It has been about a month since we stepped off the plane in the Beijing airport, and over the course of that time I have found myself saying the same few phrases over and over again. Here are the five I’ve used the most, plus a bonus one …
Wo ting bu dong.
This is like saying, “I hear you, but I have no idea what you’re saying to me.” I think it’s funny that the literal translation isn’t “I don’t understand,” but is actually “I listen no understand.” I guess we have to specify that we at least gave it a shot. Despite my still very underdeveloped speaking skills, I have made a point of practicing Mandarin whenever I have the opportunity, so I have had to become quite comfortable with this sentence.
Bu yao
This is the most important phrase to know when perusing the bargain markets; it means you don’t want whatever someone is offering you (literally “no want”). This won’t deter many of the vendors, but some will receive the message and back off.
Xie xie (approximately pronounced “Sheeuh Sheeuh”)
“Thank you.”
Ni hao (Knee how)
“Hello!”
Zai jian (“Tzai jien”)
If you are going to say hello, you’ll eventually have to say “goodbye!”
And just for fun …
Wo ai ni
Save this one for that special someone … “I love you.”
Congratulations, you have now pretty much mastered the language of Mandarin Chinese! Be sure to impress your Mandarin-speaking friends next time you see them!
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