How to introduce yourself in Chinese
Eight sentences with pinyin, plus the questions to ask back.
Introducing yourself is the first thing tested in the HSK 1 speaking section and the first thing anyone asks you in China. A complete introduction is eight sentences built on the same pattern.
Saying hello
| Chinese | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 你好 | nǐ hǎo | Hello (neutral) |
| 您好 | nín hǎo | Hello (polite) |
| 大家好 | dàjiā hǎo | Hello everyone |
| 早上好 | zǎoshang hǎo | Good morning |
| 很高兴认识你 | hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ | Nice to meet you |
Tone note: in 你好 both syllables are third tone, so the first shifts to second tone.
Eight sentences that cover everything
| Chinese | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 我叫马丁。 | wǒ jiào Mǎdīng | My name is Martin. |
| 我姓杜。 | wǒ xìng Dù | My surname is Du. |
| 我是法国人。 | wǒ shì Fǎguó rén | I'm French. |
| 我住在巴黎。 | wǒ zhù zài Bālí | I live in Paris. |
| 我今年三十岁。 | wǒ jīnnián sānshí suì | I'm thirty. |
| 我是学生。 | wǒ shì xuésheng | I'm a student. |
| 我学中文两年了。 | wǒ xué Zhōngwén liǎng nián le | I've studied Chinese for two years. |
| 我喜欢中国菜。 | wǒ xǐhuan Zhōngguó cài | I like Chinese food. |
Want to try it yourself?
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Start for free叫 vs 姓
叫 introduces a given or full name; 姓 introduces the surname only. 您贵姓？is the polite way to ask.
Three common mistakes
- Using 是 before an adjective: say 我很好, not 我是好.
- Dropping 岁 for age: 我三十岁, not 我三十.
- Translating "I'm from France" literally: 我是法国人.
Frequently asked questions
How do you say hello in Chinese?
你好 (nǐ hǎo) in neutral situations, 您好 (nín hǎo) to elders or superiors, 大家好 to a group.
How do you say your name in Chinese?
我叫 + given or full name, or 我姓 + surname only. The polite question is 您贵姓？
How do you say your age?
我今年 + number + 岁, e.g. 我今年三十岁. The 岁 is mandatory.