Language

In Sanya, Mandarin is the standard official language and is spoken fluently by almost everyone. However, for a unique cultural twist, learning a few phrases of the local Hainanese dialect is a fantastic way to bridge the gap with locals. It is a gesture that is sure to be rewarded with warm, welcoming smiles.

Essential Mandarin

We have curated a selection of the 20 most frequently used travel phrases, covering everything from simple greetings and giving taxi directions to asking for emergency assistance. These essentials are designed to help you navigate daily scenarios with confidence.

English	Local Pronunciation（Pinyin）	Chinese
Hello!	Ni Hao	你好
Thank you!	Xiexie	谢谢
You’re Welcome!	Bu Keqi	不客气
Excuse Me! (Getting Attention)	Qing Wen	请问
I’m Sorry	Duibuqi	对不起
It’s Okay.	Meiguanxi	没关系
Goodbye!	Zaijian	再见
I Can’t Speak Chinese.	Wobu Hui Shuohanyu	我不会说汉语
Do You Speak English?	Nihui Shuoyingyuma?	你会说英语吗？
Help! (In Emergencies)	Jiuming	救命
I Don’t Understand.	Woting Bu Dong	我听不懂
Where Is The Bathroom?	Xishoujian Zai Nali?	洗手间在哪里？
Do You Have An English Menu?	Niyou Mei You Yingwen Caidan?	你有没有英文菜单？
Bill, please.	Maidan	买单
Please Use The Meter Machine.	Qing Dabiao	请打表 (For Taxi)
Taxi	Chu Zu Che	出租车
Airport	Ji Chang	机场
Hotel	Jiu Dian	酒店
How Much Is It?	Duo Shao Qian?	多少钱？
Chinese Yuan	Renminbi	人民币

Hainanese

Hainanese preserves many pronunciations from ancient Chinese, giving it a distinctively rhythmic and melodic sound. We encourage you to try greeting locals with these native sounds—you will discover a uniquely charming and authentic side of Sanya!

English	Local Pronunciation
Hello!	Lu Huo
Hello Everyone!	Duo Gei Huo
Have you eaten?	Lu Jia Mei Ku Bo
Bon Voyage	Ya Lao Dun Wang
Coconut	A Ji
How much is 500g?	Wa Duo Ji Ying
You are beautiful!	Lu Gou Xiang O
Where are you going?	Yi Na Hu Die
Wait a moment!	Dan Wa Ya Ei
Taxi	Sui Zhao Xia

For practical Chinese phrases and a complete guide to exploring Sanya, we invite you to download the official Hello Sanya handbook, published by the Sanya Tourism Board.