TRDL14 Lonely China Passbook&Dictionany

PD
China
PHRASEBOOK & DICTIONARY
PDF ebook
Edition 2nd Edition

Release Date Sep 2015
Pages 384
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MANDARIN CANTONESE CHAOZHOU DONGBEI HUA HAKKA
HUNANESE SHANGHAINESE SICHUANESE XIAN
YUNNAN HUA ZHUANG MONGOLIAN TIBETAN UIGHUR
China
PHRASEBOOK & DICTIONARY
Acknowledgments
Editors Francesca Coles, Laura Crawford, Branislava Vladisavljevic,

Tracy Whitmey
Production Support Chris Love
Cartographer Wayne Murphy
Illustrations Yukiyoshi Kamimura
Cover Researcher Naomi Parker
Thanks
James Hardy, Angela Tinson

Published by Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd
ABN 36 005 607 983
2nd Edition September 2015
ISBN 978 1 74321 434 3
Text Lonely Planet 2015
Cover Image Diners at Yikeyin Lao Fangzi restaurant, Knmng,
Yunnan, China/Katie Garrod, AWL
Printed in Singapore 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Contact lonelyplanet.com/contact
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or o
therwise,
except brief extracts for the purpose of review, without the written permission of the publisher.
Lonely Planet and the Lonely Planet logo are trade marks of Lonely Planet and are registered
in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and in other countries. Lonely Planet does not allow its
name or logo to be appropriated by commercial establishments, such as retailers, restaurants
or hotels. Please let us know of any misuses: www.lonelyplanet.com/ip
Although the authors and Lonely Planet try to make the information as accurate as possible, we accept no
responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone using this book.
acknowledgments
This book was based on existing editions of Lonely Planets Cantonese, Mandarin and
Tibetan phrasebooks and developed with the help of the following people:

PAEN Language Services for the Dongbei Hua, Hakka, Sichuanese, Uighur,
Xian and Yunnan Hua chapters
David Holm for the Hunanese, Zhuang & Chaozhou chapters
Lance Eccles for the Shanghainese chapter
Emyr RE Pugh for the Mongolian chapter
Tughluk Abdurazak for the Uighur chapter
Thanks also to Will Gourlay for the language introductions for Dongbei Hua, Hakka,
Hunanese, Shanghainese, Sichuanese, Uighur, Xian and Yunnan Hua; Jodie Martire
for the Culture chapter; and Dora Chai and Shahara Ahmed for additional language
expertise.
ac
wlled
e d gm
a ckn
knoow
g men
enttss
3
contents
Man Can
tones
10 36
Cha Don Hak Hun Sha
Sic
Xia Yun Zhu Mon Tib
62 86 110 134 158 182 206 230 254
Uig
alphabet
278 310 336
introduction
11 37
63 87 111 135 159 183 207 231 255 279 311 337
pronunciation
12 38
64 88 112 136 160 184 208 232 256 280 312 338
13 39
65 89 113 137 161 185 209 233 257 281 313 339
language difficulties
time & dates
14 40
66 90 114 138 161 186 201 234 258 282 314 340
border crossing
15 40
tickets & luggage

15 41
transport
16 42
67 91 115 139 163 187 211 235 259 283 315 342
directions
18 43
67 91 115 139 163 187 211 235 259 283 315 342
accommodation
C ON TE N TS
19 44
68 92 116 140 164 188 212 236 260 285 317 343
banking & communications

20 45
69 93 117 141 165 189 213 237 261 286 318 344
sightseeing
21 47
70 94 117 142 166 190 214 238 262 286 319 344
shopping
22 48
70 95 118 142 166 190 215 239 262 288 320 345
Man Can
Cha Don Hak Hun Sha
meeting people
Sic
Xia Yun Zhu Mon Tib
Uig
71 96 119 143 167 191 215 240 263 289 321 346
photography
24
50
making conversation
24
50
72 96 120 144 168 192 216 241 264 290 322 347
feelings & opinions
75 99 123 147 171 194 219 243 267 294 325 350
farewells
75 100 123 147 171 195 219 244 268 295 326 351
eating out
26
52
76 101 124 148 172 196 220 245 268 296 327 352
special diets & allergies

27
54
79 104 127 151 175 199 223 248 272 300 329 355
emergencies
28
54
80 104 128 152 175 200 224 248 272 303 329 356
health
29
55
80 104 128 152 175 200 224 248 272 303 329 356
dictionary
31
57
81 105 129 153 177 201 225 249 273 305 331 357
361
history timeline
food
festivals
362
366
370
index
374
C O NT EN TS
culture section
China
Russia
Kazakhstan
Jmni
Tchng
lshnku
Ynng
Uzbekistan
k istan
rmqi
Kyrgyzstan
Tajikistan
B'rjn
Turpan
Kashgar (Ksh)
XNJ
XXNJING
X
N
NJJING
IN
N G
UUIG
IGHUR
I GHUR
G UR
Dnhung
GNS
G
GNS
NS
Jiygun
Afghanistan
tan
Zhngy
Under
administration
of China
Golmud
Xnng
QNGHI
QQNG
QNGH
NGGH
HI
Pakistan
India
TII ET
TIBET
TIBE
E
L ANG UAGE MAP
Nepal
0
0
500 km
250 mi
Tingri
Zhngm
Mt Everest
Shigatse
SCHUN
N
Lhasa
Sakya Gyantse
Bhutan
India
Mandarin
Hunanese
Cantonese
Shanghainese
Chaozhou
Sichuanese
Dongbei Hua
Xian
Hakka
Yunnan Hua
Shangri-la
Xigun
(Dl City)
Rul
Ljing
Knmng
Wndng
YNNN
Y
NNN
NNN
Smo
Gji
Myanmar
Laos
Thailand
Russia
Hih
Hilr
Ychn
Hgng
Qqhr
HILNGJING
H
ILLNGJ
GJING
NG
Jx
Mdnjing
Hrbn
Mongolia
Chngchn
Erenhot Xilinhot
Tnglio
Spng
JJLN
LNJln
Ynj
Lioyun
Chfng
Shnyng
Jnzhu
HBI
BI
LLIONNG
ION
Onshn
NNG
N
S ea of
Chngd
Hohhot Zhngjiku
Jap an
Qnhungdo
Botu
BIJNG
BIJN
IJN
NG
NG
Dndng
(
E
ast S ea)
Dtng Bijng
Whi
North
Tngshn
TTINJN
TI
TINJ
TI
IIN
INJ
NJJN
N
Dlin
Korea
SHNX
H
B ohai
Ynchun
Tinjn
Yln
Tiyun
Wwi
Shjizhung B ay
Ynti
NNGXI
NN
NGXI
N G XXI
NG
South
HBI
HB
BI
Pngyo
H I
HUI
HU
Handan Jnn Wifng
Y e l l o w Korea
Tngxn
Yn'n
Qngdo S e a
Lnzhu
Japan
nyng
SSHNDNG
H NDDNG Rzho
H
Chngzh
Gyun
Jining
Ynchng
Linyngng
Kifng
GNS
N
NS
Xn Zhngzhu
East
Xzhu
Boj
China
JJINGS
IN
NG
NGS
SSHAANXI
H
HAANXI
AANXI
ANX
HNN
H
NN
Nnyng
Huinn
S ea
Yngzhu
(SHNX)
(S
SH
S
H
H
N
X
X)
Sngpn
NHU
N
NHU
HU
Nnjng
Hfi
Xingfn
SH
SH
Shnghi
Yichng
Whn Tnglng Hzhu
Chngd
Nnchng
Ptushn
HBI
H
H
BII
Jijing Hngzhu
CHNGQNG
CH
CCH
NGQ
NGQ
GQNG
NG
Nngb
P A C I F I C
Wyun
Chngqng Chngd
ZHJING
Nnchng
O C E A N
Wnzhu
Fnghung Chngsh Pngxing
JINGX
Lipnshu
Nnpng
HNN
H
N
J'n
GGUZHU
U ZHU
UZH
Kil Hngyng
Guyng
Gnzhu Fzhu
F
FJIN
Shogun
Qijng
Guln
Yngdng
Ximn
Yngshu
Zhngzhu
Lizhu
GUNG
GGU
UN
N
NGX
GX
GX
GGUNGD
GUNGD
UNG
UNGDNG
N DD
Shntu
ZZHUANG
ZHU
UANG
AN
G
Wzhu
Gungzhu
Macau Hong Kong
Nnnng
MAA CCA
MAC
Vietnam Qnzhu
Zhnjing
G ulf of
S o u th
T on kin
Hiku
C h i n a
HINN
IN N
S e a
Note: Language areas are approximate only.
Sny
INNER MONGOLIA
Mongolian
Tibetan
Uighur
For more detail see the relevant introduction.

The external borders of India have not been
authenticated and may not be correct.
L AN GUAG E MA P
Zhuang
china at a glance
China is home to a mind-boggling 1.3 billion people, who live in such contrasting
environments as the fast-paced modern cities of Shnghi and Hong Kong, the
mountains and forests of the southwest, and the rolling steppes of Inner Mongolia.
So its little wonder that China is also home to a cacophony of languages more than
200, and counting and to countless dialects and subdialects.
Chinas languages are traditionally classified into seven main groups: Gan, spoken
in Jingx and adjoining areas; Hakka, spoken across a number of areas but particularly in the south and southeast; Mandarin, spoken in the north, central and western provinces, but with speakers right across the country; Min, which has speakers
in Fjin and Taiwan; Wu, spoken on the east coast; Xiang (also called Hunanese),
mainly spoken in Hnn province; and Yue (also known as Cantonese), a language
of the Gungdng area. These are all Sinitic languages within the Sino-Tibetan language family and each one has numerous regional dialects. More than two-thirds
of Chinese speakers, for example, speak various dialects of Mandarin. The linguistic
variety doesnt stop there, however. Outside these major groups are the many nonSinitic languages of Chinas ethnic minorities, including Mongolian and Uighur.
In the early 1900s Chinese authorities sought to reinforce national unity with the
promotion of the Bijng dialect of Mandarin as Modern Standard Chinese, mandating its use in education and for official purposes. This is now the official national
language of China, as well as one of the official languages of the UN.
C H I N A AT A GL AN CE
did you know?
The writing system common to Chinas main Sinitic languages (Mandarin and
Cantonese) contains more than 50,000 different characters, and this number
continues to grow. However, a mere 3000 or so are all you need to read a local
newspaper or to make it past senior high school in China.
Of the more than 80 languages and dialects discovered around the world in
recent decades, 30 are native to China. Linguists agree that there are many
more yet to be formally documented. Meanwhile, Unesco has listed more than
100 Chinese languages and dialects as in danger of becoming extinct; some of
these have fewer than 50 remaining speakers.
In the lead-up to the 2008 Olympics, Bijng officials established a committee
to rid the city of Chinglish, the often perplexing and amusing results of locals
attempts to translate Chinese into English. The committee had replaced more
than 4000 occurrences of the offending prose on signs with accepted standard
translations. Authorities could only do so much, though, and you can still find
fine examples of Chinglish in private businesses throughout the city.
Mandarin
TONES
ABOUT MANDARIN
PRONUNCIATION
LANGUAGE DIFFICULTIES
TIME & DATES
BORDER CROSSING
TICKETS & LUGGAGE
TRANSPORT
DIRECTIONS
ACCOMMODATION
BANKING & COMMUNICATIONS
SIGHTSEEING
SHOPPING
PHOTOGRAPHY
MAKING CONVERSATION
EATING OUT
SPECIAL DIETS & ALLERGIES
EMERGENCIES
HEALTH
ENGLISHMANDARIN DICTIONARY
10
11
12
13
14
15
15
16
18
19
20
21
22
24
24
26
27
28
29
31
tones
Mandarin is a tonal language (tonal quality refers to the raising and lowering of pitch on
certain syllables). Mandarin is commonly described as having four tones, as well as a fifth
one, the neutral tone. Apart from the unmarked neutral tone, Pinyin (the official system
of writing Chinese using the Roman alphabet) uses symbols above the vowels to indicate
each tone, as shown in the table below for the vowel a. Bear in mind that the tones are
relative to the natural vocal range of the speaker, eg the high tone is pronounced at the
top of ones vocal range. Note also that some tones slide up or down in pitch.
high
tone
high rising
tone
low fallingrising tone
high falling
tone
t o n es
The tonal quality plays a crucial role in distinguishing the meaning of words in Mandarin. For instance, the table below shows how the same combination of sounds, ma,
can have five different meanings depending on the tone.
10
Tone
Example
Meaning
1st high
mother
2nd high rising
hemp
3rd low falling-rising
horse
4th high falling
scold
neutral
ma
question marker
MANDARIN
about Mandarin
It may surprise you to learn that the term Mandarin is not really the name of a
language. It actually refers to the largest of the various Chinese dialect groups,
all members of the Sino-Tibetan language family. The language of this chapter is
more accurately described as Modern Standard Chinese and is based on the Bijng
dialect. Whatever you choose to call it, Mandarin (ptnghu ) has been
a powerful force for linguistic and political unity in a country with countless dialects.
Its the main language used in official contexts and, aside from its use in mainland
China, Mandarin has official status in Taiwan (where its called Guy) and Singapore
(where its known as Huy). The total number of its speakers worldwide is over
800 million, making Mandarin the most widely spoken language in the world.
However, there are two versions of the written language. Simplified Chinese is used
in mainland China and has been adopted by Singapore, Malaysia and other Southeast
Asian countries. Traditional Chinese is used in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau. In this
chapter, weve used simplified Chinese characters, along with Pinyin (the official system of writing Chinese using the Roman alphabet) in the pronunciation guides.
mandarin
Russia
Kazakhstan
Hih
Ynng
Ky
Kyrgyzstan
an
Jmni
B'rjn
rmqi
Chngchn
Turpan
Kashgar (Ksh)
0
0
Hgng
Erenhot Xilinhot
Tnglio
Spng
Jln
Jx
Mdnjing
Ynj
Sea of
Chfng
Shnyng Japan
Jnzhu
Chngd
nshn
Zhngjiku
Nor (East Sea)
Qnhungdo
Botu
Hohhot
Dndng
Jiygun
Dtng
Whi
Bijng
Ko
Tngshn
Dlin
Tinjn
Zhngy
Ynchun
Yln
Shjizhung
Wwi
an
Tiyun
Ynti
Sou
Pngyo
Wifng
Handan
Golmud
Tngxn
Jnn
Xnng
Yn'n
Qngdo
Lnzhu
nyng
Yellow Kor
Chngzh
Gyun
Rzho
Jining
Ynchng
Sea
Zhngzhu
Linyngng
Kifng
Xn
Xzhu
Boj
Nnjng
Nnyng Huinn
Yngzhu
Sngpn
East
Hfi
Xingfn
Shnghi
China
Chngd
Tnglng Hzhu
Whn
Yichng
Shigatse
Nnchng
Hngzhu
Ptushn
Sea
Jijing
NepZhngm
Nepal
all Tingri Sakya GyantseLhasa
Nngb
Wyun
Chngqng Chngd
Mt Everest
Nnchng
Shangri-la
Chngsh
Wnzhu
Pngxing
Bhutan
Bhutan
Bh
h tann
Fnghung
Lipnshu
Nnpng
Ljing
J'n
Guyng
Kil Hngyng
Fzhu
Xigun
Indiaa
Gnzhu
(Dl City)
Shogun
Qijng
Guln
Knmng
Yngdng
Ximn
Yngshu
Rul
Bangladesh
nglades
desh
Wndng
Zhngzhu
Lizhu
aiw
Shntu
Wzhu
Gji
Gungzhu
Nnnng
Hong Kong
Macau
Myanmar Smo
PACIFIC
Qnzhu
Zhnjing
OCEAN
Viet m
Vietnam
South
Laos
HikuChina
1000 km
Sea
Sny
500 mi
Thailand
hailandd
ha
Phili
Ta kis
Tajiki
istan
India
Ychn
Qqhr
Hrbn
Mongolia
lshnku
Dnhung
Lioyun
a bo ut MAN DA RI N
Hilr
Tchng
11
pronunciation
pr on u n cia ti on
Vowels
12
Consonants
Pinyin
English sound
Pinyin
English sound
a (an/ang)
ai
ao
e (en/eng)
ei
i (in/ing)
i (after c/s/z)
i (after ch/sh/zh/r)
ia
ian
iang
iao
ie
iong
iu
o (ong)
ou
u (un)
ua
uai
uan
uan (after j/q/x/y)
uang
ue
ui
uo
(and u or un after
j/q/x/y)
father (fun, sung)

aisle
now
her (broken, Deng)
pay
peel (pin, ping)
girl
like the r in Grrr!
yard
yen
young
yowl
yes
Jung
yolk
more (Jung)
low
tool (tune)
wah!
why
won
went
swung
you wet
way
war
new pronounced
with rounded lips
b
c
ch
d
f
g
h
j
k
l
m
n
ng
p
q
r
s
sh
t
w
x
y
z
zh
bed
hats
cheat
dog
fat
go
hat
joke
kit
lot
man
not
ring
pet
cheat
red
sun
shot
top
win
shot
yes
sounds
gem
In this chapter, the Pinyin is given in

blue after each phrase.
For pronunciation of tones, see p10.
essentials
Yes./No.
Please
Hello./Goodbye.
Thank you.
Excuse me. (to get past)
Sorry.
/

/

Sh./Bsh.
Qng
Nho./Zijin.
Xixie n.
Jigung.
Dubq.
Do you speak English?

Do you understand?

I (dont) understand.
()
N hushu Yngwn ma?
W (b) mngbai.
Could you
?
Qng n ?
please ?
repeat that

zi shu ybin
speak more
mn ydin
slowly

shu
numbers
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
lng
y
r/ling
sn
s
w
li
q
b
ji
sh
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
1000
1,000,000
rsh
snsh
ssh
wsh
lish
qsh
bsh
jish
ybi
yqin
ybiwn
la ngu a ge di ffi c u lt i es MAN D ARI N
N mngbai ma?
13
time & dates
t im e & d a te s
What time is it?

Xinzi jdin zhng?
Its (10) oclock.
()
(Sh)din zhng.
Quarter past (10).
()
(Sh)din shwfn.
Half past (10).
()
(Sh)din snshfn.
Quarter to (11). (literally: Forty-five minutes past (10).)
()
(Sh)din sshwfn.
At what time (does it start)?
()?
Shnme shhu (kish)?
(It starts) At 10.
()
Shdin zhng (kish).
Its (18 October).
()
(Shyu shb ho).
14
yesterday
today
tomorrow
zutin
jntin
mngtin
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
xngq y
xngq r
xngq sn
xngq s
xngq w
xngq li
xngq tin
border crossing
Im
in transit
on business
on holiday
W sh lide.
gujng
chchi
dji
Im here for
(three) days
(three) months
(three) weeks

()
()
()
W yo zh
(sn) tin
(sn)ge yu
(sn)ge xngq
W do (Bijng) q.
W zh
(Pjing Bngun).
W miyu dngxi shnbo.
W yu dngxi shnbo.
N (b)sh wde.
tickets & luggage

Where do I buy a ticket?

Do I need to book?

A ticket
to (Dlin).
one-way
return
Nli mi pio?
Yo xin dngpio ma?

()

Yzhng do
(Dlin) de pio.
dnchng
shungchng
borde r cr oss in g MAN D ARI N
Im going to (Bijng).
()
Im staying at (the Pujiang Hotel).

()
I have nothing to declare.

I have something to declare.

Thats (not) mine.
()
15
Id like to my ticket.
cancel
change
confirm
Id like a (non)smoking seat.
()
Is there a toilet/air-conditioning?
/
How long does the trip take?

Is it a direct route?

t r a n spo r t
My luggage
has been
damaged
lost
stolen
16
W xing pio.
tu
gi
qudng
W xingyo (b) xyn de zuwi.

Yu csu/kngtio ma?
Jge xiosh dozhn?
Sh zhdde ma?
Wde xngli
bi le.
shuihui
di
tuzu
transport
Where does flight (BJ8) arrive/depart?
(BJ8)
/
Is this the
to (Hngzhu)?
boat
bus
plane
train
(bee jay b) fij

zi nli dd/qfi?

()

Zhge
do (Hngzhu) q ma?
chun
ch
fij
huch
Whens the
(bus)?
first
last
next
()
?

(ch)
jdin zu?
Shutng
Mtng
Xi ytng
How long will it be delayed?

Tuch duji?
Can you tell me when we get to (Hngzhu)?
()
Dole (Hngzhu)
,
qng jio w, homa?
Thats my seat.

N sh wde zo.
Id like a taxi

,
to depart (9
at (9am)
)
now

Do (Chngchng)
dusho qin?
Qng dbio.
Qng diw do
(zhge dzh).
Qng zi zhr tng/dng.
W xing z yling jioch.
W xing bo yling ch.
Y tin/xngq dusho qin?
tra ns po r t MAN D ARI N
How much is it to (the Great Wall)?

()

Please put the meter on.

Please take me to (this address).

()
Please stop/wait here.
/
Id like to hire a self-drive car.

Id like to hire a car with a driver.

How much is it per day/week?
/
W yo dng yling
chz ch,
(zoshng ji
din zhng) chf
xinzi
17
directions
d irec t io n s
Wheres a/the ?
?
zi nr?
bank
Ynhng
place to change
Hun wib
foreign money
de dfang
post office yuj
Can you show me where it is on the map?

Qng bngw zho t zi

dt shng de wizhi.
18
Whats the address?

How far is it?
How do I get there?
Turn left/right.
Its straight ahead.
?

/

Shnme dzh?
Yu du yun?
Znme zu?
Wng zu/yu gui.
Yzh wngqin.
Its
behind
in front of
near
on the corner
opposite
there
Zi
de humian
de qinmian
fjn
guijio
de dumin
nli
signs
/

/

r ku/ch ku
pichsu
y sh
nn/n
bx xyn
bx ttn
Entry/Exit
Police Station
Bathroom
Male/Female
No Smoking
No Spitting
accommodation
Wheres a guest house/hotel?
/?
Nli yu bngun/jidin?
Can you recommend somewhere cheap/good?
/
N nng tujin yge pinyi/

ho de dfang zh ma?
Id like to book a room.

W xing dng fngjin.
I have a reservation.

W yu ydng.
Do you have
a room?
double (suite)
single
twin
Yumiyu
fng?
to
dnrn
shungrn
Mi tin/rn dusho qin?

Zh (sn) tin.
Jdinzhng tufng?
Nngbnng
gi w fngjin yoshi?
()
W nng dun
ytio (motn) ma?
The (air conditioning) doesnt work.

()
(Kngtio) yu mobng.
Do you have
a/an ?
elevator
safe
Yumiyu ?
dint
boxin xing
a ccommoda t i on MAN D ARI N
How much is it per night/person?

/
For (three) nights.
()
What time is checkout?

Could I have my key, please?

Can I get an extra (blanket)?

19
Could I have
my , please?
deposit
passport
valuables
W xing nhu
wde
yjn
hzho
guzhng wpn
b an k in g & commu ni ca ti ons
Wheres a/an ?

ATM

public phone
20
Id like to

change a travellers
cheque

change money

withdraw money

Whats the ?
charge for that
exchange rate
W yo
hun lxng
zhpio
hunqin
q xinjn
Wheres the local internet cafe?

How much is it per hour?

zi nr?
Zdng qkunj
Gngyng dinhu
sh dusho?
Shuxfi
Duhunl
Fjn yu wngb ma?

Mi xiosh dusho qin?
Id like to

get internet access
use a printer/scanner /
W xing
shngwng
dyn/somio
Id like a
mobile/cell phone
SIM card
W xing mi y
ge shuj
zhng SIM k

SIM
What are the rates?

Whats your phone number?

Dinhufi znme sun?
Nn de dinhu
hom sh dusho?
The number is

Hom sh
I want to
buy a phonecard
call collect

call (Singapore)

()
I want to buy a/an

envelope
stamp
W xing mi y
ge xnfng
zhng yupio
W xing
mi yzhng dinhu k
d dufng fkun
de dinhu
d dinhu do
(Xnjip)
sightseeing
What time does it open/close?
/
Jdin kimn/gunmn?
Whats the admission charge?

Mnpio dusho qin?
Is there a discount for students/children?
/
Gi xusheng/rtng dzhku ma?
Id like a
catalogue
guide
(local) map

()
W xing mi y
bn huc
bn zhnn sh
zhng (bnd) dt
si ghtse ein g MAN DA RI N
I want to send a fax.

W xing f ge chunzhn.
I want to send a parcel.

W xing j y g bogu.
Please send it by airmail/surface mail to (Australia).
/
Qng j hngkng xn/
()
pngxn do (odly).
21
Id like to see
Whats that?
Can I take a photo?
W xing kn
N sh shnme?
W nng pima?
Whens the next tour?

How long is the tour?

Xiyge xingdoyu sh
shnme shhu?
Xingdoyu yo duchng shjin?
Is (the) included?

accommodation
admission
food

transport

Boku ma?
zhs
mnpioqin
ynsh
jiotng
sightseeing
sh o ppi n g
Army of Terracotta
Warriors
Forbidden City
Great Wall
Guln
Pngyo (ancient walled city)
Ti Shn
West Lake of Hngzhu
22
Xn Bngmyng
Ggng
Chngchng
Guln
Pngyo
Tishn
Hngzhu Xh
shopping
Wheres a ?
?
zi nr?
camera shop
Zhoxing din
market

Shchng
souvenir shop Jninpn din
Id like to buy

Can I look at it?

W xing mi
W nng knkan ma?
Can I have it sent overseas?

Can I have my (camera) repaired here?

()
Its faulty.

How much is it?

Please write down the price.

Thats too expensive.

Ill give you (five kuai).
()
Theres a mistake in the bill.

N nng jdo guwi ma?

N nngxi wde
(zhoxingj) ma?
Yu mobng.
Dusho qin?
Qng b jiqin xixi li.
Tigu le.
Gin (wkui) qin.
Zhngdn shng yu wnt.
Nmen shu ma?

xnyng k
jijk
lxng zhpio
Id like , please.
a bag
a receipt
a refund
my change
Ky ma?
yge dizi
fpio
tu qin
zho lngqin
less
enough
more
sho
zgu
du
sho pp in g MAND ARI N
Do you accept ?
credit cards
debit cards
travellers

cheques
23
photography
Can you burn a CD from my memory card?

CD?
Can you develop this film?
?
I need a memory card for this camera.

I want to buy a film for this camera.

When will it be ready?
?
Nng b nng bng w cng ni cn

k ke lu do CD gung pn?
Nng x zhge jiojun ma?
W xyo y zhng yng y zh b
xing j de ni cn k.
W xing mi zhge jzi
de jiojun.
Shnme shhu li q?
p h ot og r a phy
making conversation
24
Hello. (general)
Hello. (Bijng)
Goodbye.
Good night.
Nho.
Nnho.
Zijin.
Wnn.
Mr
Mrs
Ms/Miss
xinsheng
nsh
xioji
How are you? (general)

How are you? (Bijng)
Fine.
And you?
Nho ma?
Nnho ma?
Ho.
N ne?
Whats your name?

My name is
Im pleased to meet you.
N jio shnme mngzi?

W jio
Xnghu.
This is my

brother
daughter
father
friend

husband

mother
partner (intimate)

sister
son
wife

Gi n wde (dzh).
Nde (wngzh) shshnme?
N cngnr li?
Im from

W cng li.
Australia

odly
Canada

Jind
England Ynggu
New Zealand Xnxln
the USA Migu
Whats your
occupation?
N zu shnme gngzu?
Im a/an

W dng
businessperson shngrn
office worker bilng
tradesperson gngjing
ma k i ng conve r sa t i on MAN D ARI N
Heres my (address).
()
Whats your (email)?
()
Where are you from?

Zh sh wde
xingd
nr
fqn
pngyou
zhngfu
mqn
duxing
jimi
rzi
titai
25
Do you like ?

N xhun ma?
I (dont) like
()
W (b) xhun
art
ysh
films
kn dinyng
music
tngynyu
reading
knsh
sport
ty
eating out
e at in g o u t
Can you

N ky tujin
recommend a ?

yge ma?
bar

jib
dish pn
restaurant

fngun
26
Id like a/the

W yo
bill zhngdn
drink list

jishu dn
local speciality
yge dfng ts ci
menu

cidn
(non)smoking
() (b)xyn de zhuzi

table
table for (five)
() yzhng (wge rn de)

zhuzi
Ill have that.
Li yge ba.
breakfast
lunch
dinner
drink (alcoholic)
drink (nonalcoholic)
zofn
wfn
wnfn
ji
ynlio
(cup of) coffee

(cup of) tea
with (milk)
without (sugar)
()
()
()
()
(ybi) kfi
(ybi) ch
ji (nini)
b ji (tng)
(orange) juice
soft drink
(chng) zh
qshu
()

Ill have boiled/still mineral water.

/
What are you drinking?

Ill buy you one.

What would you like to drink?

W li yge ki/kungqun shu.

H shnme?
W qng k.
N xing h shnme?
y pji
bi
dpng
xiopng
a shot of (whisky)
()
yzn (wishj)
a bottle/glass
of wine
red
white
ypng/ybi
pto ji
hng
bi

Do you have

food?

halal
kosher
vegetarian
Could you prepare a meal without ?

Yumiyu
shpn?
qngzhn
yuti
ssh
Nngbnng zuyge bfng
de ci?
spe ci a l di e ts & a ll e rgies MAND ARI N
a of beer
glass
large bottle
small bottle
27
Im allergic to

dairy produce

eggs

meat

nuts

seafood

W du gumn.
nizhpn
jdn
ru
gurn
hixin
emergencies
e m erge n cie s
Help!
Stop!
Go away!
Thief!
Fire!
Watch out!
28
Call a doctor!
!
Call an ambulance!

!
Could you please help?

Can I use your phone?

Im lost.

Where are the toilets?

Jimng!
Zhnzh!
Zuki!
Xiotu!
Zhohu la!
Xioxn!
Qng jio yshng li!
Qng jio yling
jji ch!
N nng bngw ma?
W nng jiyng
nde dinhu ma?
W ml le.
Csu zi nr?
Wheres the police station?

Pichsu
?
zi nli?
I want to contact my embassy/consulate.

W yo linx wde
/
dshgun/lngshgun.
Ive been
assaulted
raped
robbed
Ive lost my

My was/were

stolen.
bags

credit card

money

passport

travellers cheques
W bi le.
qnfn
qingjin
qingji
Wde di le.
Wde bitu le.

xngli
xnyng k
qin
hzho
lxng zhpio
health

I need a doctor (who speaks English).

(
)
Could I see a female doctor?

Ive run out of my medication.

Zujnde
zi nr?
yy
yshng
yyun
yofng
W yo kn (hushu
Yngwnde) yshng.
Zuho yokn ywi
nyshng.
W yngwnle wde
chfngyo.
h ea l t h MAN D ARI N
Wheres the
nearest ?
dentist
doctor
hospital
pharmacist
29
It hurts here.
Zhl tng.
I have (a)

W yu
asthma
xiochun
constipation
binm
diarrhoea
lx
fever
fsho
heart condition xnzngbng
nausea
fnwi
h e al t h
Im allergic to

antibiotics

anti-

inflammatories
aspirin
bees
codeine
30
W du gumn.
kngjns
kngynyo
spln
mfng
kdiyn
englishmandarin dictionary
In this dictionary, words are marked as n (noun), a (adjective), adv (adverb), v (verb), sg (singular), pl (plural), inf
(informal) and pol (polite) where necessary.
accident shg
accommodation zhs
adaptor shungbin chzu
address n dzh
after yhu
air-conditioned yu kngtio de
airplane fij
airport fij chng
alcohol jijng
all suyu de
allergic gumn
ambulance jji ch
and h
ankle jiohui
antibiotics kngjns
arm gbo
ATM zdng qkunj
camera zhoxingj
cancel qxio
car jioch
cash n xinjn
cash (a cheque) v duxin
cell phone shuj
centre zhngxn
change (money) v hunqin
cheap shhu
check (bill) n zhngdn
check-in (desk) dngj ti
chest (body) xing
child hizi
cigarette xingyn
city chngsh
clean a gnjng
closed gunmn
cold a lng
collect call
dufng fkundinhu
come li
computer dinno
condom bynto
contact lenses ynxng ynjng
cook v choci
cost (price) n jig
credit card xnyng k
currency exchange hub duhun
customs (immigration) higun
dangerous wxin
date (day) n rq
en g l ish m a n d a rin
baby n xio wwa

back (body) bi
backpack bibo
bad hui
bag bo
baggage claim xngli lngq ch
bank (money) ynhng
bar jib
bathroom y sh
battery dinch
beautiful mil
bed chung
beer pji
before yqin
behind bimin
bicycle n zxngch
big d
bill (restaurant etc) n zhngdn
blanket motn
blood group xuxng
boat chun
book (make a booking) v dng
bottle pngzi
boy nn hizi
brakes chzh
breakfast zofn
broken hui le
bus (city) db
bus (intercity) chngt ch
business n shngy
buy v mi
31
day bitin
delay wnghutu
dentist yy
depart (leave) lki
diaper niok
dinner wnfn
direct zhji
dirty zng
disabled cnj
discount zhku
doctor yshng
double bed shungrn chung
double room shungrn jin
drink (alcoholic) n ji
drink (nonalcoholic) n ynlio
drive v kich
driving licence jizho
drug (illicit) dpn
ear rduo
east dngfng
eat chfn
economy class jngji cng
electricity din
elevator dint
email n dinz yujin
embassy dshgun
emergency chsh
English Yngwn
evening wnshng
exit n chku
expensive gu
eye(s) ynjng
D I C TI ON A RY
32
far yun
fast kui
father fqn
film (for camera) jiojun
finger zhtou
first-aid kit jji zhungbi
first class tudng
fish n y
food n shpn
foot jio
free (no charge) minfi
friend pngyou
fruit shugu
full mn
G
gift lw
girl nhizi
glass (drinking) bli bi
glasses (spectacles) ynjng
go q
good ho
guide (person) doyu
H
half bnge
hand shu
happy kuil
have yu
he t
head tu
heart xnzng
heavy zhng
help bngzh
here zhl
high go
highway gos gngl
hike v bxng
holiday dji
homosexual tngxng lin
hospital yyun
hot r
hotel jidin
hungry (to be)
husband zhngfu
I
I w
identification card (ID)
shnfn zhng
ill yubng
important zhngyo
injury shnghi
insurance boxin
internet yntwng
interpreter fny
J
jewellery shush
job gngzu
key yoshi
kilogram gngjn
kitchen chfng
knife do
laundry (place) xydin

lawyer lsh
left (direction) zubian
leg tu
lesbian n tngxng lin
less sho
letter (mail) xn
light gung
like adv tng yyng
lock n su
lock v sushng
long a chng
lost (ones way) ml
love v i
luggage xngli
lunch wfn
name n mngzi
near jn
new xn
newspaper bozh
old lo
one-way (ticket) () dnchng (pio)
open a kifng
outside wimian
passport hzho
pay v f
pharmacy xyo fng
phone card dinhu k
photo zhopin/zhopinr
police jngchj
postcard mngxnpin
price jig
quiet njng
rain n xiy
razor tdo
receipt fpio
refund n tu qin
registered (mail) guho
rent zln
repair xil
reservation (booking) ydng
restaurant fngun
return (come back) huli
return (ticket) () shungchng (pio)
right (direction) yubin
road dol
room fngjin
safe nqun
sanitary napkin wishngjn
seat (hard; on train) yngzu
seat (place) zuwi
e n gl is h m an d a rin
mail n lixn
man nnrn
map dt
market shchng
matches (for lighting) huchi
meat ru
medicine (medication) yyo
message xnx
milk nini
minute fnzhng
mobile phone shuj
money qin
month yu
morning (after breakfast) zoshng
morning (before lunch) shngw
mother mqin
motorcycle mtu ch
mouth ku
night wnshng
no bdu
nonsmoking b xyn
north bibin
nose bzi
now xinzi
number hom
33
seat (soft; on train) runzu

send jsng
sex nnn sh
shampoo xfgo
share gngyng
she t
sheet (bed) chungdn
shirt chnshn
shoes xizi
shop n din
short (height) i
short (length) dun
shower ysh
single room dnrn jin
skin pf
skirt qnzi
sleep shujio
slowly mnmande
small xio
soap fizo
some yxi
soon kui
south nn
souvenir shop jninpn din
stamp yupio
stand-by ticket zhnti pio
station chzhn
stomach dzi
stop (bus, tram) n tng
stop v tngzh
street jitu
student xushng
sun tiyng
sunblock fngshi yu
swim yuyng
D I C TI ON A RY
34
tampon mintio
teeth ych
telephone n dinhu
temperature (weather) wnd
that (one) nge
they tmen
thirsty (to be) k
this (one) zhge
throat bzi
ticket pio
time shjin
tired li
tissues zhjn
toilet csu
tomorrow mngtin
tonight jntin wnshng

toothbrush yshu
toothpaste ygo
torch (flashlight) shudintng
tour xingdo yu
tourist office lxng din
towel mojn
train huch
translate fny
travel agency lxng sh
travellers cheque(s) lxng zhpio
trousers xixin k
twin room shungrn fng
underwear niy
urgent yojn
vacant yukng
vegetable shci
vegetarian chs de
visa qinzhng
walk zul
wallet qinbo
wash x
watch n shubio
water shu
we wmen
weekend zhum
west x
wheelchair lny
when shnme shhu
where nli
who shi
why wi shnme
wife lopo
with gn
without ywi
woman nrn
yes sh
yesterday zutin
you sg inf n
you sg pol nn
you pl nmen
Cantonese
TONES
ABOUT CANTONESE
PRONUNCIATION
TIME & DATES
BORDER CROSSING
TICKETS & LUGGAGE
TRANSPORT
DIRECTIONS
ACCOMMODATION
SIGHTSEEING
SHOPPING
PHOTOGRAPHY
MAKING CONVERSATION
EATING OUT
EMERGENCIES
HEALTH
ENGLISHCANTONESE DICTIONARY
36
37
38
39
40
40
41
42
43
44
45
47
48
49
50
52
54
54
55
57
tones
Cantonese is a tonal language (tonal quality refers to the raising and lowering of
pitch on certain syllables). Tones in Cantonese fall on vowels and on n. The same
combination of sounds pronounced with different tones can have a very different
meaning, eg gwat means dig up and gwt means bones.
Cantonese has between six and 10 tones, depending on which definition you
use. In our pronunciation guide theyve been simplified to five tones, indicated with
accents or underscores on the symbol letters (as shown in the tables below for the
vowel a), in addition to a sixth, level tone. Higher tones involve tightening the vocal
cords to get a higher sounding pitch, while lower tones are made by relaxing the
vocal cords to get a lower pitch. Bear in mind that the tones are relative to the natural
vocal range of the speaker, eg the high tone is pronounced at the top of ones vocal
range. Note also that some tones slide up or down in pitch.
high
t o n es
36
high
rising
level
a
low
falling
Symbol
Tone
high
high rising
level
low falling
low rising
low
low
rising
low
a
Example
ti
nu
gawk
yn
py
man
CANTONESE
about Cantonese
Cantonese is the official language of Hong Kong and Macau, and in mainland China its the
local language of the southeast, including most of the province of Gungdng. Standard
Cantonese is based on the language spoken in the city of Gungzhu (Canton), and its colloquially known as gwwngdngwa (Gungdng speech), while its more
formal name is yue yu (Yue language). Cantonese has over 70 million speakers, as
its also spoken among minority groups in Southeast Asia, most notably in Singapore, and
by emigrant communities worldwide. For over 50 years, official Chinese policy has encouraged the use of Mandarin as the national language of China. However, Cantonese speakers
have persisted in using their native language, a key part of their pride and cultural identity.
Todays Cantonese can trace its history back over 2000 years to the Qin Dynasty (221206
BC). Both Cantonese and Mandarin belong to the Sino-Tibetan language family and have
developed from the same tongue, but Cantonese has preserved certain intricate elements
of Middle Chinese (AD 581907), which Mandarin has lost. Various systems have been developed to show Cantonese sounds in Roman script. In this chapter, weve used a slightly
simplified version of the widely accepted Yale system.
cantonese
Gn
Shogun
Guln
Yn
Yngshu
Lizhu
GUNGDNG
GUNGX
Gungzhu
ZHUANGWzhu
GUZHU
YNNN
NNN
Nnnng
Macau
Qnzhu
Vietnam
Gulf o f
To nk in
JINGX
Hong Kong
S out h
Zhnjing
China
S ea
HINN
0
0
250 km
125 mi
ab ou t C AN TON E S E
ijng
HNN
37
pronunciation
Vowels
English sound
Symbol
English sound
run
bed
aa
father
ch
cheat
aai
aisle (long)
dog
aau
now (long)
fat
ai
aisle (short)
go
au
now (short)
hat
aw
law
joke
ay
say
kit
bet
lot
eu
eui
m
n
man
not
ng
ring
nurse
eu followed by i
i pronounced with
rounded lips
see
pet
iu
youth
sun
note
top
oy
toy
win
put
yes
ui
with
pr o n un ci a ti on
ew
38
Consonants
Symbol
In this chapter, the Cantonese pronunciation is given in turquoise after each phrase.
The sound ng (found in English at the end or in the middle of words, eg ringing) can
appear at the start of words in Cantonese or as a word on its own. Note that words
ending with the sounds p, t and k must be clipped, eg in English the p sound is much
shorter in tip than in pit. For pronunciation of tones, see p36.
Syllables within a word are separated by a dot, for example:

dwje
essentials
Yes./No.
/

/
()

Please
Hello./Goodbye.
Thank you (very much).
Youre welcome.
Sorry.
hai/ghai
ggy
hal/joygin
dwje (ly)
gsi haakhay
ggy jeje
deuigjew
ly skgsk gwng
yngmn aa
ly mnggmng aa
ngw (g) mngbaak
Could you please ?

?
nggy ly
repeat that

joy gwng yt chi
speak more slowly
gwng maan d
numbers
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
lng
yt
yi
sam
say
g
luk
cht
baat
gu
sap
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
1000
1,000,000
yisap
samsap
saysap
gsap
luksap
chtsap
baatsap
gusap
ytbaak
ytchn
ytbaakmaan
la ngu a ge di ffi cu l t ies C AN TO N ES E

Do you understand?

()
39
t im e & d a te s
time & dates
40
What time is it?

Its (10) oclock.
Quarter past (10).
Half past (10).
Quarter to (11).
(literally: Forty-five
minutes past (10).)
At what time?
At
Its (18 October).

()
()
()
()
yiga gydmjng
(sap)dmjng
(sap)dm sam
(sap)dm bun
(sap)dm gu
?

()
gys hych
yeman
(sapyewt sapbaat) ho
yesterday
today
tomorrow
kmyat
gmyat
tngyat
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
sngkyyt
sngkyyi
sngkysam
sngkysay
sngkyg
sngkyluk
sngkyyat
border crossing
Im
in transit
on business
on holiday
ngw hai
gawgng
chutchai li ge
li dogaa ge
Im here for
(two) days
(four) weeks
(three) months

()
()
()
ngw yiu jew

(yi) yat
(say) gaw sngky
(sam) gaw yewt
Im going to (Shnzhn).
()
Im staying at (the China Hotel).
()
I have nothing to declare.

I have something to declare.

Thats (not) mine.
()
ngw yiu heui (smjan)

ngw jew (jnggawk daai judim)
ngw m y bo
ngw yu y bo
(g) hai ngw ge
tickets & luggage

heui bndo mai fy
sigsi dengfy sn a
A ticket to
(Panyu).
one-way
return

yt jung heui
() (pnyw) ge fy

danchng

sungchng
Id like to my
ticket, please.
cancel
change
confirm
Id like a smoking/nonsmoking seat.

/
Is there a toilet/air conditioning?
/
How long does the trip take?

Is it a direct route?

ggy ngw sung

fy
teui
gy
kawkding jung
yum kpyn/btkpyn wi
yum chisw/hngtu aa
gydw gaw jngtu do
haighai jikdaat ge
ti ck e ts & lu g ga g e C A NT ON E S E
Where do I buy a ticket?

Do I need to book?

41
My luggage has

ngw ge
been

hngly
damaged
laanjw
lost

gginjw
stolen

byyn tujw
transport
t r a n spo r t
Where does flight (12) arrive/depart?

()

42
(sapyi) ho fygy hi bndo

hyfy/gawnglawk
Is this the to
(Gungzhu)?
boat
bus
plane
train

ly ban haighai
()
heui (gwwngju) gaa

swn

bas

fygy

fwch
Whens the
(bus)?
first
last
next
()
(bas) gy

dm hy

tuban

myban

haaytban
How long will it be delayed?

tuich gyloy
Please tell me when we get to (Gungzhu).

()
do (gwwngju) ge sihau

ggy giu sng ngw
Thats my seat.

Id like a taxi at (9am).
(9)

Id like a taxi now.

lygaw hai ngw gaw wi

ngw sung (gu dmjng)
chw dks
ngw sung chw dks yga
How much is it to ?

heui gydw chn
Please put the meter on.

ggy da mibi
Please take me to (this address).

()
ggy daai ngw heui

(ly gaw dayj)
Please stop/wait here.

/
ggy hi lydo tng/dng
Id like to hire a 4WD/car (with a driver).

ngw sung j gaa
4WD/() fwwijaif/ch (yu sgy)
How much for hire?
daily
weekly
j gydw chn

yt yat
yt gaw libaai
Wheres a/the ?

hibndo
bank

ngnhwng
foreign
wun ngoybai
exchange office
ge dayfwng
post office
yugk
Can you show me (on the map)?
()

Whats the address?

How far is it?
How do I get there?
Turn left/right.
ly hwghwy (hi dayto do)

j by ngw ti ngw hi bndo
dayj hai
yu gy ywn
dmyung heui
heung jw/yau jewn
di re c t i on s C ANT ON E S E
directions
43
Its
behind
in front of
near
on the corner
opposite
straight ahead
there
hi
ge haumin
ge chnmin
fugan
sapjilohu
ge deuimin
chnmin
gwdo
signs
/
yaphu/chuthu

yu fwng

m fwng

paaichutsw

chisw

laam
lui
Entry/Exit
Vacancy
No Vacancy
Police Station
Bathroom
Male
Female
a cc o m m oda ti on
accommodation
44

/?
bndo yu bngn/judim
Can you

ly hwghwy
recommend

tuijin gaw ge
somewhere ?

dayfwng jew a
cheap

peng
good

h
Id like to book a room, please.

ngw sung deng fwng

ngw yewdeng jw
Do you have
a room?
double
single
twin
yum fwng

sungyn

danyn

sungyn
How much is it
per ?
night
person
yt gydw chn
man
gaw yn
jew (sam) yat

hwghwy
by ti mn s ngw

()
ngw hwghwy lw
dw jung (jn) aa
The (air-conditioning) doesnt work.

()
(hngtiu) waaijw
Do you have an elevator/a safe?

/
yu m dinti/gapmaan

gy dmjng teuifwng
Could I have my ,
please?
deposit
passport
valuables

ggy ngw ly

lw

ngaatgm

wujiu

gwaijung matbn

Wheres a/an ?

hi bndo
ATM

jidung tifngy
public phone gngjung dinwa
Id like to

ngw yiu
change a
wun luihng

travellers cheque jpiu
change money

wun chn
withdraw money

lw yingm
ba nk i ng & commu ni ca t io n s CAN T ON E S E
For (three) nights.

()
45
Whats the ?
charge for that
exchange rate

hai gydw

sujukfai

deuiwunlut
Wheres the nearest public phone?



lydo fugan yum

gngjung dinwa aa
fugan yum mwngba
mu gaw jng gydw chn
Id like to

ngw sung
get internet access
sungmwng
dayan/somi
46
Id like a

ngw sung mai gaw
mobile/cell

chutj sugy

phone for hire
SIM card for
lyday mwnglwk
your network SIM
yung ge smkat
What are the rates?


The number is

dinwafai dm gai
ly ge dinwa homa
hai gydw ho
homa hai
I want to

ngw sung
buy a phonecard

mai jung dinwakat
call collect
da deuifwng
fufn ge dinwa
call (Singapore)

da dinwa heui
() (sngaabw)
I want to send a
fax
parcel
ngw sung
faat chwnjn
gay baugww
I want to buy a/an

envelope
stamp
ngw sung mai

gaw seunfng
jung yupiu
Please send it by airmail to (Australia).

()
ggy gay hwnghng

heui (ngodaailaya)
sightseeing
/
gy dm hy/gwanmn

yapchunggewn gydw chn
Is there a discount for children/students?

/
yum sitng/hawksang jikau aa

()
Id like to see

Whats that?

Can I take a photo?



ngw sung mai

mukluk
jlam
(bnday) dayt
ngw sung ti ha
gw d hai mty
ngw hwghwy yng
ge sung aa
haagaw luiyutwn hai gys
ly twn yiu gy chung sgaan
si ghtsee in g C AN TO N ES E
Id like a
catalogue
guide
(local) map
47
Is (the) included?

baugbau aa
accommodation

jewsk
admission
piugaa
food

ymsik
transport

gautng
sightseeing
garden
Great Wall
palace
ruins
square (town)
temple (shrine)

faywn

chungsng

gngdin
aihu

gwwngchung

mi
shopping
sh o ppi n g
Wheres a ?

hibndo
camera shop sunggyp
market

gais
souvenir shop
gaylimbndim
48
Where can I buy locally produced goods/souvenirs?

bndo hwy maid bnday
/ jaibn/gylimbn
Whats this made from?

hai mty jo gaa
Id like to buy

ngw sung mai
Can I look at it?

ngw hwghwy ti haa
Can I have it sent abroad?

hwghwy gay chut gawkngoy aa
Can I have my (camera) repaired here?

ly hwghwy suh
()
ngw gaw (sunggy) aa
Its faulty.

waaijw
How much is it?

Can you write down the price?


Ill give you (five RMB).
()

gydw chn
ggy s di gaw gaachn
taai gwai laa
by (g baak mn ynmnbai) ly
jeungdan chaw jw
Do you accept ?

lyday sugsu

aa
credit cards
seunyungkat
debit cards
tifnkat
travellers cheques
luihng jpiu
less/enough/more
//
si/gau/dw
photography
Can you ?
hwghwy aa
develop
chngsaai ly

this film
tung fylm
transfer photos bwng ngw

from my
jung sunggy

camera to CD
d sung

CD jewn lawk sd
p hotogr a ph y C AN T ON E S E
Id like , please.

ggy ngw yiu
a bag
gaw dy
a receipt
jung dan
a refund
teuichn
my change
jauchn
49
Do you have

ly yum ngam
for this camera?
lybo sunggy ge
batteries
dinchi
memory cards
chwchwnkat
I need film for this camera.

When will it be ready?

ngw sung mai ly gaa

sunggy ge
gysi ly lw
making conversation
p h ot og r a phy
In Cantonese, titles are attached to the end of the surname.
50
Hello.
Goodbye.
Good night.
hal
joygin
manngwn
Mr/Sir
Ms
Mrs
Madam
snsang
sij
taaitai
luisi
How are you?

Fine. And you?

Whats your name?

My name is


ly gy h maa
gy h ly l
ly giu mty mng aa
ngw giu
hangwui
This is my

ly gaw hai ngw

ge
brother (older)

gwgw
brother (younger)
sail
daughter

lui
father

baaba
friend

pngyu
husband

lgng
mother

mama
partner (intimate) pn
sister (older)

gaj
sister (younger)

muimu
son

ji
wife

lp
lygaw hai ngw
ge (dayj)
ly ge (dinj yusung) l
ly hai bndo yn
Im from

ngw hai hi

li ge
Australia

ngdaailayaa
Canada

galadaai
England
ynggawk
New Zealand
snsilan
the USA
mygawk
Whats your
occupation?
ly jo bn hwng gaa
Im a/an

ngw hai
businessperson sangyiyn
office worker
baaklng
tradesperson
gaygng
ma k i ng conve rsa t i on CAN T ON E S E
Heres my (address).

()
Whats your (email)?
()
Where are you from?

51
Do you like ?

ly jnggjngyi

aa
I (dont) like
()
ngw (g)jngyi
art
ngaiseut
films

tihay
music

tng ymngawk
reading

tisw
sport

tiyuk

Id like to learn some of your local dialects.

ngw sung hawk d lyday

ge bnday wa
Would you like me to teach you some English?

ly sunggsung ngw gaau

ly hawk d yngmn
Is this a local or national custom?

lyd haighai bnday

ge waakj hai chwngwawk
ge fngjuk
e at in g o u t
eating out
52
Can you

yu mt h
recommend a ?

gaaixiu
bar

juba
dish
dp
restaurant

chalu
Id like a/the,

ggy ngw yiu
please.
bill

maidan
drink list

julidan
menu

choydan
(non)smoking ()
(bt)kpyn

table

ge ty
table for (five)
()
(g wi) ge ty
Id like

ngw sung sik
a local

dayfwng

speciality
fngmay choy
that dish

gw gaw choy
breakfast
lunch
dinner
drinks
jchan
gchan
manfaan
ymliu
(cup of) coffee

()
(yt bu) gaaf
(cup of) tea
()
(yt bu) cha
with (milk)
()
ga (ngulai)
without (sugar)
()
g ga (twng)
orange juice
soft drink
changjp
haysui
Ill buy you a drink.

What would you like?

ym mty ngw chng

ly sung ym mty
a of beer
glass
small bottle
large bottle
yt bju
bu
sai jun
jun
a shot of (whisky)
()
yt bu (wisigy)
a bottle/glass
of wine
red
white
yt jun/bu
ptju
hung
baak
e a ti n g ou t C AN TO N ES E
water

sui
boiled

gn
cold

dunggn
sparkling mineral

kawngchwnhay
still mineral

kawngchwn
53
sp eci a l d ie ts & a lle rgi e s
Do you have
food?
halal
kosher
vegetarian
54
yum sikbn
chngjn
yutai
jai
Could you prepare

hwghwy jw may
a meal without ?

sung g lawk gaa
Im allergic to

ngw deui
dairy produce

laijaibn
eggs

gidan
meat

yuk
nuts

gwwyn
seafood

hysn
emergencies
Help!
Stop!
Go away!
Thief!
Fire!
Watch out!
gaumeng
ky hido
juhy
yu chat aa
fjk aa
sism
Call !
!
faaid giu
a doctor
ysng
an ambulance
gausungch
the police


Im lost.



I want to contact my embassy.

gngchaat
ggy bwng bwng mwng
ggy je gaw dinwa yung ha
ngw dawngsklo
chisw hi bndo
gngchaatgk hibndo
ngw yiu lwnhai ngw ge
daaisign
Ive been

yuyn ngw
assaulted
da
raped
kunggan
robbed
dagip
health
Wheres the
nearest ?
dentist
doctor

jeui kn ge hi

bndo

ngay

ysng
h ea l t h C AN T ON E S E
Ive lost my

ngw gginjw
My was/were

ngw byyn
stolen.

tujw
bags
d hangly
credit card
jung seunyungkat
money
d chn
passport
gaw wujiu
travellers cheques
d luihang jpiu
55
hospital

yywn
pharmacist
yeukfwng
I need a doctor (who speaks English).
(
)
Could I see a female doctor?

Ive run out of my medication.

It hurts here.

ngw yiu ti (sk gwng

yngmn ge) ysng
juih ti gaw lui ysng
ngw d yeuk yung ywn laa
lydo tung
I have (a)

ngw yu
asthma
hauchwn
constipation
binbay
diarrhoea
tngw
fever

faatsi
heart condition smjawngbeng
nausea

jawkngu
h e al t h
Im allergic to

ngw deui

gawmn
antibiotics
kawngknso
anti-inflammatories
siym yeuk
aspirin
asptlm
bees
matfng
codeine
hwdoyyn
56
englishcantonese dictionary
In this dictionary, words are marked as n (noun), a (adjective), v (verb), sg (singular) and pl (plural) where necessary.
accident yingoy
accommodation jewsk
adaptor jwnwun chaaptu
address dayj
after yhau
air-conditioned yu langhay ge
airplane fygy
airport fygychung
alcohol jujng
all swyuge
allergic gawmn
ambulance gausungch
and tngmi
ankle geuijang
antibiotics kawngknso
arm subay
ATM jidung tifngy
camera sunggy
cancel chuisi
car ch
cash n yingm
cash (a cheque) v deuiyin
cell phone sugy
change (money) v wun chn
cheap png
check (bill) dan
check-in (desk) ()dnggay(ty)
chest (body) hng
child sailoji
cigarette hungyn
city sngs
clean a gwnjeng
closed gwanmn
cold a dung
collect call deuifwng fufn
come li
computer dinl
condom bayyanto
contact lens ynyng ngangng
cook v jwfaan
cost (price) n gaachn
credit card seunyungkat
currency exchange ngoybai deuiwun
customs (immigration) hygwan
dangerous ngihm
date (calendar) n yatky
day yattu
delay n tuch
e n gl is h ca n t o n ese
baby BB bbji
back (body) buijek
backpack builwng
bad waai
bag bau
baggage claim
hngly yinglngchew
bank n ngnhwng
bar juba
bathroom chisw
battery dinch
beautiful mylai
bed chwng
beer bju
before ychn
behind haumin
bicycle danch
big daai
bill (restaurant etc) dan
blanket jn
blood group hewtyng
boat swn
book v deng
bottle jun
boy lamji
brakes biklk
breakfast jchan
broken waaijw
bus (intercity) chungt haych
bus (local) gnggung haych
business sangyi
buy mai
57
dentist ngaf
depart lyhoy
diaper liupn
dinner manfaan
direct jikjip
dirty wj
disabled sungchan
discount jitkau
doctor ysng
double bed sungynchwng
double room sungynfwng
drink n ymliu
drive v hych
driving licence gaasi jpjiu
drug(s) dukbn
ear yji
east dngfwng
eat sik
economy class gngjaichwng
electricity din
elevator dinti
email n dinj yugn
embassy daaisign
emergency gngp yingoy
English yngman
evening yeman
exit n chuthu
expensive gwai
eye nganjng
D I C TI ON A RY
58
far ywn
fast a faai
father baaba
film (for camera) fylm
finger suj
first-aid kit gausung yungbn
first class tudngchwng
fish n yw
food sikmat
foot geui
free (no charge) a mnfai
friend pngyu
fruit suigww
full mn
gift limat
girl luiji
glass (drinking) bu
glasses (spectacles) ngangng
go heui
good h
guide (person) n doyu
half bun
hand n su
happy faailawk
have yu
he kui
head tu
heart smjawng
heavy chng
help n bwngjaw
here lydo
high g
highway gchk gnglo
hike ywnjk
holiday(s) gaaky
homosexual tungsinglwn
hospital yywn
hot yit
hotel judim
hungry ngaw
husband lgng
I ngw
identification card (ID) snfnjing
ill yubeng
important jungyiu
injury sung
insurance bhm
internet wulwnmwng
interpreter fanyik
jewellery susk
job gngjawk
key swsi
kilogram gnggn
kitchen chwfwng
knife d
laundry (place) siydim

lawyer leuts
left (direction) jwbn
leg tui
lesbian n lui tungsinglwn
less si
letter (mail) seun
light n gwwng
like v tung ytyeung
lock n sw
long chung
lost (ones way) dawngstlo
love v ngoy
luggage hngly
lunch gchan
name mng
near kn
new sn
newspaper boj
night yemaan
no gdk
noisy cho
nonsmoking btkpyn
north bkbin
nose bay
now yga
number homa
old l
one-way (ticket) () danchng (fy)
open a hyfawng
outside ngoymin
passport wujiu
pay v bychn
pharmacy yeukfwng
phonecard dinwakat
photo sung
police (officer) gngchaat
postcard mngseunpn
post office yugk
pregnant waiyan
price gaachn
quiet ngwnjing
rain n lawkyw
razor taid
receipt sugeui
refund n teuichn
(by) registered mail gwaaho
rent v j
repair v suly
reservation (booking) yewdeng
restaurant julu
return (come back) v fanly
return (ticket) () sungchng (fy)
right (direction) yaubn
road lo
room fwng
safe a ngwnchwn
sanitary napkin waisnggn
seat (hard; on train) ngaangjaw
seat (place) jawkwi
seat (soft; on train) ywnjaw
send gay
sex sing
en g li sh c a n t on es e
mail n seun
man (male person) lamyn
map dayt
market / gais/ schung HK/China
matches (for lighting) fchai
meat yuk
medicine (medication) yyeuk
message huseun
milk ngulai
minute fnjng
mobile phone sugy
money chn
month yewt
morning jij
mother mama
motorcycle dindanch
mouth hu
59
shampoo n situsui
share v gngyung
she kui
sheet (bed) chwngdan
shirt sutsam
shoe(s) hai
shop n dim
short (height) ngi
shower chnglungfwng
single room danynfwng
skin pyf
skirt kn
sleep v fangaau
slowly maanman
small sai
soap fyjo
some ytd
soon faai
south lam
souvenir shop gaylimbndim
stamp n yupiu
stand-by ticket yewttypiu
station chjaam
stomach t
stop (bus, tram etc) ting
stop (cease) tingj
street gai
student hawksang
sun taaiyung
sunblock fwngsaaiyu
swim v yusui
D I C TI ON A RY
60
tampon minsk
teeth ngach
telephone n dinwa
temperature (weather) wndo
that (one) gwgaw
they kuiday
thirsty (to be) gnghawt
this (one) lygaw
throat hulng
ticket piu
time n sgaan
tired gui
tissues jgn
today gmyat
toilet chisw
tomorrow tngyat
tonight gmman
toothbrush ngachat
toothpaste ngag
torch (flashlight) dintng

tour n luiyutwn
tourist office luihngs
towel mgn
train n fch
translate fanyik
travel agency luihngs
travellers cheque luihng jpiu
trousers fu
twin room sungynfwng
underwear disamfu
urgent gnyiu
vacant yu hngkewt
vegetable n swchoy
vegetarian a sikjai ge
visa chmjing
walk v hanglo
wallet gaw ngnbau
wash si
watch n subi
water sui
we ngwday
weekend jumut
west si
wheelchair luny
when gys
where bndo
who bingaw
why dmgai
wife lp
window chung
with tngmai
without jngoy
woman luiyn
write s
yes hai
yesterday kmyat
you sg ly
you pl lyday
Chaozhou
TONES
ABOUT CHAOZHOU
PRONUNCIATION
TIME & DATES
TRANSPORT & DIRECTIONS
ACCOMMODATION
SIGHTSEEING
SHOPPING
MEETING PEOPLE
MAKING CONVERSATION
FEELINGS & OPINIONS
FAREWELLS
EATING OUT
EMERGENCIES & HEALTH
ENGLISHCHAOZHOU DICTIONARY
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
70
71
72
75
75
76
79
80
81
tones
Chaozhou is a tonal language (tonal quality refers to the raising and lowering of
pitch on certain syllables). Tones in Chaozhou fall on vowels, on n and on m when
it appears as a word on its own. The same combination of sounds pronounced with
different tones can have a very different meaning.
Chaozhou has eight tones. In our pronunciation guide theyve been simplified to
seven tones, indicated with accents or underscores on the letters, as shown in the
table below for the vowel a. Note that we havent indicated the tone on m when it
appears as a word on its own in all these instances it carries a low falling tone.
Higher tones involve tightening the vocal cords to get a higher sounding pitch,
while lower tones are made by relaxing the vocal cords to get a lower pitch. Bear
in mind that the tones are relative to the natural vocal range of the speaker, eg high
tones are pronounced at the top of ones vocal range. Note also that some tones slide
up or down in pitch.
t o n es
high
high
flat &
falling
short
high flat
62
high
rising
mid
flat
low
falling
low
fallingrising
low
flat &
short
low flat
a
CHAOZHOU
about Chaozhou
Chaozhou (tio tsiu ue ) is a southern dialect of Chinese and is also known
as Teochiu. Its spoken in the eastern part of Gungdng province, centring on the
old cultural capital Chozhu and the port city of Shntu, but also in many overseas
Chinese communities, including in Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines. The total number of speakers within
the Chozhu-Shntu region is about 12 million, with an almost equal number
of speakers internationally. Linguistically, the dialect is closely related to those of
southern Fjin. There was once a distinctive literary language based on Chaozhou
speech. This fell into disuse in the 20th century but there have been local efforts to
revive it. In recent decades the language has been enriched by new vocabulary reflecting scientific and technical advances. Chaozhou dialect varies from place to place
but local varieties are mutually intelligible. The dialect on which this chapter is based
is that of Jiyng, a county halfway between Chozhu and Shntu.
chaozhou
gun
HNN
Xim
Zhngz
Shntu
FJIN
Chozhu
ozhu
Sh
GUNGDNG
S out h
China
S ea
Gungzhu
Macau
Hong Kong
0
0
125 mi
250 km
a bo ut C HAOZH O U
Yngdng
JINGX
63
pronunciation
Vowels
Symbol
English sound
p ro n un c ia ti on
English sound
father
bed
bet
good
ew
as the oo in soon with

the lips spread widely
hat
bit (in syllables ending in

-k, -m, -ng, -p);
machine (in syllables
ending in a vowel)
tickle; like English g but

unvoiced
kit
ought
lot
rule
man
not
ng
ring (both at the start

and at the end of words)
nipple; like English b but

unvoiced
pet
glottal stop (the sound

heard between uh-oh)
sun
little; like English d but

unvoiced
top
ts
cats
ts
like ts, but with a strong

puff of air following
zero
In this chapter, the Chaozhou pronunciation is given in green after each phrase.
64
Consonants
Symbol
In Chaozhou vowels can appear in

combinations of two (diphthongs) or
three (triphthongs). All vowels in
combinations are always pronounced
they are simply pronounced in series.
Some vowels in Chaozhou are
nasalised (pronounced with air escaping
through the nose). In our pronunciation guides the nasalised vowels are
indicated with ng after the vowel.
essentials
Yes.
No.
Please
Hello.
Goodbye.
Thank you.
Excuse me. (asking for
directions/assistance)
Sorry.
s
m s
tsing
lw ch
tsi king
tsoi sia lw
tu m ts
tsing mung
tu m ts
()?
?
()
()
lw i tng (eng bng) bi

lw i tseng ts bi
u (m) meng pk
u (bi) tng tio tsiu ue
Could you please ? ?

tsing lw
repeat that tsi tng ke ku
speak more slowly tng mang tiq king
numbers
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

lng

tsk
/ n

sang

s

ngung

lk

tseq

poiq

ku

tsp
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
1000
1,000,000
z tsp
sang tsp
s tsp
ngung tsp
lak tsp
tseq tsp
poiq tsp
ku tsp
tsek peq
tsek tsaing
tsek peq buang
la ngu a ge di ffi c ul t ie s C HAO ZHO U
Do you speak (English)?

Do you understand?
I (dont) speak
Chaozhou.
65
time & dates

What time is it?
Its (10) oclock.
Quarter past (10).
Half past (10).
Quarter to (11).
minutes past (10).)
?
hng tsi ki tim
()
(tsap) tim
() (tsap) tim tsap ngung hung
() (tsap) tim pung
()
(tsap) tim s tsap

ngung hung
t im e & d ates

()?
(It starts) At 10.
()
Its (18 October).
()
66
ti tiang si (kai s)
tsap tim (kai s)
(tsap gueq tsap poiq ho)
yesterday
today
now
tonight
tomorrow
tsau zk
kim zk
hng tsi
kim m
m zk
sunrise
morning (after breakfast)
morning (before lunch)
afternoon
sunset
zk tsuq
ts sng
tsong ngung
ku
zk lq
spring
summer
autumn
winter
tsung ting
he ting
tsiu ting
tang ting
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
tseng ki ek
tseng ki z
tseng ki sang
tseng ki s
tseng ki ngung
tseng ki lk
tseng ki zk
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
ek gue
z gue
sang gue
s gue
ngung gue
lk gue
tseq gue
poiq gue
ku gue
tsp gue
tsap ek gue
tsap z gue
transport & directions
Wheres a/the ?
?
t ti k
bank ngeng hang
place to change uang gu p kai ti hng

foreign money
post office iu kq
Is this the road to (Haibin Park)?

()?
ts tiau lou s m s kw
(hai piang kong hng)

lau lw kai u t ti tu song tsue

i kai ui t
Whats the address?
How far is it?
How do I get there?
Turn left/right.
Its straight ahead.
Can I get there on foot?
?

?
/

?
ti ts s meq ki
zioq hg
ts ni king
hing ts/u
tsek tk hing tsaing king
kiang lou i ku bi
tra nspor t & di re c t i on s C HAO ZHO U
Is this the to
ts tsiaq s m s kw
(Zhngshn Park)?
()?
(tong suang kong hng)
boat tsng
bus
kong kang k tsia
train hu tsia
67
Its

t
behind kai u ping
in front of kai tsaing meng
near kai h kng
on the corner tsung uang kai kaq lk
opposite kai tu meng
there hi k
a cc om m o d ati on
accommodation
68
Wheres a guest house?

?
ti k piang kung
Wheres a hotel?
?
ti k tsu tim
Can you recommend somewhere cheap?

lw k m k kai u ki siu kai ping
?
kai li tim ki
Can you recommend somewhere good?

lw k m k kai u ki siu kai h
? kai li tim ki
Id like to stay at a locally run hotel.

u song ki tsek kaing png ti nng

kui kai l kung

u ing tiang pang kaing

u w tiang
Do you have a room? ? png bo
double (suite) tu
single tuang nng
twin sang nng
/?
Id like to stay for (three) nights.
()
tsek nng/zk zioq tsoi tsng

u ing ki (sang) zk

?
()?
()
?
h m keq u pang kaing kai s s

u h m kioq ke tiao (mo tng)
(kong tiu) mung to
ku tim tseng t png

Wheres a/an ?
?
t ti k
ATM tsew tng tsuq kung ki
public phone kong eng ting ue

h kng mng pa bo
Id like to

u ing
get internet access tso mng
use a printer eng hoq ng ki
use a scanner
su miau ki
?
The number is

lw kai ting ue ho b s zioq tsoi

ting ue ho m s
ba nk i ng & commu ni ca t io n s C HAOZH O U
Could I have my ,

u h m kioq tg
please?

u kai
deposit ng kim
passport h tsi
69
sightseeing
Id like to see some local sights.

Id like to see

Whats that?
?
Can I take a photo?
?
u ing ting tg t kai tsek seng

kng tim
u si ing ting
hi ki s meq ki
u h pak song ping me
Id like to go somewhere off the beaten track.

u si li kw tng lang kai iu keq tso

kw kai ti hg
?
kiang ting tioq zioq tsoi si kang
sig h t se ein g
sights
70
Haimen Lotus Blossom Hill

Lin Baixin International
Convention Centre

Seaview Promenade

Shntu University

Temple of Matsu

Zhngshn Park

Zhngxin Tourist Resort
hi mng nai hue hong

lim peq heng koq ts hu
i tong sim
kuang hi tsiang lng
suang tau ti hq
lu ma keng
tong suang kong hng
tong sng tou king tsng
shopping
Wheres a ?
?
t ti k
camera shop tsi sing tim
market ts ting
souvenir shop k nim png tim
less
enough
more

tsi

ngam ngam
tsoi
bigger
smaller
tsoi
si
meeting people
Hello.
Goodbye.
Goodbye. (to person
leaving)
lw h
tsi king
kuang king
me e ti ng pe op l e C HAO ZHO U
Where can I buy locally produced goods?

?
t ti k h pi tiq tu teq sung
Where can I buy locally produced souvenirs?
? t ti k h pi tiq k nim png
?
tsi ki s meq kai ts kai
Id like to buy

u ing bi
Can I look at it?
?
u h m ti ti tse
How much is it?
?
zioq tsoi tsng

kaq ku

tsiang tsiang k tsng si lok lai
()
keq lew (ngu kai) ngng
Do you accept credit cards?
?
nng siu sng ng k b

ti tuang tsuq zp
71
m a k in g co n ve rsa ti on
72
Mr
Mrs
Ms/Miss
seng seng
g sw
siu ts
How are you?

Fine. And you?
Whats your name?
My name is
?
?
?

lw tsu kng tsai seng

h h, lw ne
lw ko meq ming
u ko
This is my

ts kai/ui s u kai inf/pol
brother hiang t
child nou king
daughter tsu king
father pq tseng
friend peng u
husband ang/tsing hu inf/pol
mother b tseng
partner (intimate) tu sing
sister (older/younger) / ts/mue
son ki
wife lu pu/ti ti inf/pol
making conversation
Do you live here?
?
Where are you going? ?
Do you like it here?
?
I love it here.

Have you eaten?
?
Are you here on holiday? ?
lw s m s ki to tso k
lw ing kw ti k
lw o h huang tso k bi
u hoq h huang tso k
tsiak pung bue
lw s m s lai l u
Im here

u lai tso k
for a holiday l u
on business tsuq tse
to study liu hq
How long are you here for?
?
Im here for (four) weeks.
()
lw ing lai tso k ki ziq k

u ki (s) kai tseng k
local talk
Great! (food/things)
Hey!
Its OK.
Just a minute.
Maybe.
No problem.
No way!
Sure, whatever.
Thats enough!
Just joking.

,,
,!

king/h s
u
hang k ng
tng tsek e
k nng
bo sew
m
h h h
ku lu ku lu
tng sg tso
ma k i ng conve rs a t io n C HAO Z HOU
Can I take a photo (of you)?

()?
u k ng paq (lw) kai song ping m
Do you speak (Chaozhou)?
()?
lw i tng (tio tsiu ue) bi
What language do you speak at home?
?
lw t li tng meq ue
What do you call this in (Chaozhou)?
()
tsi ki (tio tsiu ue)
?
ts ni tng
Whats this called?
?
tsi ki ki meq ki
Id like to learn some (Chaozhou).
()
u sing ing oq ku k (tio tsiu ue)

lw ing u k lw ku k
?
eng bng m
Is this a local custom?
?
tsi ki s m s ti hng kai hong sq
73
Where are you from?
lw ti k nng
Im from

u ki nng
Australia ti l a
Canada kia n ti
England eng koq
New Zealand seng sai lng
the USA mi koq
Whats your
?
occupation?
lw ki tsoq meq kai

kang tsaq kai
Im a/an

u ki
businessperson siang zng
office worker paing kong sek nang ung
tradesperson kang tsing
74
How old ?
?
tsioq tsoi hu
are you lw
is your daughter lw kai tsu king s
is your son lw kai king s
Im years old.
He/She is years old.
Too old!
Im younger than I look.
Are you married?
Do you have a family?
I live with someone.

/

?

u hu
i hu
kaq lu
u ting k lai hang si
lw kaq hung bue
lw tseng ke bue
u kai tu sing lu
Im

u
married kaq hung lu
single tuang seng
Do you like ?
? lw i h huang bi
I (dont) like
() u (m) h huang
art goi sk
film ting ting ing
music tiang im guq
reading ting tsew
sport t oq
feelings & opinions

Im

u
Im not

u bi
Are you ?
?
lw i bi
cold ngng
hot zuq
hungry
tu kng
thirsty u ta
tired hq
What do you think of it? ?
lw kaq teq tsi seng iong
awful (quality)
awful (taste)
beautiful
boring
great
interesting
OK
strange
u s
m tsik
ngi s
bo sw
hui siong h
hoq sw
hang k ng
ki kui
farewells
Tomorrow Im leaving.

m zk u ts tsu liu
If you come to (Scotland), you can stay with me.
(),
ki hu lai (sou keq lng)

tioq lai tsue u
Keep in touch!

po ti liang h
fe e li ngs & opi n io n s C HAO Z HOU
I feel

u kaq teq
I dont feel

u m kaq teq
Do you feel ?
?
lw i bi kaq teq
happy kau hng
sad m kau hng
worried kng tsiang
75
Its been great meeting you.

Heres my (address).
()
Whats your (email)?
()?
zeng seq lw u hui siong kau hng

tso ki u kai (ti ts)
lw kai (mng ts) s meq ki
well-wishing
Bon voyage!
Congratulations!
Good luck!
Happy birthday!
Happy New Year!
tsek lou peng ang

kiong h kiong h
tsok lw h ung
seng zk kui lk
seng n h
ea t in g o ut
eating out
76
Where would you

?
tioq kw ti k
go for (a) ?
banquet paing toq
celebration kw kiang kng tsk hu
cheap meal tsik hi ping tiq
king kai
local specialities ti hng siu tsik
yum cha tsik t
Can you recommend lw k ng ki siu kai
a ?
?
me
bar tsu pa
cafe kia hui kung
dish (food item) tsi
noodle house mi tim
restaurant pung tim
snack shop siu tsiak tim
(wonton) stall () (hung tung) tim
street vendor koi tu siu tsik
teahouse t kung
Id like a/the

u ing
table for (five) () tsek tio (ngung nng)
kai tsng
bill pi tuang
drink list tsu tsu tuang
local speciality ti hng teq seq tsi
menu tsi tuang
(non)smoking table () (bo) tsiak hung kai tsng
Are you still serving food?

nng kueng mng bue
What would you recommend?
?
meq tsi h ki siu
What do you normally eat for breakfast?
?
tsaq tsang tsek puang tsiak meq ki
Whats in that dish?
?
ts kai tsi eng meq kai liau ts kai
Whats that called?
?
hi ki ko meq ki
Ill have that.

li tsek kai
Id like , please.

tsing keq u
one slice tsk k
a piece tsek hung
a sandwich tsek kai sang bung ti
that one hw tsek kai
two n ki
This dish is

ts kai tsi
(too) spicy () (kaq) hiam
superb h tsik s
e a ti n g o ut C HA OZH O U
Id like it with

png ke k
Id like it without

mi png
chilli lak tsio
garlic sng tu
MSG bi tseng
nuts ku zng
oil u
77
I love this dish.

That was delicious!

Im full.

breakfast
lunch
dinner
drink (alcoholic)
u hoq h huang ts kai tsi

h tsik s
tsiak p lu
tsaq tsang
tong ngu pung
mng pung
tsu
m liau
ea t in g o ut
water

tsu
boiled kng
cold gang kng
sparkling mineral kung tsuang k
still mineral kung tsuang
78
(cup of) coffee

() (tsek pue) kia hui
(cup of) tea
()
(tsek pue) t
with (milk) ()
kia (gu n)
without (sugar) ()
mi png (tng)
black tea
chrysanthemum tea
green tea
jasmine tea
oolong tea
ang t
keq hue t
lek t
hue t
ou leng t
fresh drinking yoghurt

(orange) juice
lychee juice
soft drink
sour plum drink

()

sng n
(tseng) tsap
ni kuing tsap
k tsi
sng bue tng

Ill pay.

Cheers!
Im feeling drunk.
?

,
?
!

ing tsiak meq ki

u tsing keq
u ing bi kai m
liau lw ing tsiak meq ki
kang pue
u tiq king tsu tsu
a of beer

tsek pi tsu
glass pue
large bottle tua tsung
small bottle si tsung
a shot of (whisky)
()
tsek pue (ui sw k)
street eats
Chaozhou steamed dumplings
corn on the cob
dumpling (boiled)
dumpling (fried)
dumpling (steamed)
oyster omelette
radish cake
sticky rice in bamboo leaves
wonton soup
tio tsiu hng ku

ung mu zng
kiu
tsiang kiu
pau
o luaq
tsi tau ko
tsng ku
hung tung

Do you have vegetarian food?


?
bo tse tsi
h m ts tsek kai mi
png kai tsi
spe ci a l di e ts & a lle rgie s C HAO Z HOU
a bottle/glass
/
tsek peng/tsek pue
of wine

pu to tsu
red ng
white pq
79
Im allergic to

u tu ku ming
dairy produce n ts png
eggs koi g
meat nk
nuts ku zng
seafood hi tsing
em erg en c ies & he a lth
emergencies & health
80
Help!
Go away!
Fire!
Watch out!
ku miang
lw tsu kui
tioq hu lu a
siu sim
Wheres the

li tso tsu kng kai
nearest ?
?
t ti k
dentist ge ui
doctor ui seng
hospital ui ngi
pharmacist ioq png

?
Im lost.


?
lw h m pang ts u
u h m tsioq lw kai ting ue eng e
u m pak lou
tseq s t ti k
pi tsuq s t ti k
englishchaozhou dictionary
In this dictionary, words are marked as n (noun), a (adjective), v (verb), sg (singular), pl (plural), inf (informal) and
pol (polite) where necessary.
accident (mishap) ng gua

accommodation ts suaq
adaptor ping ip k
address n ti ts
after ng u
air conditioning kong tiu
airplane pue ki
airport ki ting
alcohol tsi
all tsuang pu
allergy ku ming
ambulance ku h tsia
and kaq
ankle ka mk
antibiotics kng seng s
arm tsu ku
ATM tsew tng tsq kung ki
camera tso song ki

cancel ts siau
car k tsia
cash n huang
cash (a cheque) v
tsiang huang heng kim
cell phone tsu ki
centre n tong sim
cheap ping
check (bill) ting tuang
check-in n ts png teng k
chest (body) heng
children nou king
cigarette hung
city siang ts
clean a kang tsng
closed kueng
cold a ngng
collect call
ti huang h hu ting ue
come li
computer ting nu
condom pi ung tu
contact lenses ng hng mak king
cook v l lok tsik
cost n k keq
credit card sng ng k
currency exchange gu hu tu uang
customs (immigration) hi kuang
dangerous nguing him

date (time) ho
day zk
delay v tam gou
dentist ge ui
e n gl is h ch a oz h ou
baby eng z
back (of body) ka tsiaq
backpack pu pau
bad (behaviour) hui
bag pau
baggage heng l
bank ngeng hang
bar tsu pa
bathroom ek sek/ek png
battery ting t/ting tu
beautiful mi l/ngi pol/inf
bed meng tsng
beer pi tsu
before ng tsing
behind u ping
bicycle ka taq tsia
big tu
bill ting tuang
blanket m tng
blood group huq hng
boat tsng
book (make a reservation) v tiang
bottle tsung
boy ta pou king
brakes (car) tsia tsp

breakfast tsaq tsang
broken (out of order) seq tiau
bus kong kang k tsia
business seng l
buy v pi
81
depart li kui
diaper zio pu
dinner mng pung
direct a tek tsiq
dirty tsi g
disabled tsang hu
discount v kim k
doctor ui seng
double bed sang nang tsng
double room sang nang png
drink n m liau
drive v kui tsia
driving licence tsip tso
drug (illicit) tak png
ear hng
east tang
eat tsik
economy class keng ts tsng
electricity ting
elevator ting tui
email ting tsw iu king
embassy ti si kung
emergency kng kip tseng kung
English (language) eng bng/eng gw
evening m m
exit n tsuq ku
expensive ku
eye mk
D I C TI ON A RY
82
far hg
fast m
father pq tseng
film (camera) ka kng
finger su tsing
first-aid kit kip ku siong
first class tau tng tsng
fish n hw
food tsiak muk
foot ka
free (of charge) ming hu
friend peng u
fruit tsu ku
full mung
gift l muk
girl tsew nio king
glass (drinking) po li pue

glasses mak king
go kw
good h
guide n tu u
half n pung
hand tsu
happy kau hng
he i
head n tu
heart sim
heavy tng
help pang ts
here tsi k
high kau/kung pol/inf
highway kau soq gong lou
hike v ing tsok
holiday king k
homosexual tang sng lung
hospital ui ing
hot (food) sio
hot (weather) zuq
hotel l tim
(be) hungry tu kng
husband tsing hu
I u
identification (card) seng hung tsng
ill seng peng
important tng iu
injury (harm) siong hai
injury (wound) siong ku
insurance p him
internet eng tek mng
interpreter huang k
jewellery tsu p
job kang tsaq
key s s
kilogram kong keng
kitchen tou png
knife to
laundry (place) si i pang

lawyer luk sew
left (direction) ts
leg (body) ka
lesbian g tang sng lung
less tsi
letter (mail) sng
light n teng
like v h huang
lock n s tu
long tng
lost m king
love v ing
luggage heng l
lunch tong ngu pung
name ming
near kng
neck n m
new seng
newspaper p tsu
night me hng
no (not this) m s
noisy tsu tsk
nonsmoking bo eng ku
north paq
nose ping
now heng tsi
number (room/telephone) ho b
old (people) lu
old (things) ku
one-way ticket tuang tiang pi
open a kui
outside gua ping
passport h tsi
pay v h tsng
pharmacy ioq png
phonecard ting ue k
photo si ping
police kng tsak
postcard meng sng ping
post office iu kq
pregnant huai ung
price n k tsng
quiet a tsng
rain n hu
razor t tsiu to
receipt n huaq pi
refund n t tsng
registered (mail) ku ho sng
rent v tsou
repair v siu l
reserve v r tiang
restaurant pung tim
return (give back) hing
return (go back) tg kw
return ticket lai hue pi
right (direction) u
road lou
room n pang kaing
safe a uang tsung

sanitary napkin gueq keng tu
seat n ts ui
send sng
sex (intercourse) sng kau
sex (gender) sng piq
e n gl is h ch a oz h ou
mail n iu king
man nam zng/ta pou pol/inf
map ti tu
market tsi tong
matches hu ts
meat nk
medicine iq
message ku sng
milk gu n
minute hung tseng
mobile phone tsu ki
money tsng
month guq
morning ts sng
mother b tseng
motorcycle mo toq tsia
mouth tsu
83
shampoo si huaq tseng

share (a dorm) haq ki
she i
sheet (bed) tsng tuang
shirt soq sang
shoes i
shop n siang tim
short t
shower n si k
single room tuang nang png
skin n pu hu
skirt n kng
sleep v ng
slow mang
small si
soap ping iq
some tsek seng
soon tsek e
south nm
souvenir k nim png
stamp iu pi
stand-by ticket hau tsia pi
station (train) hu tsia tsm
stomach ui
stop v tng
stop (bus) n tsm
street koi
student hak seng
sun ti ing
sunscreen huang si sng
swim v iu ing
D I C TI ON A RY
84
tampon gueq keng mi sak

telephone n ting ue
temperature (weather) k ung
that hw kai
they i nang
(be) thirsty u ta
this ts kai
throat u
ticket pi
time si kang
tired hq
tissues poq tsu keng
today kim zk
toilet tseq s
tomorrow m zk
tonight kim m
tooth ge k
toothbrush ge sueq
toothpaste ge ko
torch (flashlight) tsu ting tng
tour n l iu tung
tourist office
iu keq sng sng tong sim
towel tua ek keng
train n hu tsia
translate huang k
travel agency l kiang si
travellers cheque l iu tsing pi
trousers ku
twin-bed room sang tsg png
underwear li sang ku
urgent kng kip
vacancy kong png

vegetable n tsi
vegetarian a tsiak tse
visa tsiam tsng
walk v king
wallet tsi to
wash (something) si
watch n tsu pio
water n tsu
we nng
weekend tsiu muk
west sai
wheelchair lung ng
when kai si hau
where t ti k
who ti ting
why ui sm moq
wife tsi tsw/lu pu pol/inf
window teng
with kaq
without b
woman h ng/tsew ni pol/inf
write si
yes tu
yesterday tsau zk
you / lw/nng sg/pl
Dongbei Hua
TONES
ABOUT DONGBEI HUA
PRONUNCIATION
TIME & DATES
ACCOMMODATION
SIGHTSEEING
SHOPPING
MEETING PEOPLE
MAKING CONVERSATION
FEELINGS & OPINIONS
FAREWELLS
EATING OUT
ENGLISHDONGBEI HUA DICTIONARY
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
96
99
100
100
103
104
105
tones
Dongbei Hua is a tonal language (tonal quality refers to the raising and lowering
of pitch on certain syllables). In this chapter Dongbei Hua is represented with four
tones, as well as a fifth one, the neutral tone. Apart from the unmarked neutral tone,
we have used symbols above the vowels to indicate each tone, as shown in the table
below for the vowel a. Bear in mind that the tones are relative to the natural vocal
range of the speaker, eg the high tone is pronounced at the top of ones vocal range.
Note also that some tones slide up or down in pitch.
t o n es
high
tone
86
high rising
tone
high falling
tone
DONGBEI HUA
about Dongbei Hua

Tucked up in the northeastern provinces of Lionng, Jln and Hilngjing youll
encounter speakers of Dongbei Hua (dong by hw ), the northeastern
dialect of Mandarin. Its spoken by around 100 million people and is very similar to
the Bijng dialect, which is the basis of Modern Standard Chinese. Dongbei Hua developed with the arrival of Han immigrants from the southern provinces who came
to this corner abutting Russia and Korea in the early years of the 20th century. The
dialect took on elements from Siberian and Manchurian languages as well as Korean.
In the bustling industrial cities of the northeast, Dongbei Hua also has city-specific
sub-dialects, so if you want to impress locals with your street-smart banter in Hrbn, Shnyng and Chngchn youll have to be on your toes. Dongbei Hua is recognisable to Mandarin speakers for its distinctive accent and its lively and informal
character, and if youre an aficionado of the Chinese comedy circuit youll often hear
it used by Chinese stand-up comedians.
dongbei hua
500 km
250 mi
Hih
Hilr
Ychn
Hgng
Qqhr
HILNGJING
Mongolia
Hrbn
Chngchn
Erenhot Xilinhot
Chfng
Tnglio
Spng
JLNJln
Jx
Mdnjing
Ynj
Lioyun
S ea of
Japan
( Eas t Sea)
Shnyng
Jnzhu
HBI
LIONNG
Chngd
INNER MONGOLIAZhngjiku
nshn
Qnhungdo
North
Hohhot
Botu
BIJN
BIJNG
Dndng
Korea
Dtng Bijng
TI
TINJN
TINJ
I JJTngshn
B o h a i Dlin
SHNX
Tinjn
B
a
y
Yln
a b o ut D ON GBE I H UA
Russia
0
0
Ko
87
pronunciation
p ro n un c iat i on
Vowels
88
Consonants
Symbol
English sound
Symbol
English sound
father
bed
ai
aisle
ch
cheat
air
hair
dog
ao
Mao
fun
ay
pay
go
bet
hat
ee
see
jump
er
her without the r
kid
ew
similar to new,
pronounced with
rounded lips
lot
hit
man
ir
girl with strong r
not
low
ng
ring
oo
tool
pet
or
more
run
cut
sun
sh
shot
In this chapter, the Dongbei Hua

pronunciation is given in green after
each phrase.
top
ts
cats
win
yes
Some syllables are separated by a

dot, and should be pronounced run
together.
For example: dyner
lads
essentials
Yes.
No.
Please
Hello.
Goodbye.
Thank you.
directions or assistance)
Sorry.
shr
bo shr
chng
ne ho
bi bi
shyir shyair
jyir gwnger
bng gr mnger
bo ho ye sir

?
Do you understand?
?
I understand.

I dont understand.

I (dont) speak Dongbei Hua.
()
Could you
?
please ?
repeat that
speak more slowly
ne shwr yng yw boo

mng bi boo
wr mng bai
wr bo mng bai
wr (bo) hwy shwr dong by hw
chng ne
zi shwr ye byn
shwr mn dyner
la ngu a ge di ffi cu lt ies DO N GBE I H UA
89
numbers
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
lng
ye
r/ly
sn
sr
wo
ly
che
b
jy
shr
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
1000
1,000,000
r shr
sn shr
sr shr
wo shr
ly shr
che shr
b shr
jy shr
ye bi
ye chyn
ye bi wn
time & dates
t im e & d a tes
What time is it?

Its (10) oclock.
Quarter past (10).
Half past (10).
Quarter to (11).
minutes past (10).)
90

()
()
()
()

()?
(It starts) At 10.
()
Its (18 October).
()
shyn zi je dyn ler

(shr) dyn
(shr) dyn shr wo frn
(shr) dyn bn
(shr) dyn sr shr wo
sh shr ho (ki sh)

shr dyn (ki sh)
(shr ywir shr b ho)
this

morning

(after breakfast)
morning

(before lunch)
afternoon
zy g
zo sng
sunrise
sunset
rr cho
rr lwr
t wo
shy wo
zwr tyn
jn tyn
syn zi
jner wn
mng tyn
spring
summer
autumn
winter
chon tyen
shy tyen
chy tyen
dong tyen
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
le bi ye
le bi r
le bi sn
le bi sr
le bi wo
le bi ly
le bi tyn
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
ye ywir
r ywir
sn ywir
sr ywir
wo ywir
ly ywir
che ywir
b ywir
jy ywir
shr ywir
shr yr ywir
shr r ywir

Is this the to
(Hrbn)?

()

boat
bus
train
zy do
(h r bn)
n g der chw ma
tswn
gong jyo tsr
hwr tsr
tra nsp or t & di re c ti o n s D O N GB E I HUA
yesterday
today
now
tonight
tomorrow
91
Wheres a/the ?
?
bank
place to change
foreign money
post office
Is this the road to (Jln)?
()
zi ner g der a
yn hng
hwn wi b n g der
y jw
zy shr chw (je ln)

n g der der lo m

chng bng wr zr sy t zi de

t sng ner shng boo
Is it walking distance?

z lo nrng do ma
a cco m m o d ati on
Whats the address?

How far is it?
How do I get there?
Turn left/right.
Its straight ahead.
92
?

/

Its

behind
in front of
near
on the corner
opposite
there
sh de zr a
dwrer lo ywn a
z z a
wng zwr/y gwi
ye zr wng chyn z
zi
der h toer
der chyn toer
fo jn
gwi jyo
de dwy myner
n g der
accommodation
Wheres a hotel?
?


?
ner g der y jy dyn a

n nrng twy jyn gr pyn ye der
de fng zo ma
n nrng twy jyn gr ho der de
fng zo ma


wr shyng dng jyn fnger

wr y yw dng
Do you have a

room?

double (suite)
single
twin
my wn dwr so chyn
my rrn dwr so chyn
wr shyng di (sn) tyn
nrng bo nrng b yo sr gy wr a
wr nrng dwr n tyo (mo tn) ma
(kong tyo) hwi ler
sh shr ho twy fng a
Could I have my ,

please?

deposit
passport
wr shyng n hwy
wr der
y jn
ho zo

Wheres a/an ?

ATM
public phone

zi ner g
zr dong chw kwn je
gong yong dyn hw
grn chyner y wng ber ma
ba nk i ng & commu ni ca ti o n s D O N GB E I HUA
How much is it per night?

How much is it per person?

()

()
()

y my y
fng jyn a
to fng
dn rrn jyn
shwng rrn fnger
93
Id like to

get internet access
use a printer
use a scanner


?
The number is

wr shyng
sng wng
yong d yn je
yong so myo ye
ne der dyn hw ho m
sr dwr sao a
ho m sr
sightseeing
Id like to see
Whats that?
Can I take a photo?
wr shyng kn
n sr sh a
wr nrng pi zo ma

wr shyng chw dng de zy

g der jng dyn zwn zwn

wr shyng chw rrn bo dwr

der de fng zwn zwn
?
zy lw y ye chr dwr tsng shr jyn a
sig h t see in g
94
sightseeing
Chngbi Shn
Dlin
Mh in
Hilngjing

Shnyng Imperial
Palace
Sun Island Park in
Hrbn
Zhlng Nature
Reserve in Qqhr
je ln tsng bi sn
lyo nng d lyn
hy long jyng mr hr
by je chon frng
jng chw
shrn yng go gong
h r bn ti yng do
che che h r j long

zr rn bo ho chw
shopping
Wheres a ?

camera shop
market
souvenir shop
supermarket
zi ner g
zo shyng gwn
shr tsng
je nyn pn dyner
tso srer

ner nrng mi do je nyn pn
Id like to buy
Can I look at it?
How much is it?
zy shr sh zwr der

chng b jy chyn syir sy li
gy ne (wo kwi) chyn
ne mern s shn yong k boo
zng dner sng y wrn te
less
enough
more
grng so
g ler
grng dwr
bigger
smaller
d dyner
syo dyner
shop p in g DO N GBE I H UA

?

()


wr shyng mi
wr nrng kn kn boo
dwrer so chyn
ty gwy ler
95
m eet i n g pe ople
meeting people
96
Hello.
Good morning.
Good evening.
Goodbye.
Good night.
ne ho
zo shung ho
wn shng ho
zi jyn
wn n
Mr
Mrs
Ms/Miss
shyn sherng
nwn sr
shyo jyir
How are you?

Fine. And you?
Whats your name?
My name is
Im pleased to
meet you.
ne z yng a
tng ho, ne ner
nr jyo s
wr jyo
shnger hwy
This is my

brother
child
daughter
father
friend
husband
mother
partner (intimate)
sister
son
wife
zy sr wr der
shyong dee
hi zir
gwy newn
dyar
prng y
zng foo
m
dwy shyng
je myer
r zir
she ferner
making conversation
Do you live here?
Where are you going?
I love it here.
ne jo jrer
shng ner chew
dr yee jrer ma
wr dr yee jrer
Have you eaten?

Are you here on holidays?

chr ler ma
ne zi jrer lw y ma
Im here

for a holiday
on business
to study
ne zi jrer di dwr jy
wr zi jrer (sir) gr sng che
kr ye gy (ne) pi jo ma
ne shwr (dong by hw) ma
ne zi jy shwr sh hw
zy gr yong (dong by hw)
zrn mor shwr
Whats this called?

zy gr jyo sh
Id like to learn some (Dongbei Hua).

wr syng shwir ye syir
()
(dong by hw)

ne jyir ye wr jyo ne syir

yng wrn ma

zy shr de fng frng sho ma
ma k i ng conve rsa ti o n D ON GBE I H UA

()
()
Do you speak (Dongbei Hua)?
()?

What do you call this in (Dongbei Hua)?
()
wr zi jrer
lw y
cho chi
lw shwir
97
local talk
Great!
Hey!
Its OK.
Just a minute.
Just joking.
Maybe.
No problem.
No way!
Sure, whatever.
Thats enough!
m a k in g co nve rsa ti on
Where are you from?
98
Im from

Australia
Canada
England
New Zealand
the USA
Whats your occupation?
ho
zwy jn z yng
tng ho der
drng ye hwyer
no jer wner
ch bo dwr
my wrn te
bo kr nrng
sng, sng, sng
g ler, g ler

?

,,
,
ne tsong ner li
wr tsong li
o d le y
jy n d
yng gwr
sn se ln
my gwr
ne gn sh der a
Im a/an

businessperson
office worker
tradesperson
wr shr
shng rrn
bi lng
gong jyng
How old ?

are you
is your daughter
is your son
ne
ne gwy newn
ne r zir
Im years old.
Too old!
wr shwy
t/t shwy
ti lo ler

Are you married?

dwr d ler
wr kn shng chw nyn chng

ne jyar hon ler ma

wr hr byar rrn ye che jo
Im

married
single
jyar hon ler

dn shrn
Do you like ?

I (dont) like
()
art
film
music
reading
sport
ne dr ye ma
wr (bo) dr ye
ye sho
dyn yng
yn ywir
kn sho
yon dong
wr
Im (not)
()
Are you ?

cold
hot
hungry
thirsty
tired
wr (bo)
ne ma
lrng
rr
r
kr
ly
I (dont) feel
()
Do you feel ?

happy
sad
worried
wr (bo) jwir der

ne jwir der ma
go shng
bo go shng
jo je
What do you think of it?
ne jwir der jrn mor yng
Its

awful
beautiful
boring
great
interesting
OK
strange
t
ch jn
pyo lyng
hrn my jn
ho
hrn y ye sir
hi sng
che gwi
fe e li ngs & opi ni o n s D O N GB E I HUA
feelings & opinions
99
farewells

mng tyn wr jy z ler
If you come to (Scotland) you can stay with me.
(),
y je hwy li (so gr ln)

kr ye li jo wr
Keep in touch!

bo chr lyn see
Heres my (address).
()
zy shr wr der (de zr)
Whats your (email)?
()?
ne der (dyn zr y jyn er) shr sh
well-wishing
f a re wel l s
Bon voyage!
Congratulations!
Good luck!
Happy birthday!
Happy New Year!
100
ye lo png n
gong she
jo ne ho yon
shrng rr kwi lr
bi nyn ler
eating out
Where would you
gi do n le chw
go for (a) ?
banquet
chr se jy
celebration
chng hr
cheap meal
chr der pyn yee ye
dyn der
local specialities
de fng syo chr
yum cha
hr ch
Can you recommend

a ?

bar
cafe
dish
noodle house
restaurant
snack shop
(wonton) stall ()
street vendor
teahouse
ne nrng jyir sho ye gr

ma
jy b
k fy tng
pn zir
myn gwner
fn dyn
shyo chr bo
(hon don) tner
jyir tu syo chr
ch gwner
Id like (a/the)

wr yo
table for (five) (
ye zhng (wo gr rrn
)
der) jwr zir
bill
zng dner
drink list
jy shwy dner
local speciality
ye gr de fng tr
sr tsi
menu
tsi dn
(non)smoking table () (bo) ch yn der jwr zir
Whats that called?

Ill have that.
Id like it with

Id like it without

chilli
garlic
MSG
nuts
oil
ne mrn hi yng yr ma
y sh tsi kr ye twy jyn der
zy do tsi yong sh jwr der
(zo fn) ye bn chr sh
n gr jyo sh
li ye gr ba
dwr fng ye dyn
bi fng
l jyo
d swn
wy jng
gwr rrn
y
e a ti ng out D O N GB E I HUA

?
Whats in that dish?
?
What do you normally eat for (breakfast)?
()
101
ea t in g ou t
102
Id like , please.

one slice
a piece
a sandwich
that one
two
This dish is

(too) spicy ()
superb
(ti) l
syng dng ho
I love the local cuisine.

That was delicious!
Im full.
zy gr de fng der tsi

syng dng bo tswr
jrn ho chr
chr bo ler
breakfast
lunch
dinner
drink (alcoholic)
zo fn
wo fn
wn fn
jy
yn lyo
chng gy wr
ye kwi
ye frn
ye gr sn mng zr
n ye gr
lyng gr
zy gr tsi
water

boiled
cold
still mineral
lyng ki shwy
lyng
koong chwn shwy
(cup of) coffee

()
(cup of) tea
()
with (milk) ()
without (sugar) ()
(ye by) k fy
(ye by) ch
jy (ny ni)
bo di (tng)
black tea
chrysanthemum tea
green tea
jasmine tea
oolong tea
hong ch
jw hw ch
lw ch
hw ch
wo lng ch

(orange) juice
soft drink
sour plum drink

()

shwn ni
(chrng) jr
che shwy
shwn my tng
shwy
a of beer

glass
large bottle
small bottle
by
d pnger
syo pnger
a shot of (whisky)
ye pnger (wy shr je)
ye pe jy
()
ye png/by
po to jy
hong
bi

Cheers!
Im feeling drunk.
wr chng kr
n yo dyn sh
gn
wr y dyn jwy ler
street eats
cold clear bean-flour noodles
corn on the cob
dumpling (fried)
dumpling (steamed)
pork pie (small)
steamed bread stuffed with meat
lyng frner
bo me
jyn jyo zir
jrng jyoer
syner bng
bo zir
zong zir



y my y so shr
nrng bo nrng zwr ye
gr bo fng der tsi
sp e ci a l di e ts & a lle rgie s D ON GBE I HUA
a bottle/glass
/
of wine

red
white
103
Im allergic to

dairy produce
eggs
meat
nuts
seafood
wr dwy gwr mn
ni jr pn
je dn
r
gwr rrner
hi syn
em erg en c ie s & he a lth
Help!
Go away!
Fire!
Watch out!
104


?
Im lost.


Wheres the

nearest ?

dentist
doctor
hospital
pharmacist
jy mng
z ki
jo hwr la
jy dyner syo sn
ne nrng bnger bnger mnger ma

wr nrng jyir ne der dyn hw
yong yong ma
pi cho swr zi ner
wr me l ler
tsr swr zi ner
zwy jn der
zi ner
y ye
ye shrng
ye ywn
yo dyn
englishdongbei hua dictionary

accident (mishap) ye wi
accident (traffic) shr go
accommodation zo so
adaptor sr py che
address n de zr
after zr h
air conditioning kong tyo
airplane fy je
airport je tsng
alcohol jy
all swr y der
allergy gwr mn
ambulance jy ho tsr
and hr
ankle jyo hwa
antibiotics kng srng so
arm s be
ATM zr dong chw kwn je
camera zo syng je
cancel chw syo
car che tsr
cash n shyn jn
cell phone s je
centre n zong sn
change (money) v lng chyner
cheap pyn ye der
check (bill) n zng dner
check-in n drng je
chest (body) syong
children hi zir
cigarette yn
city tsrng shr
clean a gn jng der
closed gwn mrn ler
cold a lyng der
collect call
dwy fng fo fy dyn hw
come li
computer dyn no
condom be yon toer
contact lenses yn shng yn jng
cook v prng yn
cost n hw fy
credit card shn yong k
currency exchange
hwr be dwy hwn
customs (immigration) hi gwn
dangerous wy shyn der

date (time) rr che
day tyn
delay v yn chr
A
A
e ng l ish d o n g bei h ua
baby yngr
back (of body) h by
backpack by boer
bad hwi der
bag dier
baggage shng lee
bank yn hng
bar jy b
bathroom yw sr
battery dyn tsr
beautiful pyo lyng der
bed tswng
beer pe jy
before chyn to
behind h to
bicycle zr sng tsr
big d der
bill zng dner
blanket mo tn
blood group swir sng
boat tswn
book (make a reservation) v yw dng
bottle pinger
boy shyo nn hier
breakfast zo fn
broken (out of order) hwi dyo ler
bus gong jyo tsr
business mi mai
buy v mi
105
dentist y kr ye shrng
depart tso f
diaper nyo bo
dinner wn fn
dirty mi tai
disabled tsn je der
discount v d zr
doctor di foo
double bed swng yn tswng
double room swng yn fnger
drink n yn lyo
drive v ki tsr
drivers licence jy zo
drug (illicit) do pn
ear r dwor
east dong
eat chr
economy class jng je tsng
electricity dyn
email dyn z y jyner
embassy d sr gwn
emergency jn je chng kwng
English (language) yng yw
evening bng wn
exit n tso k
expensive gwy
eye yn jing
D I C TI ON A RY
106
far ywn der

fast kwi der
father b
film (camera) jyo jwn
finger s zr
first-aid kit je jy syng
first class t drng tsng
fish n yw
food sr wo
foot jyo
free (of charge) myn fy der
friend prng y
fruit sy gwr
full bo der
gift le wo
girl nw hier
glass (drinking) by zir

glasses yn jng
go chw
good ho der
guide n do y
half n ye bn
hand sh
happy go shng der
he t
head n t
heart shn
heavy zong der
help bng zo
here zy g da
high go
highway go so gong lo
hike v to bo lw shng
holiday jy che
homosexual tong shng lyn
hospital ye ywn
hot yir hoo
hotel jy dyn
(be) hungry nr ler
husband zng fo
I
I wr
identification (card) srn frn zrng
ill srng bng
important zong yo der
injury (harm) wo ro
injury (wound) sng k
insurance bo shyn
internet yn ter wng
interpreter fn ye
J
jewellery zo bo
job gong zwr
K
key yo sr
kilogram gong jn
kitchen tso fng
knife syo do
laundry (place) she ye dyn

lawyer lw shr
left (direction) zwr
leg (body) twy
lesbian nw tong
less grng so
letter (mail) shn
light n gwng
like v zong ye
lock n swr
long chng der
lost ye sr der
love v i
luggage sng lee
lunch wo fn
name mng zir

near jn
neck n br zir
new shn der
newspaper bo zhr
night wn shng
no (not at all) bo yong
no (not this) bo shr
noisy tso tso
nonsmoking wo yn chw
north by
nose be zir
old (people) lo
old (things) jy
one-way ticket dn chrng pyo
open a ki jr der
outside wi to
passport ho zho
pay v fo chyn
pharmacy yo dyn
phonecard dyn hw k
photo zho pyn
police jng ch
postcard mng sn pyn
post office y jw
pregnant hwi ywn ler
price n jy gr
quiet a n jng der
rain n yw
razor te shw do
receipt n sh jw
refund n py chyn
registered (mail) zho tsr
rent v cho zo
repair v wy shy
reserve v yw dng
restaurant tsn gwn
return (give back) hwn
return (go back) hwy chw
return ticket fn chrng pyo
right (direction) y
road m lo
room n fng jyn
safe a n chwn der

sanitary napkin wy shrng jn
seat n zwr wy
send f song
sex (intercourse) zwr i
e n g li sh d o n gbe i h u a
mail n shn
man nn yn
map de ter
market shr tsng
matches be si
meat r
medicine yo
message shyo shee
milk ny ni
minute frn zong
mobile phone s je
money chyn
month ywir fern
morning zo sng
mother m
motorcycle mr twr tsr
mouth zwy
now syn zi
number sho
107
sex (gender) sng byir

shampoo se f shwy
share (a dorm) frn syng
she t
sheet (bed) chwng dn
shirt chrn shn
shoes syir
shop n shng dyn
short dwn der
shower n chong lyng
single room dn rrn jyn
skin n pe fo
skirt n chon zir
sleep v shwi jyo
slow mn
small syo
soap syng zo
some ye syir
soon m shng
south nn
souvenir je nyn pn
stamp y pyo
stand-by ticket zhn pyo
station (train) chr zn
stomach wy
stop v tng zr
stop (bus) n gong chr zn
street jyir
student swir shrng
sun ti yng
sunscreen fng shi shwn
swim v y yong
D I C TI ON A RY
108
tampon myn chy

telephone n dyn hw
temperature (weather) che wrn
that ny gr
they t mern
(be) thirsty kr ler
this zy ger
throat sng zir
ticket chr pyo
time shr jyn
tired ly ting
tissues jr jn
today jn tyn
toilet mo fng
tomorrow mng tyn
tonight jner wn
tooth y chr
toothbrush y shw
toothpaste y go
torch (flashlight) dyn bnger
tour n lw y
tourist office lw y jw
towel mo jn
train n hwr tsr
translate fn ye
travel agency lw sng shr
travellers cheque lw y jr pyo
trousers ko zir
twin-bed room shwng rrn fng
underwear ny ye
urgent jn je
vacancy kong chwir

vegetable n sho tsi
vegetarian n so shr jr
visa chyn jrng
walk v z doer
wallet chyn boer
wash (something) se
watch n sh byo
water n shwy
we wr mrn
weekend zh mr
west se
wheelchair lon ye
when sh shr ho
where n
who shwy
why wy sh
wife she ferner
window chwng hoo
with di
without bo di
woman nwn rrn
write syir
yes shr
yesterday zwr tyn
you sg inf ne
you sg pol nn
you pl ne mern
Hakka
TONES
ABOUT HAKKA
PRONUNCIATION
TIME & DATES
ACCOMMODATION
SIGHTSEEING
SHOPPING
MEETING PEOPLE
MAKING CONVERSATION
FEELINGS & OPINIONS
FAREWELLS
EATING OUT
ENGLISHHAKKA DICTIONARY
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
117
118
119
120
122
123
124
127
127
129
tones
Hakka is a tonal language (tonal quality refers to the raising and lowering of pitch
on certain syllables). In this chapter Hakka is represented with four tones, as well as
a fifth one, the neutral tone. Apart from the unmarked neutral tone, we have used
symbols above the vowels to indicate each tone, as shown in the table below for the
vowel a. Bear in mind that the tones are relative to the natural vocal range of the
speaker, eg the high tone is pronounced at the top of ones vocal range. Note also
that some tones slide up or down in pitch.
t o n es
high
tone
110
high rising
tone
high falling
tone
HAKKA
about Hakka
There are 34 million speakers of Hakka (k g w ) spread across southern
China, with populations also in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand. Originally
from Hnn and Shnx provinces, through the course of Chinese history the Hakka
moved south, encountering Cantonese speakers. Their language has proved resolute,
remaining similar to the languages of the Tang and Song dynasties of the 10th century.
However, spoken in scattered regions and across difficult terrain, Hakka is believed to
have absorbed elements of other languages, including the non-Sinitic She language,
evolving into an estimated 30 dialects across south and southeast China and Taiwan.
Most speakers are found in the Gungdng, Fjin and Jingx region, with Mixin, in
northeast Gungdng, considered the centre of standard Hakka (represented in this
chapter). Its a Sino-Tibetan language but isnt mutually intelligible with Mandarin or
Cantonese. Enterprising, adventurous and occasionally revolutionary, Hakka speakers,
such as the late Deng Xiaoping, have played an important role in broader Chinese and
Southeast Asian history, rising to become military, business and political leaders.
hakka
nshu
Pngxing
JINGX
Fnghung
HNN
GUZHU
Guyng
ijng
Kil
Hngyng
Gungzhu
Macau
MA
Qnzhu
Vietnam
Yngdng
GUNGDNG
Nnnng
Nnpng
Hong Kong
Fzhu
FJIN
Ximn
Zhngzh
Shntu
S out h
China
S ea
Zhnjing
G ulf o f
T onk in
Hiku
HINN
Sny
0
0
250 km
125 mi
ab out HAK KA
Guln
Yngshu
Lizhu
GUNGX
ZHUANG
Wzhu
Shogun
J'n
Gnzhu
111
pronunciation
Vowels
112
Consonants
Symbol
English sound
Symbol
English sound
father
bed
ai
aisle
ch
cheat
air
lair
dog
ao
Mao
fun
ay
say
go
bet
hot
ee
see
jump
hit
kit
go
lot
oo
tool
man
or
more
not
oy
toy
ng
ring
cut
pet
In this chapter, the Hakka

pronunciation is given in purple
after each phrase.
run
sun
sh
shot
In Hakka, the sound ng (found in English

at the end or in the middle of words,
eg ringing) can appear at the start of
words, or represent an entire word.
top
ts
cats
win
yes
lads
Some syllables are separated by a

dot, and should be pronounced run
together.
For example: ngiir
essentials
Yes./No.
Please
Hello.
Goodbye.
Thank you.
Sorry.
h/ng h
chyng
nge hao
zwi jyn
chy chy nge
jy kw
chyng mwn
dwy ng cho

?
?
()
()

repeat that
speak more slowly
nge gwng ng gwng

yng nge
nge mng p m
yi (ng) mng p
yi (ng) gwng k g w
chyng nge
zwi gwng ye pyn
mn ye de gwng
numbers
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

lyng

ye
/ nge/lyng

sng

se

ng

ly

che

bi

jy

she
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
1000
1,000,000
nge she
sng she
se she
ng she
ly she
che she
bi she
jy she
ye b
ye chyn
ye b wn
la ngu a ge d i f f icu lt i es HAK KA

Do you understand?
I (dont) speak Hakka.
113
time & dates

What time is it?
Its (10) oclock.
Quarter past (10).
Half past (10).
Quarter to (11).
minutes past (10).)
(It starts) At 10.
Its (18 October).
yesterday
today
now
tonight
tomorrow
?
()
()
()
()
jn li je d dyng
(she) dyng
(she) dyng she ng fn
(she) dyng sng she fn
(she) dyng se she ng fn
()
()
she dyng (kwi sh)

(she ngiir she bi ho)
t im e & d a tes
this

morning

(after breakfast)
morning

(before lunch)
afternoon
114
tsy po nge
jn nge
jn li
jn nge m po
tyn kwong nge
k
tso sn two
shng tso
h tso
sunrise
sunset
nge tso
nge lo
spring
summer
autumn
winter
tsn tyn
h tyn
tsy tyn
dong tyn
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
sn ke ye
sn ke ng
sn ke sng
sn ke se
sn ke ng
sn ke ly
sn ke tyn
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
ye ngiir
nge ngiir
sng ngiir
se ngiir
ng ngiir
ly ngiir
che ngiir
bi ngiir
jy ngiir
she ngiir
she ye ngiir
she nge ngiir
Wheres a/the ?
?
bank
place to change
foreign money
post office
k do
(my yn) he m
shwn
ch
hwr ch
tsr li le
ngyn hong
wn y be k te fong
y ky
Is this the road to (Mixin)?

()?
h do (my yn) g lo m

chyng bong yi chn je tsr

te to shng k wr ze
?
h ng h po hng g ke le
Whats the address?
How far is it?
How do I get there?
Turn left/right.
?
?
?
/
syn m te je
y je ywn
nyng n hng
shng zr/y
tra nspor t & d irec t io n s HAKKA
Is this the to

(Mixin)?
()?
boat
bus
train
115
Its straight ahead.
Its

behind
in front of
near
on the corner
opposite
there
ye che shng chyn

tsr
h myn
chyn myn
fo kwm
zwn wn
dwy myn
ki le
accommodation

?

116

Wheres a hotel?
nge nyn twy jyng ye k pyn

ye k t fong cho m
nge nyn twy jyng ye k ho
k t fong cho m
?
?

Do you have a room? ?

double (suite)
single
twin
/?
()

?

()?
li le y ben gwn
li le jy dyng
yi syng dng fong gn
yi y ye dng
y mo y fong
to
dn ryn
pyo zwng
me tyn/ryn j dwr chyn

yi syng cho (sng) tyn
nyn ng nyn bwn yi fong
gn swr she
yi nyn dwr n ye tyo
(mo tn) m

()
?
(kong tyo) y mo pyng

j dyng jong twy fong
Could I have my ,

please?

deposit
passport
yi syng n jwn
yi k
y jn
fo jo

fo kwm y mwng b m
Wheres a/an ?
?
ATM
public phone
ze tong che kwn je

gong yong tyn w
Id like to

get internet access
shng mwng
d yn/so myo

?
The number is

tsr li le
yi syng
nge k tyn w ho m h je dwr

ho m h
sightseeing

Id like to see
Whats that?
Can I take a photo?

?
?
yi syng kwn ye de dng

te jm se
yi syng kwn
ki h m k
yi nyn p jyo m
ba nk i ng & commun i ca t io n s HAKKA

117
sightseeing
Hua Cheng
Ling-Guang Temple
Mei Zhou
Thousand-Buddha Pagoda
Wu Hua
Zi Jin
f shon
lng kwn se
my j
chyn f t
ng f
tse jn

yi syng he kwn nyn

sho g jm se
?
shng do y y je chong she jyng
shopping
sh op pin g
Wheres a ?
?
camera shop
market
souvenir shop
supermarket
118
tsr li le
jo syng dyng
she chng
je nyn pm dyng
cho she

yi kwr ye tswr li le mi te
?
fong je nyn pm
?
k h yong m k zwr g
Id like to buy
Can I look at it?
How much is it?

?
?


()
yi syng mi
yi nyn kwn kwn m
je dwr chyn
ti kwy
chyng b g chyn sy h li
bwn nge (ng kwy) chyn

?

nge mwn shwy sn yong k m

jng dn y mwn te
less
enough
more
sho
g
dwr
bigger
smaller
t ye de
sy ye de
meeting people

nge ho
tso shng ho
h ng ho
mn shng ho
zwi jyn
wn n
Mr
Mrs
Ms/Miss
syn sng
nge se
syo jy
How are you?

Fine. And you?
?
?
nge ho m
ho, nge n
Whats your name?

?
My name is


nge hn tswr m k myng

yi hn tswr
hn hwy
me e ti n g peo pl e HAK KA
Hello.
Good morning.
Good afternoon.
Good evening.
Goodbye.
Good night.
119
This is my

brother
child
daughter
father
friend
husband
mother
partner (intimate)
sister
son
wife
120
h yi k
shyong te
sy ryn ne
my tse
y
pyn y
lo gong
y j
dwy shyng
jy my
li tse
lo p
making conversation
Do you live here?
I love it here.
Have you eaten?
Are you here on holiday?
?
?
?

?
?
Im here

for a holiday
on business
to study
?
()
()?
nge cho lyir le m

shng li le
jong ye lyir le m
yi hn jong ye lyir le
she g fn m
nge li lyir le le j m
yi li lyir le
le j
cho tsi
ly h
nge tsai lyir le cho je j

yi cho (se) k sn ke
yi kwr b kwr ye p (nge) m
local talk
Great!
Hey!
Its OK.
Just a minute.
Just joking.
Maybe.
No problem.
No way!
Sure, whatever.
Thats enough!

,,

Do you speak (Hakka)?

()?
?
nge gwng (k g w) m
nge tswr k gwng m g w
k yong (k g w)
nyn bn gwng
Whats this called?

?
k hn tswr m k myng
Id like to learn some (Hakka).

yi syng h ye de
()
(k g w)

nge syng yi jyo nge ye de
?
yng nge m
?
h te fong fon so m
Where are you from?
Im from

Australia
Canada
England
New Zealand
the USA
nge chyong li le li
yi chyong li
o ti le
g n ti
yng g
sn s ln
m g
ma k i ng con ve rs a t ion HAK KA
What do you call this in (Hakka)?

()
zn ho
lo g
mo mwn t
dn h
kwi yn syo
y kwr nyn
mo se
mo kwr nyn
dyir dyir dyir
gr l
121
fe el in gs & op i ni ons
122
nge zwr m g gong zwr
Im a/an

businessperson
office worker
tradesperson
shng nyn
p lyn
myo ye shng
How old ?
?
are you
is your daughter
is your son
nge
nge g my tse
nge g li tse
Im years old.
yi swy
je swy
yi hn se
Are you married?

Do you have a family
of your own?
nge g hon l m
yi y chn
nge shyn g l m
yi h
je ti
Im

married
single
g de hon
dn shyn
Do you like ?
?
I (dont) like
()
art
film
music
reading
sport
nge jong ye m
yi (ng) jong ye
nge so
kwn tyn yng
tng yng lwr
kwn sho
t yo
yi
feelings & opinions

Im (not)
()
Are you ?
?
cold
hot
hungry
thirsty
tired
yi (ng)
nge m
lm
ng
ng
hwr
kwy
I (dont) feel
()
Do you feel ?
?
happy
sad
worried
yi (ng) kwr d
nge kwr d m
hwn she
ng hwn she
dng sng
nge kwr d nyn bn
Its

awful
beautiful
boring
great
interesting
OK
strange
je
ho ts jn
ho m
ho w lyo
zn ho
ho y ye se
hi kwr ye
k gwy
farewells
Keep in touch!
Heres my (address).
Whats your (email)?

bo che lyn lwr
() bwn nge yi g (te je)
()? nge g (tyn y) h m g
well-wishing
Bon voyage!
Congratulations!
Good luck!
Happy birthday!
Happy New Year!
ye l pn n
gong she, gong she
jo nge ho yon
shn nge kwy lw
sn nyn ho
f a rew el ls HA KKA

yi tyn kwong nge y zwr
(),
y j hwy li (s g ln)

kwr ye li chyn yi
123
ea t in g ou t
eating out
124
Where would you go

...?
for (a) ?
banquet
celebration
cheap meal
local specialities
yum cha
Can you recommend

a ?
?
bar
cafe
dish
noodle house
restaurant
snack shop
(wonton) stall ()
street vendor
teahouse
nge kwr ye twy jyng

ye k m
jy b
k f tyng
pn
myn kwn
fn dyng
syo she dyng
(won ton) tn
gwy ty syo she
ts gwn
yng gwy do he
pn yn hwy
je hng chng jo hwy
she pyn ye ye de
te fong syo she
ym ts
Id like (a/the)

yi y
table for (five) () ye k (ng w) ti
bill
jng dn
drink list
jy shwy dn
local speciality
ye k te fong t
se chy
menu
chy dn
(non)smoking table () (mo) she yon k ti


?
Whats in that dish?
?
nge mwn hi yng ny m

y m g chy kwr
ye twy jyng g
k chy yong m g zwr g
Whats that called?

Ill have that.

k hn tswr m g
li ye k
Id like it with

Id like it without

chilli
garlic
MSG
nuts
oil
dwr fon ye de
ng y fon
li jyo
ti swn
m jm
gw nm
y
Id like , please.

one slice
a piece
that one
two
This dish is

(too) spicy ()
superb
(ti) li
ho she
breakfast
lunch
dinner
drink (alcoholic)
k chy
zn ho she
she bo l

zo fn
ng fn
mwn fn
jy
ym lyo
ea t i n g out HAK KA
That was delicious!

Im full.

chyng bwn yi
ye kwy
ye fwn
yi ye k
lyng k
125
ea t in g ou t
126
water

boiled
cold
sparkling mineral
still mineral
(cup of) coffee

()
(cup of) tea
()
with (milk) ()
without (sugar) ()
(ye bwy) k f
(ye bwy) ts
g (ny nyn)
ng g (ton)
black tea
chrysanthemum tea
green tea
jasmine tea
hwon ts
chy f ts
ly ts
f ts

lychee juice
(orange) juice
soft drink
sour plum drink

()

swn ni
li che ze
(chng) ze
che shwy
swn my ze
shwy
b
lyng
kwon chwn che
kwon chwn
a of beer

glass
large bottle
small bottle
bwy
ti pyn
se pyn
a shot of (whisky)
ye zon (w se je)
()
a bottle/glass of
/
wine

red
white

?
Cheers!
!
Im feeling drunk.

ye pe jy
ye pyn/bwy
p to jy
fon
p
yi chyng k
nge syng y m g
gwn b
yi y de zwy
street eats
bun (steamed)
corn on the cob
dumpling (boiled)
flat bread with sesame seeds
pork pie
wonton soup
bo le
lyng fwn
bo syo
jyo le
sho byn
ny byn
zong le
won ton


?
y mo y so she she pm
nyn ng nyn zwr ye k
ng fon g chy
Im allergic to

dairy produce
eggs
meat
nuts
seafood
yi dwy gwr myn

ni ze pm
gi chong
ny
gw nm
hi syn

Help!
Go away!
Fire!
jy myn
zwr kwy
chr h l
spe ci a l di e ts & a l lergies HAK KA
127
Watch out!


?
Im lost.

?
?
128
Wheres the

nearest ?
?
dentist
doctor
hospital
pharmacist
syo sm
nge nyn bong yi m
yi nyn jy yong nge g
tyn w m
yi m lyo lo
tse swr tswr li le
pi cho swr tswr li le
zwy km g
tswr li le
ng ye
ye sm
ye ywn
yr fon
englishhakka dictionary
accident (mishap) yon

accident (traffic) ye y
accommodation she so
adaptor ts tswr
address n te je
after je h
air conditioning kong tyo
airplane fe je
airport fe je chng
alcohol jy
all swr y
allergy gwr myn
ambulance jy ho ch
and h
ankle tjy zng
antibiotics kwong sm so
arm kyong
ATM ze tong che kwn je
camera jo syng je
cancel che syo
car ch
cash n sym jen
cash (a cheque) v dwy sym
cell phone sy je
centre n jong sm
change (money) v dwy wn
cheap pyn ye
check (bill) jng dn
check-in n dn je
chest (body) shyong po
children sy ryn ne
cigarette yon
city shng she
clean a gwn chyng
closed gn
cold a lm
collect call
shng sy w j sy fe g tyn w
come li
computer tyn no
condom pe ywn to
contact lenses ym shm n jym
cook v cho
cost n che
credit card sn yong k
currency exchange y be dwy wn
customs (immigration) hwy gwn
dangerous we shng
date (time) nge ke
en g li sh h a kk a
baby ng le
back (of body) by nong
backpack by bo
bad fi
bag bo
baggage hng le
bank ngyn hong
bar jy b
bathroom sr sh gn
battery tyn che
beautiful lyng
bed chong
beer pe jy
before chyn myn
behind h myn
bicycle dn ch
big ti
bill jng dn
blanket mo tn
blood group shyir shng
boat shwn
book (make a reservation) v ye dng
bottle pyn
boy nng tsi
brakes (car) tsi ch
breakfast zo fn
broken (out of order) fi
bus ch
business shng wo
buy v mi
129
day tyn
delay v twy che
dentist ng ye
depart cho fi
diaper ngyo bo
dinner mwn fn
direct a che jy
dirty ni
disabled chn fe
discount v d j
doctor ye sm
double bed song ryn chong
double room song ryn fong
drink n ym lyo
drive v kwy
driving licence g jyo
drug (illicit) to pm
E
ear nge dwr
east don
eat she
economy class jm je tsng
electricity tyn
elevator tyn twy
email tyn y
embassy ti se gwn
emergency j zyn
English (language) yng nge
evening mn shng
exit n cho kwr
expensive kwy
eye ngwn jm
D I C TI ON A RY
130
far ywn
fast je ho
father y
film (camera) lo syng
finger sr je
first-aid kit j jy syng
first class to dm tsng
fish n ng
food she wo
foot kjyo
free (of charge) myn f
friend pyn y
fruit shwy gw
full bo
gift l mwo
girl my tse ryn
glass (drinking) bwy
glasses ngwn jym
go he
good ho
guide n do y
half n ye bn
hand shwr
happy hwn she
he je
head n twr
heart sm
heavy chong
help bong cho
here lyir le
high go
highway go so gong lo
hike v po hng
holiday jy nge
homosexual tong sm lyn
hospital ye ywn
hot ng
hotel jy dyng
(be) hungry ng
husband lo gong
I yi
identification (card) shm fwn
ill pyng
important chong yo
injury (harm) shng hi
injury (wound) shng kwo
insurance bo shng
internet mwng
interpreter kwo y
jewellery bo b
job gong zwr
key swr she

kilogram gong jm
kitchen cho fon

knife do
laundry (place) s ye fon

lawyer lwy s
left (direction) zr
leg (body) twy
lesbian ngr tong sm lyn
less sho
letter (mail) sm
light n dm
like v jong ye
lock n swr
long chong
lost dwy she
love v y
luggage hng l
lunch ng fn
name myng
near fo kwm
neck n jyng jm
new sm g
newspaper sm wn
night m po sn
no (not at all) ng
no (not this) ng h
noisy tso
nonsmoking mo she yon k
north b
old (people) lo
old (things) chy
one-way ticket dn tsn pyo
open a kwy
outside ngy myn
passport fo jo
pay v fo chyn
pharmacy yr fon
phonecard tyn w k
photo jo pyn
police jm tsi
postcard mng sm pyn
post office y ky
pregnant y yong
price n g chyn
quiet a n chm
rain n y
razor te do
receipt n sr j
refund n bn wn
registered (mail) jo ts g
rent v tso
repair v sy
reserve v ye dng
restaurant fn dyng
return (give back) bn fe
return (go back) f ly
return ticket ly fe pyo
right (direction) y
road lo
room n fong gn
safe a n chyn
sanitary napkin we sm jm
seat n tswr we
send je
en gl ish h a kk a
mail n sm
man ryn
map te to
market she chng
matches pwy dwy
meat ny
medicine yr
message sm s
milk ny nyn
minute fwn jong
mobile phone sy je
money chyn
month ngiir
morning tso sn two
mother y j
motorcycle tyn dong ch
mouth jwy
nose p gong
now jn li
number ho m
131
sex (intercourse) sm jyo

sex (gender) sm py
shampoo se f shwy
share (a dorm) gwon yong
she je
sheet (bed) chong dn
shirt chn sng
shoes hi
shop n shng dyng
short dwn
shower n tson lyng
single room dn ryn fong
skin n p fo
skirt n kwon
sleep v shwy mo
slow mn
small se
soap fn gn
some ye sy
soon m shng
south nn
souvenir je nyn pm
stamp y pyo
stand-by ticket bo pyo
station (train) ch chng
stomach we
stop v tng
stop (bus) n che ch chng
street gi to
student h sm
sun nge to
sunscreen fong si y
swim v y yong
D I C TI ON A RY
132
tampon myn si
telephone n tyn w
temperature (weather) wn to
that lyir k
they je dwo
(be) thirsty hwr
this k
throat h long
ticket pyo
time she jyng
tired kwy
tissues se
today jn nge
toilet tse swr
tomorrow tyn kwong nge
tonight jn nge m po
tooth ng che
toothbrush ng swr
toothpaste ng go
torch (flashlight) sh tyn tong
tour n shng do y
tourist office l hng ky
towel mo jm
train n hwr ch
translate fn y
travel agency l hng sh
travellers cheque l hng je pyo
trousers fo
twin-bed room pyo zwng fong
underwear ny ye
urgent jm j
vacancy kong hn
vegetable n swr tsi
vegetarian a so she
visa chyng zm
walk v hng
wallet chyn bo
wash (something) s
watch n sh byo
water n shwy
we mwn
weekend j mi
west s
wheelchair lon ye
when je she
where li le
who li s
why we h
wife lo p
window tswn
with lo
without mo
woman nge ryn
write sy
yes h
yesterday tsy po nge
you sg inf/pol / nge/ngen
you pl nge mwn
Hunanese
TONES
ABOUT HUNANESE
PRONUNCIATION
TIME & DATES
ACCOMMODATION
SIGHTSEEING
SHOPPING
MEETING PEOPLE
MAKING CONVERSATION
FEELINGS & OPINIONS
FAREWELLS
EATING OUT
ENGLISHHUNANESE DICTIONARY
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
142
143
144
147
147
148
151
152
153
tones
Hunanese is a tonal language (tonal quality refers to the raising and lowering of
pitch on certain syllables). Tones in Hunanese fall on vowels and on z. The same
combination of sounds pronounced with different tones can have a very different
meaning.
Hunanese has six tones, including a neutral tone. In our pronunciation guide the
six tones are indicated with accents or underscores on the letters, as shown in the
table below for the vowel a. Syllables with neutral tone are unmarked, and are usually pronounced in the middle of your natural pitch range.
while lower tones are made by relaxing the vocal cords to get a lower pitch. Bear in
mind that the tones are relative to the natural vocal range of the speaker, eg high tones
are pronounced towards the top of ones vocal range. Note also that some tones slide
up or down in pitch.
rising
t o n es
134
high
rising
mid
flat
a
falling
low
falling
a
low
rising
HUNANESE
about Hunanese
A Sino-Tibetan language, also known as Xiang, Hunanese (f ln fa ) is
spoken by around 35 million people in central and southwestern Hnn and parts
of the nearby Schun, Gungdng and Gungx provinces. Hunanese speakers are
surrounded by speakers of several different languages Mandarin, Gan, Tujia and
Hmong and their language has been influenced by these linguistic neighbours,
and by Mandarin in particular. Hunanese is usually classified into two varieties: Old
Xiang, which has absorbed fewer elements of Mandarin; and New Xiang, which is
intelligible to speakers of the Southwestern Mandarin dialect. There are also local
variations of these dialects. Hunanese speakers are noted for their skill as craftspeople, creating silk scarves and jade carvings that are sold internationally, and Hnn
has a well-developed television and entertainment industry (the Chinese version of
Pop Idol was filmed here). Try using a few of the phrases that follow and youll be in
some interesting historical company Mao Zedong, who was born in Shoshn, was
perhaps the most well-known Hunanese speaker.
hunanese
Chngqng Chngd
Ji
HBI
CHNGQNG
Fnghung
GUZHU
Guyng
0
0
Pngxing
JINGX
HNN
Kil
250 km
Guln
125 mi
GUNGX
Yngshu
ZHUANG
Lizhu
Hngyng
Shogun
GUNGDNG
J'n
Gnz
Yng
a b ou t HUN AN E S E
Nnchng
Chngsh
135
pronunciation
Vowels
Symbol
136
English sound
Consonants
Symbol
English sound
father
nipple; like English b but

unvoiced
aw
loud
ch
cheat
bet
little; like English d but

unvoiced
eu
as the oo in soon with

fat
machine
tickle; like English g but

unvoiced
vote
hat
rule
joke
uh
but
kit
uhw
uh followed by u
lot
i with the lips rounded
man
not
ng

pet
sun
sh
shut
top
ts
like tz, but with a strong

puff of breath following
tz
as in its
yes
win
zero
In this chapter, the Hunanese pronunciation is given in pink after each phrase.
In Hunanese, vowels can appear in
combinations of two (diphthongs).
The vowels in combinations are always
pronounced they are simply
pronounced in series.
Some vowels in Hunanese are nasalised
(pronounced with air escaping through
the nose). In our pronunciation guides
the nasalised vowels are indicated with
ng after the vowel.
essentials
Yes./No.
Please
Hello.
Goodbye.
Thank you.
directions or assistance)
Sorry. (general apology)
sz/b sz
chn
l hw
tzi jyng
si si l
b hw sz
ti b ch a
Do you understand?
l siw duh gng (in whn) b

ng (b) siw duh gng f ln fa
?
()
Could you please ?

?
repeat that
speak more slowly
l dhn b la
ng (b) dhn
li l
tzi gn bing
gng man ding
numbers
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
ln

eu
san
s z

lhw
ch
b
jihw
s
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
1000
1,000,000
eu s
san s
s z s
s
lhw s
ch s
b s
jihw s
bu
chieng
bu wan
la ngu a ge di ffi c ul t ie s H UN AN E S E

()?
I (dont) speak Hunanese.
()
137
time & dates

What time is it?
Its (10) oclock.
Quarter past (10).
Half past (10).
Quarter to (11).
minutes past (10).)
?
()
()
()
()

t im e & d a tes

()?
(It starts) At 10.
()
Its (18 October).
()
138
sieng tzai j ding ta

(s) ding ta
(s) ding s fuhn
(s) ding san s fuhn
(s) ding s sz
fuhn
m tz s huhw (kai sz)

s ding tzuhn (kai sz)
(s y s b haw)
now
today
tonight
yesterday
tomorrow
sieng tzai
jin tieng
jin tieng wn san
tz tieng
mn tieng
afternoon
morning (after breakfast)
sunrise
sunset
sia
tzw san
san
z ch
z l
spring
summer
autumn
winter
chyn tieng
sia tieng
chiuhw tieng
duhn tieng
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
shin chi
shin chi eu
shin chi san
shin chi s
shin chi
shin chi lhw
shin chi tieng
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
y
eu y
san y
sz y
y
lhw y
ch y
b y
jiuhw y
s y
s y
s eu y
Is this the

to (Chngsh)?
()?
boat
bus
train
g g ke
(tzan sa) ba
jyeng
guhn ghn ch cheu
h tseu
Wheres a/the ?
?
bank
place to change

foreign money
post office
Is this the road to (the Yul Academy)?
()
?

?
?
tzai l li
n hng
tiw wai bi di di fang
ihw j
g sz ke (i lhw shy yng)

di lhw ba
li l bang ng tsw ha ta tzai
d duhw sang di wei tz hw ba
ng k tzhw ch ke ba
tra nspor t & di re c t ion s HUN AN E S E
139
Whats the address?

How far is it?
How do I get there?
Turn left/right.
Its straight ahead.
?
?
?
/

Its

behind
in front of
near
on the corner
opposite
there
di tz sz m tz la
hw yng lie
sz tzhw lie
wng tz/iuhw gwi
t wan ching tzhw
tzai
di huhw tuhw
di ching tuhw
bng bieng
gwi wan di di fang
di di g
l li
accommodation
140

?
Wheres a hotel?
?

?

?



Do you have a room? ?
double (suite)
single
twin
l li ihw bin gng a

l li ihw jihw ding a
l k tei jing go bing i di
di fang jy b
l k tei jing go hw di
di fang jy b
ng shing jy dang di jihw ding
ng sing din gan fng
ng din da
ihw fng ba
tw fng
dan zhn gan
shyang zhn gan
How much is it ?
?
per night
per person
ng iw jy (san) tieng
k b fng gan i s b ng b
ng k do l diw
(mw tn) b
(kuhn diw) ihw whn d
j ding tzuhn tei fng
Could I have my ,

please?

deposit
passport
ng sing l fi
ng di
i jin
f tzw

Wheres a/an ?
?
ATM
public phone
Wheres the local
internet cafe?
Id like to

get internet access
use a printer
use a scanner
tzai l li
t z dhn ch kun ji
guhn in ding fa
bng bieng ihw ung ba b

ng sing
sang ung
d n
sw miw
ba nk i ng & commu ni ca t i on s HUN AN E S E

()
?

()?
()
?
hw do ching la
tieng
g zhn
141

?
The number is

l di ding fa haw m sz hw do la
haw m sz
sightseeing
Id like to see
Whats that?
Can I take a photo?
ng sing kn
l sz m tz la
ng k pu tzw ba

?
?

ng sing gu go li di jn ding kn ha tz

ng sing ku tzw gwei luhw sing

uai di di fang un
?
g go hng tzuhn iw hw jihw a
sig h t see in g
sightseeing
142
Nnyu
Shoshn Mountain
Yul Academy
Yul Mountain
Yuyng Temple
Zhngjiji
ln i
sw san
i lhw shy yng
i lhw san
i ing lhw
tzang jia gi
shopping
Wheres a ?

camera shop
market
souvenir shop
supermarket
tzai l li
tzw sing ch tzi ding
sz tzn
ji ning pn ding
tsw sz
Id like to buy
Can I look at it?
How much is it?

?
?
?


()
?

ng sing mi
ng k kn ha tz ba
g sz m tz tzhw di la
hw do jing la
ti gwi da
ni l b ji jing shi ha li
b l ( kwi) ching
k in shn in k ba
tzng dan sang ihw ting uen t

so

tzhw ghw
do
bigger
smaller
dai du do
sh du do
meeting people
Hello.
Good morning.
Good afternoon.
Good evening.
Goodbye.
Good night.
l hw
tzw tzng hw
shia hw
un sang hw
tzai jing
un an
Mr
Mrs
Ms/Miss
shieng suhn
n s z
siw ji/mei tz
me e ti ng p eo pl e H UNA NE S E
less
enough
more
143
How are you?

Fine. And you?
Whats your name?
My name is
Im pleased to
meet you.
144
?
?
?

This is my

brother (older)
brother (younger)
child
daughter
father
friend
husband
mother
partner (intimate) m
f
son
sister (older)
sister (younger)
wife
l hw ba
hi k a, l lie
l jiw m tz m tz a
ng jiw
shn fei
g sz ng di
go go
d di
sh ng tz
mei tz
i
bhn ihw
lw guhn
ning
ln bhn ihw
n bhn ihw
tzi
ji jie
mi mei
dng ku
making conversation
Do you live here?
I love it here.
Have you eaten?
?
l jy g li ba
?
ku l li la
?
sh hong g li ba

ng tu sh hong g li
?
chi fan da maw
? l sz li g li l ihw di ba
Im here

for a holiday
on business
to study
?
l ng li g li
l ihw
ch tsai
lihw si
l iw tzai g li j hw jihw
local talk
Great!
Its OK.
Just a minute.
Just joking.
Maybe.
No problem.
No way!
Sure, whatever.
Thats enough!
mn hw
hi k
dhn ha tz
ng sz dhw b di
ihw k lhn
maw sz
b k lhn
k
ghw da
ma k i ng conve r sa t i on H UN ANE S E

()
ng jy (s z) go l bi
()?
ng k tzw (l) ba
Do you speak (Hunanese dialect)?

l siw du gng
()?
(f ln fa) ba
?
l lw jia gng m tz hua a
What do you call this in (Hunanese dialect)?
()
k in (f ln fa)
?
sz gng la
Whats this called?
?
g hn m tz la
Id like to learn some (Hunanese).
()
ng shing shi dieng (f ln fa)
?
l iw ng gw l in whn ba
?
g sz di fang hun shw ba
145
Where are you from?
146
l sz l li li di lie
Im from

Australia
Canada
England
New Zealand
the USA
l tzhw m tz di a
ng tzhn li
ngw d l i
jia l d
in g
shin shi ln
mi g
Im a/an

businessperson
office worker
tradesperson
tzhw suhn di
bu ln
guhn jiang
How old ?
?
are you
is your daughter
is your son
l
l mei tz
l tzi
Im years old.
Too old!
ng sui
ta sui
ti lu da
ng hi siw lie
Are you married?

?
?

l ji fuhn da maw
l tzhn jia da ba
ng ihw bong da
ng sz
hw do sui da
Im ...

single
married
dan suhn
ji fuhn da
Do you like ?
?
I (dont) like
()
art
film
music
reading
sport
l sh hong ba
ng (b) sh hong
ny sh
kn ding n
tn go
kn shy
y dhn
ng
feelings & opinions

ng (b)
l ba?
lhn
l
ngo
khw gan
li
I (dont) feel
()
Do you feel ?
?
happy
sad
worried
ng (b) chi du
l chi du ba
gaw shn
b gaw shn
j
l chi du tzhn mo ian
Its

awful
beautiful
boring
great
interesting
OK
strange
ta
ling b hw
hw piw liang di
liw
j hw di
hw ihw uei di
hi k
j gui
farewells

mn tieng ng iw tzuhw da
(),
ihw j fi li (suhw gu ln)

k li tzw ng
Keep in touch!
Heres my (address).
Whats your (email)?

bw ts ling sh
() g sz ng di (di dz)
()? l di (ihw siang) sz m tz
fe e li ngs & op i n ion s HUN AN E S E
Im (not)
()
Are you ?
?
cold
hot
hungry
thirsty
tired
147
well-wishing
Bon voyage!
Congratulations!
Good luck!
Happy birthday!
Happy New Year!
luhw bn ngan
guhn sh, guhn sh
tzhw l hw yn
suhn z kui l
shin ning hw
ea t in g ou t
eating out
148
Where would you go ?

for (a) ?
banquet
celebration
cheap meal
local specialities
yum cha
Can you recommend

a ?
?
bar
cafe
noodle house
dish
restaurant
(wonton) stall ()
street vendor
teahouse
l k tei jing
go ba
jihw ba
ka fei
mieng gng
bng
fn gng
(fhn tuhn) tan tz
luhw bieng tan
tz gng
Id like (a/the)

table for (five) ()

bill
drink list
local speciality
menu
(non)smoking table ()
ku l li lie
ban jihw sh
j shn chn tzhw fei
ch bing i ding di
di fang siw chi
h tz
ng iw
tzan ( go zhn di)
tz tz
tzn dan
jihw shyi dan
di fang te su tsi
tsi dan
(b) chi ieng di tz tz

?
?
()?
Whats in that dish?

?
Whats that called?
?
Ill have that.

hi ihw chi di ba
ihw m tz tei jing tsi ba
(tzw fan) ban chi m tz
g tz tsi sz m tz jia ho
tzhw di la
l go han m tz lo
li go lo
do fng ding
b iw fng
l jiaw
dai sng
wi jin
g zhn
ihw
Id like , please.

one slice
a piece
a sandwich
that one
two
This dish is

(too) spicy ()
superb
(ti) l
j hw di
That was delicious!

Im full.
j hw chi
chi bw da
ng iw
kwi
fuhn
go san mn t z
l go
ling go
g tz tsi da
e a ti n g ou t HU NAN E S E
Id like it with

Id like it without

chilli
garlic
MSG
nuts
oil
149
ea t in g ou t
breakfast
lunch
dinner
drink (alcoholic)
150
tzw fan
tzuhn fan
ia fan
jihw
n liaw
water

boiled
cold
sparkling mineral
still mineral
(cup of) coffee

()
(cup of) tea
()
with (milk) ()
without (sugar) ()
( bei) ka fei
( bei) tz
jia (lihw li)
b jia (dng)

lychee juice
orange juice
soft drink
sour plum drink
song li
l tz
tzhn t
ch shyi
song mi tang
black tea
chrysanthemum tea
green tea
jasmine tea
oolong tea
hhn tz
j hua tz
lhw tz
fa tz
u ln tz

?

?
Cheers!
!
Im feeling drunk.

shyi
kai
lhn kai
kung chyng ch
kung chyng
h m tz
ng chn ku
l iw ding m tz
gan bei
ng ihw ding tzi da
a of beer

glass
large bottle
small bottle
a shot of (whisky)
b jihw
bei
dai bn
sh bn
()
a bottle/glass
/
of wine

red
white
tzun (uei s z j)
bn/bei
b dw jihw
hhn
bu
street eats

ling fhn
jiw tz
go ti
bau tz
zhw bn
shing bn
zhn tz
tshw duhw fu
fhn tuhn

?

?
ihw shw s ba
k tzhw go b
fng di tsi ba
sp e ci a l di e ts & a ll ergie s H UNA NE S E

dumpling (boiled)
dumpling (fried)
dumpling (steamed)
pork pie (large)
pork pie (small)
stinky bean curd
wonton soup
151
Im allergic to

dairy produce
eggs
meat
nuts
seafood
ng di g mn
li t z pn
j dan
zhw
g zhn
hi shieng
Help!
Go away!
Fire!
Watch out!
152

?
?
Im lost.

?
?
Wheres the

nearest ?
?
dentist
doctor
hospital
pharmacist
jihw min a
tzhw kai
ch h da
shiw shin
l k bang ha ng ba
ng k i ha l di ding fa ba
ng m luhw da
tsu s tzai l li a
guhn ngan j tzai l li
tzi jin di
tzai l li
i i
i suhn
i yng
i fng
englishhunanese dictionary
accident (mishap) tzai h

accident (traffic) jiaw tuhn sz g
accommodation s shw
address n di tz
after tz huhw
air conditioning kuhn diw
airplane fei ji
airport ji tzn
alcohol jihw
all s ihw di
allergy g mn
ambulance jihw f tseu
and h
ankle gui
antibiotics kng suhn s
arm shw gn tz
ATM t z dhn ch kun ji
camera shing ji
cancel ch shiaw
car ch tseu
cash n shieng jin
cell phone shw ji
centre n tsuhn shin
change (money) n ling jing
cheap bing
check (bill) tzn dan
check-in n duhn j
chest (body) shin khw
children sh ng tz
cigarette shiang ieng
city tzhn s z
clean a gan jin
closed guan bi
cold a lhn
collect call
di fang f fi ding fa
come lai
computer ding lw
condom bi n tw
contact lenses n shn ngn jn
cook v puhn zhn
cost n fa fi
credit card shn in k
currency exchange h bi fi di
customs (immigration) hi guan
dangerous ui shing
date (time) z chi
day tieng
delay v ing t
dentist i ko i suhn
e n gl is h h un a n ese
baby mw mw
back (of body) bi
backpack bei baw
bad fai
bag baw
baggage shn l
bank n hng
bar ba
bathroom zhw s
battery ding t
beautiful hw kn
bed jyng
beer b jihw
before tz jing
behind tz huhw
bicycle dan tseu
big dai
bill tzn dan
blanket tw tz
blood group shy shn
boat jyng
book (make a reservation) v din
bottle bn tz
boy ng tz
brakes (car) s tseu
breakfast tzw fan
broken (out of order) fai g da
bus guhn ghn ch cheu
business suhn
buy v mi
153
depart ch f
diaper liaw b
dinner ia fan
direct a t ji
dirty l t
disabled tzn fi
discount v d tzu
doctor i suhn
double bed shyang zhn chyng
double room tw fn
drink n n liaw
drive v kai tseu
driving licence ji tzw
drug (illicit) dhw pn
ear u do
east duhn
eat chi
economy class jin j tsang
electricity ding
elevator ding ti
email ding tz ihw jieng
embassy dai sz gng
emergency jn j jn kung
English (language) in whn
evening un san
exit n ch khw
expensive gui
eye ngn jin
D I C TI ON A RY
154
far yng
fast kui
father i
film (camera) jiaw jyng
finger shw tz
first-aid kit j jihw shiang
first class dhw dhn tsang
fish n
food s
foot ji
free (of charge) ming fi
friend bhn ihw
fruit shyi g
full bw
gift l
girl mei tz
glass (drinking) bei tz

glasses ngn jn
go ku
good hw
guide n shing dw
half n bng
hand shw
happy gaw shn
he ta
head n dhw
heart shin
heavy tzuhn
help ban tshw
here g li
high gaw
highway gaw shw guhn luhw
hike v dhw bu l shn
holiday ji chi
homosexual dhn shn ling
hospital i yng
hot y
hotel l gng
(be) hungry ngo
husband lw guhn
I
I ng
identification (card) suhn fhn tzhn
ill suhn bin
important tzhn iw
injury (harm) zhw
injury (wound) sang khw
insurance bw shing
internet in tu ung
interpreter fan
J
jewellery jy bu
job guhn tz
K
key i sz
kilogram guhn jin
kitchen j fng
knife daw tz
laundry (place) sh i ding

lawyer l sz
left (direction) tz
leg (body) ti
lesbian l dhn shn ling
less sw
letter (mail) shn
light n guang
like v sh hong
lock n s
long tzng
lost su g da
love v ngi
luggage shn l
lunch tzuhn fan
name mn tz
near jin
neck n jn guhn
new shin
newspaper bw tz
night wn san
no (not at all) ding i b
noisy tsw sz da
nonsmoking jn tz sh ieng
north bu
nose b tz
now shieng tzai
number shw tz
old (people) lw
old (things) jiuhw
one-way ticket dan tzhn piw
open a kai di
outside wai mieng
passport f tzw
pay v f ji
pharmacy i fng
phonecard ding fa k
photo shing ping
police jn ts
postcard mn shn ping
post office ihw j
pregnant fi n
price n ji gu
quiet a ngan jin
rain n
razor gu f daw
receipt n tzuhw j
refund n ti kng
registered (mail) gu haw
rent v ch tzuhw
repair v shiuhw l
reserve v din
restaurant fan gng
return (give back) fn
return (go back) fi lai
return ticket fn tzhn piw
right (direction) iuhw
road iuhw
room n fng gan
safe a ngan jyeng

sanitary napkin ui suhn jin
seat n tzo uei
send j
sex (intercourse) shn
sex (gender) shn be
shampoo sh f jin
en g li sh h u n an e se
mail n shin
man ln zhn
map d dhw
market s z tzng
matches h tzi
meat zhw
medicine i
message shn sh
milk nihw li
minute fuhn tzuhn
mobile phone shw ji
money jing
month y
morning tzw san
mother ning
motorcycle m t tseu
mouth tzi ba
155
share (a dorm) fuhn shing

she ta
sheet (bed) jyng dan
shirt T ti shy san
shoes hi
shop n sang ding
short dng
shower n ln tzhw
single room dan zhn gan
skin n b fu
skirt n ju tz
sleep v kuhn gw
slow man
small sh
soap fi tzw
some shie
soon m san
south ln
souvenir j ning pn
stamp ihw piw
stand-by ticket tzan ti piw
station (train) h tseu tzan
stomach ui
stop v dn tz
stop (bus) n tzn di
street gai
student shi suhn
sun ti ing
sunscreen fng si ihw
swim v ihw n
D I C TI ON A RY
156
tampon tz shi ming jihw

telephone n ding fa
temperature (weather) wuhn dhn
that l go
they ta muhn
(be) thirsty k gan
this g go
throat hhw lhn
ticket piw
time s gan
tired li
tissues ui suhn tz
today jin tieng
toilet tsu s
tomorrow mn tieng
tonight jin tieng wn san
tooth ng tz
toothbrush i shy
toothpaste i gaw
torch (flashlight) shw ding dhn
tour n l shn
tourist office l shn su
towel mw jin
train n h tseu
translate fan
travel agency l shn sh
travellers cheque l shn tz piw
trousers k tz
twin-bed room shyang zhn gan
undershirt li i
underpants li k
urgent jn j
vacancy khn chy

vegetable n suhw tsi
vegetarian a shw s tzu
visa chieng tzhn
walk v bu shng
wallet jing baw
wash (something) sh
watch n kn
water n shyi
we ng muhn
weekend tzuhw m
west shi
wheelchair lhn
when dan s
where tzai l li
who la g
why gi
wife dng ku
window chyang fu
with h
without maw du
woman dng ku
write shi
yes sz
yesterday tz tieng
you sg inf l
you sg pol l lang ga
you pl l muhn
Shanghainese
TONES
ABOUT SHANGHAINESE
PRONUNCIATION
TIME & DATES
ACCOMMODATION
SIGHTSEEING
SHOPPING
MEETING PEOPLE
MAKING CONVERSATION
FEELINGS & OPINIONS
FAREWELLS
EATING OUT
ENGLISHSHANGHAINESE DICTIONARY
158
159
160
161
161
163
164
165
166
166
167
168
171
171
172
175
175
177
tones
Shanghainese is a tonal language (tonal quality refers to the raising and lowering
of pitch on certain syllables). Tones in Shanghainese fall on vowels and on z and n. In
this chapter Shanghainese is represented with four tones, as well as a fifth one, the
neutral tone. Apart from the unmarked neutral tone, we have used symbols above
the vowels to indicate each tone, as shown in the table below for the vowel a. Bear
in mind that the tones are relative to the natural vocal range of the speaker, eg the
high tone is pronounced at the top of ones vocal range. Note also that some tones
slide up or down in pitch.
t o n es
high
tone
158
high rising
tone
high falling
tone
SHANGHAINESE
about Shanghainese
In dynamic Shnghi nothing sits still for long. Even Shanghainese (zng hay y woo
) is evolving as the city attracts immigrants and entrepreneurs, opportunists
and global citizens. The most important dialect of Wu Chinese, Shanghainese has around
14 million speakers and is similar to the dialects of Nngb, Szhu and Knshn. Like
the city itself, the dialect might appear brash and uppity: its not mutually intelligible
with other Wu dialects nor is it with Standard Mandarin. Nonetheless, those who come
seeking opportunity in Shnghi are infusing the dialect with elements of Mandarin, so
that Shanghainese is effectively experiencing a generation gap of its own as it moves
from the historic Bund to the futuristic skyline of Pdng. The younger generation of
Shnghi residents casually flip Mandarin idioms and expressions into their banter and,
with government campaigns to encourage the use of Mandarin only, some fear for the
future of the dialect. But, while Shanghainese is rarely heard in schools or in the media,
it remains a source of pride and identity for many Shnghi natives.
shanghainese
JINGS
Yngzhu
East
China
S ea
Nnjng
SHN
HN
g Hzhu
ng
NHU
Wyun
Hngzhu
ZHJING
Shnghi
Ptushn
Nngb
ORISSA
0
0
250 km
125 mi
a b ou t S HAN GHAI NE S E
Xzhu
159
pronunciation
Vowels
160
Consonants
Symbol
English sound
Symbol
English sound
father
bed
aw
saw
ch
cheat
ay
say
dog
ee
see
ds
lads
er
mother (without
the r)
fun
ew
few
go
bit (very short)
hot
mock (very short)
jump
oe
as the e in send,
with rounded lips
kid
oo
took
lot
uh
uh-huh
man
ung
rung
not
urr
purr (strongly
pronounced rr)
ng
ring
pet
run
In this chapter, the Shanghainese

pronunciation is given in red after each
phrase.
sun
sh
shot
In Shanghainese, some consonants and

consonant combinations (dz, ng, m, sz
and z) can appear at the start of words, or
represent an entire word.
top
ts
cats
very
win
yes
zero
zh
pleasure
essentials
Yes./No.
Please
Hello.
Goodbye.
Thank you.
direction/assistance)
Sorry.
/vh z
ching
nong haw
dsy way
zh zh noong
nyng y nyung
vh haw ye sz
day vh chee

()?
Do you understand?
?
()
I (dont) speak Shanghainese.
()
noong wy duh gung (yng new) va

noong doong v
ngoo (vh) doong
ngoo (vh) way duh gung zng hay y woo

repeat that
speak more slowly
ching nong
dsy gung yi bee
my de gung
time & dates

What time is it?
Its (10) oclock.
Quarter past (10).
Half past (10).
Quarter to (11).
minutes past (10).)
?
()
()
()
()

ye zay jee de dsoong

(zh) dee dsoong
(zh) dee yi kh
(zh) dee boe
(zh) dee sz sh
g ferng
la ngu a ge di ffi cu lti es S HAN GHAI NE S E
161
numbers
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
lng
y
nye/lyng
sy
sz
g
l
ch
bh
jer
zh
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
1000
1,000,000
t im e & d a tes

()?
(It starts) At 10.
()
Its (18 October).
()
162
nyy suh
sy suh
sz sh
g suh
l suh
chi sh
buh sh
jer sh
y buh
y chee
y buh vay
sa zng kwung (ky sz)

zh dee dsoong (ky sz)
(zh ywi zh buh aw)
yesterday
today
now
tonight
tomorrow
z nyi
jng dsaw
ye zay
jng dsaw y der
mng dsaw
sunrise
sunset
zh tsuh
zh lo
this

afternoon
morning

(after breakfast)
morning

(before lunch)
jng dsaw
wo be nyi
dsaw zng
spring
summer
autumn
winter
tsrng tee
wo tee
cher tee
dong tee
zng be nyi
le ba y
le ba lyng
le ba sy
le ba sz
le ba g
le ba l
le ba te
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
y ywi verng
lyng yw verng
sy ywi verng
sz yw verng
g yw verng
l ywi verng
chi yw verng
buh yw verng
jer yw verng
zh ywi
zh yi ywi
zh nyee ywi

Is this the to

(Hngzhu)?
()?
boat
bus
train
gh dsuh daw
(hng dser) chee v
ze
gong tswoo
hoo tswo
Wheres a/the ?
?
bank
place to change
foreign money
post office
luh le duh
nyng ung
woe ng be uh de fung
yr jwi
Is this the road to (the Bund)?

()? gh dyaw lo z chee (ng tay) uh v

ching bng ngoo zhng zhing koe ye luh

de do gaw der uh wy dz
tra nsp or t & di re c ti on s S HAN GHAI N E SE
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
163
Whats the address?

How far is it?
How do I get there?
?
?
?
?
sa de dz
do saw ye
dser go chee ye v
na nrng dser
Turn left/right.
Its straight ahead.
dser/yer dsoe wy
yi zh mung zhe
Its

behind
in front of
near
on the corner
opposite
there
luh
r der
zhe der
vo jing
dsoe wy g lo
day go
y duh
accommodation
164

?

?
Wheres a hotel?
How much per night?
How much per person?
noong haw ty jee yi dsh bee nye

ngy uh de fung drng va
noong haw ty jee yi dsh haw
ngy uh de fung drng va
?
?

?
?
?
Do you have a
?
room?
double
single
twin
le duh yer bng gwoe

le duh yer jer de
ngoo shung ding vng gay
ngoo yer yw ding
jee de dsoong tay vng
yi te jee de
yi h nying jee de
yer vng gay va
do zung
dy nying
sng zung

()
?
()?
()
ngoo yaw drng (sy) uh y der

vng gay yh z buh ngo haw v
ngoo haw do ny dyaw (mw tay) va
(kong dyaw) yer mw bing
nw ngoo h
buh ngo haw v
uh jng
vo dsaw

Wheres a/an ?
?
ATM
public phone
?
Id like to

get internet access
use a printer
use a scanner

?
The number is

luh le duh
z doong chew kwe jee
gong yoong de woo
vo jing yer mng b va

ngo shung
zng mng
dung ying
saw myw
noong de woo hw der do saw
hw der z
ba nk ing & commu ni ca ti on s S HAN GHAI N ES E
Could I have my ,

please?
?
deposit
passport
165
sightseeing

ngo shung koe y shi dng dee uh

jing de
Id like to see

ngo shung koe
Whats that?
?
gh uh z sa
Can I take a photo?
?
ngo haw ph dsung dsaw pe va

ngo shung chee zng gway lo shee

yi ng uh de fung bh shung shung

gh tung lw ying yaw yong do
?
saw zrng gwung
sig h t see in g
shopping
166
Wheres a ?
?
camera shop
market
souvenir shop
supermarket
luh le duh
dsaw shng dee
zung
jee nye ping sng dee
tsw z
sightseeing
The Bund
Chngmng Island
Huangpu River
Jnjing Park
Nnjng Road
Oriental Pearl Tower
Shshn
ng tay
zong mng daw
wng po gung
jng gung l yoe
ne jng loo
dong fung mng dz de z tuh
zwo say

Id like to buy
Can I look at it?
How much is it?
?

?
?

gh uh sa h dsoo h
ngo shung m
buh ngo koe ke haw v
jee de
tuh jew luh
less
enough
more
saw
dso gr
do
bigger
smaller
do y ngay
shaw y ngay
meeting people
Hello.
Good morning.
Good evening.
Goodbye.
Good night.
nong haw
dsaw zng haw
y der haw
dsy way
mng dsw way
me e ti ng pe op l e S HAN GHAI NE S E

sa de fung yer m berng de
?
dh tsay

ching ny ga de sha wo lay
()
buh nong (g kway) ng dee
?
n sr shing yong ka va

dsung dy gw der yer vrng dee
167
168
Mr
Mrs
Ms/Miss
she sung
nw z
shaw j
How are you?

Fine. And you?
Whats your name?
My name is
?
?
?

noong haw
haw h, nong nay
nong jaw sa mng dz
ngo jaw
shng way
This is my

brother (older)
brother (younger)
child
daughter
father
friend
husband
mother
partner (intimate)
sister (older)
sister (younger)
son
wife
gh uh z ngo uh
uh go
uh de
shaw nyng
ne
y
bng yer
lw goong
nyng
day yng
uh jy
uh my
nye dz
lw boo
making conversation
Do you live here?
I love it here.
Have you eaten?
Are you here on
holidays?
?
?
?

?

?
Im here

for a holiday
on business
to study
noong luh gh duh v

daw lee chee
hwe shee gh du v
ngoo lw hwe shee gh duh
vy chuh luh v
noong ly gh duh lw
yer v
ngoo ly gh duh
lw yer
tsuh ts
lyr o
local talk
Great!
Hey!
Its OK.
Just a minute.
Just joking.
Maybe.
No problem.
No way!
Sure, whatever.
Thats enough!

,,
,
dsay
y
y koo ye
derng y derng
kay wy shaw
yer khoo nrng
m muh z tee
vh koo nerng
haw, haw, haw
ger lh, ger lh
ma k i ng conve rsa ti on S HAN GHAI N E SE

?
noong luh gh duh do jer
()
ngo (sz) h le ba
()?
ngo haw puh (nong) va
Do you speak (Shanghainese)?
()?
nong gung (zng hay y woo) va
?
nong luh o le gung sa y woo
What do you call this in (Shanghainese)?
()
gh uh yoong (zng hay y woo) n
?
nerng gung
Whats this called?
?
gh uh jaw sa
Id like to learn some (Shanghainese).
()
ngo shung (zng hay y woo)

nong yaw ngoo gaw nong yng
?
new v
?
gh uh z de fung fng zo va
169
Where are you from?
170
nong zoong lee ly
Im from

Australia
Canada
England
New Zealand
the USA
ngo zoong ly
aw d lee ya
g na da
yng go
shng shee lay
may g
nong dsoo sa gong dso
Im a/an

businessperson
office worker
tradesperson
ngo dsoo
sng nying
bh ling
gong jung
How old ?
?
are you (to child)
is your daughter
is your son
jee se luh
nong
nong uh ne ng
nong uh nye dz
How old are you? (to adult)

Im years old.
Too old!
?

/

nong do da nye je a
ngo soe
ye soe
tuh lw luh
ngo shaw lh
Are you married?
nong ji hwrng luh va
Im

married
single
ngo
ji hwrng luh
dy serng

ngo yr bng yr luh

nong zrng g luh va
Do you like ?
?
I (dont) like
()
art
film
music
reading
sport
nong hwe shee va

ngo (vh) hwe shee
ne zo
koe de ying
ting yng ywi
koe sz
tee yw
feelings & opinions

ngo (vh)
nong va
lng
ny
ngo
ge
chuh l
I (dont) feel
()
Do you feel ?
?
happy
sad
worried
ngo (vh) go zh
nong gaw zh va
ky shing
vh ky shing
j
nong gaw zh n nerng
Its

awful
beautiful
boring
great
interesting
OK
strange
gh uh
law ty bay
law pyw lyung
law vo lyaw
law lng
law yr ye sz
ay ko yee
je gwa
farewells

mng dsaw ngo yaw dser lh
(),
yr je way ly (so guh lay)

koo ye lay zhng ngoo
Keep in touch!
Heres my (address).
Whats your (email)?
!
baw dz le shee
() gh uh z ngo uh (de dz)
()? nong uh (mng dz) z sa
fe e li ngs & opi ni on s S HAN GHAI N ES E
Im (not)
()
Are you ?

cold
hot
hungry
thirsty
tired
171
well-wishing
Bon voyage!
Congratulations!
Good luck!
Happy birthday!
Happy New Year!
yi lo bng oe
gong shee, gong shee
dsuh nong haw ywng
srng nyi kwa l
shng nyee haw
eating out
ea t in g ou t
Where would you go

for (a) ?
?
banquet
celebration
cheap meal
local specialities
yum cha
172
yng gay daw le

duh chee
by jr sz
chng zuh
chuh lh be nye ngay
de fung shaw chh
chh zwo
Can you recommend nong koo ye ty jee yi dsh

a ?
?
va
bar
jer b
cafe
k fee o
dish
brng
noodle house
me gwoe
restaurant
v dee
snack shop
shaw chh dee
(wonton) stall ()
(wrng derng) ty der
street vendor
mwo lo gaw der uh
shaw chh
teahouse
zwo gwoe
Id like (a/the)

ngo yaw
table for (five) () yi dsng (g nying)

dy dz
bill
dsng day
drink list
jer sz day
local speciality
dh suh tsay
menu
tsy day
(non)smoking ()
(vh) chuh shng yee uh

table

dy dz

?
y yng y va
?
yer sa ty jee va
()?
(dsaw vy) yi by chh sa
Whats in that dish?
Whats that called?
Ill have that.
? gh uh tsay z sa h dsoo h
?
y uh jaw sa

ny yi dsuh
do fng ng
vh yaw fung
lh jaw
d soe
ve jing
goo nyng
yr
Id like , please.

one slice
a piece
a sandwich
that one
two
ching buh ngo

yi kwy
yi vrng
yi dsh sy ming dz
y mee dsuh
lyng dsuh
This dish is

(too) spicy ()
superb
gh tsay luh
(tuh) lh
law haw
That was delicious!

Im full.
dsrng haw chh

chuh bw luh
breakfast
lunch
dinner
drink (alcoholic)
dsaw vy
dsong vay
y vay
jer
ying lyw
e a ti ng ou t S HAN GHAI NE S E
Id like it with

Id like it without

chilli
garlic
MSG
nuts
oil
173
ea t in g ou t
174
water

boiled
cold
mineral
sz
ky
lng ky
kwung zhoe
(cup of) coffee

()
(cup of) tea
()
with (milk) ()
without (sugar) ()
(yi by) k fee

(yi by) zwo
g (nyr na)
vh ga (dng)
black tea
chrysanthemum tea
green tea
jasmine tea
oolong tea
hong zwoo
jwi hwo zwoo
l zwoo
hwo zwoo
vo loong zwoo

(orange) juice
lychee juice
soft drink
sour plum drink

()

se na
(dsrng) dsh
le dz dsh
che sz
se may tung

Cheers!
Im feeling drunk.

?
!

ngo ching kh
nong yaw chh sa
ge bay
ngo yer ngy dsoe
a of beer

glass
large bottle
small bottle
yi be jer
by ds
do bng
shaw bng
a shot of (whisky)
yi dsrng (wy sz jee)
()
a bottle/glass of
/
wine

red
white
yi bng/by
bo dw jer
hong
bh
street eats
lyng ferng
dsrng dz mee
jw dz
go ti
bw dz
je bing
d bing
ny bing
dsong dz
wrng drng tung

?

?
yer so zuh va
haw dsoo dsuh vh fung
uh tsay v
Im allergic to

dairy produce
eggs
meat
nuts
seafood
ngo day goo mng

n dz ping
je day
ny
goo nyng
hay she

Help!
Go away!
Fire!
Watch out!
?
jer mng
dser ky
zuh ho luh
dng shing
nong nrng bng ngoo va
spe ci a l di e ts & a lle rgi es S HAN GHAI NE S E

corn on the cob
dumpling (boiled)
dumpling (fried)
dumpling (steamed)
egg and spring onion pancake
pork pie (large)
wonton soup
175

?
Im lost.

?
?
Wheres the

nearest ?
?
dentist
doctor
hospital
pharmacist
176
ngo haw ja nong de woo yong

yong va
ngo mee lo luh
tsz so luh le duh
pa tsh soo luh le duh
dsoe jng uh
luh le duh
ng yee
ye sung
ye yoe
yh vung
englishshanghainese dictionary
accident (mishap) dsy nay

accident (traffic) jw toong sz go
accommodation zh so
adaptor be ji
address n de dz
after dz r
air conditioning kong dyaw
airplane fe jee
airport je zung
alcohol jer
all soo yr uh
allergy goo mng
ambulance jer o tswoo
and duh dz
ankle w gwy ji
antibiotics kung srng soo
arm ser be
ATM z doong chew kwe jee
camera dsaw shng jee

cancel chew shw
car chee tswo
cash n ye jing
cash (a cheque) v ()
nw (dz pyaw) dy shee
cell phone ser je
centre n dsong shn
change (money) v woe tsw pyaw
cheap be nye
check (bill) dsung dy
check-in n drng jee
chest (body) shong dung
children shaw nyng
cigarette shng yee
city zrng z
clean a chng sung uh
closed gwy tuh uh
cold a lng uh
collect call
day fng foo fe de woo
come ly
computer de naw
condom be ywng taw
contact lenses ying yng ngy jing
cook v prng zerng
cost n hwo fee
credit card shing yong ka
currency exchange hoo be wy day
customs (immigration) hay gwy
dangerous wy she uh
date (time) ny jee
e ng l is h sh a n gh a in es e
baby yng urr

back (of body) bay
backpack bay bw
bad w uh
bag bw
baggage hng lee
bank nyng ung
bar jer b
bathroom y suh
battery de z
beautiful haw ke uh
bed zng
beer be jr
before dz zhe
behind dz r
bicycle juh dh tswoo
big do uh
bill dsung dy
blanket mw tay
blood group shwi yng
boat ze
book (make a reservation) v yw ding
bottle bng
boy ne shw noe
brakes (car) sh tswoo
breakfast dsaw vy
broken (out of order) w dh uh
bus gong tswoo
business sng yee
buy v m
177
day te
delay v ty z
dentist ng yee
depart tsuh fh
diaper sz boo
dinner y vay
direct a zh j uh
dirty o ts uh
disabled zy je uh
discount v dung dsh
doctor ye sung
double bed sng nying zung
double room do zng vung
drink n ying lyw
drive v ky tswo
driving licence ja dsw
drug (illicit) do ping
E
ear nye doo
east dong
eat chh
economy class jng jee tsung
electricity de
elevator de tee
email de dz yr jee
embassy d sz gwoe
emergency jing j dsung kwng
English (language) yng nyew
evening y der
exit n tsuh kr
expensive jew h
eye ngy jing
D I C TI ON A RY
178
far ye uh
fast kwa h
father o ching
film (camera) ying pe
finger ser dz
first-aid kit ji jr shung
first class dr drng tsung
fish n g
food zh vuh
foot jh
free (of charge) me fe uh
friend bng yer
fruit sz go
full baw h
gift le vuh
girl nw shw noe
glass (drinking) by dz
glasses ngy jing
go chee
good haw h
guide n dw yer
half n yi be
hand ser
happy ky shing uh
he ye
head n dr
heart shng
heavy zong uh
help bng mung
here gh duh
high gw uh
highway gw so gong loo
hike v do boo lw ying
holiday ga je
homosexual dong shng lee
hospital ye yoe
hot ny
hotel bng gwoe
(be) hungry ngo
husband lw goong
I ngo
identification (card) srng verng dserng
ill sng mr bng uh
important zong yw uh
injury (harm) sng hay
injury (wound) sng ker
insurance baw she
internet yng tuh mung
interpreter fy yi
jewellery dz baw
job gong dso
key yh z
kilogram gong jing
kitchen vung
knife shaw dw
laundry (place) shee ye dee

lawyer l sz
left (direction) dsoo
leg (body) tay
lesbian nyw dong shing lee
less saw
letter (mail) shing
light n gwng
like v hwe shee
lock n soo
long zng uh
lost suh che uh
love v ay
luggage hng lee
lunch dsong vay
name mng z
near jng uh
neck n dr jing
new shng uh
newspaper baw dz
night y der
no (none) m muh
no (not this) v z
noisy tsaw h
nonsmoking
vuh dsrn chuh shng yee
old (people) lw
old (things) jer
one-way ticket dy zerng pyaw
open a ky uh
outside ng der
passport vo dsaw
pay v foo tsw pyaw
pharmacy yh vung
phonecard de wo ka
photo dsaw pe
police jng tsuh
postcard mng shng pee
post office yr jwi
pregnant w ywng uh
price n ga de
quiet a e jing uh
rain n yw
razor gwh wo dz daw
receipt n sr jwi
refund n tay kwe
registered (mail) gwoo w uh
rent v tsh dz
repair v shr lee
reserve v yw ding
restaurant vy dee
return (give back) wy
return (go back) wy chee
return ticket fay zrng pyaw
right (direction) yer
road lo
room n vng gay
safe a e zhoe uh
sanitary napkin wy srng jing
seat n zo way
e ng l is h sh a n gh a in es e
mail n yr jee
man nyng
map de doo
market zung
matches z ly hoo
meat ny
medicine yh
message shing sh
milk nyr na
minute frng dsoong
mobile phone ser je
money tsw pyaw
month y
morning dsaw zng
mother mo ching
motorcycle mo t tswoo
mouth dz bwo
north bo
nose b der
now ye zay
number soo dz
179
send fuh song

sex (intercourse) shng jaw
sex (gender) shing bi
shampoo d dr gaw
share (a dorm) frng shung
she ye
sheet (bed) zng day
shirt T te shwi
shoes dz
shop n sng dee
short doe h
shower n lng yo
single room dy nying vung
skin n be foo
skirt n jwng dz
sleep v kwerng
slow m uh
small shaw h
soap be zaw
some yi ngy
soon mwo zung
south ne
souvenir jee nye ping
stamp yr pyaw
stand-by ticket zy dy pyaw
station (train) hoo tswo zay
stomach wy
stop v dng dz
stop (bus) n tswo zay
street g
student sung
sun ta yng
sunscreen fng s yer
swim v yr yoong
D I C TI ON A RY
180
tampon wy srng jing

telephone n de woo
temperature (weather) wrng doo
that y uh
they ye la
(be) thirsty dz bwo ge
this gh uh
throat o loong
ticket pyaw
time zrng gwung
tired chuh l uh
tissues wy srng dz
today jng dsaw
toilet tsz so
tomorrow mng dsaw
tonight jng dsaw y der
tooth ng tsz
toothbrush ng suh
toothpaste ng gaw
torch (flashlight) ser de doong
tour n lw ying
tourist office lw yng zwoo
towel mw jing
train n hoo tswo
translate fy yi
travel agency lw yng zwoo
travellers cheque lw ying dz pyaw
trousers ko dz
twin-bed room sng nying gay
underwear ny ye koo
urgent jing j uh
vacancy kong chwi

vegetable n so tsay
vegetarian a chuh so uh
visa che zerng
walk v dser
wallet be gh dz
wash (something) d
watch n ser byaw
water n sz
we uh lh
weekend dsr mo
west she
wheelchair lrng yee
when dng
where luh le duh
who sa nyng
why wy sa
wife lw boo
window tsng merng
with duh dz
without m muh
woman nw nying
write sha
yes
yesterday z nyi
you sg nong
you pl n
Sichuanese
TONES
ABOUT SICHUANESE
PRONUNCIATION
TIME & DATES
ACCOMMODATION
SIGHTSEEING
SHOPPING
MEETING PEOPLE
MAKING CONVERSATION
FEELINGS & OPINIONS
FAREWELLS
EATING OUT
ENGLISHSICHUANESE DICTIONARY
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
190
191
192
194
195
196
199
200
201
tones
Sichuanese is a tonal language (tonal quality refers to the raising and lowering of
pitch on certain syllables). In this chapter Sichuanese is represented with four tones,
as well as a fifth one, the neutral tone. Apart from the unmarked neutral tone, we
have used symbols above the vowels to indicate each tone, as shown in the table
t o n es
high
tone
182
high rising
tone
high falling
tone
SICHUANESE
about Sichuanese
Its classified as a southwestern dialect of Mandarin, but if it were viewed as a language
in its own right Sichuanese (se tswn hw ), with 120 million speakers, would
be one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. The population of Schun is
95% Han Chinese with a small Tibetan minority, who also speak Sichuanese and
their dialect is regarded as one of the most uniform in China. The Sichuanese dialect is
very similar to dialects spoken in the neighbouring provinces of Guzhu and Ynnn,
and if you wander across to Chngqng youll hear the same dialect spoken. There are
some variations locals say, for example, that the Chngqng accent is different to
the Chngd accent. If you have a grasp of Mandarin you should be able to chat with
Sichuanese speakers, as the grammar and vocabulary are very similar. Its through its
pronunciation that Sichuanese marks out its own linguistic territory. Perhaps its the
Szechuan cuisine garnished with liberal sprinklings of Schun peppercorns that
creates the nasal twang and clipped vowels that make Sichuanese distinctive.
sichuanese
Chngzh
Gyun
Ynchng
Boj
Sngpn
Xn
SHAANXI
(SHNX)
HNN
Xingfn
TIBET
SCHUN
Nnchng
Chngd
CHNGQNG
Chngqng
Chngqng
Shangri-la
India
Ljing
Xigun
(Dl City)YNNN
Myanmar
Rul
Knmng
Wndng
HBI
Yichng
GUZHU
Lipnshu
Guyng
Qijng
0
0
Chngd
HNN
Fnghung
Kil
Hngy
Sh
Guln 500 km
250 mi
Yngshu
Li h
a b out S IC H UAN E S E
GNS
QNGHI
183
pronunciation
Vowels
184
Consonants
Symbol
English sound
Symbol
English sound
father
bed
ai
aisle
ch
cheat
air
lair
dog
ao
Mao
fun
au
haul
go
ay
pay
hot
bet
jump
ee
see
kit
er
her
lot
ew
new, with
rounded lips
man
hit
not
home
ng
ring
oo
tool
pet
good
run
In this chapter, the Sichuanese pronunciation is given in orange after each

phrase.
sun
sh
shot
top
Note that r is always pronounced

wherever it appears, including after a
vowel (like in American English).
ts
cats
win
Some syllables are separated by a dot,

and should be pronounced closely
together.
For example: fnr
yes
lads
zh
pleasure
essentials
Yes./No.
Please
Hello.
Goodbye.
Thank you.
Excuse me.
Sorry.
se/bo se
chn
le ho
zi jyn
syir syir le
m fn h ze
bo ho ye se
le swu dr li (yn yw) bo
wu swu (bo) li se tswn hw
le dong chee my d
wu shyo d l
wu go bo chn zn

repeat that
speak more slowly
m fn le
zi su ye do
mn de dr su
numbers
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
ln
e
r/lyng
sn
se
wo
ly
chi
b
jy
se
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
1000
1,000,000
r se
sn se
se se
wo se
ly se
ch se
b se
jy se
e by
e chee yn
e by wn
la ngu a ge di ffi cu l t ies S I C HUAN E S E

()?
I (dont) speak Sichuanese.
()
Do you understand?
?
I understand.

I dont understand.

185
time & dates

What time is it?
Its (10) oclock.
Quarter past (10).
Half past (10).
Quarter to (11).
minutes past (10).)
At what time
(does it start)?
(It starts) At 10.
Its (18 October).
? shyn zi ho du dyn lu
()
(se) dyn jyn
() (se) dyn se wo fn
() (se) dyn sn se fn
() (se) dyn se se wo fn

()?
()
()
s ze se h
(ki se)
se dyn jyn (ki se)
(se ywir se b ho)
yesterday
today
now
tonight
tomorrow
zu tyn
jn tyn
shyn zi
jn wn sng
mn tyn
t im e & d a tes
this

morning

(after breakfast)
afternoon
186
zy gu
zo sng
sng wo
sy wo
sunrise
sunset
re ch
re lu
spring
summer
autumn
winter
chn tyn
sy tyn
cheey tyn
dn tyn
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
shn chee e
shn chee r
shn chee sn
shn chee se
shn chee wo
shn chee ly
shn chee tyn
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
ywn ywir fnr

r ywir fnr
sn ywir fnr
se ywir fnr
wo ywir fnr
ly ywir fnr
chi ywir fnr
b ywir fnr
jy ywir fnr
se ywir fnr
se ye ywir fnr
se r ywir fnr
Is this the

to (Chngd)?
()?
boat
bus
train
zi gu se do
(chen du) d m
tswng
gng gng chee chy
hu chy
Wheres a/the ?
?
zi sh ze de fng
bank
yn hng
place to change
tyo wi be d

foreign money
de fng
post office
y jw
Is this the road to (Tianfu Plaza)?

()?
chn wn zy tyo l se do
(tyn f gyng chng) d mu

chn bng wu je h ze t zi de
?
to sng d wy zhe
tra nspor t & di re c t ion s S I C HUAN E S E
187
Whats the address?

How far is it?
How do I get there?
Turn left/right.
Its straight ahead.
?
?
?
?
/

Its

behind
in front of
near
on the corner
opposite
there
de ze se lr n
yw ho ywn
j l yo j ho ywn
j gu j
wn zu/yw gwi
dwy je sn chyn
zi
d h t
d cheeyn t
fo jn
gwi wner d de fng
d dwy myn
l le
accommodation
Wheres a hotel?
?

188

?


Do you have a

room?
?
double
single
twin
/?
l gu de fng y lw gwn
le ln jyn so ye gu shyng yn
d de fng jo m
le ln jyn so ye gu b se
d de fng jo m
wu shyng dn yee gu fn jyn
wu dn d fng jyn l
y my d
fng jyn d
to jyn
dn rn
byo jyn
my tyn/rn ho du chyn
jo (sn) tyn
ln bo ln gy wu fng jyn yo se
wu ln du n ye tyo (mo tn) m
(kng tyn) chy gwi l
ho du dyn jng twy fng
Could I have my ,
please?
?
deposit
passport
wu shyng n hwy wu
d
y jn
f zo

?
j wy y my d wng b d
Wheres a/an ?
?
ATM
public phone
zi l gu de fng
ze dng chyw kwn je

gng yng dyn hw
Id like to

wu shyng
get internet access
sng wng
use a printer
d yn
use a scanner
so myo
?
The number is

ln d dyn hw ho m se ho du
ho m se
ba nk i ng & commu ni ca t i on s S IC H UAN ES E

()
?
()?
()
?
189
sightseeing

wu shyng kn h ze ye syir bn
de d jn dyn

wu shyng chyw e syir rn so

d jn dyn

Id like to see
Whats that?
Can I take a photo?

?
?
?
wu shyng kn
l se s ze
wu ln py bo
se jyn yo ho j
sightseeing
sig h t see in g
Du Fus Cottage
Djingyn irrigation project
mi Shn
Jizhigu Nature Reserve
Qngchng Shn
Qngyng Gng
Whu Temple
190
d f cho tng
d jyng yn
u my sn
jy zi g
chn chn sn
chn yng gng
wo h ts
shopping
Wheres a ?
?
camera shop
market
souvenir shop
supermarket
zi nr
zo shyng dyn
se chng
je lyn pn dyn
cho se
Where can I buy locally produced goods?

l gu de fng wu ln g mi do bn
?
de d to tsn
?
z se s ze dng se zwu d
Id like to buy
Can I look at it?
How much is it?

?
?


()
?
wu shyng mi
wu nn kn h ze mu
ho du chyn
ti gwy l
chn b jy chyn shyir shyir li

gy le (wo kwi) chyn
le mn s shn yng k m
less
enough
more
so
g l
du
bigger
smaller
d
shyo
Hello.
Good morning.
Good afternoon.
Good evening.
Goodbye.
Good night.
le ho
zo sng ho
sy wo ho
wn sng ho
zi jyn
wn n
Mr
Mrs
Ms/Miss
sy sn
nw se
shyo jyir
How are you?

Fine. And you?
Whats your name?
My name is
?
?
?

le ho m
ho, le n
le jyo s ze mn ze
wu jyo
shn hwy
me e ti ng pe o ple S I C HUAN E S E
meeting people
191
This is my

brother
child
daughter
father
friend
husband
mother
partner (intimate)
sister
son
wife
z se wu d
syong de
wr
lwr
lo hr
png y
lo gng
mo chn
dwy shyng
jyir my
r ze
lo p
making conversation
192
Do you live here?

?
jo ji j le m
sng l le chyw
?
she hwn j le s
I love it here.

wu hn she hwn z le
Have you eaten?
?
chi gu fn lyn m
Are you here on holidays? ? le li z le lw y d m
Im here

for a holiday
on business
to study
?
()
()?
Do you speak (Sichuanese)?
()?
?
wu li j le
lw y
ch chi
ly shwir
le yo zi z l zo ho jy
wu jo (se) gu shn chee
wu ku ye pi (le) m
le hwy jyng (se tswn hw) bo
le zi lo jy su d se s ze hw
local talk
Great!
Hey!
Its OK.
Just a minute.
Just joking.
Maybe.
No problem.
No way!
Sure, whatever.
Thats enough!
!
!

!
,,
,
What do you call this in (Sichuanese)?

()?
n ye d hn
m fn h ze
jyng jy
dn ye h
ts b ze
y ku nn
my d s ze se
bo ku nn
ku ye ku ye ku ye
g lu g lu
le ln go so wu z gu dng se
(se tswn hw) z gu jyng
Where are you from?
le se lr li l
Im from

Australia
Canada
England
New Zealand
the USA
wu tsng li
o d l y
jy l d
yn gu
shn she ln
my gu
le se z s ze l
Im a/an

businessperson
office worker
tradesperson
wu dng
j sn ye d
by ln
gng jyng
ma k i ng conve rsa t io n S I C HUAN E S E
Whats this called?

?
z gu jyo s ze
Id like to learn some (Sichuanese).

wu syng shou din
()
(se tswn hw)

le shyng bo shyung wu jyo le
?
syir yn yw
?
z se de fng fng s mu
193
fe el in g & opi ni ons

194
How old ?
?
are you
is your daughter
is your son
le
le d lwr
le dr ze
Im years old.
Too old!
Are you married?
wu swy
t swy
lo dn l
wu shyo d hn
le jyir hon lyo my d
wu y lo p lyo
le jyir hon l s

/
!

?

?
ho d l
Im

married
single
jyir hon lyo

dn shn
Do you like ?
?
I (dont) like
()
art
film
music
reading
sport
le she hwn bo
wu (bo) she hwn
e s
kn dyn yn
tn yn ywir
kn s
te yw
wu
feelings & opinions

Im (not)
()
Are you ?
?
cold
hot
hungry
thirsty
tired
wu (bo)
le m
ln
r
u
k gn
ly
I (dont) feel
()
Do you feel ?
?
happy
sad
worried
wu gn (bo) do
le gn do m
go shn
bo go shn
jyir d hn
le jw d lng gu yng
Its

awful
beautiful
boring
great
interesting
OK
strange
t
wi d hn
pyo lyng d hn
wo lyo d hn
b se tsn l
y e se tsn l
hi jyng jw
gwi d hn
farewells
well-wishing
Bon voyage!
Congratulations!
Good luck!
Happy birthday!
Happy New Year!
e l pn n
gng she gng she
zo le ho yon
sn re kwi lu
shn lyn ho
fa re w ell s S I CH UAN E S E

mn tyn wu yo j lu
(),
y je hwy do (s g ln)

ku e li zai wu
Keep in touch!

bo ts lyn se
Heres my (address).
()
g le wu d (de ze)
Whats your (email)?
()?
le d (wng ze) se s ze
195
eating out
Where would you go ? gi do nr chyw
for (a) ?
banquet
bn se
celebration
bn chn zo hwy
cheap meal
chi d shyng yn e
dyn d
local specialities
de fng shyo chi
yum cha
hu ch
ea t in g ou t
Can you recommend

a ?
?
bar
cafe
dish
noodle house
restaurant
snack shop
(wonton) stall ()
street vendor
teahouse
196
le ku e jyn so e gu
m
b
k fy tn
pn
myn gwn
tsn tn
shyo chi dyn
(tso s) tn
gi t shyo chi
ch gwn
Id like (a/the)

wu yo
table for (five) () ye zng (wo gu rn d)

zuu ze
bill
zng dn
drink list
jy swy dn
local speciality e gu de fng t s tsi
menu
tsi dn
(non)smoking table () (bo) se yn d zuu ze
?
?
Whats in that dish?
?
()?
le mn zi hi yn y my d
y s ze tsi ku e jyn so my d
z do tsi se s ze dng se z d
(zo fn) e bn chi s ze
Ill have that.

Whats that called?
li e gu
l gu jyo s ze
Id like it with

Id like it without
chilli
garlic
MSG
nuts
oil
du fng e dyn
bo yo fng
hi jyo
d swn
wy jn
gu rn
y
Id like , please.

one slice
a piece
a sandwich
that one
two
This dish is

(too) spicy ()
superb
(ti) l
ho je l
That was delicious!

Im full.
zhn ho chi
chi bo l
breakfast
lunch
dinner
drink (alcoholic)
zo fn
wo fn
wn fn
jy
yn lyo
z gu tsi lu
swy
ki
lyng ki
so d yn lyo
kwng cheewn
e a ti ng out S IC H UAN ES E
water

boiled
cold
sparkling mineral
still mineral
chn gi wu
e kwi
e fn
e gu sn mn z
l e gu
lyng gu
197
ea t in g ou t
198
(cup of) coffee

()
(cup of) tea
()
with (milk) ()
without (sugar) ()
(e by) k fy
(e by) ch
jy (ly li)
bo jy (tng)
black tea
chrysanthemum tea
green tea
jasmine tea
oolong tea
hng ch
ju hw ch
l ch
hw ch
w lng ch

(orange) juice
lychee juice
soft drink
sour plum drink

()

swn li
(chn) ze
le ze ze
chee swy
swn my tng

?

?
Cheers!
!
Im feeling drunk.

a of beer

glass
large bottle
small bottle
hu s ze
wu bn le mi ye by
le se bo se syng yo
gn by
wu y dyn zwy
e pe jy
by
d pn
shyo pn
a shot of (whisky)
()
a bottle/glass of
/
wine

red
white
e shyo by (wy se je)

e pn/by
po to jy
hng
by
street eats

dng p z ze
lyng fn
bo go bng
jyo ze
f chee fy pyn
gu kwy
zng ze
m p d fo
hwy gu r
tso s
yw syng r se

?

?
y my d so se se pn
len bu len zu gau bo fang
d tsai
Im allergic to

dairy produce
eggs
meat
nuts
seafood
wu dyw gu mn
li ze pn
je dn
r
gu rn
hi syn
spe ci a l di e ts & a llergi es S I C H UANE S E
braised Dongpo pork hock

with brown sauce
corn on the cob
dumpling (boiled)
pork lungs in chilli sauce
pork pie (small)
tofu with minced meat in a
spicy sauce
twice-cooked pork
wonton soup
Yxing shredded pork
199

Help!
Go away!
Fire!
Watch out!
Wheres the

nearest ?
?
dentist
doctor
hospital
pharmacist
200

?

?
Im lost.

?
?
jy mn
z ki
chee hu l
dng shn
zi jn d
zi lr
y e
e sn
e ywn
yo dyn
le ln bng wu m
wu ln jyir e h le d dyn
hw m
wu me l lu
ch su zi s ze de fng
pi ch su zi s ze de fng
englishsichuanese dictionary
accident (mishap) zi hu
accident (traffic) jyo tng se go
accommodation se so
adaptor byn jw
address n de ze
after ze h
air conditioning kng tyn
airplane fy je
airport je chng
alcohol jy
all s y d
allergy gu mn
ambulance jw fo chy
and hu
ankle lu
antibiotics kng sn so
arm s be
ATM ze dng chyw kwn je
camera shyng je
cancel chyw shyo
car chee chy
cash n shyn jn
cash (a cheque) v fo shyn jn
cell phone s je
centre n zng shn
change (money) v ln chyn
cheap shyng yn d
check (bill) zng dn
check-in n dn je
chest (body) shyong po
children r tng
cigarette shyng yn
city chn se
clean a gn je d
closed gwn be d
cold (weather) a ln d
collect call
dwy fng fo fy dyn hw
come li
computer dyn lo
condom be yon to
contact lenses yn shn yn jn
cook v png rn
cost n hw fy
credit card shn yng k
currency exchange hu be hwy dwy
dangerous wy shyn d
date (time) re chee
e n gl is h si ch ua n es e
baby yn r
back (of body) by
backpack by bo
bad hwi d
bag bo
baggage shn le
bank yn hng
bar b
bathroom yw se
battery dyn chi
beautiful pyo lyng d
bed tswng
beer pe jy
before ze chyn
behind ze h
bicycle ze shn chy
big d d
bill zng dn
blanket mo tn
blood group shyir shn
boat tswng
book (make a reservation) v yw dn
bottle pn
boy ln hi
brakes (car) s chr
breakfast zo fn
broken (out of order) hwi dyo d
bus gng gng chee chy
business sn e
buy v g mi
201
day tyn
delay v twy chi
dentist y e
depart ch f
diaper lyo po
dinner wn fn
direct a ze jyir d
dirty fn d
disabled chn fy d
discount v d z
doctor e sn
double bed swng rn tswng
double room to jyn fng
drink n yn lyo
drive v ki chr
driving licence jy zo
E
ear r du
east dng
eat chi
economy class jn je tsng
electricity dyn
elevator dyn te
email dyn ze y jyn
embassy d se gwn
emergency jn je cheen kwng
English (language) yn yw
evening bng wn
exit n ch k
expensive gwy d
eye yn jn
D I C TI ON A RY
202
far ywn d
fast kwi d
father lo hr
film (camera) yn pyn
finger s ze
first-aid kit jwir jw shyng
first class t dn tsng
fish n yw
food se wo
foot ju
free (of charge) myn fy d
friend png y
fruit swy gu
full bo d
gift le wo
girl lw hi
glass (drinking) by ze
glasses yn jn
go chyw
good ho dr
guide n do y
half n e bn
hand s
happy go shn d
he t
head n t
heart shn
heavy zng d
help bng zo
here zy le
high go d
highway go so gng lo
hike v to bo lw shn
holiday jy chee
homosexual tng shn lyn
hospital e ywn
hot r d
hotel lw gwn
(be) hungry u d
husband lo gng
I wu
identification (card) sn fn zn
ill sn bn d
important zng yo d
injury (harm) wo ro
injury (wound) sng k
insurance bo shyn
internet yn tr wng
interpreter fn e
jewellery zo bo
job gng zu
key yu se
kilogram gng jn
kitchen cho fng

knife shyo do
laundry (place) sh e dyn

lawyer lw se
left (direction) zu
leg (body) twy
lesbian lw tng shn lyn
less so
letter (mail) shn
light n gwng
like v she hwn
lock n sou
long chng d
lost (items) go lu d
love v i
luggage shn le
lunch wo fn
name mn ze
near jn d
neck n b ze
new shn dr
newspaper bo ze
night ye wn
no (not at all) ye dyn d bo
no (wrong) bo dwy t
noisy lo hng hng dr
nonsmoking jn ze she yn
north by
old (people) lo
old (things) jw
one-way ticket dn chn pyo
open a ki d
outside wi t d
passport f zo
pay v f chyn
pharmacy yo dyn
phonecard dyn hw k
photo zo pyn
police jn ch
postcard mn she pyn
post office y jw
pregnant hwi yon d
price n jy gr
quiet a n jn d
rain n yw
razor gow ho do
receipt n s jw
refund n twy kwn
registered (mail) e go w ho d
rent v ch zo
repair v shy le
reserve v yw dn
restaurant tsn tn
return (go back) hwy li
return ticket fn chn pyo
right (direction) yw
road lo
room n fn jyn
safe a n chwn d
sanitary napkin wy sn myn
seat n zou wy
send f sng
en g l ish s ich u a n ese
mail n shn
man ln rn
map de to
market se chng
matches hu tsi
meat r
medicine yo
message shn she
milk ly li
minute fn zng
mobile phone s je
money chyn
month ywir
morning zo sng
mother mo chn
motorcycle mu tu chy
mouth k
nose be ze
now shyn zi
number so ze
203
sex (intercourse) shn

sex (gender) shn byir
shampoo sh f jn
share (a dorm) fn shyng
she t
sheet (bed) chn dn
shirt tson sn
shoes shyir
shop n sng dyn
short dwn d
shower n ln yw
single room dn rn fng
skin n pe fo
skirt n cheeon ze
sleep v swy
slow mn d
small shyo d
soap fy zo
some e shyir
soon m sng
south ln
souvenir je lyn pn
stamp y pyo
stand-by ticket zn ti pyo
station (train) hu chy zn
stomach wy
stop v tn ze
stop (bus) n zn ti
street gi
student shou sn
sun ti yng
sunscreen fng si y
swim v y yng
D I C TI ON A RY
204
tampon ze shyir myn chy

telephone n dyn hw
temperature (weather) wn do
that l gu
they t mn
(be) thirsty k ku
this z gu
throat h lng
ticket pyo
time se jyn
tired ly d
tissues wy sn ze
today jn tyn
toilet ts su
tomorrow mn tyn
tonight jn wn sng
tooth y chi
toothbrush y sw
toothpaste y go
torch (flashlight) s dyn tng
tour n lw shn
tourist office lw shn sr
towel mo jn
train n hu chy
translate fn e
travel agency lw shn sr
travellers cheque lw shn ze pyo
trousers ko ze
twin-bed room byo jyn
underwear lwy e ko
urgent jn je d
vacancy kng cheew

vegetable n so chi
vegetarian a ts so d
visa chyn zn
walk v bo shn
wallet chyn bo
wash (something) v she
watch n gwn kn
water n swy
we wu mn
weekend z mu
west she
wheelchair lon ye
when sn mu se h
where zi l le
who swy
why wy s ze
wife lo p
window tswng fo
with hu
without my y
woman lw rn
write shyir
yes (right) dwy t

yesterday zu tyn
you sg inf le
you sg pol ln
you pl le mn
Xian
TONES
ABOUT XIAN
PRONUNCIATION
TIME & DATES
ACCOMMODATION
SIGHTSEEING
SHOPPING
MEETING PEOPLE
MAKING CONVERSATION
FEELINGS & OPINIONS
FAREWELLS
EATING OUT
ENGLISHXIAN DICTIONARY
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
215
216
219
219
220
223
224
225
tones
Xian is a tonal language (tonal quality refers to the raising and lowering of pitch on
certain syllables). In this chapter Xian is represented with four tones, as well as a fifth
one, the neutral tone. Apart from the unmarked neutral tone, we have used symbols
above the vowels to indicate each tone, as shown in the table below for the vowel
a. Bear in mind that the tones are relative to the natural vocal range of the speaker,
eg the high tone is pronounced at the top of ones vocal range. Note also that some
tones slide up or down in pitch.
t o n es
high
tone
206
high rising
tone
high falling
tone
XIAN
about Xan
Ancient Xn, in the central northern province of Shaanxi, is one of the cradles of
Chinese civilisation legend has it that over four millennia ago a scribe from Shaanxi
invented Chinese characters. During the Zhou dynasty (1100221 BC) the citys dialect, a form of Old Chinese noted for its melodiousness and singsong intonation, was
promoted as the standard language across the realm. During the same era, the stonyfaced warriors of the Terracotta Army that has made Xn so famous were created by
speakers of this elegant dialect. Situated at the eastern terminus of the fabled Silk
Road, Xn has absorbed speakers of countless languages over the years, yet always
remained a bastion of the Mandarin language. These days, Xian dialect (sheeun hw
) is considered to be representative of the Shaanxi dialects of Mandarin spoken across the central plains and the reaches of the Yellow River. It doesnt share its
ancient predecessors reputation for melodiousness, but is characterised by its clever
use of adjectives related to body parts and the 12 animals of the zodiac.
xian
Lnzhu
Han
Zhngzhu
GNS
Boj
Sngpn
SCHUN
Xn
HNN
SHAANXI
(SHNX)
Nny
HBI
CHNGQNG
Xingfn
0
0
Yi h
250 km
125 mi
a bou t XI AN
Pngyo
Yn'n
NNGXI
HUI
SHNX
Chngzh
Gyun
Ynchng
Tngxn
207
pronunciation
R EGI
O N rpr
unon
n in
h eti
ad
u ngcia
on
Vowels
208
Consonants
Symbol
English sound
Symbol
English sound
father
bed
ai
aisle
ch
cheat
ao
Mao
dog
ay
say
fun
bet
go
ee
see
hat
er
her
jump
ew
new with rounded

lips
kid
ewe
ew followed by e
lot
hit
man
cold
not
oo
tool
ng
ring
or
more
pet
cut
run
sun
sh
shot
top
ts
cats
win
yes
lads
In this chapter, the Xian pronunciation is

given in brown after each phrase.
The nasal sound ng (found in English at
the end or in the middle of words, eg
ringing), can represent an entire word
in Xian.
Some syllables are separated by a dot,
and should be pronounced closely
together.
For example: dyener
essentials
Yes./No.
Please
Hello.
Goodbye.
Thank you.
Sorry.
s/bo s
chng
n ho
zi jyn
shy shye ni
jy gwung
m fn ye ha
dwy boo che
()?
I (dont) speak Xian.
()
ng (boo) hwy shwor shee un hw
?
()
n mng bay boo

ng (boo) mng bay
Could you please ?

?
chng n
repeat that zi shwor yee byn
speak more slowly mn dyener shwor
numbers
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

lng

yee
/ r/lyng

sun

s

wo

lyo

chee

ba

jy

sh
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
1000
1,000,000
r sh
sun sh
se sh
wo sh
lyo sh
chee sh
ba sh
jy sh
ye bay
ye chyen
ye bay wn
la ngu a ge d if f ic ul t ie s X I AN
Do you understand?
ne hwy shwor (yng yw) boo
209
t im e & d a tes
time & dates
210
What time is it?

Its (10) oclock.
Quarter past (10).
Half past (10).
Quarter to (11).
minutes past (10).)
At what time
(does it start)?
(It starts) At 10.
Its (18 October).
?
chyn zi jee dyn
()
(sh) dyn
() (sh) dyn sh wo fern
() (sh) dyn sun sh fern
() (sh) dyn s sh wo fern
yesterday
today
now
tonight
tomorrow
()?
s s ho (ki s)
()
()
sh dyn (ki s)
(sh yw shr ba ho)
z tyen
jin tyen
shyn zi
jn wn
mng tyen
this

jy ger
morning zo shung

(after breakfast)
morning shng wo
(before lunch)
afternoon shy wo
sunrise
sunset
r choo
r lwor
spring
summer
autumn
winter
choon tyen
shy tyen
chy tyen
dong tyen
shng che yee

shng che r
shng che sun
shng che s
shng che wo
shng che lyo
shng che tyen
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
yee ywe
r ywe
sun ywe
s ywe
wo ywe
lyo ywe
chee ywe
ba ywe
jy ywe
sh ywe
sh yee ywe
sh r ywe

Is this the

jr do
to Xn?
()?
(sheeun) che boo
boat shwn
bus cher
train hwr cher
Wheres a/the ?
?
zi s de fung
bank yn hng
place to change hwn wi be der
foreign money de fung
post office y jo
Is this the road to (the Bell Tower)?

()?
z jr tyo lo nrng do
(jong l) boo
tra nspor t & d ire c t io n s X I AN
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
211

nrng bung ng shn ha t zi de to
?
shung dee wy j boo
Whats the address?
How far is it?
How do I get there?
Turn left/right.
Its straight ahead.
?
?
?
?
/

s de fung
y dwor ywn
yo z dwr ywn
z z
wng zwr/y gwi
yee j wng chyn
Its

zi
behind h byen
in front of chyn byen
near fo jn
on the corner gwi jewe
opposite dwy gwr
there wo da
212
accommodation
?
Wheres a hotel?
?

?

?


s de fung y bin gwn

s de fung y jy dyn
ne nrng tway jyen ger pyn yee
dyener dee jo cho boo
ne nrng tway jyen ger ho dyener
dee jo cho boo
ng shyng dng fng
ng yo dng lye
Do you have a room? ? y mer y jyen

double (suite) to
single dun rrn
twin shwung rrn
my tyen dwor chyen
my rrn dwor chyen
jo (sun) tyen
nrng gy b fng jyen yewe si boo
ng nrng dwor n ee tyo
(mo tn) boo
(kng tyo) y wrn te
jee dyn twy fng
Could I have my ,

ng shyng n hwy
please?

ng dee
deposit ya jin
passport ho jo

?
fo jn y mer y wng ba
Wheres a/an ?
?
zi s de fung
ATM zr dng chw kwn jee
public phone gong yng dyn hw
Id like to

ng shyng
get internet access shng wng
use a printer d yn
use a scanner so myo
b a nk i ng & commu n ica t i on s XI AN

?
?
()
?

()?
()
?
213

?
The number is

n dyn hw ho m si dwor sho

ho m si
sightseeing
sig h t see in g

ng shyng kn kun brn de jng dyner
ng shyng che rrn sho dee jng dyner
?
choo shng yo dwor chng s jyen
Id like to see

ng shyng kn
Whats that?
?
wr si s
Can I take a photo?
?
ng nrng pay boo
214
sightseeing
Army of Terracotta Warriors
Big Goose Pagoda
Famen Temple
Hu Shn
Hukou Waterfall
Qian Tomb
Tang Paradise Theme Park
sheeun bng m yong

d yn ta
f mrn s
hw sun
ho k po bo
chyn lng
d tng fo rong ywn
shopping
Wheres a ?
?
zi s de fung
camera shop jo shyng gwn
market s chng
souvenir shop je nyn pn dyn

s de fung kr yee mi de fung
?
je nyn pn
Id like to buy
Can I look at it?
How much is it?
?

?
?


()
?

chng ba jy chyen shy h lai

gy n (woo kwi) chyen
sho shn yng k boo
sho
zo g
dwor
d yee dyner
swy yee dyner
meeting people
Hello.
Good morning.
Good afternoon.
Good evening.
Goodbye.
Good night.
n ho
zo shung ho
shy wo ho
wn shang ho
zi jyn
wn un
sh o ppi n g XI AN
less
enough
more
bigger
smaller
jer si yng s z dee

ng shyng mi
ng nrng kn ha boo
dwor chyn
ti gwy lye
215
216
Mr
Mrs
Ms/Miss
shyen serng
nw s
shyao jye
How are you?

Fine. And you?
Whats your name?
My name is
?
?
?

zwy jn z yng
bo tswor n z yng
n jyo s
ng jyo
shng hwy
This is my

jer s g
brother shyoong dee
child w
daughter nw zi
father b
friend prng yo
husband jng foo
mother m
partner (intimate) dwy shyng
sister jy may
son r zi
wife shee fer
making conversation
Do you live here?
I love it here.
Have you eaten?
?
?
?

?
?
n jo jrer
che da
she hwun jrer boo
ng hrn she hwun jrer
chee lye mer
n li jr lw y boo
Im here

ng li jerer
for a holiday lw y
on business cho tsai
to study ly shwe

?
()
()
?
Do you speak (Xian)?

()?
?
What do you call this in (Xian)?
()
?
n ji jrer jo dwr jy
ng joo (s) ger shing chee
ng k yee gy (n) pay jung
jo pyn boo
n hwy shwor
(sheeun hw) boo
n zi jya shwor s hw
jy ger yong (sheeun hw)
za shwor
local talk
Great!
Hey!
Its OK.
Just a minute.
Just joking.
Maybe.
No problem.
No way!
Sure, whatever.
Thats enough!
lyo dee hrn

lo jy
hi shng
so wy drng yee ha
ki wn shyo
y kr nrng
mr m da
mr mrner
nrng chrng
g lye
ma k i ng co n ve rs a t ion XI AN
Whats this called?

?
jr jyo s
Id like to learn some (Xian).
()
ng shyng shwe (sheeun hw)

n ywn yee rng ng jyao
?
n yng won boo
?
jer s boo s de fung ferng so
217
Where are you from?
n tsong da lai
Im from

ng tsng lai
Australia o d le y
Canada jy n d
England yng gway
New Zealand shin shee ln
the USA my gway
n z s gong zwor
Im a/an

ng s
businessperson shng rern
office worker by lng
tradesperson gong jyung
218
How old ?
?
dwr d lye
are you n
is your daughter n nw zi
is your son n r zi
Im years old.
Too old!
Are you married?

/

?

?
ng swy
t swy
ti lo lye
ng hi sway
n jy hoon lye mer
ng y bner
n chrng jya lye mer
Im

ng
married jy hoon lye
single dn shern
Do you like ?
? n she hwun boo
I (dont) like
() ng (boo) she hwun
art ye sho
film kn dyn yng
music tng ger
reading kn shoo
sport te yw
feelings & opinions

Im (not)
()
ng (boo)
Are you ?
?
n boo
cold lrng
hot rer
hungry ng
thirsty ker
tired ly
I (dont) feel
() ng (boo) gn do
Do you feel ?
? n gn do boo
happy go shng
sad boo go shng
worried jao je
ne jewe dee za yng
farewells

mng tyen ng yo z
(),
y jee hway li (so ger ln)

kr yee li shn ng
Keep in touch!
Heres my (address).
Whats your (email)?

bo che lyn she
() jr si ng dee (de z)
()? n (y shyung) si s
fe e li ngs & o pin io n s XI AN
Its

t
awful ts jn dee hrn
beautiful pyo lyung dee hrn
boring wo lyo dee hrn
great jrng sng dee hrn
interesting y ye si dee hrn
OK hi shng
strange che gwi
219
well-wishing
Bon voyage!
Congratulations!
Good luck!
Happy birthday!
Happy New Year!
ye lo png un
gng she, gng she
jo n ho yon
srng ri kwi ler
shn nyn ho
eating out
ea t in g ou t
Where would you go ? gi do s de fung

for (a) ?
banquet bn yn she
celebration jw shng chng jo hwy
cheap meal chee dee pyn yee dyner
local specialities de fung shyo chi
yum cha hwr ts
220
Can you recommend

nrng twy jyn ger
a ?
?
boo
bar jy ba
cafe k fy woo
dish pner
noodle house myn gwn
restaurant fn dyen
snack shop shyo chee dyn
(wonton) stall () (hon toon) tuner
street vendor d pi dng
teahouse ts gwn
Id like (a/the)

ng yo
table for (five) ( ye jung (wo ger
) rrn dee) jwor zi
bill jng dun
drink list jy shwy dun
local speciality ye gr de fung
ty say tsi
menu tsi dun
(non)smoking () (boo) she yun dee
table jwor zi

?
?
()?
Whats in that dish?
?
Whats that called?
?
Ill have that.

hi yng ye boo
y s tsi kr yee twy jyn
(zo fn) ye bun chee s
jr do tsi yng s dong shee z dee
wy ger jyo s
li yee ger
Id like it with

dwr fng dyener
Id like it without

boo yo fng
chilli l zi
garlic d swn
MSG wy jing
nuts gwr rr
oil y
This dish is

jr do tsi
(too) spicy () (ti) la
superb ho dee hrn
That was delicious!
Im full.
ho chee dee hrn

che bo lye
ea t in g o ut X I AN
Id like , please.

chng gy ng
one slice ye kwier
a piece ye fner
a sandwich ye g sn mng je
that one wy ge
two lyng ge
221
breakfast
lunch
dinner
drink (alcoholic)
zo fn
wo fn
wn fn
jy
yn lyo
water

fy
boiled ki
cold lyng ki
sparkling mineral kwng chwn che
still mineral kwng chwn
ea t in g ou t
(cup of) coffee

()
(ye bay) k fay
(cup of) tea
()
(ye bay) ts
with (milk) () jy (ny ni)
without (sugar) () bo jya (tng)
222
black tea
chrysanthemum tea
green tea
jasmine tea
oolong tea
hng ts
jw hwa ts
lew ts
hwa ts
woo lng ts

(orange) juice
lychee juice
soft drink
sour plum drink

()

swn ni
(chrng) ji
le ji
che fy
shwn my tung

?
Cheers!
!
Im feeling drunk.

ng chng kay
che s
gun
ng y dyner hr gao lye
a of beer

yee pe jy
glass bay
large bottle d png
small bottle shyo png
a shot of (whisky)
()
ye bay (wy she je)
a bottle/glass
/
ye png/bay
of wine

po tao jy
red hng
white by
street eats
hwng gwy s zi bng
jy suner gwn tng bao

che sun gwor kway

che sun so zi myn
jng gao
ko yng ro chwner
r jya mr
ny yng ro po mr
lyng pe

?

?
y mer y so sh
nrng boo nrng z yee ge
bo fng dee tsi
Im allergic to

ng dwy gwr mn
dairy produce ni j pn
eggs je dn
meat r
nuts gwr rrner
seafood hi shyen
spe ci a l di e ts & a l le rgie s X I AN
deep-fried persimmon pastry

dumpling stuffed
with hot gravy
Qshn pancake
Qshn spiced noodles
rice and jujube cake
roasted mutton cubes on spit
Shaanxi sandwich
shredded pancake with beef
steamed cold noodles
223

Help!
Go away!
Fire!
Watch out!
jy mng
z kai
chwr hwr lye
tso shin
Wheres the

zwy jn dee
nearest ?
?
zi n
dentist y yee
doctor ye serng
hospital ye ywn
pharmacist ywe fng
224


?
?
?
Im lost.

nrng bng ger mng boo

nrng jy ne dyn hw yng yee
ha boo
pi choo swr zi n
tsy swr zi n
ng me lo lye
englishxian dictionary
accident (mishap) zi hwr

accident (traffic) jyo tong s go
accommodation sh so
adaptor byn jw
address n de z
after z h
air conditioning kng tyo
airplane fy jee
airport je chng
alcohol jy
all swr y dee
allergy gwr mn
ambulance jy ho cher
and hr
ankle hwi
antibiotics kng serng so
arm sh be
ATM zr dng chw kwn jee
camera shyng jee

cancel chw shyo
car che cher
cash n shyn jin
cash (a cheque) v chw chyn
cell phone sh jee
centre n jng shin
change (money) v lng chyn
cheap pyn yee dee
check (bill) jng dun
check-in n drng je
chest (body) shyng tng
children r tng
cigarette shyng yun
city chrng s
clean a gn jng dee
closed gwn be dee
cold a lrng dee
collect call
dwy fung fo fy dyn hw
come li
computer dyn no
condom be yon to
contact lenses yn shng nyn jng
cook v prng rrn
cost n jy gay
currency exchange
hwr be dwy hwn
dangerous way shyn dee

date (time) er zi
day tyen
delay v yn ts
e n gl ish xi an
baby
yng er
back (of body) by
backpack by bao
bad hwi dee
bag bao
baggage shng lee
bank yn hng
bar jy ba
bathroom zao tung
battery dyn ch
beautiful pyo lyung dee
bed chwng
beer pe jy
before z chyn
behind z h
bicycle z shng cher
big d dee
bill jng dun
blanket mo tn
blood group shwe shng
boat shwn
book (make a reservation) v yw dng
bottle png
boy nn w
brakes (car) s cher
breakfast zo fn
broken (out of order) hwi dyo dee
bus cher
business srng yee
buy v mi
225
dentist y yee
depart cho fa
diaper nyo bo
dinner wn fn
direct a j jye dee
dirty zung dee
disabled tsn fy dee
discount v d jr
doctor ye serng
double bed shwng rrn chwng
double room shwng rrn fng
drink n yn lyo
drive v ki cher
driving licence jy jo
ear
r dwor
east dong
eat chi
economy class jng je tsung
electricity dyn
elevator dyn tee
email dyn z y jyn
embassy d s gwn
emergency jn je jwng kwng
English (language) yng yw
evening bng wn
exit n cho k
expensive gwy dee hrn
eye nyn jing
D I C TI ON A RY
226
far
ywn dee hrn
fast kwi dee hrn
father b
film (camera) jyo jwn
finger z to
first-aid kit je jy shyung
first class t drng tsung
fish n yw
food sh pn
foot jewe
free (of charge) myn fy dee
friend prng yo
fruit shway gwr
full mn dee
gift
le woo
girl nw w
glass (drinking) by zi
glasses nyn jng
go che
good ho dee
guide n do y
half n ye ber
hand sh
happy go shng dee
he t
head n t
heart shing
heavy jng dee hrn
help bng z
here j da
high go dee
hike v to bo lw shng
holiday jy chee
homosexual tng shng lyn
hospital ye ywn
hot rr dee
hotel lw gwn
(be) hungry ng dee hrn
husband jng foo
I ng
identification (card) shrn fern jrng
ill y bng dee
important jng yo dee
injury (harm) wo ro
injury (wound) shng k
insurance bo shyn
internet yn ter wng
interpreter fn yee
jewellery sh shi
job gng zwor
key
ywe si
kilogram gng jin
kitchen cho fng
knife shyo dao
laundry (place) se yee dyn

lawyer lw si
left (direction) zwr
leg (body) twy
lesbian nw tng shng lyn
less sho
letter (mail) shn
light n gwung
like v she hwun
lock n swr
long chng dee
lost (items) ye shi dee
love v i
luggage shng le
lunch wo fn
mail n shn
man nn rrn
map de to
market s chng
matches hwr tsi
meat r
medicine yewe
message shn she
milk ny ni
minute frn jong
mobile phone sh jee
money chyn
month yewe
morning zo shung
mother ma
motorcycle mwr twr cher
mouth k
old (people) lo
old (things) jy
one-way ticket dn chrng pyo
open a ki jer dee
outside wi bo dee
passport ho jo
pay v fo chyn
pharmacy ywe fng
phonecard dyn hw k
photo jo pyn
police jng tsa
postcard mng shn pyn
post office y jo
pregnant hwi yon dee
price n jy ger
quiet a n jng dee
rain n yw
razor gw ho dao
receipt n sh jw
refund n twy kwn
registered (mail) je mng dee
rent v cho zoo
repair v shy le
reserve v yw dng
restaurant fn dyen
return (go back) hwy lai
return ticket fn chrng pyo
right (direction) y
road lo
room n fng jyen
safe a n chwn dee

sanitary napkin wy srng myn
seat n zwr wy
send f sng
sex (intercourse) shng shng way
sex (gender) shng by
shampoo she f shyng bor
share (a dorm) frn shyng
e n gl ish xi an
name
mng zi
near jn dee
neck n br zi
new shn dee
newspaper bo zi
night wn shung
no (not at all) ye dyner y boo
no (not this) bo si
noisy shyn no dee
nonsmoking jn z she yun
north bay
nose be zi
now shyn zi
number sho z
227
T
T
she t
sheet (bed) chwng dun
shirt tsern sun
shoes hi
shop n shng dyn
short dwn dee
shower n she zo
single room dn rrn fng
skin n pe foo
skirt n chon zi
sleep v shwy myn
slow mn dee
small swy dee
soap fy zo
some ye shye
soon m shng
south nn
souvenir je nyn pn
stamp y pyo
stand-by ticket zn ti pyo
station (train) hwr cher zn
stomach wy
stop v tng z
stop (bus) n zn ti
street jye
student shwe serng
sun ti yung
sunscreen fng si y
swim v y yng
D I C TI ON A RY
228
tampon z shwe myn chy

telephone n dyn hw
temperature (weather) wrn do
that wy ger
they ta mern
(be) thirsty k kr dee
this jy ger
throat h long
ticket pyo
time s jyen
tired ly dee
tissues wy srng z
today jn tyen
toilet tsy swr
tomorrow mng tyen
tonight jn wn
tooth ny
toothbrush ny shwa
toothpaste ny go
torch (flashlight) sh dyn tng

tour n lw shng
tourist office lw shng shr
towel mo jin
train n hwr cher
translate fn yee
travel agency lw shng shr
travellers cheque lw shng z pyo
trousers ko zi
twin-bed room byo jyen
underwear ny ye ko
urgent jn je dee
vacancy kng chewe

vegetable n sho tsai
vegetarian a so
visa chyn jrng
walk v bo shng
wallet chyn bao
wash (something) she
watch n gwn kn
water n fy
we ng mern
weekend j mor
west shee
wheelchair lon ye
when dng sr
where zi da
who sy
why wy s
wife lo pwor
window chng hoo
with hr
without mr y
woman nw rern
write shy
yes s
yesterday z tyen
you sg inf n
you sg pol n
you pl ni mern
Yunnan Hua
TONES
ABOUT YUNNAN HUA
PRONUNCIATION
TIME & DATES
ACCOMMODATION
SIGHTSEEING
SHOPPING
MEETING PEOPLE
MAKING CONVERSATION
FEELINGS & OPINIONS
FAREWELLS
EATING OUT
ENGLISHYUNNAN HUA DICTIONARY
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
243
244
245
248
248
249
tones
Yunnan Hua is a tonal language (tonal quality refers to the raising and lowering
of pitch on certain syllables). In this chapter Yunnan Hua is represented with four
tones, as well as a fifth one, the neutral tone. Apart from the unmarked neutral tone,
we have used symbols above the vowels to indicate each tone, as shown in the table
t o n es
high
tone
230
high rising
tone
high falling
tone
YUNNAN HUA
about Yunnan Hua

Ynnn may well be Chinas most diverse province. In the far southwest of the
country it borders Vietnam, Laos, Burma and Tibet; its noted for the variety of its
topography and myriad plant species, and is the most ethnically diverse province in
China, boasting communities of 25 of Chinas 56 recognised nationalities. These various communities speak a range of tongues from Tibeto-Burmese, Tai and HmongMien language families. Despite this linguistic diversity, Yunnan Hua (yn nn hw
) is broadly lumped together with other southwestern dialects of Mandarin
because of its similarity to Standard Mandarin. Yunnan Hua evolved this way due
to the influx of Mandarin speakers from northern China in recent centuries. To the
trained ear the only different elements of Yunnan Hua are a strong accent and some
minor differences in pronunciation and grammatical structure. The idiom of the City
of Eternal Spring, Knmng, capital of Ynnn province, is said to constitute a distinct
dialect of Yunnan Hua, featuring some idiosyncratic pronunciations.
yunnan hua
Shangri-la
India
Xigun
(Dl City)
Myanmar
Rul
Ljing
Knmng
Lipnshu
250 km
125 mi
Fnghung
GUZHU
Guyng
Qijng
Wndng YNNN
Smo
0
0
SCHUN
Gu
Yngsh
Lizhu
GUNGX
ZHUANG
Gji
Nnnng
Vietnam
Laos
Qnzhu
a bo ut YUN N AN H UA
Chngqng
CHNGQNG
Chngqn
231
pronunciation
pr on un c i a ti on
Vowels
232
Consonants
Symbol
English sound
Symbol
English sound
father
bed
ai
aisle
ch
cheat
air
lair with strong r
dog
ao
Mao
fun
ay
say
go
taken
hat
ea
yeah
jump
ee
see
kid
er
her
lot
ew
as in new, with
rounded lips
man
hit
no
low
ng
ring
oo
tool
pet
or
more
run
cut
sun
sh
shot
top
ts
cats
win
yes
lads
In this chapter, the Yunnan Hua

pronunciation is given in brown after
each phrase.
essentials
Yes.
No.
Please
Hello.
Goodbye.
Thank you.
Excuse me.
Sorry.
hr n
bo hr
chng
n ho
zi jyn gr
shir shir n g
m fn y h
bo ho y s g
Could you please ?

repeat that
speak more slowly
n g hwy jng yng wn

n g dng n
wr ryn (bo) dr
wr jng d (bo) li yn nn hw
n g nyn
chng shng jng y byn
shr mn da
numbers
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
lng
y
r
sn
s
wo
lo
ch
b
jyw
sh
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
1000
1,000,000
r sh
sn sh
s sh
wo sh
lo sh
ch sh
b sh
jyw sh
y br
y chyn
y br wn
la ngu a ge di ffi cu l t i es Y UN NA N HUA

?
Do you understand?
?
()
I (dont) speak Yunnan Hua.
()
233
t im e & d a tes
time & dates
234
What time is it?

Its (10) oclock.
Quarter past (10).
Half past (10).
Quarter to (11).
minutes past (10).)
At what time
(does it start)?
(It starts) At 10.
Its (18 October).
?
()
()
()
()
jy jyn je dyn
(sh) dyn
(sh) dyn gr sh wo
(sh) dyn bn
(sh) dyn gr s sh wo
()?
n h (ki sh)
()
()
sh dyn (ki sh)

(sh ye sh b ho)
yesterday
today
now
tonight
tomorrow
zr tyn
jn tyn
jy h
jn tyn wn shng
mng tyn
sunrise
sunset
r cho
r lr
this

morning

(after breakfast)
morning

(before lunch)
afternoon

spring
summer
autumn
winter
jy g
zo shng
shng wo
shyr wo
chwn tyn
shyr tyn
chyw tyn
dng tyn
shng ch y
shng ch r
shng ch sn
shng ch s
shng ch wo
shng ch lo
shng ch tyn
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
y ye
r ye
sn ye
s ye
wo ye
lo ye
ch ye
b ye
jw ye
sh ye
sh y ye
sh r ye

Is this the to

(Knmng)?
()?
boat
bus
train
Wheres a/the ?
?
bank
place to change
foreign money
post office
Is this the road to (the Green Lake)?
()
?
jy g g k
(kwn mng) n
chn
gng jyo ch
hr ch
zi n da
yn hng
hn wi b n d fng
yw je
jr g g sh k (tswy ho)
n lo
tra nspor t di re c ti o n s Y UN NAN HUA
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
235

m fn bng wr jyo y h t zi

d to shng n wy jy
236
Whats the address?

How far is it?
How do I get there?
Turn left/right.
Its straight ahead.
?
?
?
?
/

d jy sh n yng
g dr yn
z gr k g yn n
z g z
wng zr/yw gwi
y jy cho chyn
Its
behind
in front of
near
on the corner
opposite
there
zi
n h sh
n chyn sh
n fo jn
gwi jr
n dwy myn
ny da
accommodation
?
Wheres a hotel?
?

?



n da yw bn gn
n da yw jw dyn
n g nyn twy jyn y g pyn y
da n d fng jyo
n g nyn twy jyn y g ho
da n d fng jyo
wr shyng dng h fng jyen
wr yw ye dng n
Do you have a
room?
double
single
twin
g yw
fng jyn n
to
dn ryn
shwng ryn
dr sho chyn y tyn

dr sho chyn y g ryn
jyo shng (sn) tyn
g nyn g wr fng jyn n yr ch
wr g nyn dr n y tyo (mo tn)
(kng tyo) yw mo bn
j dyn twy fng
Could I have my ,

please?

deposit
passport
wr shyng n h
wr n
y jn
ho jyo


Wheres a/an ?
ATM
public phone
fo jn g yw wng b
Id like to

get internet access
use a printer

use a scanner
zi n da
z dng ch kn j
gng yng dyn hw
wr shyng
shng wng
d yn
so myo
ba nk i ng & commu ni ca tio n s YUN N AN H UA

?
?
()
?
()?
()

237

?
The number is

n n dyn hw ho
m sh dr sho
ho m sh
sig h t see in g
sightseeing
238

wr shyng gwng h

byn d fng gwn

wr shyung k ryn sho

da n jng dyn

jy tng l yw yo hw
?
dr chng sh jyn
Id like to see

wr shyng kn h
Whats that?
?
ny g sh n yng
Can I take a photo?
?
wr g nyn p n
sightseeing
Dl three pagodas
rhi H (Ear-shaped Lake)
Green Lake
Htio Xi (Tiger Leaping Gorge)
Ljing
Shangri-la
Tngchng
Ylng Xushn (Jade
Dragon Snow Mountain)
d l sn t
e hi ho
tswy ho
ho tyo shy
l jyng
shyng g le l
tyn chng
y lng shye shn
shopping
Wheres a ?
camera shop
market
souvenir shop
supermarket
zi n da
jyo shyung gwn
sh chng
j nyn pn dyn
cho sh

?
n da yw mi j nyn pn n
?
jy g sh n n yng jyng n
Id like to buy
Can I look at it?
How much is it?

?
?

m fn b jy chyn shya shyr li d

g n (wo kwi) chyn
n myn g sh shn yng k n
less
enough
more
sho
zo g
dr
bigger
smaller
gyn d
gyn shyo
shop pi n g YU NN AN H UA

()
?
wr shyng mi
wr g nyn kn y h
dr sho chyn
ti gwy l
239
m eet i n g pe ople
meeting people
240
Hello.
Good morning.
Good afternoon.
Good evening.
Goodbye.
Good night.
n ho
n zo
shyr wo ho
wn shng ho
zi jyn g
shw sh l
Mr
Mrs
Ms/Miss
d gr
d ja
go nyng
How are you?

Fine. And you?
Whats your name?
My name is
?
?
?

n g ho n
ho n, n n
n jyo n yng mng z
wr jyo
shng hwy
This is my
brother
child
daughter
father
friend
husband
mother
partner (intimate)
sister
son
wife
jy g sh wr n
shyng d
w w
go nyng
da
png yw
nn ryn
m m
dwy shyung
z my
nn w w
she fo
making conversation
Do you live here?
?
n jyo d jy da g
k n da k
?
g sh hn jy da
I love it here.

wr hyn sh hn jy da
Have you eaten?
?
g ch d l
Are you here on holidays? ? n g sh li jy da wn n
Im here
for a holiday
on business
to study
Whats this called?

?
Id like to learn some (Yunnan Hua).
()
n yo zi jy da jyo do n h
wr jyo (s) jy
wr g kr y p (n)
n g jng (yn nn hw)
n zi jy t jng n yng hw
n myn yng (yn nn hw)
hn jy g hn n yng
jy g hn n yng
wr shyng shyr y h (yn nn hw)

z g hn f
?
n g shyng gn d wr shyr yng y
?
jy g g sh d fng shng n fng so

ma k i ng conve rsa t ion Y UN N AN HUA

?
()
()?
Do you speak (Yunnan Hua)?
()?
?
What do you call this in (Yunnan Hua)?
()
wr li jy da
wn
ch chi
lyw shr
241
local talk
Great!
Hey!
Its OK.
Just a minute.
Just joking.
Maybe.
No problem.
No way!
Sure, whatever.
Thats enough!
242
bn jy
m fn
jyng d chng
dyn y t
ki wn shyo
jw kr nyn
m d s
bo kr nyn
ho n, bo p d n
kr y l g
Where are you from?
n tsng n da li
Im from
Australia
Canada
England
New Zealand
the USA
wr tsng li
o d l y
jy n d
yng gr
shn sh ln
my gr
Whats your occupation? ?
n sh jyng n yng n
Im a/an
businessperson
office worker
tradesperson
zr sn y n
br lng
s fo
How old ?
are you
is your daughter
is your son
n
n jy go nyng
n jy er z
wr dng
j swy l

/

?

?
wr swy
t/t swy
ti lo l
wr hi sh shyo n
n g ja d hwn l
wr yw br
n g chn jy l
Im
married
single
wr
ja d hwn l
dn shn
Do you like ?
I (dont) like
art
film
music
reading
sport
?
()

n g sh hn
wr (bo) sh hn
y sho
dyn yng
yng yr
kn sho
t y
feelings & opinions

Im (not)
Are you ?
cold
hot
hungry
thirsty
tired
()
?

wr (bo)
n g
lng n
rr n
r n
k kr n
ly n
I (dont) feel
()
Do you feel ?
?
happy
sad
worried
wr (bo) jr d
n g jr d
go shng n
bo go shng
jyr j
What do you
think of it?
n jr d z g yng
fe e li ngs & opi nio n s YUN N AN H UA
Im years old.
Too old!
Are you married?
243
Its

awful
beautiful
boring
great
interesting
OK
strange
t
ch d hyn
my l n
ti wo lyo l
bn jy
ho wn n
hi kr y
sh ch
f a re wel l s
farewells
244

mng tyn wr yo k l
()
yw j hwy m li (so g ln)

kr y li jyo wr n
Keep in touch!

chng lyn sh
Heres my (address).
()
g n wr n (d jy)
Whats your (email)?
()?
n n (wng jy) sh n yng
well-wishing
Bon voyage!
Congratulations!
Good luck!
Happy birthday!
Happy New Year!
y l png n
gng sh, gng sh
jy n ho yn
sn r kwi lr
shn nyn ho
eating out
Where would you go ?
for (a) ?
banquet
celebration
cheap meal
gi k n da k
bn jw sh
j shng chng jyo hwy
ch n sho wy pyn
y da n
d fng shyo ch
hr ch
Can you recommend

a ?
?
bar
cafe
dish
noodle house
restaurant
snack shop
(wonton) stall ()
street vendor
teahouse
n g nyn twy jyn

y g
jw b
k fy gn
pn z
myn gn
gn z
shyo ch dyn
(hwn dyn) tn
ja t shyo ch
ch sh
Id like (a/the)

table for (five) (
wr yo
y jyng (wo g ryn
n) jyr z
jyng dn
jw shwy dn
y g d fng t s tsi
tsi dn
(bo) ch yn
n jyr z

)

bill

drink list

local speciality
menu

(non)smoking ()

table


?
n mn g hi yng y n
?
g yw nn tsi kr y twy jyn y h
()?
(zo dyn) ch nn
e a ti ng o ut Y UN NAN HUA
local specialities
yum cha
245
ea t in g ou t
246
Whats in that dish?

Whats that called?
Ill have that.

?
?

jy do tsi sh yng nn
zr n
ny g hn n yng
jyng da li m
Id like it with
Id like it without
chilli
garlic
MSG
nuts
oil
dr fng da
bo yo fng
l z
d swn
wy jng
gr ryn
yw
Id like , please.
one slice
a piece
a sandwich
that one
two
This dish is
(too) spicy
superb

()

(ti) l l
ti ho l
That was delicious!

Im full.
ti ho ch l
ch bo d l
breakfast
lunch
dinner
drink (alcoholic)
zo dyn
jyng wo fn
wn fn
jw
yng lyo
water
boiled
cold
sparkling mineral
still mineral
(cup of) coffee

(cup of) tea
with (milk)
without (sugar)
()
()
()
()
(y by) k fy
(y by) ch
jy (nw ni)
bo yo jy (tng)
chng g wr y h
y kwi
y fyn
y g sn mng jy
ny y g
lyng g
jy g tsi l
shwy
jyng
lng ki
kng chwn ch
kng chwn
black tea
chrysanthemum tea
green tea
jasmine tea
oolong tea
hng ch
j hw ch
lo ch
hw ch
wo lng ch

(orange) juice
lychee juice
soft drink
sour plum drink

()

swn ni
(chng) jy
l jy jy
che shwy
swn my jy

Cheers!
Im feeling drunk.
wo chng kr
n sh hn n yng
gn dyo
wo yw da zwy l
a of beer
glass
large bottle
small bottle
by
d png
shyo png
a shot of (whisky)
()
y zn (wy s j)
y png/by
po to jw
hng
br
street eats
corn on the cob
dumpling (boiled)
dumpling (fried)
dumpling (steamed)
pork pie (small)
rice cake
rice noodles
wonton soup
lyng fn
bo go
jo z
jyn jyo
bo z
shyn bng
r kwi
m shyn
zng z
hwn dyn
e a ti ng o ut Y UN NAN HUA
a bottle/glass of
/
wine

red
white
y pe jw
247


?
Im allergic to
dairy produce
eggs
meat
nuts
seafood
g yw so sh
g nyn zr y g bo fng n tsi
wo gr mn
ni jy pn
j dn
r
gr ryn
hi shyn
spe cia l d ie ts & a lle rgi e s
248
Help!
Go away!
Fire!
Watch out!
jw mng
rng ki
jyr hr l
shyo shn g
Wheres the nearest ? ? zwy jn n zi n da

dentist

yr y
doctor

y sn
hospital

y yn
pharmacist

yr fng
?

?
?
?
Im lost.

n g nyn bng h wr n mng

wr g nyn ja h n n
dyn hw yng yng
pi cho sr zi n da
ts sr zi n da
wr me lo l shr
englishyunnan hua dictionary

accident (mishap) zi hr
accident (traffic) jyo tng s go
accommodation sh so
adaptor byn je
address n d jy
after jy h
air conditioning kng tyo
airplane fy j
airport j chng
alcohol jw
all sr yw n
allergy gr mn
ambulance jw ho ch
and hr
ankle hwi
antibiotics kn sn so
arm sh bng z
ATM z dng ch kn j
A
A
camera shyng j
cancel che shyo
car ch ch
cash n shyn jn
cash (a cheque) v dwy shyn
cell phone sh j
centre n jyng shn
change (money) v lng chyn
cheap pyn y n
check (bill) jyng dn
check-in n dn j
chest (body) shyng tng
children w w
cigarette shyng yn
city chng sh
clean a gn jng n
closed gwn b n
cold a lng n
collect call
dwy fn fo fy dyn hw
come li
computer dyn no
condom b yn to
contact lenses yn shng yn jng
cook v png ryn
cost n hw fy
currency exchange hr b hwy dwy
dangerous wy shyn n
date (time) r che
day tyn
e n gl is h yu n n an h ua
baby mo w w
back (of body) by
backpack by bo
bad hwi n
bag bo
baggage shng l
bank yn hng
bar jw b
bathroom ye sh
battery dyn ch
beautiful my l n
bed chng
beer pe jw
before jy chyn
behind h sh
bicycle dn ch
big d n
bill jyng dn
blanket mo tn
blood group shye shng
boat chn
book (make a reservation) v ye dng
bottle png
boy nn w w
brakes (car) s ch
breakfast zo dyn
broken (out of order) hwi dyo n
bus gng jyo ch
business sn y
buy v g mi
249
delay v yn ch
dentist yr y
depart cho f
diaper nyo bo
dinner wn fn
direct a jy ja n
dirty zng n
disabled tsn fy n
discount v d jy
doctor y sn
double bed shwng ryn chng
double room to fng
drink n yn lyo
drive v ki ch
driving licence jy jyo
E
ear ir dr
east dng
eat ch
economy class jng j tsng
electricity dyn
elevator dyn t
email dyn z yw jyn
embassy d sh gwn
emergency jn j jyng kwng
English (language) yng y
evening bn wn
exit n cho k
expensive gwy n
eye yn jng
D I C TI ON A RY
250
far yn n
fast kwi n
father da
film (camera) dyn yng
finger sh jy t
first-aid kit j jw shyng
first class t dng tsng
fish n ye
food sh wo
foot jr
free (of charge) myn fy n
friend png yw
fruit shwy gr
full bo n
gift l wo
girl shyo go nyng
glass (drinking) by z
glasses yn jng
go k
good ho n
guide n do yw
half n y bn
hand sh
happy go shng n
he t
head n t
heart shn
heavy jyng n
help bng jyo
here jy da
high go n
hike v to bo l shng
holiday jy ch
homosexual tng shng lyn
hospital y yn
hot rr n
hotel jw dyn
(be) hungry r n
husband lo gng
I wr
identification (card) shn fn jyng
ill sn bng n
important jyng yo n
injury (harm) wo ro
injury (wound) shng k
insurance bo shyn
internet yn t wng
interpreter fn ye
jewellery jyo bo
job gng zr
key yr ch
kilogram gng jn
kitchen cho fng

knife shyo do
laundry (place) sh y dyn

lawyer l s
left (direction) zr
leg (body) twy
lesbian n tng shng lyn
less sho
letter (mail) shn
light n gwng
like v sh hn
lock n sr
long chng n
lost sh ch n
love v i
luggage shng l
lunch jyng wo fn
name mng z
near fo jn
neck n br z
new shn n
newspaper bo jy
night ye wn
no (not at all) y da y bo
no (not this) bo hr
noisy shyn no n
nonsmoking jn jy sh yn
north br
old (people) lo
old (things) jw
one-way ticket dn chyn pyo
open a ki n
outside wi myn n
passport ho jyo
pay v fo chyn
pharmacy yr fng
phonecard dyn hw k
photo jyo pyn
police jn ch
postcard mng shn pyn
post office yw je
pregnant hwi yn n
price n jy g
quiet a n jng n
rain n ye
razor t do
receipt n sh j
refund n twy kn
registered (mail) y gw ho n
rent v cho zo
repair v shyw l
reserve v ye dng
restaurant gn z
return (give back) hi
return (go back) hwy li
return ticket fn chng pyo
right (direction) yw
road lo
room n fng jyn
safe a n chyn n
sanitary napkin wy sn myn
seat n zr wy
send f sng
sex (intercourse) shng
en g l ish y un n a n h u a
mail n shn
man nn ryn
map d to
market sh chng
matches hr chi
meat r
medicine yr
message shn sh
milk nw ni
minute fn jyng
mobile phone sh j
money chyn
month ye
morning zo shng
mother m m
motorcycle mr tr ch
mouth zwy b
nose b z
now jy h
number sho z
251
sex (gender) shng ber

shampoo sh f jng
share (a dorm) fn shyng
she t
sheet (bed) chng dn
shirt T t she
shoes hi z
shop n shng dyn
short dwn n
shower n ln ye
single room dn ryn fng
skin n pe fo
skirt n chn z
sleep v shwy
slow mn n
small shyo n
soap fy zo
some y sha
soon m shng
south nn
souvenir j nyn pn
stamp yw pyo
stand-by ticket jyn ti pyo
station (train) hr ch jyn
stomach wy
stop v tn jy
stop (bus) n jyn ti
street gi
student shr sn
sun ti yng
sunscreen fng shi yw
swim v yw yng
D I C TI ON A RY
252
tampon jy sha myn chw

telephone n dyn hw
temperature (weather) wn do
that ny g
they t mn
(be) thirsty k kr n
this jy g
throat h lng
ticket pyo
time sh jyn
tired ly n
tissues wy sn jy
today jn tyn
toilet ts sr
tomorrow mng tyn
tonight jn wn
tooth yr ch
toothbrush yr shw
toothpaste yr go
torch (flashlight) sh dyn tng
tour n l yw
tourist office l shng sh
towel mo jn
train n hr ch
translate fn ye
travel agency l shng sh
travellers cheque l shng jy pyo
trousers ko z
twin-bed room shwng ryn jyn
underwear ny ye ko
urgent jn j n
vacancy kng chye

vegetable n so tsi
vegetarian so sh n
visa chyn jyng
walk v bo shng
wallet chyn bo
wash (something) sh
watch n gwn kn
water n shwy
we wr mn
weekend jy mr
west sh
wheelchair lwn e
when n h
where zi n da
who n g
why wy n yng
wife she fo
window chng ho
with hr
without my d
woman n ryn
write shya
yes sh
yesterday zr tyn
you sg inf n
you sg pol nn
you pl n mn
Zhuang
TONES
ABOUT ZHUANG
PRONUNCIATION
TIME & DATES
ACCOMMODATION
SIGHTSEEING
SHOPPING
MEETING PEOPLE
MAKING CONVERSATION
FEELINGS & OPINIONS
FAREWELLS
EATING OUT
ENGLISHZHUANG DICTIONARY
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
262
263
264
267
268
268
272
272
273
tones
Zhuang is a tonal language (tonal quality refers to the raising and lowering of
pitch on certain syllables). Tones in Zhuang fall on vowels. The same combination of
sounds pronounced with different tones can have a very different meaning.
Zhuang has nine tones. In our pronunciation guide theyve been simplified to six
tones, indicated with accents on the letters, as shown in the tables below for the
vowel a. Weve represented the following tones with one symbol: high flat, high
even and high even short (eg ); high rising and high rising long (eg ); mid flat and
mid flat short (eg a). The last value for all three tones applies when the syllable ends
in k, p or t.
while lower tones are made by relaxing the vocal cords to get a lower pitch. Bear in
mind that the tones are relative to the natural vocal range of the speaker, eg the high
tone is pronounced at the top of ones vocal range. Note also that some tones slide up
or down in pitch.
Z HUAN G t o n es
high
flat
254
high
falling
high
rising
mid
flat
a
low
falling
mid
rising
ZHUANG
about Zhuang
Zhuang (vaashueng) is a Tai-Kadai language related to Thai and Lao. Its spoken primarily in the Gungx Autonomous Region of southern China, but also in nearby areas
of Guzhou, Gungdng, Hnn and Ynnn. The Zhuang are Chinas largest minority
group, with a population of around 18 million. Zhuang is tonal and largely monosyllabic. For many centuries, Zhuang has been written with a script borrowed from
Chinese (the so-called fangkuaizi, square characters), but since the 1950s the government has promoted a system of romanisation called Zhuangwen. Zhuangwen can
be seen on road signs, official documents and in newspapers, and educated people
may be able to read and write it. Often, however, people continue to use the Chinese
script to write Zhuang. In this chapter, we have provided a more user-friendly transliteration system rather than Zhuangwen. There are two main dialects of Zhuang:
northern and southern. The northern dialect represented here is based on that of
Wmng, a county directly to the north of Nnnng. Travellers going to other areas in
Gungx may find that the vocabulary varies somewhat, but armed with this phrasebook and a spirit of goodwill and adventure, youll get along surprisingly well.
zhuang
Lipnshu
HNN
GUZHU
Kil
Guyng
YNNN
Shogun
Guln 00
250 km
125 mi
Yngshu
Lizhu GUNGX
ZHUANG
GUNGDNG
Wzhu
Gungzhu
Nnnng
Vietnam
Hngyng
Qnzhu
Macau
Zhnjing
a bo ut ZHUA NG
Qijng
Pn
Fnghung
255
pronunciation
Vowels
ZH UAN G p ro n un ci a ti on
Symbol
256
English sound
Consonants
Symbol
English sound
run
like English b, but

unvoiced
aa
father
like English d, but

unvoiced
bet
fat
ee
like e, but longer
like English g, but

unvoiced
ew
as the oo in soon, with

hat
hit
as in luck, but with no

ii
machine
lot
vote
man
oo
like o, but longer
mb
a strongly voiced b
put
not
uu
like u, but longer
nd
a strongly voiced d
In this chapter, the Zhuang pronunciation is given in blue after each phrase.
ng

In Zhuang, vowels can appear in combinations of two (diphthongs) or three

(triphthongs). At the beginning of a
word some consonants can also appear
in combination, eg by, gv, gy, my, ngv,
ny. All sounds in these combinations are
simply pronounced in series.
as in nap, but with no

roach (guttural)
sh
ship
as in hat, but with no

Syllables within a word are separated by

a dot, eg: doshii.
th
thing
vote
yes
essentials
Yes./No.
Hello.
Goodbye. (said by person leaving)
Goodbye. (said by person staying)
Please
Thank you.
Excuse me. (asking for assistance)
Sorry.
dewk/mbu dewk
mwng ndi
gu bi gon lo
ndi byai
shng
doshii
shng ve ndang di
gu theng heu mwng
dimbuhwn
numbers
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
lng 20
ngeiship
t/ndu 30
thamship
ngei/thong 40
thiship
tham 50
haship
thi 60
rkship
ha/ngu 70
shtship
rk/lok 80
betship
sht 90
guship
bet/bat 100
tbak
gu 1000
tshen
ship 1,000,000
tbakfaan
la ngu a ge di f f ic ul t ies ZH UAN G

mwng ro gang (vaayingyi) mbu
Do you understand?
mwng royu mbu shng
gu (mbushng) royu
I (dont) speak Mandarin.
gu (mbu) ro gang budungva
Could you please repeat that?
shng mwng shai gang bi hee
Could you please speak more slowly?
shng mwng gang meen dii
257
time & dates
Z HUA N G t im e & d ate s
What time is it?

thini gidem shng
Its (10) oclock.
(ship) dem lo
Quarter past (10).
(ship) dem shipha fn lo
Half past (10).
(ship) dem ben shng lo
Quarter to (11). (literally: Forty-five minutes past (10).)
(ship) dem thishipha fn lo
da thilew (haishi)
(It starts) At 10.
ship dem shng (haishi)
Its (18 October).
ngnni (ship nyiet shipbet haau)
258
this
ni
morning (after breakfast) gyanght
morning (before lunch) banngn
afternoon banrnggva
yesterday
today
now
tonight
tomorrow
ngnlwen
ngnni
thini
hamni
ngnshook
sunrise
sunset
banht
gyangham
spring
summer
autumn
winter
thishn
thihaa
thishu
thidng
thinggit
thinggingei
thinggitham
thinggithi
thinggiha
thinggirk
ngnthinggi
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
tnyiet
ngeinyiet
thamnyiet
thinyiet
ngunyiet
loknyiet
shtnyiet
betnyiet
gunyiet
shipnyiet
shiptnyiet
shipngeinyiet

Is this the to (Wmng)?
ni bi (vumng) ma
boat nru
bus gunggng gishee
train nhoshee
Wheres a/the ?
yu gilew
bank ngnhang
place to change foreign money diek vuen shen gekrook
post office yudengi
Is this the way to (Nnnng)?
du rn ni dewk bi (namnng) mbu
What village is this?
mbanni mban ma
shng mwng u mbew deido ni ra n deifeng ni okdu
tra nspor t & d irec t io n s ZHUA NG
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
259
Whats the address?

diekyu yu gilew
How far is it?
mi gilai gyi
byai rn gvabi ndi mbu
How do I get there?
bnlew byai
Turn towards the left/right.
yieng baaiswi/baaigva vangvabi
Its straight ahead.
tshik byaibi shoo baaina
Z HUA N G ac c om m oda ti on
Its
yu
behind baailng
in front of baaina
near thihen
on the corner bakrn
opposite doimien
there gihn
260
accommodation
gilew mi bingvan/ligvan
mwng hew gu gew n diek shien/ndiyu, ndi mbu
gu theng yu n hekdem dangdiek gingyng nei do
gu theng ding feng
gu then shi yewding gva
Do you have a room?
mi feng r ndwi
double (suite) dau
single dan vn
twin thong vn

ngnndu/bundu gilai shen
dathen do (tham) ngn
fakykthi n feng hew gu, ndi mbu
shai hew gu (fandam) ndu, ndi mbu
(gungdu) vaai lo
thilew doi feng

gini mi vangbaa lewi
Wheres a/an ?
yu gilew
ATM thwdng lngshengii
public phone gungyung denva
Id like to
gu theng
get internet access hwn vang
use a printer/scanner yung dayngii/thaumyaugii
denva mwng dewk gilai
The number is
haauma dewk
ba nk i ng & commu n ica t i on s Z H UANG
Could I have my ,
shng mwng doi
please?
hew gu
deposit shenat
passport hushau
261
sightseeing
gu theng bi yew gi gngthk bondiek
Id like to see
gu theng bi yew
Whats that?
gihn dewk gima
Can I take a photo?
gu ng theng ndi lewi
gu theng bi yew gi liyuden dkgng dii
dauyu u gilai thigan
Z HUA N G sig h t see i ng
sightseeing
262
Guln
Hu Shn cliff paintings
International Song Festival
local chieftains residence in Xnchng
museum
Yiling Cave in Wmng
Zhuang village
gviln
veebangdat byarai
shetfwen tham nyiet tham
yinshng hakdo yamon
bovugvan
vumng yiilngngan
mban shueng
shopping
Wheres a ?
yu gilew
camera shop shauthenggvan
market shenghew
souvenir shop ginengvan
supermarket shaaugi thishang
gi dgai giniem dangdiek hn yu gilew shew ndi
n dgai ni yung gima shailu shau ha
Id like to buy
gu theng shew
Can I look at it?
gu yewyew ndi lewi
How much is it?
gilai ngn
shng rai gi gyashen rngdu hew gu
dai beng lo
hew mwng (ha mn) ngn
yung thnyngga gyau shen ndi lewi
mbew dan ni mi vwndi
dai noi
gu
dai lai
bigger
smaller
hng dii
i dii
meeting people
Hello. (said to one person)
Hello. (said to more than one person)
Welcome.
Goodbye. (said by person leaving)
Goodbye. (said by person staying)
Good night.
mwng
thu ndi
hoonyng
gu bi gon lo
ndi byai
ma nn lo
How are you?

Fine. And you?
Whats your name?
My name is
mwng ndi ma
ndi, mwng ne
mngshoo mwng heuguu ma
gu heuguu
shu mwng rnna, ang raishai
me e ti ng p eop l e ZH UAN G
less
enough
more
263
a manner of speaking
When approaching people to ask assistance, its polite to address them with
one of the following terms, which differ according to the gender and age of the
person youre speaking to.
Z HUA N G m ak i n g conve rsa ti on
female older than your parents

female (adult) younger than your parents
male older than your parents
male (adult) younger than your parents
264
meeba
meethm
boolng
booau
This is my
buvn ni dewk gu
brother (older/younger) dakgo/dakneng
child lewk
daughter daalewk
father daboo
friend bngyu
husband gvan
mother damee
partner (intimate) dakyu/daayu m/f
sister (older/younger) daashe/daaneng
son daklewk
wife yaa
making conversation
Do you live here?
mwng yu gilew do
mwng bi gilew
diekni dewkgyi lewi
I love it here.
diekni dewkgyi raishai
Have you eaten?
mwng gwn hu shng
mwng dng gini liyu ma
Im here
gu dng gini
for a holiday liyu
on business okshai
to study luhaak
local talk
Great!
Hey!
Its OK.
Just a minute.
Just joking.
Maybe.
No problem.
No way!
Oh, spare me!
Sure, whatever.
Thats enough!
shn ndi
vei
li ndi ba
sha dii
mwng shu gu gangru
lau dewk yiengni
mbu mi ma
mbu ndi lo
mbu guu lo
ndi, ndi
gu lo, gu lo
ma k i ng conver s at io n Z HUAN G

mwng yu gini yu ginan
gu yu gini yu (thi) n thinggi
gu ng theng (mwng) ndi lewi
Do you speak (Zhuang)?
mwng ro gang (vaashueng) lewi
mwng yu ndew ran gang vaa gima
What do you call this in (Zhuang)?
gaini gang (vaashueng) heeuguu ma
Whats this called?
gaini heeuguu ma
Id like to learn some (Zhuang).
gu theng haak dii (vaashueng) yew
gu thon mwng/thu vaayingyi ndi mbu sg/pl
yiengni guu dewk fngthuk dangdiek ma
265
Where are you from?
mwng da gilew du
Im from
gu dewk vn
Australia audaliya
Canada gyaanada
England yinggo
New Zealand thinthiilan
the USA migo
mwng guu gima hong
Z HUA N G m ak i n g conve rsa ti on
Im a/an
gu dewk
businessperson vn thengi
office worker vnbaangng
tradesperson vn shaang
266
How old ?
mi gilai bi lo
are you mwng
is your daughter daalewk mwng
is your son daklewk mwng
Im years old.
gu mi bi
de mi bi
Too old!
dai lau lo
gu hautheng gva gi yieng gu
Are you married? (asking a man)
mwng u la
Are you married? (asking a woman)
mwng ha la
Im
gu
married (said by a man) u yaa lo
married (said by a woman) ha vn lo
single budok
Do you have a family of your own?
gu shu yu gu dngyu
mwng bngya shng
Do you like ?
mwng gyi ma
I (dont) like
gu (mbu) gyi
art yithu
film bi yew denyng
music dng yinyo
reading dok thew
sport diy
feelings & opinions
I (dont) feel
gu (mbu) ronyin
Do you feel ?
mwng ronyin ma
happy ang
sad mbu ang
worried veng
mwng ronyin ndi mbu ndi
Its
de
awful yak raishai
beautiful gyundi
boring shn mbw
great gik ndi
interesting yn raishai
OK li ndi
strange gigvai/gihei
fe e li ngs & opin i on s ZH UAN G
Im (not)
gu (mbu)
Are you ?
mwng ma
cold nt
hot hwng
hungry dng ek
thirsty hohew
tired bak
267
farewells
ngnshook gu yk bi lo
daangnu mwng du (thuugewlan) hoonyng mwng du shu du do yu
Keep in touch!
shengthi rai thn
shu mwng rona shn vaivuet
Heres my (address).
gini dewk (diekyu) gu
Whats your (email)?
(denthw thnthieng) mwng bnlew rai
well-wishing
Z HUA N G f arew el l s
Bon voyage!
Congratulations!
Good luck!
Happy birthday!
Happy (Chinese) New Year!
268
ndi byai
gnghi
hoo mwng thihi ndi
ngntheng vaivuet
bimo vaivuet
eating out
Where would you go for (a) ?
shi ndi dng gilew bi
banquet baan dailu
celebration baan hoi hoo
cheap meal gi hu byk benngi
local specialities hu byk bondei
yum cha gwn sha
Can you recommend a ?

mwng gang shi ndi yu gilew
bar bulu
cafe gaafeigvan
dish byk
noodle house bu mienfn
restaurant buhu
snack shop dan thithk
(wonton) stall dan (vndan)
street vendor dan hengai
teahouse shagen
Id like (a/the)
gu u
table for (five) n dai (ha vn)
bill shangdaan
drink list danlu
local speciality shng byk mi dakdem bondei hn
menu shaidaan
(non)smoking table n dai (mbu) hew sht en
Id like it with
lai sheng dii
Id like it without
shng gi sheng
chilli lewkmaan
garlic ho
MSG vishing
nuts makfi
oil yu
htnng gwn ma
Whats that called?
shngni heeuguu ma
e a t in g o ut Z HUAN G

thu thini li haidu ma
mi gima byk shi ndi
Whats in that dish?
shng byk ni yung gima dongyieng ma long
Ill have that.
u shng ni
269
Id like , please.
shng hew gu
one slice gai ndu
a piece fan ndu
a sandwich n thaanmngshi ndu
that one nhn
two thong n
This dish is
shng byk ni lo
(too) spicy (dai) maan
superb ndi gwn raishai
I love this dish.
shng byk ni shn hom
byk bondei shn ndigwn
That was delicious!
shn ndigwn
Im full.
gwn m lo
Z HUA N G ea t in g o ut
breakfast
lunch
dinner
drink (alcoholic)
270
ngai
rng
shu
lu
ynlu
water
rm
boiled gn
cold gyt
sparkling mineral gvangshenthi dai gibau
still mineral gvangshenthi
(cup of) coffee
(shen) gaafei ndu
(cup of) tea
(shen) sha ndu
with (milk) dwk (nunai)
without (sugar) mbu dwk (dang)
black tea
chrysanthemum tea
green tea
jasmine tea
oolong tea
hngsha
sha vagt
sha heu
vasha
vuulng sha

(orange) juice
lychee juice
soft drink
thoom nunai
rm (makdng)
rm leici
githi
a of beer
bishu ndu
glass shen
large bottle bng hng
small bottle bng i
a shot of (whisky)
shng (vithwgi) ndu
a bottle of wine
bng budaushu ndu
a glass of wine
boi budaushu ndu
red hng
white hau
Cheers!
This is hitting the spot.
I think Ive had one too many.
Im feeling drunk.
gwn ma
gu shng hek
gwn gima lu
gwn lu
dai ndi gwn lo
gu lau gwn dai lai lo
gu mi dii fi
corn on the cob

dumpling (boiled)
dumpling (fried)
dumpling (steamed)
rice noodles
wonton soup
ln huyang
shi
shi shen
bau
thaaubng
fn
fng
vndan
e a t in g o ut Z HUAN G
street eats
271

mi byk shai ndwi
guu byk mbu sheng ndi mbu
Z HUA N G spec ia l d i e ts & a lle rgi e s
Im allergic to
gu doi gomn
dairy produce naibn
eggs gyigi
meat noo
nuts ngveimak
seafood gi dgwn ndew hai
272

Help!
Go away!
Fire!
Watch out!
gu ming
vai byai bi
dew fi lo
thuthm

mwng bang gu ndi mbu
gu shi n denvagi mwng ndi mbu
Im lost.
gu byai lng lo
shetho yu gilew
baishutho yu gilew
Wheres the
shi gyew yu
nearest ?
gilew
dentist yayii
doctor shaangyw
hospital yiiyn
pharmacist yofang
englishzhuang dictionary
accident (mishap) thaimwt

accident (traffic) okthai
accommodation diekgwnyu
adaptor shadu shonshegi
address n diekyu
after dklng
air conditioning gungdu
airplane feigii
airport feigiishang
alcohol lu
all dng
allergy gmnshwng
ambulance giuhushee
and shu
ankle dabu
antibiotics ganggnthu
arm gen
ATM thwdng lngshengii
camera shauthenggii
cancel mbu u
car gishee
cash n shenngn
cash (a cheque) v doiyien (shiibyau)
cell phone thugii
centre n shnggyang
change (money) v vuen (shen)
cheap benngi
check (bill) shangdaan
check-in n dewnggi
chest (body) nak
children lewknye
cigarette en
city ndewthng
clean a thew
closed gven du lo
cold (food/water) a shp
cold (weather) a nt
collect call denva doifeng hewshen
come du
computer dennau
condom biyndu
contact lenses ngangng ynhng
cook v thew
cost n bonshen
credit card thnyngga
currency exchange diek vuen shen
customs (immigration) haigvaan
dangerous yngyem
date (time) thatshi
day ngn
delay v ngu
en g l ish z h u an g
baby lewkndng
back (of body) baailng
backpack daithew
bad yak
bag dai
baggage hngl
bank ngnhang
bar bulu
bathroom thwifwnggeen
battery denshi
beautiful gyundi
bed shong
beer bishu
before (time) gon
behind baailng
bicycle daanshee
big hng
bill shangdaan
blanket dam
blood group lewthng
boat nr
book (make a reservation) v ding
bottle bng
boy lewkthai
brakes (car) kaapshi
breakfast ngai
broken (out of order) vaai lo
bus gunggng gishee
business thengi
buy v shew
273
dentist yayii
depart li
diaper vanyou
dinner shu
direct a shikthoo
dirty u
disabled fi
discount v da shngtho
doctor shaangyw
double bed shong thongvn
double room feng thongvn
drink n ynlu
drive v hai (shi)
drivers licence gyathi shishau
drug (illicit) dubn
ear rw
east dng
eat gwn
economy class gingshi shaang
electricity dengi
elevator dendii
email denthw yugen
embassy dathigvan
emergency thai gngp
English (language) vaa yingyi
evening gyangham
exit n shugu
expensive beng
eye da
D I C TI ON A RY
274
far gyi
fast vai
father daboo
film (camera) gyaaugen
finger lewkfwng
first-aid kit gigu yothieng
first class shaang dudng
fish n bya
food gigwn
foot dn
free (of charge) menfi
friend bngyu
fruit mak
full (container) rm
full (stomach) m
gift li
girl lewkmbwk
glass (drinking) shen
glasses yanggng
go bi
good ndi
guide n budairn
half n ben
hand fwng
happy ang
he de
head n gyu
heart thm
heavy nk
help v bang
here gini
high thang
highway gunglu
hike v byai loo
holiday gyagi
homosexual dngthnglenshe
hospital yiiyn
hot (temperature/weather) ndat
hotel ligvan
(be) hungry dngek
husband gvan
I gu
identification (card) thinfwnshwng
ill bing lo
important yugn
injury (harm) thenghaai
injury (wound) baktheng
insurance bauyen
internet hulenvang
interpreter faanyiyen
jewellery shewbau
job hong
key ykthi
kilogram gnggn
kitchen randashew
knife sha
laundry (place) thiyiidem

lawyer lithew
left (direction) thwi
leg (body) ga
lesbian nithng dngthnglenshe
less noi
letter (mail) thn
light n dndewng
like v gyi
lock n thu
long ri
lost lngrn
love v gyi
luggage hngli
lunch rng
name mngshoo
near gyew
neck n ho
new mo
newspaper baushi
night gyangham
no mbu
noisy shau
nonsmoking mbu sht en
north bk
old (people) lau

old (things) ge
one-way ticket bu daanshwng
open a haidwk
outside baairoog
passport hushau
pay v gyau shen
pharmacy yofang
phonecard denvaga
photo mbewtheng
police gngsha
postcard mngthnben
post office yudengi
pregnant mi ndang
price n gyashen
quiet a ym
rain n fwn
razor faakdi
receipt n thudu
refund n boi
registered mail yugen gvahaau
rent v sho ran
repair v shooi
reserve v baulu
restaurant buhu
return (give back) hoi
return (go back) bima
return ticket bu bidau
right (direction) baai gva
road rn
room n feng
safe a anshen
sanitary napkin thai dewthak
seat n dieknang
send thng
e n gl ish zh u a n g
mail n yugen
man vn
map deido
market shenghew
matches haabfi
meat noo
medicine yw
message shenvaa
milk nunai
minute fn
mobile phone thugii
money shen
month ndwen
morning gyanght
mother damee
motorcycle moodoshee
mouth bak
nose ndng
now thini
number haau
275
sex (intercourse) de
sex (gender) dak r daa
shampoo thifashi
share (a dorm) dngyu
she de
sheet (bed) dam
shirt buu
shoes hai
shop n bu
short dm
shower n lnythi
single room feng vnndu
skin n nng
skirt n gn
sleep v nn
slow meen
small i
soap gen
some mbng
soon shou
south nam
souvenir dgai giniem
stamp yubu
stand-by ticket biyungbu
station (train) sheeshan
stomach dng
stop v dng
stop (bus) n gunggng gishee shan
street gai
student haaktheng
sun dngngn
sunscreen fangthaiyu
swim v yurm
D I C TI ON A RY
276
tampon menthai
telephone n denva
temperature (weather) givewn
that hn
they gyngde
(be) thirsty hohew
this ni
throat ho
ticket bu
time thigan
tired bak
tissues shign
today ngnni
toilet shetho
tomorrow ngnshook
tonight hamni
tooth heu
toothbrush gaishatheu
toothpaste yagaau
torch (flashlight) thudndng
tour n lihng
tourist office lihng bangungthi
towel thuba
train n hoshee
translate faanyi
travel agency lihngthe
travellers cheque lihng shiibyau
trousers va
twin-bed room feng thong shong
underwear buundew
urgent gngp
vacancy feng hng

vegetable n byk
vegetarian a bu gwn shai
visa shemshng
walk v byai
wallet shenbau
wash (something) thak
watch n thubyau
water n rm
we (including you) ru
we (not including you) du
weekend shumo
west thi
wheelchair ilk
when thilew
where gilew
who bulew
why viima
wife yaa
window bakdang
with shu
without mbu mi
woman meembwk
write rai
yes dewk
yesterday ngnlwen
you sg mwng
you pl thu
Mongolian
ALPHABET
ABOUT MONGOLIAN
PRONUNCIATION
TIME & DATES
ACCOMMODATION
SIGHTSEEING
SHOPPING
MEETING PEOPLE
MAKING CONVERSATION
FEELINGS & OPINIONS
FAREWELLS
EATING OUT
IN THE GRASSLANDS
ENGLISHMONGOLIAN DICTIONARY
278
279
280
281
282
283
285
286
286
288
289
290
294
295
296
300
301
303
305
alphabet
Initial Medial Final Romanisation Initial Medial Final Romanisation
l
s z
d
c
oe
^ _ + oa
a l ph a b et
g
l
m
s, sh
sh
t, d
} ~
( t &
)
h, kh
} F~ ~ xxI
ee
h, kh
I *
b, v, w
f Q l~ {
ng
Extended letters (for Chinese and other

foreign words) are listed below.
f Q L~ {
2 b p
b p H k G k L M S Z D C
O a et $ # (
X e
oi n
w, v, e
, oo
i, ee
o,
Y R W
t t
I O
a a
Fe F Fi Fo Foi N
Mo2go& kEla
278
a, aa
f
k
lh
ts
z
h
zh
zh
ch
Mongolian is written vertically, ie from top

to bottom (and read from left to right), in
a cursive alphabetic script consisting of 23
basic letters with the addition of several
extra characters used mainly to write words
borrowed from other languages.
ch
Not all sounds listed in this table are found

in the phrases within this chapter. See the
pronunciation guide, p280.
Where two options are given in the table,

you might see either symbol used.
MONGOLIAN
Mo2go& kEla
about Mongolian
Mongolian (monggol hul Mo2go& kEla ) is a Mongolic language, thought to be
related to Turkish, Japanese and Korean. Its written using a cursive script in vertical
lines read from left to right (also see p282) one of few languages to be written
this way. According to legend, the script was instituted by order of Genghis Khan in
1204. Today, there are estimated to be around 10 million Mongols worldwide, the
majority living in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China. The standard
language for Mongols in China is based on the Chahar dialect (used in this chapter),
an official language alongside Mandarin Chinese. Mongolian restaurants and stores
can be found throughout Inner Mongolia, and if the Mongolian writing on the signs
is larger than the Chinese, you can be sure those inside speak Mongolian. Of course,
a trip to Inner Mongolia should include a visit to its famous grasslands. Travellers here will often be met by locals and presented with a ceremonial scarf, called a
khadag (haddug Hede(), along with verbal blessings. Foreigners speaking Mongolian cause great delight even more so if you say tann yirrool togtukh boltoog
Dea O FirohE& DoeedeeeO BldogeI , meaning May your blessings come to pass!
mongolian
Hih
0
0
500 km
250 mi
Hilr
Mongolia
Ychn
Qqhr
HILNGJING
Hrbn
Chngchn
Erenhot Xilinhot
Chfng
Botu
Zhngy
Xnng
JLN Jln
Spng
Lioyun
Shnyng
Jnzhu
LIONNG
HBI
Chngd
nshn
Hohhot Zhngjiku
Qnhungdo
BI
BIJNG
Dndng
North
Dtng Bijng
Whi
Korea
TITngshn
TINJN
Dlin
B o ha i
SHNX
Ynchun
Tinjn
Yln
Bay
Tiyun
Wwi
Y
e
l
l
o
w
Shjizhung
Ynti
NNGXI
NGXI
S e a outh
HBI
H
I Jnn Wifng
HUITngxn Pngyo
Handan
SHNDN
ea
Yn'n
Qngdo
Lnzhu
nyng
Ch h
G
INNER MONGOLIA
GNS
Jiygun
Tnglio
a bo ut MO N GOL IAN
Russia
279
pronunciation
pr on un c i a ti on
Vowels
Mo2go& kEla
280
Consonants
Symbol
English sound
Symbol
English sound
fat
bit
aa
father
ch
chin
ai
aisle
dog
ao
Mao
fun
ay
day
go
bet
hot
there
jump
ee
see
kid
pig
kh
as the ch in
Scottish loch
hot
lip
alone
map
e pronounced
with rounded lips
no
oi
oil
ng
sing
slightly longer
pet
oo
tool
run (very strong

and trilled)
cut
sip
good
sh
shoe
top
ts
cats
very
win
you
lads
In this chapter, the Mongolian pronunciation is given in green after each phrase.
The r in Mongolian is a hard, trilled
sound. Note that s should always be
pronounced as in sip regardless of the
sounds around it.
Syllables are separated by a dot and the
stressed syllable is marked by italics.
For example: Ferbea arbun
essentials
Yes./No. DeiimO / FoiheI
Yes, thats right.
Dekt
Yes, that would be OK.
Blo%T
Hello.
se;a bE;%T oO
Goodbye.
bEyerdeI
Thank you.
beyerle&T
Excuse me./Sorry.
FegocilegereI
teem/oogway
tugu
boln
sn bn n
bayurt
bayurlaa
chlr
ta anggul hul mutun n
ta oilgoj j
bee oilogsun(gway)
Dehigeoa Niht Fode)T
dkhaad nig ddaa

hilj bolun n
Could you please speak more slowly?

Fegeji^ Si( kElejO Blo%T oO ?
aajim shig hilj bolun n
numbers
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Det
Niht
Hoye*
Gorbt
Doirbt
De@X
Jirgo)T
Dolo)T
Neima
YisO
Ferbt
tig
nig
hoiyur
groo
droo
tav
jrgaa
doll
nm
yis
araoo
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
1000
1,000,000
HorI
GocI
DoicI
DebU
Jira
Dela
Neya
Yera
JegO
Mi2)T
Jegoa Doima
hur
gch
dch
teb
jir
dal
nai
yir
j
myang
jn tm
la ngu a ge di ffi cul t ies M ON GO LI AN

Da Fe2h7I kela Mede%T oO ?
Do you understand?
Da Fo;legejO oO ?
bU Fo;legeeesea ( FoihEI )
Could you please repeat that?
kElejO Blo%T oO ?
281
t im e & da te s
time & dates
Mo2go& kEla
282
What time is it?

kEdoI Ce( BljO be;eeO BI ?
Its (10) oclock.
( Ferbea ) Ce( BljO be;%T
Quarter past (10).
DeBa MinoiDA
( Ferbea ) Ce( Ferbea
Half past (10).
( Ferbea ) Ce( Hege_
Forty-five minutes past (10).
DeBa MinoiDA Doicia
( Ferbea ) Ce(
kedoa Ce( DO ( FhilevX BI ) ?
(It starts) At 10.
Ferbea Ce( ( Fca Fkile%T )
Its (18 October).
Ferbea Neimea )
huttee chag bolj bkh v

(arbun) chag bolj bn
(arbun) chag arban
tavun minnut
(arbun) chag hagas
(arbun) chag dchin
tavun minnut
huttee chagt (ukhlukh v)
arbun chagaas (ukhlunn)
oonoodur (arbun sarin
Foinodo* ( Ferbea Se*T iia arbun nmun)

the day before
yesterday
yesterday
today
tomorrow
the day after
tomorrow
Forjido*
rjeedur
FoicohEdo*
Foinodo*
MergesI
NoivxhEdo*
oochigdur
oonoodur
margaash
ngoodur
just a twist to the right

Mongolian script is written vertically and read from left to right. So if you want
to have a go at reading the script in this chapter, or when asking a local to read it
for you, simply turn the book 90 degrees clockwise. Our coloured pronunciation
guides, however, should simply be read the same way you read English.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Gere( oa NihEa
Gere( oa Hoye*
Gere( oa Gorbea
Gere( oa Doirbea
Gere( oa DeBa
Gere( oa Jirgogea
Gere( oa Fdo*
garugeen nigun
garugeen hoir
garugeen grbun
garugeen drbun
garugeen tavun
garugeen jurgaa
garugeen ddur
Moia oO ?
un (laanad)
VO FocieeO
ochikh mn

Fna ( Folegeeeeeda )
bus
Mesia Derht neetin mashin turrug
Neiida iia
train GeldO Derht galt turrug
plane NishE&
nisgul
Is this the
to (Ulaan Hada)?
Wheres a/the ? Hemi)T be;eeO BI ? haa bkh v

bank bE2hiA
benk
convenience kEdO DelhEvx* khit dulgoor

store
currency
Jogo_ SolieeO Geje* js solikh gajjur

exchange
pharmacy F^ oa DelhEvx* ummeen dulgoor
post office Siodea DobciIT shdang tobch
restaurant
Hogolea ke* hlan gur
Is this the road to (the Inner Mongolia Museum)?
Je^ Moia oO ?
un bol (oowoor monggolin
Moi}wI )VO YeBeeO
moozi)d yavukh
Fna B& ( FoiB* Mo2go& oa
jam mn n
tra nspor t & di re c t ion s MO NG OLI AN
283

NededO JigejO Foihvx%T oO ?
oonee gajrin jirrug dr
Where is it located?
Hemi)T bE;de( BI ?
haa bdug v
How far is it?

kEdoI Hola BI ?
huttee hol v
How do I get there?

FocieeO BI ?
bU YegehijO Deeda
bee yaaj tund

ochchikh v
Turn towards the left.

JevxesI bea
joonshn
Turn towards the right.

bEregoesI bea
barnshn
Its straight ahead.

Sigooa YeB%T
sht yavun
t r a n spo r t & di re c ti ons
Fvxa I Geje* oa Jiro( DehE*T nadad jaaj ggn n
Mo2go& kEla
284

Blo%T oO ?
bU YebEgea FocijO
behind
in front of
near
on the corner
opposite
there
bee yavgun ochij

bolun n
FerO VonI
Fmo%T NI
Fo;relce)T
Foiecot DO be;%T
FservX De&T VonI
Deeda
ardun
oomnun
oirulch
nchgt bn
usrug taldun
tund
accommodation
Hemi)T be;eeO BI ?
jochdeen btul
haa bkh v
Foihvx% T oO ?
nadud nig hyemdhun/sn shig
Si( Geje* DenilcegoljO
gajjur tanilchlj
NededO Niht kimdeeeea/ Se;a ggun n
JehiyeleeeO Sene)T DeI
bee nig rr
bU Niht Foiroht
jakhaaldakh sannaat
bU Niht Foiroht JehiyeljeI
bee nig rr jakhaaldjai
Jocioa oa begode&

kEdoI Jogo_ BI ?
Niht Hono( / Kimoa
bU ( Gorbt ) HonoeeO Sene)T DeI
Blo%T oO ?
nig honug/hoon
huttee js v
bee (groo) honnokh sannaat
Doilhivx* iiea FoihcO
tlkhoorn gch
bolun n

FoihcO Blo%T oO ?
r nig (tans) gch bolun n
Foihe*T Niht ( De2sa )

( :iet DiyoO ) FbderejeI
YeBeeO BI ?
MergesI kEdoI Ce( DO
(kongteeaaoo) uvdurj
margaash huttee chagt
yavvakh v
a ccommoda t io n MO NG OLI AN
Do you have a
be;%T oO ?
tand rr bn n
room?
Dea VO Foiroht
double (suite) Hoye* Kimoa O hoiyur hoon
single Geeeca Kimoa O ganch hoon
twin Hoye* ForO DeI hoiyur ort
285
Could I have my
Blo%T oO ?
minnee bchaj gch
, please?
MinO BcejO FoihcO bolun n
deposit bericegea O Moi2vX barreechaann mngk
passport pesPrDA
pasport
Mo2go& kEla
286
Wheres a/an ? bE;eeO BI ?

haa bkh v

Hemi)T
ATM
DI :wea JI tee kwan jee
public phone Ne;da iia FodesO neetin tas
internet cafe NwDA bEge* net baar
Niht Ce( kEdoI Jogo_ BI ?
kEdoI BI ?
Dea O Fodesoa Nomw*
The number is
MinO Nomw* B&
nig chag huttee js v

tann tusun nomur
huttee v
minnee nomur bol
sightseeing
NehEhedet / Hegede( BI ?
kEdoa Ce( DO
piyoO kEdoI Jogo_ BI ?
Is there a discount for student/children?
piyoO be;%T oO ?
SoroeecI iia / keoheoa oa
huttun chagt
ndug/haadug v
peeaaoo huttee js v
sragcheen/hookhdeen
peeaaoo bn n
Id like a
bU FeBIT
bee avyaa
catalogue Jogecile& oa Debde* jgaachuleen divtir
guide JemcileeecI
jamcheelugch
map Geje* oa Jiro( gajreen jrug
Id like to see
FoijevX Sene)T DeI
Whats that?
Dera YegO BI ?
Can I take a photo?
Blo%T oO ?
bU Sevxde* FebcO
Can I take photos here?
Blo%T oO ?
F-eda Sevxde* FebcO
JogeceeeO FhEljI BleeO BI ?
jikh sannaat
tir yoo b
bee soodur avch
bolun n
und soodur avch
bolun n
kedoI Ce( Fca DeregecI iia
huttee chagaas daraacheen

jgaachikh lj bolukh v

kEdoI Hogoce)T BI ?
huttee hgchaa v
sightseeing
Arjai Grotto (Utag Banner)
FerjeI FegoI
DelO Nigo*
Daqingqou Nature Reserve (Tnglio)

Coi2vX& oa GoO
Five Pagoda Temple
DeBa SoBrgedO Soi^T
Genghis Khans Mausoleum in Ordos
Ci2hi_ oa Fo2goa
Tomb of Zhaojun
JoO Jiyoia O Fo2goa
Yuan Dynasty Upper Capital (Shngd/Xanadu)
DehedO Ne;sle&
Yowea Folo_ oa
arjai agoi
chagaan svrag
yikh j som
dal nr
chngkhuleen gao
tavun svragt som
chinggisseen onggun
jao jeeyunn onggun
yooan lseen
dd neeslul
si ghtse e in g M ON GO LI AN
Bi T (White Pagoda)
Cegea SoBr)T
D Zho Monastery
Yeht JoO Soi^T
Dali Lake
287
shopping
sh o ppi n g
Wheres a ?
bE;de( BI ?
haa bdug v

Hemi)T
camera shop Geje*
soodur tatakh
Sevxde* DedeeeO gajar
market Je(T DelhEvx* jakh dulgoor
souvenir shop Delhevx*
monggoleen onch
Gerolda iia garulteen
Mo2go& oa Foeca dulgoor
Mo2go& kEla
288

De;lvX BI ?
haanaas tann undkheen
Foeca Gerolda FebcO
onch garult avch
Hemi)T Fca Dea O FedehU iia deelukh v
Fna I YegO be* kihsea BI ? unnee yoogaar heesun v
Id like to buy
bU FebEeO Sene)T DeI
bee avukh sannaat
Can I look at it?
bU FoijejO Blo% t oO ?
bee jij bolun n
Can I have it sent overseas?
Blo%T oO ?
gadaad lsud yavlj
GedegedO Folo_ DO YeBgoljO
bolun n
How much is it?
kEdoI Jogo_ BI ?
huttee js v
FoihcO Blo%T oO ?
neegeen bichij
Foi%T iI NI bicijO
gch bolun n
MesI FoinedeI
mash nt
FoihvxIT
tand (tavun tgrug)
Dea VO ( DeBa Doivxrit )
ggeey
Can you lower the price?

kimdere%T oO ?
Is that enough?
Jogo_ Kiro%T oO ?
Its faulty.
FbderejeI
Id like a refund.
FebcO Blo%T oO ?
Moi2vX bEa BcejO
hyamdrun n
js hrun n
uvdurj
mngkn bochaj avch
bolun n
Id like , please.
FoihvxhereI
ggr
a bag SoiliyoO Fogoda sleeao t
a receipt berimda
barimt
Hello.
Hi.
Goodbye.
Good night.
Se;a be;%T oO ?
S;a oO ?
beyerdeI
Se;a FemeregereI
sn bn n
sn n
bayurt
sn amraar
Mr/Mrs
Ms/Miss
FeBgeI
FebeeeeI
avg
avkh
How are you?

Fine. And you?

Whats your name?
My name is
Im pleased to
meet you.
Se;a be;%T oO ?
Se;a oO ?
S;a Se;a ,
Dea O Felde* ?
MinO Ne*T
Se;eeea Denilce&T
sn bn n
sn sn
sn n
tann aldur
minnee nur
skhun tanilchlaa
me e ti ng pe op l e MO NG OLI AN
meeting people
289
This is my
Fna B& MinO
un bol minnee
m a k in g conve rsa ti on
brother (older) Fe(T

akh
brother (younger) DevxO
doo
child keoheoa
hookhud
daughter keohea
hookhun
father Fe@X
aav
friend NeiijI
nj
husband Noivx*
nkhur
mother FjI
j
partner (intimate) kE* oa Kimoa gureen hoon
sister (older) FhecI
ugch
sister (younger) kEohea DevxO hookhun doo
son KiO
hoo
wife Fhene*
ukhnur
Mo2go& kEla
290
making conversation
Do you live here?
F-eda SegojO be;%T oO ?
Hemi)T YeBeeO BI ?
F-eda SegoeeO DoredeI oO ?
I love it here.
MesI DoredeI
Have you eaten?
Fidehsea oO ?
bE* Firehsea oO ?
F-eda Femerelda Foi2hErehEvX
und sj bn n
haa yavukh v
und skh drt y
mash drt
idsun n
und amrilt nggrkhr
yirsun n
local talk
Great!
Hey!
Its OK.
Just a minute.
Just joking.
Maybe.
No problem.
No way!
Sure, whatever.
Thats enough!
Yegehieesea Se;a BI
KiyI
HemiIT FoihEI
bE)T KiliyejO bEI
ZoeelejO be;%T
Blolce)T DeI
HemiIT FoihEI
BleeO FoihEI
Blo% T Blo%T
Blcieee%T
yaasun sn b
hooyee
hamaagway
bag hllj b
shogulj bn
bolulcht
hamaagway
bolkhgway
bolun bolun
bolchikhun

Da F-eda kEdoI FodeeeO BI ?
How long have you been here?
FodejO be;eeO BI ?
Da F-eda Fireheoa kEdoI
SegoeeO Sene)T DeI
bU Feda ( DoirbEa Gere( )
Can I take a photo of you?
Dea I SevXderlejO Blo%T oO ?
Are you Mongolian?
Da Mo2go& Kimoa oO ?
Do you speak Mongolian?
Cide%T oO ?
Da Mo2go& kEla
ta und huttee dukh v

ta und yird huttee
daj bkh v
bee und (drbun garag)
skh sannaat
tannee soodurlj bolun n
ta monggol hoon n
ta monggol hul
chattun n
ma k i ng conve rsa t io n MO NG OLI AN
Im here
bU F-eda FirejeI bee und yirj
on business MeiimeI kivX be* mm heekhr
for a holiday Foi2herehEvX be* amrilt
Femerelda
nggrkhr
for a meeting Hore& kivX be* hrul heekhr
to study SorolceeeO be* srlchkhaar
for travel JogeceeeO be* jgaachkhaar
to work FejilleeeO bE* ajilkhaar
to visit family FoijevX be* sadunaan
Sedoa iiea jkhr
291
m a k ing c onve rsa ti on

Mo2go& kEla
292
Whats this called?

Fna YegO BI ?
un yoo b
How do you say in Mongolian?
iie* YegehijO kElevX BI ?
gusun gee monggolr
kesea Fokt iI Mo2go&
yaaj hulukh v
Id like to learn some (Mongolian).
Sene)T DeI
bee (monggol hul) srkh
bU ( Mo2go& kEla ) SoreeO
sannaat
Jigelge%T oO ?
ta nadaar anggul hul
Da Neda be* FE2h7I kEla
jaalgann
Sorry, I didnt mean to do anything wrong.
bU Felbt bE* biSI
chlr
FegocilegereI ,
bee alvaar bish
I didnt do it on purpose.
bU Felbt bE* biSI
bee alvaar bish
Je2si& Moia oO ?
un tann endkheen
Fna Dea O FedehU iia
jangshil mnn
Where are you from?
Firehsea BI ?
ta haanaas yirsee
Da Hemi)T Fca
Where is your home county?
Dea O Nodo( CinI ?
tann ntug chin
Im from
bU Kimoa
bee hoon
Australia FeoisDreliIT
avstraaleeyaa
Canada qeneda
kanada
England Fe2hlI
anggul
New Zealand Si%T [ileedA shin zeeland
the USA Femwriqt
amerik

Da Yeme* Feji& DeI BI ?
ta yamur ajilt v
Im a/an
bU
bee
businessperson Meiimeiicia
mmchin
doctor FmcI
umch
foreign language bEeesI
gadaad hulnee
teacher
GedegedO kElea O bagsh
nurse SobileeecI
sovlugch
office worker Felbea Fejildea alban ajiltun
photographer SvxderlehcI
soodurlugch
reporter SorBljileeecI
srvuljeelugch
student SoroeecI
srugch
teacher bEeesI
bagsh
How old are you? (asking someone noticeably older than you)
Dea O Nesoa Sevxde* ?
tann nassun soodur
How old is ?
NesodeI BI ?
tann hutun

Dea O kedoa nast v
your daughter kEohEa
hoohun
your son KiO
hoo
Im years old.
bU NesodeI
Dera NesodeI
HereeedejO bE;%T
bU MesI JelegO
Are you married?
Da Horimleeesea oO ?
bee nast
tir nast
bee mash jal
haragduj bn
ta hormulsun n
Im
bU
bee
single HorimlegedoI
horumld
married Horimlecieeeeesea hormulchikhsun
ma k i ng conve rsa t io n MO NG OLI AN
How old are you? (asking someone younger or close to your age)
Da kEdoa NesodeI BI ?
ta huttun nast v
293

SegojO bE;%T
bU Niht Kimoa DeI HemdO
Da kEoheoa DeI oO ?
bee nig hoont hamt

sj bn
ta hookhdt y
feel in g s & opi ni ons
Do you like ?
Da DoredeI oO ? ta drt y
I like bU Do*T DeI
bee drt
I dont like
bU Do*T FoihEI bee dr oogway
art Jiro( DO jrugt
film qinX FoijevX keen jikh
music Kihji^ VO hgjimt
reading No^ Fo2sieeO nom nshikh
sport KidelhEhEa VO temreen
Demi* oa hdulgnd
Mo2go& kEla
294
feelings & opinions

I feel
bU be;%T
bee bn
I dont feel
bU FoiheI
bee oogway
Are you ?
Da bE;a oO ?
ta bn n
cold DegerejO
daarch
drunk SoeedejO
sogtuj bn
happy bEyerlejO
bayurlj bn
hot HelegocejO
halchij
hungry FoiloscO
lsch
sad JobejO
jobj bn
thirsty FomdegesejO
ndaasch
tired YederejO
yadurj
mixed emotions
a little
Im a little sad.
be)T
JobejO be;%T

bU bE)T
very Yeht
Im very surprised.
SocijO bE;%T

bU Yeht
extremely
MesI Yeht
Im extremely happy.
beyerlejO be;%T

bU MesI Yeht
BdojO be;%T oO ?
Fvxa O DoeeeI YegO
MesI MegO
MesI GoYO
Foiioeeee* DeI
Se;a BI
Yegehieesea
SonireeeldeI
Joihe* Sit
Sonia Hecia
yikh
bee yikh sochij bn
mash yikh
bee mash yikh
bayurlj bn
oonn tokh yoo

boduj bn n
mash m
mash goi
weedgart
yaasun
sain b
sonnirkholt
jgur shig
sonin hachin
farewells
bU MergesI YeB%T
bee margaash yavun
If you come to my country you can stay with me.
Neda DeI HemdO SegojO Blo%T ta minnee lsad ochbul nadt
Da MinO Folo_ DO FocibE&
hamt sj bolun
Keep in touch!
HerilcejO be;gereI
harilchij bgar
Heres my (address).
Fna B& MinO ( kE* oa Heyi( ) un bol minnee (girreen hayig)
Whats your (email)?
Dea O ( Fimw& ) CinI ?
tann (eeml) chin
fa re wel l s MO N GO LI AN
awful
beautiful
boring
great

interesting
OK
strange
bag sag
bee bag jobj bn
295
well-wishing
Bon voyage!
Se;a YeBgereI
sn yavar
Congratulations!
beye* KirheIT
bayur hrgee
Good luck!
Feja Jirge&
KiseIT
aaj jargal hoosee
Happy birthday!
beye* KirhEIT
Doirohsea Fdo* oa
trsun dreen
bayur hrgee
Happy New Year!

Se;a SinelebeO
sn shinulvoo
eating out
e at in g o u t
Can you recommend a (restaurant)?

kElejO FoihcO Blo%T oO ?
ta nadud un hvr yamar
S;a ( Hogolea kE* ) be;eeO iI sain (hlung gur) bkhee
Da NededO Fna HebU bE* Yeme* hilj gch bolun n
Mo2go& kEla
296
bar
cafe
dish
teahouse
bEge*
Hogolea kE*
Hogola
CeI iia Moeeole(
baar
hlung gur
hl
chgeen mkhlukh
Id like a table for (five).

( DeBa ) Kimoa O Sireht
(tavun) hoonn shirr
What are the local specialities?

Gerolda DEI BI ?
F-eda Yeme* Foeca
und yamar onch

garult v
Id like to see the menu.

[eI Vea FoijeUT
Can we have a private room?

bE;%T oO ?
HobU iia Foiroht
tsaydan jjeey
hbeen rr
bn n
Can we have the bill?

De2sa bea BdoIT
be;%T oO ?
FodO bEsa Hogola
be;eeO BI ?
F-eda Yeme* Se;eeea Hogola
Fidedet BI ?
( Foirlohtiia Hogolea )
Da YerO Vehea Yeme*
Whats that called?
Dera YegO BI ?
Whats in that dish?
YegO be* kidet BI ?
Ill have that.
Dera I FeBIT
dangsaan boddeey
od bas hl bn n
und yamar skhun
hl bkh v
ta yrdn yamar
(glgeen hl)
itdug v
tur yoo v
yoogur heedug v
turee avee
Id like
bU FeBIT
bee avee
a piece Niht kEset nig husug
one bottle Nikt Lo2eeO nig longk
one box/carton Nikt Heiirce( nig hrchug
one jing (500gm) Nikt Jiet nig jing
that one Dera iI turee
two Hoye* I hoiree
e a ti ng out M ON GO LI AN
Id like it with
kiciht
geegin iloo

iI NI FilevXO
heechikh
Id like it without
bidehEI kiA
bitgee hee
chilli LejiyoO
laajao
garlic Serimse(
sarimsug
MSG WwI Jiet wee jing
nuts Hosi)T
hoshig
oil DosO
tos
297
This dish is
Fna Hogola
un hl
(too) spicy ( MesI ) Helegoa (mash) haln
superb MesI FemdedeI mash amtt
e at in g o u t
I love this dish.

Do*T DeI
bU Fna Hogola iI FidevX
Do*T DeI
bU Fna Geje* oa Hogolea VO
That was delicious!
MesI FemdedeI
Im full.
bU Ceoede&T Fide&T
Mo2go& kEla
298
breakfast
lunch
dinner
drink (alcoholic)
bee un hllee idukh

drt
bee un gajreen hllund
drt
mash amtt
bee chattul idl
Foirloht iia Hogola

Foida iia Hogola
ForoI iia Hogola
FeriheA
Fomdegea
glgeen hl
deen hl
rgeen hl
arikh
undaan
water
FosO
s
boiled Bceloeesea
bochilsun
cold Kiidea
hweetun
still mineral Cebe*
chuvur
not your cup of tea?
Mongols are generally tea, rather than coffee, drinkers. Be warned, though, that
Mongolian food and drink customs are quite different to those in other parts of
China. For instance, milk tea sounds innocent enough, but many people are
surprised to find lumps of flour and meat, as well as animal fats, butter, millet
and salt added to a Mongolian cuppa. And dont expect a cup and saucer locals
usually drink their tea from a bowl.
(cup of) coffee

(cup of) tea
KfiA
CeI
kf
ch
black tea
fresh drinking
yoghurt
kumiss (fermented
mares milk)
milk tea
He*T CeI
Fe;re(
har ch
rug
Ceht
chugu
SoA DeI CeI
sootch
of beer
piwoA
peev
a glass Niht ComO nig chomo
a large bottle DomO Lo2eeO DeI tom longkt
a small bottle bE)T Lo2eeO DeI bag longkt
red/white wine

a shot of (rice wine)

Foijo^ oa FerihiA
Folegea/ Cegea
( He*T FerihiA )
Niht Hoede)T
laan/chagaan
jmeen arikh
nig hndug
(har arikh)
ta yoo kh v

FebcO FoihvXIT
Dea VO Fomdegea
tand undaan
avch gy

Da Yegoa VO DoredeI BI ?
ta yoond drt v
Cheers!
DoeedegeIT
togtoiyo

Yegehieesea Se;a BI
yaasun sn b
Im feeling drunk!
bU SoeedojO bE;%T
bee sogtuj bn
Im totally drunk!
(lit: Ive become a domestic animal)
bU Me& Blcieee&T
bee mal bolchikhl
e a ti ng out M ON GO LI AN

Da YegO FoogoeeO BI ?
299
sp eci a l di e ts & a lle rgi e s
street eats
Mo2go& kEla
300
boiled dumplings
bE2sI
boiled meat
Cineeesea Mi(T
butter (to add to milk tea) Si*T DosO
dried beef strips Brca
fried bread
He;reeesea BoX
fried-meat pancake Zelbiet
fried millet
Hegoroeesea Bde)T
fried millet with
JoihEhEI DeI Bde)T
sweet cream
huruud (a type of curd) Horooa
noodles MiyeeDiyoo*
rm (hardened skin of milk) Foiro^T
steamed dumplings Boja
bnsh
chansun makh
shar tos
borch
hrsun bb
shalbing
hrsun bodaa
jkht bodaa
hrood
meeentiyor
ooroom
bs

Im a vegetarian.
bU SeyoO
I cant eat pork.
Fidedet FoihEI
bU GeeeeI iia Mi(T
Where can I find halal food?
Hogola be;eeO BI ?
Hemi)T Hodoet Foiedosodea O
I only want to eat vegetables.
kEjO BdojO be;%T
bU Nogo)T FideIT
bee saay
bee gakhn makh
itduggway
haa hotng ndustunn
hl bkh v
bee nog ideey
gij bodoj bn
Blo%T oO ?
un hlee
FoiheI kijO
oogway heej
Fna Hogola I
bolun n
DegereeeO FoikEI
bee iduj bolkh
FoiheI , NededO
gway nadud

bU FidejO BleeO taarukhgway
dairy produce kihsea Yego^T soogaar
SoA be* heesun yim
eggs Foiedeht
ndug
meat Mi(T
makh
nuts Hosi)T
hoshug
seafood Fidehea
dalln
DeleI iia iddn
Could you prepare
a meal without ?

Im allergic to

in the grasslands
i n the gra ssla n d s MO NG OLI AN
Id like to visit a Mongolian family on the steppe.

FocijO FoijevX Sene)T DeI
bee hudgeen monggol lt
bU Kideht iia Mo2go& Fe;& VO ochij jikh sannaat
Id like to see some traditional Mongolian life.
Sene)T DeI
bee lamjeelalt monggol
Femidore& I FoijevX
amdurlee jikh
bU FolemjileldO Mo2go&
sannaat
Id like to find a company that arranges tours of the grasslands.
:mpEnIFrivX Sene)T DeI
bee tal ntgeen
Jogecile& oa
jgaachileen
bU De&T Nodo( oa
kompan urikh sannaat
Can you help me?
Da NemeiI Dosele%T oO ?
ta namg tsuln
kEdoI Jogo_ BI ?
nig hoon
Niht Kimoa
huttee js v
Id like to see a traditional Mongolian yurt.
FoijevX Sene)T DeI
bee monggol gur jikh
bU Mo2go& kE*
sannaat
301
Where can I hire a horse?

BleeO BI ?
MorI DoiriyesolejO
Hemi)T Fca
kedoI Jogo_ BI ?
Niht Ce(
Can I have a guide?
Blo%T oO ?
JemcI FoljO FoihcO
haanaas mur
trsulj
bolukh v
nig chag
huttee js v
jamch olj gch
bolun n
in t h e g ra ssla nds
Id like to
bU Sene)T DeI bee sannaat
do some archery NomO SomO HerBeeO nm sm harvukh
ride a buggy Derht berieeO turug barikh
do some wrestling Biht bErildoeeO bkh barildukh
Mo2go& kEla
302
horse
horse riding
reins
saddle
steppe/grasslands
stirrup
MorI
MorI FonoeeO
JilogO
FmehE&
De&T Nodo(
Doiroht
Stop!

JoeesogecI
My saddle is hurting me.

FbeoehejO be;%T
Fna FmEhE& NemeiI
Can I change horses?
Blo%T oO ?
bU MorI bEa SoliIT ,
Can we stop here?
BloaT oO ?
F-eda JoeesoIT ,
mur
mur nakh
joll
uml
tal ntug
dr
jogssch
un uml namg
btgj bn
bee murn solleey
bolun n
und jogsy
bolun n
just a twist to the right

Mongolian script is written vertically and read from left to right. So if you want
to have a go at reading the script in this chapter, or when asking a local to read it
for you, simply turn the book 90 degrees clockwise. Our coloured pronunciation
guides, however, should simply be read the same way you read English.
bid od herij
bolun n
bid od hereeyaa
naddee blgaagaach

Help!
FemI FeBra
Could you help me, please?
Blo%T oO ?
Da Neda iI HebsorcO
Ive been injured.
bU Sireeedocieee&T
My friend has been injured.
MinO NeiijI Sireeedocieee&T
Theres been an accident.
F-ede& Gercieee&T
Wheres the nearest phone?
Hemi)T bE;eeO BI ?
em avraa
ta naddee khavsrch
bolun n
bee sharkhugtichukhlaa
minnee nj sharkhugtichukhlaa
undul garchikhlaa
Hemo( oa Fo;*T FodesO
hamgeen r tas
haa bkh v
We need to get to a doctor.

Hordoa FocieeO kErehdeI
bida FmcI VO
bid umchud
hrdun ochikh hurugt
e me rge nci e s & hea l t h MON GO LI AN
Can we go back now?

Blo%T oO ?
bida FodO HerijO
Lets go back now.
bida FodO HeriIT
Can you help me get off this horse?
Neda iI bEgolgegecI
303
Wheres the
Hemi)T bE;eeO BI ? hamgeen r
nearest ?
Hemo( oa Fo;*T haa bkh v
dentist Sidoa O FmcI
shoodn umch
doctor FmcI
umch
hospital HoriIT
umnulgeen
Fmnelht iia
horr
pharmacist F^ oa Delhevx*
umeen dulgoor
e m erg enci e s & he a lth
Im ill.
bU Fbeoecihe&T
My friend is ill.
MinO NeiijI Fbeoecihe&T
Mo2go& kEla
304
bee vdchikhl
minnee nj vdchikhl
englishmongolian dictionary
In this dictionary, words are marked as n (noun), a (adjective), v (verb), sg (singular), pl (plural),
inf (informal) and pol (polite) where necessary.
accident (mishap) Foso& Fede& ssul undul

accommodation be;rI br
adaptor biyea Ya CI beeyen yaa chee
after Dere)T daraa
air conditioning :iet DiyoO kongteeaaoo
airplane NishE& nisgul
airport NishE& oa bEgode& nisguleen btul
alcohol FerihiA arikh
all BivX bkh
ambulance DoirhEa FeBrelda iia Mesia
trgun avralteen mashin
and bt ba
ankle Ze)T shaa
arm Ge* gar
camera SevxderlevX Mesia soodurlukh mashin

car Mesia Derkt mashin turrug
cash n bElea Moi2vX bullun mongk
cell phone Ge* FodesO gar tas
centre n Doi$ tv
change (money) v Jogo_ SolieeO js solikh
cheap kimda hyemd
check (bill) n De2sa dangs
chest (body) CehejI chj
children keohEoa hoohud
cigarette DemehiA tamukh
city Hoda hot
clean a Cebe* chuvur
closed Fvxda HegejeI ood haaj
cold a K;dea hweetun
come FirevX yirukh
computer :mpioDw* kompyootur
condom bU Yoia DoO bee yoowun tao
cook v Hogola kivX hl heekh
cost n Foi%T n
credit card FidehemjI iia qErDA
itgumjeen kaart
currency exchange Jogo_ SolieeO Geje*
js solikh gajur
customs (immigration) Bgomda iia Ge;lI
bmteen gl
dangerous FeyoldeI ayult

date (time) Fdo* dur
day Fdo* dur
delay v HocoreeO hochrukh
dentist Sidoa O FmcI shoodn umch
depart YeBeeO yavakh
dinner ForoI iia Hogola rgeen hl
direct a Sigooa sht
dirty Bje* bjir
e n gl ish m on go l ia n
baby Nil(T kEohEoa nyelukh khookhud

back (of body) NirogO nr
backpack BeecO bogch
bad MegO m
bag Fogoda t
baggage Bgode& btul
bank bE2heA benk
bar bEge* baar
bathroom Fohiyel)T iia kE* gaalgin gur
battery Viyea ooI deeen ch
beautiful GoyO goi
bed ForO or
beer piwoA peev
before Fmo%T mn
behind Ho;%T hn
bicycle DogoI dgway
big DomO tom
bill De2sa dangs
blanket Kiejila khoonjil
blood group Cisoa Doiro& chsun toorool
boat JebiA jab
book (make a reservation) v JehiyeleeeO
jakhaalukh
bottle Lo2eeO longk
boy KiO hoo
breakfast Foirloht iia CeI glgeen hl
broken (out of order) FbderhEI uvdurh

bus Neiida iia Mesia Derht
neetin mashin turrug
buy v FebeeO avakh
305
disabled Jemdet jimdug

discount v kimderegoleeO hyemtrlukh
doctor FmcI umch
double bed Hoye* Kimoa O ForO
hoiyur hoon or
double room Hoye* Kimoa O Foiroht
hoiyur hoon rr
drink n Fomdegea undaan
drink v FoogoeeO kh
drive v JilogooeeeO joldukh
driving licence JilogocI iia Demdet
jolcheen tumdug
drug (illicit) HoordO F^ hrt um
ear CihU chikh

east Jevxa joon
eat FidevX iddukh
electricity Cehilgea chakhilgun
elevator Cehilgea ZedO chakhilgun shat
email FimW& eeml
embassy Flcia Se;oa oa Yemoa
ulchin sdeen yamun
emergency bEci^ kEret bachim hurug
English (language) Fe2h7I kEla anggul hul
evening ForoI r
exit n FvXda ood
expensive FoinedeI nt
eye NidO nd
D I C TI ON A RY
306
far Hola hol

fast Hordoa hurdun
father FE@X aav
finger HorogO hrr
first-aid kit bEci^ FeBrelda iia He;rce(
bachim avralteen hrchug
first class DerivXa Jerht iia turroon jirgeen
fish n JigesO jaggas
food Hogola hl
foot Ki& hl
free (of charge) JoihE* jgr
friend NeiijI nj
fruit Jimi_ jimus
full DoivXreet doorung
gift bElet bullug

girl Foihia okhin
glass (drinking) ComO chom

glasses Nidoa Si& ndun shil
go YeBeeO yavakh
good Se;a sn
guide n JemcI jamch
half n Hege_ hagus

hand Ge* gar
happy bEyerlejO be;%T bayurlj bn
he Dera tir
head n DologeI tolg
heart Jiroht jrkh
heavy KiedO hnd
help DoselemjI tslamj
here F-eda und
high Foiedo* ndr
hike v YebEgea YeBeeO yavgun yavakh
holiday Femerelda amrult
homosexual Fiji& K;sodea O Femereeele&
ijil hweestunn amruglul
horse MorI mur
hospital Fmnelht iia HoriIT
umnulgeen horr
hot Helegoa haln
hotel Jocioa oa bEgode& jochdeen btul
(be) hungry FoilosvX lsukh
husband F*T Noivx* ur nkhur
I bU bee
identification (card) bEIT iia kErecI
bayyeen gurch
ill FbeoecideI ubchint
injury n Sir(T sharakh
insurance beIT iia Degeoeeee&
bayyeen daatgul
internet SoiljiIT slj
interpreter kElemorcI hulmurch
jewellery Frdeni_ urdunis

job Feji& ajil
key Doilhivx* tlkhoor

kilogram Qilohre^ keelgram
kitchen Dogogea kE* togn gur

knife kido)T khutag
laundry (place) HobcesO FohiyeeeO Geje*

hubchus gaakh gajur
lawyer HeolicI hlch
left (direction) JevXa joon
leg (body) Ki& hl
less Coihea chn
letter (mail) Jehide& jakhdul
light n kEre& gurul
like v DoredeI drt
lock n FonisO nus
long FordO rt
lost (items) kEhehsea gsun
love v He;redeI hrt
luggage Bgode& btul
lunch Foida iia Hogola deen hl
name Ne*T nur

near Fo;*T r
neck n KijovxO hjjoo
new Si%T shin
newspaper Sonia sonin
night SoinI sn
no (not at all) FoiheI oogway
no (not this) bisI bish
noisy ZoohiyeedeI shgaant
old (people) NesodeI nast

old (things) Hegocia hchin
open a NehEheldedeI nltt
outside Gede%T gadun
passport pEsPrDA pasport

pay v Jogo_ FoihvX js ggukh
pharmacy F^ oa DelkEvx* ummeen dulgoor
photo Sevxde* soodur
police Ceeede)T chagdaa
post office Siodea DobciIT shdang tobch
pregnant Jirmosoa jirumsun
price n Foi%T n
quiet a De;Bet tvung
rain n Brogea born

razor Seeee& oa kido)T sakhleen htug
receipt n piyoO peeao
rent v KilosolevX khoolooslukh
repair v JeseeeO jassukh
restaurant Hogolea kE* hlung gur
return (give back) FoihvX ggukh
return (go back) BcejO YeBeeO bochuj yavakh
return ticket YeBjO HerieeO bilwDA
yavj harikh billt
right (direction) bEregoa barn
road Je^ jam
room n Foiroht rr
safe a Femo* Doibsia amur tbshin

seat n Segode& sdul
send YeBgoleeO yavlukh
sex (act) Horice& horchul
sex (gender) Cine* oa Filge& chanreen yilgul
shampoo kEjiht FohiyeeeO Si2hEa
gujig gaakh shinggun
e n gl is h m on g o li an
mail n Siodea shdang

man Kimoa hoon
map Geje* oa Jiro( gajrin jug
market Je(T DelhEvx* jakh dulgoor
matches Co;deeit chweedung
meat Mi(T makh
medicine F^ um
message JehiIT jakhaa
milk SoA soo
minute MinoiDA minnut
mobile phone Ge* FodesO gar tas
money Jogo_ js
month Se*T sar
morning Foirloht gl
mother FjI j
motorcycle MoDo* motur
mouth Fema em
north HoiidO ht
nose Heme* hamur
now FodO od
number Nomw* nomr
307
she Dera tir

sheet (bed) Kiejila khoonjil
shirt Cemca chamch
shoes ZeeeeI shaakh
shop n DelhEvx* dulgoor
short BgonI bogun
single room Geeeca Kimoa O Foiroht
ganch hoon rr
skin n FeresO ars
skirt n bE2je& bangjil
sleep v FoedeeeO ntukh
slow Fodegea ddaan
small Jijit jijig
soap SeBet saavung
some Jeri^ jarrim
soon Fode& FoihEU dulgway
south Fmo%T mun
souvenir Doreseee& oa FdA drskhuleen ud
stamp ywO piyoO yoo peeao
station (train) GeldO DerhEa Foirdeht
galt turgun rt
stomach kEdesO gudus
stop v JoeesoeeO jogsukh
stop (bus) n Joeesoge& jogsl
street GodomjI gdumj
student Foyodea yootun
sun Nera nar
sunscreen feet ZeI zoweet
fang shaayee shoowong
swim v FombeeeO ombukh
D I C TI ON A RY
308
telephone n FodesO tas

temperature (weather) Dolegea O kEmjiIT
dlaan humj
that Dera tir
they Deda tund
(be) thirsty FomdegeseeO undaasukh
this Fna un
throat HogoleI hl
ticket piyoO peeao
time Ce( chag
tired YederejO bE;%T yadarch bn
tissues CegesO chaas
today Foinodo* oonoodur
toilet Jorloet jorlong
tomorrow MergesI margaash
tonight FoinO ForoI noo orr
tooth SidO shd
toothbrush Sidoa Zowesa shdun umch
toothpaste Ya GoO yaa gao
torch (flashlight) ViyembE* deeambur
tour n Feyele& aylul

towel Felcigo* alchoor
train n GeldO Derht galt turrug
translate ForcigoleeO orchlukh
trousers FoimodO mud
twin-bed room Hoye* ForO DeI Foiroht
hoiyur ort rr
underwear Dodo*T FoimodO dotur mud

urgent YegereldeI yaarult
vegetable n Nogo)T nogg

vegetarian a SeyoO saay
visa Wi}I veez
walk v YeBgea YeBeeO yabgun yavakh

wallet Jogo_ oa BeecO jsun bogch
wash (something) v FohiyeeeO gaakh
watch n Ge* Ce( gar chag
water n FosO s
we bida bid
weekend Gere( oa SevxlcI gargeen soolch
west beregoa barn
when kEjiIT huj
where Hemi)T haa
who kEa hun
why Yegekigeoa yaagaad
wife Fhene* ukhnur
window Co2eeO chongk
with DeI t
without FoiheI oogway
woman FmehdeI umugt
write bicivX bichikh
yes De;mO teem

yesterday Foicohedo* oochigdur
you sg inf CI chee
you sg pol Da ta
you pl Da Ne* ta nar
yurt kE* gur
Tibetan
ALPHABET
ABOUT TIBETAN
PRONUNCIATION
TIME & DATES
ACCOMMODATION
SIGHTSEEING
SHOPPING
MEETING PEOPLE
MAKING CONVERSATION
FEELINGS & OPINIONS
FAREWELLS
EATING OUT
ENGLISHTIBETAN DICTIONARY
310
311
312
313
314
315
317
318
319
320
321
322
325
326
327
329
329
331
alphabet
Tibetan script consists of 30 basic characters and four symbols for vowels, which can
be added to these characters.
Each of the consonants in the writing system includes an a. This is because
consonants in Tibetan are represented as syllabic units and all have an inherent a
sound in their basic form. Consonants are arranged according to where the sound
comes from in your mouth (from the throat to the lips).
Symbols are added above or below the consonant to indicate different vowel
sounds weve used the first consonant, (ka), as an example. Note that the
Tibetan symbol for each vowel can be pronounced in different ways because the
pronunciation is affected by the letters around it.
Vowels (consonant ka used as example)
ki
ku
ke
ko
Consonants
ka
ca
al p h ab et
ta
310
pa
tsa
wa
a
sha
ha
kha
cha
tha
pha
tsha
zha
ya
sa
a
ga
ja
da
ba
nga
nya
na
ma
dza
za
ra
la
TIBETAN
about Tibetan
The language of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tibetan (bodskad ), belongs to
the Tibeto-Burman group of the Sino-Tibetan language family, with Burmese its closest relative. Its spoken by more than six million people, mainly in Tibet but also in
neighbouring Nepal, Bhutan, India and Pakistan. Tibetan has many dialects, but the
Lhasa dialect (used in this chapter) is the most influential and considered the standard. Written Tibetan was devised in the 7th century by a scholar sent to India by the
Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to enable the translation of Buddhist literature into
Tibetan. The new script was based on the Devanagari characters used to write many
Indian languages. Since its introduction, the writing system of Tibetan has barely
changed, but the spoken language has evolved considerably. As a result, written
and spoken Tibetan are quite different. The importance of Mandarin Chinese is also
a reality in Tibet in urban areas almost all Tibetans speak Mandarin. Nevertheless,
making an effort to get a few Tibetan phrases together will be greatly appreciated by
the Tibetans you encounter on your travels.
tibetan
Dnhung
GNS
Jiygun
XNJING
UIGHUR
Zhngy
Wwi
Golmud
QNGHI
Xnng
Lnzhu
GNS
TIBET
Nepal
India
Tingri
Zhngm
Mt Everest
Sng
Shigatse
SCHUN
Shangri-la
Bhutan
India
0
0
500 km
250 mi
Chngd
Lhasa
Sakya Gyantse
Ljing
Xigun
(Dl City)YNNN
Rul
Knmng
Lipns
Qijn
a bo ut TI BE TAN
Under
administration
of China
311
pronunciation
pr on un c ia t io n
Vowels
312
Consonants
Symbol
English sound
Symbol
English sound
run
bed
ago
cheat
aw
law
dog
ay
say
dz
adds
bet
go
ee
see
hat
hit
jar
so
kit
her
lot
oo
zoo
man
glue
not
flute (with a
raised tongue)
ng
ring
In this chapter, the Tibetan pronunciation

is given in pink after each phrase.
ny
canyon
pet
Some consonants in Tibetan can be

aspirated (pronounced with a puff of
air after the sound). Aspirated sounds
are represented with an h following the
consonant: ch, kh, ph, th and tsh.
An n, m or ng following a vowel indicates
a nasalised sound (pronounced with air
escaping through the nose).
run (pronounced
deep in the throat)
sun
sh
shot
top
ts
hats
win
yes
zero
zh
pleasure
Tibetan also has tones but, unlike in

some Asian languages, they arent crucial
to meaning and havent been indicated
in this chapter.
Syllables are separated by a dot.
For example: tujaychay
essentials
Hello.
Goodbye. (by person staying)
Goodbye. (by person leaving)
Please.
Thank you.
Sorry./Excuse me.
tashi delek
kalee pay
kalee shu
tujaysig
tujaychay
gongda
kayrng injikay shinggi ybay
ha ko songngay
ha kosong
ha ko masong
yngkya kalee kalee soong nng da
te yngkya soong nngda
numbers
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
laykoh 20
chig 30
nyi 40

soom
50

shi
60

nga
70

doog
80

dn
90

gye 100

gu 1000

chu 1,000,000

nyishu
soomchu
shibchu
ngbchu
doogchu
dnchu
gyaychu
goobchu
gya
chigtong
sayachig
la ngu a ge dif f i cul t ie s TI BE TAN

Do you understand?

I understand.

I dont understand.

Could you speak more slowly, please?

Could you repeat that, please?

313
time & dates
t im e & d ates
What time is it?

Its (two) oclock.
()
Its quarter past (six).
()

Its half past (two).
()
Its quarter to (three).
()

The Western calendar date is (28 June).
(
)
314
now
today
tonight
this morning
this afternoon
yesterday
tomorrow
sunrise
sunset
tnda chuts ktsayray

chuts (nyi)pa ray
chuts (doog)dng kama
chnga ray
chuts (nyi)dng chayka ray
(soom)pa sinba kama
chonga
tering chinda (doogbay tsay
nyishu tsbgye) ray

tnda
tering

dhogongtshen

tering shohgay

tering chitoh
kaysa
sanyin

nyinma shard

nyinma noobd
spring
summer
autumn
winter
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
chika
yarga
tnga
gnga
sa dawa
sa migma
sa lhgb
sa phubu
sa pasng
sa pempa
sa nyim
Tibet uses both the traditional lunar calendar, in which each month has 30 days, and
the Gregorian calendar, as used in the West. There are 12 months in each, and they
are simply referred to as the 1st month, the 2nd month etc. However, the Lunar
New Year is about six weeks after the Western New Year.
dawa dngpo
dawa nyipa
dawa soompa
dawa shipa
dawa ngapa
dawa doogpa
dawa dnpa
dawa gyepa
dawa gupa
dawa chupa
dawa chuchigpa
dawa chunyipa

Where is this

kabah dohgi ray
going?
boat

druzing
bus
chich lngkhodi
plane

nmdu
tra nspor t & d i re c t i on s T I BE TAN
1st month
(Tibetan lunar)
2nd month
3rd month
4th month
5th month
6th month
7th month
8th month
9th month
10th month
11th month
12th month
315
What times the

chich lngkho
bus?

chuts ktsayla

dohgi ray
first
tngpote
last
thamate
next jemate
Id like to hire a

nga chig yar dhy
car
mota
donkey

boonggu
landcruiser
len curusa
How much is it daily/weekly?
/

nyin/duntg rayray
gong ktsay ray
t r a n spor t & di re c ti ons
316
Wheres the ?

kabah yray
bank
ngkhng
post office dakhng
tourist information yukor tochm

office

laykhoong
Does this road lead to ?

Can you show me (on the map)?
()
Whats the address?

Is it far?

How do I get to ?

Turn left/right.
/
Go straight ahead.

lmgadi
dohya rebay
(spta dinng) tn nngda
kachng kray ray
ta ringpo rebay
la kntehsi dohg ray
ynla/yehla kyognng
katoogdo
behind
in front of
near (to)
opposite
there
gybl
dnl
teel
phachogl
phakay
accommodation
Im looking for a

chig mig tagiy
campsite
gur gybnay
dsay sacha
guest house

drnkhng
hotel

drkhng

Do you have a room with two beds?

Do you have a room with a double bed?

khngmichig la gy
nyetinyi chaypay khngmi ybay
minyi shongsay nyeti
chaypay khngmi ybay
How much for ?

la gong ktsay ray
one night

tsen chig
a week

dunt chig
two people

minyi
a ccomm o d at io n TI BE TAN
Wheres the

drkhng
hotel?

kabah yray
best

ygsh
cheapest

kesh
317
For (three) nights.
ba n k in g & c ommu ni ca ti ons
Could we have
(a/an) ?
(extra) blanket
mosquito net
our key
318
()

tsen (soom) ring

ngntsoh g
( ())
nyechay (tb)

nyegur

ngnts dimig
The (heater) doesnt work.

()
(tsalog) di kyn

shorsha
Is there somewhere to wash clothes?

dulog trsa y rebay
Can we use the kitchen?

tbtsng baych chayna

digi rebay
Do you have a safe where I can leave my valuables?

rintngchen chalg

chsa ybay
What time do we have to check out?

ngntso chuts katsay
tngray
Im looking for
kabah ymay
a/the

tagi y
bank

ngkhng
public telephone
mimng khapah
I want to exchange some money.

Whats the exchange rate?

Is there a local internet cafe?

nga chigay ng jaygy

ngjegongtsay kray ray
sanayday intanet baych
tongsa ypay chakhng
Id like to get internet access.

nga intanet baych chaygo y
How much is it for an hour?

chutschig laja ktsay ray
I want to make a long-distance call to (Australia).
()
nga (otaliya)la khapah

tnggo y
I want to make a collect call.

khapah tongla phchognay tsigya

chogpay khapahchi tng goy
The number is

khapah ahngdng ray
sightseeing
mig tad y
sacha phagi kray ray
par gybna digi rebay
takor gyn ringl doya yray
chuts ktsayla go chaygi/
gybgi ray
zla taygo rebay
si g h t se ein g TI BE TAN
Id like to see

Whats that place?

Is it OK if I take a photo?


/

Is there an admission charge?

319
sightseeing
monastery
mosque
mountain
museum
old city
palace
park
statues
temple
waterfall
How much is a guide?

Where can I get a local map?

gompa
kachay lhakhng
ri
demtn khng
dronkay nyingba
phodng
lingga
dku
lhakhng
bbchu
nayshay gyakhen
lacha ktsay ray
sanayki spta knay ragiray
sh o ppin g
shopping
320
Wheres the

nyaysh kabah
nearest ?

yray
camera shop

par tsongkhng
market

trom
souvenir shop

drenten chalg

tsongkhng
Do you have any ?

kayrngla tsongya ybay
Can you show me that?

phagi ngah mik tnd

sanay rngnay tnpay

denten chalg

nyosa gabah yray
Is this made from ?

diy gyubja rebay
leopard bone

sigki rkoh
leopard skin

sigpg
onyx

si
tiger bone

tggi rkoh
tiger skin

tgpg
turquoise

yu
less
enough
more
gong ktsay ray

gong shugutog dih nngda
gong chaytasha
ngay tay go
buln shogjngtog
rimpa tayna digi rebay
ngtsinng nont shorsha
nyoongnga
digpa
mngwa
meeting people
Hello.
Goodbye. (said by
person staying/
leaving)
Good night.
tashi delek
kalee pay/
kalee shu
simja nnggo
me e ti ng p eop l e TI BE TAN
How much is it?

Can you write down the price?

Its too expensive.

Ill give you



321
How are you?

Fine. And you?

Whats your name?

My name is

Pleased to meet you.

322
kayrng kusu depo yinbay

deboyin kayrngyng
kusu depo yinbay
kayrnggi tsenl krayray
ngaymingla ray
kayrng jelpa ghpo choong
This is my

khong ngay ray
brother

pnkya bu
daughter

bumo
father

papha
friend / tokpo/tokmo m/f
husband

kyoka
mother

ahma
sister

pnkya bumo
son

bu
wife

kyeman
making conversation
Do you live here?



I love it here.

kayrngday shugi ybay

kayrng kabah paykay
kayrngday kyipo dugay
nga day kyipo du
Im here

nga day yin
on business

tsonglaychay
on holiday

goongsengchay
to study

lobjong jechay
ma k i ng conver s at io n TI BE TAN

kayrngday yn ringl

daykiyin
Im here for weeks/days.
/
nga day dnta/

nyinma daykiyin
()
(kayrng) parchig gybna

digiy raybay
Id like to learn some of your local dialects.

nga ymiykay jngdy

ngay kayrngla injikay

lb gbay
Whats this called?

dila kray sa
How do you do this in your country?

kayrnggi loongpay

loogsla
Is this a local or national custom?

di ymiy loogsl yinna

gyakb chiyonggi

loogsl yinna
Im sorry, its not the custom in my country.

gongta teda

ngnts loongpay

loogsla ymaray
Thank you for your hospitality.

naylen yakpo nngwa

tujaychay
323
local talk
Just a minute.
I see.
Its OK.
Sure.
Where are you from?

324
tehsi guah
ahleh
digi ray
yindayin
kayrng loongpa kanay yin
Im from

nga nay yin
Australia
otaliya
Canada
kanada
England
inji loongpa
New Zealand
nuzeeland
the USA
/ yuesay/ahmirika
What do you do (for a living)?
()

kayrng (tsotbche) layk

kray chaykiy
Im a/an

nga yin
businessperson
tsongpa
office worker
laykoong layka

chaykhen
teacher
gaygan
How old are you?

Im years old.

kayrng lo ktsay yin

nga lo yin
How old is your ?

lo ktsay ray
daughter

kayrnggi bumo
son

kayrnggi bu
Are you married?

We live together, but were not married.

kayrng chngsa kyn tsabay

nganyi nymtu dki yte
chngsa gybmay
Im

nga
single

mihreng yin
married

chngsa gybtsah
kayrng la kabo ybay
nga la kabo may
nga teb loyala kabo y
nga rja tongya kabo y
nga tsaymo tsiya kabo y
feelings & opinions

Im

nga gi du
Are you ?

kayrng gi dugay
cold

khya
hot

tsawa tsi
hungry

drkog tog
sad

sem kyo
thirsty

ka kom
tired

klay ka
worried

semtel lng
Im happy.

Im well.

nga kyipo du
nga depo yin
fe e li ngs & opin i on s TI BE TAN
Do you like ?

I dont like

I like reading.

I like music.

I like playing sport.

325
Im in a hurry.

What do you think about ?

nga tewa y
kayrng togla smts
krayy
I thought it was

ngay smph

te chi raysha
boring

nyobto
great

pay ygpo
horrible

pay doogchg
OK

digtsm
too expensive

dohsong chenpo
f a rewel l s
farewells
326
Tomorrow is my last day here.

sanyin nga day dya nyin

tamate yin
If you come to (Scotland) you must come and visit us.

kayrng gaysi
()
(sokotland)la phebna

ngatssah ngaypadu
Whats your address?

kayrnggi kachng kray ray
Whats your (email address)?
( )
kayrnggi (eemel kachng)

kray ray
Heres my (address).
()
ngay (kachng) diray
Keep in touch!

mutnay daywa nngah
well-wishing
Congratulations!

Happy birthday!

Happy New Year!

tashi delek
kyekahnyin tashi delek
losar tashi delek
eating out
sakhng kabah ymay tagi y
mi la chogtsechig nangro
ngah khalagitho tn nangda
kayrng chayna kray ygiray
sanayki sachay migsay
kray kray tsongya yray
nga g
khongts chyate nashin ngala g
khala phaginng kray yray
nga khala dila kabo y
ngntso sanayki khalala kabo y
e a t in g o ut T IB E TAN
Im looking for a restaurant.

A table for , please.

Can I see the menu, please?

What do you recommend?

Whats the local speciality?

Ill have

Ill have what theyre having.

Whats in that dish?

I love this dish.

We love the local cuisine.

327
street eats
fried meat dumplings
fried rice
noodle soup
pork spare ribs
rice soup
roasted pancake (bread)
soup with meat, vegetables
and noodles
steamed meat dumplings
vegetable dumplings
ea t in g o ut
The meal was delicious!

Please bring the (bill).
()
328
breakfast
lunch
dinner

momo ngpa

day ngpa

gyathuk

tsibsha

daythuk

ahmdho bklay
tenthuk
momo

tsay momo
khala shimbu shayta choong

(khalagi zihn)chig nngda

shogkay khala

nyingoong khala

gongda khala
a bottle of

shaytmchig
(boiled) water
()
chu (khma)
(mineral) water ()
(butog)chu
(orange) juice
()
(tslumay) khuwa
soda
chu ngamo
coffee (without milk) ()
cha kabi (ohma maypa)
black tea

chatng
tea

cha
tea with sugar

cha ngamo


You can get the next one.

beer (home-brew)
beer (bottled)
Chinese brandy
liquor
wine
toongyachig ngay nyogo

kayrng kray g
jemate ngg chogi ray
chng
beeyar
gyamee ahrk
ahrk
gndoom chngrk

nga sha misaken yin
menna shayta
magyronng
Im allergic to

ngah phogiy
eggs

gonga
dairy products
karchu
fish
nyasha
meat

sha
peanuts batm

Help!
Stop!
Go away!
Thief !
Fire!
Watch out!
rog nngda
kha kgdng
phh gyook
kuma du
may bhgee
sb sb nng
spe ci a l di e ts & a l l ergies TI BE TAN
Im vegetarian.

Not too spicy, please.

329
Call !

kay tongda
a doctor

ahmchi
an ambulance

naypa orkhen mota
the police

korsoongwa
Please help me.

Could I please use the telephone?

Im lost.



330
ngah ro nngd
khapah baych chayna
digi rebay
nga lmga lasha
sngch kabah yray
korsoongway lekoong
kabah yray
englishtibetan dictionary
In this dictionary, words are marked as n (noun), a (adjective), v (verb), m (masculine), f (feminine),
sg (singular) and pl (plural) where necessary.
accident (collision) dhongtu gybpa

accommodation dhnay
adaptor logshoog choya
address kachng
after jela
air-conditioned dnglog
airplane nmdu
airport nmtng
all tshngma
allergy phognay
ambulance naypa orkhen mota
and dng
ankle kngtsig
antibiotics
naybu gokmen antibayeotik
arm lgpa
camera parchay
cancel chiten chaypa
car mota
cell phone lgpa kyeya khapa
centre (city) drongkaykyil
change v jewa
cheap kaypo
chest (body) bnggo
child/children pugu
cigarettes thama
city dongkay
clean tsngma
closed go gybpa
cold a dngmo
come yongwa
computer cmputah
condoms ligshoob
cook v khala sowa
cost n gong
credit card buln shogjng
customs (at border) gomsl
dangerous nyanga
date (time) tshepa
day nyinma
delay gyngwa
dentist so ahmchi
depart chi thnpa
diaper pug chuden
dinner gongda khala
direct kathoog
dirty tsogbachen
disabled wngpo kynchen
en gl is h t ibe t an
baby pugu
back (of body) gyb
backpack gyaphay
bad dhukcha
bag bagla
baggage claim togtay lensa
bank ngkhng
bar chngkhng
bathroom trkhng
battery baytiri
beautiful nying jepo
bed nyeti
beer (bottled) / beeyar
beer (home-brew) chng
before ngnla
behind gybla
bicycle knggari
big chenpo
bill (account) ngtsi
blanket nyechay
blood group tgrig
boat druzing
book (make a reservation)
ngnngg chaypa
bottle shaytm
boy bu
breakfast shogkay khala
broken chgpa
bus chich lngkho
business tsong
buy v nyowa
331
discount gong chgpa

doctor ahmchi
double bed
minyi shongsay nyeti
double room
minyi dsay khngmi
drink n toongya
drive v mota tongwa
driving licence mota tongya lgkay
drug simen
E E
ear ahmchog
east shr
eat sawa
electricity log
email eemel
embassy shoongtsab
emergency zadg
English (language) inji
evening gongda
exit dnsa
expensive gong chenpo
eye mig
D I C TI ON A RY
332
far ta ringpo
fast gyokpo
father papha
film (camera) phingsho
finger zugu
first-aid kit
katoog baych chayyamench yochay
fish (alive) nya
fish (as food) nyasha
food khala
foot kngpa
free (of charge) rin maypa
friend / tokpo/tokmo m/f
fruit shingtog
full khengpa
gift lgtg
girl bumo
glass gelasi
go dohwa
good ygpo
guide (person) lmtnpa
half chayka
hand lgpa
happy kyipo
have ypa
he kho
head go
heart nying
heavy jikog
help v rog nngwa
here day
high thopo
hike v kngdr gykpa
holiday (vacation) goongseng
homosexual
ph phola chgpa chaypa
hospital menkhng
hot tshapo
hotel drkhng
hungry drkog togpa
husband kyoka
I nga
identification (card) ngotr lgkay
ill nawa
important kaychenpo
injury maykyn
insurance inshuren gangya
internet intanet
jewellery gyenj
job layka
key dimig
kilogram kilogarm
kitchen thbtsang
knife ti
laundry tulog trkhng

lawyer timtspa
left (direction) yn
leg (body) kngpa
lesbian
m mola chgpa chaykhen
less nyoongwa
letter yige
light (sun/lamp) w
like gapo chay
lock gonchg
long ringpo
love v gapo chay
luggage togtay
lunch nyingoong khala
mail dg
man pho
map spta
market trom
matches tsgta
meat sha
medicine men
message khalen
milk ohma
minute kamachig
mobile phone lgpa kyeya khapa
money ng
month dawa
morning ngatoh
mother ahma
motorcycle bhgbhg
mouth kha
old nyingpa
one-way ticket
yalm chigpo doya tikasi
open a khachay
outside chilog
passport pasepot
pay v rin trpa
pharmacy men tsongkhng
phonecard khapah tongya lgkye
photo par
police korsoongwa
postcard dgshog
post office dakhng
pregnant pugu kyeya ypa
price n gong
quiet a khakhu simbu
rain chahpa
razor tadi
receipt choongzin
refund n chilog
registered mail tebkyeldg
rent v yrwa
repair v soch gykpa
reservation ngnngg
reserve v ngnngg chaypa
restaurant sakhng
return v chih logpa
return ticket
yalm malm doya tikasi
right (direction) yeh
road (main) lmchen
room khngmi
safe a nyenga maypa

sanitary napkins tsngday shugu
seat koobkya
send tongwa
sex phomo tg
shampoo tatrya shmbu
share (a dorm)
chikhngnng nymtu dhpa
she mo
sheet (bed) chatah
shirt ttoong
shoes lhmko
shop n tsongkhng
e n gl is h t ibet a n
name ming
near tihla
new sarba
newspaper tsgba
night gongda
no / // min/may/maray/mindu
noisy kaychoh
north chng
nose nakhoog
now tnda
333
short (height) mpo

short (length) toongtoong
shower soogpo truya torcho
single room khngmichig
skin pgpa
skirt mayyog
sleep v nyi nyaywa
slowly kalee kalee
small choongchoong
soap yitsi
some kashay
soon gyokpo
south lho
souvenir shop
drenten chalg tsongkhng
stamp dgtg
station bbtsoog
stomach drkog
stop v kgpa
stop (bus) n kgsa
street lmga
student lobtoog
sun nyima
sunscreen nyibta gok
swim v chukye gykpa
D I C TI ON A RY
334
tampons makha gokchay sinbay

teeth so
telephone n khapah
temperature (weather) nmshi
that phagi
they khongtso
thirsty kha kompo
this di
throat mikpa
ticket tikasi
time dts
tired tng chaypa
tissues tsngta shugu
today tering
toilet sngch
tomorrow sanyin
tonight tohgong
toothbrush sotr
toothpaste somen
torch (flashlight) logshu
tour takor
tourist information office

yukor tochmpay laykhoong
train rili
translate v phbgyur chaypa
travel agency dimdr laykoong
travellers cheques drsh ngzin
trousers gtoong
twin beds nyeti chachig
underwear nnggyn hapan

urgent kay chenpo
vacant tongpa
vegetable ngotsay
vegetarian sha misakhen
visa viza
walk v gompa gykpa

wash (something) v tr gykpa
watch n chuts
water n chu
we ngntso
weekend sa penpa dng nyinma
west noob
wheelchair khol koobgya
when kad
where kabah
who su
why kray chaynay
wife kyeman
window gaykoong
with nymtu
without / maypa/minpa
woman kyeman
write tiwa
yes /// yin/ray/y/du

yesterday kaysa
you sg/pl / kayrng/kayrngtso
Uighur
ALPHABET
ABOUT UIGHUR
PRONUNCIATION
TIME & DATES
ACCOMMODATION
SIGHTSEEING
SHOPPING
MEETING PEOPLE
MAKING CONVERSATION
FEELINGS & OPINIONS
FAREWELLS
EATING OUT
ENGLISHUIGHUR DICTIONARY
336
337
338
339
340
342
343
344
344
345
346
347
350
351
352
355
356
357
sound
uighur alphabet
word-final word-medial word-initial alone
aa
ch
sh
ng
ee
a l ph a bet
336
UIGHUR
about Uighur
The old language of the Central Asian steppe, Uighur (ooyroorcha )is spoken
by more than 10 million people in the oases, bazaars and mosques of Chinas Xnjing
Uighur Autonomous Region. True to its history as a language of the Silk Road, Uighur
has absorbed elements of Arabic and Persian and can be heard in pockets of neighbouring Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Uzbekistan and Russia. Buddhist texts from the
9th century were written in old Uighur script (read from bottom to top) and for much
of the following 1000 years Uighur scribes dutifully recorded the history of Central Asia
using a modified Arabic script. Since the 1970s some Uighur speakers have used the
Roman alphabet, but the modified Arabic script (written from right to left) still predominates in China. Uighur is a Turkic language closely related to Uzbek and similar to modern Turkish. As the guardians of a venerable language, the Muslim Uighurs also enjoy
a reputation for longevity, with over 25% of all centenarians in China being Uighur. Its
not unusual for Uighur people to invite foreigners into their homes with a few of the
phrases in this chapter youre sure to impress your hosts.
uighur
Kazakhstan
Ynng
B'rjn
lshnku
Uzbekistan
stan
rmqi
Turpan
Kashgar
Kashgar
(Ksh)
(Ksh)
XNJING
UIGHUR
Afghanistan
nista
stan
Dnhung
GNS
Jiygun
Zhng
Under
Under
administration
administration
ofofChina
China
Golmud
QNGHI
Pakistan
TIBET
India
0
0
500 km
250 mi
a bout UI GHUR
Kyrgyzstan
Tajikistan
Jmni
Tchng
337
pronunciation
p ro n un c ia t i on
Vowels
338
Consonants
Symbol
English sound
Symbol
English sound
hat
bed
aa
father
ch
cheat
bet
dog
ee
as the ee in sleep,
but produced from f
the throat
fat
hit
go
go
hat (pronounced
with a puff of air)
as the e in her,
pronounced with
rounded lips
joke
oo
tool
king
put
live
i pronounced with
rounded lips
man
not
ng
sing
pet
room (produced
from the throat)
In this chapter, Uighur pronunciation is

given in purple after each phrase.
Syllables are separated by a dot, and

s
stressed syllables are indicated with italics.
sh
For example:
t
kachrueng
v
sun
shut
top
very
yes
zoo
essentials
Yes./No.
./.
Please

Hello.
.
Goodbye.
.-
Thank you.
.
Excuse me.
.
(to get past)
Excuse me. (to

get assistance)

Sorry.
.
eeaa/yaak
mareeammat
yaahshimusiz
hayrhosh
rahmat sizga
kachrng tvaalaay
kachrng ga
kaandaak baaridu
kachrng
Could you please ?

haapaa bolmaay

kilip biralamsiz
repeat that

yana bir danga
speak more slowly
aastiraak szlang
la ngu a ge di f f ic ul t ies UI GHU R

siz inggiliska bilamsiz
Do you understand?

siz chshandingizmoo
I understand/dont understand.

./ man chshandim/chushanmidim
I speak/dont speak Mandarin.

/ man ortaak tildaa szliyalayman/

. szliyalmayman
Do you speak (Uighur)?

() siz (ooyroorcha) szliyalamsiz
What do you call this in (Uighur)?

( ) buni (ooyroor tilidaa) nima

dap aataaysilar
Can we try to speak in (Uighur)?

() man (ooyroorcha) szlap sinaap

baaksaam bolaamdoo
339
numbers
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
nl
bir
ikki
ch
tt
bash
aalta
yatta
sakkiz
tokkuz
on
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
1,000
1,000,000
yigirma
ottuz
kirik
allik
atmish
yatmish
saksan
toksaan
bir yz
bir mng
bir milyoon
t im e & d a tes
time & dates
340
What time is it?

eeaazir saaat kancha boldi
Its (10) oclock.

. () saaat (on) boldi
Quarter past (10).

.( )) on) din bir chaarak tti
Half past (10).

.( )) on) yerim boldi
Quarter to (11).

.( )) oonbir) raa bir kaarak tti

()saaat kaankida (baashlaaydoo)
(It starts) At 10.

.( (saaat oondaa (baashlaaydoo)
Its (18 October).

( ) oninchi aayning onsakkizinchi

. ) kni) boldi
now
today
tonight
eeaazir
bgn
bgn aahshaam
this

afternoon

morning

(after breakfast)
morning

(before lunch)
bgn
chshtin keyin
atigan
yesterday
tomorrow
tngn
ata
sunrise
sunset
spring
summer
autumn
winter
chshtin burun
kn chikish
kn olturoosh
baaeeaar
yaaz
kz
kish
dshanba
sayshanba
chaarshanba
payshanba
jma
shanba
yakshanba
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
yaanvaar
fiviraal
maart
aapril
maay
iyoon
iyool
aavroost
sintabir
ktabir
noyaabir
dekaabir
ti m e & d a tes UI GHU R
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
341

Is this the
to (Kashgar)?
boat
bus
train
t r an sp or t & di re c ti ons
Wheres a/the ?
bank
place to change

foreign money

post office
342
()bu (kashkar)ga
baaraamdu

kima

aaptooboos

poyiz

Is this the road to (Kashgar)?

()

Whats the address?

How far is it?


How do I get there?
Turn right/left.
Its straight ahead.
Its
behind
in front of
near
on the corner
opposite

there
nada
baankaa
chatal pooli
aalmaashtooridiraan
oroon
poshtaahaanaa
bo (kashkar)ga baaridihaan yolmo

maangaa bu yarning haritidiki
ornini krsitip biramsiz
aadirisi kayar
kaanchilik yiraak
u yarga piyaada barrili boolaamdu

. /
.

kaandaak maangidu
ongraa/solraa kaayrilip
udul aaldiraa mengip
ning
aarkidaa
aaldidaa
atraapidaa
ning bulungidaa
ning kaarshi
taripida
uyar
accommodation

kayarda meemaanhaanaa baar

/ yaahshiraak/arzaanraak

yaatidiraan yardin birni

tavsiya kilinga

mining yarlik meemaanhaanidaa

. toorroom baar
. man yaataak zaakaas kilmaakchi idim
. man aaldin tizimlitip koyraan
yaataak baarmu
bir yrsh
yaalrooz kishlik
kosh kishlik

/ eear bir knliki/aadamgee

nachcha pool
. () man (ch) kn yaatmaakchi idim

yaataakning aachkuchini biramsiz

() man bir taal (adiyaal) aartook

aalsaam boolaamdoo

(( ) eeaavaa tangshigchning)

. chaatiki baarkan

saaat kaanchida yaataak kaaytooridu
a ccomm o d at io n UI GH UR
Do you have a room?

double (suite)

single

twin

343
Could I have my ,
please?
deposit
passport
man zmningki
ni elivaalsaam
bolaamdoo
zaakaalat puli
paasport
ba n k in g & commu ni ca ti ons
Wheres a/an ?
ATM

public phone
344

The number is


nada
aaptomaatik pool
elish maashinisi
aammivi telifoon
telifoon numuringiz kaancha

numuri bolsaa
yikin atraaptaa torhaanaa baarmu
Id like to

get internet access

man kilaay digan

torraa chikish
pirintir/sikanir
sightseeing
man yarlik manzirni kray degan

Id like to see

.
man kray degan
Whats that?

u nima
Can I take a photo?

sratka taartivaalsaam bolaamdoo

mining bu yarning

. yarlik manzirsini krgm baar
.

bu yarni kaanchilik vaakittaa
saayaaeeat kilip bolrili bolidoo
sightseeing
Etgal Mosque
eeytkaar jama

maschiti
Heaven Pool

boordaa kli
Kanasi Lake

kaanaas kli
Lake Sayram

sayraam kli
Mahmuds Tomb
mahmoot kashkiri

kabrisi
Thousand-Buddha Cave

ming y
Xiangfei Tomb

ipaarhaan kabrisi
shopping

Id like to buy

.
Can I look at it?

How much is it?


.

.
Ill give you (five yuan).

. ( )
nada
srathaanaa
baazaar
haatira boyoomliri
maagzini
trlk maallaar
maagzini
mining ni setivaalroom baar

krp baaksaam bolaamdoo
kaancha pool
baaeeaasini haatirlap koyong
bak kimmatkan
sizga (bash yuan) biray
s h opp in g U I GHUR
Wheres a ?
camera shop
market
souvenir shop

supermarket

345

bu yarda inaavatlik kaartuchkaa

ishlitishka boolaamdoo

eeysaavaat taalunidaa

. masila baar ikan

nadin yarlik maeesoolaatlaarni

setivaalrili boolidoo

bu nada yaasaalraan
less
enough
more
bigger
smaller
aaz
yitarlik
kp
chongraak
kichikrak
m eet i n g people
meeting people
346
Hello.

Good morning.
Good afternoon.

Good evening.

Goodbye.
Good night.
Mr
Mrs
Ms/Miss
/.
.
.

.

.
.-
.

How are you?

Fine, and you?

Whats your name?
My name is

Pleased to meet you.
.
assaalaamu alaykom/
yaahshimusiz
hayrlik saeear
chshtin keyinlikingiz
hayrlik bolsoon
kachlikingiz
hayrlik bolsoon
hayrhosh
hayrlik kach
apandim
haanim
henim
kaandaak aeevaalingiz
yaahshi sizchu
sizning ismingiz nima
mining ismim
didaar ranimat
This is my
brother (older)
brother (younger)
child
daughter
father
friend
husband
mother
partner (intimate)
sister (older)
sister (younger)
son
wife
bu mening

ukaam

inim

baalaam

kizim
/
daadaam/aataam

dostoom

ar
/
aapaam/aanaam

laayikim

aacham

singlim

orlum

aayaalim
making conversation
Im here

for a holiday
on business

to study
siz bu yarda tooraamsiz

naga baarisiz
bu yarni yaaktoordingizmu
bu yarni bak yaaktoordoom
taamaak yidingizmu
bu yarga saayaaeeat
kilrili kalganmu
. man bu yarga
. kalgan

saayaaeeat kilish

komaandoroopkiraa

chikish

okoosh


. ()

()

sizbu yarda kaanchilik toorisiz

man (tt) eeapta tooriman
man (sizni) sratka
taartivaalsaam boolaamdoo
ma k i ng con ver sat i on UIG HUR
Do you live here?


I love it here.
.
Have you eaten?

Are you here on

holidays?

347
What language/dialect do you speak at home?

silar yoortoonglaardaa kaaysi

tildaa szlishisilar
Do most of the people here speak (Uighur)?

bu yarda kpncha aadam

( )) ooyrurcha) szlishamdoo
Id like to learn some (Uighur).

()mining (ooyroor tili)ni

. gangim baar

maangaa aazraak inggilischa

gtp koyooshni haalaamsiz
Whats this called?

buni nima daydoo
local talk
348
Great!
!
Hey!
.
Its OK.
.
Just a minute.
.
Just joking.
.
Maybe.
.
No problem.
.
No way!
.
Sure, whatever.
.
Thats enough!
!
kaaltis
kaandaak aeevaal
heli yaahshi
birdam saaklaap tooroong
chaakchaak kilip koydoom
balkim
eechkisi yook
moomkin amas
bolidoo maakol
boldi yitarlik
Where are you from? siz nadin kaldingiz

Im from
Australia
Canada
England
New Zealand
the USA
. . man din kaldim

aavistiraaliya

kaanaadaa

angiliya

yengi zinlaandiya

aamrikaa
Whats your
occupation?
siz nima ish bilan

shooroonlinisiz
Im a/an
businessperson
office worker

tradesperson
How old ?

are you
is your daughter
is your son

mining kaspim

soodigar

ishhaanaa hizmat

haadimi

ishchi

/

Im
single
married
Do you like ?

I like/dont like
man yaashkaa kirdim

oo yaashkaa kirdi
bak keri ikan
man kichik kruniman
siz toy kildingizmu
siz yaatlik boldingizmu
mining jptim baar

./
art

film

music

reading

sport

man
boytaak
toy kildim
siz ni yaahshi
kramsiz
man ni yaahshi
kriman/krmayman
sanat
kino krsh
muzikaa aanglaash
kitaap krsh
tantarbiya
ma k i ng con ver sat i on UIG HUR
Im years old.

.

.
Too old!

!

.
Are you married?



. .
kaancha
yaashkaa kirdingiz
siz/san pol/inf
kizingiz
orlingiz
349
feelings & opinions

Are you ?
cold
hot
hungry
thirsty
tired
fe el in gs & op i ni ons
I feel
I dont feel
Do you feel ?
happy
sad
worried
350

.
.

What do you think

of it?
Its
awful
beautiful
boring
great
interesting
OK
strange
siz boldingizmu
sorook
issik
aach
oossaash
eerish
man ees kildim
man ees kilmidim
siz bolivaataamsiz
hooshaal boloosh
haapaa boloosh
ansirash
sizningcha kaandaakraak
u
bak naachaar
bak gzal
bak zerikishlik
bak yaahshi
bak manilik
bop kaalidoo
ralita
mixed emotions
a little
very
extremely
aazraak
bak
intaayin
Im a little sad.
. man aazraak haapaa boloop kaaldim
Im very surprised.

. man bak eeayraan kaaldim
Im extremely happy.

. man naaeeaati hooshaal
I didnt mean to do anything wrong.

.

-
mining haataa ish kilroom yok

bu yarlik rp aadatmu
farewells
well-wishing
Bon voyage!

!
Congratulations!
!
Good luck!
!
Happy birthday!

!
Happy New Year!

!
sapiringizga
aakyol bolsoon
mubaarak boolsoon
syaga aamat tilayman
tooroolraan kningizga
moobaarak bolsoon
yengi yilingizraa
moobaarak bolsoon
f a rew e ll s U I GHUR

. man ata maangiman

poorsat boloop kaalsaa

( )) shotlaandiya) ga baarsingiz

. meni izdang
Keep in touch!

. aalaakiliship turaayli

siz bilan tonushkanlikimdin

. intaayin hooshaalman
Heres my address.
. aadirsimni sizga dap biray
Whats your email?

siz ning tor aadirsingiz chu
351
eating out
ea t in g ou t
Where would you go

uchun naga berish
for (a) ?
kirak
banquet

muraasim

tkzsh
celebration

tabriklash paaaaliyiti

tkzsh
cheap meal

arzaanrak

yimakliklarni

yiyish
local specialities
yarlik yimakliklar
yum cha

chaay ichish
352
Can you recommend

maangaa birar raak tin
a ?
birni tavsiya

kilaamsiz
bar

kaavaakhaanaa
cafe

kaeevahaanaa
noodle house

grahaanaa
dish

tahsa
restaurant

aashhanaa
snack shop

ooshshaak yimakliklar

maagzini
(wonton) stall

chkrahaanaa
street vendor

kochidiki ooshshaak

yimakliklar
teahouse

chaayhaanaa
Id like a/the
table for (five)

bill
drink list

local speciality

menu
(non)smoking

table

. man kilaay digan

))
(bash) kishlik

stal

hisaavaat taalooni

ichimlik
tizimliki

yarlik aalaaeeyda

korumaa

korumaa tizimliki

taamaaka chikish
( )
(mani kilinraan)

stal

silar yana sodaa kilaamsilar
kaandaak korumni tavsiya kilisiz

attiganlik taamaaktaa

aadatta nima yaydoo
Whats that called?

ooni nima daydoo
Whats in that dish?
bu koromining huruchliri nima
Ill have that.

. maangaa bir kishlik bering
ni kprak seling
buni aarlaashtoormaay
kizil mooch
saamsaak
ispirt
meriz
maay
Id like , please.
one slice
a piece
that one
two
maangaa ni
bir paarcha
bir kishlik
aashoo shoo
ikki
This dish is
(too) spicy
superb
.

.
))

I love this dish.

.

.
That was delicious!

.
Im full.

.
bu ning korumisi
(bak) aachchik
bak yaahshi
bu korumaa shoondaak mizilik boptoo

bu yarning korumiliri shoondaak
ohshaaptoo
shoondaak yiyishlik boptoo
man toydoom
ea t i n g out UI GHUR
Id like it with .
Id like it without .
chilli

garlic

MSG

nuts

oil

353
breakfast
lunch
dinner
drink (alcoholic)
water
boiled
cold
sparkling mineral
still mineral
ea t in g ou t
atiganlik taamaak
chshlk taamaak
kachlik taamaak
eeaaraak
ichimliklar
soo

kaaynaak

soovootoolraan

minralni

bulaak
(cup of) coffee ) )

(cup of) tea
) )
with milk

without sugar

(bir istaakaan) kaeeva

(bir piyaala) chaay
st koshkaan
shikar koshmiraan

(orange) juice
soft drink
ketik
aplisin (syi)
gaaz syi
black tea
chrysanthemum tea
green tea
jasmine tea
oolong tea
354

( (

kizil chaay
joeeaagl cheyi
kk chaay
gl cheyi
vulong cheyi
a of beer
glass
large bottle
small bottle
bir piva
rumkaa
chong botoolkaa
kichik botoolkaa
a shot of (whisky)
a bottle/glass of
wine
( (
/
.
bir rumkaa (viski)

bir botoolkaa/rumkaa
zm eeaariki

Ill buy you one.

.
nima ichkingiz baar

man meemaan kiliman

Cheers!

!

!
I think Ive had one too many.

.
Im feeling drunk.

.
nemini haalaaysiz
hosha ee
tami taazaa yaahti
kp ichip koyraandak
kiliman
man aazraak mas boloop
kaaldim
street eats
langpoong
kkbaash kunaak
banshira
poshkaal
saamsaa
polo
gsh naan
keymilik piranik
y larmini
kaavaap
naan
chchra



kktaatlik yimakliklar baarmu

ni aarlaashtoormaay
bir korumaa korisa boptikan
spe ci a l di e ts & a ll e rgies UI GHU R

corn on the cob

dumpling (boiled)

egg pancake

fried stuffed (meat) bun

hand pilaf

pork pie (large)

pork pie (small)

pulled noodles

shish kebab

stuffed naan bread

wonton soup

355
Im allergic to

dairy produce
eggs
meat
nuts
seafood
...
.

maangaa riaaksiya
kilidoo
stlk mahsoolaatlaar
tuhoom
gsh
meriz
dengiz mahsoolaatliri
356
Help!
Go away!
Fire!
Watch out!
!
!
!
!


Im lost.

.


Wheres the
nearest ?
dentist
doctor
hospital
pharmacist
kutkuzunglaar
yokaal
ot katti
eetiyaat kiling
maangaa yaardam kilaalaamsiz

telifuningizni ishlitip
toorsam bolaamdoo
man ezip kaaldim
tazlik yi kayarda
sakchihaanaa kayarda
ang yekin
kayarda
chish dohtoori
dohtoor
dohtoorhaanaa
dorihaanaa
englishuighur dictionary
In this dictionary, words are marked as n (noun), a (adjective), v (verb), sg (singular), pl (plural), inf (informal)
and pol (polite) where necessary.
accident (mishap)
ktlmigan bahitsizlik
accommodation koonaalru
adaptor maaslaashkoochi
address n liksiya szlash
after din kiyin
air conditioning
eeaavaa tangshigch
airplane aayroopilaan
airport aaydooroom
alcohol ispirt
all eeammisi
allergy ziyaan kilish
ambulance
jiddi kootkoozoosh maashinisi
and bilan
ankle hooshouk
antibiotics aanti bioktip
arm bilak
ATM
aaptomaatik pool elish maashinisi
C
camera aapaaraat
cancel amaldin kaaldooroosh
car kichik maashinaa
cash n nak pool
cash (a cheque) v pool chiki
cell phone yaan telifoon
centre n markaz
change (money) v
pool aalmaashtooroosh
cheap arzaan
check (bill) taaloon
check-in n yokloomiraa tsh
chest (body) mayda
children baalilaar
cigarette taamaakaa
city shahar
clean a paakiz
closed taakaak
cold a sorook
come kilish
computer kompooyotir
contact lenses mikro aynak
cook v taamaak itish
cost n chikim
credit card
inaavatlik kaartochkisi
currency exchange
pool aalmaashtooroosh
customs (immigration)
chatallik kchmanlar
en gl ish uig h ur
baby bovak
back (of body) dmba
backpack - yk taak
bad aski
bag somkaa
baggage
sapar laazimatlikliri
bank baankaa
bar kaavaakhaanaa
bathroom moonchaa
battery baataariya
beautiful chiraaylik
bed kaarvaat
beer piva
before booroon
behind kaynida
bicycle valsipit
big chong
bill taaloon
blanket adyaal
blood group kaan tipi
boat kima
bottle botoolkaa
boy orool baalaa
brakes (car) toormooz
breakfast attiganlik taamaak
broken (out of order) tartipsiz
bus aaptooboos
business sodaa saahasi
buy v setivelish
357
dangerous hatarlik
date (time) chislaa
day kn
delay v kichiktrsh
dentist chish dohtoori
depart aayrilish
diaper zaakaa
dinner kachlik taamaak
direct a bivaasta
dirty maynat
disabled miyip
discount v itibaar birish
doctor dohtoor
double room
kosh kishlik yaataak
drink n ichimlik
drive v haydash
driving licence
shopoorlook praavisi
drug (illicit)
zaharlik chikimlik
D I C TI ON A RY
ear koolaak
east shark
eat yiyish
economy class aadattiki oroon
electricity tok
elevator lifit
email ilhat
embassy dlat konsulhaanisi
emergency jiddi ahvaal
English (language) inggiliz tili
evening kach
exit n chikish erizi
expensive kimmat
eye kz
358
far yiraak
fast tiz
father / daadaa/aataa
film (camera) nigaatip
finger baarmaak
first-aid kit
jiddi kootkoozoosh saandooki
first class birinchi darijilik
fish n belik
food yimaklik
foot poot
free (of charge) eeaksiz
friend dost
fruit miva
full toyoosh
gift sooraat
girl kiz baalaa
glass (drinking) istaakaan
glasses kz aynak
go berish
good yaakshi
guide n saayaahat yitakchisi
half n yerim
hand kol
happy hooshaal boloosh
he oo
head n baash
heart yrak
heavy erir
help yaardam
here booyar
high igiz
highway tiz sratlik taashyol
hike v piyaada mengish
holiday tatil
hospital dohtoorhaanaa
hot issik
hotel meemaanhaanaa
(be) hungry korsiki echish
husband eri
I man
identification (card) kimlik
ill kisal
important mooeeim
injury (wound) yaaraa
insurance istiraahooaaniya
internet tor
interpreter chshandrsh
jewellery - ncha marvaayit

job hizmat
key aachkooch
kitchen aashhaanaa
knife pichaak
laundry (place) kirhaanaa

lawyer aadookaat
left (direction) sol
leg (body) paachaak
less aazraak
letter (mail) - tor hatchakliri
light n chiraar
like v aamraak
lock n kooloop
long oozoon
lost ezip kelish
love v yaahshi krsh
luggage - yk taak
lunch chshlk taamaak
name isim
near yekin atraap
neck n boyaan
new yengi
newspaper gezit
night aahshaam
no (not at all) eechkisi yok
noisy - vaaraang chooroong
old (people) yaashaanraanlaar

old (things) konaa narsilar
one-way ticket bir yollook
bilat
open a ochook
outside sirt
passport paasport
pay v tlash
pharmacy dorieeaanaa
phonecard telifoon kaartisi
photo srat
police saakchi
postcard aatkirtkaa
post office poshtaahaanaa
pregnant eeaamildaar
price n baaeeaa
quiet a jimjit
rain n yaamroor
razor oostoor
receipt n taaloon
refund n kaaytooroosh
registered (mail) royhatka elish
rent v aariyatka elish
repair v rimot kilish
reserve v zaakaas kilish
restaurant taamaakhaanaa
return (go back) kaaytip kitish
return ticket
kaaytip kilish beliti
right (direction) ong
road yol
room n y
safe a bihatar
sanitary napkin taazilik karizi
e n gl ish uig h ur
mail n hat
man ar
map harita
market baazaar
matches sarangga
meat gsh
medicine doraa
message oochoor
milk st
minute minoot
mobile phone yaan telifoon
money pool
month aay
morning attigan
mother / aanaa/aapaa
motorcycle motosikilit
mouth eriz
north shimaal
nose booroon
now eeaazir
number noomoor
359
seat n oroon
send yollaash
sex (gender) jinsi
shampoo chaach soopooni
share (a dorm) tang ishlitish
she oo
sheet (bed) kirlik
shirt kynak
shoes aayaar
shop n maagzin
short kiskaa
shower n yooyoonoosh
single room bir kishlik yaataak
skin n tira
skirt n yopkaa
sleep v oohlaash
slow aastaa
small kichik
soap shorpaa
some bazan
son orool
south janoop
souvenir haatira boyoomi
stamp pochta maarkisi
station (train) bikat
stomach aashkaazaan
stop v tohtaash
stop (bus) n aaptooboos bikiti
street kochaa
student okooroochi
sun kooyaash
sunscreen
kooyaash nooridin saaklinidiraan
swim v soo zsh
D I C TI ON A RY
360
tampon
kaan tohtitish paahtisi
telephone n telifoon
temperature (weather) timpooraatooraa
that oo
they oolaar
(be) thirsty oossaash
this boo
throat borooz
ticket bilat
time vaakit
tired eerish
tissues taalaa
today bgn
toilet oboorni
tomorrow ata
tonight bgn aahshaam
tooth chish
toothbrush chish paastisi
toothpaste chish malhimi
torch (flashlight) mashal
tour n saayaaeeat
tourist office saayaaeeat idaarisi
towel lngga
train n poyiz
translate tarjima kilish
travel agency
saayaaeeat shirkiti
travellers cheque saayaaeeat cheki
trousers ishtaan
underwear ich kiyim

urgent jiddi
vacancy bikaar hizmat orni

vegetable n kktaat
vegetarian a
gshsiz taamaak yigchilar
visa ytkash rasmiyiti
walk v mengish
wallet eeamyaan
wash (something) yooyoosh
watch n saaat
water n soo
we biz
weekend hapta aahiri
west rarip
wheelchair chaaklik oroondook
when kaachaan
where kayar
who kim
why nima chn
wife aayaali
window dariza
with bilan
without yok
woman aayaal kishi
write yezish
yes eeaa
yesterday tngn
you sg inf/pol / san/siz
you pl silar
Culture
The glory of China is the sheer diversity of its

culture from a rich history and regional cuisines to
colourful festivals, China has it all.
Here we present you with a cultural snapshot of the
country and give you the tools to travel
in an exciting and respectful way.
history timeline
C H I N A h ist o r y t im e li ne
Take a wander through the rich history of China
362
c 4000 BC
Early settlements established in modern-day Shaanxi and Hnn.
c 3000 BC
Emperor Fx ushers in the period of the legendary Three Emperors

and Five Sovereigns.
c 22001700 BC
Dynastic rule commences with the Xia.
17001100 BC
The Shang dynasty comes to power. Bronzeware production is perfected, and the consistent use of Chinese characters is documented.
1100221 BC
The Western and Eastern Zhou dynasties rule.
600 BC
Laotzu, the founder of Taoism, is reputedly born.
551 BC
Confucius is born.
300 BC
Petroglyphs indicate the spread of Buddhism in Tibet at this time.
221 BC
The short-lived Qin dynasty is established.
221206 BC
The Qin kingdom conquers the surrounding states to create the first
unified China.
214 BC
Emperor Qin indentures thousands of labourers to link existing city

walls into one Great Wall.
206 BC
The Han dynasty takes over.
c 100 BC
Chinese traders and explorers follow the Silk Road all the way to
Rome.
c 50 BC
One of the first documented accounts of tea-drinking in China.
AD 220581
An age of disunion, seeing a succession of rival kingdoms and a

strong division between north and south China.
581618
The Sui dynasty rules.
c 600
The Grand Canal, the worlds longest artificial canal, is constructed.
608
The first mission is sent from the Tibetan court to the Chinese emperor.
The Tang dynasty holds sway.
635
The first Christian missionaries are believed to have arrived.
c 640
Pilgrim Xuan Zhuang sets out for India, returning 16 years later with
countless Buddhist holy texts.
625705
Wu Zetian is the first and only woman to become emperor.
9601279
The Song dynasty is in power.
c 1000
The major inventions of the premodern world paper, printing,

gunpowder and the compass are all commonly used in China.
1215
Genghis Khan conquers Bijng.
12791368
Kublai Khans vast Mongol empire includes all of China.
1286
The Grand Canal is extended to Bijng, assuming its current form.
13681644
Chinese ethnic rule is restored with the Ming dynasty.
13851464
The life of Tangtong Gyelpo, Tibets Renaissance man leader,

medic, inventor of Tibetan opera and builder of 108 bridges in Tibet.
1406
Ming Emperor Yongle begins the construction of the Forbidden City.
1557
The Portuguese establish a permanent trade base in Macau.
1590s
The classic tale Journey To The West is published made known to

many by its incarnation as 1970s TV series Monkey Magic.
c 1640
The qpo (cheongsam) becomes a fashionable frock for women.
16441911
Conquerors from Manchuria establish the Qing dynasty.
1720s
Emperor Kangxi declares Tibet a protectorate of China. Two Chinese

representatives, known as Ambans, are installed at Lhasa, along
with a garrison of Chinese troops.
1839
British traders at Gungzhu hand over 20,000 chests of opium to

Chinese officials, the pretext for the First Opium War.
1842
Hong Kong is ceded to the British in perpetuity.
185664
The Taiping uprising establishes army rule in parts of eastern China

with Nnjng as its capital, ultimately failing following civil war.
ULTURE
C ULTUR
E
618907
363
C H I N A h ist o r y t im e li ne
364
189495
First Sino-Japanese war.
1908
Two-year-old Puyi ascends the throne as Chinas last emperor.
191112
Revolution brings dynastic rule to an end with Sun Yatsens republican government and abdication of the emperor.
192122
Lu Xuns The Story of Ah Q, the first work to be written entirely in

Mandarin vernacular, is published in serial form.
192327
The remains of the Peking Man, between 500,000 and 230,000

years old, are unearthed at Zhukudin, near Bijng.
1927
Chiang Kaisheks Kuomintang rounds up and kills thousands of communists in Shnghi and Gungzhu.
1934
The infamous Long March of communists from Jingx province

begins, travelling 6400km northwest.
1935
Mao Zedong is recognised as head of the Chinese Communist Party

in a meeting at Znyi.
193745
Japanese invasion and occupation of China.
1946
Communists and the Kuomintang fail to form a coalition government, and plunge China back into civil war.
1949
The Peoples Republic of China (PRC) is established.
1950
China supports North Korea in the Korean War.
1957
A brief period of liberalisation under the Hundred Flowers Movement,

but criticisms of the regime lead Mao to imprison or exile thousands.
1958
The Taiwan Straits crisis.
195862
The Great Leap Forward ultimately causes mass starvation.
1959
Widespread revolt in Tibet is suppressed. Amid mounting violence

the 14th Dalai Lama flees to exile in India.
1965
The establishment of the Tibetan Autonomous Region.
1966
The birth of the Red Guards and the Cultural Revolution. Maos Little
Red Book of quotations is published.
The US national table tennis team becomes the first American delegation to set foot in China in 49 years; Nixon soon follows.
1973
Deng Xiaoping returns to power as Deputy Premier.
1976
Mao Zedong dies aged 83.
1979
Diplomatic relations are established with the US.
1980
The one-child policy is enforced. Maos Gang of Four is put on trial.
1987
The Last Emperor collects an Oscar for best picture.
1989
Hundreds of civilian demonstrators are killed by Chinese troops in

the streets around Tiananmen Square. The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin
Gyatso, wins the Nobel Peace Prize.
1997
Deng Xiaoping dies. Britain returns Hong Kong to the PRC.
1999
Falun Gong protest silently in Bijng, prompting a crackdown.

Macau is handed over from Portugal to the PRC.
2001
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is formed between China,

Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. China
also joins the World Trade Organization.
2003
Hu Jintao becomes president. SARS hits Hong Kong and mainland

China. China sends its first astronaut into space. The Golden Shield
Project is put in place to control internet usage.
2007
Prime Minister Wen Jiabao addresses Japans parliament. Jiang

Rong wins the first Man Asia Literary Prize for his novel Wolf Totem.
2008
Tens of thousands are killed in the Schun province earthquake.

Bijng hosts the 2008 Summer Olympic Games topping the medal
tally with 51 gold amid pro-Tibet demonstrations.
2009
The global financial crisis sees a 10-year low in Chinas economic

growth. A study finds China has 32 million more boys than girls.
2013
Chinas lunar lander Change 3 touches down on the moon
ULTURE
C ULTUR
E
1971
365
food
the chinese & food
The Chinese live to eat not just to eat, but to eat well, to eat indulgently and to eat
flavoursome, interesting, well-cooked food at every meal.
Chinese cuisine can be divided into four main schools, summed up in the Mandarin saying dng sun, x l, nn tin, bi xin (meaning the east is sour, the west
is spicy, the south is sweet and the north is salty). Cantonese (southern) cuisine
(Yuci) is the nations most varied and elaborate; we can also thank it for yncha
(yum cha). Shnghis Zhci (eastern) cuisine is generally richer, sweeter and oilier,
relying on preserved vegetables, pickles and salted meats. Lcai (northern) food
from Shndng uses wheat pancakes, spring onions and fermented bean paste,
while Chunci (western or Schun) style is renowned for red chillies and peppercorns firing up pork, poultry, legumes and soybeans. Finally, Huiyng ci (east coast
cuisine) is relatively vegetarian-friendly and is home to meat simmered in dark soy
sauce, sugar and spices. And there are many other influences, like Macaus Portuguese touches, Hong Kongs gift at importing the best and Tibets momos (steamed
dumplings) and chang (fermented barley beer).
eat by number
C H I N A f o od
A Chinese saying talks of seven basic daily necessities: fuel, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce,
vinegar and tea. Another seven is the seven tastes incorporated in dishes: sweet,
salty, sour, bitter, hot, gu q (wok essence) and xin wi (a kind of savoury, moreish element sometimes created with MSG). Then there are five elements that must
be attended to in cooking: colour, aroma, flavour, shape and texture. In addition,
food is considered medicine for the q (life energy). Accordingly, a meal must balance yn (cool and moist) and yng (warm and solid), the five elements (wood,
earth, fire, water, metal) and the four states (moist, warm, cool, dry).
366
staples
If it walks, crawls, slithers, swims or flies, someone in China will probably eat it. In
Gungdng you can sample possum, elsewhere pangolin (anteater), steamed scorpions, cicadas, land and water beetles, snakes (the bile and blood is meant to help
impotence) and turtle. The term for meat is ru, which will generally mean pork
unless otherwise stated, and lard is laced in breads and sweets alike. From the water,
sample snwn y (salmon) from Hilngjing, nin y (catfish) in Schun, and live
xizi (prawns) at Ximn. The best ocean fare comes from Qngdo, where every
self-respecting restaurant has live shellfish and fish on the front step. Eat all hixin
(seafood) hot from cooking, even the medicinally cold pngxi (crab), best steamed
with ginger and spring onions and eaten with yellow rice wine.
Vegetables and fruit are diverse and readily available, but vegetarians will face
niru tng (beef stock) and hoyu (oyster sauce) in nearly everything dont be
suckered by the term shcai (vegetable dish), which is not usually vegetarian but
rather features a particular vegetable. Meantime, try out the chillies of Hnn, the
soft flavour of cabbage and the yammy taste of taro. In addition to qngci (green
leafy vegetables), the Chinese make use of delicate, crisp turnips in salads, and fennel
tops in dumplings across the north. Dont miss out on Ynnns coal-cooked sweet
potato. Other delicacies are Bijngs bin to (flat peaches), the zo (jujube, also
called Chinese date) and lngyn (dragon eyes, also called longan).
Although grains other than fn (rice) play their part in Chinese cuisine wheat, millet, sorghum, corn rice is so important that fn is a symbol for all meals. It is prepared
as flour, noodles, porridge and more, and even the aroma from rice cooking is revered.
Black rice is glutinous and used in sweets, jasmine rice dominates towards the southeast
border, and red rice is used for alcohol and vinegar. In the northwest, noodles are more
likely to be made from wheat, while in Inner Mongolia and Tibet millet is probably used.
Jiozi (dumplings) are a must-eat, from Bijngs pork-filled, fried or steamed wheat
dough, to Gungdngs yum cha. In the north, eat the big, soft dumpling called mntou.
Breads include the famous d mianbo (big bread) of Hrbn, as well as Shnghis
yutio (deep-fried bread). And finally theres the versatile hungdu (soy bean), which
the Chinese have been fermenting, smoking, maturing and eating for over 3000 years
best known in dufu (tofu) and dujing (soy milk drink).
fishy business
An ingredient, its form and the manner of eating it may hold symbolic meaning
in China. For example, serving a whole fish means prosperity, as it has a logical
beginning and end. Yet youd never turn it over once youve eaten the top side, as
this is reminiscent of a boat capsizing at sea and therefore means death.
mystery ingredients
C ULTUR E
So what are Chinas secret herbs and spices? Dsun (garlic) in Shndng and chng
(spring onion) in Gungdng are easy to identify, while bjio (star anise) is used
continent-wide in marinades and braised dishes. Look out for hujio (Schun pepper, a prickly ash bud that sends your tongue numb), as well as the ubiquitous su
(coriander), zh ma (sesame seeds) and wxingfn (five spices mix, using cassia bark,
star anise, fennel seeds, black pepper and cloves).
367
Soy sauce, jingyu, comes in dark and thick or light varieties, and is used for dips
as well as in cooking. Toasty-flavoured zh ma yu (sesame oil) is a finishing touch,
while in Schun zhm jing (sesame paste) and lajio jing (chilli sauce) are everpresent. Fjins Pacific oysters provide hoyu (oyster sauce), and other flourishes
come from hngc (red rice vinegar) and syrupy black Chinkiang vinegar.
A wealth of dried ingredients is available, with over 30 kinds of mushrooms, not
to mention gu q z (wolfberries), chng co (caterpillar consumed from the inside
by a rabid fungus) and dried hishn (sea cucumber). Xing g (shiitake mushroom)
is the most common fungus, but also try m r (wood-ear fungus) and hu tu g
(monkey-head mushrooms). Nuts and legumes abound, the more unusual ones
being xng rn (bitter apricot kernels) and bi gu (ginkgo nuts). Meat is also dried
and the ru sng (dried beef) of Hngzhu has a texture like fairy floss.
And then theres the outright exotic, such as bamboo worms, deer penis and wild
cat. Other local treats are sng hu dn (preserved or thousand-year eggs) and yn
w (birds nest made from the saliva of swiftlets).
C H I N A f o od
drinks
368
No true Chinese will miss out on their tea. There are at least 320 strains of the tea
plant Camellia sinensis, processed according to six broad categories. In Xn they prefer the heady, gutsy nature of wlongcha (oolong) or hngch (black) teas, while the
people around Hngzhu on the eastern seaboard prefer lch (green) tea. In Ynnn
they prefer Puerh tea (p-r ch), a fermented black tea. While most teas in China are
drunk without milk or sugar, in Inner Mongolia they prefer to add cream or butter to
their milk tea (soo t ch), while Tibetans fancy it with rancid yak butter and salt (b
cha). Also check out tuch (brick teas made from tea that has been compressed
into a brick shape) and huch (scented teas).
For other nonalcoholic options, try lizh zhi (lychee juice), sunmi tng (sour plum
drink) or xngrn nini (almond milk) in the south. In the north, youll find sunni
(yoghurt) as a breakfast item. You could also sample the near-nonalcoholic lemon
beer and pineapple beer, or kfi (coffee), popular with the up-and-coming younger
generation.
Alcohol definitions in China are a little slippery: bi pto ji (white wine) actually means near-toxic firewater, containing 40% to 60% alcohol try Ynnns
Long Chuan rice liqueur and Chinese flowering quince wine. Other renowned wines
include red rose liqueur, and Shoxng ji (yellow rice wine), with a 2400-year history
in the city of Shoxng. Beer (piji), is Chinas universal alternative to tea. Always
ask for your beer lng (cold). In Macau test the evocatively named Lgrima de Cristo
(Tears of Christ), a Portuguese white port.
table manners
The word rno (bustling) encapsulates the atmosphere of restaurants across China,
where people value enthusiastic participation in conversation as well as the meal.
Meals come not in individual servings but in dpn (communal plates) do get your
hepatitis A shots but dont miss out on the fun. At the table, wait until your host picks
up their chopsticks before you begin eating. When choosing your food, go for the dish
closest to you or ask people to pass your choice never reach over the table. Dont
tap the side of your bowl with your chopsticks (the sign of beggars), nor stick the
chopsticks upright in your rice as that resembles funerary incense. Finally, its polite
to offer to pay the bill, even if youre clearly the guest. Bluffing or not, say: Sh n
qngde k, w bugu sh midn de (You were tonights host, but Ill pay the bill). And
should you need a night off the dreaded white spirits, a good escape is to turn your
glass upside down and explain that your doctor wont let you drink.
street food
C ULTUR E
Be prepared: any Chinese with a gas bottle and a wok can become a jitu xioch
(street vendor). Eat only freshly made xioch (snacks) and only where appreciative
crowds are gathered, and you neednt miss out on local delicacies such as zngzi
(sticky rice in bamboo leaves), hntun (wonton soup) or jinbng (egg and spring
onion pancake). Ubiquitous shujio (meat- or vegetable-stuffed dumplings) are a
treat locals mix ljio (chilli), c (vinegar) and jingyu (soy sauce) according to
taste in a little bowl, then dip. Postparty in Hong Kong, grab some dm sm (dim
sum) to soak up the beer try ha gau (steamed shrimp dumplings) or chung
fn (steamed rice-flour rolls with shrimp, beef or pork). Some Chinese street-fare
shows a Persian influence, like shashlick and kebab. While in Bijng try chu dufu
(astonishingly stinky tofu fermented in cabbage juice), in Shnghi go for the halfmoon xiolng dumplings, and in Macau dont miss the distinctive pastries on Rua da
Felicidade. Hong Kong tempts with ngu zaap (cows organs), yw dan (fish balls),
chau fng lut (roasted chestnuts) and jw chung fn (rice noodles). Tibetan markets offer the challenge of chura kmpo (dried yak cheese), white balls eaten like a
boiled sweet.
369
festivals
festivals in china
A-Ma Festival (A-Ma Temple, Inner Harbour, Macau) The birth of the Taoist goddess
of fisherfolk A-Ma is celebrated on the 23rd day of the third lunar month (March/April).
One legend has it that a junk sailing across the South China Sea was embroiled in a storm,
the passengers facing certain death. Behold, a beautiful young woman on the boat stood
and ordered the sea be calm, saving all on board. A temple was built in her honour in
1488 at the location of their safe return to land and A-Ma is worshipped along the
coast under the names Mazu, Tin Hau and Niangniang. On the festival day, seafarers and
their families throng the Ming dynasty temple, leaving offerings, burning incense and
praying for safe journeys. Enjoy the Chinese opera performances and take in the gorgeous
poetry inscribed on the surrounding cliff walls.
C H I N A fest i va l s
Cheung Chau Bun Festival (Cheung Chau, Hong Kong) On the island of Cheung
Chau the Buddhas birthday public holiday is marked by the construction of rocket-shaped towers, standing up to 20m high, covered with sacred bread rolls. At midnight on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month (April/May), competitors scramble up
the towers, grabbing a bun for good luck the higher the bun, the better the fortune.
For 26 years the festivities were kept to ground level after a tower collapsed in 1978, but
the bamboo structures have been replaced by metal and climbers now use safety ropes.
Swirling around the towers is the greater festival, with processions featuring floats, stilt
walkers and people dressed as characters from legend and opera. Most interesting are
the floating children, carried through the streets atop long poles. Make the most of the
vegetarian feast and check out the colourful fishing boats in the harbour.
370
Chinese New Year (Shnghi) Theres something special about being in one of Chinas
major cities for Lunar New Year (January/February), the real thing after seeing it in
your local Chinatown. Also known as Chn Ji (Spring Festival), its the high point of
the Chinese year, and for the most part this is a family festival. Throughout the country,
the weeks building up to the festival are an explosion of colour, with chnlin (spring
couplets) pasted on door posts, door gods brightening up alleys and streets, and shops
glistening with red and gold decorations. Work colleagues and relatives present each
other with hng bo (red envelopes) of money and the streets ring with cries of Gngxi
fci! (Congratulations! May you make money!). Shnghi-side, check out the explosion
of fireworks at midnight both to welcome in the New Year and ward off bad spirits, plus
the special services held at Longhua and Jingan Temples. Stay hungry for the eight- or
nine-course banquet coming your way!
Dragon Boat Festival (Mi Lo River, Hnn) During the Dragon Boat Festival (fifth day
of the fifth lunar month, May/June), the Mi Lo fills with colourful crafts decked out to
imitate dragons, from fearsome snout to scaly tail. The China-wide festival commemorates Qu Yuan, a revered poet-statesman who drowned himself in 278 BC to protest the
Qin states invasion. Onlookers tried to keep fish and evil spirits from Qu Yuans body by
splashing their oars and beating drums. Today festival spectators snack on zngzi (sticky
rice in bamboo leaves) in memory of the rice scattered as an offering to the poets ghost.
Arrive waterside early to see the dragon-head prows blessed with incense and gongs.
The race is won when a rower straddles his crafts dragon head and grabs the flag. The
festival is also a tribute to the god of water, and homes fill with invocations of physical
and spiritual wellbeing. The herbs calamus and moxa are hung from front doors and pictures of Chung
Kuei, the demon slayer, are pinned up. Adults also enjoy hsiung huang (a type of rice
wine) and the party continues after dark with firecrackers and dragon dances.
International Ice & Snow Festival (Zhaolin Park & Sun Island Park, Hrbn)
Chinas northern Hilngjing province may be cursed with one of the coldest climates
in Asia, but its capital Hrbn has made the best of a bad thing with its International
Ice and Snow Festival. Held in the depths of winter (5 January to 5 February), the festival
revolves around over 1300 fanciful and elaborate ice sculptures built by teams from about
20 countries, including recreations of famous buildings and structures (such as a scaleddown Forbidden City, or a Great Wall of China that doubles as an ice slide). The bulk of the
sculptures can be found in central Zhaolin Park and Sun Island Park, while the hardiest of
festival-goers can join Hrbns winter swimmers for a dip in the frozen Songhua River.
Attractions include ice lanterns, skiing, ice skating, outdoor swimming, hunting, dog-sled
rides and art performances not to mention whooshing down ice slides and the ice-axe
free-for-all that marks the festivals end.
C ULTUR E
Mid-Autumn Festival (West Lake, Hngzhu) Also known as the Moon Festival or the
Moon Cake Festival, this festival on the full moon of the eighth lunar month (September/
October) is a holiday for lovers, families and the homesick. Loved ones meet under the lunar
symbol of unity to barbecue, eat pomelos (draping the rinds on their heads), do fire-dragon
dances, and hang lanterns from towers. Incense is burnt for the lunar goddess Change, who
lives on the moon with a jade rabbit. The yu bng (moon cakes) themselves are made of a
thin dough shell containing fillings such as jelly, dates and nuts or red bean paste during
an uprising against the Mongols in the 14th century, revolutionary plans were secretly
passed around in the cakes. A popular spot to moonbathe is Hngzhus West Lake, with its
three candlelit towers.
371
Nnnng International Folk Song Art Festival (Nnnng, Gungx) The Nnnng
International Folk Song Art Festival has become a spectacular affair, held each November
since 1999. Entertainment comes in the form of local and foreign folksingers showing
off their modern and classical numbers, dancing galas and dramatic lighting displays.
Its come a long way from its roots as a gewei (song gathering) for the Zhuang minority,
whose omnipresent musical culture led to the province of Gungx earning the name
Ocean of Folk Songs. The Zhuang sing their way through daily life, while working the
fields, collecting firewood, attending funerals and, of course, courting. At a gewei, young
people sing an impromptu antiphonal song cycle (a one-to-one song competition) telling
of their love; women hand the successful swain xiuqiu, a ball made of 12 silk stripes like
flower petals.
C H I N A fest i va l s
Qng Mng Ji (across China) A celebration held around 5 April (or 4 April in leap years),
Tomb-Sweeping Day, also called Clear and Bright Festival, sees families returning to their
ancestors graves. The dead are honoured by cleaning weeds from gravestones, touching
up inscriptions, offering chrysanthemums and favourite foods, and burning paper goods
and zhiqian (Bank of Hell money) so the ancestor will be wealthy in the afterlife. The
particularly devout hang a willow branch in the doorway to their homes, preventing the
dead from entering if they roam free of the cemetery. For most its a spring celebration
rather than a day of mourning, with families feasting on the offerings and flying kites.
Traditionally, trees are planted to welcome the warmer weather, and tea leaves picked
before this date are prized for their subtle aromas (and priced accordingly).
372
Qurban Festival (Xnjing Uighur AR) Also known as Eid al-Adha, this major Islamic
festival sees the faithful remember the story of Ibrahim, who offered his son as a sacrifice
in order to show his obedience to Allah. Allah saved the boy and a lamb was sacrificed
in his place, and today an important part of Qurban is the sacrifice of a goat or cow to
commemorate this occasion. During the three-day festival, Muslims across China dress
in their finest and head to the mosque for prayer and thanksgiving. Its not all prayer
and sacrifice, though this is also a time for entertaining family and friends, gift-giving
and partaking in traditional festival foods, including sanzi, a deep-fried noodle-shaped
dough. The festival begins on the tenth day of the final month of the Islamic calendar
(falling in September until 2017, then August). This is a particularly interesting time for
visitors to be in the Xnjing Uighur region.
Saga Dawa Festival (Lhasa & Mt Kailash, Tibet) Buddha Sakyamunis conception,
enlightenment and entry into nirvana is marked on the 15th day of Tibets fourth lunar
month (May/June). It falls during the years holiest month, when the karmic effect of all
wholesome or unwholesome actions is multiplied by 100,000 another good reason
for most of Lhasas population to walk the Lingkhor circuit. Prayer wheels are turned
on the streets, Tibetan operas recount history and legend, and boats are paddled in the
Dragon King Pool at the foot of the Potala Palace. Alternatively, you can trek to holy Mt
Kailash to see the 25m Tarboche prayer-pole being raised in accordance with a Lamas
instructions. Lung ta (prayer flags; literally wind horses) are hung to the tune of sacred
horn-and-cymbal music, the faithful circle the pole, and if its positioned correctly all
bodes well for Tibet.
Sisters Meal Festival (Shdng, Guzhu) Love is in the air during this courtship
ritual in eastern Guzhu when young Miao (or Hmong) people find partners through the
medium of sticky rice. To a soundtrack of music from the lshng (a reed instrument), and
amid dancing, paper-dragon fights and buffalo fighting, young women dress in exquisite
embroidery and kilograms of silver jewellery shaped into neck rings, loin chains, and
multiple headdresses. The suitors arrive, serenading the women and presenting a parcel
of dyed rice to the ladies who have taken their fancy. In return, the damsels hand back
rice parcels containing unspoken messages two chopsticks indicate acceptance, one
means no thank you, a leaf is a request for some satin before giving a decision, while
a chilli is the most definite of rebukes. The celebration, held on the 15th day of the third
lunar month (March/April), marks the time when married women return home and see
their parents.
C ULTUR E
Wifng International Kite Festival (Wifng, Shndng) Tradition has it that

the worlds first kite an eagle made out of wood was held aloft from Mount Lu
(in Wifng) more than 2000 years ago by philosopher Mozi. Thanks to his discovery,
Wifng is now home to both the International Kite Festival (launched, pun intended,
in 1984) and the Wifng World Kite Museum. Come April, international teams and
thousands of enthusiasts arrive to display and compete over three days. Visitors will be
awestruck by enormous structures being hauled aloft by jeeps, or dragon kites over 800m
long. The creativity and presentation of the kites, which are often based on traditional
folk designs, is the focus of the festival. Performances include an opening parade of
participants, an impressive fireworks display to close and regional songs and dances.
Be sure to take in the kite museum, whose peacock-blue roof is designed to resemble a
dragon-head centipede kite.
373
116 140 164 188 212 236 260 285 317 343
addressing people
24
50
72
96
admission
(sightseeing)
21
47
age
74
98
alcoholic drinks
27
53
79
103 126 151 174
allergies
27,
30
54,
56
80
104 127 152 175 199 223 248 272 300 329 355
119 143 168 191 216 240 268 289
122 146 170 194 218
Uighur
addresses
92, 115, 140, 164, 188, 212, 236, 260,

316, 342,
295
100 123 147 171 195 219 244 268
326 351
Tibetan
68
Zhuang
44
Xian
Chaozhou
19
17,
67,
43, 51
18
76
Sichuan
Cantonese
accommodation
Hunanese
Mandarin
Mongolian
Hakka
92
Yunnan Hua
Dongbei Hua
Shanghainese
INDEX
346
264 286 319
242,
266 293 324 349
243
198,
223 247 271 299 329 354,
199
alphabet
ambulances
28
54
amounts
23
49
71
95
119 143 167 191 215 239 263 297 321 346
apologising
13
39
65
89
113 137 161 185 209 233 257
art & architecture
278 310 336
330
281,
339,
313
292
351
362-5
374
baggage
16,
29
42,
55
banking
18,
20
43,
45
67,
69
92, 115, 139, 163, 187, 211, 235, 259,

316, 342,
283
93 117 141 165 189 213 237 261
318 344
bars
26
52
76
101 124 148 172 196 220 245 269 296
bargaining
23
49
71
95
118 143 167 191 215 239 263 289 321 345
basic phrases
13
39
65
89
113 137 161 185 209 233 257 281 313 339
352
I N DEX
I N D EX
119 143 167
263
321 346
boats
16
42
67
91
115 139 163 187 211 235 259
315 342
booking
(accommodation)
19
44
68
93
116 140 164 188 212 236 260 285 317 343
booking (tickets)
15
41
Uighur
95
Tibetan
71
Mongolian
49
Zhuang
23
Yunnan Hua
101 124 148 172 196 220 245 269 297 328 352
Xian
77
Sichuan
Dongbei Hua
Shanghainese
Chaozhou
52
Hunanese
Cantonese
26
bill (shopping)
Hakka
Mandarin
bill (restaurant)
border crossings
15
40
bus
16,
17
42
67
91
115 139 163 187 211 235 259 283
22,
24
48,
50
70
95
118 142 166 190 215 239 262 288 320 345
315,
342
316
C
cameras
car
17
43
changing money
18,
20
43,
45
67
92
115 139 163 187 211 235 259 283 318 342
checking out
19
45
69
93
117 141 164 189 213 237 261 285 318 343
civilities
13
39
65
89
113 137 161 185 209 233 257 281 313 339
communications
20
45
69
93
117 141 165 189 213 237 261 286 318 344
complaints
(shopping)
23
49
71
95
119 143 167
consonants
12
38
64
88
112 136 160 184 208 232 256 280 312 338
contact details
cost
(accommodation)
25
51
76
100 123 147 171 195 219 244 268 295 326 351
19
45
68
93
116 141 164 188 213 237 261 285 317 343
cost (general)
23
49
71
95
118 143 167 191 215 239 263 288 321 345
cost (internet)
20
46
286 319
cost (phone)
21
46
286 319
316
263 289 321 346
I ND
EX
IN
DEX
375
Cantonese
Chaozhou
Dongbei Hua
Hakka
Hunanese
Shanghainese
Sichuan
Xian
Yunnan Hua
Zhuang
21
47
cost (taxi)
17
43
countries
25
51
74
98
121 146 170 193 218 242 266 292 324 348
credit cards
23,
29
49,
55
71
95
119 143 167 191 215 239 263
cuisine
366-9
culture
362-73
customs (local)
Tibetan
Uighur
321 346
292,
323 351
301
52
73
97
121 145 169 193 217 241 265
dates
14
40
66
90
114 138 162 186 210 234 258 282 314 340
days of the week
14
40
66
91
114 138 163 186 211 235 259 283 315 340
dentist
29
55
80
104 128 152 176 200 224 248 272 304
dictionary
31
57
81
105 129 153 177 201 225 249 273 305 331 357
18
43
67
28,
29
26,
27
54,
55
303,
330 356
304
78, 102,
150,
198, 222, 246, 270, 298, 328,
126
174
354
79 103
151
199 223 247 271 299 329
368
directions
doctor
drinks
53
drinks (China)
eating out
91
356
115 139 163 187 212 236 260 283 315 342
80
104 128 152 176 200 224 248 272
52
76
100 124 148 172 196 220 245 268 296 327 352
46,
51
55
69,
76
94, 117, 141, 165, 189, 213, 237, 261, 286, 319, 344,
100 123 147 171 195 219 244 268 295 326 351
emergencies
28
104 127 152 175 200 224 248 272 303 329 356
English, use of
54
39,
52,
56
80
13,
29
65,
73
89, 113, 137, 161, 185, 209, 233, 257, 281, 313, 339,
97 121 145 169 193 217 241 265 292 323 348
embassies
entertainment
370-3
I N DEX
26
20,
25
28
email
I N D EX
286 319
376
Mongolian
Mandarin
cost (sightseeing)
Uighur
Tibetan
Mongolian
Zhuang
120 144 168 192 216 240 264 290 322 347
Yunnan Hua
96
96, 119, 143, 167, 191, 215, 240, 263, 289, 321, 346,
100 123 147 171 195 219 244 268 295 326 351
Xian
72
Sichuan
Hakka
Shanghainese
Dongbei Hua
51
Hunanese
Cantonese
25
Chaozhou
Mandarin
F
family
farewells
24
50
71,
75
feelings
75
99
26
52
76
101 124 148 172 196 220 245 268 296 327 352
122 147 171 194 219 243 267 294 325 350
festivals
food & drink
370-3
food (China)
366-9
G
goodbyes
24
50
71,
75
96, 119, 143, 167, 191, 215, 240, 263, 289, 321, 346,
100 123 147 171 195 219 244 268 295 326 351
greetings
24
50
71
96
guides
21
47
health
29
55
80
hire (car)
history
17
43
119 143 167 191 215 240 263 289 321 346
286,
320
302
H
104 128 152 176 200 224 248 272 303 329 356
362-5
316
356
hospitals
29
55
80
104 128 152 176 200 224 248 272 304
hotels
15,
19
41,
44
68
92
illnesses
30
56
interests
25
52
74
internet
20
46
69
introductions
24
50
72
99
93,
94
96
122 146 170 194 218 243 267 294 325 349
318,
117 141 165 189 213 237 261 286
344
319
119 144 168 191 216 240 263 289 322 346
jobs
25
51
74
98
122 146 170 193 218 242 266 293 324
116 140 164 188 212 236 260 285 317 343
304
348,
349
I ND
EX
IN
DEX
377
37
63
87
111 135 159 183 207 231 255 279 311 337
11
37
63
87
111 135 159 183 207 231 255 279 311 337
literature
362-5
local food
26
53
76, 100,
268, 296,
352,
124, 148, 172, 196, 220, 245,
327,
77, 101,
269, 298,
353,
127 151 175 199 223 247
328
79 103
271 300
355
lost
16,
29
42,
55
80
luggage
16,
29
42,
55
21
47
24
50
72
96
maps
18,
21
43,
47
67
92
115 139 163 187 212 236 259
markets
22
48
70
95
118 142 166 190 215 239 262 288 320 345
marriage
74
99
122 146 170 194 218 243 266 293 325 349
meals
26
53
78
102 125 150 173 197 222 246 270 298 328 354
medicine
29
56
meeting people
24
50
71
96
menus
26
52
77
101 124 148 172 196 220 245 269 296 327 352
money
18,
20,
23,
29
43,
45,
49,
55
67
92
115 139 163 187 211 235 259 283 318 342
67
91
115 139 163 187 211 235 259
mail
making
conversation
104 128 152 176 200 224 248 272
I N D EX
330 356
120 144 168 192 216 241 264 290 322 347
6-7
284, 316,
342
286 320
119 143 167 191 215 240 263 289 321 346
315 341
I ND EX
months
map (language)
378
Uighur
11
Tibetan
111 135 159 183 207 231 255 279 311 337
language map
language
speakers
Mongolian
113 137 161 185 209 233 257 281 313 339
87
Zhuang
89
63
Yunnan Hua
Hakka
65
37
Xian
Dongbei Hua
39
11
Sichuan
Chaozhou
Shanghainese
Cantonese
13
language history
Hunanese
Mandarin
90
occupations
25
51
74
98
122 146 170 193 218 242 266 293 324
opinions
75
99
ordering
(restaurant)
26
52
77
101
ordering (taxi)
17
42
pharmacies
29
55
phone
20,
21,
28
45,
46,
55
photography
24
50
photos, taking
22
47
70,
73
plane
16
police
29
post office
18,
21
54,
55
43,
47
pronunciation
12
38
23
receipts
refunds
42
Uighur
65
Tibetan
39
Mongolian
13
246, 270,
298 328 354
247 271
113 137 162 185 209 233 257 281 313 340
Zhuang
121 146 170 193 218 242 266 292 324 348
102 126 150 174 198 222
Yunnan Hua
Hakka
98
78
Xian
Dongbei Hua
74
53
Sichuan
Chaozhou
Shanghainese
Cantonese
51
26
nonalcoholic
drinks
numbers
Hunanese
Mandarin
25
N
nationalities
348,
349
122 147 171 194 219 243 267 294 325 350
124, 148, 172, 196, 220,
269,
246
296 327 352
125 149 173 197 221
270
80
104 128 152 176 200 224 248 272
283,
304
356
69,
80
93,
141,
213, 237,
318,
117,
165, 189,
261, 286,
344,
94,
142,
214, 238,
319,
128
176 200
272 303
356
104
152
224 248
330
94, 117, 142, 166, 190, 214, 238, 262, 287, 319, 344,
97 120 145 169 192 217 241 265 291 323 347
283 315
80
104 128 152 176 200 224 248 272
330 356
67
92
115 139 163 187 211 235 259 283 316 342
64
88
112 136 160 184 208 232 256 280 312 338
49
71
95
119 143 167 191 215 239 263 297 321 346
23
49
289
23
49
289
Q
R
I ND
EX
IN
DEX
quantities
379
reservations
(accommodation)
reservations
(tickets)
19
44
68
93
15
41
Uighur
Shanghainese
Tibetan
Hunanese
Mongolian
Hakka
Zhuang
Dongbei Hua
Yunnan Hua
Chaozhou
49
Xian
Cantonese
repairs
Sichuan
Mandarin
23
religion
362-5
116 140 164 188 212 236 260 285 317 343
restaurants
26
52
76
283,
101 124 148 172 196 220 245 269
327 352
296
rooms (hotel)
19
44
68
93
116 140 164 188 212 236 260 285 317 343
S
script (alphabet)
seasons
66
91
seating
16,
17,
26
41,
42,
52
77
101 124 148 172 196 220 245 269 296 327 352
shopping
22
48
70
95
118 142 166 190 215 239 262 288 320 345
sightseeing
21
47
70
94
117 142 166 190 214 238 262 286 319 344
95
118 142
104 127 151 175 199 223 248 272 300 329 355
souvenirs
22
48
70,
71
special diets
27
54
79
114 138 162 186 210 234 258
278,
310 336
282
315 341
166,
345,
190 215 239 262 288 320
167
346
street food
369
I N D EX
380
taxis
17
42
telephone
20,
21,
28
45,
46,
55
69,
80
93,
141,
213, 237,
318,
117,
165, 189,
261, 286,
344,
94,
142,
214, 238,
319,
128
176 200
272 303
356
104
152
224 248
330
161,
90 114 138
186 210 234 258 282 314 340
162
telling the time
14
40
66
theft
16,
29
42,
55
329
tickets
15
41
Mongolian
Tibetan
Uighur
346
toilets
28
55
80
104 128 152 176 200 224 248 272
tones
(pronunciation)
10
36
62
86
110 134 158 182 206 230 254
Zhuang
119 143 168 191 216 240 264 289
Yunnan Hua
Hakka
96
Xian
Dongbei Hua
72
Sichuan
Chaozhou
Shanghainese
Cantonese
50
Hunanese
Mandarin
24
timeline
titles (addressing
people)
362-5
330 356
tours
22
47
70
94
287,
118 142 166 190 214 238 262
319 345
301
trains
16
42
67
91
115 139 163 187 211 235 259 283
transport
16
42
67
91
115 139 163 187 211 235 259 283 315 342
travellers cheques
20,
23,
29
45,
49,
55
valuables
20,
29
45,
55
318
vegetarian food
27
54
79
104 127 151 175 199 223 248 272 300 329 355
vowels
12
38
64
88
water (drinkable)
27
53
78
102 126 150 174 197 222 246 270 298 328 354
well-wishing
76
100 123 148 172 195 220 244 268 296 327 351
womens health
29
56
work
25
51
74
98
342
112 136 160 184 208 232 256 280 312 338
122 146 170 193 218 242 266 293 324
348,
349
I ND
EX
IN
DEX
381
382
N OTE S
OT ES
NNOTE
S
383
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PHRASEBOOK & DICTIONARY

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PHRASEBOOK & DICTIONARY

Editors Francesca Coles, Laura Crawford, Branislava Vladisavljevic,

James Hardy, Angela Tinson

Cha Don Hak Hun Sha

Xia Yun Zhu Mon Tib

62 86 110 134 158 182 206 230 254

278 310 336

tickets & luggage

banking & communications

Cha Don Hak Hun Sha

Xia Yun Zhu Mon Tib

feelings & opinions

special diets & allergies

L ANG UAGE MAP

For more detail see the relevant introduction.

did you know?

low fallingrising tone

2nd high rising

3rd low falling-rising

4th high falling

father (fun, sung)

In this chapter, the Pinyin is given in

N hushu Yngwn ma?

la ngu a ge di ffi c u lt i es MAN D ARI N

time & dates

What time is it?

tickets & luggage

borde r cr oss in g MAN D ARI N

W xingyo (b) xyn de zuwi.

(bee jay b) fij

How long will it be delayed?

tra ns po r t MAN D ARI N

How much is it to (the Great Wall)?

Whats the address?

Mi tin/rn dusho qin?

The (air conditioning) doesnt work.

a ccommoda t i on MAN D ARI N

How much is it per night/person?

banking & communications

b an k in g & commu ni ca ti ons

Wheres the local internet cafe?

Fjn yu wngb ma?

What are the rates?

Dinhufi znme sun?

I want to buy a/an

si ghtse ein g MAN DA RI N

I want to send a fax.

Whens the next tour?

Can I have it sent overseas?

N nng jdo guwi ma?

Nmen shu ma?

sho pp in g MAND ARI N

Nng b nng bng w cng ni cn

How are you? (general)

Whats your name?

N jio shnme mngzi?

ma k i ng conve r sa t i on MAN D ARI N

(cup of) coffee

Ill have boiled/still mineral water.