TL;DR
English proficiency in China varies widely. Young people in major cities often speak some English, but taxi drivers, street vendors, and restaurant staff rarely do. A few key phrases and a translation app will get you through most situations.
Essential Phrases
Learn these ten phrases — they cover 80% of daily interactions:
| English | Pinyin | Chinese |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Nǐ hǎo | 你好 |
| Thank you | Xièxiè | 谢谢 |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Duìbùqǐ | 对不起 |
| How much? | Duōshao qián? | 多少钱？ |
| Where is...? | ...zài nǎlǐ? | ...在哪里？ |
| I don't understand | Wǒ tīng bù dǒng | 我听不懂 |
| Do you speak English? | Nǐ huì shuō Yīngyǔ ma? | 你会说英语吗？ |
| Bathroom? | Cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ? | 厕所在哪里？ |
| I want this | Wǒ yào zhège | 我要这个 |
| Goodbye | Zàijiàn | 再见 |
Numbers
Numbers are used constantly — for prices, addresses, and phone numbers.
| Number | Pinyin | Chinese |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Líng | 零 |
| 1 | Yī | 一 |
| 2 | Èr / Liǎng | 二 / 两 |
| 3 | Sān | 三 |
| 4 | Sì | 四 |
| 5 | Wǔ | 五 |
| 6 | Liù | 六 |
| 7 | Qī | 七 |
| 8 | Bā | 八 |
| 9 | Jiǔ | 九 |
| 10 | Shí | 十 |
| 100 | Yī bǎi | 一百 |
Pro Tip
Use "liǎng" (两) instead of "èr" (二) when counting things or money. Say "liǎng kuài" (两块) for 2 yuan, not "èr kuài."
Emergency Phrases
| English | Pinyin | Chinese |
|---|---|---|
| Help! | Jiùmìng! | 救命！ |
| Call the police | Bàojǐng! | 报警！ |
| Call an ambulance | Jiào jiùhùchē! | 叫救护车！ |
| Hospital | Yīyuàn | 医院 |
| I am lost | Wǒ mílù le | 我迷路了 |
| My passport is lost | Wǒ de hùzhào diū le | 我的护照丢了 |
| I am allergic to... | Wǒ duì... guòmǐn | 我对...过敏 |
Translation Apps That Work
Important
Download offline language packs before you fly. Google Translate and other Google services are often blocked in China. We recommend Microsoft Translator or Apple Translate as your primary app, with Google Translate as a backup (with offline packs downloaded). App stores may also behave differently once you land, so install and set up everything before departure.
| App | Offline? | Needs VPN? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Translator | Yes | No | Voice conversation mode |
| Apple Translate (iOS) | Yes | No | Built-in, zero setup |
| Google Translate | Yes | Often blocked | Camera translation on menus |
| Alipay (built-in) | No | No | Mini-programs, voice, camera |
| Youdao Translate (有道) | Yes | No | AR real-time, local phrases |
(App features verified as of May 2026 — interfaces may change with updates.)
Alipay Built-in Translation
If you already installed Alipay for payments, you already have a powerful translator.
- Access: Tap the search bar at the top of the Alipay home screen and search for "translation" — the official translate tool (翻译) will appear.
- Languages: Supports 16 languages including English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and more.
- Modes: Text, voice, and camera translation.
- Mini-program translation: Go to Me > Settings > General > Translation Tool to enable a floating translate button. This works inside mini-programs like DiDi, Meituan, hotel booking, and public transport — incredibly useful when every button is in Chinese.
Since Alipay is essential for payments in China anyway, this is the most convenient translation option — no extra app to download or register for.
Youdao Translate (有道翻译)
The best Chinese-native translation app if you want a dedicated tool.
- Registration: Use your email — no Chinese phone number required. WeChat and QQ login also work.
- Features: AR real-time translation, photo translation, voice conversation, and document translation.
- Offline: Download the Chinese-English pack for use without internet.
- Advantage: Trained specifically on Chinese language patterns — often handles local slang and idioms better than Western apps.
Quick Scenario Guide
| Situation | Use This |
|---|---|
| Reading a restaurant menu | Google Translate camera or Alipay camera |
| Talking to a taxi driver | Microsoft Translator voice mode |
| Using a Chinese mini-program (DiDi, etc.) | Alipay floating translate button |
| No internet connection at all | Any app with downloaded offline pack |
| Learning correct pronunciation | Youdao Translate voice playback |
Pro Tip
Screenshot everything. Save your hotel address, key phrases, and emergency contacts as screenshots. Showing a screenshot is faster and more reliable than fumbling with an app when you are tired or in a hurry. Also screenshot translations you use frequently so you do not need to re-translate them.
Getting Around with Limited Chinese
Taxis & DiDi
- Have your destination written in Chinese characters
- Use DiDi's in-app translation feature for messaging drivers
- Show the driver a map pin if verbal communication fails
- Most drivers know major landmarks and hotel names
Restaurants
- Point at photos on the menu
- Use Google Translate camera mode to read menus
- Show pictures of dishes from Dianping or Xiaohongshu
- Many chain restaurants have QR code ordering in WeChat
Shopping
- Prices are usually displayed — no haggling needed in supermarkets or chain stores
- In markets, use a calculator to negotiate (show numbers)
- "Tài guì le" (太贵了) means "Too expensive" — useful for bargaining
Common Signs You Will See
| Chinese | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 入口 / 出口 | Entrance / Exit |
| 男 / 女 | Male / Female (restrooms) |
| 推 / 拉 | Push / Pull |
| 电梯 | Elevator |
| 楼梯 | Stairs |
| 禁止吸烟 | No smoking |
| 小心地滑 | Caution: wet floor |
| 营业中 | Open for business |
| 休息中 | Closed |
| 地铁 | Metro / Subway |
| 火车站 | Train station |
| 机场 | Airport |
Tips for Communication
- Speak slowly and clearly: Even English speakers may struggle with fast speech
- Use simple words: "Toilet?" is better than "Where is the restroom?"
- Body language: Pointing, gestures, and facial expressions go a long way
- Be patient: Most people want to help even if language is a barrier
- Young people: Under-30s in cities are your best bet for English help
- Hotel staff: Usually speak some English — ask them to write addresses in Chinese for you
Important
Avoid using slang, idioms, or sarcasm. These rarely translate well and can cause confusion. Stick to simple, direct sentences.