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15 Ways to Say "How Are You?" in Chinese

2025-08-13

15 Ways to Say "How Are You?" in Chinese

Had enough of always sticking to "Nǐ hǎo ma?" (你好吗？) when greeting someone in Chinese? While it's not exactly incorrect, Chinese offers a rich variety of greetings that can help you sound more natural and authentic. Mastering different ways to ask "How are you?" will not only enhance your communication skills but also show a deeper understanding of Chinese culture. Let's explore 15 different ways to greet someone in Chinese, so you can chat away with confidence in any situation!

Why "Nǐ hǎo ma?" Isn't Always the Best Choice

In Chinese, "Nǐ hǎo ma?" (你好吗？) can sometimes come across as a bit formal or even a tad distant in everyday conversations. It's more for when you haven't caught up with someone in ages, or when you properly want to check in on their health. For day-to-day catch-ups, Chinese speakers often use more common and natural greetings.

Common & Versatile Greetings

1. 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) – The Most Basic Greeting

  • Meaning: Hello.
  • Usage: This is your go-to, most universal and safe greeting, spot on for any occasion and anyone.
  • Example: “你好！” (Hello!)

2. 早上好 (Zǎoshang hǎo) / 上午好 (Shàngwǔ hǎo) / 中午好 (Zhōngwǔ hǎo) / 下午好 (Xiàwǔ hǎo) / 晚上好 (Wǎnshang hǎo) – Time-Specific Greetings

  • Meaning: Good morning/late morning/noon/afternoon/evening.
  • Usage: These are super practical and come across way more naturally than "Nǐ hǎo ma?" for your daily interactions.
  • Example: “早上好，李老师！” (Good morning, Teacher Li!)

3. 吃了没？/ 吃了吗？ (Chī le méi? / Chī le ma?) – The Most Authentic Daily Greeting

  • Meaning: Have you eaten yet?
  • Usage: Literally "Have you eaten?", it's a fair dinkum way to show you care and say hello, especially 'round meal times. This is a very down-to-earth greeting that reflects how important "eating" is in Chinese culture, and shows you're looking out for others' well-being.
  • Example: “王阿姨, 吃了没？” (Auntie Wang, have you eaten yet?)

Inquiring About Recent Status

4. 最近怎么样？ (Zuìjìn zěnmeyàng?) – Asking About Recent Status

  • Meaning: How have you been going lately? / How are things recently?
  • Usage: Similar to "How's it been?" or "How've you been?" in English, spot on for mates or colleagues you haven't seen in a bit.
  • Example: “好久不见，最近怎么样？” (Long time no see, how have you been lately?)

5. 忙什么呢？ (Máng shénme ne?) – Asking What Someone's Been Busy With

  • Meaning: What have you been flat out with?
  • Usage: Shows you're keen to know what the other person's been up to lately, which can open up a good chat.
  • Example: “嘿，忙什么呢？好久没见了。” (Hey, what have you been busy with? Haven't seen you in ages.)

6. 身体怎么样？ (Shēntǐ zěnmeyàng?) – Inquiring About Health

  • Meaning: How's your health holding up?
  • Usage: Chuck this one in when you properly care about someone's physical well-being.
  • Example: “王爷爷，您身体怎么样？” (Grandpa Wang, how is your health?)

7. 怎么样？ (Zěnmeyàng?) – A Short, Casual Inquiry

  • Meaning: How's it going? / How are things?
  • Usage: Proper casual, can be chucked in on its own or after a noun/verb to ask about a situation or how things are coming along.
  • Example: “新工作怎么样？” (How's the new job?)

Showing Care & Politeness

8. 辛苦了 (Xīnkǔ le) – Acknowledging Hard Work

  • Meaning: You've put in a solid effort. / Thanks for all your hard yakka.
  • Usage: Used when someone's just knocked off work, finished a task, or looks a bit knackered, showing you get it and appreciate their efforts.
  • Example: “您辛苦了，请喝杯水。” (You've put in the hard yards, please have a glass of water.)

9. 路上小心 (Lùshang xiǎoxīn) – Wishing Safety When Leaving

  • Meaning: Take it easy on your way. / Drive safe.
  • Usage: Said when someone's off, meaning "be careful on the road."
  • Example: “天黑了，路上小心啊！” (It's getting dark, take it easy on your way!)

Casual & Informal Greetings

10. 嗨 (Hāi) – Casual "Hi"

  • Meaning: Hi.
  • Usage: Pretty much like the English "Hi", dead casual, often used amongst the younger crowd or in relaxed settings.
  • Example: “嗨，周末有什么计划？” (Hi, any plans for the weekend?)

11. 喂 (Wèi) – Answering the Phone

  • Meaning: Hello (on the phone).
  • Usage: Solely used when you're picking up a phone call.
  • Example: “喂，你好！” (Hello? / Hi!)

Formal & Less Common Greetings

12. 幸会 (Xìnghuì) – A Formal "Nice to Meet You"

  • Meaning: A genuine pleasure to meet you.
  • Usage: More on the formal and elegant side, meaning "it's a pleasure to meet you." Often used in business or proper introductions.
  • Example: “李总，幸会幸会！” (Mr. Li, a pleasure to meet you!)

13. 别来无恙 (Biélái wúyàng) – A Poetic "Hope You've Been Well"

  • Meaning: Hope you've been in good nick (since we last met).
  • Usage: A very elegant and a bit old-school greeting, meaning "have you been well since we last parted?" Perfect for old mates you haven't laid eyes on for ages.
  • Example: “老朋友，别来无恙啊！” (Old friend, hope you've been well!)

Context-Specific Greetings

14. 恭喜 (Gōngxǐ) – Congratulations!

  • Meaning: Congratulations!
  • Usage: Chuck out a direct congratulations when someone's got some ripper news.
  • Example: “恭喜你升职了！” (Congratulations on your promotion!)

15. 好久不见 (Hǎojiǔ bùjiàn) – Long Time No See

  • Meaning: Long time no see.
  • Usage: Simple and straight to the point, expressing that you haven't seen someone for ages. Often followed by "Zuìjìn zěnmeyàng?" (最近怎么样？).
  • Example: “好久不见！你瘦了！” (Long time no see! You've lost weight!)

Getting a handle on these different greetings will make you feel more comfortable and spot on when you're having a yarn in Chinese. Next time you catch up with a Chinese-speaking mate, give some of these more authentic expressions a crack!