10 Most Authentic Chinese Greetings (Beyond 'Ni Hao')

Chinese greetings are often more specific and personal than a simple 'Hello'. By learning these greetings, you'll master both authentic expressions and practice writing the most common Chinese characters.

Meaning: Have you eaten?

HSK Level: 吃 (HSK 1) | 了 (HSK 1) | 吗 (HSK 1)

Character Writing Tips:
• 吃 (6 strokes): Left "口" (mouth) should be narrow, right "乞" should be stretched. Common mistake: writing the top-right stroke as "一" instead of "丿"
• 了 (2 strokes): Only 2 strokes, but note the curve of the vertical hook - don't make it too straight
• 吗 (6 strokes): Right side is "马" (horse) not "鸟" (bird). The final horizontal-hook stroke should be strong

Scenario: This is the most classic Chinese greeting, usually used around meal times (breakfast, lunch, dinner). Suitable for acquaintances, neighbors, and colleagues.

Example Dialogue:
Person A: "吃了吗？" (Chī le ma?)
Person B: "吃了，你呢？" (Chī le, nǐ ne?) - I've eaten, and you?
OR "还没呢，一会儿吃。" (Hái méi ne, yīhuìr chī.) - Not yet, will eat later.

Cultural Note: When Chinese people ask 'Have you eaten?', they are not really inviting you to dinner. It is a form of care similar to 'How are you?' in English. This greeting originated from times when food scarcity made eating a genuine concern, and it has remained a warm expression of care in modern China.

Meaning: Where are you going?

HSK Level: 去 (HSK 1) | 哪 (HSK 2) | 儿 (HSK 2) | 啊 (HSK 2)

Character Writing Tips:
• 去 (5 strokes): Top is "土", bottom is "厶". Common mistake: writing the last stroke as a dot - it should be "乙"
• 哪 (9 strokes): Left "口", right "那". Pay attention to stroke order on the right
• 儿 (2 strokes): Looks simple but many get it wrong. The second stroke is a vertical-bent-hook, completed in one stroke
• 啊 (10 strokes): Left "口" right "阿", keep the right "可" compact

Scenario: Used when bumping into acquaintances or neighbors on the street.

Example Dialogue:
Person A: "去哪儿啊？" (Qù nǎr a?)
Person B: "去超市买点东西。" (Qù chāoshì mǎi diǎn dōngxi.) - Going to the supermarket to buy some things.
OR "随便走走。" (Suíbiàn zǒuzou.) - Just walking around.

Cultural Note: In Western culture, this might be seen as an invasion of privacy, but in Chinese culture, it is just a form of acknowledgement and shows interest in your well-being. You don't need to answer in detail - a vague answer shows you understand the cultural context.

In casual social settings or work environments, these greetings bring people closer. The characters in this section are all basic HSK vocabulary, perfect for writing practice.

Meaning: Morning!

HSK Level: 早 (HSK 1)

Character Writing Tips:
• 早 (6 strokes): Top "日" (sun) bottom "十" (ten). The "日" should be flatter, the horizontal in "十" should be longer than the vertical. Many write this too square - it should be narrower on top, wider on bottom
• Stroke order: First write "日" (vertical→horizontal-fold→horizontal→horizontal), then "十" (horizontal→vertical)
• This is a top-bottom structure, pay attention to proportion - top half 1/2, bottom half 1/2

Scenario: Used when meeting in the morning. It is more concise and cheerful than the full 'Zǎoshang hǎo'.

Usage: Can be used with friends, colleagues, and family. It is the most common and safest morning greeting.

Meaning: How have you been lately?

Scenario: Used for friends you haven't seen for a while.

Example Dialogue:
Person A: "最近怎么样？" (Zuìjìn zěnmeyàng?)
Person B: "挺好的，工作挺忙的。你呢？" (Tǐng hǎo de, gōngzuò tǐng máng de. Nǐ ne?) - Pretty good, work has been busy. How about you?
OR "还不错，刚换了新工作。" (Hái bùcuò, gāng huàn le xīn gōngzuò.) - Not bad, just changed to a new job.

Usage: This is an open-ended question that invites genuine conversation. Unlike a quick "Zǎo!", this greeting signals you have time to chat and are interested in the person's life.

Meaning: What are you busy with?

Scenario: A conversation starter to show care about the other person's life or work.

Usage: Suitable between peers. It's a great way to start a topic, showing interest in their life beyond just a greeting.

When reuniting with old friends, these phrases instantly evoke a sense of intimacy.

Meaning: Long time no see!

Scenario: Friends who haven't met for a long time.

Usage: This is the origin of the English phrase 'Long time no see'. Usually followed by 'Zuìjìn zěnmeyàng?' (How have you been lately?).

Meaning: Where are you making a fortune? (Humorous)

Scenario: Banter between old friends, asking about each other's work or business.

Cultural Note: Chinese people have a positive attitude towards wealth. While 'Gōngxǐ fācái' is a New Year blessing, 'Zài nǎr fācái' is a humorous inquiry about a friend's career progress.

Using these words in situations requiring respect or formal introductions will make you appear well-mannered.

Meaning: Nice to meet you (I am fortunate to meet you).

Scenario: Meeting important people for the first time, or business occasions.

Usage: Usually said while shaking hands: 'Xìnghuì, xìnghuì'. This is a formal term, avoid using it with children or very close friends.

Meaning: I've heard a lot about you (I've looked up to you for a long time).

Scenario: Meeting someone you have admired for a long time, expressing great respect.

Usage: If you have heard of the person's reputation before, saying 'Jiǔyǎng dàmíng' upon meeting will be very well received.

Modern life has specific ways to 'say hello' on the phone and online.

Meaning: Hello (phone) / Are you there?

Scenario:
- Wéi: Exclusive to answering the phone. Note that the second tone (wéi) indicates polite inquiry.
- Zài ma: Opening for instant messaging apps like WeChat. Tip: Young people nowadays might not like hearing 'Zài ma' because it often implies a favor is needed. It's better to state your purpose directly.

Here's a quick summary to help you remember when to use each greeting:

For Daily Encounters:
• Morning: 早！(Zǎo!)
• Around mealtimes: 吃了吗？(Chī le ma?)
• Meeting on street: 去哪儿啊？(Qù nǎr a?)

For Catching Up:
• Haven't seen recently: 好久不见！(Hǎojiǔ bújiàn!) + 最近怎么样？(Zuìjìn zěnmeyàng?)
• Showing interest: 忙什么呢？(Máng shénme ne?)
• Humorous/casual: 在哪儿发财？(Zài nǎr fācái?)

For Formal Situations:
• First business meeting: 幸会！(Xìnghuì!)
• Meeting someone admired: 久仰！(Jiǔyǎng!)

For Digital/Phone:
• Phone calls: 喂 (Wéi)
• Messaging (better to skip): 在吗？(Zài ma?) → Just state your purpose

Q: Is it rude to use 'Ni Hao' (你好)?
A: Not rude, but it can sound overly formal with friends and acquaintances. It's perfect for strangers, service staff, or initial meetings, but native speakers often prefer more contextual greetings in daily life.

Q: What if someone asks 'Chī le ma?' but I haven't eaten yet?
A: Simply say "还没呢" (Hái méi ne - Not yet). They're not obligated to feed you! It's just a greeting. You can add "一会儿吃" (Yīhuìr chī - Will eat later) to complete the exchange.

Q: Is stroke order really important for these characters?
A: Absolutely! Correct stroke order not only makes your writing smoother but also helps you remember character structure. The stroke animations in this article show the standard stroke order - watch and practice repeatedly.

Q: How should I practice writing these characters?
A: 1) Click each character link to see the full stroke animation; 2) Practice repeatedly on paper or grid notebooks; 3) Pay attention to structure and proportions; 4) Use our Chinese Worksheet Generator to create practice sheets.

Q: Why mark HSK levels?
A: HSK levels help you understand learning priorities. HSK 1-2 characters are the most basic and should be mastered first. Higher levels are less frequent but still important in specific contexts.

Q: Can I use these greetings with anyone?
A: Most work with peers and acquaintances. For people much older or in positions of authority, stick with more formal greetings like "您好" (Nín hǎo) or use their title.

Mastering these 10 authentic Chinese greetings will not only make your spoken Chinese more natural, but more importantly, through repeated writing practice, you'll master the writing of over 30 of the most commonly used Chinese characters.

Learning Tips:
• Practice writing 2-3 greetings daily
• Click character links to watch stroke animations and learn correct stroke order
• Use these greetings in real conversations to reinforce memory
• Use the Chinese Dictionary to explore more related characters

Remember: Sounding authentic and writing beautifully are equally important. Start practicing today and take your Chinese to the next level!