As HSK test-takers progress in their Chinese language journey, staying stuck on "你好" (Nǐ hǎo) is a trap. While it is the first phrase you learn, using it exclusively marks you as a beginner and can actually hinder your performance in the HSK Speaking Test (HSKK).
To sound fluent and understand the nuance of listening dialogues, you must master the context-specific greetings used by natives. This guide expands your arsenal from HSK 1 basics to HSK 6 formalisms.
1. The "Clock" Greetings (HSK 1-2)
In HSK Listening, conversations often establish the time of day immediately. Using specific time greetings makes you sound polite and observant.
- 早 (Zǎo): Morning!
- Context: The short, punchy version of "Good Morning." Used with colleagues and friends. This is far more common than the full version.
- 早上好 (Zǎo shang hǎo): Good morning (Formal).
- 下午好 / 晚上好 (Xià wǔ hǎo / Wǎn shang hǎo): Good afternoon / Good evening.
2. The "How Are You" Myth: Zenmeyang vs. Nihaoma
Stop saying "你好吗?" (Nǐ hǎo ma?) to your friends every day. In native Chinese, this phrase sounds stiff, almost like asking "Are you physically healthy?" after a hospital visit.
Instead, HSK 3-4 learners should use state-of-being questions:
- 最近怎么样? (Zuì jìn zěn me yàng?): How have things been recently?
- Usage: The standard way to catch up with a friend.
- 在忙什么? (Zài máng shén me?): What are you busy with?
- Usage: A great casual opener. It acknowledges that everyone is busy (a virtue in China).
Pro Tip: Want to keep the conversation going? Check out our guide on How to Make Small Talk in Chinese.
3. The Cultural Test: "Have you eaten?"
If you hear this in an HSK 4 listening passage, do not panic. The speaker is usually not inviting you to dinner; they are just saying hello.
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吃了吗? (Chī le ma?): Have you eaten?
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Cultural Context: In China, food is synonymous with well-being. Asking if someone has eaten is asking if they are cared for.
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How to answer: Just say "吃了, 你呢?" (I've eaten, and you?). Even if you haven't eaten, saying "No" can sometimes imply you want them to buy you food!
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Deep Dive: Explore the cultural roots of food in our Chinese Dining Etiquette Guide.
4. Professional and Respectful Greetings (HSK 5-6)
In Business Mandarin or formal interviews, slang will lose you "Face."
- 您好 (Nín hǎo): Hello (Polite "You").
- Usage: Use this with teachers, bosses, or clients. It is non-negotiable for first meetings.
- 久仰 (Jiǔ yǎng): I have heard a lot about you for a long time.
- HSK Level: HSK 6 / Idiom.
- Usage: Use this when meeting a famous scholar or a senior executive. It effectively means "Your reputation precedes you."
- 辛苦了 (Xīn kǔ le): You've worked hard / Thanks for your trouble.
- Usage: Use this to greet a delivery driver, a coworker who finished a task, or a teacher at the end of class. It acknowledges their effort.
5. Phone and Digital Etiquette
Greeting someone on WeChat or the phone is different from face-to-face interactions.
- 喂 (Wéi / Wèi): Hello? (On the phone only).
- Pronunciation Tip: Often pronounced with a Rising Tone (2nd) when waiting for an answer ("Wéi?"), and a Falling Tone (4th) to get attention ("Wèi!").
- 亲 (Qīn): Dear.
- Usage: Internet slang derived from "Taobao" customer service culture. Used familiarly online.
Conclusion
Language is about context. Using "久仰" (Jiǔ yǎng) with a taxi driver is weird, and saying "嘿" (Hēi - Hey) to a CEO is rude.
By matching your greeting to the scenario, you demonstrate "Cultural Competence"—a trait examiners look for in advanced levels.
Ready to start a deeper conversation? Now that you can say hello, learn how to introduce yourself properly with our Mastering Self-Introduction Guide.