Phrases
58 of 62 communication situations
The driver or passerby doesn't understand your English
When English fails, stop speaking and start showing. Translate in an app and show the text.
Many locals do not speak English; show, don't just say.
What you'll see
If you explain in English and get a blank look, speech is the bottleneck:
The other person does not understand your English.
对方听不懂你的英文。
Severity: L3 (scenario). This is a communication situation, not an app error code.
Why it happens
Many drivers and passersby speak little or no English. Switching to written Chinese removes the spoken-language barrier.
Fastest fix, free:
Type in English, translate with an app, and show the Chinese text; or use conversation mode.
Last verified: 2026-09-20 ·
Confidence:
Multiple sources (pending first-hand verification)
The full fix sequence (free)
- Switch to showing, not speaking — type, translate, show the Chinese text.
- Use Google Translate's conversation mode for real-time two-way translation.
- Show your destination on a map and point at the location.
- Write down numbers, addresses and names — easier in writing.
When phrases alone aren't enough
In the kit
When English fails, the kit gives situation-to-phrase cards you show instead of say.
1. The lookup table
Situation-to-phrase pairs for when English fails, ready to show.
2. The trigger matrix
Which situation needs which phrase.
3. Offline printable version
The whole phrase kit as a printable card.
If nothing works
If the app also fails:
- Show a photo of where you want to go.
- Find a younger person or hotel staff who likely speaks some English.
- Use a ride-hailing app with the destination pinned, no words needed.
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Most travellers know about three of these before they fly. This one is often not one of them.
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