What Languages Do They Speak In China?
Explore the languages spoken in China on an interactive map.
China Languages: Quick Facts
Languages
5
Mandarin, Cantonese, English, Tibetan, Kazakh
Population
1,412,000,000
Cost of living
~ $1330
Index: 26.6
Safety / crime index
Crime Index: 25.8
Do They Speak English in China?
English proficiency
Ranked #62 on the EF English Proficiency Index.
In short
You may get by with English in airports, hotels, and larger cities in China, but it becomes less reliable outside those areas. Knowing some Mandarin is strongly recommended.
FAQ
China Language FAQ
Short answers to common questions about the main languages, English usage, and communication in China.
People in China speak Mandarin, Cantonese, English, Tibetan, Kazakh.
The main languages spoken in China are Mandarin, Cantonese, English, Tibetan, Kazakh.
Only sometimes. English may work in tourist-facing places, but it is safer to know at least some Mandarin.
- What languages do they speak in China?
People in China speak Mandarin, Cantonese, English, Tibetan, Kazakh.
- What is the main language in China?
The main languages spoken in China are Mandarin, Cantonese, English, Tibetan, Kazakh.
- Can you get by with English in China?
Only sometimes. English may work in tourist-facing places, but it is safer to know at least some Mandarin.
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