Sometimes problems may happen when using the subway in China, such as taking the wrong train, getting lost inside a station, or not finding the exit.
This page provides simple Chinese phrases to help you solve common subway problems quickly and safely.
You can also show these phrases on your phone to station staff for help.
🚇 I am lost.
Chinese: 我迷路了。
Pinyin: wǒ mí lù le.
English: I am lost.
🔊 Play Audio
💬 Example:
A: Excuse me, I am lost, could you help me?
A: 不好意思，我迷路了，能帮帮我吗？
B: Don’t worry, tell me where you want to go.
B: 别担心，告诉我你要去哪里。
💡 Tip:
Use this sentence to tell staff or passers-by you cannot find your way around the subway station.
🚇 I took the wrong train.
Chinese: 我坐错车了。
Pinyin: wǒ zuò cuò chē le.
English: I took the wrong train.
🔊 Play Audio
💬 Example:
A: Sorry, I took the wrong train, what should I do?
A: 不好意思，我坐错车了，该怎么办？
B: Get off at the next stop and take the train back.
B: 下一站下车，坐返程列车。
💡 Tip:
Say this when you board a train heading the opposite direction of your destination.
🚇 How do I get back?
Chinese: 我要怎么回去？
Pinyin: wǒ yào zěn me huí qù?
English: How do I get back?
🔊 Play Audio
💬 Example:
A: I took the wrong train, how do I get back to City Square?
A: 我坐错车了，怎么回城市广场？
B: Cross to the opposite platform after exiting.
B: 下车后走到对面站台乘车。
💡 Tip:
Ask this after taking the wrong train to get directions for the return route.
🚇 I can’t find the exit.
Chinese: 我找不到出口。
Pinyin: wǒ zhǎo bù dào chū kǒu.
English: I can’t find the exit.
🔊 Play Audio
💬 Example:
A: I can’t find the exit to the shopping mall.
A: 我找不到去往商场的出口。
B: Follow the green exit signs over there.
B: 跟着那边绿色的出口指示牌走。
💡 Tip:
Use this when you wander inside the station hall and fail to spot any exit signs.
🚇 Which exit should I take?
Chinese: 我应该走哪个出口？
Pinyin: wǒ yīng gāi zǒu nǎ gè chū kǒu?
English: Which exit should I take?
🔊 Play Audio
💬 Example:
A: I’m heading to the library, which exit should I take?
A: 我要去图书馆，该走哪个出口？
B: Exit B is the nearest one.
B: B 出口是最近的。
💡 Tip:
Ask station staff to recommend the most convenient exit matching your destination.
🚇 I need help.
Chinese: 我需要帮忙。
Pinyin: wǒ xū yào bāng máng.
English: I need help.
🔊 Play Audio
💬 Example:
A: Excuse me, I need help, I got lost here.
A: 打扰一下，我需要帮忙，我在这里迷路了。
B: Come with me, I’ll show you the way.
B: 跟我来，我带你过去。
💡 Tip:
Universal sentence for all kinds of subway troubles when you need assistance.
🚇 Is this the right direction?
Chinese: 这个方向对吗？
Pinyin: zhè gè fāng xiàng duì ma?
English: Is this the right direction?
🔊 Play Audio
💬 Example:
A: To the airport, is this the right direction?
A: 去机场，这个方向对吗？
B: No, you need to go to the other platform.
B: 不对，你要去对面的站台。
💡 Tip:
Confirm the train direction before you get on board to avoid taking the wrong train.
🚇 I missed my stop.
Chinese: 我坐过站了。
Pinyin: wǒ zuò guò zhàn le.
English: I missed my stop.
🔊 Play Audio
💬 Example:
A: Oh no, I missed my stop, what can I do?
A: 糟糕，我坐过站了，怎么办？
B: Stay on the train and get off at the next station to turn back.
B: 坐到下一站下车再往回坐。
💡 Tip:
Say this when you fail to get off at your target station and pass it.
Travel Tip
If you encounter problems in the subway, stay calm and follow station signs step by step.
Most subway staff in China are helpful, especially when you show written Chinese phrases on your phone.
When in doubt, always ask for help instead of guessing the route.