Today, April 20, is International Chinese Language Day. The date was not chosen by chance - it is believed that the founder of Chinese writing, Cang Jie, was born on this day (although the date of his birth is not documented anywhere, and there are even theories put forward that this is mythical character). Before he created hieroglyphic writing, the Chinese used knot writing - this method of recording information involved tying various knots on multi-colored ropes.

Modern Chinese is considered the most widely spoken language in the world. It is spoken by over 1.3 billion people in the world. It contains more than 80 thousand hieroglyphs, however, for basic knowledge It is enough to know 500 - this will make it possible to understand 80% of ordinary text. To read newspapers and magazines you need to know 3000 hieroglyphs.

Chinese is one of the oldest languages ​​on the planet that has survived to this day. The enormous size of the Chinese Empire and the disconnected regions gave rise to many dialects and dialects. Over time, southerners and northerners ceased to understand each other, it got to the point that they had to write phrases on paper to communicate. About a hundred years ago, the Chinese realized that this could not continue, and decided to take the Beijing dialect (called “Putonghua” or “Pinyin”) as a basis, and in 1955 it acquired the official status of the state language. Today it is the language of television, literature and official documents, it is taught in universities and is spoken by educated Chinese. The same pronunciation standard is most often referred to as “Mandarin Chinese,” although this is not entirely accurate, since linguists use this term to refer to the entire northern group of Chinese dialects.

In general, as you already understand, Chinese is one of the the most complex languages peace. The Chinese themselves are generally friendly to foreigners, especially those who know some Chinese. However, according to foreigners who know Chinese perfectly, the Chinese have ambivalent attitudes towards them. Especially if you immediately start demonstrating your knowledge, you will deprive the Chinese of the opportunity to be in your eyes a resident of a large mysterious country.

10 simple phrases in Chinese

Hello!你好！ (literally translated means"you're good") Ni hao!

Thank you! 谢谢！ Se se!

Please! (response to gratitude)不客气！ Bu khe tsi!

Sorry对不起 Dui bu qi

My name is...我叫... Wo jiao...

Beautiful好看 (about a thing) / 漂亮 (about a person) Hao kan / Piao liang

Goodbye再见 Tsai Tsien

Good/bad好/不好 Hao/Buhao

Does anyone here speak Russian?这里有人会说俄语吗？Zheli yuzhen huisho eyyu ma?

I love you我爱你 Wo ai nii

By the way, in Chinese there are no concepts of “yes” and “no”, but at least, in our understanding. This fully reflects the Chinese mentality. Instead of two simple words The Chinese use more than 20 particles of negation or agreement. Moreover, when a Chinese says “yes,” he may well mean “no.”

Greetings and farewells
Hello - nihao - 你好
Hi all! - dajia hao - 大家好
Long time no see - haojiu bujian - 好久不见
How are you - ni zenmeyang - 你怎么样?
Excellent - henhao - 很好
Not bad - bucuo - 不错
So-so - mama huhu - 马马虎虎
No way - bu zenmeyang - 不怎么样
Goodbye - zaijian - 再见
See you - zaihui - 再会
See you tomorrow - mingtian jian - 明天见
Bye - baibai - 拜拜

Frequently used phrases
I love traveling on my own - wo xihuan ziji lvyou - 我喜欢自己旅游
Thank you - xiexie - 谢谢
Please - bukeqi - 不客气
Please (please) - qing - 请
Sorry - buhaoyisi - 不好意思
Sorry (I am sorry) - duibuqi - 对不起
Sorry, - qingwen - 请问,
Yes - dui - 对
No - bu (bu shi) - 不(不是)
I don't know - bu zhidao - 不知道
I don’t understand (what you are saying) - ting bu dong - 听不懂
I don’t understand (in general) - bu ming bai - 不明白
Where are you from (what country) - ni shi na ge guojia de - 你是哪个国家的?
I'm from Russia - wo shi eluosiren - 我是俄罗斯人
No problem - meiwenti - 没问题
Wait a minute - deng yixia - 等一下
Decide for yourself (up to you) - sui bian - 随便
Forget (give it up) - suan le - 算了
What? - shenme 什么?
Where? - nali - 哪里?
When? - shenme shihou - 什么时候?
How? - zenme - 怎么?
Why? - weishenme - 为什么?
Which? - neige - 哪个?
Who? - shui - 谁?
Give me - gei wo - *给我
Take - gei ni - 给你
Bad or good? - haobuhao - 好不好?
Yes or not? - 有没有?
What to do? - zenmeban - 怎么办?
Nothing can be done - meibanfa - 没办法

Languages ​​and communication
Do you speak English? - ni hui shuo yingwen ma - 你会说英文吗?
Does anyone here speak Russian? zheli you ren hui shuo eyu ma - 这里有人会说俄语吗?
How to say... in Chinese? - ... zhongwen zenme shuo - 。。。中文怎么说?
What do you mean...? - ... shi shenme yisi - 。。。是什么意思?
I don't understand - ting bu dong - 听不懂

Transport
Airport - feijichang - 飞机场
Railway train station - huochezhan - 火车站
Bus station - qichezhan - 汽车站
Metro - ditie - 地铁
I need to get to the airport - wo yao qu feijichang - 我要去飞机场
I need a cheap ticket... - wo yao yi zhang qu ***pianyi de piao - 我要一张去***便宜的票
One way ticket - dan cheng piao - 单程票
Return ticket - wang fan piao - 往返票
I need two compartment tickets to Beijing - wo yao liang zhang dao bei jing de ruanwo piao - 我要两张到北京的软卧票
I need a plane ticket to Sanya (for other cities, see the next geographical branch) - wo yao yi zhang qu san ya de feiji piao - 我要一张去三亚的飞机票
I want to change my ticket - wo xiang huan wo de piao - *我想换我的票

Accommodation
I'm looking for an inexpensive hotel - wo yao zhao pianyi de lvguan - 我要找便宜的旅馆
Do you have any available rooms - nin zheli you fangjian ma - 您这里有房间吗?
I need an inexpensive double (single) room - wo yao pianyi de shuangrenjian (danrenjian) - 我要便宜的双人间(单人间)
What is the price? - duoshaoqian - 多少钱?
Sea view room - hai jing fang - 海景房
Can't it be cheaper? - keyi bu keyi pianyi yidian - 可以不可以便宜一点?
Is breakfast included in the price? - han zaocan ma - 含早餐吗?
I would like to pay, checkout - wo xiang tui fang - 我想退房

Directions
I'm lost - wo milule - 我迷路了
How to get there? - zenmezou - 怎么走?
In which direction - wang na ge fangxiang - 往哪个方向?
Ahead - qianmian - 前面
From behind - houmian - 后面
On the right - youbian - 右边
Left -zuobian - 左边
Please tell me where is the bathhouse nearby - qingwen, zai zhe"er fujin youmeiyou yuchi - 请问,在这儿附近有没有浴池?
... sauna - sangna - 桑拿
... toilet - cesuo - 厕所
... hotel - bingguan - 宾馆
... internet cafe - wangba - 网吧
... diner - xiaochidian - 小吃店
... mail - youju- 邮局
... supermarket - chaoshi - 超市
... market - shichang - 市场
... bus stop - qichezhan - 汽车站
... ATM - qukuanji -取款机
... hospital - yiyuan - 医院
... police - jingchaju - 警察局
... Bank of China - zhongguo yinhang - 中国银行

Shopping
I want to buy... - wo xiang mai... - 我想买。。。
What is the price? - duo shao qian - 多少钱?
Can I have a look? - keyi kankan ma - 可以看看吗?
It's too expensive - tai guile - 太贵了
I don't like it - wo bu xihuan - 我不喜欢
Can I pay by credit card? - keyi yong xinyongka ma - 可以用信用卡吗?
Are you crazy? - ni feng le - 你疯了?

At the restaurant
Are you hungry? - ni e le ma - 你饿了吗?
I'm starving to death - wo e si le - 我饿死了
I'm hungry - wo yao chifan - 我要吃饭
I haven't eaten for three days - wo santian mei chi fan le - 我三天没吃饭了
I am a vegetarian - wo chi su - 我吃素
Waiter! - fuwuyuan - 服务员
Menu - caidan - 菜单
Not spicy - bu la - 不辣
Cold - bing de - 冰的
Eat - chi fan ba - 吃饭吧
Napkins - canjinzhi - 餐巾纸
Is it possible to smoke here? - zai zheli keyi chouyan ma - 在这里可以抽烟吗?
Where is the toilet? - xishoujian zai nali - 洗手间在哪里?
Meat - rou - 肉
Fish - yu - 鱼
Noodles - mian - 面
Steamed rice - mifan - 米饭
Fried rice - chaofan - 炒饭
Dumplings - jiaozi - 饺子
Chopsticks - kuaizi - 筷子
Can I have a fork (spoon) - nimen haiyou chazi (shaozi) ma - 你们还有叉子(勺子)吗?
Check! - maidan - 买单

In the supermarket
Bread - mianbao- 面包
Water - shui - 水
Package - daizi - 袋子
Shopping cart - gou wu lan - 购物篮
Shopping cart - gou wu che - 购物车
Membership card - hui yuan ka - 会员卡

Photo and video
Digital camera- shuma zhaoxiangji- 数码照相机
Memory card - cunshu ka - 存储卡
Camera bag - zhaoxiangji bao - 照相机包
I lost my camera - wo diushi le wo de zhaoxiangji - 我丢失了我的照相机
My camera was stolen - wo de zhaoxiangji bei tou le - 我的照相机被偷了

Useful things
Map - ditu - 地图
Flashlight - shoudian - 手电
Mobile phone- shouji - 手机
Toilet paper- wei sheng zhi - 卫生纸
Aspirin - asipilin - 阿司匹林
Sunscreen - fangshaiyou - 防晒油

Communication can be difficult. Especially in a second language!

Knowing a few useful phrases will not only help you avoid awkwardness in communication, but will allow you to create new contacts with others and take communication to a new level.

Greetings

• 你好! (nǐ hǎo) Hello!

You may already know this greeting. If not, 你好! (nǐ hǎo – Hello!)- first basic Chinese phrase, which must be learned in order to make contact in a society where everyone speaks Chinese.

• 你好吗? (nǐ hǎo ma) How are you?

If this is not your first time greeting someone, you can show more attention and interest by asking how they are doing. 你好吗? (nǐ hǎo ma)- an excellent phrase for this case.

• 你吃了吗? (nǐ chī le ma) Have you eaten?

This is the Chinese way of showing attention. Culturally, this is a close equivalent to the phrase “How are you?” People ask “Have you eaten?” as a polite way to inquire about the well-being of the other person, and most people simply respond with “吃了” (chī le), “I have eaten.”

Admitting that you have not eaten means putting some pressure on the questioner: a polite reaction to such an admission will be the only way out - to feed you.

• 早安! (zǎo ān) Good morning!

The Chinese love to say "Good morning", so if you greet someone early, try to use this greeting. If the golden time is missed, you should not move on to 午安 ( wǔān– good afternoon) or 晚上好 ( wǎn shàng hǎo– good evening): they are less common.

“Good night” – 晚安 (wǎn ān). As in English, this phrase can also mean “Goodbye.”

Add a conversational touch:

Add casualness and coolness by adding the word “Hey” at the beginning of the phrase. For example:

诶, 你好. (ēi, nǐ hǎo) "Hey, hi."

诶, 怎么样? (ēi, zěn me yàng) "Hey, how's life?"

What is your name?

• 我叫[name], 你呢？ (wǒ jiào [name], nǐ ne) I am [name]. What is your name?

This is an informal way to introduce yourself to each other. 我叫 (wǒ jiào) means “My name”, and 你呢? (nǐ ne) “And you?”

• 怎么称呼？ (zěn me chēng hū) How can I contact you?

This phrase is a more formal/polite way of asking someone's name. This roughly translates to “How should I address you?”

• 请问您贵姓? (qǐng wèn nín gùi xìng) May I know your last name?

This phrase is even more formal and is used in. When someone answers by saying their last name, for example, “我姓王” (wǒ xìng wáng), “My surname is Wang,” You can answer using 王先生 ( wáng xiān shēng– Mr. Wang), 王小姐 ( wáng xiǎo jiě– Mrs. (unmarried) Wang) or 王太太 ( wáng tài tài– Mrs. (married) Wang).

Again, a little conversational flavor:

For a fun, tongue-in-cheek twist on the monotonous introduction ceremony, try this phrase:

請問你貴姓大名? (qǐng wèn nǐ gùi xìng dà míng?) What is your “famous” name?

This is a way of asking someone's name while flattering the other person in a friendly manner.

Continuing the conversation

Now that we've met someone, here's how to keep the conversation going.

• 你是本地人吗？ (nǐ shì běn dì rén ma) Are you local?

This is a less direct way of asking “Where are you from?” 你是哪里人? (nǐ shì nǎ lǐ rén). In China, people from big cities often come from elsewhere. They move from smaller towns to big cities to work or study. Asking if they're local can provide an opportunity to talk about their hometowns.

• 你作什么样的工作? (nǐ zùo shén me yàng de gōng zùo) What is your job?

Among professionals or working adults, you can start a conversation by asking what field they work in. You can also ask “你的专场是什么?” ( nǐ de zhuān chǎng shì shén me?– What is your specialty?)

• 你读什么专业? (nǐ dú shén me zhuān yè) What are you studying?

Among the students, you can start a conversation by asking about their specialization or main subject.

• 你有什么爱好? (nǐ yǒu shén me ài hào?) What do you like to do?

This phrase is used to ask about hobbies or interests. Another great way start a conversation.

How to “dilute” the situation:

Try this casual phrase to overcome awkwardness and tension when entering a room or joining a group:

诶, 什么事？ (ēi, shen me shì?) Well, what's going on here?

It's the equivalent of "How are you?" or “What’s going on here?” In the right context, such as among friends or peers, it can sound very friendly and appropriate.

Answers during a conversation

Part of the art of conversation is the ability to give appropriate answers. People love to receive sympathy, encouragement, and compliments no matter what they say.

What do you say when you hear something exciting or interesting? Here are some basic phrases to respond to such stories:

• 太酷了! (tài kù le!) This is cool!

The Chinese word for "cool" is borrowed from the English "cool" and sounds exactly the same!

• 好搞笑。 (hǎo gǎo xiào) Cool.

搞笑 (gǎo xiào) literally means "to have fun" or "to joke."

• 真的吗? (zhēn de ma) What, really?

真的 (zhēn de) means “truth”, and 吗 (ma)– interrogative particle.

• 不会吧? (bù hùi ba) Are you serious?

不会 (bù hùi) means “no”, and 吧 (ba)– exclamation particle. In other words, it’s like saying “Come on!”

• 我的妈呀! (wǒ de mā ya) OMG!

我的妈呀! (wǒ de mā ya) literally means “Oh, Mommy!” Culturally it's closer to "Oh my god!"

• 哎呦我去! (āi yōu wǒ qù) Oh God!

Again there is no exact equivalent. 哎呦我去! (āi yōu wǒ qù) literally translates to "Oh, I'm coming!" This phrase is super casual, so it's not something you can use with just anyone, especially if you've just met.

• 我也是。 (wǒ yě shì) Me too.

Three words to help you express your shared feelings.

• 我理解。(wǒ lǐ jiě) I understand.

A very useful phrase for expressing empathy.

Conversational version:

For the most emotional response, try saying:

太牛了! (tài níu le) This is damn good (can't stand up)!

In formal business contexts, this may be considered rude. But perfectly acceptable at a party.

Farewell phrases

Finally we come to the words for parting. Here's how you can say goodbye in a relaxed and appropriate way.

• 我先走了。下次再聊吧！ (wǒ xiān zǒu le。 xià cì zài liáo ba) I have to go. Let's talk again (let's talk another time)!

If you need to leave first, you can bow out in a friendly manner.

• 回头见。 (húi tóu jiàn) See you.

This phrase is useful for breaking up for a short time, for example, if you meet again on the same day.

• 我们再联络吧。 (wǒ mén zài lián lùo ba) We'll keep in touch.

This means that you may call or write later. The phrase works well when you don't see each other in person very often, but would like to stay in the know and maintain closer contact.

How to say this more casually:

Even when it comes to saying goodbye, there are several opportunities to tone down the sociality and perhaps move on to a more intimate relationship in the future:

这是我的手机号码。给我发短信吧！ (zhè shì wǒ de shǒu jī hào mǎ。gěi wǒ fā duǎn xìn ba) Here's my cell number. Text me sometime!

This is a simple phrase that should help maintain your relationship after the party.

加我的微信。 (jiā wǒ de wēi xìn) Add me on WeChat.

We hope these phrases will add some “zest” to your social life! Whatever social situation you encounter, use it as an opportunity to hone your language skills, even when greeting someone, saying goodbye, or responding to someone's story.

All dialogues begin with a greeting. From the person with whom we are going to communicate, we choose the form of address. In addition to greetings, there are other common phrases that will help you start and maintain a conversation with a resident of the Middle Kingdom over a cup of Chinese tea. Sentences are constructed differently from the Russian language and are appropriate in specific situations. Large quantity Dialects in China make communication difficult, but Putonghua is a common spoken dialect that is understood by all residents.

Hello in Chinese

Tones in Chinese speech determine the meaning of the spoken phrase. Correct pronunciation will make you understand clearly. For this purpose, transliteration of hieroglyphs in Russian letters and Latin alphabet is presented, but it does not convey tones. The square brackets indicate how the transcription is written. How to pronounce it in quotes. It is much easier to fill in the correct sound of words if you regularly listen to audio recordings of dialogues in Chinese. This is how you need to learn a language.

The most common greeting in China is “ni hao” - hello. This is a formal phrase, appropriate when addressing strangers. Literally “you” and “good”. Such treatment is acceptable in a letter.

Respectful address, to people of age or out of respect, “ning hao”. Rarely used in modern China.

Or "hai" is the same as saying "hello" in Chinese, but is influenced by English and is a more common form.

Say “hello” to the company: “nimen hao”. Or - hello everyone.

You can greet your acquaintances by simply calling them by name. If this service relations, then positions: doctor, professor or boss.

How to introduce yourself in Chinese

Introduction is a basic form of politeness. It is enough to say your name. Literally this can be translated as “they call me.” “Vo” + (Name). The hieroglyph has the meaning of the pronoun “I”.

For interrogative constructions in Chinese, the particle “ne” is used. More often used not for simple questions, implying a one-word answer. The meaning is given by the context; when pronounced, the particle is emotionally colored. Also used in rhetorical questions. In affirmative sentences it has an incentive meaning.

So, having introduced yourself, there is no need to repeat the question for the interlocutor to clarify his name. It is enough to add a particle. The meaning is like in Russian: “and you?” or “and you?”

Example: Wǒ + (Name), nǐ ne?

“Vo + (Name) ni ne?”

Other common phrases

Traditional universal expressions exist in all languages. And in Chinese there are several variants of greetings and farewells. Each has its own case.

Good morning!

Morning is the period from five to twelve o'clock. Until nine o'clock - early morning. At this time, it is appropriate to say: Good morning - “Zaoshan hao.” The rest of the time, the well-known “ni hao” - “hello” as in “good afternoon” - is acceptable.

Goodbye

It is customary to say goodbye: goodbye – [ zài jiàn ] “tszai jien.” Or “bye” – [bái bái] “bye bye”.

Good evening

From six o'clock in the evening to midnight the expression is appropriate: Good evening - "wang shang hao."

Good night

Night time begins at midnight and lasts until five o'clock in the morning. Good night– “van an”, they wish when a person retires for a night’s sleep.

What is your name

It is not customary to meet people on the street in China. There is a tradition: on weekends, a dating fair is held in Shanghai Park. They post questionnaires for those who want to get married. They indicate age, gender and range of interests. But the most important information- height. Sometimes they come in person. An exception is for foreigners with a typical European appearance. The Chinese happily welcome them, are ready to make acquaintances and add them as friends on social networks.

What is your name? – [nǐ jiào shénme míngzi?] “ni jiao shen ma min zi?”

Nice to meet you! – [ rèn shi nǐ hěn gāo xìng ] “zheng shi ni heng gao xing.”

Have you eaten?

A traditional question asked out of politeness is not an offer to have a snack or share a meal. Have you eaten? - “ni chi le ma?” A type of greeting that originated in rural areas. Showing attention without committing to anything. The answer is also provided by etiquette: “chi le, ne?” Statement and return question.

How are things going?

There is a version that the phrase “how are you?” The colonists introduced Chinese speech into use. It is customary for the British to be interested in how things are going even with unfamiliar people. What can't you say about oriental culture. This expression is widespread and can be found in any phrasebook. But it is mainly tourists who use it in everyday speech. As a continuation of the greeting. A question is formulated with a question particle added at the end.

In Chinese, "How are you?" - “ni hao ma?” It is appropriate to use if you are inquiring about the health of a patient or want to offer help. More comparable to the Russian, interrogative version of “is everything okay?” A question similar in meaning: “ni hai hao ba”.

In China they ask “how are things going?”, “how are you?” in two ways: “ni tszenme?” And “Zui jin hao ma?” . They are synonymous in meaning. The answer depends on what kind of relationship you are in. As in Western culture, this question is asked not out of idle interest, but out of politeness. An old acquaintance can bring you up to date. They often respond with affirmative nods.

Hello?

When communicating on the phone, you can use the universal expression “ni hao” - hello. Or "wayi", which also means "hello", but is not used in personal communication. An analogue of the Russian “hello”.

Where are you going?

Another way to say hello is when communicating with people you know. Where are you going? - “chi nali ya.” Or "chi nar". Also tribute speech etiquette. Does not oblige you to dialogue.

Long time no see!

You can address a person you know and haven’t seen for a while: “hao jou bu zen!” - long time no see.

Thank you

I thank you - “gan sie ni” or thank you - “sie sie”.

In the tea tradition, it is customary to tap as a sign of gratitude. With outstretched fingers, index and middle, right hand- they hit the table a couple of times. Thus expressing to the tea master that he liked everything. In response, for gratitude they say “mei shi” - please.

“Please” as a request – “in order.”

Conclusion

It’s not enough to say “hello” in Chinese. The same word or hieroglyph in a translator can mean completely different things. This is influenced by the intonation or, more precisely, tone with which you pronounce it. There are hieroglyphs with the same spelling and pronunciation. But with different translations. To avoid making mistakes, you need to be able to read the transcription and know the pronunciation. Otherwise, you risk getting into a funny situation.

The Pinyin table will help you write how words sound in Chinese. Writing transcriptions of unknown words trains you to pronounce correctly.

Do you know what is the most embarrassing moment for all foreigners learning Chinese? When they realize that "ni hao" is far from the most popular word, which the inhabitants of the Celestial Empire use for greeting.

How do you say “hello” or “how are you” in Chinese? Just for you - six ways to say it.

Bonus! (ni hao!) / 您好 (Ning hao!) - “Hello!” / “Hello!”

In case you have just started learning Chinese, or you are a simple tourist who is not even going to learn the language, but has already applied for a visa to the Celestial Empire.

“Ni Hao” is the first thing all foreigners learn. And even those who are completely unfamiliar with the language know that if you want to say “hello” in Chinese, say “ni hao.” If translated literally, the meaning will be consonant with our “hello”: “neither” - you; "hao" - good.

In fact, locals rarely use this phrase, as it sounds too formal. “Ning hao” is a respectful form (“ning” means you). Most often used to greet teachers or superiors. In this form it is actively used.

Also, quite often, even in the first lessons of Chinese, they learn: if you add an interrogative particle to “ni hao”, then the greeting turns into the question “how are you” (“ni hao ma?”). However, this will immediately make you look like a foreigner. The Chinese use this phrase not to ask how things are, but to make sure that everything is fine. That is, when you say “ni hao ma,” you focus on the fact that the person looks, to put it mildly, unimportant and you want to find out if he is healthy.

早！(Zao!) - “Good morning!”

"Zao" is short for 早上好! ("Zao shang hao!"), which means " Good morning" This is one of the popular ways to say “hello” in Chinese. The only case when using this word is inappropriate is if it is evening outside.

你吃了吗？(Ni chi le ma?) - “Have you eaten?”

If you were asked: “Ni chi le ma?”, do not rush to talk about delicious sandwich what you ate for breakfast, or look around for food.

For the Chinese, this is not an invitation to dinner, but a way to ask how you are doing. It is enough to simply answer: “Chi le. No ne? (“I’ve eaten, and you?”). This is how you express unobtrusive concern for the person. If you ask this way, no one will demand treats from you, but it is quite possible that the locals’ attitude towards you will become several degrees warmer. The Chinese love foreigners who not only know how to say “hello” in Chinese, but are also not surprised when asked about food.

最近好吗？(Zui jin hao ma?) - “How are things going?”

“Zui jin hao ma?” similar to Russian “how are you?” The answer may be the same as in your native language. You can limit yourself to a short “hao” - “good”, or simply nod your head affirmatively. Or, if your language level allows you, you can say a couple of phrases about how things are going.

喂 (Way!) - “Hello?”

This is how the Chinese respond to phone calls. A very simple and pleasant sounding word. It is used by everyone, regardless of age, gender and social status.

去哪儿？(Chu nar?) - “Where are you going?”

“Ni chu nar?” is a way to say "hello" in Chinese if you bump into someone. By our standards, such a question may seem like excessive curiosity, especially when the interlocutor is a casual acquaintance. However, for the Chinese this is just a way to show concern and show some respect for a person.

Often a question form is used where the location is already specified. For example, when faced with a student or schoolchild, you can ask: “Chu shan ky le?” (“Are you going to class/classes?”).

好久不见！(Hao jou bu zen!) - “Long time no see!”

“Hao jou bu zen!” - this is how you can say “hello” in Chinese to an old acquaintance whom you have not seen for quite a long time. This phrase has a very positive emotional connotation.

Small "but"

As you probably know, Chinese is a tone language. The same word said in a different tone can mean something completely different. Of course, if you are a tourist, and even a fair-haired one, then the good-natured Chinese will definitely make a discount on this. But if you want to sound like a local, be warned: knowing how to say "hello" in Chinese isn't enough. Pronunciation also plays an important role.

There is a very simple option for those who are not going to seriously study the language - enter the phrase in online translator with the ability to listen to the typed text and just try to copy the speaker’s intonation. It's much easier than understanding the nuances of one of the most difficult languages ​​in the world to learn.

Most importantly, don't be afraid to speak up. The Chinese will always be happy to tell you how to do it right. Especially if you respond by taking a photo with them and teaching them a few phrases in Russian or English. Or buy something since the noodle vendor helped you.