Language Basics: Useful Chinese Phrases for Tourists
Bonjour and Good Day 😃
While most people in Kuala Lumpur speak English, the city is also home to a large Chinese-speaking community. Learning a few Mandarin phrases can make your trip even more fun! Locals always appreciate it when tourists try to speak their language, and it’s a great way to connect 😊.
Here are some basic phrases that will help you.
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Just before we start, I'll write the mandarin writing and then in parenthesis I'll write how it's (approximately) pronounced.
Eg: Nǐ hǎo (Nee hao)
Greetings & Polite Phrases
- Thank you: Xièxiè (Shieh-shieh)
Best one to know! Use this after getting your food, when someone helps you, or just to be polite 😊. - Hello: Nǐ hǎo (Nee hao)
- Goodbye: Zàijiàn (Dzai-jian)
Asking for Help
- Excuse me: Qǐng wèn (Ching wen)
Use this when you want to politely ask a question. It’s like saying “excuse me” before asking for help 😊. - I don’t understand: Wǒ tīng bù dǒng (Woh ting boo dong)
This one is helpful if you’re struggling to understand something 😊.
谢谢 for reading until here! Happy travels 😇
