by Karyn Clemons

Created on: May 19, 2009

Traveling in China can be intimidating, especially because of the language barrier. Learning basic phrases is essential to the enjoyment of your trip. Chinese is a tonal system. The first tone is high and flat, the same sound as when you open your mouth and say "ah" for the doctor. Second tone starts low and goes high. This is similar to answering the phone and saying, "Yes?" The third tone is low and it dips. It is created by dipping your voice down and then up slightly at the end. Fourth tone starts high and then goes low. This is the same as the "ya!" part of "hi-ya!" If there is no tone, your voice stays natural and the word is said mid-range. Go to chinesepod.com to hear examples of the tones. Now, let us have a look at some phrases that you should know before you go to China.

Hello - "1Ni-3Hao"

Nihao is a basic way to greet people when you see them. It also helps to get someone's attention. Do not worry. If you say this phrase, people will not assume that you speak Chinese. Ni literally means you and hao is good. This is useful to know for other phrases as well.

I don't understand "3Wo 1Ting 4Bu 2Dong"

There are other ways to say that you do not understand people, but you will hear the locals asking "Ni (you) ting dong ma?" more than anything else. You can respond with "wo ting bu dong." Be prepared for the Chinese person to giggle at your pronunciation and repeat what you say. They are not trying to be rude, but usually get nervous when they are helping people who don't understand them well.

Do you know? "3Ni 1Zhi 4Dao ma?"

This phrase is necessary for taxi rides. If you give the driver an address he may begin speaking rapidly in Chinese and you will not know what he is saying. To clear the air, ask "ni zhidao ma?" Then listen for one of two responses. The driver may say, "wo zhidao" which means I do know, or "wo bu zhidao" which means I do not know. Listen for the word "bu." This word is placed in sentences to create a negative response. If he says he does not know, it may be easiest to find another taxi.

Do you speak English? "3Ni 4Hui 1Shuo 1Ying 2Wen ma?"

This is a long phrase to learn, but it is helpful if you are lost. Look for someone who appears to be the age of a university student and ask "Ni huishuo yingwen ma?" Then listen for "wo huishuo yingwen," which means, "I do speak English," "wo bu huishuo yingwen," which means "I do not speak English," or "yidian" which means "a little." If the person does

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