10 Chinese phrases for Travelers
China can be so much fun to travel. People around the world come to witness the rich culture, the techno hub, the rivers and the lakes, the people and feel the language. So much is the fad about Chinese language and the culture, that many of them learn Chinese while they travel around. Well, whether you learn Chinese or not, whether you have come for exploring the Chinese architecture or learn martial arts, there are a few Chinese phrases which becomes mandatory for travelers to know. Let us have a sneak peak to it.
1. Flying related
These terms will help during flights and explaining to the attendants.
· (gōng wù cāng guì taí zaì nǎ ér?)-Where is the business class check-in counter?
· (diàn tī zài nǎ ér ?)Where is the elevator (lift)?
· The following can be applicable in hotels and restaurants
· (zǎo shàng yǒu zì zhù cān ma ?)Do have breakfast buffet?
2. Pardonable words
· Xièxie. (sshyeah-sshyeah)-Thank you
· Duìbuqǐ. (dway-boo-chee)- I’m sorry.
3. Yǒuméiyǒu …? (Yoh-may-yoh …?)-Do you have …? This phrase can be used to ask anyone for help. it could be asking for change, or money or water or even accommodation.
4. Duōshao qián? (Dwor-sshaoww chyen?)- How much money? This conversation will particularly help you with cab riders and drivers. The shops and the stores will be more than happy to hear it from you. It is also suggested that the numbers be also learnt to get the concept right.
5. zài nǎlǐ? (… dzeye naa-lee?) — Where is …? Aha! This phrase helps the most as the rest you can use your gestures or English words and names of the cities.
6. Wǒ xiǎng qù Cèsuǒ (Wor sshyang chyoo tser-swor)- I want to go to rest room
7. Mannerisms- Chinese people are particular about using etiquette and manners. So here a couple of them to learn.
· (“nín xiān qǐng” shì lǐ mào) — “After you”
· bú yòng le, xiè xiè- no thanks
· duì bu qǐ- excuse me
8. Directions related
· Ting- stop
· Zuǒ-left
· Yòu (yo)- right
· Qián (chee’ an) –go straight
· nà lǐ (nar lee)- there
· zhè lǐ-here
9. Restaurant related words
· kuài zǐ (kwhy za)- chopstick
· dao (dow)- knife
· cha zi (char z)- fork
· shao zi (sheow z)- spoon
· shuǐ (shway) water
10. Few Important Questions
· duōshao qián?-How much?
· zai năli huŏchē zhan/ fēijīchăng/ qhē- meaning where train is station /airport/bus?
· Dǎ diànhuà gěi yīshēng- Call a doctor!
· Jiào jiùhù chē!- Call an ambulance!
· Wǒ yào liánxì shǐguǎn- I want to contact the embassy
Snapshot
It is the Chinese government that has invested whole heartedly to make the travelers enjoy their stay in the country. There are various short-term classes held to learn Chinese not only in the country but also in other foreign lands. For travelers it is a boon and can now roam around anywhere in China carrying their custom made pocket dictionary.
