The Chinese language is a complicated communication system that has numerous written characters, as well as several different dialects. If you are interested in learning to speak Mandarin, you will first need to understand the basics of this Chinese dialect.
Mandarin was originally defined as a group of dialects that were spoken by the people of Beijing, as well as the area of northern China. The term is now used to describe the standard Chinese language, in which case it is the type that is spoken by the largest number of Chinese. This language is spoken in the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of China (Taiwan), and is one of the four official languages spoken in Singapore. This factor means that your knowledge of this language will allow you to communicate more easily with the largest number of Chinese-speaking countries, making your decision to learn to speak Mandarin a wise one.
The Mandarin language uses the pinyin alphabet, which is based on Latin and uses four different tones. There are many websites that allow you to listen to these tones while learning to speak Mandarin. The following are some basic phrases you can learn to familiarize yourself with Mandarin pronunciation.
1. Ni Hao – Pronounced as “Nee How”. It translates as “You are good” and
can be used as a greeting.
2. Xie Xie: Pronounced as “Shi-e Shi-e” or “Zhi-Zhi”. it means thank you
you” in Mandarin.
3. Bu Ke Qi – Pronounced as “Boo Ker Chi” with the “r” in “Ker” being
with a pronounced British accent. It means “You’re welcome.”
4. Tai Hao Le – Pronounced as “Thai Hao Lah”. It means “wonderful.”
5. Na Li Na Li – Pronounced “Nah Lee Nah Lee.” This sentence is correct
Chinese response when someone congratulates you or your spouse.
You should not use the term “Xie Xie” as that is not how it is
The Chinese respond to compliments.
6. Wo Jiao – Pronounced “Wah Jee Ow.” It means “My name is…” and
you must fill in your name.
7. Wu de ming je shi – Pronounced “Wuu Duh Meeng Jee Shi.” Too
means “My name is…”
8. Da Jia Hao – Pronounced as “Dah Jee Ah How”. Freely translated, it is
means “Hello everyone”, Good morning everyone” or “I wish you all
okay.” This is a good opening if you are planning to give a speech
to a Mandarin-speaking audience.
9. Zao Shang – Pronounced as “Zow Shahng”. It means “Good morning”.
10. Xia Shang – Pronounced as “Shee ah Shahng”. It means “Good afternoon”.
11. Wan Shang – Pronounced as “Wahn Shahng”. It means “Good night”.
12. Zai Jian – Pronounced as “Zigh Jee In”. It means “goodbye”.
13. Wo Hui Yi Dianr Zhong Wen – Pronounced as “Waw Hway Ee Dee In A Zah Hoong Wun” Means: “I speak a little Chinese.”
These are just some basic conversation phrases you can use when learning to speak Mandarin. There are some helpful tips that you may want to keep in mind when using these phrases. You should always repeat them as this is how the Chinese behave during a conversation. You should smile as this is part of the Chinese etiquette system and avoid shrugging as this has no meaning in Chinese culture.
When you want to learn to speak Mandarin, you also need to make sure that you have the right tone in your speech and maintain Chinese etiquette, so that you can be clearly understood without giving offence.