Airports in China are generally well organized, and staff are usually helpful to international travelers.
However, if you face any difficulty, knowing a few simple Chinese phrases can help you solve problems quickly and reduce stress.
✈ Excuse me.
Chinese: 打扰一下。
Pinyin: dǎrǎo yīxià.
English: Excuse me.
🔊 Play Audio
💬 Example:
A: Excuse me. Where is the information desk?
A: 打扰一下，咨询台在哪里？
B: It’s straight ahead on your right.
B: 直走，右手边就是。
💡 Tip:
Polite opening sentence to get the attention of airport, hotel or service staff before asking questions.
✈ Can you help me?
Chinese: 你能帮帮我吗？
Pinyin: nǐ néng bāngbang wǒ ma?
English: Can you help me?
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💬 Example:
A: Can you help me? I lost my boarding pass.
A: 你能帮帮我吗？我的登机牌弄丢了。
B: Don’t worry, follow me to reprint it.
B: 别着急，跟我去重新打印。
💡 Tip:
Universal sentence for all emergencies or confusing situations when you need staff assistance.
✈ I am lost.
Chinese: 我迷路了。
Pinyin: wǒ mílù le.
English: I am lost.
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💬 Example:
A: I am lost, I can’t find Gate 22.
A: 我迷路了，找不到 22 号登机口。
B: Come with me, I will show you the way.
B: 跟我来，我带你过去。
💡 Tip:
Say this when you cannot find your destination inside the airport or hotel building.
✈ Where is the restroom?
Chinese: 洗手间在哪里？
Pinyin: xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ?
English: Where is the restroom?
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💬 Example:
A: Excuse me, where is the restroom near Gate 8?
A: 请问 8 号登机口附近的洗手间在哪里？
B: Turn left at the end of this corridor.
B: 这条走廊尽头左转。
💡 Tip:
Use anytime you need to find public toilets in airports, hotels or shopping areas.
✈ Where is the information desk?
Chinese: 咨询台在哪里？
Pinyin: zīxún tái zài nǎlǐ?
English: Where is the information desk?
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💬 Example:
A: Where is the information desk for foreign visitors?
A: 外国人咨询台在哪里？
B: It’s right beside the security exit.
B: 就在安检出口旁边。
💡 Tip:
Ask this to find the service counter that answers all kinds of passenger questions.
✈ I do not understand.
Chinese: 我听不懂。
Pinyin: wǒ tīng bù dǒng.
English: I do not understand.
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💬 Example:
A: Sorry, I do not understand what you said.
A: 不好意思，我听不懂您说的话。
B: I will speak slowly and use simple words.
B: 我会说慢一点，用简单的词语。
💡 Tip:
Tell staff this sentence when you cannot catch their fast Mandarin explanations.
Final Advice
Stay calm if you face any problems at the airport.
Simple communication, pointing, or showing text is usually enough to solve most issues in Chinese airports.