How to Say “Hello” in Mandarin

In Mandarin, the most direct way to say “hello” is “你好” (nǐ hǎo). Literally translating to “you good,” it’s a polite, all-purpose greeting suitable for most everyday interactions. To pronounce it correctly, pay attention to the tones: nǐ uses the third tone (a falling-rising pitch), and hǎo also employs the third tone. When these two words are combined, the second character sometimes shifts slightly in tone for ease of pronunciation, but mastering the base tones first is essential.

If you want to be more casual, you can say “嗨” (hāi), a direct borrowing from “hi” in English, often used among friends or in informal settings. Another variant is “哈喽” (hālóu), which also sounds like “hello.” Keep in mind that these transliterated greetings can sound more modern and relaxed, so they’re best suited for social media, casual chats, or among younger people.

In more formal or traditional contexts—like greeting a teacher, superior, or new acquaintance—“你好” remains the safest option. You can also add a polite question afterward (e.g., “你吃了吗？”) to show friendliness. Whether you opt for the classic “你好” or the trendier “嗨”, paying attention to the tones and the context helps you sound both natural and respectful in Mandarin.