Language Helper
Essential Chinese Phrases
Learn key phrases with pinyin pronunciation to help you communicate during your Yunnan adventure
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Translation Apps
Google Translate and Pleco work offline - download Chinese language pack before your trip
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Written Chinese
Having addresses and destinations written in Chinese characters is very helpful
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Be Patient
Locals appreciate any effort to speak Chinese - don't be shy to try!
Basics Phrases
Hello
你好
Nǐ hǎo
Thank you
谢谢
Xièxiè
Excuse me / Sorry
对不起
Duìbùqǐ
Yes / No
是 / 不是
Shì / Bù shì
I don't understand
我不明白
Wǒ bù míngbái
Do you speak English?
你会说英语吗?
Nǐ huì shuō yīngyǔ ma?
How much?
多少钱?
Duōshǎo qián?
Where is...?
...在哪里?
...zài nǎlǐ?
Pronunciation Tips
Tones Matter!
Chinese is a tonal language with 4 main tones + neutral:
- • First (ā): High, level pitch
- • Second (á): Rising pitch
- • Third (ǎ): Falling then rising
- • Fourth (à): Falling pitch
Tip: Listen carefully and try to mimic the tone patterns
Common Sounds
- • Q: Like "ch" in "cheese"
- • X: Like "sh" in "she"
- • Zh: Like "j" in "judge"
- • R: Like "r" with tongue curled back
- • C: Like "ts" in "cats"
Practice makes perfect - locals will appreciate your effort!
Download Our Phrasebook
Get the complete offline phrasebook with audio pronunciations for all phrases