你好
nǐ hǎoeveryday
The word chino is Spanish for "Chinese". In Chinese itself "hi" is 你好 (nǐ hǎo), and a lighter casual version is 嗨 (hāi). It is also called 哈囉 (hā luō).
Meaning: greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 你好 | nǐ hǎo | everyday |
| 嗨 | hāi | casual |
| 哈囉 | hā luō | casual |
你好 (nǐ hǎo) is safe with anyone. Friends often just say 嗨 (hāi), a borrowing from English "hi".
How do you pronounce it?
In 你好 (nǐ hǎo) both syllables carry the third tone, and the first one rises when spoken quickly.
Did you know?
- 你好 (nǐ hǎo) is the standard greeting taught first in Chinese classes around the world.
Examples in context
- 你好！nǐ hǎo!Hi!
- 嗨，你好吗？hāi, nǐ hǎo ma?Hi, how are you?
Example conversation
Ana, a Spanish speaker learning Chinese, says hi to her teacher Li.
- Ana你好，李老师。nǐ hǎo, Lǐ lǎoshī.Hi, Teacher Li.
- Li你好，安娜。nǐ hǎo, Ānnà.Hi, Ana.
- Ana嗨，今天好吗？hāi, jīntiān hǎo ma?Hi, are you well today?
