Free Chinese (Mandarin) Phrase Bank
Mandarin tones are non-negotiable — say the wrong tone and you’ve ordered a horse instead of mother. These phrases include tone hints so you don’t accidentally insult anyone while ordering dumplings in Shanghai.
Arrival
你好
nǐ hǎo
nee HOW (3rd-3rd tone)
Hello
我第一次来
wǒ dì yī cì lái
wuh DEE-ee tsuh LYE
It’s my first time here
Dining
请给我这个
qǐng gěi wǒ zhè ge
ching gay wuh juh guh
Please give me this one
很好吃
hěn hǎo chī
hun how chir
It’s very tasty
买单
mǎi dān
my dahn
The check, please
Courtesy & Politeness
非常感谢
fēicháng gǎnxiè
fay-chahng gahn-SHYEH
Thank you very much
不好意思
bù hǎoyìsi
boo how-EE-suh
Excuse me / Sorry to bother
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