If you are lost or need help while traveling in China, these essential Chinese phrases will help you communicate quickly.
Whether you cannot find your hotel, need directions, or feel confused in the city, you can use these simple expressions to ask for assistance.
This page is designed for real-life travel situations where clear communication is important.
🧭 I am lost.
Chinese: 我迷路了。
Pinyin: wǒ mílù le.
English: I am lost.
🔊 Play Audio
💬 Example:
A: I am lost, I can’t find the subway station.
A: 我迷路了，找不到地铁站。
B: Don’t worry, I will show you the way.
B: 别担心，我给您指路。
💡 Tip:
Say this when you cannot figure out your location and can’t reach your destination.
🧭 Can you help me?
Chinese: 你能帮帮我吗？
Pinyin: nǐ néng bāngbang wǒ ma?
English: Can you help me?
🔊 Play Audio
💬 Example:
A: Excuse me, can you help me? I’m lost.
A: 打扰一下，你能帮帮我吗？我迷路了。
B: Sure, what place are you looking for?
B: 可以，您在找什么地方？
💡 Tip:
Polite opening sentence to ask strangers or staff for assistance.
🧭 Where is the hotel?
Chinese: 酒店在哪里？
Pinyin: jiǔdiàn zài nǎlǐ?
English: Where is the hotel?
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💬 Example:
A: Where is the Green Hotel on this address?
A: 地址上这家绿色酒店在哪里？
B: Walk straight for 5 minutes, it’s on your left.
B: 直走五分钟，酒店在您左手边。
💡 Tip:
Use this when you cannot locate your accommodation after going out.
🧭 I can’t find my way.
Chinese: 我找不到路了。
Pinyin: wǒ zhǎo bù dào lù le.
English: I can’t find my way.
🔊 Play Audio
💬 Example:
A: I can’t find my way back to the hotel.
A: 我找不到回酒店的路了。
B: Let me check your address and guide you.
B: 我看下您的地址带您过去。
💡 Tip:
For outdoor navigation trouble when you fail to recognize roads or landmarks.
🧭 Please show me on the map.
Chinese: 请在地图上指给我看。
Pinyin: qǐng zài dìtú shàng zhǐ gěi wǒ kàn.
English: Please show me on the map.
🔊 Play Audio
💬 Example:
A: Please show me on the map where the hotel is.
A: 请在地图上指给我看酒店在哪。
B: Look here, this red mark is your hotel.
B: 您看这里，红色标记就是您的酒店。
💡 Tip:
Request staff to mark your destination on paper or phone map for clear directions.
🧭 I don’t understand.
Chinese: 我听不懂。
Pinyin: wǒ tīng bù dǒng.
English: I don’t understand.
🔊 Play Audio
💬 Example:
A: Sorry, I don’t understand what you just said.
A: 不好意思，我听不懂您刚才说的话。
B: I will speak slowly and use simple words.
B: 我会说慢一点，用简单的词语。
💡 Tip:
Tell others this when you cannot catch fast Chinese explanations or complicated directions.
Final Advice
Do not hesitate to ask for help when you are lost.
In China, public places such as airports and subway stations usually have staff who are trained to assist travelers.
Simple communication and patience are often enough to solve most problems.