20 Useful Mandarin Phrases for Airports and Flights
Traveling internationally is an adventure that can sometimes be accompanied by language barriers—especially in bustling airports and on long-haul flights. With Mandarin being one of the most spoken languages globally and commonly used in major travel hubs, mastering a few key phrases can transform your travel experience. This guide introduces 20 essential Mandarin phrases, complete with Mandarin characters, Pinyin pronunciations, and clear English translations, to help you navigate every step of your journey.
1. Hello / 你好 (Nǐ hǎo)
Pinyin: Nǐ hǎo
Translation: Hello
This basic greeting is essential to start any conversation. A simple “你好” is not only polite but also sets a friendly tone when interacting with airport staff or fellow travelers.
2. Thank you / 谢谢 (Xièxiè)
Pinyin: Xièxiè
Translation: Thank you
Express gratitude with “谢谢”. Whether someone assists you with directions or helps you with your luggage, this phrase will always be appreciated.
3. Excuse me / 对不起 (Duìbuqǐ)
Pinyin: Duìbuqǐ
Translation: Excuse me / Sorry
“对不起” is versatile—it can be used to apologize, to attract attention, or to ask for clarification in busy, crowded environments like an airport.
4. Where is the check-in counter? / 办理登机手续的柜台在哪里？ (Bànlǐ dēngjī shǒuxù de guìtái zài nǎlǐ?)
Pinyin: Bànlǐ dēngjī shǒuxù de guìtái zài nǎlǐ?
Translation: Where is the check-in counter?
This phrase is indispensable when you need to locate your airline’s check-in counter. It directs your inquiry to the right place at the airport.
5. I have a reservation / 我有预订 (Wǒ yǒu yùdìng)
Pinyin: Wǒ yǒu yùdìng
Translation: I have a reservation
Use “我有预订” when you need to confirm your booking with an airline or hotel service. It’s particularly useful at the check-in desk or hotel reception.
6. Can I see your passport? / 可以看一下您的护照吗？ (Kěyǐ kàn yīxià nín de hùzhào ma?)
Pinyin: Kěyǐ kàn yīxià nín de hùzhào ma?
Translation: Can I see your passport?
This phrase is often used by security or airline staff. Knowing it can help you understand and respond appropriately when identification is required.
7. Where is the security checkpoint? / 安检口在哪里？ (Ānjiǎn kǒu zài nǎlǐ?)
Pinyin: Ānjiǎn kǒu zài nǎlǐ?
Translation: Where is the security checkpoint?
If you are unsure about where to go for security screening, this question will help you locate the correct area.
8. Where is my gate? / 我的登机口在哪里？ (Wǒ de dēngjī kǒu zài nǎlǐ?)
Pinyin: Wǒ de dēngjī kǒu zài nǎlǐ?
Translation: Where is my gate?
Airports can be confusing with multiple gates and terminals. This phrase will help you find your boarding gate quickly.
9. Is this the line for boarding? / 这是登机的队伍吗？ (Zhè shì dēngjī de duìwǔ ma?)
Pinyin: Zhè shì dēngjī de duìwǔ ma?
Translation: Is this the line for boarding?
Use this question to ensure you are standing in the correct queue for boarding your flight.
10. My flight is delayed / 我的航班延误了 (Wǒ de hángbān yánwù le)
Pinyin: Wǒ de hángbān yánwù le
Translation: My flight is delayed
This phrase helps you discuss schedule changes and flight delays with airline staff or other passengers.
11. Can you help me? / 你能帮我吗？ (Nǐ néng bāng wǒ ma?)
Pinyin: Nǐ néng bāng wǒ ma?
Translation: Can you help me?
This simple request for help is extremely versatile—whether it’s finding your way or resolving a ticketing issue, locals will appreciate your effort.
12. I don't understand / 我不懂 (Wǒ bù dǒng)
Pinyin: Wǒ bù dǒng
Translation: I don't understand
When language barriers arise, this phrase lets you communicate that you’re having trouble understanding instructions or announcements.
13. Could you repeat that, please? / 请再说一遍 (Qǐng zài shuō yíbiàn)
Pinyin: Qǐng zài shuō yíbiàn
Translation: Could you repeat that, please?
Perfect for when you need clarity, this phrase helps you ask someone to repeat their words so you can catch every detail.
14. Where is the baggage claim? / 行李领取处在哪里？ (Xínglǐ lǐngqǔ chù zài nǎlǐ?)
Pinyin: Xínglǐ lǐngqǔ chù zài nǎlǐ?
Translation: Where is the baggage claim?
After your flight, locating your luggage can be stressful. This phrase helps you find the baggage claim area efficiently.
15. My luggage is missing / 我的行李丢了 (Wǒ de xínglǐ diū le)
Pinyin: Wǒ de xínglǐ diū le
Translation: My luggage is missing
In the unfortunate event of lost baggage, this phrase is critical when reporting the issue to the airline’s customer service.
16. I need to exchange currency / 我需要换钱 (Wǒ xūyào huàn qián)
Pinyin: Wǒ xūyào huàn qián
Translation: I need to exchange currency
This phrase is especially useful when you arrive at a new destination and need local money. It will help you locate a currency exchange or bank.
17. Where is the restroom? / 洗手间在哪里？ (Xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ?)
Pinyin: Xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ?
Translation: Where is the restroom?
One of the most frequently needed questions, this phrase is essential for finding restrooms in busy terminals.
18. Can I have a window seat? / 我可以要靠窗的座位吗？ (Wǒ kěyǐ yào kào chuāng de zuòwèi ma?)
Pinyin: Wǒ kěyǐ yào kào chuāng de zuòwèi ma?
Translation: Can I have a window seat?
For travelers who love a view or extra space, this phrase will come in handy when making a seating request.
19. Where can I get a taxi? / 出租车在哪里？ (Chūzūchē zài nǎlǐ?)
Pinyin: Chūzūchē zài nǎlǐ?
Translation: Where can I get a taxi?
After landing, you may need a taxi to reach your destination. This simple question helps you locate the taxi stand quickly.
20. I need assistance / 我需要帮助 (Wǒ xūyào bāngzhù)
Pinyin: Wǒ xūyào bāngzhù
Translation: I need assistance
This broad, useful phrase signals that you require help. It can be applied in many scenarios—from lost luggage to navigation issues.
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