Beginner confidence essential
Chinese Phrases When You Do Not Speak Chinese
Learn what to say in Chinese when you speak only a little Mandarin, need English, or want someone to repeat something more clearly.
The best first Chinese is honest Chinese. Tell people you speak only a little, ask whether they speak English, and keep the conversation moving.
Start with these phrases
Listen first, repeat the short phrase, then open it when you want a focused practice page. You can save any phrase for later.
A short real-life dialogue
You do not need to build a long sentence. These small turns are enough to get the conversation moving.
You你会说英语吗？
Other person一点点。
You我只会说一点中文。
Use it well
- Use English with a rising tone when asking if someone speaks English.
- Show the written Chinese if your pronunciation is not understood.
- Thank people for their patience.
Related scenes
Keep learning
Use the 7-day starter path for a small daily routine, or search all 1,000 phrases when your situation changes.
Open the 7-day plan Search all phrasesQuestions learners ask
How do I ask Do you speak English in Chinese?
Say 你会说英语吗？
How do I say I only speak a little Chinese?
Say 我只会说一点中文.
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