出租车。

You usually pair it with the verb dǎ (to hit/strike). To say 'take a taxi,' you say dǎ chūzūchē. It sounds aggressive, but it just means hailing one. You can also use zuò (to sit) if you are already inside. If you are calling one via an app, you are still 'hitting' the taxi. Just don't actually hit the car when it arrives!

Use it when talking to hotel staff or friends. It works perfectly when you are lost in Beijing. Use it when you need a receipt for work. It is the most 'correct' term for any four-wheeled hired ride. It is safe, clear, and understood by everyone. Even if your tones are a bit off, people will get it.

Don't use it for private ride-hailing services like Didi. For those, people often say wǎngyuēchē (internet-booked car). Don't use it for buses or subways, obviously. If you are in a very casual setting in Hong Kong, they might use de-shì. In Taiwan, they often say jìchéngchē. Using chūzūchē there might mark you as a tourist, but it's not wrong.

In the 90s, taxis were a luxury in China. Now, they are everywhere and very affordable. Most taxis in big cities are now electric and very quiet. Drivers are known for being incredibly talkative. They are the unofficial philosophers of the city. If you want to practice your Chinese, just hop in a chūzūchē!

In the north, people add an 'r' sound: chūzūchēr. In the south, it stays flat and clear. You will also hear dǎdī, which is a cute, short slang version. Dī comes from the English word 'taxi.' It’s the cool way to say it while walking out of a club. Just remember: chūzūchē is your reliable, formal best friend.