Chinese language and dialects

Every province, every city, and even every town speaks its own dialect. There are hundreds of Chinese dialects in China, so many that each dialect speaker may not understand another dialect speaker from another town or city. Fortunately, all dialect speakers understand Mandarin, the official dialect.

Let’s learn some basic and common Mandarin words and phrases that will help you break down barriers with your Chinese friends.

How are you? -Ni Hao Ma

It is also often shortened to Ni Hao.

This is likely to be the first Mandarin phrase you’ll ever learn. Useful as a greeting or to break the ice. Suitable for use with all ages and professions.

Thank you -Xie Xie.

Another polite term that is easy to remember and use.

Very good -Hen Hao.

This is useful when praising work or a task well done. Also useful as a response to anyone who says “Ni Hao Ma?” for you.

Neither Hao Ma? (How are you?)

Hen Hao (Very Good)

Not good – Bu Hao.

This is useful when you need to comment on poor quality or incomplete work or assignment. Can it also be used as a response to Ni Hao Ma? but it may not be a good answer.

Neither Hao Ma? (How are you?)

Bu Hao (Not good)

Very Expensive -Hen Gui.

When haggling in stores, this is the best term to use when it comes to a tough bargain.

I do not want or No-Bu Yao.

This is the best term for all of them: street vendors who come up to you at every tourist stop asking you to buy things. Bu Yao… will stop them in their tracks.

This is beautiful -Hen Piao Liang.

Use this phrase to praise something that is cute or beautiful. It can also be used when you meet a pretty girl!

Taxi -From Shi.

De Shi is the correct term, but it should be understood even if you use the English word for Taxi. They sound the same anyway.

Goodbye or see you again – Zai Jian.

Well, I guess this is another term that will be easily understood even if the word is used in English.

Excuse me-Jie Guo.

There is always a crowd in tourist areas. There are so many Chinese who also want to see the same monuments. Instead of making your way through the crowd, using the term Jie Guo can make your way!

Receipt-Fa Piao.

Always ask for the receipt or Fa Piao in stores or from a taxi. This can be useful if you need to complain about fraud or a poor quality product. It is also useful if you leave your bag or camera in the taxi.

I don’t want to – Wo Bu Yao.

Useful when a scalper is turned away or offered an extra drink at the dining table.