A Guidebook to China

  中 ( zhōng ) 国 ( guó )

China Highlights Travel has prepared this handbook to assist those people on their travels in China who want to be able to communicate with local Chinese people who cannot speak English.

11, Bin Jiang Road, Guilin 541002, China     Tel. (0773) 2810927           Fax: (0773) 2827424/2885308

 Some Important hints

 Tipping

 Tipping or gratuities are not common practice in most sectors of Chinese life, although it has become the norm to tip the tour guide and driver, hotel bellboy in recognition of their good service. It is not customary to leave tips at local restaurants.

 China Highlights does not include tips in our quoted the tour price. We suggest RMB 40 ($5) to RMB 100 ($10) per adult guest per day as a tip for tour guide and RMB 25 $3 to RMB 65 $8 to the driver and about RMB 10 $2 for hotel bellboys when traveling in a small party of 2 to 5 members.

For example a tour party of 2 staying in Beijing for 3 nights, could tip the guide RMB 120 (US$15) to RMB 240 (US$30) each per adult – RMB 240 (US$ 30) to RMB 480 (US$ 60) in total. We suggest tours that include biking, hiking, rafting and other active adventure tours should be double.

 Please feel free to tip according to the performance of the guide and driver. We appreciate your feedback regarding their work as they are our front line.

Cultural Issues

 Do not compare Western culture with Chinese culture. The Chinese people are very proud of their ancient heritage. Many customs will be very different to Western cultures. It is necessary to be sensitive to these cultural differences.

Dining in China

Food has a special meaning to the Chinese people. Go ahead and try out all the different specialties of every region.

l         Most restaurants provide tea free of charge.

l         Cutlery can be ordered if wished. .

l         Tipping is not expected.

Do you want to venture out from the tourist area to eat where the locals eat? We have prepared menus in Chinese and English that will give you freedom to escape the hotels or the tourist beat. Click here to go to our download page.

Taking a taxi

Taking a taxi is the most comfortable, easiest and most secure way of getting around. There are many taxis in cities large and small. Simply wave your hand and a taxi will stop for you. Prices vary by city but are usually very cheap. The meter should always be activated. You can order a taxi from your hotel and ask the concierge to write down your destination on a card. Pay the driver upon arrival. Tipping is not the custom.

Taking pictures in China

There is no problem in taking photo’s in most areas. Please refrain from taking pictures of the police and government officials. At some tourist areas you may have to pay for the privilege of taking a photo.

 Dress Code

Smart casual and modest

Bathrooms

 Western Toilets are not generally available outside hotels and airports anywhere in China. Toilet paper is not supplied. Tissues are available for purchase almost everywhere and are inexpensive. It is wise to always carry a supply.

 Using the telephone

 Phone booths are rare in China. You can use a public phone at most kiosks instead. Cellular phones from other countries work in China. These calls can be expensive so it would be wise to talk to you local provider before leaving your home country. Hotel phones can be very expensive.

l        Phone calls – International phone calls can be made from most hotels but please be aware that that the call rates may be expensive.

Many mobile phones  have global roaming which will allow calls to be made as if you are at home. Please check your phone service provider to obtain call rates.

Yangtze River cruises use satellite phone for communications.

To make an international call from China please use the following procedure:-

e.g. to dial USA      00 (to get an international line) 1 (country code)

  (then area code without any zeros)(then ph number)

                                                                          00      1          215  999 9999

                        To Holland                    00      31        66        333 3333

            Domestic calls          0773   999 9999

                                                             (area code) (phone number)

Email facilities are available in most hotels and many have internet connections in the rooms. Internet cafes are plentiful and inexpensive in China

 Shopping in China

Some Tips:

Most travelers want to take home some bargains or mementos. With so many options available, shopping can be time-consuming, confusing and exhausting. The following tips may make it easier for you:

1. Don’t buy everything in the first day or two.  Each city has its own specialty.  Some of the best buys are: 

Beijing:  Cloisonné; Fresh water pearls 

Xian:  Replicas of the Terra Cotta soldiers; Tangsancai ( Tang Dynasty hand painted China); Antique Furniture

Shanghai:  Silk carpets

Hangzhou:  Longjing Tea; Silk

Suzhou:  The home of Chinese silk

Guilin :  Scroll paintings; China Southern Sea Pearls

Yunnan :  Mounted Butterflies; Pure tea; Dali Batik (tie-dyed fabric)

Xinjiang :  Carpets; jade articles

Tibet :  Thang-ka（tanka）(Sheep skin wall hangings)

2.  Don’t feel obligated to shop. Our guides offer shopping opportunities as a courtesy but if you’re not interested, say so.  Some of them may be quite enthusiastic, thinking this is what you want, so don’t be embarrassed to tell them directly and immediately that you don’t want to go shopping.

You’ll often find several attendants trying to help you make a purchase. This doesn’t mean you have to buy; it’s OK to say no, or just to look.

3. A few facts

Shopping is great in China and you can expect to be able to buy many things at a much better price that at home. Please however be warned that if a bargain price for a world famous brand seems too good to be true…….. it probably is!

Antique buyers should know that many experts have been disappointed to find that their find of a lifetime is beautiful but fake. Antiques should be officially certified to be exported legally. The penalties are severe. Keep all receipts, certificates and official documents that are received when you purchase any antiques. Antiques are those item over 120 years of age.

Bargaining is a national pastime in China so you will find that most retailers except for department stores will be prepared to bargain.

Check the sizing on all clothes purchased.

You should check the import restrictions in your home country as some items may attract tax on arrival in your home country, especially if it is mailed or shipped separately.

Keep your belongings safe!

China is regarded as a safe place to travel but it is always wise to follow normal precautions. Petty theft is on the rise so please be conscious of your valuables in crowds and in public places. Do not carry valuables in backpacks or leave your luggage unprotected.

Airline Luggage Allowances

Carry-on baggage

The maximum Carry-on baggage allowance for each economy class passenger is 5kg. First class passengers can have 2 pieces of carry on luggage. All other passengers can carry on only one piece. The size may not exceed 20x40x55cm. Carry on baggage in excess of the limit is subject to an excess baggage fee and must be carried as checked baggage.

Check-in Baggage

Adults and children are entitled to a free checked baggage allowance of 40kg, for first class, 30kg, for business class, and 20kg, for economy class while traveling on domestic airlines in China. No free baggage allowance is granted to infants.

Groups traveling together are able to combine their baggage allowance if they check in together

Prohibited Items

The following items are prohibited and cannot be carried in checked or carry on luggage:- Flammable, explosive, corrosive, poisonous, radioactive, polymerizable and magnetized materials. Passengers are forbidden to carry arms, sharp or lethal weapons during flight.

Security inspection

Passengers and their baggage (including checked and carry on baggage) are subject to the security inspection before boarding the aircraft.

Money Issues

 Credit Cards

Credit cards are only accepted at most hotels and some tourist shops and department stores. Expect to pay in cash.

 Exchanging Money

 Changing Money can be done in a number of ways. Most hotels will have a foreign exchange service and will exchange cash and travelers checks. As with hotels everywhere, the exchange rate will not be the official bank rate. Most large banks will exchange money and travelers checks. It is a requirement that you produce your passport to complete the transaction. Banks will only accept foreign bank notes that are undamaged. Notes that are even slightly torn will be rejected. Travelers Checks can be a secure solution if traveling for a longer time.

 Cash withdrawals from Visa and MasterCard credit/debit card are possible at the main branches of the Bank of China in each city. A small fee is charged by the Bank and charges are also applied by the bank/credit card provider.

 Bank of China ATM machines are compatible with Cirrus and Pulse so cash withdrawals are easy to complete using these machines. Only use ATM’s that display the Visa and MasterCard symbols. An English menu will appear when you insert your card. The exchange rate that is applicable through ATMs is good and this can be a very convenient way to organize your money. Locations for ATMs are available from your card issuer. Limits for withdrawals on each transaction differ but US$250 per transaction is common.

 Western Union is available in China although fees apply to transactions. Check the Western Union website for locations. http://www.westernunion.com/info/selectCountry.asp

 Local currency

 The Chinese Money is called RenMinBi (People’s Money). Locals often refer to the Yuan as Kuai.. The Mao (or Jiao) notes or coins are denominated 1, 2, or 5. (10 Mao = 1 Yuan) . 

 Note Numeration

 Yuan (Kuai, notes of usual size, feature Mao Tse Dong)

1 (reddish brown or light green) -- equal to 10 Mao

2 (green)

5 (purple)

10 (blue)

20 (bright brown)

50 (bright green)

100 (pink)

Mao (notes are very small, features the pictures of workers and farmers)

1 (brown)  -- equal to 10 Fen

2 (green)

5 (blue)

 There are also coins in circulation. .

 You can exchange your money at most branches of the China Bank. Please take your passport along. It is a lot easier and more comfortable to change money at your hotel.

 Medical Issues

 While traveling with China Highlights, we take every precaution to provide a safe and healthy environment for you. We choose restaurants and hotels that are clean, safe, and we always keep your needs and interests in mind.

Vaccines/Immunizations (4-6 weeks before your trip):

 Vaccination is particularly recommended for those who will be traveling in smaller cities, villages, and rural areas off the usual tourist track. Travelers should be cautioned that typhoid vaccination is not 100% effective and is not a substitute for careful selection of food and drink.

 - Hepatitis A

- Hepatitis B for those in “at risk” categories (Hepatitis B is recommended for infants and for children 11-12 years of age who did not receive it as infants.)

- Rabies, if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals.

- Typhoid, for visiting developing countries.

 Medical Treatment in China

 Hotels usually have access to a doctor.

 In the event of a serious condition which requires hospitalization, your tour guide will do everything possible to ensure that you receive that best treatment possible. Please call your China Highlights Travel Advisor so that we can help in any way possible.

 The major cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou have hospitals that will reach the standard of foreign hospital however the hospital systems differ considerably. Hospitals in other cities may not offer the same standards of hospitals as foreign countries.

 On entering hospital all patients are required to pay a substantial deposit before any treatment will be administered. Nursing care in hospital is strictly limited to medical treatments so patients will require a person who can assist with all other activities. No food is supplied.

 We highly recommend that all travelers buy comprehensive travel insurance in their home country before departure.

 Guide Service

 Travelers who purchase full packages from China Highlights Travel will receive a comprehensive guide service provided by our company. A guide who speaks your nominated language will meet you the airport, deliver you to your hotel and accompany you on your tour in that city. They do not fly (or take train or bus) with you from one city to another. You will have a different guide in each city.

Laundry

Laundry services are available in most hotels. Outside services are not recommended.

Mail

 Postcards are available in many shops and hotels. Postage services are available at most hotels and most post offices will have an employee who can read English.

 ELECTRIC CURRENT

China uses a 220 volt 50 Hz cycle system so electric appliances from countries that use 220/240 will operate without any adopter. Appliances requiring 110 volts will need transformer to operate. Hotels will not always have these. We recommend that you bring a transformer with you. Chinese hotels cater for most plug types.

 Chinese Dictionary

 Prologue

 Chinese is not only a language, it is a culture. The Chinese people are very proud of their long heritage and you cannot expect that everyone you meet will speak English. This has little to do with insufficient education. Areas that have a large tourism industry will have many more English speakers, generally English is not widely spoken by average people. We designed this dictionary as a tool to assist you while you are in China.

Pronounciation

The Chinese language is a tonal language of sound. Many words sound very similar but a slight tonal difference changes the meaning of the word.

Every word has a different Chinese character. In order to differentiate between these syllables it is important to know the right pronunciation. For this, Chinese has 4 different tones..

There are 5 tones:

1.       Tone:  steady                                                       -

2.       Tone:  rising                                                         /

3.       Tone:  falling and rising         ◡

4.       Tone:  falling                                                        ∖

The most common example is the word `ma´, which can have 5 different meaning, depending on the pronunciation.

Mā   --    Mother                                                                                                        妈

Má   --    Hemp                                                                                              麻

Mă   --    Horse                                                                                     马

Mà   --    to insult                                                                                            骂　

Dictionary

We have prepared an extensive list of words and phrases that may be useful to you as a traveler in China.

By showing a Chinese person the Chinese Characters matching the English word, you will be able to communicate simple requests or have a short conversation.

 Greetings:

 Good Morning                                                    早 ( zǎo ) 上 ( shang ) 好 ( hǎo ) ！       

Hello/Good Evening                                            你 ( nǐ ) 好 ( hǎo ) / 晚 ( wǎn ) 上 ( shang ) 好 ( hǎo )      

What is your name?                                           您 ( nín ) 贵 ( guì ) 姓 ( xìng ) ？        

How are you?                                                                您 ( nín ) 好 ( hǎo ) 吗 ( ma ) ？        

Good bye!                                                           再 ( zài ) 见 ( jiàn ) ！          
See you tomorrow!                           明 ( míng ) 天 ( tiān ) 见 ( jiàn )         

Important sayings

Right, true                        是 ( shì ) / 对 ( duì )               

Agreed                     正 ( zhèng ) 确 ( què )                

No, wrong                   不 ( bú ) 对 ( duì ) ！            

No, thanks                          不 ( bú ) 用 ( yòng ) 了 ( le ) , 谢 ( xiè ) 谢 ( xiè ) ！      

Thank you              谢 ( xiè ) 谢 ( xiè ) ！              

You are welcome                不 ( bú ) 用 ( yòng ) 谢 ( xiè ) ！            

Excuse me      对 ( duì ) 不 ( bu ) 起 ( qǐ ) （ 打 ( dǎ ) 扰 ( rǎo ) 一 ( yí ) 下 ( xià ) ）  

Pardon me?           您 ( nín ) 说 ( shuō ) 什 ( shén ) 么 ( me ) ？         

Could you please speak slower?     可 ( kě ) 以 ( yǐ ) 说 ( shuō ) 慢 ( màn ) 一 ( yì ) 点 ( diǎn ) 吗 ( ma ) ？  

I do not understand.                 我 ( wǒ ) 不 ( bù ) 明 ( míng ) 白 ( bái ) .     

Do you speak German?                你 ( nǐ ) 说 ( shuō ) 德 ( dé ) 语 ( yǔ ) 吗 ( ma ) ？       

Do you speak English?                你 ( nǐ ) 说 ( shuō ) 英 ( yīng ) 语 ( yǔ ) 吗 ( ma ) ？       

I speak a little Chinese.        我 ( wǒ ) 说 ( shuō ) 一 ( yì ) 点 ( diǎn ) 汉 ( hàn ) 语 ( yǔ ) .    

understood.                   我 ( wǒ ) 明 ( míng ) 白 ( bái ) 了 ( le ) ！        

I would like...                      我 ( wǒ ) 要 ( yào ) ......              

I like it                     我 ( wǒ ) 喜 ( xǐ ) 欢 ( huan ) ......          

I do not like it               我 ( wǒ ) 不 ( bù ) 喜 ( xǐ ) 欢 ( huan ) ......         

No thanks, I do not want to buy it.  不 ( bù ) , 谢 ( xiè ) 谢 ( xiè ) ! 我 ( wǒ ) 不 ( bù ) 买 ( mǎi ) .     

How much?                  多 ( duō ) 少 ( shǎo ) 钱 ( qián ) ?      

Too expensive!                            太 ( tài ) 贵 ( guì ) 了 ( le ) ！            

Traffic

How much is it to...?      到 ( dào ) ... 多 ( duō ) 少 ( shǎo ) 钱 ( qián ) ？

Taxi                      出 ( chū ) 租 ( zū ) 车 ( chē )      

Train                       火 ( huǒ ) 车 ( chē )         

Airplane                   飞 ( fēi ) 机 ( jī )        

Car                      汽车 ( qìchē )         

Bycicle                   自行车 ( zìxíngchē )       

Motorcycle                  摩托 ( mótuō )         

Bus                       公交 ( gōngjiāo ) 车 ( chē )       

Subway                    地铁 ( dìtiě )         

Where is....      ...... 在 ( zài ) 哪里 ( nǎli )               

Bus stop                 停 ( tíng ) 车站 ( chēzhàn )                   

Train station                   火车站 ( huǒchēzhàn )                

Airport                 飞机场 ( fēijīchǎng )                   

Street                    街道 ( jiēdào )                     

House                   房屋 ( fángwū )                      

Building                 建筑 ( jiànzhù )                     

One ticket to ..., please.     请 ( qǐng ) 买 ( mǎi ) 一 ( yī ) 张 ( zhāng ) 到 ( dào ) ...... 的 ( de ) 票 ( piào )       

Which bus goes to...?    有 ( yǒu ) 哪些 ( nǎxiē ) 车 ( chē ) 到 ( dào ) .....          

Taking a taxi

Take me to...                 到 ( dào ) ......              

Please turn on the meter   请 ( qǐng ) 打开 ( dǎkāi ) 计时 ( jìshí ) 表 ( biǎo ) ！     

Stop here, please                   请 ( qǐng ) 在 ( zài ) 这里 ( zhèlǐ ) 停 ( tíng ) 车 ( chē )           
Stop!                         停 ( tíng ) ！               

Turn left                   左 ( zuǒ )                

Turn right                 右 ( yòu )               

Go straight                     前 ( qián )              

At the airport

One flight ticket to..., please.       请 ( qǐng ) 买 ( mǎi ) 一 ( yī ) 张 ( zhāng ) 到 ( dào ) ...... 的 ( de ) 机票 ( jīpiào )      

Where is my Gate?                                  入口 ( rùkǒu ) 在 ( zài ) 哪里 ( nǎli )               

What is my time of departure?             什么 ( shénme ) 时候 ( shíhòu ) 起飞 ( qǐfēi ) ？         

What is my time of arrival?            什 ( shén ) 么 ( me ) 时 ( shí ) 候 ( hòu ) 到 ( dào ) 达 ( dá ) ？         

At the station

When does the train depart?           什么 ( shénme ) 时候 ( shíhòu ) 发车 ( fāchē ) ？

At the restaurant

Restaurant        饭馆 ( fànguǎn )  

Teahouse          茶馆 ( cháguǎn )

Table             桌子 ( zhuōzǐ )

Plate             盘子 ( pánzi )

Glass              杯子 ( bēizi )

Teapot            壶 ( hú )

Chopsticks         筷子 ( kuàizǐ )

Cuttlery          餐具 ( cānjù )

I would like to use cutlery       我 ( wǒ ) 要 ( yào ) 一 ( yī ) 套 ( tào ) 餐具 ( cānjù ) ！

The menu please       账单 ( zhàngdān )

Beverages           饮料 ( yǐnliào )

Food               吃饭 ( chīfàn )

Rice                 米饭 ( mǐfàn )  

Noodles              面条 ( miàntiáo )

Meat                                    肉 ( ròu )

Pork                                                         猪肉 ( zhūròu )

Beef                                          牛肉 ( niúròu )

Chicken                                           鸡肉 ( jīròu )

Duck                 鸭 ( yā ) 肉 ( ròu )

Fish                         鱼 ( yú )

Seafood                                 海鲜 ( hǎixiān )

Vegetables              蔬菜 ( shūcài )

Spinach                 菠菜 ( bōcài )

Potatoes                         土豆 ( tǔdòu )     

Tomatoes               番茄 ( fānqié )

Bell peppers                辣椒 ( làjiāo )

Watermelon                            西瓜 ( xīguā )

Fruit                                    水果 ( shuǐguǒ )

Spicy                    辣 ( là )

Sweet                       甜 ( tián )

Sour                        酸 ( suān )

Is the food spicy?      这 ( zhè ) 菜 ( cài ) 辣 ( là ) 吗 ( ma ) ？

No spicy food please.   请 ( qǐng ) 不要 ( búyào ) 辣 ( là ) 的 ( de )

Desert                 饭后 ( fànhòu ) 甜点 ( tiándiǎn )  

Beer                   啤酒 ( píjiǔ )

White spirit (rice)             白酒 ( báijiǔ )
Red wine              红 ( hóng ) 酒 ( jiǔ )

Tea                  茶 ( chá )

Coke                  可乐 ( kělè )

Water            水 ( shuǐ )

I would like...     我 ( wǒ ) 要 ( yào ) ......

Cheers!                干 ( gān ) 杯 ( bēi )

I would like to pay!   付 ( fù ) 账 ( zhàng ) ！

At the Hotel

Hotel                        酒店 ( jiǔdiàn )

Are there any rooms available?   有 ( yǒu ) 房 ( fáng ) 吗 ( ma )

I will stay ... Nights.           我 ( wǒ ) 住 ( zhù ) ... 天 ( tiān )

How much is a room?          一 ( yī ) 间 ( jiān ) 房 ( fáng ) 多少 ( duōshǎo ) 钱 ( qián ) ？

Bathroom/shower             浴室 ( yùshì )

Bellboy                         门卫 ( ménwèi )

I would like to exchange money.       我 ( wǒ ) 要 ( yào ) 兑换 ( duìhuàn ) ... 

Please call a taxi.            叫 ( jiào ) 一 ( yī ) 辆 ( liàng ) 出租 ( chūzū )

Could you write down the address for me?       您 ( nín ) 能 ( néng ) 帮 ( bāng ) 我 ( wǒ ) 写 ( xiě ) 下 ( xià ) 地 ( dì ) 址 ( zhǐ ) 吗 ( ma )

Shopping

Where can I get...?          我 ( wǒ ) 在 ( zài ) 哪里 ( nǎli ) 可以 ( kěyǐ ) 买 ( mǎi ) ...     

Retail Store                  商店 ( shāngdiàn )  

Supermarket                 超市 ( chāoshì )

Do you have...?               有 ( yǒu ) ...... 吗 ( ma ) ？

We do not have.../We are out.              没有 ( méiyǒu )

Filmroll                    胶卷 ( jiāojuǎn )

I would like to get these films processed  我 ( wǒ ) 要 ( yào ) 洗 ( xǐ ) 照 ( zhào ) 片 ( piàn )

Cigarettes             烟 ( yān )

Lighter            打火机 ( dǎhuǒjī )  

I don’t need that      不要 ( búyào )

Book/books         书 ( shū )

Picture postcard          风景 ( fēngjǐng ) 明信片 ( míngxìnpiàn )

City Map                           城市 ( chéngshì ) 地图 ( dìtú )

Post

Post office        邮政局 ( yóuzhèngjú )

Letter                  信 ( xìn )

Postcard              明信片 ( míngxìnpiàn )

Stamp             邮票 ( yóupiào )

How much is a letter?    寄 ( jì ) 一 ( yī ) 封 ( fēng ) 信 ( xìn ) 多少 ( duōshǎo ) 钱 ( qián ) ？

Parcel                包裹 ( bāoguǒ )

How long does it take?        要 ( yào ) 多久 ( duōjiǔ )

Airmail               航空 ( hángkōng ) 邮件 ( yóujiàn )

Time

What time is it?      几 ( jǐ ) 点钟 ( diǎnzhōng ) 了 ( le )

Morning              早上 ( zǎoshang )  

Noon                中午 ( zhōngwǔ )  

Evening               晚上 ( wǎnshang )  

Day/Night          白天 ( báitiān ) / 晚上 ( wǎnshang )  

Doctor

Doctor                医生 ( yīshēng )

Hospital        医院 ( yīyuàn )

It hurts here.       我 ( wǒ ) 这里 ( zhèlǐ ) 痛 ( tòng )

Dioarrhea            腹 ( fù ) 泻 ( xiè )

Headache      头疼 ( tóuténg )  

Fever              发烧 ( fāshāo )  

Medication        药品 ( yàopǐn )  

Aspirin             阿斯匹林 ( āsīpǐlín )  

Tablets        药片 ( yàopiàn )  

Vaccination          打针 ( dǎzhēn )  

Information

Where can I...?        哪里 ( nǎli ) 有 ( yǒu ) .......

Where is...?           ...... 在 ( zài ) 哪里 ( nǎli )

Left             左 ( zuǒ ) 方 ( fāng )  

Right            右 ( yòu ) 方 ( fāng )

Straight ahead        前 ( qián ) 方 ( fāng )

There                那里 ( nàli )

Here               这里 ( zhèlǐ )

East              东 ( dōng )

West              西 ( xī )  

South             南 ( nán )   

North              北 ( běi )  

Important sayings

Toilet              厕所 ( cèsuǒ )

Where is the Toilet?    厕所 ( cèsuǒ ) 在 ( zài ) 哪里 ( nǎli )
I am thirsty.        我 ( wǒ ) 渴 ( kě ) 了 ( le )

I am hungry.      我 ( wǒ ) 饿 ( è ) 了 ( le )

Where is the telephone?     电话 ( diànhuà ) 在 ( zài ) 哪儿 ( nǎer )

What is that?           这 ( zhè ) 是 ( shì ) 什么 ( shénme )

How does it work?          这 ( zhè ) 怎么 ( zěnme ) 用 ( yòng )

Why?               为什么 ( wèishénme )

yes         是 ( shì )   

no       不是 ( búshì )

maybe   或许 ( huòxǔ )

May I take pictures?       这里 ( zhèlǐ ) 可以 ( kěyǐ ) 照相 ( zhàoxiàng ) 吗 ( ma )

Do I need a permit?  这里 ( zhèlǐ ) 要 ( yào ) 许可证 ( xǔkězhèng ) 吗 ( ma )

How long?       多久 ( duōjiǔ )

Internet          互联网 ( hùliánwǎng )

Where can I check my emails?     在 ( zài ) 那里 ( nàli ) 可以 ( kěyǐ ) 查 ( chá ) 我 ( wǒ ) 的 ( de ) 信件 ( xìnjiàn )

Telling something about oneself

I/Me     我 ( wǒ )  

You      你 ( nǐ )

He/She/It      他 ( tā ) / 她 ( tā ) / 它 ( tā ) a

We    我们 ( wǒmen )  

You (plural)     你们 ( nǐmen )  

You (formal)    您 ( nín )   

To be    是 ( shì )   

My name is...     我 ( wǒ ) 叫 ( jiào ) .....

I live in...        我 ( wǒ ) 住 ( zhù ) 在 ( zài ) ...... 

I am from...       我 ( wǒ ) 来自...... 

I am...years old        我 ( wǒ ) ... 岁 ( suì ) 了 ( le )  

Countries

Austria      奥地利 ( àodìlì )  

Switzerland          瑞士 ( ruìshì )  

USA            美国 ( měiguó )   
England         英国 ( yīngguó )  

France       法国 ( fǎguó )   
Japan          日本 ( rìběn )  

Holland         荷兰 ( hélán )  

Australia     澳大利亚 ( àodàlìyà )  

Europe       欧洲 ( ōuzhōu )  

Asia        亚洲 ( yàzhōu )  

China

China        中国 ( zhōngguó )

Chinese   中国人 ( zhōngguórén )

Beijing       北京 ( běijīng )  

Great Wall   长城 ( chángchéng )  

Terracotta Warriors  兵马俑 ( bīngmǎyǒng )  

Chinese       汉语 ( hànyǔ )

Sinology    汉字 ( hànzì )

Pagoda       寺 ( sì )   

Temple      庙 ( miào )  

Confucius     孔子 ( kǒngzǐ )  

Hong Kong     香港 ( xiānggǎng )  

Units

Money    钱 ( qián )  

Meter    米 ( mǐ )  

Kilometer    公里 ( gōnglǐ )

Kilogram   公斤 ( gōngjīn )   

Pound        斤 ( jīn )    

Much/many        多 ( duō )  

Little/few      少 ( shǎo )  

Far       远 ( yuǎn )

Near        近 ( jìn )

Heavy       重 ( zhòng )

Light       轻 ( qīng )  

Big/large        大 ( dà )  

Small          小 ( xiǎo )  

Too much        太 ( tài ) 少 ( shǎo )  

Too little      太 ( tài ) 多 ( duō )  

A few figures of speech

That’s good.       好 ( hǎo )   

That’s not good.  不好 ( bùhǎo )   o

So-so     是 ( shì ) 这样 ( zhèyàng ) 的 ( de )

Thank you           谢谢 ( xièxiè )    e

You’re welcome             不用 ( búyòng ) 谢 ( xiè )

Nice to see you .   很 ( hěn ) 好看 ( hǎokàn )  

It was nice.     很好 ( hěnhǎo )   

It looks beautiful.      很 ( hěn ) 漂亮 ( piàoliang )  

I can need that.    我 ( wǒ ) 很 ( hěn ) 需要 ( xūyào ) o

I don’t need it.          我 ( wǒ ) 不 ( bù ) 需要 ( xūyào )  

Let’s go and eat something.    我们 ( wǒmen ) 去 ( qù ) 吃饭 ( chīfàn )  

Let’s go and drink something.  我们 ( wǒmen ) 去 ( qù ) 喝 ( hē ) 点 ( diǎn ) 什么 ( shénme )  

I’ll invite you.      我 ( wǒ ) 请 ( qǐng ) 你

That is fun.      很 ( hěn ) 有趣 ( yǒuqù )

I will come back to China.      我 ( wǒ ) 还 ( hái ) 会 ( huì ) 来 ( lái ) 中国 ( zhōngguó )

I have never been to China.      我 ( wǒ ) 没 ( méi ) 来 ( lái ) 过 ( guò ) 中国 ( zhōngguó )

I like...    我 ( wǒ ) 喜 ( xǐ ) 欢 ( huan ) .....  

I love you.    我 ( wǒ ) 爱 ( ài ) 你 ( nǐ )

Addressing someone (after one’s surname!)

Sir/Mister     先生 ( xiānshēng )

Miss     小姐 ( xiǎojiě )

Misses      女士 ( nǚshì )  

Numbers

1    一 ( yī )  

2    二 ( èr )    

3    三 ( sān )    

4    四 ( sì )      

5     五 ( wǔ )   

6    六 ( liù )     

7    七 ( qī )

8    八 ( bā )  

9    九 ( jiǔ )

10    十 ( shí )

11    十一 ( shíyī )

12    十二 ( shíèr )  

13    十三 ( shísān )  

14    十四 ( shísì )  

20   二十 ( èrshí )  

30   三十 ( sānshí )  

100   一百 ( yībǎi )  

1,000   一千 ( yīqiān )

10,000    一万 ( yīwàn )

Days

Sunday   星期天 ( xīngqītiān )  

Monday   星期一 ( xīngqīyī )  
Tuesday   星期二 ( xīngqīèr )   

Wednesday   星期三 ( xīngqīsān )  

Thursday   星期四 ( xīngqīsì )   
Friday       星期五 ( xīngqīwǔ )   

Saturday      星期六 ( xīngqīliù )    

Months

January     一月 ( yīyuè )  

February    二月 ( èryuè )    

March      三月 ( sānyuè )  

April       四月 ( sìyuè )

May        五月 ( wǔyuè )  

June        六月 ( liùyuè )  

July        七月 ( qīyuè )  

August       八月 ( bāyuè )  
September     九月 ( jiǔyuè )  

October       十月 ( shíyuè )

November       十一月 ( shíyīyuè )

December        十二月 ( shíèryuè )

Communicating with hands

China is home to many different dialects. This makes it sometimes difficult even for Chinese people from different regions and provinces to understand each other.

Especially for bargaining, try out these gestures to indicate numbers from 1 to 10.

Important facts

 Even though the Chinese culture has become more and more influenced by the Western culture, it is important to realize that it is still a unique culture of its own with thousands of years  heritage. With this handbook we would like to assist you in certain situations. Should you have any doubts, just observe the locals and do as they do.

 China – Chronological Dynasties

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Last modified: March 1, 2007