Appendix B: Useful Chinese Medical Phrases
Compiled & reviewed by China Medical Care GuideLast updated July 6, 2026
Learn to recognize and pronounce these key phrases. Consider making a cheat sheet with the Chinese characters to point to.
| Category | Chinese (Pinyin) | Pronunciation (Approx.) | Meaning & Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basics | 谢谢 (Xièxie) | Shyeh-shyeh | Thank you. Use constantly. |
| 请 (Qǐng) | Ching | Please. | |
| 我不会说中文。(Wǒ bù huì shuō Zhōngwén.) | Wuh boo hway shwaw Jong-wen. | I don't speak Chinese. | |
| 请说英语。(Qǐng shuō Yīngyǔ.) | Ching shwaw Ying-yu. | Please speak English. | |
| Pain & Symptoms | 疼/痛 (Téng/Tòng) | Tung/Tong | Pain/Hurt. "这里疼。" (Zhèlǐ téng.) = It hurts here. |
| 头晕 (Tóuyūn) | Toe-yoon | Dizzy. | |
| 恶心/想吐 (Ěxīn/Xiǎng tù) | Uh-sheen/Shyahng too | Nauseous/Want to vomit. | |
| 发烧 (Fāshāo) | Fah-shaow | Have a fever. | |
| 我过敏... (Wǒ guòmǐn...) | Wuh gwoh-meen... | I am allergic to... | |
| Medication | 药 (Yào) | Yaow | Medicine. |
| 一天几次？(Yītiān jǐ cì?) | Ee-tyan jee tsz? | How many times a day? | |
| 饭前还是饭后？(Fàn qián háishì fàn hòu?) | Fan chyan hi-shr fan hoe? | Before or after meals? | |
| Needs | 厕所在哪里？(Cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?) | Tsz-swor zye nah-lee? | Where is the toilet? |
| 我需要翻译。(Wǒ xūyào fānyì.) | Wuh shoo-yaow fan-yee. | I need a translator. | |
| 我的病历。(Wǒ de bìnglì.) | Wuh duh bing-lee. | My medical records. |