While you can get by with English in tourist areas, knowing basic Chinese phrases will transform your Beijing experience. Locals appreciate the effort, and it makes everything from ordering food to negotiating taxi fares much smoother.
Greetings & Basics
Hello - Ni hao (nee how). Thank you - Xie xie (shyeh shyeh). Sorry - Duibuqi (dway boo chee). Yes - Shi (shur). No - Bu shi (boo shur). OK/Good - Hao (how). These simple words go a long way in daily interactions.
Restaurant & Food Phrases
Menu - Cai dan (tsai dan). Water - Shui (shway). Check please - Mai dan (my dan). Delicious - Hao chi (how chur). I cannot eat spicy - Wo bu chi la (waw boo chur lah). These will make dining out much easier.
Want a Local Guide to Show You Around?
Skip the tourist traps and discover the real Beijing with a local insider. Your first consultation is free.
Taxi & Transportation
Take me here - Qing dao zheli (ching dow juh-lee). Stop here - Zai zheli ting (zye juh-lee ting). How much - Duo shao qian (dwow shaow chyen). Airport - Ji chang (jee chahng). Always have a card with your destination written in Chinese characters.
Shopping & Bargaining
How much - Duo shao qian. Too expensive - Tai gui le (tye gway luh). Discount - Pian yi dian (pyen ee dyen). I am just looking - Wo kan kan (waw kahn kahn). Bargaining is expected at markets, start at 30-50% of the asking price.
Emergency Phrases
Help - Jiu ming (jyo ming). Police - Jing cha (jing chah). Hospital - Yi yuan (ee ywen). I need a doctor - Wo yao kan bing (waw yaow kahn bing). I do not understand - Wo ting bu dong (waw ting boo dong). Save these in your phone for emergencies.
Digital Tools
Download a translation app like Google Translate (works with VPN) or Baidu Translate. Pleco is the best Chinese-English dictionary app. Most Chinese people use WeChat voice input for translation. Point-and-translate features on phone cameras help with menus and signs.
Last updated: · Next review: ·Prices and policies may change. We verify all information regularly.
Planning Your Beijing Trip?
Get our complete guide and checklist plus personalized tips from our local team.
Hidden Beijing Recommends
Every recommendation on this site is based on our team's personal experience and testing. We do not accept payment for positive reviews. All suggestions are curated to help you have the best possible experience in Beijing.
Hidden Beijing's Curated Hotels
We personally inspect and recommend hotels that offer the best value, location, and English-friendly service for international travelers. Our top picks include boutique hotels in hutongs, business hotels in CBD, and luxury options in Wangfujing.
Our team inspects every hotel before recommendationHidden Beijing's Restaurant Picks
Hand-selected restaurants where foreigners feel welcome, menus have English descriptions, and the food represents the best of Beijing cuisine. From Peking duck to street food, we guide you to the right spot.
Tested and verified by our local teamVPN Services Tested in Beijing
We regularly test VPN performance inside Beijing. Our recommendations are based on actual connection tests at Beijing hotels, coffee shops, and mobile networks. We update our findings monthly.
Tested inside Beijing and refreshed regularlyHidden Beijing curates every recommendation personally. We never accept payment for listings.