🇨🇳 Chinese phrases

How to Say "What's up?" in Chinese

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
你好
"What's up?" in Chinese · say it like nee-how

The most natural way to say "What's up?" in Chinese is 你好. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

最近怎么样?
used to ask about someone's recent situation
你好吗?
a more formal way to ask if someone is well

When to use it

You can use this phrase when you meet someone or start a conversation. It is friendly and casual, suitable for friends and acquaintances. It can also be used in text messages or online chats.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "What's up?" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Chinese

ChineseEnglish
你好!最近过得怎么样?Hello! How have you been lately?
Common mistake
Some learners might use '你好吗?' too casually, which can sound overly formal in relaxed settings.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear 你好, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Chinese with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use '你好' in a formal situation?

Yes, '你好' is appropriate in both casual and formal contexts.

Learn Chinese by speaking it

Two free conversations. No card needed.