Meilin · Learn Chinese Mandarin for real situations
The Mandarin you need in the moment — ordering, bargaining, taxis, toasts, holidays — with characters, pinyin and the tone that trips people up.
Bargaining
Haggle in Mandarin at markets: asking the price, "too expensive", "a little cheaper", walking away — with characters, pinyin, tones and etiquette tips.
Read the phrase guide →Chinese New Year wishes
Say Happy Chinese New Year in Mandarin: the classic greetings, wishes for elders, colleagues and kids, and what to write in a red envelope — with pinyin.
Read the phrase guide →Ordering food
Order food in Mandarin with confidence: calling the server, asking for the menu, spice levels, allergies, asking for the bill — with characters, pinyin and tones.
Read the phrase guide →Taking a taxi
Mandarin for taxis and DiDi: giving the address, directions, "stop here", paying, and messaging your driver — with characters, pinyin and tone tips.
Read the phrase guide →Toasting at a Chinese dinner
Toast in Mandarin at a Chinese dinner: gānbēi vs suíyì, toasting your host, polite ways to decline alcohol, and the glass etiquette that matters — with pinyin.
Read the phrase guide →When you don't understand
Mandarin phrases for when you're lost in a conversation: "I don't understand", "say it again", "slower please", "how do you write it" — with pinyin and tone tips.
Read the phrase guide →