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

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

5. 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.)

6. Say thanks with "SHYEH (4) SHYEH."

7. Bid adieu with "DZAI (4) JYAN (4)."

8. Apologize by saying "DWAY (4) BU CHEE (3)."

9. Convey your incomprehension by telling the person you don't understand: "WOH (3) BU (4) DONG (3)."

10. Explain "I want that one" with "WOH (3) YOW (4) NAY (4) GUH."

11. Let someone know that something is too expensive by saying "TAI (4) GWAY (4)."

Tips & Warnings

• 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!

on 8/8/2006 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.

on 8/8/2006 zai jian = good-bye

Thank you is actually "xie xie." Just remember the x's are pronounced as "sh" sounds.

on 8/8/2006 What is your name?
Ni jiao shenme mingzi

on 3/20/2006 It's amazing how being confident when you speak makes a huge difference to how natural and authentic you sound.

I give this tip to all my students learning to speak Chinese:

"Fake It Till You Make It"

Because when you hesitate and doubt yourself - the moment you speak distorts the tones - especially at the end of your sentence.

on 11/22/2005 In pinyin, the "q" is pronounced "ch", not "k".
By the way, zai jian is goodbye, not thank you.