Essential Vocabulary for your First Trip to China

Today, we’re going to explore a unique experience – your first-ever 北京běijīng之旅zhī lǚ – trip to Beijing. Flying into a new country, especially when faced with a language barrier, can seem daunting. But don’t worry! We’re here to equip you with the essential phrases and vocabulary for a seamless experience, right from the moment you step into the 机场jīchǎng – airport to ordering your in-flight meal.

Upon entering the 机场jīchǎng, you’ll see numerous 标志biāozhì – signs that direct you to the 登机dēngjī口kǒu – boarding gate,行李xínglǐ领取lǐngqǔ区qū – baggage claim, and 转机zhuǎnjī区qū – transfer area. Having a basic understanding of these terms can help navigate the vast expanse of the airport more efficiently. Below are some essential vocabulary words for you to get around the airport:

• 登dēng机jī牌pái – Boarding pass
• 售shòu票piào处chù – Ticket counter
• 安ān检jiǎn – Security check
• 起qǐ飞fēi – Takeoff
• 降jiàng落luò – Landing
• 候hòu机jī室shì – Waiting lounge
• 行xíng李lǐ – Luggage
• 托tuō运yùn行xíng李lǐ – Checked Luggage
• 随suí身shēn行xíng李lǐ – Carry-on items/luggage
• 转zhuǎn机jī – Transfer/Connecting flight

Before 起qǐ飞fēi – takeoff, ensure you’re settled in your seat, with your seatbelt 安ān全quán带dài fastened. Your 乘chéng务wù员yuán – flight attendant will be the main point of contact for all your in-flight needs. Once settled in, they will approach you with the question, “您nín想xiǎng喝hē点diǎn什么shénme?” (What would you like to drink?). This is your golden opportunity to practice your Chinese language skills. Below are some beverage choices that you might find on your flight:

• 茶chá – Tea
• 咖啡kāfēi – Coffee
• 水shuǐ – Water
• 可乐kělè – Cola
• 果汁guǒzhī – Fruit Juice
• 红酒hóngjiǔ/白酒báijiǔ – Red/White Wine
• 啤酒 píjiǔ – Beer

When it’s time for 点餐diǎncān – ordering food, the menu could vary depending on the airline. However, here are some common options:

• 牛肉niúròu饭fàn – Beef Rice
• 鸡肉jīròu面miàn – Chicken Noodles
• 炒虾chǎo xiā – Stir-Fried Shrimp
• 宫保gōngbǎo鸡丁jīdīng – Kung Pao Chicken
• 三sān文鱼wényú – Salmon
• 蔬菜shūcài沙拉shālā – Vegetable Salad
• 青豆qīngdòu蒸饭zhēngfàn – Steamed Rice with Green Peas

Before you land, there might be some questions that you want to ask.

If you’re anticipating a potential 转zhuǎn机jī, you could ask, “我wǒ要yào转zhuǎn机jī吗ma?” (Do I need to transfer flights?).

As you cross time zones, you might wish to 询问xúnwèn about the 当地dāngdì的de时间shíjiān . For instance, “我们wǒmen到dào北京Běijīng时shí, 是shì当地dāngdì时间shíjiān几jǐ点diǎn呢ne?” (When we arrive in Beijing, what will be the local time?).

Check out our Elementary Course: Amy’s Trip to Beijing to learn practical vocabulary that you can use when traveling in China. Remember this vocabulary for your next trip and don’t forget to share your experiences with us! Safe travels!