How to Say “I need an interpreter” in Chinese
Emergencies and health
"I need an interpreter" in Chinese is 我需要一个翻译 (wǒ xū yào yí ge fān yì). 翻译 (fānyì) covers both 'translator' and 'interpreter' in Chinese; context tells listeners which you mean. The measure word 个 is everyday; 位 is more respectful and fits hospitals or police stations.
Primary translation
我需要一个翻译
wǒ xū yào yí ge fān yì
Traditional: 我需要一個翻譯
Variants by register
Formal
请帮我安排一位翻译
qǐng bāng wǒ ān pái yí wèi fān yì
When to use it
翻译 (fānyì) covers both 'translator' and 'interpreter' in Chinese; context tells listeners which you mean. The measure word 个 is everyday; 位 is more respectful and fits hospitals or police stations. In an emergency, asking 有没有会说英语的人? (Is there anyone who speaks English?) often works faster than waiting for a formal interpreter. Big city hospitals (especially 国际部; International Department) usually have English-speaking staff; rural clinics almost never do, so keep a translation app ready as backup.
Example sentences
我听不懂，我需要一个翻译。
Wǒ tīng bù dǒng, wǒ xū yào yí ge fān yì.
I don't understand; I need an interpreter.
请问有会说英语的翻译吗？
Qǐng wèn yǒu huì shuō yīng yǔ de fān yì ma?
Excuse me, is there an English-speaking interpreter?
能不能帮我找一位翻译？
Néng bu néng bāng wǒ zhǎo yí wèi fān yì?
Could you help me find an interpreter?
Learn the words behind the phrase
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