Learning to greet someone in Mandarin Chinese is a wonderful way to connect with Chinese culture. Whether you're visiting China, conducting business, or simply learning the language, lets learnchinese with HeyMandarin. Here are some essential greetings to start with:
1. Nǐ hǎo (你好) - Hello
The most common and versatile greeting in Mandarin, suitable for all occasions.
2. Nín hǎo (您好) - Formal Hello
Use this respectful version when addressing someone older or in authority.
3. Hāi (嗨) - Hi
A casual, friendly greeting often used among peers.
4. Zǎo (早) - Good Morning
For early morning interactions, this is the equivalent of saying "good morning."
5. Wǎn ān (晚安) - Good Night
Say this when you're bidding farewell in the evening or before going to bed.
6. Wéi (喂) - Hello (Phone Call)
When answering a phone call, use "wéi" instead of "nǐ hǎo." It's the standard greeting over the phone.
English | Mandarin | Pinyin | Pronunciation | Context |
Hello. | 你好 | Nǐ hǎo | nee hao | Basic greeting. Casual and neutral. |
Hello. (Formal) | 您好 | Nín hǎo | neen hao | Formal version for addressing superiors. |
How are you? | 你好吗? | Nǐ hǎo ma | nee hao ma | Rarely used in casual conversation. |
Good morning. | 早安 | Zǎo ān | zah-oh ahn | Morning greeting. |
Did you eat already? | 吃了吗? | Chī le ma | chih luh ma | Common greeting around mealtime. |
Have you eaten? | 你吃过饭了吗? | Nǐ chīguò fàn le ma | nee chih guo fahn luh ma | Casual greeting. |
Good afternoon. | 下午好 | Xiàwǔ hǎo | shee-ah woo hao | Afternoon greeting. |
Good evening. | 晚上好 | Wǎnshàng hǎo | wahn shang hao | Evening greeting. |
Hello! (Phone call) | 喂! | Wèi | way | Greeting for answering phone calls. |
Long time, no see. | 好久不见 | Hǎojiǔ bùjiàn | hao gee-oh boo gee-ahn | Greet someone after a long time. |
You’re off work! | 下班了! | Xiàbānle | see-ah bahn luh | Common when seeing someone after work. |
Hi! | 嗨 | Hāi | hi | Casual, friendly greeting. |
Where are you headed? | 去哪儿? | Qù nǎ'er | choo nar | Casual way to ask where someone is going. |
What are you doing? | 干嘛呢? | Gàn ma ne | gan ma nuh | Casual way to ask what someone is up to. |
Good night. | 晚安 | Wǎn ān | wahn ahn | Used when ending a conversation at night. |
Why Learn Mandarin Greetings?
Mandarin is one of the most spoken languages globally, and knowing these greetings helps create better connections and shows cultural respect. These phrases will make your interactions smoother, whether for business or leisure.
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