How to Say ‘Hello’ in Simplified Chinese
你好
💬 Usage Tip: Pronounced (nee hao). A basic yet essential greeting.
🇨🇳 In China: Used in both formal and informal settings, it's a respectful way to start interactions.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
你
[nǐ]
you
Second-person pronoun used to address one person (informal/neutral). Often used in greetings like 你好.
服务员说：你想吃面还是米饭？
The waiter says: Do you want noodles or rice?
好
[hǎo]
good / well
Adjective meaning “good.” In greetings, 你好 literally means “you good.”
这家店的海鲜很好。
The seafood at this restaurant is very good.
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