The check-in agent at Pudong Airport pointed at my backpack and said something fast. I caught 托运 (checked) and 随身 (with you), and realized the question was simply: is that bag flying with you or under the plane? That was my introduction to how to say carry-on luggage in Chinese: 随身行李 (suí shēn xíng lǐ), […]
The message came on a Thursday: “周六的营地我订好了，记得带睡袋.” I understood 睡袋 (sleeping bag), nodded at the date, and then quietly opened a dictionary for the word in the middle: 营地. That was my introduction to how to say campsite in Chinese: 营地 (yíng dì), the word on every booking app, road sign, and group-chat plan for […]
My first autumn in China, a colleague invited me to a campsite outside the city, and as the sun dropped someone shouted three words that sent twenty people scrambling toward a pile of wood: 篝火晚会开始了! That night, singing, roasting sweet potatoes, sparks rising into an enormous sky, was my first lesson in how to say […]
How to say subway station in Chinese is one of the first phrases you should learn if you are visiting or living in a major Chinese city. After twelve years in Tianjin, an HSK5 certification, and an Intercultural Studies background, I can tell you that subway station in Chinese is 地铁站 (dì tiě zhàn), and […]
If you ever find yourself in an emergency situation in China, knowing how to say police station in Chinese could be crucial. The word is 警察局 (jǐng chá jú), which literally translates to “police bureau.” This is one of those phrases you hope you never need, but you’ll be glad you know if the situation […]
Wondering how to say danger in Chinese? The word is 危险 (wēi xiǎn), which literally means “dangerous risk.” You’ll hear this word everywhere from street signs to weather warnings, and knowing how to use it properly can keep you safe during your time in China.
Need to know how to say left in Chinese? The word is 左 (zuǒ), a single-character directional term you’ll use constantly when navigating China. Whether you’re giving directions to a taxi driver, following a map, or learning to read street signs, this word is absolutely essential. I still remember my first week in Tianjin, standing […]
How to say be late in Chinese? 迟到 chí dào The Chinese word for “be late” is 迟到 (chí dào). It combines 迟 (chí, late) with 到 (dào, to arrive). When you’re running behind schedule in China, this is the phrase you’ll use to explain yourself, whether you’re apologizing to a boss, a friend, or […]
Whether you’re navigating the high-speed rail system, haggling at a night market, or explaining your plans to a hostel owner, knowing how to say travel in Chinese is one of the most practical vocabulary investments you can make. I’ve been living in China for twelve years, passed HSK5, and studied Intercultural Communication – and I […]
With twelve years in China, an HSK5 certification, and an Intercultural Studies background, I help people navigate real-life Chinese situations. Today, we are covering a word every car owner and driver in China needs: how to say car dealership in Chinese. Whether you are buying a new car in Beijing, getting your vehicle serviced in […]
With twelve years in China, an HSK5 certification, and an Intercultural Studies background, I help people navigate real-life Chinese situations. Today, we’re covering a word every expat and traveler needs when settling in: how to say rent in Chinese. Whether you’re signing a lease in Shanghai, negotiating monthly payments in Beijing, or just comparing prices […]
The word for customs in Chinese is 海关 (hǎi guān), literally “sea gate.” You will spot it on the signs above the red and green channels the moment your plane lands, and knowing it gets you to the right lane instead of guessing. Whether you are arriving at Beijing Capital Airport, crossing at the Shenzhen […]
