Short version: A handful of phrases goes a long way in China. Here are the practical ones, the nightlife basics, and the LGBTQ+ vocabulary worth knowing — with a note on when discretion is the kind move.
Essentials
- Hello — 你好 (ní hǎo)
- Thank you — 谢谢 (xièxie)
- How much? — 多少钱? (duōshǎo qián)
- Where is…? — …在哪里? (… zài nǎlǐ)
- I don’t want it spicy — 我不要辣 (wǒ bú yào là)
- I don’t understand — 我听不懂 (wǒ tīng bù dǒng)
- Can I pay by phone? — 可以手机支付吗? (kěyǐ shǒujī zhīfù ma) — see our payments guide
Out & about at night
- Cheers! — 干杯 (gānbēi)
- Where’s the bathroom? — 洗手间在哪? (xǐshǒujiān zài nǎ)
- One more, please — 再来一个 (zài lái yí ge)
- What’s your name? — 你叫什么名字? (nǐ jiào shénme míngzì)
The LGBTQ+ words worth knowing
You don’t need many, but these come up:
- 同志 (tóngzhì) — literally “comrade,” the common, friendly word for gay/LGBTQ+.
- 同性恋 (tóngxìngliàn) — homosexual (more clinical).
- 圈内 (quān nèi) — “in the circle,” i.e. part of the community.
- 直男 (zhí nán) — straight guy.
- 1 / 0 — widely used on apps for top / bottom; 0.5 for versatile.
A word on discretion
In big-city venues these words are everyday. In mixed or unfamiliar company, read the room — visibility carries more risk for locals than for visitors, so let them set the level of openness. For the bigger picture see our is-China-safe guide, and for connecting beyond language, how to meet gay locals and the gay dating apps guide.
