Learning Chinese can feel overwhelming at first, especially because of the tones, characters, and pronunciation. But the good news is that you don’t need to know thousands of words to start communicating. By mastering a few essential phrases, you can greet people, be polite, ask simple questions, and survive everyday situations. This guide covers the top 10 most common Chinese phrases for beginners, focusing on practical expressions you’ll hear and use every day. Whether you’re traveling to China, studying Mandarin, doing business, or just curious about the language, these beginner Chinese phrases will give you a strong foundation.
1. 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) – Hello
The most famous Chinese phrase is “你好 (Nǐ hǎo),” which simply means “hello.” It’s made of two characters: “你” meaning “you” and “好” meaning “good,” so it literally means “you good.” This is the standard greeting you can use with almost anyone: friends, coworkers, shopkeepers, or strangers. In casual speech, people often shorten it to just “嗨 (Hāi),” which sounds like the English “hi,” but “你好” is always safe and polite. Remember the tones: “nǐ” is third tone (goes down then up) and “hǎo” is also third tone. Getting the tones right makes your greeting sound natural and friendly.
2. 谢谢 (Xiè xiè) – Thank you
“谢谢 (Xiè xiè)” means “thank you” and is one of the most important Chinese phrases for beginners. You’ll use it when someone helps you, gives you something, or shows you kindness. It can be said formally or casually, and you can repeat it more strongly “非常谢谢 (Fēicháng xièxiè)” to mean “thank you very much.” In daily life, Chinese people say “谢谢” often, just like in English. The tone for “xiè” is fourth tone, which is a sharp falling sound. Saying “谢谢” with a smile instantly makes you sound polite and respectful.
3. 不客气 (Bú kè qì) – You’re welcome
When someone thanks you, the most common reply is “不客气 (Bú kè qì),” which means “you’re welcome.” Literally, it means “don’t be polite.” Another common response is “没关系 (Méi guānxi),” meaning “no problem,” but “不客气” is the standard phrase you should learn first. The word “不” usually changes tone when followed by a fourth-tone word, so it becomes “bú” (second tone) instead of “bù.” Using this phrase shows that you understand basic Chinese conversation flow.
4. 对不起 (Duì bù qǐ) – Sorry
“对不起 (Duì bù qǐ)” means “sorry” or “I’m sorry.” You can use it when you make a mistake, bump into someone, or need to get someone’s attention politely, like saying “excuse me.” For very small things, people sometimes just say “不好意思 (Bù hǎo yìsi),” which is softer and more casual, but “对不起” works in almost any situation. The tones are important here: “duì” is fourth tone, “bù” is fourth tone, and “qǐ” is third tone. Saying this phrase correctly shows respect and good manners.
5. 请 (Qǐng) – Please
“请 (Qǐng)” means “please,” and it’s used before making a request. For example, “请坐 (Qǐng zuò)” means “please sit,” and “请给我水 (Qǐng gěi wǒ shuǐ)” means “please give me water.” This single word can make your Chinese sound much more polite. It’s a third-tone word, so your voice should dip and rise slightly. Beginners often forget to use “请,” but adding it will instantly make your sentences sound more natural and friendly.
6. 是 (Shì) – Yes
“是 (Shì)” means “yes,” but it works a little differently than in English. In Chinese, “是” often means “to be” or “to confirm something is correct.” For example, if someone asks, “你是美国人吗? (Nǐ shì Měiguó rén ma?)” meaning “Are you American?” you answer “是的 (Shì de)” for “yes” or “不是 (Bú shì)” for “no.” The tone is fourth tone, a strong falling sound. Understanding how “是” works helps you answer simple questions correctly.
7. 不是 (Bú shì) – No
“不是 (Bú shì)” means “no” in many situations, especially when answering questions with “是.” For example, if someone asks, “你是学生吗? (Nǐ shì xuéshēng ma?)” meaning “Are you a student?” you answer “不是” if you are not. Again, “不” changes to second tone (“bú”) before a fourth-tone word like “是.” This phrase is essential for simple conversations and helps you express basic disagreement or correction.
8. 多少钱? (Duō shǎo qián?) – How much is it?
“多少钱? (Duō shǎo qián?)” means “How much is it?” and is one of the most useful phrases for travelers and shoppers. You can use it in markets, shops, restaurants, or taxis. “多少” means “how many/how much,” and “钱” means “money.” The tones are: “duō” first tone (flat), “shǎo” third tone, and “qián” second tone. Even if you don’t understand the answer fully, people often show you the price on a calculator or with their fingers, making this phrase extremely practical.
9. 我不懂 (Wǒ bù dǒng) – I don’t understand
“我不懂 (Wǒ bù dǒng)” means “I don’t understand.” This is a lifesaver for beginners. When someone speaks too fast or uses words you don’t know, you can say this phrase and they may slow down, repeat, or use simpler words. “我” means “I,” “不” means “not,” and “懂” means “understand.” You can also say “我听不懂 (Wǒ tīng bù dǒng)” to mean “I can’t understand what I hear.” Being honest about not understanding makes communication easier and less stressful.
10. 再见 (Zài jiàn) – Goodbye
“再见 (Zài jiàn)” means “goodbye,” but it literally means “see you again.” You can use it in almost any situation when leaving. For close friends, you might also hear “拜拜 (Bài bài),” which is like saying “bye-bye,” but “再见” is polite and universal. The tones are fourth tone for “zài” and fourth tone for “jiàn,” both sharp falling sounds. Ending conversations with “再见” leaves a friendly and positive impression.
Conclusion
Learning Chinese doesn’t have to be scary or complicated. By focusing on the most common Chinese phrases for beginners, you can start speaking right away. The ten phrases in this guide: 你好, 谢谢, 不客气, 对不起, 请, 是, 不是, 多少钱, 我不懂, and 再见, are the building blocks of everyday conversation. Practice them often, listen carefully, and use them whenever you get the chance. Before you know it, you’ll feel more comfortable hearing and speaking Chinese. And once you master these basics, you’ll be ready to move on to longer sentences and deeper conversations. 再见 and good luck on your Chinese learning journey!