Basics
Greetings and goodbyes
Say hello, goodbye and introduce yourself in any setting.
Basic Chinese phrases
Simple Chinese phrases for your first conversation: greetings, politeness, requests, questions, money and time. Explore topics with pinyin, English meanings and audio.
Basics
Politeness and apologies
Thanks, please, apologies and polite replies.
Basics
Yes, no, agreement
Agree, decline and answer yes or no briefly.
Basics
I don't understand
Ask to repeat and say that you did not understand.
Basics
Requests and basic needs
Ask for help and express basic everyday needs.
Basics
Question words
Who, what, where, when, how much — key question words.
Basics
Money, time, counting
Numbers, prices, time and counting for everyday moments.
Basics
Emergencies
Call for help and explain yourself in an emergency.
Your first phrases for a conversation
Start with a greeting, a thank-you and simple requests. Listen and repeat each phrase aloud. Pinyin shows pronunciation and tones; explore the topics above for more expressions.
你好
nǐ hǎo
Hello
A neutral greeting when meeting someone.
More phrases on this topic谢谢
xièxie
Thank you
Thank someone for their help or a service.
More phrases on this topic对不起
duìbuqǐ
I’m sorry
Apologize for a mistake or inconvenience.
More phrases on this topic听不懂
tīng bù dǒng
I don’t understand what I’m hearing
Say that you did not understand what someone said.
More phrases on this topic请帮我
qǐng bāng wǒ
Please help me
Ask for help in an everyday situation.
More phrases on this topic多少钱？
duōshao qián?
How much does it cost?
Ask the price while pointing to an item.
More phrases on this topic
Ready for a specific conversation? Phrases by situation
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Learn Chinese with spaced repetition
Words, grammar, dialogues and situations in one app with smart reviews and audio.