Modern society has been undeniably obsessed with getting something in an instant or in a quick manner. No wonder why fast food chains and ready made foods which only require a few minutes in the oven, have been lucrative businesses. But have you ever imagine that a day would come when learning a language would only take a few days. Learn Chinese online by spending minimal time. However every quick fix proves to possess both advantages and disadvantage. Similarly this only offers an overview to Chinese language. But if you are tourist or a businessman who want to learn Chinese online in a minimal time then the following will be sufficient.
- Greetings- Anywhere in the world greetings has always been synonymous to good manners. If you want to create a favorable impression with a Chinese acquaintance then you can simply say “Ni3 hao3!” or a translated as “hi” in English, this could also mean “how are you?” when uttered in a different tone or pitch. Say “zǎo shàng hǎo/ zǎo” or “Xia4 wu3 hao3!/ Wan3 shang4 hao3!” which is translated as “good morning and “good afternoon” respectively to a Chinese you meet along the street. If you want to express your gratitude for someone who has helped you then say “Xie4 xie4”. If someone said ““Xie4 xie4” then respond by saying “huan2 ying2!” or “welcome”. Say “zài jiàn” if you are about to part with someone, which means “goodbye”.
- Asking for Directions-You no longer need to worry if you ever found yourself lost in the streets of the major cities of China. Just simply say “ Wo3 mi2 lu4 le” or “I’m lost” then proceed by asking “Ni3 ken3 bang1 zhu4 wo3 ma?” or translated as “can you help me?’ in English. You can also elicit help by first saying “Qing3 wen4!” or “excuse me!” Then point on the map where you want to go. Just don’t forget to say “Xie4 xie4” or “thank you” after being helped.
- Conversations- If you meet some interesting Chinese people then you can strike a conversation by saying “Nǐ hǎo ma? “or “how are you”. Say “ Nǐ jià o shénme mà ngzi?” to get his/her name. In cases where the role has been reverse, when someone asked “Nǐ hǎo ma?” or “how are you” then say “Hěn hǎo, xièxie” or translated as “I’m fine thank you!” If he/she asked your name, respond by saying “Wǒ jià o john”. Just remember that “Wǒ jiÔ is followed by your name. Proceed by providing some personal information such as “Wo3 zai4 fa3 guo1 zhu4” or “I live in America”, and “Wo3 shi4 yi2” to indicate that you are a businessman. Again the ““Wo3 shi4” is followed by your profession.
There are various sources or website where you could thoroughly learn Chinese online. Consider this as a crash lesson for beginners. “Qing3 yong4 can1!”