Phrases for Formal and Informal Occasions

Friday, March 7, 2025

When attending events or social gatherings in China, it's important to understand the difference between formal and informal occasions, as the language used can vary greatly. Whether you're at a business meeting, a formal dinner, or a casual get-together with friends, knowing the right phrases will help you communicate effectively and appropriately. Below are key phrases for both formal and informal situations.

Greeting Someone

Formal:

  1. Nice to meet you.

    很高兴见到您。
    
Hěn gāoxìng jiàndào nín.
  2. How have you been?

    您最近怎么样?
    
Nín zuìjìn zěnmeyàng?
  3. Thank you for your time.

    感谢您的时间。

    Gǎnxiè nín de shíjiān.

Informal:

  1. Hey, how's it going?
    
嗨,最近怎么样?
    
Hāi, zuìjìn zěnmeyàng?
  2. Long time no see!

    好久不见!
    
Hǎojiǔ bùjiàn!
  3. Thanks!

    谢谢!

    Xièxiè!

Asking for Help

Formal:

  1. Could you please assist me with this?

    您能帮我这个忙吗?
    
Nín néng bāng wǒ zhège máng ma?
  2. I would appreciate your guidance.

    我会很感激您的指导。

    Wǒ huì hěn gǎnjī nín de zhǐdǎo.
  3. Thank you for your help.

    谢谢您的帮助。

    Xièxiè nín de bāngzhù.

Informal:

  1. Can you give me a hand?

    你能帮我一下吗?

    Nǐ néng bāng wǒ yīxià ma?
  2. I need some advice.

    我需要点建议。

    Wǒ xūyào diǎn jiànyì.
  3. Thanks a lot!

    非常感谢!
    
Fēicháng gǎnxiè!

Expressing Gratitude

Formal:

  1. I sincerely appreciate your support.

    我真诚地感谢您的支持。
    
Wǒ zhēnchéng de gǎnxiè nín de zhīchí.
  2. It’s an honor to receive your help.

    得到您的帮助是我的荣幸。
    
Dédào nín de bāngzhù shì wǒ de róngxìng.
  3. Thank you very much for the opportunity.

    非常感谢您提供的机会。
    
Fēicháng gǎnxiè nín tígōng de jīhuì.

Informal:

  1. Thanks so much!

    太谢谢了!
    
Tài xièxiè le!
  2. I really appreciate it!

    我真的很感激!
    
Wǒ zhēn de hěn gǎnjī!
  3. You’re the best!

    你太棒了!

    Nǐ tài bàng le!

Saying Goodbye

Formal:

  1. It was a pleasure meeting you.
    很高兴见到您。
    Hěn gāoxìng jiàndào nín.
  2. I look forward to our next meeting.
    期待我们下次的见面。
    Qīdài wǒmen xiàcì de jiànmiàn.
  3. Please take care.
    请多保重。
    Qǐng duō bǎozhòng.

Informal:

  1. Catch you later!
    回头见!
    Huítóu jiàn!
  2. See you soon!
    很快再见!
    Hěn kuài zàijiàn!
  3. Take it easy!
    保重!
    Bǎozhòng!

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