When learning Chinese, memorizing common phrases and questions is a fast track to conversational fluency. This is especially helpful in everyday situations—whether you’re greeting someone, asking for directions, or ordering food. In this guide, we’ll go through 200 of the most useful Chinese phrases and questions. Each entry includes translations, pronunciation guides, and explanations to help you understand both the meaning and cultural nuances.
Let’s dive into the essentials of everyday Mandarin!
1. Greetings and Introductions
Let’s start with greetings—important for making a great first impression.
- 你好 (nǐ hǎo) – Hello
- Example: 你好,我是玛丽。(Nǐ hǎo, wǒ shì Mǎlì.) – Hello, I’m Mary.
- 早上好 (zǎo shàng hǎo) – Good morning
- Example: 早上好!今天怎么样?(Zǎo shàng hǎo! Jīntiān zěn me yàng?) – Good morning! How’s today?
- 下午好 (xià wǔ hǎo) – Good afternoon
- Example: 下午好,你今天工作怎么样?(Xià wǔ hǎo, nǐ jīn tiān gōng zuò zěn me yàng?) – Good afternoon, how’s your work today?
- 晚上好 (wǎn shàng hǎo) – Good evening
- Example: 晚上好!你今天累吗?(Wǎn shàng hǎo! Nǐ jīn tiān lèi ma?) – Good evening! Are you tired today?
- 再见 (zài jiàn) – Goodbye
- Example: 我们明天见!(Wǒ men míng tiān jiàn!) – See you tomorrow!
- 很高兴认识你 (hěn gāo xìng rèn shì nǐ) – Nice to
meet you
- Example: 很高兴认识你!(Hěn gāo xìng rèn shì nǐ!) – Nice to meet you!
- 你叫什么名字?(nǐ jiào shén me míng zì?) – What’s
your name?
- Example: 你好,你叫什么名字?(Nǐ hǎo, nǐ jiào shén me míng zì?) – Hi, what’s your name?
- 我叫… (wǒ jiào…) – My name is…
- Example: 我叫李华。(Wǒ jiào Lǐ Huá.) – My name is Li Hua.
- 你是哪国人?(nǐ shì nǎ guó rén?) – Where are you
from?
- Example: 你是哪国人?(Nǐ shì nǎ guó rén?) – Where are you from?
- 我来自… (wǒ lái zì…) – I am from…
- Example: 我来自美国。(Wǒ lái zì Měi guó.) – I am from the U.S.
- 你好吗?(nǐ hǎo ma?) – How are you?
- Example: 你好,你好吗?(Nǐ hǎo, nǐ hǎo ma?) – Hello, how are you?
- 我很好,谢谢!(wǒ hěn hǎo, xiè xiè!) – I’m good,
thank you!
- Example: 我很好,谢谢!你呢?(Wǒ hěn hǎo, xiè xiè! Nǐ ne?) – I’m good, thank you! And you?
- 你几岁?(nǐ jǐ suì?) – How old are you? (For
children)
- Example: 你几岁了?(Nǐ jǐ suì le?) – How old are you?
- 您多大了?(nín duō dà le?) – How old are you? (For
adults, formal)
- Example: 您多大了?(Nín duō dà le?) – How old are you?
- 祝你好运!(zhù nǐ hǎo yùn!) – Good luck!
- Example: 祝你好运!考试加油!(Zhù nǐ hǎo yùn! Kǎo shì jiā yóu!) – Good luck! Work hard on the exam!
2. Everyday Politeness
These phrases will help you show courtesy in daily interactions.
- 谢谢 (xiè xiè) – Thank you
- Example: 谢谢你的帮助!(Xiè xiè nǐ de bāng zhù!) – Thank you for your help!
- 不客气 (bù kè qi) – You’re welcome
- Example: 不客气,这是我的工作。(Bù kè qi, zhè shì wǒ de gōng zuò.) – You’re welcome; it’s my job.
- 对不起 (duì bu qǐ) – I’m sorry
- Example: 对不起,我来晚了。(Duì bu qǐ, wǒ lái wǎn le.) – I’m sorry, I’m late.
- 没关系 (méi guān xi) – It’s okay / No problem
- Example: 没关系,你不需要担心。(Méi guān xi, nǐ bù xū yào dān xīn.) – No problem, you don’t need to worry.
- 请 (qǐng) – Please
- Example: 请帮我一下。(Qǐng bāng wǒ yī xià.) – Please help me.
- 麻烦你了 (má fán nǐ le) – Sorry to trouble
you
- Example: 麻烦你了,可以帮我一下吗?(Má fán nǐ le, kě yǐ bāng wǒ yī xià ma?) – Sorry to trouble you, can you help me?
- 可以 (kě yǐ) – Can I? / May I?
- Example: 我可以坐这里吗?(Wǒ kě yǐ zuò zhè lǐ ma?) – May I sit here?
- 帮忙 (bāng máng) – Help
- Example: 我需要帮忙。(Wǒ xū yào bāng máng.) – I need help.
- 不用谢 (bù yòng xiè) – No need to thank me
- Example: 不用谢,都是朋友。(Bù yòng xiè, dōu shì péng yǒu.) – No need to thank me, we’re all friends.
- 很抱歉 (hěn bào qiàn) – I’m very sorry
- Example: 很抱歉,这个问题很复杂。(Hěn bào qiàn, zhè gè wèn tí hěn fù zá.) – I’m very sorry; this issue is complicated.
3. Basic Questions
Common questions for basic communication, helpful for general inquiries.
- 什么?(shén me?) – What?
- Example: 你说什么?(Nǐ shuō shén me?) – What did you say?
- 为什么?(wèi shén me?) – Why?
- Example: 你为什么要这样做?(Nǐ wèi shén me yào zhè yàng zuò?) – Why did you do this?
- 怎么了?(zěn me le?) – What’s wrong?
- Example: 你怎么了?(Nǐ zěn me le?) – What’s wrong with you?
- 谁?(shéi?) – Who?
- Example: 谁在敲门?(Shéi zài qiāo mén?) – Who is knocking at the door?
- 什么时候?(shén me shí hòu?) – When?
- Example: 你什么时候回来?(Nǐ shén me shí hòu huí lái?) – When will you be back?
4. More Common Questions
These questions will help you ask for information and make small talk.
- 哪里?(nǎ lǐ?) – Where?
- Example: 你要去哪里?(Nǐ yào qù nǎ lǐ?) – Where are you going?
- 怎么做?(zěn me zuò?) – How to do it?
- Example: 这个怎么做?(Zhè gè zěn me zuò?) – How do you do this?
- 你喜欢什么?(nǐ xǐ huān shén me?) – What do you
like?
- Example: 你喜欢吃什么?(Nǐ xǐ huān chī shén me?) – What do you like to eat?
- 可以帮我吗?(kě yǐ bāng wǒ ma?) – Can you help
me?
- Example: 对不起,可以帮我一下吗?(Duì bù qǐ, kě yǐ bāng wǒ yī xià ma?) – Excuse me, can you help me?
- 你会说英语吗?(nǐ huì shuō yīng yǔ ma?) – Do you
speak English?
- Example: 你会说英语吗?(Nǐ huì shuō yīng yǔ ma?) – Do you speak English?
- 你有时间吗?(nǐ yǒu shí jiān ma?) – Do you have
time?
- Example: 你明天有时间吗?(Nǐ míng tiān yǒu shí jiān ma?) – Do you have time tomorrow?
- 你要去哪里?(nǐ yào qù nǎ lǐ?) – Where are you
going?
- Example: 你今天晚上要去哪里?(Nǐ jīn tiān wǎn shàng yào qù nǎ lǐ?) – Where are you going tonight?
- 你在做什么?(nǐ zài zuò shén me?) – What are you
doing?
- Example: 你在做什么?(Nǐ zài zuò shén me?) – What are you doing?
- 谁是你的朋友?(shéi shì nǐ de péng yǒu?) – Who is
your friend?
- Example: 他是谁?是你的朋友吗?(Tā shì shéi? Shì nǐ de péng yǒu ma?) – Who is he? Is he your friend?
- 你什么时候出发?(nǐ shén me shí hòu chū fā?) – When
will you leave?
- Example: 你什么时候出发?(Nǐ shén me shí hòu chū fā?) – When will you leave?
5. Shopping and Transactions
Useful for navigating stores, bargaining, and understanding prices.
- 这个多少钱?(zhè gè duō shǎo qián?) – How much is
this?
- Example: 请问,这个多少钱?(Qǐng wèn, zhè gè duō shǎo qián?) – Excuse me, how much is this?
- 我可以试试吗?(wǒ kě yǐ shì shì ma?) – Can I try
it?
- Example: 我可以试试这件衣服吗?(Wǒ kě yǐ shì shì zhè jiàn yī fú ma?) – Can I try on this piece of clothing?
- 有其他颜色吗?(yǒu qí tā yán sè ma?) – Do you have
other colors?
- Example: 这件有其他颜色吗?(Zhè jiàn yǒu qí tā yán sè ma?) – Does this come in other colors?
- 可以便宜一点吗?(kě yǐ pián yí yī diǎn ma?) – Can
it be a little cheaper?
- Example: 可以便宜一点吗?(Kě yǐ pián yí yī diǎn ma?) – Can you make it a little cheaper?
- 你们收信用卡吗?(nǐ men shōu xìn yòng kǎ ma?) – Do
you accept credit cards?
- Example: 你们收信用卡吗?(Nǐ men shōu xìn yòng kǎ ma?) – Do you accept credit cards?
- 可以开发票吗?(kě yǐ kāi fā piào ma?) – Can I get a
receipt?
- Example: 可以开发票吗?(Kě yǐ kāi fā piào ma?) – Can I get a receipt?
- 太贵了!(tài guì le!) – It’s too expensive!
- Example: 太贵了,可以再便宜一点吗?(Tài guì le, kě yǐ zài pián yí yī diǎn ma?) – It’s too expensive. Can you make it cheaper?
- 这是最后的价格吗?(zhè shì zuì hòu de jià gé ma?) –
Is this the final price?
- Example: 这是最后的价格吗?(Zhè shì zuì hòu de jià gé ma?) – Is this the final price?
- 我想要这个 (wǒ xiǎng yào zhè gè) – I want this
one
- Example: 我想要这个,谢谢。(Wǒ xiǎng yào zhè gè, xiè xiè.) – I want this, thank you.
- 你有零钱吗?(nǐ yǒu líng qián ma?) – Do you have
change?
- Example: 我给你一百块,你有零钱吗?(Wǒ gěi nǐ yī bǎi kuài, nǐ yǒu líng qián ma?) – I’m giving you 100 yuan, do you have change?
6. Dining and Food
These phrases are helpful for ordering food, asking for the menu, and expressing preferences in restaurants.
- 菜单在哪里?(cài dān zài nǎ lǐ?) – Where is the
menu?
- Example: 服务员,菜单在哪里?(Fú wù yuán, cài dān zài nǎ lǐ?) – Waiter, where is the menu?
- 我想点菜 (wǒ xiǎng diǎn cài) – I would like to
order
- Example: 服务员,我想点菜。(Fú wù yuán, wǒ xiǎng diǎn cài.) – Waiter, I would like to order.
- 我不吃辣 (wǒ bù chī là) – I don’t eat spicy
food
- Example: 请不要放辣,我不吃辣。(Qǐng bù yào fàng là, wǒ bù chī là.) – Please don’t add spice; I don’t eat spicy food.
- 你推荐什么?(nǐ tuī jiàn shén me?) – What do you
recommend?
- Example: 你推荐什么好吃的?(Nǐ tuī jiàn shén me hǎo chī de?) – What do you recommend that’s tasty?
- 可以再来一份吗?(kě yǐ zài lái yī fèn ma?) – Can I
have one more order?
- Example: 这个很好吃,可以再来一份吗?(Zhè gè hěn hǎo chī, kě yǐ zài lái yī fèn ma?) – This is delicious, can I have one more?
- 请给我水 (qǐng gěi wǒ shuǐ) – Please give me
water
- Example: 服务员,请给我一杯水。(Fú wù yuán, qǐng gěi wǒ yī bēi shuǐ.) – Waiter, please give me a glass of water.
- 我吃饱了 (wǒ chī bǎo le) – I’m full
- Example: 谢谢,我吃饱了。(Xiè xiè, wǒ chī bǎo le.) – Thank you, I’m full.
- 结账 (jié zhàng) – The bill, please
- Example: 服务员,结账,谢谢!(Fú wù yuán, jié zhàng, xiè xiè!) – Waiter, the bill, please. Thank you!
- 我素食 (wǒ sù shí) – I’m vegetarian
- Example: 我素食,有素菜吗?(Wǒ sù shí, yǒu sù cài ma?) – I’m vegetarian; do you have vegetarian dishes?
- 可以打包吗?(kě yǐ dǎ bāo ma?) – Can I get this
to-go?
- Example: 吃不完,可以打包吗?(Chī bù wán, kě yǐ dǎ bāo ma?) – I can’t finish; can I take it to-go?
7. Travel and Transportation
These phrases are essential for getting around in China, asking about transportation, and navigating cities.
- 火车站在哪里?(huǒ chē zhàn zài nǎ lǐ?) – Where is
the train station?
- Example: 请问,火车站在哪里?(Qǐng wèn, huǒ chē zhàn zài nǎ lǐ?) – Excuse me, where is the train station?
- 地铁站在哪儿?(dì tiě zhàn zài nǎ ér?) – Where is
the subway station?
- Example: 地铁站在哪儿?(Dì tiě zhàn zài nǎ ér?) – Where is the subway station?
- 我要去机场 (wǒ yào qù jī chǎng) – I need to go to
the airport
- Example: 我要去机场,你可以带我去吗?(Wǒ yào qù jī chǎng, nǐ kě yǐ dài wǒ qù ma?) – I need to go to the airport, can you take me?
- 这班车到…吗?(zhè bān chē dào… ma?) – Does this bus
go to…?
- Example: 请问,这班车到火车站吗?(Qǐng wèn, zhè bān chē dào huǒ chē zhàn ma?) – Excuse me, does this bus go to the train station?
- 这里可以停车吗?(zhè lǐ kě yǐ tíng chē ma?) – Can I
park here?
- Example: 请问,这里可以停车吗?(Qǐng wèn, zhè lǐ kě yǐ tíng chē ma?) – Excuse me, can I park here?
- 我可以租车吗?(wǒ kě yǐ zū chē ma?) – Can I rent a
car?
- Example: 我可以租车吗?(Wǒ kě yǐ zū chē ma?) – Can I rent a car?
- 票价是多少?(piào jià shì duō shǎo?) – How much is
the ticket?
- Example: 票价是多少?(Piào jià shì duō shǎo?) – How much is the ticket?
- 我可以订票吗?(wǒ kě yǐ dìng piào ma?) – Can I book
a ticket?
- Example: 我可以订票吗?(Wǒ kě yǐ dìng piào ma?) – Can I book a ticket?
- 这趟火车几点开?(zhè tàng huǒ chē jǐ diǎn kāi?) –
What time does this train depart?
- Example: 请问,这趟火车几点开?(Qǐng wèn, zhè tàng huǒ chē jǐ diǎn kāi?) – Excuse me, what time does this train depart?
- 多久到达?(duō jiǔ dào dá?) – How long until
arrival?
- Example: 这趟车多久到达?(Zhè tàng chē duō jiǔ dào dá?) – How long until this train arrives?
8. Asking for Directions
These phrases will help you ask for and give directions in Chinese.
- 我迷路了 (wǒ mí lù le) – I’m lost
- Example: 请帮我,我迷路了。(Qǐng bāng wǒ, wǒ mí lù le.) – Please help me, I’m lost.
- 往哪里走?(wǎng nǎ lǐ zǒu?) – Which way should I
go?
- Example: 往哪里走才能到地铁站?(Wǎng nǎ lǐ zǒu cái néng dào dì tiě zhàn?) – Which way should I go to get to the subway station?
- 一直走 (yī zhí zǒu) – Go straight
- Example: 一直走,右转就到了。(Yī zhí zǒu, yòu zhuǎn jiù dào le.) – Go straight, turn right, and you’re there.
- 左转 (zuǒ zhuǎn) – Turn left
- Example: 左转过两个路口就到了。(Zuǒ zhuǎn guò liǎng gè lù kǒu jiù dào le.) – Turn left after two intersections, and you’ll be there.
- 右转 (yòu zhuǎn) – Turn right
- Example: 右转,然后直走。(Yòu zhuǎn, rán hòu zhí zǒu.) – Turn right, then go straight.
- 附近有公交车站吗?(fù jìn yǒu gōng jiāo chē zhàn
ma?) – Is there a bus stop nearby?
- Example: 附近有公交车站吗?(Fù jìn yǒu gōng jiāo chē zhàn ma?) – Is there a bus stop nearby?
- 大概多远?(dà gài duō yuǎn?) – How far is it?
- Example: 从这里到机场大概多远?(Cóng zhè lǐ dào jī chǎng dà gài duō yuǎn?) – How far is it from here to the airport?
- 走路多长时间?(zǒu lù duō cháng shí jiān?) – How
long does it take on foot?
- Example: 走路到地铁站需要多长时间?(Zǒu lù dào dì tiě zhàn xū yào duō cháng shí jiān?) – How long does it take to walk to the subway station?
- 这个地址在哪儿?(zhè ge dì zhǐ zài nǎr?) – Where is
this address?
- Example: 请问,这个地址在哪儿?(Qǐng wèn, zhè ge dì zhǐ zài nǎr?) – Excuse me, where is this address?
- 有地图吗?(yǒu dì tú ma?) – Do you have a
map?
- Example: 可以给我一份地图吗?(Kě yǐ gěi wǒ yī fèn dì tú ma?) – Could I have a map?
9. Emergencies
Emergency phrases are crucial for seeking help and ensuring safety.
- 救命!(jiù mìng!) – Help!
- Example: 救命!我需要帮助!(Jiù mìng! Wǒ xū yào bāng zhù!) – Help! I need assistance!
- 我生病了 (wǒ shēng bìng le) – I’m sick
- Example: 我生病了,需要看医生。(Wǒ shēng bìng le, xū yào kàn yī shēng.) – I’m sick and need to see a doctor.
- 我迷路了,可以帮我吗?(wǒ mí lù le, kě yǐ bāng wǒ
ma?) – I’m lost, can you help me?
- Example: 对不起,我迷路了,可以帮我吗?(Duì bu qǐ, wǒ mí lù le, kě yǐ bāng wǒ ma?) – Excuse me, I’m lost. Can you help me?
- 请拨打急救电话 (qǐng bō dǎ jí jiù diàn huà) –
Please call an ambulance
- Example: 需要帮助,请拨打急救电话。(Xū yào bāng zhù, qǐng bō dǎ jí jiù diàn huà.) – I need help; please call an ambulance.
- 我的手机没电了 (wǒ de shǒu jī méi diàn le) – My
phone is out of battery
- Example: 我的手机没电了,可以借用一下您的电话吗?(Wǒ de shǒu jī méi diàn le, kě yǐ jiè yòng yī xià nín de diàn huà ma?) – My phone is out of battery; can I borrow your phone?
- 我需要医生 (wǒ xū yào yī shēng) – I need a
doctor
- Example: 我感觉不舒服,我需要医生。(Wǒ gǎn jué bù shū fú, wǒ xū yào yī shēng.) – I’m not feeling well; I need a doctor.
- 你能带我去医院吗?(nǐ néng dài wǒ qù yī yuàn ma?) –
Can you take me to the hospital?
- Example: 请问,你能带我去医院吗?(Qǐng wèn, nǐ néng dài wǒ qù yī yuàn ma?) – Excuse me, can you take me to the hospital?
- 我的钱包丢了 (wǒ de qián bāo diū le) – I lost my
wallet
- Example: 我的钱包丢了,你能帮我找到吗?(Wǒ de qián bāo diū le, nǐ néng bāng wǒ zhǎo dào ma?) – I lost my wallet; can you help me find it?
- 发生了什么事?(fā shēng le shén me shì?) – What
happened?
- Example: 听到警报,发生了什么事?(Tīng dào jǐng bào, fā shēng le shén me shì?) – I heard an alarm; what happened?
- 我被偷了 (wǒ bèi tōu le) – I was robbed
- Example: 我的包被偷了!(Wǒ de bāo bèi tōu le!) – My bag was stolen!
10. Socializing
These phrases are useful for making friends, engaging in casual conversation, and introducing yourself in social settings.
- 你是哪里人?(nǐ shì nǎ lǐ rén?) – Where are you
from?
- Example: 你是哪里人?我来自美国。(Nǐ shì nǎ lǐ rén? Wǒ lái zì měi guó.) – Where are you from? I’m from the USA.
- 你有微信吗?(nǐ yǒu wēi xìn ma?) – Do you have
WeChat?
- Example: 可以加个微信吗?(Kě yǐ jiā ge wēi xìn ma?) – Can we add each other on WeChat?
- 你多大了?(nǐ duō dà le?) – How old are you?
- Example: 请问,你多大了?(Qǐng wèn, nǐ duō dà le?) – May I ask how old you are?
- 你喜欢做什么?(nǐ xǐ huān zuò shén me?) – What do
you like to do?
- Example: 你喜欢做什么?我喜欢看电影。(Nǐ xǐ huān zuò shén me? Wǒ xǐ huān kàn diàn yǐng.) – What do you like to do? I enjoy watching movies.
- 这是你的第一次来中国吗?(zhè shì nǐ de dì yī cì lái zhōng
guó ma?) – Is this your first time in China?
- Example: 这是你的第一次来中国吗?(Zhè shì nǐ de dì yī cì lái zhōng guó ma?) – Is this your first time in China?
- 你住在哪里?(nǐ zhù zài nǎ lǐ?) – Where do you
live?
- Example: 你住在哪里?(Nǐ zhù zài nǎ lǐ?) – Where do you live?
- 我很高兴认识你 (wǒ hěn gāo xìng rèn shí nǐ) – Nice
to meet you
- Example: 我很高兴认识你。(Wǒ hěn gāo xìng rèn shí nǐ.) – Nice to meet you.
- 我们可以一起玩吗?(wǒ men kě yǐ yī qǐ wán ma?) –
Can we hang out together?
- Example: 我们可以一起玩吗?(Wǒ men kě yǐ yī qǐ wán ma?) – Can we hang out together?
- 你的爱好是什么?(nǐ de ài hào shì shén me?) – What
are your hobbies?
- Example: 你的爱好是什么?(Nǐ de ài hào shì shén me?) – What are your hobbies?
- 你有兄弟姐妹吗?(nǐ yǒu xiōng dì jiě mèi ma?) – Do
you have siblings?
- Example: 你有兄弟姐妹吗?(Nǐ yǒu xiōng dì jiě mèi ma?) – Do you have siblings?
11. Making Plans
These phrases help you coordinate plans with others and set dates and times for activities.
- 我们什么时候见面?(wǒ men shén me shí hòu jiàn
miàn?) – When shall we meet?
- Example: 我们什么时候见面?(Wǒ men shén me shí hòu jiàn miàn?) – When shall we meet?
- 你周末有空吗?(nǐ zhōu mò yǒu kòng ma?) – Are you
free this weekend?
- Example: 你周末有空吗?(Nǐ zhōu mò yǒu kòng ma?) – Are you free this weekend?
- 我们一起吃饭吧 (wǒ men yī qǐ chī fàn ba) – Let’s
eat together
- Example: 明天中午我们一起吃饭吧。(Míng tiān zhōng wǔ wǒ men yī qǐ chī fàn ba.) – Let’s eat together tomorrow at noon.
- 今天晚上有什么安排?(jīn tiān wǎn shàng yǒu shén me ān
pái?) – What’s the plan for tonight?
- Example: 今天晚上有什么安排?(Jīn tiān wǎn shàng yǒu shén me ān pái?) – What’s the plan for tonight?
- 我们几点出发?(wǒ men jǐ diǎn chū fā?) – What time
do we leave?
- Example: 我们几点出发去看电影?(Wǒ men jǐ diǎn chū fā qù kàn diàn yǐng?) – What time do we leave for the movie?
- 可以带朋友吗?(kě yǐ dài péng yǒu ma?) – Can I
bring a friend?
- Example: 可以带朋友一起去吗?(Kě yǐ dài péng yǒu yī qǐ qù ma?) – Can I bring a friend along?
- 你想去哪里?(nǐ xiǎng qù nǎ lǐ?) – Where do you
want to go?
- Example: 你想去哪里?(Nǐ xiǎng qù nǎ lǐ?) – Where do you want to go?
- 你想做什么?(nǐ xiǎng zuò shén me?) – What do you
want to do?
- Example: 你想做什么?(Nǐ xiǎng zuò shén me?) – What do you want to do?
- 我会晚一点到 (wǒ huì wǎn yī diǎn dào) – I’ll be a
little late
- Example: 对不起,我会晚一点到。(Duì bù qǐ, wǒ huì wǎn yī diǎn dào.) – Sorry, I’ll be a little late.
- 在哪里见面?(zài nǎ lǐ jiàn miàn?) – Where should
we meet?
- Example: 我们在哪里见面?(Wǒ men zài nǎ lǐ jiàn miàn?) – Where should we meet?
12. Expressions of Time
These are useful for discussing time, schedules, and timing of events.
- 现在几点了?(xiàn zài jǐ diǎn le?) – What time is
it now?
- Example: 现在几点了?(Xiàn zài jǐ diǎn le?) – What time is it now?
- 今天是什么日子?(jīn tiān shì shén me rì zi?) –
What’s the date today?
- Example: 今天是什么日子?(Jīn tiān shì shén me rì zi?) – What’s the date today?
- 我明天有空 (wǒ míng tiān yǒu kòng) – I’m free
tomorrow
- Example: 我明天有空,我们可以见面。(Wǒ míng tiān yǒu kòng, wǒ men kě yǐ jiàn miàn.) – I’m free tomorrow; we can meet up.
- 什么时候出发?(shén me shí hòu chū fā?) – When will
we depart?
- Example: 我们什么时候出发?(Wǒ men shén me shí hòu chū fā?) – When will we depart?
- 等一下 (děng yī xià) – Wait a moment
- Example: 等一下,我马上回来。(Děng yī xià, wǒ mǎ shàng huí lái.) – Wait a moment, I’ll be right back.
- 再过几分钟 (zài guò jǐ fēn zhōng) – In a few
minutes
- Example: 再过几分钟我们就到。(Zài guò jǐ fēn zhōng wǒ men jiù dào.) – We’ll arrive in a few minutes.
- 已经很晚了 (yǐ jīng hěn wǎn le) – It’s already
late
- Example: 已经很晚了,我们该回家了。(Yǐ jīng hěn wǎn le, wǒ men gāi huí jiā le.) – It’s already late; we should go home.
- 提前 (tí qián) – In advance
- Example: 我们需要提前准备。(Wǒ men xū yào tí qián zhǔn bèi.) – We need to prepare in advance.
- 下次 (xià cì) – Next time
- Example: 下次我们再一起吃饭。(Xià cì wǒ men zài yī qǐ chī fàn.) – Let’s eat together next time.
- 马上 (mǎ shàng) – Right away
- Example: 我马上就到。(Wǒ mǎ shàng jiù dào.) – I’ll be there right away.
13. Compliments
Compliments are a great way to build rapport and make positive connections. These phrases will help you give and receive compliments in Chinese.
- 你今天看起来很棒!(nǐ jīn tiān kàn qǐ lái hěn bàng)
– You look great today!
- Example: 你今天看起来很棒!(Nǐ jīn tiān kàn qǐ lái hěn bàng!) – You look great today!
- 你说得很好 (nǐ shuō de hěn hǎo) – You speak very
well
- Example: 你说得很好!中文很流利。(Nǐ shuō de hěn hǎo! Zhōng wén hěn liú lì.) – You speak very well! Your Chinese is very fluent.
- 你穿得很漂亮 (nǐ chuān de hěn piào liàng) – You’re
dressed very beautifully
- Example: 你穿得很漂亮,今天真是太美了!(Nǐ chuān de hěn piào liàng, jīn tiān zhēn shì tài měi le!) – You’re dressed beautifully; you look amazing today!
- 你的中文很棒 (nǐ de zhōng wén hěn bàng) – Your
Chinese is great
- Example: 你的中文很棒,你学了多久?(Nǐ de zhōng wén hěn bàng, nǐ xué le duō jiǔ?) – Your Chinese is great; how long have you been learning?
- 你是个很有趣的人 (nǐ shì ge hěn yǒu qù de rén) –
You are a very interesting person
- Example: 你是个很有趣的人,我很喜欢和你聊天。(Nǐ shì ge hěn yǒu qù de rén, wǒ hěn xǐ huān hé nǐ liáo tiān.) – You’re a very interesting person; I really enjoy chatting with you.
- 你做得很好 (nǐ zuò de hěn hǎo) – You did a great
job
- Example: 你做得很好,真的很棒!(Nǐ zuò de hěn hǎo, zhēn de hěn bàng!) – You did a great job; really well done!
- 你很有才华 (nǐ hěn yǒu cái huá) – You’re very
talented
- Example: 你很有才华,这件事做得非常好。(Nǐ hěn yǒu cái huá, zhè jiàn shì zuò de fēi cháng hǎo.) – You’re very talented; you did an excellent job with this.
- 你的笑容很迷人 (nǐ de xiào róng hěn mí rén) – Your
smile is charming
- Example: 你的笑容很迷人,让我觉得很温暖。(Nǐ de xiào róng hěn mí rén, ràng wǒ jué dé hěn wēn nuǎn.) – Your smile is charming; it makes me feel warm inside.
- 这件衣服很适合你 (zhè jiàn yī fú hěn shì hé nǐ) –
This outfit suits you very well
- Example: 这件衣服很适合你,看起来很有气质。(Zhè jiàn yī fú hěn shì hé nǐ, kàn qǐ lái hěn yǒu qì zhí.) – This outfit suits you very well; you look very elegant in it.
- 你的头发很漂亮 (nǐ de tóu fà hěn piào liàng) – Your
hair is beautiful
- Example: 你的头发很漂亮,是新做的吗?(Nǐ de tóu fà hěn piào liàng, shì xīn zuò de ma?) – Your hair is beautiful; did you just get it done?
14. Shopping and Bargaining
Shopping is an important part of everyday life, and knowing how to ask for prices, bargain, and make purchases is essential when traveling or living in China.
- 这个多少钱?(zhè ge duō shǎo qián?) – How much is
this?
- Example: 请问,这个多少钱?(Qǐng wèn, zhè ge duō shǎo qián?) – Excuse me, how much is this?
- 可以便宜点吗?(kě yǐ pián yi diǎn ma?) – Can it be
cheaper?
- Example: 这个太贵了,可以便宜点吗?(Zhè ge tài guì le, kě yǐ pián yi diǎn ma?) – This is too expensive; can you make it cheaper?
- 我只看看 (wǒ zhī kàn kàn) – I’m just looking
- Example: 我只看看,不买。(Wǒ zhī kàn kàn, bù mǎi.) – I’m just looking, not buying.
- 你们有打折吗?(nǐ men yǒu dǎ zhé ma?) – Do you have
any discounts?
- Example: 请问,你们有打折吗?(Qǐng wèn, nǐ men yǒu dǎ zhé ma?) – Do you have any discounts?
- 我可以用信用卡吗?(wǒ kě yǐ yòng xìn yòng kǎ ma?) –
Can I pay with a credit card?
- Example: 我可以用信用卡吗?(Wǒ kě yǐ yòng xìn yòng kǎ ma?) – Can I pay with a credit card?
- 这是新的吗?(zhè shì xīn de ma?) – Is this
new?
- Example: 这是新的吗?我喜欢新的东西。(Zhè shì xīn de ma? Wǒ xǐ huān xīn de dōng xī.) – Is this new? I like new things.
- 可以退货吗?(kě yǐ tuì huò ma?) – Can I return
this?
- Example: 这个我不喜欢,可以退货吗?(Zhè ge wǒ bù xǐ huān, kě yǐ tuì huò ma?) – I don’t like this; can I return it?
- 这个有其他颜色吗?(zhè ge yǒu qí tā yán sè ma?) –
Does this come in other colors?
- Example: 这个有其他颜色吗?(Zhè ge yǒu qí tā yán sè ma?) – Does this come in other colors?
- 我可以试穿吗?(wǒ kě yǐ shì chuān ma?) – Can I try
it on?
- Example: 这件衣服我可以试穿吗?(Zhè jiàn yī fú wǒ kě yǐ shì chuān ma?) – Can I try this on?
- 包裹有多大?(bāo guǒ yǒu duō dà?) – How big is the
package?
- Example: 这个包裹有多大?(Zhè ge bāo guǒ yǒu duō dà?) – How big is the package?
15. Expressing Preferences
These phrases help express what you like or dislike and are useful for conversations where personal preferences are discussed.
- 我喜欢这个 (wǒ xǐ huān zhè ge) – I like this
- Example: 我喜欢这个颜色,能给我一个吗?(Wǒ xǐ huān zhè ge yán sè, néng gěi wǒ yī ge ma?) – I like this color; can you give me one?
- 我不喜欢 (wǒ bù xǐ huān) – I don’t like it
- Example: 我不喜欢吃辣的。(Wǒ bù xǐ huān chī là de.) – I don’t like spicy food.
- 我更喜欢 (wǒ gèng xǐ huān) – I prefer
- Example: 我更喜欢喝茶。(Wǒ gèng xǐ huān hē chá.) – I prefer drinking tea.
- 我最喜欢 (wǒ zuì xǐ huān) – My favorite is
- Example: 我最喜欢吃寿司。(Wǒ zuì xǐ huān chī shòu sī.) – My favorite is sushi.
- 你喜欢什么?(nǐ xǐ huān shén me?) – What do you
like?
- Example: 你喜欢什么颜色?(Nǐ xǐ huān shén me yán sè?) – What color do you like?
- 你想要什么?(nǐ xiǎng yào shén me?) – What do you
want?
- Example: 你想要什么?我可以帮你。(Nǐ xiǎng yào shén me? Wǒ kě yǐ bāng nǐ.) – What do you want? I can help you.
- 我比较喜欢 (wǒ bǐ jiào xǐ huān) – I prefer
(comparative)
- Example: 我比较喜欢电影而不是电视剧。(Wǒ bǐ jiào xǐ huān diàn yǐng ér bù shì diàn shì.) – I prefer movies over TV shows.
- 我讨厌 (wǒ tǎo yàn) – I hate
- Example: 我讨厌早起。(Wǒ tǎo yàn zǎo qǐ.) – I hate waking up early.
- 我觉得这个很好 (wǒ jué dé zhè ge hěn hǎo) – I think
this is very good
- Example: 这个地方很安静,我觉得这个很好。(Zhè ge dì fāng hěn ān jìng, wǒ jué dé zhè ge hěn hǎo.) – This place is very quiet; I think this is very good.
- 这对我来说很重要 (zhè duì wǒ lái shuō hěn zhòng
yào) – This is very important to me
- Example: 这对我来说很重要,因为它关系到我的工作。(Zhè duì wǒ lái shuō hěn zhòng yào, yīn wèi tā guān xì dào wǒ de gōng zuò.) – This is very important to me because it relates to my work.
16. Traveling
When traveling in Chinese-speaking countries, these phrases will help you navigate transportation, ask for directions, and communicate effectively.
- 这条路怎么走?(zhè tiáo lù zěn me zǒu?) – How do I
get to this road?
- Example: 这条路怎么走?我要去火车站。(Zhè tiáo lù zěn me zǒu? Wǒ yào qù huǒ chē zhàn.) – How do I get to this road? I need to go to the train station.
- 在哪里可以买票?(zài nǎ lǐ kě yǐ mǎi piào?) – Where
can I buy a ticket?
- Example: 请问,在哪里可以买票?(Qǐng wèn, zài nǎ lǐ kě yǐ mǎi piào?) – Excuse me, where can I buy a ticket?
- 我迷路了 (wǒ mí lù le) – I’m lost
- Example: 对不起,我迷路了。(Duì bù qǐ, wǒ mí lù le.) – Sorry, I’m lost.
- 去机场怎么走?(qù jī chǎng zěn me zǒu?) – How do I
get to the airport?
- Example: 去机场怎么走?(Qù jī chǎng zěn me zǒu?) – How do I get to the airport?
- 你能给我指路吗?(nǐ néng gěi wǒ zhǐ lù ma?) – Can
you give me directions?
- Example: 你能给我指路吗?我想去酒店。(Nǐ néng gěi wǒ zhǐ lù ma? Wǒ xiǎng qù jiǔ diàn.) – Can you give me directions? I’m trying to get to the hotel.
- 离这里远吗?(lí zhè lǐ yuǎn ma?) – Is it far from
here?
- Example: 离这里远吗?(Lí zhè lǐ yuǎn ma?) – Is it far from here?
- 我想打车 (wǒ xiǎng dǎ chē) – I want to take a
taxi
- Example: 请问,哪里可以打车?(Qǐng wèn, nǎ lǐ kě yǐ dǎ chē?) – Excuse me, where can I get a taxi?
- 你有地图吗?(nǐ yǒu dì tú ma?) – Do you have a
map?
- Example: 你有地图吗?我不知道怎么去。(Nǐ yǒu dì tú ma? Wǒ bù zhī dào zěn me qù.) – Do you have a map? I don’t know how to get there.
- 请帮我叫出租车 (qǐng bāng wǒ jiào chū zū chē) –
Please call a taxi for me
- Example: 请帮我叫出租车,去机场。(Qǐng bāng wǒ jiào chū zū chē, qù jī chǎng.) – Please call a taxi for me, to the airport.
- 哪里可以租车?(nǎ lǐ kě yǐ zū chē?) – Where can I
rent a car?
- Example: 哪里可以租车?(Nǎ lǐ kě yǐ zū chē?) – Where can I rent a car?
17. Dining
Eating out in Chinese-speaking countries can be a delightful experience. Here are some essential phrases for ordering food, understanding the menu, and enjoying your meal.
- 我饿了 (wǒ è le) – I’m hungry
- Example: 我饿了,能不能点餐?(Wǒ è le, néng bù néng diǎn cān?) – I’m hungry, can I order food?
- 菜单在哪里?(cài dān zài nǎ lǐ?) – Where is the
menu?
- Example: 请问,菜单在哪里?(Qǐng wèn, cài dān zài nǎ lǐ?) – Excuse me, where is the menu?
- 我要这个 (wǒ yào zhè ge) – I’ll have this
- Example: 我要这个,给我来一个。(Wǒ yào zhè ge, gěi wǒ lái yī ge.) – I’ll have this, please give me one.
- 请给我一杯水 (qǐng gěi wǒ yī bēi shuǐ) – Please
give me a glass of water
- Example: 请给我一杯水,谢谢。(Qǐng gěi wǒ yī bēi shuǐ, xiè xiè.) – Please give me a glass of water, thank you.
- 这个很好吃 (zhè ge hěn hǎo chī) – This is
delicious
- Example: 这个很好吃!你做的吗?(Zhè ge hěn hǎo chī! Nǐ zuò de ma?) – This is delicious! Did you make this?
- 有没有素菜?(yǒu méi yǒu sù cài?) – Do you have
vegetarian food?
- Example: 有没有素菜?我不吃肉。(Yǒu méi yǒu sù cài? Wǒ bù chī ròu.) – Do you have vegetarian food? I don’t eat meat.
- 我吃素 (wǒ chī sù) – I’m vegetarian
- Example: 我吃素,所以不能吃肉。(Wǒ chī sù, suǒ yǐ bù néng chī ròu.) – I’m vegetarian, so I can’t eat meat.
- 这道菜有什么推荐的吗?(zhè dào cài yǒu shén me tuī jiàn de
ma?) – Do you have any recommendations for dishes?
- Example: 这道菜有什么推荐的吗?(Zhè dào cài yǒu shén me tuī jiàn de ma?) – Do you have any recommendations for dishes?
- 请给我账单 (qǐng gěi wǒ zhàng dān) – Please give me
the bill
- Example: 请给我账单,我要结账。(Qǐng gěi wǒ zhàng dān, wǒ yào jié zhàng.) – Please give me the bill, I want to pay.
- 这个太辣了 (zhè ge tài là le) – This is too
spicy
- Example: 这个太辣了,我不太能吃。(Zhè ge tài là le, wǒ bù tài néng chī.) – This is too spicy, I can’t handle it very well.
18. At Work
In a professional setting, these phrases will help you communicate with colleagues, supervisors, and clients.
- 你能帮我一下吗?(nǐ néng bāng wǒ yī xià ma?) – Can
you help me?
- Example: 你能帮我一下吗?我需要一些帮助。(Nǐ néng bāng wǒ yī xià ma? Wǒ xū yào yī xiē bāng zhù.) – Can you help me? I need some assistance.
- 我有一个问题 (wǒ yǒu yī ge wèn tí) – I have a
question
- Example: 我有一个问题,可以问你吗?(Wǒ yǒu yī ge wèn tí, kě yǐ wèn nǐ ma?) – I have a question, can I ask you?
- 我需要休息一下 (wǒ xū yào xiū xī yī xià) – I need
to take a break
- Example: 我需要休息一下。(Wǒ xū yào xiū xī yī xià.) – I need to take a break.
- 这是什么工作?(zhè shì shén me gōng zuò?) – What is
this job?
- Example: 这是什么工作?我不太懂。(Zhè shì shén me gōng zuò? Wǒ bù tài dǒng.) – What is this job? I don’t quite understand.
- 我在做报告 (wǒ zài zuò bào gào) – I’m preparing a
report
- Example: 我现在在做报告,等会儿再谈。(Wǒ xiàn zài zài zuò bào gào, děng huǐr zài tán.) – I’m preparing a report right now; I’ll talk later.
- 我们开会的时间是什么时候?(wǒ men kāi huì de shí jiān shì
shén me shí hòu?) – When is our meeting?
- Example: 我们开会的时间是什么时候?(Wǒ men kāi huì de shí jiān shì shén me shí hòu?) – When is our meeting?
- 我需要更多的信息 (wǒ xū yào gèng duō de xìn xī) – I
need more information
- Example: 我需要更多的信息才能做决定。(Wǒ xū yào gèng duō de xìn xī cái néng zuò jué dìng.) – I need more information before I can make a decision.
- 我们可以合作吗?(wǒ men kě yǐ hé zuò ma?) – Can we
cooperate?
- Example: 我们可以合作吗?我觉得我们有很多共同点。(Wǒ men kě yǐ hé zuò ma? Wǒ jué dé wǒ men yǒu hěn duō gòng tóng diǎn.) – Can we cooperate? I think we have a lot in common.
- 请发邮件给我 (qǐng fā yóu jiàn gěi wǒ) – Please
email me
- Example: 请发邮件给我,里面有详细的资料。(Qǐng fā yóu jiàn gěi wǒ, lǐ miàn yǒu xiáng xì de zī liào.) – Please email me, the detailed materials are in it.
- 我们需要讨论这个项目 (wǒ men xū yào tǎo lùn zhè ge xiàng
mù) – We need to discuss this project
- Example: 我们需要讨论这个项目,看看下一步怎么做。(Wǒ men xū yào tǎo lùn zhè ge xiàng mù, kàn kàn xià yī bù zěn me zuò.) – We need to discuss this project to figure out what to do next.
19. Health
Knowing how to discuss health issues in Chinese is vital for medical situations, whether you need to see a doctor, ask for medicine, or explain your symptoms.
- 我生病了 (wǒ shēng bìng le) – I’m sick
- Example: 我生病了,感觉不太好。(Wǒ shēng bìng le, gǎn jué bù tài hǎo.) – I’m sick; I don’t feel very well.
- 我头疼 (wǒ tóu téng) – I have a headache
- Example: 我头疼,能不能给我点药?(Wǒ tóu téng, néng bù néng gěi wǒ diǎn yào?) – I have a headache; can you give me some medicine?
- 我肚子痛 (wǒ dù zi tòng) – I have a stomach
ache
- Example: 我肚子痛,可能吃坏了东西。(Wǒ dù zi tòng, kě néng chī huài le dōng xī.) – I have a stomach ache; I might have eaten something bad.
- 我有过敏 (wǒ yǒu guò mǐn) – I have allergies
- Example: 我有过敏,不能接触花粉。(Wǒ yǒu guò mǐn, bù néng jiē chù huā fěn.) – I have allergies, I can’t be around pollen.
- 我需要看医生 (wǒ xū yào kàn yī shēng) – I need to
see a doctor
- Example: 我需要看医生,感觉很不舒服。(Wǒ xū yào kàn yī shēng, gǎn jué hěn bù shū fu.) – I need to see a doctor, I’m feeling very uncomfortable.
- 请给我药 (qǐng gěi wǒ yào) – Please give me
medicine
- Example: 我头疼,请给我药。(Wǒ tóu téng, qǐng gěi wǒ yào.) – I have a headache, please give me some medicine.
- 我发烧了 (wǒ fā shāo le) – I have a fever
- Example: 我发烧了,应该怎么办?(Wǒ fā shāo le, yīng gāi zěn me bàn?) – I have a fever, what should I do?
- 你知道哪里有药店吗?(nǐ zhī dào nǎ lǐ yǒu yào diàn
ma?) – Do you know where there’s a pharmacy?
- Example: 你知道哪里有药店吗?我需要买点药。(Nǐ zhī dào nǎ lǐ yǒu yào diàn ma? Wǒ xū yào mǎi diǎn yào.) – Do you know where there’s a pharmacy? I need to buy some medicine.
- 我感觉很累 (wǒ gǎn jué hěn lèi) – I feel very
tired
- Example: 我感觉很累,可能需要休息。(Wǒ gǎn jué hěn lèi, kě néng xū yào xiū xī.) – I feel very tired, I might need to rest.
- 我需要休息 (wǒ xū yào xiū xī) – I need to
rest
- Example: 我很累,我需要休息。(Wǒ hěn lèi, wǒ xū yào xiū xī.) – I’m very tired, I need to rest.
20. Emergency Situations
In case of emergencies, these phrases will help you communicate quickly and effectively.
- 紧急情况 (jǐn jí qíng kuàng) – Emergency
- Example: 这是紧急情况,请帮帮我。(Zhè shì jǐn jí qíng kuàng, qǐng bāng bāng wǒ.) – This is an emergency, please help me.
- 打电话给警察 (dǎ diàn huà gěi jǐng chá) – Call the
police
- Example: 请打电话给警察,发生了事故。(Qǐng dǎ diàn huà gěi jǐng chá, fā shēng le shì gù.) – Please call the police, there’s been an accident.
- 我丢了钱包 (wǒ diū le qián bāo) – I lost my
wallet
- Example: 我丢了钱包,能帮我找吗?(Wǒ diū le qián bāo, néng bāng wǒ zhǎo ma?) – I lost my wallet, can you help me find it?
- 我需要救护车 (wǒ xū yào jiù hù chē) – I need an
ambulance
- Example: 我需要救护车,请帮我打电话。(Wǒ xū yào jiù hù chē, qǐng bāng wǒ dǎ diàn huà.) – I need an ambulance, please help me call.
- 发生了什么事?(fā shēng le shén me shì?) – What
happened?
- Example: 发生了什么事?你看起来不太好。(Fā shēng le shén me shì? Nǐ kàn qǐ lái bù tài hǎo.) – What happened? You don’t look so good.
- 请快点 (qǐng kuài diǎn) – Please hurry up
- Example: 请快点!我需要帮助。(Qǐng kuài diǎn! Wǒ xū yào bāng zhù.) – Please hurry up! I need help.
- 这是紧急的 (zhè shì jǐn jí de) – This is
urgent
- Example: 这是紧急的,请马上帮我。(Zhè shì jǐn jí de, qǐng mǎ shàng bāng wǒ.) – This is urgent, please help me right away.
- 哪里可以找到医院?(nǎ lǐ kě yǐ zhǎo dào yī yuàn?) –
Where can I find a hospital?
- Example: 哪里可以找到医院?我需要看医生。(Nǎ lǐ kě yǐ zhǎo dào yī yuàn? Wǒ xū yào kàn yī shēng.) – Where can I find a hospital? I need to see a doctor.
- 我受伤了 (wǒ shòu shāng le) – I’m injured
- Example: 我受伤了,能帮我看看吗?(Wǒ shòu shāng le, néng bāng wǒ kàn kàn ma?) – I’m injured, can you help me check it?
- 我需要帮助 (wǒ xū yào bāng zhù) – I need help
- Example: 我需要帮助,请帮帮我!(Wǒ xū yào bāng zhù, qǐng bāng bāng wǒ!) – I need help, please assist me!
Conclusion
You now have a comprehensive list of 200 Common Chinese Phrases and Questions for everyday communication, covering a variety of essential situations. From greetings and social interactions to dining out, shopping, health, and emergencies, these phrases will empower you to navigate Chinese-speaking environments with confidence.
Remember, language learning is a journey, and using these phrases regularly will help reinforce your understanding of Chinese culture and communication. Whether you’re traveling, working, or simply enjoying life in a Chinese-speaking community, these 200 phrases will be invaluable tools in your language toolkit.
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