Hello! Nice to meet you

Greetings in Chinese

In Chinese, greetings change depending on the time of day and the level of formality. At A1 level, learn these key distinctions first.

你好 (nǐ hǎo) is the all-purpose "hello" for casual situations. Use it with friends, shopkeepers, or people your age.

您好 (nín hǎo) uses the formal "you" (您). Use it with elders, bosses, or strangers in formal settings.

Time-based greetings

• 早上好 (zǎoshang hǎo) — good morning (before noon)
• 下午好 (xiàwǔ hǎo) — good afternoon (noon to evening)
• 晚上好 (wǎnshang hǎo) — good evening (after dark)

The 是 (shì) structure

To introduce yourself, use: Subject + 是 + identity

💬 Example: "我是李明。" (Wǒ shì Lǐ Míng.) → "I am Li Ming."

💬 Example: "我是学生。" (Wǒ shì xuésheng.) → "I am a student."

Polite responses

After someone thanks you with 谢谢 (xièxiè), respond with:

• 不客气 (bù kèqi) — you are welcome (lit. "don't be polite")