Monday, March 5, 2012

Learn to speak basic Chinese (Mandarin) Words and phrases

The Chinese language and dialects

Every province, every city and every village speaks their dialect. There are hundreds of Chinese dialects in China, so that each dialect speaker is not able to understand another dialect speaker from another village or city. Fortunately, Mandarin, the official dialect, is understood by all dialect speakers.

We learn a few basic words useful and common Mandarin and phrases that will help you break barriers with your Chinese friends.

How are you? But Ni Hao

Also commonly shorten to Ni Hao.

This will probably be the first Mandarin phrase that you will ever learn. Useful as a greeting or an icebreaker. Suitable for use with all ages and professions.

Thanks Xie Xie.

Another polite term that is easy to remember and use.

Very Good Hen Hao.

This is useful when praise for a job or a job well done. Also useful as a response to those who say "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 response.

Ni Hao Ma? (How are you?)

Bu Hao (No Good)

Hen Gui Very expensive.

When bargaining in the shops, this is the best term to use when driving a hard bargain.

You do not want or No Bu Yao.

This is the best term to use for touts - street vendors that you approach every tourist stop to ask 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 good or beautiful. It can also be used when meeting a pretty girl too!

Taxi De Shi.

De Shi is the correct term, but it should also be understood if you use the English word for Taxi. They play both anyway.

Goodbye or See You Again "Zai Jian.

Well, I think this is another term that is easily understandable, although the English term is used.

Excuse Me Jie Guo.

There is always a crowd in tourist areas. There are so many Chinese who wants to see the same monuments too. Instead of pushing your way through the crowd, using the term Jie Guo may just open the road ahead for you!

He received Piao.

Always ask for the receipt or Fa Piao at the shops or a taxi. This can be useful if you need to complain of fraud or poor quality products. Also useful if you leave behind your bag or camera in the taxi.

I do not want Wo Bu Yao.

Useful when refusing a tout or when offered a drink too many at the table.

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