Basic Traditional Chinese Phrases for Beginners — Start Here

Just starting your Traditional Chinese journey? These beginner-friendly lessons cover the absolute essentials — greetings, numbers, dates, and basic expressions that form the foundation of every conversation.

Common greetings

Greeting your neighbor

Shapes

Discussing the shape of elements in a chart

Expressions

Greeting someone and apologizing for being late

Basic Phrases

Numbers

Paying the grocery bill

Directions

Asking for directions

Dates

Discussing birthdays

Time

Scheduling a time for the appointment

Colors

Asking about tshirt color options

Measurements

Describing your body measurements to the nurse

More Traditional Chinese Guides

How to Flirt & Date in Traditional Chinese — Key Phrases & Situations

How to Order Food & Dine Out in Traditional Chinese — Restaurant Phrases

Essential Traditional Chinese Travel Phrases — Navigate Like a Local

Traditional Chinese Greetings, Manners & Etiquette — Be Polite & Respectful

Everyday Traditional Chinese Conversation Phrases — Talk About Daily Life

Traditional Chinese Food & Cooking Vocabulary — Cuisine, Recipes & Ingredients

Business Traditional Chinese — Professional Phrases & Workplace Communication

Medical & Health Phrases in Traditional Chinese — Doctor Visits & Emergencies

Asking for Directions & Transportation in Traditional Chinese

Traditional Chinese Culture — Customs, History & Traditions

Making Friends & Socializing in Traditional Chinese — Social Phrases

Traditional Chinese Music, Movies & Entertainment Vocabulary

Legal & Official Phrases in Traditional Chinese — Paperwork & Immigration

Traditional Chinese Nightlife & Bar Phrases — Going Out

Shopping & Bargaining Phrases in Traditional Chinese

Traditional Chinese Leisure & Community Activities — Hobbies & Local Life

This Guide in Other Languages

Get the Full Learning Experience

Pronunciation Feedback

Spaced Repetition

Immersive Roleplaying

Custom Scenarios