Beijing, the capital of China, is a city where ancient traditions meet modern development. As one of the world's most populous and historically rich cities, Beijing is home to iconic landmarks like the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square. With centuries of imperial history and a rapidly evolving urban culture, Beijing offers a unique blend of the past and present. It’s also a hub for arts, politics, education, and cuisine.
Languages Spoken in Beijing
The official language in Beijing is Mandarin Chinese (普通话 / Pǔtōnghuà). Locally, people may speak the Beijing dialect, which is a variant of Mandarin. English is not widely spoken outside of hotels, major attractions, and upscale areas. For most local interactions (like in taxis, markets, or street food stalls), some basic Mandarin phrases will go a long way.
Most Common Language: Mandarin Chinese
Mandarin is the official and most widely spoken language in Beijing and throughout China. It uses Simplified Chinese characters and four distinct tones, which affect meaning. Even basic phrases in Mandarin are greatly appreciated by locals and can improve your travel experience.
Essential Phrases for Travelers
1. Greetings & Basic Politeness
English
Chinese (Simplified)
Transliteration
Hello
你好
Nǐ hǎo
Good morning
早上好
Zǎoshàng hǎo
Good evening
晚上好
Wǎnshàng hǎo
How are you?
你好吗？
Nǐ hǎo ma?
Thank you
谢谢
Xièxie
Goodbye
再见
Zàijiàn
2. Starting a Conversation
English
Chinese (Simplified)
Transliteration
What’s your name?
你叫什么名字？
Nǐ jiào shénme míngzi?
My name is __.
我叫__。
Wǒ jiào __.
Where are you from?
你从哪儿来？
Nǐ cóng nǎr lái?
I am from [country]
我来自[country]。
Wǒ láizì [country].
Nice to meet you
很高兴认识你
Hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ
Pleased to meet you
认识你很高兴
Rènshi nǐ hěn gāoxìng
3. Asking for Directions
English
Chinese (Simplified)
Transliteration
Where is the subway station?
地铁站在哪儿？
Dìtiě zhàn zài nǎr?
How do I get to the Forbidden City?
我怎么去故宫？
Wǒ zěnme qù Gùgōng?
Is it far from here?
离这儿远吗？
Lí zhèr yuǎn ma?
Can you show me on the map?
你能在地图上指出来吗？
Nǐ néng zài dìtú shàng zhǐchūlái ma?
Which way should I go?
我该往哪儿走？
Wǒ gāi wǎng nǎr zǒu?
4. Telling What Language You Speak
English
Chinese (Simplified)
Transliteration
Do you speak English?
你会说英语吗？
Nǐ huì shuō Yīngyǔ ma?
I don’t understand
我不懂
Wǒ bù dǒng
Please speak slowly
请说慢一点
Qǐng shuō màn yìdiǎn
Can you repeat that?
你能再说一遍吗？
Nǐ néng zài shuō yí biàn ma?
I speak a little Chinese
我会说一点中文
Wǒ huì shuō yìdiǎn Zhōngwén
5. Shopping and Ordering Food & Drinks
English
Chinese (Simplified)
Transliteration
How much is this?
这个多少钱？
Zhège duōshao qián?
Can you give me a discount?
可以便宜一点吗？
Kěyǐ piányi yìdiǎn ma?
I want to buy this
我要买这个
Wǒ yào mǎi zhège
Do you have a menu in English?
有英文菜单吗？
Yǒu Yīngwén càidān ma?
The food was delicious
饭很好吃
Fàn hěn hǎochī
6. Asking for Transportation
English
Chinese (Simplified)
Transliteration
Where can I find a taxi?
在哪儿可以打车？
Zài nǎr kěyǐ dǎchē?
How much is the fare?
车费多少钱？
Chēfèi duōshao qián?
Can you take me to the airport?
你可以带我去机场吗？
Nǐ kěyǐ dài wǒ qù jīchǎng ma?
Is there a bus to the hotel?
有到酒店的公交车吗？
Yǒu dào jiǔdiàn de gōngjiāo chē ma?
How long does it take?
要多长时间？
Yào duō cháng shíjiān?
7. Asking for Toilet
English
Chinese (Simplified)
Transliteration
Where is the toilet?
洗手间在哪儿？
Xǐshǒujiān zài nǎr?
Is there a public toilet nearby?
附近有公共厕所吗？
Fùjìn yǒu gōnggòng cèsuǒ ma?
I need a restroom
我需要上厕所
Wǒ xūyào shàng cèsuǒ
Is it clean?
干净吗？
Gānjìng ma?
Is it free?
是免费的吗？
Shì miǎnfèi de ma?
8. Asking for Help
English
Chinese (Simplified)
Transliteration
Help!
救命！
Jiùmìng!
Call the police
叫警察
Jiào jǐngchá
I need a doctor
我需要医生
Wǒ xūyào yīshēng
Where is the nearest hospital?
最近的医院在哪儿？
Zuìjìn de yīyuàn zài nǎr?
My wallet was stolen
我的钱包被偷了
Wǒ de qiánbāo bèi tōu le
Final Thoughts
Beijing is a dynamic and historic city, and learning some basic Mandarin Chinese phrases will greatly improve your experience. While not everyone speaks English, locals appreciate even small attempts to speak their language. Whether navigating a market, ordering Peking duck, or getting help in an emergency, these phrases will help you connect with people and enjoy your trip with confidence.
