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Translation
Mandarin essentials and translation tools for seamless communication in China.
Essential Phrases
Greetings
你好 (nǐ hǎo)Hello
早上好 (zǎo shang hǎo)Good morning
再见 (zai jiàn)Goodbye
谢谢 (xiè xiè)Thank you
不客气 (bù kè qi)You're welcome
Essential
请问 (qǐng wèn)Excuse me / May I ask
对不起 (duì bu qǐ)Sorry
没关系 (méi guān xi)It's okay
是 (shì)Yes
不是 (bù shì)No
Getting Help
你会说英语吗？ (nǐ huì shuō yīng yǔ ma?)Do you speak English?
请帮帮我 (qǐng bāng bāng wǒ)Please help me
我不明白 (wǒ bù míng bai)I don't understand
请再说一遍 (qǐng zài shuō yī biàn)Please say it again
Numbers
一 (yī)1
二 (èr)2
三 (sān)3
四 (sì)4
五 (wǔ)5
十 (shí)10
一百 (yī bǎi)100
Communication Tips
Use Translation Apps
Google Translate works offline. Pleco dictionary is excellent. Point at text to translate using your camera.
Show, Don't Tell
In shops and restaurants, pointing at menu items or images is completely acceptable and often easier.
Write It Down
Having your destination written in Chinese characters is incredibly helpful for taxi drivers.
Recommended Tools
- Google Translate
Offline mode, camera translation
- Pleco
Best Chinese dictionary
- WeChat Translate
Built-in translation feature
Pro Tip
Learn to recognize: 厕所 (toilet), 出口 (exit), 入口 (entrance), 机场 (airport), and the character for your destination.