Beyond “Hello”: A Guide to Diverse Chinese Greetings[Pronunciation + Free PDF]

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Last updated: 12/23/2025

Are you still only able to say “nǐ hǎo” (hello)? In fact, Chinese has many vivid and interesting greeting expressions that can be flexibly used depending on the occasion, time, and closeness of the relationship, not only to express hello, but also to bring people closer together.

Whether you’re a beginner learning Chinese, preparing for a trip to China, or wanting to better integrate into Chinese-speaking environments, mastering these common greeting phrases will make your interactions more natural and fluent.

This article will take you on a journey to explore a variety of Chinese greetings, including the classic “nǐ hǎo” family, casual everyday expressions, and time-specific greetings. In addition, we’ll provide you a free PDF to help you practice the Chinese greeting; you can get it at the end of the article. Get ready to dive into the rich world of Mandarin greetings with WuKong Education!

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The Most Common Chinese Greetings to Say Hi

This common greeting, written in Chinese characters as 你好, literally conveys a warm sentiment, wishing the other person well. It is widely used across the Chinese-speaking world, making it a fundamental way to greet people. Whether you’ve been learning Mandarin for a while or are just starting, you’ve likely encountered nǐ hǎo as the typical way to say hello.

The Chinese phrase 你好 (nǐ hǎo) includes a subject, which you can change depending on your relationship with the person. For example, when addressing someone more senior or someone you should show respect to, you can use the formal 您 (nín) instead of 你 (nǐ), resulting in 您好 (nín hǎo).

1. 你好 (nǐ hǎo) – Hello (Informal Usage)

The literal translation of 你好 (nǐ hǎo) is “you good.” This is a friendly and informal way to greet someone in Mandarin, which is the most common way to express ‘you good’. It is widely used in casual settings, making it the go-to phrase to say hello among friends, family, or acquaintances.

Usage	You can use 你好 when meeting friends at a café, when entering a classroom, or while chatting with colleagues in a relaxed environment.
Response	A typical response would be to simply repeat “你好” (nǐ hǎo) or say “我很好” (wǒ hěn hǎo) meaning “I am good.”

2. 您好 (nín hǎo) – Hello (Formal Version)

The phrase 您好 (nín hǎo) is the formal way to say hello in Chinese, often used when addressing someone older or in a position of authority. The literal translation remains “you good,” but the use of 您 (nín) adds a layer of politeness.

Usage	Use 您好 when greeting elders, teachers, or during formal occasions, such as business meetings or ceremonies in China.
Response	You can respond with “您好” (nín hǎo) or “我很好，您呢？” (wǒ hěn hǎo, nín ne?) meaning “I am good, and you?”

3. 大家好 (dà jiā hǎo) – Hello Everyone

The phrase 大家好 (dà jiā hǎo) translates to “hello everyone.” This greeting is inclusive and is often used to say hello to a group of people.

Usage	Use 大家好 when entering a room full of people, starting a speech, or addressing a class. It’s perfect for group settings where you want to include everyone.
Response	The group can respond collectively with “大家好” (dà jiā hǎo) or simply nod and smile to acknowledge the greeting.

How to Use “You Good (Nǐ hǎo)” Correctly?

Be Polite: Always use “您好” (nín hǎo) when meeting someone older or in a formal setting.
Context Matters: Choose the appropriate greeting based on your relationship with the person.
Practice Pronunciation: Ensure you’re pronouncing “nǐ hǎo” correctly to avoid misunderstandings.

Useful Chinese Greeting Phases in Daily Life

In addition to the most common greetings that means you good, there are several other phrases in the Chinese speaking world that convey similar sentiments to “你好吗?” (Nǐ hǎo ma), which means “How are you?” These greetings are among the most common ways to say hello in Mandarin and serve as essential tools for building relationships. Knowing how to use them effectively is extremely important, especially in China, where social etiquette is highly valued across different languages and cultures.

1. 嗨 (hāi) – Hi

嗨 (hāi) is a very casual greeting, equivalent to “hi” in English. This expression is typically used among friends, colleagues, or acquaintances, allowing for an easy way to start a conversation. As a popular way to say hi in Chinese language, it has no specific time limit, so it can be used at any time of the day.

Example	When you meet a friend or acquaintance in a café or at a gathering, you can use 嗨 to greet them.
Response	You can simply respond with “嗨” (hāi) or follow up with “你好吗?” (Nǐ hǎo ma?) to keep the conversation going.

2. 哈喽 (hā lou) – Hello

In China, 哈喽 (hā lou) is borrowed from the English word “hello,” sharing a similar casual and friendly vibe. This term is especially popular among younger people and on social media, making it a common way to say hello and conveying a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Usage	It is commonly used among friends, especially in informal settings like social media.
Response	You can respond with “哈喽” (hā lou) or use the more traditional greeting “你好” (nǐ hǎo).

3. 嘿 (hēi) – Hey

嘿 (hēi) is an extremely informal greeting often used among close friends. It conveys a relaxed and familiar feeling.

Usage	Commonly used in very casual settings, such as when meeting friends or texting.
Response	You can reply with “嘿” (hēi) or ask “你怎么样？” (Nǐ zěnme yàng?) meaning “How’s it going?”

4. 喂 (wéi) – Hey

喂 (wéi) is typically used when answering the phone, similar to “hello” or “hey” in English. It can be used to grab someone’s attention or greet them on a call.

Usage	Common in phone conversations or informal interactions.
Response	You can simply respond with “喂” (wéi) or the person’s name if applicable.

5. 你好吗 (Nǐ hǎo ma) – How Are You?

“你好吗?” (Nǐ hǎo ma) translates to “How are you?” It is a friendly way to inquire about someone’s well-being.

Usage	Appropriate in both casual and semi-formal contexts, such as greeting a friend or colleague with “你好吗” (Nǐ hǎo ma), this expression is widely used in China.
Response	A common response would be “我很好，谢谢” (wǒ hěn hǎo, xièxiè) – “I am good, thank you.”

6. 吃了吗？(Chī le ma?) – Have you eaten?

“吃了吗?” (Chī le ma?) is a culturally significant greeting that reflects concern for others’ well-being, especially in Chinese culture, where food and care are closely linked.

Usage	Often used among friends and family, particularly during mealtime.
Response	You can reply with “吃了” (chī le) – “I have eaten,” or “还没” (hái méi) – “Not yet.”

7. 早 (zǎo) – Mornin’

“早” (zǎo) is an informal way to greet someone in the morning, similar to “Good morning 早” in English. This expression conveys a simple and friendly sentiment.

Usage	It is used among friends or colleagues when you see them in the morning.
Response	A typical response would be to repeat “早” (zǎo) or say “早上好” (zǎoshang hǎo) for a more formal greeting.

8. 早上好 (Zǎo shang hǎo) – Good Morning

“早上好” (zǎo shang hǎo) is a more formal way to greet someone in the morning, and it literally means “Good morning.” This expression is suitable for more formal settings or when addressing elders.

Usage	Appropriate in both informal and formal settings, such as when meeting someone in the morning for work or school, saying “good morning” can set a positive tone for the day.
Response	You can respond with “早上好” (zǎoshang hǎo) to reciprocate the greeting.

9. 中午好 (Zhōngwǔ hǎo) – Good Afternoon

“中午好” (zhōngwǔ hǎo) is used to greet someone in the afternoon. It expresses respect and goodwill towards the other person in China.

Usage	Suitable for both formal and casual contexts, especially during lunch meetings.
Response	You can respond with “中午好” (zhōngwǔ hǎo).

10. 晚上好 (Wǎnshàng hǎo) – Good Evening

“晚上好” (wǎn shàng hǎo) is a polite way to greet someone in the evening, which means good evening in English. Contrary to this, “晚安” (wǎn’ān) is a common way to say good night in Mandarin.

Usage	Commonly used in formal settings or when meeting friends for dinner, saying “good evening” can enhance the warmth of the greeting.
Response	You can simply respond with “晚上好” (wǎnshàng hǎo).

11. 你怎么样？(Nǐ zěnme yàng?) – How’s it going?

“你怎么样？” (Nǐ zěnme yàng?) is a casual way to ask about someone’s status, similar to “How have you been?”

Usage	Used among friends or acquaintances.
Response	You can respond with “还不错” (hái bùcuò) – “Not bad.”

12. 好久不见 (hǎo jiǔ bù jiàn) – Long time no see

“好久不见” (hǎo jiǔ bu jiàn) is used when you haven’t seen someone in a while, expressing happiness at the reunion.

Usage	Suitable for friends or acquaintances when meeting after a long time.
Response	You can respond with “是啊，真的好久不见” (shì a, zhēn de hǎo jiǔ bù jiàn) – “Yeah, it’s been a long time.”

13. 去哪呢？ (qù nǎ ne?) – Where are you going?

“去哪呢？” (qù nǎ ne?) is a casual inquiry expressing curiosity about someone’s destination.

Usage	Often used in conversations with friends to learn about their plans.
Response	You can simply reply with “去…” (qù…) – “I am going to…”

14. 干嘛呢？ (gàn má ne?) – What are you doing?

Usage	It is commonly used among friends, especially in informal settings like social media.
Response	You can respond with “哈喽” (hā lou) or use the more traditional greeting “你好” (nǐ hǎo).

Advanced Greetings to Express “You Good (你好 | Nǐ hǎo)”

Beyond basic greetings, there are more sophisticated phrases to express your sentiment. Let’s delve into these:

1. 最近怎么样？(zuì jìn nǐ zěn me yàng) – How’s things?

This phrase is a more personalized inquiry about someone’s life and feelings. It’s a way of showing genuine interest in their recent experiences and well-being, making it feel more intimate than just a standard greeting.

Usage	You would typically use this greeting among friends or close acquaintances, especially if you haven’t seen them for a while. It encourages a more open conversation about their life.
Response	A common reply is “还不错，你呢？” (hái bùcuò, nǐ ne?) – “Not bad, how about you?” This response keeps the conversation flowing and invites the other person to share their own experiences.

2. 一切都好吗？(yī qiè dōu hǎo ma?) – Is everything good?

This phrase expresses a caring sentiment, asking if all aspects of someone’s life are well. It reflects concern and offers the other person a chance to discuss any challenges they may be facing.

Usage	This greeting is often used among friends or family members, especially during times of stress or uncertainty. It can also be used to check in after a significant event in their life.
Response	A typical reply would be “一切都很好，谢谢。” (yī qiè dōu hěn hǎo, xièxiè) – “Everything is great, thank you.” This response lets the other person know that they can share more if they wish.

3. 很高兴见到您 (hěn gāo xìng jiàn dào nín) – Nice to meet you

This formal greeting expresses pleasure in meeting someone, particularly in professional or formal settings. It conveys respect and politeness.

Usage	Formal greeting in introductions.
Response	“我也是” (wǒ yě shì) – “Me too.”

5. 久仰大名 (jiǔ yǎng dà míng) – I’ve heard a lot about you

This expression is used when meeting someone for the first time, particularly if you are aware of their reputation. It serves as a compliment and shows respect.

Usage	Used when meeting someone for the first time.
Response	“过奖了” (guòjiǎng le) – “You flatter me.”

6. 幸会 (xìng huì) – Nice to meet you

This is another formal expression used during introductions. It is similar to “很高兴见到您” but is more succinct and traditional.

Usage	Formal introduction phrase.
Response	“幸会” (xìng huì) or “我也很高兴见到您” (wǒ yě hěn gāoxìng jiàn dào nín) – “Nice to meet you too.”

The Importance of Mutual Greetings in Chinese Culture

In Chinese culture, exchanging greetings is far more than a simple polite gesture—it plays a vital role in social interaction. It reflects the core traditional values of “lǐ” (etiquette and propriety) and “rén” (benevolence and humaneness). From ancient times to the present, Chinese people have emphasized reciprocity in courtesy (“lǐ shàng wǎng lái”). A proper greeting is not just the key to starting a conversation; it is a way to show respect, care, and goodwill.

For example, proactively greeting elders or superiors demonstrates humility and respect from the younger generation. When old friends reunite after a long separation, warm greetings convey genuine affection. In daily life, people often express concern by asking about each other’s well-being (such as “How have you been lately?” or even the classic “Have you eaten?”). This tradition of “small talk” or “chill chat” vividly illustrates how Chinese culture values relationships, emotions, and human connections.

This is precisely why learning authentic and appropriate ways to greet others in Chinese is essential—not only as a practical language skill but also as a crucial step toward truly understanding and integrating into Chinese culture. Mastering these greetings adds warmth to your communication and helps build stronger, more harmonious relationships. Whether you’re traveling, working, or making friends in a Chinese-speaking environment, the right greeting can open doors and make your interactions more meaningful and enjoyable.

Tips for Responding to “Nǐ Hǎo” (You Good) in Mandarin Chinese?

When someone greets you with “你好” (Nǐ hǎo), meaning “You good,” responding appropriately is key to maintaining a friendly interaction. Here are some tips for responding, along with examples based on different contexts.

Simple Affirmation
A straightforward response is “我很好” (Wǒ hěn hǎo), meaning “I am good.” This reply is friendly and suitable for most situations.

Example: If a colleague greets you with “你好” (Nǐ hǎo), you can respond, “我很好，谢谢!” (Wǒ hěn hǎo, xièxiè!) – “I am good, thank you!”

Showing Enthusiasm
If you’re feeling particularly positive, you can say, “我很好，今天很开心!” (Wǒ hěn hǎo, jīntiān hěn kāixīn!), meaning “I am good, and I am very happy today!” This adds excitement to the conversation.

Inquiring Back
To keep the conversation flowing, reply with “我很好，你呢?” (Wǒ hěn hǎo, nǐ ne?), which means “I am good, how about you?” This shows interest in the other person’s well-being.

Example: If a friend says “你好” (Nǐ hǎo), you can ask, “我很好，你呢?” to invite their response.

Expressing Concern
If you sense something might be off, respond with empathy: “我很好，但你看起来不太好，发生了什么?” (Wǒ hěn hǎo, dàn nǐ kàn qǐlái bù tài hǎo, fāshēngle shénme?), meaning “I am good, but you seem a bit off; what happened?” This shows you care.

Example: If a friend looks worried when they say “你好,” this response can encourage them to share.

Sounding Natural
When you speak Mandarin, clarity in pronunciation is essential. How you pronounce “你好” (Nǐ hǎo) affects comprehension. Practice with native speakers or listen to recordings to improve your hearing and speaking of the sounds in Mandarin.

Example: Use language apps to listen to native speakers and refine your pronunciation.

Ending on a Positive Note
If the conversation is wrapping up, you could say “祝你晚安” (Zhù nǐ wǎn’ān) if it’s late, meaning “I wish you good night.” This provides a polite conclusion to the interaction.

Example: If chatting late with a friend, saying “祝你晚安” (Zhù nǐ wǎn’ān) adds a friendly touch before parting ways.

By tailoring your responses based on the context and your relationship with the person, you can navigate conversations in Mandarin more effectively. These tips not only help you respond to “Nǐ hǎo” but also enhance your overall communication skills in languages like Mandarin.

List of Chinese Greeting that Means You Good – Download free PDF

Chinese	Pinyin	English Translation	Meaning	Usage	Response
你好	nǐ hǎo	Hello	Informal greeting	Used among friends and acquaintances	你好，我很好，谢谢！(Nǐ hǎo, wǒ hěn hǎo, xièxiè!)
您好	nín hǎo	Hello	Formal version of “hello”	Used in formal situations or with elders	您好，我也很好。(Nín hǎo, wǒ yě hěn hǎo.)
大家好	dà jiā hǎo	Hello Everyone	Greeting a group of people	Used when addressing a group	大家好！(Dà jiā hǎo!)
嗨	hāi	Hi	Casual greeting	Used among friends	嗨，最近怎么样？(Hāi, zuì jìn zěnme yàng?)
哈喽	hā lou	Hello	Informal and friendly greeting	Popular among younger people	哈喽，你好吗？(Hā lou, nǐ hǎo ma?)
嘿	hēi	Hey	Very casual greeting	Used among close friends	嘿，怎么样？(Hēi, zěnme yàng?)
喂	wéi	Hey	Commonly used when answering the phone	Used in casual phone conversations	喂，你好！(Wéi, nǐ hǎo!)
你好吗？	Nǐ hǎo ma	How Are You?	Inquiring about someone’s well-being	Used in both casual and slightly formal contexts	我很好，谢谢！(Wǒ hěn hǎo, xièxiè!)
吃了吗？	Chī le ma?	Have you eaten?	Casual inquiry about well-being	Common among friends, especially around meal times	吃了，你呢？(Chī le, nǐ ne?)
早	zǎo	Mornin’	Informal morning greeting	Used among friends in the morning	早，你好！(Zǎo, nǐ hǎo!)
早上好	Zǎoshang hǎo	Good Morning	Formal morning greeting	Used in both formal and informal settings	早上好！(Zǎoshang hǎo!)
中午好	Zhōngwǔ hǎo	Good Afternoon	Greeting during the afternoon	Used during lunchtime	中午好！(Zhōngwǔ hǎo!)
晚上好	Wǎnshàng hǎo	Good Evening	Evening greeting	Used in the evening	晚上好！(Wǎnshàng hǎo!)
你怎么样？	Nǐ zěnme yàng?	How’s it going?	Casual inquiry about someone’s current state	Used among friends and peers	还不错，你呢？(Hái bùcuò, nǐ ne?)
好久不见	hǎo jiǔ bu jiàn	Long time no see	Used when meeting someone after a long time	Used among friends or acquaintances	是啊，好久不见！(Shì a, hǎo jiǔ bù jiàn!)
去哪呢？	qù nǎ ne?	Where are you going?	Inquiry about someone’s plans	Casual conversation among friends	我去… (Wǒ qù…)
干嘛呢？	gàn má ne?	What are you doing?	Casual inquiry about someone’s activities	Used among friends	我在… (Wǒ zài…)
最近怎么样？	zuì jìn nǐ zěn me yàng?	How’s things?	Personalized inquiry about someone’s life	Used among friends	还不错，你呢？(Hái bùcuò, nǐ ne?)
一切都好吗？	yī qiè dōu hǎo ma?	Is everything good?	Caring question among friends	Used among close friends	一切都很好，谢谢。(Yī qiè dōu hěn hǎo, xièxiè.)
抱歉，打扰一下	bàoqiàn, dǎrǎo yīxià	Sorry to interrupt	Polite introduction in a conversation	Used when entering a conversation	没关系 (Méi guānxi) – No problem.
很高兴见到您	hěn gāo xìng jiàn dào nín	Nice to meet you	Formal greeting during introductions	Used during formal introductions	我也是 (Wǒ yě shì) – Me too.
久仰大名	jiǔ yǎng dà míng	I’ve heard a lot about you	Used when meeting someone for the first time	Suitable for first meetings	过奖了 (Guòjiǎng le) – You flatter me.
幸会	xìng huì	Nice to meet you	Formal introduction phrase	Used during formal introductions	幸会 (Xìng huì) or 我也很高兴见到您 (Wǒ yě hěn gāoxìng jiàn dào nín) – Nice to meet you too.

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Conclusion

In summary, understanding Chinese Greetings that Means You Good is essential for effective communication in Mandarin. Whether you’re greeting a friend or a business associate, knowing the right phrases can greatly enhance your interactions. From the literal translation of “你好” (nǐ hǎo) to more advanced expressions, this guide provides you with the tools to navigate social situations smoothly. Embrace the beauty of WuKong Chinese classes greetings, and you’ll find that they literally mean much more than just words. New year is coming near. Here are some common greetings used to express good wishes during this festive season: Chinese New Year greetings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the difference between “nǐ hǎo” and “nín hǎo”? When should I use each?

“nǐ hǎo” is the everyday, casual greeting used with friends, colleagues, peers, or people you’re familiar with. “nín hǎo” is the polite/respectful form, used for elders, superiors, clients, teachers, or anyone you want to show respect to, especially on first meetings. Using “nín hǎo” demonstrates good manners and cultural awareness.

2. Besides “nǐ hǎo,” what are some other common Chinese greetings?

Chinese greetings are diverse and vary by time, context, and relationship. Here are a few popular ones:
Morning: 早上好 (zǎo shang hǎo) or simply “早” (zǎo)
Noon/Afternoon: 你吃了吗？ (nǐ chī le ma?) – a traditional caring greeting
Evening: 晚上好 (wǎn shang hǎo)
Among friends (casual): 最近怎么样？ (zuì jìn zěn me yàng?) or 好久不见！ (hǎo jiǔ bú jiàn!)
Very casual: 嗨 (hāi), 嘿 (hēi), or 喂 (wèi, common on the phone)

3. Does “Have you eaten?” (nǐ chī le ma?) literally mean you’re asking if someone has eaten?

Not really. It’s a classic Chinese small-talk phrase, similar to “How are you?” in English. It’s mainly a way to show care and start a conversation, not a genuine question about food. You can reply simply with “Yes, have you?” or move on to the main topic.

4. Why do Chinese people often ask “Where are you going?” or “What are you up to?”

This is another form of small talk, like “Have you eaten?” It’s meant to show interest and warmth, not to pry into personal matters. Common replies include “Just wandering around” or “Heading to the supermarket”—no need for detailed explanations.

5. How do people greet each other naturally on WeChat or in online chats?

Online greetings tend to be very casual:
哈喽 / 嗨 / Hello
在吗？ (zài ma? – “Are you there?”)
最近在忙什么？ (What have you been up to?)
好久没聊了！ (Long time no chat!) Emojis or stickers are extremely common, and formal “nǐ hǎo” is rarely used by younger people.

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Meng Yuan | WuKong Chinese Teacher

Master’s degree in Chinese language and philology. She has 8 years of international Chinese education experience, 6 years of international Chinese first-line teaching experience, and 2 years of international Chinese teaching and research experience, including Chinese pinyin teaching, Chinese character teaching, and Chinese entrance exam teaching. She is also responsible for the development of Wukong’s original content and curriculum design and development.