Hello: Nǐhǎo (Nee how) — If there’s only one word you learn, this is it. Use this to greet everyone from your taxi driver to your waiter to the receptionist at the hotel front desk.

Thank you: Xièxiè (Shieh-shieh) And if there’s a second word to know, this would be it. Always be a polite tourist.

You’re welcome: Bù kèqì (Boo kuh-chi) Respond with this if someone says “xièxiè (shieh-shieh)” to you.

Good morning: Zǎo (Zhow) Instead of saying both hello (nǐhǎo) and good morning, you can greet someone with just zǎo in the morning.

Goodnight: Wǎn'ān (One-un) This is typically used when you're actually going to bed.

My name is…: Wǒ jiào... (Wuh jeow...) This literally means “I am called...”

My friend’s name is...: Wǒ de péngyǒu jiào… (Wuh duh pung-yo jeow...) If you’re traveling with a friend, you can now introduce him or her as well. If someone calls you "peng you," don't worry: they're just calling you a friend.