If you walk into a room in China and say "Nǐ hǎo ma?" (How are you?), you might get a confused look. While textbooks teach this phrase, native speakers rarely use it.
Chinese greetings are an essential part of HSK preparation, appearing in Listening and Speaking sections across all levels. However, using the wrong greeting in the wrong context signals that you are a beginner.
This guide explores the actual greetings used in daily life and HSK exams, helping you transition from "Textbook Chinese" to fluent communication.
1. 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) - The Universal Hello
HSK Level: HSK 1
This is the standard "Hello." It is safe, polite, and works with strangers.
- Pro Tip: In rapid speech, the tone change rule applies (Third Tone Sandhi). It sounds like Ní Hǎo (2nd Tone + 3rd Tone).
- Deep Dive: For a full breakdown, read our Guide to Mastering Ni Hao.
2. 您好 (Nín hǎo) - The Polite/Business Hello
HSK Level: 2/3
The "Heart" radical (心) is added to the bottom of the character "You" (你), turning it into the respectful 您.
- Usage: Mandatory when addressing teachers, bosses, or elderly people in Chinese Business Culture.
- Context: If you use "Nǐ hǎo" with a CEO during a mock interview or role-play, you might lose points for etiquette.
3. 早上好 (Zǎo shang hǎo) vs. 早 (Zǎo)
HSK Level: 2
In HSK listening tapes, speakers enunciate clearly: "Zǎo shang hǎo." However, in HSK 4+ dialogues or real life, friends simply say: "早!" (Zǎo!).
- Usage: Strictly before 11:00 AM.
- Resource: Learn more specific timing words in our Time and Date Vocabulary Guide.
4. 吃了吗？(Chī le ma?) - Have you eaten?
HSK Level: 3 (Cultural Context)
This is the "Greeting" that confuses students the most.
- The Mistake: Students think they are being invited to dinner.
- The Reality: This is the Chinese equivalent of "How are you doing?" It shows care for your wellbeing (food = survival).
- How to Answer: You do not list what you ate. Just say: "吃过了, 你呢?" (Chī guò le, nǐ ne? - I've eaten, and you?).
- Learn More: This connects deeply to Chinese Dining Etiquette.
5. 喂 (Wéi / Wèi) - The Phone Greeting
HSK Level: 2
You will hear this in almost every HSK 2 and 3 Listening Section that involves a telephone call.
- Pronunciation: Often spoken with a rising 2nd tone (Wéi?) when asking "Hello? Is anyone there?"
- Context: Used exclusively for answering the phone. Do not say this to someone's face.
6. 好久不见 (Hǎojiǔ bújiàn) - Long Time No See
HSK Level: 4
This is a specific idiom (Chengyu) used when reconnecting with an old friend.
- Structure: Very (好) + Long Time (久) + No (不) + See (见).
- Exam Scenario: Often used in the opening line of a dialogue to establish the relationship between two speakers.
7. 去哪儿? (Qù nǎr?) - Where are you going?
HSK Level: 3
Similar to "Have you eaten?", this is a casual greeting often heard in passing.
- The Meaning: Neighbors say this to be friendly. They don't actually need to know your GPS coordinates.
- How to Answer: Keep it vague. "我去办事" (I'm going to run errands) or "出去一下" (Just going out for a bit).
- Grammar Note: Note the "Erhua" (儿) sound common in Beijing Dialects.
Important Grammar: Why not "Ni Hao Ma"?
The question particle 吗 (ma) turns statements into Yes/No questions.
- Theory: 你好 (You Good) + 吗 (?) = Are you good?
- Reality: This phrasing sounds unnatural to native ears, often like a translation from English.
Instead, use 最近怎么样? (Zuìjìn zěnmeyàng?) - How have things been lately?
- Resource: Saying Hello Without Ni Hao.
Practice for HSK Speaking
To pass the HSKK (Oral Test), you need to react fast. Use these scenarios to practice:
- To your Teacher: 老师，您好！(Lǎoshī, nín hǎo!)
- To a Friend at 8 AM: 早！(Zǎo!)
- To a Neighbor: 吃了吗？(Chī le ma?)
- Meeting an Old Classmate: 好久不见！(Hǎojiǔ bújiàn!)
Conclusion
Mastering greetings is about more than vocabulary; it is about social awareness. Knowing the difference between the casual Chī le ma and the formal Nín hǎo demonstrates the cultural competence required for high-level HSK success.
Start using these today in your Self Introductions and notice the difference in how native speakers respond to you.