Learn 3 More Chinese Phrases Before Your Trip — You Will Use Them Daily

More Language Shortcuts for Travelers — by IntoTravelChina

After helping hundreds of travelers navigate China, I have found three more phrases that make a noticeable difference in daily interactions. If you already know the basics — xie xie, ni hao, and duo shao qian — I encourage you to learn 3 more phrases before your trip. These are not textbook words. They are the phrases I use every single day on the road, and the ones my guests tell me they used the most. Here they are, with the real situations where they matter.

Phrase 1: Dui Bu Qi (对不起) — Sorry / Excuse Me

Pronunciation: dway-boo-chee. Dui bu qi is your polite shield in crowded places. China’s cities are busy — you will bump into someone on the subway, accidentally cut someone off at a market, or need to squeeze through a crowd at a temple. Saying dui bu qi with a small smile defuses any tension instantly. Chinese people are generally forgiving of accidental contact from foreigners, but saying sorry in their language shows you respect their space.

I saw this in action with a guest from Brazil named Marcos at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. A crowded corridor, a misstep, and Marcos accidentally stepped on a local woman’s foot. Before I could step in, he said “dui bu qi” with an apologetic smile. The woman nodded, smiled back, and the moment passed without a second thought. Marcos told me later he had practiced that phrase on the flight over. It saved him from what could have been an awkward confrontation. In crowded China, dui bu qi is the phrase that keeps interactions smooth.

Phrase 2: Hao Chi (好吃) — Delicious

Pronunciation: haow-chrr. Hao chi is the single best relationship-building word in the Chinese language. Say it after your first bite of a meal, and the cook or host will light up. Chinese food culture is central to daily life, and complimenting the food is one of the most sincere forms of appreciation you can offer. You do not need to say anything else. Just look at the person who cooked or served the meal, nod, and say “hao chi.”

I once took a group to a family-run restaurant in a small village outside Guilin. A traveler from Sweden named Anna took one bite of the steamed fish, closed her eyes, and said “hao chi.” The grandmother who cooked the meal came out of the kitchen, beaming. She brought Anna an extra dish — her special stir-fried greens — and refused to let her pay for it. A two-second compliment in the right language created a moment of genuine warmth that no translation app could replicate.

Phrase 3: Bu La (不辣) / Wei La (微辣) — Not Spicy / Mildly Spicy

Pronunciation: boo-lah / way-lah. This phrase will save your taste buds. Chinese cuisine varies wildly by region. Sichuan and Hunan food can be intensely spicy. Even dishes that do not look spicy can contain hidden chilies. Learning to say “bu la” (not spicy) or “wei la” (mildly spicy) before you order gives you control over your meal.

A guest from Chicago named Kevin learned this the hard way in Chengdu. He ordered mapo tofu without specifying his spice preference. The dish arrived covered in red chili oil. Kevin, who had a low spice tolerance, managed three bites before his face turned red. After that, I taught him “wei la.” For the rest of the trip, he ordered with confidence and enjoyed every meal. A simple phrase turned a painful dining experience into a pleasant one. Use it at every restaurant, especially in Sichuan, Hunan, and Yunnan.

Plan Your China Trip with Confidence

At IntoTravelChina, I send every guest an expanded phrase guide before departure, including these three and others customized to their itinerary. I want you to arrive in China with more than just a phrasebook — I want you to have the right words for the moments that matter. Language is not a barrier here. It is a bridge. And every new phrase you learn makes that bridge stronger.

IntoTravelChina — Founded 2015. Custom private tours across China. No shopping stops. No shortcuts. Just authentic experiences.