10 Everyday Phrases Every Student Should Know Before Studying in China or Taiwan

If you’re planning to study abroad in China or Taiwan, learning a few basic Chinese phrases before you arrive will make your experience much smoother. Whether you’re ordering food, making friends, or asking for directions, knowing how to express yourself in daily life can help you feel more confident and connected.

Here are 10 essential everyday phrases every international student should know before beginning their study adventure in a Chinese-speaking country.

1. 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) – Hello

Simple but powerful! This is the first phrase you’ll use every day when greeting teachers, classmates, or new friends. You can add “你好嗎？(Nǐ hǎo ma?) – How are you?” for a friendly start to any conversation.

2. 謝謝 (Xièxiè) – Thank you

Politeness goes a long way in Chinese culture. Use it after receiving help, food, or directions. To be extra polite, you can say “謝謝你 (Xièxiè nǐ)” — thank you (to you).

3. 不客氣 (Bú kèqì) – You’re welcome

This is the standard and humble reply to “Thank you.” In Taiwan, people also often say “不用謝 (Bú yòng xiè)” — literally, “no need to thank me.”

4. 請問 (Qǐng wèn) – Excuse me / May I ask

Perfect for politely asking questions, like “請問，廁所在哪裡？(Qǐng wèn, cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?) – Excuse me, where’s the bathroom?”

5. 對不起 (Duìbùqǐ) – I’m sorry

Use this if you bump into someone, arrive late, or make a mistake. A softer, casual version you might hear among friends is “不好意思 (Bù hǎo yìsi)”, which means “sorry” or “excuse me.”

6. 多少錢？(Duōshǎo qián?) – How much is it?

You’ll use this constantly when shopping or buying snacks. In Taiwan, small talk often follows — don’t be surprised if sellers respond with a smile or friendly chat!

7. 我要這個 (Wǒ yào zhège) – I want this one

Pointing while saying this works great when ordering food or choosing an item at a shop. If you want to be more polite, say “我想要這個 (Wǒ xiǎng yào zhège)”, which means “I would like this one.”

8. 我聽不懂 (Wǒ tīng bù dǒng) – I don’t understand

A must-know phrase for learners! Use it with a smile if someone speaks too fast. You can also add “可以說慢一點嗎？(Kěyǐ shuō màn yìdiǎn ma?) – Can you speak a little slower?”

9. 沒關係 (Méi guānxi) – It’s okay / No problem

This is a friendly, everyday response to apologies or small mistakes. You’ll hear it everywhere — in classrooms, shops, and conversations.

10. 再見 (Zàijiàn) – Goodbye

A polite way to end any interaction. In Taiwan, friends might also say “掰掰 (Bāibāi)”, which sounds just like “bye-bye.”

Get Ready Before You Go

Knowing even a few Chinese phrases can help you feel more comfortable and connected from day one. The key is practice — and the best way to build confidence is to start learning before you arrive.

That’s where TutorABC Chinese can help. With professional teachers, interactive lessons, and personalized learning paths, TutorABC Chinese makes it easy for you to master practical language skills for real-life situations — from classroom conversations to street market chats.

Ready to start your study journey in China or Taiwan with confidence? Book a free trial class with TutorABC Chinese today.

FAQ: Common Questions About Learning Chinese Before Studying Abroad

1. Do I need to be fluent in Chinese before studying in China or Taiwan?

No — most universities offer programs in English or have strong support for international students. However, knowing basic everyday phrases makes daily life much easier and helps you adjust faster. Even simple Chinese can help you make friends, order food, ask for help, and navigate your new environment confidently.

2. Is Mandarin the same in China and Taiwan?

Mandarin is spoken in both places, but there are small differences:

• Taiwan uses Traditional Chinese characters, while mainland China uses Simplified characters.
  
• Some vocabulary and pronunciation vary slightly.
  Despite this, Mandarin speakers from China and Taiwan can understand each other easily, and TutorABC Chinese teaches both versions depending on your study destination.

3. How long does it take to learn enough Chinese for daily life?

With consistent learning, most beginners can handle simple conversations in 2–3 months. Using structured lessons, immersive speaking practice, and real-life scenarios (like those in TutorABC Chinese classes) can help you progress even faster. The key is regular exposure and speaking practice before you arrive.