When using the subway in China, you may need to ask for directions, transfer information, or confirm which line to take.
This page provides simple Chinese phrases to help you understand subway routes and move around the city more easily.
Even if you do not speak Chinese, showing these phrases on your phone can help you get clear directions.
🚇 Which line should I take?
Chinese: 我应该坐几号线？
Pinyin: wǒ yīng gāi zuò jǐ hào xiàn?
English: Which line should I take?
🔊 Play Audio
💬 Example:
A: Excuse me, which line should I take to the museum?
A: 请问去博物馆我应该坐几号线？
B: You need Line 3.
B: 你需要乘坐 3 号线。
💡 Tip:
Use this sentence to ask staff or passers-by about the subway line you need to ride.
🚇 Where do I transfer?
Chinese: 我在哪里换乘？
Pinyin: wǒ zài nǎ lǐ huàn chéng?
English: Where do I transfer?
🔊 Play Audio
💬 Example:
A: Where do I transfer to Line 1?
A: 我要去哪里换乘 1 号线？
B: Transfer at the next station.
B: 下一站换乘。
💡 Tip:
Ask this when you know you need to switch lines and want to know the transfer station.
🚇 Do I need to transfer?
Chinese: 我需要换乘吗？
Pinyin: wǒ xū yào huàn chéng ma?
English: Do I need to transfer?
🔊 Play Audio
💬 Example:
A: Do I need to transfer to get to the station?
A: 到那个站我需要换乘吗？
B: No, you can take this line directly.
B: 不用，坐这条线直达。
💡 Tip:
Use it to confirm whether you have to switch subway lines for your destination.
🚇 Which direction should I go?
Chinese: 我该往哪个方向走？
Pinyin: wǒ gāi wǎng nǎ gè fāng xiàng zǒu?
English: Which direction should I go?
🔊 Play Audio
💬 Example:
A: Excuse me, which direction should I go for Line 5?
A: 请问坐 5 号线该往哪个方向走？
B: Go straight ahead to the south platform.
B: 直走前往南边站台。
💡 Tip:
Say this when you can’t find the correct platform direction after entering the station.
🚇 Is this the train to ___?
Chinese: 这趟车是开往___的吗？
Pinyin: zhè tàng chē shì kāi wǎng ___ de ma?
English: Is this the train to ___?
🔊 Play Audio
💬 Example:
A: Is this the train to Central Square?
A: 这趟车是开往中心广场的吗？
B: Yes, you can get on.
B: 是的，你可以上车。
💡 Tip:
Fill in your destination in the blank to check if the arriving train matches your route.
🚇 How many stops?
Chinese: 还有几站？
Pinyin: hái yǒu jǐ zhàn?
English: How many stops?
🔊 Play Audio
💬 Example:
A: How many stops to the shopping mall?
A: 到商场还有几站？
B: Three stops left.
B: 还有三站。
💡 Tip:
Ask this to know how many stations you need to wait before arriving at your stop.
🚇 Is this the correct platform?
Chinese: 这是正确的站台吗？
Pinyin: zhè shì zhèng què de zhàn tái ma?
English: Is this the correct platform?
🔊 Play Audio
💬 Example:
A: Is this the correct platform for Line 2?
A: 这里是 2 号线的站台吗？
B: No, the platform is on the other side.
B: 不是，站台在对面。
💡 Tip:
Use it to double-check you are waiting on the right platform before the train arrives.
🚇 Where is exit B?
Chinese: B 出口在哪里？
Pinyin: B chū kǒu zài nǎ lǐ?
English: Where is exit B?
🔊 Play Audio
💬 Example:
A: Excuse me, where is exit B?
A: 打扰一下，B 出口在哪里？
B: Turn left after you go through the gate.
B: 过闸机后左转。
💡 Tip:
Ask station staff this sentence when you need to find a specific lettered exit to leave the subway station.
Travel Tip
Subway systems in China are well organized, but large stations can be confusing.
Always check station maps carefully, and don’t hesitate to show Chinese text to staff if you need help.