Getting Around: Essential Chinese Phrases for Taking a Taxi in China

Navigating an unfamiliar city is much easier with reliable transportation. In China, taxis are a ubiquitous and convenient way to get around, especially when public transport feels overwhelming. Knowing a few key Chinese phrases ensures clear communication with drivers, prevents misunderstandings, and makes your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Hailing a Taxi and Giving Directions

Getting a taxi’s attention and telling the driver where you want to go are the first steps.

• Hailing a Taxi: Simply raising your hand is usually sufficient. You might also call out:
  • 师傅，请等一下！(Shīfu, qǐng děng yíxià!) – “Driver, please wait a moment!” (Polite way to get a driver’s attention if they start to drive away)
• Telling the Driver Your Destination:
  • 师傅，请去… (Shīfu, qǐng qù…) – “Driver, please go to…” (The most common and polite way to give an address)
    • Example: 师傅，请去北京站。(Shīfu, qǐng qù Běijīng Zhàn.) – “Driver, please go to Beijing Railway Station.”
  • 我要去… (Wǒ yào qù…) – “I want to go to…” (Also common, slightly more direct)
    • Example: 我要去王府井。(Wǒ yào qù Wángfǔjǐng.) – “I want to go to Wangfujing.”
• If the Driver Doesn’t Understand: You can show them the address written down or on your phone. It’s helpful to have the address in Chinese characters.

During the Ride: Communication and Requests

While in the taxi, you might need to ask questions or make requests.

• Asking About the Fare or Route:
  • 大概多少钱？(Dàgài duōshǎo qián?) – “How much will it cost approximately?”
  • 走高速吗？(Zǒu gāosù ma?) – “Will you take the highway?” (Important as tolls might apply, affecting the price)
  • 还有多远？(Hái yǒu duō yuǎn?) – “How much further is it?”
• Making Requests:
  • 可以开空调吗？(Kěyǐ kāi kōngtiáo ma?) – “Can you turn on the air conditioning?”
  • 可以开快一点吗？(Kěyǐ kāi kuài yìdiǎn ma?) – “Can you drive a bit faster?”
  • 麻烦您在这里停一下。(Máfan nín zài zhèlǐ tíng yíxià.) – “Excuse me, please stop here.” (Polite)
• If You Need to Get Out Early:
  • 师傅，就在这里停吧。(Shīfu, jiù zài zhèlǐ tíng ba.) – “Driver, please stop right here.”

Paying the Fare and Ending the Journey

Knowing how to handle payment smoothly is the final, crucial step.

• Confirming Arrival and Payment Method:
  • When you arrive, the driver will usually tell you the fare displayed on the meter.
  • You can ask: 可以微信/支付宝吗？(Kěyǐ Wēixìn / Zhīfùbǎo ma?) – “Can I pay with WeChat Pay / Alipay?” (Electronic payment is extremely common)
  • If paying in cash: 我给你钱。(Wǒ gěi nǐ qián.) – “I’ll give you the money.”
• Ensuring You Get Your Receipt and Change:
  • Always check the amount charged on the meter.
  • If paying cash, it’s good practice to say: 谢谢，不用找了。(Xièxiè, búyòng zhǎo le.) – “Thank you, keep the change.” (If the fare is close to a round number and you don’t need the small change)
  • Otherwise, simply: 谢谢。(Xièxiè.) – “Thank you.”
• General Politeness:
  • Addressing the driver as 师傅 (Shīfu) (meaning “master” or “driver”) is respectful.
  • Saying 谢谢 (Xièxiè) – “thank you” when getting out is always appreciated.

Familiarity with these phrases removes much of the stress from taking a taxi in China. It empowers you to communicate your needs clearly and navigate the payment process confidently. For more practical guides on using Chinese in daily life scenarios, explore our Chinese Knowledge Hub . Practicing these phrases beforehand, perhaps in a conversation with a native speaker, can make your actual experience much smoother.