How do you say hello in Chinese? How to say hello in Chinese on the phone? In this article, we will be covering everything you need to know about how to say hello in Chinese. Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone who’s been learning Chinese for a while, this article is for you. Before we get started, there’s one thing you need to know: The Chinese language is all about tones! Now that we have got that out of the way, let’s dive in!

1. 你好 (nǐ hǎo)

First up, we have the classic greeting, “nǐ hǎo”. This is probably the most common way to say hello in Chinese and you’ll hear it everywhere you go.

2. 你吃了吗？(nǐ chī le ma?)

This is a greeting that directly inquires about someone’s well-being. It means, “Have you eaten yet?” and is often used in China as a way of saying hello.

3. 您好 (nín hǎo)

If you’re looking to add a little politeness to your greeting, then “nín hǎo” is a good choice. This greeting is similar to “nǐ hǎo”, but it’s more formal and is often used when addressing someone older or of higher status.

4. 早上好 (zǎo shàng hǎo)

“Zǎo shàng hǎo” means “Good morning” in Chinese. This greeting is used only in the morning until about 10am.

5. 下午好 (xià wǔ hǎo)

“Xià wǔ hǎo” means “Good afternoon” in Chinese. This greeting is used in the afternoon from about 12pm – 6pm.

6. 晚上好 (wǎn shàng hǎo)

“Wǎn shàng hǎo” means “Good evening” in Chinese. This greeting is used in the evening and night-time hours.

7. 喂 (wèi)

“Wèi” is a common greeting in Chinese that can be used in different situations. It can be used in a phone conversation, to call someone’s attention or even to greet someone on the street.

8. 好久不见 (hǎo jiǔ bú jiàn)

“Hǎo jiǔ bú jiàn” means “Long time no see” in Chinese. It’s a useful phrase to use when greeting someone you haven’t seen in a long time.

9. 请问 (qǐng wèn)

“Qǐng wèn” is a polite way to say “excuse me” in Chinese. It can also be used to ask for assistance or to start a conversation.

10. 您好吗？(nín hǎo ma?)

“Nín hǎo ma?” is a polite way of asking how someone is feeling. This greeting is often used to show concern for somebody’s well-being.

11. 同志 (tóng zhì)

“Tóng zhì” is a word that means comrade in English. In China, it is often used in a friendly way to address someone of the same gender.

12. 你好啊 (nǐ hǎo a)

“Nǐ hǎo a” means “Hi” in Chinese. It’s a friendly greeting that you can use to start a conversation with someone.

13. 您好呀 (nín hǎo ya)

“Nín hǎo ya” is a polite way to say hello in Chinese. It’s often used in Northern China and is a good way to show respect to someone older or of higher status.

14. 早 (zǎo)

“Zǎo” means “Morning” in Chinese. It’s a shortened version of “zǎo shàng hǎo” and is often used amongst friends and family.

15. 大家好 (dà jiā hǎo)

“Dà jiā hǎo” means “Hello everyone” in Chinese. It’s a great way to greet a group of people and get everyone’s attention.

16. 嗨 (hāi)

“Hāi” is a casual greeting that means “Hi” in Chinese. It’s often used among close friends and family.

17. 你在干嘛呢 (nǐ zài gàn má ne)

“Nǐ zài gàn má ne” means “What are you doing?” in Chinese. It’s a great way to start a conversation and learn more about the person you’re talking to.

In conclusion, with these 17 ways to say hello in Chinese, you’ll be on your way to becoming a master of Chinese greetings. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to start using these greetings in your daily life and conversation. If you want to learn more about Chinese language and culture, check out HelloTalk, a language exchange app where you can connect with native speakers and practice your Chinese!