Essential Mandarin (Chinese) words and gestures

A practical guide to essential Chinese words and gestures, crucial for respectful and effective communication, whether you’re traveling, doing business, or just curious.

Essential Mandarin Chinese Words & Phrases

Mandarin Chinese is the official language. These are Romanized using Pinyin.

Absolute Basics (The “Survival Kit”)

你好 (Nǐ hǎo) – Hello
- The standard greeting. Use for anyone, anytime.
谢谢 (Xièxie) – Thank you
- The most important word. Say it often.
不客气 (Bù kèqì) – You’re welcome
- The standard response to “thank you.”
对不起 (Duìbuqǐ) – I’m sorry / Excuse me
- Use to apologize or to gently get someone’s attention.
是的 (Shì de) – Yes | 不是 (Bù shì) – No
- “Shì de” is more formal/polite than just “shì.”
请 (Qǐng) – Please
- Often used at the beginning of a request. “Qǐng zuò” (Please sit).
我不会说中文 (Wǒ bù huì shuō Zhōngwén) – I don’t speak Chinese.
- A lifesaver phrase.

Key Question Words

吗 (Ma) – [Question particle]
- Turn any statement into a yes/no question. E.g., “Nǐ hǎo” (You are good) -> “Nǐ hǎo ma?” (Are you good?/How are you?)
什么 (Shénme) – What? | 多少钱? (Duōshǎo qián?) – How much money?
- Essential for shopping and eating.
在哪里? (Zài nǎlǐ?) – Where is?
- “Cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?” (Where is the toilet?)

Numbers 1-10 (Crucial for everything)

一 (Yī) 1, 二 (Èr) 2, 三 (Sān) 3, 四 (Sì) 4, 五 (Wǔ) 5
六 (Liù) 6, 七 (Qī) 7, 八 (Bā) 8, 九 (Jiǔ) 9, 十 (Shí) 10

Essential Chinese Gestures & Body Language

This is often more important than the words. Misunderstanding gestures can lead to serious faux pas.

Do Use These Gestures:

Pointing with an Open Hand: Never point with a single finger. It’s considered rude. To indicate a person, object, or direction, use your whole hand with the palm open, as if you’re gently guiding someone.
- Why: Pointing a single finger is aggressive and impolite.
Beckoning Someone: To call a waiter or someone to come over, extend your arm with the palm facing down and make a scratching motion with your fingers towards yourself.
- Why: Beckoning with a palm up (as in the West) is used only for animals.
Giving/Receiving with Two Hands: To show respect, especially when giving or receiving a business card, a gift, or even money, use both hands.
- Why: It signifies that you are fully present and respectful of the interaction.
The “Number” Gestures: Chinese has gestures for numbers 1-10, used often in noisy markets for bargaining.
- 6: Extend the thumb and pinkie (like the “hang loose” sign).
- 7: Touch thumb, index, and middle fingertips together.
- 8: Thumb and index finger form an “L” (like a gun).
- 9: The index finger is bent into a hook.
- 10: Either a fist (like “rock” in rock-paper-scissors) or crossing the index and middle fingers.

Avoid These Gestures:

The “Come Here” Gesture (Palm Up): As mentioned, this is for calling dogs. Using it for people is highly offensive.
Pointing at Your Nose: In China, people point to their own nose to mean “me.” Pointing at someone else’s nose is incredibly confrontational.
Whistling: Avoid whistling at all costs. It is considered very rude and is associated with summoning dogs.
Touching Someone’s Head: The head is considered the most sacred part of the body. Never pat someone on the head, even a child, as it is seen as invasive and disrespectful.
Direct Eye Contact (for extended periods): While making some eye contact is good, holding it for too long is seen as aggressive, challenging, or disrespectful, especially with elders or superiors. It’s polite to occasionally break eye contact.

Tip:

The concept of “面子 (miànzi)” or “face” (social prestige, honor, reputation) is fundamental. The goal of communication is often to help everyone involved “save face” and avoid public embarrassment, shame, or direct confrontation. Being polite, indirect, and using these respectful gestures is all about giving face.