Formal:
* 您好 (nǐ hǎo) - This is the most common and polite way to say "hello." It's appropriate for almost any situation, especially when addressing someone older than you or someone you don't know well.
Informal:
* 你好 (nǐ hǎo) - This is the most casual and widely used way to say "hello."
* 嗨 (hāi) - This is a more informal, friendly way to say "hi," similar to saying "hey."
* 哈喽 (hā lōu) - This is a very casual and modern greeting, akin to saying "hello" in English.
Important Notes:
* Tones: Mandarin Chinese has four tones. The correct pronunciation of these greetings is crucial. To learn the tones, use a pronunciation guide like pinyin or a language learning app.
* Context: The best greeting to use will depend on the situation and your relationship with the person. For example, you wouldn't use "嗨" with your boss or a stranger.
Let me know if you'd like to know more about Chinese greetings!