YellowBridge Chinese Language & Culture
Chinese Language Center

Chinese for the Casual Learner

Chit Chat

This is my business card zhè shì wǒ de míngpiàn 这是我的名片
What's your occupation? nǐ zuò shénme gōngzuò 你做什么工作?
I'm a [teacher] wǒ shì lǎoshī 我是[老师] For other occupations, see Topical Word Lists: Professions
Where do you work? nǐ zài nǎlǐ gōngzuò 你在哪里工作?
I work at [McDonald's] wǒ zài [màidāngláo] gōngzuò 我在[麦当劳]工作
Where are you from? nǐ shì cóng nǎlǐ lái de? 你是从哪里来的?
I'm from [the USA] wǒ shì cóng [měiguó] lái de 我是从[美国]来的 For other countries, see Topical Word Lists: Countries: Europe
Do you speak [English]? nǐ huì jiǎng yīngwén ma? 你会讲[英文]吗? For other languages, see Topical Word Lists: Languages
Yes, I can huì
No, I can't bùhuì 不会
How old are you? nǐ jǐ suì 你几岁
I'm [30] years old wǒ [sānshí] suì 我[三十]岁 See Numbers to learn how to count in Chinese
Do you like [to play ball}? nǐ xǐhuān [dǎqiú] ma? 你喜欢[打球]吗?
Yes I like xǐhuān 喜欢
No, I don't like bù xǐhuān 不喜欢

Special Occassions and Holiday Greetings

Congratulations gōngxǐ gōngxǐ 恭喜,恭喜
Wishing you success zhù nǐ chéng gōng 祝你成功
Happy Birthday shēngrì kuài lè 生日快乐
Merry Christmas shèngdàn kuài lè 圣诞快乐
Happy New Year xīnnián kuài lè 新年快乐
Have a nice trip yī lù shùn fēng 一路顺风 Literally "propitious wind all along the way"

Eating

Bon Appetit mànmàn chī 慢慢吃 Literally "eat slowly"
Bottoms up gān bēi 干杯 Literally “dry cup"

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