Learn to speak basic Chinese (Mandarin) words and phrases

Chinese language and dialects

Every province, every city and even every town speaks its own dialect. There are hundreds of Chinese dialects in China so much that it is unlikely that every dialect speaker will understand another dialect speaker from another village or city. Fortunately, all dialect speakers understand Mandarin, the official dialect.

Let’s learn some basic and common Mandarin words and phrases that will help you break down barriers with your Chinese friends.

How are you? -Ni Hao Ma

It is also commonly shortened to Ni Hao.

This is likely the first Mandarin phrase you will learn. Useful as a greeting or to break the ice. Suitable for use with all ages and professions.

Thanks -Xie Xie.

Another polite term that is easy to remember and use.

Alright -Hen Hao.

This is useful when praising a job or task well done. It is also useful as a response to anyone who says “Ni Hao Ma?” for you.

Ni Hao Ma? (How are you?)

Hen Hao (Very good)

Not good -Bu Hao.

This is useful when you need to comment on poor quality or incomplete work or assignment. Can it also be used as an answer to Ni Hao Ma? but it may not be a good answer.

Ni Hao Ma? (How are you?)

Bu Hao (Not good)

Very expensive -Hen Gui.

When negotiating in stores, this is the best term to use when dealing with a difficult negotiation.

I don’t want to or not -Bu Yao.

This is the best term for touts – street vendors who approach you at every tourist stop asking you to buy things. Bu Yao … will stop them on their way.

This is beautiful -Hen Piao Liang.

Use this phrase to praise something that is nice or beautiful. It can also be used when you meet a pretty girl!

Taxi -From Shi.

De Shi is the correct term, but it should be understood even if you use the English word for Taxi. They sound the same anyway.

Goodbye or see you again -Zai Jian.

Well I guess this is another term that will be easily understood even if the English word is used.

Excuse me -Jie Guo.

There are always crowds in tourist areas. There are so many Chinese who also want to see the same monuments. Rather than fighting your way through the crowd, using the term Jie Guo can lead the way for you!

Receipt -Fa Piao.

Always ask for the receipt or Fa Piao in stores or in a taxi. This can be useful if you need to complain about fraud or a poor quality product. It is also useful if you leave your bag or camera in the taxi.

I don’t want -Wo Bu Yao.

Useful when declining a tout or offering an extra drink at the dinner table.