The first Chinese phrase that Indonesians know is generally "你好" ("nǐ hǎo"), or "hello". In fact, just like in Indonesian, there is more than one way to greet someone in Chinese. You can use different greeting words, according to the time, place, and your relationship with the person you are talking to. Learn these different greetings to expand your Chinese vocabulary and scope of conversation.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Common Greetings
Note: the phrases in this article are entirely Chinese. We tried to imitate the pronunciation of the difficult Chinese words in each example. For other dialects, check out our article on the topic.
Step 1. Use "nǐ chī le ma" ("have you eaten?
) as a friendly greeting.
This way of greeting may sound strange to Indonesians, but it is a friendly way to greet someone in Chinese. The general equivalent in Indonesian is "how are you?", and no invitation to eat together.
- This phrase is pronounced "ni chill-e ma". The last syllable rhymes with the word "name". The "chill-e" syllable is pronounced at a higher pitch than the other two syllables, like this: "nichill-emaThis phrase is not pronounced like a question in Indonesian, and the tone does not rise at the end.
- In Chinese, this phrase is written "你吃了吗".
- If someone greets you with this phrase, respond with "chī le, nǐ ne" ("吃了你呢"), which is pronounced "chill-e, ni-na". This answer means "I have eaten, how about you?"
Step 2. Use "zuì jìn hào mǎ" to say "how are you?
" This greeting is perfect for greeting someone you haven't seen in a few days. Just like in Indonesian, the person can answer with any length of sentences he likes. You may be answered briefly and vaguely, or long and detailed, according to the feelings of the person you are addressing.
- This phrase is pronounced "zwi-jin haw-ma". The syllable "zuì" almost rhymes with the word "louie", however, the u in the word is pronounced very briefly. The letter n in the second syllable is pronounced faintly, barely audible, while the last two syllables are pronounced as they are written.
- In Chinese, this phrase is written "最近好吗".
Step 3. Use "wèi" to answer phone calls
Just like "moshi moshi" in Japanese, and "diga" in Spanish, the way Chinese people answer telephones is special. This method is very simple, only one syllable.
- Pronounce similar to the word "way" in English. Again, you're not asking a question here, so don't raise your voice at the end. Say it in a lower, normal tone of voice.
- In Chinese, this word is written "喂".
Step 4. Use "qù nǎ'er" for "where are you going?
" Maybe you find this greeting a little harsh. In fact, you basically respect the daily activities of the person being addressed. A closer equivalent in Indonesian might be "What's your plan?"
- This phrase is pronounced "chi narr". The first syllable is almost the same as the combination of i and u sounds in English. The second syllable is pronounced longer than it was written - the result is similar to the word "nah-er" pronounced as if without a pause.
- In Chinese, this phrase is written "去哪儿".
Step 5. Use "hǎo jiǔ bú jiàn" for "long time no see
" This greeting can be used when meeting an old friend. The nuance given by this greeting is very warm and soulful.
This phrase is pronounced "haw jiuu bu-jyan". The "jy" syllable is quite difficult to pronounce, almost sounding like there is a short "i" between the second and fourth syllables. Again, the n sound at the end of the phrase is pronounced very smoothly
Method 2 of 3: Using Greetings Throughout the Day
Step 1. Use "zǎo shang hǎo" or just "zǎo" to say "good morning"
This short phrase is a great way to start your day. This greeting can be used until near noon. Just like in Indonesian, you can use it in its full form to say "good morning" or use its short form, "zǎo", to say "morning!"
- This phrase is pronounced "tzaw shong haw". The first and last syllables rhyme with the word "plow," while the second rhyme with the word "wrong" in English. If you just want to say "zǎo," be sure to lightly press the t sound at the beginning of the word. Pronounce it as "tzaw", not "zaw".
- In Chinese, this phrase is written "早上好".
Step 2. Use "xià wǔ hǎo" to say "good afternoon"
From midday until the sun begins to fall, you can use this warm greeting.
- This phrase is pronounced "shah-u haw". The first syllable rhymes with the word "raw" in English. Pronounce the syllables of this phrase in progressively lower pitches of voice, like this: "shahuhaw".
- In Chinese, this phrase is written "下午好".
- For the record, "xià wǔ hǎo" is rarely used in Taiwan, where "wǔ'ān" ("午安") is more commonly used. "Wǔ'ān" is pronounced "uu-an". Pronounce the syllable "an" in a higher pitch of voice than "uu", like this: "uuan".
Step 3. Use "wǎn shàng hǎo" to say "good afternoon"
This phrase can be used in the evening before sunset.
- This phrase is pronounced "wan-shang haw". The first syllable rhymes with the word "ton". The letter n in this syllable is pronounced very smoothly, barely audible. Put more emphasis on the second syllable, like this: "wanSHANGwow".
- In Chinese, this phrase is written "晚上好".
Step 4. Use "wǎn'ān" to say "good night
" Use this phrase to greet someone when it gets dark. You can also use it when you say goodbye to sleep at night.
- This phrase is pronounced "wan-an". Here, again, the second syllable is more stressed and pronounced with a higher pitch, like this: "wanAN".
- In Chinese, this phrase is written "晚安".
Method 3 of 3: Using a Different "Nǐ Hǎo" Speech
Step 1. Use "nǐ hǎo" as the standard greeting
This is the greeting word that is most often introduced for the first time when learning how to say hello in Chinese. There's nothing wrong with this greeting basically, it's just that it's not commonly used by native Chinese people. Some people think that the sound of this word is a little stiff and unnatural, a bit like saying "hi, how are you?" in Indonesian.
- The pronunciation is close to "ni haw". The first syllable is pronounced with a rising tone (starting low and ending with a high note), while the second syllable is pronounced with a dipping tone in the middle.
- In Chinese, this phrase is written "你好".
Step 2. Use "nǐn hǎo" as a formal greeting
The slight difference in this phrase can make it sound more formal. Be aware the use of this phrase implies distance between the two people speaking, more than "nǐ hǎo". This phrase will feel cold and seem too formal when used to greet a friend.
The pronunciation is very similar to "nǐ hǎo", but with a very soft n sound at the end of the first syllable
Step 3. Use "nǐmén hǎo" to greet a group of people
Unlike in Indonesian, in Chinese, the greeting addressed to a group of people is different from that of only one person. The meaning and tone of voice in the pronunciation of this phrase is basically similar to "nǐ hǎo", only that it is addressed to many people.
This phrase is pronounced like "ni-min haw". The first syllable is pronounced in a higher pitch of voice, while the last syllable is pronounced in a lowering tone
Tips
- Say "zài jiàn" ("再见") to say goodbye, or "see you later". This phrase is pronounced "zay (rhymes with "eye" in English) jyan".
- Voice samples are very useful in mastering the fairly complex pronunciation of Chinese. You can start learning it from the sound clip on pronounceitright.com. For example, the sound clip "nǐ hǎo" here.
