10 Phrases Every Traveler Needs
You don't need to be fluent — just a few words in Mandarin will earn you huge smiles and better service. Here are the essential 10:
Greetings & Basics
- Ni hao (你好) — Hello
- Xie xie (谢谢) — Thank you
- Bu yao (不要) — No / I don't want it
Shopping & Dining
- Duo shao qian? (多少钱？) — How much?
- Tai gui le (太贵了) — Too expensive
- Mai dan (买单) — Check please / Bill please
- Zhe ge (这个) — This one (point and say it)
Getting Around
- Wo yao qu... (我要去...) — I want to go to...
- Ce suo zai nar? (厕所在哪？) — Where is the restroom?
Emergency
- Jiu ming! (救命！) — Help!
Pronunciation Tips
- Mandarin has four tones — don't worry about getting them perfect
- Speak slowly and clearly
- Most locals will appreciate the effort even if your pronunciation is off
- Use your phone's translation app as backup
Bonus Power Move
Saying "Hao chi!" (好吃！— Delicious!) after a meal will make any chef or restaurant owner light up. It's the ultimate compliment.