100+ Common Chinese Phrases for Chinese Beginners

Learning Chinese doesn’t have to be overwhelming, especially when you start with the most useful and common phrases. Whether you’re preparing for a family trip to China, introducing your child to a new language, or studying for a school project, mastering everyday Mandarin phrases can build confidence and spark interest in Chinese culture. In this guide, we’ve selected the most popular Chinese expressions that are easy to learn and use—perfect for kids, students, and beginners alike.

If you’re looking for a structured learning path with native-speaking teachers, WuKong Chinese offers comprehensive programs designed for kids aged 3–18, making language learning both effective and fun.

What Are Common Chinese Phrases?

Common Chinese phrases refer to short expressions used in daily conversations. They often reflect politeness, greetings, and emotional tones — the backbone of any basic communication. For beginners, these phrases serve as a functional toolkit for real-life situations, whether in classrooms, travel, or online conversations.

Situational Use:

You’ll find these phrases helpful when:

• Meeting someone new

• Shopping or ordering food

• Celebrating holidays

• Saying thank you or expressing love

Common Greetings in Chinese

1. Hello

How to say hello in Chinese?

你好
English: Hello

Pinyin: Nǐ hǎo

Pronunciation (English-like): Nee how

Example Sentence:
你好，我是Lucy。
Nǐ hǎo, wǒ shì Lucy.
Hello, I’m Lucy.

2. Good Morning

How to say good morning in Chinese?

早上好
English: Good morning
Pinyin: Zǎo shàng hǎo
Pronunciation: Dzow shahng how

Example Sentence:
早上好，今天你感觉怎么样？
Zǎo shàng hǎo, jīn tiān nǐ gǎn jué zěn me yàng?
Good morning, how are you feeling today?

3. Nice to Meet You

How to say nice to meet you in Chinese?

很高兴认识你
English: Nice to meet you
Pinyin: Hěn gāo xìng rèn shí nǐ
Pronunciation: Hen gow shing ren shrr nee

Example Sentence:
很高兴认识你，我叫Mike。
Hěn gāo xìng rèn shí nǐ, wǒ jiào Mike.
Nice to meet you, my name is Mike.

Everyday Polite Expressions

4. Thank You

A thank you card with a fall leaf and pumpkins background, thanksgiving day

How to say thank you in Chinese？

谢谢
English: Thank you
Pinyin: Xiè xie
Pronunciation: Shyeah shyeah

Example Sentence:
谢谢你帮我。
Xiè xie nǐ bāng wǒ.
Thank you for helping me.

5. You’re Welcome

How to say you’re welcome in Chinese?

不客气
English: You’re welcome
Pinyin: Bú kè qì
Pronunciation: Boo kuh chee

Example Sentence:
不客气，这是我应该做的。
Bú kè qì, zhè shì wǒ yīng gāi zuò de.
You’re welcome, it’s what I should do.

6. Please

How to say please in Chinese?

请
English: Please
Pinyin: Qǐng
Pronunciation: Cheeng

Example Sentence:
请给我一杯水。
Qǐng gěi wǒ yì bēi shuǐ.
Please give me a glass of water.

Celebrations & Special Days

7. Happy Birthday

How to say happy birthday  in Chinese?

生日快乐
English: Happy birthday
Pinyin: Shēng rì kuài lè
Pronunciation: Shung rrr kwai luh

Example Sentence:
生日快乐，祝你开心每一天！
Shēng rì kuài lè, zhù nǐ kāi xīn měi yī tiān!
Happy birthday, wish you happiness every day!

8. Happy New Year

How to say happy new year in Chinese？

新年快乐
English: Happy New Year
Pinyin: Xīn nián kuài lè
Pronunciation: Sheen nyen kwai luh

Example Sentence:
新年快乐，恭喜发财！
Xīn nián kuài lè, gōng xǐ fā cái!
Happy New Year, wish you wealth and prosperity!

9. Merry Christmas

How to say Merry Christmas in Chinese?

圣诞快乐
English: Merry Christmas
Pinyin: Shèng dàn kuài lè
Pronunciation: Shuhng dahn kwai luh

Example Sentence:
圣诞快乐，你收到礼物了吗？
Shèng dàn kuài lè, nǐ shōu dào lǐ wù le ma?
Merry Christmas, did you receive your gift?

Expressions of Emotion

10. I Love You

How to say I love you in Chinese?

我爱你
English: I love you
Pinyin: Wǒ ài nǐ
Pronunciation: Wuh eye nee

Example Sentence:
妈妈，我爱你！
Mā ma, wǒ ài nǐ!
Mom, I love you!

11. You Are Beautiful

How to say you’re beautiful in Chinese?

你很漂亮
English: You are beautiful
Pinyin: Nǐ hěn piào liàng
Pronunciation: Nee hen pyow lyang

Example Sentence:
你今天真的很漂亮。
Nǐ jīn tiān zhēn de hěn piào liàng.
You look really beautiful today.

12. Oh My God

How to say omg in Chinese?

我的天啊
English: Oh my god
Pinyin: Wǒ de tiān a
Pronunciation: Wuh duh tyen ah

Example Sentence:
我的天啊，你太棒了！
Wǒ de tiān a, nǐ tài bàng le!
Oh my god, you’re amazing!

Everyday Social Phrases

13. Welcome

How to say you’re welcome in Chinese?

欢迎
English: Welcome
Pinyin: Huān yíng
Pronunciation: Hwan ying

Example Sentence:
欢迎来到中国！
Huān yíng lái dào Zhōng guó!
Welcome to China!

14. Goodbye

How to say Goodbye in Chinese?

再见
English: Goodbye
Pinyin: Zài jiàn
Pronunciation: Zai jyen

Example Sentence:
再见，明天见！
Zài jiàn, míng tiān jiàn!
Goodbye, see you tomorrow!

15. How Are You?

How to say How are you in Chinese?

你好吗？
English: How are you?
Pinyin: Nǐ hǎo ma?
Pronunciation: Nee how mah?

Example Sentence:
你好吗？今天过得怎么样？
Nǐ hǎo ma? Jīn tiān guò de zěn me yàng?
How are you? How was your day?

Learn Chinese the Smart Way with WuKong Chinese

Learning Chinese can be both fun and rewarding! WuKong Chinese offers live online classes for kids aged 3–18, taught by certified native teachers. Each course is aligned with age level and language proficiency, making sure every student builds solid language skills step-by-step.

Whether your child is preparing for AP Chinese, aiming to pass HSK, or just starting with basic phrases, WuKong offers the tools to succeed.

Conclusion

Mastering common Chinese phrases is a great first step to understanding the language and connecting with its culture. These everyday expressions not only help you get around but also show respect and friendliness in Chinese-speaking settings.

Start small, speak often, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes, learning a new language is a journey worth enjoying. And with platforms like WuKong Chinese by your side, you’re never learning alone.

Xyan

I have been deeply involved in the K12 education field for many years, acquiring rich professional knowledge and experience. My extensive understanding of Chinese culture and education enhances my ability to integrate diverse educational methodologies. I hold a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Melbourne, which bolsters my expertise and pedagogical skills. Passionate about fostering educational environments that inspire and empower, I am committed to creating inclusive learning experiences. My aim is to positively impact students’ lives and equip them with tools for success in a globalized world.