Language Basics & Useful Phrases in Nanjing, China
1. Nanjing Hello (江都好)
Greeting to start a conversation in Nanjing, which includes the name of the city 'Jiangdu' meaning 'river capital'.
- Local Custom: Demonstrates respect for the local culture and tradition.
- Easy to Remember: Easy to remember and use, making it a practical phrase for travelers.
- Unique to Nanjing: Different from common greetings used in other parts of China.
2. Please (请)
Polite way to ask for something or make a request in Nanjing.
- Formality: Used for all social situations, demonstrating respect and politeness.
- Commonly Used: Widely used in everyday conversations among locals and travelers.
- Versatile: Can be combined with other words to make more complex requests.
3. Thank you (谢谢)
Expression of gratitude in Nanjing.
- Politeness: Shows appreciation for kindness or help received.
- Universal: Similar to the phrase in many other languages.
- Easy to Remember: One of the simplest phrases for travelers to learn.
4. Excuse me (对不起)
Apology phrase used when bumping into someone or accidentally causing inconvenience.
- Humility: Shows humility and takes responsibility for a mistake.
- Versatile: Can be used in various situations.
- Commonly Used: Widely used among locals and travelers.
5. Yes (是)
Affirmative answer to a question in Nanjing.
- Simplicity: Very simple and straightforward.
- Commonly Used: Widely used in everyday conversations among locals and travelers.
- Useful for Communication: Essential for understanding responses from locals.
6. No (否)
Negative answer to a question in Nanjing.
- Simplicity: Very simple and straightforward.
- Commonly Used: Widely used in everyday conversations among locals and travelers.
- Useful for Communication: Essential for understanding responses from locals.
7. How much is it (多少钱)?
Phrase to ask about the price of something in Nanjing.
- Practicality: Useful for shopping and navigating markets.
- Universal: Similar to the phrase in many other languages.
- Importance in Daily Life: Essential for travelers to understand prices and budget accordingly.
8. Where is the toilet (哪里有洁廁所)?
Phrase to ask for the location of a bathroom in Nanjing.
- Importance in Daily Life: Essential for travelers' comfort and well-being.
- Universal: Similar to the phrase in many other languages.
- Practicality: Useful for emergencies and convenience.
9. Can you speak English? (您会说英语吗)?
Asking someone in Nanjing if they can speak English.
- Importance for Communication: Essential for travelers to find someone who can communicate with them.
- Versatility: Can be used in various situations.
- Universal: Similar to the phrase in many other languages.
10. I don't understand (我不明白)
Phrase for expressing that you do not understand something in Nanjing.
- Importance for Communication: Essential for travelers to convey confusion and seek clarification.
- Versatility: Can be used in various situations.
- Universal: Similar to the phrase in many other languages.
11. I'm lost (我迷路了)
Phrase for expressing that you are lost or unable to find your way in Nanjing.
- Importance for Navigation: Essential for travelers to ask for directions.
- Versatility: Can be used in various situations.
- Unique to Nanjing: Different from common phrases for being lost in other parts of China.
12. What is your name (您的名字是什么)?
Asking someone their name in Nanjing.
- Importance for Interaction: Essential for building relationships with locals.
- Versatility: Can be used in various situations.
- Universal: Similar to the phrase in many other languages.
13. Where is ... (哪里有...)?
Asking for the location of a specific place or attraction in Nanjing.
- Importance for Navigation: Essential for travelers to find popular tourist destinations.
- Versatility: Can be used with various place names and attractions.
- Practicality: Useful for exploring the city and finding key landmarks.
14. What time is it (现在是什么时间)?
Asking for the current time in Nanjing.
- Importance for Planning: Essential for travelers to manage their schedules and activities.
- Universal: Similar to the phrase in many other languages.
- Practicality: Useful for coordinating meetings, appointments, and transportation.
15. I need help (我需要帮助)
Phrase for expressing that you need assistance in Nanjing.
- Importance for Assistance: Essential for travelers when they encounter problems or difficulties.
- Versatility: Can be used in various situations.
- Universal: Similar to the phrase in many other languages.