Navigating social interactions in Mandarin is all about knowing how to greet people, use polite words, and talk about everyday topics. Here’s a simple guide that shares helpful phrases and words for different subjects. This will help you express yourself in a friendly way.

Greetings and Polite Expressions

1. Basic Greetings:

   • 你好吗? (Nǐ hǎo ma?) - How are you?
   • 很好，谢谢! (Hěn hǎo, xièxiè!) - I'm very well, thank you!
   • 早上好! (Zǎoshang hǎo!) - Good morning!
   • 下午好! (Xiàwǔ hǎo!) - Good afternoon!
   • 晚上好! (Wǎnshang hǎo!) - Good evening!

2. Polite Words:

   • 请 (Qǐng) - Please
   • 谢谢 (Xièxiè) - Thank you
   • 不客气 (Bù kèqi) - You're welcome
   • 对不起 (Duìbùqǐ) - I'm sorry
   • 没关系 (Méi guānxi) - No problem

Daily Routines Vocabulary

Knowing some words about daily routines can help you chat with others:

• 起床 (Qǐchuáng) - To wake up
• 吃早餐 (Chī zǎocān) - To eat breakfast
• 上班 (Shàngbān) - To go to work

Food and Dining Vocabulary

When talking about food and dining:

• 点菜 (Diǎn cài) - To order food
• 你喜欢吃什么? (Nǐ xǐhuān chī shénme?) - What do you like to eat?
• 素食 (Sùshí) - Vegetarian food

Travel and Transportation Vocabulary

If you want to talk about travel:

• 坐公交车 (Zuò gōngjiāo chē) - To take a bus
• 订票 (Dìng piào) - To book a ticket
• 旅游景点 (Lǚyóu jǐngdiǎn) - Popular places to visit

Weather and Seasons Vocabulary

Talking about the weather can help start conversations:

• 今天天气怎么样? (Jīntiān tiānqì zěnme yàng?) - How's the weather today?
• 夏天 (Xiàtiān) - Summer
• 雪 (Xuě) - Snow

Hobbies and Leisure Vocabulary

Asking about interests is great for connecting with people:

• 你喜欢什么运动? (Nǐ xǐhuān shénme yùndòng?) - What sports do you like?
• 听音乐 (Tīng yīnyuè) - To listen to music

Shopping and Clothing Vocabulary

Knowing shopping phrases can make your conversations better:

• 这个多少钱? (Zhège duōshǎo qián?) - How much is this?
• 我想要大号 (Wǒ xiǎng yào dà hào) - I’d like a large size.

Conclusion

By learning these greetings and important words in Mandarin, you can handle many social situations confidently. Practice mixing greetings and polite words with everyday vocabulary to have smooth and friendly conversations.