Before a trip to a Mandarin-speaking place, focus on a small set of skills: greetings, numbers, prices, ordering food, and asking for directions. With those, plus clear tones so people understand you, you can handle most everyday travel moments. Our Conversational Mandarin Chinese, Level 1 class covers exactly these topics, with role-play every week.
Greetings and polite basics
- Nǐ hǎo: Hello
- Xièxie: Thank you
- Bú kèqi: You're welcome
- Duìbuqǐ: Sorry, excuse me
- Zàijiàn: Goodbye
- Qǐngwèn: Excuse me, may I ask (use it before a question)
Polite words open doors. Even if your next sentence is in English, starting with a clear "nǐ hǎo" or "qǐngwèn" usually gets a warm response.
Numbers and shopping
Numbers might be the most useful thing you learn. You will use them for prices, room numbers, times and phone numbers.
- Duōshao qián?: How much is it?
- Tài guì le: That is too expensive
- Wǒ yào zhège: I want this one
- Piányi yìdiǎn ba: A little cheaper, please?
Practice saying numbers out loud until they come quickly. Hearing a price and understanding it in real time is a skill you build in class, not just on paper.
Food and restaurants
- Wǒ yào...: I would like...
- Wǒ bù chī ròu: I don't eat meat
- Bú yào là: Not spicy, please
- Mǎidān: The check, please
- Hǎo chī!: Delicious!
Directions and getting around
- ...zài nǎr?: Where is...?
- Xǐshǒujiān zài nǎr?: Where is the restroom?
- Zuǒ / yòu / yìzhí zǒu: left / right / go straight
- Wǒ bù dǒng: I don't understand
- Qǐng shuō màn yìdiǎn: Please speak a little more slowly
Directions are where tones and listening really matter. Our class practices asking for and understanding directions through role-play, so you are not hearing them for the first time on a busy street.
Skills beyond phrases
A phrase list helps, but travel conversations go off script. A few skills make a big difference:
- Reading pinyin, so you can sound out words from a guidebook or app.
- Clear tones, so people understand you the first time.
- Recovery phrases, like "I don't understand" and "please say it again," so you can keep going when you get lost.
- Confidence, which comes from practicing out loud with other people.
The class runs Saturdays from October 17 to December 12, 2026, which makes it a good fit if you are planning a trip in the winter or spring.
Class details
- Class: Conversational Mandarin Chinese, Level 1, taught in English by The Ayangbah Foundation
- Dates: Saturdays, October 17 to December 12, 2026 (no class November 28). 8 weeks, 16 hours total.
- Live online: 9:00-11:00 AM Pacific (12:00-2:00 PM Eastern), from anywhere in the U.S.
- In person: 11:30 AM-1:30 PM at 255 N. D Street, Suite #200-XXVII, San Bernardino, CA 92401
- Tuition: $297
- What you get: speaking-first lessons covering pinyin, the four tones, greetings, numbers, time, shopping and directions, with role-play in every class. The textbook is Developing Chinese: Elementary Comprehensive Course 1 (2nd Edition), which you buy separately.
Required textbook
Speak Mandarin with Dr. Ayangbah uses Developing Chinese: Elementary Comprehensive Course 1 (2nd Edition, with MP3 audio), 发展汉语 初级综合 (I), by Rong Jihua (Beijing Language and Culture University Press). Get the 2nd Edition of Elementary Comprehensive Course 1 and have it by the first class. Buy it on Amazon.
How to enroll
- Apply online. It takes about 2 minutes.
- Pay $297 through the Mandarin class pay link or on our tuition page.
- We confirm your seat within 2 business days.
Want to ask questions first? Join our free info session and orientation, online every Monday from 5:00 to 5:45 PM Pacific. Register on the enroll page to get the link.
FAQ
How much Mandarin do I need for a trip?
Greetings, numbers, prices, food ordering, directions and a few recovery phrases cover most everyday travel moments. Level 1 focuses on these.
Can I take the class online if I don't live in California?
Yes. The live online section is open to learners anywhere in the U.S. and meets 9:00-11:00 AM Pacific (12:00-2:00 PM Eastern).
Should I learn characters before traveling?
Not for a first trip. Pinyin and speaking will help you more in conversation. Characters are a great next step later.
Questions? Call or text (909) 454-7076, or email info@ayangbahfoundation.org.