Chinese phrases: Greetings and goodbyes
*你好* (nǐ hǎo) works at any time of day; say *您好* (nín hǎo) to older people and customers.
Speed:
- 你好。Nǐ hǎo.Hello. · Fine with almost anyone.
- 您好。Nín hǎo.Hello. · Polite: to older people, customers and anyone you want to show respect to.
- 早上好。Zǎoshang hǎo.Good morning. · Among friends and colleagues, often just (zǎo).
- 晚上好。Wǎnshang hǎo.Good evening.
- 最近怎么样？Zuìjìn zěnmeyàng?How are things? · More natural between friends than the textbook (Nǐ hǎo ma?).
- 我很好，谢谢。你呢？Wǒ hěn hǎo, xièxie. Nǐ ne?I'm fine, thanks. And you?
- 吃了吗？Chī le ma?Have you eaten? · A friendly greeting among neighbours, not an invitation. Answer (chī le) or (hái méi ne).
- 好久不见！Hǎojiǔ bú jiàn!Long time no see!
- 再见。Zàijiàn.Goodbye.
- 明天见。Míngtiān jiàn.See you tomorrow.
- 慢走。Màn zǒu.Take care. · Said by a host or shop assistant to someone leaving (literally “walk slowly”).
- 晚安。Wǎn'ān.Good night. · Only when someone is going to bed.