7 phrases to know for your trip to China

Have you travelled to Asia on holiday or business? If the answer is yes, you're in good company. Every month, more than 60 thousand Australians make the trip to China, according to the China National Tourism Administration. 

Whether you've been across the ocean for your organisation numerous times, or you're about to embark for the very first time, you'll want to make sure you're prepared. After all, there is more to a successful trip than finding the best car parking at Melbourne airport.

Here are seven phrases you'll definitely want to know before getting on the plane:

Do you know how to say hello?Do you know how to say hello?

1. Hello

Ni hao – pronounced nee how – is one of the most common ways to greet another person. You can take it to the next level and ask someone how they are by saying ni hao ma (pronounced nee how mah)

2. Thank you

Staying polite is very important on a trip to China, so make sure you say thank you, or Xie xie – pronounced she-ay she-ay – when applicable!

3. I'm sorry

Whether you want to apologise for not understanding, or you bumped into someone on the street, dui bu qi (dway boo chee) is what you should say. But, it's a more versatile phrase than one of apology – you can also use it to ask someone to repeat what they said. 

Get to where you need to with the basic phrases.Get where you need to with the basic phrases.

4. Where is the toilet?

When nature calls, you want to know how to ask where to go. Cesu, or tser-swor, is the word you'll want to use. It's the most common way to refer to a public toilet, so there won't be any misunderstandings if you say it. 

5. How much money?

Du shao qian – spoken dwor shaow chyen – is one of the phrases you'll want to use when you go bargain hunting. Since the Chinese are great barterers, you might also want to throw in tai giu (tie gway), which means it's too expensive. 

Whoever you're dealing with will know, you're not going to simply pay whatever they demand.

6. I want to go to…

Useful for when you're buying a train ticket or so, wo xiang qu (pronounced wor shyang chyoo) is what you need to say before the name of your destination. 

7. Goodbye 

Last but not least, it's helpful to be able to  say goodbye. Zai jian, spoken zye jeeyen, is what you'll want to learn. 

However many times you have been to China, travelling is an exciting experience. Make your next trip even better and life easier by booking in with Pacific Airport Parking! 

Share.