你 (nǐ) — you
HSK 1 | pronoun | second-person singular pronoun (informal)
你 (nǐ)
The everyday second-person singular pronoun used with friends, family, peers, and strangers of similar status; 您 (nín) is the formal equivalent.
Meanings
- [pronoun] You (subject, informal singular).
- [pronoun] You (object, informal singular).
- [pronoun] Your (before 的: 你的).
Example Sentences
你好！ Nǐ hǎo! Hello! (Lit. You [are] good.)
你叫什么名字？ Nǐ jiào shénme míngzi? What is your name?
我喜欢你。 Wǒ xǐhuan nǐ. I like you.
你的朋友很有趣。 Nǐ de péngyou hěn yǒuqù. Your friend is very interesting.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 你好 (nǐ hǎo) | hello |
| 你的 (nǐ de) | your, yours |
| 你们 (nǐmen) | you (plural) |
| 你呢 (nǐ ne) | what about you? |
| 谢谢你 (xièxie nǐ) | thank you |
| 你是 (nǐ shì) | you are |
Memory Hook
你 (nǐ) sounds like "knee" — imagine nudging someone on the knee to get their attention and say "hey, you!"