Traditional: 妳
HSK 1

English Meaning

📚 Example Sentences

你好。
Nǐ hǎo.
Hello.
你很好。
Nǐ hěn hǎo.
You are very good.
你吃。
Nǐ chī.
You eat.
你是我最好的朋友。
Nǐ shì wǒ zuì hǎo de péngyou.
You are my best friend.
你喜欢咖啡吗?
Nǐ xǐhuan kāfēi ma?
Do you like coffee?

💡 Memory Tip

Think of the character 你 - it contains the radical 亻(person) next by 尔 (an ancient word for 'you'), literally picturing 'the person you are speaking to'.

📝 Usage Notes

Used in both spoken and written Chinese, in formal and informal contexts. It is the standard, neutral way to address someone (unlike the more formal 您). Commonly used in daily conversations, instructions, and questions.

📖 Grammar Points

Often used as a subject (e.g., 你去吗?) or with 的 to show possession (你的书). Can be combined with 们 for plural (你们).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In traditional Chinese culture, 您 is preferred for showing respect to elders or superiors. Using 你 with strangers or in formal settings may be seen as too casual. However, among peers and friends, 你 is standard.

🔄 Similar Words

您 (nín) is a more formal/polite 'you' for elders or superiors. 你们 (nǐ men) is the plural form 'you all'. 你 is informal but universally acceptable in most non-hierarchical situations.

Master this word with quizzes, flashcards & more

Learn in CILI →

Related Words