You don't need to be fluent in Mandarin to become an au pair in China. Host families want you to speak English with their children, and Mandarin classes are part of the program. Still, knowing a handful of basic Chinese phrases makes your first weeks much easier: you can order food without surprises, get around the city on your own and show your host family that you're making an effort.
We picked the 20 most useful Chinese phrases for au pairs, the ones our au pairs in Chengdu actually use every day. Tap any card below to hear the pronunciation, turn on slow mode to catch the tones, and when you feel ready, take the quick listening test.
How to read pinyin: pinyin is the Latin-alphabet spelling of Chinese. The little marks above the vowels are the tones: ā flat and high, á rising, ǎ dipping then rising, à falling sharply. The same syllable with a different tone can mean something completely different, so listen carefully and copy the melody, not just the sounds.
Tap to Hear: 20 Chinese Phrases for Au Pairs
Tap any card to hear how it sounds. Turn on slow mode to catch every tone, then test yourself.
Why These Phrases Matter for an Au Pair
Most of your day as an au pair revolves around three things: the children, food and moving around the city. That's why the list starts with phrases for the kids. Even if you speak English with them, saying nǐ zhēn bàng! ("well done!") or xiǎoxīn! ("careful!") at the right moment builds trust fast, and the children will love correcting your tones.
Then comes food. In Sichuan, bú yào là ("no spice") and wēi là ("just a little spicy") are honestly survival skills. If you're curious about life in our city, read why Chengdu is the best city in China for au pairs.
Finally, the survival phrases. Wǒ tīng bù dǒng ("I don't understand") and kěyǐ shuō màn yìdiǎn ma? ("can you speak more slowly?") will get you through almost any situation, and people in China are usually very patient with foreigners who try.
4 Tips to Learn Chinese Phrases Faster
1. Learn with your ears first. Listen to each phrase several times before reading the pinyin. Your brain remembers melodies better than spellings.
2. Use them the same day. Pick two phrases each morning and use them at home, at the shop or with the children.
3. Let the kids teach you. Ask your host children "这个中文怎么说？" (zhège Zhōngwén zěnme shuō?, "how do you say this in Chinese?"). It turns language learning into a game for both of you.
4. Keep a translation app ready. For everything else, Pleco and WeChat translate are lifesavers. See our guide to the essential apps to use in China.
Want to go further? Read how to learn Chinese effectively as an au pair in China, and before you leave, check the 6 things to know before becoming an au pair in China.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak Chinese to be an au pair in China?
No. Host families want you to speak English with their children, and most au pairs arrive as complete beginners. Free Mandarin classes are part of the program.
Is Mandarin hard to learn?
The tones take some practice, but grammar is simpler than many European languages: no verb conjugations, no genders, no plurals. Living with a Chinese family is the fastest way to improve.
Why can't I hear the audio?
The audio uses your device's built-in Chinese voice. If you don't hear anything, try Chrome or Safari, or add the "Chinese (China)" voice in your phone's speech settings.
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