10 Most Useful Phrases for Foreigners

To most foreigners, the Chinese language is overwhelming; there is no doubt about it. “The Chinese language is impossible!” “Every word sounds the same!” “How can anyone understand it?” Through teaching with students in Mandarinday school, I have found phrases like these to be quite usefull.

They are extremely helpful basics. Let’s look and learn below：
1. Ni hao: pronounced, “nee how.” This is the most common way to say Hello in China, and is typically understood regardless of your pronunciation. This is also a good phrase to begin more complex Chinese conversation, as it preps the listener to hear Chinese rather than the expected English, etc.
2. Xie xie: pronounced, “shay shay.” Thank you. This is the first phrase to know. You cannot be thankful enough for the many waiters/waitresses, cab drivers, and citizens for helping you get the things you want without knowing the language they speak. This phrase typically raises a smile, as it is greatly appreciated, and often expected.
3. Bu yao: pronounced, “boo yow” .Literally translates to “no want.” This phrase is especially useful in the major tourist areas in cities like Beijing and Shanghai, where countless vendors are continuously trying to make a sale.
4. Wo yao yi ping shui: pronounced, “whoa yow ee peeng shway” .Translates into “I would like a bottle of water.” A little lengthier, but just as useful, as water taken directly from the tap is not drinkable in China. Every restaurant or hotel provide bottled water.
5. Cesuo zai nar: pronounced, “tsuh-swhoh zi (rhyming with eye) nahr” “Where is the restroom?” This phrase is rather self-explanatory. Even if the person being asked responds in more Chinese than you can handle, they will at least point you in the right direction.
6. Wo e le: pronounced, “whoa uh luh” This phrase translates into “I am hungry” and is probably the most basic way to get someone to help you find food.
7. Zai jian: pronounced, “zi jee-ann” The most common way to say “good bye.”
8. Duo shao qian: pronounced, “dwoh shaow chee-ann.” Here you are asking how much something costs, a phrase especially helpful in the many markets around town.
9. Wo bu shuo zhongwen: pronounced, “woh boo shwoh jong-wun,” and meaning “I don’t speak Chinese.”
10. The last thing to know are the numbers, one through ten, broken down as follows:
a. Yi (ee) – 1
b. Er (ar) -2
c. San (sahn) – 3
d. Si (suh) – 4
e. Wu (woo) – 5
f. Liu (lee-oh) – 6
g. Qi (chee) – 7
h. Ba (bah) – 8
i. Jiu (jee-oh) – 9
j. Shi (shr) – 10
Although these ten phrases may seem tough to master, it is a good idea to at least try. From my students’ experience, most Chinese truly appreciate your effort, even if your pronunciation is nearly unintelligible, and often will help you to improve!

sarah 23 Sep 2008, 05:15 - Report