10 Essential Mandarin Chinese Phrases for Using Public Transport
Navigate Beijing's buses and subways with confidence! Learn key phrases for tickets, directions, and more.
Getting around in big Chinese cities often means relying on public transport, especially the incredibly extensive subway systems and bus networks. Mastering a few key phrases will make your journeys smoother and less stressful. Whether you're buying a ticket, asking for directions to the right platform, or understanding announcements, these expressions will be invaluable. Don't be afraid to try them out – locals will appreciate the effort!
What this lesson covers
Core Chinese words for everyday conversation.
English meanings, pronunciation hints, and tap-to-hear audio.
A quick flashcard flow and quiz to make the words stick.
Start with these key words
Learn the first set, listen out loud, then move into the full list below.
Flashcards
Practice quiz
Full vocabulary list
Words 1–10
- 你好nee howHello
- 请问，去 [地名] 怎么走？ching wen, choo [dee-ming] zuh mo zod?Excuse me, how do I get to [place name]?
- 这趟车到 [地名] 吗？zuh tahng cher dao [dee-ming] mah?Does this bus/train go to [place name]?
- 我要一张去 [地名] 的票。wuh yow yee jahng choo [dee-ming] duh pyow.I want one ticket to [place name].
- 多少钱？dwoh show chyen?How much is it?
- 在哪里换乘？zye nah lee hwahn cherng?Where do I transfer?
- 下一站是 [站名]。shyah ee jahnt shrr [jahnt-ming].The next stop is [station name].
- 请在这里停车。ching zye juh lee ting cherng.Please stop here.
- 谢谢shyeh shyehThank you
- 不好意思boo how ee ssrExcuse me / Sorry
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