你好，亲爱的
nǐ hǎo ， qīn ài de
Hello love · trad. 你好，親愛的
你好，亲爱的 (nǐ hǎo, qīn'ài de) is a warm and affectionate greeting, commonly used to address a romantic partner, close family member, or a very dear friend. While a direct 'hello love' isn't as common in Chinese, this phrase conveys a similar sentiment of warmth and intimacy.
When to use it
Intimate and affectionate. It's suitable for personal relationships. For a more direct, less formal address to a partner, you can simply say 亲爱的. Other terms of endearment like 宝贝 (bǎobèi, 'baby/darling') are also very common.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like 'nee-HOW, cheen-EYE-duh.' Remember the tone change for 你好 (ní hǎo). 亲 (qīn) is a high flat tone, 爱 (ài) is a falling tone, and 的 (de) is a neutral tone.
Other ways to say it
- 亲爱的qīn ài dedear / darling (used as a direct address)
- 宝贝bǎo bèibaby / darling (very affectionate)
- 老公 / 老婆lǎo gōng / lǎo póhusband / wife (often used affectionately even before marriage)
Examples
你好，亲爱的，你今天过得怎么样？
nǐ hǎo ， qīn ài de ， nǐ jīn tiān guò dé zěn me yàng ？
Hello, dear, how was your day today?
亲爱的，我回来了！
qīn ài de ， wǒ huí lái le ！
Darling, I'm back!
宝贝，早上好！
bǎo bèi ， zǎo shàng hǎo ！
Baby, good morning!
Pro tip: Unlike English where 'love' can be a casual address, in Chinese, 亲爱的 is reserved for intimate relationships. For general greetings, stick to 你好 or specific titles. Also, 亲爱的 is often used at the beginning of letters or emails to loved ones.
Related phrases
和平 · Peace钱 · Money闭嘴 · Shut up
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