Basic Chinese Greetings for Beginners
Learn beginner Mandarin greetings such as hello, good morning, and how are you.
Useful phrases
你好！
Nǐ hǎo!
Hello!
早上好。
Zǎoshang hǎo.
Good morning.
最近怎么样？
Zuìjìn zěnmeyàng?
How have you been?
How to use this pattern
The goal of greetings is not complexity; it is starting a conversation quickly. “你好” and “最近怎么样” cover many casual situations.
Practice routine
Practice by changing time and relationship: use “早上好” in the morning, “你好” with new people, and “最近怎么样” with someone you know.
Common mistake
Do not translate every English greeting word for word. In Mandarin, short greetings plus one simple question sound more natural.
FAQ
Is “你好” formal?
“你好” is neutral and works in both formal and casual contexts. With friends, “嗨” is also common.
What should I say when meeting someone first?
Say “你好，很高兴认识你”. It is polite, clear, and beginner-friendly.
Keep learning
HSK 1 · Introductions
How to Introduce Yourself in Mandarin
Use simple Mandarin to talk about your name, country, work, and interests.
HSK 1 · Numbers and prices
Chinese Numbers and Prices for Beginners
Learn Mandarin phrases for asking prices, hearing prices, and confirming quantities.
HSK 1 · Time
How to Tell Time in Chinese
Learn how to say times, today, tomorrow, and now in Mandarin Chinese.