Everyday Chinese, by situation

Order bubble tea in Mandarin with confidence: cup size, sugar level (少糖, 半糖, 无糖), ice, toppings and takeaway, with pinyin and a real dialogue.

Learn the Mandarin you need at a Chinese restaurant: table for two, ordering, spice level, allergies, no cilantro, the bill and paying by QR code.

Take a taxi or DiDi in China in Mandarin: tell the driver where to go, confirm the pickup point and phone tail number (尾号), stop here and get a receipt.

Ask for directions in Mandarin: excuse me, where is..., left, right, straight ahead, how far is it, and which metro exit (出口) to use. With pinyin.

Check in to a hotel in Mandarin: your reservation, passport, deposit (押金), breakfast, Wi-Fi password and check-out time, with pinyin and a dialogue.

Buy high-speed rail tickets in Mandarin: seat classes (二等座, 一等座), window seats, passports, changing tickets and finding your gate (检票口).

Mandarin for a doctor's visit: registering (挂号), describing symptoms, saying how long, mentioning allergies and getting medicine at the pharmacy.

Rent a flat in China in Mandarin: asking the rent, deposits (押一付三), utilities, contract length, agent fees and booking a viewing, with pinyin.

Bargain in Mandarin at a Chinese market: how much, too expensive, can you go lower, buying two, prices per 斤 and agreeing on a final price.

Prepare for a job interview in Mandarin: introduce yourself, describe experience and strengths, why this company, salary and questions to ask.