Real-Life Chinese Conversations: Day 5

Master practical Mandarin for shopping, dining, traveling, and social interactions. Build confidence through immersive dialogues and real-world scenarios.

90-105 Minutes English Explanations Audio Pronunciation Real-World Focus

Your 7-Day Mandarin Journey Day 5 of 7 - Real-Life Conversations

Conversation Skills Complete Certificate: 2 days away

Interactive Pronunciation: Click on any Chinese phrase, dialogue, or the 🔊 button to hear the correct pronunciation!

Shopping Dining Out Travel Directions Social Situations Practice Exercises

Your Day 5 Learning Path

Welcome to Day 5 of your Mandarin mastery journey! Today, we'll focus on practical conversation skills for real-world situations you encounter daily. These skills will build your confidence in actual Mandarin-speaking environments.

Shopping Conversations

Master buying, bargaining, and inquiries in Chinese

Dining Out

Order food and handle restaurant situations in Mandarin

Travel Chinese

Navigate transportation and accommodations in Chinese

Directions & Locations

Ask for and give directions confidently in Mandarin

Real-Life Practice Strategy

Practice these conversations in real situations! Visit Chinese-speaking shops, restaurants, or tourist areas. Start with simple interactions and gradually build complexity. Real practice is the fastest way to fluency.

Shopping & Market Conversations

Master essential shopping vocabulary and dialogues for various shopping scenarios from local markets to modern malls in China.

Shopping Dialogue

Click to see a complete shopping conversation

Practice this common scenario

Buying Clothes in Chinese

Customer: "请问，这件衬衫多少钱？" 🔊

Qǐngwèn, zhè jiàn chènshān duōshǎo qián? (Excuse me, how much is this shirt?)

Shopkeeper: "一千五百元。" 🔊

Yīqiān wǔbǎi yuán. (It's 1,500 yuan.)

Customer: "有大一点儿的尺寸吗？" 🔊

Yǒu dà yīdiǎnr de chǐcùn ma? (Do you have it in a larger size?)

Shopkeeper: "有，您需要什么尺寸？" 🔊

Yǒu, nín xūyào shénme chǐcùn? (Yes, what size do you need?)

Click to flip back

Essential Shopping Phrases

Asking Price

这个多少钱？

Zhège duōshǎo qián?

How much is this?

Literal: "This how much money?"

这个 (zhège) = this | 多少 (duōshǎo) = how much | 钱 (qián) = money

Bargaining

可以便宜一点吗？

Kěyǐ piányi yīdiǎn ma?

Can it be cheaper?

Literal: "Can cheap a little?"

可以 (kěyǐ) = can | 便宜 (piányi) = cheap | 一点 (yīdiǎn) = a little

Payment Methods

可以用信用卡吗？

Kěyǐ yòng xìnyòngkǎ ma?

Can I use credit card?

Literal: "Can use credit card?"

用 (yòng) = use | 信用卡 (xìnyòngkǎ) = credit card

Browsing

我只是看看，谢谢。

Wǒ zhǐshì kàn kàn, xièxiè.

I'm just looking, thanks.

Polite way to browse without pressure

我 (wǒ) = I | 只是 (zhǐshì) = just | 看看 (kàn kàn) = look look

Cultural Note: Bargaining in China

Bargaining is common in markets and small shops in China, but not in department stores or supermarkets. Start by asking for 20-30% off and negotiate from there. Always be polite and friendly when bargaining.

Shopping Dialogue Practice

Practice this complete shopping conversation. Read both parts aloud:

Scenario: Buying Electronics

Customer: "你好，我对这款手机感兴趣。你能介绍一下它的功能吗？" 🔊

Nǐ hǎo, wǒ duì zhè kuǎn shǒujī gǎn xìngqù. Nǐ néng jièshào yīxià tā de gōngnéng ma? (Hello, I'm interested in this smartphone. Can you tell me about its features?)

Salesperson: "当然！这款有128GB存储，高质量摄像头和长电池寿命。" 🔊

Dāngrán! Zhè kuǎn yǒu 128GB cúnchǔ, gāo zhìliàng shèxiàngtóu hé cháng diànchí shòumìng. (Certainly! This model has 128GB storage, a high-quality camera, and long battery life.)

Customer: "价格是多少？有保修吗？" 🔊

Jiàgé shì duōshǎo? Yǒu bǎoxiū ma? (What's the price? Is there warranty?)

Salesperson: "三万五千元，带一年公司保修。" 🔊

Sānwàn wǔqiān yuán, dài yī nián gōngsī bǎoxiū. (35,000 yuan, with one-year company warranty.)

Customer: "现金支付有折扣吗？" 🔊

Xiànjīn zhīfù yǒu zhékòu ma? (Is there a discount for cash payment?)

Salesperson: "有，现金支付可以打九五折。" 🔊

Yǒu, xiànjīn zhīfù kěyǐ dǎ jiǔ wǔ zhé. (Yes, cash payment gets 5% discount.)

Dining Out & Restaurant Chinese

Learn essential phrases for ordering food, making special requests, and handling restaurant situations confidently in Mandarin.

Restaurant Conversation Flow

Getting a Table

请给我两个人的桌子。

Qǐng gěi wǒ liǎng gè rén de zhuōzi.

"Table for two, please."

Ordering Food

我想点鸡肉炒饭。

Wǒ xiǎng diǎn jīròu chǎofàn.

"I'd like to order chicken fried rice."

Special Requests

可以少放辣椒吗？

Kěyǐ shǎo fàng làjiāo ma?

"Can you make it less spicy?"

Asking for Bill

买单，谢谢。

Mǎidān, xièxiè.

"Check please."

Grammar Point: Using 请 (qǐng)

请 (qǐng) means "please" and makes requests more polite. It often comes at the beginning of a sentence. Example: 请给我水 (Qǐng gěi wǒ shuǐ) = "Please give me water."

Complete Restaurant Dialogue

Situation	Chinese Dialogue	Pinyin & Meaning
Arrival	"晚上好。四个人的桌子，谢谢。" 🔊	Wǎnshàng hǎo. Sì gè rén de zhuōzi, xièxiè. (Good evening. Table for four, please.)
Ordering	"今天有什么推荐？" 🔊	Jīntiān yǒu shénme tuījiàn? (What do you recommend today?)
Special Request	"这个可以不放葱吗？" 🔊	Zhège kěyǐ bù fàng cōng ma? (Can I get this without onions?)
During Meal	"请再给我们一些水。" 🔊	Qǐng zài gěi wǒmen yīxiē shuǐ. (Could we get some more water, please?)
Paying	"我们分开付，谢谢。" 🔊	Wǒmen fēnkāi fù, xièxiè. (We'd like to pay separately, please.)

Restaurant Etiquette Tip

In Chinese restaurants, it's common to share dishes family-style. The host usually orders for everyone. Saying 很好吃 (hěn hǎochī = very delicious) compliments the chef.

Restaurant Role Play

Practice this restaurant scenario. Fill in your responses in Chinese:

Waiter: "晚上好！欢迎光临。几位？" 🔊

Wǎnshàng hǎo! Huānyíng guānglín. Jǐ wèi? (Good evening! Welcome. How many people?)

You: ___________________________________

Waiter: "请看菜单。" 🔊

Qǐng kàn càidān. (Please look at the menu.)

You: ___________________________________

Waiter: "可以点菜了吗？" 🔊

Kěyǐ diǎncài le ma? (Are you ready to order?)

You: ___________________________________

Waiter: "要喝点什么？" 🔊

Yào hē diǎn shénme? (Would you like anything to drink?)

You: ___________________________________

Travel & Transportation Chinese

Master essential travel vocabulary for airports, hotels, public transportation, and tourist situations in Mandarin.

Travel Scenarios and Phrases

Buying Tickets

在哪里买票？

Zài nǎlǐ mǎi piào?

Where can I buy tickets?

Literal: "At where buy ticket?"

Transport Timing

公交车什么时候到？

Gōngjiāochē shénme shíhòu dào?

When does the bus arrive?

Literal: "Bus what time arrive?"

Hotel Check-in

我想办理入住。

Wǒ xiǎng bànlǐ rùzhù.

I'd like to check in.

办理 (bànlǐ) = handle/process

Hotel Amenities

有免费WiFi吗？

Yǒu miǎnfèi WiFi ma?

Is there free WiFi?

免费 (miǎnfèi) = free of charge

Travel Tip: Using Public Transport in China

In major Chinese cities, you can use apps like WeChat or Alipay to pay for public transport. Most subway stations have English signs, but buses often don't. Taxis are relatively inexpensive but make sure the driver uses the meter.

Airport Dialogue Practice

Practice this airport check-in conversation:

Airline Staff: "早上好！请出示您的护照和机票。" 🔊

Zǎoshàng hǎo! Qǐng chūshì nín de hùzhào hé jīpiào. (Good morning! May I see your passport and ticket, please?)

Traveler: "给您。如果可以的话，我想要靠窗的座位。" 🔊

Gěi nín. Rúguǒ kěyǐ dehuà, wǒ xiǎng yào kào chuāng de zuòwèi. (Here you go. I'd like a window seat if possible.)

Airline Staff: "好的。您托运几件行李？" 🔊

Hǎo de. Nín tuōyùn jǐ jiàn xínglǐ? (Certainly. How many bags are you checking in?)

Traveler: "就这一个行李箱。有重量限制吗？" 🔊

Jiù zhè yīgè xínglǐxiāng. Yǒu zhòngliàng xiànzhì ma? (Just this one suitcase. Is there a weight limit?)

Airline Staff: "有，23公斤。您的行李20公斤，没问题。" 🔊

Yǒu, 23 gōngjīn. Nín de xínglǐ 20 gōngjīn, méi wèntí. (Yes, 23 kilograms. Your bag is 20 kilos, so it's fine.)

Traveler: "太好了！什么时候开始登机？" 🔊

Tài hǎo le! Shénme shíhòu kāishǐ dēngjī? (Great! What time does boarding start?)

Airline Staff: "45分钟后在15号登机口开始登机。" 🔊

45 fēnzhōng hòu zài 15 hào dēngjīkǒu kāishǐ dēngjī. (Boarding begins at gate 15 in 45 minutes.)

Asking for & Giving Directions in Chinese

Learn how to ask for directions clearly and understand the responses you receive in Mandarin.

Direction Vocabulary

Asking for Directions

"请问，最近的医院在哪里？" 🔊 (Qǐngwèn, zuìjìn de yīyuàn zài nǎlǐ?) - Excuse me, where is the nearest hospital?
"去火车站怎么走？" 🔊 (Qù huǒchēzhàn zěnme zǒu?) - How do I get to the railway station?
"这条路是去市场的吗？" 🔊 (Zhè tiáo lù shì qù shìchǎng de ma?) - Is this the road to the market?
"你能告诉我去酒店的路吗？" 🔊 (Nǐ néng gàosù wǒ qù jiǔdiàn de lù ma?) - Can you show me the way to the hotel?

Giving Directions

"直走。" 🔊 (Zhí zǒu.) - Go straight ahead.
"在红绿灯左转。" 🔊 (Zài hónglǜdēng zuǒ zhuǎn.) - Turn left at the traffic light.
"在银行旁边。" 🔊 (Zài yínháng pángbiān.) - It's beside the bank.
"你会在右边看到它。" 🔊 (Nǐ huì zài yòubiān kàn dào tā.) - You'll see it on your right.

Direction Dialogues

Situation	Chinese Dialogue	Pinyin & Meaning
Finding a Hotel	"请问，我在找北京饭店。离这里远吗？" 🔊	Qǐngwèn, wǒ zài zhǎo Běijīng Fàndiàn. Lí zhèlǐ yuǎn ma? (Excuse me, I'm looking for Beijing Hotel. Is it far from here?)
Getting Response	"开车大约10分钟。直走，然后在第二个红绿灯右转。" 🔊	Kāichē dàyuē 10 fēnzhōng. Zhízǒu, ránhòu zài dì èr gè hónglǜdēng yòu zhuǎn. (About 10 minutes by car. Go straight, then turn right at the second traffic light.)
Confirming Location	"所以我直走，在第二个红绿灯右转？" 🔊	Suǒyǐ wǒ zhízǒu, zài dì èr gè hónglǜdēng yòu zhuǎn? (So I go straight and turn right at the second traffic light?)
Thanking	"非常感谢你的帮助！" 🔊	Fēicháng gǎnxiè nǐ de bāngzhù! (Thank you so much for your help!)

Direction Practice Exercise

Create directions in Chinese for these locations from your current position:

1. From your home to the nearest market:

Directions in Chinese: ___________________________________

2. From your workplace to a popular restaurant:

Directions in Chinese: ___________________________________

3. From a landmark to a hospital:

Directions in Chinese: ___________________________________

Social Situations & Greetings in Chinese

Master appropriate greetings and conversations for different social contexts and relationships in Mandarin.

Social Greetings for Different Contexts

Casual Greeting

你好！你好吗？

Nǐ hǎo! Nǐ hǎo ma?

Hello! How are you?

Standard casual greeting

Formal Greeting

下午好，先生。

Xiàwǔ hǎo, xiānsheng.

Good afternoon, sir.

Polite formal greeting

First Meeting

很高兴认识你。

Hěn gāoxìng rènshí nǐ.

Nice to meet you.

Use when meeting someone new

Parting

明天见！

Míngtiān jiàn!

See you tomorrow!

Common way to say goodbye

Cultural Note: Greetings in China

Handshakes are common in business settings. Bowing is not typical. When greeting elders or superiors, use formal titles like 先生 (xiānsheng) for Mr., 女士 (nǚshì) for Ms., or their professional title. Avoid hugging unless you're very close friends.

Social Conversation Practice

Practice these common social interactions:

Scenario: Meeting a Friend

Person A: "嘿！好久不见！你最近怎么样？" 🔊

Hēi! Hǎojiǔ bùjiàn! Nǐ zuìjìn zěnmeyàng? (Hey! Long time no see! How have you been?)

Person B: "我很好！就是工作忙。你呢？" 🔊

Wǒ hěn hǎo! Jiùshì gōngzuò máng. Nǐ ne? (I've been good! Just busy with work. How about you?)

Person A: "我也是！我们应该找时间好好聊聊。" 🔊

Wǒ yěshì! Wǒmen yīnggāi zhǎo shíjiān hǎohǎo liáo liáo. (Same here! We should catch up properly soon.)

Person B: "当然！我们计划下周末做点什么吧。" 🔊

Dāngrán! Wǒmen jìhuà xià zhōumò zuò diǎn shénme ba. (Definitely! Let's plan something for next weekend.)

Create Your Own Social Dialogues

Write complete conversations in Chinese for these social situations:

Introducing yourself to a new colleague at work
Meeting your friend's parents for the first time
Making small talk with a neighbor
Thanking someone who helped you

Day 5 Practice Exercises

Apply what you've learned with these comprehensive real-life conversation exercises.

Exercise 1: Shopping Role Play

Create a complete shopping dialogue in Chinese for buying a mobile phone. Include these elements:

Greeting the shopkeeper
Asking about features
Discussing price and warranty
Bargaining for a better price
Completing the purchase

Exercise 2: Restaurant Ordering

Write a dialogue in Chinese for ordering food at a restaurant. Include:

Getting a table
Asking for recommendations
Placing your order
Making special requests (less spicy, no onions, etc.)
Asking for the bill

Exercise 3: Travel Scenarios

Create dialogues in Chinese for these travel situations:

Checking into a hotel
Asking for directions to a tourist attraction
Buying tickets at a bus station
Asking about flight information at an airport

Exercise 4: Social Interaction Practice

Write appropriate responses in Chinese for these social situations:

Someone says: "恭喜你升职！" (Congratulations on your promotion!) → Your response: _________________________
Someone says: "听说你的事，我很遗憾。" (I'm sorry to hear about your loss.) → Your response: _________________________
Someone says: "你想和我们一起吃晚饭吗？" (Would you like to join us for dinner?) → Your response: _________________________
Someone says: "非常感谢你的帮助！" (Thank you so much for your help!) → Your response: _________________________
Someone says: "你是做什么工作的？" (What do you do for a living?) → Your response: _________________________

Real-Life Practice Strategy

Take these dialogues into real situations! Visit Chinese-speaking establishments and practice. Start with simple interactions like greetings and asking prices, then gradually try more complex conversations. Real practice is the most effective way to build confidence.

Congratulations!

You've completed Day 5 of your Mandarin journey. You now have practical conversation skills for real-world situations including shopping, dining, travel, and social interactions in Chinese.

Tomorrow, we'll focus on listening comprehension and advanced communication strategies in Mandarin.

Back to Day 4 Continue to Day 6

Want to review? Go back to Shopping or redo exercises