All dialogues begin with a greeting. From the one with whom we have to communicate, we choose the form of appeal. In addition to greetings, there are other common phrases that will help to strike up and maintain a conversation with a resident of the Middle Kingdom, over a cup of Chinese tea. Sentences are not built in the same way as in Russian, they are appropriate in specific situations. A large number of dialects in China create difficulties for communication, but Putonghua is a common colloquial dialect that all residents understand.
Hello Chinese sounding
The tones in Chinese speech determine the meaning of the spoken phrase. Correct pronunciation will make you understand unambiguously. For this, transliteration of hieroglyphs in Russian and Latin letters is presented, but it does not convey tones. In square brackets it is indicated how the transcription is written. How to pronounce in quotation marks. It is much easier to fill in the correct sound of words if you regularly listen to audio recordings of dialogues in Chinese. This is how you need to learn the language.
The most common greeting in China is "ni hao" - hello. This is a formal phrase, appropriate when addressing strangers. Literally "you" and "good." Such an appeal is acceptable in a letter.
Respectful address, to people of age or out of respect "ning hao". In modern China, they are rarely used.
Or "hi" - just like saying "hello" in Chinese, arose under the influence of English and a more common form.
Say "hello" to the company: "nimen hao". Or - hello everyone.
You can greet acquaintances simply by calling by name. If this is an official relationship, then the positions: doctor, professor or boss.
Introduce yourself in Chinese
Submission is the most basic form of politeness. It is enough to give your name. Literally it can be translated as "they call me". "In" + (Name). The hieroglyph has the meaning of the pronoun "I".
For an interrogative construction in Chinese, the particle "ne" is used. Most often they are not used for simple questions implying a monosyllabic answer. The meaning is given by the context; when pronouncing, the particle is emotionally colored. Also used in rhetorical questions. In affirmative sentences, it has an incentive meaning.
So, having introduced yourself, you do not need to repeat the question for the interlocutor in order to clarify his name. It is enough to add a particle. The meaning is as in Russian: "and you?" or "and you?"
Example: Wǒ + (Name), nǐ ne?
"In + (Name) no ne?"
Other common phrases
Traditional universal expressions are found in all languages. And in Chinese, there are several variations of greetings and goodbyes. For each his own case.
Good morning!
Morning is a period of time from five to twelve o'clock. Until nine o'clock - early morning. At this time, it is appropriate to say: Good morning - "Zaoshang hao." The rest of the time, the well-known "ni hao" is acceptable - "hello" as "good afternoon."
Goodbye
It is customary to say goodbye: goodbye - [zài jiàn] tszai jien. Or bye - [bái bái] bye bye.
good evening
From six o'clock in the evening until midnight, the following expression is appropriate: good evening- "wang shang hao".
Goodnight
Night time starts at midnight and lasts until five in the morning. Goodnight- "van an", is desired when a person retires for a night's sleep.
What is your name
It is not customary to meet on the street in China. There is a tradition of organizing a dating fair in Shanghai Park on weekends. They hang out the questionnaires of those who wish to get married. They indicate age, gender and interests. But the most important information- height. Sometimes they come in person. The exception is for foreigners with a typical European appearance. The Chinese greet them with joy, are ready to strike up an acquaintance and add them as friends on social networks.
What is your name? - [nǐ jiào shénme míngzi?] "Ni jiao sheng ma min zi?"
Nice to meet you! - [rèn shi nǐ hěn gāo xìng] "zheng shi ni heng gao xing".
Have you eaten?
The traditional courtesy question is not an offer to eat or share a meal. Have you eaten? - "no chi le ma?" A kind of greeting that originated in the countryside. Non-binding attention. The answer is also provided for by etiquette: “chi le, ne?”. Approval and return question.
How are things going?
There is a version that the phrase "how are you?" colonists introduced the Chinese language. It is customary for the British to ask how things are going even with unfamiliar people... What can not be said about oriental culture... This expression is widespread, found in any phrasebook. But they use it in everyday speech mostly tourists. As a continuation of the greeting. The question is formulated with the addition of an interrogative particle at the end.
In Chinese, "How are you?" - "no hao ma?" Appropriate if you are inquiring about a patient's health or want to offer help. More comparable with the Russian, interrogative version "is everything all right?" A question similar in meaning: "ni hai hao ba".
In China, they are interested in "how are things going?", "How are you?" in two ways: "no tszenme?" And "Zui jin hao ma?" ... They are synonymous in meaning. The answer depends on what relationship you are in. As in Western culture, this question is not asked out of idle interest, but out of politeness. A longtime acquaintance can bring up to date. More often they answer with an affirmative nod.
Hello?
When communicating on the phone, you can use the universal expression "ni hao" - hello. Or "wayi", which also means "hello", but is not used in personal communication. Analogue of the Russian "hello".
Where are you going?
Another way to say hello is by communicating with familiar people. Where are you going? - "chi nali ya". Or "chi nar". Also a tribute to speech etiquette. Does not oblige to dialogue.
Long time no see!
To a person whom you know and have not seen for a while, you can turn to: "hao jou bu zen!" - long time no see.
thanks
I thank you - "gan sie ni" or thank you - "sie sie".
In the tea tradition, it is customary to tap in gratitude. Outstretched fingers, index and middle, right hand- hit the table a couple of times. Thus expressing to the tea master that he liked everything. In response, for gratitude they say "mei shi" - please.
"Please" as an appeal - "to the rank".
Conclusion
Saying hello in Chinese is not enough. One and the same word, a hieroglyph in a translator can mean completely different things. This is influenced by the intonation, or rather the tone, you pronounce it. There are hieroglyphs with the same spelling and pronunciation. But in a different translation. In order not to make mistakes, you need to be able to read the transcription and know the pronunciation. Otherwise, you risk getting into a funny situation.
The Pinyin chart will help you write what the words sound like in Chinese. Spelling transcriptions of unknown words trains correct pronunciation.
Do you know what is the most embarrassing moment for all foreigners learning Chinese? When they understand that "ni hao" is far from the most popular word that the people of the Celestial Empire use to greet.
What is the Chinese word for “hello”, “how are you”? There are six ways to say it just for you.
Bonus 你好! (no hao!) / 您好 (Ning hao!) - "Hello!" / "Hello!"
In case you have just started learning Chinese, or you are a simple tourist who is not even going to learn the language, but has already applied for a visa to the Middle Kingdom.
"Ni hao" is the first thing that all foreigners study. And even those who are completely unfamiliar with the language know that if you want to say hello in Chinese, say no hao. If translated literally, the meaning will be consonant with our "hello": "no" - you; "Hao" is good.
In fact, locals rarely use this phrase, as it sounds too formal. "Ning hao" is a respectful form ("ning" - you). Most often used to greet teachers or superiors. In this form, it is actively used.
Also, quite often, even in the first lessons of Chinese, they learn: if you add an interrogative particle to "ni hao", the greeting turns into a question "how are you" ("ni hao ma?"). However, this will immediately betray you as a foreigner. The Chinese use this turn of phrase not to ask how things are, but to make sure everything is in order. That is, saying "no hao ma", you focus on the fact that the person looks, to put it mildly, unimportant and you want to know if he is healthy.
早！ (Zao!) - "Good morning!"
"Zao" is short for 早上 好! ("Zao shan hao!"), Which means " good morning". This is one of the popular ways to say hello in Chinese. The only time the use of this word is inappropriate is if it's evening outside.
你 吃 了 吗？ (Ni chi le ma?) - "Have you eaten?"
If you were asked: "Ni chi le ma?", Do not rush to talk about the delicious sandwich that you ate for breakfast, or look around for food.
For the Chinese, this is not an invitation to dinner, but a way to ask how you are doing. It is enough to simply answer: “Chi le. No ne? " ("I ate, did you?"). This is how you express unobtrusive concern for the person. if you ask that, no one will demand treats from you, but it is quite possible that the attitude of the locals towards you will become a few degrees warmer. The Chinese love foreigners who not only know how to say hello in Chinese but are not surprised by the question of food.
最近 好吗？ (Zui jin hao ma?) - "How are things going?"
"Zui jin hao ma?" similar to the Russian "how are you?" The answer may be the same as in the native language. You can limit yourself to a short "hao" - "good", or just nod your head in the affirmative. Or, if the level of the language allows you, you can say a couple of phrases about how things are going.
喂 (Way!) - "Hello?"
This is how the Chinese people answer phone calls. Very simple and pleasant sounding word... It is used by everyone, regardless of age, gender and social status.
去 哪儿？ (Chu nar?) - "Where are you going?"
"No chu nar?" is a way of saying hello in Chinese if you bump into someone. By our standards, such a question may seem overly curious, especially when the interlocutor is a nodding acquaintance. However, for the Chinese, this is just a way to show concern and show some kind of respect for a person.
The question form is often used, where the location is already indicated. For example, when faced with a student or schoolchild, you can ask: "Chu shan ky le?" ("Are you going to the lesson / couples?").
好久不见！ (Hao jo bu zen!) - "Haven't seen each other for a long time!"
"Hao jou bu zen!" - so you can say in Chinese "hello" to an old acquaintance with whom you have not seen enough long time... This phrase has a very positive emotional connotation.
Small "but"
As you probably know, Chinese is a tone language. The same word, spoken in a different tone, can mean something completely different. Of course, if you are a tourist, and even fair-haired, then the good-natured Chinese will definitely make a discount on this. But if you want to sound like a local, be aware that knowing how to say hello in Chinese is not enough. Pronunciation also plays an important role.
There is a very simple option for those who are not going to seriously study the language - fill in the phrase in online translator with the ability to listen to the typed text and just try to copy the intonation of the speaker. It's much easier than understanding the nuances of one of the most difficult languages to learn in the world.
Most importantly, don't be afraid to talk. The Chinese are always happy to tell you how to do it right. Especially if you take a picture in return with them and teach a couple of phrases in Russian or English. Or buy something if the noodle vendor helped you out.
Greetings and goodbyes
Hi - nihao - 你好
Hello everyone! - dajia hao - 大家 好
Haojiu bujian - 好久不见
Like you? - ni zenmeyang - 你 怎么 样?
Excellent - henhao - 很好
Not bad - bucuo - 不错
So so - mama huhu - 马马虎虎
No way - bu zenmeyang - 不怎么 样
Goodbye - zaijian - 再见
See you - zaihui - 再 会
See you tomorrow - mingtian jian - 明天 见
Bye - baibai - 拜拜
Frequently used phrases
I love to travel on my own - wo xihuan ziji lvyou - 我 喜欢 自己 旅游
Thank you - xiexie - 谢谢
Please - bukeqi - 不客气
Please (please) - qing - 请
Sorry - buhaoyisi - 不好意思
I'm sorry (I am sorry) - duibuqi - 对不起
Sorry - qingwen - 请问,
Yes - dui - 对
No - bu (bu shi) - 不 (不是)
I don't know - bu zhidao - 不 知道
I don't understand (what are you saying) - ting bu dong - 听 不懂
I don't understand (in general) - bu ming bai - 不 明白
Where are you from (from which country) - ni shi na ge guojia de - 你 是 哪个 国家 的?
I'm from Russia - wo shi eluosiren - 我 是 俄罗斯 人
No problem - meiwenti - 没 问题
Wait a minute - deng yixia - 等一下
Decide for yourself (up to you) - sui bian - 随便
Forget (give it up) - suan le - 算了
What? - shenme 什么?
Where? - nali - 哪里?
When? - shenme shihou - 什么 时候?
How? - zenme - 怎么?
Why? - weishenme - 为什么?
Which? - neige - 哪个?
Who? - shui - 谁?
Give me - gei wo - * 给 我
Take - gei ni - 给 你
Good or bad? - haobuhao - 好 不好?
Is there or not? - 有 没有?
What to do? - zenmeban - 怎么 办?
Nothing to be done - meibanfa - 没 办法
Languages and communication
You speak English? - ni hui shuo yingwen ma - 你 会 说 英文 吗?
Does anyone speak Russian here? zheli you ren hui shuo eyu ma - 这里 有人 会 说 俄语 吗?
How do you say ... in Chinese? - ... zhongwen zenme shuo - 。。。 中文 怎么 说?
What means...? -… shi shenme yisi - 。。。 是 什么 意思?
I don't understand - ting bu dong - 听 不懂
Transport
Airport - feijichang - 飞机场
Railway train station - huochezhan - 火车站
Bus station - qichezhan - 汽车站
Metro - ditie - 地铁
I need to get to the airport - wo yao qu feijichang - 我 要去 飞机场
I need a cheap ticket ... - wo yao yi zhang qu *** pianyi de piao - 我 要 一张 去 *** 便宜 的 票
One way ticket - dan cheng piao - 单程 票
Round-trip ticket - wang fan piao - 往返 票
I need two compartment tickets to Beijing - wo yao liang zhang dao bei jing de ruanwo piao - 我 要 两张 到 北京 的 软卧 票
I need a plane ticket to Sanya (for other cities, see the neighboring geographic branch) - wo yao yi zhang qu san ya de feiji piao - 我 要 一张 去 三亚 的 飞机票
I want to change a ticket - wo xiang huan wo de piao - * 我 想 换 我 的 票
Accommodation
I'm looking for a cheap hotel - wo yao zhao pianyi de lvguan - 我 要找 便宜 的 旅馆
Do you have rooms available - nin zheli you fangjian ma - 您 这里 有 房间 吗?
I need an inexpensive double (single) room - wo yao pianyi de shuangrenjian (danrenjian) - 我 要 便宜 的 双人间 (单人间)
What is the price? - duoshaoqian - 多少 钱?
Sea view room - hai jing fang - 海景 房
Couldn't it be cheaper? - keyi bu keyi pianyi yidian - 可以 不可以 便宜 一点?
Is breakfast included in the price? - han zaocan ma - 含 早餐 吗?
I would like to check out, checkout - wo xiang tui fang - 我 想 退房
Directions
I'm lost - wo milule - 我 迷路 了
How to get? - zenmezou - 怎么 走?
Which direction is wang na ge fangxiang - 往 哪个 方向?
Ahead - qianmian - 前面
Behind - houmian - 后面
Right- youbian - 右边
Left -zuobian - 左边
Can you please tell me where is a bathhouse nearby - qingwen, zai zhe "er fujin youmeiyou yuchi - 请问, 在 这儿 附近 有 没有 浴池?
... sauna - sangna - 桑拿
... toilet - cesuo - 厕所
... hotel - bingguan - 宾馆
... internet cafe - wangba - 网吧
... diner - xiaochidian - 小吃天
... mail - youju- 邮局
... supermarket - chaoshi - 超市
... market - shichang - 市场
... the bus stop - qichezhan - 汽车站
... ATM - qukuanji - 取款 机
... hospital - yiyuan - 医院
... the police - jingchaju - 警察局
... Bank of China - zhongguo yinhang - 中国 银行
Shopping
I want to buy ... - wo xiang mai ... - 我 想买 。。。
What is the price? - duo shao qian - 多少 钱?
Can I see? - keyi kankan ma - 可以 看看 吗?
It's too expensive - tai guile - 太贵 了
I don't like it - wo bu xihuan - 我 不 喜欢
Can I pay with a credit card? - keyi yong xinyongka ma - 可以 用 信用卡 吗?
Are you crazy? - ni feng le - 你 疯 了?
In the restaurant
Are you hungry? - ni e le ma - 你 饿 了 吗?
I'm hungry to death - wo e si le - 我 饿死 了
I'm hungry - wo yao chifan - 我 要 吃饭
I haven't eaten for three days - wo santian mei chi fan le - 我 三天 没 吃饭 了
I'm a vegetarian - wo chi su - 我 吃素
Waiter! - fuwuyuan - 服务员
Menu - caidan - 菜单
Not spicy - bu la - 不 辣
Cold - bing de - 冰 的
Eat - chi fan ba - 吃饭 吧
Napkins - canjinzhi - 餐巾纸
May I smoke here? - zai zheli keyi chouyan ma - 在 这里 可以 抽烟 吗?
Where is the toilet? - xishoujian zai nali - 洗手间 在 哪里?
Meat - rou - 肉
Fish - yu - 鱼
Noodles - mian - 面
Steamed rice - mifan - 米饭
Fried rice - chaofan - 炒饭
Dumplings - jiaozi - 饺子
Sticks - kuaizi - 筷子
Can I have a fork (spoon) - nimen haiyou chazi (shaozi) ma - 你们 还有 叉子 (勺子) 吗?
Check! - maidan - 买单
In the supermarket
Bread - mianbao- 面包
Water - shui - 水
Package - daizi - 袋子
Shopping basket - gou wu lan - 购物 篮
Shopping trolley - gou wu che - 购物 车
Membership card - hui yuan ka - 会员 卡
Photo and video
Digital camera - shuma zhaoxiangji- 数码 照相机
Memory card - cunshu ka - 存储 卡
Camera bag - zhaoxiangji bao - 照相机 包
I lost my camera - wo diushi le wo de zhaoxiangji - 我 丢失 了 我 的 照相机
My camera was stolen - wo de zhaoxiangji bei tou le - 我 的 照相机 被偷 了
Useful things
Card - ditu - 地图
Flashlight - shoudian - 手电
Mobile phone- shouji - 手机
Toilet paper- wei sheng zhi - 卫生纸
Aspirin - asipilin - 阿司匹林
Sunscreen cream - fangshaiyou - 防晒 油
Today, April 20, is International Day Chinese... The date was not chosen by chance - it is believed that the founder of the Chinese writing system Tsang Jie was born on this day (although the date of his birth is not documented anywhere, and even theories are put forward that this is a mythical character). Before he created hieroglyphic writing, the Chinese used knot writing - this method of recording information involved tying various knots on multi-colored ropes.
Modern Chinese is considered the most widely spoken language in the world. It is spoken by over 1.3 billion people worldwide. There are more than 80 thousand hieroglyphs in it, however, for basic knowledge it is enough to know 500 - this will make it possible to understand 80% of the usual text. To read newspapers and magazines, you need to know 3000 hieroglyphs.
The Chinese language is one of the oldest surviving languages on the planet. The sheer size of the Chinese empire and the disconnectedness of the regions gave rise to many dialects and dialects. Over time, southerners and northerners ceased to understand each other, it came to the point that they had to write phrases on paper for communication. About a hundred years ago, the Chinese realized that this was no longer possible, and decided to take the Peking dialect (it is called "Putonghua" or "Pinyin") as a basis, and in 1955 it acquired the official status of the state language. Today it is the language of television, literature and official documents, it is taught in universities and educated Chinese speak it. The same pronunciation standard most often refers to the "Mandarin dialect of the Chinese language", although this is not entirely accurate, since linguists use this term to refer to the entire northern group of Chinese dialects.
In general, as you already understood, the Chinese language is one of the most difficult languages in the world. The Chinese themselves, in general, are friendly to foreigners, especially to those who know a little Chinese. However, according to foreigners who know Chinese perfectly, the Chinese treat them ambiguously. Especially if you start demonstrating your knowledge right away, this will deprive the Chinese of the opportunity to be in your eyes a resident of a large mysterious country.
10 easy phrases in Chinese
Hello!你好！ (literally means"you're good") No hao!
thanks! 谢谢！ Xie se!
Please! (reply to thanks)不客气！ Boo khe tsi!
sorry对不起 Dui bu qi
My name is...我 叫 ... Wo jiao ...
Beautiful好看 (about a thing) / 漂亮 (about a person) Hao kan / Piao liang
Goodbye再见 Zai Qien
Good bad好 / 不好 Hao / Bukhao
Does anyone here speak Russian?这里 有人 会 说 俄语 吗？ Zheli euuzhen huisho heyu ma?
I love you我 爱 你 Vo ai nii
By the way, in the Chinese language there are no concepts of "yes" and "no", at least in our understanding. This fully reflects the Chinese mentality. Instead of two simple words the Chinese use more than 20 particles of denial or agreement. Moreover, when a Chinese says "yes", he may well mean "no."
Often tourists in the Middle Kingdom are faced with the problem of the language barrier. This is due to the fact that even in big cities a limited number of few Chinese speak English. And if in stores you can explain yourself with the help of gestures and signs, then for communication in transport or in other in public places it is better to memorize simple phrases and take with you a phrasebook or dictionary with transcription.
Most Popular Chinese Words
China is a country where live communication is valued. Here you cannot stand aside and be an outside observer. It is not easy for representatives of Western culture to get used to this way of life. A few of the most popular words every person planning a trip to China should learn. In this language there are no words "yes" and "no", instead of them more than 20 particles are used to express their attitude to this issue.
Basic Chinese phrases with translation that will come in handy in any situation:
When communicating with the Chinese, you can ask about the history and culture of their country, about family and family traditions. But it is better not to touch on political topics and not discuss economic problems. Asking a Chinese if it will rain, you can offend him. The fact is that rain is predicted by a turtle, and to identify a person with this animal is an insult.
The simplest phrases for children
Knowledge of elementary expressions will help the child join the team, develop his social skills. It is important to be able to say hello, introduce yourself and get to know each other, express your attitude to what is happening, and maintain a conversation. Young people like to start phrases with the word "Hey":
Among young people, the phrase "how are you" or "how are you" is often replaced by the informal "And what is happening here?" 诶, 什么 事？ (ēi, shén me shì?) Hey, sheng me shì?
Chinese phrasebook with pronunciation in Russian
Different phrases may be needed depending on the situation. The main thing is that the interlocutor understands what it is about, and he can answer with a gesture or show the direction with his hand.
Appeals
When addressing strangers unnecessarily, you should not use colloquial references like "aunt" or "uncle". When communicating with good acquaintances, it is appropriate to use the first name, and in a more formal setting, the first and last name, and first you need to put the status of the person, then the last name and first name.
| Bye | 再见！ | zhen |
| Good morning / evening | 早上好 / 晚上好 | Ziao / Wang Shang Hao |
| addressing an aged woman | 阿姨 | A-and |
| "Lord", in relation to a man | 先生 | hsien sheng |
| "Madam" | 女士 | nu-shi |
| You are a beautiful girl! | 你很漂亮! | Ni hen phyao liang! |
| "Little friend" - to the child | 小朋友 | xiao peng-yu |
| to a young man | 小伙子 | xiao ho-tzu |
| to a young woman | 小姐 | xiao jie |
Some time ago, the word "comrade" was popular in China, by analogy with the USSR. Now it is better not to use this word, as it has a new meaning "gay".
Common phrases
Knowing common phrases will help make new acquaintances. In China, there are both standard formal phrases and youth slang expressions. You should not use them without understanding the environment.
At customs
Knowledge of basic phrases will help you to go through customs inspection, prevent unpleasant situations when crossing the border. The rules for the import and export of goods from the customs territory of China are very confusing. It is important to keep all receipts for goods purchased in the PRC. All valuable things Jewelry must be declared when entering the country so that there are no problems with export.
At the train station
There are a lot of checks at the railway station in China, so it is better to carry your passport with you with your ticket. All information about trains is displayed on a large luminous board, which is located near the main entrance. Without knowing the language, you can find the train number, the time of its departure and the floor to climb there. All other information is indicated by hieroglyphs, so you shouldn't delve into it without being able to read. There are waiting rooms for different trains on different floors of the station, you need to find your own and wait for the corresponding announcement.
The Chinese always run to take space. Therefore, as soon as the boarding of the train is announced, all the passengers from the waiting room will grab their bales and run, shoving everyone in their path.
If you cannot find your carriage, then you need to show the ticket to the conductor - he will direct you in the right direction.
When buying a ticket, you should write the destination, the number of tickets and the required date on the sheet and give it to the cashier.
In transport
To get to the hotel or other desired place, you can use the map and show the taxi driver Right place... When using a business card or handwritten address, it is important to be sure the spelling is correct.
| Take me here (show the location on the map). | 请把我送到这里 | Tsin ba wu sundao zheli. |
| How much is the bus / metro ride? | 公车/地铁票多少钱？ | Gunche / dithe phao duosyao tsien? |
| Where is the bus stop here? | 附近的公交车站在哪儿？ | Fujin te gongjiaochezhan zai nar? |
| Are you getting off? / Going out | Xia ma? / Xia (clearly, in the affirmative) | |
| Driver! Stop! (better shout) | Shifu, Xia chhee! | |
| Where can I rent a car? | 在哪儿可 以租车? | Zainar khei zuche? |
Taxi drivers in China can take advantage of the fact that a tourist is not guided by the terrain and drive him in circles to increase the price. This can be avoided if you plan the route yourself in the navigator and show it to the driver. Also, ordering an official taxi with checkers and a counter can protect you from troubles.
At the hotel
The personnel of hotels in the PRC practically does not speak English or Russian. If the hotel is 4 stars or higher, then it must have English-speaking reception staff. Signs and pictures can help you communicate with maids, porters and other staff. Before settling in, it is advisable to check the integrity of the furniture in the room, the presence of all inventory, the fullness of the mini-bar so that you do not have to pay for something that was spoiled by someone else.
When there is no need to rush, it is convenient to use an electronic translator - a special program in a smartphone that translates all phrases and reproduces speech. It should work online, and in China there are difficulties with the Internet, some services are limited, messages in messengers are sometimes moderated.
Emergencies
If you ask something on the street, then it is better to find a police officer or an older, intelligent-looking person and ask a question or show it written on paper.
In the event of unforeseen situations, you should not argue or talk rudely with government officials. Keep calm and be polite.
It is important to have the telephone number of the consulate of your country on hand in order to contact them in an emergency.
On the streets of large cities there are "people's telephones", as well as telephone machines that charge money for a conversation from a card.
If a tourist falls ill during his stay in the Celestial Empire, then before going to the doctor you need to:
- find all the symptoms on the Internet and rewrite them in Chinese on paper;
- buy in a pharmacy a protective mask against microbes, of which there are many in Asian medical institutions.
At the reception, you need to present a prepared sheet, and the administrator will tell you how much you need to pay and which office to go to. If the foreigner does not have insurance, then the treatment can be expensive.
Dates and Times
Time in Chinese is made up of the hour number from 1 to 12 and the word “hour” itself 点 (diǎn). The Chinese do not use the 24-hour time system. The days of the week in Chinese have no names - they are numbered. The name of the day of the week consists of the week (shinqi) and the number of the day of the week.
Numerals
You will have to use a lot of numbers during a trip to the PRC, so it is better to practice in advance.
- 10 + 1 = 11 (shi and)
- 10 + 5 = 15 (shi y)
- 3 + 10 = 30 (san shi)
- 4 + 10 + 5 = 45 (sy shi u)
A popular Chinese way to show numbers on your fingers. The fingers of one hand are used to represent prime numbers from 1 to 9:
While shopping
Trade in China is developing and focused on Russian buyers. Therefore, in many boutiques, sellers know individual words, and some speak broken Russian. But the most proven way to bargain is a calculator.
In large shopping centers where there are many Russian buyers, you can meet Chinese traders who have taken European pseudonyms (Sasha, Natasha and others). They do this for the convenience of their clients. If we are talking about a business partner, it is better to remember the Chinese name and pronounce it without mistakes.
While eating
The Chinese love to eat, they spend weekends in a cafe, where they meet with friends.
| Bon Appetit! | 请慢用！ | jin ma yong |
| I will be this ... | 我要这个… | In Yao Jege ... |
| Is this dish spicy? | 这个辣不辣？ | Jae la boo la? |
| Menu | 菜单 | kaidan |
| Check! | 买单 | maidan |
| I would like to book a table. | 我想预订一张桌子 | Wu yang yuding yu zang zyosi |
| Can we see the menu? | 能给我们看看菜单吗? | Nyung gay wuman kankan kaidan ma |
| What kind of soup do you have? | 你们这儿有什么样的汤? | Nimen zhai yu shemeyang de tang |
| Please bring the bill | 请给我们账单 | Chin Jay Wumen Jangdan |
When visiting Chinese restaurants, you need to be prepared for the fact that:
- most of the food is spicy;
- there is no menu in English;
- the waiters only speak Chinese.
A good way out of the situation would be to print the names of the dishes, hieroglyphs with the names of the products and show them for ordering. Separately, you need to prepare the phrase "I do not eat spicy." If 辣 is indicated on the menu, then the dish is very spicy.
Do not rely on the waiter's taste or ask for the best restaurant dish - most likely it will be oriented towards the taste of the Chinese, not the European.
Conclusion
Tones are of great importance in the pronunciation of words. One word, spoken with different intonations, can acquire a completely different meaning. There are 4 syllable tones in puntuhua that have designations.
| 1st tone | 2nd tone | 3rd tone | 4th tone |
- The 1st tone is intonationally similar to an unfinished phrase;
- 2nd tone - short, similar to asking again;
- 3rd tone - like a puzzled question;
- The 4th tone is short and resembles an order.
We learn the melody of pronunciation of Chinese words like a song, then working on the tones will not be a problem.
To master the rules of pronunciation, you should listen to the speech of native speakers, watch video tutorials or attend courses. The study should be built on the level of hearing. Interrogative sentences in Chinese are pronounced with an ascending intonation, declarative sentences with a descending one.
Basic knowledge of the norms of the Chinese language and some words will improve the quality of travel in this country.
