How to Say "Hello" in Chinese (Mandarin)

Category: Greetings & Basics

How to Pronounce "Hello" in Mandarin

The Chinese word for 'Hello' is 你好, pronounced Nǐ hǎo in pinyin notation. To say it in English approximation: 'nee how'.

Breaking Down the Characters

Character	Pinyin	Notes
你	Nǐ	Character component
好	hǎo	Character component

Example Usage in Context

English	Chinese	Pinyin
I want to say 'Hello'	你好	Nǐ hǎo
How do you say Hello?	"Hello"怎么说？	"Hello" zěnme shuō?
Please say Hello slowly	请慢慢说你好	Qǐng màn màn shuō Nǐ hǎo

Understanding Mandarin Tones

Mandarin Chinese uses four tones plus a neutral tone. Getting the tone right is essential - the same syllable with a different tone can mean a completely different word. The pinyin Nǐ hǎo includes tone markers to guide correct pronunciation.

Tips for Learning Chinese Pronunciation

• Listen to native speakers on apps like HelloChinese or Duolingo
• Practice the four tones separately before combining them in words
• Record yourself and compare to native pronunciation
• The pinyin system is the standard romanisation - learn it once and use it everywhere

Take Your Mandarin Further