Getting Around
Three directions. One question. One trick. That's enough.
Three directions
| English | Pinyin | Phonetic | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Left | zuǒ (dzwoh) | dzwoh | 左 |
| Right | yòu (yoh) | yoh | 右 |
| Straight | zhí zǒu (jir dzoh) | jir dzoh | 直走 |
| Stop | tíng (ting) | ting | 停 |
| Here | zhè lǐ (juh lee) | juh lee | 这里 |
| Bathroom | cèsuǒ (tsuh swoh) | tsuh swoh | 厕所 |
The one question you need
[X] zài nǎ lǐ? (dzye nah lee) · 在哪里？
"Where is [X]?"
Slot in any destination. If you cannot say the name, show your phone screen.
Examples:
- Cèsuǒ zài nǎ lǐ? — Where is the bathroom?
- Show your hotel name on screen + zài nǎ lǐ? — Where is this hotel?
Stop here
In a taxi, say the destination name or show your phone, then when you arrive:
zhè lǐ tíng (juh lee ting) — Stop here.
Or just say tíng and point down. It works.
The honest move
You will not understand the answer someone gives you. That is fine. Show the destination on your phone map. Point at where you want to go. Gesture. People will help. Use wǒ bù dǒng if needed and let them redirect.