In this guest post, Chinese learner Lewys Thomas takes some of the most common examples of textbook Mandarin phrases all learners get taught and offers more authentic alternatives he’s mined directly from native speakers.
Table of Contents:
- Introduction: My Learning Experience
- How to Say Hello in Chinese
- How to Say How Are You in Chinese
- How to Say Good Morning in Chinese
- How to Say Goodbye in Chinese
- How to Say Thank You in Chinese
- How to Say I Love You in Chinese
- How to Say Happy Birthday in Chinese
- Conclusion
- Need help with Mandarin speaking?
Introduction: My Learning Experience
I first started learning Mandarin over two years with the goal of communicating with my mother in law in Chinese.
To begin with, like nearly everyone else, I used popular apps like DuoLingo for Chinese, read graded Chinese readers and hired an Italki tutor who taught me using HSK textbooks.
Doing this helped me pick up a few basic phrases, but there was a problem.
This textbook vocab was often not very authentic and when I used it with my mother in law, it often led to awkward silences or communication barriers.
Then, a few months ago, through reading the I’m Learning Mandarin blog, I learned about an alternative approach which led me to completely change the way I study Chinese: sentence mining.
Sentence mining means collecting phrases and sentences from Mandarin content or conversations with native speakers.
Rather than rely on textbooks or traditional resources, you save authentic Chinese phrases you hear native speakers say in natural speech, so that you can use them in conversations.
After using sentence mining to study Chinese for several months I made a startling realisation:
The Mandarin we get taught is often very different from how native speakers actually speak.
Below I’ve included a collection of the most common textbook phrases alongside some more authentic alternatives.
How to Say Hello in Chinese
What They Teach You…
1. 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) – Hello!
This is the most basic answer to the question, how to say hello in Chinese. It’s the phrase all learners are taught in our first ever Mandarin class.
ní hǎo works for almost any situation, just be sure not to use this Chinese greeting in formal settings, (or meeting your in-laws for the first time!)
2. 您好 (Nín hǎo) – Hello (polite)
Use nín hǎo as your way to say hello in Chinese when you’re speaking to someone older, in a position of authority or in a formal setting. It’s a respectful way to greet someone, though it’s rarely used in informal settings.
Note: nín is the polite form of nǐ.
What They Actually Say…
1. 嗨 (Hāi) – Hi!
Just like in English, hāi is a casual way to say hello in Chinese. It’s a phonetic translation of the English “Hi” as you might have guessed!
It’s predominantly used to say hello in Chinese in casual conversations, especially among younger people, and has a playful and friendly vibe.
2. 哈喽 (Hā lóu) – Hello!
Much like hāi, hā lóu is another loan word from English and a common, informal way of saying hello to a friend in Chinese.
It can be seen a lot in text messages, social media, and casual face-to-face interactions and is commonly used among younger generations.
3. 喂 (Wéi) – Hello? (On the phone)
When answering the phone, Chinese speakers often say hello in Chinese by saying Wéi. It’s the same as saying hello? when you pick up the phone.
In English, we use the telephone greeting, “hello” in everyday life too. Be careful though – this isn’t the case in Chinese. In person, if you say hello to someone in Chinese using wéi, then expect a very perplexed reaction!
How to Say How Are You in Chinese
What They Teach You…
1. 你好吗？(Nǐ hǎo ma?) – How are you?
This is usually one of the first phrases we all encounter when we begin studying how to say how are you in Chinese. It directly translates to “Are you good?” and is equivalent to “How are you?” in English.
However, nǐ hǎo ma? is not used as frequently among native speakers as it is taught in textbooks, as it can sound a bit formal and even a slightly detached way to say how are you in casual conversation.
2. 你最近怎么样？(Nǐ zuìjìn zěnme yàng?) – How have you been recently?
This phrase translates as “How have you been recently?” and is a conversational way to convey how are you in Chinese.
However, Chinese speakers tend not to ask their friends how they have been quite as much as we’re used to doing in English. As we’ll soon see, they have alternative ways of checking in withe each other.
3. 过得怎么样？(Guò de zěnme yàng?) – How’s life?
This phrase is another conversational way of asking how are you in Chinese, but it’s more open-ended and colloquial. It literally means “How are things going?” or “How are you living?”
What They Actually Say…
1. 你干嘛呢？(Nǐ gànma ne?) – What are you up to? / What are you doing?
This is a very common, casual phrase that native speakers use to ask how are you in Chinese and moreover check in on someone’s current activities.
It translates directly to “What are you doing?” or “What are you up to?” in Chinese and carries a tone of curiosity. It’s often used among friends or people who are already familiar with each other.
2. 干嘛呀？(Gànma ya?) – What’s up? / Why?
This is an even more relaxed version of gànma ya?, often used in casual conversations with close friends or family. It can mean “What’s up?”, “How r u” and “Why?” in Chinese depending on the context.
It’s a very flexible phrase that can be used not only to inquire about what someone is doing but also in response to someone calling your name or messaging you out of the blue.
For example, if someone calls you and you don’t know why, you could respond with gànma ya？ to mean “What’s up?” or “What do you want?” in Chinese.
When greeting my Chinese friends on the best Chinese language learning apps, this is my go to way to say how are you in Chinese.
3. 忙什么呢？(Máng shénme ne?) – What are you busy with?
This phrase translates to “What are you busy with?” Despite this being it’s literal meaning, it still carries the vibe of how to say “how are you” or “what are you up to” in Chinese.
The word máng means “busy,” so this phrase assumes the person has something going on and is focused on asking about their current tasks.
How to Say Good Morning in Chinese
What They Teach You…
早上好 (Zǎoshang hǎo) – Good morning
This is the most formal and direct translation of how to say “Good morning” in Chinese. It’s probably one of the first phrases you encounter when studying Chinese, as it mirrors how “Good morning” is used in English.
Zǎoshang hǎo is polite and sounds somewhat formal, so it’s often used in more formal settings or when greeting people you don’t know well.
You might hear it in a business setting, during speeches, or in school, where students might greet teachers or authority figures this way.
What They Actually Say…
早 (Zǎo) – Morning.
This is by far the most common way to greet someone in the morning or say good morning in Chinese. Zǎo is short, casual, and to the point, similar to saying “Morning!” in English rather than “Good morning.”
By It’s friendly and works in almost all informal contexts—whether you’re chatting with a colleague or a friend.
This is my go to way to say good morning in Chinese when I’m in China!
How to Say Goodbye in Chinese
What They Teach You…
再见 (Zàijiàn) – Goodbye
This is the standard and most formal way of saying “goodbye” in Chinese. It literally means “see you again” (再 – again, 见 – see), making it a direct translation of “goodbye” in Chinese. This phrase is probably one of the first that learners encounter.
Zàijiàn is polite and you might hear it in workplaces, schools, or when people part ways in formal contexts. However, it can sound a bit stiff in more casual or close-knit conversations, where friends and family are more likely to use relaxed alternatives.
What They Actually Say…
1. 拜拜 (Bāibāi) – Bye-bye
This is one of the most common and casual ways to say goodbye in Chinese, borrowed directly from the English “bye-bye.” It’s used widely in informal conversations and is especially popular among younger generations.
Bāibāi is a friendly, informal way to say goodbye in Chinese. It’s commonly used in everyday situations, such as saying goodbye to friends, colleagues, or family in Chinese.
2. 走了 (Zǒu le) – I’m leaving
This phrase literally means “I’m leaving” or “I’m heading out” in Chinese. It is commonly used when someone is about to leave a place, thus an effective way to say goodbye in Chinese. It’s an informal, natural way to announce that you’re leaving without directly saying “goodbye.”
Often used when parting from a group of friends or family, It’s casual and feels more like an announcement than a formal farewell. However it remains a very appropriate answer to the question of how to say goodbye in Chinese.
For example, if you’re at a friend’s house and getting ready to leave, you can simply say zǒu le to indicate that you’re heading out. It’s usually followed by a brief wave or gesture and doesn’t require a formal goodbye.
3. 回头见 (Huítóu jiàn) – See you later
This phrase literally means “see you later” and is a casual, friendly way of saying goodbye in Chinese, with the expectation of seeing the person again soon. Huítóu jiàn means “to turn around,” implying that you’ll see each other in the near future.
It’s common among friends, colleagues, or people who expect to see each other again soon. It’s slightly more casual than zàijiàn and gives a sense that the separation is temporary. Personally, this is my favourite way to say goodbye in Chinese.
4. 明天见 (Míngtiān jiàn) – See you tomorrow
This phrase means “see you tomorrow” and is often used when you know you’ll be seeing the person the next day. It’s a warm, practical way to say goodbye in Chinese, especially when plans are already in place for the near future.
How to Say Thank You in Chinese
What They Teach You…
谢谢 (Xièxie) – Thank you
This is the most common answer to how to say “thank you” in Chinese, and the one most learners are taught from the beginning. Xièxie is used to express general gratitude and is understood universally as a way to say thank you in Chinese across all regions of China.
Xièxie is polite way to say thank you in Chinese, and can be used in nearly any situation, whether formal or informal. It’s appropriate when someone helps you, gives you something, or shows kindness. It’s not overly formal, but it can sound a bit neutral and routine in everyday conversations, especially among close friends and family members.
What They Actually Say…
1. 麻烦你了 (Máfan nǐ le) – Sorry for the trouble (but thanks)
This phrase means “I’ve troubled you” or “Sorry for the trouble,” and while it doesn’t directly mean “thank you,” it’s often used as an expression of gratitude.
For example, when someone corrects my Chinese grammar, I’ll often use this phrase to say sorry in Chinese. It acknowledges that the person went out of their way to do something for you, and it’s a polite, indirect way of showing appreciation.
For example, if someone helps you with a task at work or does you a favor, you can say máfan nǐ le to thank them while also acknowledging that it wasn’t easy for them.
2. 谢谢啦 (Xièxie la) – Thanks (with a casual tone)
Adding the particle 啦 (la) at the end of makes the phrase xièxie feel more relaxed and informal. This version of “thank you” in Chinese is often used among friends or people you’re familiar with, making it sound more lighthearted and friendly.
It’s perfect for casual situations, like thanking a friend who did you a quick favor or helped you with something minor. It adds a tone of informality and makes the thank you feel more offhand, without being too serious.
This is my personal favourite way to say thanks in Chinese
3. 多谢 (Duōxiè) – Thanks a lot
Duōxiè literally translates to “many thanks” and is a slightly more casual and conversational way of saying thank you in Chinese. It’s commonly used in both mainland China and Taiwan and feels a bit less formal than xièxie while still being polite way of saying thank you in Chinese.
It can work well for situations where you want to express sincere thanks in Chinese without sounding too formal. You might say Duōxiè to a friend who helped you with something or to someone who did you a favor.
How to Say I Love You in Chinese
What They Teach You…
我爱你 (Wǒ ài nǐ) – I love you
This is the direct translation of “I love you” in Chinese and the phrase that most learners learn early on. It’s straightforward and grammatically correct, making it suitable for expressing romantic feelings in Chinese.
It’s used as a strong declaration of love and is typically reserved for serious romantic relationships or deep emotional connections.
It is not something that is casually thrown around and is used more sparingly than in some Western cultures, where “I love you” can be said in lighter contexts, with friends and family.
What They Actually Say…
1. 我喜欢你 (Wǒ xǐhuān nǐ) – I like you
This phrase translates to “I like you” and is often used in the early stages of a relationship as a way of saying “I love you” in Chinese. It’s also used when expressing affection that may not be as deep as love. It’s more casual and can apply to friendships, crushes, or even familial affection.
Wǒ xǐhuān nǐ is less intense than Wǒ ài nǐ and is often used when someone has romantic feelings but isn’t ready to express love outright. It’s a good way to show interest without making a heavy commitment. It can also be used in a platonic sense among friends, so context matters.
2. 你真好 (Nǐ zhēn hǎo) – You’re so good/You’re really great
While this phrase doesn’t directly mean “I love you” in Chinese it expresses appreciation and admiration for someone. It can be a way to show affection without explicitly saying “I love you,” in Chinese making it suitable for more casual situations.
Often used to compliment someone and express fondness, whether in friendships or budding romantic relationships, it indicates that you value the person and their actions.
How to Say Happy Birthday in Chinese
What They Teach You…
生日快乐 (Shēngrì kuàilè) – Happy Birthday.
This is the standard and most widely used phrase to say happy birthday in Chinese. It directly translates to “birthday happiness” and is universally understood across Chinese-speaking regions.
It can be used among friends, family, and even acquaintances. It’s the go-to phrase for birthday cards, messages, and social media posts.
What They Actually Say…
祝你长命百岁 (Zhù nǐ chángmìng bǎisuì) – Wishing you a long life of a hundred years.
This phrase literally means “wishing you a long life of a hundred years,” and it’s a traditional birthday wish often used in more formal contexts or among older generations.
Personally, I think it’s a much more authentic and warm way to say “Happy Birthday” in Chinese, but be sure to only use it in the right contexts.
Typically used for significant birthdays or in contexts where respect and honor are important, such as for elders, it conveys a deep sense of goodwill and traditional values.
On the few occasions I’ve used this to say “Happy Birthday” in Chinese, it has always received a great reaction!
Conclusion
My journey of learning Mandarin has been transformed through the practice of sentence mining.
My goal was always to be able to speak authentic Chinese and communicate freely with my extended family.
During my first two years of learning I was very impatient and obsessed with the question, how long does it take to learn Mandarin Chinese? But what I’ve found is that your speed of progress depends a lot on the methods you use.
My previous routine of using Duolingo Chinese, reading graded readers and cramming vocabulary from HSK textbooks simply wasn’t enough (it turns out your HSK level means nothing when it comes to fluency!)
By immersing myself in authentic conversations and content, and collecting authentic phrases like the ones listed above, I discovered that the language taught in textbooks often falls short of capturing the true essence of how native speakers communicate.
This shift has given me the confidence to engage in real conversations, helping me communicate much more smoothly – just ask my mother in law!
And it’s provided me with some other benefits I didn’t expect. By hearing and mimicking the same authentic phrases repeatedly every day, I’ve also improved my ability to produce the tones of the Chinese language accurately and with ease.
So, I encourage everyone to step outside of the textbooks and collect authentic, everyday phrases and expressions that native speakers use.
Doing so will undoubtedly bring you closer to your goals of speaking fluent Mandarin!
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