When learning Chinese, familiarizing yourself with common expressions can significantly improve your conversational skills. Here are several phrases that you will often hear in daily conversations among native speakers.
你好 (Nǐ hǎo) – This is the standard greeting in Chinese, equivalent to “Hello” in English. It’s polite and can be used in almost any situation where you are greeting someone.
张先生，你好！
谢谢 (Xièxiè) – This expression means “Thank you.” It’s a polite phrase that shows gratitude and is universally appreciated.
你帮了我很大忙，谢谢！
不客气 (Bù kèqi) – This phrase translates to “You’re welcome.” It is used as a response to someone who has thanked you.
A: 谢谢你的礼物！ B: 不客气！
对不起 (Duìbuqǐ) – Meaning “I’m sorry,” this expression is used when apologizing for mistakes or inconveniences.
对不起，我迟到了。
没关系 (Méi guānxi) – This translates to “It’s okay” or “No problem,” and is often used to respond to someone apologizing.
A: 对不起，我忘了带书。 B: 没关系。
再见 (Zàijiàn) – This is the standard way to say “Goodbye” in Chinese.
好的，我们明天见，再见。
可以 (Kěyǐ) – This word means “can” or “may.” It is used to give permission or show possibility.
我可以使用这个吗？
当然 (Dāngrán) – “Of course” or “Certainly.” It’s used to affirm something without hesitation.
你可以借我的笔吗？当然可以！
怎么了？(Zěnmele?) – This question translates to “What’s wrong?” or “What happened?” It’s used when noticing something is amiss or someone is upset.
你看起来不高兴，怎么了？
没事 (Méishì) – This phrase means “It’s nothing” or “I’m fine.” It’s often used to reassure someone that everything is okay.
A: 你确定你没事吗？ B: 没事，谢谢。
真的吗？(Zhēn de ma?) – This means “Really?” It’s used to express surprise or skepticism.
他赢了那场比赛，真的吗？
注意 (Zhùyì) – Meaning “Be careful” or “Pay attention,” this word is used as a caution.
注意，前面有水！
可能 (Kěnéng) – This translates to “Maybe” or “It’s possible.” It’s used when there is uncertainty.
我可能晚点到。
不用谢 (Bù yòng xiè) – Another way to say “You’re welcome,” implying “No need to thank me.”
A: 这是你的书。谢谢！ B: 不用谢。
太好了 (Tài hǎo le) – This expression means “Great!” or “Fantastic!” It’s used to show pleasure or satisfaction.
我们赢了！太好了！
一会儿见 (Yīhuǐr jiàn) – Translating to “See you in a bit,” this phrase is used when you expect to see someone again soon.
我去买点东西，一会儿见。
挺好的 (Tǐng hǎo de) – Meaning “Quite good” or “Pretty good,” this phrase is used to express a positive opinion about something.
这个菜挺好的。
放心 (Fàngxīn) – This means “Don’t worry” or “Rest assured.” It’s used to comfort someone or reassure them that everything will be okay.
放心，我会按时完成的。
我同意 (Wǒ tóngyì) – Meaning “I agree,” this is used when you concur with someone’s opinion or plan.
我同意你的看法。
Learning these common expressions and incorporating them into your conversations will not only improve your fluency but also help you sound more natural when speaking Chinese. Practice these phrases regularly, and you’ll find yourself navigating daily interactions with ease.
