Which phrasebook for China?

Looked around the internet for THE phrasebook to take with
me on my 6-week-trip to China (Beijing, Chengdu, Hongkong
and Shanghai). Some say the LP phrasebook is the best others
say the "Rough Guide" is even better. Which is true? And do
you think I need a second phrasebook for Cantonese?

[There are 6 posts - the latest was added on Thu 20 May, 22:29]

Use the form at the end of this page to add your own post.

Topics | Thorn Tree | Home

1. cantonese Added by: amida
   [Timestamp: Sun 16 May, 23:07 Tasmanian Standard Time]

   You won't need a Cantonese phrasebook. English will get you
   around Hong Kong, and if that fails, Cantonese speakers
   will still be able to read your phrasebook. And, in China,
   pretty much everyone will understand Mandarin. Don't know
   which book is better, but just MAKE SURE you read the
   pronunciation guide at the beginning (and keep in mind that
   LP's pronunciation guide uses British English for examples)
   if you want to try to read it aloud-- romanization of
   Chinese can be cointerintuitive, but it is systematic and
   fairly easily learned.

   ---

   
   
2. Phrasebooks Added by: Laowai
   [Timestamp: Mon 17 May, 3:25 Tasmanian Standard Time]

   Two that I like are
   1> Essential Chinese for Travelers by Fan Zhilong
   2. The Pocket Interpreter - Chinese by Lydia Chen and Ying
   Bian

   ---

   
   
3. I recommend Added by: Adrian
   [Timestamp: Mon 17 May, 11:36 Tasmanian Standard Time]

   Berlitz.

   ---

   
   
4. Travel phrase books Added by: Isy (ioderberg@hotmail.com)
   [Timestamp: Tue 18 May, 17:59 Tasmanian Standard Time]

   I really found LP to be very good, but then again the Rough
   Guide one is very good. Either of them will do the trick
   sufficiently. But may I also suggest that you take a
   CHinese dictionary (there are small compact ones on the
   market) because sometimes there are wierd words (you would
   be surprised) that you might need!

   ---

   
   
5. Travel phrase books Added by: Isy (ioderberg@hotmail.com)
   [Timestamp: Tue 18 May, 17:59 Tasmanian Standard Time]

   I really found LP to be very good, but then again the Rough
   Guide one is very good. Either of them will do the trick
   sufficiently. But may I also suggest that you take a
   CHinese dictionary (there are small compact ones on the
   market) because sometimes there are wierd words (you would
   be surprised) that you might need!

   ---

   
   
6. characters Added by: live here
   [Timestamp: Thu 20 May, 22:29 Tasmanian Standard Time]

   I have no idea which book is best, but the right
   pronounciation of mandarin or cantonese is essential, there
   are several "tones" in both languages and it's bloody
   difficult, i know - i'm learning. whatever book you but,
   make sure it has the actual chinese characters along with
   the translation, then you can show it.

   ---