你气色很好
nǐ qìsè hěn hǎo
In Chinese, the phrase "you look good" can be translated as 你气色很好 (nǐ qìsè hěn hǎo).
The phrase 你气色很好 is a compliment used to tell someone that they look healthy and radiant. It is most appropriate when you notice someone looks more energetic, rested or healthy than usual.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 气色 (qìsè) literally refers to the color or complexion of a person's face, which is used to indicate their health and vitality.
Which one should you use?
While 你气色很好 specifically compliments a healthy, radiant complexion, the phrase 你看起来很好 is a more general compliment about overall appearance or mood.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say someone looks unwell or has a poor complexion, you can replace 好 (hǎo, good) with 差 (chà, poor/bad) to say 气色很差.
How do you pronounce it?
nǐ qìsè hěn hǎo
Did you know?
- The word 气 (qì) in this phrase refers to the ancient concept of 'vital energy' or 'life force' that flows through the body. To say someone has good 气色 is to say their inner energy is visibly manifesting on their skin.
- The character 色 is used in this phrase to mean 'complexion', but it is the exact same character used in words related to 'lust'.
- In Chinese culture, commenting on someone's complexion using 气色 is a gesture of intimacy that shows you care about their physical well-being.
Examples in context
- 你气色很好。Nǐ qìsè hěn hǎo.You look good.
- 最近你气色很好，是在休息吗？Zuìjìn nǐ qìsè hěn hǎo, shì zài xiūxi ma?You look radiant lately, have you been resting?
- 看你气色很好，真替你高兴。Kàn nǐ qìsè hěn hǎo, zhēn tì nǐ gāoxìng.Seeing you look so healthy makes me happy for you.
Example conversation
Two friends meet for coffee after a long time.
- 梓涵 Zihan俊杰，好久不见！你气色很好。Jùnjié, hǎojiǔ bùjiàn! Nǐ qìsè hěn hǎo.Junjie, long time no see! You look good.
- 俊杰 Junjie谢谢梓涵，我最近睡眠充足。Xièxie Zǐhán, wǒ zuìjìn shuìmián chōngzú.Thanks Zihan, I've been getting plenty of sleep lately.
- 梓涵 Zihan真的，你看起来比以前精神多了。Zhēnde, nǐ kàn qǐlái bǐ yǐqián jīngshén duō le.Really, you look much more energetic than before.
- 俊杰 Junjie我也觉得身体舒服了很多。Wǒ yě juéde shēntǐ shūfu le hěnduō.I also feel that my body is much more comfortable.
