Everyday Spoken Chinese

Hello (standard, to anyone)

Tip: nǐ hǎo — Safe standard hello for strangers, shops and new people.

How have you been? / How's it going?

Tip: zuìjìn zěnmeyàng? — Friendly check-in with someone you already know.

I'm good / I've been well

Tip: tǐng hǎo de — The usual reply — then ask them back.

Thanks!

Tip: xièxie! — Everyday thanks for friends and small favours.

You're welcome / Not at all

Tip: bú kèqi — Light, modest reply when someone thanks you.

Sorry! (small things)

Tip: bù hǎoyìsi! — Quick sorry for small things, like bumping into someone.

Excuse me! (to get attention)

Tip: nǐ hǎo, qǐngwèn yíxià — Get attention: call a waiter or stop someone in the street.

Could you say that again, please?

Tip: nǐ néng zài shuō yí biàn ma? — When you didn't catch something. Say it with a smile.

Could you speak a bit more slowly?

Tip: néng shuō màn yìdiǎn ma? — Natives talk fast — this one is a lifesaver.

I don't really understand

Tip: wǒ bú tài míngbai — Honest, polite way to say you're lost in the conversation.

Really?! / No way!

Tip: zhēn de jiǎ de? — Surprised reaction to news — very common among friends.

Great! / Nice!

Tip: tài hǎo le! — Happy reaction to good news or a good idea.

Exactly / Right (agreeing)

Tip: duì duì duì — Shows you agree while the other person is talking.

No thanks, I'm fine

Tip: bú yòng le, xièxie — Polite way to turn down an offer: a bag, more food, help.

Um… / Well… (thinking)

Tip: ńg… nàge… — Filler that buys you time while you think.

This one, please

Tip: wǒ yào zhège — Point at what you want in a shop or café.

How much is it?

Tip: duōshao qián? — Ask the price at a shop, market or stall.

Can I pay? / The bill, please

Tip: mǎidān! — Tell the staff you're ready to pay.

Just a sec / Wait a moment

Tip: děng yíxià — Ask someone to hold on a moment.

Bye! / See you!

Tip: báibái! — Casual goodbye to friends.