Chinese language is mainly divided into two languages viz, Cantonese and Mandarin.
The pronunciation of chinese language involves rise and fall of sounds. It is similar to Gurjarati which has "sets" of "laghu" and "guru" for poems. E.g. Mandakrantaa set. Every word in chinese is recognised by a different pronuciation. So, there may be two chinese words with same spelling but different pronunciation makes them carry a different meaning.
You may carry a few words of greetings to show that you know chinese.
Lehoma = is Cantonese for How are you ?
Neehow = is Mandarin for How are you ?
Shaisheni = is thank you