Essential Mandarin Medical Travel Phrases for Solo Travelers

Mandarin Chinese is the most widely spoken language in the world and is the primary language in mainland China. While English may be spoken in major hospitals, solo travelers often need basic Mandarin phrases to explain symptoms, seek urgent care, and communicate clearly in medical situations.

🩺 Medical Emergencies (Immediate Help)

Help!
救命！
Jiùmìng!
(jyoh-ming)

It’s an emergency
这是紧急情况
Zhè shì jǐnjí qíngkuàng
(zhuh shir jin-jee ching-kwahng)

I need help immediately
我需要立刻帮助
Wǒ xūyào lìkè bāngzhù
(waw shyoo-yaow lee-kuh bahng-joo)

Call an ambulance
请叫救护车
Qǐng jiào jiùhùchē
(cheeng jyaow jyoh-hoo-chuh)

I need a doctor
我需要医生
Wǒ xūyào yīshēng
(waw shyoo-yaow ee-shung)

🏥 Doctors, Hospitals, and Clinics

Where is the nearest hospital?
最近的医院在哪里？
Zuìjìn de yīyuàn zài nǎlǐ?
(zway-jin duh ee-ywen dzye nah-lee)

Is there a clinic nearby?
附近有诊所吗？
Fùjìn yǒu zhěnsuǒ ma?
(foo-jin yo jen-swor mah)

I need to see a doctor
我想看医生
Wǒ xiǎng kàn yīshēng
(waw shyahng kahn ee-shung)

Do you speak English?
你会说英语吗？
Nǐ huì shuō Yīngyǔ ma?
(knee hway shwaw ying-yoo mah)

🤕 Symptoms and Pain

I feel sick
我不舒服
Wǒ bù shūfu
(waw boo shoo-foo)

I’m in pain
我很疼
Wǒ hěn téng
(waw hun tung)

It hurts here
这里疼
Zhèlǐ téng
(juh-lee tung)

I have a fever
我发烧了
Wǒ fāshāo le
(waw fah-shaow luh)

I feel dizzy
我头晕
Wǒ tóu yūn
(waw toe yoon)

I have trouble breathing
我呼吸困难
Wǒ hūxī kùnnán
(waw hoo-shee koon-nan)

💊 Medications and Allergies

I am allergic to [substance]
我对[物质]过敏
Wǒ duì [wùzhì] guòmǐn
(waw dway gwor-min)

I need my medication
我需要我的药
Wǒ xūyào wǒ de yào
(waw shyoo-yaow waw duh yaow)

Do you have something for pain?
有止痛药吗？
Yǒu zhǐtòng yào ma?
(yo jee-tong yaow mah)

I need a pharmacy
药店在哪里？
Yàodiàn zài nǎlǐ?
(yaow-dyen dzye nah-lee)

🚑 Accidents and Injuries

I fell down
我摔倒了
Wǒ shuāidǎo le
(waw shwhy-dow luh)

I’m bleeding
我在流血
Wǒ zài liúxuè
(waw dzye lyo-shweh)

I burned myself
我被烫伤了
Wǒ bèi tàngshāng le
(waw bay tahng-shahng luh)

I think it’s broken
我觉得骨折了
Wǒ juéde gǔzhé le
(waw jweh-duh goo-juh luh)

🧠 Mental Health & Distress

I’m feeling very anxious
我很焦虑
Wǒ hěn jiāolǜ
(waw hun jyaow-lyoo)

I’m having a panic attack
我正在惊恐发作
Wǒ zhèngzài jīngkǒng fāzuò
(waw jung-dzye jing-kong fah-dzwoh)

I need to calm down
我需要冷静一下
Wǒ xūyào lěngjìng yíxià
(waw shyoo-yaow lung-jing ee-shyah)

🗂️ Medical History & Documents

I have a medical condition
我有疾病史
Wǒ yǒu jíbìng shǐ
(waw yo jee-bing shir)

I have travel insurance
我有旅行保险
Wǒ yǒu lǚxíng bǎoxiǎn
(waw yo lyoo-shing bow-shyen)

Here is my prescription
这是我的处方
Zhè shì wǒ de chǔfāng
(zhuh shir waw duh choo-fahng)

🧾 Helpful Tip for Solo Travelers

📌 Save this page offline or take screenshots before traveling.
📌 Carry a translated list of allergies and medications in your wallet.
📌 In emergencies, show the phrase on your phone if pronunciation is difficult — it’s completely acceptable and often faster.

Disclaimer: This content is for travel communication only and does not replace professional medical advice or emergency services. In serious situations, seek immediate medical help.