Chinese language is said to be one of the most complicated and challenging languages all over the world. But despite of it, it is also one the most spoken languages. If learning Mandarin is quite challenging for you, don’t be nervous my friend. In this article, you will learn how to successfully learn Mandarin. When you are planning your tour in China, Hong Kong or Taiwan, you will also learn in this article the basic phrases most tourists use. It will also help you to converse with Chinese locals, so that they could understand you.
Even though there is the universal English language, speaking in Chinese when talking to Chinese locals will prevent any misinterpretations. It also means that you respect them, and even their cultures.
What are the basic phrases used for tourist in China?
How are you? (Nǐ hǎo ma?)
You can also say “Ni Hao” for Hello. It is great to greet every person you are seeing. That would give your great impression. Don’t forget to smile when you meet the Chinese locals. Saying this phrase also means respect especially when you have to ask something. Some Chinese, though, already uses “hello” as their borrowed word but in different pronunciation. Ni hao ma literally mean “You good?” It is also the same as saying “Are you fine?”
I want to go to… (Wǒ xiǎng qù..)
In Mandarin, this phrase is translated to “Wǒ xiǎng qù…” or pronounced as “Wor sshyang chyoo …” This phrase is really essential for your travel. This will save you when you are unfamiliar with the place and want to go somewhere. Just add the name of the place next to the phrase. Say this when you are taking, bus, taxi or you are asking stranger for direction.
I’m sorry. (Duìbuqǐ)
This is statement is often used when you want to apologize or wanted to ask for repetition. For example, you are asking for direction, but the answer isn’t clear for you. The literal meaning of this word is “I didn’t begin correctly.” or “You’re right, that isn’t upright.”
Thank you. (Xiexie)
This is one of the most important phrases you should use in your visit to China. Do not forget to say thank you whenever someone give you a favor, and say it with a big smile of yours.
Good or bad? (haoww-boo-haoww)
You may ask “Haoww-boo-haoww?” when you are aksing something you aren’t sure of. “Ha” means good, and “Buha” means not good. This is a guide for you to know the meaning behind their answers to you.
How much money? (Dwor-sshaoww chyen?)
“Duōshao?” means “how much”, while “qian” means money. Why asking this question is important? As one of travelers, it is important to ask this question especially if it’s your first time to visit China, so that no one could deceive you with the right prices. You can ask from different locals of the right prices of each item you want to have.
Asking What Something Is (Zhè shì shénme?)
Zhè (this), shì (is), and shénme (what) are the most important words in this phrase. Saying these words will help you to learn new things or you want to ask something you are not familiar with. That would be a good question to learn the things from China.
Where is …? ( … zài nǎlǐ?)
For you not to get confused, it is still a best thing to ask questions. That will not cost you a thing, and the Chinese locals will surely help you with your locations.
Do you have …? (Yǒuméiyǒu …?)
“Yo-u” means “have” and “mei-you” means “to not have”. When you go to restaurant or you want to buy some necessity, this is basic phrase you could ask to a merchant. If you want to have some add-ons to your dish in the restaurant, you can start up using this phrase.
Rest-room. (Cèsuǒ)
Locals could understand that you are a visitor who doesn’t need to complete the sentence to deliver the thought. Just by asking “Cèsuǒ?”, Chinese will point you to the restroom’s location.
Why is it important to speak in Chinese even you can just speak in English? Chinese locals have profound respect to their language, and they speak it as often as possible in their everyday lives. As a foreign, you can learn new things from their language, and even adapt to their culture. Speaking their language will also help you to become one of the people there.
Getting along with different people with variant cultures can help you to become a better person. Learning a language will also be a terrific way to connect with more people. As I was scrolling online to learn Chinese tutor, I’ve found Smile Tutor that helps many people to learn various languages. Through it, I’ve found amazing tips that’ll help me to learn Mandarin in easier way. Believe me, you can learn Mandarin, too!
This article was contributed by Singaporean tution agency, SmileTutor (https://smiletutor.sg).
