The Chinese Language and dialects
Each province, each city and even each village in
China speak their own dialect.
There are hundreds of Chinese dialects in China
so much so that each dialect
speaker is not likely to understand another dialect
speaker from another village
or city. Fortunately, Mandarin, the official
dialect, is understood by everyone in
China.
Let's learn a few useful basic and common
Mandarin words and phrases that will help
you break barriers with Chinese people. Also useful
for making your first trip to China.
Basic Chinese words and phrases
How are You?
Ni Hao Ma
Also commonly shorten to Ni Hao.
This is likely to be the first Chinese words
that you will ever need to learn. Useful
as a greeting or a ice-breaker. Suitable for use
with all ages and professions.
Remember to use the Chinese phrase, Ni Hao,
whenever you meet a Chinese
friend or neighbor.
Thank You Xie
Xie.
Another polite term that is easy to remember
and use.
Very Good Hen
Hao.
This is useful when giving praise for a job or
task well done. Also useful as a reply
to anyone who says "Ni Hao Ma?' to
you.
Ni Hao Ma? (How are you?)
Hen Hao (Very Good)
No Good Bu Hao.
This is useful when there is a need to comment
on a shoddy or incomplete job or task. Can also
be used as a reply to Ni Hao Ma? but may
not be such a good
reply.
Ni Hao Ma? (How are you?)
Bu Hao (No Good)
Don't want or No
Bu Yao.
This is the best term to use for touts - street
hawkers who approach you at
every tourist stop to ask you to buy things. Bu
Yao....will stop them in their
track.
This is beautiful
Hen Piao Liang.
Use this phrase to praise something that is nice
or beautiful. May also be used
when meeting a pretty girl too!
Taxi De
Shi.
De Shi is the correct term but you should be
understood even if you use the
English word for Taxi. They sound alike anyway.
Good Bye or See You
Again Zai Jian.
Well, I guess this is another term that will
be easily understood even if the English word is used.
Excuse Me Jie
Guo.
There is always a crowd in touristy areas. There
are so many Chinese who wants
to see the same monuments too. Rather than push
your way through the
crowd, using the term Jie Guo may just
open the path ahead for you!
Receipt Fa Piao.
Always ask for the receipt or Fa Piao
at the shops or from a taxi. This may be
useful if you need to complain about a fraud or
shoddy product. Also useful if
you leave behind your bag or camera in the taxi
and need to trace the taxi
number.
I don't want
Wo Bu Yao.
Useful when refusing a tout or when offered a
drink too many at the Dinner
table.
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