Below is our guide for basic survival Chinese – words and phrases that will get you by. Also, be sure to check out our guide on Chinese pinyin, as Chinese is a rather complicated language and even saying basic things can be difficult without an understanding of this core concept.
NOTE: Click the “play” icon beside the pinyin (or the pinyin itself) to hear how the phrase/word should sound.
Founded in 2006, Lost Laowai has been made for and is maintained by China expatriates with a deep interest in China. Sometimes we love it, sometimes we hate it -- but never does this country fail to captivate us.