Be prepared, not scared
Emergencies abroad are rare, but when they happen, language barriers make them much more stressful. Knowing these 15 phrases means you can get help quickly and clearly — even when you're panicking.
Calling for help
1. "Help! I need help!"
救命！我需要帮助！
The universal cry for assistance. Say it loudly and clearly.
2. "Please call an ambulance / the police."
请叫救护车/警察。
Specify what you need so bystanders can act fast.
3. "I need to go to the hospital."
我需要去医院。
If you need medical attention but it's not life-threatening.
Medical emergencies
4. "I'm allergic to [medicine/food]."
我对[药物/食物]过敏。
Critical information for doctors and EMTs.
5. "I have [condition] and I take [medication]."
我有[疾病]，正在服用[药物]。
Example: "I have diabetes and I take insulin."
6. "It hurts here." (+ point to the area)
这里痛。（指向疼痛部位）
Sometimes pointing is more effective than describing.
7. "I feel dizzy / I'm going to faint."
我头晕/我快晕倒了。
Alert people around you before it happens.
Crime and safety
8. "I've been robbed. I need to file a police report."
我被抢了，我需要报警。
Go to the nearest police station or ask someone to call for you.
9. "Someone stole my [wallet/phone/bag]."
有人偷了我的[钱包/手机/包]。
Be specific about what was taken.
10. "I've lost my passport."
我的护照丢了。
After filing a police report, contact your embassy immediately.
Getting help from others
11. "Do you speak Chinese / Mandarin?"
你说中文吗？
Worth asking — you might find someone who speaks your language.
12. "Can you help me? I don't understand."
你能帮我吗？我听不懂。
People are generally willing to help confused tourists.
13. "Where is the nearest hospital / pharmacy / police station?"
最近的医院/药店/警察局在哪里？
Essential for locating emergency services.
Communication lifelines
14. "I'm a tourist from [country]. I need help."
我是来自[国家]的游客，我需要帮助。
Establishes your situation clearly and quickly.
15. "Can you write that down for me?"
你能帮我写下来吗？
When you can't understand spoken English, written words are easier to process or translate.
Save these phrases
Screenshot this page or practice these phrases in TalkBuddy before your trip. In a real emergency, muscle memory kicks in — the phrases you've practiced will come naturally, even under stress. TalkBuddy's emergency scenarios include role-play practice so these phrases become second nature.