你好，我叫
nǐ hǎo, wǒ jiào
你好，我叫 (nǐ hǎo, wǒ jiào) is the Chinese phrase for "hi, my name is".
This phrase is used for standard, polite introductions in both social and professional settings. While 我叫 (wǒ jiào) is the most common way to introduce a name, 我的名字是 (wǒ de míngzi shì) is a more literal but less natural way to say 'my name is' in spoken Chinese.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "Hello, I am called".
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 叫 (jiào) is used to mean "to be called" or "to be named" when introducing oneself.
How do you pronounce it?
nǐ hǎo, wǒ jiào
When do people say it?
In Chinese, it is customary to state your family name first, followed by your given name.
Did you know?
- While 你好 is the standard 'hello', in many parts of China people greet each other by asking 你吃了吗? (Have you eaten?), which serves as a social 'hi' rather than a literal question about food.
- In very formal introductions, a person might use 在下 (zàixià), which literally means 'the one below', instead of 我 (wǒ) to show extreme humility.
- When using 我叫, you are using a verb that also means 'to shout' or 'to yell'. While perfectly normal for an introduction, the literal action of the word is quite loud.
Examples in context
- 嗨，我叫小明。Hey, I am Xiaoming.
- 嘿，我是王丽。Hi, I am Wang Li.
- 你好，我叫王小明。Hi, my name is Wang Xiaoming.
- 你好，我叫大卫。Nǐ hǎo, wǒ jiào Dàwèi.Hi, my name is David.
- 你好，我叫王明。Nǐ hǎo, wǒ jiào Wáng Míng.Hi, my name is Wang Ming.
- 你好，我叫李华。Nǐ hǎo, wǒ jiào Lǐ Huá.Hi, my name is Li Hua.
Example conversation
Two students meet for the first time in a classroom.
- 志强 Zhiqiang你好，我叫志强。Nǐ hǎo, wǒ jiào Zhìqiáng.Hi, my name is Zhiqiang.
- 梓涵 Zihan你好，志强。我叫梓涵。Nǐ hǎo, Zhìqiáng. Wǒ jiào Zǐhán.Hi, Zhiqiang. My name is Zihan.
- 志强 Zhiqiang很高兴认识你，梓涵。Hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ, Zǐhán.Nice to meet you, Zihan.
- 梓涵 Zihan我也很高兴认识你。Wǒ yě hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ.Nice to meet you too.
