What it means

The standard greeting, used at any time of day. It literally means "you good" — no verb needed.

When to use it

Works for strangers and friends alike. For people older than you or in a formal setting, 您好 (nín hǎo) is the more respectful form.

Examples

nǐ你hǎo好,hěn很gāo高xìng兴rèn认shi识nǐ你。

Hello, nice to meet you.

nǐ你hǎo好,qǐng请wèn问xǐ洗shǒu手jiān间zài在nǎ哪lǐ里?

Hello, where is the restroom?

lǎo老shī师nǐ你hǎo好!

Hello, teacher!

← Back to all phrases

See all everyday phrases →

The full set of survival phrases for greetings, dining, shopping, and getting around, each with audio.