How to Say ‘Hello’ in Simplified Chinese
你好
nǐ hǎo
[nee haow]
💬 Usage Tip: Both words are third tone, but when two third tones meet, the first rises: say (ní hǎo), not (nǐ hǎo).
🇨🇳 In China: Locals rarely say 你好 to people they know; it's for strangers, shop staff, or first meetings. Friends just greet each other by name or ask 吃了吗 "have you eaten?".
Phrase Breakdown
你
nǐ
[nee]
you
The basic singular word for 'you' in Chinese.
我问邻居你今天忙吗。
I ask my neighbor, 'Are you busy today?'
好
hǎo
[haow]
good
An adjective to describe something positive or satisfactory.
今天很不错，你好！
Today is nice, hello!
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