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Take This Basic Language Guide with You When Eating in China

While traveling in China, knowing a few key phrases can go a long way in making your dining experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s a quick guide to essential phrases that’ll help you navigate restaurants, make payments, and engage with locals.

Basic Phrases

  • Hello: 你好 (Nǐ hǎo)
  • Thank you: 谢谢 (Xièxiè)
  • You’re welcome:不客气 (Bù kèqì)
  • Sorry: 对不起 (Duìbùqǐ)
  • Goodbye: 再见 (Zàijiàn)
  • Wait a moment: 等一下 (Děng yíxià)
  • Where: 哪里 (Nǎlǐ)
  • Yes: 是的 (Shì de)
  • No: 不是 (Bù shì)
  • Where is the restroom?: 厕所在哪里？(Cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?)
  • I don’t understand: 我不懂 (Wǒ bù dǒng)
  • Do you speak English?: 你会说英语吗？(Nǐ huì shuō Yīngyǔ ma?)
  • I’m looking for…: 我在找… (Wǒ zài zhǎo…)
  • Can I take a photo?: 我可以拍照吗? (Wǒ kěyǐ pāizhào ma?)

Chinese is a tonal language, so a slight change in tone can alter a word’s meaning. But don’t worry—locals will appreciate your effort even if you don’t get it perfect! Pointing to phrases in this guide can also help avoid confusion.

Dining Phrases

I want…: 我要… (Wǒ yào…) 

I don’t want…: 我不要… (Wǒ bù yào…) 

I’m allergic to…: 我对…过敏 (Wǒ duì… guòmǐn)

  • Cold: 冷 (Lěng)
  • Hot: 热 (Rè)
  • Ice: 冰 (Bīng) – helpful for beer!
  • Water: 水 (Shuǐ)
  • Coffee: 咖啡 (Kā fēi)
  • Milk: 牛奶 (Niú nǎi)
  • Tea: 茶 (Chá)
  • Beer: 啤酒 (Pí jiǔ)
  • Juice: 果汁 (Guǒ zhī)
  • Soda Water: 苏打水 (Sū dǎ shuǐ)
  • Spicy: 辣 (Là)
  • Non-spicy: 不辣 (Bù là)
  • Chili: 辣椒 (Là jiāo)
  • Noodles: 面条 (Miàn tiáo)
  • Rice: 米饭 (Mǐ fàn)
  • Dry: 干 (Gān)
  • Soup: 汤 (Tāng)
  • Vegan: 纯素 (Chún sù)
  • Vegetarian: 素食 (Sù shí)
  • Halal: 清真 (Qīng zhēn)
  • Gluten-Free: 无麸质 (Wú fū zhì
  • Nuts: 坚果 (Jiān guǒ)
  • Seafood: 海鲜 (Hǎi xiān)
  • Crustaceans: 甲壳类 (Jiǎ ké lèi)
  • Beef: 牛肉 (Niú ròu)
  • Chicken: 鸡肉 (Jī ròu)
  • Pork: 猪肉 (Zhū ròu)
  • Lamb: 羊肉 (Yáng ròu)
  • Fish: 鱼 (Yú)
  • Prawn: 虾 (Xiā)
  • Coriander: 香菜 (Xiāng cài)
  • Green onion: 葱 (Cōng)
  • Ginger: 姜 (Jiāng)
  • Garlic: 蒜 (Suàn)
  • Menu: 菜单 (Cài dān)
  • Bill: 账单 (Zhàng dān)

Pointing to the phrases in this guide can help you quickly communicate your needs, especially if you’re unsure of pronunciation. Keep it handy when ordering!

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