Learn Chinese · 02 · about 8 minutes

Ten phrases that get you through day one

Characters, pinyin, a plain meaning, and the moment to use each one. Tap Copy to take a line with you; or simply show this page to the person you are talking to. Last checked: 2026-11.

Reading these pages in your own language

The instructions are in English, but every Chinese line is given in characters + pinyin + a plain-English meaning. Pinyin is a pronunciation alphabet, not a translation — so the phrases work the same way whatever language you read. The home page is available in 53 languages; use the language button at the bottom right of any page.

The ten

Tone marks are part of the word, not decoration — but context forgives a lot. If you only remember three, take 听不懂 tīng bù dǒng, 谢谢 xièxie and 请说慢一点 qǐng shuō màn yìdiǎn. The pinyin page explains how to read them.

你好

nǐ hǎo

Hello. Safe at any time of day, with anyone. Add 您好 nín hǎo for someone older or in a formal setting.

谢谢

xièxie

Thank you. The second syllable is light and short. 不客气 bú kèqi is a common reply — 'you're welcome'.

不好意思

bù hǎo yìsi

Excuse me / sorry (soft). For getting past someone, interrupting, or a small mistake. Not for a serious apology.

听不懂

tīng bù dǒng

I don't understand (what I hear). The single most useful line you can own. Say it early — people will slow down or switch to pointing.

请说慢一点

qǐng shuō màn yìdiǎn

Please speak a little slower. Polite and effective. Most people will immediately repeat the sentence more slowly.

这个多少钱？

zhège duōshao qián?

How much is this? Point at the thing while you say it. Works in markets, small shops and taxi windows.

不要辣

bú yào là

No chilli, please. In Changsha, try 微辣 wēi là ('mild') first — 'mild' in Hunan can still be hot. See the chilli guide.

洗手间在哪儿？

xǐshǒujiān zài nǎr?

Where is the toilet? Add 请问 qǐng wèn ('may I ask') at the front to soften it.

我迷路了

wǒ mílù le

I'm lost. Show your map or destination on your phone right after saying this.

可以帮我一下吗？

kěyǐ bāng wǒ yíxià ma?

Could you help me for a moment? A friendly opener that works on the metro, in a station, or at a front desk.

How to use these without freezing

Say the line first, then show the characters. People usually answer in Chinese — that is fine, you have started a conversation.
Pointing is not cheating. Combine 这个多少钱 with a finger and it works almost everywhere.
Hand over the phone. This page is a perfectly good visual aid; nobody expects a beginner to perform from memory.
Print it. Use the Print / PDF button in the helper at the bottom right, or save the page offline before you fly.

Where to go next

The food page covers the chilli scale and restaurant lines; the arrival dialogue puts several of these into a real conversation. For something longer, there is a four-week path and more copy-and-say phrases on the home page.

All four lessons· ← Pinyin & tones· Next: ordering food →· Search this site