Formal:
* 女孩 (nǚhái): This is the most common and neutral way to say "girl". It literally means "female child".
* 姑娘 (gūniang): This is a more polite and respectful term for a young woman, often used in situations where you want to show deference.
Informal:
* 小姑娘 (xiǎo gūniang): This is a more casual and affectionate term for a young girl, literally meaning "little girl".
* 女生 (nǚshēng): This word means "female student" and is commonly used in school settings.
Other terms:
* 女孩子 (nǚháizi): This is a less common term, but it is sometimes used to mean "girl".
* 妹 (mèi): This word means "younger sister", but it can also be used as a slang term for "girl".
The best way to choose the right word will depend on the specific situation. If you are unsure, it's always best to err on the side of politeness and use a more formal term like "女孩" or "姑娘".