Language/Yue-chinese/Vocabulary/Modes-of-Transportation
Traveling is an exciting adventure, and knowing the appropriate vocabulary in Yue Chinese for different modes of transportation can make it more enjoyable. Regardless if you are traveling for business or leisure, it is essential to have a grasp of the basics, such as car, bus, train, and airplane, to get by. In this lesson, we will learn the relevant vocabulary and some cultural information related to transportation in China.
Take a moment to explore these relevant pages as you conclude this lesson: How to Say Hello and Greetings & Workplace Vocabulary.
Cars
Cars are a popular mode of transportation in modern Chinese society, especially for personal use. However, driving a car in some parts of China, especially in the major cities, can be difficult and stressful due to heavy traffic congestion. Here are some helpful phrases and vocabulary to help you navigate while driving or riding in a car:
Phrases
- 麻煩你停一下。 (Máfan nǐ tíng yīxià.) - Please stop for a moment.
- 转左弯。 (Zhuǎn zuǒwān.) - Turn left.
- 转右弯。 (Zhuǎn yòuwān.) - Turn right.
- 慢一点。 (Màn yīdiǎn.) - Slow down.
- 加速。 (Jiā sù.) - Speed up.
Vocabulary
| Yue Chinese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 汽车 | Qìchē | Car |
| 驾驶 | Jiàshǐ | Driving |
| 停车 | Tíngchē | Parking |
| 进口车 | Jìnkǒuchē | Import car |
| 出租车 | Chūzūchē | Taxi cab |
| 燃油 | Rányóu | Fuel |
| 租车 | Zūchē | Renting a car |
Buses
Buses are a common and affordable mode of transportation in China, especially for long-distance trips. The quality of buses can vary, but they are generally comfortable, although it can be challenging to find a bus that is on time due to heavy traffic. Here are some helpful phrases and vocabulary to help you navigate while riding a bus:
Phrases
- 司机，麻烦您到站提醒一下。 (Sījī, máfan nín dào zhàn tíxǐng yīxià.) - Driver, please remind me when we arrive.
- 这辆车去哪？(Zhè liàng chē qù nǎ?) - Where is this bus going?
- 请问最近的站是哪里？(Qǐngwèn zuìjìn de zhàn shì nǎlǐ?) - Excuse me, where is the nearest stop?
- 到站了。(Dào zhàn le.) - We have arrived at the station.
Vocabulary
| Yue Chinese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 巴士 | Bāshì | Bus |
| 公交车 | Gōngjiāochē | Public transportation |
| 卧铺车 | Wòpùchē | Sleeper bus |
| 乘客 | Chéngkè | Passenger |
| 到站 | Dào zhàn | Arrive at the station |
Trains
Trains are an efficient and convenient mode of transportation in China, especially for long-distance travel. They tend to be more punctual than buses and offer several classes of service, including soft sleeper, hard sleeper, and hard seat. Here are some helpful phrases and vocabulary to help you navigate while riding a train:
Phrases
- 票务员，请问你有没有空余的位置？(Piàowùyuán, qǐngwèn nǐ yǒu méiyǒu kòuyú de wèizhì?) - Ticket agent, do you have any available seats?
- 我要从这个站下车。(Wǒ yào cóng zhège zhàn xiàchē.) - I want to get off at this station.
- 这辆火车去哪？(Zhè liàng huǒchē qù nǎ?) - Where is this train going?
- 请问我的座位号是什么？(Qǐngwèn wǒ de zuòwèi hào shì shénme?) - Excuse me, what is my seat number?
Vocabulary
| Yue Chinese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 火车 | Huǒchē | Train |
| 高铁 | Gāotiě | High-speed train |
| 软卧 | Ruǎnwò | Soft sleeper |
| 硬卧 | Yìngwò | Hard sleeper |
| 硬座 | Yìngzuò | Hard seat |
| 检票 | Jiǎn piào | Ticket check |
| 站台 | Zhàntái | Platform |
Airplanes
Airplanes are the fastest and most convenient mode of transportation for long-distance travel in China. The country has a well-developed aviation industry and numerous airports throughout the country. Here are some helpful phrases and vocabulary to help you navigate while traveling by plane:
Phrases
- 请问我的登机口在哪里？(Qǐngwèn wǒ de dēngjī kǒu zài nǎlǐ?) - Excuse me, where is my boarding gate?
- 我的飞机将要起飞吗？(Wǒ de fēijī jiāng yào qǐfēi ma?) - Is my flight about to depart?
- 我要申报我的行李。(Wǒ yào shēnbào wǒ de xínglǐ.) - I need to declare my baggage.
- 空服员，请给我一瓶水。 (Kōngfúyuán, qǐng gěi wǒ yī píng shuǐ.) - Flight attendant, please give me a bottle of water.
Vocabulary
| Yue Chinese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 飞机 | Fēijī | Airplane |
| 机场 | Jīchǎng | Airport |
| 登机牌 | Dēngjī pái | Boarding pass |
| 过安检 | Guò ānjiǎn | Pass the security check |
| 候机厅 | Hòujī tīng | Waiting area |
| 航班 | Hángbān | Flight |
| 托运行李 | Tuōyùn xínglǐ | Check-in baggage |
I hope that this vocabulary lesson can help you with your travel experience in China. Remember to take your time while learning and practicing the phrases and vocabulary. Don't be afraid to use them, and you will surely impress the locals with your language skills. 英勇向前 (Yīngyǒng xiàng qián)! (Go forward courageously!)
Other Lessons
- Travel Essentials
- Education
- Eating Out
- Drinks
- Introducing Yourself
- Family Members
- Workplace Vocabulary
- How to say Good Bye?
- Television and Movies
- Fruits