Phrase pack

Courtesy

Polite everyday soft language.

Polite softeners like 请问 make every question easier to receive. Rehearse five phrases, then role-play a mini dialogue with them.

Starred phrases

谢谢！ Xièxie!

Thank you!

General thanks; lighten the second syllable.

非常感谢。 Fēicháng gǎnxiè.

Thank you very much.

Usage tip: say “非常感谢。” in a real situation today; keep tones clear and the pace natural.

不客气。 Bú kèqi.

You’re welcome.

Standard reply to 谢谢.

对不起。 Duìbuqǐ.

Sorry.

Clear apology.

不好意思。 Bù hǎoyìsi.

Excuse me / sorry (soft).

Usage tip: say “不好意思。” in a real situation today; keep tones clear and the pace natural.

没关系。 Méiguānxi.

It’s okay.

Comforting reply to apologies or small issues.

请问…… Qǐngwèn…

May I ask…

Softener before asking strangers.

麻烦你了。 Máfan nǐ le.

Sorry to trouble you.

Usage tip: say “麻烦你了。” in a real situation today; keep tones clear and the pace natural.

请稍等。 Qǐng shāo děng.

Please wait a moment.

Usage tip: say “请稍等。” in a real situation today; keep tones clear and the pace natural.

劳驾。 Láojià.

Excuse me (passing / requesting).

Usage tip: say “劳驾。” in a real situation today; keep tones clear and the pace natural.

请再说一次。 Qǐng zài shuō yí cì.

Please say it again.

Usage tip: say “请再说一次。” in a real situation today; keep tones clear and the pace natural.

请慢一点。 Qǐng màn yìdiǎn.

Please slow down a bit.

Usage tip: say “请慢一点。” in a real situation today; keep tones clear and the pace natural.

我明白了。 Wǒ míngbai le.

I understand.

Usage tip: say “我明白了。” in a real situation today; keep tones clear and the pace natural.

对不起，我听不懂。 Duìbuqǐ, wǒ tīng bù dǒng.

Sorry, I don’t understand.

Usage tip: say “对不起，我听不懂。” in a real situation today; keep tones clear and the pace natural.

没事。 Méishì.

No worries.

Usage tip: say “没事。” in a real situation today; keep tones clear and the pace natural.