Greetings are an important way people show respect and kindness in any culture. In Chinese culture, greetings are more than just saying “hello” – they are a way to connect with others and show politeness. Learning simple Chinese greeting phrases is a great first step if you want to visit China, talk to Chinese friends, or start learning the language. This guide will explain what Chinese greeting phrases are, why they are important, and how you can use them in daily life. By learning these phrases, you can make a good impression and build better connections with people.
20 Formal chinese greeting phrases
Below are 20 special formal chinese greeting phrases with their translation, meanng an dmore. memorize it and learn the best part of it.
你好 (Nǐ hǎo)
- Translation: Hello
- Pronunciation: Nee how
- Meaning: A general greeting used for both formal and informal situations. It is equivalent to “Hello” in English.
您好 (Nín hǎo)
- Translation: Hello (polite)
- Pronunciation: Neen how
- Meaning: A more respectful version of “你好,” often used for elders or in formal settings. It shows respect for the person you’re addressing.
早上好 (Zǎo shàng hǎo)
- Translation: Good morning
- Pronunciation: Zao shahng how
- Meaning: A polite greeting used in the morning. It’s similar to saying “Good morning” in English.
下午好 (Xià wǔ hǎo)
- Translation: Good afternoon
- Pronunciation: Shyah woo how
- Meaning: Used in the afternoon to greet someone, equivalent to “Good afternoon” in English.
晚上好 (Wǎn shàng hǎo)
- Translation: Good evening
- Pronunciation: Wahn shahng how
- Meaning: A formal greeting used in the evening to wish someone well.
您好吗? (Nín hǎo ma?)
- Translation: How are you? (polite)
- Pronunciation: Neen how mah
- Meaning: A polite way to ask someone how they are, used in formal contexts to show respect.
最近怎么样? (Zuì jìn zěn me yàng?)
- Translation: How have you been recently?
- Pronunciation: Zway jeen zen muh yahng
- Meaning: A formal way to inquire about someone’s recent wellbeing or activities.
好久不见 (Hǎo jiǔ bù jiàn)
- Translation: Long time no see
- Pronunciation: How jyo boo jyan
- Meaning: A greeting used when you meet someone after a long time. It expresses happiness to reconnect.
很高兴认识您 (Hěn gāo xìng rèn shí nín)
- Translation: Pleased to meet you
- Pronunciation: Hen gow shing ren shir neen
- Meaning: A formal way of expressing pleasure in meeting someone for the first time.
请多关照 (Qǐng duō guān zhào)
– Translation: Please take care of me
– Pronunciation: Ching dwo gwan jao
– Meaning: Used when meeting someone for the first time in a formal setting. It expresses a request for assistance or care.
很荣幸见到您 (Hěn róng xìng jiàn dào nín)
– Translation: It’s an honor to meet you
– Pronunciation: Hen rong shing jyen dao neen
– Meaning: A very formal greeting, often used in professional or respectful encounters.
您辛苦了 (Nín xīn kǔ le)
– Translation: You’ve worked hard
– Pronunciation: Neen sheen koo luh
– Meaning: A formal way to acknowledge someone’s hard work, showing appreciation and respect.
祝您好运 (Zhù nín hǎo yùn)
– Translation: Wish you good luck
– Pronunciation: Joo neen how yun
– Meaning: A formal way to wish someone good fortune, often used in business or formal settings.
您吃了吗? (Nín chī le ma?)
– Translation: Have you eaten?
– Pronunciation: Neen chir luh mah
– Meaning: A common greeting in China, often used to show concern for someone’s wellbeing.
一路平安 (Yī lù píng ān)
– Translation: Have a safe journey
– Pronunciation: Ee loo ping an
– Meaning: Used to wish someone a safe trip, often said when someone is leaving for a journey.
新年快乐 (Xīn nián kuài lè)
– Translation: Happy New Year
– Pronunciation: Sheen nee-ahn kwai luh
– Meaning: A greeting exchanged during the Chinese New Year or New Year celebrations.
节日快乐 (Jié rì kuài lè)
身体健康 (Shēn tǐ jiàn kāng)
– Translation: Happy Holidays
– Pronunciation: Jyeh ree kwai luh
– Meaning: A festive greeting used during special holidays to wish someone joy.
– Translation: Wishing you good health
– Pronunciation: Shen tee jyan kahng
– Meaning: A formal wish for someone’s health, commonly used to express concern for someone’s wellbeing.
平安快乐 (Píng ān kuài lè)
– Translation: Wishing you peace and happiness
– Pronunciation: Ping an kwai luh
– Meaning: A formal expression of well-wishing, commonly used in both professional and personal contexts.
恭喜发财 (Gōng xǐ fā cái)
– Translation: Wishing you prosperity
– Pronunciation: Gong shee fah tsai
– Meaning: A traditional greeting used during the Chinese New Year to wish someone wealth and success.
10 chinese Greetings Used in Business Environments
Here are 10 Chinese greetings commonly used in business environments:
你好 (Nǐ hǎo)
Response: 你好 (Nǐ hǎo)
Pronunciation: nee how
Meaning: A general greeting similar to “Hello.” It’s widely used in both formal and informal settings.
您好 (Nín hǎo)
Response: 您好 (Nín hǎo)
Pronunciation: neen how
Meaning: A more respectful version of “Hello,” used when addressing superiors or elders. It shows politeness.
早安 (Zǎo ān)
Response: 早安 (Zǎo ān)
Pronunciation: dzow an
Meaning: “Good morning.” It’s a polite greeting used in the early part of the day, typically in a professional environment.
午安 (Wǔ ān)
Response: 午安 (Wǔ ān)
Pronunciation: woo an
Meaning: “Good afternoon.” Used after noon in business settings to greet colleagues or clients.
晚安 (Wǎn ān)
Response: 晚安 (Wǎn ān)
Pronunciation: wahn an
Meaning: “Good evening.” A greeting used when meeting people in the evening, often followed by a farewell.
很高兴见到你 (Hěn gāoxìng jiàn dào nǐ)
Response: 很高兴见到你 (Hěn gāoxìng jiàn dào nǐ)
Pronunciation: hun gow-shing jyen dao nee
Meaning: “Nice to meet you.” Used during first-time introductions or when meeting a client or partner.
您最近怎么样? (Nín zuìjìn zěnme yàng?)
Response: 我很好，谢谢 (Wǒ hěn hǎo, xièxiè)
Pronunciation: neen dzway-jeen dzuh-muh yahng?
Meaning: “How have you been lately?” A polite inquiry after someone’s well-being in business conversations.
欢迎光临 (Huānyíng guānglín)
Response: 谢谢 (Xièxiè)
Pronunciation: hwan-ying gwahng-lin
Meaning: “Welcome.” This is commonly used in business, especially when welcoming someone to your office or shop.
请多关照 (Qǐng duō guānzhào)
Response: 一定 (Yídìng)
Pronunciation: ching dwor gwahn-jow
Meaning: “Please take care of me” or “I look forward to your guidance.” A polite phrase used when asking for favor or assistance.
工作顺利 (Gōngzuò shùnlì)
Response: 谢谢, 你也是 (Xièxiè, nǐ yě shì)
Pronunciation: gong-dzwaw shoon-lee
Meaning: “I wish you success in your work.” This is a respectful greeting wishing good progress in one’s work or business activities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning common Chinese greeting phrases is important for anyone doing business in China. Simple phrases like “你好” or more formal ones like “您好” show respect and professionalism. Using the right Chinese greeting phrase can help you make a good impression and build better business relationships. Knowing these greetings and their meanings can improve your communication and make your interactions smoother.
