If you are a beginner in learning Chinese, mastering basic Chinese phrases is the first step to confidently communicate in daily life. This article will compile the most common phrases in Chinese, from greetings to practical situations like shopping, asking for directions, and more!
Basic Chinese Phrases For Beginners
Mastering basic Chinese phrases will help you feel more confident when interacting with Chinese speakers, whether for work or just for travel purposes. In this article, Ni Hao Ma will introduce you to basic and easy-to-remember Chinese phrases, helping you quickly apply them in real-life situations.
Basic Chinese phrases for greetings
Greetings are the first and most important step in starting a conversation. In Chinese, there are many ways to greet someone, from casual daily greetings to formal ones in a work environment. Below are some basic Chinese phrases for greetings:
Chinese | Pinyin | English |
---|---|---|
你好 | Nǐ hǎo | Hello |
早上好 | Zǎoshang hǎo | Good morning |
下午好 | Xiàwǔ hǎo | Good afternoon |
晚上好 | Wǎnshàng hǎo | Good evening |
你好吗? | Nǐ hǎo ma? | How are you? |
最近怎么样? | Zuìjìn zěnme yàng? | How have you been lately? |
好久不见 | Hǎojiǔ bùjiàn | Long time no see |
很高兴认识你 | Hěn gāoxìng rènshí nǐ | Nice to meet you |
你吃了吗? | Nǐ chī le ma? | Have you eaten? (common greeting) |
欢迎你 | Huānyíng nǐ | Welcome |
最近忙吗? | Zuìjìn máng ma? | Are you busy lately? |
我很好,谢谢! | Wǒ hěn hǎo, xièxiè! | I’m good, thank you! |
请多多关照 | Qǐng duōduō guānzhào | Please take care of me (formal) |
再见 | Zàijiàn | Goodbye |
明天见 | Míngtiān jiàn | See you tomorrow |
晚安 | Wǎn’ān | Good night |
路上小心! | Lùshàng xiǎoxīn! | Take care on the road! |
Basic Chinese Phrases for Introductions
When learning a new language, knowing how to introduce yourself is the first step to starting a conversation in that language. To introduce some basic information about yourself, you can use the following Chinese phrases:
Chinese | Pinyin | English |
---|---|---|
我叫… | Wǒ jiào… | My name is… |
我是越南人 | Wǒ shì Yuènán rén | I am Vietnamese |
我是学生 | Wǒ shì xuéshēng | I am a student |
我的专业是… | Wǒ de zhuānyè shì… | My major is… |
我毕业于…大学。 | Wǒ bìyè yú… dàxué. | I graduated from… university. |
我正在学习中文。 | Wǒ zhèngzài xuéxí zhōngwén. | I am studying Chinese. |
我会说一点中文。 | Wǒ huì shuō yīdiǎn zhōngwén. | I can speak a little Chinese. |
我做…工作 | Wǒ zuò… gōngzuò | I work as… |
我来自… | Wǒ láizì… | I am from… |
我住在… | Wǒ zhù zài… | I live in… |
我喜欢看电影和听音乐。 | Wǒ xǐhuān kàn diànyǐng hé tīng yīnyuè. | I like watching movies and listening to music. |
如果你有问题,请问我吧。 | Rúguǒ nǐ yǒu wèntí, qǐng wèn wǒ ba. | If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. |
你叫什么名字? | Nǐ jiào shénme míngzì? | What’s your name? |
你来自哪里? | Nǐ láizì nǎlǐ? | Where are you from? |
你几岁了? | Nǐ jǐ suì le? | How old are you? |
Learn more: 200+ Chinese Vocabulary for Jobs And Occupations
Chinese phrases for asking for time
Time is a common topic in daily communication. Knowing how to ask and answer questions about time will help you communicate more effectively. Below are some phrases for asking and answering time-related questions:
Chinese | Pinyin | English |
---|---|---|
请问现在是几点? | Qǐngwèn xiànzài shì jǐ diǎn? | Excuse me, what time is it now? |
现在是中午十二点。 | Xiànzài shì zhōngwǔ shí’èr diǎn. | It’s 12 PM (noon) now. |
现在是早上七点。 | Xiànzài shì zǎoshang qī diǎn. | It’s 7 AM now. |
你几点起床? | Nǐ jǐ diǎn qǐchuáng? | What time do you wake up? |
我每天六点起床。 | Wǒ měitiān liù diǎn qǐchuáng. | I wake up at 6 AM every day. |
明天你有空吗? | Míngtiān nǐ yǒu kòng ma? | Are you free tomorrow? |
我们下午三点开会。 | Wǒmen xiàwǔ sān diǎn kāihuì. | We have a meeting at 3 PM. |
今天星期几? | Jīntiān xīngqī jǐ? | What day is today? |
今天是星期一。 | Jīntiān shì xīngqī yī. | Today is Monday. |
我的生日是三月十日。 | Wǒ de shēngrì shì sān yuè shí rì. | My birthday is March 10th. |
今天下午两点见。 | Jīntiān xiàwǔ liǎng diǎn jiàn. | See you at 2 PM today. |
你有时间吗? | Nǐ yǒu shíjiān ma? | Do you have time? |
你几点下班? | Nǐ jǐ diǎn xiàbān? | What time do you finish work? |
我六点钟下班。 | Wǒ liù diǎn zhōng xiàbān. | I finish work at 6 PM. |
今天是几月几号? | Jīntiān shì jǐ yuè jǐ hào? | What is the date today? |
今天是2024年12月10日。 | Jīntiān shì èr líng èr sì nián shí èr yuè shí hào. | Today is December 10, 2024. |
这周的周日你有空吗? | Zhè zhōu de zhōurì nǐ yǒu kòng ma? | Are you free this Sunday? |
我会在两小时内完成。 | Wǒ huì zài liǎng xiǎoshí nèi wánchéng. | I will finish in 2 hours. |
我们几点出发? | Wǒmen jǐ diǎn chūfā? | What time do we leave? |
我晚上八点睡觉。 | Wǒ wǎnshàng bā diǎn shuìjiào. | I go to bed at 8 PM. |
Basic Chinese Phrases for Asking Directions
When communicating in a foreign country, knowing how to ask for and give directions is very important, especially when you are traveling or working in an unfamiliar place. If you are not familiar with the area, asking for directions will help you avoid getting lost. Additionally, knowing how to give directions is a necessary skill when you want to assist others.
Here are some basic Chinese phrases for asking for and giving directions. These phrases are quite simple and can be used in daily life:
Chinese | Pinyin | English |
---|---|---|
请问,怎么去…? | Qǐngwèn, zěnme qù…? | Excuse me, how do I get to…? |
你知道……在哪里吗? | Nǐ zhīdào … zài nǎlǐ ma? | Do you know where … is? |
请问,…远吗? | Qǐngwèn, … yuǎn ma? | Excuse me, is … far? |
这条路通向…吗? | Zhè tiáo lù tōngxiàng … ma? | Does this road lead to …? |
你能告诉我怎么走到……吗? | Nǐ néng gàosù wǒ zěnme zǒu dào … ma? | Can you tell me how to get to …? |
往前走,然后左转。 | Wǎng qián zǒu, ránhòu zuǒ zhuǎn. | Go straight, then turn left. |
从这里走到…要多长时间? | Cóng zhèlǐ zǒu dào … yào duō cháng shíjiān? | How long does it take to get from here to …? |
右转还是左转? | Yòu zhuǎn hái shì zuǒ zhuǎn? | Turn right or left? |
我可以走路到…吗? | Wǒ kěyǐ zǒulù dào … ma? | Can I walk to …? |
在前面右边 | Zài qiánmiàn yòubiān | On the right ahead |
我迷路了,能帮我吗? | Wǒ mílùle, néng bāng wǒ ma? | I’m lost, can you help me? |
请问,最近的地铁站在哪里? | Qǐngwèn, zuìjìn de dìtiě zhàn zài nǎlǐ? | Excuse me, where is the nearest subway station? |
请问最近的超市在哪儿? | Qǐngwèn zuì jìn de chāoshì zài nǎr? | Excuse me, where is the nearest supermarket? |
请问,这条路通向市中心吗? | Qǐngwèn, zhè tiáo lù tōngxiàng shì zhōngxīn ma? | Excuse me, does this road lead to the city center? |
Basic Chinese Phrases for Shopping
Shopping is a common activity when visiting China, whether for travel, living, or work. Knowing how to communicate effectively while shopping will help you negotiate prices and find products that suit your needs.
Chinese | Pinyin | English |
---|---|---|
这个多少钱? | Zhège duōshao qián? | How much is this? |
能便宜点吗? | Néng piányí diǎn ma? | Can you make it cheaper? |
有没有其他颜色? | Yǒu méiyǒu qítā yánsè? | Do you have other colors? |
我要买这个。 | Wǒ yào mǎi zhège. | I want to buy this. |
多少钱一件? | Duōshao qián yí jiàn? | How much is one? |
这个多少钱一斤? | Zhège duōshǎo qián yī jīn? | How much is this per jin (500g)? |
我能看看吗? | Wǒ néng kànkan ma? | Can I take a look? |
我想买两件。 | Wǒ xiǎng mǎi liǎng jiàn. | I’d like to buy two. |
我能试试这个吗? | Wǒ néng shì shì zhège ma? | Can I try this on? |
这个有其他尺寸吗? | Zhège yǒu qítā chǐcùn ma? | Does this come in other sizes? |
请给我包装好。 | Qǐng gěi wǒ bāozhuāng hǎo. | Please pack it for me. |
我想要红色的。 | Wǒ xiǎng yào hóngsè de. | I want the red one. |
这个有什么颜色? | Zhège yǒu shénme yánsè? | What colors does this come in? |
这里可以刷卡吗? | Zhèlǐ kěyǐ shuākǎ ma? | Can I pay with a card here? |
我要买一件衬衫。 | Wǒ yào mǎi yī jiàn chènshān. | I want to buy a shirt. |
请给我一个小袋子。 | Qǐng gěi wǒ yīgè xiǎo dàizi. | Please give me a small bag. |
我可以换个尺寸吗? | Wǒ kěyǐ huàn gè chǐcùn ma? | Can I exchange for a different size? |
Basic Chinese communication phrases when dining out
When dining at a restaurant or eatery in China or in Chinese-speaking areas, knowing basic communication will help you order, ask for information, and fully enjoy your meal.
From making a reservation, ordering food, to paying the bill, using the right basic Chinese phrases will not only help you handle situations easily but also create a friendlier and more intimate atmosphere.
Chinese | Pinyin | English |
---|---|---|
请问有空位吗? | Qǐngwèn yǒu kòngwèi ma? | Excuse me, do you have a free table? |
我想订一张桌子 | Wǒ xiǎng dìng yī zhāng zhuōzi | I’d like to reserve a table. |
请给我一张菜单 | Qǐng gěi wǒ yī zhāng càidān | Please give me a menu. |
这里有什么特色菜? | Zhèlǐ yǒu shénme tèsè cài? | What are the specialties here? |
这道菜是什么? | Zhè dào cài shì shénme? | What is this dish? |
这个菜有辣吗? | Zhège cài yǒu là ma? | Is this dish spicy? |
我想要… | Wǒ xiǎng yào… | I’d like to have… |
请加一点辣 | Qǐng jiā yīdiǎn là | Please add a little spice. |
有适合素食者的菜吗? | Yǒu shìhé sùshí zhě de cài ma? | Do you have dishes suitable for vegetarians? |
我要一杯水 | Wǒ yào yī bēi shuǐ | I’d like a glass of water. |
请给我一双筷子 | Qǐng gěi wǒ yī shuāng kuàizi | Please give me a pair of chopsticks. |
我可以加点酱油吗? | Wǒ kěyǐ jiā diǎn jiàngyóu ma? | Can I add some soy sauce? |
请再给我一碗米饭 | Qǐng zài gěi wǒ yī wǎn mǐfàn | Please give me another bowl of rice. |
请问这个需要等多久? | Qǐngwèn zhège xūyào děng duōjiǔ? | Excuse me, how long do I have to wait for this dish? |
我要这个和这个 | Wǒ yào zhège hé zhège | I’d like this and that. |
这道菜很好吃 | Zhè dào cài hěn hǎo chī | This dish is very delicious. |
我想要一些甜点 | Wǒ xiǎng yào yīxiē tiándiǎn | I’d like some dessert. |
我需要一张餐巾纸 | Wǒ xūyào yī zhāng cānjīnzhǐ | I need a napkin. |
请再给我一副筷子 | Qǐng zài gěi wǒ yī fù kuàizi | Please give me another pair of chopsticks. |
我要打包 | Wǒ yào dǎbāo | I’d like to take it to go. |
请不要放味精 | Qǐng bùyào fàng wèijīng | Please don’t add MSG. |
我们需要一个大桌子 | Wǒmen xūyào yīgè dà zhuōzi | We need a large table. |
一共多少钱? | Yīgòng duōshao qián? | How much is it in total? |
请问厕所在哪里? | Qǐngwèn cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ? | Excuse me, where is the restroom? |
我可以刷卡吗? | Wǒ kěyǐ shuākǎ ma? | Can I pay with a card? |
Short and Useful Chinese Phrases
In addition to the phrases above, here are more basic Chinese phrases to help you communicate more flexibly and easily:
Chinese | Pinyin | English |
---|---|---|
你好 | Nǐ hǎo | Hello |
谢谢 | Xièxiè | Thank you |
对不起 | Duìbuqǐ | Sorry |
不好意思 | Bù hǎo yìsi | Excuse me (for the inconvenience) |
没关系 | Méi guānxi | No problem |
再见 | Zàijiàn | Goodbye |
请问 | Qǐngwèn | Excuse me |
请进 | Qǐng jìn | Please come in |
是的 | Shì de | Yes |
不是 | Bù shì | No |
多少? | Duōshao? | How much? |
好的 | Hǎo de | Okay |
不可以 | Bù kěyǐ | Not allowed |
可以 | Kěyǐ | Allowed / Can |
我不懂 | Wǒ bù dǒng | I don’t understand |
你会说英语吗? | Nǐ huì shuō yīngyǔ ma? | Do you speak English? |
可以吗? | Kěyǐ ma? | Is it okay? |
我明白了 | Wǒ míngbái le | I understand now |
我饿了 | Wǒ è le | I’m hungry |
我累了 | Wǒ lèi le | I’m tired |
哪里? | Nǎlǐ? | Where? |
请帮我一下 | Qǐng bāng wǒ yīxià | Please help me a moment |
这是什么? | Zhè shì shénme? | What is this? |
我喜欢这个 | Wǒ xǐhuān zhège | I like this |
我喜欢你 | Wǒ xǐhuān nǐ | I like you |
请慢一点 | Qǐng màn yīdiǎn | Please slow down |
快一点 | Kuài yīdiǎn | Hurry up |
我想休息一下 | Wǒ xiǎng xiūxí yīxià | I want to take a rest |
Conclusion
For those who plan to study, work, or live in a Chinese-speaking environment, mastering these basic Chinese phrases is essential. We hope this article helps improve your communication skills. If you are looking for online Chinese courses or speaking courses, feel free to contact Ni Hao Ma for guidance!