Essential Mandarin Phrases for American Travelers

Traveling to China or another Mandarin-speaking region is an incredible experience, filled with ancient traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. While many people in major cities may speak some English, learning a few basic Mandarin phrases can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. Impress the locals and immerse yourself in the culture with these essential Mandarin phrases.

Visiting a new country and culture can be challenging, especially when navigating a different language. With this essential phrase list, we will provide the top 10 most common Mandarin phrases and how to pronounce them so you don’t feel like a tourist.

Top 10 Essential Mandarin Phrases

Hello - 你好 (Nǐ hǎo)

Goodbye - 再见 (Zàijiàn)

Thank you very much - 谢谢 (Xièxiè)

Excuse me / I'm sorry - 对不起 (Duìbuqǐ)

Yes - 是的 (Shì de)

No - 不是 (Bù shì)

Please - 请 (Qǐng)

How much does this cost? - 这个多少钱？(Zhège duōshǎo qián?)

Where is the train station? - 火车站在哪里？(Huǒchē zhàn zài nǎlǐ?)

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

In addition to learning essential phrases, having Google Translate on hand can be a game-changer. Gone are the days of flipping through dictionaries and phrasebooks—now you can simply use your phone to get instant translations and even hear pronunciations.

Another essential travel companion? Travel insurance and assistance services. Whether you’re venturing to China, Taiwan, or another Mandarin-speaking region, Generali Global Assistance helps provides invaluable peace of mind. Generali Global Assistance can help protect your investment if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip or if an unexpected illness or injury arises. Plus, with 24/7 Travel Assistance included in all plans, you’ll have access to interpretation in major languages or referrals to translation services when you need them most.