Essential Mandarin Phrases
The phrases (with characters) that smooth every day.
TL;DR: A translator app covers most needs, but a handful of phrases - hello, thank you, how much, no spicy - make every day smoother. Keep an offline Chinese pack to show characters.
Last reviewed2026-08-27
Risk levelMedium · verify time-sensitive rules
Best next stepSave the Starter Kit
Step by step
- Learn greetings: Ni hao (hello), Xiexie (thank you), Bu keqi (you're welcome).
- Shopping and food: Duoshao qian? (how much?), Bu yao la (no spicy), Wo yao zhege (I want this).
- Getting around: show the address in characters; say Zheli (here) and Ting (stop).
- Install an offline translator (Pleco or Google Translate) with the Chinese pack downloaded.
- Save your key phrases as screenshots so you can show them even without signal.
FAQ
Do people speak English?
In big-city hotels and major attractions, some do; elsewhere a translation app bridges the gap.
Is getting the tone wrong a problem?
Locals are patient; showing the character or app text always works.
Best offline app?
Pleco for the dictionary, Google Translate (with offline pack) for conversation.
Next step
Turn this into a trip-ready system
Save the free kit, then upgrade to the full China Travel OS: every current paid city guide, offline cards, route packs, templates and emergency backups.