Studying in China is more than just earning a degree—it’s about building friendships, navigating campus life, and discovering a new culture. Whether you’re joining a semester exchange program or pursuing a full degree, learning to speak Chinese will make your life in China smoother and far more rewarding.
Here are practical Chinese language tips for three key parts of your student life: classroom learning, social life, and daily living.
1. In the Classroom: Communicate Confidently
Even if your courses are in English, knowing how to interact with Chinese teachers and classmates in Mandarin shows respect and helps avoid misunderstandings. These basic phrases will come in handy:
- 老师好！(Lǎoshī hǎo!) – Hello, teacher!
- 我可以问一个问题吗？(Wǒ kěyǐ wèn yí gè wèntí ma?) – May I ask a question?
- 我听不懂。(Wǒ tīng bù dǒng.) – I don’t understand.
- 请再说一遍。(Qǐng zài shuō yí biàn.) – Please say it again.
- 作业什么时候交？(Zuòyè shénme shíhòu jiāo?) – When is the homework due?
- 这个词是什么意思？（Zhège cí shì shénme yìsi?） – What does this word mean?
- 可以慢一点说吗？（Kěyǐ màn yìdiǎn shuō ma?） – Could you speak more slowly?
Chinese teachers often appreciate when international students try to speak their language. It builds rapport and shows initiative.
2. Social Life: Making Local Friends
Want to make Chinese friends? It’s much easier when you can chat in their language. You don’t need to be fluent—just a few key phrases can break the ice:
- 我们可以加微信吗？(Wǒmen kěyǐ jiā Wēixìn ma?) – Can we add each other on WeChat?
- 你喜欢什么运动？(Nǐ xǐhuan shénme yùndòng?) – What sports do you like?
- 我刚来中国。(Wǒ gāng lái Zhōngguó.) – I just arrived in China.
- 可以帮我拍张照吗？(Kěyǐ bāng wǒ pāi zhāng zhào ma?) – Can you take a photo for me?
- 你周末有什么安排？(Nǐ zhōumò yǒu shénme ānpái?) – What are your weekend plans?
- 你可以推荐一些好玩的地方吗？(Nǐ kěyǐ tuījiàn yìxiē hǎowán de dìfāng ma?) – Can you recommend some fun places?
Using casual expressions like “挺好的” (tǐng hǎo de – pretty good) or “还行” (hái xíng – not bad) can help you sound more natural and local.
3. Campus Life: Living in China
From finding your dorm to ordering food or asking for help, life on campus gets much easier with some basic Chinese. Try these phrases:
- 我的宿舍在哪里？(Wǒ de sùshè zài nǎlǐ?) – Where is my dorm room?
- 这里有食堂吗？(Zhèlǐ yǒu shítáng ma?) – Is there a cafeteria here?
- 我要一碗面。(Wǒ yào yì wǎn miàn.) – I’d like a bowl of noodles.
- 太贵了！(Tài guì le!) – It’s too expensive!
- 可以帮我一下吗？(Kěyǐ bāng wǒ yíxià ma?) – Can you help me?
- 宿舍有洗衣机吗？(Sùshè yǒu xǐyījī ma?) – Is there a washing machine in the dorm?
- 可以用支付宝吗？(Kěyǐ yòng Zhīfùbǎo ma?) – Can I use Alipay?
You’ll use Chinese every day—for buying snacks, getting around campus, or reporting an issue in the dorm. Learning these expressions now will save you time and reduce stress.
Learn Chinese Faster with Real Teachers
Apps are helpful, but nothing beats real conversation with a professional Chinese teacher. At eChineseLearning, we offer one-on-one online lessons designed for international students just like you. You’ll learn:
- Daily spoken Chinese
- Campus-specific phrases
- Cultural do’s and don’ts
- How to sound like a local
Get started with a free trial class today and prepare for a smoother, more enjoyable life in China!
Quiz: If you don’t understand what the teacher says, you should say:
A. 我忘了。(Wǒ wàng le.)
B. 我听不懂。(Wǒ tīng bù dǒng.)
C. 没关系。(Méi guānxi.)
Answer: B
