NetChai Chinese

How to Say “Basic greetings” in Chinese

基本问候语
jīběn wènhòuyǔ
Basic greetings · trad. 基本問候語
Two adults practice simple greeting gestures in a classroom setting, illustrating “basic greetings” in Chinese: 基本问候语 (jīběn wènhòuyǔ)

基本问候语 (jīběn wènhòu yǔ) is the general term for common, fundamental expressions used to greet people in Mandarin Chinese. It encompasses phrases like "hello," "good morning," or "how are you."

What does 基本问候语 (jīběn wènhòuyǔ) mean?

基本问候语 (jīběn wènhòuyǔ) means “basic greetings” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “basic greeting words/phrases.”

When to use it

This term itself is neutral and descriptive, used when discussing the topic of greetings. It's not a greeting you'd use directly. When learning actual greetings, pay attention to their individual registers (e.g., 你好 is neutral, 您好 is polite).

How to pronounce it

Sounds like "JEE-bun WEN-ho YOO." The tones are first, third, fourth, fourth, third. Note that the second character of 问候 (候) is often said with a neutral tone in casual speech.

Other ways to say it

  • 问候语wènhòuyǔgreeting words/phrases (shorter, more general)
  • 常用问候语chángyòng wènhòuyǔcommonly used greeting words/phrases (more specific)
  • 打招呼dǎ zhāohuto greet / say hello (a verb phrase describing the action)

Examples

我们来学习一些中文基本问候语。
wǒmen lái xuéxí yīxiē Zhōngwén jīběn wènhòuyǔ.
Let's learn some basic Chinese greetings.
掌握基本问候语对初学者很重要。
zhǎngwò jīběn wènhòuyǔ duì chūxuézhě hěn zhòngyào.
Mastering basic greetings is very important for beginners.
你知道还有哪些基本问候语吗?
nǐ zhīdào hái yǒu nǎxiē jīběn wènhòuyǔ ma?
Do you know any other basic greetings?
Pro tip: While 基本问候语 refers to the category, remember that each individual greeting (like 你好 or 早上好) has its own specific usage, tone rules, and appropriate contexts.

Related phrases

中国,你好! · China hello美好的早晨 · Blessed morning你没事吧 · Are you ok
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