🗣️ Essential Chinese Phrases
Updated September 2026 · Free sample
Show-them cards for the moments you can't explain.
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Sample phrases (free)
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🗣️ Essential Chinese Phrases
Show this screen to a local. No speaking needed.
I don't eat pork.
我不吃猪肉。
Show at a restaurant before ordering
I'm allergic to peanuts.
我对花生过敏。
Critical for your safety
Please take me to this address.
请带我到这个地址。
Show this to your Didi driver
Illustrative image only — your screen may look slightly different
You don't need to speak Chinese to travel in China. Sometimes showing a phrase on your phone is faster than translating. Here are 4 sample phrases — the full guide includes 48.
At a restaurant:
I don't eat pork.
我不吃猪肉。
I'm allergic to peanuts.
我对花生过敏。
No spicy, please.
请不要辣。
Can I have the bill?
买单。
In a taxi:
Please take me to this address.
请带我到这个地址。
Please use the meter.
请打表。
Please stop here.
请在这里停。
How much is it?
多少钱？
⚠ Common issues you may encounter
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The sample phrases above cover the basics. But here's what actually happens when you try to communicate — and what the full guide solves:
- The menu is all in Chinese and you can't read it
- You have a food allergy and need to communicate it clearly
- You want less spicy food, not zero spicy
- The driver or passerby doesn't understand your English
- You need help but don't know how to ask
- You need to find a restroom or specific place
- You have an emergency but don't speak Chinese
- You want to be polite but don't know the right words
The full guide includes 48 phrases across 5 scenarios, plus 8 communication problem solutions.
Don't get stuck without words.
This guide is part of China Unstuck 2.0. Everything published here stays free.
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