您 (nín) — you (formal)
HSK 1 | pronoun | second-person singular pronoun (formal/polite)
您 (nín)
The formal, polite form of "you," used when addressing elders, teachers, customers, or anyone deserving extra respect; it always stays singular and has no plural form.
Meanings
- [pronoun] You (formal/respectful singular).
Example Sentences
您好，请问您贵姓？ Nín hǎo, qǐngwèn nín guìxìng? Hello, may I ask your surname?
老师，您辛苦了。 Lǎoshī, nín xīnkǔ le. Teacher, you have worked hard.
您请坐。 Nín qǐng zuò. Please have a seat.
感谢您的帮助。 Gǎnxiè nín de bāngzhù. Thank you for your help.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 您好 (nín hǎo) | hello (formal) |
| 您的 (nín de) | your (formal) |
| 请问您 (qǐngwèn nín) | may I ask you (politely) |
| 谢谢您 (xièxie nín) | thank you (formal) |
| 您贵姓 (nín guìxìng) | your honorable surname |
| 麻烦您 (máfan nín) | excuse me / sorry to trouble you |
Memory Hook
您 is 你 with a 心 (heart) beneath it. Treating someone with heart means you respect them — that is when you switch from 你 to 您.