[How To:] Learn Common Chinese Travel Phrases Using English Phonetics

Learning Chinese Travel Phrases through English Phonetics

Traveling in China can be an exciting adventure, but language barriers often pose a challenge for many tourists. To help bridge this gap, one effective method is learning common Chinese travel phrases using English phonetics. This guide provides a list of essential phrases along with their approximate English pronunciations, making it easier for English speakers to communicate during their travels.

1.Basic Greetings and Polite Expressions

• Use this to greet people: Hello (你好) --- Pronounced "knee how"

• A polite expression of gratitude: Thank you (谢谢) --- Pronounced "shey shey"

• Use this to apologize: Sorry (不好意思) --- Pronounced "book how yes"

• A way to bid farewell: Goodbye (拜拜) --- Just pronounced "byebye"

2.Essential Travel Phrases

• Useful for getting someone's attention politely: Excuse me, may I ask (请问) --- Pronounced "ching when"

• Important for finding facilities:Restroom (厕所) --- Pronounced "tsuh soul"

• Essential for shopping and negotiating prices.: How much (多少钱) --- Pronounced "doll shall chain"

• Use this to express your desires or needs: I would like (我想要) --- Pronounced "wow shyang yow"

• Pointing out an item you want: This one (这个) --- Pronounced "jeh goal"

• Pointing out an item at a distance:That one (那个) --- Pronounced "nah goal"

3.Politeness and Courtesy

• A polite response to thank you: You're welcome (不客气) --- Pronounced "boo kuh chee"

• Agreeing or acknowledging something:Okay (好的) --- Pronounced "how duh"

4.Directions and Assistance

• Asking for assistance: Help (帮忙) --- Pronounced "bahng mahng"

• Asking for directions: Where (哪里) --- Pronounced "nah lee"
• Indicating a location: Here (这里) --- Pronounced "jay lee"

• Indicating a different location: There (那边) --- Pronounced "nah byan"

5.Shopping and Bargaining

• Expressing that something costs too much: Too expensive (太贵了) --- Pronounced "tie gway la"

• Asking for a lower price: Cheaper (便宜点) --- Pronounced "pyan yee dyan"

6.Urgency and Assistance

• Asking someone to hurry up: Faster (快点) --- Pronounced "kwai dyan"

• Asking someone to slow down: Slower (慢点) --- Pronounced "man dyan"

• Seeking help when disoriented: I am lost (我迷路了) --- Pronounced "wow mee low luh"