You know what is the most embarrassing moment for all foreigners learning Chinese? When they realize that "ni hao" is far from the most popular word that the inhabitants of the Celestial Empire use to greet.
How do you say hello, how are you in Chinese? Just for you, six ways to say it.
Bonus 你好! (ni hao!) / 您好 (Ning hao!) - “Hello!” / “Hello!”
In case you have just started learning Chinese, or you are a simple tourist who is not even going to learn the language, but has already applied for a visa to China.
"Ni Hao" is the first thing all foreigners learn. And even those who are completely unfamiliar with the language know that if you want to say “hello” in Chinese, say “ni hao”. If translated literally, then the meaning will be consonant with our “hello”: “neither” - you; "hao" - good.
In fact, locals rarely use this phrase, as it sounds too formal. "Ning hao" is a respectful form ("nin" - you). Most often used to greet teachers or superiors. ATin this form, it is actively used.
Also quite often, even in the first Chinese lessons, they learn: if you add an interrogative particle to “ni hao”, then the greeting turns into a question “how are you” (“ni hao ma?”). However, this will immediately give you a foreigner. The Chinese use such a turnover not to ask how things are, but to make sure that everything is in order. That is, by saying “ni hao ma”, you focus on the fact that a person looks, to put it mildly, unimportant and you want to know if he is he althy.
早！(Zao!) - "Good morning!"
Zao is short for 早上好! ("Zao shang hao!"), which means "good morning". This is one of the popular ways to say "hello" in Chinese. The only case when the use of this word is inappropriate is if it is evening outside.
你吃了吗？(Ni chi le ma?) - "Have you eaten?"
If you're asked, "Ni chi la ma?", don't rush to talk about the delicious sandwich you had for breakfast or look around for food.
For the Chinese, this is not an invitation to dinner, but a way to ask how you are. It is enough to simply answer: “Chi Le. No ne? (“I ate, and you?”). This is how you express unobtrusive concern for a person. Don't worry, if you ask so, no one will demand treats from you, but it is quite possible that the attitude of the locals towards you will become a few degrees warmer. The Chinese love foreigners who not only know how to say “hello” in Chinese, but are also not surprised by the question of food.
最近好吗？(Zui jin hao ma?) - "How are things?"
"Zui jin hao ma?" similar to the Russian "how are you?". The answer may be the same as in the native language. You can limit yourself to a short “hao” - “good”, or simply nod your head in the affirmative. And you can, if the level of the language allows you, say a couple of phrases about how things are going.
喂 (Way!) - "Hello?"
This is how the Chinese answer the phone. A very simple and pleasant sounding word. It is used by everyone, regardless of age, gender and social status.
去哪儿？(Chu nar?) – "Where are you going?"
"Ni chu nar?" is the Chinese way of saying "hello" when you run into someone. By our standards, such a question may seem like excessive curiosity, especially when the interlocutor is a hated acquaintance. However, for the Chinese, this is just a way to show concern and show some respect for the person.
The question form is often used, where the location is already indicated. For example, when faced with a student or schoolchild, you might ask, “Chu shan ki le?” (“Are you going to class/couples?”).
好久不见！(Hao jou bu zen!) - "Long time no see!"
"Hao jou bu zen!" - so you can say in Chinese "hello" to an old acquaintance whom you have not seen for quite some time. This phrase has a very positive emotional connotation.
A little "but"
As you probably know, Chinese is a tone language. The same word, spoken in a different tone, can mean something completely different. Of course, if youa tourist, and even a fair-haired one, then the good-natured Chinese will definitely make a discount on this. But if you want to sound like a local, be aware that it's not enough to know how to say "hello" in Chinese. Pronunciation also plays an important role.
There is a very simple option for those who are not going to seriously study the language - type the phrase into an online translator with the ability to listen to the typed text and just try to copy the speaker's intonation. It's much easier than figuring out the nuances of one of the world's most difficult languages to learn.
Most importantly, don't be afraid to speak up. The Chinese are always happy to tell you how to do it right. Especially if you take a picture with them in response and teach a couple of phrases in Russian or English. Or buy something if the noodle vendor helped you.
