Greetings
你好 / Nǐ hǎo
nee HOW
Hello. Shenzhen is a Mandarin city by default — almost everyone here came from somewhere else, so the local Cantonese never became the working language it is in Guangzhou.
Social
深圳速度 / Shēnzhèn sùdù
shun-jun SOO-doo
'Shenzhen speed' — the city's own phrase for how fast it builds and changes. Used with pride and, occasionally, with a sigh.
Work
华强北 / Huáqiángběi
hwa-chyang-BAY
The electronics market district — several city blocks of components, tools and prototypes. If you build hardware, this is why you moved here.
发票 / Fāpiào
fah-PYOW
Official tax invoice. Ask for one for rent and for anything you will expense — an ordinary receipt is worthless for both.
Daily life
临时住宿登记 / Línshí zhùsù dēngjì
lin-shr JOO-soo DENG-jee
Temporary residence registration at the police station, within 24 hours of moving into a private flat. Not optional, and asked for again later.
居留许可 / Jūliú xǔkě
joo-lyoh SHYOO-kuh
Residence permit — the document that lets you live here. The visa in your passport only got you through the border.
过关 / Guòguān
gwor-GWAN
'Crossing the border' — to Hong Kong. Shenzhen people say it the way Londoners say 'going into town'.
城中村 / Chéngzhōngcūn
chung-jong-TSOON
'Urban village' — the dense, cheap, informally built neighbourhoods left inside the modern city. Where a large part of Shenzhen actually lives.
Food
外卖 / Wàimài
why-MY
Food delivery, through Meituan and Ele.me, and genuinely central to how this city eats.
打边炉 / Dǎ biānlú
dah byen-LOO
Cantonese-style hotpot — clear broth, seafood, and a slower, gentler thing than the Sichuan version. The regional food here is Cantonese even if the language is not.
Emergency
110 / 120 / 119 / 122
yāo-yāo-líng…
Police 110, ambulance 120, fire 119, traffic accidents 122. Four separate lines, not a single emergency number.
Some of this may be out of date. Spotted something inaccurate? Help us keep it right for the next newcomer.