Survival phrases

#	Pinyin	English	[literal translation] When do you use it
1	Níhǎo	Hallo	[you good] General greeting. Reply with the same
2	Zàijiàn	Goodbye / See you again!	[again see]
3	Zǒu ba！	Let's go!	Urging someone to get moving
4	Duōshǎoqián	Much how? you	[more less/much few money
5	Bú yào, xièxie	No, Thank you	[not want, thank you] When offered something, especially useful when shopping.
6	Wǒ shì Hélánrén	I am Dutch	[I am Holland person]
7	Wǒ bù zhīdào	I do not know.	[I don't know 'the way'] Dao is 'the way' in Taoism/Daoism
8	Wǒ bù dǒng	I do not understand	[I not understand] When you have no clue what someone says
9	Wó dǒng le!	I understand now!	When you finally get it
10	Duìbuqǐ	Sorry! / Excuse me	General apology
11	Méiguānxi	It doesn't matter; it's alright	The usual reply to an apology
12	Qǐng wèn	May I ask (Excuse me)	When requesting information
13	Shì/Shìde	Yes (the link verb 'to be') / that's right	Affirmation. Often repeated several times.
14	Bú shì	No
15	Xíng	Yes, fine. Alright
16	Bù xíng	It won't work; No way
17	Xíng bù xíng?	Will it do. Will it be alright?	Asking for agreement
18	Méi wèntí	No problem!	[no question/problem] When asked a favour
19	Duì	Correct. You are right.	Affirmation. Often repeated several times
20	Bú duì	Incorrect/Wrong.
21	Zǒu kāi	Go away!	When you are pestered by anyone who won't leave you alone
22	Yǒu méiyǒu?	Do you have ... ? Is there ... ?	When shopping or asking for something
23	Tài měi le !	It's beautiful!	Spontaneous comment
24	Tài hǎo le !	It's great!	Spontaneous comment
25	Tài kělián le !	It's really pitiful!	Spontaneous comment
26	Wǒ è le!	I am hungry!	Announcement, usually before suggesting to go eating
27	Wǒ bǎo le!	I am full!	Announcement at the table
28	Wǒ lèi le!	I am tired!	Announcement, when engaging in tiring activity
29	Wǒ kě le!	I am thirsty!	Announcement, usually before suggesting to go get drinks
30	Wǒ bú huì	I don't know how	When you do know know how to do anything.