Why would a Singapore massage therapist prefer Mandarin over English?

Many TCM and reflexology therapists in Singapore are from mainland China and speak Mandarin as their first language. While they understand English, nuanced instructions like 'medium pressure on the back but lighter on the neck' are more accurately conveyed in their native language.

What is Tui Na and how firm is it?

Tui Na (推拿) is traditional Chinese therapeutic massage targeting meridian lines and acupressure points. It's significantly firmer than what most Western tourists expect — the default can feel intense. Your Massage Pass lets you set your pressure limit clearly before the session begins.

Does my pass show Simplified or Traditional Chinese characters?

Simplified Chinese (简体字), which is standard in mainland China and Singapore. If you're in Taiwan or Hong Kong, Traditional Chinese (繁體字) would be more appropriate — contact us and we can advise.

Does this work for reflexology chains in Singapore and KL?

Yes — chains like Foot Master, Regence, and similar TCM reflexology shops in Singapore and KL are largely staffed by Mandarin-speaking therapists. Your pass works at all of them.

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普通话 · Simplified Chinese characters (简体字)

Getting a massage where Mandarin is spoken? Bring a clear pass.

Many SE Asian therapists — especially in Singapore and KL's TCM clinics — are most comfortable in Mandarin. Massage Pass helps you share your full preferences in a clear card before the session.

Create your pass — it's free Learn more

About Mandarin

Mandarin Chinese is the native language of many massage therapists in Singapore, Malaysia, and internationally. TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) massage chains are often staffed by therapists from mainland China who speak Mandarin as their primary language. Even where English is the official medium, Mandarin is the working language in the treatment room.

The script

Simplified Chinese characters (简体字) are used in mainland China, Singapore, and most overseas Chinese communities in SE Asia. Each character represents a syllable and carries meaning — 'Massage' is 按摩 (àn mó), literally 'press' + 'rub'.

Mandarin (普通话)

Complete massage phrase guide

Use these as practical reference phrases. Massage Pass stores the underlying preferences in a shareable card so your therapist can review the details before the session.

Pressure

Light pressure

轻力

qīng lì

Medium pressure

中等力度

zhōng děng lì dù

Firm pressure

用力

yòng lì

Deep pressure

重力

zhòng lì

Focus areas

Focus on my lower back

请重点按摩我的下背部

qǐng zhòng diǎn àn mó wǒ de xià bèi bù

Focus on my shoulders

请重点按摩我的肩膀

qǐng zhòng diǎn àn mó wǒ de jiān bǎng

Focus on my neck

请重点按摩我的脖子

qǐng zhòng diǎn àn mó wǒ de bó zi

Avoid

Please avoid my left knee

请避开我的左膝盖

qǐng bì kāi wǒ de zuǒ xī gài

Please avoid my neck

请避开我的脖子

qǐng bì kāi wǒ de bó zi

Please avoid my lower back

请避开我的下背部

qǐng bì kāi wǒ de xià bèi bù

Health

I have high blood pressure

我有高血压

wǒ yǒu gāo xuè yā

I am pregnant

我怀孕了

wǒ huái yùn le

I have a knee injury

我的膝盖受伤了

wǒ de xī gài shòu shāng le

Vibe

I prefer a quiet session

我喜欢安静的按摩

wǒ xǐ huān ān jìng de àn mó

Please don't talk during the session

按摩过程中请不要说话

àn mó guò chéng zhōng qǐng bù yào shuō huà

Your pass stores the massage details that matter most, so you do not rebuild the same brief before every session. Share the link. Done.

Cities where Mandarin is spoken

Your pass works at any spa in these destinations.

Singapore

City guide →

Skip the phrase memorising

Create your pass once. Share a clear preference card before every session.

Fill in your preferences in 2 minutes. Get a private link. Share it before any session — your therapist sees your pressure, focus areas, avoid areas, health notes, and personal notes in one simple card.

Create your free Massage Pass

Free forever · Preference card only · Does not book or assign therapists