Mandarin for Travelers I Essential Phrases You Need to Know

Get ready for your trip to China with these essential phrases 🇨🇳

Summer is coming in ☀️

With our Chinese Summer Camp and Summer Immersion Chinese Program just around the corner, many travelers are preparing for their first trip to China.

Even if you're a total beginner, these must-know vocabulary and phrases will help you communicate smoothly. Let's get started!

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Mandarin for Travelers:

Essential Phrases

              

01. Basic ‍‍Phrases

Start with the essentials – these polite expressions go a long way in daily life:

你好。‍‍‍‍

Nǐ hǎo.

Hello.

谢谢！

Xièxie!‍‍

Thank you!

请问,......‍‍‍

Qǐng wèn…

Excuse me, may I ask…

我听不懂。

Wǒ tīng bu dǒng.

I don't understand.

你会说英语吗？

Nǐ huì shuō Yīngyǔ ma?

Do you speak English?

02. Getting Around

As soon as you step off the plane, you might need a little help getting around. Whether you're taking a taxi or riding the metro, these phrases will help you navigate the city with confidence:

这个地方怎么走?

Zhè gè dìfang zěnme zǒu?

How do I get to this place?

我要去......‍‍‍‍‍‍

Wǒ yào qù …

I want to go to...

03. Asking for Help

Hopefully you won't need them, but better safe than sorry — keep these phrases in mind:

我迷路了!

Wǒ mílù le!

I'm lost!‍‍

医院在哪里?

Yīyuàn zài nǎlǐ?

Where is the hospital?

请报警。

Qǐng bào jǐng.‍

Please, call the police.

我需要帮助。

Wǒ xūyào bāngzhù.

I need help.‍

04. Ordering Food

China's food scene is world-famous, but local habits and flavors might sometimes confuse. To help make your dining experience smoother, here are a few useful phrases:

不要辣，谢谢。

Bù yào là, xièxie.

No spicy, please.

你有刀叉吗？

Nǐ yǒu dāo chā ma?

Do you have fork and knife?

我吃素的。

Wǒ chī sù de.

I'm vegetarian.

NOTE ‍

Many restaurants use picture menus — just point and say:

我想点这个。

Wǒ xiǎng diǎn zhè gè.

I'd like to order this.

05. Shopping & Markets

From malls to street stalls, these phrases are your go-to for shopping:

这个多少钱？

Zhè gè duōshǎo qián?

How much is this?

我要这个。‍

Wǒ yào zhè gè.

I'll take this one.

你们有······吗?

Nǐmen yǒu… ma?

Do you have…?

💡To ask if a store accepts a specific type of payment, you can say:

可以用······吗？

Kěyǐ yòng...... ma?

Do you accept......?

Here are some common payment methods you can use with this phrase:

• 现金 (xiànjīn) – cash

• 支付宝 (Zhīfùbǎo) – Alipay

• 微信支付 (Wēixìn zhīfù) – WeChat Pay

• 信用卡 (xìnyòngkǎ) – credit card

Make the Most of Your

Summer in China

              

Join students from all over the world to learn Chinese, make new friends, and discover the best of China with our Chinese Summer Courses 😎

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01. Chinese Summer Camp 2025

Chinese Summer Camp in China for kids and teens is the best way to spend the summer – exploring Chinese culture, visiting famous tourist sites in China, and learning Mandarin Chinese together with children from all over the world.

• June 16 to Aug 8‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍
• From 4,250RMB/week‍‍
• Shanghai, Beijing and Suzhou

02. Summer Immersion Chinese Program

Our Chinese Summer Immersion Program is designed for adult learners ready to dive into Chinese language and culture in a focused, immersive environment. It's a great way to spend summer and learn Chinese in a more conducive environment than in a university.

• Start Dates: Jun 3, Jun 30, Aug 4
• From 115 RMB /class
• Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Chengdu

Take It Further

              

To discuss this topic with Chinese teachers

and learn more useful daily phrases,

book a free trial class with That's Mandarin 👇

Have questions?

Ask us on WeChat!

@thatsmandarin006