How to Say “How Are You” in Chinese (你好吗 – Nǐ Hǎo Ma) — Understanding the Heart Behind the Words

October 9, 2025 - By Michel Stova

A simple question — “How are you?” — can carry an entire world of emotion.

When I first heard a friend from Beijing say “Nǐ hǎo ma?” (你好吗), I was struck by its melody. It wasn’t just a polite phrase; it was a genuine moment of care. The speaker paused, waited for an answer, and smiled softly. That short exchange showed me something profound: asking how someone is doing is one of humanity’s oldest and purest acts of connection.

Whether in Chinese, Arabic, Swahili, or French, this universal question isn’t about grammar — it’s about empathy. It reminds us that even across languages, our hearts speak the same language of kindness.

Let’s explore how to say “how are you” in Chinese and what this beautiful gesture means around the world.

🈶️ Table of “How Are You” in Different Languages

Language	Phrase	Cultural Insight
Chinese (Mandarin)	Nǐ hǎo ma? (你好吗)	Literally “You good?”; polite, caring, and versatile.
English	How are you?	A universal icebreaker; often used as a casual greeting.
Turkish	Nasılsın?	Used warmly in daily interactions, often followed by real concern.
French	Comment ça va ?	Means “How’s it going?”; can be both casual and polite.
Spanish	¿Cómo estás?	Expressive and emotional; used with genuine interest.
Italian	Come stai?	Reflects Italy’s warmth and friendliness.
German	Wie geht’s?	Common greeting; often said briskly but sincerely.
Arabic	Kayfa haluk? (كيف حالك؟)	Literally “How is your condition?”; deeply respectful.
Hindi	Aap kaise hain? (आप कैसे हैं?)	Polite and caring; shows respect through formality.
Swahili	Habari gani?	Means “What’s the news?”; shows real curiosity about the other person.
Zulu	Unjani?	Means “Are you well?”; used sincerely and personally.
Korean	Annyeonghaseyo? Jal jinaess-eoyo? (잘 지냈어요?)	Means “Have you been well?”; highly respectful.
Russian	Kak dela? (Как дела?)	Literally “How are things?”; warm yet direct.
Japanese	Ogenki desu ka? (お元気ですか)	Formal and respectful; shows genuine care.
Portuguese	Como vai você?	“How are you going?”; used both casually and formally.

🇨🇳 How to Say “How Are You” in Chinese (你好吗 – Nǐ Hǎo Ma)

The Chinese phrase for “how are you” is “Nǐ hǎo ma?” (你好吗) — literally translated as “You good?”

你 (Nǐ) = You
好 (Hǎo) = Good / Well
吗 (Ma) = Question particle

Together, it forms a soft and friendly inquiry — a way of asking if someone is doing well.

Pronunciation Tip:
Say it as nee how mah, with a rising tone on “ma.”

Cultural Note:
In China, people don’t always ask “Nǐ hǎo ma?” daily the way English speakers say “How are you?” Instead, they might greet you with more context-driven questions like:

“Chīle ma?” (吃了吗) — “Have you eaten?” (a sign of care)
“Zuìjìn hǎo ma?” (最近好吗) — “Have you been well recently?”

This shows that in Chinese culture, greetings are more than routine — they express thoughtfulness and relationship.

🇪🇺 How to Say “How Are You” in European Languages

Europe’s greetings are known for their mix of etiquette, warmth, and expressiveness.

French — Comment ça va ? Friendly and melodic; can be answered with “Ça va bien, merci.”
Spanish — ¿Cómo estás? Said with energy and emotion; hugs often accompany it.
Italian — Come stai? A heartfelt inquiry into your well-being.
German — Wie geht’s? Efficient yet polite; short and practical.
Portuguese — Como vai? Reflects both warmth and elegance.
Greek — Ti kaneis? (Τι κάνεις;) Means “What are you doing?” — showing active interest.

Across Europe, this simple question isn’t just polite — it’s a social bridge connecting hearts over conversation and coffee.

🌏 How to Say “How Are You” in Asian Languages

Asia’s greetings often blend respect, compassion, and mindfulness.

Chinese — Nǐ hǎo ma? (你好吗): Polite, kind, and slightly formal.
Japanese — Ogenki desu ka? (お元気ですか): Reflects harmony and thoughtfulness.
Korean — Jal jinaess-eoyo? (잘 지냈어요?): Means “Have you been well?”; often asked sincerely.
Hindi — Aap kaise hain? (आप कैसे हैं?): Shows respect through formality, especially to elders.
Arabic — Kayfa haluk? (كيف حالك؟): Literally “How is your condition?”; peace-oriented.
Thai — Sabai dee mai? (สบายดีไหม?): Means “Are you comfortable?” — an expression of care.
Vietnamese — Bạn khỏe không?: “Are you strong?”; focuses on physical and emotional health.
Indonesian — Apa kabar?: “What’s the news?”; friendly and conversational.
Tagalog — Kamusta ka?: Derived from Spanish “cómo está”; warm and caring.
Turkish — Nasılsın?: Emotional and sincere, used by close friends and strangers alike.

Across Asia, asking about well-being shows depth of connection, not just social formality.

🌍 How to Say “How Are You” in African Languages

Africa’s greetings radiate community spirit and genuine concern.

Swahili — Habari gani? “What’s the news?” — often followed by real stories.
Zulu — Unjani? “Are you well?”; answered with “Ngiyaphila” (I am well).
Yoruba — Bawo ni? “How are you?”; warm and rhythmic.
Amharic — Dehna neh? (ደህና ነህ?) “Are you fine?”
Hausa — Lafiya lau? “Are you healthy?”; concern for one’s physical state.
Shona — Wakadini zvako? “How have you been?”; showing continuity in relationships.
Somali — Iska warran? “What’s the news?” — opening real dialogue.
Akan — Wo ho te sɛn? “How is your body?” — holistic and affectionate.
Berber — Mata itt-id? “Are you peaceful?”
Lingala — Ndenge nini? “How’s it going?”; lighthearted and engaging.

African greetings often come with handshakes, smiles, and laughter — a reminder that checking in is a sign of love.

🌺 How to Say “How Are You” in Indigenous & Island Languages

From the Pacific islands to indigenous cultures, greetings are spiritual and relational.

Hawaiian — Pehea ‘oe? “How are you?”; said with warmth and aloha.
Maori — Kei te pēhea koe? “How are you?”; shared sincerely.
Samoan — Oa mai oe? “Are you well?” — radiating joy and care.
Cherokee — Dohitsu? “How are you?”; a rare but meaningful expression.
Fijian — Vacava tiko? “How are you doing?”; full of cheer.
Tahitian — E aha to oe huru? “How are you?” — literal and affectionate.
Inuit — Qanuipit? “Are you well?”; shows empathy amid harsh climates.
Haitian Creole — Kijan ou ye? “How are you?” — vibrant and heartfelt.
Tagalog — Kamusta ka? Friendly and inviting, common across the Philippines.
Guaraní — Mba’éichapa? “How’s it going?”; casual and personal.

Across island and indigenous cultures, greetings are sacred moments — small rituals of shared humanity.

💬 Cultural Insights: The Meaning Behind “How Are You”

Asking someone “how are you” has evolved beyond words — it’s now a universal expression of care.
In ancient Chinese culture, well-being was tied to balance, so questions about health or comfort were ways of maintaining harmony.

In today’s global world, whether you say “Nǐ hǎo ma”, “Comment ça va,” or “Habari gani,” the intention remains the same — to connect, to care, and to listen.

🌸 Proverbs About Asking “How Are You”

Chinese: “A kind word warms three winters.”
Arabic: “Your words are your garden — plant them with care.”
Turkish: “A smiling face is the best greeting.”
Swahili: “Habari njema haichelewi.” — “Good news never delays.”
French: “Les mots gentils ne coûtent rien mais valent beaucoup.” — “Kind words cost nothing but are worth much.”

Every culture agrees — care, expressed through words, is a seed that grows trust and friendship.

❓ FAQs

Q1: How do you say “how are you” in Chinese?
You say “Nǐ hǎo ma?” (你好吗) — pronounced nee how mah.

Q2: What does “Nǐ hǎo ma” literally mean?
It means “You good?” — a friendly way to ask how someone is doing.

Q3: Do Chinese people use “Nǐ hǎo ma” often?
It’s polite but not always used daily. Many prefer “Have you eaten?” (吃了吗) as a warmer, cultural way of checking in.

Q4: How can I respond to “Nǐ hǎo ma?”
You can say “Wǒ hěn hǎo, xièxiè!” (我很好，谢谢) — “I’m good, thank you!”

Q5: Why do greetings differ so much by culture?
Because greetings reflect history, values, and social habits — they’re mirrors of the human heart.

❤️ Conclusion: The Universal Language of Care

Whether you say “Nǐ hǎo ma”, “How are you?”, or “Habari gani,” the intention is the same — to reach out, to connect, to care.

Words may change, tones may differ, but the heart behind the question remains one of humanity’s most beautiful traditions.

🌟 Now it’s your turn!
How do you say “how are you” in your language? Share it in the comments below — let’s create a world connected through care and kindness! 🌍