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Directions & Transport 方向与交通

Navigate China with confidence

Why Learn Directions and Transport in Chinese?

Knowing how to ask for directions and navigate transportation systems is essential for any traveler in China. Whether you're taking the subway, hailing a taxi, or asking for help finding a location, these phrases will help you get around more easily.

Quick Facts About Transport in China

  • Public Transport: Extensive and efficient in most cities
  • Subway Systems: Available in most major cities
  • Taxis: Readily available but may not speak English
  • High-Speed Rail: Connects most major cities
  • Mobile Apps: Essential for modern navigation (WeChat, DiDi, etc.)

Basic Direction Words

English Chinese Pinyin
Left 左 zuǒ
Right 右 yòu
Straight ahead 直走 zhí zǒu
Turn 转 zhuǎn
Near 近 jìn
Far 远 yuǎn
Here 这里 zhè lǐ
There 那里 nà lǐ
Listen to pronunciation: 左, 右, 直走 (zuǒ, yòu, zhí zǒu)

Asking for Directions

Basic Questions

Essential phrases for asking where things are:

  • 请问...在哪里？ (qǐngwèn... zài nǎlǐ?) - Excuse me, where is...?
  • 怎么去...？ (zěnme qù...?) - How do I get to...?
  • ...远吗？ (...yuǎn ma?) - Is... far?
  • ...近吗？ (...jìn ma?) - Is... nearby?

Understanding Directions

Common responses you might hear:

  • 往左转 (wǎng zuǒ zhuǎn) - Turn left
  • 往右转 (wǎng yòu zhuǎn) - Turn right
  • 一直走 (yīzhí zǒu) - Go straight ahead
  • 在...旁边 (zài... pángbiān) - Next to...
  • 在...对面 (zài... duìmiàn) - Opposite...

Useful Phrases

Additional helpful phrases:

  • 我不明白 (wǒ bù míngbai) - I don't understand
  • 能再说一遍吗？ (néng zài shuō yībiàn ma?) - Can you say that again?
  • 请画个地图 (qǐng huà gè dìtú) - Please draw a map
  • 谢谢 (xièxiè) - Thank you

Transportation Vocabulary

English Chinese Pinyin
Subway/Metro 地铁 dìtiě
Bus 公交车 gōngjiāo chē
Taxi 出租车 chūzū chē
Train 火车 huǒchē
High-speed train 高铁 gāotiě
Airport 机场 jīchǎng
Train station 火车站 huǒchē zhàn
Bus station 汽车站 qìchē zhàn
Subway station 地铁站 dìtiě zhàn
Ticket 票 piào

Taking Public Transport

Subway

Essential phrases for taking the subway:

  • 我要去... (wǒ yào qù...) - I want to go to...
  • 到...站 (dào... zhàn) - To... station
  • 换乘 (huànchéng) - Transfer
  • 出口 (chūkǒu) - Exit
  • 入口 (rùkǒu) - Entrance

Bus

Essential phrases for taking the bus:

  • ...路公交车 (...lù gōngjiāo chē) - Bus route...
  • 到站了 (dào zhàn le) - We've arrived at the station
  • 下一站 (xià yī zhàn) - Next stop
  • 请让一下 (qǐng ràng yīxià) - Please let me through

Taxi

Essential phrases for taking a taxi:

  • 请带我去... (qǐng dài wǒ qù...) - Please take me to...
  • 多少钱？ (duōshao qián?) - How much is it?
  • 请打表 (qǐng dǎ biǎo) - Please use the meter
  • 在这里停 (zài zhèlǐ tíng) - Stop here

Train Travel

Essential Train Vocabulary

  • 高铁 (gāotiě): High-speed train
  • 动车 (dòngchē): Electric multiple unit train
  • 普通列车 (pǔtōng lièchē): Regular train
  • 硬座 (yìngzuò): Hard seat
  • 软卧 (ruǎnwò): Soft sleeper
  • 检票 (jiǎnpiào): Ticket check
  • 站台 (zhàntái): Platform

China's high-speed rail network is one of the most extensive in the world. When traveling by train, it's helpful to know the different classes of service and how to find your platform and seat.

Practical Tips

Making the Most of Your Transport Knowledge

  • Download transport apps: Many Chinese cities have their own subway apps with English interfaces
  • Have your destination written in Chinese: Show the Chinese characters to taxi drivers or when asking for directions
  • Learn to recognize station names: Many signs include both Chinese and English, but knowing the Chinese characters helps
  • Use hand gestures: Pointing and simple gestures can help bridge language gaps
  • Keep a map handy: Even a basic understanding of Chinese characters can help you navigate maps

Remember that in China, many people may not speak English, especially outside major tourist areas. Having even basic Chinese phrases for directions and transport can make your travels much smoother and more enjoyable.

Additional Resources