Definition
您 (nín) is the polite form of 'you', used to show respect to elders, superiors, or strangers. Use it in formal situations or when you want to be courteous; 你 (nǐ) is the everyday informal 'you' for friends and people your own age. Unlike 你, 您 does not have a standard plural form (avoid 您们 in writing).
pronoun
you (polite form)
Easily confused
- 你nǐlook-alikeyou (informal, singular)
Examples
- ?nín hǎo ma?How are you?
- 您。Xièxie nín.Thank you.
- 您?Qǐngwèn nín jiào shénme?May I ask what your name is?
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