How to Say ‘I speak a little Chinese.’ in Simplified Chinese
我会说一点中文。
wǒ huì shuō yì diǎn zhōng wén
[wo huì shwaw ee dyan Zhōngwén]
💬 Usage Tip: 会 "can" means a skill you've learned, like a language or driving, as opposed to just being able to do something.
🇨🇳 In China: Expect a big reaction: even this sentence often gets you a 你中文很好！ "your Chinese is great!" The modest reply is 哪里哪里.
Phrase Breakdown
我会说
wǒ huì shuō
I can speak
会 (huì) means 'can' for a learned skill. It is a falling fourth tone, followed by the high, level 说 (shuō).
我会说英文。
I can speak English.
Words in this phrase
我
wǒ
[wo]
I
The speaker referring to themselves.
我明天有空。
I am free tomorrow.
会
huì
[huì]
can; know how to
Expresses a learned skill or ability, such as speaking a language.
他会游泳。
He can swim.
说
shuō
[shwaw]
to say; to speak
A very common verb meaning to say or speak.
我想说，你很会搭配。
I want to say, you’re very good at matching outfits.
一点中文。
yì diǎn zhōng wén
a little Chinese
一点 (yìdiǎn) means 'a little', and 中文 (Zhōngwén) means 'Chinese'. 中 is high and level, and 文 rises.
他懂一点中文。
He understands a little Chinese.
Words in this phrase
一点
yì diǎn
[ee dyan]
a bit; a little
一点 adds a soft, polite sense of just a little more.
麻烦您快一点，我赶时间。
Please be a little quicker; I’m in a hurry.
中文
zhōng wén
[Zhōngwén]
Chinese language
The Chinese language, especially written or spoken Mandarin.
你的中文很好。
Your Chinese is very good.
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