We think it is really important to learn Chinese if you intend to spend any time in China. Ideally, you should spend some time studying Chinese either in a class or online before you come. Here are a few resources that we recommend:
- chinesepod.com – One of the most popular learning Chinese podcasts in the world.
- italki.com – A popular social network for finding language partners in China
Survival Chinese
In case you don’t have any time to study, here is a list of survival phrases that may come in helpful when you come to China.
Hello 你好 (knee-how)
Goodbye 再见 (zigh-jee-an)
I want to go to….. 我要去 (whoa yow choo)
Hospital 医院 (eee-yoo-ann)
Police 公安 (gong-ahn)
Metro Station 地铁站 (dee-tee-ehh-john)
Turn Right 右拐 (yo-gwai)
Turn Left左拐 (yo-gwai)
Keep going straight (eee-zherr-zough)
Make a U-Turn (dee-ow-toe)
Stop 停 (ting!)
Excuse Me/Oops 不好意思 (boo-how-eee-suh)
I’m Sorry 对不起 (dway-boo-chee)
Too expensive 太贵 (tie-gway)
Can you go cheaper? 你能不能便宜一点？ (knee nung boo nung pee ann eee eee dee ann?)