is written in English phonetics — read it like English and you'll be understood well enough in most situations. If your pronunciation misses, just flip your phone screen around and point at the Chinese characters. That approach is often faster anyway.
Beyond This Guide
These phrases cover the essentials — but real-time language support makes the difference between managing and truly enjoying China. Our planners are available on WhatsApp throughout your trip to translate, troubleshoot, and help you navigate any situation where phrases aren't enough.
Skip the research rabbit hole. Send us your trip details and we'll map out a clear plan for you.
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