Start a conversation
Hello.
你好。
Sounds roughly like
nee how
An English sound hint. Listen for the pronunciation.
A few words for your day.
Speak Little
Ordering lunch, finding your way, or sharing a little appreciation. Find a phrase, hear it, and give it a try. You can always show it, too.
Find a phrase for your situation ↓Start small
Five phrases to keep close.
Find in Speak Little
A little thank-you
Thank you.
谢谢。
Sounds roughly like
shyeh-shyeh
An English sound hint. Listen for the pronunciation.
Point to something you'd like
This one, please. Thank you.
这个，谢谢。
Sounds roughly like
juh-guh, shyeh-shyeh
An English sound hint. Listen for the pronunciation.
Point to an item on the menu or something on display.
Find in Speak LittleLet them know you didn't understand
I don't understand what you're saying.
我听不懂。
Sounds roughly like
waw ting boo dong
An English sound hint. Listen for the pronunciation.
Ask for a little help
Please help me.
请帮帮我。
Sounds roughly like
ching bahng-bahng waw
An English sound hint. Listen for the pronunciation.
A general request for help. See Travel tips for emergency contacts.
Find in Speak LittleWhat are you up to?
Dining · 7 phrases
Point to something you'd like
This one, please. Thank you.
这个，谢谢。
Sounds roughly like
juh-guh, shyeh-shyeh
An English sound hint. Listen for the pronunciation.
Point to an item on the menu or something on display.
Need a hand with the menu?
Could you help me order?
可以帮我点餐吗？
Sounds roughly like
kuh-yee bahng waw dyen-tsahn mah
An English sound hint. Listen for the pronunciation.
Where you might use this
Old-town lunch area · 3-day itinerary, day 2Old-town lunch area · 5-day itinerary, day 2Ask for no chilli
No chilli, please.
不要辣。
Sounds roughly like
boo yow lah
An English sound hint. Listen for the pronunciation.
For a taste preference. This does not explain an allergy or guarantee a dish is safe for you.
Stay for your meal
I'll eat here.
在这儿吃。
Sounds roughly like
dzye jur chir
An English sound hint. Listen for the pronunciation.
Take it with you
To go, thank you.
打包，谢谢。
Sounds roughly like
dah-bow, shyeh-shyeh
An English sound hint. Listen for the pronunciation.
Tell them it's delicious
Delicious!
好吃！
Sounds roughly like
how chir
An English sound hint. Listen for the pronunciation.
Where you might use this
Duolun Road breakfast area · 5-day itinerary, day 4Ready to pay?
The bill, please. Thank you.
买单，谢谢。
Sounds roughly like
my-dahn, shyeh-shyeh
An English sound hint. Listen for the pronunciation.
Where you might use this
CapitaLand Hongkou Plaza lunch area · 5-day itinerary, day 4If they ask…
For here or to go?
堂食还是打包？
Choose what you need. Your reply is ready to say or show.