早安，美女
zǎo'ān, měinǚ
The English phrase "good morning beautiful" is translated into Chinese as 早安，美女 (zǎo'ān, měinǚ).
This phrase is a romantic or flirtatious greeting used to wish a woman a good start to her day. In modern mainland Chinese, the term 美女 is often used colloquially as a common, slightly informal way to address any young woman, acting similarly to "miss" or "hey beautiful".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 早安 (good morning) and 美女 (beautiful woman).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term 美女 is colloquial. There is also an informal alternative, 美人，早安！, which means "Beauty, good morning!"
How do you pronounce it?
zǎo'ān, měinǚ
Did you know?
- The character 美 (beauty) is also the first character in the name for the 'United States' (美国), which literally translates to 'Beautiful Country'.
- In many parts of China, you might hear a shopkeeper or a waitress call you 美女 even if you are a stranger, using it simply as a friendly way to say 'miss' or 'lady'.
- The word 美人 in the alternative phrase 美人，早安！ carries a much more classical, poetic, and almost old-fashioned elegance compared to the modern, colloquial 美女.
Examples in context
- 亲爱的，早上好！今天阳光明媚，希望你一整天都开心。My dear, good morning! It's a beautiful day with bright sunshine. I hope you have a day full of joy.
- 早安，美女，今天也要开心。Zǎo'ān, měinǚ, jīntiān yě yào kāixīn.Good morning, beautiful, have a happy day today.
- 早安，美女，睡得好吗？Zǎo'ān, měinǚ, shuì de hǎo ma?Good morning, beautiful, did you sleep well?
Example conversation
A man sends a flirtatious text message to a woman in the morning.
- 伟 Wei早安，美女。Zǎo'ān, měinǚ.Good morning, beautiful.
- 雨婷 Yuting早安，伟。Zǎo'ān, Wěi.Good morning, Wei.
- 伟 Wei今天心情怎么样？Jīntiān xīnqíng zěnmeyàng?How is your mood today?
- 雨婷 Yuting看到你的消息就很开心。Kàn dào nǐ de xiāoxi jiù hěn kāixīn.Seeing your message makes me very happy.
