Beijing… Some may have never even read or heard that phrase, however, in China it is probably one of the most used – and not only by native speakers – since these are words that open doors and make friends.
Luis Melián
Many visitors use it when they feel they lack the idiomatic knowledge of the language and they need to communicate with a host.
It is one of the first to be learnt because of its meaning and its frequency of use – no matter how long you stay in the country, this greeting is by far the most recognised although not the only one.
Easy to pronounce (nee – haow), these two syllables offer salvation to those who bump into barriers associated with a tonal language, amongst others. With ‘ni hao’ in particular, these barriers seem to be inexistent.
Latin Americans, Europeans, Asians, Africans, everyone says it, and with the same goal: to express something which goes beyond a simple ‘Hello, how are you?’
Imagine how difficult it would be to arrive to a place and not find the words to announce our presence because of the lack of knowledge of the phrase to do so. Even worse, how would you express a need such as opening a door for one example? With the previously mentioned phrase accompanied by a gesture, these problems can be overcome.
A friend of ours explains that for her ‘ni hao’ is everything. She adds: ‘I even use these two words when I forget someone’s name.’
We say the phrase to a taxi driver and then, pointing to a map, the message can be completed: Could you please take me to this address?
If you need to call someone else’s attention, you can resort to these saviour syllables to express terms such as Sir, Madam., please, and even to ask for help.
Aware of the linguistic barrier, hosts usually react as the visitor expects them to, or at least they try.
If the opposite happens, we realise we need to learn a little bit more about basic Mandarin.
Even if it is the only phrase you know in the country’s language, after ‘ni hao’ everything is easier. This phrase gives us the feeling of some kind of equality, even if it is not for long. When arriving at a place and greeting people, if you are received with an expression that you understand and makes you feel welcomed, it gives you a sense of belonging.
However, hosts also resort to these two syllables. Many use them to draw the attention of the visitor, who may come from anywhere in the world in a country such as China.
It is not surprising if when walking down the street, a taxi driver offer you his or her services with a ‘ni hao’.
The same happens when walking by a restaurant, you may get invited to taste the house’s dish, or by a shop, for you to check their products.
The phrase is always the beginning of a dialogue which for those who do not speak Mandarin means plenty of gesturing. Even so, communication can be successful in most cases, and everything starting with a ‘ni hao’. PL
(Translated by: Fiorela Gremigni) – Photos: Pixabay
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