Language Survival Kit
10 essential phrases + translation apps. You'll be fine.
10 Essential Phrases
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | When to use | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hello | 你好 | Nǐ hǎo | Greeting | |
| Thank you | 谢谢 | Xiè xiè | Gratitude | |
| How much? | 多少钱？ | Duō shǎo qián? | Shopping | |
| No chili | 不要辣 | Bù yào là | Ordering food | |
| Where is the toilet? | 厕所在哪里？ | Cè suǒ zài nǎ lǐ? | Emergency | |
| I need help | 我需要帮助 | Wǒ xū yào bāng zhù | Emergency | |
| I don't understand | 我不懂 | Wǒ bù dǒng | General | |
| Too expensive! | 太贵了！ | Tài guì le! | Bargaining | |
| Check please | 买单 | Mǎi dān | Restaurant | |
| Help! | 救命！ | Jiù mìng! | Real emergency |
Best Translation Apps
Google Translate
Best for
Camera translation (menus, signs)
Offline
✅ Yes
Tip
Screenshot menu → open in Google Translate
Baidu Translate
Best for
Chinese → English accuracy
Offline
✅ Yes
Tip
Better at Chinese idioms than Google
Papago
Best for
Korean / Japanese speakers
Offline
✅ Yes
Tip
Best choice if your native language is Korean or Japanese