Chinese Lesson: Taking a Taxi

In China you will certainly find yourself needing to take a taxi at some point. Compared to many other countries, taxis in China are generally an affordable and convenient way to get where you want to go quickly. Let’s take a look at some essential phrases for taking a taxi in China!

1. 师傅… (Shīfu, dào ….) = Sir, (I’m going to) …(place).

When a taxi stops to pick you up and you get in the car, the first thing you should tell the driver is your destination. “师傅 (shīfu)” is used to refer to people with a special skill, usually middle-aged men, to show politeness and respect. In other situations, “师傅(shīfu)” can also be used to refer to maintenance workers, plumbers, craftsmen, and so on.

Example:

师傅,到北京饭店。(Shīfu, dào běijīng fàndiàn.) = Sir, to Beijing Hotel.

2. 多长时间? (Dào …  duō cháng shíjiān?) = How long does it take to get to…?

Example:

师傅,到机场多长时间?(Shīfu, dào jīchǎng duō cháng shíjiān?) = Sir, how long does it take to get to the airport?

3.  请打开一下后备厢(Qǐng dǎkāi yíxià hòubèixiāng.) = Please open the trunk.

If you bring your luggage, you may need this sentence. “后备厢(hòubèixiāng)” is the trunk or boot of the taxi, “打开(dǎkāi)” means open, and “请(qǐng),” which is used to show curtesy, means please.

4. 可以稍等一下吗(Kéyǐ shāoděng yíxià ma?) = Can you wait a moment?

“稍等(shāoděng)” means to wait a moment. If you can’t get in the taxi straight away or you need to wait for someone, this sentence will come in handy.

5.  我赶时间, 请快一点(Wǒ gǎnshíjiān, qǐng kuàiyìdiǎn.) = I am in a hurry. Go faster please.

If you are in a rush, you may need the driver to drive a little faster. Here “赶时间(gǎnshíjiān)” means you are in a hurry and “快(kuài)” is fast.

6.  师傅,请在前面停一下(Shīfu, qǐng zài qiánmian tíngyíxià.) = Sir, please stop up ahead.

When you reach your destination, you can tell the driver to stop in a specific place by using this sentence.

7.  多少钱(Duōshǎoqián?) = How much is it?

This is the simplest way to ask about the final charge.


Post time: Feb-13-2020