Restaurant bill in Chinese. (+ audio)
Can you read it?
Hi fellow Mandarin learners, today we’re going to break down a short restaurant bill slip in Chinese. Let’s focus on the text in red.
Native speakers see posts like this every day. If you want to be like them, read what they read.
Let’s get started.
Step 1: Listen & Read
Listen to the speaker reading out the sign and follow along with the characters & pinyin below. Listen to as many times as you like.
This may seem intimidating because you may not understand much initially, but don’t worry! This is to help you get used to the sounds. We’ll get into the translation in the next step.
diǎn cān hòu,
点餐后，
點餐後，
qǐng sīxià bǎoliú mǎidān
请撕下保留买单
請撕下保留買單
Step 2: English Translations
Read the English translations and vocabulary list and check how much you understood.
diǎn cān hòu,
点餐后，
點餐後，
After ordering,
qǐng sīxià bǎoliú mǎidān
请撕下保留买单
請撕下保留買單
Please tear off & save the bill
Vocabulary List:
Access the full lesson with vocabulary lists, a study tracker, audio pronunciation, real video examples, flashcard review, and more here:
Step 3: Repetition
Most people stop after reading the translation, but they miss the most important step: repetition. This will help you improve your reading and speaking.
Read the characters out loud with the pinyin. Focus on getting the correct tones. Go back to the original audio in Step 1 if you need to hear it again.
diǎn cān hòu,
点餐后，
點餐後，
qǐng sīxià bǎoliú mǎidān
请撕下保留买单
請撕下保留買單
Step 4: Final Test
Bring things full circle and read the original text one more time without pinyin. This will prepare you for the real world.
How does it feel compared to when you first read it?
Congrats! You just read a real-world Chinese sign!
I used this simple but powerful 4-step method to help me get fluent in Mandarin, consume native content, and speak with locals confidently.
See you again next week for another real-world breakdown.
When you’re ready, here are some ways I can help you:
The Language Learning OS: The all-in-one study space I used to learn fluent Chinese that keeps me organized, consistent, and motivated.
The Monthly Signs: Access full lessons of real signs with vocab lists, audio pronunciation, real video examples, flashcard review and more!
Real Talk Mandarin Course: Interactive courses for beginner, intermediate & advanced students using real-life material, live lessons & personalized feedback.