Top 10 Mandarin Words that You Should Know Before Visiting Beijing, China

this is an article by steve tucker of associatedcontent.

Top 10 Mandarin Words that You Should Know Before Visiting Beijing, China

1. Zao an / Wan an
- These words mean "good morning" and "good night," respectively. It is a customary thing in the world to greet people. So utilize these words appropriately. "Zao an" is pronounced as "dzaw an," whereas the second phrase is pronounced as spelled.

2. Ni hao ma? / Hen hao
- This, again, is another Mandarin greeting. But this is more informal compared to the previous terms. The first one means "how are you?" in Mandarin. It is pronounced as "ni how ma." The second term should be used in response to the first. It means "I am fine" and is pronounced as "hen how."

3. Xie xie / Bu ke qi
- The next Mandarin terms you need to learn are "thank you" and "you're welcome." Again, this is another way of showing respect, appreciating a favor or an act, and acknowledging gratitude. The first term, which means "thank you," should sound like "si si" when spoken. The second term should be spoken in response to "xie xie." It is equivalent to "you're welcome" in English. You need to pronounce this as "bu ke chi."

4. Dui bu qi
- Translated as "excuse me" in English, this Mandarin term is very handy especially if you need to get somebody's attention in a polite manner. It is pronounced as "doo-i boo chi."

5. Lao jia
- Pronounced as "lao ji-a," this term is equivalent to the English word "please." You can use this word if you want to ask for someone's help or if you need assistance with something.

6. Zai jian
- Before leaving, it is always polite to say parting words. To fulfill that necessity, use this word in the same manner that you use "goodbye" or "farewell." Also, it should be pronounced as "dza-i ji-an."

7. _______ zai na li?
- This phrase can come in handy when you are asking for directions. It is the Mandarin counterpart of "where is / are _______?" It should sound like "dza-i na li?" when spoken.

8. Ni hui jiang yingyu ma?
- Another handy Mandarin phrase, which means "do you speak English?," can be very useful in a lot of situations. The words are pronouced as "ni hu-i ji-ang yingyu ma?"

9. Duo shao qian
- Before going on a shopping spree in Beijing, practice saying these words first. In English translation, this phrase means "how much?" Pronounce it as "du-o shao chi-an."

10. Pian yi dian
- Lastly, pair this term up with the previous phrase. After asking for the price, deliver this line and wait for a response. This term is tantamount to asking for a discount in English.