Stepping off the plane to begin your studies in China is an exhilarating moment. It's the start of an adventure filled with new sights, sounds, flavors, and friendships. While you may be enrolled in an English-taught program, embracing the local language is the key to unlocking a deeper, more authentic experience.
Navigating China without speaking any Chinese can be managed, but learning even a handful of phrases will transform your daily life from a series of challenges into a string of successful, rewarding interactions. This guide isn't about achieving fluency overnight; it's about providing the Chinese words and sentences that overseas students in China shall learn to thrive. We will cover everything from basic greetings to the essentials of ordering food, ensuring you have the tools for learning Mandarin for daily life in China.
All information verified as of September 15, 2025.
Part 1: The Absolute Foundation - Basic Chinese Greetings for Beginners
These are the words you will use dozens of times a day. Mastering them shows respect and opens the door to every other interaction.
你好 (Nǐ hǎo) - Hello
The universal greeting. Use it with everyone from your professor to the shopkeeper. For a more casual version among friends, you can simply say "嗨 (Hāi)."
谢谢 (Xièxiè) - Thank You
Politeness is appreciated everywhere. Whether someone holds a door for you or hands you your food order, a sincere "xièxiè" goes a long way.
不客气 (Bù kèqì) - You're Welcome
This is the standard reply to "xièxiè." You'll hear it often and should use it when someone thanks you.
对不起 (Duìbùqǐ) - I'm Sorry
Use this if you bump into someone or need to apologize for a small mistake.
没关系 (Méiguānxì) - It's Okay / No Problem
This is the reassuring response to "duìbùqǐ."
Part 2: The Ultimate Survival Skill - How to Order Food in Chinese
Food is a highlight of living in China, but a menu filled with characters can be intimidating. Here are some useful Chinese phrases for restaurants that will ensure you never go hungry.
Getting Seated and Getting the Menu:
服务员 (Fúwùyuán) - Waiter/Waitress
Use this to get someone's attention. A simple hand-raise and "fúwùyuán!" works perfectly.
菜单 (Càidān) - Menu
When you sit down, you can ask, "请给我菜单 (Qǐng gěi wǒ càidān)" - "Please give me the menu."
点菜 (Diǎn cài) - To Order Food
The server might approach and ask, "可以点菜了吗？(Kěyǐ diǎn càile ma?)" - "Are you ready to order?"
The Easiest Way to Order:
The single most useful phrase is the point-and-order method.
这个 (Zhège) - This One
Simply point at an item on the menu (or a picture) and say, "我要一个这个 (Wǒ yào yīgè zhège)" - "I want one of this." Repeat for everything you want. "Yīgè" means "one," so you can change the number as needed.
Making Specific Requests:
不要辣 (Bùyào là) - Not Spicy
Crucial if you have a low tolerance for spice! You can also say 微辣 (Wēilà) for "mildly spicy."
我吃素 (Wǒ chīsù) - I am a Vegetarian
An important phrase for dietary needs. You can ask, "这个是素的吗？(Zhège shì sù de ma?)" - "Is this vegetarian?"
买单 (Mǎidān) - The Bill, Please
When you're finished and ready to pay, catch the server's attention and say "fúwùyuán, mǎidān!"
Part 3: Getting Around and Shopping in the City
These phrases will help you navigate your new city and buy what you need.
请问 (Qǐngwèn) - Excuse Me / May I Ask...
This is the polite way to start any question to a stranger.
...在哪里？ (...zài nǎlǐ?) - Where is...?
Combine this with a location. For example, "请问，地铁站在哪里？(Qǐngwèn, dìtiě zhàn zài nǎlǐ?)" - "Excuse me, where is the subway station?"
我要去... (Wǒ yào qù...) - I want to go to...
Essential for taxis. Get in and say, "师傅，我要去 [Your University Name] (Shīfù, wǒ yào qù...)" - "Driver, I want to go to [Your University Name]." "Shīfù" (master) is a respectful term for the driver.
这个多少钱？ (Zhège duōshǎo qián?) - How much is this?
This is the fundamental question for how to ask for prices in Mandarin. Use it in markets, small shops, and anywhere prices aren't clearly marked.
太贵了 (Tài guìle) - Too Expensive
In markets where bargaining is common, this is your first move. Follow it up with "可以便宜一点吗？ (Kěyǐ piányí yīdiǎn ma?)" - "Can it be a little cheaper?"
Part 4: Building Connections and Celebrating Moments
Moving beyond transactions, these phrases help you build friendships—a core part of the study abroad experience.
Introducing Yourself:
我叫... (Wǒ jiào...) - My name is...
Essential for making new friends and introducing yourself in any social situation.
我是 [Country] 人 (Wǒ shì [Country] rén) - I am from [Country]
For example, "我是美国人 (Wǒ shì Měiguó rén)" - "I am American."
我是留学生 (Wǒ shì liúxuéshēng) - I am an international student
This phrase quickly explains your context and people will often be very helpful.
Celebrating with Friends:
One of the joys of having friends from different cultures is sharing in their celebrations. Knowing how to say Happy Birthday in Chinese is a simple way to show you care.
生日快乐 (Shēngrì Kuàilè) - Happy Birthday!
When it's a friend's birthday, a cheerful "祝你生日快乐！(Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè!)" ("Wish you a Happy Birthday!") will be met with a big smile. You will almost certainly be invited to sing the birthday song, which uses the same phrase.
In the Classroom:
老师 (Lǎoshī) - Teacher
The universal title for any instructor or professor.
我有一个问题 (Wǒ yǒu yīgè wèntí) - I have a question.
Essential for classroom participation and getting help when you need it.
我听不懂 (Wǒ tīng bù dǒng) - I don't understand (what I heard).
Use this when you need clarification or when something wasn't clear.
Conclusion: Your Journey to Connection
By learning these essential Chinese phrases for students in China, you equip yourself not just to survive, but to connect. Locals almost always appreciate the effort made by a foreigner to speak their language, no matter how imperfect. Your world will grow larger, your meals will become more adventurous, and your time in China will be infinitely richer.
So start practicing, be brave, and get ready to talk! For more resources on studying in China, explore our university database, take our China Study Test to see if studying in China is right for you, or check out our comprehensive Study in China Guide for more detailed information about life and studies in China.
If you're interested in learning more about daily life in China, don't miss our job search guide and dormitory guides to help you settle into your new life as an international student.
Related Resources
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