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Kathie Deng

How does Chinese People say hello in Mandarin Chinese both formal & informal way -LearnChinese with HeyMandarin


LearnChinese with HeyMandarin
LearnChinese with HeyMandarin

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!

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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