Essential Phrases for Everyday Conversations in Mandarin

The best way to learn Mandarin may not start with complicated expressions and grammar  (though those are important!). The real magic begins when you can connect with people in everyday situations. Mastering a few useful Mandarin phrases instantly boosts your confidence and opens doors. Whether you're traveling, meeting Chinese family, friends or colleagues, here are expressions in Mandarin for beginners!

1.     The Universal Greeting: 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) - Hello!

This is absolutely one of the most classic starting ones whenever you want to greet Mandarin speakers!

2.     The Polite Start: 请问 (Qǐng wèn) - Excuse me / May I ask...

When you want to ask a question, especially in a shop or to a stranger, you may start with this phrase.

3.     Expressing Gratitude: 谢谢 (Xièxie) - Thank you

Anytime someone helps you, gives you something or offers you a service, you could say this to thank this person!

4.     The  Apology: 对不起 (Duìbuqǐ) - I'm sorry / Excuse me (for a mistake)

It's a common expression used to apologize or express regret for something.

5.     Polite Interruption/Attention: 不好意思 (Bù hǎo yìsi) - Excuse me / Sorry to bother you

This one is less formal than "Duìbuqǐ". You can use it to get attention politely (like a waiter), squeeze past someone, or acknowledge a minor inconvenience you caused.

6.      Asking for Clarification: 什么? (Shénme?) - What?

When you didn't hear or understand something. Can sound blunt; often better with 请问 (Qǐngwèn, nǐ shuō shénme? - Excuse me, what did you say?).

7.      Asking the Price: 多少钱? (Duōshao qián?) - How much money?

When you go shopping, markets, paying for services. Point and ask!

8.     Location Check: 在哪里? (Zài nǎli?) - Where is...?

Finding anything! Add the place/thing: 厕所在哪里? (Cèsuǒ zài nǎli?) - Where is the toilet? 地铁站在哪里？(Dìtiě zhàn zài nǎli?) - Where is the MTR station?

9.     Confirming Understanding: 对 (Duì) / 是的 (Shì de) - Yes / That's right

"Duì" is very common for simple agreement. "Shì de" is slightly more formal but also very frequent.

10.  Expressing Negation: 不是 (Bú shì) / 不对 (Bú duì) - No / Not correct

There are different ways of showing negation. "Bú shì" = "It is not". "Bú duì" = "That's not right/correct". Both are essential.

11.  The pointers: 这个 (Zhège) & 那个 (Nàge) - This & That

When go shopping or order food, you can point to specific things and say these two.

These are the 11 essential expressions when speaking Mandarin. Practice Chinese with native speakers, listen carefully, and don't be shy to use them! If you are interested in getting to know more expressions, check out MC videos here "How foreigners surprise Chinese people with Mandarin in LKF, Hong Kong".