There are seven major dialects and many sub-dialects in
China. Dialect spoken in Beijing, known as "Mandarin"
or Putonghua, is the predominant dialect, widely used by
over 70 percent of the population. Putonghua is various
referred to as the "Han language" (hanyu), or
simply Chinese. Only about two-thirds of the Han people
are native speakers of Putonghua and the others who living
in southwest and southeast China speak their own dialects.
Except these dialects, some minorities such as Mongolian,
Tibetan and Uygur also have their own language. However,
by the means of the cultural and economic exchange, more
and more minorities begin to learn Putonghua.
In recent years, the upsurge of learning English sweeps
over the country. Most of the service staff in hotels could
speak fluent or simple English and we will also arrange
experienced guides for our guests. So, don't worry about
the language barrier when you are in China. Of course, it
will be better if you learn some simple Putonghua before
your start.
Do you want to learn some simple phrases, now, Follow Me!
Useful Chinese Phrases:
Hello...................................ni
hao.
Good morning ........zao shang hao.
Good afternoon...... .....xia wu hao.
Good evening ........wan shang hao.
Goodbye........................... zai jian.
Thank you.......................... xie xie.
Please .......................... qing
You're welcome ........... bukeqi
I'm sorry ........... duibuqi
How much? ........... duo shao qian?
That's too expensive. ........... tai guile
My name is ........... wojiao
I'm from... ........... wo shi cong...laide.
Where is the...? ........... ...zai nali
I'm lost. ........... wo milule.
What's the time? ........... ji dian le?
I fell ill. ........... wo bu shu fu.
Could you help me? ........... ni keyi bang wo ma?
I would like... ........... wo xiang yao...
