How to Say “I need an interpreter” in Chinese
Emergencies and health · HSK 4
"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?