10 Must-Know Chinese Phrases to Conquer Daily Chats!

1. 你好 (Nǐ hǎo)

• This foundational greeting means “Hello.” Using “你好” is polite and inviting, perfect for starting conversations. For instance, greeting a shopkeeper with “你好” sets a friendly tone for your shopping experience. 

• This phrase is common and somewhat formal, especially for first meetings with strangers. For friends, you can use 嗨 (Hāi), which comes from the English ‘Hi.’ It’s perfect for close friends or casual settings.

2. 上午好 (Shàng wǔ hǎo)

• 上午好 specifically means “Good morning”. 
• Similarly, you can use 中午好 (Zhōng wǔ hǎo) for “Good noon,” 下午好 (Xià wǔ hǎo) for “Good afternoon,” and 晚上好 (Wǎn shàng hǎo) for “Good evening.

3. 晚安 (Wǎn ān)

• This phrase is used at night or before bed to wish others a restful sleep. It’s great for ending a call with loved ones or saying goodbye after a late meeting.
• However, keep in mind that some people consider it a more intimate expression.

4. 谢谢 (Xiè xie)

• To express gratitude, use “谢谢.” Whether someone holds the door for you or brings your meal, saying “谢谢” shows appreciation and good manners.

• For instance, if you receive a complimentary cup of tea from a host during a visit, saying “谢谢” promptly shows your appreciation and good manners.

5. 不客气 (Bù kè qì)

• This means “You’re welcome” and is the appropriate response to “谢谢.” It helps maintain a friendly rapport after an act of kindness.

• For example, in a restaurant, when a customer thanks the waiter for bringing the food, the waiter can reply ‘不客气’ to maintain a friendly rapport.

6. 对不起 (Duì bu qǐ)

• Use “对不起” to apologize for mistakes or inconveniences.
• If you accidentally step on someone’s foot, quickly saying “对不起” shows that you’re aware of your mistake and are asking for forgiveness.

7. 没关系 (Méi guān xì)

• This phrase means “It’s okay” and is a response to “对不起,” easing any tension and reassuring the person that all is well.

8. 再见 (Zài jiàn)

• Simply meaning “Goodbye” or “See you next time.” 
• It’s suitable for any parting moment, whether you’re leaving a classroom or saying goodbye after a casual chat with friends.

9. 不好意思 (Bù hǎo yì sī)

• This expression serves a dual purpose. In the context of an apology, “不好意思” means ‘I’m sorry’ and is a softer way to express regret compared to “对不起.” It’s often used for minor mistakes, small inconveniences, or social slip-ups. 
• Additionally, ‘不好意思’ can be used as a polite way to preface a question, similar to saying ‘Excuse me’ in English. For example, if you want to ask a stranger for directions, you can say, ‘不好意思，请问地铁站在哪里？’, which means, ‘Excuse me, could you tell me where the subway station is?’

10. 请问？ (Qǐng wèn?)

• This phrase is used to politely get someone’s attention before asking a question, seeking directions, or gathering information. 
• For instance, at a tourist center, you might say, “请问, 去故宫博物院怎么走?” (May I ask how to get to the Palace Museum?).