Learning Chinese is essential for daily life in China. This guide covers practical language tips for foreigners living in China.
Essential Daily Phrases
- Ni hao – Hello
- Xiexie – Thank you
- Zaijian – Goodbye
- Duibuqi – Sorry
- Wo bu dong – I dont understand
- Qing wen – Excuse me, may I ask
- Duoshao qian – How much money
- Zhege – This one
Numbers and Money
Learn numbers 1-100 for shopping and bargaining. Key: yi (1), er (2), san (3), si (4), wu (5), liu (6), qi (7), ba (8), jiu (9), shi (10).
Food and Ordering
- Wo yao… – I want…
- Hao chi – Delicious
- Mai dan – Check please
- Bu yao la – No spicy
Directions and Transportation
- …zai nali – Where is…
- Zuo – Left
- You – Right
- Zhi zou – Go straight
- Dache – Taxi
- Ditie – Subway
Shopping Tips
- Tai gui le – Too expensive
- Pian yi dian – A bit cheaper
- Ke yi da zhe ma – Can you discount
Learning Resources
- Pleco app – Best dictionary
- HelloChinese – Beginner lessons
- ChinesePod – Audio lessons
- WeChat translation – Real-time
Practice Tips
- Use Chinese for daily transactions
- Watch Chinese TV shows with subtitles
- Join language exchange meetups
- Practice with taxi drivers and vendors
- Don t be afraid to make mistakes