China: primary language is Mandarin — English is limited — a translation app is genuinely useful.
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The primary language in China is Mandarin.
English is limited — a translation app is genuinely useful. Limited outside major hotels and international business settings — a translation app is genuinely useful, and it's worth learning a few basic phrases.
Learning "hello," "please," "thank you," "excuse me," and "the check please" in the local language goes a long way anywhere, including China — locals consistently appreciate the effort.
Yes — an offline translation app is genuinely useful in China, especially outside major tourist areas.