Introduction

This booklet is simple. Its designed to make your visit to Beijing more fun. Even if you cant speak a single word of Chinese, this will help you go where you like, do what you want, and solve any little problems you meet along the way. Chinese is a fascinating language, spoken by more people than any other language in the world. But because it has many dialects, even Chinese people from different regions sometimes misunderstand each other. Dont be discouraged if your attempts at speaking arent immediately successful. Keep it simple just point to the relevant phrases in this booklet and youll get your meaning across. For rst-time visitors to China, we begin with a brief introduction to the countrys ofcial language: Mandarin Chinese. This is followed by a pronunciation guide to help get you talking. The following sections should allow you to deal with most everyday situations. Each contains a list of questions and statements in both English and Chinese, plus useful vocabulary and tips on common cultural misunderstandings. The nal section lists English-language telephone services and websites you can check for further help and in-depth Beijing information. Just remember: Keep it simple and enjoy Beijing!

Beijing Welcome to Beijin

Welcome to

Chinese Characters Pronunciation Getting By Basic Basics What Time Is It? At the Airport In the Taxi At the Hotel Asking Directions At the Restaurant/Bar At the Bus Station At the Railway Station At the Olympics At the Internet Caf At the Market At the Supermarket At the Post Ofce At the Bank

P04 P09

ng

At the Hospital/Dentist/Chemist At the Police Station

Trouble Shooter Beijing Information Websites & Telephone Services

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Get By in Beijing The Essential English-Chinese Handbook

Chinese Characters

written Chinese comprises thousands of different symbols, each of which must be learned individually. Even basic literacy requires knowledge of around two thousand of these symbols, known as characters. Each character represents a single spoken syllable. One character may represent one single idea or thing, or it may have a whole host of associations, especially when used in combination with other characters. Take the characters for Beijing as an example:

T language. While English uses a simple, 26-letter alphabet,

he biggest obstacle to learning Chinese is the written

=Bi =north =Jng =capital

Because used together they form a single idea the name of the Chinese capital city we write these two characters as a single word in English. In order to help teach schoolchildren (and foreigners) correct pronunciation, the pinyin system was developed to transcribe Chinese into Latin script. Well look at how pinyin works in the next section on pronunciation.


Chinese Characters

The Origin of Chinese Characters

Chinese characters are among the oldest forms of writing in the world. The earliest examples date to the Shang Dynasty more three thousand years ago. These characters were inscribed in bones and turtle shells to record events and the pronouncements of Shang soothsayers (hence their common English name of oracle bones). While many Shang characters are yet to be deciphered, some share striking similarities with modern Chinese writing.
Oracle bone characters Modern characters

mn , door r , sun yu , moon shng , up xi , down ho , good

The characters for doorand sun are obviously pictographic representations. Abstract concepts may also have pictographic roots. The character for good, for example, represents a woman and a child. Other characters, however, may have no discernible connection with their meaning. The character [lai ], for example, originally referred to a kind of wheat; it now means to come.

Get By in Beijing The Essential English-Chinese Handbook

Pronunciation

As we've seen, each Chinese character represents a single syllable. The consonant and vowel sounds which form these syllables are written in pinyin as follows:

T know how the pinyin system works.

o read the phrases in this booklet aloud, rst you need to

Consonants and semi-consonants

b
p d t g k z c zh ch j q m n like the b in b ore like the p in p oor like the d in d oor like the t in t ore like the g in g uard like the c in c ard like the ds in adds like the ts in its like the j in j elly like the ch in ch illy like the g in g enius like the ch in ch ew like the m in m e like the n in n eed ng sh r s x f h l w y like the ng in sing like the sh in sh y like the r in r ay like the s in s ay like the sh in sh eet like the f in f an like the ch in loch like the l in l ie like the w in w ay like the y in y ell

Bear in mind that these examples are only approximate equivalents. Sounds like q, x, zh and ch are quite unlike anything in English the only way to get them right is to listen to Chinese people and imitate them!


Pronunciation

Vowels
a ai ao like the a in fa ther like the i in bi te like the ow in now o like the ore in more ou like the o in go ong like the ung in Jung u ua uo ui un like the oo in moo like the ua in sua ve like the war in war like the way in way like the won in won drous r (sorry but that's as close as it gets in English) like the French u in tu [for a closer approximation,purse your lips as if to whistle, then say ee] like the as above followed quickly by air followed quickly by the en in endnlike the as above followed quickly by the un in pun

an like the an in man ang like the ang in tang e ei en i i ia ie iu in like the ur in fur like the ay in day like the un in un der like the er in wonder

uai like the wi in wi pe uan like the wan in wan gle

eng like the ung in dung

(after z, c, s, uang like wrong without the zh, ch, sh and r only) like the ea in pea German ja (Yes) cat's meow like the ye in ye t like the yo in yo-yo like the in in tin e

like the ja in the

iao like the eow in the

ian like the yen in yen iang like the yang in yang ing like the ing in ring

an like the as above

iong like the Jung in psycho-analysis (y replaces i at the if there is no initial consonant)

beginning of syllables er like the are in are

Get By in Beijing The Essential English-Chinese Handbook

TOP TIP

Pirate-speak
Listening to Beijing people talk, you may notice they seem to say Arr, a lot. This is a peculiarity of the Beijing dialect, whereby the nal part of a syllable is replaced by a hearty -arr. Some visitors compare this sound to the exclamations of pirates and salty sea-dogs in old movies. In pinyin it is represented by the simple addition of an r. Thus, for example bian (side) becomes bianr in the mouths of many Beijingers.

Tones
Now for the hard part. The basic sounds of Chinese are easy enough for English speakers to mimic; what isnt so easy is saying them using the correct tone. While English speakers use tone for emphasis or emotion, Chinese use different tones to distinguish words that otherwise sound exactly the same. For example, if you order tang in a restaurant you might get soup, but only if you say tang with a steady high tone. Otherwise, you might be given sugar, instead, which is also tang but said with a rising tone. There are four tones in Mandarin Chinese: high (1st tone); rising (2nd tone); falling-rising (3rd tone); falling (4th tone). When writing in pinyin , these are indicated by one of four diacritics: high; rising; fallingrising; falling. Thus:

m m m m

mother numb horse swear,insult

Again, the only way to get to grips with this aspect of the language is by listening to Chinese people themselves and imitating them.

Getting By...
Basic Basics
Hello! N ho! Do you speak English? N hu shu yngy ma? I dont understand. W b mngbai. Does anyone here speak English? Zhr yu rn hu shu yngy ma? Here Zhr There Nr This one. Zhig. That one. Nig. Its mine. Sh w de. Wheres the toilet? Csu zi nr? Thank you Xixi Goodbye Zijin

TOP TIP

Yes and No
Puzzlingly, the Chinese language does not contain straightforward terms for Yes and No. Dont worry, many Chinese people know these two English words, anyway, and you can emphasize your point by using body language. Nod your head and smile enthusiastically for Yes; shake it for No. To really underline a refusal, try simultaneously waving your right hand as if vigorously polishing a dirty mirror.

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Get By in Beijing The Essential English-Chinese Handbook

Numbers
Since Chinese people also use Roman numerals, you can avoid all number problems just by carrying a pen and paper. But if youd like to practice saying your numbers, here are the basics:

1 2 3 4 5

y r sn s w

6 7 8 9 10

li q b ji sh

Chinese numbers build very simply. For example, eleven is a combination of the characters for ten and one; twelve is a combination of ten and two, and so on...

11 sh y 12 sh r 13 sh sn
Twenty-one is a combination of the characters for two, ten and one; thirty-one is a combination of three, ten and one

21 31 41 51 99 100

r sh y sn sh y s sh y w sh y ji sh ji y bi

A lot of misunderstandings arise over numbers. Take the easy way to avoid confusion write them down!

11
Getting By... Basic Basics

Ordinal Numbers
To make a number into its ordinal form, e.g. rst, thirteenth, just add di [] in front. Thus:

The first D y The thirteenth D sh sn

If talking about a number of something, e.g. three of these, then add ge [] after the number. Thus:

Three of these Sng zhig

Finger Counting
Watch out! Chinese people also count on their ngers, but in a different way to Europeans or Americans. Learn these signs for one to ten and you can bargain without saying a word.

10

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Get By in Beijing The Essential English-Chinese Handbook

Getting By...
What Time Is It?
J din le?

as youve learned your numbers. After the hour number add the word din [], then the number of minutes it is past the hour followed by the word fn []. Also worth knowing is the word for half, bn [], which follows din to make the term for half past

F paper. But telling the time in Chinese is also very simple as long

or communicating about times of the day, nothing beats a pen and

3 oclock Sn din or to be more precise, Sn din zhng 4.20 S din rsh 7.30 Q din bn 11.55 Shy din w sh w In the morning Zoshng/shngw /

In the afternoon Xiw In the evening Wnshng Two hours Ling g xiosh Three minutes Sn fnzhng Ten seconds Sh miozhng Half an hour Bng xiosh A quarter of an hour Sh w fnzhng

13
Getting By..

Present
Today Jntin This morning Jntin zoshng/shngw / This afternoon Jntin xiw Tonight/This evening Jntin wnshng This week Zhizhu This month Zhig yu This year Jnnin Now Xinzi

Next month Xig yu Next year Mngnin

Days
Monday Zhu y Tuesday Zhu r Wednesday Zhu sn Thursday Zhu s Friday Zhu w Saturday Zhu li Sunday Zhu r

Months
This is even easier. There are no names as in English, just numbers plus the word for month, yu . Thus, for example, January is one month, yyu , while July is seven month, qyu .

Past
Yesterday Zutin The day before yesterday Qintin Last week Shngzhu Last month Shngg yu Last year Qnin

Future
Tomorrow Mngtin The day after tomorrow Hutin Next week Xizhu

Seasons
Spring Chntin Summer Xitin Autumn Qitin Winter Dngtin

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Get By in Beijing The Essential English-Chinese Handbook

Getting By...
At the Airport
Zi jchng

On Arrival
Wheres the information desk? Zxnti zi nr? Wheres the hotel information desk? Jidin zxnti zi nr? Wheres the lost property desk? Shw zholng ch zi nr? Wheres the toilet? Csu zi nr? Ive lost my luggage. W de xngli di le. Ive lost my passport. W de hzho di le. Wheres the taxi rank? Chzchzhn zi nr? Wheres the subway/underground/metro station?
[NB: The Beijing Capital Airport rail link is mainly an overground light-rail line]

Dtizhn zi nr?

On Departure
Beijing Capital International Airport Bijng shud guj jchng (shud jchng) ()
[NB:] International and domestic ights leave from both terminals 2 and 3. Tell your taxi driver whether you are ying international or domestic and he should let you off close to the right entrance.

15
Getting By... At the Airport

Terminal 2 rho hngzhnlu 2 Terminal 3 Snho hngzhnlu 3

[NB: Taxi drivers all know this new terminal as T 3 (T sn)]

Domestic flight Guni hngbn Where are the check-in desks? Dngjch zi nr? Where can I book flight tickets? Zi nr ky dng do jpio?

International flight Guj hngbn

TOP TIP

Asking Where?
This couldnt be easier. Just say the name of the place or thing that you want and add, zi nr?. Before posing your question, however, its a good idea to say a couple of things in Chinese rst. Try this:

Hello! May I ask N ho! Qng wn

Chinese people generally dont expect foreigners to be able to speak Chinese. This makes some nervous. Assuming they wont be able to understand, often they dont start listening properly until your second or third sentence.

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Get By in Beijing The Essential English-Chinese Handbook

Getting By...
In the Taxi
Zi chzch li

A written down, theres no need to say anything at all in a Beijing

s long as you have the name and address of your destination

taxi. Otherwise, a mere handful of words will serve most purposes:

Take me to Q Turn left. Zu gui. Turn right. Yu gui. Turn left/right at the lights. Hngl dng zu/yu gui. / Go straight on. Zhxng. Stop here. Tng zi zhr.

Take me to the nearest subway/ underground/metro station. Do zujn de dtizhn. Take me to the nearest police station. Q zujn de pichsu. Take me to the nearest post office. Q zujn de yuj. Take me to the nearest Bank of China. Q zujn de Zhnggu ynhng.

17
Getting By... In the Taxi

Please turn the radio down. Qng tioxio shuynj.

[Alternatively, keep it simple by pointing to the radio and just saying, Turn that off. B nig gun dio. ]

Please turn the radio off. Qng gundio shuynj.

TOP TIP

Carry change! Taxi drivers often run short of change, yet still expect passengers to have the right money. If you have nothing but 100-yuan bills, show one to the driver before you get started and ask:

Have you got change? Yu lngqin ma?

Popular Destinations
Silk Street Xishu ji The Pearl Market Zhnzh shchng China World Trade Center Gumo Tiananmen Square Tinnmn The Temple of Heaven Tintn The Forbidden City Ggng Yonghegong (Lama Temple) Ynghgng The Summer Palace Yhyun The National Stadium (Birds Nest) Guji tychng (nio cho) ()

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Get By in Beijing The Essential English-Chinese Handbook

The National Aquatic Center (Water Cube) Guji yuyng zhngxn (shu l fng) () Houhai Huhi Wangfujing Wngfjng

Beijing Railway Station Bijngzhn Beijing West Railway Station Bijng xzhn Beijing Capital International Airport Shud jchng

TOP TIP
Toll fees Beijing taxi drivers will usually pay tolls themselves and then add the toll fee to your fare at the end of the journey. First-time visitors please note: There is a toll on the road from Beijing Capital International Airport into the city. It was 10 yuan at the time of writing. No tipping! Beijing taxi drivers dont expect to be tipped. Should you insist, however, theyre unlikely to object. Put the meter on! Youll almost certainly nd Beijings taxi drivers helpful and honest. To avoid misunderstandings, however, always check they put the meter on. If you get into a taxi and nd there is no meter, get out again immediately.

19

Getting By...
At the Hotel
Zi jidin I have a reservation. W ydng le. Do you have any rooms free? Kng fngjin hiyu ma? Id like a single/double/standard room.
[NB: Standard rooms typically feature two single beds]

What time is breakfast?

[NB: Dont worry about learning how to tell the time in Chinese; just get them to write it down.]

Zocn sh jdin? Where is breakfast? Zocn zi nr? Could someone help carry my bag? Yu rn bng w n xi xngli ma? Wheres the business center? Shngw zhngxn zi nr? Id like to get online. W yo shngwng. My room is too hot/cold. W de fngjin ti r/lng. /

W yo dnrn/shungrn/ biozhn jin. // Id like a non-smoking room. W yo wyn fngjin. Do you accept credit cards? Nng yng guj xnyngk ma? Wheres the lift/elevator? Dint zi nr?

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Get By in Beijing The Essential English-Chinese Handbook

The air-conditioning is broken. Kngtio hui le. The heating is broken. Nunq hui le. The telephone is broken. Dinhu hui le. The toilet is broken. Csu hui le. Please send someone to fix it. Qng zho rn xil yxi. Could you clean my room, please? Dso xi fngjin ky ma?

Id like an extra pillow. W yo zi ji yg zhntou. Id like some more toilet paper. W zi yo xi czh. Id like some more soap. W zi yo xi xingzo. Id like some clean towels. W xyo xi gnjng mojn. Id like to see the manager. W yo jin nmn jngl. Id like to check out. W yo tu fng.

TOP TIP To tip or not to tip

Unlike most service workers in China, bell boys and porters at up-market hotels do expect to be tipped. Ten yuan is a reasonable standard. Tips are also expected by tour guides and drivers on organized tours. But Chinese people rarely, if ever, tip in restaurants.

21

Getting By...
Asking Directions
Wn l

B according to the points of the compass. When traveling by

North South East West Bi Nn Dng X

eijing is laid out in a grid, within which locals orient themselves

subway, for example, the station exits are labeled East, North, Southwest, etc. However, they are only labeled in Chinese, so if you only learn four characters, make them these four:

Ideally, you should always try to have the name and address written down in Chinese. Since you shouldnt expect to understand anything much said by locals, remember your trusty pen and paper. Get them to draw a map! Nevertheless, also remember your taxi instructions:

Straight ahead Y zh zu Turn right Yu gui Turn left Zu gui

On the right Yubin On the left Zubin

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Get By in Beijing The Essential English-Chinese Handbook

As we saw at the airport, all you need to ask directions is the name of the place youre going, plus

zi nr?
Thus:

Where is the National Stadium [Birds Nest]? Guji tychng (nio cho) zi nr? ()
Better than this, however, is to use the phrase for, How do I get to? which you make by saying the name of the place you're going and adding

znme zu? ...

Thus:

How to I get to the National Stadium [Birds Nest]? Guji tychng (nio cho) znme zu? ()? How do I get to the nearest subway/metro/underground station Zujn de dtizhn znme zu?

23
Getting By... Asking Directions

TOP TIP

Im sorry, but In the interests of saving face, Chinese people almost never utter a at refusal to any suggestion. In tourist areas, you may nd yourself the object of persistent hawkers or other people you wish would leave you alone. Just saying no wont get rid of them, so what would a polite Beijinger do? Theyd make up an excuse. Claiming another appointment is acceptable; saying you have a meeting is even better. Saying that you feel ill is an almost foolproof method of deecting unwelcome attention. Dont feel guilty about this, especially if you are being cajoled by students proposing art exhibitions or nearby tea houses the latter is a particularly notorious scam.

Im sorry Du b q I have something else I must do. W hi yu sh. Ill do it with you another time.
[NB: This is the king of polite refusals, instantly understood to mean, No, and I dont want to talk about this any more.]

I have a meeting. W yo kihu q. I feel ill. W b shfu. Im going to see the doctor. W yo q knbng.

Gi tin zi shu ba.

24

Getting By...
At the Restaurant/Bar
Zi fndin/jib /

B menu, or at least a menu with pictures. If neither is forthcoming,

you can a) nd another restaurant, or b) inspect what others are eating and indicate which dishes you fancy. Just to be totally clear, you can add:

eijings better class of restaurant increasingly provides a bilingual

Id like that. W yo nig

For comprehensive restaurant and bar information, look for one of Beijings English-language listings magazines: Beijing This Month , That's Beijing , City Weekend or Time Out Beijing . See the nal section of this handbook for English-language websites with useful listings. To ask for a table, all you need is your numbers plus one word: Wi (). Thus:

Table for two. Ling wi. Table for three. Sn wi.

[NB: Although youve learned the word for two as er (), when speaking about two somethings, the word for two becomes ling ().]

and so on.

25

Can I see the menu? Cidn gi w knkn. Waiter!/Waitress! Fwyun! ! Could I have another pair of chopsticks? Zi gi w yshung kuizi. Could I have a knife & fork? Gi w yf do ch. Could I have a spoon? Gi w yg shozi. Could I have another bowl? Zi gi w yg wn.

Could I see the drinks list? Jishudn gi w knkn. Could I have some paper napkins? Gi w xi cnjnzh.
[NB: You could just say, Cnjnzh.]

Could I have a glass of water? Gi w ybi shu. Not too spicy. B yo ti l. Dont add MSG. Byo fng wijng. This isnt what I ordered. Zh bsh w din de.

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Get By in Beijing The Essential English-Chinese Handbook

I want to speak to the manager. W xing gn nmn jngl shuhu. The bill, please. Midn. I dont eat meat. I dont eat fish, either. W b ch ru, y b ch y.

Special needs
Im a vegetarian. W sh sshzh. I have a nut allergy. Please tell the chef he must not use any nuts or nut oil. W du gurn gumn. Qng gos chsh byo fng rnh gurn hu guyu.

TOP TIP

Veggie trouble Although staff in Beijing restaurants are getting better at dealing with special dietary requirements, overall theres still a tendency not to take them very seriously. You cant be too clear about what you want. And if your vegetable dish still arrives with extra pork or dried shrimp, dont hesitate to send it back. But stay cool!

Useful words for ordering

Remember, just add, Id like W yo in front of any of these:

Toothpick Yqin Beer Pji Coffee Kfi Coke Kl Cold water Bngshu Fruit juice Guzh

Milk Ni ni Sprite Xub Vinegar C Orange juice Chngzh Soy sauce Jing yu Tea Ch

27
Getting By... At the Restaurant/Bar

Green tea L ch Jasmine tea Huch Puer tea Prch Oolong tea Wlngch Apple juice Pngguzh Mineral water Kungqunshu Wine (red) Hng ji Wine (white) Bi ptoji

TOP TIP

Rice with your meal? Note that rice is typically brought after all the other dishes, especially if you are drinking alcohol. If you want rice at the same time, it helps to be specic:

Please bring the rice first Xin shng mfn.

Less politeness, please English people in particular tend to hedge requests with a lot of polite phrases. No question feels complete without at least a Would you mind..? or a Could you..? followed by a please?. Theres no need for this in Beijing. Chinese people are typically more direct to the point that their language can sound abrupt and even rude to the English ear. Chinese people may even nd too many pleases and thank yous rather bemusing. Thats not to say you shouldnt say Thank you; just that you should do so sparingly. For example, thanking a waitress every time she brings a new dish to your table will make you seem odd, rather than polite.

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Get By in Beijing The Essential English-Chinese Handbook

Carry cash Even restaurants which display credit card signs wont necessarily accept yours. Some only accept credit cards issued by Chinese banks, although these may ostensibly be part of the VISA system, for example. Check before you order:

Do you accept international credit cards? Nng yng guj xnyngk ma?

29

Getting By...
At the Railway Station/ On the Train
Zi huchzhn/huch shng /

F (generally) a pleasure. There are four classes of tickets, in

ascending order of comfort and cost:

or those who like rail travel, Chinas long-distance trains are

Hard-seat Yngzu Hard-sleeper Yngw

Soft-seat Runzu Soft-sleeper Runw

Hard-sleeper carriages have lower, middle and upper berths, while soft-sleepers have just lower and upper berths. Ticket prices vary slightly according to which berth you take the lower berth is slightly more expensive than the upper ones.

Upper berth Shngp Middle berth Zhngp Bottom berth Xip

Buying Tickets
Where is the ticket office? Shupiotng zi nr?
At the ticket ofce, keep it simple. If you want the next available train, just say:

Hello, Im going to N ho! w yo q

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Get By in Beijing The Essential English-Chinese Handbook

I want the next train. Yo xi ytng ch.

Then state the class of ticket you want (and which berth, if you are taking a sleeper)

Is there an earlier train? Zo ydiner de yu ma? What time does the train leave? Huch jdin lzhn? What time does the train arrive? Huch jdin dozhn? Where do I go for this train?
[Show your ticket!]

How much? Du sho qin? What time is there a train for? Dode ch jdin yu? Is there a later train? Wn ydiner de yu ma?

Do nr zu ch?

31
Getting By... At the Railway Station/ On the Train

On the Train
Excuse me, this is my seat. Du b q, zh sh w de wizi ba
[NB: For some reason, people on trains are easily provoked. Its a good idea to use a deferential tone when confronting them. If it becomes necessary to insist, however, just state atly, This is my seat! Zh sh w de wizi! !]

Can you tell me when we get to? Jdin do? Where do I go to upgrade my ticket? Zi nr b pio ? Id like to upgrade my ticket. W yo b pio. I want to change to a hard-sleeper. W yo b yngw.

I want to change to a soft-seat. W yo b runzu. I want to change to a soft-sleeper. W yo b runw. Where is the restaurant car? Cnch zi nr?

TOP TIP

Take the upper berth If youre traveling by sleeper and want an early night, buy a ticket for the upper berth the bottom one is likely to be occupied for much of the evening by your Chinese co-travelers, who like to while away the time chatting, eating and playing cards.

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Get By in Beijing The Essential English-Chinese Handbook

Getting By...
At the Olympics
Zi oyn chngsu

G Beijing Olympic Games and Paralympics. An army of willing

[Show your ticket]

etting by in Beijing will never be easier than during the 2008

volunteers has trained to welcome half a million foreign visitors. Many have studied English specially for this event. They will all be thrilled to hear a few words of Chinese in return.

How do I get here? Znme zu? What time does the event start? Shnme shjin kish bsi? I cant find my seat. W zho b do wizi. Excuse me, I think youre sitting in my seat. B ho ysi, w xing n zu le w de wizi.

This is my seat! Zh sh w de wizi! ! Where can I buy drinks? Zi nr mi ynlio? Where can I buy food? Zi nr mi shw? I cant see. W kn b jin. Could you sit down, please? Qng nn zuxi homa?

33
Getting By... At the Olympics

Sit down! Zuxi! ! Would you mind putting that flag down, please? Qngwn, nng b n qzi fngxi ma? Put that flag down! Fngxi qzi ! ! Would you mind putting that banner down, please? Qngwn, nng b n tiof fngxi ma? Put that banner down! Fngxi tiof! ! Where is the disabled access? Cnzhng tngdo zi nr?

Wheres the toilet? Csu zi nr? How do I get out [of the stadium]? Znme chq? Ive lost my ticket. W de pio di le.

TOP TIP
Support the locals Shout encouragement at Chinese athletes by yelling,

Ji yu! [!]

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Get By in Beijing The Essential English-Chinese Handbook

Olympic Venues
Im going to W q China Agricultural University Gymnasium Zhnggu nngy dxu How do I get to? tygun znme zu?... Peking University Gymnasium National Stadium Bijng dxu tygun Guji tychng Beijing Science and Technology National Aquatics Center University Gymnasium Guji yuyng zhngxn Bijng kj dxu tygun National Indoor Stadium Beijing University of TechnolGuji tygun ogy Gymnasium Bijng gngydxu tygun Beijing Shooting Range Hall Bijng shjgun Beijing Olympic Green Tennis Court Bijng olnpk gngyun Beijing Olympic Basketball wngqichng Gymnasium Bijng olnpk lnqigun Olympic Sports Center Stadium Aot zhngxn tychng Laoshan Velodrome Loshn zxngchgun Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium Aot zhngxn tygun Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park Shny olnpk shushng Beijing Workers' Stadium gngyun Bijng gngrn tychng

35
Getting By... At the Olympics

Beijing Workers' Gymnasium Bijng gngrn tygun Capital Indoor Stadium Shud tygun Fengtai Sports Center Softball Field Fngti ty zhngxn liqichng Yingdong Natatorium of National Olympic Sports Center Yngdng yuynggun Laoshan Mountain Bike Course Loshn shnd zxngchchng Beijing Shooting Range CTF Bijng shjchng fidi bchng Beijing Institute of Technology Gymnasium Bijng lgng dxu tygun

Beijing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics Gymnasium Bijng hngkng hngtin dxu tygun Fencing Hall of National Convention Center Guji huyzhngxn jjingun Beijing Olympic Green Hockey Stadium Bijng olnpk gngyun qgnqichng

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Get By in Beijing The Essential English-Chinese Handbook

Beijing Olympic Green Archery Field Bijng olnpk gngyun shjinchng Beijing Wukesong Sports Center Baseball Field Bijng wksng tyzhngxn bngqichng Chaoyang Park Beach Volleyball Ground Choyng gngyun shtn piqichng

Laoshan Bicycle Moto Cross (BMX) Venue Loshn xiolnch sichng Triathlon Venue Tirn snxing sichng Road Cycling Course Gnglzxngch sichng

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Getting By...
At the Internet Caf
Zi wngba

I upload or download les, the citys internet cafes are no use. All of
nternet access is not a problem in Beijing. However, if you want to

them disable their computers USB ports. One option is to use the online services in up-market hotel business centres, but be warned that these can be ridiculously expensive ten to 20 times the price of internet cafes.

Where is the nearest internet caf? Zujn de wngba zi nr? I want to get online? W yo shngwng. How much does it cost per hour? Y xiosh dusho qin? Can I connect a flash disk? W nng yng yupn ma? U

Do I need a password? Yu mm ma? Whats the password? Mm sh shnme? This computer doesnt work. Zhig dinno hui le. This keyboard is broken. Zhig jinpn hui le.

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Get By in Beijing The Essential English-Chinese Handbook

This mouse is broken. Zhig shbio hui le. This chair is uncomfortable. Zhig yzi b shfu.

Im sorry, Im rather busy at the moment. Du b q, w zh hur hn mng. Id like to sit somewhere quieter. W xing zho g njng de dfng zu.

Can I change computers? W nng hun ti dinno ma? Ive finished. W yng wn le. Would you mind not looking over my shoulder? Qng n byo tukn homa?

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Getting By...
At the Market
Zi shchng

F many markets. Clothes, souvenirs and antiques can all be had for
ew tourists leave Beijing without visiting at least one of the citys

excellent prices as long as youre careful! Every price on the markets is negotiable. If a salesperson tells you they dont bargain, move on to another stall and they will probably change their mind. As youll be accosted all around the market by enthusiastic sellers, learn one phrase before all others: Buyao ! (I dont want it!) See Top Tips below for more on bargaining, Beijing-style.

Is anyone going to serve me? Shi mi dngxi?

[or to get a salespersons attention]

How much does this cost? Zhig dusho qin? Thats too expensive. Ti gu le. Can you let me have it cheaper? Pinyi dinr ky ma? Thats still too much. Hish ti gu le.

N ho! Im just looking. Knkn. Id like to buy that. W yo nig. Id like to buy this. W yo zhig.

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Get By in Beijing The Essential English-Chinese Handbook

Go on, cheaper! Zi pinyi ydinr ma! Is it real? Sh zhn de ma? This is a fake. Sh ji de. Ill give you 10 yuan. W gi sh kui. Forget it. N sun le. Id like something like this. W yo xi h zhig xings de. Can you show me another one? Nng gi w knkn lng yg ma? Can I try it on? W nng sh yxi ma?

I dont like it. B xhun. Do you have a mirror? Yu jngzi ma? It doesnt fit. B hsh. Its too big. Ti d le. Its too small. Ti xio le. I dont want it. Byo. Can you show me one in another colour? Nng gi w knkn qt yns de ma?

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TOP TIP

Think hard before you offer Once you suggest a price, youre locked into the bargaining process. Unless you really want the object, dont let any number cross your lips. If you say a price without intending to bargain, you risk creating bad feeling. Equally, the seller may instantly agree and thrust your purchase into your hand. At this point, you cant back down without unpleasantness. Hurt their feelings! Chinese people on the whole seem to take little pleasure in bargaining. Salespeople may also come across as rather thin-skinned if you undercut their price by a long way. On some markets this is because the starting prices are not actually too high and the seller feels genuinely affronted. But there are markets where asking prices are regularly ve or six times the true value. In the absence of reliable local advice, play it safe and start low no matter how ridiculous it feels to offer 10 yuan when asked for 100.

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Get By in Beijing The Essential English-Chinese Handbook

Getting By...
At the Supermarket
Zi chosh

T their Western counterparts. Indeed, several foreign chains have

here is now little to distinguish Beijings big supermarkets from they are. Remember, just add zi nr? after the items name to ask Where is?

opened stores here. You can therefore shop quietly and anonymously, but heres a list of common necessities in case you need to ask where

Aspirin Aspln Band-Aids Chungkti Biscuits Bnggn Bread Minbo Cheese Nilo Chocolate Qiokl Coffee Kfi Comb Shzi

Condoms Bynto Fruit juice Guzh Insect repellent Shchngj Laxative Xi yo Milk Nini Moisturizing cream Hfshung Razors Txdo Sanitary napkins Wishngjn

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Getting By... At the Supermarket

Shampoo Xfshu Shaving cream/foam/gel Tx shung/pom/go // Suntan cream Fngshishung Tea Ch Tissues Zhjn Toilet paper Czh Toothbrush Yshu Toothpaste Ygo Washing powder Xyfn Soap Xingzo Yoghurt Sunni

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Get By in Beijing The Essential English-Chinese Handbook

Getting By...
At the Post Office
Zi yuj

B generally solve foreigners mail-related problems. For anything

complicated, however, its best to head for the International Post Ofce.

eijings post ofce staff are usually happy to help ll out forms and

International Post Office Guj yuj Where is the nearest post office? Zujn de yuj zi nr? I want to send a W xing j. letter xn postcard mngxnpin parcel bogu

Envelope Xnfng Stamp Yupio Im sending this to Zhig j do By air Hngkng By surface mail Pngyu By EMS Tkui zhund

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Getting By... At the Post Office

Id like to send this by registered mail. W yo j guhoxn. Can I have the slip with the registered letter number? Nng b guhoxn de homtio gi w ma? Do you have to frank it? Could I have stamps instead? W yo ti yupio. Do you have any nicer stamps? Yu hokn ydiner de yupio ma?

Im sorry, I didnt know I wasnt allowed to send CDs. Du b q, w b zhdo b rng yuj gungpn. Could you help me pack this?
[NB: Theres a separate desk selling envelopes and packaging materials, where the staff members will help box stuff up for you]

Nng bng w bozhung yxi ma? How much is that? Dusho qin?

TOP TIP

Dont wrap before you send Chinese post ofces want to know what youre sending, as they have denite ideas about what is and is not acceptable to send through the mail. Its therefore best not to package presents or other items before taking them to the post ofce, as youll only have to unwrap them again.

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Get By in Beijing The Essential English-Chinese Handbook

Getting By...
At the Bank
Zi ynhng

able to direct you to one that can. Note that large hotels will usually only change money for guests. These days its very unusual to meet a black-market money changer; ignore them if you do. Beijings ATMs are now commonly linked to international networks. There are plenty of exceptions, however, so you may have to search around a bit. The basic unit of Chinese currency is the yuan , which is divided into ten jiao . Each jiao is divided into ten fen , but these are of such minimal value that you dont really need to worry about them. What you do need to bear in mind is that yuan are commonly referred to as kuai (think dollar and buck), while jiao are always called mao .

N advance on your credit card. However, any branch should be

ot every bank will be able to change money or give you an

Is there an ATM nearby? Fjn yu qkunj ma? Id like to change money. W yo hunqin. Id like to change travelers cheques. W yo hun l xng zhpio.

Id like to get a credit card advance. W yng xnyngk fkun. Whats the exchange rate for de hul sh dusho US dollars Miyun

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Getting By... At the Bank

British pounds Yngbng Euros Ouyun Where do I sign? Zi nr qinmng? I want to see the manager. W yo jin nmen jngl.

TOP TIP

Carry your passport! This is actually a requirement of Chinese law, but you will discover its practical necessity if you want to conduct any business in a bank. No passport = no service.

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Get By in Beijing The Essential English-Chinese Handbook

Getting By...
At the Hospital, Dentist & Chemist/Drug Store
Zi yyun, yk h yodin

S one of the service websites at the back of this handbook for good
hould you be unfortunate enough to fall ill in Beijing, check out information on foreigner-friendly medical services. Several hospitals have special departments for treating foreigners always aim for one of these, as ordinary Chinese hospitals are very confusing places if you dont have a local to help you. For minor ailments, chemists/drug stores can be found all over the city. Note that they are generally divided into a Western Medicine section and a Traditional Chinese Medicine section.

Im sick. W shngbng le. My friend is sick. W pngyou shngbng le. Is there a chemist/ drug store nearby? Fjn yu yodin ma?

Where is the hospital? Yyun zi nr? Where is the chemist? Yodin zi nr? Where is the doctor? Yshng zi nr? Is there a dentist here? Yu yy ma?

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Is there a doctor who can speak English? Yu hu shu yngy de yshng ma? I dont want an IV drip.
(NB: One of the rst things done in a Chinese hospital is often to put in-patients on a drip whether they need one or not.)

Can he speak English? T hu shu yngy ma? Please use a fresh needle. Show me the packet. Qng yng ycxng zhntu. Gi w knkn bozhung.

W byo shy.

Complaints
I have a headache. W tutng. I have a migraine. W pin tutng. I have a stomach ache. W witng. I have a sore throat. W sngzi tng. I have a cold. W gnmo le. I have a cough. W ksou. I have a fever. W fsho le. It hurts here. Zhl tng. I feel dizzy. W tuyn. I feel weak. W gnju hn xru.

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Get By in Beijing The Essential English-Chinese Handbook

I have an allergic reaction. W gumn. I have trouble breathing. W hx knnan. I have a heart condition. W yu xnzngbng. Ive been vomiting.. W t le I have diarrhea. W ldzi. I have constipation. W binm. I cant sleep. W shmin. I have asthma. W yu xiochunbng. I have diabetes. W yu tngniobng. I have epilepsy. W yu dinxinbng.

I have food poisoning. W shw zhngd le. I have indigestion. W xiohu bling. I have an infection. W yu chunrnbng. It itches here. Zhl yng. I have rheumatism. W yu fngshbng. I have arthritis. W yu gunjiyn. I have sunstroke. W zhngsh le. I have venereal disease. W yu xngbng. I have high/low blood pressure. W xuy go/d . / I have blood in my urine. W nioxi.

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Getting By... At the Hospital, Dentist & Chemist/Drug Store

I have blood in my stool. W binxi. Its broken. Dun le.

Its sprained. Nishng le. Its dislocated. Tuji le.

Womens Health
Can I have a female doctor? Yu n yshng ma? Im on the pill. W zhngzi ch bynyo. Im pregnant. W huiyn le. I havent had my period for four months. W sg yu mi li yujng le.

Allergies
I am allergic to antibiotics. W du kngshngs gumn. I am allergic to aspirin. W du spln gumn. I am allergic to penicillin. W du qngmis gumn.

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Get By in Beijing The Essential English-Chinese Handbook

TOP TIP

Carry cash! Unless you happen to be in a Western-funded clinic that has a direct billing arrangement with your insurance company, every step you take in a Beijing hospital will cost money, and dont expect them to accept credit cards.

At the Dentist
I have a toothache. W ytng. At the top. Shng binr. At the bottom. Xi binr. At the front. Qin binr. At the back. Hu binr. I dont want it taken out. W byo b dio. Give me an anaesthetic! Gi w d mzuyo !

At the Chemist
How many do I take? Znme f? How many times a day? Ytin f jc?

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Getting By...
At the Police Station
Zi pichsu

t shouldnt happen to you, but If you have to visit a police station for any reason, its best to have someone with you who can interpret. If youre alone, insist that the police nd someone who can speak English. Dont worry they can and will do this for you. Under no circumstances should you surrender your passport until the situation has been made clear to you. If reporting a crime, you will be required to show your passport.

Is there someone here who can speak English? Zhr yu rn hu shu yngy ma? Please find an interpreter. Qng zho yg fny.

They stole my Tmen tu le w de.

wallet qinbo passport hzho watch Ive been robbed. shubio W bi qingji le. mobile phone shuj Someone picked my pocket. Yu rn to le w de kudi.

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Get By in Beijing The Essential English-Chinese Handbook

I didnt do it. W mi gn. He hit me first. T xin d w. Hes not telling the truth. T shung. I want to make a phone call. W yo ddinhu.

Im very sorry.

Fichng boqin. I will show you my passport after someone explains the situation to me in English. Yu rn gi w yng yngy jish wn qngkung hu, w hu gi n kn w de hzho.

TOP TIP

Be ready to compromise Minor disputes between visitors and locals occasionally escalate to involve discussions at the nearest police station. In such cases, the police often prefer to broker a compromise in which one party pays compensation to the other. Foreigners occasionally feel aggrieved at such compromises, especially when asked to pay despite feeling that they are the wronged party. Its best to just swallow such feelings, pay and leave. The alternative pursuing legal proceedings involves surrendering your passport and probably ruining the rest of your trip.

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Trouble Shooter
Beijing Information Websites& Telephone Services
Beijing Information Websites
There is now a wealth of information available online about all aspects of Beijing. In particular, check out the sites listed below under General, Directories and Classieds. These have large databases covering everything from the latest restaurants and clubs to medical services and personal ads. General, Directories and Classieds
www.thebeijinger.com www.cityweekend.com.cn/beijing www.timeout.com/cn/en/beijing

Books & Literary Events

www.beijingbookworm.com

Tickets (events)
www.emma.cn/home.asp http://en.piaowutong.com

Travel (Flights, Hotels, Car Reservations)

www.elong.net http://english.ctrip.com

Food Aid
www.howtoorderchinesefood.com www.localnoodles.com

Food Delivery
www.beijinggoodies.com

Telephone Services
Be advised that none of the major emergency and information telephone operators in Beijing offers English services. Calling any of the numbers below requires Chinese language skills.
Police Medical emergency Fire dispatch 110 120 or 999 119 Trafc accidents Directory enquiries 122 114

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Get By in Beijing The Essential English-Chinese Handbook

Get By in Beijing
Sponsored by Beijing Foreign Cultural Exchanges Association Edited & Produced by Beijing Foreign Cultural Exchanges Center Beijing This Month Publications EditorinChief Shirley Zhang Managing Editor Chu Lizhong, Zheng Lei Executive Editor Wang Lin, Mercy Sun Copy Editor Ed Jocelyn Editor Rocky Li, Zhao Didi Design Wang Xuqing, Liu Jie Producer Yue Chuang Photo Editor Zhou Bin Address Bldg. 10, Fahuananli, Tiyuguan Lu, Chongwen District, Beijing 100061 Tel +86 10 6715 2380 Fax +86 10 6715 2381 Web site http://www.btmbeijing.com Publisher China Intercontinental Press Address F24, Huatian Plaza, 6 Beixiaomachang, Lianhuachi Donglu, Haidian District, Beijing ISBN 978-7-5085-1339-3 Size 1/32 Price 25 yuan Edition First Edition of May 2008 Print First Print of May 2008

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101100061 +86 10 6715 2380 +86 10 6715 2381 http://www.btmbeijing.com 6 978-7-5085-1339-3 32 25 20085 20085

CIP) . 2008.5 ISBN 978-7-5085-1339-3 I. ... II. ... III. IV. H195.5 CIP2008057991

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Get By in Beijing The Essential English-Chinese Handbook