How to Say “Hi” in Mandarin

When English speakers look for a quick, casual way to greet someone in Mandarin Chinese, the closest equivalent to “hi” is usually “你好” (nǐ hǎo). Literally translating to “you good,” it’s a versatile greeting suitable for most everyday situations. Below are a few points to consider:

• Basic Greeting:
  • 你好 (nǐ hǎo): The most common and polite way to say “hi” or “hello” in Mandarin.
  • Pronunciation Tip: nǐ is pronounced with a rising tone, while hǎo has a falling-rising tone.
• Informal Variations:
  • 嗨 (hāi): A borrowed word from English, pronounced similarly to “high.” It’s casual and often used among friends.
  • 哈喽 (hālóu): Another transliteration of “hello,” used informally.
• Context Matters:
  • Use 你好 for new acquaintances, teachers, or in more formal settings.
  • Reserve 嗨 or 哈喽 for close friends, younger people, or informal online chats.
• Cultural Note:
  • Mandarin greetings often go beyond just “hello.” It’s common to follow up with a friendly question like “你吃了吗？” (nǐ chī le ma?) meaning “Have you eaten?”—a casual way to show care and start small talk.

Learning how to say “hi” in Mandarin is a simple first step, yet it opens the door to deeper cultural engagement and conversation. Whether you opt for the classic 你好 or a more casual 嗨, giving the correct tone and cultural context will help you sound more natural and polite.