The proper use of Mandarin Chinese greetings can pave the way for establishing good relationships. Mandarin greetings follow the rules of conduct for Chinese society, and should always be observed when meeting someone for the first time.

Vocabulary List

ni hao
Hello
??

nín hao
Hello (polite form)
??

wo shì …
I am…
??

wo xìng …, jiào …
My surname is…, my full name is…
??…?…

Ya Xin
someone’s given name
??

Chén Zhong Xing
someone’s full name
???

xian sheng
Mister; sir
??

máng
busy
?

hen
very
?

ma
question particle
?

ne
question particle
?

ye
also
?

Dialogue

A: Ni hao, wo shì Ya Xin.
B: Ya Xin ni hao. Wo xìng Chén, jiào Chén Zhong Xing.
A: Chén xian sheng, ni hen máng ma?
B: Hen máng. Ni ne?
A: Wo ye máng.

A: Hello, I am Ya Xin.
B: Hello Ya Xin. My family name is Chen. My full name is Chen Zong Xing.
A: Mr. Chen, are you busy?
B: Very busy, and you?
A: I am also busy.

A: ??, ????.
B: ????. ???,????
A: ????????
B: ??. ???
A: ???.