Chinese from scratch: the most compact phrasebook. Everyday phrases and words in Chinese

“Hello” is perhaps the very first word with which people begin to learn foreign language. And if you decide to start learning Chinese, then it would be logical to start with this word.

Hello in Chinese looks and sounds like this (Russian translation nihao):

你好 nǐhǎo

There is also a polite form of address. Here's how to say hello in Chinese:

您好 nínhǎo

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But, to be honest, I almost never heard it used in communication. Therefore, I prefer to use the first option.

To greet several people or a company at once, you can use this expression:

Hello everyone

What do "good morning", "good afternoon" and "good night" sound like in Chinese?

Also, I think it would be a good idea to find out how to greet a person depending on the time of day:

• Good morning

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• Good afternoon

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• Good evening or Good night

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Chinese language History Chinese language with rich history, which dates back to 1122 BC. (BC). While today more than one billion people around the world speak several variations of Chinese, the history of this language is associated with a more primitive, more in simple language, known as Proto-Sino-Tibetan. Modern linguists classify Chinese within the Sino-Tibetan group of languages.

Interestingly, the history of the Chinese language is a controversial issue among linguists, as many have conflicting notions of how the evolution of this language should be classified. However, despite ongoing scientific debate, many experts rely on the historical classification system developed by Swedish linguist Bernhard Carlgren in the early 20th century. Carlgren suggested seeing the history of the Chinese language in the following eras: Old Chinese Middle Chinese Modern Chinese Traditional chinese characters are written in columns. These columns must be read from top to bottom and from right to left. Since it is a writing system that uses one character to represent a word or phrase, there are literally thousands of characters. In fact, Hanzi (literally, Chinese for " Chinese characters") has more than 50,000 characters. This is a huge number of counting symbols, in particular for high level illiteracy in China. In an attempt to get around this problem, People's Republic China has introduced a program to simplify the language into a set of commonly used characters. Today's notation system uses approximately 6,000 of these characters. Of course, they are also used proper names characters that rarely appear.

Hello	Nihao	你好
Goodbye	Tsai Zen	再见
Do you speak English?	No fuck sho inwen ma?	你会讲英语吗？
Thank you very much!	Sese, feichang fanse!	非常感谢你！
Please	Buyun Xie	请
Sorry	Blow buti	遗憾
What is your name?	Ni jiao shemme mingzi?	你叫什么名字？
Yes	Shi	是的
No	Bushy	无
Do you want to dance?	Ni xiang tiao wu ma?	想跳舞吗？
I love you!	Wow!	我爱你！

Numbers and numbers

One	AND	一
Two	Er	二
Three	San	三
Four	Sy	四
Five	U	五
Six	Liu	六
Seven	Qi	七
Eight	Ba	八
Nine	Tszyu	九
Ten	Shi	十
Twenty	Ershi	二十
Thirty	Sanshi	三十
Fourty	Syshi	四十
Fifty	Ears	五十
One hundred	And bye	百
Thousand	Yi Qian	千
Million	And Bai Wan	百万

Shops, hotels, transport

How much does it cost?	Zheige dongxi doshao tien?	需要多少费用？
I will buy it	In May Zheig	我就买它
How much does the ticket cost?	Phyao doshao tien?	多少钱的车票？
When does the train arrive/depart?	Hoche shemme shihou daoda?	当到达（送）火车？
Porter!	Banyungong!	波特！
Where is the taxi stand?	Chuzu chezhan zai naer?	出租汽车在哪里？
Where is the bus stop?	Gonggong qiche zhan zai naer?	哪里是公交车站？
What's the next stop?	Xia zhan shi naer?	什么是下一站？
Do you have any available rooms?	Nimen hai you meiyou kun fanjian?	你有没有可用的房间吗？
Is breakfast included in this price?	Zhe baoko zaocan feile ma?	是这里的早餐的价格是多少？
Do you have a map of the city?	Ni you chengshi jiaotong tu ma?	你有一个城市的地图？

For different occasions

Where are postcards (booklets, guidebooks) sold?	Mingxinpian (shouce, zhinan) tsai shemma difang mai?	在哪里购买卡（手册，指南等）？
How many people in your city got sick with SARS?	Nimen de chengshi you doshao ren ganzhanle feidianfeiyan?	有多少人在你的城市病综合症？
How many died?	Doshao zhen sile?	而有多少人死亡？
So much (little)?	Name do (shao)?	这么多（小）？
How are you feeling?	Ning juede shufu ma?	你感觉怎么样？
Are you coughing, or is it just my imagination?	Nin kesou, wo kenen tintsole ma?	你咳嗽，或者它似乎给我吗？
I feel myself good	Wo juede shufu	我觉得没事
I didn't cough	Wo mei yo kesou	我没有咳嗽
I don't have a fever	Wo meiyou fashao	我没有温度
I assure you I didn't cough	Zhen de, wo mei kesou	我向你保证，我没有咳嗽
Thank you, no need to call a doctor	Sese, daifu bu yong jiao	谢谢你，这是没有必要叫医生
Take your hands off	Zou kai ba	保持你的双手
You are not a doctor, you are a pest	Ning bu shi isheng. Ning shi weihai fengzi	你是不是医生，你害虫
You yourself infected me	Ning Ziji Chuanzhanle Wo	请你帮我和感染
I spat in your rice, now you're going to die	Wo Xiang Nide Fanwanli Thule Tan	我在你的饭吐了，现在你死

At the restaurant

We need a table for two (three, four)	Women yao liange ren (sange ren, sige ren) canzhuo	我们需要两（三，四）表
Menu, please	Qing na tsaidan lai	菜单，请
I want to try this	Wo Xiang Chan Yixia Zhege	我想尝试一下
Bon appetit!	Zhu ni weikou hao!	个饱！
Please explain how they eat it	Qing Jieshi Yixia, Zhege Zenme Chi	解释，请，你怎么吃
I do not know how to eat with chopsticks	Wo bu dick yong kuaizi	我不知道怎么用筷子吃饭
The check, please	Qing Jiezhang	比尔，请

Chinese video lessons for beginners

Do you know what is the most embarrassing moment for all foreigners learning Chinese? When they realize that “ni hao” is far from the most popular word that the people of the Middle Kingdom use to greet.

How do you say “hello” or “how are you” in Chinese? Just for you - six ways to say it.

Bonus! (ni hao!) / 您好 (Ning hao!) - “Hello!” / “Hello!”

In case you have just started learning Chinese, or you are a simple tourist who is not even going to learn the language, but has already applied for a visa to the Celestial Empire.

“Ni Hao” is the first thing all foreigners learn. And even those who are completely unfamiliar with the language know that if you want to say “hello” in Chinese, say “ni hao.” If translated literally, the meaning will be consonant with our “hello”: “neither” - you; "hao" - good.

In fact, locals rarely use this phrase, as it sounds too formal. “Ning hao” is a respectful form (“ning” means you). Most often used to greet teachers or superiors. In this form it is actively used.

Also, quite often, even in the first lessons of Chinese, they learn: if you add an interrogative particle to “ni hao”, then the greeting turns into the question “how are you” (“ni hao ma?”). However, this will immediately make you look like a foreigner. The Chinese use this phrase not to ask how things are, but to make sure that everything is fine. That is, when you say “ni hao ma,” you focus on the fact that the person looks, to put it mildly, unimportant and you want to find out if he is healthy.

早！(Zao!) - “Good morning!”

"Zao" is short for 早上好! ("Zao shang hao!"), which means " Good morning" This is one of the popular ways to say “hello” in Chinese. The only case when using this word is inappropriate is if it is evening outside.

你吃了吗？(Ni chi le ma?) - “Have you eaten?”

If you are asked, “Ni chi le ma?”, don’t rush to talk about the delicious sandwich you had for breakfast or look around for food.

For the Chinese, this is not an invitation to dinner, but a way to ask how you are doing. It is enough to simply answer: “Chi le. No ne? (“I’ve eaten, and you?”). This is how you express unobtrusive concern for the person. If you ask this way, no one will demand treats from you, but it is quite possible that the locals’ attitude towards you will become several degrees warmer. The Chinese love foreigners who not only know how to say “hello” in Chinese, but are also not surprised when asked about food.

最近好吗？(Zui jin hao ma?) - “How are things going?”

“Zui jin hao ma?” similar to Russian “how are you?” The answer may be the same as in your native language. You can limit yourself to a short “hao” - “good”, or simply nod your head affirmatively. Or, if your language level allows you, you can say a couple of phrases about how things are going.

喂 (Way!) - “Hello?”

This is how the Chinese answer phone calls. A very simple and pleasant sounding word. It is used by everyone, regardless of age, gender and social status.

去哪儿？(Chu nar?) - “Where are you going?”

“Ni chu nar?” is a way to say "hello" in Chinese if you bump into someone. By our standards, such a question may seem like excessive curiosity, especially when the interlocutor is a casual acquaintance. However, for the Chinese this is just a way to show concern and show some respect for a person.

Often a question form is used where the location is already specified. For example, when faced with a student or schoolchild, you can ask: “Chu shan ky le?” (“Are you going to class/classes?”).

好久不见！(Hao jou bu zen!) - “Long time no see!”

“Hao jou bu zen!” - this is how you can say “hello” in Chinese to an old friend whom you haven’t seen enough for a long time. This phrase has a very positive emotional connotation.

Small "but"

As you probably know, Chinese is a tone language. The same word said in a different tone can mean something completely different. Of course, if you are a tourist, and even a fair-haired one, then the good-natured Chinese will definitely make a discount on this. But if you want to sound like a local, be aware that knowing how to say "hello" in Chinese isn't enough. Pronunciation also plays an important role.

There is a very simple option for those who are not going to seriously study the language - enter the phrase in online translator with the ability to listen to the typed text and just try to copy the speaker’s intonation. It's much easier than understanding the nuances of one of the most difficult languages ​​in the world to learn.

Most importantly, don't be afraid to speak up. The Chinese will always be happy to tell you how to do it right. Especially if you respond by taking a photo with them and teaching them a few phrases in Russian or English. Or buy something since the noodle vendor helped you.

Often tourists in the Middle Kingdom encounter a problem language barrier. This is due to the fact that even in big cities limited quantity Few Chinese speak English. And if in stores you can communicate using gestures and signs, then for communication in transport or in other in public places better memorize simple phrases and take with you a phrasebook or dictionary with transcription.

The most popular Chinese words

China is a country where live communication. Here you cannot stand aside and be an outside observer. It is not easy for representatives of Western culture to get used to this way of life. A few of the most popular words should be learned by every person planning a trip to China. There are no words “yes” and “no” in this language; instead, more than 20 particles are used to express one’s attitude to a given issue.

Basic Chinese phrases with translation, which will be useful in any situation:

When communicating with the Chinese, you can ask about the history and culture of their country, family and family traditions. But it is better not to touch on political topics and not discuss economic problems. Asking a Chinese person if it will rain can be an insult. The fact is that rain is predicted by a turtle, and identifying a person with this animal is an insult.

Simple phrases for children

Knowledge of basic expressions will help the child join the team and develop his social skills. It is important to be able to say hello, introduce yourself and get to know each other, express your attitude to what is happening, and maintain a conversation. Young people like to start phrases with the word “Hey”:

Among young people, the phrase “how are you” or “how is life” is often replaced with the informal “What’s going on here?”

诶, 什么事？(ēi, shén me shì?) Hey, sheng mi shi?

Chinese phrasebook with pronunciation in Russian

Depending on the situation, different phrases may be needed. The main thing is that the interlocutor understands what we are talking about, and he can answer with a gesture or show the direction with his hand.

Appeals

When addressing strangers, you should not unnecessarily use colloquial addresses such as “aunt” or “uncle.” When communicating with good friends, it is appropriate to use the first name, and in a more formal setting, the first and last names, and first you need to put the person’s status, then the last name and first name.	再见！	Bye
hare	早上好 / 晚上好	Good morning/evening
addressing an older woman	阿姨	A-i
"master", in relation to a man	先生	hsien-sheng
"madam"	女士	nyu-shi
You are a beautiful girl!	你很漂亮!	Ni hen pyao liang!
“little friend” - to the child	小朋友	xiao pen-yu
to a young man	小伙子	xiao huozi
to a young woman	小姐	xiao-jie

Some time ago, a popular address in China was the word “comrade”, by analogy with the USSR. It’s better not to use this word now, as it has a new meaning: “gay.”

Common phrases

Knowing common phrases will help you make new acquaintances. China has both standard formal phrases and youth slang expressions. You should not use them without understanding your surroundings.

At customs

Knowing basic phrases will help you pass customs inspection, to prevent unpleasant situations when crossing the border. The rules for importing and exporting goods from the customs territory of China are very confusing. It is important to keep all receipts for goods purchased in China. All valuables Jewelry You need to declare it when entering the country so that there are no problems with export.

At the station

There are a lot of checks at the train station in China, so it is better to carry your passport with you along with your ticket. All information about trains is displayed on a large illuminated board, which is located near the main entrance. Without knowing the language, you can find there the train number, its departure time and the floor to which you should go. All other information is indicated in hieroglyphs, so you should not delve into it without knowing how to read. There are waiting rooms for different trains on different floors of the station; you need to find yours and wait for the corresponding announcement.

The Chinese are always running to take up space. Therefore, as soon as the train is boarded, all passengers from the waiting room will grab their bags and run, pushing everyone in their path.

If you can’t find your carriage, you need to show your ticket to the conductor - he will direct you in the right direction.

When buying a ticket, you should write on a piece of paper your destination, the number of tickets and desired date and give it to the cashier.

In transport

To get to a hotel or other desired location, you can use the map and show the taxi driver the desired location. When using a business card or handwritten address, it is important to be sure that the spelling is correct.

Take me here (show the place on the map).	请把我送到这里	Tsin ba wo sundao zheli.
How much does it cost to travel by bus/metro?	公车/地铁票多少钱？	Gunche/dithe phao duo xiao tsien?
Where is the bus stop here?	附近的公交车站在哪儿？	Fujin de gongjiaochhezhan zai nar?
Are you getting off? / I'm going out		Xia ma? / Xia (clearly, affirmatively)
Driver! Stop it! (it's better to scream)		Shifu, xia chhee!
Where can I rent a car?	在哪儿可 以租车?	Zainar khei juche?

Taxi drivers in China can take advantage of the fact that a tourist does not know the area and drive him around in circles to inflate the price. This can be avoided if you create your own route in the navigator and show it to the driver. Also, ordering an official taxi with checkers and a meter can protect you from troubles.

At the hotel

Hotel staff in China practically does not speak English or Russian. If the hotel is 4 stars or higher, then it must have English-speaking reception staff. Gestures and pictures will help you communicate with maids, porters and other staff. Before checking in, it is advisable to check the integrity of the furniture in the room, the presence of all equipment, and the fullness of the minibar, so that you do not have to pay for something that was damaged by someone else.

When you don’t need to rush, it’s convenient to use an electronic translator - a special program on your smartphone that translates all phrases and reproduces speech. It must work online, but in China there are difficulties with the Internet, some services are limited, messages in instant messengers are sometimes moderated.

Emergencies

If you ask something on the street, it is better to find a policeman or an older, intelligent-looking person and ask the question or show it written on paper.

In the event of unforeseen situations, you should not argue or speak rudely with government officials. You should remain calm and be polite.

It is important to have the phone number of your country's consulate on hand so that you can contact them in an emergency.

On the streets of large cities there are “people's telephones”, as well as telephone booths that charge money for a conversation from a card.

If a tourist falls ill during his stay in China, then before going to the doctor you need to:

• find all the symptoms on the Internet and write them down in Chinese on paper;
• Buy a protective mask from germs at the pharmacy, of which there are many in Asian medical institutions.

At the reception you need to present the prepared sheet, and the administrator will tell you how much you need to pay and which office to go to. If a foreigner does not have insurance, treatment can be expensive.

Dates and times

Time in Chinese is made up of the hour number from 1 to 12 and the word “hour” itself 点 (diǎn). The Chinese do not use a 24-hour time system. The days of the week in Chinese have no name - they are numbered. The name of the day of the week consists of the week (xinqi) and the number of the day of the week.

Numerals

You will have to use a lot of numbers during your trip to China, so it’s better to practice in advance.

• 10+1 = 11 (shi and)
• 10+5 = 15 (shi y)
• 3+10 = 30 (san shi)
• 4+10+5 = 45 (sy shi wu)

A popular Chinese way of showing numbers on the fingers. To indicate prime numbers From 1 to 9, fingers of one hand are used:

While shopping

Trade in China is developing and is focused on Russian buyers. Therefore, in many boutiques, sellers know individual words, and some speak broken Russian. But the most proven way to bargain is a calculator.

In large shopping centers, where there are many Russian buyers, you can meet Chinese traders who have taken European pseudonyms (Sasha, Natasha and others). They do this for the convenience of their clients. If we're talking about about a business partner, it is better to remember the Chinese name and pronounce it without errors.

While eating

The Chinese love to eat, they spend their weekends in cafes and meet friends there.

Bon appetit!	请慢用！	jin ma yong
I will do it...	我要这个…	In yao jege...
Is this dish spicy?	这个辣不辣？	Jege la bu la?
Menu	菜单	kaidan
Check!	买单	Maidan
I would like to reserve a table.	我想预订一张桌子	Wu yang yuding yu zang ziosi
Can we see the menu?	能给我们看看菜单吗?	Nyung gay woman cankan kaidan ma
What kind of soup do you have?	你们这儿有什么样的汤?	Nimen zhai yu shemeyang de tang
Please bring the bill	请给我们账单	Chin jay woman jangdan

When visiting Chinese restaurants you need to be prepared for the following:

• most food is spicy;
• no menu in English;
• the waiters speak only Chinese.

A good way out of the situation would be to print out the names of dishes in hieroglyphs with the names of the products and display them for ordering. Separately, you need to prepare the phrase “I don’t eat spicy things.” If the menu says 辣, it means the dish is very spicy.

Don't rely on the waiter's taste or ask best dish restaurant - most likely it will be aimed at the taste of the Chinese, not the European.

Conclusion

Tones are of great importance in the pronunciation of words. One word spoken with different intonations can take on a completely different meaning. Puntuhua has 4 syllabic tones that have symbols.

1st tone	2nd tone	3rd tone	4th tone

• The 1st tone is intonationally similar to an unfinished phrase;
• 2nd tone – short, similar to asking again;
• 3rd tone - like a puzzled question;
• The 4th tone is short and resembles an order.

We learn the melody of pronunciation of Chinese words like a song, then working on the tones will not be a problem.

To master the rules of pronunciation, you should listen to the speech of native speakers, watch video lessons or attend courses. The study should be based on the auditory level. Interrogative sentences in Chinese they are pronounced with a rising intonation, while narrative ones are pronounced with a falling intonation.
Basic knowledge of the Chinese language and some words will improve the quality of travel in this country.