How to Overcome Language Barriers in China: Basic Chinese

If you don't know Chinese, this guide will help you get around. It includes important Mandarin phrases, ways to talk to people, language apps, translation tools, and tips on how to use body language and movements. 

Basic Chinese Phrases for Travelers 💬

Many people have trouble communicating in China because they don’t know the language. Tourism there is interesting and fun. Mandarin is what most Chinese people speak. Even though English is becoming more common in towns, not many people still speak it in many places.

Learn a few easy Mandarin words before you go to China. It will make your trip a lot more fun. Here are some important words to get you going:

Chinese Greetings and Polite Expressions

• Hello: 你好 (nǐ hǎo)
• Thank you: 谢谢 (xièxiè)
• Yes: 是的 (shì de)
• No: 不是 (bú shì)
• Excuse me/Sorry: 对不起 (duì bù qǐ)
• Please: 请 (qǐng)
• Good night: 晚安 (wǎn ān)

Directions and Transportation

• Where is…?: …在哪里? (…zài nǎ lǐ?)
• How much?: 多少钱? (duō shǎo qián?)
• Taxi: 出租车 (chū zū chē)
• Bus: 公交车 (gōng jiāo chē)
• Train: 火车 (huǒ chē)
• Subway: 地铁 (dì tiě)

Dining and Shopping

• I want this: 我要这个 (wǒ yào zhè ge)
• How much is this?: 这个多少钱? (zhè ge duō shǎo qián?)
• Menu: 菜单 (cài dān)
• Bill, please: 买单 (mǎi dān)
• Water: 水 (shuǐ)
• Tea: 茶 (chá)

Tips for Effective Communication

Slow down and be clear.

When you speak English, be sure to use simple words and sentences and speak slowly and clearly. This can help the person understand you better, even if they don’t speak English very well.

Use pictures and graphs.

Remember to bring a notepad and pen with you so you can draw or write down important things. This can help a lot when you need to ask for information or explain something hard.

Get to Know Key Characters

Learn a few important Chinese characters that you will see a lot on tables and signs. This can help you learn basic things and find your way around public transportation.

Pinyin should be used.

Pinyin is a way to write Chinese characters in Roman script based on how they are spoken. You can read street signs, restaurants, and other written materials that have both characters and Pinyin if you learn it. This helps a lot when talking from English to Chinese.

Language Apps and Translation Tools

Technology can be a lifesaver when dealing with language barriers. Here are some recommended language apps and translation tools:

Google Translate

Pleco

Baidu Translate

Using Hand Signs and Body Language

When people don’t speak the same language, body language can be very helpful. Here are some good ways to use movements and body language:

Simple Hand Signs 🫋🏻

Pointing: You can get your point across without speaking by pointing to things or directions.

When you nod or shake your head, you’re saying “yes” or “no,” which we all understand.

Expressions on the Face 😄

😊Smiling: A smile can say a lot about how friendly you are and make a good impression.

If you don’t understand something, showing that you’re confused can help the other person try to explain it in a different way.

👋 Hand Signs

Numbers: Knowing how to show numbers with your hands can help you when you’re shopping or haggling over prices. To give an example, one finger means “one,” two fingers means “two,” and so on.

👍Thumbs Up: A thumbs up usually means that you agree or that everything is fine.

People who are traveling often find that simple Mandarin phrases, translation apps, and body language can help them communicate. For instance, a traveler could use Google Translate to ask for directions and then point and gesture to make their way clear.

Why guided tours are a good idea with China Explorer Tour

Going on a trip with a local guide is one of the best ways to get around language problems. When you book a tour with China Explorer Tour, one of our expert guides will speak both Mandarin and English. We can help you translate, give you information about the country, and make sure your trip goes smoothly and is fun. You won’t have to worry about not being able to speak the language if you have a guide with you.

Discover Beyond the Classic China

While the language barrier can be a challenge when traveling in China, there are many strategies and tools available to help you communicate effectively. Learning basic Mandarin phrases, using language apps, and employing body language can greatly enhance your travel experience.

Additionally, traveling with China Explorer Tour ensures that you have a knowledgeable guide to assist with any communication needs. By following these tips, you can overcome language barriers and fully enjoy your adventure in China.

At China Explorer Tour, we believe that travel is about more than just checking off famous attractions from a list. That’s why our meticulously crafted itineraries are designed to take you beyond the surface and immerse you in the authentic culture and traditions of China. While our tours include all the must-see sights, we also pride ourselves on uncovering hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations that offer a deeper understanding of the local way of life. Whether it’s dining with a local family, exploring traditional markets, or participating in cultural workshops, we invite you to embark on a journey of discovery that will transform your travel experience.