1. 你好！ (Hello!)
Pinyin: Nǐ hǎo! | Say it like: nee-hao
The all-purpose greeting. Say it when you walk into a hotel, restaurant or convenience store, or before asking a stranger for help — it softens everything instantly.
2. 谢谢！ (Thank you!)
Pinyin: Xièxie! | Say it like: syeh-syeh
When a shop assistant hands you your purchase, a server refills your tea, or a driver helps with your luggage. The second syllable is short and light.
3. 不好意思。 (Excuse me.)
Pinyin: Bù hǎoyìsi. | Say it like: boo-how-yee-suh
When squeezing past someone on the metro, bumping into a person by accident, or trying to catch a server's attention. It is the everyday equivalent of “Excuse me” — softer and more common than 对不起.
4. 能说英语吗？ (Do you speak English?)
Pinyin: Néng shuō Yīngyǔ ma? | Say it like: nung shwor ying-yu ma
Your lifeline when communication breaks down. The 吗 at the end turns a statement into a question. If they shake their head, reach for your translation app.
5. 洗手间在哪？ (Where is the restroom?)
Pinyin: Xǐshǒujiān zài nǎ? | Say it like: shee-show-jyen dzai na
At attractions, malls and metro stations. Public toilets are usually signed 卫生间 or 洗手间 — both mean the same thing.
6. 地铁站在哪？ (Where is the subway station?)
Pinyin: Dìtiě zhàn zài nǎ? | Say it like: dee-tyeh jan dzai na
When changing lines after leaving a station, or when you cannot find the entrance. Swap 地铁站 for 公交站 (bus stop), 入口 (entrance) or 出口 (exit) to ask three more questions with the same pattern.
7. 不要辣。 (No spicy, please.)
Pinyin: Bú yào là. | Say it like: boo yow la
The crucial line when ordering. Sichuan and Hunan cooking loves chilli, so say this upfront if your stomach disagrees. 可以吃辣 means you can handle spice; 少盐 asks for less salt.
9. 这个，多少钱？ (How much is this?)
Pinyin: Zhège, duōshao qián? | Say it like: juh-guh, dwor-shao chyen
In small shops, night markets and souvenir stalls with no price tags. Point at the item as you say 这个. To haggle, follow up with 便宜点？ (Can you lower the price?).
10. 附近有医院吗？ (Is there a hospital nearby?)
Pinyin: Fùjìn yǒu yīyuàn ma? | Say it like: foo-jin yo ee-ywen ma
In a medical emergency. Two similar phrases worth memorising are 附近有警察局吗？ (Is there a police station nearby?) and 请问大使馆怎么走？ (How do I get to the embassy?). In China, dial 110 for police and 120 for an ambulance.
Bonus: decoding what young people say
If you hear 666, 绝了 or 厉害厉害, there is nothing to worry about — all three mean “awesome” or “impressive”. Say 谢谢 back, or give a thumbs up, and you will fit right in.