Course Title: Everyday Chinese: Basic Communication

Course Introduction

Welcome to Everyday Chinese: Basic Communication!

This course is designed for students who already know a few basic Chinese words — maybe you can say "nǐ hǎo" and "xièxie" — and would like to start using Chinese in real-life situations.

The goal of this course is communication, not memorization. You don't need to memorize long lists of vocabulary. Instead, you will learn practical phrases and sentence patterns that you can use immediately.

What You Will Learn:

Introduce yourself and meet new people
Ask and answer simple questions
Order food at restaurants
Shop and ask about prices
Ask for directions
Talk about family, school, and hobbies
Use Chinese in daily life situations

A Special Note:

Do not worry about making mistakes. Communication comes first. Native speakers will appreciate your effort to speak their language, even if your tones aren't perfect. The more you practice, the better you will become!

Lesson 1: Introducing Yourself

When you meet someone new, the first thing you need to do is introduce yourself. This lesson gives you all the basic tools to do that.

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

你好Nǐ hǎoHelloLiterally "you good." The most common greeting.

名字míngzinameThe word for a person's name.

叫jiàoto be calledUsed when telling someone your name.

学生xuéshengstudentA person who studies at school.

老师lǎoshīteacherA person who teaches.

中国ZhōngguóChinaLiterally "Middle Kingdom."

美国MěiguóAmericaLiterally "Beautiful Country."

人rénpersonUsed after a country name to mean "a person from that country."

Sentence Patterns

Pattern 1: Introducing Your Name

我叫... (Wǒ jiào...)
— My name is... (literally "I am called...")

Examples:

我叫Emma。 (Wǒ jiào Emma.) — My name is Emma.
我叫李华。 (Wǒ jiào Lǐ Huá.) — My name is Li Hua.

Grammar Note: In Chinese, family name comes first, then given name. For example: 李 (Lǐ) is the family name, 华 (Huá) is the given name.

Pattern 2: Saying Who You Are

我是... (Wǒ shì...)
— I am...

Examples:

我是学生。 (Wǒ shì xuésheng.) — I am a student.
我是老师。 (Wǒ shì lǎoshī.) — I am a teacher.
我是美国人。 (Wǒ shì Měiguó rén.) — I am American.
我是中国人。 (Wǒ shì Zhōngguó rén.) — I am Chinese.

Grammar Note: Notice that there is no "a" before student or teacher. In Chinese, you simply say "I am student" (我是学生). Also, the verb 是 (shì) never changes — it's the same for I, you, he, she, we, and they!

Dialogue

A: 你好！(Nǐ hǎo!) — Hello!

B: 你好！(Nǐ hǎo!) — Hello!

A: 你叫什么名字？(Nǐ jiào shénme míngzi?) — What's your name?

B: 我叫李华。(Wǒ jiào Lǐ Huá.) — My name is Li Hua.

A: 你是学生吗？(Nǐ shì xuésheng ma?) — Are you a student?

B: 是。(Shì.) — Yes.

Important Vocabulary from Dialogue:

什么 (shénme) = what

吗 (ma) = question particle (turns a statement into a yes/no question)

是 (shì) = yes (when answering a question)

Practice

Try introducing yourself using the patterns above:

Say your name: 我叫______。
Say what you are: 我是______。
Say where you are from: 我是______人。

Lesson 2: Meeting New Friends

Now that you can introduce yourself, let's learn how to greet new friends and express that you're happy to meet them.

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

朋友péngyoufriendA person you know and like.

认识rènshito know/meetUsed when meeting someone for the first time.

高兴gāoxìnghappyA feeling of joy or pleasure.

今天jīntiāntodayThe current day.

也yěalso / tooUsed to say "me too" or "also."

Useful Sentences

认识你很高兴。
(Rènshi nǐ hěn gāoxìng.)
— Nice to meet you. (literally "Knowing you is very happy.")

Let's break this down:

认识你 (rènshi nǐ) = to know/meet you
很 (hěn) = very (also used to link nouns and adjectives)
高兴 (gāoxìng) = happy

我也是。
(Wǒ yě shì.)
— Me too. (literally "I also am.")

Dialogue

A: 你好！(Nǐ hǎo!) — Hello!

B: 你好！(Nǐ hǎo!) — Hello!

A: 认识你很高兴！(Rènshi nǐ hěn gāoxìng!) — Nice to meet you!

B: 认识你很高兴！(Rènshi nǐ hěn gāoxìng!) — Nice to meet you too!

Cultural Tip

When meeting someone for the first time in China, a simple nod or handshake is appropriate. Bowing is not common in Chinese culture like it is in Japan or Korea. A friendly smile goes a long way!

Practice

Complete the following conversation:

A: 你好！我叫______。你叫什么名字？
B: 我叫______。认识你很高兴！
A: ______很高兴！

Lesson 3: Talking About Family

Family is very important in Chinese culture. Learning to talk about your family helps people understand you better.

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

爸爸bàbafatherThe second syllable has a neutral tone.

妈妈māmamotherThe second syllable has a neutral tone.

哥哥gēgeolder brotherThe second syllable has a neutral tone.

姐姐jiějieolder sisterThe second syllable has a neutral tone.

弟弟dìdiyounger brotherThe second syllable has a neutral tone.

妹妹mèimeiyounger sisterThe second syllable has a neutral tone.

家jiāfamily/homeCan mean both "family" and "home."

个gèmeasure wordUsed to count people and many other things.

有yǒuto have / there isUsed to indicate possession or existence.

Sentence Patterns

Pattern 1: Stating How Many People Are in Your Family

我家有...个人。
(Wǒ jiā yǒu... gè rén.)
— There are... people in my family.

Examples:

我家有三个人。(Wǒ jiā yǒu sān gè rén.) — There are three people in my family.
我家有四个人。(Wǒ jiā yǒu sì gè rén.) — There are four people in my family.
我家有五个人。(Wǒ jiā yǒu wǔ gè rén.) — There are five people in my family.

Grammar Note: 个 (gè) is a measure word. In Chinese, you must use a measure word between a number and a noun. Think of it like "three pieces of paper" in English, but in Chinese, it's used for many nouns including people.

Pattern 2: Saying You Have a Specific Family Member

我有一个...
(Wǒ yǒu yí gè...)
— I have a/an...

Examples:

我有一个妹妹。(Wǒ yǒu yí gè mèimei.) — I have a younger sister.
我有一个弟弟。(Wǒ yǒu yí gè dìdi.) — I have a younger brother.
我有一个哥哥。(Wǒ yǒu yí gè gēge.) — I have an older brother.

Pronunciation Note: 一 (yī) means "one." When it comes before a measure word like 个 (gè), it changes to the fourth tone: yí (pronounced like "yee" with a falling tone). This is called tone sandhi.

Dialogue

A: 你家有几个人？(Nǐ jiā yǒu jǐ gè rén?) — How many people are in your family?

B: 我家有四个人。(Wǒ jiā yǒu sì gè rén.) — There are four people in my family.

A: 你有弟弟吗？(Nǐ yǒu dìdi ma?) — Do you have a younger brother?

B: 没有，我有一个妹妹。(Méiyǒu, wǒ yǒu yí gè mèimei.) — No, I have a younger sister.

Vocabulary Note:

几 (jǐ) = how many (used for numbers under 10)

没有 (méiyǒu) = do not have

Practice

Answer these questions about your own family:

你家有几个人？(How many people in your family?)
你有哥哥吗？(Do you have an older brother?)
你有妹妹吗？(Do you have a younger sister?)

Lesson 4: At School

Many students learn Chinese at school, so talking about school life is very useful!

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

学校xuéxiàoschoolThe place where students learn.

老师lǎoshīteacherA person who teaches.

同学tóngxuéclassmateFellow student in the same class.

课kèclass / lessonA period of study.

中文ZhōngwénChinese languageEmphasizes the written form.

英语YīngyǔEnglish languageEmphasizes the spoken form.

数学ShùxuéMathThe study of numbers and calculations.

在zàiat / inUsed to indicate location.

Sentence Patterns

Pattern 1: Saying Where You Are

我在...
(Wǒ zài...)
— I am at...

Examples:

我在学校。(Wǒ zài xuéxiào.) — I am at school.
我在家。(Wǒ zài jiā.) — I am at home.
我在教室。(Wǒ zài jiàoshì.) — I am in the classroom.

Pattern 2: Expressing What Subjects You Like

我喜欢...
(Wǒ xǐhuan...)
— I like...

Examples:

我喜欢数学。(Wǒ xǐhuan shùxué.) — I like math.
我喜欢中文。(Wǒ xǐhuan Zhōngwén.) — I like Chinese.
我喜欢英语。(Wǒ xǐhuan Yīngyǔ.) — I like English.

Dialogue

A: 你在学校吗？(Nǐ zài xuéxiào ma?) — Are you at school?

B: 是，我在学校。(Shì, wǒ zài xuéxiào.) — Yes, I am at school.

A: 你喜欢什么课？(Nǐ xǐhuan shénme kè?) — What class do you like?

B: 我喜欢中文。你呢？(Wǒ xǐhuan Zhōngwén. Nǐ ne?) — I like Chinese. What about you?

A: 我也喜欢中文。(Wǒ yě xǐhuan Zhōngwén.) — I also like Chinese.

Grammar Note: 呢 (ne) is a particle used to ask "What about...?" It's a short way of asking the same question back.

Practice

Answer these questions:

你在学校吗？(Are you at school?)
你喜欢什么课？(What class do you like?)
你喜欢中文吗？(Do you like Chinese?)

Lesson 5: Talking About Hobbies

Talking about hobbies is a great way to make friends and find common interests.

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

喜欢xǐhuanto likeExpresses preference or enjoyment.

看书kànshūread booksLiterally "look at books."

运动yùndòngexercise / sportsPhysical activities.

音乐yīnyuèmusicSounds that are pleasant to hear.

电影diànyǐngmovieLiterally "electric shadow."

游戏yóuxìgameA form of play or entertainment.

听tīngto listenUsing your ears to hear.

看kànto watch / lookUsing your eyes to see.

做zuòto doA general verb for performing an action.

Sentence Patterns

Pattern 1: Saying What You Like to Do

我喜欢 + [activity]
— I like [activity].

Examples:

我喜欢听音乐。(Wǒ xǐhuan tīng yīnyuè.) — I like listening to music.
我喜欢看电影。(Wǒ xǐhuan kàn diànyǐng.) — I like watching movies.
我喜欢看书。(Wǒ xǐhuan kànshū.) — I like reading books.
我喜欢运动。(Wǒ xǐhuan yùndòng.) — I like sports/exercise.

Grammar Note: In Chinese, the verb goes before the object, just like in English: subject + verb + object.

Examples:

我 + 喜欢 + 音乐 = I like music.

我 + 看 + 电影 = I watch movies.

Pattern 2: Asking About Hobbies

你喜欢做什么？
(Nǐ xǐhuan zuò shénme?)
— What do you like to do?

Note: 做什么 (zuò shénme) literally means "do what." When used with 喜欢, it asks about your favorite activities.

Dialogue

A: 你喜欢做什么？(Nǐ xǐhuan zuò shénme?) — What do you like to do?

B: 我喜欢运动。你呢？(Wǒ xǐhuan yùndòng. Nǐ ne?) — I like sports. What about you?

A: 我喜欢看电影。(Wǒ xǐhuan kàn diànyǐng.) — I like watching movies.

B: 我也喜欢看电影！(Wǒ yě xǐhuan kàn diànyǐng!) — I also like watching movies!

Practice

Answer these questions:

你喜欢做什么？(What do you like to do?)
你喜欢看电影吗？(Do you like watching movies?)
你喜欢听音乐吗？(Do you like listening to music?)

Lesson 6: Ordering Food

Chinese food is world-famous! Learning to order food in Chinese will make your dining experience much more enjoyable.

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

饭fànmeal / cooked riceCan mean "rice" or "meal" in general.

米饭mǐfànrice (cooked)Specifically cooked rice.

面条miàntiáonoodlesLong, thin strips of dough.

水shuǐwaterThe basic drink.

茶cháteaA popular Chinese drink.

咖啡kāfēicoffeeA Western drink, borrowed into Chinese.

吃chīto eatUsed for solid food.

喝hēto drinkUsed for liquids.

要yàoto wantExpresses desire or request.

杯bēicupMeasure word for drinks.

Sentence Patterns

Pattern 1: Ordering Food

我要...
(Wǒ yào...)
— I want...

Examples:

我要米饭。(Wǒ yào mǐfàn.) — I want rice.
我要面条。(Wǒ yào miàntiáo.) — I want noodles.
我要水。(Wǒ yào shuǐ.) — I want water.

Pattern 2: Ordering a Drink

我要一杯...
(Wǒ yào yì bēi...)
— I want a cup of...

Examples:

我要一杯茶。(Wǒ yào yì bēi chá.) — I want a cup of tea.
我要一杯咖啡。(Wǒ yào yì bēi kāfēi.) — I want a cup of coffee.
我要一杯水。(Wǒ yào yì bēi shuǐ.) — I want a glass/cup of water.

Grammar Note: 杯 (bēi) is a measure word for drinks. You always use a measure word when specifying a quantity.

Dialogue

服务员 (Server): 你要什么？(Nǐ yào shénme?) — What would you like?

顾客 (Customer): 我要面条。(Wǒ yào miàntiáo.) — I want noodles.

服务员: 你要喝什么？(Nǐ yào hē shénme?) — What would you like to drink?

顾客: 我要一杯茶。(Wǒ yào yì bēi chá.) — I want a cup of tea.

服务员: 好的。(Hǎo de.) — Okay.

Cultural Tip

In Chinese restaurants, it's common to share dishes with others at the table. Instead of ordering just for yourself, you might order several dishes for everyone to share. The word for this is 分享 (fēnxiǎng) — to share.

Practice

Complete the following order:

服务员: 你要什么？
你: 我要______。(I want noodles.)
服务员: 你要喝什么？
你: 我要______。(I want a cup of tea.)

Lesson 7: Shopping

Shopping in China can be a fun experience, especially if you can bargain!

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

买mǎito buyPurchasing something.

卖màito sellOffering something for purchase.

多少钱duōshao qiánhow much moneyAsking for the price.

块kuàiyuan / dollarsThe basic unit of Chinese currency.

便宜piányicheapLow price.

贵guìexpensiveHigh price.

太tàitoo / veryUsed with 了 to mean "too."

了leparticleIndicates a change or emphasis.

这个zhègethisUsed to point at something.

Sentence Patterns

Pattern 1: Asking for the Price

这个多少钱？
(Zhège duōshao qián?)
— How much is this?

Pronunciation Note: 多少钱 (duōshao qián) — the second syllable (少 shao) has a neutral tone.

Examples:

这个多少钱？(Zhège duōshao qián?) — How much is this?
那个多少钱？(Nàge duōshao qián?) — How much is that?

Pattern 2: Saying Something Is Too Expensive

太贵了！
(Tài guì le!)
— Too expensive!

Examples:

太贵了！(Tài guì le!) — Too expensive!
很便宜。(Hěn piányi.) — Very cheap.

Grammar Note: 太...了 (tài...le) is a common pattern used to mean "too..." or "very..." with emphasis.

Pattern 3: Saying You Will Buy It

好，我买。
(Hǎo, wǒ mǎi.)
— Okay, I'll buy it.

Dialogue

A: 这个多少钱？(Zhège duōshao qián?) — How much is this?

B: 十块钱。(Shí kuài qián.) — Ten yuan.

A: 太贵了！便宜一点吗？(Tài guì le! Piányi yìdiǎn ma?) — Too expensive! Can you make it a bit cheaper?

B: 八块钱。(Bā kuài qián.) — Eight yuan.

A: 好，我买。(Hǎo, wǒ mǎi.) — Okay, I'll buy it.

Vocabulary Note: 一点 (yìdiǎn) means "a little bit." Used here to mean "a little cheaper."

Cultural Tip

Bargaining is common in street markets and small shops in China. Don't be afraid to negotiate politely! However, in department stores or supermarkets, prices are usually fixed.

Practice

Complete the shopping conversation:

A: 这个______？(How much is this?)
B: 二十块钱。(Twenty yuan.)
A: 太______！(Too expensive!)
B: 十五块钱。(Fifteen yuan.)
A: 好，我______。(Okay, I'll buy it.)

Lesson 8: Asking for Directions

Getting lost? Don't worry! Here's how to ask for directions in Chinese.

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

哪里nǎliwhereAsking for a location.

这里zhèlǐhereThis place.

那里nàlǐthereThat place.

左边zuǒbianleftThe left side.

右边yòubianrightThe right side.

前面qiánmiànfront / aheadIn front.

后面hòumiànbehindIn back.

在zàiat / located atUsed for location.

厕所cèsuǒrestroom / toiletWhere you go to use the bathroom.

银行yínhángbankWhere you manage money.

医院yīyuànhospitalWhere you get medical care.

Sentence Patterns

Pattern 1: Asking Where Something Is

...在哪里？
(...zài nǎli?)
— Where is...?

Examples:

厕所在哪里？(Cèsuǒ zài nǎli?) — Where is the restroom?
学校在哪里？(Xuéxiào zài nǎli?) — Where is the school?
银行在哪里？(Yínháng zài nǎli?) — Where is the bank?
医院在哪里？(Yīyuàn zài nǎli?) — Where is the hospital?

Pattern 2: Giving Directions

在左边。/ 在右边。/ 在前面。
(Zài zuǒbian. / Zài yòubian. / Zài qiánmiàn.)
— It's on the left. / It's on the right. / It's ahead.

Examples:

在左边。(Zài zuǒbian.) — It's on the left.
在右边。(Zài yòubian.) — It's on the right.
在前面。(Zài qiánmiàn.) — It's in front.
在后面。(Zài hòumiàn.) — It's behind.

Dialogue

A: 请问，银行在哪里？(Qǐngwèn, yínháng zài nǎli?) — Excuse me, where is the bank?

B: 在前面。然后左边。(Zài qiánmiàn. Ránhòu zuǒbian.) — It's ahead. Then on the left.

A: 谢谢！(Xièxie!) — Thank you!

B: 不客气！(Bú kèqi!) — You're welcome!

Vocabulary Note: 请问 (qǐngwèn) means "may I ask" and is used as a polite way to start a question. 然后 (ránhòu) means "then."

Practice

Ask for directions to these places:

厕所在哪里？(Where is the restroom?)
学校在哪里？(Where is the school?)
银行在哪里？(Where is the bank?)

Lesson 9: Talking About Time

Time is essential for daily communication. Here's how to talk about days, times, and schedules.

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

今天jīntiāntodayThe current day.

明天míngtiāntomorrowThe next day.

昨天zuótiānyesterdayThe day before today.

现在xiànzàinowThe current moment.

早上zǎoshangmorningBefore noon.

下午xiàwǔafternoonAfter noon.

晚上wǎnshangeveningAfter dark.

点diǎno'clockUsed for telling time.

分fēnminuteUsed for telling time.

星期xīngqīweekUsed with numbers for days of the week.

Sentence Patterns

Pattern 1: Telling Time

现在...点。
(Xiànzài... diǎn.)
— It is... o'clock.

Examples:

现在三点。(Xiànzài sān diǎn.) — It is 3 o'clock.
现在五点。(Xiànzài wǔ diǎn.) — It is 5 o'clock.
现在八点。(Xiànzài bā diǎn.) — It is 8 o'clock.

With Minutes:

现在三点十分。(Xiànzài sān diǎn shí fēn.) — It is 3:10.
现在五点三十分。(Xiànzài wǔ diǎn sānshí fēn.) — It is 5:30.

Pattern 2: Saying the Day of the Week

今天星期...
(Jīntiān xīngqī...)
— Today is [day of the week].

Days of the Week:

DayChinesePinyin

Monday星期一xīngqī yī

Tuesday星期二xīngqī èr

Wednesday星期三xīngqī sān

Thursday星期四xīngqī sì

Friday星期五xīngqī wǔ

Saturday星期六xīngqī liù

Sunday星期日 / 星期天xīngqī rì / xīngqī tiān

Examples:

今天星期五。(Jīntiān xīngqīwǔ.) — Today is Friday.
明天星期六。(Míngtiān xīngqīliù.) — Tomorrow is Saturday.
昨天星期三。(Zuótiān xīngqīsān.) — Yesterday was Wednesday.

Dialogue

A: 现在几点？(Xiànzài jǐ diǎn?) — What time is it?

B: 现在四点。(Xiànzài sì diǎn.) — It's 4 o'clock.

A: 今天星期几？(Jīntiān xīngqī jǐ?) — What day is today?

B: 今天星期五。(Jīntiān xīngqīwǔ.) — Today is Friday.

Vocabulary Note: 几 (jǐ) means "how many" and is used here to ask about the day of the week. For telling time, 几 can mean "what" (as in "what time").

Practice

Answer these questions:

现在几点？(What time is it?)
今天星期几？(What day is today?)
明天星期几？(What day is tomorrow?)

Lesson 10: Weather

Talking about the weather is a classic way to start a conversation!

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

天气tiānqìweatherThe condition of the atmosphere.

热rèhotHigh temperature.

冷lěngcoldLow temperature.

下雨xiàyǔrainWater falling from the sky.

下雪xiàxuěsnowSnow falling from the sky.

晴天qíngtiānsunny / clear skyNo clouds.

怎么样zěnmeyànghow isUsed to ask about the weather.

Sentence Patterns

Pattern 1: Describing the Weather

今天天气很好。
(Jīntiān tiānqì hěn hǎo.)
— The weather is good today.

Examples:

今天天气很好。(Jīntiān tiānqì hěn hǎo.) — The weather is good today.
今天很热。(Jīntiān hěn rè.) — Today is hot.
今天很冷。(Jīntiān hěn lěng.) — Today is cold.
今天是晴天。(Jīntiān shì qíngtiān.) — Today is sunny.

Pattern 2: Asking About the Weather

今天天气怎么样？
(Jīntiān tiānqì zěnmeyàng?)
— How's the weather today?

Alternative:

今天天气好吗？
(Jīntiān tiānqì hǎo ma?)
— Is the weather good today?

Dialogue

A: 今天天气怎么样？(Jīntiān tiānqì zěnmeyàng?) — How's the weather today?

B: 很好。很热。(Hěn hǎo. Hěn rè.) — Very good. Very hot.

A: 明天呢？(Míngtiān ne?) — What about tomorrow?

B: 明天会下雨。(Míngtiān huì xiàyǔ.) — Tomorrow it will rain.

Vocabulary Note: 会 (huì) means "will" or "able to." Here it's used to talk about future weather.

Practice

Describe the weather today:

今天天气______。(The weather is...)
今天很______。(Today is... hot/cold)
今天下雨吗？(Is it raining today?)

Lesson 11: Using WeChat

WeChat (微信 Wēixìn) is the most popular messaging app in China. Knowing some WeChat-related Chinese is very useful!

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

微信WēixìnWeChatThe most popular social media app in China.

发fāto sendUsed for sending messages or photos.

照片zhàopiànphotoA picture taken with a camera.

消息xiāoximessageA text message or piece of news.

电话diànhuàphone callA call made on the phone.

给gěito give / forUsed to indicate the recipient.

Sentence Patterns

Pattern 1: Sending a Message

我给你发微信。
(Wǒ gěi nǐ fā Wēixìn.)
— I will send you a WeChat message.

Breakdown:

我 (wǒ) = I
给 (gěi) = to / for (indicates recipient)
你 (nǐ) = you
发 (fā) = send
微信 (Wēixìn) = WeChat

Pattern 2: Asking if Someone Has WeChat

你有微信吗？
(Nǐ yǒu Wēixìn ma?)
— Do you have WeChat?

Examples:

你有微信吗？(Nǐ yǒu Wēixìn ma?) — Do you have WeChat?
有，我有微信。(Yǒu, wǒ yǒu Wēixìn.) — Yes, I have WeChat.
没有，我没有微信。(Méiyǒu, wǒ méiyǒu Wēixìn.) — No, I don't have WeChat.

Pattern 3: Sending a Photo

我给你发照片。
(Wǒ gěi nǐ fā zhàopiàn.)
— I will send you a photo.

Dialogue

A: 你有微信吗？(Nǐ yǒu Wēixìn ma?) — Do you have WeChat?

B: 有。(Yǒu.) — Yes.

A: 我给你发消息。(Wǒ gěi nǐ fā xiāoxi.) — I'll send you a message.

B: 好的！(Hǎo de!) — Okay!

Cultural Tip

WeChat is used for everything in China: messaging, paying bills, ordering food, booking taxis, and even making doctor's appointments. If you're going to China, downloading WeChat is a must!

Practice

Complete these sentences:

你有______吗？(Do you have WeChat?)
我给你______微信。(I'll send you a WeChat message.)
我给你发______。(I'll send you a photo.)

Lesson 12: At the Airport

If you're traveling to China, you'll need to know some airport vocabulary.

Vocabulary

ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation

飞机fēijīairplaneThe vehicle that flies.

护照hùzhàopassportYour travel identification.

行李xíngliluggageBags you carry when traveling.

机场jīchǎngairportThe place where airplanes take off and land.

登机口dēngjīkǒugateWhere you board the plane.

请问qǐngwènexcuse me / may I askPolite way to get someone's attention.

Sentence Patterns

Pattern 1: Asking for Directions at the Airport

请问，登机口在哪里？
(Qǐngwèn, dēngjīkǒu zài nǎli?)
— Excuse me, where is the gate?

Examples:

请问，洗手间在哪里？(Qǐngwèn, xǐshǒujiān zài nǎli?) — Excuse me, where is the restroom?
请问，行李在哪里拿？(Qǐngwèn, xíngli zài nǎli ná?) — Excuse me, where do I pick up my luggage?

Dialogue

A: 请问，登机口在哪里？(Qǐngwèn, dēngjīkǒu zài nǎli?) — Excuse me, where is the gate?

B: 在前面。(Zài qiánmiàn.) — It's ahead.

A: 谢谢！(Xièxie!) — Thank you!

B: 不客气！(Bú kèqi!) — You're welcome!
Practice
Ask for directions at the airport:
请问，登机口在哪里？(Where is the gate?)
请问，洗手间在哪里？(Where is the restroom?)
请问，行李在哪里拿？(Where do I pick up my luggage?)
Lesson 13: At the Hotel
After arriving, you'll need to check into your hotel.
Vocabulary
ChinesePinyinEnglishExplanation
酒店jiǔdiànhotelA place where you stay overnight.
房间fángjiānroomThe room you sleep in.
钥匙yàoshikeyUsed to open the door.
入住rùzhùcheck inArriving and registering at the hotel.
退房tuìfángcheck outLeaving and returning the room.
Sentence Patterns
Pattern 1: Checking In
我想入住。
(Wǒ xiǎng rùzhù.)
— I would like to check in.
Examples:
我想入住。(Wǒ xiǎng rùzhù.) — I'd like to check in.
我有预订。(Wǒ yǒu yùdìng.) — I have a reservation.
Pattern 2: Asking for the Key
房间钥匙在哪里？
(Fángjiān yàoshi zài nǎli?)
— Where is the room key?
Dialogue
A: 你好，我想入住。(Nǐ hǎo, wǒ xiǎng rùzhù.) — Hello, I would like to check in.

B: 好的。你有预订吗？(Hǎo de. Nǐ yǒu yùdìng ma?) — Okay. Do you have a reservation?

A: 有。(Yǒu.) — Yes.

B: 房间在302。(Fángjiān zài sān líng èr.) — Your room is 302.
Practice
Complete the check-in conversation:
A: 你好，我想______。(I'd like to check in.)
B: 好的。你有______吗？(Do you have a reservation?)
A: 有。房间在______？(What is the room number?)
B: 房间在______。(Room 502.)
Essential Everyday Sentences
Here are some essential sentences you'll use every day:
EnglishChinesePinyin
I don't know.我不知道。Wǒ bù zhīdào.
I understand.我明白了。Wǒ míngbai le.
Please say it again.请再说一次。Qǐng zài shuō yí cì.
Please speak slower.请慢一点。Qǐng màn yìdiǎn.
No problem.没问题。Méi wèntí.
Sorry.对不起。Duìbuqǐ.
That's okay.没关系。Méi guānxi.
Thank you.谢谢。Xièxie.
You're welcome.不客气。Bú kèqi.
Detailed Breakdown of Key Sentences
我不知道。 (Wǒ bù zhīdào.) — I don't know.
不 (bù) = not
知道 (zhīdào) = to know
我明白了。 (Wǒ míngbai le.) — I understand. (literally "I have become clear")
明白 (míngbai) = to understand
了 (le) = indicates completion or change
请再说一次。 (Qǐng zài shuō yí cì.) — Please say it again.
请 (qǐng) = please
再 (zài) = again
说 (shuō) = to say
一次 (yí cì) = one time
请慢一点。 (Qǐng màn yìdiǎn.) — Please speak slower.
慢 (màn) = slow
一点 (yìdiǎn) = a little bit
没问题。 (Méi wèntí.) — No problem.
没 (méi) = no / not have
问题 (wèntí) = problem
对不起。 (Duìbuqǐ.) — Sorry.
Used to apologize or get someone's attention.
没关系。 (Méi guānxi.) — That's okay. / It doesn't matter.
Used in response to "对不起."
Mini Conversation Practice
At School
A: 你是学生吗？(Nǐ shì xuésheng ma?) — Are you a student?

B: 是，我是学生。(Shì, wǒ shì xuésheng.) — Yes, I am a student.
At a Restaurant
A: 你要什么？(Nǐ yào shénme?) — What would you like?

B: 我要米饭。(Wǒ yào mǐfàn.) — I want rice.
Shopping
A: 多少钱？(Duōshao qián?) — How much?

B: 五块钱。(Wǔ kuài qián.) — Five yuan.
Meeting Someone
A: 你叫什么名字？(Nǐ jiào shénme míngzi?) — What's your name?

B: 我叫Emma。(Wǒ jiào Emma.) — My name is Emma.
Asking for Directions
A: 厕所在哪里？(Cèsuǒ zài nǎli?) — Where is the restroom?

B: 在右边。(Zài yòubian.) — It's on the right.
Course Vocabulary List (100 Core Words)
ChinesePinyinEnglish
我wǒI / me
你nǐyou
他tāhe
她tāshe
我们wǒmenwe
是shìto be
有yǒuto have / there is
喜欢xǐhuanto like
学生xuéshengstudent
老师lǎoshīteacher
学校xuéxiàoschool
中文ZhōngwénChinese (written)
英语YīngyǔEnglish
数学ShùxuéMath
朋友péngyoufriend
家jiāfamily / home
爸爸bàbafather
妈妈māmamother
哥哥gēgeolder brother
姐姐jiějieolder sister
弟弟dìdiyounger brother
妹妹mèimeiyounger sister
水shuǐwater
茶chátea
咖啡kāfēicoffee
米饭mǐfànrice
面条miàntiáonoodles
苹果píngguǒapple
香蕉xiāngjiāobanana
买mǎito buy
卖màito sell
钱qiánmoney
块kuàiyuan / dollars
便宜piányicheap
贵guìexpensive
看书kànshūread books
电影diànyǐngmovie
音乐yīnyuèmusic
游戏yóuxìgame
运动yùndòngexercise / sports
微信WēixìnWeChat
电话diànhuàphone call
照片zhàopiànphoto
消息xiāoximessage
今天jīntiāntoday
明天míngtiāntomorrow
昨天zuótiānyesterday
现在xiànzàinow
早上zǎoshangmorning
下午xiàwǔafternoon
晚上wǎnshangevening
热rèhot
冷lěngcold
雨yǔrain
雪xuěsnow
飞机fēijīairplane
机场jīchǎngairport
酒店jiǔdiànhotel
房间fángjiānroom
车chēcar
医院yīyuànhospital
银行yínhángbank
左边zuǒbianleft
右边yòubianright
前面qiánmiànfront
后面hòumiànbehind
哪里nǎliwhere
这里zhèlǐhere
那里nàlǐthere
请qǐngplease
谢谢xièxiethank you
对不起duìbuqǐsorry
没关系méi guānxithat's okay
好hǎogood
不好bù hǎonot good
可以kěyǐcan / may
不可以bù kěyǐcannot
会huìcan / will
不会bú huìcannot / won't
吃chīto eat
喝hēto drink
去qùto go
来láito come
说shuōto speak
看kànto watch
听tīngto listen
写xiěto write
读dúto read
Course Summary
After completing this course, you can:
✓Skill
✓Introduce yourself and meet new friends
✓Talk about your family and school
✓Discuss hobbies and interests
✓Order food and drinks at restaurants
✓Go shopping and ask about prices
✓Ask for and understand directions
✓Talk about weather and time
✓Use basic WeChat phrases
✓Handle simple travel situations (airport, hotel)
✓Use over 100 essential everyday words
Congratulations! You have completed Everyday Chinese: Basic Communication.
You are now ready to start speaking Chinese in real-life situations. Remember: practice makes perfect. Don't be afraid to make mistakes — every mistake is a step toward fluency.
加油！(Jiāyóu! — Keep going!)