From Benoni Lanctot’s Chinese and English Phrase Book (1867), phrases for English-speaking employers of Chinese-Americans:

• Can you get me a good boy?
• He wants $8.00 per month.
• He ought to be satisfied with $6.00.
• When I find him useful, I will give him more.
• I think he is very stupid.
• Do you know how to count?
• If you want to go out, you must ask me.
• Come at seven every morning.
• Go home at eight every night.
• This lamp is not clean.
• See that the money is weighed.
• If there is any thing short, I will make him pay the difference.
• Take this plate away.
• Change this napkin.
• Did you prepare any toast?
• The tea is too strong.
• Make me a pigeon pie.
• Get a bottle of beer.
• Please carve that capon.
• Tell the cook to roast it better next time.
• This wine glass is not clean.
• The cook is very strange.
• Sometimes he spoils the dishes.
• Tell the cook to fry some pancakes.
• Don’t burn them.
• He did very bad last time.
• I want to cut his wages.
• This tea is very bad.
• Get out of the way.
• Don’t speak with me.
• Who gives you permission?
• Don’t be lazy.
• You ought not to do so.
• Pick this up.
• This is nothing to you.
• He is fit for nothing.
• That belongs to me.
• Carry it up stairs.
• You ought to be contented.

Phrases for Chinese speakers:

• Good morning sir.
• When shall I begin?
• I beg your pardon.
• Lunch is on the table, sir.
• I beg you to consider again.
• It is my duty.
• Sir, what will you have for dinner to-day?
• You must excuse me.
• You must not strike me.