Phrases
62 of 62 communication situations
You want to be polite but don't know the right words
A few polite words — 你好, 谢谢, 对不起, 请问 — change how you are received.
A few polite words go a long way in China.
What you'll see
If you worry about being rude without meaning to, the right opener fixes it:
You want to be polite but lack the words.
你想礼貌，却缺那几个词。
Severity: L3 (scenario). This is a communication situation, not an app error code.
Why it happens
Politeness is highly valued in China; adding “请问” before any question reads as respectful even with rough pronunciation.
Fastest fix, free:
Lead with “你好”, ask with “请问”, and close with “谢谢” or “麻烦你了”.
Last verified: 2026-09-20 ·
Confidence:
Multiple sources (pending first-hand verification)
The full fix sequence (free)
- 你好 (nǐ hǎo) — Hello, the universal greeting.
- 谢谢 (xièxie) — Thank you, use often.
- 对不起 / 不好意思 — Sorry / excuse me.
- 请问 (qǐngwèn) — May I ask; put it before any question.
When phrases alone aren't enough
In the kit
When tone worries you, the kit gives the polite set with notes on when each fits.
1. The lookup table
The polite-phrase set with tone notes for each situation.
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 you are still unsure of tone:
- Smile and use 谢谢 after any small help.
- Use 麻烦你了 when someone goes out of their way.
- Show the polite-phrase card from this guide.
You are looking at 1 of 62
Most travellers know about three of these before they fly. This one is often not one of them.
This case
Related, phrases
All others