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Aloha, Ciao - when you visit China, you should start with 'ni hao' (how are you). Whenever traveling a place, it is always good to learn a couple of local phrases. Not only to add extra fun, but to communicate better with local people and get to know what they are talking about.
Are you visiting China soon? Let's have an orientation on the Chinese language - Mandarin.
Before we get to learn Mandarin phrases to travel China, let me introduce some basics of the Chinese language.
1. One Word One Syllable
2. Pinyin (Phonetic) System
The Government of The People's Republic of China has standardized Mandarin pronunciations and adopted the Pinyin system in 1979. Speak Mandarin and learn Mandarin is made easy for Chinese as well as foreigners.
Each word has a beginning and ending sound. Combine them together and form one syllable. Some words have only an ending sound. Each combination has four tones. Different tone has different meaning. You have to be very carefully with tones or it could mean something else and could be embarrassing.
For some reason, the four different tone symbols don't show up on this page. I have therefore indicated their tones against each word.
1 macron
2 acute accent
3 caron
4 grave accent
Nothing - light tone
In this article, I am going to introduce 10 easy-to-learn phrases for everyday use. Please practice them before landing in China.
Don't worry about the pronunciation for now, at the end of this article, I'll show you a fast track to learn speaking.
EVERYDAY
ni(2) hao(3) - regards
This is the non-question version of 'how are you'. You won't expect an answer as you are just sending regards. You can say this whenever seeing someone.
ni(2) hao(3) ma - how are you?
You would expect someone say 'I'm fine, thank you' in return.
hen(2) hao(3) - I'm fine
lao(2) jia(4) - excuse me / please / thank you
Usually use to start a conversation, especially when you want to get someone's help.
It can also mean 'thank you' when you receive a little favor.
zao(3) shang(4) hao(3) - good morning
xie(4) xie - thank you
When you buy something, the salesman will say xie xie to you. You can also say this when receiving a gift.
shi(1) fu - a respectful way to call a driver
Shi fu is someone good at something. Beijing people call drivers Shi fu which is some kind of a compliment meaning he is good at driving. Tourists deal with drivers quite a lot, so it is good to know why drivers are called shi fu.
AT A RESTAURANT
mai(2) dan(1) - give me my bill please
This is a funny Cantonese phrase originated from Hong Kong. It is now widely understood in restaurants in Beijing and other major China cities. You'll hear this very often in restaurants, especially Hong Kong.
SHOPPING
duo(1) shao(3) qian(2) - how much?
da(3) zhe(2) ma - do you offer discount?
pian(2) yi(2) dian(3) - cheaper please
Learn the pronunciation of these phrases is easy. I am going to give you some quick tips here.
Do you find this mini lession useful? You can learn a lot more from China Travel Golden Route. Happy China travel!
Anna is a Hong Kong Chinese. She loves traveling, especially China. Her website China Travel Golden Route is all about the top tourist cities in China.
The Chinese language is a complicated communication system that has numerous written characters as well as a number of different dialects. If you are interested in learning how to speak Mandarin, you will first need to understand the basics of this Chinese dialect.
Mandarin was originally defines as a group of dialects that was spoken by the people of Beijing as well as the area of northern China. The term is now used to describe the standard Chinese language, in which case it is the type that is spoken by the largest amount of Chinese people. This language is spoken in the People's Republic of China, the Republic of China (Taiwan), and is one of four official languages that are spoken in Singapore. This factor means that your knowledge of this language will allow for easier communication with the greatest number of Chinese-speaking countries, making your decision to learn to speak Mandarin a good one.
The mandarin language utilizes the Pinyin alphabet, which is Latin based and uses four different tones. There are many Web sites that allow you to hear these tones as you learn to speak Mandarin. The following are a few basic phrases that you can learn to help you to become acquainted with the Mandarin pronunciation.
1. Ni Hao - Pronounced like "Nee How." Translates into "You Good" and
can be used as a greeting.
2. Xie Xie - Pronounced like "Shi-e Shi-e" or "Zhi-Zhi." It means "Thank
you" in Mandarin.
3. Bu Ke Qi - Pronounced like "Boo Ker Chi" with the "r" in "Ker" being
pronounced with a British accent. It means "You're Welcome."
4. Tai Hao Le - Pronounced like "Thai Hao Lah." It means "Wonderful."
5. Na Li Na Li - Pronounced "Nah Lee Nah Lee." This phrase is the proper
Chinese response when someone compliments you or your spouse.
You should not use the term "Xie Xie" as this is not the way the
Chinese respond to compliments.
6. Wo Jiao - Pronounced "Wah Jee Ow." It means "My Name is..." and
you should fill in your name.
7. Wu de ming je shi - Pronounced "Wuu Duh Meeng Jee Shi". It also
means "My name is..."
8. Da Jia Hao - Pronounced as "Dah Jee Ah How." Loosely translated, it
means "Hello, everyone," Good day, everyone," or "wish everyone
well." This is a good opening if you are planning on making a speech
to a Mandarin-speaking audience.
9. Zao Shang - Pronounced like "Zow Shahng." It means "Good Morning."
10. Xia Shang - Pronounced like "Shee ah Shahng." It means "Good Afternoon."
11. Wan Shang - Pronounced like "Wahn Shahng." It means "Good Evening."
12. Zai Jian - Pronounced like "Zigh Jee In." It means "Goodbye."
13. Wo Hui Yi Dianr Zhong Wen - Pronounced like "Waw Hway Ee Dee In A Zah Hoong Wun" It Means: "I speak a little Chinese."
These are just a few basic conversational phrases that you can use when you learn to speak Mandarin. There are a few helpful tips that you may want to keep in mind when using these phrases. You should always repeat them as this is the way the Chinese conduct themselves during a conversation. You should smile as this is part of the Chinese etiquette system and avoid shrugging, as this has no meaning in the Chinese culture.
When you want to learn to speak Mandarin, you must also be sure to have the proper tone in your speech as well as maintaining Chinese etiquette, so that you can be clearly understood while giving no offense.
Are you looking for an affordable learn Chinese course that will teach you speak Chinese fast? Shun Minh is a native Chinese professor and has been teaching the Chinese language for over 10 years. His website offers free tips on how to speak Chinese fast and efficiently: www.chineselingo.net
If you are planning on traveling to China anytime soon I would strongly advise you learn a few common phrases which could be very helpful.(Notice I didn't bother to add tones to the pingyin, even without the exact tones Chinese will understand you.)
1. xiexie (Thank you) Probably the most important word in the Chinese language, if you want to be polite in China it is best to say thanks. (Thank you is definitely more important than please qing
2. nihao (Hello) When you meet someone say nihao, they will most likely reply with nihao!
3. bukeqi (Your welcome) another important Chinese courtesy and one you will hear very often.
4. wobuyao (I do not want) In China you will often be approached by hawkers trying to sell you anything from Maozedong t-shirts to Buddha statues. Sometimes these hawkers can be quite pushy and so it is best to say a frank and firm "wobuyao".
5. wotingbudong (I do not understand) Many Chinese don't speak more than a word or two of English and so it is vital that you can also make clear that you don't speak more than a word or two of Chinese.
6. wojiao.... (My name is...) No matter where you are in the world, it is always great if you can tell people your name.
7. wobuhuichila (I can't eat spicy) For those of us who can't stomach spicy food it is best to be equipped with this phrase at all times. Chinese food ranges from mild to extremely spicy, by telling them you can't eat spicy food you can avoid much hassle.
8. woyaoqu.. (I want to go to...) If you get in a taxi it is always best to have the name written in Chinese of the place you want to go. By saying woyaoqu and then showing the name or saying it out loud you should have a smoother journey.
9. geiwopianyi (Give me cheaper) In China, markets are a great place to bargain and if want the cheapest prices it is best you learn to say geiwopianyi!
10. zhongguohenhao (China is very good) Chinese are very proud of their country, history and culture. A great way to tell them that you enjoyed your visit is to praise their country, with that you can't go wrong.
About the author- Michael has been learning Chinese now for the past three years, for some great Chinese learning software see what Michael recommends.
Little Pim is a 3-piece DVD set especially designed for the small kids audience. The DVDs teach the children words and phrases about waking, eating and playing. Little Pim's series includes Eating and Drinking (DVD 1), Wake Up Smiling (DVD 2), and Playtime (DVD 3).
Little Pim DVDs are very useful for little children to learn to Chinese. A lot of learning-Chinese DVDs for children focus on individual words for children, like colors and numbers. Little Pim DVDs also feature these words, plus more. Little Pim teaches action phrases that small children use in daily life, such as "I am playing," "One more time?" "Mama is sleeping," and more. Compared to other learn-Chinese videos, Little Pim has a practical approach for little children to learn Chinese. Besides useful action words, it is laudable that Little Pim also teaches self care phrases like "She is combing her hair," and "She is brushing her teeth." It also teaches Chinese for safety phrases, like "Be careful, that is hot."
There are several online Chinese bookstores for children offering Learn-Chinese materials, Little Pim individual DVDs and Little Pim Bundle Set of 3 DVDs. Buyers can get up to $25 off when they get the bundle. Little Pim DVDs also has a Pinyin Companion Guide for each DVD, to help parents and teachers note the Chinese words and phrases featured in the DVDs.
The Little Pim series is primarily for children who are learning Chinese as a second language. Parents can also use these programs to enhance their young child's verbal skills, even if his or her first language is Chinese. Little Pim was created in response to scientific proof that the human brain is most receptive to learning new languages during early childhood. Little Pim was released in 2007, produced by a mother-award winning film maker Julia Pimsleur Levine.
Little Pim has won 5 awards from distinguished consumer-awards giving bodies, like Kids First! Coalition for Quality Children's Media, Parents' Choice, i-Parenting, Dove Foundation, and Parent-to-Parent.
At Childbook.com you can buy different learn Chinese language resources in both English and Chinese to help your kids learn Chinese easy way. So give your babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers an advantage with learning Chinese products like Little Pim now.
If you are planning on traveling to China anytime soon I would strongly advise you learn a few common phrases which could be very helpful.(Notice I didn't bother to add tones to the pingyin, even without the exact tones Chinese will understand you.)
1. xiexie (Thank you) Probably the most important word in the Chinese language, if you want to be polite in China it is best to say thanks. (Thank you is definitely more important than please qing
2. nihao (Hello) When you meet someone say nihao, they will most likely reply with nihao!
3. bukeqi (Your welcome) another important Chinese courtesy and one you will hear very often.
4. wobuyao (I do not want) In China you will often be approached by hawkers trying to sell you anything from Maozedong t-shirts to Buddha statues. Sometimes these hawkers can be quite pushy and so it is best to say a frank and firm "wobuyao".
5. wotingbudong (I do not understand) Many Chinese don't speak more than a word or two of English and so it is vital that you can also make clear that you don't speak more than a word or two of Chinese.
6. wojiao.... (My name is...) No matter where you are in the world, it is always great if you can tell people your name.
7. wobuhuichila (I can't eat spicy) For those of us who can't stomach spicy food it is best to be equipped with this phrase at all times. Chinese food ranges from mild to extremely spicy, by telling them you can't eat spicy food you can avoid much hassle.
8. woyaoqu.. (I want to go to...) If you get in a taxi it is always best to have the name written in Chinese of the place you want to go. By saying woyaoqu and then showing the name or saying it out loud you should have a smoother journey.
9. geiwopianyi (Give me cheaper) In China, markets are a great place to bargain and if want the cheapest prices it is best you learn to say geiwopianyi!
10. zhongguohenhao (China is very good) Chinese are very proud of their country, history and culture. A great way to tell them that you enjoyed your visit is to praise their country, with that you can't go wrong.
About the author- Michael has been learning Chinese now for the past three years, for some great Chinese learning software see what Michael recommends.
