Survival scene course
Greetings Chinese Phrases
Use these Chinese greetings when you meet someone, thank them, apologize, or begin a short conversation.
Start here if you are completely new to Mandarin. These phrases are polite, short, and useful in almost every daily interaction.
Start with the phrases that matter first
Choose an opening for the job: greeting someone, interrupting politely, or apologizing. Then learn a response to thanks so the exchange does not stop at hello.
In a real conversation
This brief example separates the opening from the goodbye. For an exchange with a practical request between them, open the greetings guide linked below.
nǐ hǎo!
Hello!
nǐ hǎo!
Hello!
xiè xie, zài jiàn!
Thank you. Goodbye!
How this scene usually goes
A first meeting in China is usually short and warm. You greet the other person, exchange names, and add one or two light questions before moving on. 你好 works almost everywhere, and in the morning 早上好 sounds friendlier. When someone introduces themselves, replying with your name and 很高兴认识你 covers most of what you need. Small talk questions are simple and expected: where you are from, what you are doing here, whether this is your first visit. When you leave, 谢谢，再见 is a complete and polite ending. You do not need perfect tones for any of this; a clear, patient attempt gives the other person a useful starting point. Repeat or show the written phrase if you are not understood.
Good to know
- Chinese has a respectful form of "you": 您 (nín). Use 您好 with older people, teachers, and officials. 你好 is fine for everyone else.
- People may greet you with a question about what you are doing, such as 去哪儿？(where are you going). It is small talk, not an interrogation; a smile and a short answer are enough.
- If someone compliments your Chinese, a common modest reply is 哪里哪里 (nǎ lǐ nǎ lǐ). A simple 谢谢 with a smile also works.
- Handshakes are lighter and shorter than in many Western countries, and some people nod instead. Follow the other person's lead.
Common mistakes
- Do not use 你好 for every situation. Add 谢谢, 请问, and 对不起 so you sound more polite.
- Do not pronounce pinyin as English spelling. Read the tone marks first, then listen to the audio.
- Do not answer 谢谢 with 谢谢. Use 不客气 when someone thanks you.
Quick practice
- Listen to each phrase once at normal speed.
- Say the Chinese aloud three times.
- Cover the English and try to remember the meaning.
Related scenes
Greetings Chinese FAQ
What is the first Chinese greeting to learn?
Start with 你好, which means hello. Then learn 谢谢, 请问, and 再见.
Is 你好 formal or casual?
你好 is neutral and safe for beginners in most everyday situations.
Should beginners learn Chinese characters or only pinyin?
Use both. Pinyin helps pronunciation, while characters help you recognize signs and messages.
How do I greet someone older or a teacher?
Use 您好 (nín hǎo) instead of 你好. It is the respectful form and a respectful option when addressing elders or teachers.
How do I say "see you tomorrow"?
Say 明天见 (míng tiān jiàn). For "see you next time", say 下次见 (xià cì jiàn).
Advertisement
More useful greetings phrases
Keep learning
Basic Chinese Greetings for Beginners: Choose between a greeting, a polite question opener, an apology, and a response to thanks.
How to Introduce Yourself in Chinese: Exchange names and handle a follow-up about your visit or language learning.
Choose a greeting by time
- 早上好
- Morning
- 你好
- Any time
- 晚上好
- Evening
Looking for a different word? Search the full practice library.