Basic Verbs

1. 去

   Qù

   To go

   Usage

   The basic movement verb; point at your destination as you say it

2. 来

   Lái

   To come

   Usage

   For asking someone to come over, or talking about arrivals

3. 吃

   Chī

   To eat

   Usage

   The basic verb for anything to do with eating

4. 喝

   Hē

   To drink

   Usage

   For ordering drinks and for taking medicine

5. 买

   Mǎi

   To buy

   Usage

   The basic verb for shopping

6. 看

   Kàn

   To see

   Usage

   For sightseeing and for asking to look at goods

7. 等

   Děng

   To wait

   Usage

   For meeting up and for queueing

8. 我想去

   Wǒ xiǎng qù

   I want to go

   Usage

   State where you are heading; add a place name and it works in a taxi

9. 我想吃

   Wǒ xiǎng chī

   I want to eat

   Usage

   Say what you would like to eat; follow it with the dish name

10. 我要这个

    Wǒ yào zhè ge

    I want it

    Usage

    Point at what you want; works for both shopping and ordering

11. 不用了

    Búyòng le

    I don't need it

    Usage

    Declining a bag, a straw, or a sales pitch

12. 我在找

    Wǒ zài zhǎo

    I'm looking for it

    Usage

    Say it and then name the place or item you are looking for

13. 我有

    Wǒ yǒu

    I have it

    Usage

    Tell someone you already have the booking, ticket, or cash

14. 我没有

    Wǒ méiyǒu

    I don't have it

    Usage

    Say you have no cash, no change, or no ticket

15. 我要取钱

    Wǒ yào qǔ qián

    I'll withdraw money

    Usage

    When you are looking for an ATM or explaining you need cash

16. 我要预约

    Wǒ yào yùyuē

    I'll make a reservation

    Usage

    To say you want to book a table, a room, or a tour

17. 请帮我

    Qǐng bāng wǒ

    Please help me with it

    Usage

    For asking help with a concrete task — bags, a machine, a form

18. 请告诉我

    Qǐng gàosu wǒ

    Please tell me

    Usage

    For asking someone to tell you the way, the time, or how to do something

Browse all TravelPhrases languages