10 Mandarin Phrases You Need Know Before You Visit East Asia

With over one billion of the world’s population being fluent in Mandarin Chinese, it is no surprise that it is the most popular language in the world. Mandarin Chinese is the official language of the People’s Republic of China; it is also spoken in other East Asian countries that include Singapore, Malaysia, and countries that have a Chinese diaspora.

If you are not a native Mandarin speaker, or if you haven’t learned the language, a trip to East Asia would be a waste for you without the best Chinese interpreter service. But even with a translator/interpreter, there are certain Mandarin Chinese phrases that you would do well to know before visiting East Asia.

1. Ni Hao

Simply translated as ‘Hello’ in English, this is the basic greeting in Mandarin.

2. Xiexie

This means ‘Thank-you’. You do not want to be leaving your manners and courtesy at home. Practice saying ‘xiexie’ so you can thank the people for their help, kindness, and hospitality.

3. Zaijian

They say that goodbyes are always difficult; even if this isn’t the case for you, ‘zaijian’ is how you say goodbye in Mandarin Chinese.

4. Dou Shao Qian?

This particular phrase will prove to be quite handy when you are out shopping or surveying a market place. It translates to ‘How much?’ in English.

5. Nǐ Zhēn Niú!

Everybody likes a little appreciation. ‘Nǐ Zhēn Niú!’ is how you say ‘You are outstanding’ in Mandarin.

6. Dui

This little word is used to express affirmation of any sort. For example: ‘Yes’, ‘Agreed’, or ‘You are right.’

7. Yìqǐ Chīfàn, Wǒ Qǐngkè

Translated to English, this simply means ‘Let’s go and eat, it’s going to be my treat’. It is always a good gesture to take your hosts out for a meal.

8. Yǒu Yuán Qiānlǐ Lái Xiānghuì

Chinese are known to have a poetic nature, so instead of simply saying ‘We had to meet some day’, say ‘Yǒu yuán qiānlǐ lái xiānghuì’, which means ‘We have the destiny to meet across a thousand miles.'

9. Méi Bànfǎ, Rén Tàiduō

Means ‘There's nothing you can do, there is just too many people’. You can always find a use for this phrase when in East Asia.

10. Wā! Zhōngguó De Biànhuà Hǎo Dà! Zhēnshì Fāntiān Fùdì!

Impress your hosts in China by saying ‘Wow! China has changed so much; it’s like heaven and earth have traded places’.

If you are on a business deputation to the East Asia and have content that needs translation from English to Mandarin, you need to hire good English to Chinese translation service. Consider Limpid Translations to help you in this regard; they offer top-notch English translation to Mandarin.