Although you can pretty much get by with English in most cities and tourist attractions, having a few Chinese phrases up your sleeve enables you to have more meaningful interactions with local people. Here are a few basic phrases:
1. Hello
Nǐ hǎo 你好
2. Thank you
Xiè xiè 谢谢
3. Where is the bathroom?
Xǐshǒu jiān zài nǎ? 洗手间在哪？
Note that "在哪" （zài nǎ） means “where is”. You can use this phrase to ask where things are.
4. Can I have the bill?
Mǎi dān 买单
Once you’ve eaten your meal in China, it can be hard getting the attention of staff so you can settle the bill. All you need to say is ‘give me the bill’ in Chinese – loudly – and the waiter or waitress will drop it off to you quickly.
Isn't it amazing that these two simple syllables can replace a whole phrase in English?
5. No chili
Bù yào là 不要辣
Some regions in China are famous for hot food. If you are not used to it, learn this phrase to avoid burning your tongue!
6. How much?
Duō shǎo qián 多少钱
If you want to have a fun shopping experience with vendors in the street markets instead of standardised supermarkets, you will be using this phrase a lot.
Do greet older people first. It’s proper to greet the eldest person in a group first, and to address adults by their titles if they’re professionals or government officials, or by Mr., Mrs., or Miss, plus their family names. It’s important to note that married women retain their maiden names.
Don’t stick your chopsticks upright into your food while pausing during a meal. This resembles incense, which is what many people use to pray for the dead. Bad juju.
Do feel free to bring your bowl up to your mouth, slurp or even burp loudly when you eat. This shows your appreciation for the food.
Do take your shoes off before entering someone’s home. Most homes will have guest slippers — slip those on instead.
Don't go straight for a hug. Especially when meeting someone for the first time. Physical contact, apart from a simple handshake, may make your new Chinese friends feel uncomfortable.
Do present and receive things with both hands. This is considered polite in Chinese culture.
Do be a good sport. If you visit China and look like a foreigner, it is quite common for people on the street to express an interest in you. They may even ask to take a picture with you. Regardless of whether you agree you look like Jennifer Lawrence or not, say, thank you; smile; and enjoy your trip.
Don't overreact when a local asks personal questions. What might be regarded as a personal question in your country could be a perfectly normal, and valid question in China. Don't act shocked if your new friends start asking you questions regarding your marital status, family, age, job or income – they're asking such questions in an attempt to seek common ground and start or keep the conversation going.
Don't be too sensitive about your personal space. China is a heavily populated country. You should expect to spend a good deal of time rubbing elbows, especially on public transportation and in tourist areas. Also, do not be offended if people stand very close to you during social exchanges. This is a cultural norm and in no way meant to be rude. Because there is so little extra space, Chinese people rarely apologize when they accidentally collide with you. It happens frequently, so they are accustomed to simply moving on without taking offense.
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