你好。
Knee how
Hello.
A simple greeting that works in most situations.
Useful anywhere
Basic Chinese phrases for everyday moments.
A few small words can make daily interactions easier. Start with these and use the Chinese text when pronunciation alone is not enough.
Ready to use
Phrases for this moment
Keep your tone friendly and the sentence short. You can combine these phrases with pointing, a map or translated text on your phone.
The English sound line is approximate; use Show Pinyin for standard tone marks. * marks Mandarin ü (start with “ee” and round your lips). Open MandaPanda for audio practice.
请问。
Cheeng-wuhn
Excuse me, may I ask…
Use this before asking a stranger or staff member a question.
谢谢。
Shyeh-shyeh
Thank you.
Useful throughout the day in shops, hotels and restaurants.
对不起。
Dway-boo-chee
I’m sorry.
Use this when apologizing for a mistake or inconvenience.
没关系。
May gwahn-shee
It’s okay.
A common response when someone apologizes.
我听不懂。
Waw teeng boo dong
I don’t understand.
Use this when you cannot understand what someone said.
请再说一遍。
Cheeng dzye shwaw yee byen
Please say that again.
Ask the speaker to repeat the sentence once more.
可以帮我吗？
Kuh-yee bahng waw mah
Can you help me?
Follow this by showing the address, ticket or problem.
Practice before you go
Hear it. Say it. Remember it.
Use these phrases now, then practice travel Mandarin step by step in MandaPanda.
Download on the App Store