Phrasebooks
Ready-to-use Mandarin phrases, pinyin, translations, and short dialogues for a specific situation.
What Did the Cashier Just Ask? Six Fast Mandarin Questions You Hear Every Day
At the till, Mandarin comes fast. Here are the six questions you'll hear most—about bags, membership, payment, receipts, heating, and dining in—with natural answers and a branching dialogue to rehearse.
2026-10-03 · 7 min
Your First Metro Ride in China: The Chinese You Need Before the Gates Close
Buy tickets, pass security, transfer lines, fix gate errors, and exit the right way—with the exact Mandarin you need on your first metro ride in China.
2026-10-03 · 7 min
The Delivery Driver Is Calling: A Mandarin Script for Your First Month in China
A delivery driver calls: you need to give entrance, building, floor, and locker details in Mandarin. This branching script covers what to say, what you'll hear, and how to handle a missed call.
2026-10-03 · 7 min
Taking a High-Speed Train in China: Mandarin for 12306, Stations, and Seat Changes
Passport checks, gates, seat swaps, missed trains: the exact Mandarin lines you need for a Chinese high-speed rail trip, with a branching dialogue and a 7-day drill.
2026-10-03 · 9 min
Hotel Check-In in Chinese: Passport, Deposit, Breakfast, and Wi-Fi
A predictable hotel check-in script for China: passport, deposit, breakfast times, Wi-Fi, and fixes for a missing booking or a bad room. Say each line once, then listen for the number.
2026-10-03 · 9 min
When Mobile Payment Fails in China: What to Say and What to Try Next
When the QR code won't scan and the queue is watching, you need calm phrases and a fallback plan. Here's what to say at the till, plus cash and card backups.
2026-10-03 · 7 min
Mandarin Pronunciation at Coffee Shops and Service Counters
Short counter conversations are a low-pressure place to practise clear sounds, tones, and polite pacing.
2026-10-02 · 6 min
Buying a SIM Card in China: The Mandarin Questions New Arrivals Need
At a Chinese phone counter, the questions come fast: passport, data, calls, plan length. Here are the exact phrases to ask, answer, and fix problems—without guessing.
2026-10-02 · 7 min
What to Learn Before More Grammar: 25 Mandarin Chunks That Unlock Daily Life
Skip the grammar rabbit hole. Learn 25 adaptable Mandarin chunks for requests, choices, locations, quantities and problems—with safe substitutions so you can speak today, not after chapter six.
2026-10-02 · 8 min
At a Chinese Pharmacy: How to Describe Simple Symptoms Safely
A pharmacy phrasebook for new arrivals: describe simple symptoms, check allergies, read dosage labels, and know when to see a doctor—without pretending language help is medical advice.
2026-10-02 · 8 min
The Small Chinese Vocabulary Set That Helps You Read Menus and Signs
Thirty high-frequency words that make menus, signs, and everyday labels less mysterious.
2026-09-28 · 6 min
Small Talk in Chinese That Does Not Feel Forced
Simple conversation moves for meeting neighbours, colleagues, and new friends without sounding scripted.
2026-09-27 · 6 min
Chinese for Taxis and Ride-Hailing: The Phrases That Actually Help
A practical ride guide for sharing your destination, checking a route, and solving small problems on the move.
2026-09-25 · 6 min