Greetings

1. 你好

   Nǐ hǎo

   Hello

   Usage

   Basic greeting usable at any time of day

   Grammar Note

   Literally "you good". The most basic Chinese greeting. Use "您好 (Nín hǎo)" for elders or superiors.

2. 谢谢

   Xiè xiè

   Thank you

   Usage

   Basic expression of gratitude

   Grammar Note

   Reduplication of "谢" (to thank). For more formality, say "谢谢您 (Xiè xiè nín)".

3. 对不起

   Duì bu qǐ

   I am sorry / Excuse me

   Usage

   Used for sincere apologies. To get someone's attention, use "不好意思 (Bù hǎo yì si)" instead

   Grammar Note

   Literally "I cannot face you". For lighter apologies, "不好意思 (Bù hǎo yì si)" is also common.

4. 再见

   Zài jiàn

   Goodbye

   Usage

   Farewell greeting

   Grammar Note

   Literally "see again". The most common farewell expression in Chinese.

5. 请问

   Qǐng wèn

   Excuse me, may I ask...

   Usage

   Polite opener before asking a question

   Grammar Note

   Literally "may I ask". A polite opener placed before a question. Essential when asking for directions while traveling.

6. 您好

   Nín hǎo

   Hello (formal/respectful)

   Usage

   Respectful greeting for elders, superiors, or first meetings

   Grammar Note

   "您" is the polite form of "你". Common in hotels, official settings, and with customers.

7. 早上好

   Zǎo shang hǎo

   Good morning

   Usage

   Morning greeting used in the AM hours

   Grammar Note

   "早安 (zǎo ān)" is another casual morning greeting. "晚上好 (wǎnshàng hǎo)" = good evening.

8. 没关系

   Méi guān xi

   It's okay / No problem / Never mind

   Usage

   Used to accept an apology or say there is no problem

   Grammar Note

   Literally "no concern". Standard response after an apology. "不要紧 (bú yào jǐn)" is a similar phrase.

9. 好久不见

   Hǎo jiǔ bù jiàn

   Long time no see

   Usage

   Greeting someone you haven't seen in a long time

   Grammar Note

   English "long time no see" is said to derive from this Chinese phrase. Widely used for reunions.

10. 不客气

    Bú kè qi

    You're welcome / Don't mention it

    Usage

    Used as a response to thanks

    Grammar Note

    Literally "don't be polite/formal". Response to "谢谢". "没什么 (méi shénme)" is another similar reply.

11. 洗手间在哪里？

    Xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ?

    Where is the toilet/bathroom?

    Usage

    Essential phrase for asking the location of restrooms while traveling in China

    Grammar Note

    "Zài nǎlǐ?" is the standard structure for asking where something is. "洗手间" (xǐshǒujiān) is the polite term; "厕所" (cèsuǒ) is more direct

12. 我不会说中文

    Wǒ bù huì shuō Zhōngwén

    I can't speak Chinese

    Usage

    Used by foreign visitors in China to indicate they cannot speak Chinese

    Grammar Note

    "不会" expresses inability or lack of a learned skill. "会" is a modal verb for acquired abilities; "不会" is its negation

13. 我会再来的

    Wǒ huì zài lái de

    I'll come again

    Usage

    Said when leaving a shop — a friendly way to signal you enjoyed it

14. 玩得很开心

    Wán de hěn kāixīn

    I had a great time

    Usage

    Said when parting, to share how much you enjoyed it

15. 谢谢，再见啦

    Xièxie, zàijiàn la

    Thanks, see you

    Usage

    A casual farewell for someone you've become friendly with

16. 晚安

    Wǎn'ān

    Good night

    Usage

    Said just before going to sleep — not a farewell, but a bedtime greeting

17. 我出门了

    Wǒ chūmén le

    I'm heading out

    Usage

    Said when leaving your lodging for a while

18. 我回来了

    Wǒ huílái le

    I'm back

    Usage

    Said upon returning to your lodging

19. 我先走了

    Wǒ xiān zǒu le

    I'll be going now

    Usage

    A polite phrase for excusing yourself when leaving before others

20. 不用谢

    Bù yòng xiè

    You're welcome

    Usage

    An alternative to "不客气" for replying to thanks

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