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How to Say Hello in Chinese
Learn 你好 and 您好, plus when a simple greeting is the natural choice.
Quick answer
你好 = everyday hello · 您好 = polite or respectful hello
你好
hello
您好
hello (polite)
Hear the phrase, then repeat it aloud.
When to use it
Use 你好
when meeting someone or beginning a short interaction. 您好
is useful in more formal or respectful situations.
Common mistake
Do not repeat 你好
throughout a conversation. It opens the interaction; after that, continue with your question or introduction.
Practise aloud
你好！ Hello!
您好！ Hello! (polite)
你好，我叫 Louis。 Hello, my name is Louis.
You’ve got this!