Learning Chinese phrases for beginners may feel big at first, but it is easier than you think.

These short and simple phrases help you speak right away, even if you are new to the language.

They give you confidence and help you connect with people.

Mandarin Chinese may sound different from English, but many phrases are simple and fun to learn. Once you know the basics, you can use them in real life right away.

This guide breaks everything down into clear groups you can follow step by step.

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Why It Matters

Learning Chinese phrases for beginners is important because simple language skills can open many doors.

You can greet people, order food, ask for help, and show respect.

small moments help you build trust, make friends, and enjoy your experience more whether you’re traveling, studying, or working.

Chinese speakers often appreciate the effort. Even simple phrases show that you care about their culture.

And once you learn the basics, you build a strong base to keep growing your skills.

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Everyday Greetings and Basic Manners 😊

These Chinese phrases for beginners help you greet people and show politeness. They are the first things most learners memorize.

Hello – 你好 (Nǐ hǎo)

What it means: A simple “hello” you can use with anyone.
Use When: Meeting someone new or starting a conversation.
Example: You walk into a shop and say, “你好!”

Thank you – 谢谢 (Xièxie)

What it means: A polite thank-you for any situation.
Use When: Someone helps you, hands you something, or gives good service.
Example: A cashier gives you change, and you say, “谢谢!”

You’re welcome – 不客气 (Bú kèqi)

What it means: A friendly response after someone thanks you.
Use When: Someone says “thank you” and you want to be polite.
Example: A friend thanks you for help, and you reply, “不客气。”

Goodbye – 再见 (Zàijiàn)

What it means: A polite farewell.
Use When: Leaving a room, ending a visit, or hanging up a call.
Example: As you leave a café, you wave and say, “再见!”

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Useful Travel Phrases ✈️

If you plan to travel, these Chinese phrases for beginners help you get around without stress.

Where is…? – …在哪里？(… zài nǎlǐ?)

What it means: Helps you ask for a place or item.
Use When: You can’t find a street, station, hotel, or bathroom.
Example: “洗手间在哪里？” means “Where is the bathroom?”

I want to go to… – 我要去… (Wǒ yào qù…)

What it means: Helps with taxis or directions.
Use When: Telling drivers or helpers your destination.
Example: “我要去机场。” means “I want to go to the airport.”

How much is this? – 这个多少钱？(Zhège duōshǎo qián?)

What it means: Helps you ask prices when shopping.
Use When: At markets, stores, or food stalls.
Example: You point to a souvenir and say, “这个多少钱？”

I don’t understand – 我听不懂 (Wǒ tīng bù dǒng)

What it means: Politely shows you need clearer or slower speech.
Use When: Someone speaks too fast or uses unfamiliar words.
Example: You smile and say, “我听不懂,” and they repeat slower.

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Food and Dining Phrases 🍜

Food is the heart of Chinese culture. These Chinese phrases for beginners help you order and enjoy meals like a local.

I want to order… – 我要点… (Wǒ yào diǎn…)

What it means: A simple way to order food.
Use When: Ordering at restaurants, street stalls, or cafés.
Example: “我要点饺子。” means “I want to order dumplings.”

Delicious – 好吃 (Hǎochī)

What it means: A happy comment about tasty food.
Use When: After trying a dish you enjoy.
Example: You try a noodle bowl and say, “好吃!”

Water, please – 请给我水 (Qǐng gěi wǒ shuǐ)

What it means: A polite way to ask for water.
Use When: Eating at a restaurant or visiting someone’s home.
Example: “请给我水，谢谢。”

No spicy – 不要辣 (Bú yào là)

What it means: Important if you prefer mild food.
Use When: Ordering dishes in areas known for spicy meals.
Example: “面条不要辣。” means “No spice in my noodles.”

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Shopping and Market Phrases 🛍️

Shopping in China can be lively and fun. These Chinese phrases for beginners help you navigate markets and stores with ease.

Can you make it cheaper? – 可以便宜一点吗？(Kěyǐ piányí yīdiǎn ma?)

What it means: A polite way to ask for a small discount.
Use When: Bargaining at local markets or tourist shops.
Example: You smile and say, “可以便宜一点吗？”

I’m just looking – 我随便看看 (Wǒ suíbiàn kàn kàn)

What it means: Tells a seller you are browsing.
Use When: You don’t want pressure to buy.
Example: “我随便看看，谢谢。”

Do you have…? – 你们有…吗？(Nǐmen yǒu… ma?)

What it means: Helps you ask if a store carries something.
Use When: Searching for clothes, gifts, or electronics.
Example: “你们有更大的尺寸吗？” means “Do you have a bigger size?”

Too expensive – 太贵了 (Tài guì le)

What it means: Expresses that something costs too much.
Use When: When the price surprises you.
Example: “太贵了，可以便宜一点吗？”

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Classroom and Learning Phrases 📚

These Chinese phrases for beginners help you ask questions, study, and understand teachers or classmates.

Please repeat – 请再说一次 (Qǐng zài shuō yí cì)

What it means: Asks someone to repeat what they said.
Use When: You didn’t hear or understand everything.
Example: “老师，请再说一次。”

What does this mean? – 这是什么意思？(Zhè shì shénme yìsi?)

What it means: Helps you learn new vocabulary.
Use When: Reading or listening to new words.
Example: You point to a word and ask, “这是什么意思？”

How do you say…? – …怎么说？(… zěnme shuō?)

What it means: Helps expand your speaking skills.
Use When: Asking for the Chinese version of a word.
Example: “‘Train’中文怎么说？”

Slower, please – 请慢一点 (Qǐng màn yīdiǎn)

What it means: Helps you keep up in fast conversations.
Use When: Someone speaks too quickly.
Example: “请慢一点，我是初学者。”

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Emergency and Help Phrases 🚨

These Chinese phrases for beginners can help you stay safe and ask for help.

Help! – 帮帮我！(Bāng bāng wǒ!)

What it means: A quick phrase for urgent help.
Use When: In dangerous or stressful situations.
Example: You call out, “帮帮我！”

I’m lost – 我迷路了 (Wǒ mílù le)

What it means: Lets someone know you need directions.
Use When: Navigating busy streets or new areas.
Example: “我迷路了，可以帮我吗？”

Call the police – 报警 (Bào jǐng)

What it means: Tells someone to call police assistance.
Use When: Serious emergencies.
Example: “请帮我报警。”

I need a doctor – 我要看医生 (Wǒ yào kàn yīshēng)

What it means: Shows you need medical help.
Use When: Feeling sick or injured.
Example: “我要看医生，很不舒服。”

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Meeting People and Social Phrases 🤝

These Chinese phrases for beginners help you make friends or talk with locals.

Nice to meet you – 很高兴认识你 (Hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ)

What it means: A warm greeting when meeting someone new.
Use When: First-time introductions.
Example: Shake hands and say, “很高兴认识你。”

Where are you from? – 你从哪里来？(Nǐ cóng nǎlǐ lái?)

What it means: Start a friendly chat.
Use When: Social events or casual talks.
Example: “你从哪里来？”

Can we be friends? – 我们可以做朋友吗？(Wǒmen kěyǐ zuò péngyǒu ma?)

What it means: Shows interest in forming a friendship.
Use When: Meeting someone you get along with.
Example: “我们可以做朋友吗？”

Do you speak English? – 你会说英语吗？(Nǐ huì shuō Yīngyǔ ma?)

What it means: Helps check if switching languages is possible.
Use When: You need clearer communication.
Example: “你会说英语吗？”

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Bonus Recap Table

Category	Example Phrases	Use Case
Greetings	你好, 谢谢, 再见	Basic manners and daily talk
Travel	这个多少钱, 我要去…, 我听不懂	Getting around cities and airports
Food	好吃, 不要辣, 我要点…	Ordering meals and drinks
Shopping	便宜一点吗, 我随便看看	Market and store conversations
Classroom	怎么说, 请再说一次	Learning and studying
Emergency	帮帮我, 我要看医生	Urgent help
Social	很高兴认识你, 你从哪里来	Meeting new people

Final Thoughts

Learning Chinese phrases for beginners is not hard when you break things into simple steps. Start with greetings.

Add travel and food phrases next.

Mix in social and learning expressions.

Use them often in real life. The more you practice, the more natural they feel.

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