你好，我的名字是
nǐ hǎo, wǒ de míngzi shì
你好，我的名字是 (nǐ hǎo, wǒ de míngzi shì) is the Chinese phrase for "hello, my name is".
This phrase is used to introduce yourself to another person. In natural conversation, it is more common to say 你好，我叫… (nǐ hǎo, wǒ jiào…) rather than the more formal-sounding 我的名字是… (wǒ de míngzi shì…).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of nǐ hǎo (hello), wǒ de (my), míngzi (name) and shì (is).
Which one should you use?
While 我的名字是 is a literal translation of "my name is", native speakers more commonly use 我叫 (wǒ jiào), which means "I am called", to introduce themselves.
How do you pronounce it?
nǐ hǎo, wǒ de míngzi shì
Did you know?
- In many parts of China, instead of saying 'hello', older generations might greet you by asking 你吃了吗? (nǐ chī le ma?), which means 'Have you eaten?'
- The character 好 (hǎo) in 你好 is made of two parts: 'woman' and 'child', which historically represented an ideal state of harmony.
- In China, people often introduce themselves by their family name first and their given name second, which is the opposite of the English order.
Examples in context
- 很高兴认识你，我是 [Your Name].It's a pleasure to meet you, I am [Your Name].
- 嗨，我叫 [Your Name].Hi, my name is [Your Name].
Example conversation
Two people meeting for the first time at a party.
- 雨婷 Yuting你好，我的名字是雨婷。Nǐhǎo, wǒ de míngzi shì Yǔtíng.Hello, my name is Yuting.
- 伟 Wei你好，雨婷！我是伟。Nǐhǎo, Yǔtíng! Wǒ shì Wěi.Hello, Yuting! I am Wei.
- 雨婷 Yuting很高兴认识你，伟。Hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ, Wěi.Nice to meet you, Wei.
- 伟 Wei我也很高兴认识你。Wǒ yě hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ.I am also glad to meet you.
