8 Basic Chinese Words and Phrases You Need to Learn

Learning Chinese is learning a culture. With growing economy of China comes the growing need to learn the language. Each year there have been an immense number of learners embracing from all the states of the world. Be it education point of view or economy, be it the foreign affairs, learning new languages always helps bridge the distance. This is why there have been a number of Chinese language schools catering Mandarin course. Whether you have attended the classes or no, here are 8 basic Chinese words that you must know.

1.      Start with a hello

·         (nǐ hǎo) it means the normal hello that we say to each other when we meet and greet.

·         Nǐ hǎo diànhuà- this ‘hello’ is said when you answer over the phone.

·         (zǎo ān)- Good morning- a perfect greeting to say someone when you meet the person in the morning.

·         (wǔ ān )- It means Good afternoon and say it when you meet somebody for an afternoon lunch or for a meeting.  You could shake hands on meeting. However, the traditions of Chinese say that the greeting could often be in the form of a nod or a bow.

·          (wǎn shàng hǎo)- It means Good evening. Often the senior most person (oldest) is greeted first than others to show respect.

·         (wǎn ān) is a parting phrase of saying Good night.

 

2.      The etiquette phrases

When you meet somebody there are a few words or sentences that becomes mandatory to say. If you have been to any of the Chinese language school, you will know this very well. Let us have a look at some of them-

·         (nǐ hǎo ma)- How are you? A sentence which automatically comes after every hello. A sentence such as this definitely shows concern for the opponent and is courteous to hear too.

 

3.      Gearing up the conversation

·         (zěn me chēng hū) – Although this phrase essentially means ‘How may I address you?’, it can be regarded as What’s your name?

 

4.      Helping oneself-

These phrases will help you as it becomes clearer for the opponent to guide you well.

·         wǒ de zhōng wén shuō de bù hǎo- meaning ‘I  do not know Mandarin well.’

·         nǐ huì shuō yīng yǔ ma- this means ‘Do you speak English?

5.      Exclamation words

·         (tài kù le!) That’s really cool!

·         (hǎo gǎo xiào) That’s hilarious.

·         (zhēn de ma) Really?

6.      Praising phrases

·         zhōng guó hěn měi lì- meaning china is beautiful

·         piàoliang de nǚyǎnyuán- beautiful actress

7.      Time based phrases

·         zuótiān shàngwǔ- yesterday morning

·         jīntiān de zuòyè- today's homework

·         huāfèi yī gè xiǎoshí- for one hour

8.      One word theory

·         Hǎo means 'good', "ok".

·         Bùhǎo means 'not good'

·         Xièxie. (sshyeah-sshyeah)- Thank you

·         Duìbuqǐ. (dway-boo-chee) I'm sorry

·         Shì- yes

·         Méiyǒu-no

Wrap up time!

Soon, with, Mandarin course available in all the countries, learning the language is easy. It is imperative that you get the right Chinese language school like Happy Mandarin to get the right knack of the language. Happy learning.