How to Pronounce Basic Phrases in Mandarin Chinese
A few basic phrases can get you remarkably far in China, and your efforts will be greatly appreciated by the locals.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Chinese Mandarin Phrase Books
- Mandarin Classes
- Audiotapes For Mandarin Learners
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The Tones
-
1
Remind yourself every time you learn a new phrase to learn the tones as well, since saying a syllable with the wrong tone might convey a meaning you don't intend.
-
2
Acquaint yourself with the normal pitch range of your speaking voice; think of "5" as the high end and "1" as the low end.
-
3
Think of each tone as tracing out a pitch contour that can be represented by these numbers.
-
4
Learn the tones: "1st tone" is high and stays high (5-5 on the pitch scale); "2nd tone" is a rising tone (3-5); "3rd tone" falls and rises (2-1-4); "4th tone" falls (5-1).
Key Phrases
-
1
Greet people with "NEE (2) HOW (3)." (The numbers represent the tone numbers. If there's no number, pronounce the syllable quickly and lightly with no tonal contour.)
-
2
Say thanks with "SHYEH (4) SHYEH."
-
3
Bid adieu with "DZAI (4) JYAN (4)."
-
4
Apologize by saying "DWAY (4) BU CHEE (3)."
-
5
Convey your incomprehension by telling the person you don't understand: "WOH (3) BU (4) DONG (3)."
-
6
Explain "I want that one" with "WOH (3) YOW (4) NAY (4) GUH."
-
7
Let someone know that something is too expensive by saying "TAI (4) GWAY (4)."
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1
Tips & Warnings
Don't stress too much about the tones for the basic phrases you're about to learn. Just try your best.
Never underestimate the power of body language. It makes an excellent and effective supplement to spoken language.
Find a native speaker to coach you on pronunciation, especially the tones.
Buy a set of audiotapes to help you learn by listening and repeating.
Buy a book of basic phrases for travelers. Be sure to get one with Chinese characters, so that you can point to the phrase in the book if all else fails.
Take a class on Mandarin: If you learn it well, you'll add 1 billion to the number of people with whom you can communicate!
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Comments
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how do i pronunounce, you look nice. please anyone
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freepeter
Dec 04, 2009
?(zai)?(jian) zai means again jian means meet So,it is Goodbye. I am Chinese teacher in Beijing.I want to find some students on the internet. You can pay me after we finished the lesson. If you are interested,just email me. Best wishes Paul -
Aug 08, 2006
If you're feeling shy about using your foreign language skills, try lowering your inhibitions a bit by having a drink. Face it, you're going to make mistakes, and you're going to sound like a laowai. Laugh at yourself, and keep trying.
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Aug 08, 2006
zai jian = good-bye Thank you is actually "xie xie." Just remember the x's are pronounced as "sh" sounds.
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Aug 08, 2006
If you're feeling shy about using your foreign language skills, try lowering your inhibitions a bit by having a drink. Face it, you're going to make mistakes, and you're going to sound like a laowai. Laugh at yourself, and keep trying.
