25 Must-Know Chinese Phrases to Help You Sound Cool and Confident

Are you looking to learn some Chinese phrases that’ll make you stand out, whether you’re traveling to China or just impressing your friends? You’re in the right place! Mandarin can be tricky at first, but with a few key phrases, you’ll feel confident navigating conversations, social settings, and even ordering your favorite bubble tea. Whether you’re just starting out or need to brush up, here are 25 essential Chinese phrases that will help you sound like a pro.

1. 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) – “Hello”

We’ve got to start with the basics. 你好 is the standard way to say “hello” in Mandarin. It’s simple and works in any situation!

• Pro Tip: Use 您好 (nín hǎo) when speaking to elders or in more formal situations.

• Social Example:
  "First day in China, and all I’m saying is 你好 to everyone!"

2. 谢谢 (Xièxie) – “Thank You”

Politeness goes a long way, and 谢谢 is the phrase you need for “thank you.” From getting directions to ordering food, a simple 谢谢 will always be appreciated.

• Pro Tip: Pair it with 谢谢你 (xièxie nǐ) for a more heartfelt "Thank you."

3. 不客气 (Bù kèqi) – “You’re Welcome”

Whenever someone thanks you, respond with 不客气, which means “You’re welcome” or “Don’t mention it.” It’s the polite and common response in Mandarin.

• Social Example:
  "Just helped a local with directions, and hit them with a quick 不客气."

4. 对不起 (Duìbuqǐ) – “Sorry”

When you need to apologize, 对不起 is your go-to phrase. It’s polite and shows that you recognize your mistake.

• Pro Tip: For less formal situations, you can say 不好意思 (bù hǎo yìsi), which is more like saying “Excuse me” or “Oops.”

5. 没关系 (Méi guānxi) – “It’s Okay”

If someone apologizes to you or makes a small mistake, respond with 没关系 to say “It’s okay” or “No worries.” It’s the easiest way to show you’re cool with the situation.

6. 我不会说中文 (Wǒ bù huì shuō zhōngwén) – “I Don’t Speak Chinese”

A lifesaver for beginners! If someone starts talking too quickly in Mandarin, you can politely let them know with 我不会说中文, meaning “I don’t speak Chinese.”

• Pro Tip: Ask 你会说英文吗? (Nǐ huì shuō yīngwén ma?) to see if they speak English.

7. 厕所在哪儿? (Cèsuǒ zài nǎr?) – “Where Is the Bathroom?”

An absolute must-know phrase for any traveler. Asking for the restroom is easy when you’ve got 厕所在哪儿 in your back pocket.

• Social Example:
  "First thing I learned in Mandarin—where’s the bathroom? 厕所在哪儿!"

8. 我不知道 (Wǒ bù zhīdào) – “I Don’t Know”

If you’re ever stuck or unsure, simply say 我不知道 to let others know you don’t have the answer. It’s a quick, polite way to respond.

9. 请问 (Qǐngwèn) – “Excuse Me, May I Ask…”

When you need to get someone’s attention politely, start your question with 请问. It’s like saying, “Excuse me, may I ask...”

10. 多少钱? (Duōshǎo qián?) – “How Much?”

If you’re shopping or checking prices, 多少钱 is what you’ll need to ask “How much?” Don’t forget to bargain in local markets!

• Pro Tip: Try 可以便宜点吗? (Kěyǐ piányí diǎn ma?), meaning “Can it be cheaper?” when negotiating prices.

11. 我要这个 (Wǒ yào zhège) – “I Want This”

When pointing to something you want to buy or order, say 我要这个 to communicate “I want this.” It’s direct and easy!

12. 可以吗? (Kěyǐ ma?) – “Is It Okay?”

If you’re unsure if something is allowed or want to check if your request is okay, use 可以吗 to ask for permission.

13. 好的 (Hǎo de) – “Okay”

好的 is the perfect response for saying “Okay” in any conversation. Whether you’re confirming plans or just agreeing, it works in almost every situation.

• Social Example:
  "Made some new friends today, and it’s all 好的 from here."

14. 太贵了 (Tài guì le) – “Too Expensive”

When you find something that’s out of your budget, let the seller know by saying 太贵了—“That’s too expensive.” Perfect for bargaining!

15. 很好 (Hěn hǎo) – “Very Good”

If you’re impressed by something or someone’s work, say 很好 to mean “very good” or “well done.” It’s great for compliments!

16. 我们走吧 (Wǒmen zǒu ba) – “Let’s Go!”

Ready to leave with your friends? 我们走吧 means “Let’s go!” It’s ideal for rallying your squad and heading out.

• Social Example:
  "Done with sightseeing. 我们走吧 to the next spot!"

17. 好吃 (Hǎo chī) – “Delicious”

If you’re eating something amazing, let everyone know by saying 好吃. It’s the perfect way to compliment any meal.

• Social Example:
  "Tried street food today in Shanghai... 好吃! "

18. 加油! (Jiā yóu!) – “You Can Do It!”

加油 is your all-purpose phrase for cheering someone on. It’s like saying “Go for it!” or “Keep going!” Perfect for motivation.

• Social Example:
  "Big test tomorrow. 加油, everyone! "

19. 明天 (Míngtiān) – “Tomorrow”

Use 明天 to talk about anything happening “tomorrow.” You can pair it with other time words like 今天 (jīntiān) for “today” and 昨天 (zuótiān) for “yesterday.”

20. 我不知道 (Wǒ bù zhīdào) – “I Don’t Know”

When in doubt, simply say 我不知道 to communicate “I don’t know.” It’s a helpful phrase for when you’re unsure of the answer.

21. 我爱你 (Wǒ ài nǐ) – “I Love You”

Ready to impress someone special? 我爱你 is the phrase for saying “I love you” in Mandarin.

• Pro Tip: For a softer approach, you can say 我喜欢你 (Wǒ xǐhuān nǐ), which means “I like you.”

22. 请帮我 (Qǐng bāng wǒ) – “Please Help Me”

If you need assistance, don’t be afraid to say 请帮我 to ask for help. It’s simple and polite.

23. 太好了! (Tài hǎo le!) – “That’s Great!”

Express excitement or approval by saying 太好了! It’s like saying “That’s awesome!” or “Great!”

• Social Example:
  "Just nailed that presentation... 太好了!"

24. 我明白了 (Wǒ míngbái le) – “I Understand”

When you finally get what someone’s saying, let them know by saying 我明白了. It’s a nice way to confirm understanding.

25. 快点 (Kuài diǎn) – “Hurry Up!”

In a rush? Use 快点 to tell someone to hurry up! It’s a great phrase for getting people to move faster.

Key Takeaways for Learning Chinese Phrases

Mastering these Chinese phrases will help you navigate daily life in China with confidence. Whether you’re asking for directions, ordering food, or just making small talk, these phrases will ensure you can handle any situation like a local. Not only will you impress your friends, but you’ll also feel more connected to the Mandarin-speaking world. Happy learning!

By using phrases like 你好 (hello), 谢谢 (thank you), and 加油 (you can do it), you’ll sound like a true pro in no time. Ready to put your new knowledge to the test? Start practicing these phrases today!