Nanjing

📖

Common Phrases

Sections

1. General Overview of Language in Nanjing

  • Language Spoken: The primary language in Nanjing is Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua), which is the official language of China. However, Nanjing also has its own local dialect, Nanjinghua (南京话), which is part of the Jianghuai Mandarin group. While most people in Nanjing understand and speak standard Mandarin, older generations or locals in more traditional areas may use Nanjinghua in daily life.
  • Key Difference: Nanjinghua has a softer tone compared to standard Mandarin, and some words or pronunciations may differ. For example, the "sh" sound in Mandarin is often pronounced as "s" in Nanjinghua.

2. Greetings and Basic Phrases

These phrases will help you navigate daily interactions.

| English | Mandarin (Pinyin) | Nanjinghua Variation | Notes | |---------------------------|------------------------------|--------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Hello | 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) | Similar | A polite and universal greeting. | | How are you? | 你好吗? (Nǐ hǎo ma?) | Similar | Often used formally; locals may skip this and go straight to conversation.| | Thank you | 谢谢 (Xièxiè) | Similar | Smile and nod while saying this to show gratitude. | | You're welcome | 不客气 (Bù kèqì) | Similar | A polite response to "thank you." | | Goodbye | 再见 (Zàijiàn) | Similar | Commonly used when parting ways. | | Excuse me / Sorry | 对不起 (Duìbùqǐ) | Similar | Use this for apologies or to get someone's attention. | | I don’t understand | 我听不懂 (Wǒ tīng bù dǒng) | Similar | Useful if you’re struggling with the language. |

Cultural Tip: In Nanjing, people are generally warm and polite. A smile and a friendly tone go a long way in making a good impression.

3. Transportation Phrases

Navigating Nanjing’s public transportation system (buses, subways, and taxis) is easier with these phrases.

| English | Mandarin (Pinyin) | Notes | |---------------------------|------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Where is the subway? | 地铁在哪里? (Dìtiě zài nǎlǐ?) | The Nanjing Metro is efficient and widely used. | | I want to go to [place]. | 我要去[地点]. (Wǒ yào qù [dìdiǎn].) | Replace [地点] with your destination. | | How much is the fare? | 车费多少钱? (Chēfèi duōshǎo qián?) | Useful for taxis or buses. | | Please stop here. | 请在这里停. (Qǐng zài zhèlǐ tíng.) | Use this when riding a taxi. | | Is this the right bus? | 这是去[地点]的车吗? (Zhè shì qù [dìdiǎn] de chē ma?) | Replace [地点] with your destination. |

Cultural Tip: Always carry small bills or coins for buses and taxis, as drivers may not have change for large denominations.

4. Dining Phrases

Nanjing is famous for its cuisine, including salted duck (盐水鸭) and duck blood soup (鸭血粉丝汤). These phrases will help you order food and navigate restaurants.

| English | Mandarin (Pinyin) | Notes | |---------------------------|------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------| | A table for [number], please. | 请给我们[数字]个人的桌子. (Qǐng gěi wǒmen [shùzì] gèrén de zhuōzi.) | Replace [数字] with the number of people. | | I want to order this. | 我要点这个. (Wǒ yào diǎn zhège.) | Pointing to the menu while saying this is helpful. | | What do you recommend? | 你推荐什么? (Nǐ tuījiàn shénme?) | A great way to discover local specialties. | | No spicy, please. | 请不要辣. (Qǐng bùyào là.) | Nanjing cuisine can be spicy, so use this if you prefer mild food. | | Can I have the bill? | 买单. (Mǎidān.) | A simple way to ask for the check. |

Cultural Tip: In Nanjing, sharing dishes is common. Avoid ordering individual meals unless you’re at a fast-food restaurant.

5. Shopping Phrases

Whether you’re at a local market or a modern mall, these phrases will help you shop effectively.

| English | Mandarin (Pinyin) | Notes | |---------------------------|------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------| | How much is this? | 这个多少钱? (Zhège duōshǎo qián?) | Bargaining is common in markets but not in malls. | | Can it be cheaper? | 可以便宜一点吗? (Kěyǐ piányí yīdiǎn ma?) | Use this politely when bargaining. | | I want this one. | 我要这个. (Wǒ yào zhège.) | Pointing to the item helps avoid confusion. | | Do you accept credit cards?| 你们收信用卡吗? (Nǐmen shōu xìnyòngkǎ ma?)| Many places accept cards, but cash is still widely used. | | I’m just looking. | 我只是看看. (Wǒ zhǐshì kànkàn.) | A polite way to browse without pressure. |

Cultural Tip: In Nanjing, bargaining is expected in street markets but not in department stores or chain shops.

6. Emergency Phrases

In case of emergencies, these phrases can be life-saving.

| English | Mandarin (Pinyin) | Notes | |---------------------------|------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Help! | 救命! (Jiùmìng!) | Shout this loudly to attract attention. | | Call the police. | 报警. (Bàojǐng.) | The police emergency number in China is 110. | | I need a doctor. | 我需要医生. (Wǒ xūyào yīshēng.) | The medical emergency number in China is 120. | | I’m lost. | 我迷路了. (Wǒ mílù le.) | Show your destination on a map or phone if possible. | | My phone is lost. | 我的手机丢了. (Wǒ de shǒujī diū le.) | Report lost items to the nearest police station. |

Cultural Tip: Always carry a written note of your hotel’s name and address in Chinese characters to show locals or taxi drivers if you’re lost.

7. Unique Local Expressions in Nanjing

While most people in Nanjing speak standard Mandarin, you may hear some local expressions:

  • “咱家” (Zán jiā): A casual way to say “we” or “our family,” commonly used in Nanjinghua.
  • “啥事” (Shá shì): Equivalent to “什么事” (Shénme shì) in standard Mandarin, meaning “What’s the matter?”
  • “侬” (Nóng): A local way to say “you,” similar to the Shanghainese dialect.

8. Pronunciation Tips

  • Tones: Mandarin is a tonal language with four tones. Practice tones carefully, as they can change the meaning of a word.
  • Softened Sounds in Nanjinghua: In Nanjinghua, the "sh" sound in standard Mandarin is often pronounced as "s." For example, “书” (shū, book) might sound like “sū.”
  • Practice Listening: Spend time listening to locals to pick up on subtle differences in pronunciation and rhythm.

9. Final Tips for Communication

  • Use Translation Apps: Apps like Pleco or Google Translate can be lifesavers for real-time translation.
  • Be Patient: Locals in Nanjing are generally friendly and willing to help, even if there’s a language barrier.
  • Learn Key Characters: Recognizing basic Chinese characters (e.g., 出口 for “exit” or 厕所 for “toilet”) can be very helpful.

By using this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate Nanjing and communicate effectively with locals. Enjoy your time in this historic and vibrant city!