introductions, small talk, connection
Chinese phrases for meeting people in China
Turn a shared table, train ride or friendly question into a real exchange instead of a nervous smile.
Practise this in my free class →First private 30-minute class free · No payment today
With your Mandarin teacher · 1-to-1 on Zoom · replies within 24 hours
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Five useful sentences chosen for this exact travel moment.你叫什么名字？
What’s your name?A friendly question after you have introduced yourself.
我叫…
My name is…The simplest natural introduction.
我来自…
I’m from…Add your country or city.
我第一次来中国
It’s my first time in ChinaAn easy conversation opener that invites questions.
很高兴认识你
Nice to meet youA warm way to close an introduction.
Hear the moment
before you meet it.
Leave your first class able to introduce yourself and sustain a short, warm conversation.
你从哪儿来？
nǐ cóng nǎr láiWhere are you from?我来自澳大利亚。第一次来中国。
wǒ lái zì ào dà lì yà. dì yí cì lái zhōng guóI’m from Australia. It’s my first time in China.欢迎！
huān yíngWelcome!你好 is the beginning, not the whole conversation
Prepare two pieces of personal information—where you are from and why you are visiting. Those simple details give the other person something natural to respond to.After class 1, you can
- Introduce your name and home✓
- Say it is your first trip✓
- Ask one friendly question✓
- Close the exchange warmly✓
Before you practise
What if the other person answers too quickly?
You will practise 我听不懂 and 请再说一遍 so you can slow the conversation down without panic.
Will my teacher correct my tones?
Yes. The private format lets your teacher focus on the few sounds that most affect whether your travel phrases are understood.
Can I personalise the introduction?
Yes. Your teacher can adapt it to your home, interests and reason for visiting China.
How do I ask someone to speak more slowly?
Use 请说慢一点 (please speak more slowly). You will practise it with a warm tone so the conversation stays friendly.
Is it okay to mix English into the conversation?
Yes, and it is common. We practise a small set of bridging phrases so you can switch naturally when you need a word.
Know someone visiting China?
Share this page — a friend heading to China will thank you for it.