Mandarin Chinese Crash Course for Travelers
Master key vocabulary and phrases to make your Shanghai trip smoother and more confident. From greetings to shopping, we've curated the most practical travel Mandarin just for you.
4
Tone Types
60+
Core Vocabulary
30+
Useful Phrases
5
Scenario Categories
The Four Tones of Mandarin
Tones determine meaning in Chinese -- mastering the four tones is the crucial first step in pronunciation
Hold a steady high pitch, like singing
Rise like asking "Huh?"
Dip then rise, like a hesitant "Hmm..."
Sharp fall, like a commanding "No!"
Study Tip
When unsure of a pronunciation, use a translation app (such as Baidu Translate or Google Translate) to hear it spoken aloud, or simply show the Chinese characters to someone -- people in Shanghai are extremely friendly!
Practice tones with a personal tutor on Preply
Core Travel Vocabulary
Organized by scenario -- quickly find the words you need
In emergencies call: 110 (Police) | 120 (Ambulance) | 119 (Fire)
Essential Travel Phrases
Expand by scenario -- copy or read aloud for practice
🏨
Hotel Check-in & Services
我有预订。
Wǒ yǒu yù dìng.
I have a reservation.
我的房间号是多少？
Wǒ de fáng jiān hào shì duō shǎo?
What is my room number?
能帮我叫出租车吗？
Néng bāng wǒ jiào chū zū chē ma?
Can you call a taxi for me?
退房时间是几点？
Tuì fáng shí jiān shì jǐ diǎn?
What time is checkout?
🚇
Subway & Directions
去外滩怎么走？
Qù Wài Tān zěn me zǒu?
How do I get to the Bund?
请在这里停车。
Qǐng zài zhè lǐ tíng chē.
Please stop here. (for taxi)
地铁站在哪里？
Dì tiě zhàn zài nǎ lǐ?
Where is the subway station?
我要去这个地方。
Wǒ yào qù zhè gè dì fāng.
I want to go to this place. (show phone)
🍜
Restaurant Ordering & Dining
我要点菜。
Wǒ yào diǎn cài.
I'd like to order.
有英文菜单吗？
Yǒu yīng wén cài dān ma?
Do you have an English menu?
不要放辣椒。
Bú yào fàng là jiāo.
No chili peppers please.
这个很好吃！
Zhè gè hěn hǎo chī!
This is delicious!
🛍️
Shopping & Bargaining
这个多少钱？
Zhè gè duō shǎo qián?
How much is this?
能便宜一点吗？
Néng pián yi yī diǎn ma?
Can you make it cheaper?
我只要看看。
Wǒ zhǐ yào kàn kàn.
I'm just looking.
我买了。
Wǒ mǎi le.
I'll take it / I'm buying it.
Numbers Quick Reference
Essential for shopping, counting, and asking prices
一
yī
1
二
èr
2
三
sān
3
四
sì
4
五
wǔ
5
六
liù
6
七
qī
7
八
bā
8
九
jiǔ
9
十
shí
10
百
bǎi
100
千
qiān
1,000
万
wàn
10,000
元
yuán
Yuan (¥)
半
bàn
Half
Learning Tips
Practical advice to help you navigate Shanghai with ease
Use Translation Apps
Baidu Translate and Google Translate both support photo translation -- just point your camera at a menu or sign for an instant translation. Voice translation is also very handy; speak slowly for best results.
Show Characters Instead
No need to speak -- simply show your destination or request in Chinese characters. Most people in Shanghai are used to this and can help you quickly and accurately.
A Smile is Universal
Don't worry if your pronunciation isn't perfect -- people in Shanghai are very friendly. Making an effort to say a few words in Mandarin, paired with gestures and a smile, will get you through most situations.
Ready to Explore Shanghai?
With these essential Mandarin phrases under your belt, your Shanghai trip will be smoother and more enjoyable. Remember: be brave enough to try -- the people of Shanghai will give you the warmest welcome.