Italian Phrase
Nǐ hǎo
Meaning
Nǐ hǎo is the most fundamental greeting in Mandarin Chinese. It is composed of the words for 'you' and 'good', literally translating to 'you good'. It is a versatile phrase used to acknowledge someone in a polite and friendly manner.
When to use
This phrase is used in almost any social situation when greeting a single person, whether they are a friend, a colleague, or a stranger. It is the standard way to say hello upon meeting or passing someone.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Nǐhǎo
Pronoun (Nǐ)
This is the informal singular 'you'. In Mandarin, pronouns do not change based on being a subject or object.
Adjective (Hǎo)
Meaning 'good' or 'well'. When combined with a pronoun, it creates a common greeting pattern.
🗨In Conversation
Nǐ hǎo!
Hello!
Nǐ hǎo! Hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ.
Hello! Nice to meet you.
✕Common Mistakes
Nǐ hǎo ma?
Adding 'ma' at the end changes the greeting 'Hello' into the question 'How are you?' which is used differently in Chinese culture.
↔Alternatives
Nín hǎo
Hello (formal)
Dàjiā hǎo
Hello everyone
Cultural Tip
While 'Nǐ hǎo' is the standard greeting for learners, native speakers often use more specific greetings depending on the time of day or the relationship. For elders or people in positions of authority, always use the respectful form 'Nín hǎo' to show proper etiquette.