This workshop helps you speak politely in everyday Chinese. You will practice saying please, thank you, and you're welcome, and you will hear how these phrases sound in a short direction exchange. The recordings give you models to copy. You can play both roles in each scene, so you get practice speaking and listening. The tasks move from guided repetition to choosing the right reply, and then to recalling the lines from memory. Each task includes a simple self-check so you can see if your answer matches the recording.
Warm Up: Polite Phrases for Shops and Streets
Start by listening to the polite phrases. «谢谢您。» is a polite way to say thank you. «麻烦您。» is used to say sorry to trouble you or please when you need someone's attention. «不客气。» is the polite reply meaning you're welcome. «谢谢。» is a casual way to say thanks, useful with friends. In a small shop, you might say «麻烦您。» to get the shopkeeper's attention, then «谢谢您。» when you receive your item. The shopkeeper may answer «不客气。». If you are with a friend, «谢谢。» is fine. Listen to each recording and repeat it softly. Pay attention to the tone and rhythm. These short phrases are easy to use in many daily situations.
Listen and Follow: Asking for Directions
Now listen to a short exchange about finding the subway station. Speaker A asks «麻烦您，请问地铁站怎么走？». Speaker B answers «一直往前走，然后左转。». Speaker A replies «谢谢您！». Speaker B responds «不客气。». Notice that «麻烦您，请问地铁站怎么走？» starts with an apology to get attention, then asks for the subway station. «一直往前走，然后左转。» gives two movements: go straight ahead, then turn left. «谢谢您！» is a warm thank you after receiving help. «不客气。» is the polite reply. When you practice, say each line after the recording. You can play speaker A and then speaker B. This helps you hear the polite phrases in a real conversation. The direction words are simple, so focus on speaking clearly and politely.
Speak with Confidence: Using the Phrases in Role Play
Use the recordings to act out two short scenes. In the first scene, you are a customer in a small shop. You want to get the shopkeeper's attention, so you say «麻烦您。». After the shopkeeper helps you, you say «谢谢您。». The shopkeeper replies «不客气。». In the second scene, you are a visitor asking for directions. You stop someone and say «麻烦您，请问地铁站怎么走？». The person answers «一直往前走，然后左转。». You say «谢谢您！», and the person replies «不客气。». Practice both roles. Speak slowly and clearly. You do not need to add new words. The goal is to feel comfortable saying these polite phrases in the right order. Repeat each scene until the lines feel natural.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
谢谢您。
Thank you. (polite)
Xièxie nín.
麻烦您。
Sorry to trouble you. / Please. (polite)
Máfan nín.
不客气。
You're welcome.
Bú kèqi.
谢谢。
Thanks. (casual)
Xièxie.
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
麻烦您，请问地铁站怎么走？
Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the subway station?一直往前走，然后左转。
Go straight ahead, then turn left.谢谢您！
Thank you!不客气。
You're welcome.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided Exchange: Shop Customer
You are a customer in a small shop. You need to get the shopkeeper's attention and then thank them. Use only the phrases from the recordings.
Your task: Listen to «麻烦您。» and repeat it as if you are getting the shopkeeper's attention. Then listen to «谢谢您。» and repeat it as if you are thanking the shopkeeper. Finally, listen to «不客气。» and repeat it as the shopkeeper's polite reply. Say all three lines in order: «麻烦您。», «谢谢您。», «不客气。».
Reply Comprehension: Choose the Right Response
You will hear a line from the direction exchange. Choose the best reply from the recordings. This checks if you understand the polite phrases.
Your task: Listen to «麻烦您，请问地铁站怎么走？». Which reply fits: «一直往前走，然后左转。» or «不客气。»? Say your choice aloud. Then listen to «谢谢您！». Which reply fits: «不客气。» or «麻烦您。»? Say your choice aloud. After choosing, listen to the full exchange again and check your answers.
Recall and Role Play: Directions from Memory
You will act out the direction exchange without looking at the lines first. Use the recordings to check yourself afterward.
Your task: Play speaker A and say the line that asks for the subway station. Then play speaker B and give the directions. Then play speaker A and thank the person. Finally, play speaker B and give the polite reply. After you finish, listen to «麻烦您，请问地铁站怎么走？», «一直往前走，然后左转。», «谢谢您！», and «不客气。» to check your lines.
Common questions
When should I use the polite thank you and the casual thanks?
Use the polite thank you, «谢谢您。», in shops, with strangers, or when you want to be especially polite. Use the casual thanks, «谢谢。», with friends or people you know well. Both are correct, but the polite form is safer in new situations.
What does the phrase for sorry to trouble you or please mean, and when do I say it?
The phrase «麻烦您。» is used to get someone's attention politely or to say sorry to trouble you. You can say it before asking a question, such as when you need help in a shop or on the street. It shows respect and makes your request softer.
Sources and further reading
- chinese: saying please and thank youChecked September 2026
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