Skip to content
Free Language Courses
Log in
Appearance: light or dark
Menu
Chinese

Chinese phrases: Basics

Chinese has no single word for “yes” or “no”: people repeat the verb of the question, with or without *不* (bù).

Speed:
  • 对。Duì.Yes, that's right. · Or repeat the verb: (shì), (yǒu), (yào).
  • 不是。Bú shì.No, it isn't. · Or (bù) + the verb of the question: (bú yào), I don't want it.
  • 好的。Hǎo de.OK.
  • 谢谢。Xièxie.Thank you.
  • 非常感谢。Fēicháng gǎnxiè.Thank you very much.
  • 不客气。Bú kèqi.You're welcome.
  • 对不起。Duìbuqǐ.Sorry. · For a real apology.
  • 不好意思。Bù hǎoyìsi.Excuse me. / Sorry. · A light apology, or to get someone's attention. Very common.
  • 没关系。Méi guānxi.That's OK. / It doesn't matter.
  • 我听不懂。Wǒ tīng bu dǒng.I don't understand.
  • 请再说一遍。Qǐng zài shuō yí biàn.Please say that again.
  • 请说慢一点儿。Qǐng shuō màn yìdiǎnr.Please speak a bit more slowly.