If you’re considering living or studying in China, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with some essential travel phrases. While English instructions are often provided below the Chinese text, mastering frequently used vocabulary and sentences will greatly facilitate obtaining assistance. By acquiring a deeper understanding of Travel Chinese, you’ll be able to navigate urban transportation more effortlessly and enjoy a more comfortable travel experience!
Common Chinese Transportation Vocabulary
Chinese Transportation Modes
公交车 (Gōngjiāochē) – Bus
地铁 (Dìtiě) – Subway/Metro
出租车 (Chūzūchē) – Taxi
火车 (Huǒchē) – Train
高铁 (Gāotiě) – High-speed train
Chinese Traffic Signs and Symbols
禁止停车 (Jìnzhǐ tíngchē) – No Parking
禁止通行 (Jìnzhǐ tōngxíng) – No Entry
注意行人 (Zhùyì xíngrén) – Watch for Pedestrians
学校区域 (Xuéxiào qūyù) – School Zone
危险路段 (Wēixiǎn lùduàn) – Dangerous Road Section
Essential Chinese Phrases for Getting Around
Asking for Directions
Bù hǎo yìsi, qǐngwèn zhè shì qù… de chē ma?
不好意思，请问这是去…的车吗？
Excuse me, is this the bus to…?
Bù hǎo yìsi, qǐngwèn zhè zhàn shì…zhàn ma?
不好意思，请问这站是…站吗？
Excuse me, is this the station for…?
Bù hǎo yìsi, qǐngwèn zěnme qù…?
不好意思，请问怎么去…？
Excuse me, how do I get to…?
Xièxiè nín de zhǐyǐn.
谢谢您的指引。
Thank you for your guidance.
Taking the Train/High-Speed Rail
Zhè tàng lièchē qù Běijīng ma?
这趟列车去北京吗？
Does this train go to Beijing?
Qǐngwèn zuìjìn de gāotiě zhàn zài nǎlǐ?
请问最近的高铁站在哪里？
Excuse me, where is the nearest high-speed train station?
Taking the Subway
Qǐngwèn zěnme qù Tiān’ānmén?
请问怎么去天安门？
Excuse me, how do I get to Tiananmen Square?
Qǐngwèn nǎ tiáo xiàn lù qù…?
请问哪条线路去….？
Excuse me, which line goes to…?
Taking the Bus
Qǐngwèn zhè liàng gōngjiāo chē qù bówùguǎn ma?
请问这辆公交车去博物馆吗？
Excuse me, does this bus go to the museum?
Hái yǒu jǐ zhàn dào … ?
还有几站到 … ？
How many stops to…?
Taking the Taxi
Qǐng dài wǒ qù jīchǎng, xièxiè!
请带我去机场，谢谢！
Please take me to the airport, thank you!
Qǐngwèn dào zhè ge dìfāng yào duōshǎo qián?
请问到这个地方要多少钱？
Excuse me, how much to go to this place?
Chinese Traffic Culture Etiquette
Giving Way: When pedestrians encounter vehicles or other pedestrians, politely giving way to road space is very important.
When you want to go first:
Má fan nín jiè guò yī xià.
麻烦您借过一下。
Excuse me, may I pass?
When you want to give way:
Nín xiān qǐng.
您先请。
After you.
Giving Up Seats: Giving up seats for elderly, pregnant women, disabled individuals, and those with special needs is a way of showing respect and consideration.
When you want to give up your seat:
Nín zuò zhèlǐ ba, wǒ kuài dào zhàn le
您坐这里吧，我快到站了。
Please sit here, I’m getting off soon.
When you want to refuse when someone offers you a seat:
Méi shì, wǒ zhàn zhe jiù xíng.
没事，我站着就行。
It’s okay, I can stand.
When someone offers you a seat and you want to express gratitude:
Xièxiè nǐ gěi wǒ ràng zuò.
谢谢你给我让座。
Thank you for giving me the seat.
Seeking Help: In China, people are generally willing to help, especially when you need assistance.
Bù hǎo yìsi, néng bāng wǒ yí gè máng ma?
不好意思，能帮我一个忙吗？
Excuse me, could you help me with something?
Zhēn de tài gǎnxiè nǐ bāngmáng le!
真的太感谢你帮忙了！
Thank you so much for your help!
No matter whether you are traveling to China or studying there, these phrases can greatly assist you in your daily travels. Of course, if you want to learn more practical phrases for specific situations or etiquette related to travel, feel free to click here for a free trial lesson, where our teachers can help you with the most practical and authentic expressions.
