🗣️ Essential Chinese Phrases

Updated September 2026 · Free sample

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Sample phrases (free)
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🗣️ Essential Chinese Phrases
Show this screen to a local. No speaking needed.
I don't eat pork.
我不吃猪肉。
Show at a restaurant before ordering
I'm allergic to peanuts.
我对花生过敏。
Critical for your safety
Please take me to this address.
请带我到这个地址。
Show this to your Didi driver
Illustrative image only

You don't need to speak Chinese to travel in China. Here are 4 sample phrases.

At a restaurant:
I don't eat pork.
我不吃猪肉。
I'm allergic to peanuts.
我对花生过敏。
No spicy, please.
请不要辣。
Can I have the bill?
买单。
In a taxi:
Please take me to this address.
请带我到这个地址。
Please use the meter.
请打表。
Please stop here.
请在这里停。
How much is it?
多少钱？
⚠ Common issues you may encounter ▶

The sample phrases above cover the basics. But here's what actually happens:

  • The menu is all in Chinese and you can't read it
  • You have a food allergy and need to communicate it clearly
  • You want less spicy food, not zero spicy
  • The driver or passerby doesn't understand your English
  • You need help but don't know how to ask
  • You need to find a restroom or specific place
  • You have an emergency but don't speak Chinese
  • You want to be polite but don't know the right words

The full guide includes 48 phrases across 5 scenarios, plus 8 communication problem solutions.

Don't get stuck without words.

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Browse all 8 phrases cases

Each opens its own free diagnosis + first-step page:

The menu is all in Chinese and you can't read it You have a food allergy and need to communicate it clearly You want less spicy food, not zero spicy The driver or passerby doesn't understand your English You need help but don't know how to ask You need to find a restroom or specific place You have an emergency but don't speak Chinese You want to be polite but don't know the right words