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您好 (nín hǎo) — hello (polite)

Definition

您好 (nín hǎo) is a formal, polite 'hello' using the respectful pronoun 您 — used with strangers, customers, or superiors. 比 你好 more respectful; 你好 is the everyday greeting.

idiom
hello (polite)

Examples

  • 您好，？
    nín hǎo, Qǐng wèn nín yǒu shén me xū yào?
    Hello, may I ask what you need?
  • 您好，。
    nín hǎo, Zhè lǐ shì kè fú zhōng xīn.
    Hello, this is the customer service center.
  • 您好，，。
    nín hǎo, Wáng xiān sheng, hěn gāo xìng jiàn dào nín.
    Hello, Mr. Wang, nice to meet you.

Origin

Characters in this word

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

The shape 您 is made by adding 心 (heart) to 你 (you).

Open 您 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

好 joins 女 (woman) and 子 (child), understood as a woman with a child, linked to goodness or affection.

Open 好 →
Appears in
Greetings & Politeness

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